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Sunscreen While Breastfeeding (Or Expecting): The Best Sunscreen For Nursing Moms

Sunscreen While Breastfeeding (Or Expecting): The Best Sunscreen For Nursing Moms

Baby And Toddlers Family Sun

When shopping for sunscreen while breastfeeding, you should choose a mineral sunscreen that is made with safe, natural ingredients. Mineral sunscreen is the best type of sunscreen for pregnancy and breastfeeding moms because it’s safer for mom and baby. We’ll be going into more detail as to why in the article below. 

In this article, we’ll be going over everything there is to know about breastfeeding and sunscreen, including what sunscreen ingredients expecting and nursing moms should avoid, the best sunscreen for nursing moms, and more. To learn more about breastfeeding safe sunscreen, continue reading the article or use the links below to navigate to a particular section of your choice.

What Type Of Sunscreen Should Expecting & Nursing Moms Avoid?

It’s very important to know the differences between mineral vs. chemical sunscreen so that you can choose a sunscreen that is safe for you and your baby. Chemical sunscreen contains chemical ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone, which can get absorbed into the body after just one use.

How chemical sunscreens work is a process that allows UV light into the skin, converts the rays to heat, and then releases that heat from the skin. While this process may provide good sun protection, it’s not ideal for you or your baby.

 The ingredients in chemical sunscreen can be harsh for the skin and can potentially pose risks for both mom and baby. Some studies detected these suncreen ingredients in breast milk and urine samples even after the sunscreen was no longer being used.

So whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or just want to use a safe sunscreen, mineral sunscreen will be your best option. Mineral sunscreen is the best sunscreen for nursing moms because it contains ingredients from natual origin, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are actually the only two ingredients that have been officially approved by the FDA to use in sunscreen, which proves even more how mineral sunscreen is your best bet.

Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are mineral ingredients that will not absorb into the skin and enter into your blood, unlike chemical sunscreens. This is why mineral sunscreen is the best sunscreen for nursing moms, pregnant moms, and pretty much everyone.

For expecting moms, it might be best to try and stay out of the sun all together, as the sun can lead to harmful UVA and UVB rays, dehydration, and overheating. Also during pregnancy, your skin might become more sensitive, especially around your bump area, so it’s good to be mindful of that. During the summer, the sun’s effect is greatest from about 10am to 4pm, so if at all possible, try to limit exposure to the sun during this time. If you have to go out in the sun, make sure to wear sunscreen and/or cover up with clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face. As well as sun protection, hydration is key! 

For breastfeeding moms, the same rules apply — with one more thing to keep in mind! If you are out in the sun or in a swimsuit etc., pay special attention to your breasts. Be careful they don’t get sunburnt, but also be careful of the amount of sunscreen that you put on them and what ingredients are in the sunscreen. Check in with your doctor or dermatologist for more information.

5 Best Sunscreens For Breastfeeding & Expecting Moms

There are so many sunscreen options on the market that sometimes it can be hard to know what to pick, and what will be best for your skin, and your baby.  Here are some of our favorite Babo products that are perfect for new moms out in the summer weather.

 

1. Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen

Our SPF 30 Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin and will protect you and your family against damaging UVA rays. It is also sweat and water resistant for 80 minutes. It has zinc oxide, is lightweight and has vitamins and antioxidants.

2. SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Our SPF 50 Tinted Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick helps capture that tinted glow! Formulated with plant-derived antioxidants, this water resistant zinc oxide sunscreen stick provides powerful UVA and UVB protection while delivering a gorgeous, glowing finish.

3. Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Our SPF 50 Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is ideal for moms, babies, and the whole family! This sunscreen is designed for extra sensitive skin and is formulated with zinc oxide, shea butter, and calendula to protect against UVA and UVB rays while keeping your skin soft and moisturized. It’s lightweight, non-greasy, and made with a gentle formula that won’t irritate your skin. 

4. Super Shield Sport Stick Sunscreen

Our SPF 50 Super Shield Sport Stick Sunscreen is convenient and easy to apply when you need a quick sunscreen to use on the go. It’s formulated with zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Our sport stick sunscreen provides 80 minutes of water and sweat resistance and will moisturize your skin with ingredients like organic shea butter, avocado, and jojoba oils. 

 

Breastfeeding And Sunscreen FAQs

What Sunscreen Ingredients Should You Avoid While Breastfeeding?

When shopping for sunscreen while breastfeeding, you should avoid buying chemical sunscreens that contain chemical ingredients like oxybenzone, homosalate, and octocrylene. With chemical sunscreen, these ingredients will absorb into your skin and can enter your bloodstream, which can be harmful for you and your baby. As the EWG highlights, certain chemical ingredients in sunscreen have also been found to potentially affect hormones, which you definitely don’t want while breastfeeding.  

For more information about which sunscreen ingredients you should avoid while breastfeeding and in general, you can check out the EWG sunscreen guide.

What Sunscreen Ingredients Are Safe For Breastfeeding And Expecting Moms?

Generally speaking, the safest sunscreen ingredients for breastfeeding and expecting mothers are titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, as these are the only two GRASE (generally safe and effective) ingredients the FDA currently recognizes for sunscreen use. Whether you’re expecting, nursing, or just looking for a safe sunscreen to use mineral sunscreen is the way to go. Mineral sunscreen sits on top of your skin, so it won’t enter your bloodstream and cause complications for you and your baby. It’s also made with safer ingredients that don’t irritate the skin or disrupt hormones, which makes it a much better option for breastfeeding and expecting moms.

So when looking for sunscreen while breastfeeding or expecting, make sure you choose a breastfeeding safe sunscreen that is made with natural, organic ingredients, has an SPF of at least 30, and provides broad-spectrum coverage so you get excellent protection from the sun.

What Sun Protection Measures Should New And Expecting Moms Take?

In addition to using a breastfeeding safe sunscreen, new and expecting moms should also take additional sun protection measures, such as staying in the shade and wearing protective clothing. Wearing sunscreen isn’t enough. In order to properly protect yourself from the sun, you need to use other sun protection methods as well.

And as for baby sun protection, you should avoid using sunscreen on your little one until they’re 6 months old. Once they reach 6 months, you can use baby-safe sunscreen on them, in addition to other sun protection measures. 

Recap

When you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, you need to pay extra close attention to the products you put on your skin– including your sunscreen. You have another whole human being to think of! What you put on your skin directly affect them, which is why it’s crucial to use the right sunscreen while breastfeeding or expecting.

The best sunscreen for nursing and pregnant moms is a mineral sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Mineral sunscreens contain natural ingredients that are safe for mom and baby and provide excellent protection from the sun, so you can finally go to the beach without worrying about what will happen after. Just make sure to apply adequate sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay in the shade and you can enjoy a nice, relaxing day at the beach with your family.

If you’re looking for a safe sunscreen to use while breastfeeding or pregnant, check out Babo Botanicals. Babo Botanicals sunscreen products are all made with natural ingredients like zinc oxide, so you know you’re putting only the best ingredients on your skin. Babo’s suncare products are safe for the entire family to use, so stock up now and you can be well prepared for a summer in the sun.