Keeping baby out of the sun

My ped recommended that I don't use sunscreen on my daughter until 6 mo. She is almost 5 mo.

We're going to be going to a lot of BBQs this summer,etc. I don't know what to do. I know the obvious answer is to keep her in the shade, but sometimes I don't see how that is possible to do at all times.

Ex: Her christening is at my parents' house soon where there is not one tree or ounce of shade. Should I purchase one of those tent things for her? What about when people are holding her and passing her around? Uggh. I really don't know what to do. It's not like we can cover them in clothes in the heat!

Please...any ideas?

Re: Keeping baby out of the sun

Do you have any sun hats? We basically keep DS in the shade, or under our tent. Sometimes you can't do that, so we tend to keep him yankee's hat on him so the sun stays out of his face.

My ped. also told me that SOME sun is good for the baby, its natural vitamin d, so don't worry if people are passing her around. Just once everyone has seen her I would put her back under an umbrella or tent etc.

Re: Keeping baby out of the sun

IMO, sunblock is better than any sun exposure. Especially since your DC is almost 6 months old anyway.

When DS was 3 months old, we were flying to Florida in July, my ped OKed sunblock for him starting then.

Re: Keeping baby out of the sun

I would get a large tent for the christening that the guests can sit under also. If you get a tent for just the baby, the guests won't be able to hold her in it since they are usually pretty small.

You could also get an umbrella that clips onto the stroller or infant seat for other times you are at BBQs, and maybe some long sleeve rash guard shirts and a lot of sunhats.

Re: Keeping baby out of the sun

My ped told me that while the recommended age is 6 months for sunscreen, it's better for the baby then a sunburn. He told me I could start using it at 4 months (DD is 4.5 months now), but told me to use either Aveeno Baby or California Baby, not to use the other sunscreens (i.e. coppertone).