Sunscreen and Babies

they have great little pop up tents with high SPF's now. They are easy to carry and they have a floor on them, she may also like to nap in them. They have one at BJ's for $20.

Hi there,
I believe the site onestepahead.com has full body type outfits that are supposed to protect little ones from the sun. Good luck.
Best,
Tahara

I have a 4.5 month old and when I asked the doctor they told me to just keep her in shaded areas. Not much you can do until she is 6 months old. On the bottle it says under 6 months consult a phys. I did that and they basically yelled at me like I was some kind of bad mother. They also told me NOT to put her in the pool cause the water is too cold for her little body. Made me feel 2 feet tall.

Hi!

I didn't know you couldn't put sunscreen on a baby under 6 months of age so I'm glad you wrote this. I'm going to the pediatrician this week so I'm sure she'll tell me not to. HOWVER, I have done some digging because I try not to put any chemicals on my wee one & I found a website that was SUPER helpful in not only telling me all the bad stuff out there but giving a list of products that are safe. The website is www.safemama.com

I hope you have a great summer with or without the sun screen.

C.

Hi C.,
I researched this topic extensively, as my 7 month old is very fair and I can't fathom letting the sun touch her skin. I also didn't want to put all the chemicals in most sunscreens on her either.

Babybanz.com has infant size rash tops, bottoms and one pieces, all SPF 50, plus protective hats, sunglasses, etc.... (I ordered a twelve month size from One Step Ahead, but it may end up being too big.)

A lot of the previous thinking has changed. It is better to use sunscreen than expose a baby under 6 months to the sun, however, it is recommended that a physical sunscreen be used instead of a chemical one. They contain zinc or titanium oxide and physically block the sun's UVB AND UVA rays immediately when applied to the skin. With chemical sunscreens you have to wait 30 minutes. It's very important to get a "broad spectrum" blocker which means it blocks UVA rays too! There are very few chemical free sunscreens available in the stores, but one very highly recommended one is Baby Lizard. The adult version (not chem. free) is called Blue Lizard. You can get it at CVS for $10. or Stop and Shop for $9. There is also a Sensitive formula that is chemical free and looks to be the same as the Baby version. It goes on a little thicker then others but I'm much more comfortable knowing my baby isn't covered in chemicals. I bought four tubes. One for the changing table, diaper bag, stroller and pool bag! I also bought a big umbrella with a 50 SPF! Hope this helps. T.

my son is 4 months old, a preemie. his pediatrician said its ok to use a sunblock, like waterbabies.

check Lands End....they have great stuff, I know they have baby stuff but I'm not sure how small...to be honest I did put sunscreen on my babies just not on the hands or feet(where they suck on them)...They make hypo allergnic sunscreens so maybe you could go that route and as long as it's not all day everyday...I don't want to sway you to do the wrong thing, but it was my feeling that a sunburn would be worse for baby...and as long as you are keeping an eye and baby isn't sucking on where you put it...go with your gut ...I do know lands end has long sleeve sun/water wear...I just don't know how small...

Even though sunscreen is not recommended for young babies, the damages from the sun are FAR WORSE.
If you are going to be outside, stay in the shade, and use sunscreen on sun exposed areas, but not on the face.
This is the advice given to me by our pedi.
I use Aveeno Baby Sunscreen. And, we never had a problem.
But, I would double check with your pedi to be on the safe side.

C.,

6 months is the time-frame I heard when my DS was born - but 6 months landed him in February, not summer.

I have to say, looking at all the chemicals, even in the Aveeno we bought for him, I am really leery of putting this on him in any great amount. My DH treats me like I am trying to give him cancer by not putting it on, but I don't put it on unless he is going to be out for an extended amount of time. Short hops from car to building, I will either turn his carriage around or cover him up manually (and with the wind, it makes sense to do both!)

Sure the stuff smells nice, but DS smells nicer! :)

The only really possible suggestion I see is: In the pool, maybe find some white long sleeve onesies?

You really have to be careful in the pool anyway, because a cool pool will cool off your little one in no time, and you don't want to deal with hypothermia (I discovered what feels NICE to you does not feel like bathwater to him). (and if she gets suddenly cranky in the pool, try feeding her - she may have used up her reserves to keep warm!)

We have a pool - the inflatable one - and maybe 1/4 inch of water goes in total. What comes from the hose is tooo cold for him, I just give him the warm stuff. With the breeze, he is cooled off in no time.

I was in your boat last year with our daughter who was born in May...I put her in a long sleeved onesie... it worked great...I kind of held her hands so the sun didn't hit them, and she also wore a floppy hat to cover the back of her neck and her "ladybug" floatie had a canopy as well...Obviously you won't be spending hours at the pool like you were able to pre-baby...but the long sleeves should help.

Happy swimming!
J.

Double check with your doc--I've heard that the 6-month rule is softening. Also, RIT--the people who make RIT dye--has a product that can make any piece of clothing sun-protective by washing it in. You can get it here at Amazon $20 for a pack of 6 boxes. http://www.amazon.com/Rit-Guard-Laundry-Treatment-Protect...

The treatment lasts for 20 washes.

Good luck, and enjoy your summer!

check out onestepahead.com. They have spf 50 shirts that I think will fit your baby.

Two things, first if you are in the water, don't forget the water will reflect the sun up at your babies face even if you have a canopy.
Secondy, we went on a cruise when my daughter was a little over 4 months, we were told by our pedi the reason babies under 6mo aren't supposed to have sunscreen is because there hasn't been enough testing on it to say it is safe. As long as we purchased a baby formula (Waterbabies by Coopertone) and used is sparingly (as in a little on the arms- don't slather it on thick) that the baby would be fine.

Arbonne's baby line has a sunscreen that is 100% botanically based - pure,safe & beneficial. I have a free sample if you'd like just email me! :)

A.
www.theskinyourin.myarbonne.com

Hi C.,

I would talk to your pediatrician. That guideline seems to be changing. My doctor was very much in favor of carefully applied (and later, carefully washed off) sunscreen when my kids were going to be out in direct sun at the pool or beach. Hats won't protect from reflected rays off water and sand. The burns they get now are really damaging to their skin forever, so I'd feel very comfortable using baby sunscreen. I would try applying a baby sunscreen to a little area on her arm when you're inside and making sure there's no reaction. Just be careful about putting it on her hands (which she'll rub her eyes with) and near her eyes. The stick kind works well for those areas.

Enjoy her first summer! What a fun age!

It all depends on what type fo sunscreen you use. I have been purchasing all my products from Melaleuca for 14 years. They have an amazing Mineral Sunscreen that's SPF 30+ and safe to use on babies, kids, adults even animals.
The price is even cheaper than all the chemical-loaded sun blocks on the market.
It is ery important to keep your baby sun-burn free, there has been studies that this is the age that skin cancer will start.
C. Gallo

hi C..
i have heard mixed things regarding sunscreen for babies under 6 months. talk to your pediatrician and do what you feel is best!
my baby is one month older then yours and i choose to use sunscreen on her. the sun is so strong these days. i do limit the amount of time we are in the sun, but when we are, i use chemical free products for body and use a nice big sun hat to protect her face.

HI C.,

Sunscreen for babies under 6 months is not recommended. In fact, I've spoken with several doctors, including my dermatologist, who says there are no long term studies for sunscreen for babies and children. He suggested exactly what you are doing - hats, long sleeve, lightweight shirts. If you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, then yes, use sunscreen. There is a website, Environmental Working Group, that has a database where you can input products and will provide you with a rating, and explanation, regarding its safety. I highly recommend it. The address is: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1. There are also wet suit type bathing suits you can put on your baby. My friend used it with her boy. I wish I knew what they were called or where you can get them but they block out the sun. Lots of luck and I hope this helped!

R.

After reading through all these responses (cuz I'm in the same boat - my son will be 3mo next week) I've come to the conclusion that everyone's doctor has a different opinion! I've always lived by the idea that most anything in moderation won't hurt you. I'm thinking same goes for sunscreen. Don't slather the baby with it from head to toe cuz that will expose them to unknown chemicals, applying to exposed arms should be fine (try & avoid hands since babies suck on those). And just limit the time in direct sun light - shade is your friend (& your daughter's too) for the next few years!!

I would get a mineral powder sunscreen. I use Eminence translucent powder. It is non chemical, SPF 20, more water resistent than cream and won't sting eyes. It is probably the safest sunscreen for babies (and everyone).

Hi C.,

I think most of the products say do not use before 6 months because they do not kids under 6 months in the sun, however, try california Baby products. they are all natrual and no chemicals. much asfer for young babies and all kids for that matter. I am not sure of the website, but just google california baby products and it will come up.

W.

C.-
It is true that you can not use sun screen until 6mos old. I know that you can get uv clothing at onestepahead.com or try uvsungear.com (i have never order from uvsungear.com) I just purchased yesterday a uv shirt from old navy but it is short sleeves. I hope this helps. Hope you have a fun and "cool" summer.
J.

I had a similar problem this past December when we went on vacation to Puerto Vallarta. I asked my pediatrician about it and he said that the recommendations are that whatever age, sunscreen is always advisable, just be cautious about putting it on their hands. Their are a lot of great natural products out there for babies- I found one in my local grocery store. Be sure to talk to your pediatrician before you use anything, though, because there may be certain ingredients that shouldn't be used on such a young baby.

First -- check with pediatrian.....but I think when my baby daughter was born - she was 3-4 months old and we went to the beach -- I think my pediatrician said sun screen was okay -- the benefits out weigh the risks. I used one that the pediatrician gave me - I think it's called blue lizard - something from Australia if I remember. Have fun in the sun!

That's interesting, because my pediatrician said the benefits of sunscreen still outweigh the risks at that young age, and I think that may be the current thinking.

I would buy a mineral sunscreen for your baby--these are much safer, as they are not chemicals which are absorbed into the skin. They sit on the skin and provide a physical, rather than chemical, barrier. They're very white and difficult to rub in, but I don't care as long as my baby is protected. They can be a little tough to find. You can always order online or go to Wholefoods if you have one nearby. I have used Avalon Baby Organics, which I really liked (smoother texture), but the spf was lower, I think only 15. I recently purchased Earth's Best, which is thicker, but has a much higher spf. I'll warn you, the mineral sunscreens are much more expensive, but it's worth it in my opinion.

Only thing you'll want to check is whether or not those formulas are waterproof, since you'll be swimming.

Hi C.,

I have had 5 infants that cannot use any lotion sunscreen or otherwise. In and out of the water I used t-shirts one to three sizes larger than they were so that the sleeves covered most of thier arms and legs, along with a sun hat. They stayed in the shade wether it was my shadow or anything I could think of. Be creative. My kids are now 26, 15, 13, 8, and 4. Still have to keep them in the shade.

Happy swimming,

R.

The reason you shouldn't use sunscreen is that it is full of toxic chemicals and baby's skin is much more permeable than an older person's. What goes on the skin goes into the bloodstream. It would be safer to eat sunscreen since at least the liver would break down some of the chemicals first but on the skin it enters the bloodstream directly and toxins are stored in the cells. Not that I'm suggesting that!

I would keep the baby out of direct sunlight except for very late afternoon/early evening/early morning. Stick to the shade. They burn quickly. If you really want to use sunscreen, the only safe one I know is the one from ONE Group. It's certified organic and it's the one I personally use. It's a little on the thick side compared to the runny stuff we're used to but it works very well.

Legally any sunscreen in Australia (where it comes from) needs to be classified as a drug if it's over 15 so that is what it's labeled as. It's actually considerably stronger, about 30. The company wasn't going to spend millions to go through the approval process since it's not a drug and it's certified organic. I used it in Florida when I was on vacation and it's very effective. www.goodskinforlife.com. Actually all of the products from this company are safer choices for babies.

Have a safe and happy summer!

S. Hoehner
www.sharethecause.com/detoxqueen

Hi, C.,

I had the same question last summer. My husband and I spend LOTS of time outdoors in the summer, and we were concerned about sun exposure for our daughter. My pediatrician told me that we could put sunscreen on her before 6 months of age. She said to do a skin test the night before, like on a small spot on her leg, and make sure that there was no reaction to it. Then if it was OK, to go ahead and put the sunscreen on her, avoiding her face and hands. She said it was better to use the sunscreen than to give the baby a sunburn.

Good luck!
P. P.

My youngest was born last June and by Sept. we were on the beach. I felt that the sun was more dangerous that the lotion. I used Aveeno lotion and it worked great. It is not full of all the scents like the others. shee had no reaction to it, I would just make sure you bath her that evening. Another place you could try for a long sleeved rashguard shirt is www.onestepahead.com . theyhad a lot seasonal baby gear. good Luck!!

My ped said he's rather my baby get a rash from an allergic reaction than a sunburn. So we used the Aveno sun lotion and it worked great! No rash, no sunburn

Hi C.,
The company I stand behind has a sunscreen that works like a charm on babies as well as older skin. It is called Sun Shades Sport and is SPF 45+ taking care of both UVA and UVB rays. However, it does say on the container to be sure your doctor approves use on a baby younger than 6 months. If I can tell you more, please let me know.
Warm regards,
L.
www.LiveTotalWellness.com/L.
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Ask your pediatrician, mine said sunscreen was fine after 2 months!

The website OneStepAhead.com has lots of options:
Go to the Seasonal link and check out their summer apparel. They have long-sleeved swim suits and rashguard shirts, they have "flap hats" (see the sun protection link) which protect the face and neck.
They also have little pop-up tents, I think Babies R Us sells those too.
There is tremendous "bounce" of sunlight near water, so just because your baby is under an umbrella and looks like she is in the shade, doesn't mean she won't get burned. Ask your ped when it is ok to put sunscreen on her face and hands.

According to my pediatrician you can use sunscreen on a 3.5 month old baby. We called him last year when we were on vacation and my 3 month old got a sunburn! He said to put on the sunscreen.

There is a powder sun block out there for babies under 6 mos. However I don't know how effective it is. Try One Step Ahead. It's a great catalog company with tons of great ideas and items for mom's.

www.OneStepAhead.com

I wouldnt bring your baby out in full sun - my son is 1 year old this month and i still keep him in the shade, even in the shade i use sunscreen, last summer when he was an infant, i didnt bring him outside until it was cooler at the end of the day because babies can dehydrate VERY quickly. my good friend is a neonatal nurse and recommends keeping them out of sun for as long as you can help it.

Try either surf shops where you live (if there are any) or online. They are not often long sleeve, but 3/4. If you but it in size 1 it should cover and last till the next year. It worked for me. If you are in NY try the one in Montauk( not sure of the name but I believe there are only 2 and the one is supposed to be online but I am sure you can call). If not google it. The brand is Xcel-hawaii. They are what real surfers actually wear. I checked this site out but I can find the shirts alone. www.surfwearhawaii.com
Good Luck.

K. Mom of 2 1/2, 1 1/2 and one on the way.