Baby Suncreen

Updated on July 20, 2008
C.H. asks from Albany, OR
73 answers

I have a precious baby boy that is almost 2 1/2 months that I would like to protect from the sun! I am lucky that he loves his stroller and going for walks, we usually walk twice a day! Also, we are going on our first trip to the coast next week! Sensitive skin is on both sides of our family, and he has had very minor skin irritation when I tried "adult" laundry soap. I need to start putting sunscreen on him, but don't know what kind I should get - the cheapest stuff on the shelf, or something "organic" or something "hypoallergenic" (which still leaves about 20 options)! I cannot afford anything outrageous, but do think it's worth a little extra $ if it is what works best! So Moms, my question is what kind of sunscreen do you use for your baby, how do you like it and does your baby/family have sensitive skin? I appreciate any feedback you may have :-)
Thanks!
~C.

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T.J.

answers from Seattle on

Try aveeno baby it's unscented and protects really good. Target had it on sale a few weeks ago. I love the feel of it, it absorbs really quick too! It doesn't bother my youngest's semi-sensitive skin either.

2 moms found this helpful
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B.H.

answers from Seattle on

You should not use sunscreen on baby under 6 months of age, Thats what my Dermatoligist told us.
Wear light clothes and big sun hats to block the sun, they also sell those UV suites, shirts, shorts for little ones. But after 6 months my ped remocended aveeno baby, or nuetrogema since they are made for sensitive skin.

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K.M.

answers from Seattle on

mustela has a newborn safe sunscreen with an spf of 45. My daughter has very sensitive skin and it is the one that works best for us. you can buy it of the web. I get in from www.babystyle.com

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L.R.

answers from Seattle on

It's recommended that you not use sunscreen until 6 mo. of age. There are lots of SPF clothing options and hats... check out onestepahead.com etc. There are strollers out there with umbrellas that move to shade from the sun. For the yard/beach there are SPF umbrellas at Costco ($15, I think). If you absolutely must put something on his skin, use zinc oxide.. it doesn't absorb into the skin.

1 mom found this helpful
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P.G.

answers from Seattle on

I'd stay away from sunscreen on babies under 6 months. Companies aren't willing to do testing on babies this young, which is why they say 'not for children under 6 months', they just haven't tested it on them.

Definitely look at sun protection clothing and hats for your infant. Most dr's will say to keep them out of the sun, but if you have to be in the sun for any extended period, they also may recommend some sunscreen is better than no sunscreen. Just use your judgement for exposed areas.

By the way, if you go to Coolibar.com (the Rash Guard clothing), and order more than $50, be sure to use coupon code FREE50 and shipping will be free! I just did it! And saved $12.95 shipping fee.

For older kiddos, I use Arbonne Baby Care SPF 30+. It's formulated for sensitive baby skin and also used no harsh chemicals, and is a natural product. Be aware that the Cosmetic Database has some outdated information on many products (specifically Arbonne as that is the one I am most familiar with relative to ingredients). Arbonne has reformulated their product in the past year and the data the the database uses isn't up to date on many of Arbonne's products. As a matter of fact, many of the Arbonne products they review are obsolete items. I'm not sure how many other products in their database are out of date or not, but just know that it would be impossible for them to keep up with this on a regular basis.

Good luck and enjoy your summer!
Pam

P. Grb
Exec. Area Manager
Arbonne International
www.pamelagreb.myarbonne.com
###-###-#### (cell)

1 mom found this helpful

J.S.

answers from Seattle on

Use a mineral based sunscreen so that chemicals are not soaking into baby's skin. You can find a good list at the Environmental Working Group's site. Here's their latest safe sunscreen listing: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/i...

They're a great resource for body and planet safe products.

1 mom found this helpful
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A.M.

answers from Medford on

ive got 2 for my son one is called SUN by Alba Botanica its awesome! my son never burns and the other one is a green tea one im not to sure about yet.....

but def. the SUN !

1 mom found this helpful
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L.S.

answers from Portland on

I'm sure you're sick of hear this now but you shouldn't use SC on a infant before 6 months. What I did was buy these paper thin sleepers with long sleeves and legs that covered my son's feet to go out in the stroller. I got some at walmart and some at target. I got one size bigger because they shrink and granted it wasn't super hot yet either. That way he had loose clothing but was covered. Also you can find great hats with really wide brims that SPF in them. They even make clothes now for infants that SPF in them too. For sunscreen now I use organic hypoall.by JASON. Really not more than any other product out there. For detergent. If you have a whole foods or healthfood store get some earth friendly liquid soap. I use that. A lot of these products are more concentrated and in the long run they end up costing only pennies more.
Hope that helps
Lynelle

1 mom found this helpful
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C.P.

answers from Seattle on

I recommend checking out this report about sunscreens:

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens2008/b...

It seems as though the best, and least irritating, sunscreens are those that use a physical, rather than chemical, sunscreen (zinc oxide or titianium dioxide). I've got the Blue Lizard Baby and love it!

1 mom found this helpful
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Z.A.

answers from Seattle on

My husbands a redhead...and we LOVE the beach and outdoors in general..so we've got a lot of experience with dodging the sun.

1) Rash Guards. Google it. They make teeny tiny ones for children & infants (short & long sleeve) & work about a 1000 times better sunscreen wise then the ones marketed for "sun protection". They're also less expensive then the crappy "sun protection" ones for kids.
- ALSO - if you use the long sleeved ones and keep them wet/damp the evaporation works wonders for cooling.

2) An expensive misting, no-rub, sunscreen. We use KINeSYS SPF 30+ Preformance Sunscreen. Oil-free, Alcohol-free. No lie, it's pricey, @ $15. But it works great (no burns since we started it). Using it 5 or six times a day for the past month though, the 4oz bottle, and it's only half gone...so it DOES last. We ran through bottle after bottle of the goop. :) Don't get me wrong though....I never burn and I love using the goop on myself...just never seemed to work on the redheads we've got.

*** On baby/toddler faces, two adults to apply misters works best. One to mist, another to use one or 2 fingers to shut & block the eyes. Of course, one adult can do it, but 2's easier. And it only takes about five seconds to mist the rest o'the body whenever it comes to mind. Mist mist mist, done.

:) good luck, and enjoy the beach,
Z.

1 mom found this helpful

M.B.

answers from Seattle on

C.,

My son is fair skinned, my daughter dark like her father. When we use sunscreen (not as often as we should) we use the Water Babies brand. I think it's a child company of Banana Boat. It's a pink bottle with a dog trying to take off the baby's diaper. It is one of the few sunscreens that has an SPF of 50. There is also lower SPF's as well. Neither of my children has gotten a burn when I remember to put it on them.

Hope this helps,
Melissa

1 mom found this helpful
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A.E.

answers from Seattle on

Hi C., I too had the same question when my son was that small. I talked to our DR about it and she strongly advised against sunscreen until atleast 6 months. My son was under 6 months in the summer so I was very frustrated because I wanted to protect his skin. The Dr said just to cover him up with very light clothing and basically keep him out of the sun or shaded. I think the back of most "baby" sunscreens it says to not apply to children under the age of 6 months. Good luck!!!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.W.

answers from Portland on

he is to young for sunscreen he should not use it until 6months. you just have to keep them out of the sun most of the time. all three of my kids have sensitive skin one of them has excema also. the only kind of sunscreen i can use is arbonne. you have to buy it from a arbonne rep. my cousin sells the stuff if you are interested.

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S.D.

answers from Portland on

Hi C.,

I agree with your first responder about using clothing to cover up the skin while your baby is younger. It is the best sun protection...keep in mind though about 15 minutes at a time of exposure is great for getting his daily intake of vitamin D.

I have also included a link to an article by Dr. Mercola about sunscreens and which ingredients are most dangerous. this should help you to make the right decision for your child.

http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/0...

If this link does not work, then please send your e-mail address and I can forward the article directly from the site. You could also probably "google" it.

I wish you peace with your ultimate decision and your son protection from burning and reactions to sunscreens.

S. D.

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M.G.

answers from Seattle on

Burt's Bees has a sun screen that is 100% natural. It does say to ask your doctor for babies under 6 months. It is totally chemical free, so your doc might say it is safe to use. Copy and paste this link into your browser to see more info on it. You can get it at Target or Walgreens for about $15.
http://www.burtsbees.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Produc...

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A.S.

answers from Eugene on

Dear C.,

My dermatologist recommended for my overly sensitive skin some non-chemical sunscreen which is termed as physical sunscreen. Skin Ceuticals makes one which is SPF 30 but it is expensive. The other alternative is about one third of the cost, a physical sunscreen specifically for babies and children with the label Blue Lizard. After phoning several places, with no luck finding it, I found out Shopko will special order it. Be sure it's the kind made especially for babies and young children.

Jan

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R.S.

answers from Asheville on

We just dealt with this issue at our house. And we also just visited the dermatologist, and he said you want a physical sunscreen (zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide) vs. a chemical sunscreen. But first, he said, stay out of the sun, second dress to protect your skin and then if necessary use sunscreen. He said not to pay the extra $ for anything higher than SPF30. We use California Baby, but there was also another type he mentioned but I can't remember the name. (My son is 15 mos.-so a little older. I would check with your pediatrician on the best age to use sunscreen.)

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J.O.

answers from Portland on

Jason makes a good sunscreen under the Earth's Best name--It is safe to use everyday. It is pretty expensive but for such a little one--I would spend the extra. When he gets a bit older, Nature's Gate also makes a good one(less expensive). I have found both at New Seasons but I'm sure you could call around. Here is the link for the Jason one: http://www.jason-natural.com/products/earths_best.php Have fun at the coast!!!

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M.M.

answers from Seattle on

I searched up and down for sunscreen for my little one (7 month old girl), and everything i found said for "6 months and older"... i spoke with the pediatrician and even he said you should not put sunscreen on a baby under 6 months because their skin is to new to put that kind of chemical on it... even the organic ones... his best advice was to block babies under 6 months from the sun with an umbrella or tent, hats and long sleeves and pants... no direct sun at all... i only started putting sunscreen on my daughter a couple weeks ago...

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M.D.

answers from Portland on

Hi there,

A group called the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org) has a cosmetics database that you can enter your sunscreen choice into and see if it is safe. The direct link for the cosmetics database is here: http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/

We use Blue Lizard Australian Suncream (be careful about the formulation you choose...some are safe and some are not...we use "sensitive with SPF 30.") It works great...my son and I have very fair and sensitive skin and we've had no issues.

We found the Blue Lizard brand at Ulta Cosmetics...I'm sure they carry it other places as well. It is spendy too...the stuff that isn't toxic to your health tends to be pricier.

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M.M.

answers from Eugene on

I have a sensitive skin boy, too. But I'd wait til your babe is a year old to put sunscreen on...even the
health foody/organic stuff has chem. That's just the nature of the stuff. Even now I use either "jason" or "Arbonne" and they dry my 2 1/2 y/o 's face out something terrible. When I was in FL with hime at 3 months I just covered his little precious skin up with the thinnest cloth I could find...India cotton sorrongs, etc. MM

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M.C.

answers from Seattle on

With both of our kids we have used banana boat baby sunscreen (spf 50). The key is to get sunscreen with either titamium dioxide or zinc oxide. Our family has sensitive skin and we have to use all natural laundry soap but don't seem to have any problems with banana boat products.

Lots will tell you not to even exposed your child to sun at this age but sometimes you just have to and I am glad you are trying to find the right sunscreen for him. I would avoid being in the sun from 1-3 as this is usually the peak time for UV rays. and if you can (if it is cool enough out the best thing is to but him in a lightweight long sleeve outfit and maybe just some sunscreen on any remaining exposed parts.

Have fun! And congrats on the little one!

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M.C.

answers from San Diego on

Ditto to check out the info on the Environmental Working Group site (www.ewg.org). For a baby as little as yours, I'd probably stick to just keeping your little guy covered. But when you do use sunscreen, I'd recommend the ones that use barrier (like titanium oxide) rather than the chemical stuff. We like California Baby (but it's becoming hard to find). I couldn't find it this last time and got Badger instead. Also, Neutrogena makes a "sensitive skin" formula too that is easier to find and is reasonable ok in terms of chemicals.

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J.W.

answers from Seattle on

Our pediatrician advised us to avoid using sunscreen on our son until he was at least 6 months old. I think this is mostly because of the chemicals, etc. that are in so many products. The best way to protect your baby is to keep him out of direct sunlight as much as possible. You can do this by not going out in the hottest parts of the day (usually mid-afternoon), taking him to shady places, making sure he wears a hat and perhaps investing in some sort of parasol. I did these things with my son and, so far, he hasn't had any sunburns. He is older now and I do use a 30 SFP organic sunscreen on him when I know we'll be out for a long time in the direct sun.

It's true that the organic brands cost more, but one bottle will probably last you the entire summer. Remember though, you should replace your sunscreen every year.

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C.B.

answers from Portland on

C., All I can say is that don't use anything with the word SPORT on it!!! It will take you 3 days to get it off of your little ones skin and who knows how it will react after trying to get it off after you have to use a putty knife on his sensitive skin. I was in a situationwhere I had to take my daughter to Denver, CO when she was 2 mos. old and I was afraid to put anything on her skin because I am alergic to all baby sunblock. We won't go into the reactions, but I can only use Bananna Boat Waterproof ( It has a SPF of 8)and I still have a slight reaction. We also used Oil of Olay all day moisture Lotion with SPF 15 ( Face Lotion, Wal Mart around $7.00 or so) made for sensitive skin. I think most of the time we used the Oil of Olay product with a higher SPF and had no problems. We just kept reapplying like you are soposed to, and with the face lotion it soaked in real well and I had no reactions and neither did she. I will make a few sugestions just in case of burns... Fred Meyers natural section you can buy a Kukui Nut Oil, My family swears by the stuff. Everything from stovetop burns to sunburns, the next day you are like new. It helps to repair the skin. Now for the pain... there are two things you can get the first is Aloe Vera (blue) with Lidocane and put it in the fridge, it will have a nice cooling feeling andyou can reaply more than once. Dermaplast is your other best friend you can get ine parmacy department. You can use that cuts, burns or just bout anything. This is in a spray can. All of these three things can be aplied more that once but the only thing I would put on my little one would be the Kukui products. I would be afraid he might get the other products in his eyes. Well good luck, C. B.
P.S. Always stay with liquid laundry saop it disolves better if your little one is going to stay with sensitive skin.

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A.B.

answers from Portland on

The sunscreens with titanium dioxide are natural mineral sunscreens, meaning they do not have chemicals that soak into the skin. The sunscreen is a physical barrier that stays on top of the skin. This is the only kind I put on my 2 year old daughter because there has been some research lately about the chemical sunscreens and that they may interfere with hormones and do other scary things!

Another good thing about titanium dioxide is that it supposedly starts working right away and should be good for sensitive skin. but it is not water proof and needs to be reapplied more often than the chemical ones.

I buy the more expensive stuff for my daughter since there's not that much skin to cover- my favorite brands are Alba Botanica and Avalon Organics.

But of course the best sunscreen is to keep a baby out of the sun entirely!!

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E.B.

answers from Seattle on

There is a Jason organic product that works well, not more than the regular stuff as far as I can see.
Best of luck,
E.

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M.M.

answers from Eugene on

I use Badger Balm SPF 30 Sunblock (about $12.95 for 2.9 oz., but lasts) for my two boys ages 2 and 4. On the tube it says to ask your doctor before using on a child under 6 months of age. The active ingredient is Zinc Oxide, and it smells really good.
I live in Eugene, and buy mine from Market of Choice, or Down to Earth.
Good luck!

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A.C.

answers from Seattle on

HI C.!
I was just reading an article on sunscreen and babies. They recommemded not putting sunscreen on babies under 6mo, but rather keeping them out of the sun. They didn't specify why, but my guess would be the chemicals in the sunscreens and also the wee ones skin is so sensitive.

I would recommend organic sunscreen because it doesn't have the chemicals that regular store brands do. But, I also like the new Banana Boat sunscreen for my 5yr old because it blocks out both UVA and UVB rays. You might check out www.pccnaturalmarkets.com as well. I'm sure they some articles on sunscreens.

Best wishes!
-A. C

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S.W.

answers from Seattle on

My daughter also has sensitive skin and I've been using Arbonne Baby sunscreen. It's a little spendy, but worth it.

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B.G.

answers from Seattle on

You shouldn't put any sunscreen on a baby until they are about 6 months old. Take a hat and a long sleeve shirt for her. Also, take a regular rain unbrella to make a little "lean-to" for when she is laying down. (You probably won't have her out in the sun very long since a baby that age isn't awake very long between naps.) Also, avoid taking her out between the hours of 10am and 4pm.
Here is the recommendation...
Shadow longer than you --> safe, but use sunscreen for long periods of time
Shadow shorter than you -->Seek the shade, use hats, reapply sunscreen
No shadow --> Stay in the shade or indoors
AND REMEMBER you can get sunburned even if their are clouds!!

When the time comes for sunscreen you may just have to experiment. Try the regular stuff first. My daughter has very "touchy" skin and only gets a reaction if she has just taken a bath right before the sunscreen is applied. I get a reaction from a product from Oil of Olay (expensive), so you never know... They are lots of clothing lines that block UV rays as well:
www.coolibar.com
www.kakadookids.com
www.sunveil.com
www.sunsafe.com

Also remember that up to 80% of our sun exposure can happen before the age of 18 (so it will be up to you to prevent damage) and that melanoma is the only cancer that we have some idea on how to prevent. Every sunburn (and even a tan is damage)contributes SIGNIFICANTLY to a person's chances of developing melanoma later in life. ..."Hat" was my daughter's first word. Her grandfather died from melanoma.

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A.O.

answers from Portland on

I agree that you shouldn't use sunscreen on baby that young - especially one that has such sensitive skin! My suggestion would be to use virgin coconut oil. It works great (you have to apply it more often than sunscreen) and it is chemical-free!

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A.L.

answers from Anchorage on

Hello C.,

You should never wash your baby's clothes using an adult laundry soap as the ingredients in it that will irritate the sensitive skin even more. There are different brands of laundry soap that are available for use on baby's clothes... Ivory Snow and Dreft. I had used Dreft the most for washing my baby's clothes. As for sunscreen again you don't use the adult products on a baby. In the baby section of the grocery store they should have sunscreen products available just for babies.
Since sensitive skin runs in your family.. there are 2 brands of laundry soap that are good for doing adult laundry are Purex or All free of dyes and perfumes. I decided that I liked the All ( free of dyes and perfumes )the best. You didn't mention what kind of bath products you use .. but I found that Oil of Olay works really well on sensitive skin .. that is the only thing I can use w/out it irritating my skin, as for deodorants I really can't help you there as that is something you'll have to find out what works best for you both.
Hope this info helps you.

God Bless and take care.
A.
a little bit about me is that I have 5 kids .. 4 boys 19,17,15 and 7 and one girl 12. I'm a single mom raising 5 kids on my own and work during the day.

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H.W.

answers from Seattle on

I am not a 100% on this but I thought sunscreen wasn't cleared for kids until 6 monthes. You might check with your pediatrician before you make any decisions.

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M.D.

answers from Seattle on

My pediatrician recommended "Water Babies". It comes in a pink bottle with a blue squirt spout. My kiddos had sensitive skin as babies and still have problems with some lotions- I have to use Aveeno because regular baby lotion was too strong.

I don't remember how much it cost because I bought it last summer.

Good Luck,
M.

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L.Y.

answers from Seattle on

Our pediatrician said no sunscreen until 6 months. I cover up our 4 month old with a receiving blanket and sun hat or make sure that she is in the shade. No direct sun exposure yet.

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K.K.

answers from Seattle on

Hi C. -

The advice I read in books was to not put sunscreen on children less than 6 months old. I think it probably even states that on sunscreen bottles. i think it's because they don't test products on children that young, so they can't tell you it's OK to use it. You should just cover the little man up in long sleeves and long pants. That's what we did when our baby was that young and we took a trip to the coast. Put a hat on him too and just try to keep his face in the shade.

Good luck and have a good trip.

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M.B.

answers from Portland on

I have a 3 year old and I was told not to use sun screen on a baby younger than 6 months. I would just put my little one in the shade. Things may have changed in 3 years so I would call your ped. Have fun at the beach!

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S.C.

answers from Medford on

C., I'm am not a medical doctor, however, I have been strongly advised by my sis-in-law, who is, to not use sun-screen on a baby younger than 6 months. Best to just keep in shaded areas and out of the direct sunlight the best that you can... I realize, since we are also a very active/outdoors family (I've got 3 of my own) that this proves difficult at times but worth the added task of toting an umbrella! If you do choose to use something, go for the spf 50 with both uva and uvb protection... good luck!

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A.D.

answers from Portland on

Visit www.cosmeticdatabase.com. You'll find a slew of info on the least toxic sunscreens, as well as all beauty products.

I use California Baby sun stick on my son's face, and Solbar on the rest of him. One type of Aveeno sunscreen gets good reviews for low toxicity, and you don't have to order it online.

I would check with your pediatrician though--I think your boy might be a little too young for sunscreen. They'll probably tell you to keep him out until he makes up his own mind to start walking.

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J.A.

answers from Seattle on

I've got 3 kids, my youngest being 5 weeks and their pediatrician advised that I not put any type of sunscreen on them until they were 6 months old. Until then, you just have to keep their sun exposure to a minimum.

With my girls, once they were 6 months we used Water Babies (Banana Boat brand). It's got a high SPF of 50 and didn't irritate my younger daughter, who has very sensitive skin. So sensitive in fact, she's allergic to citric acid from tomatoes and oranges!

I hope you get good advice and find something that works for you!

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J.N.

answers from Seattle on

Our ped. also said no sunscreen until 6 months, so when my daughter was little I bought a little suit (it looked like footed pj's with a hood) that was really light weight and made out of the UV protective fabric. It was the same as using SPF 50. My daughter has really sensitive skin and we have found that Aveeno works great and Banana Boat has made her break out the worst. California Baby is also great, but more expensive.

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S.P.

answers from Portland on

Hi!
I have a little red head with VERY fair skin. Sunscreen is a must in this house. Right now we are using Aveeno Baby and it seems to do great. It is also SPF of 55 which is great. I have also used the California Baby brand and it also works great but it is a little difficult to rub in all the way. It is for sensitive skin as well. Both are tear free - great perk! The California Baby's downfall is that it is $18 for a tube. Expensive! But, one tube should last a whole summer. I guess for the money, I would suggest the Aveeno Baby. Good luck!

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A.L.

answers from Anchorage on

OUr family has super sensitive skin and we're very fair and I've used Bull Frog.

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M.K.

answers from Seattle on

i love the aveeno lotions that are fragrance free. i have extremely sensative skin and allergies and their plain lotion works great for me. my son is 7 1/2 mos and ive just started using the aveeno baby sunscreen on him with no problems (i also use it on me). i try to keep him in the shade/lightweigh clothing as much as possible.

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T.S.

answers from Eugene on

Being very concerned about the various chemicals we all are exposed to these days, I have especially been careful about what I put on (and in) my babies. For many years we have been using Alba Botanica sunscreens. There is one for babies/young children that works very well. Alba uses natural ingredients and non-toxic substances that will not cause long term damage--and we've never had a sunburn with their products either!

Other than that, with a baby that young, it's probably best to have a large beach umbrella or other sun shade and just keep him shaded during the "highest sun" times of 10am-2pm.

Sun hats are necessary--and yes, babies love to take them off! I ended up sewing little ribbons into all my daughters' sun hats so I could tie them on--otherwise they just got pulled right off.

Have fun at the beach and don't worry too much!

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L.Y.

answers from Seattle on

We went to the beach when my son was 4 months old and my pediatrician recommended a kind called Blue Lizard. I think you have to order it online. It really worked well. I am really sensitive to sun and his skin tone is very similar to mine so I was glad we found something that worked!

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T.S.

answers from Seattle on

We love Water Babies by Coppertone! My kids have sensative skin as well as eczema issues and it works great!! Good Luck!

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M.S.

answers from Portland on

My nephew's have very sensitive skin, and their mother has always been able to use just regular sunscreen on them with no problem. The key to preventing irritation with them is just to be sure to wash it off well afterward.
Also, I would recommend looking into a "sport" sunscreen. Regular sunscreens very easily get into baby's eyes when he rubs his face. To avoid spraying into his eyes, it would be a good idea to spritz it into your hand and then wipe it on him though.

Good luck.

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M.L.

answers from Seattle on

We use badger on our little one and it kept her skin protected in hawaii in December. It's a little pricier than the cheapest stuff, but it lasts quite awhile and it worth it to protect our baby. California Baby also has sensitive skin sunscreen but I haven't used it yet. Our pediatrician recommended Aveno baby and a friend of mine uses it for her VERY fair baby and seems to like it.

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K.K.

answers from Portland on

i was also told by our doc that babies under 6 months old are too young for sunscreen. such a bummer since we lived on the beach when we had our first. i found that aveeno baby was the best for my babies after 6 months... it was the only thing within the price range i was willing to pay that was good for sensitive skin.

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M.P.

answers from Portland on

Ask your pediatrician. I know that kids under 6 months are not supposed to use sunscreen, but if I remember correctly, there are options if you absolutely need to.

M.A.

answers from Seattle on

I use the aveeno sun screen. It was on sale at Safeway, so far i like it.

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A.A.

answers from Eugene on

HI C., has someone mentioned Arbonne ABC Sunscreen yet?
It worked for us and so I began distributing Arbonne's products...you can check it out at www.ABCare.myarbonne.com
Pure, Safe, Beneficial and it works on their precious baby skin.
Good luck,
A.

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K.R.

answers from Portland on

I have had good luck with California Baby sunscreen. I think you can get it at New Seasons. God bless!

K.

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J.C.

answers from Seattle on

Super question- your little boy is lucky-. I believe I read recently that the amount you want to use on your baby is approximately the amount you'd put in a '''''shot glass'''' - or 4 Tablespoons - for his face and body. Brand? You might try asking your pharmacist or your pediatricians nurse.
Blessings,
J.

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A.S.

answers from Seattle on

My 12 month old daughter kept getting reactions on her face to all the sunblocks I tried using. My doctor recommended Aveeno products. It seems to work for her and it's not that expensive.

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H.C.

answers from Seattle on

You might try the King County Health Department for suggestions on Sunscreen. Doctors do not recommend sunscreen on children under 6 months old and I would suggest contacting your pediatrician before applying any.

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A.K.

answers from Portland on

I also believe your not supose to put sunscreen on a baby that young if I can remember right. Your just supose to keep them protected with hats and clothes. I remember dressing my babys light during the summer and just covering them with a thin reciving blanket when trying to block sun.
Both my kids & I have very sensitive skin and we have always just made sure to buy sunscreen that is paba free. You can find it anywhere, just read the back of the bottle.

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N.P.

answers from Seattle on

You should check with your pediatrician about using sun screen on your child. Everything I've heard/read says not to use it under 6 months of age. Their skin is so sensative/soft, you really should only be outdoor, but mainly in the shade or covered.
Hope you find something that's safe for your dear child.

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J.C.

answers from Anchorage on

You can ask your ped, but it is my understanding you should not use sunscreen on a baby under the age of 6 months, until then you should just use hats, umbrellas, blankets, ect..

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J.T.

answers from Louisville on

C., I sell Arbonne skin care products and we have an amazing baby line called ABC. It has a sunscreen, diaper rash ointment, body and hair wash, lotion and baby oil. All hypoallergenic and botanically based. I use the products on my son who has had eczema since he was 6 months old. You can find it on my website, www.J..myarbonne.com and we have a 45 day money back guarantee. I use the sunscreen for all my kids. I do advise checking with your Dr. It's usually not advised to use the sunscreens on children under 6 months of age, as the other mother's stated.

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D.D.

answers from Portland on

Although Doctors recommend no sunscreen before 6 months of age, it's better to have sunscreen than no sunscreen. My daughter has extremely sensitive skin and can't even tolerate Johnson's Baby products (although I've heard that's not all that common). We have found a fantastic sunscreen called Baby faces and tender places made by Hawaiian Tropic. She has NO reaction whatsoever and it has broad spectrum protection.
I just apply to my hand and then rub on her wherever needed. (It looks like a spray bottle, but it really can't be applied by spray.)

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T.Y.

answers from Anchorage on

We took our 20 mos. old son to an allergist. Their recommendations: Vani Cream, Elta Block Sun Block, Shade UA/UB Sun Block, Neutrogena, At least PABA Free. Good luck. Pharmaceutical Specialties 1-800-325-8232 www.psico.com

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D.L.

answers from Seattle on

Doctors don't recommend using chemical sunscreen on babies under 6-months in age. It's better to keep them in the shade (use hats, light blankets, umbrellas, etc.). If you still need something, make sure it uses contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to block the rays (instead of chemicals). Here's a great list of safe baby sunscreens (and a plethora of other cosmetic products - both for babies and adults):

http://cosmeticsdatabase.org/browse.php?category=baby%20s...

Have fun with that little guy and take care! :-)

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T.F.

answers from Eugene on

I use banana boat baby spf 50. I believe that almost all sunscreen is 50 spf. That is the kind I use on my little red head pale skinned boy......word of advice when applying...don't forget the ears. It works good for us.

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H.M.

answers from Seattle on

We took our kids to the coast last weekend and they wore those long sleve shirts with sunblock. We got ours at Lands End, but if you are luck you can still find some cheaper options at Target or Baby'sRUs. They are great, I put sunscrean at home and only reaplied on their face, legs and neck and they didn't get any sunburn. For my daugther, who is reaaaly white, I always used Aveeno Baby since she was a baby.

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C.P.

answers from Bellingham on

Actually my pediatrician recommended that I waited until my kids were 6 months old before putting sunscreen on them. My oldest was born in early April and he loved his stroller and being outdoors too when he was tiny. Just keep a receiving blanket over the hood of the stroller to block the sun and when you are at the park or on the beach take an umbrella to lay him under.

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J.S.

answers from Seattle on

Do you have a brand that works well for your skin? Or what brand of shampoo does your baby use? I went with baby aveeno sunscreen because I know the aveeno line of products to be gentle.
Look for PABA free...I can't remember what it stands for but its supposed to be important not to have in baby sunscreen.

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S.B.

answers from Portland on

My baby, now almost months old, also has sensitive skin and eczema. We didn't put sunscreen on her until the last few weeks either. Be careful at the beach to still keep the little one covered and wearing a hat if possible even in the shade on the beach. A friend of mine was under an umbrella, but still got a sunburn from the rays that bounced off the sand and water.

One suggestion for bathing that came from the pediatrician was to use no soap at all if possible. When soap is needed use cetaphil or Olay sensitive skin (hypoallergenic...I love it for me too). Sorry for being a little off topic, but it might help.

S.

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K.K.

answers from Seattle on

I'm not 100% sure, but I think you're not supposed to put sunscreen on your baby until they are about 6 months old. You can cover them with hats and shade them with a receiving blanket or something until then... That being said, if you really want to try something I know Aveena (Aveeno?) makes a sunscreen and that brand is usually especially made for sensitive skin. Good luck!

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K.M.

answers from Seattle on

Blue Lizard is the only one I know of that you can use on infants. Certain dermatologist carry it or you can google it online and order it. There is one specifically for baby too, although all of them should be fine. I used it on both my kids and still do now and works great.

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A.F.

answers from Seattle on

C. - My reccomendation would be to keep your son out of the sun. Most babies should not be wearing sunscreen until they are 6 mos old. I would buy a sun protector for your carseat, UV clothes, or other sun covers (like a tent for the beach) and call it a day. He should not be exposed to direct sunlight for prolonged periods of time, and he should not have sunscreen on at this age. Good luck!

A.

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