Parenting Hub

Dealing with Colic: Soothing Techniques for Parents

Colic is a challenging and often overwhelming experience for both babies and their parents. Characterised by excessive crying and fussiness, colic typically occurs in infants between the ages of 2 weeks and 3-4 months, and while it’s a common phase, it can leave parents feeling helpless and exhausted. The good news is that colic, though distressing, is temporary, and there are various soothing techniques that can help calm your baby and provide you with some relief. Here’s how you can manage colic and bring comfort to your little one during this tough phase: 1. Offer a Feeding Break Colic episodes often occur after feedings, which may be linked to excessive gas, reflux, or an overactive or under-active let-down. If your baby seems particularly fussy after eating, try holding them upright for a little longer to allow gravity to help with digestion. You can also try offering smaller, more frequent feedings to reduce the chance of overeating, which can lead to discomfort. If you’re breastfeeding, make sure your baby latches correctly to avoid swallowing excess air, which can contribute to colic symptoms. 2. Burp Your Baby Frequently Babies tend to swallow air while feeding, which can contribute to gas buildup and discomfort. Frequent burping during and after feedings can help release trapped air and prevent colic flare-ups. Try burping your baby after every ounce of milk or every few minutes during breastfeeding. Use gentle, soothing techniques, such as patting or rubbing your baby’s back in an upright position, to encourage the air bubbles to come out. 3. Create a Calming Environment Sometimes, colic may be triggered by overstimulation, so creating a calming environment can be helpful. Dimming the lights, playing soft music or white noise, and reducing the amount of noise and movement around your baby may help soothe them. A calm atmosphere can allow your baby to relax and reduce crying spells. Consider using a baby swing, rocker, or cradle, as the gentle motion can have a calming effect. 4. Try Gentle Tummy Massage A gentle tummy massage can help relieve gas and ease discomfort. Gently rub your baby’s belly in a clockwise motion to promote digestion and help release trapped gas. Alternatively, you can try a “bicycle” motion with your baby’s legs by gently moving their legs in a circular motion as if they were peddling a bike. This can help alleviate tension in the abdomen and ease discomfort caused by gas. 5. Use Soothing Sounds Certain soothing sounds can calm babies and reduce fussiness. White noise machines, the sound of a vacuum cleaner, or a gentle lullaby may help drown out other distracting noises and provide a sense of comfort. The familiar sound of the womb can have a calming effect, and many babies respond positively to these types of sounds. Experiment with different options to find what works best for your baby. 6. Offer a Warm Bath A warm bath can be incredibly soothing for both the baby and the parent. The warm water helps to relax the muscles and can provide comfort during a colic episode. While your baby is in the bath, gently massage their back or legs to help them relax further. The calming effect of the water, combined with the soothing touch, can help reduce tension and ease the discomfort associated with colic. 7. Swaddle Your Baby Swaddling can provide comfort and security for some babies, as it mimics the snug environment of the womb. Wrapping your baby in a soft blanket can help them feel more secure and reduce the startle reflex, which may contribute to crying episodes. Be sure not to swaddle too tightly, as babies need space to move their hips and legs freely. If your baby seems to resist being swaddled, try using a sleep sack as an alternative. 8. Offer a Pacifier Sucking is a natural self-soothing technique for babies. If your baby is not hungry but continues to cry, offering a pacifier can help calm them. The act of sucking can be very soothing and may distract your baby from discomfort. Be mindful of when your baby is using the pacifier—if it seems to be a tool for soothing without causing additional distress, it can be a helpful solution. 9. Consider Your Baby’s Diet If you’re breastfeeding, consider any foods you may be eating that could potentially upset your baby’s stomach. Common culprits include dairy, caffeine, and spicy foods. Try eliminating one item at a time to see if there’s any improvement. If you’re formula-feeding, check with your paediatrician to see if a different type of formula might help ease your baby’s discomfort, such as a gentle or hypoallergenic formula designed for sensitive tummies. 10. Stay Calm and Seek Support Dealing with colic can be physically and emotionally exhausting. It’s important to remember that you’re doing the best you can, and it’s okay to ask for help. If you feel overwhelmed, reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or a healthcare professional for support. Take breaks when you need them, and don’t hesitate to lean on others. Your baby’s colic phase will eventually pass, but your well-being is just as important, and taking care of yourself will help you take care of your baby. Conclusion While colic is undoubtedly a challenging phase for both parents and babies, there are a variety of soothing techniques you can try to help comfort your little one. From feeding adjustments and tummy massages to calming environments and swaddling, finding the right combination of techniques will go a long way in easing your baby’s discomfort. Remember, colic is temporary, and with patience and persistence, you and your baby will get through this phase together.

March 25, 2025
Parenting Hub

When to Transition from Crib to Bed: A Parent’s Guide

The transition from crib to bed is a major milestone in both your child’s development and your parenting journey. For many parents, it signals the end of an era and the beginning of a new phase in their child’s independence. However, deciding when and how to make this transition can be challenging. Every child is different, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. In this guide, we’ll explore key signs that it may be time to move your little one from the crib to a bed, offer tips for a smooth transition, and provide advice on how to make the process as stress-free as possible for both you and your child. When to Transition from Crib to Bed: Key Signs How to Make the Transition Smooth Alternative Options to Consider If you’re unsure about jumping straight from a crib to a regular bed, there are intermediate options to consider: Conclusion The transition from crib to bed is a big step in your child’s development, and there is no one “right” time to make the switch. Every child is different, so it’s important to look for the signs that your little one is ready. Whether they’re climbing out of the crib, showing an interest in independence, or simply outgrowing their space, the key is to make the transition gradual and supportive. With patience, reassurance, and a bit of planning, you can help your child make the move to a bed with ease and confidence.

March 25, 2025
DIBBER SA

Stories That Inspire: Nurturing Young Minds Through Folktales

Imagine sitting under a giant baobab tree as the sun dips below the horizon, with the gentle cadence of an elder’s voice sharing timeless stories. At Dibber International Preschools, folktales are more than entertaining narratives—they are a powerful medium for teaching, connecting, and preserving cultural heritage while nurturing a child’s imagination and moral growth. “Storytelling is at the heart of our educational approach,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber International Preschools. “When we weave folktales into our daily curriculum, we’re not only sharing delightful stories but also imparting valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and creativity.” Folktales captivate with simplicity and depth, often featuring colourful characters and memorable adventures conveying universal truths. Consider the classic South African tale of “The Lion and the Jackal,” where the clever jackal outsmarts the proud lion—a narrative that teaches children the value of wit and resourcefulness over sheer strength. Such stories ignite curiosity, inspire critical thinking, and provide young learners with a framework to understand complex emotions and social interactions. At Dibber, our Engaged Educators™ integrate folktales into everyday learning, creating an immersive environment where lessons come alive. In a typical session, children might listen intently to the tale of “The Clever Tortoise,” absorbing lessons on patience and perseverance while envisioning the sounds and sights of the African savannah. These storytelling moments do more than entertain—they foster language development, cultural awareness, and a sense of belonging. Moreover, folktales serve as a bridge between generations, bringing families together around bedtime stories or circle-time discussions. They offer windows to the past and mirrors to a child’s growth, adapting across cultures and time to remain relevant. “At Dibber, we cherish the sparks that folktales ignite in a child’s imagination,” adds Assis. “Every story is a little seed of wisdom that can light up a young mind and guide them on their lifelong learning journey.” For more information on our storytelling approach and the enriching experiences at Dibber International Preschools, please visit www.dibber.co.za/branches.

March 24, 2025
Parenting Hub

Age-Appropriate Chores to Teach Responsibility

Teaching children responsibility is one of the most valuable life lessons you can impart. One effective way to do this is by giving them age-appropriate chores. Not only do these tasks help children develop a strong work ethic, but they also encourage independence, boost self-esteem, and contribute to the overall functioning of the family. As children grow, their ability to handle more complex tasks increases, making it important for parents to match chores with the child’s developmental stage. Here’s a guide to age-appropriate chores that can help teach responsibility at each stage of your child’s development. Toddlers (Ages 2-3) At this age, toddlers are beginning to understand basic concepts like “helping” and “cleaning up.” They may not be able to complete tasks perfectly, but involving them in household activities fosters a sense of contribution and accomplishment. The goal at this stage is to focus on simple tasks that don’t require too much fine motor control. Suggested Chores: Benefits: Toddlers learn the basic concept of tidying up after themselves, and they get a sense of achievement by completing simple tasks. Preschoolers (Ages 4-5) Preschoolers are becoming more independent and capable of handling more specific chores. They have better motor skills, so they can manage tasks that require a bit more effort and precision. At this stage, the focus is on tasks that promote self-care and contribute to the household in small but meaningful ways. Suggested Chores: Benefits: Preschoolers start to gain confidence in their abilities and understand the concept of helping others. It also teaches them the importance of routines and responsibility. Elementary School (Ages 6-9) By this age, children have developed the skills to handle more detailed chores and can take on bigger responsibilities. Their attention spans are longer, and they are capable of completing tasks with less supervision. It’s important to start giving them more responsibility while also teaching them how to organise and manage their time. Suggested Chores: Benefits: Children at this age begin to understand the relationship between their actions and the well-being of the household. They learn to be more self-sufficient and develop an understanding of time management. Tweens (Ages 10-12) By the time children reach the tween years, they are capable of handling more complex and time-consuming chores. They are becoming more mature, responsible, and able to contribute in more substantial ways to the family routine. The focus should be on reinforcing responsibility, independence, and teamwork. Suggested Chores: Benefits: Tweens develop a strong sense of independence and accountability. They also begin to understand the importance of teamwork within the family unit and learn the skills needed for taking care of themselves and others. Teens (Ages 13+) Teenagers are now fully capable of managing most household chores independently and may even take on more advanced responsibilities. By this stage, the goal is to teach them about time management, budgeting, and working as part of a team. Suggested Chores: Benefits: Teens learn valuable life skills like cooking, cleaning, and managing time. These chores prepare them for adulthood and teach them the importance of contributing to the well-being of others. Conclusion Assigning age-appropriate chores is one of the best ways to teach children responsibility, teamwork, and life skills. By giving them manageable tasks that suit their abilities and gradually increasing the complexity as they grow, you help them build confidence and a strong sense of accomplishment. Start early, be consistent, and remember to praise their efforts. These small tasks lay the foundation for responsible and capable adults, ready to take on the challenges of the world!

March 24, 2025
Parenting Hub

How to Create the Perfect Birth Plan

A birth plan is a document that outlines your preferences and wishes for labor and delivery, giving you the opportunity to communicate your choices to your healthcare team in advance. It is a helpful tool for ensuring your voice is heard during one of the most significant events of your life. While birth plans can offer structure, it’s important to stay flexible, as childbirth can be unpredictable. This guide will walk you through how to create the perfect birth plan, offering tips on what to include, how to communicate your preferences, and why flexibility is key. 1. Understand the Purpose of a Birth Plan Before diving into creating your birth plan, it’s essential to understand that it’s not a rigid, set-in-stone contract. A birth plan is more of a guideline that reflects your preferences and values, but it’s important to be open to change if circumstances evolve. Childbirth can be unpredictable, and your healthcare providers will be ready to make decisions based on what’s safest for you and your baby. That said, a birth plan allows you to express your wishes and prepare for the birthing process. 2. Start with a Calm, Open Mind Creating a birth plan can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you’re a first-time parent. It’s important to approach the process with a calm, open mindset. While you may have a vision for your ideal birth, it’s essential to keep in mind that things don’t always go as planned. Your birth plan should reflect your desires, but also acknowledge that flexibility and adaptability are key to ensuring both you and your baby are safe and comfortable. 3. Key Elements to Include in Your Birth Plan While every birth plan is unique, there are several key aspects you should consider when creating your document: Labor Preferences Delivery Preferences Post-Birth Preferences 4. Be Clear About What You Want, but Stay Flexible It’s crucial to communicate your preferences clearly, but also remember to stay flexible. Birth is unpredictable, and certain interventions or changes in plans may become necessary to ensure your safety and the safety of your baby. While it’s okay to have a clear vision of your ideal birth, it’s also helpful to include in your birth plan that you’re open to modifications if necessary. For example, you could write: 5. Involve Your Birth Team in the Process Once you’ve drafted your birth plan, be sure to review it with your healthcare provider or midwife. They can offer advice on what’s realistic, especially if you’re planning to give birth at a hospital. They may also help clarify any medical procedures or policies that might affect your preferences. By involving your birth team early in the process, you can ensure everyone is on the same page and work together to create the best possible experience for you and your baby. 6. Keep It Short and Simple While you may have many wishes and preferences, it’s best to keep your birth plan short and to the point. Most birth professionals will appreciate a concise plan that covers your key preferences without overwhelming them with excessive detail. Aim for a one-page document that includes your most important points. 7. Prepare for the Unexpected Even the most well-prepared birth plans may need to be adjusted. While it’s great to have a vision for your birth, it’s essential to prepare mentally for the possibility that things might not go as expected. For example, your plan might need to change if there are complications, if you need an emergency C-section, or if other interventions are necessary. The key is to prioritise your health and the health of your baby, and trust that your birth team will be there to support you every step of the way. 8. Update Your Plan as Needed As your due date approaches, it’s a good idea to revisit your birth plan and make any necessary updates based on new information or circumstances. For instance, if you decide on a different type of pain management or have a change of heart about your preferences, be sure to revise your plan. Stay flexible, but also ensure your wishes are communicated clearly. Conclusion Creating the perfect birth plan is about preparing yourself mentally and emotionally for the birth process while ensuring your wishes are known. While a birth plan can be a great way to communicate your preferences, it’s important to remain open to adjustments as things evolve. Focus on your overall goal of a safe, healthy birth for both you and your baby, and trust that your healthcare team will be there to help guide you through the process. The perfect birth plan is one that is flexible, realistic, and supportive of both your desires and the changing nature of childbirth.

March 24, 2025
NB Hearing & Balance

Are Your Ears Working or Are They Just for Show?

Do you ever feel like you speak, and your kids don’t listen? I’ve used the phrase “your ears are like ornaments” too many times to count! But why do our kids seem to ‘tune out’ when we speak to them?  There are many factors that may contribute to and/or listening, and understanding and assessing aspects of sound processing can make all the difference to a frustrated mum or dad, and on the way, one can help our little ones experience a better sound world.  “Hearing” refers to the access, reception and transfer of sound from your environment, via your ears, to reach your brain. Reduced access can be caused by temporary or permanent hearing loss, and interruption of transfer can occur when nerves that should be passing the messages through to the brain, are not managing to do that well enough. Hearing well is also a prerequisite to understanding sound, and to developing good auditory skills.  What Is Listening and Auditory Processing? “Listening” and “auditory processing” involve active auditory and cognitive processes at the brain level, such as: The Difference Between Hearing Loss and Processing Challenges How may we tell the difference between a hearing loss and a processing challenge? A child with a temporary or permanent hearing loss may demonstrate difficulty in the following ways: However, a child who may have difficulty processing auditory information or listening may present with: Some children may also present with the following difficulties that could indicate both hearing loss and/or processing challenges: “Hearing” and “Listening” do have some cross-over, because not hearing well can impact the development of processing sound well. This is one of the reasons that parents are encouraged to reach out to a professional audiologist who can first eliminate a hearing problem, before assessing a child for any challenges in the processing arena.  Have Your Child’s Hearing Tested It is vitally important to regularly have your child’s hearing tested. If you have concerns, let our NB Hearing and Balance team of audiologists help you distinguish between a possible hearing problem versus a possible auditory processing issue. This can make the greatest difference in your child thriving in their developmental and academic growth versus just coping and getting by. Contact us if you are in Cape Town! Our rooms are conveniently located in Sea Point, Durbanville, Hout Bay, Wynberg and Noordhoek.

March 21, 2025
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