Sunscreen and Bug Spray

We use the quick dry sports sunscreen spray that is waterproof. It fast to apply and fast dry.

As for bug sprays I just read about it in another blog.

http://www.mamapedia.com/questions/5430355167767756801

Rebecca G. answers from Rockwall on June 19, 2010
There was a post recently on here about adding a few (3-4) drops of vanilla extract to each ounce of water, mixing in a spray bottle and spraying it on. I've been doing this every morning before I walk and NO MOSQUITO BITES. I kid you not, I have sweet blood and usually get half eaten alive. This really works well. And no chemicals!! Try it.

Hi M.,

I have attached a link for you to review regarding sunscreen. http://www.ewg.org/2010sunscreen/ If you are a concerned parent about the chemicals in personal care and household products, you may want to check out EWG's results and recommended sunscreens.
As for bug spray. I have yet to find one mainstream that I would dare put on my family. There are natural alternatives to DEET. If you would like to learn about some safer alternatives at great prices, I would love to share with you what has been working for my family.
Sincerely, T. S.

We really like the spray sunscreen. It is so much faster and easier to get on...especially when you have wiggling toddlers and babies! I spray it in my hands to apply it to a face. It does have a smell when you apply it but it quickly goes away...it more lingers in the air than on the skin.

I used Aveeno when my daughter was younger because her skin was sensitive. Now I use the water babies. The first application I use the lotion so I know that I get full coverage, and then when we are out and about, I use the spray. As for bug spray, I don't use it, but I did buy the off clip on. I haven't used it yet, but I like the idea that I can clip it onto her stroller, out of her reach, and keep bugs away without applying anything to her skin. Also, I saw on the Today show that you are suppose to put sunscreen on 30 minutes before exposure. I also use the water babies on the whole family, I don't see a point in buying multiple sunscreens. My niece had a horrible reaction to Banana Boat when she was a kid, so I stay away from it. She couldn't even touch the bottle without breaking out.

We are going to be going to Maryland next month and last year we went and I used an all natural kids bug spray and me and my daughter both ended up with 30 bites each! This time I am trying avon's skin so soft bug spray with picarden (I think that's what it's called). It says that picarden is a natural alternative to deet, and I looked at all the reviews and they were mostly good. So, I ordered some and I hope it works! But, go to avons website and look at the reviews. They all said it was not greasy or stinky and safe to use on kids, and worked really well.

I read this article before purchasing sunscreen!!! I hope it helps!

http://www.stylelist.com/2010/05/25/best-sunscreens-consu...

I don't know how old your kids are...I wouldn't recommend our faves on babies. But the only sunscreen we have found to work reliably for my fair skinned hubby and babies is Bullfrog. My hubby likes the regular pump spray. The kids and I prefer the quick spray. It goes on fast and dries almost immediately. No rubbing it it! It doesn't feel sticky or gooey. We live in Texas and have to apply and reapply all day long, this makes it easier. We do not spray faces, we use a sunblock stick.

For bug spray we like the Off smooth and dry. It feels pretty good (well as good as bug repellent can feel :) and it works. Again, it's not sticky or too yucky feeling. And the smell is almost unnoticeable. I just stocked up on both for our family camping trip this weekend.

We use Aveeno Baby for sunscreen. I'm like you I hate them smell and feeling of sunscreen. This kind doesn't have a greasy feeling and it dries very well and doesn't leave any white residue unless you really slather it on. As for bug spray I believe you don't want to use anything with DEET on a child under the age of 2 but it might be older. Avon skin so soft works well and does not contain deet but it can be greasy. We use this little fan that Off makes that fans out the bug repellant. I usually clip it to the back of my 20 month old's pants or to the canopy of the stroller and it has worked well.

I use the Johnson & Johnson Baby sunscreen. It has pretty good reviews and has managed to keep my very fair skinned red headed son from getting burned in this Texas weather. It is super thick and white, though, but it really works.

One step ahead has an all natural mosquito spray that has good reviews. Haven't tried it yet, though.