If you’re breastfeeding and thinking about using a sunbed, you’re not alone in wondering whether it could have any effect on your milk or your baby.
It’s one of those questions that doesn’t always have an obvious answer, so here’s what the evidence actually says. According to La Leche League International, one of the world’s leading breastfeeding organisations, no evidence exists that the use of tanning beds has any effect on human milk or breastfed babies.
This is supported by Beside You Kent, an NHS-affiliated breastfeeding support service, which states the same: there is no evidence that tanning bed use has any effect on human milk or breastfed babies.
As always, if you have any specific concerns about your individual circumstances, your GP or midwife is the right person to speak to before making any decisions.
What The Evidence Says
The position from established breastfeeding organisations is consistent: sunbed use is not known to affect breast milk composition or supply. La Leche League International, which has been providing research-based breastfeeding guidance since 1956, makes no recommendation against sunbed use while breastfeeding on the basis of milk or infant health.
It is worth noting that these organisations do flag some practical considerations for breastfeeding mothers using sunbeds, not in relation to milk or baby health, but in relation to personal comfort and general tanning results. We cover those below.
Practical Things to Be Aware Of
Protecting the breast and nipple area
This is the most commonly flagged practical consideration from breastfeeding organisations. Nipple skin is particularly delicate, and any discomfort or irritation in that area can make breastfeeding uncomfortable.
La Leche League International specifically notes the importance of protecting the nipples when using a sunbed.
Covering the breast and nipple area during your session is a straightforward way to address this and something worth thinking about when deciding what to wear.
Our guide on what to wear in a tanning bed covers your options in full, including the differences between lay-down beds and stand-up booths which may affect how you choose to cover up.
Skin Sensitivity
Postpartum hormonal changes can leave skin feeling more reactive than usual. This isn’t unique to breastfeeding mothers, skin sensitivity varies from person to person, but it’s worth keeping in mind when planning your first session back.
If you haven’t used a sunbed for a while, starting with a shorter session than you might have previously is a sensible approach while you get a feel for how your skin is responding.
Staying Hydrated
This applies to any sunbed session, not specifically to breastfeeding: sunbeds raise your body temperature, and staying well hydrated before and after your session supports your general comfort and helps you get the most from it.
If you’re breastfeeding, you’ll likely already be mindful of keeping your fluid intake up, just make sure that continues around your session.
A Note on Tanning Products
If you use a tanning accelerator or any other product as part of your session, avoid applying it to the breast and nipple area.
It’s also worth making sure any product has been fully washed off before breastfeeding, even if you’ve avoided applying directly to the breast, cleansing the area beforehand is good general practice. This is in line with guidance from La Leche League Canada on the use of tanning products while breastfeeding.
Tanning accelerators are best used to help your skin respond more effectively during a session, meaning you can build your colour in fewer visits.
For a new mum juggling a busy schedule, it can help reduce the time needed in a sunbed. The SunShine Co. stocks a range of tanning accelerators and single-use sachets are available in the salon if you’d like to try one before committing to a full bottle.
When to Check With Your GP or Midwife First
While the evidence from established breastfeeding organisations does not suggest tanning bed use affects milk or infant health, every individual’s circumstances are different. If you have any of the following, it’s worth speaking to your GP or midwife before your session:
- You’re on any medication prescribed during or after pregnancy.
- You have any skin conditions or concerns that have developed since giving birth.
- You have any specific health concerns about your postpartum recovery.
For general breastfeeding questions and support, the Breastfeeding Network offers free, expert guidance. You can also call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212.
Building Back Into a Routine
If you’re looking to get back into a regular tanning routine after having a baby, it’s worth taking it gradually and building up your sessions over time rather than jumping straight back to where you were before.
Our guide to building the best sunbed routine walks through how to structure your sessions for the best results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a sunbed when breastfeeding?
According to La Leche League International and Beside You Kent (NHS-affiliated), there is no evidence that sunbed use has any effect on human milk or breastfed babies.
As with any decision during the postpartum period, if you have specific concerns it’s always worth speaking to your GP or midwife first.
Does a sunbed affect breast milk?
No evidence exists to suggest that sunbed use affects breast milk composition or supply, according to La Leche League International. If you have individual health concerns, speak to your GP or midwife.
What should I be aware of when using a sunbed while breastfeeding?
The main practical consideration flagged by breastfeeding organisations is to protect the breast and nipple area during your session, as nipple skin is particularly delicate.
Staying well hydrated before and after your session and avoiding applying tanning products to the breast area are also worth keeping in mind.
Should I tell the salon I'm breastfeeding?
Where can I get further advice about tanning while breastfeeding?
The Breastfeeding Network and the National Breastfeeding Helpline (0300 100 0212) are both excellent sources of expert breastfeeding guidance. Your GP or midwife can also advise based on your individual circumstances.
Your Session, Your Terms
Getting back to the things you enjoy after having a baby, including your tanning routine, is completely valid.
Armed with the right information and a quick chat with your GP or midwife if needed, there’s no reason your sessions can’t fit comfortably around breastfeeding.
Find your nearest SunShine Co. salon and take some time for yourself, no booking needed, just walk in.
