9 Tips For Applying Toddler Sunscreen & Enjoying the Sun
As we move into those welcoming Summer months, the subject of sun protection comes firmly back into focus. While it’s something we should really be concerned with all year round, it’s when the sun’s at its hottest that our kids want to go out and play the most. As such, ensuring that you buy the most appropriate toddler sunscreen is extremely important.
Of course, applying sunscreen to a fidgeting toddler can be hard, but when you’re equipped with a bit of know-how, it gets that much easier. So, stick around while we lay out nine super-useful nuggets of wisdom for parents everywhere.
9 Hacks for Toddler Sunscreen Application
Knowing exactly what to do when you’re applying toddler sunscreen is easier than you might think when you’re armed with a little knowledge. So, let’s dive in!
Tip 1 – Make Application a Game – In order to get buy-in from your toddler and make them cooperate, consider making a game out of the task, such as making it a race to see who applies it the quickest. It might seem a little silly, but it works!
Tip 2 – Use a Child-Friendly Product – When you use child-friendly products like those made by Blue Lizard – the cap changes color in the sun – they’re much more likely to want to use them.
Tip 3 – Positive Reinforcement – Make sure to offer lots of encouragement and praise during the application, such as high-fives and reward stickers for completing the job.
Tip 4 – Apply Sunscreen in Stages – By breaking the task up into stages, you can prevent your little ones from being overwhelmed and keep them engaged.
Tip 5 – Use it Yourself – Lead by example and make sure that you practice what you preach. Otherwise, they might wonder why they should bother themselves.
Tip 6 – Sing a Song – Include a familiar nursery rhyme or song when applying sunscreen to make the whole process more fun, and they’ll have positive associations with the act.
Tip 7 – Have More Than One Sunscreen Option – Kids love choices rather than edicts, so why not have a couple of options to choose from and let them decide? Either way, you win!
Tip 8 – Make it a Routine – Be consistent with when and how you apply sunscreen in your child’s life so that they get used to the routine. These practices can help to instil lifelong habits.
Tip 9 – Be Patient & Understanding – The last thing you want to do is negatively reinforce sunscreen use, so you should do whatever you can to avoid get frustrated with your child. Stay calm, no matter how things are going, and it will pay dividends in the long run.
Good Luck in Applying Your Toddler Sunscreen!
Successfully applying mineral sunscreen to a young child can be tricky, and no mistake! However, when you allow a little know-how to guide your actions, it gets a great deal easier. By making the whole thing a fun experience, you‘re so much more likely to get them involved of their own volition. That way, there’s no need to coax and cajole them into your way of thinking.
We very much hope that you’ve found these tips helpful and that you get to enjoy endless fun in the sun with your active toddler, knowing that they are safe and sound.
