Suntan lotion before 6 months - Infant Care (up to 18 months old) Message Board

momto4soon · 04-27-2008, 07:00 PM

I was wondering if anyone had advice on what to do about sunblock for a 4 month old. I know they say not to use it until they are 6 months. We are a very active family and always outside. (pool, ballgames...etc...) It is starting to get warm and sunny and I am so worried my baby is going to get sunburned. I try to keep her out of the sun and always keep a hat on her but there are times I can't keep her completely out of it.... Any suggestions?

meechieny · 04-28-2008, 02:37 PM

Some allergic reactions to sunscreens in children may be caused by para amino benzoic acid (PABA), so you need to get one that is "PABA" free.
I would get one that is 45 SPF or greater and put sunscreen on 20 to 30 minutes before going outside.So many people make a mistake and put it on when they are already outside and think they have instant coverage. You should really put in on every two hours as well.
I am a total freak about this. Having bad sunburns in childhood predisposes some people to skin cancer later in life....being my father had some areas removed due to cancer, well lets just say I have sunblock everywhere accessible!!!!!!! Car, stroller, diaperbag, in the garage etc. A lot of ped offices get samples from reps so you might want to check your dr's office and see if they have anything you could try.
My daughter still has a touch of baby ezcema and we use "Blue Lizard" baby sun block and it is the only kind that doesn't make her breakout more. Hope some of this is helpful

mcr285 · 04-28-2008, 02:41 PM

on most sunscreen bottles it says to ask a doctor for use before 6 months old.... i always put sunscreen on my girls when they were babies. i just bought the kind made for babies and actually didn't know i wasn't supposed to put it on them until after 6 months. but they never got sunburned and the sunscreen didn't ever hurt them either!

i don't know if the concern is that babies under 6 months shouldn't be out in the sun, or that they might react to it (i've heard both theories from different doctors). you can put her under an umbrella or in the shade, but if you are by the water or on the beach, the reflection from the water or sand will burn her anyway, so i'd definitely use sunscreen. some recommend dressing her in long pants and long sleeves and a big hat, but what do you do when she gets overheated??? i'd do sunscreen, a sun hat and keep her in the shade as much as possible.