What Do You Do About Sunscreen for a 9 Month Old?

I have used Water Babies with all my children. It stays put for a good while too. I haven't heard of any bad things in doing this... except possible skin reactions but we've not encountered any thus far.

At my daughter's 6 month appointment our ped said that a mild sunscreen (neutrogena, water babies, etc.) was fine and recommended. My daughter is now 16 months, and we use sunscrenn on her face and body whenever she is in the sun (year round). She has sensitive skin, but we have never had any problems with Neutrogena sunscreen.

i used and still use water babies for my 23 month old and my 8 month old. i put it on like 20 minutes before we go outside and then reapply 2 hrs later if we're still out. no problems with any reactions or it not working.

T.,

Here's what the American Academy of Pediatrics says below. Since your baby is nine months old, it looks like the middle section could give you the information you need. I have used Water Babies and it works very well. Have a fun summer!

Babies under 6 months:

Avoiding sun exposure and dressing infants in lightweight long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and brimmed hats that shade the neck are still the top recommendations from the AAP to prevent sunburn. However when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of suncreen with at least 15 SPF (sun protection factor) to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands. If an infant gets sunburn, apply cold compresses to the affected area.

For Young Children:

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, and use sunscreen even on cloudy days. The SPF should be at least 15 and protect against UVA and UVB rays.

For Older Children:

The first, and best, line of defense against the sun is covering up. Wear a hat with a three-inch brim or a bill facing forward, sunglasses (look for sunglasses that block 99-100% of ultraviolet rays), and cotton clothing with a tight weave.
Stay in the shade whenever possible, and limit sun exposure during the peak intensity hours - between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or greater. Be sure to apply enough sunscreen - about one ounce per sitting for a young adult.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or after swimming or sweating.
Use extra caution near water, snow, and sand as they reflect UV rays and may result in sunburn more quickly.

I wouldn't be too worried about an "infant" sunscreen. I'd been more careful to use a sunhat (with SPF), sunglasses (to protect the eyes) and an SPF shirt if you're going to a pool/beach or going to be outside for any length of time. There are a lot of "rash guards" (shirts) out there, but not all have SPF in them. Check out Lands End or LL Bean, it's worth the money!

We love the continuous spray (not pump) sunscreens since you don't have to rub them on. I use a stick on the kids' faces. But they love the spray because it goes on so quickly and smoothly and offers great coverage! (We use Coppertone Sport in the blue bottle or Banana Boat.) These are great because you don't have to get all sticky and gooey while trying to hold down a squirmy kid.

My kids have learned they are not allowed outside in summer without a hat, sandals and sunscreen on or else "they'll get cooked". It's really helped my husband and I too to follow our own good advice!

From what I understand, infant sunscreen's are safe for babies older than 6 mos. We use the pink bottle, I think it's called Water Babies.

T.:

Arbonne's sun screen is safe for infants over 6 months old.

P., RLC, IBCLC
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