Tips and Tricks On How To Put Sunscreen On A Toddler
With summer upon us, you’re probably stocking up on the outdoor activities and products that accompany it. Any seasoned parent knows that sunscreen is at the top of the list!
With the long days in the sun and warm weather, applying sunscreen is about to become your full-time job.
If you have toddlers in tow, you likely already know the headache of applying sunscreen throughout the day. Sometimes they play nice and let you put it on them, while other times, they throw a fit, run away, and make it impossible to get the job done.
Fortunately, a few tried and true tricks work like a charm to prevent you from losing your patience. We’re highlighting all the best ideas in this post, and we’ve included recommendations from parents that will work when all hope seems lost.
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Pretend it’s a game
Does your toddler love dressing up? Pretend the sunscreen is makeup. Do they love pretending they’re in a jungle chasing wild animals? Then the sunscreen is face paint that they must put on to camouflage. Making sunscreen application a fun game that doesn’t have to be a chore is a failproof way to get them slathered up and ready for fun.
Get them involved
Ask for their help, and show them how to put sunscreen on their arms and legs. You can sing songs or talk about their body parts as you help them rub in the sunscreen. Promoting independence will excite them about doing something on their own and save you a headache in the process.
Apply with makeup sponges
Using makeup sponges will make sunscreen application much easier and less frustrating for you and your child. Makeup sponges are super soft, and the product glides on much smoother, making it easier to avoid getting any in their eyes. Once the day is done, they’re easy to clean; run them under cold water, mix in mild dish soap, rinse clean, and let them dry overnight.
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Use mineral-based products
Often your child may get frustrated with the sunscreen process because it takes a long time to rub in, and patience is in short supply. We recommend using mineral-based sunscreen because it is much easier to apply and doesn’t take nearly as long to rub in thoroughly. Try brands like SunBum or Thinksport for the best results.
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Use a roller stick
For many families, roller stick sunscreen products are quicker and more efficient than liquid sunscreen, and toddlers love being able to apply it themselves. Rollers are particularly helpful for applying sunscreen to their face, which is the most annoying part of the process.
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Try a roll-on applicator
Try a product like Solar Buddies roll-on applicator, which allows you to fill up the device with the liquid sunscreen of your choice, and your child can apply it themselves. The sponge ring inside the holder makes it easy to rub sunscreen in, and it’s a quick process.
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Try fractionated coconut oil
When applying sunscreen, mix a small amount of fractionated coconut oil in with the product. Coconut oil can help the sunscreen absorb quicker and makes it easier to rub in.
Apply it in the stroller
Whether you’re heading to the zoo or on a sunny neighborhood walk, try applying the sunscreen once they’re already strapped in and can’t move around much. Slather up their legs, arms, and face, then quickly distract them with snacks, and you’ll be well on your way!
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SPF shirts and hats
If all else fails, always have UPF sun shirts and sun hats that your child can put on when the sunscreen battle isn’t going well. You should still apply sunscreen as recommended, but UPF 50+ rash guards and a sun hat will give you peace of mind that your child’s skin is protected.
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Talk about sun safety
In many scenarios in your child’s life, books can be great tools to teach them different essential life lessons. Sun safety is something we’ll be discussing with all future generations, and the sooner your child understands how critical it is to protect their skin from the sun, the better. Try reading a book about sun safety so they can grasp why we wear sunscreen regularly and how we can still have a lot of fun outdoors.
Final Thoughts On How To Put Sunscreen On A Toddler
There’s no doubt that putting sunscreen on a toddler can be one of the biggest challenges on your daily to-do list in the spring and summertime. Getting outdoors, playing, and enjoying beautiful weather is where some of the best memories are made as a kid. Putting on sunscreen doesn’t have to put a damper on the party; by experimenting with different products and application methods, you’ll be outdoors in no time, having a great day with the family.
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