is it ok to use sunblock?

Question

can you put sunblock on a five week old..we bought like 75 spf and he will be five weeks by the time we go on vacation..we are going to oc maryland for my brothers wedding.. and we are staying a couple of days..we dont plan to keep him in the sun at all..just wanted to see if its ok to use? thanks ..

so would a blanket just work..they are getting married at 9 am out on the beach..so im hoping the sun isnt to hot but you never know..

Answer 1

I was looking into using mosquito repellent on my son and found an interesting article. It gives some insight into sunscreen for babies under the age of 6 months. You should read it.


If you don't want to read it, I will tell you in a nutshell what is says.

Putting sunscreen on a newborn is okay, in minimal amounts when there is no adequate shade available. Stick to areas like the cheeks, forehead, arms, and legs. Avoid putting it in places like the hands, as babies can put them in their mouth. Apply a thin layer on surfaces that are not covered up by baby's clothes.

The article has some good tips on how to chose the right sunblock as well.

Hope this helps! Good Luck and have fun at the wedding!

Answer 2

You should really talk to your pediatrician - Mine has a handout that says to try and avoid exposure to the sun, but that if you will definitely be in the sun, it is okay to use something on their hands and feet -

Your baby is still very young though - my son is 5 months, so he's a bit older and much closer the the 6 month cut off -

I wouldn't use the 75 spf - when you do start using sunblock, whenever that is, you will need to use a zinc sunblock - I found one for faces at walmart - it is clear - not like the funky colors I always remember zinc blocks being -

the reason zinc is better is because it is a barrier block, whereas most of the sunblocks on the market still absorb the sun's rays, they just change the composition - so the zinc bounces the suns rays off of the skin instead of absorbing them

If you are going to be outdoors, you can try keeping as much shade on your baby as possible, but don't forget that the sun's rays are also going to reflect off of the sand on the beach

most sites I have read say to keep the baby in the shade and in long sleeves - which kind of makes vacationing with such a little one a hard task to undertake -

ultimately, I would check with your pediatrician to see what they say -

Obviously, it is better to protect your baby's skin if you are definitely going to be exposed to the sun - damage from a sunburn will be much worse than that of sunblock

Answer 3

Sunblock isn't usually recommended until after 6 months old. I would use something lightweight, but with long sleeves and a nice wide brimmed sun hat.

If you are going to be on the beach, Babies R Us has a small, fold up tent type device that keeps sun off babies.

I would also recommend some sun glasses to protect his little eyes. They make them with stretchy bands that go all the way round the head so they can't pull them off and you don't have to worry about the ear pieces poking baby.

Answer 4

I wouldn't use sunscreen on a baby that little. I would keep him covered with a very light cotton blanket or in the shade. A small amount of sun exposure is good for all humans, so some indirect sun (while under a shade) or very short exposure is good for him. That being said, sunscreen is probably better than sunburn (if it comes to that), but I would keep him in the shade. Have a good time!

Answer 5

Every sunblock bottle I have read says not to use on baby's under 6 months of age. The do make hats and t-shirts that are UV protected, if you cant fined it keep baby clothed and in shaded area.

Answer 6

No sunblock until 6 months of age,keep baby clothed and in shaded area.

Answer 7

I would use a light receiving blanket to keep him covered while you're in the sun, but don't use sunscreen yet. Their pores aren't completely open, and they could have a reaction to the sunscreen - even the kind for babies.

Answer 8

i would be very careful, my last 2 daughters were allergic to sunblock, everytime i put it on them or there face, there eyes would start watering really bad and they were red and seemed to be burning cause they would just scream and rub there eyes. i would try to stay in the shade and get an umbrella or a sun hat instead. good luck

Answer 9

Are you bringing a stroller? Kiddopotamus makes this shade that stretches over the existing one, covers everything, and its UV safe. Try that, Id worry about the spf at that age.

Answer 10

No it is absolutely not ok to use sun block on a child under 1 year of age.