Sunscreen and Breastfeeding

[atodhi]

Very random, and potentially worrying for no reason at all! We go on holiday tomorrow and I’ve bought the Soltan 50+ from boots for myself.
I’ve now seen something regarding chemical and mineral sunscreens and not to use chemical ones while breastfeeding? One of the ingredients in the Soltan one is Octocrylene which there is mixed guidance on.
is this something I should avoid or can I still use this sunscreen? I can run out and grab a different one if needed before we go!

Unless you going topless with sunscreen rubbed over your boobs I really wouldn’t worry about it

I get you've given a tongue in cheek response,however the poster is correct,not everything we put on our skin,passes through the liver, but sun screen chemicals do pass through the liver and is a concern. If i was poster id luck for a safer alternative.

https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/creams/

I consulted this page a lot while bf

As a previous poster has said, use the info on the Drugs In Breastmilk service by the Breastfeeding Network. It says sunscreen can be applied liberally as necessary as it has little absorption in the body.

I'm not an expert by any means but there are many products that say they shouldn't be taken when breastfeeding and it's not because they've been proven to be harmful but rather because noone has bothered to check. Therefore, most people probably use suncream without considering the impact on breastfeeding and suffer few ill effects.

I’ve no idea about breastfeeding, but just wanted to say if you’re going to swap too using mineral suncream (especially if you’re used to the chemical stuff) be careful with reapplying it.

I got caught out a few years ago when I used the reef safe stuff for the first time. It comes off far, far more easily! Personally I’d wear a rash vest if you plan on going anywhere near water and don’t want to use the chemical stuff, but I found even sweating was a problem.

Obviously mineral sun cream has its uses. Just best to learn from other people’s mistakes where you can 😊

You need to keep the baby out of the sun and heat, so you might find you don't actually need much suncream. Last year was the first year I didn't get burnt by being mega overprotective of baby DS!

This. We were in the shade a LOT because DD didn't tolerate sun. Napping in the middle of the day.

dont worry I will be! But I have a toddler too and I burn super easily so I need some regardless😫

I've got burnt badly when using mineral suncream so I've avoided it when pregnant and breastfeeding. The nivea baby suncream doesn't have octocrylene in so I use that as a middle ground (mostly because of the environmental impact tbh). It scores well on the yuka app which is helpful for looking at how toxic cosmetics are (apparently the app isn't perfect but a good free option). It's also not too expensive compared to some of the other eco friendly brands.