I'm wondering what the real difference is between adult sunblock and baby sunblock. I read on one website that if the adult one has the same active ingredients then it is the same so I'm wondering why there is a need to use baby sunblock. Is it just more gentle in case they get it in their eyes? I have Banana Boat Sport broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50. It protects against UVA and UVB rays. Can I use this on my 10 month old? Thanks.
Hi L.,
Baby sunblock is more gentle for baby's sensitive skin, and most have a tear-free formula for the eyes. Some are also hypoallergenic. The sunscreen needs to have the same active ingredients because that's what protects against the UVA/UVB rays.
yes, there is a difference. www.ewg.org will tell you what the differences are and rank which sunscreens are safest for your baby's skin. I do know California Baby is gentle and contains no harmful ingredients. They come out with a new list each year. You can find them at Target.
J. W. MPH
Chicago Examiner Family Health Expert
http://www.examiner.com/x-7158-Chicago-Family-Health-Exam...
My DS gets a rash from some brands of baby sunblock but not others. He has broken out from non-baby sunblock too. I think it just depends on your baby's skin. Mine has sensitive skin to all sorts of things and eczema. I myself break out if I use a sunscreen rather than a block...it's the oxybenzone that I react to.
I wouldnt go to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com and look at the toxicity level of what you are slathering on your kids skin. I used California Baby on mine and she has never had a burn. Its not the # its the how much you put on and reapply
My doctor said whatever I used for sunblock for myself I could use on my 10 month old. I had already purchased baby sunblock for my son but I would not hesitate to use adult sunscreen after hearing what she said.
Bull Frog for Kids has a spray on sun block. I like Bull Frog products.
I think that even though adult sunscreen contains the same active ingredients, the strength of the formula is much stronger than in a baby/child sunscreen.
In saying that, my Dr did recommend a Neutrogena adult sunscreen which didn't have fragrance etc for my toddler as he was getting rashes with the childrens sunscreen.
Good luck.
the pediatric dermatologist that my kids go to recommends aveeno baby and neutrogena.
This summer I have been using Coppertone Waterbabies Pure&Simple. It is different than the regular waterbabies because it is tear free, oil, fragarance, and dye free. I use it too. It is also waterproof.
My Pediatrician said that there is no need for baby sunblock just make sure it is at least 15spf.
if the adult sunblock gets in your baby's eyes, chances are, it will burn her eye. Whereas, most baby sunblocks tear-free.
Summer's over, but in case you might want more info for future reference, here is some more...
http://www.askdrsears.com/html/10/T110226.asp
Best wishes,
J.
