A paranoid question about sun exposure

Today we were out on a little drive and while DH ran into the store, I stayed in the car with Sunny. Like clockwork the minute the car stopped she started to cry; actually, she was due for a feeding and I had planned ahead and brought her RTF and a bottle. Got her out of the seat so I could feed and burp her while DH was inside. Anyway, the way we were parked, the sun was totally coming into the back. We were probably sitting like that for about 10, 15 minutes. I'm not sure about newborn sun exposure, but A: is/was this unsafe and B: do you guys put sunscreen on newborns? each time you go out? we haven't been outdoors yet and we've literally only been in the car maybe 3 times. I read you can now put s/screen on babies under 6 months but I didn't today! As it is, in the car I have kept the canopy pretty much all the way over her.

edited to clarify: haven't applied s/s to her...ever...and was meaning to ask doc about this.

Message edited 1/16/2011 3:39:52 PM.

Re: A paranoid question about sun exposure

Personally, I don't worry about sun damage in the winter months, unless you are surrounded by snow and there is a lot of reflection.

That said you are inside, and even regular glass can shield from a lot of UV rays.

But also some sun is really good for newborns, and babies, and adults. Everyone needs some sun every day. On summer days its more critical to watch out for time and protection. But on winter days, any sun you can get is good, in my opinion.

I wouldn't risk putting chemicals on my newborn unless I knew he's be exposed to bright summer sun for more than 20 minutes.

Re: A paranoid question about sun exposure

You don't put sunscreen on a newborn. I think the sunscreen packages references 6 months. I'm not saying to lay out with your baby.

If you had a newborn with jaundice, the treatment is light. My son was a little jaundice so I was told to put him by the window to get some sun.

Re: A paranoid question about sun exposure

got it! thanks!

Re: A paranoid question about sun exposure

When DS was first born, he was a little jaundiced, and our ped TOLD us to have DC out in the sun (in May) for 10-15 minutes a day every day for a while. There are many benefits from moderate sun exposure.

Re: A paranoid question about sun exposure

I never did. Just get one of those sunshades for the car, one of the cling on ones, to block her in the car.

I wasnt a fan of putting chemicals on DD. And peds dont want sunscreen used on them until they are about 6 mths generally speaking.

A little sun exposure is actually good so I think your DD will be fine but just get one of those sunshades for the car window. HTH

Re: A paranoid question about sun exposure