Last week, Renee told us which organic products can keep our skin looking and feeling good in the harsh winter weather. Kids and babies have a special set of needs when it comes to their skin. Kids need good sun protection (especially if they’re old enough to go skiing or snowboarding), and plenty of hydration (especially if they’re spending lots of time indoors in a heated house). Babies need healing ointment to protect little butts from diaper rash, especially if those little butts are wrapped in layers of winter clothes – while cozy thermals trap heat, they can also trap moisture, making rashes more likely. And every little one needs bug protection. Wait, what? Bugs? In the winter? Yup – don’t forget that, for half of our planet, it’s actually summer right now: Australia and South Africa, for example, are just hitting their peak annual temperatures. Natural insect repellent is perfect for keeping babies bite-free safely.

The Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep cosmetic database is a great place to look up skin products before you buy them. It tells you what chemicals to avoid when choosing products, and why they’re bad. There’s a section of the site that deals specifically with children’s cosmetic products. TruKid Happy Face and Body Lotion received a rating of 2, or “low hazard,” from the EWG: it’s nontoxic, contains no artificial fragrances or colors, and moisturizes the skin with shea and cupuacu butter. You can use it on little ones’ wind-chapped noses and cheeks, or on dry elbows and knees: it’s good for face and body. After your baby’s bath, try putting lotion on his or her skin while it’s still slightly damp, to seal in moisture. (Don’t do this when you’re putting on diaper cream, though: let the area dry first.)

Speaking of diaper cream, it’s essential to find a good one – your baby’s skin will thank you. Some creams soothe and protect, but they do it by using chemicals like BHA, sodium borate and parabens. BHA is a fragrance-masking ingredient that has been known to cause skin depigmentation, and is also linked to cancer. Sodium borate and boric acid are antimicrobial and pH-adjusting ingredients that cosmetic-industry authorities say aren’t safe for infants’ skin. Parabens are used as preservatives, and have been linked to cancer and hormone problems. Triple Paste diaper cream gets an excellent EWG rating of 1. It contains zinc oxide and lanolin, and creates a protective coating against moisture while healing irritated skin. Take it from me: this stuff really works, and fast. It’s always healed my son’s rashes within two days.

Whether it’s the height of summer or deep in winter, the sun can burn you and your little ones. Keep babies under 6 months old out of the sun: sunscreen can irritate their skin, and it’s just not safe for them to be unprotected. For bigger kids, choose sunscreens with UVA and UVB protection. Avoid products containing oxybenzone: it’s a hormone disruptor, and sunlight can cause it to produce allergenic and carcinogenic chemicals. Paradoxically, sunshine can also break down sunscreen, making it ineffective and letting UV rays through to the skin. Mustela Bebe SPF 50 lotion is photostable, meaning it doesn’t degrade in the sun.

And now for our readers in the Southern Hemisphere: Eco-friendly bug repellent for babies and kids! California Baby makes a natural insect-repelling lotion that contains citronella, cedar and lemongrass essential oils. It’s great when you’re keeping baby out of the sun, but still want to lounge together outside in a shady spot without being eaten alive. It’s also good for evening playtime and alfresco dinners. Plus, it contains aloe vera and Vitamin E oil, making it perfect for rehydrating the skin after spending all day in the sun. Northern Hemisphere-dwellers, remember this product when your summertime rolls back around! California Baby also makes a sunscreen with citronella for combined UV protection and bug repellent.

I’m jealous of my son’s gorgeous complexion: baby skin is amazingly soft and clear. To keep it that way, treat it well – use lotions, sunscreen and bug repellent with natural, non-toxic, skin-nourishing ingredients – and it’ll be beautiful for years to come.