Best Sun Creams for Babies and Young Children in Switzerland

"What sun protection do you recommend for babies and young children?" - is a frequent question we get asked during our summer-term classes at Academicus in Zurich.

There is a saying in Australia when it comes to sun-protection: Slip - Slop - Slap

Slip on a shirt

Slop on some sunscreen

Slap on a hat

-- and that is the best advice to follow, when you cannot avoid being in the sun:)

Babies’ & young children’s skin is super sensitive, so when choosing a sunscreen for your baby and young child that will withstand the test of the Sun in Switzerland make sure to pay attention to a few important details and choose a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for their sensitive skin.

For Babies 0-6months:

• Avoid direct sun exposure – stay in the shade and keep out of direct sunlight, especially between 10:00-16:00

• Use protective clothing – cover your baby with long pants and long shirts, use hats and socks, and cover their skin as much as possible if you cannot avoid direct sunlight.

• Babies that are below 6months old should not have any sunscreen applied to their sensitive skin

For Babies Over 6 Months and older kids:

• Use Sunscreen protecting against UVA and UVB rays: Choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, against UVA and UVB rays, preferably with an SPF of 50

• Use Mineral Sunscreens: Choose sunscreens with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These sunscreens are mineral based and sit on top of the skin without being absorbed. Mineral sunscreen is less likely to cause skin irritation.

• Choose Sunscreen which is Fragrance-Free and Hypoallergenic: If your sunscreen has no fragrances added and is hypoallergenic, the smaller the likelihood of skin irritation.

• Choose Water-Resistant Sunscreen: Even if your child is not swimming, or not spending much time in the water, water-resistant sunscreens tend to stay on longer, especially during playing and sweating.

Recommended Sunscreens accessible in Switzerland:

• Pioupiou Sun Cream SPF 50 | Babies and Children: More Info HERE

• Babo Botanicals, Super Shield Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50: More Info HERE

• ALGA MARIS | Sonnencreme Kinder LSF50+ ohne Parfum, Laboratoires de Biarritz - available at COOP Vitality chemists: More Info HERE

• ECO cosmetics Organic Baby & Kids Sun Cream SPF 50: More Info HERE -

Additional Precautions:

• Do not use Sunscreens in Spray: These can be inhaled by your baby and young child and may not provide even and generous enough coverage.

• Avoid Sunscreens with Oxybenzone: This chemical can cause allergic reactions and hormonal disruptions – do not use these on your child

• Always Check the Expiration Date: Make sure your sunscreen has not expired. Sunscreen can lose its effectiveness over time.

Additionally, you can check for best sunscreens for babies and young kids, available in Switzerland, by using an app e.g.Yuka to evaluate their impact on health. You can use the Yuka app to scan barcodes in a shop ahead of buying the sunscreen to make sure it doesn’t contain any ingredients that might be harmful to your baby’s and young child’s skin.

Why is the right sunscreen so important?

In an interview, Dr. Daniel Amen - a renowned neuroscientist & psychologist - emphasized the importance of being mindful of what we feed our children's stomachs and minds, as well as the products we apply to their bodies, to maintain their emotional and physical well-being. 

He discussed the impact of diet and environmental toxins on brain health, noting that harmful chemicals in food and personal care products can affect cognitive and emotional development. Amen's insights highlight the holistic approach needed for nurturing children's health, encompassing nutrition, mental stimulation, and the avoidance of toxic substances.

So there we have it: good sunscreen actually leads to healthier baby and young child and a safe & joyful summer holiday!

Remember: Slip, Slop, Slap!

-- and you are ready to enjoy a brilliant summer break - whether in Zurich or anywhere else in Switzerland or the world!

XoXo Mags & Katie