Getting Ready for Summer

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

  1. Lightweight baby clothing, preferably 100% natural fabrics
  2. Cotton or Bamboo blankets
  3. Sun hat or bonnet – no matter baby’s age
  4. Sunglasses – definitely sunglasses!
  5. Swimsuit – choose with long sleeves and full-length pants.  Little accidents can happen, so be prepared and buy more than one set
  6. Shade for car windows
  7. Lightweight breathable cover for car seat and pram
  8. Breathable baby carrier
  9. Mosquito nets for baby’s crib and camp-cot
  10. Sunscreen – choose an SPF of 30 or higher which ensures protection against both harmful UVA and UVB rays
  11. Stroller with canopy
  12. 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.  

  1. Citrus Fruits – so easily available at this time, and extremely refreshing. Also contain vitamin C which boosts your baby or toddler’s immune system.  
  2. 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
  3. 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!
  4. 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 :

  1. Baby Swimsuit –  Matching Mommy and Me swimming costumes add a fabulous element of fun (keep one spare swimsuit with you)
  2. Large absorbent towel and one spare
  3. Swimming nappies
  4. Normal everyday nappies
  5. Baby bum cream
  6. Moisturising lotion for your little one’s skin
  7. Change of clothing
  8. Snacks, bottle or sippy cup
  9. Bath toys but check with swim school if necessary
  10. 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/ 

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Do Babies Really Need Sunscreen? The Risks of Overuse and Underuse

When 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 

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Decoding Baby Eczema

For many South African parents, few things are more stressful than watching their baby’s delicate skin flare up with redness, dryness, or tiny itchy patches. Baby eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, affects up to 1 in 5 children worldwide — and while it’s common, it can leave parents feeling worried and overwhelmed.

But the good news is, with the right skincare routine, baby eczema is manageable. And no, it doesn’t mean your little one will always struggle with sensitive skin.

“Parents are often surprised to learn that baby eczema is not a sign that they’re doing something wrong,” says Karen Van Rensburg, spokesperson for Sanosan South Africa. “It’s a common skin condition linked to an underdeveloped skin barrier, and the key is to protect and strengthen that barrier with gentle care.”

Baby eczema usually shows up between two and six months of age. It can appear on the face, behind the ears, on the arms, legs, or even the chest. The skin becomes dry, red, itchy and, in some cases, scaly.

“Triggers vary,” explains Van Rensburg. “It could be heat, dry air, soaps with harsh ingredients, or even certain fabrics. Understanding what sparks your baby’s flare-ups is an important step in managing the condition.”

So what can parents do at home? Here are some dermatologist-approved tips:

1. Keep baths short and sweet

Stick to lukewarm water and limit bath time to 5–10 minutes. Avoid bubble baths and fragranced soaps.

2. Moisturise immediately after bathing

Lock in hydration by applying a fragrance-free, gentle moisturiser while your baby’s skin is still slightly damp.

3. Choose your products wisely

Opt for creams specifically designed for sensitive baby skin. Look for formulas enriched with natural oils, chamomile, or panthenol — like those found in Sanosan’s baby skincare range.

4. Watch the wardrobe

Dress your baby in soft, breathable cotton and avoid scratchy fabrics like wool. Always wash new clothes before wearing.

5. Spot and soothe flare-ups early

At the first sign of redness or irritation, apply a gentle, protective cream to calm the skin.

6. Don’t overheat the room

Babies with eczema are often sensitive to heat. Keep the nursery cool and use a humidifier if the air feels very dry.

7. See a healthcare professional when needed

If the rash is severe, infected, or your baby seems very uncomfortable, always seek medical advice.

“Parents sometimes think stronger products will ‘fix’ eczema faster,” says Van Rensburg. “But baby skin is incredibly delicate. Harsh ingredients strip away natural oils and make things worse. Gentle, consistent care is far more effective in the long run.”

Baby eczema can feel daunting, but with the right care and patience, most little ones outgrow it as their skin barrier matures. In the meantime, gentle skincare, lots of cuddles, and a watchful eye on triggers can make the world of difference.

“Think of it as supporting your baby’s skin while it learns to protect itself,” Van Rensburg adds. “You’re not just treating eczema — you’re helping build a healthy foundation for life.”

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 

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10 Surprising Uses for Nipple Cream That Moms Swear By

Think nipple cream is only for breastfeeding moms? Think again. Across South Africa, women (and even some men) are discovering that the humble little tube hiding in the baby aisle is actually a multi-purpose lifesaver.

The magic ingredient? Lanolin — a natural wax derived from sheep’s wool that locks in moisture and helps skin heal. It’s the powerhouse behind many trusted nipple creams.

“South Africans love a product that can do more than one job,” says Karen Van Rensburg, spokesperson for Sanosan South Africa. “Lanolin is one of those ingredients that’s stood the test of time because it’s safe, gentle, and surprisingly versatile. Moms swear by it long after the breastfeeding chapter ends.”

So, what else can you do with lanolin nipple cream besides soothing sore nursing nipples? Here are 10 surprising uses that might just make you toss a tube into every handbag, nappy bag, and bathroom drawer.

1. Dry, Cracked Lips

Move over lip balm — lanolin is richer and longer lasting. A tiny dab keeps lips soft and flake-free, even in the Highveld’s dry winters, or the Cape’s windy summers. 

2. Nappy Rash Relief

Gentle enough for a newborn’s skin, lanolin helps soothe redness and creates a protective barrier against wet nappies.

3. Cuticle & Hand Rescue

Massage a bit into ragged cuticles or dry hands before bed and wake up with salon-soft results.

4. Stretch Mark Support

Regular use can help keep skin supple during pregnancy or weight changes — a must-have for moms-to-be.

5. Cracked Heel Fix

Tired feet? Apply before slipping on socks at night. By morning, heels feel noticeably smoother.

6. Sunburn Soother

That unexpected Cape Town beach day burn? Lanolin locks in hydration to calm the sting.

7. Chafing Relief

Runners, cyclists and gym-goers use lanolin to prevent friction and soothe irritated skin.

8. Eyebrow & Flyaway Tamer

A smidge brushed through brows or hair smooths down unruly strands without stiffness.

9. Minor Skin Irritations

From windburn on your cheeks to those rough patches on elbows, lanolin helps restore skin’s moisture barrier.

10. Makeup Hack

Many makeup artists use lanolin as a dewy highlighter on cheekbones or to revive dry mascara in a pinch.

Lanolin is especially loved because it’s gentle, natural, and safe for even the most delicate skin. Unlike many multi-purpose balms, it’s also fragrance-free and hypoallergenic — meaning the whole family can use it.

“It’s the ultimate multi-tasker in a tube,” says Van Rensburg. “Once you start experimenting with it, you realise there’s almost nothing it can’t do.”

Sanosan Mama Nipple Salve contains just 100% pure, natural Lanolin, without parabens or fragrances. Dermatologically tested, it’s safe for both mom and baby, with no need to rinse before feeding. Available from Clicks Baby and Online stores, takealot.com, Makro Online and medhealthsup.com

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 

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