Natural bug and sun protection for kids
I know we are all wanting to keep our kids safe and healthy this summer and every summer. I also know that it’s always a crazy journey trying to find natural, yet effective bug and sun protection for kids and the entire family. So here are four very quick and simple recipes that i have made that i really hope your family find effective, helpful, and something you keep coming back to!
Affiliate links included for your convenience. None of the homemade products have been evaluated or verified by the FDA. They are simply recipes my family uses.
Kid and Pet Safe “Keep ‘Em Away” Spray (Including Ticks!)
Note in the graphic that lemongrass is not necessarily kids safe. In order for it to be safe on the skin for children 2+, it would need to be diluted to 0.7%. Also, some use peppermint and other oils in their sprays, but peppermint is not agreed to be safe for children under the age of six.
What you need
- Witch Hazel
- Lavender Oil
- and Geranium Oil
All Natural Soothing Homemade After Sun
This particular aftersun recipe is so incredibly simple and one that is safe for everyone in the family above 6 months in age. And my bonus tip is to store it in the fridge so it feels extra nice when you apply it to soothe the skin!
What you Need
- Lavender Essential oil
- Pure Aloe Vera Gel
DIY Post Sun Treatment for older kids and Adults
This one should be tried on children in a small space before doing something like a full body treatment! vinegar can sting a little when first applied to a burn, but the longterm support for your skin is wonderful! Add some essential oils as it suits you, our favorite is Lavender!
Homemade Non-Toxic and Non-Nano Beach & Outdoor Cream
This is a really quick recipe you can whip up in a food processor and add to a travel or regular size tube to use for the whole family.
The key ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide. One of the reasons sunscreen is so toxic is because flakes can absorb into the skin like regular nano zinc oxide. (Also, any sunscreen over 50 SPF is a big no-no!). Though, you will still want to wear a mask while making it so you don’t inhale it!
Another important note for this recipe is that Carrots Seed Oil and Carrot Seed Essential oil are not the same. While they many times go by the same name, one has a fatty acid that is still a part of it to help give spf, while the other (essential oil) does NOT! While you should always test in a small area (maybe an arm with a pen circling the area) to see if any sunscreen will work for you, please don’t make the mistake of using the wrong carrot seed!
What you need
- Carrot Seed carrier Oil
- Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
- Coconut Oil
- A Mask
- Lavender Oil
Explore other sources like “How to Plan a Staycation” or “20 things to consider before going on a Family Hike“
Kara is an author and advocate for positive, grace-filled parenting. She is homeschooler to her 6 children living on a farm in New England. She believes in creative educational approaches to help kids dive deeper into a rich learning experience and has her degree in Secondary Education & Adolescent Childhood Development. She is passionate about connecting with and helping other parents on their journey to raise awesome kids!
How do you make the sunscreen waterproof? I have two kiddos on the swim team and they wear a lot of sunscreen but it NEEDS to hold up in the pool.
There is typically no way to make a sunscreen waterproof without a lot of chemicals. HOWEVER, You can make it water resistant for around an hour or so if you add beeswax. Beeswax turns it into more a a bar to apply is kind of like deodorant. (In fact, that’s a great way to make a store it).