Twin mom Andrea Malone collected the suggestions she received when she asked the group about dry skin solutions for children. Here is the edited version of what she learned. Thanks, Andrea!

Always ask your doctor for advice first!

Aquafor, including immediately after the bath (really, immediately, within minutes!), multiple times during the day, slathering it on thick, or in combination with Cetaphil or Lubriderm.

Vaseline, Cetaphil, Vanicream (available at places like Apthorp, Cherries, Price Right on East 81st), California Baby products (available at Whole Foods, Joseph's Pharmacy), Aveeno Sensitive Skin Relief Cream, Aveeno Body Wash (with oatmeal powder, put in bath water), Cortaid/hydrocortisone (consult pediatrician first and not on face), Eucerin Calming Cream, Stelatopia (a Mustela brand product), A&D Ointment, baby oil (can put in bath water).

Do not bathe your baby everday.

Use humidifiers not just in your babies' room but throughout your home.

Rebecca Hughes Parker says a number of you wanted to learn about tear-free sunblocks for kids, so here is a round-up of all of the options the group suggested.

This list is a summary and Banana Boat was suggested by more moms than any other brand. Happy sunning! --Paris

Mustela stick, though it is pricey.


-use a sun block stick (not lotion) on the face, and don't apply close to the eyes
-wear hats, sunglasses
-use a sunshade on stroller
-put lotion on kids' arms but NOT their hands
-don't overdo it on the amount of lotion, make sure there's no more than can be absorbed
-apply lotion 15 min. before going out in the sun or in the morning when getting dressed.
- Putting it on before placing kids in a stroller means they'll sit there bored with nothing better to do with their hands than rub their eyes. Offer a distracting snack they can feed themselves while waiting for the sun block to sink in.

Banana Boat Kids spray (SPF 50 and waterproof)

Water Babies sunblock stick

Aveeno Baby Sunscreen

Khiel's works pretty well and doesn't stain.

California Baby sun block

Use only the amount necessary to cover the main parts of the nose, cheeks, chin and forehead, and then the backs of their hands. Then give them a giant hat.

Sunsmart. Been using it for years. Goes everywhere. No tears. Apthorp carries it.

Judit Resika collected the following suggestions when she asked what play yards we all liked. Thanks, Judit!

One Step Ahead's Super Yard or Walmart's North State Superyard XT Playard or Target's Superyard XT Play Gate which are identical items. Most parents bought the extra panels for a total of eight.

One Step Ahead's Deluxe Secure Surround Play Yard.

Playzone with Sounds and Lights, available at Target, Amazon.com and Toys R Us, but also at One Step Ahead though it uses L'il instead of Little in the name.

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