Sunscreen
I’ve tried many different brands of sunscreen in my day and have to admit that none have really stood out. It’s just not one of those “things” that have to be a particular brand with me. But I do know that when I was looking for sunscreen for my daughter when she was just getting old enough to use it, I did lots of research and found that there are some more natural ones available without harmful skin irritants. Now, she is one and a half and I try to use the natural one most of the time, but with a toddler, I just grab whatever is nearest since most of my attention has to be focused on making sure she doesn’t run away from me! Here’s a good question from a Cedar Park mom:
I have a four month old daughter and I would like to start swimming since it’s so hot. I’ve taken her a couple of times, but only late in the evening when the sun is almost down so that she isn’t exposed to lots of UV rays. I have heard that you shouldn’t use sunscreen on infants until they are six months old. Does anyone know why? Are there any products that I can use that are acceptable for an infant under six months? I would love to spend some days, instead of nights, at the pool! I asked my pediatrician and she seemed to think that it’s fine to use sunblock. Just a little confused since I’ve always heard otherwise. THANKS!!
July 6th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
It’s because children under six months shouldn’t be exposed to either direct sunlight or the chemicals found in conventional sunscreen.
Children that young are supposed to be covered with loose cotton clothing and a hat to prevent sunburn and overheating and are supposed to be kept mostly in the shade.
You should be able to use a natural mineral sunscreen (with zinc or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient) without harming her. At four months it is probably fine. You can find a few options at Whole Foods or similar health food store. Just be sure to read the ingredients because even there they carry chemical sunscreen products, even in ones labeled for children and babies.
July 8th, 2008 at 8:56 am
My 2 year old has eczema and we’ve found that sunscreens with oxybenzone cause flair ups. Unfortunately, that chemical is in most sunscreens — including ones that claim to be “natural.” I agree with Jen about starting on mineral sunscreen with zinc and/or titanium dioxide. Earth’s Best makes a product — we’ve only been able to find it at Babies R Us. There’s also an Australian company that makes a product called Baby Lizard that I’ve found at CVS.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
our pedi told us that we should avoid using suncreen on our DD until she was over 6 months b/c sunscreens are not tested on anyone 6 months or younger. in general, we kept her out of the sun until she was over a year and ready to start playing at parks and in a wading pool. now, we slather her with sunscreen many times a day, but we do find it hard to keep her inside during peak UV hours. she’s 2 and a half now and very much an outdoorsy girl.