(credit: http://www.green-genes.com)
By Hyacynth Worth
Improving your family’s health is no small task, though we all would agree it’s worthwhile. Making the transition is easiest by taking baby steps. Here’s a list of must-have staple summer items aimed at creating healthier, greener, more sustainable lifestyles.
(credit: sproutsanfrancisco.com)
Dr. Robin’s All-Natural Sunscreen
Sold at Sprout San Francisco
1943 W. Division St. / Chicago, 60622
(877) 388-9205
www.sproutsanfrancisco.com
Because the skin breathes and emits toxins naturally, parents seeking to live healthfully won’t want to slather their little ones’ skin with products containing questionable ingredients. Many sunscreens gracing store shelves are made of harmful chemicals and toxins, and ones that tout non-toxic formulas can be pricey. Dr. Robin’s All-Natural Sunscreen, though not inexpensive, contains no phthalates, parabens, fragrance or skin-irritating chemicals while still providing excellent sun protection. Specially formulated by a pediatric dermatologist, this sunscreen works to protect exposed areas that just can’t be fully covered.
(credit: sundayafternoons.com)
Sunday Afternoons Sun Hat
Sold at R.E.I. locations city and suburb wide
(312) 951 – 6020
1466 N. Halstead St. / Chicago, 60642
www.rei.com
Covering faces and necks is a great way to use sparingly sunscreen on especially sensitive skin areas. The Sunday Afternoons sun hat has a wide brim that shades most of the face and an awesome back flap that also protects the neck. The easy-to-buckle chin strap is also a notable feature as is the hat’s material as it’s made of certified sun-blocking material. The sizing is also a rocking feature. This adjustable hat also proves its worthy of its price tag because each size fits a very large age-range.
UV Skinz Clothing
UV Skinz
Providing UPF 50+ sun protection, these sun shirts, shorts and suits cut exposure to 98 percent of the sun’s harmful rays. UV Skinz clothing is lightweight and breathable and can be used repeatedly instead of washing away like sunscreen, cutting down on the amount of sunblock needed for each day spent outdoors.
(credit: sproutsanfrancisco.com)
Babiators
Sold at Sprout San Francisco
www.sproutsanfrancisco.com
After you’ve got the skin covered from the sun with sunhats and sunscreen, go one step further and cover her eyes, too! Not only do Babiators provide comfort by dimming harsh summer sun rays, they also provide protection to for the eyes. And no worries about babies or small toddlers putting these shades in their mouths; each pair is BPA, phthalate and heavy-metal free. Added bonus: little ones look super cute sporting their sunglasses.
(credit: http://www.green-genes.com)
LifeFactory Glass Water Bottle
Sold at Green Genes
(773) 944 – 9250
5111 N. Clark St. / Chicago, 60640
www.green-genes.com
It seems like a terrible idea – giving a glass water bottle to little hands – but this glass drinking container is lined with a silicone sleeve aimed at helping protect the bottle from breaking and shattering. Life-Factory’s bottle is BPA free, PVC free, phthalate free and polycarbonate free, making it a great non-toxic choice for keeping older kiddos hydrated during the hot summer months.
Sigg Bottle
Sold at Whole Foods Markets locations city and suburb wide
(312) 587 – 0648
1550 N. Kingsbury St. / Chicago, 60642
www.wholefoodsmarket.com
Not feeling confident with giving younger kiddos a glass drinking bottle but still want to avoid plastic? The Sigg Bottle, made of stainless steel, is a great alternative to both plastic and glass bottles. These durable steel bottles can withstand quite a bit of abuse and remain usable. They also come in a lovely aray of designs.
(credit: sproutsanfrancisco.com)
Edible Veggie Sidewalk Chalk
Sold at Sprout San Francisco
www.sproutssanfrancisco.com
Picture: http://www.sproutsanfrancisco.com/shop/toys/creative-play/edible-veggie-sidewalk-chalk
Whether you’ve got a baby or toddler who puts everything in her mouth or you just want to steer clear of lead and chemicals during artistic outside play, Edible Veggie Sidewalk Chalk is good for both little Picassos and the environment. Made out of organic, vegan ingredients, this chalk comes in five different colors and is sure to be a favorite for coloring the neighborhood green!
Hyacynth Worth writes almost daily about motherhood, faith and green living at Undercover Mother.
