[catsnkids]

My littlle cutie loves to play outside, just like everyone elses kiddos. However, she is now very sensitive to suntan lotion. It looks like it burns her face. Does anyone know of a sunscreen that is really mild? The doctor recommended staying away from oxybenzone (I think) and try one that has avobenzone instead. Tried it. Same bright red face that itches. Anyone have any ideas?

Thanks,

[guatparents2be]

we don't use sunscreen at all on julian unless it is early in the season and he'll be outside all day. his skin isn't prone to burning, i want him to get the vitamin D, and with his heritage i'm not so worried about it.

that said, if you want to use sunscreen, look at weleda brand, it is very gentle on the skin as a rule.

[dac_cincy]

I am very guilty of not putting sunscreen on Bug, but I try to use body lotion with sunscreen- Lubiderm. It is not factor 50, just 15, but with a hat- it might be enough.

I hope this helps.

Love to you,

[netmon]

My daughter has had "issues" with rash and sun for several years now. At first we thought was food allergy, but that got ruled out. Then we thought was sunscreen allergy, but it only happens at the beginning of the season. The allergist said is allergy to first few strong sun exposures (We are New Englanders, so when we vacation down south in April, this happens every year). The pediatric allergist said to use sunblock clothing and that Baby Lizard is the best sunscreen for kids with allergies.

[avoel]

For some reason, the aveeno brand seems to work for sensitive little ones pretty well.

Pure zinc oxide (it comes in clear now rather than the opaque white like Desitin) works too.

Sun damage happens without a burn and it only takes 10minutes once or twice a week of unprotected exposure on hands and face to make enough vitamin D...(sorry, I am a pediatrician, I have to say it )

[michelemk]

Even our dark-skinned Guatemalan cuties can get major sun damage and skin cancer. Sunscreen is important for them too. (Pediatric nurse in me coming out!)

My friend in high school was allergic to something called PABA that was in a lot of sunscreens. Not sure if it is in sunscreens today or not.

Michele

[akasohappy]

We have always had good luck with Waterbabies.
I don't know ingredients though.

[Amber76]

We have good luck with the Neutragena brand of sunscreen with our son, who has sensitive skin. I am the sunscreen queen even though he and I both have dark skin. My Native American great grandmother got skin cancer and she was just as dark as my Guatemalan baby.

[mlburney]

Just went throught his with our daughter. Blue Lizard or California Baby are the two best options for us. They are thick b/c of the zinc oxide, but they have none of the toxic ingredients that allergic kids need to stay away from!
They are both sold several places, but we got California Baby is at Target and is pretty expensive. We get Blue Lizard at CVS, and it is about half the price of the California Baby.
Even though they are both higher than regular sunscreen, it is definitely worth it. We live in Mississippi. Our daughter is in daycare and outside everyday. I cannot stand the thought of her having a rash all over her body b/c I don't want to spend a little more for her sunscreen.

[052001]

Have you tried the sunscreen stick instead of the lotion? I always use the stick on my kids faces. Waterbabies (pink tube) is a good brand. It is easy to apply and doesn't get in their eyes.

[cborsa7]

This is a link to the suit we put Nicco in when he is outside for lengthy periods or swimming. I believe the website also has sunscreen for different conditions as well.

Infant Swimwear, Baby Rash Guards - Coolibar Inc.

[chazzeldy2]

For us, WaterBabies (by Coppertone, in the pink container) is a no-no. We just encountered a bad rash on her face yesterday b/c of it. I have had good luck with Aveeno Baby in the past but also want to try California Baby since they seem to use more "natural" ingredients.

[Mommy K]

I noticed that sometimes the higher spf's cause a reaction when using chemical sunscreens. The formula for choosing sunscreen number (SPF) can be found here:
Sun Protection Factor
We try & use the lowest #.

[dance_muffin]

There was a thread on this subject last summer. All skin types need protection from harmful UV rays including African American and people of color.

Be careful of the type of sunscreen you use; the most popular brands (Coppertone and Haw. Tropics) had the least amount of protection.

Blue Lizard came up as one of the highest rated for protection. That's what we use.

Don't forget the hats; scalps burn too!

[SKL]

I use it only rarely, but choose Aveeno Baby brand.

I manage sun exposure for myself and my kids by gradually increasing the daily time in the sun (without sunscreen). We use hats and avoid sleevless shirts when it's sunny. We use sunscreen only if we'll be in direct sunlight for relatively long periods of time, i.e., a couple outings a year here in the Midwest.

They've found that sunscreen can cause cancer too - not to be alarmist, but moderation is smart for everything, including "safety" products.