Question about what age to use sunscreen...

cara-n-steve · June 2011

Everything says not to use sunscreen until the babies are 6 months. What do you do to protect their skin before then? We're going to be out all weekend, and if they're anything like me, they will burn easily. We have sun protectors for their car seats but is there anything else I can do so I can take them out of their seats while we're out. I'm paranoid about the sun since my skin in so sensitive!

KYRN · June 2011

Ask your pedi. Mine told me to use it before 6 months since we were going to be out in the sun. I told her I was using Aveeno baby and she said that was fine.

cjsbdl · June 2011

Check with your pedi. The AAP's recommendation used to be no sunscreen until six months, but they've changed that stance. At our 2 month appointment for Eleanor our pedi told us it would be fine to use sunscreen on her on occasion (but of course that the preference is just to keep her out of the sun since at her age it's tough for her to regulate body temp). I believe their thinking is that moderate sunscreen use is less of a risk than sunburn.

kellyloveszach · June 2011

A dermatologist friend said to use the sunscreen with zinc and it would be fine. Like Neutragena Baby. She said the overall effects of sun exposure is way worse than the block since it has pretty much the same chemicals as diaper rash cream. I am definitely worried about the sun this summer also. I think I might use it on LO's arms and legs and I will just have to make sure his face is covered (I'm not quite sure how I am going to do this).

cara-n-steve · June 2011

kellyloveszach:
A dermatologist friend said to use the sunscreen with zinc and it would be fine. Like Neutragena Baby. She said the overall effects of sun exposure is way worse than the block since it has pretty much the same chemicals as diaper rash cream. I am definitely worried about the sun this summer also. I think I might use it on LO's arms and legs and I will just have to make sure his face is covered (I'm not quite sure how I am going to do this).

This is what I bought. I have the lotion and the stick. Thank you ladies, I'll call the pedi to double check but we're going to be out all day Saturday so I'm thinking it's better then sun exposure! Thanks for the advice!

naflmj · June 2011

Last summer we put DS in rashguards or Halo Technical Comfort type clothing https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Technical-Comfort-System-Months/dp/B0029F1JU4/ref=dp_cp_ob_ba_title_2 if we'd be in the sun for long periods of time along with a sun hat. I would still cover his hands and any other exposed area w/California Baby or Jason sun block.

mrsolsenk12 · June 2011

I agree with the others to ask the pedi. WHen Hayden was 8 weeks old, we went out to Six Flags (yes I must have been crazy) and our pedi told us we could use sunscreen. A sunburn is worse than using sunblock. Just make sure to give them a bath after you get home and it should be all good.

Temp893722312503334 · June 2011

My ped wants us to wait till 6 months but I also am not sure if we'll be able to avoid the sun until then. My SIL's ped allowed it before 6 months (they live in FL) and just had her test it on the back of his leg for 12 or so hours before using it everywhere.

I think I am probably going to have to go against Drs. advice at some point before the end of July and I'll just test first.

skoorbnibor · June 2011

this is a common sense one for me and thankfully my pedi agrees!

first, use SUNBLOCK, not screen for babies

second, sunblock is better than sunburn. Just avoid hands and face, and use a hat.

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