The outside is made from hand printed batik (printed in Bali), which has been made waterproof and breathable and leak- free. Inside, soft fleece keeps baby’s skin dry by drawing pee into the absorbent insert placed inside the pocket of the diaper. Each insert consists of three layers of microfiber terry cloth that can absorb ^-10 times its weight in liquid. Inserts are also anti­allergenic and anti-bacterial. It can be adjusted to fit different sizes. The front panel can be folded down to reveal another row of snaps. Use this row to downsize the diaper for smaller babies.

Bummis Super Whisper Wrap

Made from a super resistant waterproof laminate sandwiched between two layers of soft polyester knit, this one’s made to last through rigorous washing. The outer fabric isn’t as soft as the others, but is slightly stretchy for a snug fit. The comfortable elasticised legs keeps the contents from leaking out. Use it over prefolds, velcroed or snap-closing diapers. Comes in four different sizes to fit babies 4kg to 18+kg.

Mommy’s Touch One Size Pocket Diaper

As it is one size fits all, you can use it to fit any children of different sizes. Two rows of snaps allow you to size the diaper to fit a newborn or a toddler. Adjust the depth of the crotch (or rise) by choosing the top or bottom row of snaps. Extender tabs are available separately to up-size the diaper even more. The outer layer is a polyurethane laminate while the inside is extremely soft micro fleece. The leg casings are elasticized and encased (there is stitching on both sides of the elastic) so that only soft micro fleece touches baby’s legs. It comes in 39 great colors from black to mint.

Bummis Cotton

Use this as a diaper cover with a folded cloth nappy inside to absorb pee and poo or as a swim diaper. To use, place an insert or pre-fold on top of the cover, then baby on top of the insert and fasten. It fastens with velcro, making it a cinch when handling a wriggly baby. The velcro loop panel on the tummy area is wide, allowing a variety of fits. The inside mesh lining increases air flow and helps to hold the diaper in place. Not recommended for night time use or heavy wetters. Can be used as a swim diaper (without any inserts). Comes in fun, cheerful prints, from small to extra large.

Fuzzi Bun

To use, place an insert (or more for longer periods like night time) into the pocket, then fasten around baby. The soft outer material acts as a moisture barrier keeping all wetness and messes inside, hence leaks are prevented. Made of polyester, it’s stain-free, so you don’t have laundry woes. The inside fleece which is in contact with baby’s skin draws moisture away from the baby’s bottom, into the insert. Comes in four sizes to fit 3kg to 16+kg babies/toddlers.

It’s a common sight at the pool and the beach…to see mothers applying sunscreen to wriggling children who are eager to play. But there is something very wrong with this picture. Sunscreen takes half an hour to get absorbed and start protecting your child’s tender skin. So make sure you apply the cream at home and especially for babies it is best to work in the sunscreen before you put on the clothes. This protects the areas where the clothes ride up from getting burnt too. Many parents apply the sunscreen once and think their child is covered unless they have been in the water. Experts, however, recommend that the sunscreen be applied every two hours and especially after each dip in the pool.

Mandy Parkson invested in SPF swimwear for her one­ year-old. “Anything I can do to guarantee he is safe is fine though this is more expensive….I’m even thinking of buying UV protected sunglasses. My family thinks I am either being too fashion conscious or too paranoid but… “She adds. A lip balm that offers a SPF protection of 15 or higher should be applied for children over six months.

For babies younger than six months the safest protection seems to be loose full clothes, a wide brim hat and protection under an umbrella or a parasol. After babies have crossed the six-month mark they can be safely protected with a sunscreen created for children. Doctors also suggest that if a child is on some medication, parents check with the doctor if that medicine could increase sensitivity to sunrays.

Another factor to study while buying a sunscreen lotion is the SPF written on the side of the bottle. The SPF or Sun Protection Factor is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce sunburn on a protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause sunburn on unprotected skin. For e.g. a person who turns red after 10 minutes in the sun takes 20 minutes to turn red after using a sunscreen with SPF 2 and 150 minutes after applying a cream with SPF 15. Another thing to keep in mind while purchasing a sunscreen is what percentage of protection is ensured with a particular SPF. Some Doctor / Skin Expert recommend a SPF 30 screen for children as it blocks 97 per cent of UV rays but do keep in mind that a minimal SPF of 15 screens 93 per cent of UV rays.

You have chosen a sunscreen with a SPF of 30 and it is probably a mix of physical and chemical types. Now check if the label also carries the words broad spectrum and waterproof. Next, make sure your child is not allergic to the sunscreen you have selected by applying it to a small area and waiting for 24 hours for any reactions.

The Burning Facts

The first step to ensure complete protection for our children is by understanding what those beautiful sunrays bring us. Sunrays contain three types of ultra violet rays. They progress from being harmful to really dangerous for our children’s delicate skins. UVA rays while having the least energy penetrate deepest into the skin. They cause premature aging and wrinkles and while they are least associated with skin cancer, they are can cause it if received in high dosage. UVB rays are the most potent and unprotected exposure to these rays result in sunburns, cataracts and immune system damage. These rays are also said to lie behind the development of melanoma. The third kind of UV rays — UVC have the most energy but as they are blocked by the earth’s atmosphere we do not have to worry about them.

UV rays are strongest during summer and places near the equator face their brunt more than others. Another sun fact to keep in mind is how chemical pollution has affected the intensity of the sunrays that reach us. Experts believe that they are more powerful and dangerous than they were 35 years ago. Gwen, mother of two, was very careful about using sunscreen on those hot sunny days when her daughter developed sunburn on a cloudy day Gwen was horrified. Now wiser she shares with us, “Clouds do not block those UV rays. Sunscreen is a necessity on everyday — that’s the rule at my home.”

With these facts on board our first instinct is to cover up our children and keep them indoor at all times. But control yourself for with sunscreen we are able to ensure that our children get the best of both worlds.