HOW TO PUT SUNSCREEN ON KIDS WITHOUT TEARS OR TANTRUMS
Anyone who’s tried to put sunscreen on kids knows exactly what tends to follow: tears, tantrums, and lots of “I don’t want to’s.” It’s a daily struggle—one that often feels easier just to skip altogether! However, applying sun protection is one of the most important things you can do for your child’s skin.
The problem? There are various reasons kids don’t like the idea of sunscreen. For some, it comes down to texture sensitivities. Sunscreens are slimy and greasy, which can quickly become overwhelming. Other times, kids view sunscreen application as a way of delaying their outdoor fun. They have to wait for you to apply it, let it dry, and reapply throughout the day.
Explaining the importance of SPF to kids? Definitely not the easiest task. That’s why in this post, I’m sharing a guide for putting sunscreen on kids without all the drama. I’ll talk about why kids need sunscreen, how often you need to reapply, and share my go-to tool for making sunscreen time something far less stressful.
How to Put Sunscreen on Kids: Tips That Actually Work
I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that sunscreen has worked its way into my all-day routine. Yes, that includes both body and face sunscreen. (Or sometimes just tinted face sunscreen if I know I’ll be inside all day—guilty!) I mention this to say: sunscreen is essential for adult skin, which makes it even more important for our children.
Children’s skin is significantly more sensitive to sun exposure. It’s thinner, produces less protective melanin, and is less developed! Because of that, sunscreen truly is essential for preventing burns and long-term damage that may not show up until later. However, it all comes down to two things: consistency and proper application.
If you’re like me and started to feel like nothing would make the process easier, let me introduce you to the Mothercould Sunscreen Brush Set. Made with zinc alloy handles and a rose gold chrome finish, these brushes are durable—because they should be! Plus, each brush is made with soft, kid-safe bristles, includes a silicone mat for fast cleanup, and a breathable mesh bag for storage.
Made by a mom for moms, I know how important sunscreen application is—and how hard it can be some days. So, below, I’ll tell you how to use this handy helper to totally transform sunscreen time. I’ll also discuss how long kids can be outside without sunscreen and answer a few FAQs.
Protecting your kid’s skin from the sun doesn’t have to be difficult—you just need the right tips!
What Is Sunscreen?
Sunscreen is a product designed to protect the skin from harmful UV rays. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all product, though! Companies make sunscreen in a variety of formulas—from gels and lotions to creams and sprays. Ultimately, when it comes to children, finding a formula they’re comfortable with is the first step to seamless application.
Need a little help? Here are a handful of my favorite kid-friendly sunscreens:
Thinkbaby SPF 50+: Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sunscreen that’s water-resistant, vegan-friendly, and free of parabens, petroleum, and phthalates.
Thinkkids SPF 50+: Suitable for toddlers and kids, this broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays. It’s water-resistant, fast-absorbing, and gentle enough for daily use.
EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50: Safe for all skin types, this non-greasy formula is sweat- and water-resistant, delivers UVA and UVB protection, and works for full-body application.
Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen Spray: This SPF 50 sunscreen is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, and it’s pediatrician-tested! Made with 100% vegetarian ingredients, like aloe vera and tropical fruit fragrances, it’s perfectly kid-friendly.
First step: Done! Now you have a few different kid-friendly sunscreen options to choose from, and they all work well with the Mothercould Sunscreen Brushes. (Don’t worry, I’ll provide even more options organized by their formulas below.) But for now, let’s talk about why—and how often—kids need sunscreen:
Do Kids Need Sunscreen?
Kids absolutely need sunscreen! And here’s a common misconception: they don’t just need it on bright, sunny summer days. It’s important to apply sunscreen to your kids' skin whenever they’re exposed to sunlight. That means you should be pulling out your sunscreen brushes even if it’s cloudy, you’re in the car, outside playing in the snow, or flying in a plane!
I know, I know, it sounds a little overdramatic—but it’s realistic. The American Academy of Pediatrics found that approximately 80% of sun exposure occurs before the age of 18. Because of this, sunscreen isn’t the only form of protection they recommend.
UPF bathing suits, clothing with coverage, sunglasses, and a forward-facing hat all play an equally important role. (But that’s a topic for another conversation!) Long story short: kids definitely need sunscreen—and here’s how often you should be reapplying:
How Long Can Kids Be Outside Without Sunscreen?
According to research, children can develop a sunburn in less than 10 minutes on days with a high UV index. And that risk is even higher for children with fair skin, light hair, or freckles!
In general, aim to reapply sunscreen to children at least every 2 hours. But if your little ones are playing outside and sweating or jumping in and out of the pool, you should really reapply immediately. Water and sweat can both remove sunscreen—even if it says it’s water- and sweat-resistant. (No formula follows the one-and-done rule!)
Let’s talk about how to apply sunscreen to kids without the tantrums, fussing, or fits:
How to Apply Sunscreen on Kids
Apply sunscreen 15 minutes before going outside.
Ideally, you want to apply sunscreen 15–30 minutes before going outside. Doing so ensures the product fully absorbs into the skin, forming a protective layer against harmful rays. Plus, this gives you a little “buffer” time between arriving at the pool and beach or heading outside! AKA, your kids will be less likely to throw a tantrum.
Use enough product to fully cover exposed skin.
Here’s the good thing about sunscreen: there’s no such thing as too much. You mainly want to be careful around children’s eyes and mouths—any dripping from sweat and water can cause stinging. However, on average, full coverage amounts to about 2 milligrams of sunscreen per square centimeter of skin.
But let’s be honest, that’s not exactly easy to measure in real life. For a more practical approach, follow the “Teaspoon Rule:” 1 teaspoon of sunscreen per body part.
Don’t forget commonly missed areas, like ears, neck, and feet.
During application, it’s easy to focus on the most “important,” visible body parts: the arms, legs, face, and tummy. However, those easy-to-miss areas actually tend to burn faster—especially when left unprotected! Take your Mothercould Sunscreen Brush behind the ears, down the neck, across the feet, and even down the hairline. This guarantees full protection.
Use a stick sunscreen for the face to avoid eye irritation.
Sunscreen sticks don’t drip nearly as easily as lotions, creams, and sprays. And that’s because they don’t contain as much oil or liquid as other formulas! That said, make sure to use sunscreen sticks on facial areas, like the nose, around the eyes and mouth, and near the ears. This prevents any stinging or accidental swallowing of sunscreen from sweat and water.
Apply in sections for even coverage.
When kids get the wiggles, we often feel like we have to put on their sunscreen as quickly as possible. Hey, I get it! However, a quick application can result in an uneven finish. To avoid this, make sure to apply sunscreen in sections. Not only does it guarantee more even coverage, but it also lets each section dry evenly.
Let it absorb before dressing or going outside.
Even adults are guilty of this one! Before rubbing the skin, wrapping up in a towel, or heading outside, let the sunscreen fully absorb. Most formulas take about 15–30 minutes to absorb into the skin and form a protective barrier. They need time to bind! That means no tapping, rubbing, scratching, or redressing until the product has set.
Reapply after swimming or sweating.
As I mentioned earlier, sweat and water are instant sunscreen removers. It’s not because the product is ineffective! It’s simply because both sweat and water break down and dilute the protective barrier, reducing its effectiveness. Remember: water-resistant doesn’t mean waterproof. Reapply sunscreen immediately after intense activity or after leaving the pool, ocean, or water sports.
Use distraction techniques for younger kids.
The younger the kid, the more difficult it is to apply sunscreen. They may let you get away with a few swipes, and then they’re over it. That’s exactly why I created my Mothercould Sunscreen Brush Set! With soft, kid-friendly bristles and an easy-to-hold handle, the tool becomes the distraction.
And even better: kids can use the sunscreen brushes to apply the product themselves. That means they play a role in the sunscreen process, making them feel a sense of control. (And that instantly means they tolerate it just a little bit more!)
Turn it into a routine so kids expect it.
Consistency is key when it comes to kids—and that goes for everything! However, once you start your daily sunscreen application, make it a routine. Over time, kids won’t dread the process anymore because they’ll know it’s a non-negotiable step in their day, just like brushing their teeth!
What Is the Best Sunscreen for Kids?
I gave you a handful of my favoritekid-friendly sunscreens earlier. However, now you know formulas matter based on age, application area, and frequency! With this in mind, here’s a list of the best sunscreens for kids by formula:
Kid-Friendly Spray Sunscreens:
Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen Spray: Formulated specifically for kids, Blue Lizard is made with zinc oxide, is free of parabens, fragrances, and drying alcohols, and offers 80 minutes of water-resistant use.
Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen: This SPF 50 sunscreen uses a blend of zinc oxide and titanium oxide for UVA/UVB protection. It’s also non-allergenic, pediatrician-tested, and free of nano-particles, synthetic fragrances, and harsh chemicals!
Kid-Friendly Cream and Lotion Sunscreens:
Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen: This fast-absorbing, lightweight sunblock features zinc for sensitive skin. Plus, it blocks UVA/UVB rays, skips harsh chemicals and ingredients, and is dermatologist-tested! Even better, Babo Botanicals makes this mineral sunscreen with 24 plant-based ingredients, like shea butter and chamomile.
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen: Perfect for sensitive skin, this formula offers SPF 50+ to shield against UVA/UVB rays. It’s also formulated with naturally sourced zinc oxide, is free of dyes and parabens, and is dermatologist-recommended.
Kid-Friendly Stick Sunscreens:
Sun Bum Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Stick: This gentle mineral-active formula applies seamlessly and absorbs quickly! And with SPF 50, it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Made with a plant-based formula, this product contains ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter, which are both hydrating and kid-friendly.
Aveeno Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick: Great for everything from beach to park days, this mineral sunscreen features an SPF 50 formula that glides on easily and absorbs quickly. Formulated to be non-irritating and gentle, this pediatrician-recommended stick is perfect for face and body application!
Frequently Asked Questions About Applying Sunscreen on Kids
Can kids use adult sunscreen?
Yes! Children over 6 months of age can safely use adult sunscreen. Just make sure it features a broad-spectrum formula and that it offers at least SPF 30. And if it’s a mineral-based sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, even better.
Is there a difference between kids’ and regular sunscreen?
Generally speaking, no, there isn’t a significant difference between kids and regular sunscreen. However, many brands will prioritize delicate skin-friendly ingredients, like zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and plant-based blends for more sensitive skin.
How long does a kid's water-resistant sunscreen last in the pool?
When formulas claim to be water-resistant, they typically last from 40 to 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. However, remember what I mentioned earlier! No formula is truly “waterproof,” so reapplication is important—especially for kids!
Is chemical sunscreen safe for kids?
Most pediatricians recommend sticking to mineral-based sunscreen for toddlers and younger children. Mineral-based formulas sit on top of the skin, reducing the risk of irritation or allergic reactions.
What age can kids wear sunscreen?
Kids can begin wearing sunscreen after 6 months old. For babies under 6 months, pediatricians recommend avoiding direct sun exposure as much as possible. Their skin is thinner, which means that they can quickly absorb ingredients that their bodies can’t yet metabolize. Better safe than sorry!
How often should kids reapply sunscreen?
If they’re just sitting outside, research highly recommends reapplication after 2 hours. However, always keep a close eye on skin reddening, overheating, or splotchy skin. On days with higher UVs or when your kids are sweating and in and out of the pool, reapply more frequently.
The Mothercould Sunscreen Brush Set makes sunscreen application a breeze!
Applying sunscreen to children is one of those things people don’t talk about enough. Between the tantrums and rubbing it off immediately after application, applying sunscreen is up there with bathtime and eating veggies! However, it doesn’t have to be a complicated, dreaded part of your routine. With the right tools, product, and advice, you can make sunscreen time one of the easiest—and quickest—parts of your day.
Want advice on other parts of parenthood people don’t often talk about? Head to the Mothercould blog! Here, I share kid-friendly recipes, sensory play activities, and all of my favorite products that truly shape parenting. Make sure to also join the Mothercould In Your Pocket resource for printable recipes, guided play tutorials, clean-up hacks, and more!
And for those of you looking to make your entire parenting journey as seamless as possible, grab my book, Playful by Design! Here, I share a step-by-step guide for raising independent children through kid-directed, kid-executed, and kid-enriching play. Available on Kindle, Audiobook, and in hardcover, it’s time to declutter, plan play-spaces, and give yourself a chance to catch your breath again.
