Chapter 1 An International Expedition

We just got back from visiting family overseas. For a Kiwi family we definitely have far-reaching roots, with family in the US, Canada and Australia. This trip introduced our two-year-old to his aunts, uncles and cousins in Hawai‘i and his Great Grandma in Vancouver.

And so, in the middle of New Zealand’s cold, wet winter we were sweltering in the northern hemisphere sun. (I’m not complaining, honest!)

First stop, Walmart for sunscreen! And wow, the number of mineral sunscreen options blew my mind! On the hunt we went to find the very best brand.

We checked out the stock in Hawai’i and in Canada. Some were way too thick and definitely visible. I don’t mind if my boy is coated in a thick layer of white, but it’s not my favourite look personally.

And most mineral sunscreens are just so thick and hard to spread on. Add a squirming, protesting two-year-old to the mix and… let’s just say he may have ended up with some questionable tan lines.

One or two of the sunscreens went on quite nicely. I personally liked the ones that combined titanium dioxide with zinc oxide. But none of those nice ones were pregnancy safe! They all had ingredients mums-to-be are meant to meant to avoid, like salicylates.

Props to Hawai‘i and Vancouver Walmarts for their range of mineral options. But the only safe one for me and my growing bub was All Good’s Mineral Sunscreen Butter Stick – which was super thick and white.

So shucks, the hunt was still on for a sunscreen I’d feel great using while pregnant.