Top 8 Sun Safety Tips for Kids (Including a Painless Way to Apply Sunscreen)

As a parent, you want to do everything possible to keep your little ones safe. So how can you protect your children from the sun while they enjoy all the fun summer activities? Here’s our eight favorite ways to keep their skin safe — no matter what time of year it is.

Best sun safety tips for young kids

1. Wear sunscreen

Yes, you already know that wearing sunscreen is important. But it’s so much so that it deserves repeating. 

The hurdle for many parents is that applying sunscreen is a sticky, messy, and often time-consuming process. Try using a makeup brush or a damp makeup sponge — like an egg-shaped one, which is easy to hold — to quickly apply sunscreen. You may be ready for a day at the playground sooner than you think.

2. Go mineral, especially for babies 

In the past, healthcare providers recommended that very young babies should not wear sunscreen. But the “non-nano” mineral-based formulations are considered safe for all ages. Instead of potentially harmful chemical sunscreens, they usually contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are not absorbed into the body. 

Even better, mineral sunscreens are broad-spectrum, meaning they effectively block harmful ultraviolet rays, both UVA and UVB. For optimal protection, choose one with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. And look for a formula without parabens, phthalates, or added fragrances. 

Make sure to read the ingredients label, because some “mineral-based” sunscreens may also contain chemical sunscreens.

3. Reapply sunscreen often

The FDA recommends you reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or sooner if you have been swimming or sweating a lot. Be generous with the amount of sunscreen you use and try to cover every area that’s exposed to the sun. 

4. Don’t forget a hat

A protective hat prevents painful scalp burns and keeps the sensitive face and neck area safe. Consider a hat with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) of 50 or higher. 

A hat with a wide brim is better at covering both the back of the neck and front of the face. And an adjustable band or chin strap will keep it snug on your little one’s head. 

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5. Consider kid-sized sunglasses

Keeping sun accessories on your child is easier said than done, but it is worth a try. Sunglasses protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays that can damage eyes and the delicate surrounding skin. Larger kid-sized glasses in wrap-around styles are the most protective.

6. Seek shade during peak hours

Generally, it’s best to avoid direct sunlight during the hours of 10AM to 4PM, when the sun’s rays are extra strong. This is true during every season, especially if you are around reflective surfaces, such as sand, snow, and water. During peak sun hours, bring along a large canopy or umbrella, in addition to following other sun safety tips. 

7. Cover up at the pool

Wearing clothing with built-in sun protection can help prevent sunburn. Many companies make rash guards and bathing suits that block most of the sun’s harmful rays. And long-sleeved clothing can help protect delicate baby and toddler skin.

Look for clothing items with a UPF of 50 or higher and, when it’s time to clean them, follow washing instructions carefully. 

8. Stay hydrated

Although there is no clear rule about how many ounces of water to drink per day, encourage your kids to take frequent breaks to hydrate. On especially hot days, giving them insulated water bottles with ice cubes will also help keep their core temperatures down. And since foods can be good sources of water as well, halved grapes, watermelon cubes, and cucumber slices make great hydrating snacks. 

My child got a sunburn. What should I do?

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, kids end up with too much sun exposure. If this happens, try to keep them as comfortable as possible with the following strategies.

Slather on aloe vera

Not only does aloe vera feel cool and soothing on the skin, it has anti-inflammatory compounds that may help prevent infection with burns. You can choose lotions that contain aloe vera or apply aloe vera gel directly to sunburned skin. Keeping the bottle in the refrigerator makes the salve feel even better when it's applied to warm, irritated skin.

Reach for acetaminophen (Tylenol)

For more severe sunburns that are causing a child discomfort, you may want to speak with their healthcare provider about using acetaminophen (Tylenol). Acetaminophen is often gentler on the stomach than other over-the-counter pain medications and can be given to even the youngest babies if needed.

Keep their baths cool

Until your child’s sunburn is completely resolved, stick to baths and showers with lukewarm or cool water to avoid further skin distress. Although it may not speed healing time, cool compresses and baths will keep your child more comfortable.

When to see a healthcare provider

Sun exposure can become serious when it leads to heat stroke, heat exhaustion, or severe sunburn. If your child has been out in the sun and develops any of these symptoms, please see a healthcare provider right away:

• Severe drowsiness

• Confusion

• Unusual irritability

• Dizziness or problems with coordination

• Nausea or vomiting

• Burns with blisters

• Body temperature above 99 degrees Fahrenheit

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Nicole Rowe, MD

Dr. Nicole Rowe, MD, is a telehealth family practice physician. She received her medical degree from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine and completed her residency in family medicine at University of Colorado’s Swedish Medical Center.

Edited by:

Katie E. Golden, MD

Katie E. Golden, MD, is a board-certified emergency medicine physician and a medical editor at GoodRx.

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