2006-07-26 18:39:40 · 5 answers · asked by Red Fox 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Parenting
It used to be advised that you should not use sunscreen on babies less than six months old, but the AAP came out with a new policy statement a few years ago stating that sunscreen was probably safe to use on younger children, especially if you just use it on small areas of your baby's skin that is exposed to the sun and not protected by clothing, such as the infant's hands and face.
Still, younger children should be kept out of direct sunlight because they can burn easily and may not be able to handle getting overheated as well as older children. So even though it is likely safe to use sunscreen on kids less than six months old, it is safer to keep them out of the sun.
Other tips to keep your kids safe from the sun:
Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and apply enough to protect your child. Most experts estimate that many parents only use about half of the recommended amount of sunscreen on their children, providing less protection than they think.
Be sure to reapply sunscreen regularly and at least every 2 hours, or more often if your child is swimming or sweating.
Remember to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before your child will be exposed to the sun.
Use sunscreen even if it is cloudy outside. Clouds don't absorb all of the UV radiation that may harm your child.
Avoid sun exposure when the effects of the sun are the strongest, which is usually from about 10am to 4pm.
Use physical protection, including clothing, such a hat with a 3 inch brim, lightweight long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and/or a stroller, tent, umbrella or tree.
Encourage your children to wear sunglasses that protect against ultraviolet rays.
2006-07-26 18:44:45 · answer #1 · answered by ted_armentrout 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, I'm not a parent - but I am an older sister. I've always used Coppertone Water Babies sunscreen. It's 50 spf, hypoallergenic and oil free. It's No. 1 pediatrician recommended brand. I found it works best on really little kids...but I still use it myself and I'm sixteen. I have yet to get burned and I have really fair skin.
2006-07-27 01:46:18 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Infant/baby suncreen is usually 45 SPF. I use the store brand because it is cheaper and it has the same ingredients as the expensive ones. I use a spray one for my son so it is easier to get him covered.
2006-07-27 01:43:17 · answer #3 · answered by Ryan's mom 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
coppertone for kids. its spf rating is actually 30 which means that they are safe from UV for a few hours. a lot of other ones have spf 15 or spf 30 which doesnt actually last that long.
2006-07-27 01:43:52 · answer #4 · answered by swiftassailant77 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We use No-Ad SPF 45, seems to stay on better than other brands did when the kids are swimming.
2006-07-27 02:14:12 · answer #5 · answered by Mike 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋