Blue Monarch Pediatrics

06/29/2025

Sunscreen Safety Update ☀️🧴

July 4th is right around the corner, and many of us will be spending extra time outdoors. With the sun, fun, and celebrations ahead, it’s a good time to talk about sunscreen safety.

Sunscreen has been a hot topic lately after a new Valisure report revealed that over 78 sunscreens contain benzene, a known carcinogen. Valisure has even petitioned the FDA to recall these products.

When choosing sunscreen for my kids, I always check ewg.org. They publish yearly guides rating sunscreens from 1 (best) to 10, and they review common ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone. Many of these ingredients are absorbed into the body and show up in urine and breast milk. According to the FDA’s 2019 report, only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are classified as safe and effective.

I’ve put together a list of sunscreens that meet the safest criteria, using data from both Valisure and EWG. All of these contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, have zero benzene contamination, and score 1-2 on EWG’s scale.

Important: You don’t need to rush out and replace your sunscreen immediately. Check the reports and see where yours stands. Many products are still good but weren’t tested for benzene, so I didn’t include them here. And if you’re curious, you can even send your sunscreen to Valisure for free testing.

My Recommended Benzene-Free Mineral Sunscreens:
✅ Badger Baby Active Sunscreen Cream, Chamomile & Calendula, SPF 30
✅ Badger Kids Active Sunscreen Cream, Tangerine & Vanilla SPF 30 (try unscented for sensitive skin)
✅ thinksport Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
✅ thinkbaby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
✅ Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion Fragrance Free SPF 50
✅ Blue Lizard Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

Let’s keep our families safe while enjoying the holiday sunshine. Full reports are linked in the comments. Happy 4th of July, everyone!

06/27/2025

Fueling up for all the summer adventures with our favorite healthy snacks!
☀️ From Frozen Fruit Kabobs that cool you down, to savory Cucumber Boats with Hummus, and creamy Banana "Nice Cream" – we've got your low-sugar, hydrating cravings covered!

Swipe through for the quick & easy recipes so you can make these at home. Which one will you try first?

02/17/2024

Go check out the podcast with Birth, Baby! as Dr. Whitaker discusses fevers in a newborn baby.

02/15/2024

Join Dr. Gonzalez at the dpc conference where she discusses her journey on opening up her practice!

12/12/2023

Hello Parents!

We are a concierge pediatric practice where exceptional care meets convenience. Our board-certified pediatricians offer personalized in-home visits, ensuring your little ones receive top-quality healthcare in the comfort and safety of your home.

Please schedule a complementary meet and greet today to speak directly to a physician and learn more about our practice! Scheduling link below:

http://bluemonarchpediatrics.com/booking/

Hello!
I am a pediatrician passionate about supporting families using positive parenting techniques

10/14/2023

🎉 A year of incredible dedication from our virtual assistant, Ivy Luayon! We're beyond grateful for her support in caring for our patients at Blue Monarch Pediatrics. But that's not all—exciting news! Ivy is expecting, and Blue Monarch Pediatrics is growing too! Next spring will bring both a new life and new beginnings for our clinic. 🤰👶💙

09/29/2023

Happy National Son day from Dr. G and Dr. Whitaker.

“If lhad my child to raise over again:
I’d build self-esteem first and the house later
I’d finger paint more and point the finger less
I would do less correcting and more connecting
I’d take my eyes off my watch and watch with my eyes
Iwould care to know less and know to care more
I’d take more hikes and fly more kites
I’d stop playing serious and seriously play
I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars
I’d do more hugging and less tugging
I’d see the oak tree in the acorn more often
I would be firm less often and affirm much more
I’d model less about the love of power
And more about the power of love.”
- Diane Loomaus

09/26/2023

Happy Daughter’s Day from Dr. G and Dr. Whitaker.

May you enjoy your day with your daughters and help to support them to be proud and strong! 🥰🥰🦋🦋🦋

09/23/2023

We are now offering one time sick clinic visits for a limited time through the fall and winter. No membership required. $175/visit. Please book your appointment on the website below:

https://calendly.com/bluemonarch2/one-time-visit-non-members-sick

Home visits also available if needed, please email info@bluemonarchpediatrics.com for more information.

09/16/2023

Have a concern about your child?

Blue Monarch members can directly text or call their pediatrician. It’s just like having a pediatrician in your pocket. No phone trees or holds!

Don’t wait for the winter rush, sign up today for a meet and greet to learn more about the membership model!

Looking forward to meeting you!