Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

I usually use California Baby sunscreen lotion on DS. Now that DS is in the toddler group, he'll be spending more time outside at daycare. The teachers asked me to bring in sunscreen. One of the women in the office told me that sun sticks are good for the face and the teachers prefer sun spray b/c it's quick and easy to put on.

After doing some research, I couldn't find any sun spray that was completely free of harmful chemicals and considered safe. It seems that a lot of the recommended brands, especially for kids, don't make a spray. The sun stick I brought into daycare for now is really for the face. I apply California Baby sunscreen in the morning. What should I send into daycare? I'd like the give the teachers something safe and pretty quick to apply for the afternoon. Should I find a sun stick meant for arms and legs too? Do you have any recommendations? What kind of sunscreen did you send into your DCP?

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

Bump

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

I had to take Will to the ped. dermatologist yesterday, and he suggested either Aveeno baby sunscreen (did not get great reviews online), or Neutrogena sheer. I think both are creams though. We're VERY fair, and he said he felt those two were the best for very fair skinned babies.

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

I don't know about any Spray's, but this is my go to site for sunscreen info

http://safemama.com/2009/04/13/safemamas-2009-safer-sunscreen-cheat-sheet/

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

Eh, I would worry less about what they "prefer" because it's quick and more about which sunscreen you prefer. Personally, I would just send in the california baby if that's what you are comfortable with. Sorry, I don't know of any others, that's the one we use.

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

I personally haven't come across any safe sun sprays either...and this is my 3rd summer using sunscreen on DD

We use California Baby sensitive sunblock all summer long...face & body, that's all we use. But I am neurotic about reapply it every 2 hours (as directed) b/c I figure w/o chemicals/preservatives in it, I really can't push that timeframe.

That said, I am always reapplying when we're out & about But I do it b/c it's necessary. We went to Sesame Place last year-- I knew it would be very hard to keep track of the 2 hour window and even harder to get her to sit still for me to reapply every 2 hours as we ran around the park. So I bought a regular spray (it was probably Coppertone Baby or one of those...SPF50)...I ended up using the California Baby for the first 2 hours, then used the spray the remainder of the day b/c I wanted to make sure she was protected.

If I was in your situation and since I haven't been able to find a reliable natural spray, I may send a traditional spray in to daycare, to make sure he's well protected from the sun since you obviously don't want him to get burned...and when he's home with you and on the weekends, you can use California Baby. Unless you think they'll be diligent about reapplying after 2 hours in the sun, I'd send the spray to daycare.

Message edited 4/9/2010 12:12:25 PM.

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

I would check with your day care-ours will not let you use spray, it has to be a lotion. The spray makes the floors slippery.

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

Posted by MrsS2005

Posted by nbc188

If I was in your situation and since I haven't been able to find a reliable natural spray, I may send a traditional spray in to daycare, to make sure he's well protected from the sun since you obviously don't want him to get burned...and when he's home with you and on the weekends, you can use California Baby. Unless you think they'll be diligent about reapplying after 2 hours in the sun, I'd send the spray to daycare.

They tend to go outside twice per day: once in the morning and once in the afternoon. They'd apply the sunscreen before the outside time in the afternoon. Since it's 2 teachers and 8 kids, I'd definitely like to give them a quicker option than applying lotion. I remember having to reapply lotion to many kids at camp years ago and it took forever.

Have you used the California Baby sun stick? It's probably more for the face than the body though. I can always ask them what the other kids have and if it's ok to just bring in lotion. Thanks.

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

Posted by MRSBA

Eh, I would worry less about what they "prefer" because it's quick and more about which sunscreen you prefer. Personally, I would just send in the california baby if that's what you are comfortable with. Sorry, I don't know of any others, that's the one we use.

Re: Questions for those who use natural sunscreens

I use Burt's Bees for DD. The one time I didn't have it with me and needed it I borrowed Beach Bum for Babies from my sister and DD got a nasty rash.

Go with what works for you!