Suncreen on an infant?

Question

Is it OK to put sunscreen on a 14 week old? If so, does anyone recommend a safe brand to use? I thought I heard that there should be zinc in the sunscreen but I could be remembering wrong?

Answer 1

My pediatrician told us not to use sunscreen until 6 months old. I've recently read in Parents Magazine that under 6 months is okay in small amounts. Zinc sunscreens actually sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed into the skin. Hawaiian Tropic SunSure sunscreen contains 12% chemicals vs the 30% in other leading sunscreens.

Answer 2

This is *directly* from a dermatologist friend of mine:

Back in the late 1990's, the American Academy of Pediatrics stated that sunscreens were appropriate for babies over the age of 6 months. It was such an arbitrary age to set! In 1999, however, they reversed their recommendations, and basically stated that shade/sun avoidance/physical sun protection was best, but that if a baby was going to be out in the sun, a sunscreen was appropriate at any age.

I still hear parents telling me that they have heard that sunscreens are safe only from age 6 months onward! It's hard to believe that the AAP reversed its opinion 8 years ago, but parents still remain steadfast in the old teachings.

But in any case...if your baby is going to be out in the sun...put a baby sunscreen on! BTW, Aveeno just came out with a baby sunscreen that contains the Active Photobarrier Complex that I mentioned above. It's pretty thick, but it's great stuff.

Answer 3

My pediatrician has me putting sunscreen on my 5 week old daughter because she is fair skinned, but either way I would clear it with your pediatrician as well. If your pediatrician gives you the go ahead , you are supposed to use a gentle sunscreen that is spf 30, nothing really specific, just get a brand that is made for babies and I dont see there being a problem.

Ps Some peds wont let you use sunscreen untill they are 6 months old. Mine just told me to rub it on her leg for three nights in a row, make sure there was no reaction, and if all was clear to go ahead and use it. I use babyblanket

Answer 4

I also have a 14 week old. I asked his dr. about the sunscreen issue because my son has really fair skin. He said its ok to use it, but still don't sit them in the sun. He recomended something with zinc, like blue lizard. I also heard someone say it should have titanium dioxide. In parents magazine this month, there was a small article saying that it is safe to use sunscreen on babies under 6 months

Answer 5

I've always been told not to do it until they are at least 6 months old. However recently I've read that they are now saying 4 months is okay, so either way your baby is still too young. Keep your baby in the shade with a hat on.

Answer 6

There are alot of brands out there, since its winter and freezing here I dont need to use any yet but when I do I will go to my local health food shop as they have "natural" rememeides there. Good Luck. Dont forget a hat.

Answer 7

Spectra 3 for babies spf 50, i think its waterbabies . and get some of the spray(no rub) sunscreenand spray the babies hair so his/her head wont get sunburnt . always put on a hat (even if you put screen in their hair)and dont forget to get the ears. you should put it on every couple hours

Answer 8

I didnt use any on my kids till they were 3 months... none near the eyes or on the hands since they like to put their hands in their mouths. I used water babies 45spf.

Answer 9

If he/she is going to be outside for a long period of time I would put a little bit on him/her. Or put her in longsleeves with a little hat on her/his head.