Sunscreen for Under 6 Months

Updated on March 13, 2008
T.C. asks from Albuquerque, NM
28 answers

Hi Everyone,
As my other post said we are going on Vacation next week and will be taking our daughter swimming and doing other outside activities. We have bought her a big brim hat to keep the sun away from her face but would feel a lot more comforatble finding a sunscreen too. We have looked at over 10 different baby sunscreens and all are for babies 6 momths and older. I need to find one that is ok for my 3 month old. If you have any suggestion or know which one I could use I would appreciate it.

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So What Happened?

I have called my pediatrician about using sunscreen and she said it should be used if I can find some, but only if I can find one that is for babies under 6 months. And so far I have had no luck.

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M.W.

answers from Santa Fe on

Tomas Enos at Milagro Herbs makes a great sunscreen free of all those chemicals - parabens, etc. He sells at the Farmer's Market on Sat mornings or at his home/shop on upper Canyon Road. We use it on the beach, in Africa and here. ###-###-#### or milagroherbs.com

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A.H.

answers from Phoenix on

Arbonne has a great sunscreen that I have used on my daughter since she was 2 months old. She is very fair & has to wear sunscreen just about everyday. Highly suggest it as it is very gentle to sensitive skin. It is pricey, but worth it - the bottle lasts forever!

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C.R.

answers from Las Cruces on

I used small amounts of the Aveeno Baby sunscreen on my son when he was 3/4 months old. Most of his skin was covered by clothes or blankets, but being born in the summer, in the southwest, when we were outside some areas needed extra protection. The Aveeno was the gentlest sunscreen available to me at the time. He didn't have bad reactions to the sunscreen and his skin was protected.

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S.G.

answers from Phoenix on

I know that most people say their pediatricians say none under 6 months, but I had never heard that until I had been using sunscreen on my son for many months. I certainly didn't use it a lot and only used it when we were going to be in a lot of sun, but he never had a problem with it (2 months and up). The only my pediatrician ever said to me was, "Keep him out of strong sun, but if you need to be there just make sure he has sunscreen on." I would ask your pediatrician what he/she thinks and ask for the reason (I'm not sure what it is). I don't know if they are worried about a skin reaction? If so, maybe you could test a little bit on a little spot of skin to see if she might be sensitive to it. Also, they sell clothing with built in SPF as well as slings with built in SPF (Solar veil). I know that One Step Ahead sells some of the clothing and Kangaroo something or other (a sling business on line) carries a Solar Veil sling (I plan on purchasing one for my new baby). Good luck!

1 mom found this helpful
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M.S.

answers from Albuquerque on

For babies (especially that age) I would try those long sleeved UPF block 50 swim shirts and pants. Lots of companies make them, but here is an example: http://www.coolibar.com/children-s-infant.html

Stores around town carried them in town last year. But this time of year, you will probably have to buy it on line.

As for sunscreens, I don't think you are going to find one that will specifically state that it is for infants under 6 months. You need to check the ingredients to make sure that they are safe - no chemical sunscreens, phlatates, fragrances, etc. Infants' skin absorb more chemicals than adults. We use Badger Baby Sunscreen from the Co-op. It is a natural, mineral sunblock and it is very gentle and we are comfortable with the ingredients. Here is info about it from a third party website that reviews cosmetic ingredients:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/product.php?prod_id=9283...

This database called cosmetic data base (by ewg.org) which you can look up brands and ingredients to check for safety. Here is the link for all suncreens in their database:
http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/browse.php?sunscreens=1&...

1 mom found this helpful
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R.W.

answers from Tucson on

Hi T.,
If you do a search on the web under "baby-safe sunscreen" you will find a number of items that might suit your needs for your daughter. One that caught my eye was called "Baby Silk". They are SPF 30 sunscreen towelettes, and claim to be safe for any age.
Hope this helps!

1 mom found this helpful
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S.M.

answers from Tucson on

I think those folks who are advertising their products here should check if they are tested on infants less than 6 months. Most pediatricians do not recommend sunscreen on babies less than 6 months old.

Just because it says "baby" does not mean it is safe. For example, "Infants' Motrin" is not safe until after 9 months of age. Labeling can be deceptive. Be careful what you expose your baby to. Check with your pediatrician.

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J.D.

answers from Phoenix on

T.,

You should ask your pediatrician's office but our doctor told us it was ok to use the kid's sunscreen that we had purchased at the store. At OneStepAhead they also sell clothing for infants and toddlers that are treated for UVA/UVB protection. That allows you to use very little suncreen. Have fun on your vacation!

J.

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H.Q.

answers from Great Falls on

Coppertone Water Babies bottle doesn't have an age recommendation on it. I just looked at ours. That's what we've used since #1 was born at the end of August. How about that?? I think I paid $8 or $9 for a bottle of it, but it's SPF 45! Check that out.

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S.V.

answers from Santa Fe on

Arbonne for sure! Their ABC (baby) line has an incredible sunscreen. Did you know that the little red "sunburn" that can form under kids eyes is actually a chemical burn from most sunscreens...yikes! Arbonne is really strong and really safe. Obviously I sound like I sell it. I used too, but don't have time anymore. Just look them up online. Good luck!

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M.S.

answers from Albuquerque on

T., Huggies makes a UV sensor they worked great we got to be outside when my son was very little but was able to monitor the amount of sun he got with out having to watch the clock and guess about the time of day and the suns intensity. You can use them with of with out sunscreen. Have a great vacation.

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M.W.

answers from Phoenix on

I'm an RN and worked in a Pediatric office for a number of years. There are no safe sunscreens for children under the age of 6 months. It is best to keep them out of the sun and covered as much as possible.

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J.C.

answers from Tucson on

Call and ask your pediatrician, but I think mine told me that any children's sunblock was ok if you're careful to keep it away from their eyes and get the waterproof so it doesn't run if he/she sweats!

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C.L.

answers from Albuquerque on

I recommend the Arbonne Baby Care Sunscreen SPF 30+. It's great for all skin types and is our most mild product line. There are no nut derived ingredients. In addition to being very beneficial for babies, those with sensitive skin types will also benefit from the extra-sensitive Arbonne Baby Care products. Let me know if you have any questions.

C.
____@____.com

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A.

answers from Albuquerque on

I took my baby to Hawaii last summer and we both used only coconut oil and didn't burn at all. Of course, I had her under a big sun hat, but otherwise left her in swim diaper or regular clothes. Coconut oil has natural sunscreen properties and after doing some recent research on sunscreens, I am using it more and more.

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J.B.

answers from Albuquerque on

You can use the sunscreens you've found on her. Call your pediatrician to affirm, but that's what I've done with my 3 kids, & they've all been fine.

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J.C.

answers from Phoenix on

Call your pediatrician before using any sunscreen on you baby. Our pediatrician recommended not using it until after six months.

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D.K.

answers from Tucson on

Your pediatrician will have the best suggestion for you. Enjoy your vacation.

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J.E.

answers from Phoenix on

I used a product on my step son with a spf 30 in it called sunlogics. He never burned with it

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

P.R.

answers from Phoenix on

Hi T.,

My pediatricians have suggested that no sunscreen is to be used for children under 6 months - thus the recommendations on all the sunscreen packaging. I think it would have to do with all of the chemicals and the potential of allergies to develop or and allergic reaction. The best defense on skin is a great offense. No direct sunlight for children under 6 months. Use a full body bathing/surfing-type suit and a full brim hat. I would also set her chair/bed under an umbrella at all times. I don't think it would be worth the risk otherwise.

Bottom line - check with your pediatrician and follow their advice.

Good luck and have a great vacation!

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B.K.

answers from Tucson on

Vanicream is great because it is titanium dioxide based and easier on thier skin- but you can purchase clothing for babies that has spf protection and that works great as well. Have a great time!

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R.G.

answers from Albuquerque on

There are some sunscreens at La Montanita Co-op you may want to check out.

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M.S.

answers from Tucson on

I have a baby who is 5 months old and we are heading to Florida soon so I was in your same situation. My doctor told me to just try to keep my child in the shade. I spoke with another pediatrician that I used to work with and he said that it is just a precaution and that there isn't any sunscreen for babies under 6 months of age but he gave me a recommendation and he said to just test it out on a small part of the baby's body first to make sure he/she doesnt have a reaction. He recommended Blue Lizard sunscreen. I had to buy it online.

Smallavatar-fefd015f3e6a23a79637b7ec8e9ddaa6

M.O.

answers from Albuquerque on

Hi T.. I highly recommend Arbonne's Baby Care Sunscreen SPF30+. It is the best out there! Arbonne's products are all herbal and botanically based, hypoallergenic, dermatologist and pediatrician tested and recommended, and have no chemical dyes or fragrances in them! They are perfect for babies' extremely sensitive skin! Also, did you know that any SPF higher than 30 can actually cause a chemical type of burn to the skin...before you ever get a sunburn?! So, you want to use the safest possible and most effective sunscreen that you can find. I use Arbonne's Baby Care Sunscreen on my 14-week-old and 3-year-old sons every day because we're outside so often on walks and playing. I also use it on myself too when I don't have my own "tan enhancing" sunscreen. :)
If you'd like to try a FREE sample, please let me know, and I'll send you one! You can also check it out online at: www.mandyolsen.myarbonne.com. Good luck finding something that works for you and your baby!
Sincerely,
M. O.
www.mandyolsen.myarbonne.com

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T.M.

answers from Phoenix on

I would keep your baby covered as much as possible, but if you want sunscreem, Arbonne's is the purest that you are going to find. It does not have any mineral oil and/or checmicals in it. Mineral oil is so dangerous for us to put on our skin and especially a baby.

I am an Arbonne Independant Consultant and you are welcome to check out my ____@____.com

Please contact me to learn more and for a free sample.
Have a wonderful time on your vacation!
T.

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J.A.

answers from Tucson on

I am absolutely PASSIONATE about this topic. I am an Area Manager with a Swiss formulated skin care company. I actually have people who purchase my products that are attornies for some of the "other" products on the market. Did you see the huge news stories about Phalates in Baby care products? One of our new wholesale clients in CA has a son on the swim team. His sunscreen spilled in his bag and ate a hole in it!!

I have a product for you with a copy of a testimonial from a pediatrician who used to prescribe topical steriods for excema until hearing about and recommending our product.

Go to www.nationalvicepresident.myarbonne.com and go to the baby care. If you are interested in hearing more. give me a call. I will sell it to you at my cost.

Best regards,

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J.S.

answers from Phoenix on

The only sunscreen that I would ever put on my baby under 1 year old is Arbonne brand baby line sunscreen. Its vegan approved and all natural, SPF 30. Its online only or though a registered consultant. I am a consultant and can get you 35% off if you want the sunscreen. I have a few in stock at my home. I am in Gilbert. Let me know.
Thanks!

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S.A.

answers from Flagstaff on

Hi T.,
I am an RN here in Flag. I have a nurse friend in Phx who has an Arbonne business. She does private duty with medically compromised babies as well. She has used Arbonne's baby products with her 'babies'. My grandson, who is 3 1/2, has used Arbonne's sun screen without any adverse effects. Unfortunately, I'm not at home so can't look on th bottle to see if it is OK for babies under 6 months. However, Arbonne products are made with herbals and no petroleum products. Give Leah a call at home: ###-###-#### in the evening or on her cell: ###-###-#### during the day. She is very knowledgeable and could possibly express mail you the sun screen if she has some on hand. S. ###-###-####

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