Back-to-school season is here, and with it comes the whirlwind of new routines, busy schedules, and the long days your kids spend away from home. Between recess, sports practices, after-school clubs, and playdates, their skin goes through a lot. And while you’re probably already thinking about school supplies, lunch boxes, and water bottles, skincare is one thing that often gets overlooked.

That’s where Tubby Todd comes in. With our Backpack Kit, you’ll have everything your kids need to keep their skin happy, hydrated, and protected, whether they’re at school, at practice, or on the go.

This guide will walk you through why skincare matters for kids, the essentials to include in their routine, and how the Backpack Kit makes it simple to pack for the year ahead.

Why kids’ skincare matters during the school year

When you think about skincare, your mind might jump to teenagers experimenting with products or even the current trend of kids getting into luxury skincare brands. But that’s not what this is about.

For younger kids, skincare is about protection and prevention. Their skin is thinner and more sensitive than adult skin, which means it’s more prone to dryness, irritation, and environmental stress. At school, your child is exposed to:

• Frequent handwashing and sanitizer use that can dry out skin.

• Long days outdoors during recess, PE, or sports.

• Seasonal changes (think chapped cheeks in fall and winter).

• Environmental irritants like pollen, dust, and sweat.
  

Building a simple routine with gentle, effective products helps protect their skin barrier so they stay comfortable, confident, and ready to focus on learning and having fun.

Back-to-school skincare essentials for kids

Every parent knows the backpack checklist: pencils, notebooks, lunch, water bottle. But what about a skincare checklist? These are the basics worth packing:

1. Hand cream or lotion

Frequent handwashing is non-negotiable at school, but it can leave skin dry and cracked. A gentle, fragrance-free hand cream or lotion helps lock in hydration and prevent irritation.

2. Lip balm

Chapped lips are one of the first signs your child’s skin barrier needs support. A kid-safe lip balm in their backpack makes it easy to reapply throughout the day.

3. Sunscreen

Even on cloudy days, kids need protection from UV rays. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends SPF 30 or higher, applied 15–30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every two hours or after water/sweat play (AAP). A mineral-based sunscreen stick is quick to swipe on before recess or sports without any mess.

4. Multipurpose ointment

From dry patches to little scrapes, a healing ointment is the ultimate do-it-all product. It’s a must-have for kids with eczema or sensitive skin.

5. Face and body wipes (optional)

While not an everyday necessity, wipes can be handy after sweaty activities or messy art projects. Look for ones free from harsh chemicals.

Meet the Tubby Todd Backpack Kit

We know parents don’t have time to overthink skincare shopping lists, that’s why we created the Backpack Kit. It’s an all-in-one solution with our most versatile essentials in travel-friendly sizes, perfectly designed for school days, road trips, or any time your child is on the go.

The kit includes:

• All Over Ointment Eczema Treatment (mini): Our cult-favorite with 1% colloidal oatmeal for everything from dry skin to eczema flare-ups. Perfect to use as a hand cream too! 

• Hand Sanitizer (2 pack): Cleans up sticky little hands between hand washing rounds. 

• Mineral Sun Stick: A pocket-sized SPF essential for easy, targeted application. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are gentler and less likely to irritate sensitive skin (CHOP).

• Lip Balm: Protects against chapped lips and keeps smiles comfortable.

Packed in a reusable, portable pouch, it slips easily into any backpack, lunchbox, or sports bag so your child is always covered (literally).

How to use the Backpack Kit throughout the school day

Skincare shouldn’t be complicated for kids or parents. Here’s how each item in the kit can fit seamlessly into your child’s daily routine:

Morning before school

• Swipe on the Mineral Sun Stick to cheeks, nose, and hands if they’ll be outdoors.

• Apply Lip Balm to prevent dryness.

During the school day

• Between handwashing: a spritz of Hand Sanitizer to stay fresh.

• Before recess or PE: a quick reapply of Sun Stick if needed.

• Anytime lips feel dry: the Lip Balm is easy enough for kids to use themselves.

After school or activities

• Use the All Over Ointment at home for any dry spots, irritation, or scrapes that need a little TLC.

By making skincare accessible and easy, you’re teaching your kids healthy habits they’ll carry into the future—without overwhelming them (or you).

Practical tips for parents

Skincare in the back-to-school season doesn’t need to be another stressor. These tips make it manageable:

• Label everything. Kids are more likely to use products if they know what’s theirs.

• Keep it simple. Don’t overload them with options—stick to a few essentials.

• Teach independence. Show your child how to apply sunscreen or lotion themselves.

• Check in seasonally. Swap or refill products depending on the weather (extra ointment in winter, more sunscreen in spring).
  

The difference between kids’ skincare and “skincare for kids”

There’s a lot of buzz right now about children getting into elaborate routines or luxury products. But for younger kids, skincare should be about support, not aesthetics. Parents are the decision-makers, and our goal at Tubby Todd is to give you safe, effective products you can trust.

The Backpack Kit is about practicality: giving your child tools they can use at school or practice to protect their skin. No trends, no hype, just gentle, effective skincare made with families in mind.

Why parents love the Backpack Kit

Parents who’ve tried it tell us they love that:

• Everything is travel-friendly and TSA-approved, so it works for school and vacations alike.

• It’s multipurpose, reducing the clutter of carrying multiple full-sized products.

• Kids can actually use it themselves—no complicated steps, no mess.

• It’s backed by the Tubby Todd promise: clean ingredients, safe for sensitive skin, and made for the whole family.

Back-to-school, but make it skin-safe

As you’re checking off supply lists and organizing schedules, don’t forget your child’s skin deserves a little extra protection too. The Backpack Kit was designed to help parents cover all the bases: hydration, sun protection, and everyday soothing care, all in one easy-to-pack pouch.

Because when their skin is comfortable, your kids can focus on what really matters: learning, playing, and thriving all school year long.

Ready to make back-to-school easier? Explore the Backpack Kit and give your child the gentle, effective skincare they need for every school day adventure.