For many, Memorial Day weekend signifies the official start of summer - here in Florida, it’s been scorching hot for weeks, but we’ll take the long weekend all the same! This is the time to hit the beach, the trails, backyard barbeques, and many other places where bugs are just waiting to eat you and your kids up. So, to celebrate bug season, I thought I’d highlight some new natural bug repellants and sunscreens I’ve seen making their way on the market lately.

Burt’s Bees - We use a lot of Burt’s Bees products in our home, and I love their sunscreen. My kids can’t stand the sunscreen sprays - they’re sticky and messy, and if I reapply it outside, it usually sprays everywhere but their skin. That being said, Burt’s Bees line of 100% natural sunscreens contains titanium dioxide, a natural sunscreen, as well as a blend of oils and plant extracts to keep skin from drying out. They also have an Herbal Insect Repellent with rosemary, lemongrass, and citronella oils, as well as a camphor and tea tree oil Bug Bite Relief stick for the bites that annoy even the toughest kids.

California Baby - Who doesn’t love California Baby’s signature bubble baths with wands? California Baby also has a wonderful line of sunscreens and insect sprays that are natural, hypoallergenic, tear free, waterproof, and made with essential oils. Many of the products are completely fragrance free, for sensitive kids, and come in either sprays, lotions, or even sticks. Check out their Suncare Basics Tote for a great sampling of their outdoor products!

Don’t Bite Me! Patch - I’m getting a sample of these babies next week, so I’ll do a more detailed post about it then. What’s interesting about the Don’t Bite Me Patch is, instead of an additional spray to pile on, it’s a clear, transdermal patch you wear. Vitamin B1, a natural insect repellant, is absorbed into your skin and covers your whole body. It’s DEET free, safe for kids, waterproof, and lasts over 24 hours. That being said, we’ll be wearing ours soon!

Liquid Net - billed as “The Ultimate Insect Repellant,” Liquid Net is 100% DEET free, non-greasy, and comes in really convenient towelettes and pocket-sizes that you can carry around with you!