Ooh, summer has arrived and plans for sizzling summer getaways are well underway – a trip to the coast, perhaps a few nights in the bush. No matter where you decide to go on holiday this year or even if you plan to stay at home, you just know that you are going to be spending so much time in the hot South African sun!
The most exciting part of preparing for the summer is shopping, but shopping for your baby or toddler comes with more consideration than just opting for a cute little ‘cozzie’ because it looks sweet! Baby and I Melrose decided to make shopping so much easier for you this year and list below some essentials to consider :
Must Haves for Baby & Toddler
- Lightweight baby clothing, preferably 100% natural fabrics
- Cotton or Bamboo blankets
- Sun hat or bonnet – no matter baby’s age
- Sunglasses – definitely sunglasses!
- Swimsuit – choose with long sleeves and full-length pants. Little accidents can happen, so be prepared and buy more than one set
- Shade for car windows
- Lightweight breathable cover for car seat and pram
- Breathable baby carrier
- Mosquito nets for baby’s crib and camp-cot
- Sunscreen – choose an SPF of 30 or higher which ensures protection against both harmful UVA and UVB rays
- Stroller with canopy
- Nappy rash cream & baby lotion – nappy rash is more likely to happen in summer and your little one’s skin is likely to become very dry due to the hot sun. Prevention is always better than cure!
Staying hydrated is vital to everyone’s health, but even more so for your baby and toddler and especially during hot summer days. Toddlers are running around and playing, and moments spent in the swimming pool are exposing your baby or toddler to direct sunlight as well. This means that dehydration is even more prevalent. Look out for signs like a flushed face, warm skin and rapid breathing which will tell you immediately that your little one is becoming dehydrated. Keep bottles of water with you at all times. Choose an insulated water bottle designed specially to keep water cold, or use a hydro flask.
As well as ensuring that your little one remains hydrated, diet also plays an important part in supporting their needs during the hot summer months.
- Citrus Fruits – so easily available at this time, and extremely refreshing. Also contain vitamin C which boosts your baby or toddler’s immune system.
- Watermelon – also readily available during summer and a refreshingly cool addition which can be cut up or served as a drink for hot summer days. With such a high water content, watermelon helps keep baby hydrated as well
- Peaches – the beta-carotene contained in peaches is converted into Vitamin A when eaten and also assists in boosting the immune system. And of course, peaches are so yummy!
- Mangos – known as the King of Fruits! Mangos are delicious and very easily digested. They are rich in vitamins, minerals and carbohydrates that is good for the eyesight. They help fight microbial infections and assist in brain development. Serve in bite size pieces or as an oh so yummy smoothie!
The hot weather can make your little one’s skin very dry. Keep baby lotion with you even when you’re out and about and apply when you feel necessary, and of course, after bath is essential to lock in moisture and restore softness and glow to the skin. Choose lotions with ingredients such as aloe vera, almond oil, nutgrass oil and mustard oil.
Swimming Lessons are a Must
Baby can start swimming lessons at around 5 or 6 months old. With the alarming amount of babies, toddlers and young children, drowning in South Africa, opting for swimming lessons for your little one just makes sense. Once enrolled what do you take with you :
- Baby Swimsuit – Matching Mommy and Me swimming costumes add a fabulous element of fun (keep one spare swimsuit with you)
- Large absorbent towel and one spare
- Swimming nappies
- Normal everyday nappies
- Baby bum cream
- Moisturising lotion for your little one’s skin
- Change of clothing
- Snacks, bottle or sippy cup
- Bath toys but check with swim school if necessary
- Just for fun, don’t forget your phone so that you can take awesome photos and videos to share with the family!
No doubt the swim school will give you a list of what to buy, but it is always nice to have an idea of what you will need so that you can be prepared.
Although your swim school may have their own float vests or jackets, it is highly recommended that you purchase a float vest or jacket for your little one, to be used not only for swimming lessons but for those carefree days spent in the water at home, or on holiday. Float vests and jackets are worn over swimsuits to help achieve a natural position in the water. Float vests or jackets are recommended for use for children from age 1 to 6. They are a buoyancy aid to assist with your little one’s buoyancy as well as increase their safety level when in the water. Some float vests on the market today, have an added advantage of UPF (sun-protected fabrics) adding extra protection for your little one’s delicate skin. However, we do recommend that you check labels before purchasing if this is a must for you.
Baby and I Melrose have a beautiful range of baby swimwear, including matching Mommy and Me swimsuits which can add an element of fun to any swimming lesson or outdoor swimming activity. Protect your children’s eyes from the harsh South African sun with funky sunglasses, also available from Baby and I Melrose, in a variety of colours and designs.
As a local Premier Baby Boutique, Baby and I Melrose offer an exceptional range of essential baby products, clothing and accessories, making it easy for you to purchase most of your summer essentials for your little one, online – saving you time, delivering to your door. Baby & I Melrose offers a unique experience as a Baby Boutique in South Africa. Check out our website https://babyandimelrose.co.za/
Great stuff, thank you!