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The first day of summer!
After a month straight of rain and grey skies (which is very rare for Boulder, Colorado) the first weekend of summer vacation finally feels like summer. It’s sunny and in the mid-80s. The kids are at the neighborhood pool with Daddy and right about now, I’m hoping he’s applying a second layer of sunblock to any exposed patches of skin.
I recently read a blog that listed the 11 Worst Sunscreens for Kids and I was dismayed to realize we actually have what they are calling “The Worst” in our cupboard right now.
Putting sunscreen on my kids is probably the only thing I don’t like about summer. They whine, protest, wiggle and run when tell them it’s time to put it on. Maybe that’s because they don’t understand the cause and effect of “Not wearing sunblock” and “Getting a painful sunburn.” They’ve never been sunburned, unlike their sun-spotted mother, and I aim to keep it that way. But because they don’t really understand the importance of wearing sunscreen outside, they don’t feel as inclined to cooperate as they might otherwise. In fact, it might be easier to apply an even layer of lotion on a ticked-off, greased piglet who is trying to get away than to put it on my children. I don’t know how many times they’ve gotten sunblock in their eyes because they squirm when I am trying to cover their faces. Sunblock and eyes are not a good mix ever for anyone involved--the Sunblocker, the Sunblockee, and anyone else whose trip to the beach or the pool depends on everyone in the group being adequately slathered and preferably, not screaming in pain.
I’ve yet to find a sunblock that meets all of my requirements:
- Non-toxic
- Organic
- Doesn’t cost a fortune
- Goes on quickly and evenly
It also needs to meet my kids requirements:
- Doesn’t make them white and pasty looking
- Doesn’t sting eczema flare ups
- Doesn’t run into the eyes
The best sunblock I have found, that meets all but a few our combined prerequisites for perfection, is Sierra Madre Sun Cream. It looks and smells so delicious, sweet and creamy with a light citrusy scent, that I almost want to spread it some toast and eat it. It doesn’t sting my children’s sensitive skin, it’s fairly waterproof, it all-natural and non-toxic. The kids do complain that it makes their skin white (that would be the zinc, which is a physical blocker and one of the best ingredients to look for in a sunblock), it is rather thick and pasty but it rubs in well but unfortunately, it costs a small fortune. We use it as often as we can but sometimes, we do resort to the chemical concoctions in a pinch. I’d rather risk possible long-term effects of the chemical exposure than the immediate effects of a nasty sunburn and the long-term risks of skin cancer and sun damage.
We’ve also avoid sunburns by:
- Wearing SPF clothing
- Wearing SPF swimshirts
- Wearing wide brimmed hats
- Staying inside during the hottest, sunniest parts of the day
- Wearing sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection
How do you keep your little ones from getting sunburned? What is your favorite sunscreen?
Click here for the EWG’s (The Environmental Working Group) list of 217 Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens.
My girls are red-headed, very fair, and would burn in 5 minutes if I didn’t protect them from the sun. Our main way to avoid sunburns is to stay in the shade when possible and use sun-protective clothing. But we’ve had luck with Kiss My Face sunscreen when we do need to use it.
I like the stick form of sunscreen instead of lotion… keeps it out of babys eyes!
I wish the sun would shine here in WI and give us beautiful weather for more then a day or two. It’s bbeen pretty chilly still and we’re still getting rain. The joys of WI weather.
I’m on a search for the right one too. Add to our list the requirement to be gluten-free. I don’t mind if they look pasty though. Just as long as it works and is safe.
I have yet to find a good sunscreen that doesn’t irritate my son’s very sensitive skin.
I just bought the honest company sunblock. Hope it’s good.
My kids are very fair, and we love the BabyGanics sunblock; it works well! I recommend it.
I’m going to be a new mom, and it is one of the things I worry about. What would be a good sunscreen for a new baby? I have very sensitive skin towards the sun, and I have yet to find one that works great. I’ve used Coppertone Sensitive Pool Sunscreen, which is OK, but it flakes on me. Aveeno Baby I thought would be good, but then I read the ingredients which contains Parabens. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. If it works for me, I think it’s a start for the little ones.
We are outside prett much every day and have no trees or shade in our yard so we are always going through dozens of bottles of sunblock a month. Trying to go for something more natural so will check out the link to the other blog.
I use sunscreen when we are outside more than 20 minutes or so or if it’s the heat of the day. I’m thankful my kids love wearing their big hats – one less spot to worry about! 🙂
My genetics made me fortunate where I never wore sunscreen growing up. But now that I have my son who is extremely fair skinned I have zero experience with picking sunscreen. I purchased the babyganics but havent used it yet. fingers crossed.
With 3 redheads we are experts at burn avoidance. The key is adequate shade and swim shirts.
i’m really endeavoring to be better about wearing sunscreen- especially now that i’ve got a little one who will be learning from me and that i need to protect!
I seem to burn much easier than my children. But they have swim clothing to cover as much of their skin as possible and then a good cream sunscreen for the face. Hard to find one that doesn’t burn.
Good to know! I think it’s really weird that doctors don’t talk about this stuff. I hate having to rely on Dr. Google to figure out what sunscreens ACTUALLY work and what don’t. That’s something you just don’t want to chance!
Luckily my kids are pretty good about putting sunblock on them. I also try to stay inside during the middle of the day
so glad we found a good natural brand of sun block so we can play outside and not be worried about chemicals
My husband put up a sun shade over the kids play area in the backyard. I can’t imagine having to try and put sunblock in my son every time we go out back to play, he reacts just like your kids!
we always have a heck of a time with sunscreen. we end up wearing GIANT hats and playing a lot in the shade! 😛 badger balm works well for us when we use it though!
Thinkbaby sunscreen ROCKS! We searched high and low for a natural sunscreen that spreads relatively easily and works well for our own babies and to stock in our store, Simple Cloth. Thinkbaby fits the ticket! http://www.simplecloth.com/catalog/item/7253626/7946916.htm
I have a winter baby so this is my first hot season with him. He has just learned to tear off his sun hat so we’re going to have to be very vigilant with the sunscreen. I like the stick options over the lotion, but either way, he squirms away no matter what. So far, haven’t seen any allergies to any of the ingredients, so that’s good.
This is our first summer slathering the sunscreen on the babe. We’ve resorted to sprays for us the past few years, which I also hate, but eh, it’s easier. I’ll spray the baby legs and then lather up the arms and face. Everything is just so greasy (sigh)
Last year we found an organic one that was made in Quebec (we are Canadian). It was very easy to out on her when she was tiny and didn’t move around, but now that she’s older and running around she doesn’t like to sit still, for me to rub it in! Regardless, it’s nice to know that I don’t have to worry about certain chemicals and skin reactions as she has very sensitive skin!
Just bought Babyganics but haven’t used it yet… I hope it’s good for my LO
I stick to keeping covered, myself. Adults and kids are easily distracted with all the outdoor fun and activities and forget about reapplying in a timely manner to avoid sunburns. Hats and light long sleeve shirts!!
We just started hitting the splash pads now that Texas is getting some sun. I slather on the BabyGanics sunscreen, put on a sun proof rash guard and hat and us gingers hit the sun for a short amount of time! We go first thing in the morning and avoid the sun between 12-4 everyday!
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