Protect Your Children's Skin This Summer

Keeping your children safe can be a challenging task in itself! However, when it comes to protecting your child from thesun's damaging and potentially harmful rays there are ways you can keep your child protected. What's even better is that you can keep your children protected whilst also keeping them stylish and looking good!

Children's skin is much more sensitive to UV rays than adults' skin. Because the body is still developing and growing the skin cannot deflect UV rays as well as adults can. If children are exposed to harmful UV rays too often when they're young it can create problems later on in life such as cancer and other skin related health problems.

So it makes sense to keep your child safe and protected this summer. With a range of clothing available your children can look adorable on the beach without worrying about their skin burning. In this article we'll look at just a few of the items of clothing available to protect your children.

Sunglasses

Sunglasses provide valuable protection to the eyes against powerful sun rays. UV rays from the sun can cause long term damage to the retinas in our eyes which can cause sight problems later on in life. It can also be painful to keep your eyes open on a really sunny day and don't forget: your children probably aren't used to such bright sunshine.

Hats

Hats look great and can provide that extra fashion accessory to make your child look cute and adorable. However, hats also provide added protection against the sun. Babies and infants have very little protection on their scalp to protect them against UV rays. Putting a hat on their head will add protection and reduce risks of burning. You can also buy hats with additional UV protection built in.

Bandanas

A bandana is another way to protect the head of your child. Bandanas provide a unique look compared to a hat and can really give your child a nice look on the beach. You'll be surprised at how many passersby compliment you on your child looking adorable!

Swimsuits

Some children love the sea and water, some don't. So if your child can't stay away from the amazing world of water particles they'll need full protection from the sun. A good swimsuit will provide all over protection including arms and legs. Long sleeve swimsuits are better than short sleeved because they cover up more skin. Swimwear with UV protection is also available in a wonderful range of bright colours and styles.

Hoodies

A hoody is a great way to keep your child warm and also cover their head. You might be outside in the sunset when it's getting cold and the built-in hood will provide protection against wind, cold weather and the sun too. They're also a good way to keep your child looking fashionable and cute!

Flap hats

Flap hats have been protecting children's heads for a long time. They're a great solution to harmful UV rays beaming down on your child. Flap hats also provide cover to the back of the neck to protect the skin from burning.

At Little Sunflowers, we stock a wide range of products to protect your children's skin this summer - why not take a look right now?

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Win a Sophie the Giraffe teething toy!

One of the most famous baby brands in the world, Sophie the Giraffe (or Sophie la Girafe to give her her proper French name!) is one of the top names in teething and baby toys, and we're thrilled to be able to offer a large Sophie the Giraffe teething toy as our latest competition prize!



Features:

* Natural Rubber is soft, safe & non-toxic for baby to teethe & chew.
* Lightweight & easy to grasp for tiny hands.
* Painted with non-toxic, food-grade paints.
* Stimulating to baby’s senses with her soft colors & gentle squeak.
* Sophie the Giraffe is Phthalate-Free with NO Vinyl (no-PVC)!
* Her bumpy head helps soothe sore, teething gums.
* Hand-made in Rumilly in the French Alps, Sophie the Giraffe is a classic!
* Supplied in a box complete with card which can be personalised by parents with information about the baby.

To be in with a chance of winning this great prize, simply visit our website and fill in the competition form! It's really THAT simple!

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Top 26 Tips To Help When Your Tot Is Teething

There are no hard and fast rules about what remedies will work for your child, particularly when you are looking for drug-free alternatives to relieve the miseries of teething. The following 26 tips from Little Sunflowers have been compiled from our own experiences and those of our customers, together with guidance from all around the internet. Some may work for you and some may not – but they’re all worth a go! Keep trying different things until you find something which works for your child.

1. Cuddles are the most important thing you can give your teething child to comfort and reassure them – tender loving care goes a long way when your little one’s teeth are hurting.

2. Cold foods, such as yogurt or fruit puree can help to numb the pain.

3. A cold drink can soothe the whole mouth so pop a bottle of boiled water, breast or formula milk into the fridge and offer it to your baby when it’s cold (though not too cold as you don’t want a tummy chill).

4. A weak chamomile infusion, or weak chamomile tea, is useful as a gentle sedative. Offer it to your baby from a bottle.

5. Plenty of water or heavily diluted juice should be given to your baby to replenish fluids when they are dribbling a lot.

6. A wet flannel which has been rung out and chilled can bring relief to a baby who is keen to chew on something – the rough texture really seems to help.

7. 2 drops of chamomile in 15ml of aloe vera gel can be used to massage the child’s jaw and neck area.

8. Lightly massage your baby’s gums with a clean finger the part that is sore will often feel hot to the touch and you will probably be able to feel the tooth coming through under the surface.

9. Dilute 1 drop of clove oil in 2 tablespoons of safflower oil and gently massage the affected area 2-3 times a day.

10. Rub your baby’s gums with a small gauze pad – not only will this bring relief, but it will get your child used to the sensation of what it’s like to have his or her
teeth cleaned.

11. Try a baby teething gel massaged across the gums for babies older than four months (recent articles expressing concern about using gels for this purpose referred to adult gels rather than those designed for babies.) Ensure you check the dosage and expiry date.

12. Crush a little ice and put it in a thin cotton cloth, then rub gently on the gums. Ensure ice doesn’t come into direct contact with the gum, and ensure you keep the wrapped ice moving (children who hold frozen items against their gums for too long can actually get frostbite).

13. Chill some pieces of fruit or vegetables, wrap them in muslin and give them to your baby to chew under supervision.

14. Sterilised teething rings can provide temporary relief for the baby and actually help the teeth to cut through. Try one that’s been chilled in the fridge for greater relief (or even gel-filled rings which can work well when they’ve been cooled in the fridge).

15. Chill a metal spoon in the fridge and allow your child to chew on it under supervision.

16. Allow your child to bite on the knuckle of your forefinger held sideways – it’ll bring them comfort an hurt a lot less than you think!

17. Homeopathic Teething Granules contain soothing chamomilla, a traditional homeopathic remedy for teething pain in an easy-to-use form. They are available in your High Street Chemist – always read the label.

18. Consult a Homeopath, who will who will be able to recommend a number of remedies to relieve the symptoms associated with teething.

19. An amber teething necklace can be worn against the skin to calm and relax a teething child – these necklaces have been worn for generations across Europe in countries like Germany and Switzerland, though it is quite a new concept in the UK.

20. Make teething biscuits by mixing 1 cup of flour with 1 cup of baby cereal and 1 cup of juice. Roll out, cut into shapes, then bake at 350 degrees F for 20-30 minutes. Allow your baby to chew on them (when you are there, in case a small piece breaks off). These biscuits freeze well.

21. Chill carrot sticks, cucumber sticks or bread slices in the fridge and allow your baby to chew on them (only when you are there, in case a small piece breaks off). Avoid anything too hard as they could bruise the gums and make things more painful.

22. Distract your baby with something to play with or a change of scenery to divert their attention from the pain. There are a number of teething toys on the market with a dual purpose: your baby can chew on them and they are a distraction from their teeth. Examples include organic teething toys and rattles incorporating a ring and/or knots which can be rubbed against the gums. Sophie the Giraffe has been around for generations – she is made from natural Alpine rubber and non toxic paints and is designed for baby to chew as well as play with.

23. Keep a soft bib around your baby’s neck and change it often to soak up dribble, thereby keeping the skin dry and so avoiding a rash.

24. Apply a simple barrier cream to sore chins to keep the skin smooth and ease any chapped skin.

25. Consult a cranial osteopath. Cranial osteopathy is a subtle type of osteopathic treatment using gentle techniques to release strain and tension in the body. It is particularly effective for young babies suffering with teething and colic.

26. Medicine (analgesic) designed especially for babies, such as Calpol or Nurofen, can be given to babies who are three months old or more to help relieve the pain and bring down a raised temperature. Always read the label, and check with your doctor and/or health visitor if a raised temperature persists. Follow your doctor’s instructions and never give aspirin to a baby.

These tips are part of the Little Sunflowers Guide to Teething, which you can download free from the Little Sunflowers blog at http://littlesunflowers.blogspot.com/2010/01/help-my-baby-is-teething-what-should-i.html

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Christmas gift ideas for babies

We're currently running a competition on our Facebook Fan Page, where we're offering £100 of Little Sunflowers vouchers to one lucky participant.

Entering is easy - all you have to do is suggest a Christmas present for a child in one of three age groups. You can find out more about it here.

Today we'd like to look at some of the ideas we've been given for the 0-1 or baby age range.

Not always the easiest to buy for, so let's see what entries we've had so far, and maybe it will help you with your Christmas gift shopping!

Christmas present suggestions for babies:

1) Wow Toys - Antonia suggested Wow toys for babies, and we have to say, the range on the website is fab! Colourful, bright and easy to grip, their range of baby bath toys should be on every parent's shopping list!

2) Tinne suggested that we took a look at GeoMag toys - they do a baby range that looks great. We liked this shapes and sounds magnetic set, available from Amazon, and suitable for 10 months plus.

3) Sophie the Giraffe is always popular with babies and parents, and Ailsa picked up the fact that we stock her in store. Sophie is always one of our best sellers, so if you have a baby to buy for, definitely consider it!

4) Tinne also recommended a Skwish as having fantastic colours and being easy for baby to get hold of - a quick Google and we found out what she meant!

5) Buggy board books were a great suggestion from Pam - any parent knows the 'boredom in the buggy' point always comes at the least opportune moment! Buugy board books are sturdy and fix to the pushchair so your baby can't throw them out every 2 minutes. We liked this Peter Rabbit one.

6) Only just fitting into this category was Samantha's suggestion of a baby Stella doll, suitable for 1 year plus - you can find this gorgeous little creature at Anara Toys.

7) Leigh suggested something that's both practical and playful - a Sleepytot comforter. The comforter has velcro feet that can hold dummies, teething rings and more, and the soft comforter helps your baby to sleep.

8) We loved Claire's suggestion of an Andy Warhol type print of your baby's face - how cool is that? Something to decorate his / her bedroom, and a great keepsake when he/ she is older!

So there you have it - some great ideas from our fans!

Dno't forget, we have a whole range of baby gifts on our website, and the competition is still open to win £100 of vouchers - just visit our Fan page and post in our discussion forum suggesting YOUR favourite Christmas gift suggestions!

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