By Dorie Meek By Daily Press staff
We’re getting into warm weather and I have a 6-month old baby with fair skin. What is your opinion on sunscreen products for infants?
Dear Scared, We are lucky to live in a gorgeous, sunny climate and have access to the outdoors on any given day. We take our little chickies to parks and beaches with full sun exposure. You have every right to be scared and I’m thrilled you’re looking for opinions and information.
While the research is mixed on use of sunscreen under six months of age (some say it clogs the pores and prevents natural body cooling), at 6 months of age you are free and clear to choose the product of your choice. I prefer the pump spray products with color tinting. These allow me to see which areas I have covered without gumming up my hands or jewelry. There are also a number of homeopathic products available that are worth trying. Watch for skin reactions and sunburn and then stick with application daily.
During warm weather, cover your kids’ entire bodies after they have taken off their pajamas but before they’re dressed. It’s part of the morning ritual and they don’t even fuss. With a 6-month-old you could even incorporate some infant massage techniques during application just for fun.
The official instructions of the American Academy of Pediatrics are: “For older children, test the sunscreen on the baby’s back for a reaction before applying it all over.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on May 30, 2006. Read the original PDF.