Bug Spray & SunBlock

From the skin PhD: If you are concerned about chemical sunblocks, look for the "physical" sunscreens, which are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide on the product labels, where the active ingredients are listed, instead of other sunscreen ingredients. They can't penetrate the skin, so they can't harm or irritate baby skin. The baby/child formulas are sometimes a little more gentle, and I am a big fan of the rub-away colored formulas, so you can check your coverage. Also, you can buy a product (in the dye section at larger stores) that puts sun protection onto fabrics, so if you wash her clothes and maybe a cloth hat in that, you only have to put sunscreen on her exposed hands/face/etc.

As for insect repellent, the ones that are actually effective are all full of scary chemicals (but DEET is scarier than the other one that's commercially available). I have actually had good luck with one of those small battery-operated doodads that claims to produce a high-pitched (you can't hear it)noise that repels mosquitoes. You could clip one on to her clothes or stroller. I bought mine in a 3-pack at Bed, Bath and Beyond a couple of summers ago for maybe 10 dollars, and they've been great.

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Maybe if you go to Whole Foods or somewhere where they have natural ingredients...you would find something. I remember I used a camomile spray for mosquitos when i was pregnant in Puerto Rico...i had gotten it from Marshalls....

Hi D.,
You can go on WWW.avon.com and click on outdoor protection. they Have a lot of bug spray/sunblock combos. They have one just for kids. That goes on blue but when you rub it in it's clear. That way while you're applying it you can tell if you missed any spots. I use it for my daughters. I hope this helps.

i don't know where you live but i sell avon. they do have the sunblock that has the vanishing color. also, maybe burt's bees has some sun lotions you could try. before i sold avon i just used the one from the drug store i think it was water babies, or something like that.

ETA:
A group I'm in is doing a group buy of this (wholesale pricing). If you're interested I'd be happy to send you the information.

What have you decided on?

Blessings!

D.,
I'm a stay home mom of 3 little ones (4, 3, 1)

The use of sunscreen is a great idea. You will want to find something as natural as possible. They best I've found is called UV Natural. <http://www.uvnaturalusa.com/htm/default.asp&gt;

It's a little tough to get a hold of, and not inexpensive, but you definitely want to avoid traditional sunblocks. The 30SPF is all you'll need. And the baby and adult formulas are exactly the same, just packaged differently.

Here are just a few quick links:

http://www.skinbiology.com/toxicsunscreens.html
http://www.mercola.com/2004/may/26/summer_sun.htm

Scroll to "problem ingredients":
http://www.aubrey-organics.com/about/articles/suncare.cfm

This is interesting about prenatal sunlight:
http://www.mercola.com/2000/nov/26/sunshine.htm

For mosquito repellent, definitely deet free. Something you can also try is to use a gentle moisturizer and put a few drops of tea tree oil in it, blend it up in your palm and apply. Works great!!

If I come up with any more safe and effective ideas, I'll add them.

Blessings,
Rolinda
Wife, Mother, Friend

HI D.,
Look into www.arbonne.com, their sunblock is pure and safe, unlike most out there.
as for bug spray, I'd check out the health food store, but definitely be careful, all those chemicals can be bad for the little ones...
message me if you have any questions.
good luck,
M.

I don't know of a combo one that works well. But, with bug spray I would suggest looking for something deet free. I always use Water Babies for sunblock...at least 50 SPF.

Since your little girl is still very young I would recommend the stuff I use for my little girl who had a bad reaction to water babies. For insect repellent try Burt Bees Herbal Insect Repellent. It's all natural, and it smells really good, you should be able to find it at a whole foods. For sunblock you can try just straight zinc oxide. Or try one of these that don't have really harsh chemicals, California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion, or Jason Natural Kid's Block SPF46 which is water proof. These products have worked really well for me and I think it's worth it to seek them out. Especially since that report that came out saying that certain strong sunscreens might be causing skin cancer. Other than lotions you can always just cover her up. Don't forget a good hat. :)

Avon's skin so soft is a good one.

I use skin so soft (AVON) on my son for bug repellant. As for sunblock, a dermatologist who also has a baby recomends blue lizard, it is an australian company. They make adult and kid sunblocks and is sold at CVS. It is a combination of zinc oxide and another oxide that is not harmful to babies. I highly recomend it!

There is a very good one by California Baby but it's on the expensive side. You can usually get it at Whole Foods or Fresh Fields.

Y.

We love AVONS skin so soft suntan lotion. No I don't sell AVON so I am not trying to make money LOL. I sold for them afew years ago we we love thsi product!!