Summer Necessities: Sunscreen and Bugspray

[Abigail]

Do you have a favorite brand?
I know they're all up there in price and really don't go on clearance at the end of the season so cost doesn't matter as much as a good preference.

Spray on/Lotion preference?

Do you always get a "baby" type for all the kids or just babies?

AND
Do you always put on bug spray each time you go outside even if you don't anticipate bugs?


Finally, have you ever heard that sunscreen takes thirty minutes before it works? I thought I read that/heard that somewhere...I just googled it. http://bananaboat.com/sun/suncaretips.aspx

This is also neat, another site gives you the UV lookup and gives pictures and tips on how careful you need to be for the day. Try it! Just enter your zip code.
http://coppertone.com/coppertone/sum...-uv-index.jspa

[Abigail]

Anyone? LOL

[littlemissmuffet]

Hmmm. I get parents to supply all bug spray and sunblock - but I gotta say, I prefer the spray types of sunblock to the lotion kinds...
also, I keep individual wrapped Off Skintastic wipes for kids in my diaper bag at all times just in case.

[boysx5]

I make parents bring it its too expensive buying it all the time. I love the spray stuff

[Maddy'sMommy]

One brand I like lately is Badger. http://www.badgerbalm.com

I use the face sticks, they are really great.

[Blackcat31]

This something parents provide due to personal preference by parent about brands etc and possible allegies. ALL sunscreen should be applied 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and then reapplied as needed. This has always been the case and is not new. I have parents apply BEFORE drop off in the morning and I will re-apply throughout day as needed. I also prefer the spray kind (only because it is easier on my hands). As far as brand or SPF, the parents bring whatever they choose to bring.

[Meyou]

I have each parent supply one bottle of sunblock SPF 45 or 60 in a spray bottle or aersol container and it much be waterproof. Then I just use them one at a time and line the kids up .

I supply bug spray since we don't need it alot (LUCKY!). I get the OFF skintastics for kids. It doesn't smell yucky and its easy to apply. Plus I had coupons and pd $8 for 4 bottles. haha

[Ariana]

Right now I'm using one called Lavera. It's a physical block which I like because it has fewer chemicals in it. I also use EcoKids bug spray for the same reason.

This is a great resource for rating sunscreens and their safety and effectiveness if you're interested. http://breakingnews.ewg.org/2011sunscreen/

[momofboys]

I really like the Walmart (Equate) brand of Kids SPF 50 spray. It is cheap (@ $5-6/can) It is a clear spray & I like that as opposed to the lotion. However, I DO stock up at the end of the season. Most stores in Sept/Oct will start clearancing them out. Just check the bottles to make sure they will be good for the next summer. Last year we got 4-5 bottles of spray Kroger-brand SPF 45 sunscreen for $1.50/bottle. It did not expire until 2012 so I knew I was good to go.

[dEHmom]

The moms usually bring it in the kids bags when they start, or when the hot weather starts rolling around. I do have in my handbook it is required by each parent. I don't mind if it's lotion or spray. I find the spray can get messy, and you still have to rub it in. I also like the lotion because it's thicker. Makes me feel better thinking it's slathered right on. HAHAHA...

As for bug spray. I rarely ever use it. When we do, I just have a bottle of the skintastic for kids. It's safe from 6 mths up. But I'd honestly say, i've only ever applied it to daycare kids maybe once before if that. I can't remember. I heard something about mixing sunblock and mosquito spray is bad. So if kids are wearing sunblock, then you shouldn't apply it. It might not be true, but I don't know. I think it's that the sunblock absorbs the spray more into the skin???

If it's cool enough out, I have kids wear long breathable clothing vs sunblock and mosquito repellent.

[Michelle]

for older kids its better to have the spray on because they are usually wearing their bathing suits and with the way the world is nowadays you just want to make sure there is no chance of false accusations.
I always use the lotion for the face and spray for the rest.

[Country Kids]

Our state requires parents to supplie, have it labeled with childs name, and then we have to store it up, away from children locked up. With Sunblock, bug spray we have to treat it the same as medicine-harmful to children. Also a permission slip to use it.

[MG&Lsmom]

One brand I like lately is Badger. http://www.badgerbalm.com

I use the face sticks, they are really great.

I use Badger too. I like their Sun & Bug combo and usually use it on the kids legs and arms. Faces get the stick or regular sun lotion.

[Unregistered]

I have parents supply it. I do not use the spray kind and request only the lotion because I apply it in my house and I don't like that residue on my floors etc.

[jojosmommy]

I bought the generic baby spf 50 brand from walmart. Last yr I had parents supply but it was more of a pain to keep track of which bottle belongs to who. I have tried the spray on kind but don't like the lack of coverage you get unless you soak the kids (which can't be healthy) and then you have to rub it in anyway. We don't have bugs out here in the daytime so I never use bugspray on the kids.