Suncream and Handwash for Kids: A Simple Daily Routine

Quick answer

Apply suncream to your child before they get dressed, then wash hands together as the final step before leaving the house. At nursery or school pick-up, repeat the handwash first, then reapply suncream if they will be outdoors again. Keep a pump bottle of antibacterial handwash by the door and a small suncream in their bag so the routine becomes automatic.

Why order matters: suncream first, hands last

If you apply suncream after handwashing, your child will touch their face, wipe their hands on their clothes, and transfer cream back onto their palms. That leaves hands greasy and less clean. The better sequence is suncream on exposed skin first, let it absorb for a minute, then wash hands. This way the handwash removes any suncream residue from palms and fingers, and you finish with clean hands rather than sticky ones.

For nursery children who need help with both steps, sit them on a stool at the bathroom sink. Apply suncream to face, ears, neck, arms and legs while they are still in a nappy or pants. Then stand them up and guide their hands to the soap. This reduces the chance of them touching a clean surface with cream-covered hands.

How to teach the 30-second handwash without a fight

Children rush handwashing because they do not see germs and because soap stings if it gets in their eyes. Use a pump bottle that delivers a small, controlled amount so they do not flood their hands. A perfumed clear blue jasmine scented antibacterial soap like Senses Antibacterial Handwash kills 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds. That 30-second window is your teaching tool: sing a short song or count to 30 together. The pump format means even a three-year-old can press it themselves, which builds independence.

Common mistake: letting them use a bar of soap that slips into the sink. A pump bottle stays put and gives a consistent dose. If your child has sensitive skin, check the label for perfumed ingredients and test on a small area first. The Senses handwash is perfumed, so it may not suit every child; a fragrance-free alternative is a reasonable swap if irritation appears.

Nursery and school drop-off: what to pack and what to ask

Many nurseries apply suncream themselves, but they often ask you to provide a labelled bottle. Pack a small suncream and a pump handwash in your child's bag if the setting allows it. For sun protection in childcare settings, check the nursery's policy on reapplying: some do it once before outdoor play, others only if you supply a written request. Hand hygiene for kids at nursery usually happens before meals and after toileting, so a familiar soap scent from home can make the transition easier.

If your child attends a setting where handwashing is supervised in groups, a pump bottle is more hygienic than a shared bar. You can also send a small bottle of handwash for their key worker to use on their hands before helping children. This is not about replacing the nursery's supplies but about making sure your child's routine stays consistent.

Buying children's handwash in bulk: what to check

If you run a childminding setting, nursery or large family, children's handwash bulk buying saves money but only if the product suits your sinks. Check the pump size: a 500ml bottle fits most domestic and nursery dispensers, while larger refill containers need a dedicated dispenser. The Senses Antibacterial Handwash comes as 6 x 500ml pump bottles, which is a practical middle ground: enough to last a term in a small setting, but each bottle is still easy for a child to press.

Do not assume all antibacterial handwashes are the same. Some are perfumed, some are not. The Senses product is a perfumed clear blue jasmine scented soap, so if your setting has a no-fragrance policy, look for an unperfumed alternative. Also check the COSHH data sheet if you are a registered childcare provider: you need to keep it on file for health and safety inspections. The catalog lists COSHH data for this product, which saves you chasing the supplier.

Your step-by-step daily routine

1. Step 1: Apply suncream before dressing: Apply suncream to face, ears, neck, arms and legs while your child is still in a nappy or pants. Use a mirror so they can see where you are putting it. Common mistake: applying suncream after they are dressed and missing the neck and ears because clothes are in the way. Checkpoint: every exposed area is covered before clothes go on. Set a timer for two minutes so you do not rush the application.
2. Step 2: Wash hands together at the sink: Stand your child on a stable stool. Pump one dose of antibacterial handwash into their palm, then help them rub palms, backs of hands, between fingers and under nails for 30 seconds. Common mistake: letting them wash for only five seconds. Checkpoint: sing a 30-second song or count aloud together. Rinse thoroughly and dry with a clean towel, not their clothes.
3. Step 3: Reapply suncream after outdoor play: At pick-up or after playtime, wash hands first to remove dirt and germs, then reapply suncream if your child will be outside again. Keep a small suncream and a pump handwash in their bag. Common mistake: applying suncream to dirty hands and pushing grime into the skin. Checkpoint: hands are visibly clean before the second suncream application. For nursery children, ask staff to follow the same order.
4. Step 4: Restock and check supplies weekly: Every Sunday, check the pump bottle levels and suncream expiry date. If you buy children's handwash bulk, store spare bottles out of reach but easy to grab. Common mistake: running out mid-week and skipping the handwash step. Checkpoint: at least one full pump bottle by the sink and one in the bag. Keep a small first aid kit in the bag for any suncream-related skin reactions or scrapes.

Product facts that support this routine

• Senses Antibacterial Handwash 6x500ml: Perfumed clear blue jasmine scented antibacterial soap that kills 99.9% of germs in 30 seconds, supplied as 6 x 500ml pump bottles. The 30-second kill time gives you a clear target for teaching children how long to wash, and the pump bottle is easy for small hands to use without wasting soap.
• Playground First Aid Kit: Playground First Aid Kit contained in a bum bag, ideal for quick responses during playtime, with contents including washproof plasters, cleansing wipes and a foil blanket. If you are outdoors applying suncream and supervising handwashing, a bum bag kit keeps plasters and wipes within reach for minor scrapes without leaving children unattended.