Sunscreen for Babies Under 6 Mths Old

B., I have a 3 month old son, and I have been putting sunscreen on him. It is too hot to put him in long sleeves. I asked my ped what the big deal was about putting sunscreen on them, and he said that it mostly just has to do with allergic reactions, so I test my sons arm first before putting it over his whole body. He didn't have a reaction to it, so I was give the A- OK to put sunscreen on him....its hard not to when the uv index is up to 7 or above lately!

I have never had a problem with sunscreen on my little boy- he is 4 now but when he was younger it was fine. I found that coppertone for babies is really good. Good luck!

Do not feel bad at all! I would suggest using Ocean Potion as it is the most gentle on the skin, you don't even have to use a baby lotion, all of it is safe. My son's (5 months old) doctor was practically joyous when I told her that I was using sunscreen and that it was Ocean Potion. You can find it at WalMart with the other sunscreens. I only use Ocean Potion since I was introduced to it about six years ago. I love it because, not only does it do its job, it doesn't smell like coconut, but it is more pleasant.

By all means, protect your little one's skin!

I used sunscreen on both my daughters when they were under 6 months old. I'm sure your pediatritian would agree it's better to have on sunscreen than burn! Especially if you're in just such a situation. Baby sunscreen is formulated for baby's sensative skin. I wouldn't fret. You made the right decision for that predicament.

I used sunscreen on both of my babies before they were 6 months old. I (& my pedi) definitely think that if your baby is going to be in the sun, it is much better to put on sunscreen than none at all. I always used organic sunscreen... it doesnt have any of the harsh chemicals that a baby's skin may be sensitive to

I had to use sunblock on my daughter when she was under 6 months. We used baby blanket. There is some ingerdent in regular sunblock that can harm a baby under 6 months. I did my research and the Baby blanket was the Solution.

Hi B..

I go through the same thing. I have a 4 year old and now a 5month old. I use what my pediatrician recommended for my 4yr old who has sensitive skin. (neutrogena sensitive skin sun block) I also go to the natural food store and find sunscreens that are for sensitive skin with no perfumes, dyes, etc...all natural...
The way I see it is as long as it does not go in there mouth or eyes - I'd rather put sunscreen on a baby rather than there sensitive skin possibly getting sun damage! Just keep a good eye out for any irritating rashes. Perfumes and chemicals in some sunblocks react to the sun and can cause a rash on sensitive skin. Neutrogena works great for us.

I read some responses to another question that a lot of moms use Ocean Potion. Something about it doesn't contain some of the harsher ingredients in the other baby sunblocks. Also, so whatever you do end up using doesn't have to go on her face, buy a hat with a wide rim that goes all around, so that it will shade her face and neck, at least. Babies R Us, Walmart, and Target have some really cute ones. I have one for my daughter and she'll wear it out in the sun, but once she's in the car she pulls it off, lol.

I was told and have read that it is not safe to have a young baby in the sun. Five minutes a day is enough for a baby to get VIT. D without hurting the skin. A baby under 6 months has very Sensitive skin and the rays of the sun not only touch the skin but go through it. Johnson and Johnson will tell you that some of their baby products should not be used until the child is over six months. This is how sensitve your baby is. When I had my second child, I just waited to do things in the late evening or mornning. I started taking trips to the zoo and so forth once my second son was a little older. I know we want to do things with our older but not at the sake of our younger one.

Hi B.

I have 4 children and I live in a beach community, so we are always in the sun, and honestly when my children were babies we would go to the beach and I would lather them up with Waterbabies SPF 50. Thing is is just to limit the amount of time the baby is exposed to the sun, maybe also cover her with a light blanket or an umbrella of some sort rather than covering every inch of her in heavy clothes and just give her water to drink her bottle (if she is's a bottle baby).

It's completely your decision as to whether or not to use sunscreen, but I will tell you I have been using it on my kids since practically the day they were born, and my pediatrician has never once told me not to, if the choice is lather her up or chance her getting skin cancer, I will lather up any time cuz you can't live your life inside until she's 6 months old. Just use your judgment, and watch to make sure she's not allergic to the lotion as babies skin is very sensitive.

Good luck.

My ped said sunscreen, just a little bit, was ok & better than sun exposure. I used Baby Faces SPF 50 on my daughter when she was younger than 6 months. He said to be sure to wash it off as soon as you come in from the sun.

Also, there are alternative baby carriers you could use that offer sun protection. There is a material called Solarveil that can be used to make slings & other baby carriers. It protects the baby & is made for outdoors/water. That would be a good alternative.

Another option is sunscreen clothing - try One Step Ahead online catalog. It is long-sleeve but cool for outdoors.

Hi B.! I am a Mom to 3 beautiful daughters. My oldest is 14, then 10, then 6 months. My pediatrician has always recommended using sunscreen on my girls. Their skin is even more sensitive to the harmful rays of the sun. I've used it on all 3 and they are just fine, with beautiful skin! Don't feel bad! You would feel worse if she came home with a horrible burn, or even worse, sun poisoning! Enjoy the sun with your baby!! A.

There are very few thing's you can put on a baby under 6 months old and sometimes even the safest thing's can cause problems...I would talk to your child's doctor and ask what it is they feel is the best to use... even with sun blockers I still would use extra precaution and while the baby is in the front carrier use an umbrella when ever possible...

Dear B.,
My pediatrician says the reason it says that on the sunscreen bottle is because young babies should not be out in the direct sun. If your daughter will be in the sun it is better to use sunscreen that to not use it. Unless your baby had a reaction to the sunscreen, it shouldn't harm her, just make sure it's for babies. K.

I used the Baby sun lotion and used just enought to proect my little boy. Do not put it on the hands, they stick them in their months. But a little won't hurt. And of course try to keep the little one under the shade as much as possible.

Hi B.
I have used on my older children as well as babies the ARBONNE Spf30 sun screen. It's gentle, pure and botanically based . NOthing in it will harm anyone. If you'd like me to send you some information and an ingredient list for this awesome product let me know and I'd be more than happy to do so. I'm just not sure how to send it to you on this response. But I can email it to your personal email address. You can email myself and I can forward the information to you. IT's a great product. THere is so many harmful ingredients in the over the counter products and it's worth looking into this line. EVen for your own skin care . IT's great and I love it.
YOu can reach me at ###-###-####
email: ____@____.com
website: www.cindyleach.myarbonne.com

Hello! My youngest son is 19 but i remembered that i use to put sunscreen in his face, arms and legs when we went to the beach or the pool. And my sister in law has a 8 month baby boy and she covers him with sunscreen every time she goes to take him outside in the sun. Hope this help!!
R.

When my daughter was 8 weeks old, we put a light slathering of sun screen on her and she was just fine, and then we put it on her every weekend that summer. We tested a little bit on her back first, and waited to see if she had a reaction, and she didn’t, so we put a bit on her face, arms and legs. Even if you keep a hat on your baby or even stay in the shade, Florida sunshine is radiant and you can’t avoid it. Just make sure to do a test patch first and if there is a reaction, try a different brand.

~J.

I've heard about not putting sunscreen on babies, but I think it is an old thing. I really dont think there is anything wrong with putting sunscreen on babies under 6 months. I did and my daughter is now 19 months old and smart and healthy! I would however still do as much as you can to shade her from the sun. Use one of those wide brimmed baby hats, use an umbrella, etc. And I also suggest bringing a bottle filled with water out because babies that young get dehydrated very easily. I think if you carefully limit her time in the sun there is nothing to worry about with the sunscreen. I'd be more concerned with the sun itself than the sunscreen! :) Hope that helped!

Hi B.,
I don't remember how old my daughters was when I first put sun screen on her but being that she was born in Dec. she was probably 4 to 6 months old. First, to ease your conscience I would get a second opinion from another pediatrician. Second, no matter what, your daughters skin should always be protected. I was a Disney World this past weekend and saw many babies younger than 6 months who had to have sun screen on otherwise they would have burned. If your daughter's skin isn't irratated from the lotion then I don't see why not. If it makes you feel better get a really good brand. Water babies is what I used on my daughter but I also heard that Aveeno is good and good for sensitive skin. If all else fails, use an umbrella.