So you know what that means- sunscreen! Last year I wrote a post on my venture to find a safe and effective sunblock for my fair-skinned little lady. I had read loads of reviews and articles on what was the least harmful, yet most effective choices out there. Last year I didn’t know about Skin Deep (the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetics database/guide), but have used it a ton in recent months. So I am hitting it again to check up on my sunscreen picks.
Last year we used Blue Lizard for Babies
and Mustela 50SPF and so far they were pretty good picks. Mustela did make their top ten, and both ended up with 0 sun hazard but 3 chemical hazard and and overall score of 1. (you want the number to be 0,1,2 - low is good) Both of these picks contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which the EWG is skeptical of as the best, but they are still better choices than chemical sun blockers. Evidence has shown that chemical sunblocks are absorbed into the skin while mineral blockers like zinc and titanium stay atop the skin. From what I have read, some of the problems with zinc and titanium is the actual production, they have to use many chemicals to separate the particles and removing ore that are very harmful to the environment.
There is lots more somewhat complicated and in-depth scientific research and info out there that I shutter to try to explain accurately here, check out this article at Skin Deep. Best advice- hit the Top 10 list and limit sun time for you and your little ones. Reminder- keep sunscreen off the little babies (6 months or so and under), just keep them out of the sun.
See Skin Deep’s Top 10 Best Sunscreens for babies and toddlers
Dangerous sunscreen chemicals explained at The Green Guide
As usual- a good, safe, easy to find pick: California Baby (we love their bug repellant)
With summer coming and days at the beach and lounging around, abound, trips to the library are a must for the 4+ crowd. While the ones under 4 are probably still a little too rough on books and using the library mostly for storytime, the older ones are starting to enjoy the wide variety of children’s books a library has to offer. Reading can be a source of lifelong enjoyment and bringing your children to the library helps to foster their enthusiasm and interest in reading.
While babies and toddlers enjoy repetitious reading, the 4 and 5 year olds start to appreciate new and different stories read to them as well as some that are beginning to read. Going to the library to pick out new books to read not only saves money, keeps boredom at bay, fuels the imagination, but gives your child a better understanding what borrowing is. Borrowing books from the library teaches simple responsibility, they need to make sure it stays in good condition and doesn’t get lost. They not only learn new things and enjoy the books but the actual process has small lessons to be learned. Most libraries let children of any age sign up with a parent or guardian to co-sign the membership. Now many states are linking all their libraries through the internet, and allow check out at any in the consortium as well as copies to be exchanged throughout the system and some even do books by mail. Make sure your little one goes with a backpack or tote to lug home their new selection of books (lest your into carrying the pile for them!)
Need to get started?
Library Finder
Some book suggestions from the Boston Public Library (by subject)
Best Stories list from Chicago Public Library
Check out these sweet library totes for kids and adults at Abba Dabba Bags
Hitting the road? Download some FREE podcasts at Storynory’s children’s books audio library
With my wife going back to work in a few days, we’ve decided that I’m going to be the primary caregiver for our little newborn. While she’s been on maternity leave, I’ve been working half the time, half on paternity leave. I plan to still work for sure, but our baby will absolutely be the priority.
Since I always like to see things from multiple perspectives, I figured I’d do some analysis on the cost of daycare. From what I understand, day care costs range from $30 - $100 / day, depending on the volume of time the child spends in day care, and the location of the daycare facility.
I guess from that perspective, it makes a lot of sense to share the responsibility with family members, who most likely want to see their newborn relative as well.
From my own perspective, I’ve always tried to make work fit into my life, rather than make my life fit into work, and I think based upon how the past few years have gone, I’m confident that fitting work into my new life as a dad will be fine. As my own dad used to say, “We’ll see!”
If any Healthy Bot visitors have any tips or thoughts on how to approach the idea of child care, please share! Thanks. 
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there!
My sister Amy runs this blog, but I like to “pop”-in (no pun intended) and make a post every now and again. Now that I have a newborn of my own, I have some experience to share!
After a month of being a dad, I have to say its pretty awesome. While I still have a ton to figure out, I found a couple of useful techniques when taking care of our new baby.
When she cries, I’ve found I’m able to sooth her by shifting her around, and finding a spot she’s comfortable in. I usually give her 30-60 seconds to try out a position, sitting up (propped up), laying on her belly on top of my belly (tummy time is always attended), or laying on her back on my chest. When she’s sitting up, I tap her back to help with the burps, but when they don’t erupt, and she’s still uncomfortable, its time for tummy. She actually likes it when I gently tap her back with both my hands, almost like drumming, and if she has her pacifier, she’s off to sleep in no time.
It doesn’t work all the time, but I’d say at least 90% of the time. And it isn’t immediate, like I said, I usually give her 30-60 seconds to find out if her new position is comfortable. And of course if she’s hungry there is little I can do at this point. We’re stocking up milk in the freezer for when mom goes back to work, when daddy day-care goes full-time.
All in all, being a dad rocks!
So you know what that means- sunscreen! Last year I wrote a post on my venture to find a safe and effective sunblock for my fair-skinned little lady. I had read loads of reviews and articles on what was the least harmful, yet most effective choices out there. Last year I didn’t know about Skin Deep (the Environmental Working Group’s cosmetics database/guide), but have used it a ton in recent months. So I am hitting it again to check up on my sunscreen picks. 
