We never thought it would come here in Portland, but summer has finally arrived and it’s been a scorcher. With so many sunscreens on the market and as many as we see at playgrounds around town, the cleeo & bea mamas have been doing some very official research to get to the bottom of which ones will protect our tots skin without harsh chemicals. One of the most important facts we’ve learned are to avoid these two ingredients, oxybenzone and retinyle palmate (vitamin A) as both have been linked to cancer. Here are a few of our favorites and their differences, with our preferences and why. We’ve been big lovers of Badger’s sleep balm for restless little badgers, but haven’t tried their sunscreen until recently when one of our neighbors suggested it. This sunscreen lives up to Badger’s stealth reputation and we do like it. And a little goes a long way, which we love. naturally water resistant, safe for children of all ages, blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and thoroughly moisturize while they protect your skin. Natural, organic ingredients sunscreens create a physical barrier with zinc oxide instead of chemicals to protect from the sun. A little gritty, water resistant up to 40 minutes. main ingredient is zinc 20.5% . Consistency is pretty greasy, everything is going to stick to it and takes awhile for it to absorb, but has an excellent rating on the skin deep website of a 1. Smells great and works like a dream. Not cheap, but we think worth every penny. 2.9 oz. $16.00, here.

Most of the sunscreens we’ve been testing are pretty thick and sometimes downright sticky. We really like the way alba’s very emollient SUNBLOCK  with mineral protection for kids goes on the skin and absorbs. Unfortunately, alba’s sunblock doesn’t earn a great rating on the skin deep website, so even though it’s effective, it may be moderately hazardous and not as protective as some of the other sunblocks we’ve been testing. Still, this product is paraben and tear free, hypoallergenic, contains long-lasting UVA/UVB protection, is lightweight and has  a fruity fragrance. Contains certified organic aloe vera and calendula to nourish and soothe skin, Green Tea and vitamin E provide rich antioxidant protection. 3 oz., $9.95, here.

California Baby sunscreens have long been a favorite of the cleeo & bea mamas, but after testing and reviewing a few others like the CB citronella SPF 30+ Sunscreen, there are a couple of things we might change. This sunscreen (rating of 2 on skin deep) is scented with non-toxic essential oils like citronella, lemongrass and cedar, but we’re not too crazy about the fragrance (a little bit strong for young sunbathers) and actually prefer the fragrance-free version, which also has a lower rating of a 1 on skin deep. The active ingredient is titanium dioxide and the formula is made without gluten, oat or dairy. It works for up to 80 minutes while in the water, too, so need to drag your tots out of the water to reapply. This sunscreen is tear free to boot, which is HUGE in our book, since our little ones have a habit of rubbing sunscreen in their eyes. Note: need to apply 30 minutes before going out in the sun. 2.9 oz. $19.99, here.

One of our favorites is Loving Naturals Sunscreen, especially for our youngest wee one. It’s made from 100% natural and organic ingredients with the highest level UVA and UVB protection and earns a very high rating of 1 on the Skin Deep website. This mineral based sunscreen is water resistant and not greasy. Contains mild and effective ingredients including grape seed oil, USDA certified organic sunflower oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides (derived from coconut oil), soy wax (non-GMO), organic sesame oil, organic plum kernel oil, candelilla wax, organic cocoa butter (fair trade), organic hemp seed oil, organic macadamia nut oil, organic cocoa (fair trade), organic green tea, sea salt and water. 3 oz. Great price, $9.99, here.

We’re really starting to feel the pressure of cold and flu season, ugh. We’re not usually ones to get too affected by the hype either, but with this new strain of flu making it’s way around the country, we’re freaking out a little. We want to keep our kiddos safe, germ-free and healthy, so we’re starting at square one, with clean hands. Never having used a hand sanitizer, we weren’t really sure what to look for, but we did know we wanted something herbal and kid safe. Burt’s Bees sanitizer does the trick. Made from corn based alcohol, aloe vera and witch hazel, this moisturizing spray eliminates 99.9% of germs while moisturizing hands. It smells great too, not usual for most hand sanitizers and doesn’t leave any weird or sticky residue. Perfect. Great for toddlers and the 3 and up crowd, but not so sure for little taste testers. No junk. Excellent value. $5.00, here.

A few of our kiddos are in training. They’re just starting to use a sippy cup and so far, so good. We have a couple of favorites and Born Free’s trainer cup is among them. It took a few tries before kiddo figured out exactly what to do, but now she’s well on her way to professional status. The trainer cup has a soft spout low vacuum valve designed for easy flow, so no hard sucking, which we must say has made the transition from bottle to sippy very smooth. And this cup doesn’t leak, at all. Removable handles are perfect for little hands and the BPA free plastic is indestructible. Phthalate and PVC free. Top rack dishwasher safe. Celebrate. 80z. $9.99 each, here.

As a rule, unless we’re seeking an argument with our spouses, we leave the house when IKEA products are being assembled. Same rule applies to the spouses when we’re armed with the power drill, but in this case, we were pleasantly surprised. The Patrull Fast baby gate was quickly assembled without too much trouble. This gate has met and exceeded our expectations thus far. We really like the door. Its secure enough to keep our wee ones out and easy enough to open with one hand. The only draw back to this gate is that it screws into the wall as opposed to having a tension knob that tightens against the wall, so if you’re not into a permanent hole, you’ll need to purchase the Patrull Smidig extension gate. A bit more pricey than a standard baby gate, but in the ease of use department, the door makes it very worth it. Door opens both ways. Completely kid safe. Wood screws included. Beech wood. Min. width: 28 3/8″ Max. width: 43 5/8″ height: 29.3/8″. $34.99 at IKEA.