Hi. How do you all babywearers keep your LO's protected from the sun? I'm obsessed with keeping my 3.5 month old out of direct sunlight (I've had skin cancer). I have an Ergo carrier with the hood, which I use but then he can't see, which then makes him mad. I have a wide brimmed hat but its hard to keep it on him and also obstructs his view. I think I just need to find the right kind of hat for him. I'd love to carry him more but I'm having a tough time figuring out the sun thing so we end up just putting him in the stroller since it has a sun shade.
Our ped also ok'd sunscreen early as well. She said part of the reason parents are told "no sunscreen before 6 months" is that they don't want parents to rely on sunscreen for their babies the same way we rely on it for ourselves (i.e., putting on a thin layer and assuming this will provide protection all day). But, as another layer of protection, it's not harmful.
I checked ewg.org/skindeep to find sunscreens with the lowest toxicity/carcinogen/allergen ratings (shockingly, many "baby" sunscreens score poorly b/c they have so many fragrances in them). We used California Baby in the tube.
I always used a floppy hat (mostly, I also had a solar veil monkey pocket that I used some but more when E was sleeping). I don't think a hat blocks a view any more than a stroller sun shade would? I think it's more a matter of finding one they can't pull off and just having them get used to it.
To be honest though, this time of year I don't worry about it at all unless we are going to be out for long periods of time. Some sun exposure is good (Vit. D). Although I understand your concerns given your history.
Re: Sun protection and babywearing?
Our ped also ok'd sunscreen early as well. She said part of the reason parents are told "no sunscreen before 6 months" is that they don't want parents to rely on sunscreen for their babies the same way we rely on it for ourselves (i.e., putting on a thin layer and assuming this will provide protection all day). But, as another layer of protection, it's not harmful.
I checked ewg.org/skindeep to find sunscreens with the lowest toxicity/carcinogen/allergen ratings (shockingly, many "baby" sunscreens score poorly b/c they have so many fragrances in them). We used California Baby in the tube.
Good luck!
I always used a floppy hat (mostly, I also had a solar veil monkey pocket that I used some but more when E was sleeping). I don't think a hat blocks a view any more than a stroller sun shade would? I think it's more a matter of finding one they can't pull off and just having them get used to it.
To be honest though, this time of year I don't worry about it at all unless we are going to be out for long periods of time. Some sun exposure is good (Vit. D). Although I understand your concerns given your history.
Breastfeeding Counselor with Breastfeeding USA
Babywearing Guide ** Newborn Carriers
Cloth Diaper Guide
Safe Bed Sharing Info
www.becomingmamas.com