Among the most commonly asked questions I get asked is how to deal with extreme heat and intense sun exposure for babies. Coming into my third summer living here in the Mojave, I have a few tips and tricks up my sleeve that I figured I would share here for those that are interested.
A lot of people ask me about kid’s sunscreen recs. And lucky for you guys, I have indeed researched this topic fairly throughly. First of all, the official recommendation is not to use sunscreen at allon babies under 6 months. We relied on barrier methods of sun protection (for the most part) all the way until Prairie started walking. This means a floppy hat- my fav version is this adorable sun bonnet by Petite Soul Shop, because it covers her neck and face and the brim can be folded for different coverage. Plus she always gets tons of compliments on it too, so that helps ;-). Last season’s colors are on sale, and here’s hoping they bring back new colors this year. We also used this blanket with built in UPF 50 a lot when she was a baby. We’d wrap it around her legs when she was in her baby carrier or stroller.
Now that my daughter is a toddler, we still use protective clothing, try to find shade, and keep her out of the sun during peak hours. But she is an active toddler, and we are an outdoor loving family, so she wears sunscreen anytime we will be spending significant time outdoors. I consulted the Environmental Working Group’s Guide to Safe Sunscreen and was happy top see California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen made the list.
I have been using California Baby products ever since someone gifted me their Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash at my baby shower. I love that they are a woman owned company, committed to sustainability, and are readily available. I also love that their body wash, lotion, & Calming Cream (holy grail product!) are the only thing that keepmy daughter’s dry skin at any. Oh and I love how they smell. Basically, I am a huge fan of theirs- and was honored when they invited me to become a “mombassador” last year. I have been meaning to rave about them more to you guys and I guess this post seems like the right place to do so haha!
Okay, moving on … another product that has really been a life saver for us is this contraption: the noggle. It was recommended by a mom friend because my car’s AC isn’t really powerful enough to reach the backseat, and I was worried about Prairie getting overheated. The noggle helps to route some air back there. We also have these window shield things to help cool the backseat, but they are always falling off and getting lost, so this year I am hoping to tint the windows. Oh, and we have one of those cardboard gizmos you unfold to shade the front windshield of the car, which is very helpful if and when I remember to actually use it.
Well I think that’s about it for my fav products to survive the desert heat! Feel free to let me know if you have any go-tos that I should know about, I am still learning!
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