Everyone wants their kids to be able to get outside and enjoy the summer sunshine, but it is not just the sun’s rays you should be worried about. Many everyday products, including plastic beach toys, swim diapers, snack bags, and even kids’ sunscreens, contain known carcinogens and neurotoxins. The good news is that there are non-toxic, eco-friendly and affordable alternatives to make your babies’ “fun in the sun” as safe as possible.
Sunscreens
Conventional sunscreens contain a wide variety of toxins that are directly absorbed through the skin each and every time you apply them. If you’ve been using a popular sunscreen brand, chances are that it contains several dangerous chemicals. Visit the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep Database and enter the brand name of your sunscreen to find out its toxicity level on a scale of 1 to 10.
Fortunately, there are several green sunscreens that are just as effective. Two of our favorites are California Baby and Little Twig.
Whether you have sensitive skin or just like your UV protection scent-free, this all-star SPF 18 has got you covered. It is ultra-light and sheer, making it ideal for use on the face and it can easily double as a morning moisturizer. Formulated without PABA or invasive chemicals, this silky, non-staining SPF 18 moisturizing lotion is light and pleasant.
Little Twig SPF 30+ Mineral Sunscreen is water resistant, extra mild, unscented and offers broad-spectrum protection. This sunscreen is non-greasy for a smooth application. It contains Micronized Zinc Oxide and Titanium for broad-spectrum protection against the suns harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Other health benefits include:
- Loaded with Antioxidants
- Phthalate, Paraben and Mineral Oil Free
- Non-irritating
- Hypoallergenic
- Free of Nut, Soy and Wheat Ingredients
Beach Toys
Many plastic beach toys contain harmful chemicals like BPA. Provide your child with beach toys made from BPA-free and recycled materials. Watch your child build sand castles and dig for treasure worry free with this adorable beach toy set. This classic 4-piece collection of tools consists of a Bucket, a Sand Castle Mold, a Shovel and a Rake.
Each set is made from 100% recycled plastic milk containers that save energy, reduce landfill waste and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
If your toddler is a lover of the high seas, this sailboat is perfect. This adorable rainbow sailboat features a rainbow colored flag and two removable little travel people. A perfect gift for the future eco-conscious sailor in the family! The hull is dipped in varnish to provide some protection against water.
Swimwear
Your little swimmer will be all set to conquer the high seas (or maybe just the backyard pool) in this eco-chic swim diaper. The swimmie features a sturdy EcoPUL™ solvent-free polyurethane outer shell that keeps accidents in check, while soft minky velour lines your kiddo’s bottom for comfort. The contrasting waistband comes in several colors and is made from soft elastic.
In addition to being adorable, these reusable swimmies save you money. They are machine washable for easy turn around time – allowing you to skip the disposables. They are also handmade in the USA, so your purchase supports the local green economy.
Beach Bag
Planning a successful trip to the beach requires a lot of organization. Every year it’s the same thing: Juggling umbrellas, beach chairs, blankets, a cooler and toys for the kids to enjoy. Why not sling an eco-friendly tote bag over your shoulder for extra room? Your kids will love the screen print on the front of Tiny Little Umbrella designs! This organic cotton Little Elephant Tote Bag is a perfect choice for any of the beach adventures, grocery excursions or library trips that pop up in your life. Its material is lightweight enough to be packable, yet durable enough to keep up with the rigors of daily use. The bag has been individually hand dyed in an oak cask, than screen printed using a homemade press and eco-friendly inks!
Snack Bags
We’ve all seen it before: no matter how hard you try to keep plastic sandwich bags and food packaging materials from blowing away, somehow the lovely beach breeze always carries snack bags along for the ride. Teach your child at an early age that using eco-friendly cloth bags and other materials in place of plastics and Styrofoam are better for the beach and the creatures that inhabit the tide pools and surf.
These bags are perfect for holding snacks at the beach and so much more. Unlike loud velcro, these bags zip up nicely and have sealed edges that keeps the contents from leaking out. FDA approved, BPA Free, Lead Free, PVC Free. These delightful whale snack bags come in blue or pink.
Keep your day at the beach as worry free as possible! By choosing green alternatives and making small changes, you can decrease your impact on the earth and keep harmful toxins away from your kids at the same time.
Please note: Mommybites was not compensated in any way for this post.
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