The rule is no sunscreen until 6 months old.  I did a lot of research on how much sun is too much and how much is not enough. I read about the importance of vitamin D for the body, and how the purest source is the sun. Interesting that vitamin D actually helps prevent cancer. Is it a double edged sword? Is there scare tactic involvved?  Yet, look at how nature around us can't live with it! But, some of us shield ourselves from it like the plague.  Ironically, I have read studies that have said those who live closer to the equator and who are exposed to more sun, have lower rates of skin cancer...but that's another story.

This does not mean I was going to prop my baby along side me and lay out in the sun all afternoon, as if I have time to do that anyway! It did mean, however, that during a stroller ride, I would allow her at least 10 minutes of sunshine a day when the weather was comfortable. Then, I would put her canopy over her for the rest of the ride. I know there are great benefits to allowing yourself 10-15 minutes of sun before applying sunblock.  Everything in moderation.

We went through August with quite a lot of pool visits to various friends and family. Knowing she would be in the sun for prolonged periods of time with her fair baby skin, I knew it was time to pick up her first sun block...another mini-milestone!

I heard some good things about the Jason line. I use one of their body oils with vitamin E as an after cleanse moisturizer for my face and have sampled other products as well.  I went to good old Wegmans...yes I live close to it...and headed to their natural products section, that I must add is very impressive. The saleswoman was VERY knowledgeable about what they had, what customers preferred, and which products had the most natural ingredients. For such a little body that a baby has, I know what goes on them, gets absorbed into them.  I picked up the Jason's Sunbrellas natural suncare for KID'S SPF 46. It's paraben free which is always reassuring. I know there are other natural lines out there parents enjoy using...I am just glad I found one that I feel comfortable putting on her if I must use something.

So I lubed Abigail up for her swim sessions, which usually lasted about 1/2 an hour. The results were a happy baby, burn-free, and ready for a nap.