Welcome to this September edition of Tiny Tots Corner, dear readers. A big thank you to all the parents who sent in photos of their adorable little angels. All the pics really brightened up our newsroom and it was no easy task choosing just three winners. To the winning tots and their parents, congratulations. These little ones stole the show with their cuteness. Parents, keep those entries rolling. Your little cherub could be in the spotlight next month!!!
Competition Rules
- The Editor’s decision is final.
- This competition is open to all babies, between the ages of six and 24 months, who live in the Laudium Sun main distribution area.
- Closing date: Wednesday, October 22.
- Entries must include a recent, clear photo of your baby, accompanied by the full name and age of infant, and also parents’ names and addresses…as well as contact numbers.
- All entries must be hand-delivered to the Laudium Sun office in Laudium or e-mailed to: info@laudiumsun.co.za or posted to: PO Box 786, Pretoria, 0001, and are to reach us before the closing date.
How to keep your little one happy on hot summer days
To make sure your little one stays cool and protected during the long, hot days of summer, herewith some tips on hot weather survival.
- The right clothing
Toddlers should be in a nappy when indoors and if they are outdoors between the hours of 10am and 3pm, make sure that toddler is wearing very lightweight clothing, preferably made from a natural fibre like cotton, which absorbs perspiration better than synthetic fabrics. - Good air flow for smaller babies
Small babies don’t perspire effectively and can become overheated really quickly – even a few minutes in a parked car or hot room with the windows closed, could prove dangerous, so make sure to open windows where necessary. - Use a breathable baby carrier
Make sure that whichever carrier you go with – the fabric isn’t going to contribute to making your baby hot and bothered. If your baby’s face starts to look red and flushed, remove them from the carrier to cool down immediately. A fabric such as hemp absorbs and releases perspiration quickly, keeping baby as cool as possible, on hot summer days. - Keep baby hydrated
Babies can become dehydrated very quickly. Even if you don’t see them sweating, they can still be losing fluids during hot weather. Babies under 6 months shouldn’t really drink water, so if your little one falls into this category, you can replace the lost fluids by giving extra formula or by nursing more frequently. Babies usually drink at least 50% more than usual during summer, so make sure to always offer extra on warmer days. - Plan your day around the sun
We all know how strong the South African sun is, but between the hours of 10am to 3pm it’s the most dangerous. Don’t allow your little one any sun during these hours. If they want to go outside to play make sure to put up a big umbrella and cover any exposed areas with sunscreen in case they happen to catch some rays. Try to plan your outdoor play dates before or after these hours. - Sunscreen matters
Babies under 6 months old really shouldn’t get any major direct sunlight, so you shouldn’t need to use any sunscreen on their very delicate skin. Should the need arise for sunscreen, a sunscreen for kids with a SPF of 50 should be used.
*This article is a guideline only. If in any doubt, please consult your healthcare provider.