New Baby Advice - No Sunscreen?!

Someone recently asked me what to do about sunscreen on her two-month old baby.

The books will say that a baby shouldn’t wear sunscreen until 6 months.  I asked my doctor about this when my first son was born and he said it has to do with the percentage of skin they have compared to adults and that you should use products sparingly – or something like that!!  But the important thing he said was that obviously it is better to use sunscreen than not.  

I always, always had a hat on my babies and tried to keep them covered by the car seat awning as much as possible.  I tried to use sunscreen as little as possible before 6 months (because I'm a ruler follower.)  I even kept an umbrella over my second baby when we were at my older son's t-ball game.  D-O-R-K!

As for sunscreen, I tried many that were all natural and they just didn’t work.  My kids are so fair that they would burn with the natural ones.  Also, they have to have a sunscreen with an SPF 50+.  An SPF 30 is not enough for them.  

The other surprising thing is that the stick kind doesn’t work for them.  I have to use a spray or lotion type.  Even though I try to use all-natural products on my family, I do use Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 (or maybe it is 55.)  It is in a pink metal can that sprays.  I always spray it on my hands and spread it around their skin.  I buy it at Target.  It probably has terrible chemicals, but it really works!  I figure it is better to put some chemicals on their skin rather than get burned and get melanoma.

Toddler Help - great recipe for a healthy treat!

Some of you know, I LOVE Weelicious!  Her recipes are unique, healthy and delicious.  Oh yah, and almost always SUPER easy!  This one did not disappoint.  Our entire family loves it.  www.weelicious.com

Coconut Snow Balls

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cup old fashioned oats, ground in a food processor
• 1/2 cup peanut butter (you can also use almond, cashew or sunflower butter)
• 1/2 cup honey
• 1/2 cup coconut flakes, unsweetened

Preparation

1. 1. Place the oats in a food processor or blender and pulse until finely ground.
2. 2. Stir the peanut butter and honey in a bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. 3. Add the ground oats and continue to stir until thoroughly combined.
4. 4. Using 1 tsp of the mixture at a time (I like to use a mini ice cream scooper or a spoon), roll into balls or logs (Kenya’s idea).
5. 5. Place the coconut in a separate bowl or plate and roll the balls or logs in the coconut to completely cover.
6. 6. Serve.
7. **Freezing: place balls on a sheet tray and freeze for 30 min. Remove, place in a ziploc bag, label and place back in freezer. Can be frozen up to 3 months.