I am going to take my four month old daughter to the zoo next week. She will be wearing a hat, sunglasses and clothing that covers but I'm still concerned about sun exposure. Are sunscreens ok to use on such a young baby?
I always used waterbabies with my girls. Just be careful not to get it in her eyes. You shouldnt have any problems. My kids were always covered with it as infants in the pool.
Hi Rachelle,
I like the all natural, safe and botanically based Arbonne Baby Sunscreen called ABC.
It has an SPF of 30+, its water-resistant, PABA-fee, pediatrician tested, dermatologist tested and gives protection against UVA and UVB rays. It's formulated with vitamins A, C and E and gentle botanicals.
My son is using the ABC skin care products exclusevely and we are very hapy with the results.
Email me back if you might like a free sample!
I live in Valley Village by the way.
Have fun at the Zoo!
P.
____@____.com
Most sunscreens have always said "not to use on children younger than 6 months". That was because it was thought to block the ability to sweat and cause overheating (something babies that young can't do) I believe most of them still say this on the backs of their packages.
However in 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics did change their recommendations that you can use a SMALL amount in small areas where clothing will not cover such as the face or backs of the hands.
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/augsun.htm
Additionally, you want to take into consideration skin allergies too. So try to find one that is perfume and dye free. I'd also look to make sure their is no peanut oil in it (I recently researched the connection between use of peanut oil in lotions and creams contributing to the likelihood of peanut allergies later in life)
I don't know if this would extend to other food type ingredients or not. I have used products with oatmeal ingredients for both of my oh so white and prone to rashes, kids (12 year old and my now 17 month old) with no problems.
When my daughter was 5m we went to Maui and I was concerned as well. I talked with her Doc. and she said the safest sunscreen for babies was California baby I think that it is what it is called it could be California Kids but it is sold at Target and it is free of harsh chemicals for the babies. She said the next best one was Aveeno Baby. Hope this helps.
The usual recommendation is no sunscreen/lotions on an infant/baby until after 6 months old. For myself, I waited even longer. There are apparel items that prevent UVB/UVA sun damage... so you don't have to relay on lotions entirely. Here is the link for a Google search on it:
http://www.google.com/search?q=sunscreen+clothing+for+kid...
The store "One Step Ahead" also carries these products:
http://www.onestepahead.com/catalog/search.jsp?N=0&Nt...
Here in Hawaii, we totally rely on these types of clothing. It is a wise and good investment for children, and adults. It's good you will cover your girl with a hat, sunglasses etc. But if you plan to take her out in the sun regularly, I would invest in this kind of product. Especially also, summer will be here before you know it. Even for playing in the park or on group playdates outside, it is really great. And it's comfortable.
Hope this helps, good luck,
~Susan
www.cafepress.com/littlegoogoo
My pediatrician told me that if it was a choice between sunscreen and sunburn, it was better to go with sunscreen, even at such a young age. My understanding is that sunscreen is not necessarily harmful to babies, it's just that they haven't been able to test it on infants younger than 6 months because no one is willing to let their babies be tested on. So I think if you choose a sunscreen specifically designed for babies, you'll be ok. If you're really worried, just do a little test before your big zoo day. Put a little bit on a small part of her body and see if she has an allergic reaction.
Good luck!
I felt the exact same way when I took my little one out too! The two best I found were the Baby Banana Boat Sunscreen 50 SPF and anything by Aveeno....I used it very little, mainly around her cheeks and the back of her neck. Try not to put any on her hands. I covered her like you are doing and everything seemed fine. Just BE VERY CAREFUL not to get it in her eyes! But when in doubt, just call your doctor! I hope you have a really good time at the zoo! Take lots of pictures!
Take her in the hat and long sleeves. There are some great organic sunscreens (i like Aubrey). But a teensy, tiny bit of sunshine is a GOOD thing:)
i totally agree with Petra B. go with the Arbonne, it's PH correct, pediatrician tested, vegan etc... it's a really amazing product and it's all i will EVER use on my kids.
of course i would still recommend wearing as much clothes as she can comfortably, hat, sleeves, etc. keep in the shade when you can, get a sun shade/umbrella if possible.
if you're really concerned, make sure that you're looking for clothes that actually protect from the sun will have a UPF rating similar to SPF (NOT ALL DO, sunlight can penetrate clothing!) most outdoor specialty stores have these (i'm not sure if they carry infant lines, but you'll find other forms of protection, and you can always look online for retailers) my husband and i have become quite the REI junkies in the past few years. (of course we get a lot of things for us as well as the kids!)
Good luck, have fun at the zoo (elephants are my favorite, but my kids like "the ones that growl!")
