Wait, What...Living the Lake Life

So we have been back a few weeks now, but with the grind of life of course this is just getting up.  I was speaking with Zoe Withers of www.thinkbaby.org about how to keep my twinnies safe at the lake and the beach and all that jazz.  There are so many things to think about and actually getting out in the sun is much more of a process than I could have ever imagined.  First there is the the sun protected long sleeved rash guard that if you have ever tried to not only put on a wriggly toddler is EVEN more difficult to get off!  Then its putting sunscreen in all their little exposed spots and forget about not getting it on their lips and in their mouth (#momfail).  Of course there is always a hat to protect their scalp and then maybe you get 20 minutes to hang because nap time is coming up.
Anyway this is why I spoke with ThinkBaby I wanted to find out what the best sunscreens would be for my twinnies.  I have sensitive and VERY fair little men and I do not want chemicals seeping into them when I can avoid it.  Also I do not want them to be chalk babies or stay puffed marshmallow looking toddlers.  The first product on the page is Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen.  It comes in a convenient pump that you can pump onto your kiddos and then rub, rub, rub.   I love this product because it can't be squeezed out by my tiny hands and I can apply as needed.  They also have a stick version that I totally keep in my purse, the diaper bag, the stroller or wherever because it will not leak and it applies really easily.  Another one that we love is Thinkbaby or ThinkSport.  All of these products and companies work hard to ensure that their products are safe and truly chemical free.  They are natural as much as they possibly can be.
Anyway the reason I even pondered this and consulted with Zoe is because at my twinnies 18 month appointment I mentioned to our doctor that one of my fellas has a small "beauty mark" on his cheek.  Now this is cute identifier for my identical twins, it was something that I felt I should mention.  My man has many moles and I recently had a few things removed including a black beauty mark that turned out to be a blue nevus that could eventually turn into cancer.  Of course as my toddlers ran around in their shoes, diapers, and sun hats, she asked me if I used sunscreen on them.  I was shocked and taken aback and probably a little defensive in saying yes.  Then going home with mom guilt that maybe I did not use enough or often enough.  But I think he is ok and she explained it was smaller than a millimeter or a pencil eraser so it should be fine.  And now people had an identifier, right?  
We as parents have a lot of pressure to keep our babies safe.  And this is definitely a critical time in their dermis development.  They say that skin damage happens before a person is in their teens.  While some of us may have sunbathed in baby oil, we pay the price as we have gotten older.  Now it is our turn to guide our kids to a happy healthy life.  Not living in a bubble and experiencing all that the world has to offer.  Especially in the summer at the lake!  
References:
​Baby Fun in the Sun
​Water Safety
Glamping Gear 
BBQ Season Safety
EWG Sunscreen Safety List 2018
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