Sunscreen and Bug Spray at Daycare: Rules and Permission

Updated November 2026.

In Illinois, a licensed day care center needs your written approval before it puts sunscreen, insect repellent or any other topical product on your child, whether you supply it or the center does. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher for children over 6 months, and no insect repellent for babies under 2 months.

Here is what the rules say and how to prepare for warm-weather days.

What Illinois rules say

Under the medication rules for day care centers (23 Ill. Adm. Code 2008.360(g)), any topical product, such as diaper ointment, sunscreen or insect repellent, needs the parent's written approval before it is used on a child. Ask your center for its permission form at enrollment and again before summer. For the full medicine rules, see our guide to medicine at daycare in Illinois.

Sunscreen by age

• Under 6 months: keep babies out of direct sun. Use shade, a stroller canopy, light long clothing and a brimmed hat. The AAP says a small amount of sunscreen on small areas, such as the face, is fine if shade and clothing are not available.
• 6 months and older: use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, up to SPF 50, on all exposed skin. Be careful around the eyes.

The AAP advises putting sunscreen on 15 to 30 minutes before going outside and reapplying every 2 hours and after sweating or water play. Many parents apply sunscreen at home before drop-off, and teachers reapply later in the day with your permission.

Insect repellent by age

• Under 2 months: no insect repellent. Use mosquito netting over strollers and carriers instead.
• 2 months and older: the AAP supports EPA-registered repellents, including DEET up to 30% and picaridin.
• Under 3 years: do not use products with oil of lemon eucalyptus or PMD.

Repellent should not go on young children's hands, near the eyes or mouth, or on cuts or irritated skin. Adults should put it on their own hands first and then apply it to the child's face.

Skip combination products

The AAP advises against products that combine sunscreen and insect repellent. Sunscreen needs reapplying often, and reapplying a combination product can expose a child to too much repellent. Use two separate products, putting sunscreen on first.

What to pack for summer days

• Sunscreen labeled with your child's full name
• A brimmed sun hat
• Light, breathable clothes that cover the shoulders
• A refillable water bottle, if your center allows it
• Insect repellent, if your center uses it and you have given written approval
• Water shoes and a swimsuit on splash days

Questions to ask your daycare

• Do you provide sunscreen, or should I send my own?
• When do teachers reapply it?
• Do children go outside during the hottest part of the day?
• Is there shade on the playground?
• Do you use insect repellent, and which kind?

Frequently asked questions

Can daycare put sunscreen on my child?

Yes, with your written approval, which Illinois rules require for sunscreen and other topical products.

Can babies under 6 months wear sunscreen?

Shade and clothing come first. The AAP says a small amount on small areas is fine when there is no other option.

Is DEET safe for toddlers?

The AAP supports DEET up to 30% for children over 2 months when used as directed.

Should I use a sunscreen and bug spray combo?

No. The AAP advises using separate products.

Summer at Children's Land

Children at Children's Land go outdoors daily when the weather permits, and parents provide clothing for stroller walks and the playground. Our summer camp runs June to mid-August for school-age children, with age ranges that vary by location. Learn about our early kindergarten program, find a location, or contact us.

Related reading: Medicine at Daycare in Illinois: What the Rules Say.