9 Ways to Protect Baby from the Sun
When you're heading to the beach or pool this summer keep these products and gear close by to protect your baby from the sun.
By Jessica Hartshorn from American Baby
-
Courtesy of Cabana Life
It's Cool to Be Covered
Cabana Life was started by a woman who had a skin-cancer scare. She now passionately designs really cute swimwear and cover-ups to prove that you don't have to give up fashion for safety. There are suits and rash guards for babies and kids up to about age 6, mostly sold in sets so that the rash guard always matches the suit. She makes some mommywear as well.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
-
Courtesy of Badger Balm
Serious Sunscreen
Badger, with SPF 30, gets high marks for being a pure zinc-oxide barrier. That means it turns your kids' skin a little white, but that's good, because you know if you've missed a spot and you can see when it starts to rub off. It's also at least 60 percent certified organic.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
-
Courtesy of Neutrogena
Serious Sunscreen
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby is brand new this year. It's SPF 60, with a blend of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that forms a physical barrier against the sun. It's safe for babies 6 months and up -- or younger if your pediatrician gives you the okay ($10-11, drugstores).
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
-
Courtesy of MD Moms
Take More with You
Keep MD Moms Sunscreen Towelettes in your diaper bag at all times and you'll always be ready to reapply sunscreen. The wipes don't weigh as much as a bottle of sun lotion, so they're easy to cart around, and each towel should be able to completely cover a 2-year-old with SPF 30 lotion.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
-
Shady Stroller
Another way to protect your baby's feet (and legs and arms) is by adding a tie-on stroller shade, like the SPF 50 Protect-a-Bub, to your stroller's existing canopy. They're available for single or double strollers and in several colors.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
-
Courtesy of Wallaroo Hat Company
Put a Lid on Them
Yes, it's hard to get a kid to keep a hat on his head, but you gotta try. It protects the scalp and face, two places where it's tough to get on sunscreen. These SPF 50 baby hats are from Wallaroo Hat Company.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
-
Bryan McCay
Sunglasses
If it's hard to keep a hat on your baby, it might be nearly impossible to keep her in sunglasses. But Julbo Looping Sunglasses are the best we've found -- they can't be easily tossed off, and they really cover the eyes for maximum protection.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
-
Courtesy of One Step Ahead
Watch the Feet
Experts say that babies' feet are often forgotten when it comes to sun protection -- and think about it, what other body part stays out of the stroller? Especially if your child kicks off shoes or balks at sandals, try these sun-protective Surf Socks sold through One Step Ahead. [Update: This item is currently unavailable as of 2012.]
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
-
Bryan McCay
Cutest Babysuit Ever!
If you've got a young baby at the beach, put him in a sun-protective romper -- it takes away a lot of the worry and lets you focus your sunscreen application (and reapplication) on his extremities. We love this Baby Surf Suit from Mini Boden. [Update: This item is currently unavailable as of 2012.]
Originally published in the May 2009 issue of American Baby magazine. Reviewed and updated 2012.
Unless otherwise noted, all products are available at mass-market retailers. This piece was accurate at publication time, but all prices, offerings, and availabilities are subject to change.
What do you think of this story? Give your opinion!
-
Parents Are Talking
Add a Comment