Hi -
I would like some advice about sunscreen. I have a 4 month old son who is very fair skinned. He has very sensitive skin too. I am wondering if I can use sunscreen or just keep him in the shade with a big floppy hat.
Thanks very much :)
H.
Thanks very much for your feedback. It seems like the rule is 6mo. Cheers!
JAFRA makes a sunscreen specifically for babies. Tender Moments Baby Block . It as been clinically, allergy, irritancy, and pediatrician-tested. It provides full spectrum UVA/UVB, SPF 45, and is water resistant. I used it on my own grand daughter when she was an infant. See coupon in member perks. www.myjafra.com/lschmidt
I have a 5 1/2 month old baby boy and had the same question. My sister is a pediatrician and told me that her kids had reactions to all lotions except for the Coppertone Water Babies brand (I had tried the Banana Boat Baby product when my son was 5 months old and we were going to be outside for several hours on a trip to the zoo, but it gave my baby a rash). I have tried the Water Babies since, and he's had no bad reaction.
If I remember right, about 6 months was the rule; but by the time we had our third, we put it on whenever it was needed before that because we were already a busy family.
If you are looking for a good sunscreen, may I suggest Arbonne's sunscreen. It's dermatologist tested (to zero!) nd great for sensitive skin (plust comes with a money back guarantee!). Just a thought... http://www.arbonne.com/products/baby/sunscreen.asp
If you would like more info. let me know...
Have a great week!
R.
I used sunscreen on my daughter and she had no problems...but the one thing that I used more was a uv shirt....they are so nice...they keep them cool and they can even go over a tank or be used as the shirt itself. You can get them all over....Target...etc. Safe and less hassle for sure!
I had this same question when my daughter was about 4 months old. I like to walk, but the hat wasn't covering her enough. My doctor said to use rash cream on the nose and cheeks to keep them from turning red. I never tired it, but it's worth a shot.
We were originally told by our pediatrician not to use sunscreen until 6 months then a new pediatrician said that it was fine to use it earlier, so who/what do you believe??? Sunburns are bad news so if I had a baby now I would use it when needed. Also, remember to have good sunglasses for both your kids. Have fun in the sun!
My son's pediatrician said that 6 months is the "general" rule... my son is red haired blue eyed and very fair. He got his first sunburn at 3 months... it was enough to blister. It was overcast that day and we tried our best to keep him in the shade, had long sleeves and pants and a hat and he still got burned. The ped. said that for children like this, sunscreen is a must, even before 6 months. So we've been using it ever since and at 16 months he has not had a burn since. We use California Kids (I think) and he's never had any issues with it. My son also has somewhat sensitive skin. Good luck.
6 months is the rule. Not to scare you, an added piece of information is that sunburns increase chances of getting skin cancer down the road. So always remember to have sunscreen handy. I love the No-Ad brand and it smells and works great.
Happy summer!
When I asked my doctor this same question, she said that infants should be 6 months before using sunscreen and to use the hats until then. Sometimes if I feel that the hat isn't covering everything (like my baby's arms) I carry an umbrella to provide a movable sunshade.
-Jen S.
Most sunscreens contain carcinogens, I would avoid them as long as possible. The skin absorbs these toxins. There are healthier alternatives out there, you just have to look.
Here is a good one, might want to check with the consultant to see if it is safe for baby:
https://aromatherapist.mionegroup.com/product/13430
A couple of articles about sunscreens:
http://www.naturalmedicine.com/healthnews.php?subaction=s...;
http://www.healthy-communications.com/sunscreens.html
Good luck!
T. Solar
Founder
www.theparentpack.org
The best thing to do is keep him in the shade with a hat. Sunscreen hasnt been tested on children under 6 months, so there's no way of knowing if he'd have a reaction to the lotion itself.
My dr. said not until 6 months. Until then, use long sleeves and pants (lightweight) and a big hat.
My pediatrician told me not to use sunscreen on my daughter until she's at least one year. She recommended I dress her in thin long sleeve t-shirts and long pants (without a undershirt) and a sun hat for extreme sun. But try to keep them out of the sun. Some sun exposure is o.k., but for times where there is no shade, protect the skin with long sleeves and long pants.
