Sunscreen and newborns: everything you need to know

Shade, sleeves and sunscreen

You'll want to keep your baby our of the sun as much as possible, for at least the first year. Shade it is! But that's easier said than done, and even in the shade there's UVA and UVB radiation. That's why it's important to also protect your baby with clothes, preferably with UV protection, sunglasses and a sun hat or cap. Just so you know you're good to go. If it's really not possible to keep your (newborn) baby out of the sun, and the right clothes are not available, its possible to use sunscreen. The advice is to wait until you baby is at least three (but rather six) months old and to only use small amounts of mineral sunscreen. Shade, sleeves and, if you have to, sunscreen!

Which sunscreen can I use for my baby?

There are all kinds of sun protection out there, so how to choose the right sunscreen for your baby? There's mineral and non-mineral sunscreen. And what's the difference between sunscreen for babies, kids and adults? We're here to help!

What's the difference between mineral and non-mineral?

There's two different kinds of UV-filters: mineral and non-mineral. Non-mineral filters (used in traditional sunscreen) get absorbed by the skin, where a chemical reaction takes place. What follows is protection from UV radiation. The downside to some non-mineral filters, is that this chemical reaction can cause a rash or irritation for people with sensitive skin.

A mineral UV-filter works like a mirror on the skin. The sunscreen is made out of minerals, usually zinc oxide or titanium oxide. It creates a layer on the skin which reflects harmful UV radiation. Immediate protection and less likely to cause a rash. That's why mineral filters are very suitable for the sensitive baby skin.

Naïf's sun protection has a zinc oxide based UV-filter. Mineral it is! But we did add a non-mineral booster to make to guarantee maximum protection. So what about this non-mineral booster? We use BEMT (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine). This UV-filter is safe and suitable for sensitive skin. And we only add a little, just to boost and strengthen the zinc oxide. Worry free protection it is.

How to use mineral sunscreen?

Zinc oxide can cause a white cast on the skin. Look at zinc cream against diaper rash! That's the strength of zinc oxide: it protects the skin by creating a barrier. But although we don't care about a white butt, it's not what we prefer for sunscreen that's used all over the body. That's why natural oils like coconut and sunflower are added and the zinc oxide particles in sunscreen are made much smaller. Smooth application guaranteed!

What's the difference between sunscreen for babies, kids and adults

Is there a difference between sunscreen for babies and kids, and for adults? We can't speak for other brands of course, Naïf's sunscreen for adults is different than our baby and kids sunscreen. Not only do we have a 0% perfume version for babies and kids. Our perfumed sunscreen for babies and kids also has a different, more mild, perfume than the adult version. Our sunscreen spray for the little ones also contains coconut oil, which makes it just a bit more nourishing for the sensitive baby skin. And, obviously, they have a different SPF: SPF 30 for adults and SPF 50 for babies and kids. Baby sunscreen for yourself? No problem! But rather not the other way around.

Can you use Naïf sunscreen for a newborn?

Our sun protection can be used for baby's from 3 months and up, but it's better to keep them out of the sun completely and protect them with shade or clothes. Really not possible? You can safely use a little bit of sunscreen to protect your baby's skin from the age of 3 months.

What does SPF mean?

The Sun Protection Factor tells you how well you're protected while enjoying the sun. An SPF 30 means there chance of sunburn is 30 times smaller than when you're using no sunscreen at all. For SPF 50 is 50 times less likely you'll get a sunburn. But this is of course not very fool prrof, since not everyone reacts the same to the sun and it really depends on your skin type.

Which SPF do you choose for a baby?

Because your baby's skin is not used to anything yet, and no pigment is formed, it's important to protect is as much as possible. No sunscreen offers 100% protection, so always go for the highest SPF: 50! But don't forget to keep your baby out of the sun as much as possible ánd use sunscreen. Re-apply every 2 hours for maximum protection and you're good to go!

How much sunscreen do you need?

The Dutch Skin Foundation has the advise to use 7 teaspoons for the whole body:

• 1 teaspoon for the face, including the ears and neck

• 2 teaspoons for chest and back

• 2 teaspoons for shoulders, arms and hands

• 2 teaspoons for legs and feet

Every 2 hours! And try to avoid the sun between 12:00 and 15:00, because that's when the sun has the most strength. You got this!

(Source: AAD)