Sun Protection for babies???

[amystevekai&bump]

Hi - following on from the swim suit thread below - we are travelling from the UK (not known for its sizzling heat!! ) in May with our 2 sons (4 years and 9mths) for the first time.

I've bought factor 50+ swimsuits (tops and bottoms) and will obviously use the highest factor sunscreen and get them to wear hats. I've also bought a factor 50+ blanket (swimsuit type material) to cover the babies legs in the stroller.

Would you advise me to do anything else (I'll also carry plenty of water). DS4 has red hair as well so both of them will be quite vulnerable I imagine??

thanks for any advice/tips!!

 

[WDWorBUST]

We had a "rayshade" for DD when she was smaller - it's an add on canopy for a stroller that can be adjusted. We could adjust it to where she was entirely in the shade at times. The other thing is just to remember to carry it with you and reapply often. I LOVE the spray kind because it's easy. Don't forget little ears and scalps when exposed.....oh and the tops of feet if they are wearing sandals.

 

[LadyShea]

The hat is the best thing I have found for my very fair DS (getting their scalp, ears, etc. with sunblock without missing spots is kinda difficult)...preferably with a brim all around to protect their head, face, ears, and possibly even neck. I would get them used to wearing hats before your trip, on every outing even, so they will not balk at them at the parks.

 

[flipflop]

Blue Lizard sunscreen for your infant.

 

[bumbershoot]

If I remember correctly, for little babies, sun BLOCK is best; zinc oxide-based. Once they are older, then sunSCREEN is more OK.

Don't ask me what the true difference is, to me I just think of it as "fewer chemicals vs more chemicals".

We have a red-head too, but the red hair covers up the fact that he's a quarter Korean and can tan like crazy, and has never had a sunburn despite a father who has worn sunscreen maybe twice in his life and doesn't remember to put it on, and a mother who has become complacent as well. The kid has the coolest coloring.

 

[lil mermaid]

I second the Blue Lizard, and the hat suggestion. We like Bullfrog for the kids as well.

Make sure to reapply often - really, really often!

 

[abirdd]

It's important to put sunblock on an infant UNDERNEATH their clothing. UV rays can penetrate cloth, and infants need the extra protection.

VICHY makes a wonderful SunBLOCK product for Infants/Kids that our Ped recommended (it's available in the UK, so buy before leaving home!). It's safe for infant skin, especially for those with allergies. However, you should still test before leaving home... just to be safe. Also double check with your doctor, since they may have other recommendations on what product to use.

 

[tinkandpan]

Also- don't forget the scalps. I know you think that you are putting on a hat, but sometimes they take them off, sometimes it just doesn't sit right. I know it could be greasy but for fairheads, I highly suggest it. I have a great baby sunblock spray that I use by i think either California Baby or Kiss My Face.

 

[amystevekai&bump]

thanks everyone for all your advice - here's to a burn free vacation for all!!