Loading Kindness - Spinning Up Mommy Magic

While the Love Loads, Our Spinner Spins. Get Ready to Share, Support, and Bond with Like-minded Moms!

Popular Searches:
135
Q:

How can I prevent my toddler from getting sunburned?

Hi everyone,

I am a mother of a busy toddler and we love spending time outdoors, whether it's going to the park, having a backyard BBQ or going to the beach. However, I'm worried about my little one getting sunburned. I know that sunburns can be painful and even lead to skin damage in the long run, which is why I want to ensure that my toddler is protected from the sun's harmful rays.

I have tried applying sunscreen, but my toddler hates the feeling of it and often rubs it off. I've also tried covering him up with hats, long-sleeved shirts and pants, but it's hard to keep him still and he often gets too hot.

So I'm wondering if anyone has any tips or tricks on how to prevent sunburn in toddlers? Are there any products that you recommend? Or any strategies for applying sunscreen that have worked for you? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance!

All Replies

yjerde

Hi there,

I can totally empathize with your concerns about sunburn for your toddler. My daughter also hates the feeling of sunscreen, so I had to find alternative ways to protect her skin from the sun.

One strategy that has worked well for us is to make sure she stays hydrated throughout the day. Drinking plenty of water can help keep the skin cool, and can also help prevent heat stroke and other heat-related illnesses.

Another thing that has worked for us is to use sun umbrellas or shade shelters while we're outdoors. These provide a lot of shade, and we can position them to make sure our daughter is protected from the sun at all times.

I think it's also important to remember that it's not just the sunny or hot days when we need to be mindful of sun protection. Even on cloudy or cool days, UV rays can still cause damage. So, we always make sure to apply sunscreen to our daughter's skin on these days, too.

Lastly, I find that using a spray-on sunscreen works best for us. It's easy to apply, and our daughter doesn't mind it as much because it doesn't have the same heavy and oily feeling that some creams have.

I hope these tips help, and I wish you and your toddler happy and sun-safe outdoor adventures ahead!

carlee65

Hello,

I understand your worry as a parent about protecting your toddler from sunburn. I had a similar problem with my daughter, who also hates the feeling of sunscreen on her skin. What worked for me is finding a sunscreen that is specifically formulated for kids, as they tend to have a more delicate and sensitive skin.

I also made sure to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before going outside, giving it enough time to absorb into her skin. I found that this made the sunscreen less noticeable and more comfortable for her to wear. In addition, I used a spray-on sunscreen that she enjoyed because it was easy to apply and didn't require rubbing.

Another tip that worked for us is scheduling outdoor activities during off-peak hours when the sun is not as strong. This meant that we would often go for our family walks early in the morning or late in the day when the sun's rays were less intense.

Lastly, I suggest investing in a good-quality, wide-brimmed hat that covers the face, ears, and neck. We found this style of hat to be very effective in shielding my daughter's face from the sun's rays.

I hope these tips help you out!

magdalen76

Hello there,

As a father of two toddlers, I completely understand your concerns about sunburn. I have found that applying sunscreen properly is key to keeping my children safe from the sun's harmful rays.

One strategy that has worked well for us is applying sunscreen before getting dressed. This helps ensure that we don't miss any spots, especially on hard-to-reach areas like the back and shoulders.

Another tip that has worked well for us is to use spray-on sunscreen. It's faster and easier to apply than regular sunscreen, especially for squirmy toddlers who don't like being held still for too long.

We also make sure to use a sunscreen with a high SPF rating, usually 50 or above. This provides extra protection without having to apply sunscreen as frequently.

Another thing that has worked well for our family is to encourage our toddlers to wear wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses. This helps protect their face, ears, and eyes from the sun.

Lastly, we make sure to avoid being outside during peak sun hours and take plenty of breaks in the shade. This helps keep our toddlers cool and prevents them from getting too much sun exposure.

I hope these tips help, and best of luck keeping your little one safe in the sun!

leonora59

Hello,

I understand your concern as a parent trying to protect your toddler from sunburn. My son also hated the feeling of sunscreen, but I found that introducing it gradually made him more comfortable with it.

I started by applying a small amount of sunscreen to his hands and letting him rub it in himself. This helped him get used to the feel and smell of sunscreen. Then, I gradually increased the amount of sunscreen and applied it to other parts of his body.

Another strategy that has worked well for us is using a water-resistant sunscreen. This is especially important if you're planning to spend time in or near water, as regular sunscreen will quickly wash off. It's also a good idea to reapply sunscreen every 1-2 hours, especially if your child is sweating or playing in the water.

I also recommend investing in a good-quality pair of toddler sunglasses. Not only do they protect your child's eyes from the sun's harmful rays, but they can also prevent squinting and eye strain.

Lastly, be mindful of the temperature and choose activities that keep your child comfortable. For example, if it's a particularly hot day, consider doing indoor activities or going to an air-conditioned mall or museum.

I hope these tips help!

gus49

Hi,

As a parent with two toddlers, I know how challenging it can be to protect little ones from sunburn. One thing that has worked well for us is to plan our outdoor activities around the sun's peak hours. This means avoiding being outside when the sun is at its strongest, which is usually between 10am and 4pm.

Another strategy that has worked well for us is to use physical barriers to protect our little ones from the sun. This includes things like umbrellas, canopies, and even trees. We have found that choosing outdoor spots that offer natural shade is a great way to reduce the risk of sunburn.

We also use a natural, plant-based sunscreen that is free of harsh chemicals. This makes us feel good about putting sunscreen on our children's skin, and it's also gentle enough for their delicate skin.

Another thing that has worked well for us is using hats and light-weight, loose clothing to cover our toddlers' skin. This can be especially helpful if you're concerned about applying sunscreen to certain areas, like the scalp or face.

Lastly, we always make sure to pack plenty of water and healthy snacks for our outdoor adventures. This helps ensure that our toddlers stay hydrated and nourished while we're out in the sun.

I hope these tips help, and best of luck to you and your little one!

melisa67

Hi there,

I completely understand your concern about protecting your toddler from sunburn. As a parent to a little boy who also doesn't like wearing sunscreen or hats, I've had to get creative with how to keep him safe from the sun.

One thing that has worked for us is using a stroller or baby carrier with a canopy or shade attached. This provides a lot of coverage and keeps my son out of direct sunlight, which reduces his risk of getting sunburned.

We've also found it helpful to bring a small, portable pop-up tent or umbrella to the park or beach. This can provide shade and a place for your toddler to take a break from the sun. It's also a great option if you're planning to spend an extended period of time outdoors.

Another tip that has worked well for us is wearing sun-protective clothing ourselves. This sets a good example for your toddler and shows them that taking precautions in the sun is important. Plus, it's an added layer of protection for yourself and your child.

Lastly, I recommend keeping a close eye on your toddler and watching for signs of sunburn, such as redness, tenderness, or blisters. If you notice any signs of sunburn, move your child to a shaded area immediately and apply cool compresses. If the sunburn is severe or accompanied by fever, it's important to seek medical attention.

I hope these tips help you and your little one stay safe in the sun!

jewel61

Hi there,

I understand your worries about sunburn in toddlers as I have had similar concerns with my little ones. I found that using a combination of sunscreen and protective clothing worked best for us.

For sunscreen, I recommend using a mineral sunscreen that is free of chemical ingredients. The ingredients in chemical sunscreens can be harmful to both your toddler's skin and the environment. Look for a sunscreen that is labeled as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are natural substances that offer excellent sun protection.

Regarding protective clothing, I recommend buying clothing that has a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rating. This rating indicates how much UV radiation can penetrate the fabric. The higher the UPF rating, the better the protection. You can find swimsuits, shirts, and pants with UPF ratings, which can be a great solution for toddlers who don't like the feel of sunscreen.

Another strategy that worked for us is finding activities that don't expose our toddlers to the sun as much. For example, we love going to splash parks or indoor play areas, which are both great ways to keep our toddlers active while also keeping them indoors.

Lastly, make sure to monitor your toddler's skin and watch for any signs of sunburn. If you notice any redness or discomfort, move your toddler to a shady area immediately and apply a cool, damp compress to the affected areas.

I hope these tips help, and happy outdoor adventures with your little one!

thad40

Hi there,

As a fellow parent of a toddler, I understand your concern about sunburns. My son also used to hate the feeling of sunscreen and would often wipe it off, so I had to find alternative ways to protect him from the sun.

One product that has worked really well for us is sun protective clothing. We got my son a swim shirt and swim shorts that have UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) built in, and it has made a huge difference. He can still play in the water and run around without getting too hot, and I don't have to worry as much about constantly reapplying sunscreen.

Another strategy that has worked for me is applying sunscreen when my son is distracted. For example, I'll start putting sunscreen on his arms and legs while he's playing with a toy, then quickly move onto the rest of his body when he's not paying attention. It's not foolproof, but it's better than nothing.

Lastly, I would recommend finding a sunscreen that works well for your toddler's skin. Some sunscreens can be greasy or have a strong scent that can be off-putting for little ones. I tried several brands before finding one that my son didn't mind as much, and it made a huge difference in how much I was able to protect him from the sun.

Hope these tips help!

New to Kind Mommy Community?

Join the community