Expert answer: Patricia Treadwell, pediatric dermatologist

Babies put their hands in their mouth about 64 times an hour. That's a good reason to use a "physical" sunscreen instead of a regular chemical sunscreen.

Physical sunscreens contain only zinc oxide or titanium dioxide rather than the assorted chemicals you'll find in regular chemical sunscreens. Instead of being absorbed by the skin, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide sit on the skin and physically block the sun. Look for one or the other on the sunscreen's label.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are not toxic. The ingredients are inert, meaning they won't react with any chemicals in the body to cause illness or an allergic reaction. So you don't have to worry about your child ingesting small amounts. Getting a sunburn is a lot more hazardous for your child than swallowing a little zinc oxide.

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