Those of us in the northern part of the country are rejoicing that the sun is shining on us again. It’s a good idea to let your baby get some direct sunlight on his or her skin for up to 5 minutes everyday so he can make (very important) vitamin D. After that, cover him up with light clothing and a sun hat for the best protection against sunburn. If you must use sun block, it is imperative that you use a chemical free brand. Research has shown that the nasty chemicals in most all conventional sunscreens turn into cancer causing substances when the sun is baking them into the skin. Seems counterproductive, no?
Avoid these ingredients: Oxybenzone, DMDM Hydantoin, Triethanolamine, dioxanes, parabens, PEGs, propelene glycol, synthetic fragrances and petroleum based ingredients. Instead choose a brand with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which act as physical barriers to the sun because they don’t penetrate the skin. Also check the labels for organic skin protecting ingredients. Look for these brands:
Badger Balm All Natural Sunscreen for Face and Body
Weleda Children’s Sunscreen
Burts Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen
Erbaviva Natural Children’s Sunscreen
California Baby Everyday/Year-Round Sunscreen
Please leave a comment with your sunscreen experiences or other recommendations.
Living in Hawaii, we have had to put sun block on our baby earlier than the 6 month suggested age. We decided to use California Baby because it seemed to be the most readily available (found at Target for less than at other stores). It was easy to use, didn’t take much to cover his whole body, and did not irritate little Cooper’s skin. I would recommend this product to use in the sunniest of places!
I love california baby!!
Badger is awesome!!!!! My kiddo’s haven’t gotten burnt yet! And we’re out at the pool every morning! My only dislike, is how thick it is. It makes it difficult to spread. But it’s well worth the work getting it on! I have heard that Badger has made an easier to spread formula. But haven’t found it around here yet. I have tried California Baby as well. It’s easier to spread, but I still like badgers more!