Visitors often get caught out by Florida sun. It's strong year-round, it's strong on cloudy days, and the reflection off water, sand and pavement adds up. With a toddler, the goal isn't to slather on sunscreen every hour and hope. It's to stack a few simple layers of protection so you're not relying on any one of them.
We're parents, not dermatologists. For anything specific to your child's skin, talk to your pediatrician. What follows is the practical side.
The order that works: shade, clothes, hat, sunscreen
Think of sun protection as layers:
- Shade whenever you can get it
- Clothing that covers skin
- A hat that shades the face, ears and neck
- Sunscreen on whatever is still exposed
Sunscreen matters, but it's the last layer, not the first.
Shade
At the beach, bring your own: a pop-up tent WolfWise Pop Up Beach Tent, UPF 50+, 3 Person (Blue) Check price at Amazon or an umbrella with a sand anchor AMMSUN 7 ft Heavy Duty Beach Umbrella with Sand Anchor, Vent and Tilt, UPF 50+ (Blue) Check price at Amazon. At a theme park, use your stroller canopy fully extended, and plan your route around covered queues, indoor shows and shaded rest areas.
Timing helps too. Midday sun is the strongest, which is another reason the morning-then-break-then-evening rhythm works so well. See >Keeping a toddler cool in Florida heat.
UPF clothing
UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) is a rating for fabric. A UPF 50 garment is tested to block most UV rays, and unlike sunscreen it doesn't wear off after an hour in the pool.
What we look for:
- Long-sleeve swim shirts or rash guards SwimZip UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Zip Rash Guard (Navy Stripe, toddler sizes) Check price at Amazon for the beach and pool
- Lightweight long-sleeve sun shirts SwimZip UPF 50+ Long Sleeve Zip Rash Guard (Navy Stripe, toddler sizes) Check price at Amazon for park days
- One-piece sun suits SwimZip Girls' Long-Sleeve UPF 50+ One-Piece Sunsuit Check price at Amazon for younger toddlers, so there's no gap at the waist
Light colors are usually cooler in the heat. Check the tag for the UPF rating; "sun shirt" on its own isn't a rating.
Hats
The best hat is the one your toddler keeps on. That usually means:
- A wide brim or a flap that covers the back of the neck Sunday Afternoons Kids' Play Hat (chin strap + neck flap, UPF 50+) Check price at Amazon
- A chin strap or toggle Sunday Afternoons Kids' Play Hat (chin strap + neck flap, UPF 50+) Check price at Amazon
- Quick-dry fabric if you'll be near water
Buy two. One will get left on a bench, a ride vehicle or a restaurant chair.
Sunscreen
Follow the product label and your pediatrician's advice, especially for younger babies. Some general things parents find helpful:
- Sticks Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50, 1.5 oz Check price at Amazon are easier on faces and quick touch-ups than lotion.
- Lotion is better for big areas like legs and arms.
- Water-resistant formulas Thinkbaby Baby Sunscreen SPF 50+, Mineral Formula, Water Resistant, 3 oz Check price at Amazon for beach and pool days. Water-resistant isn't waterproof; reapply as the label says.
- Apply before you leave the hotel or car, so it has time to set and you're not doing it in a crowded entrance line.
Many parents prefer mineral formulas (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) for kids. That's a personal choice; talk to your doctor if you're unsure.
Do a small test patch at home before the trip, not on day one at the park.
Sunglasses
Toddler sunglasses with a soft strap Babiators Original Navigator Baby & Toddler Sunglasses, Good as Blue, Ages 0–2 (UV400) Check price at Amazon protect little eyes from glare off water and sand. Look for ones labeled as blocking UVA and UVB. On many toddler pairs, including the ones we looked at, the strap is sold separately, so check whether one is included. Some toddlers love them. Some throw them in the ocean. Worth a try.
Babies under 6 months
Under 6 months, the plan is shade first: keep the baby out of direct sun, and use a small amount of sunscreen on small areas only if shade isn't possible (>AAP, >FDA). Sun-protective clothing, a wide-brim hat and a shaded stroller or beach tent come first.
Don't forget
None of this is complicated. Most of it you buy once and reuse every trip.