Do Babies Really Need Sunscreen? The Risks of Overuse and UnderuseWhen it comes to protecting babies from the sun, many parents wonder if sunscreen is safe and necessary. The truth is, experts advise against using sunscreen on infants under six months old as their skin is thinner and more sensitive, leading to greater absorption of chemicals and a higher risk of irritation and rashes. Babies under six months have a higher surface-area-to-body-weight ratio, which increases their exposure to sunscreen chemicals. Some chemical ingredients, like oxybenzone, may cause allergic reactions or disrupt hormones. Sunscreen can also impede a baby’s ability to sweat and regulate their body temperature.
Instead, the best protection for young babies is to keep them out of direct sunlight, dress them in lightweight, long-sleeved clothing, and use hats and shade as natural barriers.
For babies over six months, a gentle, broad-spectrum baby sunscreen with at least SPF 30 can be safely applied. However, using sunscreen should complement, not replace, other sun safety measures, which are vital – especially in our sunny South African climate!
Karen Van Rensburg, spokesperson for Sanosan, explains, “Parents often struggle with knowing how much sunscreen to use on their babies. It’s important to understand that while sunscreen is a helpful tool, relying solely on it, especially for very young infants, can be risky. Using physical barriers like shade and protective clothing alongside sunscreen provides the safest approach to sun care for babies.”
To keep babies safe, parents should:
- Avoid sun exposure during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
- Use shade and protective clothing as the first defence.
- For babies over six months, reapply a suitable sunscreen on a regular basis to maintain protection, especially after going in the water, after drying off or after sweating.
- Your baby should not stay in the sun too long even with sunscreen because every sunburn damages the skin and is a serious risk to their health.
This balanced approach highlights that cautious sunscreen use combined with physical protection methods is key to keeping baby skin healthy and safe from sun damage.
Sanosan Baby Sun Cream SPF 50+ is a top-tier sunscreen designed specifically for delicate baby skin including broad range of UVA+UVB protection SPF 50+. With its pleasant texture, this cream absorbs quickly for easy application and delivers 24 hours of nourishing care, making it suitable for babies, children, and adults alike. With its gentle formula, this sun cream helps maintain skin hydration while protecting against sun damage, allowing for worry-free outdoor playtime. Plus, its microplastic-free, and safe for our oceans!
Sanosan focuses on natural ingredients and gentle formulas for healthy skin. Using active ingredients specially tailored to your baby’s skin, natural milk protein is the central ingredient in Sanosan and is especially nourishing. More than 90 % of the ingredients are of natural origin such as organic olive oil, and the formulations are biodegradable.
Safety first: all products are clinically tested and are free from parabens, silicones, paraffins, SLS / SLES and phenoxyethanol. For more info visit sanosan.co.za
Exigo Care is a manufacturing and distribution concern based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The company has two major divisions, which are the distribution of baby nappies and adult nappies nationally. Exigo Care focuses on purchasing stock lots (excess goods) of AAA-quality baby and adult nappies, importing and repackaging them locally. This enables Exigo Care to offer its customers world-class baby and adult nappies at affordable nappy prices, allowing the company to offer free delivery if you buy nappies in bulk.
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Silent Night? How to Handle Baby Sleep Disruptions During the HolidaysThe holiday season is often filled with joyful gatherings, travel, and festive chaos—all of which can disrupt a baby’s usual sleep schedule. Changes in environment, noise levels, and routines can leave parents struggling to soothe a baby who may have trouble settling down.
Experts recommend maintaining as much of the baby’s regular bedtime routine as possible, even while away from home. Familiar cues like a favourite blanket or toy, consistent feeding times, and calming activities can help ease transitions. When visiting family or traveling, creating a quiet, dark sleep environment can counterbalance the sensory overload.
Sr Londe, independent midwife and Vital Baby’s trusted advisor, shares, “Holiday disruptions are inevitable, but parents can take active steps to support their baby’s sleep. Keeping routines flexible yet consistent, prioritising soothing rituals, and planning for naps can make a significant difference. Remember, a well-rested baby means a happier holiday for everyone.”
Parents can manage holiday baby sleep by:
- Sticking to bedtime and nap routines as much as possible
- Bringing familiar sleep aids (blankets, toys)
- Preparing for extra noise and light with white noise machines or blackout curtains
- Allowing extra time for naps to prevent over-tiredness
These strategies empower parents to navigate holiday sleep challenges with confidence, maintaining baby’s comfort and well-being amid seasonal festivities.
Vital Baby is a family-run business with over 45 years of experience in the baby industry. Their mission is to create products that make family time effortless and enjoyable for parents. The Vital Baby range is 100% BPA-free and covers every stage of your baby’s development, from feeding and weaning, to hygiene and soothing. Explore the range online at Vital Baby® (vitalbabyshop.co.za) or find at Clicks and Dischem.
Exigo Care is a manufacturing and distribution concern based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The company has two major divisions, which are the distribution of baby nappies and adult nappies nationally. Exigo Care focuses on purchasing stock lots (excess goods) of AAA-quality baby and adult nappies, importing and repackaging them locally. This enables Exigo Care to offer its customers world-class baby and adult nappies at affordable nappy prices, allowing the company to offer free delivery if you buy nappies in bulk.
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Breastfeeding tipsSymptoms you may experience when not breastfeeding
The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.
- Your breasts may become sore, engorged or swollen and firm to touch.
- You may develop a slight fever.
- Your breasts may leak a significant amount of milk.
- You may have some uterine bleeding during this time.
- If you have any concerns or questions about the symptoms you experience during this time contact your doctor for more information.
Care for your breasts when not breastfeeding
The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.
Try ice packs on your breast for 15-20 minutes at a time. If ice doesn’t help, try using a warm washcloth on your breasts.
Wear a well-fitting bra that is not too tight. Let your baby nurse at your breasts for a few minutes at a time.
Ask your doctor about methods to help release a small amount of milk from your breasts, which may relieve some of the discomfort.
Contact your doctor if you have any questions or concerns or you develop chills, or a fever and your breasts are still uncomfortable and swollen after 1-2 days.
Benefits of breastfeeding
The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.
Breastfeeding is a skill and can take time to learn; don’t get discouraged if it’s not easy for you at first. Breastfeeding educators are available and can be helpful in overcoming some of the hurdles.
Choosing to breastfeed your child provides many benefits for both you and your baby. Some of these include:
- Decreased likelihood of baby getting sick from infectious diseases or having an ear infection
- Decreased risk of breast and ovarian cancer for the mother
- Aids in faster weight loss for the mother
- Decreased postpartum bleeding
- Facilitates in mother-baby bonding
- Free and environmentally friendly
- Decreased risk of obesity for the child
- Breastfeeding is still possible after breast surgeries, piercings and tattoos; talk to your doctor about any concerns you may have
How to breastfeed
The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.
Some simple tips on how to breastfeed:
- Find a position that is comfortable for both you and the baby; use pillows to support your arms and prop your feet up
- Feed your baby whenever they seem hungry or show any of the hunger signs- moving head towards your chest, pulling hands near mouth or sucking noises
- Newborns need to eat at least every 2 to 3 hours; if your baby has been sleeping for 3 to 4 hours, wake them to nurse
- Wait to introduce a bottle or pacifier until your baby is 2 to 4 weeks old to avoid nipple confusion. Waiting much longer can create problems getting your baby to accept something other than the breast.
Keeping your breasts healthy
The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion.
Keeping your breasts healthy during breastfeeding is important. Here are some things to watch for:
- Sore nipples are normal at first; use moist warm compresses, nipple creams made for breastfeeding or a bit of fresh breast milk
- See your doctor if soreness continues or increases, you have a swollen or red breast or if you are running a fever
Exigo Care is a manufacturing and distribution concern based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. The company has two major divisions, which are the distribution of baby nappies and adult nappies nationally. Exigo Care focuses on purchasing stock lots (excess goods) of AAA-quality baby and adult nappies, importing and repackaging them locally. This enables Exigo Care to offer its customers world-class baby and adult nappies at affordable nappy prices, allowing the company to offer free delivery if you buy nappies in bulk.
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