Questions about sunblock and insect repellant . . .

I am really bad about skin care for myself- I only apply sunblock if I am going to the beach or going to baking in the sun for an extended period of time.

I need and want to be more responsible when it comes to caring for DD's skin, so I need some help. When do you apply sunblock to your DC? If they are going to be outside for a certain period of time? Every time it will be sunny out? I know this may seem so dumb, but like I said I am a little clueless with this.

Also, do you use anything to repel insects on your DC? If so, what?

TIA!

Re: Questions about sunblock and insect repellant . . .

I apply sunblock to my DS whenever we will be outside (even if its for a short period of time).

I also use insect repellant if we will be out at dusk.

I use California Baby for both!

Re: Questions about sunblock and insect repellant . . .

I am a sun-protection FREAK with DD. She's got my coloring-- blond with fair skin. Though I do tan fairly easily, I soooo regret the years and years of sun damage I exposed myself to...especially when I look at DD's gorgeous, creamy skin!

So-- we use California Baby sunblock EVERY time we're outside to play if it's not fully-cloudy. To/from the car, in/out of stores, I don't use sunblock (that's when she's getting her Vitamin D, IMO). 99% of the time, I sunblock her entire body, except diaper area...sunlight still gets through clothing if it's not SPF-protected clothing. If we're out & about, I don't strip her naked so I can do the unexposed parts. But at home, beach outings, etc...I even do under the clothes.

She wears SPF hats in the sun 99% of the time. I can't tell you how many times growing up (and even now it happens to me still!) as a very light blond my scalp was BURNED. Numerous times each summer So even though DD has a ton of hair, it's super fair & thin, so the scalp is definitely not well protected.

I put sunblock on 15 minutes before we head outside as recommended, so it has time to soak in & become effective. And since we do use California Baby and it's all-natural, I am religious about reapplying every 2 hours outside b/c I just feel like I don't have as much wiggle room as the traditional sunblocks, KWIM?

Sunblock is a PAIN, even on an almost-3-year-old who is super good about sitting while I do it, etc. But again, it's something I am neurotic about and I know she'll be thanking me in 20+ years when her skin is stunning and I've got tons of age spots by then from past sun damage.

I do buy California Baby insect repellant and always have it with us, though thankfully we rarely encounter a bug problem. But I have no qualms about spraying that on her when necessary since it's all-natural.

Re: Questions about sunblock and insect repellant . . .

Thanks- I am going to pick up the California Baby repellant the next time I am at Target.