Absorb perspiration and extra moisture

Absorb excess moisture and perspiration and reduce chafing by up to 70 percent¹ with

First sprinkle into your hand, then apply between the chubby folds of baby’s skin to help keep him comfortable. The Fresh variant has a light, fresh fragrance that’s suitable for the whole family.

or toddler wears a denselywoven, wide-brimmed hat, dress them in Uv-protective beach and swimwear, and always, always use sunscreen developed specifically for children. Preferably, opt for one that uses inorganic filters such as zinc oxide and titanium oxide – they’re less likely to irritate baby’s skin, advises CANSA. Remember to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you head outdoors and always reapply after swimming. Babies under six months old should be kept out of the sun altogether, and CANSA advises against using sunscreen on babies younger than six months old.

Most toddlers love to play in the water, so Uv-protective clothing and a densely woven broad-rimmed hat are essential, but so is a highSPF sunblock – the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broadspectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more, which should be reapplied liberally every two hours. You can also get a CANSA Uv-smart Armband for your toddler, which turns darker the more UV radiation they receive – it’s an easy way to keep track of when they’ve had enough. And of course, look for the CANSA Seal of Recognition on the sunblock you buy.

Stings AND bites

Spring and summer are the outdoor seasons, but they’re also the seasons of annoying stings and bites. Most insect bites are relatively harmless, but itching can be a real irritant for tots. If your little one gets bitten, wash the area with soap and water, then apply a cold, wet facecloth or ice to the area to reduce itching. Occasionally, mosquito bites will cause a large area of swelling, soreness and redness. Calamine lotion is a safe option for babies and toddlers, or for an older toddler a topical antihistamine cream containing mepyramine can be used. If you notice any sign of an allergic reaction from a bite or sting – severe swelling, all-over itching or difficulty breathing, head to the emergency room immediately. Most insect repellants applied to the skin are not recommended for tiny babies, in which case the best defence is to cover them up with longsleeved tops, pants and socks, mosquito nets and by staying indoors from dusk when the mozzies appear until after dawn. Be cautious when using insect repellants containing DEET – this is a highly effective repellent, but it’s not suitable for babies under two months old. The American Academy of Pediatrics has approved the use of 30 percent DEET or less for children over two months of age, but you’ll need to read the labels of all

chemical repellants carefully to check how much DEET the product contains, as many contain concentration levels of 50 percent or more.

There are plenty of safe, natural products available on the market containing citronella oil, khaki bush, neem and/or lemon eucalyptus if you would prefer to use a chemical-free product on their skin or in their environment.

wisdom for winter

Winter throws up quite different challenges for baby’s skin. Fortunately, we don’t live in a climate where we experience extreme weather, so frostbite is one concern you can scratch off your list. However, because it’s so much thinner and more delicate than adult skin, your baby or toddler’s skin is more susceptible to the dropping temperatures and changing weather of autumn and winter. To keep their skin stable, avoid exposing them to overly cold, hot or dry air. If your toddler has dry skin, consider using a cool-mist humidifier in their nursery or bedroom. It seems obvious, but moisture in the air adds moisture to the skin.

Whether you use a moisturising baby cream, lotion or oil is really down to preference, but be sure to use a hypoallergenic formulation – baby’s skin is easily irritated by chemicals, fragrances and harsh detergents. If your tot has very dry skin, an oil-based moisturiser is a good option. Use your chosen moisturiser straight after the bath while their skin is still damp to lock in maximum moisture and avoid an overheated environment, as this will dry their skin out – exactly what you’re trying to avoid.

You might notice chapped, dry skin on your little one’s face and lips. Treat it the same way you would treat dry skin elsewhere on their little bodies – moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Apply a hypoallergenic lotion or cream onto those chapped cheeks twice a day and use a baby-specific lip balm for their little lips. If the problem persists, talk to your healthcare provider about a suitable ointment or to rule out any other skin condition, for example eczema. little one if they’re having a fussy, grumpy day, but have you checked whether some of their clothing is irritating their skin? A lot of children’s clothing is incredibly cute, but that doesn’t always mean that it’s entirely practical. A lace edging may look adorable on a babygro, but if it’s rubbing against their neck, that could be all it takes to make a small person very miserable. When you’re buying, consider whether the seams are scratchy, whether the labels are stiff and might cause irritation and whether the trim and finishes make the clothes at all restricting. Clothes made from 100 percent cotton are a good option, because they’re comfortable, lasting and are easy to wash. And remember to check your laundry washing powder – babies are far more susceptible to chemical and fragrance irritants. Using a gentle, fragrance-free formula designed specifically for babies will help avoid causing unnecessary irritation, especially in winter when more layers of clothing are required. Remember that everything they come into contact with, including cot sheets, blankets and towels should also be washed using a baby-appropriate detergent.

rethink bath time

Bathing your newborn can be quite a nerve-wracking experience, with a slippery, wriggly little baby in your wet hands. The good news is that in the first year, it really isn’t necessary to bath them every day – in fact, this can dry out their delicate skin, stripping it of its natural, protective oils. If you’re changing their wet and dirty nappies promptly,