Where to Put Sunscreen on Kids: 5 Spots Parents Miss

Most parents remember the obvious sunscreen spots: arms, legs, cheeks and shoulders.

The smaller areas are easier to miss. Kids move, climb, swim, sweat, wipe their faces, pull at their clothing and rarely stay still while sunscreen is being applied.

This guide covers where to put sunscreen on kids, the spots that are often missed and how sunscreen and UPF 50+ clothing can work together during beach days, pool days, school days, travel, sports and ordinary outdoor play.

Quick answer: where should sunscreen go on kids?

Apply sunscreen to exposed skin, then double-check the areas that are easiest to miss.

Commonly missed spots include the scalp and part line, hairline, forehead, ears, back of the neck, under the chin, lips, hands, feet, toes, ankles and skin exposed when clothing shifts.

A helpful rule is that sunscreen protects exposed skin, while UPF 50+ clothing helps protect the skin covered by the fabric.

Before applying sunscreen

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and has an SPF of 30 or higher, unless your local health authority recommends a higher SPF. Use a water-resistant formula for swimming, water play or activities that cause sweating.

Apply sunscreen according to the product label, use enough to cover exposed skin and follow the label’s directions for timing and reapplication. Sunscreen terminology, labelling and recommendations can vary by country, so local health guidance should always take priority.

For babies, children with sensitive skin or children with a medical condition, ask a qualified healthcare professional for guidance that fits your child.

Parent applying sunscreen to a child’s nose and face before outdoor water play

Why sunscreen gets missed on kids

Kids do not stand still for long.

They bend down, climb, pull sleeves up, take hats off, rub their faces, sit in the sand, splash in water, wipe their mouths and wear straps, waistbands, collars, swimwear, socks, sandals and layers that move throughout the day.

Sunscreen is therefore not only about remembering the larger areas. It is also about noticing the little gaps.

The goal is not a perfect routine. It is a simple, repeatable one that helps you cover the obvious areas and remember the spots that are easier to overlook.

1. Scalp, part line, hairline and forehead

The scalp is easy to forget, especially if your child has a visible part line, fine hair, braids, pigtails, short hair or a hairstyle that leaves some of the scalp exposed.

Even when a child starts the day wearing a hat, hats can shift, come off or get left in a stroller, backpack or beach bag.

Apply sunscreen along the exposed hairline and forehead.
Check visible part lines and exposed areas of the scalp.
Add a hat that shades the face, ears and neck when possible.
Use shade during longer periods outdoors.

2. Ears, back of the neck and under the chin

Ears are small, but they are exposed often. The tops, backs and areas behind the ears can be missed when sunscreen is applied quickly.

The back of the neck is another common gap, especially with short hair, ponytails, baseball caps, helmets and swimwear. Under the chin can also receive reflected UV around water, sand, pavement, snow and other bright surfaces.

Check the tops and backs of both ears.
Apply sunscreen behind the ears and along the back of the neck.
Remember the area under the chin.
Recheck these areas when hats, helmets, collars or hairstyles change.

3. Lips and the area above the lip

The area around the mouth gets wiped frequently. Snacks, drinks, water bottles, sweat, towels, sleeves and little hands can all remove sunscreen.

Apply sunscreen to the skin above the upper lip.
Use an SPF lip balm that is suitable for children.
Reapply after eating, drinking, swimming, sweating or wiping.
Keep lip balm near your sunscreen so it becomes part of the same routine.

4. Hands, feet, toes and ankles

Hands and feet can feel like small details, but both are commonly exposed during outdoor play.

Kids use their hands to climb, dig, eat, splash, wipe and play, which can remove sunscreen. Feet may be exposed in sandals, water shoes, flip-flops, swimwear or bare feet.

Check the backs of the hands.
Cover exposed skin around the fingers when needed.
Remember the tops of the feet and toes.
Check the ankles around socks, sandals, shoes or pants that shift.

5. Places where clothing shifts

This is one of the easiest areas to overlook.

Clothing helps with coverage, but children’s clothing moves. Sleeves ride up. Shorts shift. Waistbands gap. Shoulder straps slide. Swimsuits move. Rashguards lift. Collars change position. Jackets come off.

Skin that looked covered at the beginning of the day may not stay covered.

Check areas around:

swimsuit and rashguard lines
shoulder straps
sleeves that ride up
waistband gaps
shorts that shift
collars and necklines
wrists and ankles where fabric ends

How UPF 50+ clothing fits into the routine

UPF 50+ clothing helps protect the skin covered by the fabric. It can make sun protection feel easier during busy mornings, school days, park days, camp, family travel, sports and water play.

UPF clothing does not replace sunscreen on exposed skin. The face, scalp, ears, neck, hands, feet, ankles and areas exposed when fabric shifts still need attention.

Different types of UPF clothing may suit different activities. Everyday UPF clothing can work well for school, parks, camp and travel, while rashguards are usually designed for swimming and water play.

Read our guide to choosing everyday UPF clothing, rashguards and sun-protective clothing for kids.

Child wearing Ember & Ray everyday UPF 50+ clothing during outdoor play

Add coverage where clothing can help

Explore UPF 50+ tested crewnecks, polos, lightweight jackets, pants and rashguards designed for school, outdoor play, family travel and water days.

Shop UPF 50+ Kids Clothing

A simple kids sunscreen checklist

Before your next park day, pool day, beach trip, sports practice, playground afternoon, family outing or long walk outside, use this quick check:

Check your local UV Index. Use the Ember & Ray UV Index checker or a trusted local weather service.
Apply sunscreen to exposed skin according to the product label.
Check the scalp, part line, hairline and forehead.
Remember the ears, back of the neck and under the chin.
Protect the area above the lip and use a suitable SPF lip balm.
Check the hands, feet, toes and ankles.
Look for places where clothing may shift.
Add UPF 50+ clothing for areas covered by the fabric.
Use shade, hats and UV-protective sunglasses when possible.
Reapply sunscreen according to the label, especially after swimming, sweating, wiping or towel drying.

Frequently asked questions about sunscreen for kids

Where do parents commonly miss sunscreen on kids?

Frequently missed areas include the scalp, part line, hairline, forehead, ears, back of the neck, under the chin, area above the lip, lips, hands, feet, toes, ankles and skin exposed when clothing shifts.

What SPF should children use?

A broadly applicable starting point is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and SPF 30 or higher. Some countries and health authorities recommend a higher SPF. Follow the sunscreen label and the guidance where you live.

How often should sunscreen be reapplied?

Follow the directions on the product label. Many health authorities recommend reapplying sunscreen regularly while outdoors and after swimming, sweating, wiping or towel drying. Water-resistant products also have a stated water-resistance time on the label.

Do kids still need sunscreen when wearing UPF 50+ clothing?

Yes. UPF 50+ clothing helps protect the skin covered by the fabric. Sunscreen is still needed on exposed areas such as the face, scalp, ears, neck, hands, feet and skin exposed when clothing shifts.

Does sunscreen need to go under clothing?

Focus on exposed skin and areas that may become exposed when sleeves, collars, waistbands, swimwear or other clothing moves. Follow the sunscreen label and your local health guidance.

Should children use sun protection on cloudy days?

UV exposure can still occur when the sky is cloudy. Check the local UV Index rather than relying only on temperature, cloud cover or how bright the day feels.

Are sunscreen, sun cream and sun lotion the same thing?

These terms are used differently around the world. The important information is on the label. Look for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, an appropriate SPF, water resistance when needed and directions suitable for your child.

The bottom line

When deciding where to put sunscreen on kids, begin with all exposed skin and then check the easy-to-miss spots.

Scalp. Hairline. Ears. Neck. Lips. Hands. Feet. Ankles. Clothing lines.

UPF 50+ clothing can help protect covered skin, while sunscreen helps protect exposed areas. Add shade, a hat, sunglasses and a quick UV Index check to create a simple routine for ordinary family life.

Sun protection does not need to feel perfect to be useful. It needs to be clear, practical and repeatable.

Sources and further reading

This article provides general educational information and is not a substitute for medical advice. Follow the product label, your local public-health guidance and advice from your child’s qualified healthcare professional.