The Best Sunscreens for Babies & Toddlers: Recommendations from Saffron Walden Mums
Looking for the best sunscreen for babies and toddlers? Local Saffron Walden parents share their favourite sunscreens for sensitive skin, eczema, and everyday family adventures.
Sophie
6/23/20265 min read
As soon as the sun finally decides to make an appearance, one question starts popping up in every mum group: Which sunscreen do you use?
If your little one has sensitive skin, eczema, or seems to come out in a rash at the slightest thing, choosing a sunscreen can feel surprisingly stressful. There are so many options available, and nobody wants to spend money on a bottle only to find it doesn't agree with their child.
I recently asked local parents what they use on their babies and toddlers, and there were a few clear favourites. Here's what we've been using at home, along with recommendations from other local families.
What We Use at Home: Childs Farm SPF 50+
At home, we currently use Childs Farm Sun Cream SPF 50+.
Morgan can be quite prone to rashes and sensitive skin, so I wanted something that was fragrance free and suitable for children who may be prone to eczema.
So far, we've got on really well with it. It's easy to apply, water resistant, fragrance free, and most importantly, it hasn't irritated her skin.
Childs Farm says the cream is suitable for sensitive skin and for children who may be prone to eczema, which gave me a bit of extra reassurance when choosing it.
Good for:
✓ Sensitive skin
✓ Children prone to eczema
✓ Families looking for a fragrance free option
👉 View Childs Farm SPF 50+ on Amazon
Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?
According to NHS advice, babies under six months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible. Shade, lightweight clothing, hats, and avoiding the strongest midday sun are generally recommended as the first line of defence.
For babies over six months and toddlers, sunscreen can be used alongside hats, shade, UV suits, and sensible sun habits.
When choosing a sunscreen for children, it is worth looking for:
• SPF 30 or higher, although many parents choose SPF 50+
• Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection
• Water resistance
• Fragrance free formulations if your child has sensitive skin
Other Sunscreens Recommended by Local Parents
La Roche Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Dermo Pediatrics SPF 50+
La Roche Posay was recommended by several local parents, particularly for little ones with sensitive skin.
Parents reported that it offers excellent protection and works well for children who struggle with other sunscreens.
One thing that came up more than once, however, was that it can stain clothing slightly, so it may be worth allowing it to dry before getting dressed.
Good for:
✓ Sensitive skin
✓ Excellent sun protection
✓ Children who react to other sunscreens
Worth knowing:
• Can stain clothing
👉 View La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 50+ on Amazon
Nivea Sun Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect SPF 50+
Another recommendation from local parents was the Nivea Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect range.
Several parents reported getting on well with this range, and one mum mentioned that this particular version scores highly on the Yuka app compared with some other children's sunscreens.
It is also widely available in supermarkets and high street shops, making it an easy option to pick up if you've unexpectedly run out.
Good for:
✓ Sensitive skin
✓ Easy to find in shops
✓ Everyday family use
👉 View Nivea Sun Babies & Kids Sensitive Protect SPF 50+ on Amazon
Aveeno Baby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
Aveeno's zinc oxide sunscreen was another recommendation from local parents.
Parents reported that it offers really good sun protection, although it was noted that the cream is quite thick in consistency, which can make it a little harder to apply to a wriggly toddler.
Good for:
✓ Sensitive skin
✓ Strong sun protection
✓ Parents looking for a mineral sunscreen
Worth knowing:
• Quite thick and takes longer to rub in
👉 View Aveeno Baby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen on Amazon
E45 Kids Sun Cream
E45 Kids sunscreen also received a recommendation from local families.
Given E45's long standing reputation for caring for dry and eczema prone skin, it could be worth considering if your child has struggled with other products in the past.
Good for:
✓ Dry skin
✓ Eczema prone skin
✓ Sensitive skin
👉 View E45 Kids Sun Cream on Amazon
Tesco Soleil Baby SPF 50+
Tesco's own brand Soleil Baby SPF 50+ was another recommendation from local parents.
Parents liked that it is fragrance free, extra water resistant, and easy to pick up during the weekly supermarket shop. It is also one of the more affordable options mentioned.
Good for:
✓ Sensitive skin
✓ Budget conscious families
✓ Last minute supermarket top ups
👉 View Tesco Soleil Baby SPF 50+ at Tesco
Green People Organic Children's SPF 50+
Green People was highlighted by parents who regularly check sunscreen ingredients using the Yuka app.
The Organic Children's SPF 50 sunscreen received a good rating and may appeal to families looking for organic products.
Good for:
✓ Families looking for organic products
✓ Parents who prioritise ingredients
👉 View Green People Organic Children's SPF 50+ on Amazon
Thinkkids SPF 50
Thinkkids SPF 50 was another sunscreen highlighted by local parents and received an excellent rating on the Yuka app.
Good for:
✓ Ingredient conscious families
✓ Parents looking for highly rated formulations
👉 View Thinkkids SPF 50 on Amazon
A Note on Sunscreen Apps
Several local parents mentioned using apps such as Yuka to compare ingredients between different sunscreens.
These apps can be useful if you're interested in ingredients, but they don't currently assess how effective a sunscreen's UVA protection is. It's still important to choose a product that clearly states broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Top Tips for Sunny Days with Little Ones
Even the best sunscreen is only one part of staying safe in the sun.
A few things that help us during warmer weather:
• Try to stay in the shade during the hottest part of the day, usually between 11am and 3pm.
• Sun hats with neck coverage are brilliant for toddlers who will tolerate them.
• UV suits are great for paddling pools, splash parks, and beach days.
• Reapply sunscreen regularly, especially after water play.
• Don't forget ears, feet, hands, and the back of the neck. They are surprisingly easy to miss.
What Parents Seem to Agree On
After chatting to local mums and carers, a few themes came up again and again:
• Fragrance free products tend to be preferred for sensitive skin.
• SPF 50+ is the most popular choice for babies and toddlers.
• Every child is different. A sunscreen that works brilliantly for one child may not suit another.
• It can be worth patch testing a new sunscreen first, particularly if your child is prone to eczema or rashes.
Walden Weekly Tip
As always, every child is different, and what works brilliantly for one family may not work for another. Hopefully these recommendations from local parents give you a helpful starting point and save you an evening of trawling Facebook groups.
Please note: This article contains recommendations gathered from local parents in the Saffron Walden area alongside products we use ourselves at home. If your child has significant skin concerns or allergies, it is always worth speaking to your GP, health visitor, or dermatologist.
Also this article contains affiliate links. If you buy through these links, Walden Weekly may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the running of the website and keeps the directory free for local families. All recommendations are based on products we use ourselves or recommendations from local parents.
Contact
Helping parents and carers in Saffron Walden & surrounding villages. If you have any questions, updates or requests then please get in touch.
© 2026. All rights reserved.