The most important thing to know about baby sunscreen is that it should be a mineral, or physical, sunscreen, meaning it uses zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or some combination of the two. “These deflect UV rays rather than absorbing them, and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin while providing broad-spectrum protection, meaning they blocking UVA and UVB rays,” says Dr. Browning. And because baby skin tends to be more sensitive, “fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formulas are also ideal for this age group,” says Los Angeles pediatric dermatologist Carol Cheng, MD.

While chemical sunscreens are considered safe for adults, “recent studies have found some chemical sunscreen ingredients can potentially be absorbed into the bloodstream and may be more irritating on sensitive skin,” explains Dr. Cheng.

Next, consider the texture—specifically, something that rubs in easily. (And keep in mind that a slight white cast is typical for mineral sunscreens. “Stick or lotion formats tend to work well for toddlers because they allow more controlled application,” says Dr. Cheng. I haven’t had much success using sticks myself, since they can be too large to get around my daughter’s nose, under her neck, and on her ears. But Dr. Cheng also recommends using a makeup or foundation brush to apply liquids, which I’ve found to be much more successful.