How to get suncream on a toddler?

[noglow]

Mine just screams no then screams they want suncream. The whole process can take 20 minutes.

It's not optional. Get a spray might be easier and quicker, otherwise you just have to hold them. Otherwise long sleeves/trousers.

"Suncream on or we're not going out."

If no signs of cooperation emerge, go and make yourself a cup of tea.

Erm hold their wrist, spray spray rub rub the arm.
Same for ankles and legs.
Spray in your hands and rub together and then do their face.
Long hat to cover their neck etc.

Keep doing it every day and they get used to it.

Agree that the roll on or spray ones are helpful.

Depends on the age of the toddler. Last year we had trouble. This year they're almost three so can do a lot of it themselves. Also note reasoning capacity, so having seen her dads sunburnt back and that he couldn't sleep, she doesn't want that to happen to her.
If they're a young toddler, it's hard and just a holding down job I think

Spray

How do you think anyone else does it? Pin them down and put it on. Be firm about it.

How on earth does it take 20 minutes?! Grab them and smear it on. Rash vest or UV suit for swimming/the beach and that only leaves legs, arms and head to do. It takes like 30 seconds, maybe a minute tops.

Squirt the cream on one of these.

No need to pin them down

They can scream as much as they want but you hold them and get it done.
It's one of the non-negotiable things you have to do.

Get it on your hands, then smear on them. That way the holding onto them becomes also the application process!

Give them a bit on their hand and let them do your arm while you do theirs. Or let them put a bit on a plastic doll etc.

Get the once a day type (I get Boots Soltan) - you will still need to reapply but not as often!

I don't know that's why I'm asking. So you just all get on with it even if they scream no? I'm just fed up of wrestling matches! Thanks everyone for the handy hints.

I've been at the beach, child refused suncream, I explained that no suncream = no beach, child still refused, so I packed up our stuff and started walking. Child then wanted suncream on after all. I don't wrestle.

It's kind of like toothbrushing, bum wiping etc. Some things are non negotiable and will be done if they like it or not. If you're firm, they fairly soon learn this and let you do it.

Oh toothbrushing is also a horrendous nightmare. We've ended up with two of everything so DC can choose exactly the combo they'd like today and even then they hate it

Agree non negotiable. Depending on child I would chance a game, see if you can be a statue etc. Counting games, name the body parts in english, Gaelic, French etc.

I agree with trying different textures. I am a big believer in factor 50 all day option and top ups just in case.

They are toddlers basically dictators so it is absolutely a case of never deviating from the non negotiables. They generally were offered a choice of two as we have multiples versions in our house but other than that.

Teeth I approached as you do a minute I do two minutes with a timer. They got to pick a song we played on my phone. Regular trips to the dentist to reinforce the good work!

All else fails, pop in ear plugs and crack on.

DD is 5 and has always been ok for application but I can't express how much easier this has made things - especially for the on the go top ups!

https://www.boots.com/solar-buddies-sun-cream-applicator-pink-10327375?cmmmc=bmm-buk-google-ppccPLAsAsHeroCompareareCatchAll---UKSmarttShoppingCatchhAll&gbraid=0AAAAADrIajUEbrh5Qn9wx5vgjjBcbkSqr&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk96lBhDHARIsAEKO4xYDW8-Wj4pd91DESlr65GRQFdUFmIUjJ7PNIub055mcxjkqpIktMaAt2oEALwwcB&gclsrc=aw.ds

Roll on suncream is the easiest & maybe let your toddler apply this them self. This is how I've got mine to wear it happily!

Yes I think I'll get roll on and maybe two. I basically have two of most things so there's a choice. It's getting silly.

I second getting a roller one that toddler alone gets to use. Also, no sunscreen on ice cream.

Solar Buddies help a lot here. All the normal things - distracting, bribing etc. But yes, if necessary, get it on as fast as possible while they scream. Not fun but sometimes necessary.

Use a makeup brush?

My son is autistic and doesn't understand if I try to explain about the sun but it's non negotiable. I just try to make it fun and a song, legs, arms, face, neck - every day. He is used to it now (he is 4)

My DS has sensory issues and agreed to pack his suitcase and go home again rather than have suncream when we arrived on holiday. He also really struggled with toothpaste/brush.

I've found the aerosol sunscreen is best for him, easiest to apply and it doesn't have the 'cream' texture.

Please ignore the other comments about 'you just get it done, non-negotiable etc'. These are obviously parents who haven't really struggled in the way you have. It's a very different kind of refusal to have to deal with.

You will always get the best outcome if you work with DS to find a way to get it done that doesn't distress him but still protects him. My DS ended up with a combo of the spray and wearing long arms/legs covered/sun hat to minimise the amount of spray he had to endure.