My Toddler Hates Sunscreen, Here’s What Worked Instead

The first time I tried to put sunscreen on my toddler, I ended up sweating more than she did.

She was arching her back, flailing her arms, crying like I’d just betrayed her deepest trust. I was chasing her around the yard with a pump bottle and losing the will to go outside at all.

Sound familiar?

Turns out, a lot of toddlers hate sunscreen. The texture, the smell, the coldness, the rubbing, all of it is overwhelming. And for kids with sensory sensitivities or sensitive skin, it can be even worse.

But avoiding sunscreen doesn’t mean avoiding the sun. You just need the right tools and a few smart swaps. Here’s what’s actually worked for us, and how we finally made peace with sun protection.

Why Toddlers Hate Sunscreen (It’s Not Just Being Difficult)

It helps to know that it’s not just stubbornness. Many toddlers experience:

Sensory aversions to cold or sticky textures
Discomfort from fragrance or stinging ingredients
Lack of control over what’s happening to their body
Anxiety from rushed routines or unexpected touches

Once I understood that, I stopped seeing it as a discipline issue and started working on solutions.

What We Do Instead (That Still Protects Their Skin)

1. We Use UPF Clothing First

The biggest game-changer for us was switching to bamboo UPF clothing like the ONE Shirt. It's:

UPF 30+ rated, blocking most of UVA/UVB rays
Naturally breathable and lightweight (so no overheating)
Soft and smooth with flat seams and no tags, which my toddler loves

We now put on the shirt before we even leave the house, just like getting dressed. It eliminates the need for sunscreen on their arms, chest, back, and even part of their neck.

Honestly? We only apply sunscreen to hands, face, and sometimes lower legs now.

2. We Let Them Help

Toddlers are much more open to things they feel in control of. We:

Let her choose between two types of sunscreen (“this one or this one?”)
Give her a mirror so she can see what’s happening
Let her try to apply it to her knees or cheeks (even if it’s messy)
Use a small makeup brush or sponge to apply it gently (this one has been especially great for us)
Use mineral spray sunscreen for quick apply. Trader Joes has one that we loce (the white can, not the blue)

It turns a power struggle into a sensory-friendly routine.

3. We Keep It Warm and Unscented

Cold sunscreen out of a bag? Instant no.
Now we:

Warm it in our hands first
Use fragrance-free mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
Stick to short applications, just a few exposed areas at a time

If your child has eczema or easily irritated skin, check out this guide from the National Eczema Association on safer ingredients and application tips.

4. We Stick to Shade and Smarter Timing

If it’s peak heat and we know sunscreen will cause a meltdown, we play in the early morning or late afternoon, and always aim for:

Tree shade or a pop-up canopy
Wide-brimmed hats with soft under-chin straps
A break inside or in the car if it’s too bright

The goal isn’t perfect coverage all the time. It’s layering protection in a way that respects your child’s limits.

5. We Prep During Calm Moments

We never apply sunscreen as we just got to the beach. That always ends in disaster since there is so much to do and carry. Now we do it before we get in the car before heading out.

Sometimes, I’ll put a dab on my own face and say, “Your turn?”
Or I’ll pretend her favorite stuffed animal needs sunscreen first. It doesn’t always work, but when it does—it’s magic.

What We Pack Instead of More Bottles

Here’s what’s in our real-life sun safety kit:

Bamboo sun shirt (long sleeve, breathable, no chemicals)
Fragrance-free mineral sunscreen stick for face
Fragrance-free mineral sunscreen spray for body
Soft brush or sponge applicator
Sun hat with neck flap
Cold water spray for body cooling
Sunglasses (optional, but fun to try)

Want the full packing list? Let me know and I’ll turn it into a printable.

You’re Not Doing It Wrong

If sunscreen feels like a daily struggle, I see you. It’s not because you’re doing something wrong. It’s because you’re parenting a little person with real needs, and you’re trying to do it gently.

For us, the answer wasn’t pushing harder. It was finding alternatives that fit our values and worked for our kid.

Less struggle, more time outside, and way fewer tears.

Love,
Adriana
Founder of Play Outside