Infants And Sunscreen

For babies under 6 months old a.

Infants and sunscreen.

Use sunscreen on small areas of the body such as the face if protective clothing and shade are not available. In addition dress your baby in protective clothing a hat with a brim and sunglasses. So what makes baby sunscreen special. Which are the recommended sunscreens for use on an infant or baby.

For older babies and children sunscreen with an spf sun protection factor of 15 is the minimum recommended although the american academy of dermatology suggests using spf 30 or higher. The best way to protect babies from the sun is to keep them in the shade as much as possible. Younger babies should use other forms of sun protection. Sunscreen in stick form works well for the face and hands as toddlers are less likely to rub the product into their eyes.

This applies to waterproof and water resistant products as well. How much sunscreen should baby wear. Make sure he or she doesn t get overheated however. Since babies have thinner skin and absorb products through the skin faster avoid chemical sunscreens.

You re at the beach slathered in sunscreen. Apply to all areas of the body but be careful around the eyes. Spray sunscreens are popular but take care to apply the sunscreen evenly and liberally over all exposed skin and rather than spraying a baby s face directly spray the sunscreen into your hands and apply it by hand. If your baby rubs sunscreen into her eyes wipe her eyes and hands clean with a damp cloth.

For newborns and babies under 6 months the american academy of pediatrics aap says that parents can apply a minimal amount of baby safe sunscreen with an spf of 30 50 no lower than spf 15 though to the face. Sunscreen is a must any time your baby is outside. For babies 6 months and older spread a liberal amount of sunscreen about half a shot glass worth all over any exposed skin 15 to 30 minutes before you go outside. Follow the directions on the package for using a sunscreen product on babies less than 6 months old.

Should you put sunscreen on her. Your 5 month old baby is there too. Don t skimp in this case more is definitely better. For infants over six months of age stick with the tried and true sunscreens.

Sunscreen is ok to use on babies older than 6 months. For babies younger than 6 months. Not usually according to hari cheryl sachs m d a pediatrician at. You know you re supposed to wear sunscreen every day year round.

We tend to use sunscreen that contains mineral blockers for babies while adults use mineral blockers alongside chemical blockers as well explains joshua zeichner md a new york city based dermatologist many parents are concerned with the use of titanium dioxide in sunscreens for kids so many of the latest baby sunscreens are zinc only. But when it comes to sunscreen for babies especially infants the guidelines aren t quite as black and white.