Sun & Bug Protection for Kids

Pediatrician approved sunscreen and bug spray tips for happy outdoor play.

The warm weather is here in full force, which means more time outside enjoying sunshine and fresh air. It also means it’s time to think about protecting your child’s skin from two common concerns: sun exposure and bug bites.

As a pediatrician, I get a lot of questions this time of year about what products are actually safe and effective for kids. The good news is that you don’t need a complicated routine, and just a few smart choices can go a long way.

Sun Protection 
When it comes to sunscreen, I recommend sticking with mineral-based options, also called physical sunscreens. These use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens do. They’re generally better tolerated by sensitive skin and are a great choice for babies and children starting at 6 months of age.

One detail that often gets overlooked is water resistance. Sunscreens are labeled as either water resistant (40 minutes) or very water resistant (80 minutes). This doesn’t mean your child is fully protected for that entire time, it just means the sunscreen maintains its SPF level while in water or sweating for that duration.

Look for:

• Broad-spectrum
• SPF 30 or higher
• Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Water resistant if sweating or swimming

And don’t forget the commonly missed spots: ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and along the hairline.



When should you reapply?

• Every 2 hours during regular outdoor play
• After swimming or heavy sweating
• Immediately after towel drying

You can also add an extra layer of protection with sun-protective clothing. Lightweight long sleeves, wide-brim hats, and clothing with built-in UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) can significantly reduce sun exposure. Consider sun protective clothing especially for kids who are in and out of the water or may not keep sunscreen on consistently.

Bug Protection

Warm weather also brings out the bugs, and protecting your child from bites is about more than comfort as it can help prevent insect-borne illnesses. The two ingredients I recommend for children are DEET or Picaridin. These are the most well-studied and proven to be both safe and effective when used as directed.

A few practical tips:

• Apply to exposed skin and clothing, avoiding hands, eyes, and mouth
• Wash it off once your child is back indoors
• Avoid repellents in babies under 2 months
• Avoid combination products and apply sunscreen first

With a little preparation, your family can spend more time outside safely and comfortably. If you ever have questions about what products are right for your child, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.

Dr. Sarah Wiersma is the owner of PeaPod Pediatrics and a board certified pediatrician and breastfeeding medicine specialist. Schedule a Meet & Greet to meet Dr. Wiersma and find out how pediatric direct primary care can support your family.