A mineral sunscreen
Children's skin is more sensitive and reactive, so it is important to choose the right sunscreen. More and more parents are opting for mineral, or physical, screens that block ultraviolet rays. Marketed by the Quebec company La Coursière Bio Organic, the Douce Mousse brand is well known to parents. Perfectly suited to toddlers' skin, this physical filter sunscreen offers high protection with a broad spectrum SPF 30+. Certified by Health Canada, it is made from natural, organic ingredients and without nanoparticles. A plus: it is pleasant to apply and moisturizes while protecting.
Zinc Oxide for Baby
The BabyBum range (not to be confused with SunBum which is suitable for older children and smells of coconut!) is specially formulated for the hypersensitive skin of babies over 6 months. This sunscreen with a physical barrier - with zinc oxide - is fragrance-free.
Psst! Remember to keep your baby away from the sun and heat, as their skin and body are much more sensitive than those of adults.
A protective lip balm
Lips are also a sensitive part and often exposed to the sun. It is therefore necessary to protect them regularly with a balm with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, like this one from SunBum , which also contains aloe and vitamin E to moisturize the lips of young and old throughout the day. Plus, it smells like banana!
An adjustable hat
Baby is growing too fast and his hat doesn't fit on his head? Opt for an adjustable, wide-brimmed and comfortable model. Award-winning many times, the one from the Twinklebelle brand is one of parents' favorites and with good reason. It fits perfectly thanks to its two straps and expands for the following summer; its breathable cotton also offers SPF 50+ sun protection.
A trendy cap
Your son refuses to wear a hat? Introduce him to a cap from a super trendy Quebec brand like Headster Kids . He'll definitely fall for these rigid, straight-brimmed caps that are covered in colorful and stylish patterns. He won't even want to take it off because it's so cool (mom's word!).
Psst! As a compromise, don't forget to put sunscreen on his ears.
Cool, the glasses!
Eyes need to be well protected from the sun. But, let's face it, in the children's eyewear department, quality is not always there. Many children's models with colored lenses do not provide enough protection and let UV rays through. That's why we turn to recognized brands, such as Baby Banz, Babiators and Shadez, which have proven themselves for several years and whose polycarbonate lenses offer 100% protection from UVA and UVB rays. We love this Babiators model, which is also durable and comfortable on the child's head.
A surfer's sweater
Exit the mini bikini! To swim safely, the surfer's (and surfer's!) sweater is a must. It is also one of the most popular. We love the Lassig brand not only for its swim diapers, but also for its small, soft and stretchy lycra sweaters that offer SPF 50+ sun protection. The surfer look is in fashion, at any age!
A beach tent
Ideal for traveling, the Nidö tent from BBLÜV protects baby from UVA and UVB rays, sand, wind and mosquitoes! Its pop-up opening system makes it quick and easy to use. This model also has several advantages, including a canopy, a removable comfort mat and a retractable mosquito net. It's the perfect tent for the cottage, visits to relatives or a beach getaway!
An umbrella for the stroller
How to protect baby during a stroller ride? With a parasol! This one from Bugaboo fits all strollers of the famous brand and adjusts thanks to the three pivoting points. Baby therefore always has shade no matter where the sun is in the sky. The plus: the silver lining offers SPF 50+ sun protection.
Sun protection in the car
There are dozens of sunshades that fit on car windows. We like this Bubble Dream model from Benbat which, in addition to blocking UV rays, offers a colorful environment to entertain and stimulate baby's eyesight during travel.
Did you know?
Even animals protect themselves from the sun! Many species seek shade, especially in the middle of the day. Hippopotamuses even secrete an oil in their skin that acts as a sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Applying sunscreen is effective if it follows the basic rules:
- It should first be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and repeated regularly, every 2 hours or after swimming.
- How much should you use? According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, you should use at least the equivalent of the rounded palm of your hand filled with your sunscreen (about 30 ml) for a full-body application. Make sure to cover all exposed areas of your body, including your ears, nose, tops of your feet, and backs of your knees.
- Also look for a stable, proven formula that offers broad-spectrum protection that will block both UVB and UVA rays.
- Do not put sunscreen on the skin of a baby under 6 months.
- Remember: Sunscreens are not designed to help you spend more time in the sun. They are designed to enhance your protection while you need to be outside.
Have a nice summer!
