Sea and Ski All Day SPF 30 UVA-UVB Sunscreen Foam by Faulding:

I am writing about this sunscreen with much hesitation.  If you read last year’s blog about sunscreen you will see that I don’t tread lightly on the subject.  The Environmental Working Group Skin Deep cosmetic  safety database rated this sunscreen a 7 (not good), but if you are a family that is not concerned about specific, potential health hazard associated with certain ingredients this should be your go-to sunscreen.

I roast and toast in any kind of sun. My husband does too.  We have tried this sunscreen in extremely sunny situations, in the desert, during water sports and skiing. We have never gotten burned even after only one application for the whole day.  Also, your skin does not feel nasty after you apply it.  You don’t feel like you have to take a  shower to take it off and scrub off the greasy feel.  It also does not get stuff (dirt, sand) stuck on you.

Solar safe UV sun monitor wristbands:  A good idea for those who can’t remember when to put sunscreen or to monitor their sun exposure. They are throw away wrist bands that your child can wear and it tells you when you need to reapply sunscreen or go inside.  They change color with increased amount of sun exposure.  They work.

Girls Sport Suit: Organic Bathing suit: www.happygreenbee.com

One of my huge dilemmas when it comes to sun protection is the quality of the product you are using. Is it really good to slather chemicals on your body?  To wear synthetics against your skin?  To look like a hot pink goddess wrapped in lycra?

Happy green bee has the cutest and most old fashioned looking bathing suit out there.  It is made from organic cotton and has a little skirt attached to it.  My daughter really likes it.  On the other hand, for full sun exposure I tend to prefer suits with built-in UV protection.  So, I would recommend this suit more for indoor or shady swimming.  It also takes forever to dry.  But when she wears this suit I am so happy and confident in the quality and the comfort of the product.

MFS: www.mfseyewear.com 

We tried two different pairs of their sunglasses. They both provide 100 % UV protection, polycarbonate frames, safe plastic, and a wrap around Velcro strap.

My first Shades/ 2-5 years old:  These come in many different colors and designs, including some with a bit of an old fashioned flair shape. 

 Xtreme Elements/ 3-7:  These come in solid colors, have darker lenses and have a bit of padding to them. They look like sleek, streamlined ski goggles.

Both pairs stay on your child well and seem to be relatively comfortable.  They do leave a slight temporary mark on your child's face if you put them on tight enough for them not to fall off during sports.  I find the Velcro strap annoying because they get caught in my child’s hair and I have to tug at her head to make it fit properly, but they are the glasses that stay on the best.

Protective Zone:  Adult/Child Rash Guard 

Rash guard= word adopted from surfing, describing a long sleeved swimming shirt.  They protect you from the sun and getting a ‘rash’ from harsh waves/sand.

 UPF 50 plus: Both adult and child versions of this rash guard are simple in construction and design.  They offer great sun protection and come in a variety of colors.

The adult shirt fits snuggly and is pulled over the head.  The child version is a one piece suit with snap buttons on the legs for easy diaper change.  I felt that both were slightly see through and give a slightly odd look when worn.  My daughter who is potty trained did not like the snaps directly on her skin, and taking the whole suit off or unbuttoning were both annoying.   The adult version could be slightly longer to cover your midriff.  Overall though, the child suit offered the best sun protection. The Protective Zone rash guard for kids is a great suit to have if you don’t want to have to remember slather sunscreen on your child at regular intervals.

I Sun Play: www.iplaybabywear.com

 Rash Guard UPF plus 50: A cute rash guard top for your little ones.  What I like about this top is that it is simple and that it is separate from the bottom. I find that to be easier than the all in one suit because your potty trained child only has to take off the bottom to pee and your diaper child only has to take off the bottom to be changed.

Infant flexi glasses:  Tiny glasses for tiny people.  They are quite cute and infants seem to want to keep them on but they are not very protective because of their small coverage area. The slightly dark shade may make it more difficult for them to see.

Brim Sun Hat:  I really like this sun hat.  The brim is huge and it stays on most of the time when my daughter jumps into the water.  The only disadvantage is that it flops over her eyes at times.  She really likes the cute design and very pink color.

Ultimate swim diaper: This patented design swim diaper is quite great.  It does not require a disposable diaper or any other liner inside.  So it is eco friendly and easy to clean.  The seal is very good. Since it really contains what is inside it creates a big pouch on your child’s behind even if they did not go to the bathroom because it holds the water that has seeped in.