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Sunscreen is important to protect children’s skin from the sun. But as a parent, you realize how challenging it can be to apply sunscreen to your child’s face without getting it in their eyes! This sunscreen hack for kids uses a makeup brush to apply sunscreen and helps avoid all the tears.
You may be wondering how to apply sunscreen to a child? A squirming, wriggling child who just wants to start playing in the pool. The last thing the kid wants to do is stand still while you lather them from head to toe in sunscreen. However, if you don’t then you will have one sunburned and miserable kiddo to contend with. Personally, I hate getting my hands covered in sunscreen and this sunscreen hack changed everything! That’s why I am sharing it with you!
In this post, we will discuss why sunscreen is important, sunscreen and babies, (especially sunscreen under 6 months old). Plus, our super-simple sunscreen video hack using this makeup brush sunscreen hack for kids. We will also cover the effectiveness of sunscreen sprays and whether to use sunscreen or bug spray first (see also ‘Best Ointment for Insect Bites‘).
Why Sunscreen is Important
Sunscreen helps protect our skin from damaging UV rays which cause sunburn, and over time this can lead to skin cancer, discoloration, and wrinkles. Whether you are planning a beach day with kids, heading to the pool with your family, or just playing outside in the yard. It is essential to be aware that the sun’s UV rays can be harmful.
Sunscreen for children should be an SPF 30 or higher and remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours. I personally prefer to use a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF 50 on my children to provide greater protection.
Sunscreen and Babies
Babies younger than six months should be kept out of the sun. Your baby should stay in the shade with their skin covered. It is vital to protect your baby from the sun. Your baby’s skin is delicate and can still burn even if it’s not sunny. An infant’s skin has less pigment melanin, which helps protect the skin from ultraviolet light. Therefore, baby skin will burn more easily than an adult or even older children’s skin.
Many new parents wonder what to do about sunscreen and babies. To start wearing sunscreen your baby should be older than 6 months. To learn more about baby sunscreen under 6 months check out my post about when can you take a baby to the beach.
Ultimately, the safest place for your baby is to keep their skin covered and stay in the shade. But, if you are not able to keep your baby, who is less than 6 months, out of the sun, then you can apply a very small amount of water-resistant sunscreen with at least an SPF of 30.
Sunscreen Video – Hack for Kids
Can I apply sunscreen with a brush? The answer is an absolute Yes! Check out this Sunscreen Video with a simple Make-up Brush Sunscreen Hack for Kids. This video shows you how much sunscreen to use for the face and neck when applying sunscreen to your child.
This sunscreen brush hack will make ALL the difference to your family pool days and going to the beach with children (see also ‘The 7 Best Pool Toys for Hot Summer Days‘).
Sunscreen Brush Applicator Hack
Using this sunscreen brush applicator hack makes it easy to apply sunscreen to your child or toddler. Use a water-resistant sunscreen of SPF 50 and pour a small amount onto a make-up brush like this. Then use the sunscreen brush to apply sunscreen on your kid’s face by dabbing a small amount of sunscreen on their cheeks, forehead, nose, and chin. Then use smooth sweeping motions to spread the sunscreen on your child’s face with the sunscreen applicator brush.
This sunscreen hack avoids getting sunscreen in your child’s eyes, and it prevents your hands from becoming sticky and covered in sunscreen.
We used an inexpensive clean flat-top foundation make-up brush like this to achieve a smooth and even coverage of sunscreen on the child’s skin.
Are Sunscreen Sprays Effective?
Sunscreen sprays are popular for their easy application and to avoid getting sticky sunscreen on your hands. But, are sunscreen sprays effective? Spray sunscreen will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and sun damage but only if used correctly and enough is applied. However, in reality, how much sunscreen spray is actually getting onto the skin vs. being blown away in the wind?
I find spray sunscreen is a great backup to re-apply sunscreen during the day when my kids get out of the pool or ocean. I typically use regular sunscreen before we go out in the sun to form a base on the skin. Then when we are out and about spray sunscreen is a great option to quickly and easily re-apply sunscreen.
However, sunscreen spray is not ideal to use on a child’s face because it will likely get in their eyes. And I don’t want to spray sunscreen near my child’s mouth. Therefore, this sunscreen brush applicator hack is the best way to apply sunscreen on kids, especially to the face.
Sunscreen or Bug Spray First?
Should I put on sunscreen or bug spray first? Apply sunscreen first, then put on an insect repellent. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that when using sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first. Let it dry, and then apply repellent.
If like me, you or your children are sensitive to mosquito bites, then insect repellant is always at the forefront of your mind. I love summertime, but I do NOT love bug bites. A mosquito bite will make me itch for 3 solid days and I am miserable. I will not go outdoors in the summer without bug spray. However, there is nothing worse than the sticky, stinky, ineffective bug sprays. I have tried and tested a lot of insect repellants and this is by far my absolute favorite.
I apply sunscreen lotion onto the children’s skin. Let it dry, and then use the Cutter Skinsations Insect Repellent. It feels smooth on the skin, and actually smells fresh and clean. It helps to moisturize the skin and does not leave a sticky residue. I reapply this bug spray throughout the day and it does a great job of repelling mosquitoes.
Sunscreen Hack For Kids Round-Up
Overall, we know the need and effectiveness of applying sunscreen to our kids. Using this sunscreen brush applicator hack makes applying sunscreen to children simple, easy, and mess-free. I hope you will try this sunscreen hack for kids next time your family is headed out in the sun (see also, ‘How to Treat Sunburn Blisters‘) . And feel free to share this sunscreen brush hack with your friends.
And remember, let’s BE Family so you can enjoy the journey.
Until next time,
💕 Ruth
For more about family travel check out these posts:
Baby Powder Beach Hack For Sand
Beach Essentials: What to bring for Kids
Family Beach Vacation – Ultimate Guide & Packing Lists
How To Survive Rip Current with Kids
When Can You Take a Baby to the Beach?
Baby Beach Accessories: The Must-Have Beach Gear
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Ruth Hutchins grew up in England and now lives in North Carolina with her husband, Doug, and their two young daughters. They always loved to travel, but once having children everything changed because family travel is more complicated. Traveling with a baby may feel overwhelming to new parents. Travel with a toddler can really test your patience, and traveling with kids can lead to utter chaos. However, travel with your little ones doesn’t have to be that stressful or exhausting. On the BE Family Travel blog Ruth shares her parenting wins, and even epic failures about traveling with kids. She provides resources to help you feel empowered to plan a family vacation and travel with your children.
