Sunscreen is a necessary part of any day in the sun.

Kids are more vulnerable to damage caused by the sun. A few blistering sunburns in childhood can double a person’s lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer. Keep your family safe in the sun by using a sunscreen that’s effective and safe.However, young children have skin that is especially sensitive to chemical allergens, as well as the sun’s UV rays.

We have chosen our five favorite sunscreens that are not only natural, but effective. All of these products provide maximum protection without the use of harmful chemicals:

MDmoms Sunscreen SPF 30+ Towelettes – These convenienent wipes are saturated with a gentle, sweat-proof, broad spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen that’s enriched with Vitamins E and B5, marine silk, aloe and oat, to protect, soothe and moisturize even the youngest baby’s skin. Each wipe contains enough sunscreen to cover baby from head to toe, with no fuss and no mess. $26 (15 wipes)

California Baby® SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion – This non-chemical PABA free sunscreen uses a highly micronized titanium dioxide (non- whitening) that scatters and reflects dangerous UV rays, offering UVA-UVB broad-spectrum protection. Japanese Green Tea has been added for its anti-oxidant properties and a beautiful essential oil blend. This sunscreen glides on easily and will not slip off when it comes into contact with water, so you can feel comfortable that it will last. $20

Soleo Organic Chemical Free SPF 30+ Suncreen – This all-natural sunscreen is an organically produced skin care solution that is safe for humans and the environment. It was innovatively formulated according to naturopathic principles the use of chemical UV Absorbers, titanium dioxide, or synthetic preservatives. Water resistant, unscented, contains organic ingredients. $25

Badger SPF 30 Sunscreen for Face & Body – Badger proudly presents the most extraordinary sunscreens we’ve ever seen. Our SPF formulas are water resistant*, safe for children of all ages, block both UVA and UVB rays, and thoroughly moisturize while they protect your skin. These natural, physical barrier sunscreens are made with zinc oxide instead of chemicals. $13

Mustela High protection sun lotion SPF 50 – This Rich, water-resistant cream ensures double protection: on the surface and at the cellular level: Ensures optimal surface protection from the sun with an extra-broad spectrum (IR /long and short UVA/UVB rays) with mineral sunscreen and their reflective power (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide).$15

Honorable Mention:

• Lavera Sun Block Baby & Children SPF 30 – $30

Baby Silk® skin and hair products include ingredients like marine silk, botanicals, Vitamins E and B5 to provide antioxidant protection, relieve dryness, promote healing, and protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier.

Every Baby Silk formulation is clinically tested, hypoallergenic and free of lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum, waxes, harmful chemicals and known skin irritants.

I recently had the opportunity to test some of the Baby Silk products on my own son. The Gentle All-Over Clean Towelettes are the softest wipes that we have ever used. Because they are not made with alcohol and other harmful chemicals, parents can use these wipes from ‘nose to toes’. We plan to use them to keep the new baby fresh and clean during those first days after he/she arrives.

MD Moms Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes (spf 30+) are a lifesaver for parents who have kids too busy for the 10 minute Sunscreen application. They are so easy to use and so effective that I had my son’s body completely covered in less than an minute.

These towelettes are enriched with with Vitamin E, marine silk, aloe and oat to soothe and moisturize baby’s skin.

Mom looking for products that are not only safe, but convenient to use can look no further. MD Moms has designed their packaging with safety in mind.

Tubes have flip caps, so you can open and apply products with one hand. Bottles have wide bases, so they won’t tip over. Pumps lock, so your baby can’t sample our body wash while you’re soaping his back. Alcohol swabs come in single unit doses, to reduce the chance of spills.

Feel Good Factor – During the month of October, we will be donating 15% of the web sales of Baby Silk on our site mdmoms.com to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

GIVEAWAY: MD Moms is offering one Growing Your Baby Reader a Baby Silk Gift pack containing a package of Gentle All-Over Clean Towelettes and MD Moms Babysafe Sunscreen Towelettes.

To enter our giveaway please e-mail us at giveaways@growingyourbaby.com , with the subject ‘MD Moms‘.

Giveaway closes October 17th, 2008

Protect a Bub offers parents many options for sun protection including UPF 50+ Sun Protective Swimwear for Infants & Toddlers.

These swimsuits protect against 98%+ of the sun’s UVA & UVB rays. They are chlorine, sun, surf & sand resistant fabric and can be worn as short and t-shirt set.

I like that the sets come with 2 piece swim suit and a the matching hat.

Parents who prefer to have their children’s arms fully covered can now order a long sleeve swim shirt for extra protection.

Offered in 4 colour combinations, these swim sets are priced at a reasonable $24.95 – $28.95 each.

Have a child that hates wearing hats?

Protect a Bub also offers ‘Paint Your Own’ UPF50+ Sun Hat. It come with 6 non-toxic paint colors and 4 disposable brushes so that you child can customize their own beach digs.

All the hats are white, with the choice of orange, green or navy brim.

Each Kit is $24.95

With that being said, I am excited to offer our readers the opportunity to win one of 2 ‘Baby Blanket Suncare Sun Smart Summer Giveaway Packages($31+ value)

Each Package has the following products included:

• Baby Blanket 6oz Titanium Dioxide Sunscreen Lotion for Babies SPF 50+
• Baby Blanket Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick for Babies SPF 45+
• Baby Blanket Sunscreen Towelette 6 piece Multi-pack
• Baby Blanket Sun Smart Survival Kit (kit includes one of each of the following: 2oz ‘Tender Scalps’ Sunscreen Spray SPF 45+, 2oz Convenience Sunscreen Spray SPF 45+ and a 1oz ‘faces’ Sunblock Lotion SPF 45+)

I like that Baby blanket sunscreens are offered in many application options. They have Towelettes, lotions, Continuous Sprays, pump sprays, Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Sticks and a lip block stick.

This variety allows parents to apply the sunscreen quickly and more efficiently.

To enter our giveaway please e-mail us at giveaways@growingyourbaby.com , with the subject ‘Baby Blanket Sunscreen’.

Giveaway Closes On Thursday July 3rd, 2008