For this weekend, and every weekend, keeping your kids safe from the sun and elements isn’t just about being environmentally friendly - it’s about keeping little ones healthy and happy as we celebrate our country’s birthday.

I’ve written about the Environmental Working Group a few times, and can’t stress enough the importance of their work testing and rating products you use on a daily basis. Will you be surprised to find the sunblock you use, with a high SPF and waterproof promise, didn’t make EWG’s cut? I wasn’t, although I’ll be making a switch this week! EWG has tested 952 name-brand sunscreens, only 15% of which has made their cut for UVA and UVB effectiveness, SPF stability and safe ingredients, among other criteria. You can read about their testing methodology and criteria, and search for your sunscreen. For kids, California Baby, Blue Lizard, and TruKids make the grade, while most of the supermarket brands, especially No-Ad and, would you believe, Neutrogena (!) should be tossed.

If you’re water bound, combining smart sunscreen with smart bathing suits makes a huge difference in your kid’s sun safety. The sunwear product Coolibar makes comfortable and fun UPF 50+ swimwear for the entire family. Find rash guard short and long-sleeved shirts and swimwear, chlorine-resistant sunhats for infants, eyewear and more. They also happen to be having a HUGE sale, so there’s plenty of time to stock up for the rest of the summer! They are also a recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Target and other big superstores also carry many products to help make the summer sun more friendly to you and your kids.  Have a safe and fabulous Fourth!