Community› The Bump Month Clubs› April 2015 Moms
April 2015 Moms
New Discussion

Sunscreen Before 6 Months?

brirhynebrirhyne member
in April 2015 Moms
Hi Mamas,

Are you using sunscreen on your babies yet? My pediatrician said to wait until 6 months but I have read in several places that it's ok to use it earlier if necessary (and the American Pediatric Association agrees). So far I have held off and kept her out of direct sunlight and used hats, long sleeves, etc., but we're going on vacation this week and I want to make sure my LO is protected. Thoughts?

Thanks!
Report Reply to Post

Re: Sunscreen Before 6 Months?

  • blairdavis99blairdavis99 member
    My pedi is under the opinion that the exposure to chemicals is less harmful than a burned baby. She recommended a titanium dioxide formula with as few other chemicals as possible. I have been using it a few times a week for the last month with no issues. She recommended also testing a little bit on them first to make sure there is no reaction before lubing them all up!
    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • jenniferaudrey0116jenniferaudrey0116 member
    100% pure baby sunscreen has no harmful chemicals and can be used before 6 months. https://www.100percentpure.com/products/baby-sunblock-spf-30?variant=1228194247
    Report Reply
  • ewilson74ewilson74 member
    I have read one of the reasons why they also say not to use it is so that parents don't lather baby up and take LO out into the hot sun for extended periods on time. LO can't regulate body temperature, and heat can be dangerous.
    Report Reply
  • blairdavis99blairdavis99 member
    @ewilson74 - that is a good point. I should add that on the occasions that I have used sunscreen, they have been in the direct sun for 10 min or less. The rest of the time, my LOs are in their UV tent (great buy btw - I love it). The tent is in the shade and we also have car seat fans from BRU that we blow on them. So definitely many other precautions are needed in conjunction with the sunscreen.
    Report Reply
  • brirhynebrirhyne member
    Thanks for the tips, Ladies! I will of course be keeping my LO out of the sun as much as possible (we have a UV beach tent too!), but was wondering about sunscreen for those quick transfers between stroller and tent and the little bit of walking around we'll be doing. Sounds like it's safe to use! Thanks again!
    Report Reply
  • lmk115lmk115 member
    I was told to get mineral based baby sunscreen. Obviously, it's best to keep baby out of the sun, but I was told this sunscreen is better than risking a burn.
    Report Reply
  • borgie05borgie05 member
    Interesting... My pediatrician said you can start using sunscreen at 2 months. I'm sure opinions can vary though.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
  • OostarOostar member
    I read that the AAP recommends no sunscreen prior to 6 months because no one has done any testing of sunscreen on children less than 6 months. So it's really just a precaution. I live in a tropical locale and I've been using baby mineral sunscreen basically since DS has been born. No apparent side effects and no baby suntans.
    Report Reply
  • NickiochNickioch member
    Do NOT use California Baby sunscreen!!! I did by mistake since it was all I had at the time and it's so thick and baby's skin is so sensitive, it wouldn't wash off! The poor thing had it caked on for almost a week, I felt horrible and cried! But pediatrician said not to worry and that Aveeno Baby has a good one, I'm going to try that next time. For now I just make sure he has sun hat and shade and avoid the sun.
    Report Reply
  • yellowdaisies84yellowdaisies84 member
    I've just been avoiding the sun like crazy for her. Keeping her stroller closed on sunny days, only letting her out in the shade or overcast days. Being super careful. Waiting for 6 months for sunscreen. My opinion is that it is okay to do it earlier because the risk of a burn/cancer is much worse than the risk of the chemicals in the sunscreen. Having said that, I'm just going to keep her out of the sun for 6 months.
    "It's always better when we're together." -Jack Johnson
    Report Reply
  • xuxachixuxachi member
    @yellowdaisies84 you're doing a great job - just remember you can get burnt on an overcast day as well (I learned that the hard way - on myself not my baby thankfully).
    DS born 10/25/11 **  DD born 6/24/13 **  DS born 4/20/15
    Report Reply
  • mcalleamcallea member
    My daughter is very fair. I've been putting babyganics sunscreen on since she was 7 weeks and her skin hasn't broken out and she hasn't burned!
    Report Reply
  • ewilson74ewilson74 member
    Not uncommon for the UV index to be 5/6+ on an overcast day. Not all shade umbrellas provide uv protection either.
    Report Reply
Sign In or Register to comment.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"