views on uv parasols and other sun protection tips needed

[nikki73]

We are going on holiday next week with our 4 month old. Are the UV parasols any good? what about the tents or is she too small? any good brands? Any tips gratefully received. Thanks

[Fuschia]

Parasols are rubbish. The tent sort of things that stretch over the buggy are useful. I am not so sure about the tents, you need to be in the shade anyway, otherwise the tent gets really hot. When we took our little ones to Egypt we used big hats, sun suits, stayed in the shade and tied the buggy UV cover between sunbeds to make a safe UV protected space

[nikki73]

Thanks Fuschia. We're off to Egypt too. going to look on google but do you remember where you bought the buggy tent by any chance?

[Fuschia]

Ours is a double: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Kiddopotamus-RayShade-Protective-Stroller-Double/dp/B0012RTM0O

I have seen ones that are more of a fine mesh cover that zip up and don't allow any chink of air in, which might suit a tiny baby who won't argue!

Ours, you do have to make sure feet aren't sticking out into the sun, but it lets them see out and lets a breeze through

[Fuschia]

Fuschia Wrote:

> I have seen ones that are more of a fine mesh

> cover that zip up and don't allow any chink of air

> in, which might suit a tiny baby who won't argue!

Like this:

http://www.kiddopotamus.com/p_bshade.php

[The Nappy Lady]

The Outlook Shade-a-babe ones are good - cover buggy completely, but have a zip open flap at the front, so you can provide a 'window' for older children if required. They look like they are completely enclosed, but actually it is easier to see out of than into if that makes sense.

You get various ones to fit different buggys.

Parasols look pretty but only really work when you are parked up, and can angle it to suit, when mobile the sun moves all the time so they are hopeless, and also a lot of them are really flimsy and break at the sightest gust of wind.

Can I also vote for UV sunsuits, and paraben free suncreams (which you can get from Lloyds Chemist, or Health Matters). My eldest would always come up in a rash if I used highstreet sun creams, but is fine with the (annoyingly more expensive) paraben free makes. We mostly use an Australian brand now - can't recall the name now, but it is sold in Lloyds chemist and is white with a pink or orange map of Australia on the front. It is really easy to put on too, where as some of the other makes I tried are quite thick, so you end up with a blue/white and very greasy baby!

Molly

[Fuschia]

For holidays I usually buy a bundle of cheap large tshirts (so age 8 for my 5 yo, age 3 for a baby) and use them as coverups on the beach, by the pool, and also to sleep in. We use them also when the children are ill (less fiddly for frequent changes)

[The Nappy Lady]

....but I believe Fuschia that T-shirts do not filter out all harmful rays completely, so suncream is still essential all over....sure you know this, but just for safety's sake wanted to clarify.

Molly

[Fuschia]

The Nappy Lady Wrote:

-------------------------------------------------------

> ....but I believe Fuschia that T-shirts do not

> filter out all harmful rays completely, so

> suncream is still essential all over....sure you

> know this, but just for safety's sake wanted to

> clarify.

>

> Molly

Indeedy. I was thinking of to wear after swimming etc, when back in the shade, rather than as a sun protection per se

[melbourne groover]

I second the Outlook shade a babe, have found it brilliant. Also good for low winter sun (more relevant for me sadly...)

[sunbob]

Hello Nikki73

Our little one has a little excema round her face and neck, so we were really pleased to find that you can get Aveeno (cream prescribed to keep excema away) with sun protection included. We bought this abroad, but hopefully you can get it on Amazon or something.

Also, I don't know if there are mosquitos where you're off to, but we found that Jungle Formula Family Lotion was really gentle on the skin and definately effective (we got eaten alive as usual, whilst little one only got 1 bite). Clippasafe extra large buggy mosquito net fitted completely over our citimini even when layed flat and only cost ?5. (Sorry if this is completely off topic!)

[nikki73]

Thank you for all your tips. Have already got the uv protection swimsuit - can't wait to put it on her it's so cute! And am also thinking of picking up some sunglasses for the glare in the water but maybe am just being completely paranoid! I was worried that she might fuss or get too hot in the shade a babe but I think I'll give it a go as she's going to spend a lot of time in hot contries. An sunbob thanks for the tip on mosquito nets. Have ordered one for the cot - didn't think of buggy!