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Summertime Parenting Hacks: How to Get Your Toddler to Stay Still for Sunscreen

Health & Happiness

There’s nothing worse than being ready to head out the door, but then realizing you have to tackle the dreaded task of putting sunscreen on your kids. With these summertime parenting hacks, you’ll be able to get your toddler to stay still while you apply their sunscreen and get out the door faster, so you can enjoy your day outside, at the beach, or in the pool! Check out these nine terrific tips!

 

Try Different Applicators

 

One good strategy is to use lotion sunscreen instead (which we feel is the best way to ensure a nice even coating on the skin) and to make applying it fun for your kids. Makeup sponges are a great way, or paintbrushes if you prefer. Or try this mom-made, awesome sunscreen applicator that’s perfect for kids to use themselves. If you don’t have a brush or cotton swabs or cotton balls handy, use popsicle sticks to apply sunscreen without getting it in your eyes.

 

The Stick-and-Spray Method

 

Stick sunblock is a hit with kids who crave the freedom to do it themselves. And even if they can’t do their whole face alone, swiping the stick across the nose and cheeks is much easier for parents as well. Since younger kids won’t be able to cover their entire face, much less their bodies, you’ll still need to assist them by spreading (or spraying!) sunscreen over what they don’t cover themselves.

 

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Sub Protective Clothing Where Possible

 

If your child has difficulty sitting still during a proper sunscreen application, at least make sure he or she is properly clothed and wears a hat to keep from becoming too much at risk from the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

Gamify!

 

Kids love to try to set a new best time, so why not let them try their hand at putting on sunscreen? You can keep track of how long it takes or have them do it with a timer, just for fun! Additionally, kids can time themselves putting sunscreen on each other, as long as they’re careful not to get it in anyone’s eyes!

 

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Make it a Ritual

 

Putting sunblock in an easy-to-reach place, like right next to the front door, can ensure that your family is always putting it on before they go outside.

 

Keep it Cool

 

You get bonus points for creativity in this endeavor. If you put the lotion in the cooler first, you’ll entice kids to reapply in the heat! Secondly, stashing the tube of sunscreen in a water bottle will help you to avoid messes.

 

Do Faces in the Car Seat

 

Despite popular opinion, the phenomenon of a wriggling toddler isn’t simply a myth. Put sunscreen on their faces while they’re still strapped into their car seats for minimum struggle.

 

Teach Sun Safety Early

 

Always consider slipping little lessons in via books and television shows. There are many sources of information on teaching kids about sun safety at Sun Smart.

 

Sing to Distract!

 

Not only will your wiggle worm be fascinated by this little ditty about applying sunscreen, but they’ll also want to sing it every time they put it on!

 

Looking for More Parenting Hacks and Tips?

 

Check out the Wondrfly blog for weekly fun and easy do-at-home activities, parenting advice, and more!

 

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