As we’re mid-summer, I still see a lot of questions around sunscreen. Sunscreen for the whole family has always been an important topic to me – but now that baby T is here I’m even more diligent with sun protection!

{Sunscreen For The Whole Family}

Mineral vs Chemical Sunscreen

Mineral sunscreens contain active ingredients (usually zinc and titanium dioxide) and are physical blocks. Meaning, they sit on top of the skin and reflect the UV rays of the sun. Chemical sunscreens protect you from the sun by absorbing the UV rays. Either way it’s important to look for something that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, or broad spectrum protection.

Sunscreen for the whole family

Aveeno Baby

Last year I profiled a whole bunch of sunscreens that my whole family used. Some of them are still my favourites and I’ve also discovered new ones this year. Aveeno and Aveeno Baby continue to be a great choice for everyone in my household. While we were in Florida in the spring I used the Aveeno Baby mineral sunscreen for T. It went on smoothly and quickly – which is really important when dealing with a squirmy baby! There is a bit of a white residue as with most mineral sunscreens, but I actually found this useful so I could see where I had applied it.

Neutrogena Sheer Zinc

My mom was a fan of the new Neutrogena Sheer Zinc line. It contained a high SPF (50!) and comes in formulas for the body and the face. In the Florida heat and humidity it was nice to be able to apply it smoothly and have it absorb quickly into the skin.

Alba Botanica

The Alba Bontanica sunscreens are an EXCELLENT for moisturizing plus protecting your skin. Sometimes sunscreens can make your skin feel dry. I’ve often had the urge to apply a moisturizer on top of the sunscreen but who has time to apply a lotion twice? Worse yet, some sunscreens can feel greasy! Which is the last thing you want in the hot summer months. Another bonus? The whole like is 100% vegetarian.

Sun Bum

Sun Bum is a brand I just discovered since it launched in Canada earlier this year. I’ve been using their Baby Bum line on T daily and really love how it smells and doesn’t irritate his skin. It’s pediatrician approved and designed specifically for baby’s more sensitive and thin skin.

Do you have a favourite sunscreen for the whole family?

There are so many great options out there now – there is NO excuse to not use sun protection. I’d love to know what your favourite brands are and why!