How do you solve a problem like toddlers and sunscreen?
Protecting our little rays of sunshine from the sun is at the forefront of parents’ minds during the warmer months. However, the reality of facing an octopus of a toddler, when you’re armed with a bottle of sunscreen, is a challenge even for the most experienced of parents!
Here are some tips which hopefully will not leave you feeling as though you’re going for gold in an Olympic sport!
Involve your toddler
Give your toddler a sense of control by allowing them to participate. Let them hold the sunscreen bottle or help rub it in on their own body. Ask them to help you apply sunscreen to yourself. But not your face, most definitely not your face!
Make it a routine
Establish a consistent sunscreen routine so that your toddler becomes familiar with the process. Consistency can help reduce resistance over time.
Choose the right time
Find a time when your toddler is relatively calm and not in a hurry, and you’re the same! Nothing worse than trying to smother sunscreen over a wriggly toddler when you know you should have been out of the door five minutes ago! It may be easier to apply sunscreen when they are distracted or engaged in an activity they enjoy.
Lead by example
Apply sunscreen to yourself first and show your toddler how it's done. Let them see that it's a normal part of our daily routine in the summer, tell them the sunscreen is protecting your skin and why that’s important.
Use toddler friendly sunscreen
Look for sunscreen specifically designed for children that is gentle on their skin and doesn't cause irritation. Choose a sunscreen with a high SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30 and at least 4 stars for UVA protection.
Secret weapon
For the toddler who is a ‘I can do by myself’ character a stick sunblock may just save your sanity! Whilst you do the important work of applying sunscreen to the rest of their body, keep them busy painting sunblock on their arm, legs or wherever they want to work on!
Game on!
We all know how much toddlers like to make a game out of pretty much anything so use this to your advantage.
⌛ Set a timer to see if the sunscreen can be applied quicker than yesterday.
👪 Encourage siblings to take turns applying to each other.
🧮 Challenge your toddler that you can finish in the time it takes you to countdown from 10 to 0 - you might need to take some long pauses between numbers!
🖼️ Ask them to shut their eyes and guess what picture/pattern you’re ‘painting’ on their skin.
Mirror, mirror
Watch themselves in the mirror as you apply the sunscreen. Miss an area intentionally and see if they spot your error! And of course cover that bit when they’ve called you out!
Tell me a story
Read age appropriate books about sun safety or watch a TV show about this topic.
CBeebies has a good little video to watch with your toddler, click on the link below.
Distraction techniques
Divert your toddler’s attention with something they enjoy, like singing a song, talking about the day ahead, or giving them a small toy to hold while you apply the sunscreen.
Sneaky tactic
For real little wrigglers, apply sunscreen to the face and other exposed skin whilst they’re still in the car seat. Captive audience scenario!
If all else fails
If your toddler is being very resistant to the sunscreen and you’re not confident you’ve got sufficient on them, cover them up in some sun protective clothing and stay in the shade as much as possible.
Sun safety guidelines
☀️ Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest. Ideally head inside during these hours or seek shade.
☀️ Use a sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 and at least 4 stars for UVA protection. When my children were toddlers I used SPF 50.
☀️ Ideally apply to your child at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors. Reapply throughout the day, especially after getting wet.
☀️Remember, no sunscreen offers 100% protection.
☀️ Encourage them to wear a hat - one that protects the neck, face and ears. If your toddler is anything like mine were, then a hat with chin straps will be your best friend!
Just bear in mind that some children really do not like having sunscreen applied. Some children may have sensory issues and find the texture, smell, or feel of sunscreen unpleasant or overwhelming. So it may be worth trying different brands, and experimenting with various spray and lotion types. We had sunscreen once that smelled strongly of coconut which was most unpleasant to be sniffing all day!
The key is to approach the process with patience, creativity, and a sense of humour. It will not always go smoothly, but with practice and a bit of playfulness, hopefully the experience will become more enjoyable for both you and your wriggly toddler. Good luck!
