Ultraviolet rays from the sun are dangerous for children. It causes skin cancer. Parents have the responsibility for protecting their children from the effects of the sun’s more harmful rays, especially now that the global temperature is rising. Even on cloudy days, the sun can still be damaging.
Thus, when you decide to go to the beach, make sure that your children are wearing UV protective clothing with a sun factor of 40 or more to prevent the occurrence of skin damage. There are swimsuits that are a great way to protect your toddlers from sun exposure. These swimwears ensure that your toddler has an SPF 50 sun block on most of his or her body when you’re at the pool or beach. It is also made of comfortable and durable fabric, which can give you an extra peace of mind. With this type of swimwear, you won’t need to reapply sunscreen to prevent sunburns to your baby. And if you want more protection from the sun for your toddler, then a matching swim hat can protect your baby from head to toe.
The advantage of using this type of beach clothing is that the sun block can stay on your baby since it’s part of the swimsuit. It also has an easy snaps and zippers for putting swimsuit on and changing diapers. Another advantage is that it has a breathable and comfortable fabric with a built-in SPF 50 sun protection. Thus, it can block up to 97% of the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. It also has a wide range of baby and toddler sizes and styles with coordinating accessories like hats, swim shirts and blankets, which adds extra sun protection for baby.
The disadvantage is that this type of swimsuit can cost more than average baby swimsuits. A baby and toddler swimsuits can cost about . But the advantages outweighs more than the disadvantages because with this swimwear, you can help prevent sunburn for your children. And you won’t also need to worry that they are playing too long under the sun.
The good news is that there are now many companies that are providing UV protective swimwear and sun hats for young children and toddlers. However, it is not recommended that babies less than 12 months old should feel the effects of the sun on their skin. Thus, when you are looking for UV protection swimwear clothing, it is important that you look for suits that comes with a 40+ or 50+ sun blocking effect and is approved by an official body as UV protection clothing.
Also, you have to keep in mind that your toddler’s scalp is also vulnerable to the effects of the sun. Babies with short or sparse hair can leave the scalp unprotected. So parents should also encourage their toddlers to wear sun hats. But if they don’t want to wear a hat, then you need to use a lotion on the scalp with an SPF of at least 30 or 40.
When the sun is out and the weather is crisp and clear, it’s difficult to resist going outside to enjoy time with your little one. Whether you’re visiting the park together or enjoying a meal on your patio, the warmth of the sun’s rays feel especially soothing on the skin. Unfortunately, these rays are also damaging to the skin – and even more so for your baby.
Below, we’ll take a closer look at the sun’s ultraviolet rays in the context of what they can do to your infant’s skin. We’ll offer a few suggestions for buying suntan lotion and describe the benefits of staying in the shade. You’ll also learn how to protect your little one’s eyes in the event you’re going to be outside for an extended period of time.
The Danger Of Ultraviolet Rays
You might think that a golden-brown tan is the quintessential sign of good health. It’s actually a clear sign of skin damage caused by ultraviolet rays. Over time, too much exposure will eventually cause premature wrinkling and skin blemishes.
There are three types of ultraviolet rays that span a wide spectrum of light: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB are the most well-known because they directly impact our health. UVA rays penetrate several layers of skin. UVB rays penetrate the surface, but little else. Both types of UV light can damage your baby’s skin beyond the visible signs of sunburns and mild irritation. Over years of exposure, the cellular damage accrues and can even lead to skin cancer.
Using The Right Suntan Lotion
Most sunscreens and suntan lotions have an SPF rating. The abbreviation stands for “sun protection factor.” The rating reflects the number of minutes of protection offered by the product. A simple rule of thumb – though not entirely accurate – is to multiply the SPF rating by twenty. For example, a person who normally burns after fifteen minutes would be protected for 450 minutes while using an SPF 30 sunscreen.
Few people realize that a product’s SPF rating only indicates protection from UVB rays. It does not reflect the product’s ability to protect your infant’s skin from UVA rays. This is an important distinction because UVA rays can be just as damaging.
Another important note: ultraviolet rays can penetrate cloud covers. If you and your baby are enjoying time together at the park on a cloudy day, you should still apply a high-quality sunscreen to her skin.
Fun In The Sun Versus Safe In The Shade
A lot of parents think the sun is unable to cause damage during short periods of exposure. In reality, UV damage accumulates. Even if you and your baby spend five or ten minutes outside, the ultraviolet rays can still penetrate her skin. Because her skin is still fragile, it is more susceptible to cellular damage than your skin.
This is one of the reasons pediatricians suggest limiting babies’ exposure to the sun whenever possible. Stay in the shade. Otherwise, liberally apply a strong sunscreen to your baby’s skin that offers her protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Safeguarding Your Baby’s Eyes
In the same way ultraviolet rays can damage the skin, they can also cause eye problems. Millions of people suffer from cataracts due to prolonged exposure to the sun’s UV rays. Keep in mind, your baby’s eyes are extremely sensitive. They need protection. Consider buying sunglasses that provide a guard against ultraviolet light. The darkness of the tint matters less than the UV protection.
Don’t underestimate the power of the sun’s rays. Their warmth may feel comforting against the skin, but they penetrate the surface and cause damage. Your baby relies upon you to help ensure she’s protected. If you intend to spend time outside, ask your little one’s pediatrician for sunscreen recommendations.
Baby Clothing That Protects Our Little Ones From Sunburn
As a parent, there are many things that we should guard our babies from. One of these things is the damage the sun might cause on our baby’s very sensitive skin, especially for the newborn baby.
Adults are generally aware of how vital it is to protect our skin from the harsh rays of sun. It is equally significant to offer the same amount of concern and protection to our babies. Though some may consider having a tan fashionable and healthy, too much sun exposure does not only cause sunburn but may cause skin cancer as well. Thus it is important to dress up our little ones with clothes that offer sun protection, especially for babies who are six months and below as lotion with sun protection formula is not yet applicable for them. Keep your little ones in the shade especially during the hottest time of the day. Their skin is much more sensitive than adults and tends to burn more quickly.
Some parents think that covering their babies with the use of a shirt or a blouse will be sufficient to protect their babies from the harmful rays of the sun; little did they know that the color and the kind of fabric matters a lot on how well it provided protection for their babies. Using dark colored fabrics and clothes that are fashioned from closely woven materials should provide adequate protection for your babies compared to using the white airy shirt that we usually put on at the beach.
Another important item that your child could use is hats. Wearing one keeps the sun from burning your baby’s nape, face, ears and eyes. Make sure to use a hat with a wide brim. If your baby is old enough to wear sunglasses, then let him wear one to protect his eyes from sun damage.
Technology has evolved a lot over the years, these days you can get baby clothes with a built-in sun protection in it. However, you cannot simply get these at any stores and the choices are pretty limited and expensive. I also came across with a product called Sun Guard that is said to provide sun protection on your clothes when put in the washer during laundry. This product claims to stay on clothes until twenty washes.
If you have babies or toddlers who are six months and above, you can apply sunscreen lotion as an added protection from sunburn. Always put on the sunscreen lotion a half hour before you go out in the sun and replenish it after every two hours. If the kids go in and out of the pool or sea frequently, make sure that you shorten the intervals. When putting sunscreen lotion make sure to cover all areas of the body and that includes the nape, the ears, the fingers, the toes and many others. We wouldn’t want to see our babies suffering from red sores or skin blisters just because we missed some parts.
It is generally true that the sun is a good source of Vitamin D that our body needs to aid calcium absorption more effectively. However, we only need a small amount of sunlight and too much exposure is definitely not a healthy thing.
Explained….the Reasons to Shield Your Skin From the Sun
Most of us love a day out in the sun, whether the beach, the countryside, or golf course. And why not? But hey, miss out one important factor, like skin protection, and you could be at risk from skin disease, the most serious being skin cancer.
Like most parts of our body, skin can develop cancer. Cancer is a result of an uncontrolled cell growth in one part of the body.
Unlike normal cells which are programmed to divide, grow, and die at a certain time, cancer cells lack the internal machinery to control growth and as a result cause severe damage to normal cells that will be outnumbered along the process in a certain biological locality. Some cells even detach from their point of origin and travel to other parts of the body to start a new colony of cancer cells.
Skin cancer is either melanoma or non-melanoma. Non-melanomas are cancers which arise from skin cells other than melanocyte cells. Melanomas are cancerous melanocyte cells that produce melanin, a pigment that gives the skin its characteristic color.
The sun is one of the key enemies of the skin. Light to moderate sun exposure is beneficial, as it helps the skin synthesize vitamin D (cholecalciferol), but excessive or lengthy exposure, and right, you’ve guessed it, skin damage, and unsightly wrinkles appear.
How does the sun cause such damage? Sunlight that passes through earth is composed of visible light and ultraviolet light (UV). UVA and UVB Light are one of the most common ultraviolet lights. UV lights cannot be detected with the naked human eye, and can only be seen with the aid of a sophisticated instrument, which works by measuring differing wavelengths of light across the light spectrum.
The two UV light factors differ in their capacity to cause irreparable skin damage. UVB light doesn’t get through the deeper layer of the skin and accounts for visible burns and DNA damage across the top layer of the skin.
UVA light, on the other hand, penetrates through the deeper layer of the skin and activates free radicals (very reactive substances), which cause small damages to the skin. Cumulative damage accounts for the skin’s premature aging.
So to maintain the healthy, youthful glow of one’s skin, it is helpful to understand how the bad effects of the sun’s ultraviolet or UV rays come into action.
The penetration ability of the harmful UV-A and UV-B rays is staggering. They can pass through clouds, thick layers of glass, a meter of water, and, unsurprisingly, the layers of the skin. UV-B affects the top layers of the skin, which causes chemicals to release, which in turn expands the blood vessel, causing fluid to leak. The result is inflammation, pain and redness, more commonly known as sunburn. This damage can occur within as little as 15 minutes and can continue to worsen for up to 72 hours after sun exposure. The damaged skin cells in the process will die and “molt off” in sheets or pictures. Peeling is the process in which the body disposes of dead skin cells. UV-A rays are those that get into the deeper layers of the skin. This penetrates the skin surface, and affecting the cells underneath. These rays not only bring about long-term damage such as sagging, wrinkles and discoloration, they also pave the way for early stages of skin cancer.
The UV rays act like chain saws, shredding deep into the DNA (the genetic material, with a very precise structure, specific order and specific coding) found within the cell nuclei. Repair enzymes within the cell act by countering the damage done on the DNA chain in the shortest time possible. Ideally the simultaneous and continuous damage and repair will maintain equilibrium.
But just like any other bodily mechanism, these repair enzymes have their limits and can reach a point after which they can no longer work. When the damage is too much (which occurs even before the skin turns red), the enzymes cannot cope. The result is a dismantled DNA structure which leads to abnormality of skin cells or what is termed as mutation. This is the first stage in a process of cancer cells forming. The harmful UV rays from the sun promote the formation of the extremely toxic chemical range of superoxides, resulting in the acceleration of skin cell aging.
So who exactly is most at risk of developing skin cancer? People who have already experienced three or more bad cases of sunburn before reaching the age of twenty and regular sunbathers have greater risks of contracting melanoma. Sports folk like cricketers, and golfers, also farmers, to name a few, whose lifestyle exposes them to the sun for long periods, are vulnerable to milder forms of skin cancer. Be particularly cautious if you fall within any of these groups.
After learning how the skin reacts to sunlight here is some information on preventing its harmful effects.
To lower the danger of contracting skin cancer, experts strongly recommend using a good quality sunscreen.
Research shows that exposure to sunlight without sunscreen should be less than 10 to 15 minutes at noon, when the sun is at its strongest. Your sunscreen’s SPF factor should be at least 15, according to experts. People with sensitive skin, such as babies, and older adults should use an SPF of 30 or stronger because their skin tends to burn more easily. If you have an allergy, or sensitive skin, there is still a product for you, just check that it is free from chemicals, dyes, preservatives, and alcohol.
If sun exposure will be particularly high, use a stronger sunscreen that will completely block sunlight from reaching the skin. For best results, apply your sun screen product approximately 30 minutes before exposure to the sun, and thereafter every few hours. Do not forget to apply immediately after swimming; Take special care whilst swimming; as much as 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays can pass through water.
Remember, however good your skin-care product is, you should never assume that it has sun protecting abilities unless the label confirms this. Always check out the SPF rating before your purchase.
There is no reason why you should not enjoy the sun, and still benefit from a healthy skin, when you use strict skin care processes.
Joy Healey qualified as a complementary health practitioner in 2000, at the renowned Institute for Optimum Nutrition in London. Check out her website:http://www.nutrition4all.co.uk/skin.html
and learn more about skin care, by downloading a free e.book
Dr. Natterson talks to Cindy, a mom who wants to know the best ways to have fun in the sun with her baby Dylan while keeping his skin safe and soft. Video Rating: 0 / 5
Skin Care, Sun Damage and Why I’m Feeling Pretty Smug Today
I have to admit to feeling pretty smug today.
At a party last night I was told by a few people I looked considerably younger than I actually am and I don’t think they were all drunk at the time either.
This came as a pleasant observation to me as over the years I have certainly not been kind to my skin.
Up until my early thirties I abused it terribly. I coated it in baby oil, carrot oil and coconut oil, not all at the same time I hasten to add, and fried in the sun. My quest for a tan led me to spend more time on sunbeds than is now deemed safe and generally I took my skin for granted.
Not surprisingly my misspent youth has caught up with me and I’ve had numerous questionable spots cut off or frozen from my arms, legs and shoulders. According to my doctor they were all attributable to “sun damage”.
What I didn’t realise until far too late is that there’s no such thing as a safe tan.
Any tan is a sign of skin damage and if you go out in the sun and burn you damage your DNA which makes you more susceptible to skin cancer. Once you start to go red it is a sign you are doing some damage so the current advice is to limit your exposure to 15 minute intervals.
That’s probably the amount of time I used to stay out of the sun, but not any more. With climate change, the thinning of the ozone layer and generally being older and wiser I realise the importance of sun protection.
Each year there are more and more cases of skin cancer reported. In UK just last year (2006-7) there were 75,000 new cases and apparently many people didn’t even realise the sun could be a factor.
Most people have now heard the advice of Slip-Slap-Slop which refers to slipping on a tee-shirt, slapping on some sunscreen and slopping on a wide brimmed hat which are all very sensible suggestions.
However, it seems that even these may not be enough to protect us from the damaging UV rays of the sun unless we are a bit more conscious about things.
The sun gives off UVA, UVB and UVC rays. The A ones are ageing, the B ones are burning and the C ones are not quite so specifically defined. Sunshine also promotes the production of Vitamin D which is vital for healthy bones and reducing the risk of cancer. It gives us that feel good factor.
We are advised and encouraged to use sunscreens with a minimum sun protection factor of 15 (SPF 15) and in some shops that is the minimum protection you will find. It is also recommended we reapply them frequently. However, whilst this should provide protection from the harmful UV rays there could be a downside.
Most of our vitamin D is made in the skin when we absorb sunlight so if we block the absorption with sunscreens we can reduce our ability to produce it. Some of the higher SPF sunscreens block the absorption by as much as 95%.
Also, some sunscreens contain potentially harmful chemical such as PABA and Oxybenzone which can cause allergic eczema and photo sensitivity in some people.
Another ingredient, titanium dioxide is now being blamed for the rise in skin cancer for users who stay too long in the sun.
So what is the answer?
Well it seems the best way is to cover up and wear dense clothing where the fibres are close together. Linen and thin cotton are not sufficient as the UV rays can penetrate the material. If you do choose to wear light flimsy items of clothing it is highly recommended you also wear sun protection of at least SPF 10 underneath.
I take much more care of my skin now and don’t sunbathe at all. Of course it’s too late as the irreversible damage has already been done, but the natural organic products I now use ensure I am now treating it with the respect it deserves.
My skin care is 100% free of synthetic toxic chemicals which you find in most products and contains only purely natural beneficial ingredients. I figure I’ve done enough damage over the years without exposing myself to potentially harmful toxins which have never been tested either individually or in combination as well.
It must be working which is why I’m feeling pretty smug today.
I’m writing this article outside in the sunshine. Well, actually that’s not completely true.
I am outside and the sun is shining beautifully but I’m sitting in the shade. As much as I’d like to feel the heat of the sun on my exposed limbs my days of sunbathing have gone – doctors orders!
Like many people I love to have a tan. It has always made me feel healthier (and slimmer) somehow, and from my mid teens until my early thirties I spent many a happy hour soaking up the sun’s rays.
But not any more.
I have done so much damage to my skin over the years that if I had one of those special skin X-rays done I would look about ninety! I’ve had all sorts of things burned, frozen or cut out and it has to stop before I get the kind of skin cancer that cannot be treated.
When I was a teenager it was “cool” to have a tan although I don’t suppose that was the expression used in those days. It was just fashionable. I used to rush home from work at lunchtime and don my bikini for almost my entire hour’s lunch break. I’d then dash back to work red faced but happy, pleased that I was gradually building up a lovely tan to show off in my sleeveless, low cut tops and halter necks.
I sunbathed in the middle of the day when the sun was at its hottest and not only did I not use suntan lotion but coated myself in baby oil instead. I literally cooked myself.
Was I stupid? – probably, but not intentionally. I just didn’t know better. No-one did back then. Sun tan lotion was only for those very rich people who actually went abroad for holidays to “hot” places like Spain or Portugal.
As I got older my quest for an all year tan led me to sunbeds. For almost two years I had one in my bedroom and used it regularly. There was no advice in those days not to use one for more than a few days per year.
I religiously wore the thick black goggles and timed the sessions but I certainly had more in a month than is now recommended for a year.
Too late, the damage has been done and I’ll be happier when I’m older so I can grow into my skin!
My excuse for not taking better care is that I was simply unaware of the dangers sun damage can do. However, in this day and age there is no excuse for people to follow my example.
In almost every magazine and newspaper reference is made to the changes in the ozone layer and the increasing strength of the sun. Yet still many people, particularly men, seem to think that it is only when you go on holiday that you need to use sun protection.
If you look at any construction site or road maintenance operation during the summer you will see men with their shirts off, working in the heat of the day, burning their backs, necks, heads and arms. Some even wear shorts with their heavy duty boots.
How many, I wonder, wear sun protection and out of those who do, how many actually renew it as the day goes on?
Like me in my younger days it still appears to be the belief if you work outside then the tan will build up gradually and it will be okay. However, a tan is a sign of DNA damage and as the saying goes, “There’s no such thing as a safe tan”.
A recent survey (2007) revealed that ten percent of men don’t even know solar radiation is linked to skin cancer and two thirds of men rely on their wives to both buy and apply sun protection for them.
I’m not sure if that’s a macho thing or what, but skin cancer is on the increase and in UK we have more cases than Australia. This is most likely due to the awareness over there but 13.5 million men in UK don’t use sun cream and the more people burn the more risk there is.
Women are more likely to use sun protection because of the fear of premature ageing, wrinkles and age spots but even then many don’t realise that it’s not just necessary on hot sunny days.
You can’t see or feel UV radiation and it can be equally as dangerous on cloudy days. You need to protect against both UVA which are ageing and UVB which are burning.
As the summers get hotter and longer it is essential to protect your skin at all times and you should use at least a sun protection factor 15 (SPF15).
Also take great care of your eyes and make sure your sunglasses have UV protection otherwise you’ll magnify the sun’s rays onto the delicate skin around your eyes.
There’s no question being in the sun gives you that feel good factor and wonderful natural Vitamin D. However, limit your exposure and avoid the hottest times of the day when the sun is at its highest otherwise you’ll be like me and have to sit in the shade – doctors orders!
In an Environmental Working Group survey the UV Natural range was ranked in the Top 10 most effective sunscreens. Australian surf champion Kate Skarratt discusses the benefits of UV Natural which is a result of extensive research and development and features a new and improved formula that is non-greasy, gentle, hydrating and moisturising. Products include: SPF 15, SPF 30+, Baby, Sport and in October 2007: Lip Sunscreen, Sport Lip Sunscreen and Sun & Body Oil. In addition to being naturally derived, these products have been tested and proven to have a sensitivity rating of zero which makes them ideal for all skin types. www.uvnatural.com Video Rating: 0 / 5
Long gone are the days of low-protection sun tan lotion, meant to deeply bronze the skin of the wearer. Today sun tan lotion works as a screen against the most harmful rays of the sun, though there are many that still allow color to develop in the skin.
Historically, sun tan lotion has been in existence since the late 1930s, but it has only been in the past few decades that it has been applied as a product meant to protect and enhance the appearance of the skin. More and more safe and organic compounds are finding their way into these products, and yet many are able to be applied before going swimming or performing activities that may induce perspiration. This means that the advances in sun tan lotion chemistry are making consumers safer than ever before.
In addition to sun tan lotion and its protections to the flesh of the body, there are now lip balm and cosmetic products such as facial makeup with the same UV blocking elements in their ingredients as well.
Why all of the fuss? Sun tan lotion protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, meaning that it eliminates freckles and reduces the chance of sun burns, but additionally offers people some defense against certain skin cancers that develop from prolonged or frequent exposure to the sun.
There are certain people, including babies and children, who should never be exposed to the sun without adequate sun tan lotion applied. Additionally, there are specific areas of the body that tend to suffer greatly from sun exposure, and these include:
The back of the neck The forearms (especially if driving a vehicle for a long period of time) The skin of the face, neck and upper chest Infrequently exposed areas like the shoulders, buttocks and backs of legs
Each of these areas is extremely sensitive to the damages from sun exposure and even a single, bad sunburn can produce devastating effects.
To choose the best sun tan lotion it is important to consider the type of skin and the activities that will be performed when wearing it. For example, a fair or light skinned person, intending to spend a day out on a boat will need to choose a higher UVB and UVA sun tan lotion to ensure complete protection during their day in the sun.
Each sun tan lotion has a numeric value assigned to it, the higher the number the better the sun protection, and most skin doctors and physicians believe that anything with a value of fifteen or less is the same as going without sun tan lotion at all. Additionally, if a sun tan is desired it is best to darken the skin in stages, making sure that adequate moisture is retained in the skin and that no burning or “overexposure” occurs on any given day. It is impossible to spend time in the sun without getting some skin coloration from it, but it is important to protect the health of the skin as much as possible, and sun tan lotion is the only solution.
IrishBodyCare.com is a family-owned company based at the Carlow Institute of Technology in Ireland. They have been researching UVA and UVB sun protection products since 1990 and offer a line of products designed for the people of the British Isles. For more information, visit http://www.IrishBodyCare.com.
Recent studies have determined that a child actually begins to develop a personality and sense of self at a much earlier age then was previously thought. This means, that for generations the reason that many kids laid crying in their cribs wasn’t because they were fussy or teething. It was because they could see themselves in the mirror on the wall in their nursery and the threads that their mothers were dressing them in were so bad it brought tears to their eyes.
Todays Babies New Fashion Sense
This is why so many of todays new parents who have seen themselves in their baby pictures have vowed that they will not subject their children to childhood fashion abuse in the same way that they were. These parents are seeing to it that their little ones are now flossin and flashin in the kind of threads that they only wish that their parents would have dressed them in.
Effective Sun Protection
Of course todays discriminating fashion conscious baby can’t be seen out in public with out a nice baby hat. Also, with the ozone layer in the shape that it is in a decent pair of baby sunglasses is also in order. Not only will a baby feel better when they are presented this way in public but the hat and shades protests their delicate eyes, scalp and face.
New Sun Hats
There are so many styles to choose from and they are more affordable then ever. Did you know that the suns dangerous cancer causing rays easily penetrate most fabrics? The good news is that now you can buy specialty designer baby hats that are made from fabrics that have sun blocking substances permeated right into the fabric. A baby hat made from this type of fabric gives a whole new meaning to the term “sun hat”.
Article by Susie Cremwald. Here you will find everything you wanted to learn regarding Baby Hats and even Girls Clothing
No baby stroller is going to be great for everything you’ll do in the coming years. So, take a little time thinking about what you most need… many parents discover that one good-quality lightweight stroller for errands and travel, combined with one jogging stroller or full-sized stroller, is a great match for all needs!
FROM WOMB TO WHEELS – AGE PLAYS A ROLE
Birth to six months is the period where your child doesn’t have adequate head and neck control for an upright stroller. You’ll need to find a stroller onto which you can attach your infant seat, one that has a bassinet, or one rated for newborns.
From 6+ months and older, the stroller world really opens up to you! Unless your baby has special needs, she or he can ride in nearly any stroller out there.
Caution when jogging! Pediatricians warn against too much jarring until your baby has very good head/neck control, usually 8 to 10 months.
WALK MUCH?
If you’ll be using a stroller daily for more than just going from your car into a store, you’ll love having one that is comfortable and smooth to push. Neighborhood walks and paths are so much more enjoyable with a great rolling stroller.
This is where trying out hands-on pushing is tough to replace with online browsing. If purchasing online, be SURE you read reviews on how a stroller pushes and handles prior to making a purchase (on PeppyParents.com, we’ve already done all that work for you!).
Generally, larger wheels mean easier pushing. Real rubber tires mean better handling. Suspension (shock absorbers) mean smoother ride. On-board engines mean less work (okay, we made up the one about the engine).
If you don’t intend to use a stroller as much more than a car-into-store-back-to-car device, it’s not as critical to worry about the ride.
SIZE MATTERS! AND SO DOES WEIGHT.
The lightest good quality stroller available is around 8 pounds — about the weight of a gallon of water. And, full-sized, full-featured strollers can tip the scales past 30 pounds.
Think about how often you’ll be lifting the stroller up stairs, into your car, or into a closet. If it’s something you’ll be doing daily, try to balance weight with features and performance.
Generally speaking, lighter weight strollers have less features and a less refined ride. They’re typically smaller and might have a less comfortable seat for your baby. The lightweights might also lack some convenient adjustments too. The ONLY reason to get an ultra lightweight (i.e., under 10 pounds) stroller is for frequent car errands or travel.
If you find a full-featured, full-size standard stroller that is under 20 pounds, you’re doing very well. Most are under 25 pounds.
Expect the very lightest all-terrain stroller to tip the scales at 20 pounds, as well as the very lightest joggers. Most are under 25 pounds.
As far as size, look at the folded size when making your decision. Even if weight is the same, it’s much easier to lift, carry, and store a stroller that is less bulky when folded.
AND NOW, THE FEATURE PRESENTATION
All the features are where it really gets more confusing, as no stroller has all of them. Here are some of the more popular ones:
Reverse handle or seat — this lets you face your baby as you push. Very sweet.
Cupholder — if not included, don’t despair! You can buy universal-fit cupholders.
Storage basket — you’re going to need it for snacks, diapers, wipees, bottles. The bigger, the better.
Sun Canopy — unless you live deep in a shaded forest, sun protection is very important. Bigger sun canopies provide better protection.
Adjustable handle — very important for parents who are under 5’3″ or taller than 6″. A nice feature for all other parents.
Reclining seat — some strollers are easier to recline than others.
5-point harness — safety is paramount, and this is the safest type of harness.
Adjustable legrest — one more way to make it more comfortable for your growing child.
Bumper bar — (also called grab bar, toy bar) handy for securing toys in front of your baby while you stroll. Toddlers enjoy it too.
Snack tray– popular on American brands, but not on many others.
Eric Mindel is co-founder of PeppyParents.com, which offers parent-selected products for babies and toddlers. Includes baby strollers, carriers, feeding, blankets, toys, and more.
As most of you know, a baby’s skin is considerably more sensitive than the average adult. For that reason, it is vitally important that you use natural skin care products for your child. Many skin care products contain chemicals and fragrances that can irritate your new baby’s skin. By knowing which products to avoid, and which products you should use, you can ensure that your little one grows up with healthy beautiful skin.
Weleda Diaper Care Cream is by far one of the best products we have found to date. Weleda was established back in 1921 by physicians and pharmacists under the guidance of Dr. Rudolf Steiner. The main ingredients in their diaper care cream are almond oil, calendula flower, chamomile flower, lanolin, and lavender oil. These ingredients are contained in a base of zinc oxide. This product provides highly effective treatment for painful diaper rash. It is truly one-of-a-kind.
Lavera Baby Toothpaste is yet another excellent product, with absolutely no harmful ingredients. It contains no fluoride, phosphate, or sugar. It is made with all natural silica, which is very effective at cleaning your baby’s new teeth. This toothpaste is also ideal for helping your growing child with learning to brush his or her own teeth, as it is safe to swallow. This product is also certified organic.
Dr. Hauschka’s Sunscreen Spray for Children is an incredible product. It has an SPF of 20, and is ideal for day-to-day use. The wonderful thing about this sunscreen is that it is colored, and allows one to see exactly where it has been applied. It has a pure and natural composition, and is safe for use on all skin types. It is also water resistant, so parents can relax knowing their children have the best sun protection on the beach or in the water. Furthermore, the plant-based nutrients moisturize your little one’s skin while the sun dries it out.
Lavera Baby Shampoo will transform bath time with your baby into an oasis of fun. As with other products from this excellent company, Lavera Baby Shampoo is comprised of all natural ingredients such as organic almond and wheat extract. This tear-free shampoo is perfect for your baby’s sensitive skin, as it helps to maintain the natural moisture balance of your baby’s skin. This gentle, mild-foaming shampoo is perfect for children and adults alike.
Regardless of the products you have chosen to use with your children, it cannot hurt to learn more about the other products that are available on the market. While many companies advertise their products as natural, most of them cannot be considered truly natural. The products mentioned above are just a few of the excellent products we have discovered and had the pleasure to use. We hope you check them out for yourself.
Alisha Burke loves getting facials. When she is not daydreaming about her next trip to the spa, she writes for yourskin101.com — an online resource dedicated to helping you care for your skin, with information about winter skin care, organic skin care, sun protection and more.
Alisha Burke loves getting facials. When she is not daydreaming about her next trip to the spa, she writes for yourskin101.com — an online resource dedicated to helping you care for your skin, with information about winter skin care, organic skin care, sun protection and more.
