Don’t Forget the Sunscreen: What Every Family Needs for a Burn-Free Vacation

Hello lovely mamas!

If you’re gearing up for a family vacation (lucky you!), here’s a quick reminder: sunscreen isn’t a one-size-fits-all situation. Between babies, squirmy toddlers, and sun-chasing teens, your family needs more than just one bottle tossed in the beach bag. The right mix of sun protection can be the difference between smooth sailing and sunburned meltdowns.

Let’s start with the littlest ones. Babies under two have super sensitive skin, so you’ll want to stick with a mineral-based sunscreen made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These ingredients sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed, making them safer for young kids. Go for fragrance-free and hypoallergenic options — and if possible, choose a lotion or stick formula. Pro tip: apply it while they’re strapped in their stroller. That might be your only shot at getting it on without a wrestling match.

For toddlers and young kids who act like sunscreen is made of lava, spray sunscreen is your friend. Choose a broad-spectrum formula with SPF 50+ and water resistance. Continuous sprays work fast and cover a lot of ground, which is key when your child is halfway to the ocean before you’ve finished rubbing in their first arm. Just remember to spray close to the skin and not into the breeze — unless you want to sunscreen the family next to you, too.

Then there’s the sporty crew — the kids who dive into the pool five seconds after you arrive, or your partner who suddenly joins a beach volleyball game. For them, you need a sport or active sunscreen that’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Gel or lotion versions stay on better than sprays when everyone’s soaked and sandy. These are great for reapplying on the go — especially when patience (and dry towels) are running low.

Face sunscreen deserves its own category. Everyone in the family needs it, especially moms who don’t want vacation breakouts or raccoon eyes in photos. Look for non-comedogenic, lightweight facial sunscreens — and if you’re feeling fancy, grab a tinted one for a little glow. For kids, a sunscreen stick is perfect for noses, cheeks, and ears. Bonus: it’s mess-free and quick, which means fewer complaints.

And finally, don’t skip the after-sun care. Even with your best efforts, someone always ends up with a little too much sun — usually the tops of feet or the back of the neck. Keep a bottle of aloe vera gel or calming lotion on hand. Better yet, stash it in the fridge at your rental or hotel. A cool, soothing application at the end of the day feels like instant vacation luxury.

So here’s your sunscreen sanity checklist: baby-safe lotion or stick, spray for squirmy kids, sport sunscreen for active types, face-specific sunscreen for everyone, and after-sun gel or lotion. Add in some hats, rash guards, and a pop-up shade tent, and you’re ready to go.

Vacation should be about fun, not peeling noses and sunburned shoulders. With the right sunscreen line-up, you can keep your family sun-safe — and spend more time making memories instead of digging through your bag for aloe!

Take care, Katerina