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SUNSCREEN & BUG SPRAY FACTS

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SUNSCREEN

Not all sunscreens are the same. Just because a sunscreen is made for babies or kids, doesn't mean it has safe or appropriate levels of medicinal ingredients. Educate yourself and read the labels.

The following information was taken from the article "Facts about Sunscreen Safety" by: Nancy Ripton published April 28th, 2009. To view the article click justthefactsbaby

All sunscreens are not created equal. Here is how to choose the best brand for your child.

40% of brand-name sunscreens either don't provide proper sun protection or contain hazardous chemicals.
SPF only protects against the sun's most superficially penetrating UVB rays.
To protect against UVA rays, choose a sunscreen with at least a 7% concentration of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone.
The airborne chemicals in powder and spray sun care could have a long-term toxic effect on the lungs.

This article also includes a sunscreen guide compiled by The Environmental Working Group (EWG) who tested 1,799 sunscreens for effectiveness and safety. Enter your sunscreen brand and see how it measures up. You may be surprised. I know I was!

BUG SPRAY

Just like sunscreen, you have to know what chemicals to avoid when trying to protect your child from those pesky mosquitos! The following was taken from an article published on the Caring For Kids website. Click caringforkids.cps.ca for the entire article.

General information:

When using insect repellent on children, always apply it for them.
Always read the entire label before using.
Apply the product lightly. Don’t use more than you need.
Do not apply on irritated or sunburned skin.
Apply it only on top of clothing or to skin that is showing. Don’t use it under clothes.
Do not get it in eyes. If you do get insect repellent in your eyes, rinse with water right away.
If you are spraying, be careful not to breathe it. Always spray products in a place that is well ventilated. Don’t spray it in a tent, or near food.
Don’t spray children’s hands. They’ll be less likely to get it into their eyes or mouth.
When you don’t need the protection anymore, wash the skin with soap and water.
If you think your child is having a reaction to the product, wash the skin and get medical help right away. Take the container with you so the doctor knows what you used.

Children under 6 months old:

Do not use insect repellents with DEET on infants under 6 months of age.
Although there is no known hazard to breastfed infants, nursing mothers may wish to consider DEET alternatives, such as using protective clothing and avoiding exposure to insects (see above).
Products containing citronella or lavender oil should not be used on infants.

Children aged 6 months to 2 years:

If there is a high risk of complications from insect bites (for example, an area where there are reports of West Nile virus), you can use products with DEET only once a day.
Use a product with the least available concentration: 10% DEET or less.
Products containing citronella or lavender oil should not be used.
Use just a little bit of the product. Don’t apply it to the child’s face or hands.
It’s best not to use the product for a long time.

Children between 2 and 12 years old:

Use a product with no more than 10% DEET.
Do not apply more than 3 times a day.
Do not apply to the child’s face or hands.
It’s best not to use the product for a long time.

Children over 12 years old:

Use a product with 30% DEET or less.
If needed, re-apply when it’s no longer working. The amount of time the product protects against insect bites depends on how much DEET it has:

◦30% DEET provides about 6 hours of protection.

◦15% DEET provides about 5 hours of protection.

◦10% DEET provides about 3 hours of protection.

◦ 5% DEET provides about 2 hours of protection

In Canada, products with a higher concentration of DEET (above 30%) are not available. Products containing citronella and lavender oil are not considered safe for use.