Mom's Viral Hack For Applying Sunscreen on a Toddler Is So Damn Brilliant

Applying sunscreen on a toddler can feel like an Olympic sport, one that requires endless patience, lots of chasing and results in more sunscreen on their clothing than their skin. Simply put, it's a universal parenting struggle. When Reddit user perplexing123 shared her hack for successfully applying sunscreen to her wriggly toddler, parents in the thread declared her a true genius. Her solution, it turns out, is the type that seems totally obvious once you've thought about it. So, how do you get toddlers to hold still long enough to adequately apply sunscreen? You strap them into something, of course!

Strap Them Into The Car Seat First
Flickr user jinglejammer

Strap Them Into The Car Seat First

Since getting them to hold still is the toughest part, strapping them in their car seat or stroller before applying sunscreen can change everything. While you'll still need to apply it to those hard-to-reach places like their back, it's a quick fix for applying sunscreen to little faces and can still work beautifully for arms and legs.

This smart hack inspired other parents in the thread to chime in with their go-to methods for applying sunscreen to toddlers. Here are two more ideas!

Use a Beauty Blending Sponge

Use a Beauty Blending Sponge

Reddit user katushka says she uses a foam makeup sponge to get the job done quickly and apply it more evenly.

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Let Them Apply it to You While You Apply it to Them
Unsplash | Philippe Murray-Pietsch

Let Them Apply it to You While You Apply it to Them

Others swear by the trick of allowing your toddler to apply sunscreen to you.

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Decorate Their Face and Body Before Rubbing In
Flickr user AnneCN

Decorate Their Face and Body Before Rubbing In

Sunscreen as face paint? Brilliant.

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