How Do You Protect Infant from the Sun and Mosquitos?

Updated on May 24, 2008
L.W. asks from Clayton, NC
21 answers

We are going to a cook out for Memorial Day. I'm just curious how you have your baby outside day and/or night, and not worry about mosquitos and the sun? He will be 4 months on May 25th. I hate to keep him covered up and in his stroller the whole time. Thanks in advance for the advice!

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K.W.

answers from Charlotte on

Colorescience has a powder mineral sunscreen called Sunforgetable that is awesome and can be used on infants under 6 months of age. I ordered mine from www.skinchic.com , but I know if you goggle them online their website will give you a list of local upscale salon that carry their products so you won't have to wait for it to be shipped. It is a bit expensive, but works great and is well worth it. As for the bugs still searching for an incredible product myself!

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N.P.

answers from Knoxville on

There are sun blockers just for infants and Avon's Skin So Soft keeps mosquitos away - I would ask by doctor however if you can use that - I would also dilute it with baby oil.

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M.K.

answers from Charlotte on

I just purchased Burt's Bees Insect Repellant at Target. It says all natural ingredients, but I haven't tried it yet! I hope it works!

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A.B.

answers from Clarksville on

As for the mosquitos, I'd get a citronella candle or torch. You probibly don't want to put bug spary on someone so young. As for the sun, be sure to put sunscreen on him. When my daughters were infants they would nap outside in the stroller with us and we would put a wet towel on them to keep them cool and it worked great. Just be sure to wring it out really well and then keep rewetting it with cool water.

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D.P.

answers from Raleigh on

You can get one of the sun tents that has a mesh sides and zipper front and also provides sun protection. We got one for my son when he was about 4 mos for a beach trip from BabiesRUs or Target ( I can't remember which). Since he isn't going to be doing a lot of moving around, this might work for you.

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S.S.

answers from Charlotte on

I hated putting sunscreen on my babies so young so made sure they were always in the shade (large umbrellas or tents) and I did eventually find an organic sunscreen and bug repellant that I felt a little better about. Also, I found a great mosquito/bug net that covers a stroller at babys-r-us. It's very light weight and see through and lets a breeze in as well. If it's not stifling hot, dress him in very lightweight clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Also I used a large open tent (no sides) with a large quilt underneath so they could lay or sit up and check out the action. Good luck!

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C.C.

answers from Knoxville on

Find some really strong sunscreen for babies - I suggest getting some that has only titanium dioxide in it since I don't like putting chemicals on babies. Then find some natural bug repellent. Try putting a hat on him when the sun is at it's highest, and bring a long sleeved shirt and pants to put on if you'll be there after dark. And have fun!

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T.B.

answers from Nashville on

Hey L., It is wise to avoid suncreen products for children less than 6 months old unless you consult a physician. Newborn's skin is very absorptive. I'm a pharmacist and have an Arbonne business. I recommend these products because they are pure, safe and beneficial. I have a suncreen designed for children and also recommend an essential oil spray that I have with lemon and coriander that is safe for kids and naturally repels mosquitos. My email is ____@____.com and my website is teresabennett.myarbonne.com. Let me know if I can help you. p.s. I'm a SAHM too!

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T.C.

answers from Charlotte on

I use Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion Spray 50 spf on my children to block the sun, and we are pale skinned so burn easily. It works wonderfully! Just lather them down really well with it. And for mosquitos, Avon's Skin-So-Soft Bug Guard Plus Insect Repellant with sunscreen, made for children. These products work great for us! Have a great time!
T.

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J.P.

answers from Nashville on

You can use the water babies sunscreen, also you can use bug spray, make sure it says No DEET, don't spray directly on his skin, spray kinda in the air.

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H.M.

answers from Raleigh on

Hats are good at protecting their faces from the sun. And you could use a tent if you have one, or even just rig one up using a sheet or something. As far as mosquitos, dress him in light colored clothing since they are attracted to dark colors. You could light some citronella candles as well. These are supposed to be natural mosquito repellents: Citronella Oil
Lemon Eucalyptus Oil
Cinnamon Oil
Castor Oil
Rosemary Oil
Lemongrass Oil
Cedar Oil
Peppermint Oil
Clove Oil
Geranium Oil
Possibly Oils from Verbena, Pennyroyal, Lavender, Pine, Cajeput, Basil, Thyme, Allspice, Soybean, and Gar
You could possibly put these on items that are around him to repel the mosquitos(like maybe the tent). And I would probably suggest that or those that might be holding him the most avoid wearing things that are fruity or floral that day.

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E.R.

answers from Greensboro on

L., Lots of good advice provided here for you. Be sure to check the ingredients in the product that you decide to put on your babies skin! (And yours too!). I am a Miessence Ind Rep, and I just used the Reflect Outdoor Balm at the beach last weekend. It worked great! Safe for babies, doesn't harm the coral reefs. There is also a natural mosquito repellent too. My website is www.blueridge.mionegroup.com if you'd like to take a look at these wonderful, beneficial products! Enjoy your weekend and holiday!

E.

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J.Q.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi L.,
My pediatrician gave me the ok to use children's sunblock on my almost 4 month old daughter. He said the label only says 6 months and up because they do not test it on babies younger than that. He of course also pointed out that the best protection is no sun exposure, but that's not possible all the time. As far as the bugs go I haven't asked yet, but I was thinking that maybe Avon's Skin-So-Soft was an acceptable answer, since technically it is a baby oil, in case you are not aware the bugs stay away from it. I do have the stroller net when she's in it to keep bugs away.
Hope this helps!
J.

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R.H.

answers from Fayetteville on

My sis is a pediatrician and even my pediatrician, says cover the baby up, do not put chemicals on the baby its too soon. Use mosquito nets on the stroller. He will not burn up if he is covered up. The rule is, put one more layer(of clothes) on the baby than you have on.

I repeat, no chemicals on your baby and no direct sun. Skin cancer is not nice, chemo is not fun, and a child in that situation is not feeling great. And if someone tells you that it will not happen that fast, tell them "thanks!" its good to know that what I am doing to my child now will only effect him when he is a father himself.

Good luck and God bless,

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P.G.

answers from Raleigh on

Hi L.~
I think they make over the counter sunblock with repellent all in one. Check around next time you are at Target or Walmart. Or, you can call your peds office and ask the nurse for advice. Have a fun weekend!

Paula G.

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M.T.

answers from Grand Junction on

Find someone that sells AVON and get some of that oil stuff that they have (forgotten the name) and rub it on him/her. THat is supposed to keep the mosquitos away. I haven't tried it yet but my mothers says it works and it isn't harmful for the children because you can put it in bath water and take a bath with it. Sorry, I forgot the name of it. It is in a frosted clear bottle with a light seafoam gree top.
Also you might try going to toys r us or the pharmacy and asking them if they have something to keep the mosquitos off of an infant. They might can help too.
Hope that helps.

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W.M.

answers from Nashville on

There are mosquito nets that cover the stroller or pack and play. They have elastic around the edge and you pull it over the top. They are mesh and totally see through. Get a sun hat that straps around their chin, or put in a pack and play and cover the top. They also have little beach/sun tents. We used one on the beach then the baby can lay, sit up, crawl around inside. They are great! You can get a beach umbrella too and set it up wherever you want to. The mosqu net may be your best option b/c you can't put spray on them when they are that little. p/s that oil stuff by Avon that the other mom mentioned is Skin So Soft.....

W. M

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B.B.

answers from Jackson on

Hi L.! My lil boy just turned 3 in March and he is all the time outside.. day and night, it doesnt matter. I have been using Blue Lizard sunscreen on him since he was about 6 months old. You can buy it at most pharmacies and it works wonderful. We just spend 4 days on the beach and I applied only 2 times a day and he never got the least bit red. Also, the bottle turns colors when you are exposed to harmful ultraviolent rays and lets you know its time to reapply. As for mosquitos... I was told to get a spray bottle and mix half Listorine mouthwash and half water... spray all around the area that the baby will be. This repels mosquitos very well. Hope this info helps and Have a Happy Memorial Day!!!

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V.E.

answers from Greensboro on

My baby boy just turned one and the doctor said NOT to use sunscreen on him until he was at least 6 months old. He also suggested Bounce Dryer Sheets for the mosquitos - just place a couple in the bottom of the stroller and the mosquitos won't come around. It works! and it smells good :) Stay in the shade while he is out of the stroller -be careful if it is windy - because that can burn their sensitive skin as well. Best of luck and have a great Memorial Day!!!

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A.B.

answers from Lexington on

Keeping your munchkin in the shade is a must, be it umbrella or tree.

I have heard two tips on keeping away mosquitos. I haven't tried either but they are reliable sources.

1. A fabric softner sheet kept in pocket or in this case stoller
2.And listerine sprayed around the premises.
Good luck and enjoy your day!

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T.K.

answers from Louisville on

Totally random, but Skin So Soft by avon will keep mosquitoes away. Also, if you're looking for a more natural method, mosquitoes are naturally repelled by marigolds. A friend of mine plants them in window boxes every year around their deck and it keeps mosquitoes at bay-no sweat! You could get a few, maybe pin one to your baby's diaper and stroller. As far as sunscreen, as I'm sure you know, babies are too little to have it on their skin. Most pediatricians recommend layers of light-weight, tightly woven (hold it up to the light, if none comes thru, it's a good choice) loose clothing to protect their skin. You may not have enough time to get it, but there are also clothes with UPF built into them (sun protection -usually like a 50 SPF). Just google UPF 50 and yo'll see what I'm talking about. Here's a link to just one website (recommended by the Cancer Assoc.) http://www.coolibar.com/childsunclothing.html
My kiddo was born in August, so I completely understand your dilemma. I invested in some of these clothes because I knew that we'd be on lots of outdoor activities before winter. He never got burned! I, (of course) tried to find shady areas, made him wear a hat, and kept him out of direct sunlight as much as possible as well!

Hope this helps, have fun!

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