Skip to main content

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

What you need to know to choose the best eczema sunscreen for your baby

If your baby has skin issues, we'll help you find the best eczema sunscreen

Is there anything more adorable than seeing those little baby rolls out, free, and enjoying the fresh air? Not really. But if your tiny tot has eczema, the right sunscreen for their skin type is crucial in keeping those rolls burn-free while keeping itching and irritation to a minimum.

You will want to find a sunscreen that boasts broad-spectrum protection with a sun protection factor (SPF) in the range of 30 to 50. Those with eczema are even more vulnerable in the sun, so it’s doubly important to make sure your little cutie pie is safely slathered. We’ll help you find an eczema sunscreen that’s best for your baby’s skin.

A father putting sunscreen on the body of his young child.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What ingredients to look for in a sunscreen

  • Look for ingredients you can read
  • Look for sunscreens with fewer ingredients
Recommended Videos

The simpler, the better. You don’t want all sorts of hard-to-pronounce ingredients in anything you put on your own skin. Less is definitely more when it comes to baby skincare products you put on your precious peanut.

The most important must-have ingredient in your SPF should be zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If these mineral-based ingredients sound familiar, it’s because they are frequently found in diaper creams. That makes sense, as they act as a barrier to protect the skin.

You might find that zinc options are a little thicker than lotions you’ve used on your own body, and may take a bit longer to rub in all of the way. But the hard-to-disappear formula means it is effective and protective. You should consider swapping out your own sunscreen for a safer option made with zinc. What’s good for baby is good for you.

A little girl has sunscreen on her arms as she applys more to her face.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

What ingredients to avoid in a sunscreen

If you see the ingredient “oxybenzone” on an SPF bottle (or any bottle in your skin care lineup), put it down, walk away, and move on with your shopping. This compound leads to many unsafe and negative sides effects in humans, and it is damaging to coral reefs.

While you’re checking the label, avoid any SPFs that boast alcohol, fragrances, and dyes. These all irritate normal skin, so skin sporting eczema will be especially dried out and itchy.

In addition, stay away from aerosol-spray options. Baby can’t hold their breath yet, so you run the risk of it going up their nose or in their mouth. Plus, these options are loaded with those bad chemicals you don’t want in any of your skin care products.

If you know that your baby has sensitive skin and is prone to eczema flare-ups, you’ll want to do a patch test of any sunscreen you use before spreading it all over their vulnerable arms, legs, and face. If possible, plan ahead and apply a small amount anywhere but baby’s face, then wait a day or two to make sure that sensitive skin remains calm.

A parent putting sunscreen on a baby's face.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Sunscreen for babies with eczema

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies 6 months of age and younger always stay out of the sun. However, if you must be in direct sun for even a short amount of time with your little one, apply a small amount of sunscreen to exposed key areas of your baby’s body and face. Infants older than 6 months and toddlers who will be out and about in the sun should have sunscreen applied (and reapplied) liberally to their faces and bodies.

Your baby’s delicate skin deserves the best. You’ll want a sunscreen that is gentle with ample protection. Here are a few highly rated options to consider:

Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide, SPF 50+

Australians know a thing or two about sunscreen. Blue Lizard offers SPF 50+ broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It also makes a sensitive-skin formula that is great for babies, kids, and adults with skin issues like eczema so your family can enjoy the outdoors.

Thinkbaby Sunscreen SPF 50+

A top-rated option from the Environmental Working Group, Thinkbaby offers broad-spectrum sun protection and waterproof confidence. It goes on smoothly, without feeling oily or weighty on the skin.

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive

Formulated to be extra gentle for babies, this sunscreen contains naturally sourced 100% zinc oxide and soothing oat, which makes it great for those tots with skin problems. It’s hypoallergenic and features mild mineral ingredients that nourish the skin and protect it from the sun’s harmful rays.

The best sunscreen for eczema is the one that has as few ingredients as possible that will irritate your baby’s skin. Pick a sunscreen that features mineral ingredients and is free of harsh and questionable chemicals. That little nugget of yours is going to love prancing about in the summer. You want them to play in the sand, dip those teeny toes in the water, and soak up all the sunshine has to offer – safely. As long as you keep your sweetheart’s skin protected, you’ll both enjoy all the fun in the sun to be had.

Lauren Barth
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Lauren Barth is a freelance writer and digital editor with over a decade of experience creating lifestyle, parenting, travel…
What to do if your baby falls off the bed: Steps for proper care
Have a little roly poly? Here's what to do if baby rolls off the bed
A mother changing a baby on a bed

As hard as parents try to keep their babies safe from dangers around the home, they're only human, and sometimes accidents happen. A fall only takes a split second to happen with little ones. If you've ever put your baby down on a bed and turned your back for even a quick second only to see your baby fell off the bed during those moments, you know this is true. Babies falling off beds is the leading cause of injuries for children. You happen to have your baby lying there — away from the edge, no less. You turn around for just a few seconds and then you hear your baby crying.

What do you do? First, you’ll need to keep from panicking. Taking a deep breath and making some initial observations is a vital step to ensure your baby gets the right help. Once you've calmed down imagining your little one going over the edge, we have advice for you to follow in case this unfortunate accident happens to your child.
What to do to avoid further injury

Read more
A guide to cruising babies: What it means for your little one
Here's how a little cruiser will affect your household
A mother helping the baby to cruise along the couch.

All parents melt when you feel that little tug on your pants, look down, and see your baby using your legs to help them stand up. But that also means your little one is entering the cruising phase. Once your child discovers they can use objects, furniture, and yes, their parent's limbs to stand up and move around, it's on.

When you notice your child starting to leave crawling in the past, you are about to have a cruising baby in your house. Before things move along too fast, here's what that means for your little one and the rest of your family.
The first few steps toward cruising

Read more
Is your baby done with breastfeeding? Watch for these 6 signs
Clues to look out for that your baby is ready to move on from breastfeeding
Mother holding her baby in bed

When you make the decision to breastfeed, it is a whole journey you and your baby go on together. But as with all stages, breastfeeding, too, will come to an end at some point. It's better to know the clues and tells your baby will give to be prepared for the newest adventure. If you're doing baby-led weaning, these are the signs your baby does not want to breastfeed anymore, so you know when it's time to transition to the next stage of feeding.
Signs to watch for during feedings

The feedings themselves will sprinkle clues your baby is ready to ditch breastfeeding for good. If something feels off about the feeds, start paying attention each time you go to sit down for a session.
Feeding sessions become shorter
You know how long your baby eats at each session. When you notice your baby not wanting to feed for the usual time, you might start to worry they're not getting enough to eat. But your baby cutting down on the duration of each meal is a clue they might want to stop breastfeeding.
Baby skips feeding sessions
This is more than your baby finally sleeping longer and missing a feeding in the middle of the night. If you notice your baby refusing those additional snack time feedings, they may be telling you they don't want to breastfeed anymore. Offer a bottle or sippy cup or solid food and see how they react to taking those options. Once the feedings become shorter and then get skipped, your baby has sent strong signals they are over breastfeeding.
Baby gets more distracted during feedings
Babies love to look at everything and check out every sound, but when it comes time to eat, they usually mean business. If your little one is looking around the room, playing with their hands, or generally more interested in what's going on around them than eating, that is a sign they are done breastfeeding.
Other feeding signs to watch for

Read more