As families prepare for the new school year, backpacks, lunch boxes and school supplies may be at the top of the shopping list. But with children spending time outdoors for recess, physical education, sports and after-school activities, sun protection is another essential parents may want to keep within reach.
Solar Buddies is designed to make applying sunscreen easier and less messy for children. The refillable sunscreen applicator allows kids to fill the bottle with their preferred sunscreen, roll it onto their skin and go.
Marketed as a child-friendly sunscreen applicator, Solar Buddies is designed with a chunky bottle shape intended to make the device easier for smaller hands to grip. A combination of a sponge and rollerball is designed to help distribute sunscreen while reducing the sticky hands, spills and mess that can come with traditional sunscreen application.
The concept also gives parents an opportunity to encourage children to take a more active role in their own sun-safety routines.
For school-age children who participate in outdoor activities, having a simple application tool could make sunscreen easier to incorporate into the day. The applicator can also be used for family outings, sports camps, vacations, pool days, beach trips and other outdoor adventures.
Solar Buddies holds approximately 100 milliliters, or 3.3 ounces, of sunscreen and can be refilled with a user’s preferred product. The company says its bottles are made with 94% recycled plastic and feature an antibacterial coating. The applicators are also BPA- and latex-free.
The product is available in several colors and starts at $12. Solar Buddies is sold through Amazon and Target, making it accessible as families complete their back-to-school shopping.
While sunscreen remains the responsibility of parents and caregivers for younger children, products that make application easier can help families establish consistent sun-protection habits. Children involved in outdoor sports or activities may be particularly likely to benefit from learning how and when to apply sunscreen as part of their routine.
Parents should still select a sunscreen appropriate for their child’s age and needs and follow the product’s directions, including recommendations for reapplication. Sunscreen is just one part of protecting children from excessive sun exposure; hats, protective clothing and shade can also play a role.
With its focus on independent application and less mess, Solar Buddies is positioned as a practical addition to the family travel bag, sports kit or school supplies.
For families looking ahead to fall soccer, football, baseball, outdoor school activities or weekend adventures, the refillable applicator offers another way to make sun protection more convenient for children—and potentially a little more fun.