Sun Protection for Babies Less than 6 months?

[khertz]

I need some advice from those who have taken little babies to WDW. We are going at the end of October with our 4 year old DS and 11 week old DD. Since she will be too young for sunscreen, what did you do for sun protection? She has hats and will be in the carrier most of the time which should keep her from being too exposed. Also we will have a double City Mini stroller and I was thinking light blankets to hang from the canopy to make sure she is totally covered when in it. And of course we will do our best to minimize time in the sun, taking midday breaks, etc. Any other tips or things you have done that I'm missing? I definitely want to be sure she is protected!

 

[jacknsally19]

I bought organic sunscreen for my daughter and she started wearing it around 4 months. I was told by my doctor that basically the manufacturers are prohibited from testing it on babies under 6 months so it says it's not safe. I just did a small skin test and she was fine. So I started applying it to her. I think if you feel more comfortable check with your dr but I bet they would tell you the same thing.

 

[kayemgi]

Get a barrier sunblock (as opposed to a chemical sunscreen). Those are safe for any age. We got ThinkBaby from Amazon, and here's a list of other barrier sunblocks safe for babies.

 

[Pesky]

Think about colorescience mineral powder sunblock that comes in a brush applicator. Super easy to apply to squirmy kids, including over the hairline, and reapply during the day. it's pricey but it lasts us a good long time. I learned about it on the Disneyland board!

 

[englishteacha]

I think covering her is the best option, to be honest.

 

[EPCOTgrl1]

I will also be there at the end of October with my almost 5 month old so I am in the same boat as you. My pedi has told me that her skin is just to sensitive for sunscreen until after 6 months. With that being said we have big floppy hats for her, if needed we will get some light weigh long sleeve cloths, and I always use the covers in the strollers. I also saw a great idea about using cloths line clips to hang and A&A blanket to help with the sun.

 

[andiraye]

They make clothing and bathing suits with spf protection, just not sure how small. Also, you can get tie on sun shades with spf protection. A lot easier to use than blankets that keep slipping off the top of the stroller and they allow for air circulation. See the link below. You can angle them to provide even more shade than shown in the link.

http://m.toysrus.com/skava/static/p...plab_19575390&eESource=CAPLA_DF:46882366:TRUS

 

[daisygirl902]

My doctor told me sunscreen was the best option for my 10 week old last year. He said to do a skin test and if he wasn't sensitive to it, use it. It was far better than a sunburn! It's very hard to keep them covered all the time...and HOT too! It can be very dangerous, for example, to put even a light blanket over a stroller because it can trap the heat inside the area and they can overheat very fast. We used baby safe sunscreen and put it on all exposed areas.

 

[Lilliputian]

I've gone at that time of year with little ones too young for sunscreen. We did fine with just covering the baby and seeking out shade as much as possible. It's not really that hard. The lines are indoor or covered, and there is lots of shade around. A City Mini will provide complete shade for a baby that age with nothing extra. I have a 4 month old right now who wears 12 month clothes because he's huge, and nothing hangs out when I have the shade pulled down all the way.

With older babies in a front carrier like an Ergo, the hardest part is covering the bottoms of their legs because their pants creep up. You will probably have her froggy style if she's in a carrier like that at 11 weeks, though, so it shouldn't be an issue. Still, there are things you can do to keep those lower legs covered when it's a little warm. Pants with feet don't creep up, and you can pair them with short sleeved onesies. Pajama pants tend to be tighter and stay in place better. Of course, with a girl, you can do leggings and tights. I'm a mom to 6 boys, so I've always had fewer options.

 

[khertz]

They make clothing and bathing suits with spf protection, just not sure how small. Also, you can get tie on sun shades with spf protection. A lot easier to use than blankets that keep slipping off the top of the stroller and they allow for air circulation. See the link below. You can angle them to provide even more shade than shown in the link.

http://m.toysrus.com/skava/static/product.html?type=TRU_product_us&url=/product/index.jsp?productId=46882366&camp=PLAPPCG-_-PID19575390:BRUS&cagpspn=plab_19575390&eESource=CAPLA_DF:46882366:TRUS&domain=http://www.toysrus.com&productId=46882366&camp=PLAPPCG-_-PID19575390:BRUS&cagpspn=plab_19575390&eESource=CAPLA_DF:46882366:TRUS

Thanks for this! I actually found it even cheaper on Amazon Prime! Does anyone know if it would work on one side of a double stroller?

My doctor told me sunscreen was the best option for my 10 week old last year. He said to do a skin test and if he wasn't sensitive to it, use it. It was far better than a sunburn! It's very hard to keep them covered all the time...and HOT too! It can be very dangerous, for example, to put even a light blanket over a stroller because it can trap the heat inside the area and they can overheat very fast. We used baby safe sunscreen and put it on all exposed areas.

I am definitely planning to talk to the pediatrician about it at her 2 month well visit. Just looking for alternatives in case she does not recommend it for our daughter. I am definitely worried about her overheating by keeping all of her skin covered though. I know the weather in late October is usually less humid, but still hot during the day. I didn't think of the blanket trapping heat, thanks for that!

I've gone at that time of year with little ones too young for sunscreen. We did fine with just covering the baby and seeking out shade as much as possible. It's not really that hard. The lines are indoor or covered, and there is lots of shade around. A City Mini will provide complete shade for a baby that age with nothing extra. I have a 4 month old right now who wears 12 month clothes because he's huge, and nothing hangs out when I have the shade pulled down all the way.

That's good to know! We don't have any experience with the stroller, so I wasn't sure how much coverage it actually provides.

With older babies in a front carrier like an Ergo, the hardest part is covering the bottoms of their legs because their pants creep up. You will probably have her froggy style if she's in a carrier like that at 11 weeks, though, so it shouldn't be an issue. Still, there are things you can do to keep those lower legs covered when it's a little warm. Pants with feet don't creep up, and you can pair them with short sleeved onesies. Pajama pants tend to be tighter and stay in place better. Of course, with a girl, you can do leggings and tights. I'm a mom to 6 boys, so I've always had fewer options.

That's what I am thinking, she should spend most of the time tucked into the carrier, which should provide pretty good coverage. I had tights in mind as an option too though to keep her little legs covered. Mom to 6 boys!! That must keep life interesting!! My co-worker has 4 boys and I am always entertained by her stories, so I can only imagine what it's like with 2 more than that!

 

[jbcole82]

I would try Babyganics sunscreen. It's mineral based. (available at Target). But I'd also ask your ped. But I think having a sunburned baby would be horrible!!

 

[Grace W]

My sister asked her predication to get approval first and then they recommended a brand. I think she went with California Baby.

 

[andiraye]

Thanks for this! I actually found it even cheaper on Amazon Prime! Does anyone know if it would work on one side of a double stroller?

I don't think they work with double strollers -- you have to tie the ones I've used on two sides -- but I would bet they make them for double strollers.

 

[Grace W]

We too take a citi mini for this reason. Last year we rented one and this year we decided to use my sisters mainly because of the shade cover. They are great.