Sunscreen Suggestions

Sunscreen Without Sadness

• What: Sunscreen suggestions
• When: Three years and up
• Why: Avoid sun damage
• Where: Your home

Tired of wrestling greasy toddlers to get sunscreen on them before heading out the door? I’ve lucked out. We’ve finally hit the stage where at least two out of three of my kids will apply their own sunscreen. That means we can get out the door at least fifteen minutes quicker every time we leave the house from April until October. That’s a huge time saver!

My kids, at age eight, seven, and four, can (and more importantly will) apply their own sunscreen. Even if they don’t do a great job rubbing it in, it saves me so much time and effort. I can rub any white spots left behind and hit the ground running. 

We apply sunscreen every day from spring to fall, so I like to use the safest products. My kids have other ideas, though. I recommend getting several different types of safe sunscreen. Then kids can choose what they like. We typically have a lotion, a spray lotion, and a stick on hand by the front door right by the kid shoe bin. When they get their shoes and hats, they apply sunscreen to any exposed skin. I can then come along and tell from the white residue who has and hasn’t applied sunscreen.

My kids like to feel like they control these things. Providing several options for sunscreen gives them that illusion. It also means we don’t run out of sunscreen as fast. With four people using it at least once daily, we can go through a lot of sunscreen. I put out the oldest sunscreen out first and go from there. 

My kids apply to their cheeks, chin, nose, and back of their necks. Any residual goes on the back of their hands. With shorter sleeves, they cover their arms, legs, and feet as well, depending on the weather and their outfit.

Looking for specific brands? I love Babyganics, both in spray lotion and stick form. I’ve also recently discovered All Good and my eldest loves the creamy stick form. We’ve used Badger Baby lotion for years. If you want a really thick layer, it works great and lasts, even in the water. If you want something that spreads easier, check out Episencial’s Babytime Sunny Sunscreen. For myself, I can’t get enough of Juice Beauty daily moisturizer containing SPF 30 or their sport sunscreen.