There is nothing worse than when a sunscreen fails, except when it happens to our children. Rebecca Cannon did her best to protect her 14-month-old Kyla from the dangerous sunrays and used an aerosol sunscreen.
She chose this type of sunscreen because the label stated that this spray is safe for any child who is 6-months-old or more.
She also closely followed the instructions for applying the cream, i.e. she applied it first to the hands and then on the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin.
The mother believed her daughter was safe, though she also kept her away from the sunshine. Unfortunately, she was shocked when she saw her child with horrible facial sunburn and needed to take her to the hospital right away.
Despite an Aerosol Sunscreen, Child Suffers Sunburns
Cannon was terrified when she saw her child’s face being burned and needing medical care. The image she posted on social media is graphic, but she did it to warn other parents about the dangers of using this type of sunscreen on children.
The aerosol sunscreen she used was Banana Boat SPF Broad Spectrum Kids. According to Cannon, the company offered reimbursement for the product, but were unwilling for any additional action which many find it to be suspicious.
Luckily, the burns of Kyla are healing and her mother says that her little girl is looking better with each day. However, such a thing should never have happened in the first place!
What Are the Safest Sunscreen for Our Little Ones?
According to the recommendations by the Environmental Working Group, these are the 7 safest sunscreens for children:
- Adorable Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
- All Good Kid’s Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- Baby Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance Free, SPF 50
- Badger Active Baby Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream, Chamomile & Calendula, SPF 30
- Bare Republic Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
If you want to learn more about how the EWG came up with this list and find out the remaining safe sunscreens for children, check out this link.
Useful Tips for Protecting Your Child from the Sun with Sunscreen
- Avoid products with a SPF higher than 50- the ones that are 30 and 50 will suffice
- For chemical products, opt for the ones with 3 percent avobenzone or zinc oxide as the active ingredient in natural sunscreens
- Avoid the sunscreens with vitamin A and oxybenzone
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