When I was seventeen, my father was diagnosed with a very serious form of skin cancer. He’s OK now (after some aggressive surgery), but I’ve never forgotten how scary that time was and how serious skin cancer can be. You can probably guess my stress level when I gave birth to a blue-eyed red head with alabaster skin! We basically live in sunscreen (and hats) at our house!
This summer I’ve been using two different brands of sunscreen, TruKid and Baby Blanket, here are my thoughts on both of them.
We’ve been using the TruKid Sunny Days sunscreen and their Sunny Days Face Stick most days this summer (and will use it all year round!) This is a mineral based, non-chemical sunscreen with an SPF of 30. First off it smells AMAZING – yummy orange and grapefruit oils make this the best (and most natural) smelling sunscreen I’ve ever used. The lotion goes on easily, isn’t too greasy, and is very easy to apply. The stick is handy, too (although at just 5% zinc it might not be enough for some people), and as it is water resistant I’ve tended to use this specifically during our visits to the local outdoor pool. The stick doesn’t apply super easily, but it does go on more easily than the Baby Blanket stick below. The lotion retails for $15.99 USD for 3.5oz, while the stick sells for $10.99 USD.
I’ve also been using the Baby Blanket Continuous Spray Lotion and their Sunscreen Stick. The lotion is alcohol-free, non-stinging, Paba-free, hypoallergenic, and water repellent with a strong 50+ SPF rating, while the stick has a 45+ SPF rating and contains 15% zinc oxide. I’ve been using the spray to top up Little Miss’ sunscreen while we’re out and about, and it’s a great way to make sure she’s covered on-the-go. It sprays on an obvious white colour layer, so it’s easy for me to make sure I haven’t missed any part of her (but it doesn’t contain any of those slightly scary dyes like other brands). It’s also been AWESOME for spraying on her hair and scalp so that I don’t have to worry quite so much when she throws her hated hat on the ground for the eleventy-billionth time that day. I like the level of protection from the face stick as well, but I have to admit it’s not exactly easy to apply. (My husband got quickly frustrated with it and traded it for the TruKid one). Baby Blanket does make a sunblock specifically for the face (with a 45+ SPF rating) that I’d like to try – it might be a happy medium for extra coverage on the face without the extra-whiteness that the zinc provides. Baby Blanket’s sunscreen is available through the company’s website for $14 USD for 12oz (I paid $12 at a local boutique for the 5oz bottle of Continuous Spray Lotion).
Overall, I like both TruKid and Baby Blanket sunscreen products and don’t think I could really do without one or the other (aside from the Baby Blanket sunscreen stick, which I won’t be buying again). I like having options in baby-friendly sun care and appreciate what both companies have to offer!
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Emily is very proud to be one of the Spilt Milk Moms ‘founding mothers’ as well as being Mama to “Little Miss” (who was born in August 2009) and Wifelet to her Husbando. She spent seven years living in London which helped her to develop a keen eye for amazing products from around the world. As an actress and producer, Emily ensured her place in hell with over 3 years in children’s advertising (her job was “to create want where there is no need!”) but looks to undo the damage by finding the best things around for mamas and little ones. Emily is always ready with fresh baking, a silly song, or a glass of chardonnay and is renowned for always being overdressed and having a killer collection of heels that she’s not afraid to wear (even whilst babywearing!). You can also find her on her personal blog Aprons & Heels ~ emily (at) SpiltMilkMoms (dot) com |
