Concerned About Sunblock.

I called my ped about this last summer, when my son was newborn. She said the sunblock companies say to ask a pediatrician about it because they don't test on babies under 6 months, and they are just covering their butts so they don't get sued. I just tested it on a small spot before I slathered it on him. She said it is better to keep him out of the sun all together, but if he needs to be in the sun it's better to use sunscreen than nothing at all, of course.
-B. M.

Hi E.

I have a two month old as well, and I talked to the Pedi about this and she said it was totally fine just watch the eyes and his hands because he is constantly putting them in his mouth!!! Also she said just don't keep him outside for extended periods of time... Hope this helps

I've got to tell you that I think all the NO-No things are ridiculous. It's just so people don't go making allergies for their kids by doing stupid stuff. My doctor never said not to put sunblock on my son, and he's fine. I did go to a natural foods store kind of thing toget it though, because I like all natural or close to it stuff best. I don't remember what it was called but you can go to a back-to-basics place and they'll help you. Just make sure that stuff is hypo-allergetic and doesn't have deet, dies or perfumes. As far as nursing goes, use the same stuff and don't put it on the feed bags. You guys should be fine!

I am as fair skinned as they come and I have always worn sunblock! I have even put it on my babies! I used the 50+ ones. Just avoid her eyes and mouth. I might keep her shaded as much as possible so she doesn't burn but don't stay inside! Go for walks! Babies need the sun and clean fresh air! Enjoy her and your summer!!

E.,
I had a son (who is now 4)in April and was also concerned about sun exposure. I decided to put sunblock on him because I would rather find out if he was allergic to sunblock and treat it rather than having him get a sun burn. Use your discretion because you are obviously aren't keeping him in direct sun but if the need comes up, I say use sunblock rather than nothing. Mine turned out fine!

Hi E.,

Here is an article I wanted you to see. This should answer all your questions.

Dermatologists advise that daily protection with sunblock should begin at six months of age, and most sunblock products state on the label that they are not to be used by infants under six months of age. But according to both the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), that rule is not absolute. In the summer of 1999, the AAP issued a new recommendation which stated that "when adequate clothing and shade are not available, parents can apply a minimal amount of sunscreen to small areas, such as the infant's face and the back of the hands." (Tops of the ears and back of the neck are also a good idea.)

Parents should check with their pediatricians before using sunblock on the littlest infants, but here are some guidelines for choosing a safe product and using it wisely.
There's no need to cover a baby's whole body with sunblock if she's properly dressed... in fact, it could be harmful. Infants don't perspire as efficiently as adults, and covering too much baby skin with sunblock could interfere with the body's cooling mechanism. Cover only exposed areas such as face and hands.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunblock (meaning that it blocks both UVA and UVB rays) with a SPF of at least 25. Broad-spectrum products contain one of three active ingredients: avobenzone (trade name: Parsol 1789), zinc oxide, and titanium dioxide. Avobenzone is a chemical sunblock, while zinc and titanium dioxide are physical sunblocks. While both have been tested for safety on baby's skin, some pediatricians recommend that children under six months use a physical sunblock, as it may be less irritating.

Do a "patch test" on your baby before relying on the product. Cover a small (quarter-size) area of skin with the sunblock, and wait a day or two to see if there's any irritation.

Apply the sunblock at least half an hour before sun exposure, to allow the skin to absorb the product.

Choose a waterproof or water-resistant formula, and reapply at least every two hours while babies are outdoors.

It doesn't matter whether you use a lotion, gel, or spray. "A lot of parents like a stick product, which is easy to apply and doesn't run into the eyes and sting," says Patricia Agin, a scientist with the Coppertone Solar Research Laboratory, who recommends Coppertone's Water Babies sunblock which comes in both lotion and stick form.

Choose a product specially designed for babies, since these sunblocks are liable to be gentler. Look for the words non-irritating, fragrance-free, and hypoallergenic on the label. "Parents can also look for the Skin Cancer Foundation seal, which means that an objective third party has evaluated the formula and given its approval," says James SaNogueira, director of suncare research and development at Sun Pharmaceuticals, makers of Banana Boat Baby Block.

Sunblocks marketed for older children are also safe to use on babies... with some caveats. Some kids' sunblocks contain colors, glitters or dyes specially designed to appeal to children to encourage them to use sunblock daily. A baby who wears these products on her hands, for instance, may ingest some of the extra ingredients if she puts her fingers in her mouth. Small amounts of sunblock ingestion are not a hazard for babies, but its best to keep baby sunblocks as simple as possible.

Even if you're convinced that your baby is properly dressed, suitably sunblocked, and safely parked in the shade, check him constantly for signs of overexposure. If any area of skin appears reddened or pinkish, bring your child inside. Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby is severely sunburned.

Hi E., ask your pediatrician.....they will tell you if you should use it or not....I had my daughter (now 3) in march and my pediatrician told me to put it on her...I did and that first summer we had no problems.

Hi E.

I actually just read(about 5 minutes ago) in Parnets Magazine, that they are now saying it is okay to put sunblock on babies under 6 months as long as you keep it away from their eyes and mouth....You could try one of the Water Babies Sunblock Sticks which work well and are not messy at all. That is what I have always used on my kids!! My oldest was born in April 2004 and I have to admit I used sunblock on her...otherwise how were we supposed to ever go outside??

-M.

Hey E.,

I am heading to the pedi today for our 1st month visit and just happen to have this question on my list. I will get back to you!

My girlfriend just informed me about this site a few days ago-it's great!

My husband and I are too first time parents and enjoying every moment! We had a baby girl as well on the 26th of April and her name is Julia.

Good to talk to you!
Enjoy...

M. :)

A wide brimmed hat should also do the trick to keep sun off of Ella's face. That way, you can use one of the sunblocks others have suggested on her body without worrying about it getting in her eyes & mouth. You probably want to use one of the 'baby' sunblocks on yourself just in case your own sunblock is irritating to her skin.

Enjoy the summer and congratulations!

My daughter Abigail is only 6 days older than your daughter and my doctor told me it's fine to put sunblock on her. She said to just avoid her hands, eyes, and mouth. She suggested using Aveno Baby sunblock. Its completely natural and a 50 spf. You can ask your doctor to be sure but Abbey has been fine using it.
Congrats on your little girl! Aren't they fun?!

I would not be concerned about the sunblock you are using on yourself. I think it's the chemicals in the baby sunblock that could irritate the baby's skin. I would recommend talking to her pediatrician. He/she may recommend a solution or even going ahead and using sunblock on her soon as long as you don't notice a rash.

That's bologna!

I know of a company called Mustela that makes sunblock for babies...it's a huge seller! You can find it at Bath and Body Works in South Shore Plaza in Braintree, or at the one in Natick at the Natick Mall. These are what they call flagship stores so they have a lot of products that the other, regular Bath and Body Works stores don't have. The Mustela line is really popular with two friends of mine...one drives all the way from Uxbridge to load up on the baby wipes 'cuz she says they are thicker, more moisturizing and better for her son's skin. She's been doing that since her son was born and I think he's about 2 now.

Here's a link so you can see what you're looking for:
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/category/index.jsp?catego....

Just so you know, they offer a 100% guarantee there, too. So if you try it and you don't like it for whatever reason, you can bring it back. I was shocked to find that out myself, but it made me interested in trying more products that I probably wouldn't try otherwise.

Hope this helps (I KNOW it will!)

R. :)

Hi E..

I have a 3 year old and a 19mo old. Melanoma runs in our family so we have been using sunblock all along. My 3 year old is a May baby, and he used it that entire first summer. Our Pedi said that it has just not been tested on infants, but that it is definitely better than a sunburn. She recommends that you just bathe very small babies as soon as you come in from the sun. Good Luck and congratulations on the birth of Ella!

Hi E.,
Like someone else said, it's most likely just that they haven't tested it on babies so they are covering their butts. Also maybe because babies have more sensitive skin so the chemicals in the sunscreen might be too harsh. The chemical sunscreens work by absorbing into your skin. I am such a stickler about sun protection. My little boy has sensitive skin but I found he has much less break outs of eczema if we use a non-chemical, mineral based kind (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), especially if it is unscented. There are a couple brands out there that carry this but the one that I have found that is least expensive (they are very pricey) AND water proof is Blue Lizard. You can get it at CVS, Shaws, etc. or online. So that is what I would recommend - in addition to keeping her covered and out of the sun as much as possible. There is also a regular sunscreen that claims to have LESS chemicals in it. It's in a pink bottle and usually comes with a little travel size attached - but I can't remember what brand it is. Good luck this summer!

I have a 6 1/2 month old and I was concerned about the same thing. There's a great article in "Parents" magazine June 2007 issue about protecting your child from the effects of the sun. They suggest using a gentle sunscreen like Aveeno Baby SPF 55 or MD Moms Babysilk Sunscreen Towelettes SPF 30+ (these are a little pricey). They also have towelettes at Babies R Us (much cheaper too). I've been using the Banana Boat Spray lotion for babies, which works pretty good and is gentle.

Hope this helps!

I am a mom of three the youngest being five. I always used sunblock while nursing, and holding cuddling. my kids never had any problem. I do suggest getting something to carry with you to your outings that you can put the baby in that has netting. We had a cover for the car seat that had netting on it and doubled as a rain shield, we also have a dome play area to carry around with us so we could lay the babies down in it and not have to worry about bug bites. I'm sure you could find these items at Babies R Us.

katie

Hi E.,

There is a sunscreen that I was introduced to that my peditrician recommended for my daughter - Arbonne Baby Care Sunscreen SPF 30+. It is a gentle water-resistant sunscreen that provides maximum protection for sensitive skin and will protect Ella’s delicate skin.

I've been using the entire skin care line on my daughter since she was 3 months old!! She is now 18 months old and I have to say it is the best out there, especially the diaper rash cream. It's a light, non-greasy cream and has no odor like Desitin or some of the others I tried - most importantly, it works!!!! Rashes usually clear up within 24 hours or less.

If you're interested in a free sample of this product line, just let me know.

K. D.