Spring Sun Safety Tips

More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed each year in the United States and over 10,000 people will die from the disease each year. This number hits even closer to home when you consider that almost one in five Americans is expected to develop some type of skin cancer in his or her lifetime, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), so you should start sun protection even in spring.

Preventing skin disorders and diseases is easier than you think, it just takes a little bit of careful tips, and these effective protection tips can keep your skin healthy and moist.

Tip 1: Limit time in the sun, especially between 10am and 3pm. The sunburn during this time is the strongest. You’d better avoid going out during this peak Spring Break hours. Sun rays are stronger at higher elevations (mountains) and lower latitudes (near the equator).

Tip 2: Wear protective clothing. Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection from the sun’s UV rays. A wet T-shirt offers much less UV protection than a dry one. Darker colors may offer more protection than lighter colors. Notice that a standard T-shirt only provides SPF protection of 5 to 8. A broad-brimmed hat is essential for spring and also adds charms to romantic you.

Tip 3: Take along a few pairs of sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. Anti-UV sunglasses can provide almost 100% protections against ultraviolet radiation entering the eyes, and then can protect the tender skin around your eyes.

Tip 4: Using a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of UV rays is general but really useful! And Sunscreens should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before exposure followed by one reapplication 15 to 30 minutes after the sun exposure begins. You can reapply every two hours, especially during exercise or swimming. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more is quite important to those who spend much time outdoors, and is especially necessary to those who have sensitive skin, which will be burn easily. By the way, don’t forget your lips and ears!

Remember that the skin is the largest organ in your body and is your first defense against harmful pathogens. Care the nature of your skin in spring —a best season to enjoy the nature. You will be gorgeous as well as fresh outside in whatever season!

The Medical Minute: Protecting kids' eyes from the sun

The Medical Minute: Protecting kids' eyes from the sun

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

By Marianne E. Boltz

It’s summer vacation time! Moms and Dads everywhere are busily shopping for that highly anticipated week at the beach or campground. What one item is on most everyone’s list? Sunscreen. We all know the importance protecting children’s delicate skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. But what many parents forget are the short- and long-term effects of the sun on children’s developing eyes. Even the most diligent mom or dad who may remember to pack sunglasses for the kids at the beach all too often forget about the other 51 weeks of the year when their kids are outside playing. A staggering statistic: the World Health Organization reports that about 80 percent of exposure to UV light occurs before age 18.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation can be serious. Research has shown that exposure to small amounts of UV radiation over a period of many years increases the chance of developing cataracts and may cause damage to the retina, the nerve-rich lining of the eye that is responsible for our sharp vision. Long-term exposure to the blue and violet portion of the solar spectrum has been implicated as a risk factor for macular degeneration, especially for individuals who are “sun sensitive” with pale complexions. Chronic UV exposure can also cause skin cancer of the eyelids and skin around the eyes. A more immediate type of sun damage to the eye is photokeratitis, a painful burn of the eye's surface causing symptoms such as red eyes, a foreign body sensation or gritty feeling in the eyes, extreme sensitivity to light and excessive tearing.

In addition to having children wear a hat or cap with a wide brim while outdoors, there are several things to keep in mind when discussing sun protection for children. Polycarbonate lens material always is a good idea for prescription or nonprescription sunglasses, as it is considered a “safety” material, particularly important for active children. Photochromic or Transitions lenses, those that darken when outdoors, can be an especially convenient and effective option for children who normally wear glasses on a full-time basis. Lastly, it is never too soon to start having children wear sun protection: infants and toddlers are particularly sensitive to bright light and the damaging rays of the sun. In general, parents of infants 6 months and younger should not expose them to direct sunlight. Children age 6 to 36 months should wear infant or toddler-sized sunglasses such as Baby Banz, which are available in specialty optical shops or online. These have a comfortable, wrap-around neoprene band attached to the front frame and lenses which provides a secure fit for an infant’s small facial features and head.

The American Optometric Association offers the following recommendations when purchasing sunglasses for children or adults:

-- Don’t be misled by faulty UV claims or labeling. Buy sunglasses where there is equipment available to check the lenses’ UV protection capabilities. Price alone cannot guarantee quality UV protection.

-- Check lenses to be sure the tint is uniform, not darker in one area than another and free of distortions.

-- Be sure the lenses block enough light. If you can see your eyes easily through the lenses, they probably are not dark enough.

-- At a minimum, look for sunglasses that block at least 99 percent of both UV-A and UV-B radiation, screen out 75 percent to 90 percent of visible light, and are gray for proper color recognition.

-- If possible, choose a wrap-around sunglass frame -- these provide added side protection from bright light and UV radiation.

The old saying holds true: “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Your children will thank you in years to come for protecting such an amazing gift as their eyes and vision. And, really, what’s one more thing to add to your shopping list? Enjoy your summer vacation!

Marianne E. Boltz, O.D., FAAO, is a pediatric optometrist and assistant professor of ophthalmology at Penn State Hershey Eye Center.

Sun Protection Specifically for Kids

Sun Protection for Children

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Sun protection for children is vital to the overall health of an emerging generation. They need to learn from an early age the benefits and dangers about the sun. The sun is vital to our existence – we all know and understand this. But as with most things in life, nothing is perfect.

With the hours children spend in front of computers and video games, it’s a gift when we see them playing outside. But even with this trend, there is still a rise in childhood skin disease and skin cancer.
Children’s skin is more vulnerable to be damaged by the sun’s UVA and UVB rays and it is widely believed that 80% of our lifetime sun exposed happens before our 18th birthday. Just a few serious
sunburns in a child’s early years can increase the possibility of a skin cancer diagnosis as an adult, especially melanoma – the most serious from of skin cancer. Non–melanoma skin cancers are linked to long term sun exposure, such as summers at the shore and playing school sports, especially for those with fair skin, freckles, light hair and eyes.

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Skin Cancer in Children:It is a myth that skin cancer is not a threat to children or teens. Skin damage accumulates over our lifetime and our childhood is the beginning of that life. As parents we try to teach our kids to eat right and exercise to keep healthy.

It’s only natural to teach them about the sun, limiting the amount of sun exposure, using sun-protective measures when outside, such as sunscreen and sun-protective apparel, and to avoid tanning beds.

Until recently, melanoma in children was almost unheard of, but there have been over 500 reported cases during the past decade alone and that number is expected to rise. As you would imagine, most parents or pediatricians don’t expect to find skin cancer in children. Because of this, pediatric melanoma often goes undiagnosed until the condition reaches the later stages, many times putting the child in great risk of a poor outcome.

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Children need sun protection and education Educational programs geared toward Sun Protection for Children.
Educating our children about sun protection is urgently needed. We need to raise awareness about the dangers of UV radiation that will create changes in our lifestyles and reverse the growing trend towards more skin disease and skin cancers.
There have been many educational programs created for schools and communities to use to spread the word about sun protection for children. Most of these campaigns center around the same simple principles:
YES - these all apply to adults too.

Seek Shade: UV rays are strongest and most harmful during midday sun (between 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.), so it's best to limit outdoor activities during this time. Try to seek shade under a tree, but if this is not possible try an umbrella, or a pop-up tent.

Cover-Up: Clothing that covers as much of your child's skin is best. A Long-sleeved shirt and long pants with a tight weave are best, but they aren't always practical. A loose fitting T-shirt, long shorts, or a beach cover-up are good choices, too. There are many places to buy clothing and swimwear made with built in sun protection for children.


Get a Hat: Hats with wide brims that shade the face, scalp, ears, eyes and neck provide great protection. Baseball caps are popular, but they don't protect their ears and neck.


Wear Sunglasses: Look for sunglasses that wrap around and block as close to 100% of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. This will greatly reduce sun exposure which can lead to cataracts and other eye damage later in life.

Sunscreen: Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 15+ every time your child goes outside. For the best protection, apply sunscreen generously 30 minutes before going outdoors. Don't forget to protect ears, noses, lips, and the tops of feet and reapply every two hours.

Find out more about the many sun protection for children campaigns and start one in your community or child’s school.

Sun Protection for Children education is as important as Anti-Smoking, Anti-Drugs and Anti-Drinking education.

How to choose the right sunscreen for you and yoru family.

Confused by the types of sunscreens available?

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With so many types of sunscreens on the market, it's no wonder we get overwhelmed at the drug store when we go to stock up for summer.
The types of sunscreen you choose is really a matter of personal choice.
You need to decide:

• What feels best on your skin. • Which is easiest to apply and re-apply. • What activities are you participating in? (e.g. Running, biking, hiking, swimming, surfing, skiing or sun bathing). • Are you using it on your face or body?

Sunscreens are available in many forms including:

• Gel sunscreen
• Cream sunscreen
• Sunscreen lotions
• Sunscreen wipe
• Spray sunscreen
• Colored sunscreen
• Powder sunscreen

Some people complain that certain types of sunscreens make them break-out, are too oily, cause allergic reactions, dry their skin out or are full of harmful chemicals.
Over the last few years the advancements in many new types of sunscreen have eliminated many of these problems.

We recommend broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection, a SPF rating of 30 or higher and is gentle enough to wear everyday.

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If you have sensitive skin:Look for all natural sunscreen:

• Paba free sunscreen - most sunscreens are now PABA-free
• oil-free sunscreen -
• hypoallergenic, fragrance free sunscreen, chemical free sunscreen
• mineral based sunscreen - the minerals titanium dioxide and zinc oxide sit on the skin instead of being absorbed into it

Many parents opt for sunscreens made for sensitive skin to use on their children. For more information about sunscreen for children, click here:


If you're acne-prone:look for:

• Light, oil free lotions will not clog pores
• With chemical sunscreens avobenzone and oxybenzone
• Non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores) and is fragrance-free

If you have oily skin, look for:

• Mineral oil-free sunscreen
• Non-comedogenic sunscreen
• Sunscreens that are oil free are usually water or gel based

Good common sense tips for Acne-prone, oily and sensitive skin:

• Don't use the same sunscreen meant for your body on your face
• If you are using a topical acne treatment? Apply it first, wait 20 minutes or so and then apply your sun protection over the top
• Remember to wash your face before going to bed to prevent pores from clogging

If you’re a swimmer or outdoor sports “person”, look for:

• Water-resistant or waterproof sun protection
• The highest SPF you can find ( No sunscreen is 100 % water and sweat proof )
• Keep away from your eyes
• Re-apply after you get out of the water or every 2 hours

If you've got dry skin, look for:

• Try creams or lotions with extra hydrating ingredients like glycerin and aloe.
• Avoid sprays and gels with alcohol

If you want all organic, look for:

• Products contain herbs, minerals, and plants only
• Chemical-free

Which type of sunblock is better: Chemical vs.Physical?

The key to finding the best types of sunscreens for you is to shop around. If you don’t like one product, try another, and another until you find the ones you like.

What should I look for in sunglasses?

What do I need to know about sunglasses?

The most important things to look for when choosing a pair of sunglasses is the amount of UV light that is blocked by the sunglasses and a proper fit. Lenses should be large enough to shield your eyes from most angles. It is important to note that darker lenses in sunglasses do not necessarily offer better UV protection. Sunglasses have many features, not all of which are related to the amount of sun protection they provide:

• Blocks 99% of UV light:
  This is a very important thing to look for when purchasing sunglasses. This claim tells you that the sunglasses block 99 percent of harmful UV rays. The tag may also say "UV absorption up to 400 nm".
• Wrap-around:
  This is another important thing to look for when purchasing sunglasses. These types of sunglasses wrap around the face and protect eyes from all angles.
• Polycarbonate lenses:
  This type of lens is the most impact-resistant lens on the market today. (This type of lens does not necessarily offer better UV protection than other types of lenses.)
• Blocks 90 percent of infrared rays:
  The amount of infrared rays sunglasses block does not effect the UV protectiveness of sunglasses. (Infrared rays are not harmful to eyes.)
• Polarized:
  This type of lens does not help protect your eyes from damaging UV rays. However, this type of lens can improve eyesight by reducing distracting surface glare, most notably from water and snow.

In early 2000, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) has published new national standards for the preparation and labeling of fabrics and garments intended to protect humans from the sun's UVA and UVB radiation. The American Sun Protection Association (ASPA), a member of the ASTM standard drafting committee, is leading a national effort to encourage the sun protective clothing industry to adopt and promote the new standards in the U.S. marketplace.

The new ASTM standards D6544 and D6603 combine with AATCC 183 to form the most stringent UV-protective clothing standard in the world. "This is the credibility boost the U.S. sun protective clothing industry has been waiting for," said Mary Buller, ASPA Executive Director. "Finally, consumers will know what UPF is and will come to trust that the garment they buy will provide the same level of UV protection during its use-Iife as it did on the day it was purchased."

Classification Category	UPF Range	UPF Values Allowed on Labels	Approximate % UV Blocked
Good UV Protection	15-24	15 and 20	93.3% - 95.8%
Very Good UV Protection	25-39	25, 30 and 35	96.0% - 97.4%
Excellent UV Protection	40-50+	40, 45, 50 and 50+	97.5% - 98.0%

D6544 requires fabrics making a claim of sun protectiveness to (a) undergo 40 simulated launderings, (b) be exposed to 100 fading units of simulated sunlight, and if intended for swimsuits, and (c) be exposed to chlorinated water prior to UV- transmission testing. The standards are currently voluntary, but could become mandatory if not adopted by the industry in a timely manner. Sun protection claims will be monitored by the FTC.

New Reversible Hats and Prescription Swim Goggles!

New Products from Baby Banz July, 2010 Greetings! We are excited that in this, our 10th year, we have experienced amazing growth and recognition here in the US and globally. Baby Banz is excited to announce new products that continue to be the best in protection for today's families. As we continue to grow, we invite you to stay tuned for new products that will continue to add to the safety of the entire family while enjoying the great outdoors. Sincerely, US Operations and Brand Manager New Reversible Bucket Hats Our new Reversible UPF 50+ Bucket hats are here! 8 new colors join our line of reversible hats, which will replace our original bucket hats. The new hats have been resized and now allow a larger range of children to wear them. The new overlapping brim with velcro closure allows the hats to get a more custom fit to the child's head and keeps them in place. Our KidZ hats are not just for the little guys anymore! Using the new head circumference measurements, it is possible to get this hat on kids ages 2-12, and even some adults. We tried this out ourselves in the office and must admit we all looked pretty cute in the hats, plus the large floppy brim allowed out faces and ears to be covered! Our new hats are also available in our popular Gift Sets, with a coordinating pair of Adventure Banz sunglasses. Prescription Swim Goggles Do you or your children need glasses to see in the distance (myopia)? Our new prescription swim goggles are available in half steps between -1.5 and -5.0 diopters! No more wondering how you'll see that diving toy at the bottom of the swimming pool - with our goggles everything underwater is as clear as above! Our goggles offer 100% UV protection, and have a smoke gray tinted lenses for added sun comfort. These goggles are great for casual swimmers as well as competitive swimmers. BanZ Prescription goggles will fit ages 3 to adult and come with 4 changeable bridge pieces to get the fit right! They come in one of our stylish goggle carrying cases for added protection in your beach bag. MSRP $40 New Logo Baby BanZ, Inc. will soon be known simply as BanZ. With our ever growing global presence and the addition of new product lines for spring, summer fall and winter sun protection, Baby BanZ is adopting the signature BanZ name as our Global Presence, with Baby BanZ, Kidz BanZ, Retro BanZ, JBanz and BanZwear as product lines. Under the new Global BanZ, we will continue to bring out new and innovative sun protection items for the entire family, beginning with our new winter sun protection line for kids in Fall 2010. Expanding on our popular Ski Banz, we will be adding a range of winter clothing that offers the UV protection, comfort, style and durability you have come to expect from the Baby Banz name. In addition, BanZ will launch a children's safety line in 2011 which will include active wear and safety accessories for kids at play. Banz will continue to be the protection experts in the US and globally. Stay tuned for the news as we continue to develop safety products that suit today's family.

Baby Banz are Made for the Summer Shade

Baby Banz are Made for the Summer Shade

Never again will parents have to seek elusive shade in the heat of summer to protect tiny eyes and faces. Baby Banz has got them covered with unique bucket hats that were originally designed in Australia to protect tender skin in one of the world’s most challenging UV environments. Baby Banz hats are clinically held to Australian standards for fabric UV protection with an impressive UPF rating of 50+. Fully adjustable to fit a broad range of little noggins, Baby Banz Bucket Hats are available in a beautiful spectrum of colors designed to keep little ones safe from the sun, while looking their best! Baby Banz is committed to providing children with the best UV protective gear on the market, ranging from swimwear to sunglasses to super cute hats that offer iron-clad protection, while being fun to wear and strong enough to go the distance that children demand.

For all the best shady deals from down under, get up to the sunny delights at http://usa.babybanz.com

Head-to-Toe Protection When It Counts

Contact press@chicblvd.com for samples, images, and additional information!

 Home to the original wrap-around sunglasses, Baby Banz is in the forefront of the children's safety market and is on the cutting edge of head to toe protection for children ages 0-10.

Baby Banz original wrap around sunglasses are now equipped with an embedded silicon nose and brow piece, making them a better fit and even more comfortable. The design is unheard of in the industry thus far, and has passed some of the most stringent standards on sunglasses in the world.

This world can be a noisy place, especially at social events like sports games, parades, and movies. Baby Banz has created Protective Earmuffs for conscientious parents who worry about the effect of loud sounds on their babies' ears. With hearing loss becoming a growing problem in children, it's better to be safe rather than sorry. The earmuff fits comfortably over the head and comes in some very trendy and stylish designs. Baby Banz is the only manufacturer of hearing protection for kids under the age of six, when it is most important that they not be surrounded by loud potentially harmful noises.

Summer is coming and that means pool parties and beach excursions galore! Keep children's skin safe with BanZ UV Swimwear. These suits provide 100% UV protection, are chlorine and saltwater safe, and are made to last. The fun patterns are designed to stretch and won't rub or peel off. Don't forget to sunscreen up those places not covered by the bathing suit.

Baby Banz was created by an Australian father worried about raising his kids in one of the harshest UV environments in the world. He is committed to developing solutions to protect kids on all of their adventures, as well as helping kids with ocular diseases and special concerns.

After ten years of providing quality child sun protection, it's no surprise Baby Banz is endorsed by the Australian Cancer Foundation as well as the Melanoma International Foundation. Their products are all CPSIA compliant, meaning they are made from completely non-toxic materials and are safe for children. They are also the proud winners of the iParenting Media Award, the Toy Man Award of Excellence, and the Creative Child Top Choice of 2009.

For samples or additional information, please visit www.babybanz.com or contact press@chicexecs.com.

Contact:

ChicExecs PR

www.chicexecs.com

1487 Poinsettia Ave. Ste. 125

Vista, CA 92081

760.992.9113

ChicExecs PR is an “out of the box” PR company which represents over 70 clients. ChicExecs has created an innovative approach to PR dedicated to helping small-medium businesses receive media coverage. Our revolutionary automated system is changing the face of PR. To learn more about ChicExecs visit www.chicexecs.com.

Rain or shine - protect baby's eyes!

Rain or shine, your baby can still get exposed to the harmful rays of the sun whenever you go out. This is why your baby needs adequate protection from the sun every time you leave the house.

Because your baby’s skin is thin and has not yet developed fully, your baby’s skin can get burned a lot faster than yours. When going out in the sun with your baby, try to keep your baby away from direct sunlight. Bring an umbrella and protect your baby’s head and eyes with a wide-brimmed hat. Make sure your baby is wearing loose clothing to protect the rest of his or her body. Ask your pediatrician for advice on applying sunscreen to your baby’s skin.

Aside from his or her skin, your baby’s eyes are also at risk for damage. Recent researches have revealed that exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet radiation early in life may result in an increased risk for the development of cataracts in children. Cataracts can have devastating effects on your baby’s vision, and can lead to complete blindness. Although these findings have not been fully established yet, experts are choosing to be on the safe side by supporting the use of baby sunglasses.

Several brands of sunglasses, such as Baby Banz, have already created their own line of sunglasses for babies. The frames are typically made out of durable plastic, with a strap to help hold the sunglasses in place. The sunglasses are available in pink, blue and a host of other colors.

Initially, your baby may not like wearing his or her sunglasses, but with repeated use, your baby will eventually get used to it.

Here are several tips you can apply when deciding on which sunglasses to get for your baby:
•    When choosing sunglasses for your baby, choose a pair that can protect your baby’s eyes from both types of ultraviolet rays, namely UVA and UVB. Make sure the lenses offer 100% UV protection. Also, choose sunglasses that fully cover your baby’s eyes and surrounding eye area, preventing sunlight from creeping in around the edges and reaching your baby’s eyes.
•    Choose durable material for your baby’s sunglasses. Ideally, the lenses of the sunglasses should be scratch-resistant, while the frames should be polycarbonate.
•    When choosing frames for your baby’s sunglasses, choose one with a built-in nose saddle. Baby Banz has a silicone nose and brow piece.
•    If the sunglasses keep falling off your baby’s face, try getting one with adjustable elastic straps. This kind of baby sunglasses are like a loose pair of goggles, making sure that the sunglasses are kept on while your baby remains comfortable.
•    Select baby sunglasses with medium tint. A lens with a tint that is too light does not offer enough protection from glare and bright light, while a lens with a tint that is too dark may let more UV radiation into your baby’s eyes, making it even more harmful. Category 3 lenses are the perfect thing!

Keep your baby protected from the sun’s harmful rays. Get sunglasses for your baby today!

Baby Banz at Vision Expo 2010

Check out Operations Manager Shari Murphy giving some company and product  info at Vision Expo East 2010 in New York City last month.

Protecting your children's eyes from the sun

When the sun is shining on a nice warm summer day it's great to wear sunglasses. It looks good and it protects our eyes from harmful UV rays which can cause long term damage. Sometimes it's easy to forget that our children have even more sensitive eyes that need protecting.

Traditionally, to protect your childs eyes you would either use a hat that allows a shadow to form over the eyes or some other way of cover the sun so the eyes are shielded by a shadow. That's all well and good but the eyes aren't actually being covered. If your child looks up there will be no protection.

What are the risks?

The risks associated with prolonged UV exposure on infants' eyes are endless. There are many eye related health problems and even sight loss can become a problem. The young babies eyes aren't able to cope with extreme UV rays and can cause pain to the baby when outside after only a few minutes.

Imagine how it would feel, as a parent, if you child develops problems later on in life; problems that could have been easily prevented by protecting your Childs eyes from the sun.

Baby Banz

Baby Banz are a great solution, allowing your children to wear sunglasses at a very young age. Baby Banz feature a strap which wraps around the back of the head to prevent the sunglasses from falling off or slipping on the face. They also look adorable on any baby!

Baby Banz were first designed in Australia where the suns UV rays are at their highest and toughest. Baby Banz have been clinically tested by one of the world's leading authorities. Baby Banz sunglasses are safe and provide the maximum protection for your child. They've passed very high standards and tests making them perfectly safe.

A stylish solution

You really do have to see the Baby Banz on to see how amazingly adorable they are! They're quite a unique solution since not many other brands offer sunglasses to babies. Your baby can have that cool look and instantly impress anyone they meet!

Whilst some people see dressing your baby up to be stylish as inappropriate, others love it! When it comes down to it, there's nothing wrong with having a fashionable baby! People are likely to compliment you, and your family will have a cool looking younger member.

So, if you're heading out into the sun this summer; remember your children's eyes aren't as strong as yours. If you need to wear sunglasses then your children definitely need to wear sunglasses. It's the responsible thing to do and it will prevent any damage to your child. What's more, you can even get your children looking as stylish as you on the next family outing!

Baby Banz and DadLabs.com

Baby Banz is excited to sponsor DadLabs.com with a massive Sun Hat, Wrapz and sunglasses combos giveaway for their viewers! Tune  in to the daily live streams, like this one from earlier today, for info on how to enter - PLUS great parenting info for Dads from the fun guys at DadLabs!!

Your Opinion Matters to Baby Banz!

Want your chance to win a complete Protection Collection valued at over $150?

Do you LOVE our Baby Banz sunglasses, UV Hats, hearing protection and UPF 50+ swimwear? Share your feedback and stories with us, and the world and your child could win new gear!

Log in to http://usa.babybanz.com and leave your review of any Baby Banz product before Feb 15, 2010 to enter to win!  Receive one entry per comment, per product - no limit!

Baby Banz Video Review from Blue Moon Goods

Winter Sun Safety Tips from Baby Banz

As cooler temperatures arrive, parents are unpacking sweaters, scarves and gloves. Unfortunately, many of them are also packing away sunglasses and sunscreen from summer. Most parents layer on the sun protection during the summer, but what about winter months? Consider the facts that 80% of sun damage children will receive occurs before the age of 18, and just one sunburn in childhood can increase the risks of melanoma in adulthood. Kids participating in winter activities, like skiing, snowboarding, or even snowball fights in the backyard face just as much risk for getting sunburned as they do at the beach!

Snow amplifies the burning potential of the sun by reflecting the ultraviolet radiation (UVR) that causes sunburns. In fact, snow reflects about 85% of the sun’s rays, while water reflects 100%. At higher elevations, where skiers and snowboarders generally play, the thinner atmosphere screens out significantly less of the incoming UVR than it does at lower elevations.

Baby BanZ offers these tips for staying protected all year:

Don't forget the eyes! Sunlight reflecting off snow, sand or water further increases exposure to UV radiation, increasing the risk of developing eye problems such as cataracts. Long hours on the beach or in the snow without adequate eye protection can result in a short-term condition known as photokeratitis, or reversible sunburn of the cornea. This painful condition--also known as "snow blindness"-can cause temporary loss of vision.

When buying sunglasses, look for a label that specifically offers 100% UV protection. This assures that the glasses block both UVA and UVB radiation. Children should wear real sunglasses-not toy sunglasses-that indicate the UV protection level. Dark or tinted eyewear sold as fashion accessories may provide little or no protection from UV or visible light. Polycarbonate lenses are the most shatter-resistant.

Sunscreen. When selecting a sunscreen, look for the label "broad spectrum (UVA/UVB)" and a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Since sunscreen isn't fully effective right away, apply sunscreen half an hour before going out in the sun. Then reapply it generously and often- don't forget the ears, neck and hands. Discard old or expired sunscreen.

Hat. Wear a wide-brim hat that protects the face and back of the neck.

Peak Hours. The most significant sun exposure occurs between 10 a.m.-3 p.m. During these times put on extra sunscreen or take a break from the sun and get some lunch.

Travels with Baby Recommends Baby Banz

In her book, Travels with Baby, Shelly Rivoli, award-winning author, family travel blogger and mom of three recommends Baby and Kidz Banz UV protection!

Shelly is a Top 10 Winner in Tripbase 2009 Family Travel Blogs and was featured in Travelblogs.com's "99 of the Best Travel Blogs" list.

Shelly's family travel tips and advice have appeared in national parenting magazines, including American Baby, Nick Jr. Magazine, Parent & Child, Parenting, Parents, and Pregnancy, and on popular parenting websites and blogs including, BabyCenter.com, Babble.com, Urban Baby Daily, aParentlySpeaking, and TimeOut New York Kids. She is also Baby Travel Expert for Tibesti.com, and a contributor to Travel Savvy Mom.

Shelly has made radio and TV appearances, including the Happy Housewives Club, Childhood Matters, and is a frequent guest on ABC San Francisco's The View from the Bay (see more in media section). She also writes a "Travels with Baby" column at Examiner.com: www.Examiner.com/travelswithbaby, where she's featured a special series of interviews with Moms Around the World.

Travels with Baby will help you:

• Have great family getaways at every age and stage--and with any temperament.

• Learn the ins and outs of flying with children on laps, in car seats, and in airline bassinets.

• Enjoy an urban adventure, train trip, cruise, or a back-country camping trip with your child.

• Conquer jetlag with your child and manage changes in eating and sleeping routines.

• Prepare for cultural differences, health concerns, and safety issues when traveling far from home.

• Find the cruise or resort that's the perfect fit for your family's vacation needs--and desires.

• Stay two steps ahead of high-energy children, picky eaters, and potty trainees as you travel.

More about Travels with Baby...

Travels with Baby is a book you can use through all phases of your child's first years. Here are just a few examples of how this book may help you plan: all family trips, air travel, rail travel, cruise vacations, travel by automobile, and international travel.

Special sections also address:

- Flying with twins and multiples

- Rail travel with twins and multiple children

- Flying with special needs children

- Flying for an international adoption.

For more information, see the detailed Table of Contents.

Check out our Combo Sets as highlighted by TDMonthly.com!

Watch TDmonthly Video

Check out New Adventure BanZ by Baby BanZ featured in Sunglasses Magazine Sept/Oct 2009.

This mom loves all things Aussie - from Hugh Jackman to Baby Banz!

Read more about her thoughts on Baby Banz today!

About.com - Test Drive Baby Banz Kids' Sunglasses

Michelle's Kids' Fashion Blog

By Michelle Kouzmine, About.com Guide to Kids' Fashion since 2005

Tuesday August 25, 2009

These super-cool, no-slip kids' sunglasses for toddlers and big kids are fantastic. Kids love to wear these sunglasses that actually fit little faces and stay-put. Now your little ones can jump waves, build sandcastles, run around the yard, and bebop around town in their favorite sunnies made just for them.


Baby Banz had 4 Test Drivers

• 2-year old Elijah Test Drove: Kidz Banz Combo in Hunter Camo
• 3-year old Sarah Test Drove: Kidz Banz and Sunhat in Pink and Green Floral
• 5-year old Lucy Test Drove: JBanz in Safari Pink and Hat in Solid Pink
• 5-year old Sawyer Test Drove: Jbanz in Blue and Coordinating Hat

What did my Test Drivers think of their new fun-in-the-sun products?

What did their moms say?
Find Out:

Read More: Test Drive: Baby Banz Kids' Sunglasses and Hats


Image courtesy of Lucy's Mom