babies and sun

[bez]

A while back I got some sun lotion for 4 month ds. I could only find two types, boots soltan and johnsons, the latter was evry expensive so I chose boots. Messy to apply as so runny and made him blotchy.

Got Johnsons, stained his clothes and skin on forehead and in skin creases still white. Was going to come on mumsnet to ask if there is one that doesn't stain clothes and more importantly skin (am almost considering scouring pad and bleach!) cos afraid people will think I dont wash him.

However before logging onto mumsnet I did a search on baby sunscreen and it seems you shouldn't use it at all under 6 months. Is this why they say to keep babies under 6 months out of the sun altogether, because they can't wear protection? Or is it just that babies can't wear stuff that older children do? Surely I don't have to stay in every day the sun is out, that's just not possible.

Any info about whether or not sun cream can be used, and if so a good make that doesnt stain and even the johnsons makes his skin a bit red and rough. Would also appreciate any other advice on protection from the sun, and any ideas on how to stop him looking a ghost and get these white marks off without bleach and scouring pad!!!

TIA

I used a suncream from Vichy when dd was under 2. It is a bit expensive, but it came with SP60 UVA &B, which impressed me. No side effects on DD and it did wash off as far as i can remember. It comes in a tube, it's not a very big size, but it was the best I could find and actually bought it from an independent chemist. I now use a Soltan one (might well be from Boots?? can't remember) again with a SPF60 in an orange bottle, which i also use for my own face. It's actually a cream not a lotion and it's easy to apply, no mess and it washes off as far as i can tell (i didn't notice any stained clothes from it). no side effects here either. I think Nivea do a good children's sunscreen range but we've never tried it yet.

Thanks Branster,

Anyone else?

TBH I spent a huge sum of money on Factor 60 when DD was tiny, but as it was sunblock it did the lard thing you mentioned and left a rash. after one application I just used whatever Factor 15 was lying around without problems, but only if we were going to be out for a very long time in the city centre or something. Fortunately I was able to get away with sun hat, sunshade in the garden at home. no ill effects.

Message withdrawn

I use sunwipes that pampers created called sunnies, they're basically a sun lotion in a wipe which are really good.

Just thought you may like to know, when i went to the baby clinic on tuesday there was a very upset mom there. She had atken her dd out for the day, smothered her in sun cream, put long trousers on her and a long sleeved top BUT she forgot her feet. Her dd had kicked her socks off and even though she had been in the shade alot she had very bad sunburn and blisters.

Have to admitt that i would have forgotten feet too.

Mothercare do their own sunblock, factor 50 and it says on the front that it is from birth/water resistant/suitable for sensitive skin. Its quite thick so is easy to apply and I've been using it on DD and my face and had no problems at all!
HTH

Boots are doing BOGOF on Soltan at the moment. Sprays, creams, coloured spray and block. Hurry, hurry, hurry!

I read somewhere that there is a school of thought among some dermatologists that sunscreen is a false security - apparantly, the skin is still being damaged, but the damage is just being covered up - the best safety is a big hat and to cover up. I don't know if that is true or not, but it's made me feel completely paranoid - maybe someone else has some expertise in this and can add something useful?

oh slop it on bez
never hurt mone

dont use factor 30 or whatever - dont they say 15 is fine?

oh and none of mine will tolerate hats

all still alive