More Beach Questions.

I would think he powder would block the sunscreen from getting into the pores. I can't, for the life of me, think of a reason to do this since you would want all the protection you're paying for????? Puzzling

I grew up in SC about an hour from Myrtle Beach. I've spent a week at the beach almost every year of my life...even now that I'm living in Illinois. I've never heard of putting baby powder on a baby before the sunscreen. I'm curious about the posts.

I've taken my girls since they were 6 and 7 months...My family has a big umbrella that we anchor into the sand. I also had a playpen type deal with a canopy that we take when we have a little one. We always slather the kids with sunscreen before we head out. I learned with the first not to put sunscreen on the hands or face because she rubbed her eyes and boy was that a disaster. I always put a hat or bonnet with ties for their face...they also make little goggle type sunglasses for little ones. When and if we feel like the little one is getting too much sun we just go sit under the umbrella and let the kids play there. Naps are easy at the beach since they get tired out so easily. Rinse the little one off with a jug of water brought along and then lay in the playpen. Or in with us one mommy just holds the little one with a towel over them and relax in a nice beach chair under the umbrella. My whole family goes so we have lots of adults watching kids on the water and a few higher on the beach taking care of snacks, sandcastles and naps. It is such a great time every year.

This year I will have a very tiny one. He will only be about two months old...probably won't do sunscreen but a little suit with a long sleeve t-shirt and a hat. More than likely he will only spend a very short time down by the water getting his feet wet, but most of the time mommy and little man will be up higher on the beach relaxing just enjoying the wind and laughs coming from the water. I can't wait.

I'm so sick of the weather here in Hellinois...I'm dreaming daily of our week at the beach. :)

PS We always use lotion before we leave the beach house but take spray and stick to the beach because they are always easier to apply with the sand and wind. With the spray make sure your little one lets it dry good before going back in the water. The stick is great for applying to the nose or target areas like the shoulders if you think you see a little pink. With kids that are really susceptible to the sun...always slather the lotion on really good and then put on t-shirt (preferably white to repel the suns rays)

A.,

I have not heard of doing powder before sunscreen. I do, however, take powder to the beach/playground where I know there will be sand. If you sprinkle it on the sandy spots-dry is better-the sand comes off pretty easily and your child smells good.

B. :-)

If you use baby powder make sure it doesn't have talc in it. Talc is considered a carcinogen and has the same effect as asbestos.It is also thought to be the cause of ovarian cancer. Definitely do not use it on little girls when you change their diapers. The Dr. is correct the particles from the dusting gets in the air and then into their lungs. He just failed to tell you about the talc. This is true for any body dusting powder. Must be talc free.

I use corn starch and add a few drops of essential oils like lavender. (I put them in a bowl and mix them) Smells good and it is safe. I buy baby powder at the store and dump the powder in the garbage when I get home and use the container for my cornstarch / lavender mixture. There is more information at http://antiagingchoices.com/harmful_ingredients/toxic_ing... NOTE don't be duped: The last time I looked at the powder at the store - I think it is Johnson & Johnson had a baby powder with cornstarch no talc but it had other potentially harmful ingredients included - I liked the container - so I took it home and dumped it also.

All you're going to get if you do that is a big pasty mess.

I grew up on a beach...learned to crawl in the water. I don't know what it's like not to swim on a regular basis. And I can tell you...sunsblock is all you need. Once you get over 30 SPF they all protect you pretty much the same, so don't run out and buy the 45 or 50 or even higher, especially if they cost more. And, just make sure you're wise with the timing of your beach fun. Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. is when the sun is it's strongest during the summer months, so be weary of those times. If you are at the beach at that time, find a shady spot to stop and have a picnic lunch and give the kids a break from the sun. During lunch, put another coat of sunblock on. Make sure you focus on the target areas....Nose; Cheeks/face; EARS (people forget about the ears); Feet; and Shoulders. Those are most sensitive to the sun and more likely to get burned, but be sure to get it ALL over.

Honestly, I have the most FAIR and sensitive skin and even back when sunscreens weren't necessarily as good as they are today I was absolutely fine in just sunscreen.

I haven't heard about putting it on before sunscreen. I would think that it would keep the sunscreen from working as well.

Baby powder is great for getting the sand off of skin. Just sprinkle it on and the sand falls right off.

I would check with your pediatrition before using baby powder on either child, ever. Ours told us to never use it as it creates the dust that kids inhale and can cause pneumonia as the dust particles settle in their lungs and they can't expel it.

I think the powder helps get the sand off after the fact. It seems like I've heard that before. I definitely wouldn't put it on until you are ready to leave the beach. Have fun!!

Don't put it on before sunscreen! The sunscreen won't sink in and plus you'll have a real mess. Use it before you head home to remove the sand that sticks to the skin.