Outside in summer - sunscreen

[The Vern]

I know I've read somewhere that you shouldn't put sunscreen on babies less than 6 months? What's the deal with that? My dd is 20 weeks, can I safely put sunscreen on her if we're outside, just in case she's out of the shade for a minute or two?

[tylersmommy]

The AAP has recently revised their recommendation and said that it's okay to use sunscreen under 6 mo. Just be sure to use one that's formulated for babies, as they usually contain less chemicals.
http://www.aap.org/advocacy/archives/augsun.htm

[redfroggy]

Let me recommend a sunscreen: it is called Cactus Juice. It is a non toxic sunscreen and bug repellent that is made with far less chemicals than standard sunscreens. You can order through the web.
This is what I use for my LO.

[mum101]

http://www.cancer.org.au/documents/Sun_protection_infants_May_2005.pdf

This is from the Cancer Council organisation in Australia. They say there is no evidence of harm of using sunscreen for infants up to 1 year.  But they do suggest to use it occassionally.  They say to avoid sun first, protect well with clothes hats etc, then put sunscreen on remaining exposed areas. 

I would use a basic well-made sunscreen if worried about reactions.  No bells and whistles.  Test on a small part of the body first. 

 

[Marisa's Mom]

Where do you apply the sunscreen?

I put it on DD's arms & legs. I try to put some on her face, but she doesn't like that too much (I don't like putting the stuff on my face either! So I guess I can't expect her to like it...  ). I would like to put it on the back of her hands, but I avoid it cuz I know she rubs her eyes a lot.

[Tonya]

We apply to ANY exposed skin.  Ds, even at 2 1/2 years old, and we've been doing it FOREVER, still HATES for it to be on his face, but IMHO, too bad!

One of the necessary "evils" in life...

[linfran]

I've used Nivea baby sunscreen on my lo since he was three months old.  He has eczema and is very fair skinned but it seems to agree with him - some brands didn't, but hey, trial and error!

[mum101]

I would say apply it to the arms, face, legs.  Keep persisting with applying on the face, perhaps leave it till last.  I have to apply moisturisng cream to DD's face to prevent dribble-type rashes and she mostly fusses unless I tell her what is going to happen and then say 'now your nose...'  I think of it as something they simply need to do, like the need to put shoes on before they go outside.