I've been told that I can't use sunscreen on my baby until he's 6 months old.?

Question

We're going to Mexico next week and my baby is only 3 months old. I don't want to take a chance he'll burn. Should I use it anyways?

Answer 1

what? just don't go to mexico. follow the doctor's orders.

Answer 2

Question: At what age is it safe to start putting sunscreen on my baby?

Answer: Until August 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommended against using any type of sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months because the products hadn't been tested on children that young. But since then the advice has slightly changed. The AAP still says the best way to protect a baby this age from the sun is to keep him in the shade of a tree, umbrella, or stroller and dress him in long sleeves and a hat. But if that's not possible, it's fine to use a small amount of sunscreen on his face and hands.

I recommend choosing a "physical" sunscreen — one made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Unlike the stuff in chemical sunscreens that the skin absorbs, which may cause irritation or allergic reactions, these ingredients merely sit on top of the skin, forming a barrier against the sun's rays. There's no evidence chemical sunscreens are dangerous or toxic, but we just don't know enough yet about how their ingredients affect babies.

Answer 3

You should not have a baby that young in full sun anyway. Most of the sun damage that causes skin cancer later in life happens when we are very young - ask a dermatologist. Oh, and I mean even with sunscreen -their skin is just SO much more delicate than even a child who's just a little older.

With a baby this young, it's truly a bad time to visit any beach anywhere. If you must go, look for one of those portable baby bed/playpen things that pop open; they are usually covered fully on one end and have a screen covering on the other. At this late date, you might have to find one online and pay extra for overnight shipping. Or, get a gigantic beach umbrella, get it into the sand as low to the ground as you can, and make sure the baby stays completely in the shade.

Answer 4

The reason according to my ped., that it reads 6 mo,is becasue any younger shouldn't be exposed to the sun. A baby younger than 6 months should not be at the beach. This was not my opinion, just that of the ped. If it's really necessary to take him/her, I would use the baby sunscreen and a HUGE umbrella. Personally I think I would hold off on any vacations for a little longer.

Answer 5

Just keep him out of the sun as much as possible. Stand in the shade wherever you can find some. Put a sun cap on his head....keep the top of his stroller down to block some of the sun off of him....and I would put a little on him just make sure that it is for a baby. They say not to because they don't want them in the sun because they get sun burn and sunstroke faster than adults. Try to stay inside between like 10 and 2 when the sun is hottest. I have put it on my children when they were young and they were fine.

Answer 6

No, do not use it because it can be dangerous for small infants. I would suggest buying a small tent or shade that filters out harmful UV rays. I found this one online and I am sure with a little research you could find a cheaper one. They also make hats and special clothes to protect your little one from the sun.

http://www.safe-tots.com/cgi-bin/shopper.cgi?search=action&keywords=SunShades

Here is what Dr. Sears says about sunscreen:
A friend told me that sunscreen shouldn't be used on infants younger than 6 months. Is this true?




The recommendation to not use sunscreen on infants this young isn't because the products have been proven to be harmful but because there isn't enough research to demonstrate that they're harmless. It's theorized that sunscreen could be absorbed through a tiny baby's thinner skin and get into her bloodstream, with harmful effects. An infant's more sensitive skin is also more susceptible to sunburn and potential allergens contained in sunscreens. So for now, it's wisest to avoid using these products on infants who are less than 6 months old. After that, baby's skin is thicker, so they are generally regarded as safe. Until researchers resolve this controversy, here are some ways to protect your young baby:

Shade their tiny peepers. Infants' eyes are more sensitive to the harmful effects of ultraviolet (UV) light than are ours. Consequently, theirs need more protection. Children's eyeballs can redden and swell from a lot of time spent in the sun. Eye specialists suspect that toy sunglasses may be worse than none at all, because the toy variety simply darken the eye area, causing baby's pupils to widen and allow more damaging light to reach their lenses and retinas. In any case, most babies are unlikely to keep sunglasses on, so this probably won't be an issue anyway. If she does wear them, however, be sure that she only has sunglasses with 100-percent UV filtration. Also, get wide-brimmed hats for yourself and your infant. Wear yours to model to her that you cover your head and face when you go out in the bright sunlight.

Avoid the midday sun. If possible, keep your baby indoors or in the shade from 10 AM to 3 PM, the hours that exposure to the sun is at its most intense.

Avoid reflected rays from the sun. In my pediatric practice, I've seen many infants who've gotten sunburned this way, even when parents have taken the above precautions. Baby's head may be covered by a hat, yet reflected rays from white sand, water, white pavement, and even snow can be reflected, causing sunburns. It's best to place an umbrella or other sun barrier directly between your child and the sun.

Cover up baby. If you must take your baby out in direct sunlight, you'll want that wide-brimmed hat, and pants and long-sleeved shirts made from lightweight, tight-weave fabric that screens out many of the sun's rays.

Use zinc oxide. While it's best to avoid more than a few minutes of exposing baby's skin to direct sunlight, especially during the summer, if you can't avoid it, use zinc oxide sunblock on baby's skin. This compound is the same one used in diaper creams and, unlike a sunscreen, which forms a chemical reaction with the skin, acts as a protective barrier.

Perhaps the best reason that parents should exercise sun sense for infants is that recent studies have shown that excessive exposure to the UV rays during infancy and childhood increases the risk of skin cancer in adulthood. So go ahead and enjoy the outdoors with your baby, but be sure to do it wisely.

Have a fun trip!

Answer 7

Use a thick zinc diaper cream on exposed skin and dress your baby in loose light cotton outfits that cover most of his skin. Also don't forget a hat. And keep your baby in the shade most of the time.

Infant absorb more through their skin than adults, and they have more skin in relation to their weight. It just isn't safe to put sunscreen on. Not to mention they will end up eating it and getting it in their eyes.

Answer 8

I would call your doctor - they would be able to tell you best but i dont see why you were told not too ... better than sunburn!! Maybe the doc will prescribe a sunscreen especially for younger infants..... ? Oh also keep a sun hat and shirt on the baby at all times... DONT LISTEN TO PEOPLE MAKING YOU FEEL BAD ABOUT GOING ON A TRIP! JERKS

GOOD LUCK AND CONGRATS

Answer 9

Babys really arent suppose to be exposed to the sunlight until they are 6 months old. Id be more concerned about my baby than a trip. You can always call the doctor and see what they say.

Answer 10

Don't make it possible for him to burn. Keep him in the shade or dressed in light, long-sleeved clothing. Your doctor is right, do not use sunscreen.

Answer 11

Just ask the pediatrician. I am sure the will say go ahead. Don't forget to bring him a sun hat and long sleeve light weight clothing.