Hi Baby nappies’ super absorbent core

The Super Absorbent Core of Hi Baby nappies are the heart and soul of our nappies. When it comes to caring for your little human, other than a parent’s loving arms, it is the surface area of the nappy that holds the most responsibility.

The inner surface of the nappy you put on your baby’s bottom will be in contact with your baby’s skin for prolonged periods of time so why would you want to put anything other than an AAA grade Hi Baby Premium Nappy on that bum? 

Excess moisture in a nappy causes maceration of the skin surface (where skin gets lighter in colour and goes all wrinkly… such as when you have been sitting in the bath for too long) and ultimately leads to skin breakdown which may result in secondary fungal, yeast and bacterial infections which thrive in a warm moist environment … especially in this summer heat! Prolonged skin contact with urine and feces irritates the skin, leading to inflammation and further skin breakdown. Contact dermatitis is especially common when babies have diarrhea, often paired with illness or teething. A super absorbent nappy core ensures a dry nappy surface protecting baby’s sensitive skin from nappy rash. 

How do Hi Baby nappies absorb and retain so much moisture?  Along with the incredibly soft top inside layer, the nappy’s inner core is made up of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs). SAPs look like little crystals when they are dry, but when exposed to moisture they swell up and turn into a gel-like substance. SAPs can absorb up to 30 times their own weight in fluid (kind of like a pregnant woman… or at least it feels that way) ensuring that the nappy absorbs moisture and locks it away. SAPs cannot dissolve in water and can tolerate weight/pressure so that, even with a baby bouncing on the nappy, moisture does not get released back to the nappy surface, keeping your little one’s skin safe and dry. An added bonus is that Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Up’s are free from Oxymethylene, Flourescer and Brightener, making them gentle and safe on baby’s skin without chemical smells. The outer layer of the nappy is just as soft – it does not have a plastic feel to it, and it breathes, eliminating excess ‘humidity’ on the inside of the nappy.

When thinking about it, one could easily compare a mother to a Hi Baby Nappy or Pull Up. Like the outside of our nappies, a mother brings that soft and gentle element into a home … and she is beautiful too (just like our nappies).  The inner soft layer is like a mother’s gentle touch; that loving hug, that gentle hand wiping away tears. She is that protective barrier between her little human and the big bad world, protecting her little one to the best of her ability, regardless of the circumstances. A mother is absorbent, just like the core of a Hi Baby Nappy or Pull up. Her heart is full of Super Absorbent Polymers … taking in each moment of her little one’s fleeting childhood, and sealing it in, not releasing it from her heart again. 

From the moment you found out that you were pregnant, coming to terms with the fact that this little person is yours, and embracing it. Feeling your unborn baby kick for the first time. Sealing in the moment you looked at your newborn for the first time … vowing that you would protect him/her against all odds. Just like the nappy takes a few blows when a baby is bouncing all over it; so too does a mother’s heart. Sometimes your little one will get, sometimes it feels like they are hurting you on purpose … but it does not change the fact that you would do anything to protect them from harm and keep them safe. 

From now on, every time you change your little one’s Hi Baby Premium Nappy or Pull up, take a moment to hold that full dry-surfaced nappy in your hand (yes, regardless of what is in the nappy) and remind yourself to absorb every moment, every phase, and every stage. Seal it in your heart where not even the toughest situations in life can take that from you because you are a mother: with a heart full of Super Absorbent Polymers!

Until Next Month,

Sr Jessica Bredenkamp

(Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

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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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