Advice Column - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Investment basics for children

Talking about budgets is often the starting point in the financial education of kids. While budgeting can help you live within your means and stay solvent, only investing will help you become wealthy and financially independent one day. However, there is often a lot of jargon in the investment world, which is perhaps why we often don’t explain it to kids. Here are five investment basics for kids in plain language anyone can understand from the CEO of an investment company. Saving is for the short term, investing is for the long run Setting money aside monthly for unexpected expenses is a good start. As the last few months have taught us, an emergency fund is essential. Because you might need this money at any time, you don’t want to invest it in anything where the value will fluctuate too much, or where you can’t access it at short notice. This money should be kept in an easily accessible form, like a savings account or a money market fund. However, if you want to save for bigger long-term goals you will need to give your investment enough time to grow and invest in something that offers a higher return on investment than cash or money markets. Time is the secret ingredient when it comes to growing wealth Very few people become wealthy overnight. Listening to the stories of great business people, it soon becomes clear that a lot of hard work preceded their ‘overnight success’. The same applies to money. Every year’s gains add to that of the years that came before, and these gains add up. The key is not to give up or touch this money too soon. If you planned to invest your money for a certain time, it is usually best to stick to your plan unless something material has changed. Invest in the right things for the right reason This is the part that seems to trip many people up. We often get asked “what is the best investment?” However, there is no such thing (with a few caveats I’ll get to last)! The right investment is one that will do what you need it to do. If you need an emergency fund, then the right investment is one you can access quickly and where what you get out is more or less what you put in. But if you are investing for retirement, then accessing it now is not important. You also don’t want to just get back what you put in, because in thirty years’ time that money won’t buy you very much because things get more expensive over time due to inflation. You want your money to grow faster than inflation, so you can buy the same things (and maybe even more) in 30 years’ time. Asset class ABCs Asset classes are a way of sorting the things (instruments) we can invest in into groups by how they tend to behave. There are four basic types: cash, bonds, property, and equities. Less risky assets give you lower returns while more risky ones provide higher returns in the long run. Risk can sometimes mean losing money, but mostly it means an asset does not behave as expected. The least risky assets are cash and money markets, but they typically offer the lowest returns over the long run. Bond investments pay an agreed interest rate over an agreed period, and this is typically a higher rate than you can get from cash investments. Property investments are more risky than cash and bonds, but tend to offer higher returns. In addition to residential property, you can invest in things like shopping centres or office complexes, where people pay rent. When it comes to building wealth in the long-term, however, shares – also known as equities – are the place to be. These are like owning a part of a company. However, share prices move up and down all the time, sometimes by up to 30%, like we have seen recently. Because of this, it is often better to hold a balanced or multi-asset portfolio. This just means you combine all the asset classes to get the best of all worlds – more return for less risk. Lastly, choose whom you trust with care While each type of investment has its place, not all investment services providers are a safe bet. Some may be outright dishonest, others may be incompetent. Be careful of anyone promising fantastic returns in a short space of time (as you’ve just learnt, making money takes time!). Always check that the person you entrust your money to can be trusted, and invest with a company you know, and that is covered by solid regulations. By Anet Ahern, CEO at PSG Asset Management

April 21, 2023

How to practice good oral hygiene with braces

Braces are the answer to a number of dental concerns: They are worn to straighten teeth for aesthetic reasons, to fix bite issues, to correct over-or under-bites, to help solve speech impediments and fix issues like overcrowded or spacing issues. Whether worn for cosmetic or structural issues, braces may take some getting used to and you will have to adapt your daily oral hygiene routine to ensure you keep them clean. Practicing good oral hygiene is essential at every stage of your life, not only to keep your teeth looking their best, but also to avoid the formation of plaque, cavities and gum disease. You should brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily and visit your dentist for a check-up every six months. When you have braces, you need to step up your regime and be even more diligent about your daily dental hygiene practices. It may take a little longer to brush and floss with braces, but the extra effort is well worth it – when your braces come off, you’ll have a beautiful, healthy smile. Your oral hygiene routine won’t change much when you get braces – you’ll still need to brush and floss, however, you’ll have to adapt your technique. Braces are a little more difficult to keep clean as there are plenty of little nooks and crannies for food to get stuck in. Brushing and flossing correctly will ensure all food and bacteria is removed. Be sure to do both thoroughly, even if it becomes a little time-consuming. Brushing It is inevitable that some food may get stuck in your braces when you eat. That is why it is important to increase the number of times you brush from twice per day, to after every meal. This will ensure that food particles are removed promptly, helping avoid the formation of plaque and bad breath. If you find yourself in a situation where brushing after a meal isn’t possible, rinse your mouth thoroughly with some water to remove food particles that may have collected in or on the braces. Whether you use an electric or manual toothbrush is entirely up to you. Start with your top teeth. Hold your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle against the top of your braces, and gently brush in small circular movements. Brush the inside of your top teeth and repeat the process on your bottom teeth. Flossing Flossing is the only way to clean between the teeth and along the gum line. An easy and effective way to remove plaque around dental braces and improve gum health is to use a Waterpik® Water Flosser. It is clinically proven more effective than dental floss for people with braces, plus it’s a lot easier to use too. Water flossing is fast and easy and leaves your mouth feeling great – cleaner teeth, healthier gums. Its patented pulsating action removes plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas deep between teeth and below the gum line where traditional brushing and flossing can’t reach. This makes the Waterpik® water flosser ideal for implants and essential for braces for superior plaque removal. How does it work? For best results, use a Waterpik® Water Flosser with the Orthodontic Tip. The Waterpik® WP-450 Cordless Plus Water Flosser (R1399.00) is a compact and practical choice and can be used with Waterpik® Orthodontic Tips (R179.00), which are designed to remove hard-to-reach plaque around orthodontic brackets and wires. Fill the Water Flosser reservoir with lukewarm water and place it firmly on the base. Insert the flosser tip and click into the handle. Adjust the pressure control (start at low pressure), lean over the sink, and place tip in your mouth. Turn the unit on. Starting with the back teeth, aim the tip at the gum line. Pause and lightly brush the area between the teeth and all around the orthodontic bracket or appliance. Proceed to the next tooth until all teeth in the top and bottom rows have been cleaned. Quick, easy and effective, a Waterpik® Water Flosser is the only way to thoroughly floss when you have braces. Maintaining good oral hygiene practices will ensure your teeth are sparkling and healthy when your braces come off. Invest the time today, and enjoy beautiful teeth tomorrow. About Waterpik® Brushing is not enough, use a water flosser supplied by WaterPik®. Clinical research has shown that the Waterpik® Water Flosser is a more effective way to floss. Water flossing is fast and easy and leaves your mouth feeling great – cleaner teeth, healthier gums. Best of all, it only takes a minute a day before brushing. The easy and more effective way to floss!™ Its patented pulsating action removes plaque and debris from hard-to-reach areas deep between teeth and below the gum line where traditional brushing and flossing can’t reach. This makes the Waterpik® water flosser ideal for implants and essential for braces for superior plaque removal. Learn more at https://waterpikflosser.co.za/ Follow WaterPik® on social media: Instagram: @waterpiksouthafrica Facebook: Waterpik Southern Africa

April 21, 2023

WHAT IS ALTERED MENTAL STATE?

According to Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, an altered mental state can be caused by various factors, including psychological and physiological conditions and substance use. “An altered mental state, also known as an altered state of consciousness, is a change in an individual’s cognitive or emotional functioning,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and dangers associated with altered mental states, as they can have serious consequences for both the individual and those around them.” Several types of altered mental states can be experienced. These include: Delirium: This is a severe disturbance in an individual’s mental abilities, often characterised by confusion, disorientation, and impaired consciousness. Various factors, including medications, infections, and underlying medical conditions1, can cause delirium. Dementia: This is a decline in an individual’s cognitive abilities, including memory, language, and problem-solving skills. Dementia is often associated with ageing but can also be caused by other factors such as head injury or chronic substance abuse. Psychosis: This is a mental health condition characterised by delusions, hallucinations, and other abnormal thought patterns. Psychosis can be caused by various factors, including mental illness, substance abuse, and certain medical conditions. Coma: This is a state of unconsciousness in which an individual is unresponsive to their surroundings and cannot be awakened. Coma can be caused by various factors, including head injury, stroke, and substance abuse. Trance: This is a state of altered consciousness in which an individual is highly focused and may experience altered perception or dissociation. Trance can be induced through various methods, including meditation, hypnosis, and certain substances. Substance use: Substance use is a common cause of altered mental states. Alcohol and drugs, including prescription and illicit substances, can have a range of effects on an individual’s cognitive functioning. These effects can vary depending on the substance, the individual’s tolerance, and the amount consumed. Individuals must be aware of the potential risks of substance use and altered mental states. Substance abuse can lead to various negative consequences, including addiction, physical and mental health problems, and impaired judgment and decision-making. Signs Of An Altered Mental State Individuals experiencing an altered mental state may exhibit a range of symptoms, including: Confusion and disorientation Delusions and hallucinations Changes in behaviour and mood Impaired judgment and decision-making Difficulty communicating Where And How To Get Help If you or someone you know is experiencing an altered mental state, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This can help ensure that the individual receives the appropriate care and treatment to address the underlying cause of the altered mental state. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, resources are available to help. These include therapy, support groups, and rehabilitation programs. It is essential to seek help as soon as possible to address the issue and prevent further negative consequences. “An altered mental state is a change in an individual’s cognitive or emotional functioning that a variety of factors can cause. It is important for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and dangers associated with altered mental states and to seek help if they or someone they know is experiencing an altered mental state or struggling with substance abuse,” concludes Hewlett.

April 21, 2023

Dr Judey Pretorius debunks six common skincare myths

We have access to a wealth of skincare information, but despite the vast amount of knowledge out there, there are still a lot of skincare myths that are commonly believed to be true. Dr Judey Pretorius, a biomedical scientist and founder of skincare brand Biomedical Emporium, debunks six of the most common skincare myths that continue to do the rounds: Myth 1: There’s no need for sunscreen during autumn and winter Many people think that you only need to apply SPF during the warmer months, and that it’s only really necessary when spending prolonged time outdoors. The truth is that you should apply SPF every day, regardless of the season. UVA rays (the rays that cause the skin to burn) may not be that strong during the colder months, but UVB rays (the rays that cause hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines) are present all year round, and pose risks to your skin at any given time. UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin is at risk even on an overcast day. Myth 2: You don’t need retinol until your later years Retinol (vitamin A) is the holy grail of skincare ingredients. This powerful ingredient has the ability to increase the skin’s collagen production, increase the rate at which the skin’s cells turn over, treat and prevent acne, blackheads and breakouts and minimise fine lines and wrinkles. The saying “prevention is better than cure” rings true – delaying the onset of wrinkles and other signs of ageing is much easier than minimizing existing ones. It is ideal to introduce retinol to your regime in your mid-20s to delay the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Try: Biomedical Emporium Retinol Serum (R1134.00). It reduces hyperpigmentation, soothes and protects skin cells against solar damage, slows down the destruction of skin proteins, builds new proteins, improves DNA health and protects against UV radiation assisting in the reduction of the signs of ageing. Myth 3: Makeup makes skin age faster Makeup itself does not cause skin to age faster – in fact – a lot of modern foundation formulas contain anti-ageing ingredients to complement your skincare regime. The only time that makeup may contribute to the ageing process is if you do not remove it properly, or go to bed wearing it. When you go to sleep without removing your makeup, it’s not just the makeup that stays on your skin – it’s also dirt, impurities and bacteria picked up during the day, and these have the ability to accelerate the ageing process. We recommend a “double cleanse” at night to ensure all makeup is removed. Begin your routine by removing your makeup with a good quality makeup remover like Biomedical Emporium Make-Up Remover (R610.00). Once your makeup is removed, cleanse your skin with a deep cleansing cleanser like Biomedical Emporium Facial Cleanser (R540.00), which deeply cleanses and gently removes impurities without disturbing the barrier integrity of the skin. Myth 4: The harder you scrub, the better your exfoliation When it comes to exfoliation, it is crucial to be gentle. If you’re exfoliating with a physical scrub, er on the side of caution and gently massage the product into the skin, in circular motions. Rubbing or scrubbing too hard will actually damage the skin. Plus, if you exfoliate too often you could strip the skin of its natural moisture. Less is more! We recommend using an enzymatic exfoliator once or twice per week. This is a enzymatic type of exfoliator that does not contain physical exfoliating beads and is thus a safer option. Try: Biomedical Emporium Enzymatic Therapy (R1128.00). This enzymatic exfoliator assists with the removal of dead skin cells without causing any harm or discomfort to the skin. Myth 5: Wash your face with hot water to open your pores While it’s true that steam helps open pores, you should never wash your face with hot water, period. Hot water might feel good, but it can damage skin by stripping it of its natural oils, drying it out and damaging its protective barrier. Lukewarm water is ideal. Not sure if the water is too warm? If your skin is red or flushed after rinsing, the water was too hot. Myth 6: Oily skin doesn’t need to be moisturised If your skin is oily you may be tempted to avoid moisturising in an attempt to control your skin’s oil production. The truth is that even oily skin requires moisturisation. Select a non-comedogenic moisturiser with a light texture that doesn’t feel heavy on the skin. A hyaluronic acid moisturiser is a great option for all skin types as it is naturally found in the body and helps the skin retain water, keeping it hydrated. About Dr Judey Pretorius Dr Judey Pretorius is a highly accomplished Biomedical Scientist and product development specialist with substantial experience in the disciplines of acute, chronic and post-surgical wound healing, regenerative medicine and cell therapy. She holds a Master’s degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology followed by her PhD degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Medicine Development and Design. She has also obtained an Advanced Diploma in Dermal Aesthetics. Dr Judey Pretorius gained extensive experience as a Research and Development Formulation Scientist. She was responsible for the Scientific and Biomedical formulation of therapeutic products of premium brands in respective disciplines. Her contributions included cosmeceutical, pharmaceutical and medical device developments. She is the co-founder of Biomedical Emporium®, a biotechnology company specialising in the formulation of advanced biological products, cell culture processes and tissue engineering for advanced wound healing and an advisory on regenerative medicine. She has made unique formulation discoveries that have had a profound influence on the course of new developments in aesthetic and wound care treatment. https://www.biomedicalemporium.com/

April 21, 2023

Why consistency and routine are important for toddlers

The toddler phase is so amazing as they develop into little humans with cute mannerisms and sayings. However, it is also the most difficult phase as they are also developing emotionally where strong wills and protesting happen in a rather violent way! We as parents have the responsibility to guide and teach these toddlers what is expected in life as they honestly don’t know what is best for themselves. For example, my toddler can distinguish between whether he wants to nap or not. His feelings toward the issue are not helpful because he does not YET have all the information to make an informative and emotionally intelligent choice about his life. The toddler does not take into account that he woke up very early, that he is over-tired and over-stimulated and that the sweets he ate earlier also add to a disruption in his sleep cycle. My toddler will obviously not think it is a good idea to sleep, but we as parents know that his little body can only go so far, before it needs to recharge and relax via a nap! So here are what the experts say about why routine and consistency is so important for our little ones: Young children do not yet fully understand the concept of time, so they do not order their lives by hours and minutes, but rather by the events that happen. When events happen in the same order every day, children have a better understanding of their world, and therefore feel more secure. A regular schedule gives children a way to order and organize their lives. When young children know what to expect, they become more confident in both themselves and the world around them. They know they will not be confronted with unfamiliar tasks for which they are unprepared (www.education.com/magazine). The Northwestern University Counselling Department has explained that parents should attempt to attain the “4 C’s of Parenting”. This includes Choices, Consequences, Consistency and Care. If you make the right choices, and explain and follow through with consequences consistently and with care, you will be helping yourself and your child flourish in a known environment, where the boundaries and expectations are clear. Moises Roman from UCLA Early Care & Education Department says the following about consistent care: Schedules and routines are important for children because they need to know what’s coming next. If the schedule is consistent, children learn the pattern. Once a pattern is set children can infer, for instance, that lunch comes after music time. This way, there aren’t too many unknowns. Schedules help build trust between childcare providers and children. Young children begin to understand that adults will take care of their needs on a regular basis. When children have too many unknowns, anxiety builds up and they start showing emotional reactions to the inconsistency. For instance, they may cry or become irritable and take it out on other people. If they don’t have regular routines it starts showing in different ways. Let’s say that a child is used to having lunch at 11:30 am every day. And for some reason, lunch is late and the child doesn’t get to eat until 1:00 pm. You may see the child crying and being irritable. You can try to talk to them, but they will no longer enjoy the things that they normally do. Breaking a schedule throws a child completely off. Some flexibility is important though. For example, if your schedule says your music time goes for 30 minutes and you’re done in only 10 minutes because the children are telling you they are finished, then move on to the next activity on your schedule. Flexibility in that respect is fine. This applies to other things like play time, story time and quiet time. So if kids need more sleep during nap time, allow them to rest. Consistency and routine creates TRUST, SAFETY and EMOTIONAL STABILITY for your toddler! By Michelle Janse van Rensburg – Good Night Sleep Consultant

April 21, 2023

Roll up your sleeve – it’s time for the flu vaccination

The days are getting shorter and the nights longer which means winter is on its way … and with the change in season comes the start of ‘flu season’. Dr Morgan Mkhatshwa, Clinical Executive at Bonitas Medical Fund, provides some important information about flu and why a flu vaccine is highly recommended. He says it’s important to take extra precautions as we head into winter. ‘Understanding how to protect yourself and your loved ones this flu season, will make a difference in staying as healthy as possible’. What is Influenza? According to the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NCID) influenza or ‘flu’ is an acute viral respiratory infection, transmitted by the influenza virus. This virus has three main types A, B and C. The currently circulating seasonal viruses are A (H1N1), influenza A (H3N2) and influenza B viruses. The flu viruses are typically in circulation in the winter months in South Africa with an average start of the first week of June. Why vaccinate? Although the flu vaccine will not completely eliminate your risk of developing the flu, it will help reduce your risk of developing a severe infection and recover faster. Annually, seasonal flu kills between 6 000 and 11 000 people in South Africa, which is they having the flu vaccine is a good precautionary measure. Do I need a flu shot every year? The short answer is yes. The flu virus mutates and changes which means last year’s vaccine will not keep you safe this year. The flu vaccines for 2023 are: Vaxigrip Tetra and Influvac Tetra, both available as a single dose 0.5ml shot. The vaccine helps produce antibodies and boost your immune system to fight off the virus. It’s best to vaccinate in April or May, before the start of flu season. Flu vaccinations are available at most pharmacies and the costs are generally covered by medicals schemes. Who should get a flu vaccine? It is recommended that anyone in the high-risk groups should have a flu shot – these include: Healthcare workers Individuals over 65 years of age People with cardiovascular disease, including chronic heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, chronic renal disease and chronic lung disease (including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) Pregnant women People living with HIV/AIDS Who should NOT have the flu vaccine? Individuals who are allergic to eggs or egg proteins as the manufacturing process involves the use of chicken eggs Infants under 6 months of age – the vaccines are not licensed for use in such young children Individuals who may have had a severe reaction to a flu vaccine in the past – if you are unsure discuss with your healthcare provider Individuals who may be suffering from flu symptoms already Can the flu shot give me a mild flu? According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), no, the flu shot cannot cause flu. Vaccines are currently made either with flu vaccine viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and are not infectious or with no flu vaccine viruses at all. However, you might experience some common side-effects from the vaccine such as are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Serious allergic reactions to flu vaccines are very rare. Are Covid-19 and flu viruses similar? The World Health Organization (WHO) says that Covid-19 and influenza viruses are similar in disease presentation, mainly because both cause respiratory disease, which presents a wide range of illness from asymptomatic or mild through to severe disease and death. In addition, both viruses are transmitted by contact, droplets and any material that can carry infection. As a result, the same public health measures such as hand hygiene and social distancing is recommended to avoid contracting flu or when you have flu. Am I able to get the flu vaccine and a Covid-19 vaccine or booster shot together? Yes, however, it is recommended that if you decide to have both vaccines at the same time, one should be on the left arm and the other on the right. ‘The flu virus can spread very quickly,’ explains Dr Mkhatshwa. ‘Even if the flu vaccine might not prevent you getting flu, it will reduce your risk and, if you do get it, it will be a great deal milder. ‘More importantly, by having the flu vaccine you protect others, who may be vulnerable family members, small babies, the elderly or those who are immune compromised.’

April 20, 2023

Can you use Pokkelokkie reusable nappies with twins?

Yes you can! When you opt for reusable nappies for two babies, the choice is still the same. You don’t want to throw single use plastics in a bin. You don’t want to waste a heap of a money on throwaways. The benefits of reusing is really felt when you have two babies in nappies. Disposable nappies will cost around R40 000 in total. Just in the first four months, around R8000 will be spent on single use plastics, in the bin. Quite jaw dropping! We often suggest using a flat type of diaper for twins for a number of reasons. Flats are the modern-day version of the terri towelling squares. Flats dry the fastest and when you have two, it is very convenient to have fast drying nappies (especially in Winter). Because a flat can be manipulated, it can fit a smaller baby beautifully. Twins are often born slightly smaller. Flats are the most economical if on a budget. They also fit the longest. Another pro. Throwing some fitted style of nappies in is, however, “nice to have” as they are very easy nappies for those first blurry days. Dads and carers can manage a fitted initially, a lot faster. We recommend starting out with around forty eight nappies. See below for examples of full time, ideal twin stashes. We have not included things like laundry or Wipey reusable wipes into the costings below. Note, we plan to add these sets to our website soon but in the meantime just contact us and we will make them/or any set up for you. Option A An all flats stash: Around R9000 48 Flats – small 58 Newborn Boosters (always have a few extra boosters on hand) 16 Superwrap Covers 20 Snappies (these get lost with the socks) 20 Fleece Liners 2 Wetbags, 1 Washbuddy, 2 Nursing pads Option B Mixed stash: Around R10 000 24 Small Flats 24 Dawn Patrol Day Fitted’s 58 Newborn Boosters 16 Superwrap Covers 10 Snappies 20 Fleece Liners 2 Wetbags, 1 Washbuddy, 2 Nursing pads Option C Mixed stash: Around R9500 36 Small Flats 12 Dawn Patrol Fitted’s 58 Newborn Boosters 16 Superwrap Covers 10 Snappies 20 Fleece Liners 2 Wetbags, 1 Washbuddy, 2 Nursing pads Option D Fitted only stash: Around R10 500 48 Dawn Patrol Fitted’s 50 Boosters 16 Superwrap Covers 20 Fleece Liners 2 Wetbags, 1 Washbuddy, 2 Nursing pads If wanting to start part time, you could take the above sets and simply halve them. Honestly though my best advice is to just go full time, from the beginning. You will probably end up using the odd disposable here and there, but if you just start using cloth nappies you will get into the swing of it and never look back. After having to carry a weeks worth of black bags of poopy single use plastics out to the trash, the waste is phenomenal (170 nappies per week. How many bags is this??). Do it once and then use cloth nappies – you will see what I mean. Washing With twins you ideally wash every day. It just makes it easier. Pop the nappies in, rinse them. Then a main wash. Hang to dry. Having 48 nappies, you end up washing around 16 nappies a day for the first four months. It changes after that as babies start to use less nappies. Washing is easily done with load shedding- simply time the load between the off periods. Washing at night is very doable. We must adapt. Cost analysis Disposables cost around R2000/ month for two babies. Working on 10 – 12 nappies a day (this is what babies use initially). Four months= R8000 of waste. Cloth nappies (option A above) = R8 600 Nothing in the bin. The small flats can be reused as boosters in bigger nappies. The boosters can be used way past the newborn stage. The flats can fit to 8kg (often past the four month mark). You only need to upsize once straight to a large flat. Add bigger covers from 7kg. When ready, you can resell the whole set for more than half of what you paid, generate another R5000 and purchase some bigger nappies for the last leg of the journey. No brainer. In total disposables can/ will cost around R40 000 for two. Not less, probably more. What has not been worked into this is the tons of waste generated by single use or store bought wet wipes and bum creams needed for rashes caused by disposables. Cloth nappies and reusable Wipey cloth wipes will cost less than half. You will experience little to no rashes and pure joy. The reusable journey is ultimately more satisfying and rewarding. “It’s not more difficult because its twins. Whether its one baby or two, using cloth is the same ” says Danica who has been using our flats exclusively on her two for over two months now, full time. “Yes it takes a bit of effort but everything is a challenge with twins. Its not a challenge because its cloth nappies. Getting out the door is tricky with our third child, on time. My advice is to have a good washing machine and to wash every day. Our machine is a 5kg and works perfectly for two. Cloth just becomes part of your routine- its not a big deal. Be prepared to have your nappies hanging around the house- its our new decor. We love it. ” To chat about how to get going and stash options, get hold of us. We will not only help you with what to get, but also be ready to help at any point once the babies arrive and you get going. Visit our website here Find us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram

April 20, 2023

IS FASTING GOOD FOR YOUR BODY?

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explains that while fasting can have numerous health benefits for the body, it may only be appropriate for some. What Is Fasting? Fasting has been around for centuries and is a tradition in many cultures and religions. It involves abstaining from food or certain foods for a certain period. It can range from short-term, intermittent fasts lasting a few hours to longer, multi-day fasts. “Fasting is done in different ways, such as intermittent fasting, alternate-day fasting, time-restricted eating, water fasting, juice fasting, dry fasting, and religious fasting says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “It is, however, important to note that while fasting can have numerous health benefits, it is not appropriate for everyone and should be discussed with a doctor before starting.” What Are the Health Benefits of Fasting? Recent scientific studies have shown that fasting can have numerous health benefits for the body. One of the most well-known benefits of fasting is weight loss. When the body is in a fasted state, it begins to burn stored fat for energy instead of glucose from food. This can lead to a reduction in body fat and weight loss. Fasting can also improve insulin sensitivity, which is essential for managing diabetes and preventing the development of metabolic diseases. Fasting has also been shown to reduce inflammation in the body. Inflammation contributes to many chronic diseases, including heart disease and cancer. Fasting can reduce inflammation by stimulating the production of anti-inflammatory molecules in the body. Fasting has also improved brain function, including memory and cognitive performance. This is thought to be due to the production of a brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein, which helps promote brain cells’ growth and survival. Finally, fasting has been shown to increase longevity. Studies have found that calorie restriction, a form of fasting, can increase the lifespan of animals. The same may be true for humans, and more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind this effect. Different Types of Fasting There are several different types of fasting, each with its unique guidelines and benefits. Intermittent Fasting: This type of fasting involves eating during a specific window and fasting outside that window. One popular strategy is the 16/8 approach, in which you fast for 16 hours and eat within an eight-hour window. The 5:2 diet is another common strategy: eating for five days and restricting calories to 500-600 for two non-consecutive days. Weight loss, insulin sensitivity, and longevity have all been proven to benefit from intermittent fasting. Alternate-day Fasting: This type of fasting entails alternating between regular eating days and calorie-restricted days. You could regularly eat one day and then consume only 500-600 calories the following. Fasting on alternate days has been found to aid weight loss and enhance insulin sensitivity. Time-restricted Eating: This type of fasting involves restricting the hours of the day you eat. For example, you may only eat between 12 PM and 8 PM and fast for the remaining 16 hours. Time-restricted eating has been demonstrated to aid in weight loss, insulin sensitivity, and longevity. Water Fasting: This type of fasting involves consuming only water for a specific period. This can last anywhere from 24 hours to several days. Water fasting has been demonstrated to provide various health benefits, including weight loss, increased insulin sensitivity, and decreased inflammation. Juice Fasting: This fasting involves consuming only juice for a specific period. This can last anywhere from 24 hours to several days. Juice fasting can help detox the body, improve digestion, and boost the immune system. Dry Fasting: This fasting involves abstaining from food and water for a specific period. This can last anywhere from 24 hours to several days. Religious Fasting: Many religions have fasting as a traditional practice, such as Ramadan in Islam, Lent in Christianity, and Yom Kippur in Judaism. The fasting periods and rules may vary, but it is often a period of spiritual reflection and self-discipline. In Conclusion, while research suggests fasting is good for your health, it’s important to remember that it may not be the right choice for everyone. “Before fasting, anyone with specific medical disorders, such as diabetes, insomnia, digestive issues, a weakened immune system, or cancer, should see their doctor. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also avoid fasting, as it can harm the developing foetus or baby,” says Hewlett. “Individuals with a history of eating disorders or disordered eating patterns should also avoid fasting, as it can trigger unhealthy behaviours. Additionally, fasting can be difficult for people who have difficulty sticking to strict guidelines or have difficulty feeling full on just water and juice. If you have doubts or concerns about whether fasting is right for you, it is best to speak with a healthcare professional beginning your fast.”

April 19, 2023

The Power of Imaginative Play: Why it’s important for Your Child’s Development

As parents, we often wonder what we can do to support our child’s growth and development. One of the most important things we can do is encourage imaginative play. Research shows that imaginative play has numerous benefits for children, including cognitive, social, and emotional development. Imaginative play, also known as pretend play, is when children use their imagination to create and act out different scenarios. This can include playing with various kinds of toys, and characters to create their scenarios, and this is impactful for 3 reasons: Cognitive Benefits of Imaginative Play Imaginative play has many cognitive benefits for children. When children engage in imaginative play, they develop their creativity and imagination, which can lead to better problem-solving skills and critical thinking. It also allows children to explore different roles and perspectives, which can help them develop empathy and understand others better. Imaginative play also helps children develop their language and communication skills. When children create scenarios, they use language to describe their actions and communicate with others. This can help them learn new words and improve their communication skills. Social Benefits of Imaginative Play Imaginative play also has many social benefits for children. When children engage in imaginative play, they often play with others, which can help them develop social skills and learn how to cooperate with others. It also allows children to practice different social scenarios, which can help them feel more confident in social situations. Imaginative play also allows children to learn how to express their emotions and understand the emotions of others. Through their play, children can explore different emotions and learn how to manage them in a safe and supportive environment. Emotional Benefits of Imaginative Play Imaginative play has many emotional benefits for children. It allows children to express themselves in a safe and supportive environment and can help them develop their self-esteem and self-confidence. It also allows children to develop their emotional regulation skills, as they learn to manage their emotions and understand the emotions of others. Imaginative play can also be a great way for children to cope with stress and anxiety. When children engage in imaginative play, they can create scenarios that help them feel safe and in control, which can be especially helpful during times of stress. Of course, not all toys are created equal when it comes to imaginative play. That’s why many parents and educators turn to Imaginext toys when they want to encourage imaginative play. Imaginext toys are designed specifically to promote imaginative play, with a wide range of action figures, playsets, and accessories that allow kids to create their own stories and scenarios. These toys are designed to be durable and long-lasting, so kids can continue to play with them for years to come. One of the best things about Imaginext toys is that they’re compatible with other Imaginext toys, allowing kids to mix and match different sets and figures to create even more elaborate stories and scenarios. This can help foster creativity and encourage kids to think outside the box when it comes to their play. We’d recommend that young dinosaur wranglers can create their own action-packed adventures with this Imaginext Jurassic World Thrashin’ Action T. Rex dinosaur figure. The ferocious T. Rex is on the hunt. When she spots her prey, kids can slide the button to change her eyes from calm to angry, then use the tail and trigger to control the action as she chomps and thrashes! No one is safe with this fierce dinosaur on the loose!

April 19, 2023

Choosing the right humidifier for your child

Now that winter is coming, it’s a good idea to invest in a good humidifier if you don’t already have one. In this post I highlight the benefits of these machines and discuss the differences between cool and warm mist humidifiers. What are the benefits of a humidifier? During the cold winter months the air becomes dry. This causes our skin and airways to dry out as we lose more water from our skins through osmosis. Humidifiers work by adding moisture back into the air to increase the humidity. This can help relieve dry skin and cracked lips, dry nasal passages and associated nose bleeds, dry and sore throats as well as snoring. Humidifiers also help alleviate congestion by loosening up mucus secretions. Humidifiers also help prevent the spread of airborne viruses, which is especially helpful in winter. A higher humidity prevents the movement of germs because when they combine with water droplets they become heavier causing them to fall to the ground. Humidifiers are not only beneficial in winter but also in summer as air conditioners can also make the air dry. Use during spring and autumn can also help alleviate the symptoms of allergies because moisture will soothe nasal passages as well as dry itchy eyes. Warm versus cool mist? Warm mist humidifiers are evaporative. They heat up the water to create warm steam or mist, which can warm up a room. However by the time the vapour reaches the airways it will be room temperature. Since these humidifiers warm up the water, they have the advantage of helping to destroy any bacteria present in the water so that the water vapour being dispersed into the air is clean. Regardless of this, warm humidifiers are not recommended for use in children’s bedrooms or in areas where they can get a hold of them because children can burn themselves. There are two different types of cool humidifiers – ultrasonic and evaporative ones. Both types are often advertised as “cool mist”. The evaporative ones evaporate the water without heating it up whereas the ultrasonic ones disperse water droplets instead of water vapour. The problem with this is that water droplets are larger and able to carry other substances present in the water with them whereas water vapour cannot. However, ultrasonic humidifiers are quieter and also more energy efficient. What are the risks of a humidifier? There are some people who don’t advocate the use of a humidifier because of the negative effects it can have on your health but these effects are mostly due to improper cleaning of your device. Whenever water is allowed to sit, there is a chance of bacteria and mold growing. I spoke briefly about ultrasonic humidifiers and how they not only propel water into the air but everything else that is in the water. This means that whatever has grown in the water will be dispersed into the air, which can cause health problems. You will also get a buildup of minerals from the water if your machine is not cleaned properly and similarly these will also be dispersed into the air and fall as white dust. This dust is not necessarily harmful but it can irritate the airways of children and those with respiratory problems. If this is a risk it’s better to use distilled water in the tank, which is mineral free. It is also possible to put too much moisture into the air, which can lead to the growth of mould inside your home. If you notice water drops on the windows or windowsills you will have to use the humidifier less often. You could invest in a hygrometer to monitor the humidity, which should never be more than 50% inside your home. What about an air purifier? An air purifier is not the same thing as a humidifier. Purifiers clear the air of allergens and dust and can also reduce mold, which can be really helpful for asthma sufferers. It is possible to use both a humidifier and an air purifier in the same room because they both have a different purpose. Which humidifier you choose is really a matter of personal preference (if there is no danger of a child burning him or herself). The most important thing is that you keep your humidifier VERY clean. This is especially important with the ultrasonic humidifiers. Regular and thorough cleaning will prevent mineral buildup, growth of bacteria and mould and also keep your machine working optimally. I also wouldn’t rely on various claims made by manufacturers about the product being able to prevent bacterial buildup. The bottom line is that you need to clean your humidifier every day.

April 19, 2023

Why fiber is essential to every diet

Whether it was in an advert, through a doctor, via a pharmacist or in a book, by now you would have heard that fibre is one of the most important nutrients we need in our diets. A lack of fibre can lead to a host of digestive (and other) problems, so it’s important to ensure you get your daily required amount. But did you know that fibre is not just essential for adults? Children, toddlers and babies are extremely reliant on it, as it keeps their bowel movements regular. Let’s take a look at what exactly fibre is, and why it’s so good for you, at every stage of your life. Dietary fibre comes from plants: think fruits, vegetables, grains, legumes, beans, nuts and seeds. Diets higher in fibre can help lower cholesterol, control blood sugar, maintain bowel health, manage constipation and help promote a healthy weight. In fact, in epidemiological studies, populations with higher dietary fibre intakes tend to have lower chronic disease rates overall. A higher fibre intake provided by foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole- and high-fibre grain products is likely to be lower in calories, fat and added sugar. There are two categories of dietary fibre: soluble and insoluble. Most plant foods contain both types. Soluble fibre dissolves in liquid and forms a gel in our stomachs, so it can bind fats and can help reduce cholesterol. It can also slow down the absorption of sugars, helping normalise blood sugar. Good sources include oat bran, barley, peas and beans, nuts, seeds, and most fruits and vegetables. In addition to oat bran, psyllium husks and chia seeds are especially high in soluble fibre—if you’ve ever stirred them into a liquid, you know just how gelatinous they get! Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, doesn’t dissolve in liquid but will actually absorb liquid, so it adds bulk to stool and helps keep digestive waste moving along. Good sources include wheat bran, whole grains, nuts, beans and vegetables. Both soluble and insoluble fibre are considered together in dietary fibre recommendations. Your daily recommendations for adequate intake of dietary fibre vary by age, gender and life stage. While these recommendations apply to most people, if you have certain digestive or bowel disorders (either acute or chronic), your healthcare provider might have asked you to reduce the amount of fibre in your diet. Children 1 – 3 years require 19 g Children 4 – 8 years require 25 g Girls 9 – 13 years require 26 g Boys 9 – 13 years require 31 g Adolescent girls 14 – 18 years require 26 g Women 19 – 30 years require 25 g Men 19 – 30 years require 38 g Women 31 – 50 years require 25 g Men 31 – 50 years require 38 g Women 50 – 70+ years require 21 g Men 50 – 70+ years require 30 g Pregnant women require 28 g Note that the fibre requirements for babies under 1 year are not well studied. Fibre is particularly important during pregnancy and postpartum when constipation can be a common complaint. In addition to dietary sources, fibre supplementation may be very useful. What can you expect from a diet high in fibre? Normal and healthy bowel movements Dietary fibre increases the weight of the stool while also softening it. This makes it easier to pass, and lessens the chances of constipation. Fibre may help solidify loose stools because it absorbs water. Having enough of it in your diet will keep you “regular” and ensure healthy bowel movements. It also aids the long-term health of the colon. A high fibre diet reduces the risk of developing colorectal cancer and also lowers the risk of haemorrhoids. It helps maintain a healthy weight Foods that are high in fibre are usually healthier food options as they are whole foods and fresh foods. They are unrefined and unprocessed, and usually free from added sugars, salts and preservatives. High fibre foods are more filling than low fibre foods, which means you’ll eat less calories, but stay fuller for longer. A great example of this is bread. Have you ever noticed how a slice of high fibre, low-GI bread keeps you feeling fuller for much longer than a slice of refined white bread? It maintains healthy cholesterol Certain soluble fibre foods help lower the body’s total blood cholesterol levels by lowering low-density lipoprotein, also known as “bad” cholesterol levels. These foods include oat bran, flaxseed, oats and beans. Fibre aids a healthy heart too by reducing blood pressure and inflammation. It lowers blood sugar levels Those with diabetes will be happy to learn that eating lots of high fibre foods (particularly soluble fibre) can help slow down the body’s absorption of sugar and improve blood sugar levels. A diet high in insoluble fibre may also help prevent the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. It improves your overall health There are so many studies showing that a high fibre diet contributes to overall better health and a longer life. Not only does it help reduce fatality from cardiovascular disease but it also protects from cancer. Why is fibre so important for babies and tots? Just like adults and children, babies and tots are at risk of developing constipation if they do not consume enough fibre. Babies that are exclusively breast-fed do not generally have a problem with constipation, as breastmilk provides adequate fluids to aid the digestive system. However, once solid foods are introduced at around six months, parents should ensure their baby drinks enough water to aid digestion, and should transition them to high fibre foods as soon as possible. Fruit and vegetables are a great place to start. As soon as baby starts weaning, it is crucial to increase their water intake. To make this easier, always offer water as a first choice for quenching their thirst. Make it more enticing by offering them water in playful and colourful sippy cups, or add in a piece of cucumber,

April 19, 2023

Child drownings are not seasonal and are almost always preventable

Child drownings happen year-round and PowerPlastics Pool Covers is on a drive to remind parents that these drownings are entirely preventable with multiple layers of safety applied to the pool. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover and adult supervision at all times should be included in these layers of safety at all times. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover offers parental peace of mind as it completely seals off the entire pool. The PVC cover is drawn over strong aluminium batons that rest on the coping, and a tamperproof ratchet fastening system makes it impossible for a small child to access the water. Small drainage holes prevent rain or sprinkler water from collecting on the cover as just a few millimetres of water can be fatal to a curious child. The cover withstands up to 220kg and is easily deployed by two people, or it can be semi-automated for single person usage. The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is available in a range of colours, allowing it to blend into the outdoor area. Importantly, the cover complies with the recommended guidelines (SANS 10134) for pool safety, set by the SABS who oversees pool safety compliance in SA. Thermal pool covers or ‘bubble’ covers that lie directly on the water should never be considered as child safety pool covers as they do not bear weight. Aside from covering the pool, every adult in the home needs to know what a drowning in progress actually looks like as TV has created many misconceptions around this. There is no noise or splashing nor calls for help. Drowning is quick and silent. Even if one doesn’t have children, it is still necessary to consider safety for visitors. Families living in residential complexes with a communal pool should insist that their body corporate install a solid safety pool cover. PowerPlastics Pool Covers has also created a Safety Monitor system. Based on the principle that adult supervision is key to avoiding drownings, it allows children to quickly identify the adult in charge should there be a safety issue among the children in the pool. When there’s a larger number of children in the pool, e.g at pool parties, it is advisable to have two or more supervisors each wearing a tag. A busy pool is high risk. You can download it here and print at home. Laminate it if possible (to prevent water damage) and then add a lanyard or tie it on a loop of string and wear around the neck. The bottom line is that children need to be supervised around pools, and as long as the pool is covered and other layers of safety are in place, the likelihood of a tragedy occurring in your pool is greatly reduced. Practical tips for pool safety Don’t let your pool’s water levels drop. Keeping the pool topped up allows for small arms to easily grab the edge if needed. For every two children in the pool, have one adult supervising and use the Saefty Monitor tag system. The more children, the more supervisors needed. Be aware that children’s pool parties are high-risk events. Turn off fountains and water features. Not only do they waste water and power, they can cause ripples and splashing, making it harder to see when a child has encountered difficulty in the pool or has sunk to the bottom. Ensure that every adult in the home knows CPR, including domestic workers. Never hire a baby sitter or au pair who can’t swim. Don’t let anyone who has been drinking or on sedative medication supervise children in a pool. Don’t leave toys in or near an open pool as children will be tempted to retrieve them. Teach your child to swim fully clothed and with shoes on. If your child develops a fear of water, don’t ignore this – a child who panics is at greater risk of drowning. Never allow swimming after dark. Discourage your dogs from swimming. Children and pets in a pool are not a good mix. Never leave the pool without securing it with your PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover. Never design / build a pool that cannot be secured for child safety. The Vektor Rollup Station brings semi-automation to the PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover. Learn more.

April 18, 2023

ChatGPT: Friend or Foe?

When ChatGPT first emerged from the woodwork the teaching fraternity suddenly became very concerned about plagiarism. From having to train our students not to cut and paste from websites that had been found using Google or other search engines, now there is an AI that can actually write the entire essay and create different essays for each students providing the same question! As is in my nature, I quietly sat back and watched and waited a little. I was thinking, ‘Yes, but Google makes learning so much more interesting these days when used properly!’ I have always encouraged my students to use their devices in the classroom to help us find answers to questions during a class discussion. These days I even encourage students to use it to find out more about a topic when completing assignments while still learning the content in order to deepen their knowledge. Surely ChatGPT might be used in similarly interesting new ways in the classroom instead of being relegated to the back corner? (Don’t) do my homework for me Although any child can use ChatGPT to do their homework, they will quickly realise that if they don’t enter a question VERY carefully, they are likely to get answers that don’t necessarily provide the required material. Of course, I could not resist the temptation to put this AI to work for me. As I wrote this, ChatGPT carried out my instruction to ‘Write an article for an online parenting magazine with the title, ‘ChatGPT: Friend or Foe’. Unfortunately, it produced a very bland ho-hum discussion of AI assisting parenting with the use of Chatbots, scheduling and home automation before bombing out in red and requiring me to reload. Not exactly what I was looking for … It’s second attempt was a little more promising, focusing on the pros and cons of ChatGPT in a wonderfully superficial manner. Perfect for light reading with tea when you don’t want to think too hard. My daughter is currently in Grade 12 and has already figured out that if tempted to use the AI to do her homework, anything produced won’t be of the standard she requires to get her As and Bs. From a teacher’s perspective, the risks of lazy students using this new technology abound. However, teachers usually know their students well enough to detect something fishy. I could always tell when material had been copied directly from elsewhere and would simply enter the sentence into Google, which would promptly point me in the direction of the source. My students were very surprised when I quoted their source to them, and quickly learnt to produce original material instead. Similarly, one can simply ask ChatGPT ‘Did you write this?’ Plagiarism detection sorted! Referencing Any piece of writing that uses information from elsewhere should be correctly referenced, yet ChatGPT does not provide references unless specifically asked. As an Accounting teacher, my research and referencing skills are woeful, yet even I realise the importance of providing information about where my facts and ideas come from. Unfortunately, even when specifically asked, ChatGPT often references incorrectly. As my sister, a freelance journalist, points out, ‘I feel like I’d end up spending way more time fact checking then I could possibly save on doing my own research.’ She pointed me in the direction of Ben Davis’s article explaining how he discovered the hilarious contradictions in his exploration of art theory and AI using ChatGPT. Numerous fictitious references are given, and ridiculous contradictory statements made. Ben Davis concludes that ChatGPT ‘is an application for sounding like an expert, not for being an expert.’ Rather apt, in my view. Capabilities and limitations From a parenting perspective, it is good to know that it is trained to decline inappropriate requests. This means that it won’t enter into discussion on topics that may not be age appropriate. It also means that if students are required to respond to a question relating to sensitive topics in their setworks in the higher grades, ChatGPT will be unable to provide them with a suitable response. Limitations are that ChatGPT can make mistakes and was trained on material on the Internet up to 2021 so later information may not yet be at its disposal. It was trained on information on the Internet, not all of which is valid. Let ChatGPT be the machine so we can be human At a recent eCommerce conference I attended I was amazed to discover how many marketers are using ChatGPT to create copy for social media posts, blogs etc. and programmers are using it to do menial tasks in ways I don’t quite understand. It brings to mind the beginnings of automation in factories where machines were used to do the repetitive and boring tasks, allowing people to do more complex activities. Perhaps this is just another step in the latest developments of the digital revolution? The idea of letting an AI do the menial stuff while we can be the creative humans we were designed to be appeals to me hugely. Now this is where it gets interesting. Instead of worrying about plagiarism, why not use this exciting new tool to play a little? Let kids learn about referencing by letting them do some fact-checking of a ChatGPT-generated article with references? This might give them a much better idea of the importance of references, as well as how to reference correctly and use references to conduct further research. You could also take this further by letting them critique the article itself. Use the wonderful opportunity for kids to learn to question everything they read, and try to validate facts for themselves. Let them ask a question and then verify the information that has been generated. I know Wikipaedia and Google Translate are often pooh-poohed as valid educational resources, but I would argue that if one needs a basic introduction to a topic or a simple translation, these tools are invaluable as a starting point from which one can then diverge and explore further. In much

April 18, 2023

Impact Music has on Early Childhood Development

Music is a universal language that has the power to bring people together and evoke emotions. It has also been proven to have a significant impact on early childhood development. From improving cognitive skills to enhancing emotional and social development, music can play a vital role in a child’s growth and learning. Improves Cognitive Skills: One of the most significant impacts of music on early childhood development is its ability to improve cognitive skills. Music stimulates different parts of the brain, including those responsible for memory, language, and creativity. Studies have shown that exposure to music in early childhood can lead to improved memory, increased spatial-temporal skills, and enhanced creativity. Enhances Emotional Development: Another way music impacts early childhood development is by enhancing emotional development. Music has the power to evoke emotions and feelings, which can help children identify and express their own emotions. Listening to and playing music can also help children develop empathy, which is essential for healthy social interactions. Promotes Social Development: Music can also have a positive impact on a child’s social development. Learning to play an instrument or sing in a group requires cooperation, communication, and teamwork, which are all essential social skills. Music can also help children develop a sense of community and belonging, which can lead to increased self-esteem and confidence. Encourages Physical Development: Music can also have a significant impact on a child’s physical development. Dancing and moving to music can help develop gross motor skills, while playing instruments can help develop fine motor skills. This physical development can lead to improved coordination and overall physical fitness. Increases Language Development: Music can also play a vital role in a child’s language development. Singing and listening to music can help children develop phonological awareness, which is the ability to identify and manipulate sounds in language. This can lead to improved reading and writing skills, as well as better communication and language development overall. With so many benefits to music, encouraging your child to play an instrument and engage with the music is key. The Giant Light Up Xylophone toy from Fisher-Price is the perfect way to stimulate your child’s development. The classic musical instrument pull toy reaches exciting new heights with extra-large interactive and multi coloured light up buttons that activate 60+ songs, sounds and phrases as your baby “composes”. Smart Stages technology lets you switch up the play as your baby grows with 3 levels of learning songs and phrases that teach the alphabet, numbers, shapes and more.

April 17, 2023

Self-care, because parents need looking after too!

Becoming a parent is exciting but can also be overwhelming at times. The changes to mum, relationships and of course sleep deprivation, can all lead to emotional and mental health strains. And all of this is completely understandable. Having a baby is the biggest change that can happen in one’s life. Not only is your entire life now dedicated to caring for a new life, but all the things you may have taken for granted (such as popping out for a spontaneous dinner or having a lie-in on the weekend), have now taken a back seat. On top of that, many mums find breastfeeding challenging, they may have a baby with colic (who will no doubt need extra attention), and there is always an endless supply of washing to be done! As if that wasn’t enough, there are the physical challenges to overcome. Mum’s body will change significantly during and post-pregnancy. Having a C-section will mean a considerable amount of recovery time, and for a while, mum may be limited in her capabilities. A natural birth may mean mum leaves hospital sooner and doesn’t need to recover from surgery, but it’s not without its challenges, and it will take several weeks for her to heal. During this time she’ll have to contend with a newborn, while not feeling her best. Then there are the long-term challenges. One of the biggest challenges parents face, is having enough time, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Babies and children are a lot of work, and finding enough time to care for them while holding down a job, maintaining a home and keeping up hobbies can be very difficult. Some parents give up their hobbies or interests once they have children because they simply cannot find the time. While putting your own needs aside to care for your baby is admirable, giving up on your interests, hobbies or social life may lead to resentment in the long-term. This is also true for your relationship. It’s no secret that new (and in many cases, not new!) parents are exhausted. In the beginning, getting through each day is an achievement. This can put a strain on relationships, particularly the relationship between mum and dad. We all know that relationships are hard work and that they require time and effort. Once baby arrives, it’s likely that there won’t be a lot of time and effort put into your relationship. While this is foreseeable in the first few weeks, it is absolutely essential that mum and dad find the time to focus on their relationship thereafter. After all, now is the time they will need each other more than ever! Take some time out for self-care and recognise that asking for help is not a sign of failure; protecting you and your baby is part of your journey: Accept help – as soon as baby arrives you will likely be flooded with well-wishes and offers of help from close friends and family. Take them up on their offers. Your own mum, for example, may offer to help with a couple of loads of washing per week, or a friend might offer to do a shop for you at the local grocery store. As parents we want to do it all, but there is absolutely no shame in accepting some help from time to time. After all, your loved ones would not be offering if they weren’t willing to help! And those little things, be it washing, or shopping, or cooking a meal, add up. You will put the extra time to great use. Bonding with baby – making time amongst the chaos to share intimate moments with baby will further strengthen your bond as a parent. You may be thinking, “I spend all day with my baby, surely our bond is strong enough?” While this may be true, there is a difference between spending time together while going through the motions, and spending quality time together. Cuddle your baby, put your phone away, watch baby sleep, or play together to share memorable times. While much of the first couple of months may be about surviving, it’s important to enjoy the journey and to savour each and every moment. After all, in the blink of an eye, he or she will be off to school! Sleep – it is important that you rest when your baby sleeps. While baby’s nap time may seem like the perfect opportunity to get through your never-ending to-do list, you can’t run on empty. Napping when you can will help you recharge your batteries too. Ask your partner to help – there is a common misconception that the responsibility of baby lies entirely on mum, especially while she is on maternity leave. While it’s true that your partner may likely only have a few days paternity leave and return to work soon after baby’s birth, that doesn’t mean they don’t need to take on their share of the responsibilities. In fact, many dads want to help more, but sometimes lack the confidence, or feel like they are getting in the way of mum and baby’s established routine. Encourage dad to get involved in bath time, feeding time (unless you’re exclusively breastfeeding, that is) and play time. Sometimes he may get home from work too late, but that doesn’t mean he can’t assist with other things. Ask him to pick up dinner on the way home if you’re too tired to cook, ask him to run you a bath or to make you a cup of tea after dinner. Sometimes the smallest acts of help make a major difference to your day. Enjoy life’s small luxuries – after baby is born, it will take some time before you can indulge in luxuries like getting a massage or going out for a meal. Treat yourself at home by indulging in a few small luxuries that’ll instantly lift your spirits. Light some scented candles to add a lovely fragrance to the room, add a bath bomb, oil or bubble bath to your

April 17, 2023

GRIT AND GROWTH MINDSET – A POTENT COMBINATION

She conducted research and concluded that academic achievement was essential but not sufficient for success. Here is a quick experiment you can use to determine if your pre-schooler has GRIT. The marshmallow test is famous in psychology. You give your little one a marshmallow, and you tell them that you are leaving now but will be back shortly. They can eat the marshmallow if they want to, but you will give them a second one when you get back if they do not. If your child eats the sweet before you return, you have a lot of work to do. To cut a long story short, GRIT measures the characteristics that identify as being present in students who do not drop out. You can conduct a quick check on your grit scale, but do not take it too seriously because it is a lot more complex than a simple test can show. GRIT is all about self-control and deferred gratification (waiting longer for the reward). If you combine that with a growth mindset, you end up with a potent combination. Dr Carol Dweck, in her book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success, writes: “What are the consequences of thinking that your intelligence or personality is something you can develop, as opposed to something that is a fixed, deep-seated trait? Your view of yourself can determine everything. If you believe that your qualities are unchangeable — the fixed mindset — you will want to prove yourself correct over and over rather than learning from your mistakes.” (Carol Dweck: A Summary of The Two Mindsets, 2021). In a homeschool context, the recipe for success includes parents who encourage both of these ideas in their children. It is easy to lose sight that a homeschooler often displays character traits that would disadvantage them in a brick and mortar school. These include a desire to pursue their passions at their own pace. If they do not match that desire with the GRIT and a growth mindset, they can often go down paths that lead to lots of learning but no education. Education is a structured, paced, and deliberate approach to being able to know and be able to do the things you need to succeed in any task you set yourself or are required to do. At Evolve Online, we set out to provide the platform and scaffolding children need to advance their education, but they need the right conditions at home to achieve this. We built our learning method on the foundation of a growth mindset approach. For Evolve Online Activators, a child never fails to learn something – they just have not mastered it yet.

April 17, 2023

Bossy Kids – How to assist your take-charge child

Making friends is no easy task. It takes a lot of growing confidence and a positive self-image to crack the code of successful and happy friendships. As children go through their pre-primary years it is often a struggle to gain acceptance from peers, and not be the isolated child roaming the playground. Children often seek control over their lives and worry about having their needs met. Often times the behaviours which they display in this regard may make them come across as a bit of a tyrant. They have big ideas running through their minds and they want things to be done exactly right. They tend to be egocentric and want others to play the way they want to play, and struggle to take “no” for an answer. If this is your child, take note, as it may quite possibly lead to bigger problems in the long run if not nurtured appropriately. As adults we tend to be bossy too, but recognise when things are not working out and instead formulate new action plans. Children on the other hand find it difficult to move beyond their own immediate needs. For some, bossiness is momentary, while others have a naturally dominant personality. This in turn could lead to more consistent bossy behaviour. Tell-tale signs of a ‘bossy’ kid include: Telling other kids that they do things wrong, having difficulty waiting for a turn (more often than not), disagreeing with rules (and/or often creating new rules), focusing on winning, and interrupting often. Those learners with a more dominant personality will also try to gain some control, test one’s limit, be attention seeking, and copy the behaviour of other children or an adult. Ultimately bossy children tend to be bright, gifted, assertive and creative. If nurtured properly these traits can become an asset in developing appropriate leadership skills. However, if left untamed bossy children may well feel and become more isolated within any environment. Parents and other adults can be important teachers as children learn how to get along with their friends. They need your help in understanding what works and what doesn’t work. And most importantly, they need your encouragement as they build strong friendships. Here are some key tips to help tone down that bossy-boots: Tips to tone down bossiness Tip #1: Satisfy the need to be in charge Look for opportunities where your child can have power to make decisions or take control. Provide choices when it comes to food, chores, dressing, play and other daily activities. Tip #2: Model how to give directions Often times our kids simply repeat the behaviours they learn from watching us. Stop and take a look at how you ask your spouse and your kids to do things. Modelling our own requests in a positive, calm manner can make a big difference in how our kids talk to their siblings and peers. Practice mutual respect. Apologise when you make a mistake and keep your voice firm but calm when correcting behaviours. And avoid humiliation when correcting bossy behaviour in a group setting, by rather taking your child aside and pointing out specifics, followed by examples of more appropriate ways to handle the situation. Tip #3: Role-Play Look for as many situations as possible to take advantage of modelling, turn-taking and asking permission to do things with other people, rather than being bossy. Get your children to use those active imaginations in a role-play, using puppets and stuffed toys working through issues such as negotiation, speaking out about feelings and finding alternative positive ways of how heated situations may be handled better. You could also do a role reversal: Allow your child to be you for fifteen minutes. She gets to make and enforce the rules, choose the meals, and run the show. Watch out! It will probably be fairly eye opening! Tip #4: Say “yes” whenever possible No one likes to be told “No” the majority of the time and let’s face it, pre-schoolers make unreasonable requests all day long and get told “No” on a regular basis. This is often deflating. Rather look for opportunities to say “Yes” to your child whenever possible, so that he feels like his personal wants and needs are being met. Tip #5: Play board games Most bossy kids have the need to win. Board games are a wonderful opportunity to nonchalantly enforce turn-taking and playing by a set of rules. It’s also a good moment to reinforce that the joy can be in the game itself, rather than the outcome. Be excited about the game and how much fun it is enjoying the time you are spending together, not about who is winning or losing. This will help plant the seed that it’s not about winning, it’s about interacting and enjoying an experience together. Even with it being quite frustrating, always make yourself as parent/guardian available, aware and ready to jump in when your child needs help with which behaviours are bossy and how to change them. Bossiness can’t be cured overnight, but the sooner you start the sooner your child will learn to play and be fair towards others. Now that we know how to assist a bossy child, let’s take a look at ways of encouraging a sensitive child to stand up to Miss Bossy Boots. Having been a teacher in the Foundation Phase I often came across sensitive learners being taken advantage of and suddenly I realised that teaching and encouraging parents to teach their children to stand up for themselves was far more important than encouraging an easy going personality. You can’t change a child’s inherent nature, but you can help kids stick up for their right, with confidence. Being assertive helps in virtually every relationship at school, at home and on the playground. In the classroom, it puts a child at an advantage because she’s comfortable commanding the teacher’s attention, raising her hand if she knows the answer, and asking for extra help if she is lost. She will also have

April 14, 2023

HOW TO USE MAKE-BELIEVE PLAY TO DEVELOP YOUR CHILD’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD

Learning through play lays the foundations for lifelong learning, including the development of socio-emotional skills in young children, allowing them to learn about themselves and the world around them. Make-believe play in particular helps children use their imagination and develop their creativity. In addition, role-play can help children learn about different jobs and people in and around their community. “One of the best parts of learning through play is that it’s possible without the use of any toys at all,” says Sesame Workshop South Africa’s Director of Education and Outreach, Mari Payne. “Many of South Africa’s children do not have access to many toys, but play is something every child can do, using their imagination along with available household items or recycled materials.” From approximately two years of age, children already start to play using their imaginations. Around the ages of three/four to six, they start to play make-believe games with their siblings and peers. This switching of roles and coming up with stories together helps build language and communication skills, as well as skills for sharing, taking turns, and cooperating. “Parents and caregivers can encourage imaginative play and even join in the fun, using everyday situations as fun activities to teach them about life, jobs and responsibilities,” says Payne. Payne provides some simple examples of make-believe play below. House-house. Make a “house” using a blanket and chairs, and say, “Let’s pretend to make supper!” Afterwards, you might pretend you’re getting into bed. This simple game reinforces routines in the home. Outer Space. Take turns flying a rocket and walking on the moon. Ask children to look out the window of their rocket. Say, “What do you see in the sky?”. This game can help children understand the very basics of the solar system. Restaurant. Work on memory skills as you take each other’s orders and brainstorm delicious recipes to cook. Ask children, “What ingredients do we need? What tools can we use to cook?” Pretend to use pots, pans, and kitchen tools to create a special meal together. This imaginative game also reinforces routines and the understanding of nutrition. Bath time. Pretend to wash a doll or stuffed toy. Label the body parts you’re washing and then dry and dress the doll. Ask children what else they might do to take care of a baby and act it out. Learning about hygiene and ‘your body’ can be fun too! Payne concludes, “playing with children not only provides opportunities to learn, but helps provide quality family time, further providing socio-emotional development.” Takalani Sesame is designed to support children’s development through playful learning, for more ideas on make-believe play, catch Season 13 of Takalani Sesame on SABC1 at 07:00 am. About Takalani Sesame Takalani Sesame is the ground-breaking South African children’s programme that has educated and entertained children for more than 22 years. Takalani Sesame was named the Best Children’s Programme at the South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTA) in 2021 and promotes early childhood education while supporting South Africa’s mother-tongue based education policy with television, radio, digital content, and community and classroom engagement. For more information, please visit https://takalanisesame.org.za About Sesame Workshop Sesame Workshop is the non-profit media and educational organization behind Sesame Street, the pioneering television show that has been reaching and teaching children since 1969. Today, Sesame Workshop is an innovative force for change, with a mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder. We’re present in more than 150 countries, serving vulnerable children through a wide range of media, formal education, and philanthropically funded social impact programs, each grounded in rigorous research and tailored to the needs and cultures of the communities we serve. For more information, please visit sesameworkshop.org. Official Hashtags: #AllNewTakalani #TakalaniSesame Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/takalani.sesame.edu Twitter: https://twitter.com/takalanisesame Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/takalani.sesame/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSOzE3-7BQn7GtiftoiIRsg Website: https://takalanisesame.org.za/

April 14, 2023

In 2023 skincare is the new makeup – SKNLogic tells us why

For the past couple of years, women all over the world have embraced the natural makeup look, and by the looks of things, “no makeup” makeup is here to stay. Pre-pandemic, we were contouring à la Kim Kardashian, but with the rise of Covid-19 and national lockdowns, the focus shifted from makeup to skincare. We saw a major rise in self-care practices and more thought and care went into daily skincare regimes. Post-pandemic, skincare is still tops. Makeup has gone from high definition to barely-there and dewy, allowing the natural skin to shine through. In fact, skincare has gained such focus that we’re willing to say it’s become the new makeup. If you love the natural trend and want to dial down on makeup, it’s time to step up your skincare routine. Achieving and maintaining your best skin means sticking to a daily skincare regime that incorporates high-performance ingredients that nourish, repair and protect. Not sure where to start? We recommend mastering the basics – here’s how. Double cleanse Double-cleansing is essential to every skincare routine because cleansing once with a regular cleanser is not enough to remove all traces of makeup, impurities and bacteria. Not only will your products penetrate your skin better if it is thoroughly cleansed, but you will also be less likely to develop breakouts and blackheads. We recommend starting off with a pre-cleanse product to remove makeup as well as other impurities. SKNLogic Remove (R165.00) contains pineapple and cucumber extract and gently yet effectively removes makeup, oil and impurities without drying the skin. Follow with a good quality facial cleanser like SKNLogic Cleanse Wash (R218.00). An antioxidant facial wash, it gently lifts impurities from the skin while pomegranate extract tones and soothes the skin, leaving it supple and refreshed. Regular exfoliation Exfoliation is the key to a smooth and clear complexion, because it removes dry and dead skin cells that would otherwise clog pores and lead to breakouts. Depending on your skin type, once or twice a week is sufficient. SKNLogic Exfoliate Enzymatic(R210.00) is a powerful skin polisher that combines natural and chemical exfoliants to remove dead skin cells, refine skin texture and enhance penetration of actives into skin. It contains papaya extract which is as an exfoliating enzyme that also works to repair the skin. Antioxidants Antioxidant serums have the ability to transform a skincare routine from good, to great. We recommend using a vitamin C serum in the morning – it helps to protect the skin from environmental aggressors and free radicals during the day, plus it brightens and helps treat and prevent pigmentation. SKNLogic C15 Booster (R355) contains 15% pure vitamin C to visibly brighten uneven skin while improving the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Use a vitamin A (retinol) serum in the evening – the holy grail of anti-ageing ingredients, vitamin A helps skin cells turn over faster, delays the onset of the various signs of ageing and improves skin texture and clarity. SKNLogic Retinol 0.5 (R280.00) has a fast-absorbing, encapsulated retinol formula that reduces the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Added Soyaglycone maximises the effect of retinol to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, refine uneven skin texture and treat hyper pigmentation. Hydration After applying your serum, it’s time to give your skin a moisture boost. Hydrated skin looks and feels plumper, so choose a moisturiser that locks in moisture. SKNLogic Moist (R172.00) is a great everyday option for skins that aren’t excessively thirsty. This day and night cream hydrates, rejuvenates and balances the skin, and is ideal for balanced and combination skins. It contains pomegranate extract which acts as a natural toner while protecting the skin from free radicals. If your skin is dry, try SKNLogic Moist Supreme (R172.00). This moisture-replenishing day and night cream is designed to combat dry skin and reduce the signs of premature ageing. It contains fig extract which is an excellent hydrator and provides a gentle tightening effect to the skin. Sun protection The sun is the biggest threat to our skin, with UVA rays having the potential to physically burn our skin, and UVB rays having the potential to accelerate ageing, cause hyperpigmentation and encourage the formation of lines and wrinkles. It is essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays all year round by applying a broad-spectrum SPF product every single day. SKNLogic Protect SPF 40 (R315.00) is a full spectrum sun protection cream that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and anti-ageing benefits. It goes beyond UVA and UVB protection to help defend from blue light (digital pollution) and pollution and Infrared light emitted by the sun. It repairs DNA damage caused by free radicals while mitigating the damage from environmental and digital exposure. With this simple yet effective skincare routine you can achieve your best skin and embrace the barely there makeup trend with confidence. About SKNLogic SKNLOGIC Cosmeceutical skincare aims to provide a skincare solution that works with the skin’s biological processes to achieve visible results. SKNLOGIC has a synergistic approach to science and nature, offering powerful formulas with optimal concentrations of active ingredients to actively improve skin health and appearance from underneath the skin. We use the maximum concentration of key active ingredients and use the highest grade of quality ingredients from around the world. https://sknlogic.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SknLogic/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sknlogic/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/SKNLOGIC

April 14, 2023

WHAT ARE THE SIX MAJOR CHARACTERISTICS OF ADDICTIVE BEHAVIOURS?

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explores the six major characteristics of addictive behaviours and their impact on individuals and society. What Is Addictive Behaviour? Addictive behaviour is a serious and complex phenomenon characterised by a persistent pattern of substance use or engagement in activities that can lead to significant harm to oneself or others. What Are Common Behavioural Addictions? Addiction can manifest itself in a variety of ways. Generally, physical symptoms are required for someone to be diagnosed with an addiction disorder. However, behavioural addiction occurs without the physical issues faced by people who compulsively engage in drug and alcohol abuse. “Unfortunately, those living with behavioural addictions, like all others who struggle with addiction, cannot cease engaging in the behaviour for any length of time without therapy and assistance,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. Common behaviour addictions include: Sex and love addictions Shopping addiction Gambling addiction Compulsive Internet use Excessive video gaming Food addiction (binge eating) Exercise addiction Addiction to plastic surgery Addiction to thrill-seeking activities Significant Characteristics of Addictive Behaviours While there are various characteristics of addictive behaviours, Affinity Highlights six main traits. Compulsion As mentioned, addictive behaviour is characterised by a strong desire or need to engage in the behaviour despite adverse consequences. Individuals may feel compelled to continue engaging in activities even when it harms their health, relationships, or job performance. This compulsive behaviour is one of the critical characteristics of addiction. Loss of Control An individual with addictive behaviour, often feels like they cannot control themselves. This loss of control can lead to an inability to stop engaging in the behaviour despite the negative consequences. Denial, Deception, Dishonesty, And Deflection Those with a behavioural addiction often go to considerable lengths to ensure family, friends, and co-workers are kept in the dark about their condition. Usually, this involves lying, keeping secrets, hiding phone conversations and text messages, avoiding direct responses or being defensive when questioned. Moreover, they lie about their whereabouts, activities, or who they’ve been with. Withdrawal When individuals with addictive behaviour stop using substances, they experience withdrawal symptoms, such as anxiety and depression. Additionally, they’re prone to physical symptoms such as insomnia, fatigue, tremors, or seizures. This can make it difficult for them to stop and contributes to the cycle of addiction. Negative Social Impact Addictive behaviour can significantly negatively impact an individual’s social well-being. It can strain relationships, cause financial problems, and lead to legal trouble. Like any other form of addiction, behavioural addiction is a chronic disease that can have a lasting impact on an individual’s life and ripple effects on their family and loved ones. Losing Interest in Activities, Hobbies or Events That Were Once Important To You Addictive behaviour can lead the individual to prioritise the behaviour over other aspects of their life that used to bring them joy. What Treatment Options Are Available for Addictive Behaviour? Treatment for addictive behaviour typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups. Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common form of therapy that helps individuals understand the thoughts and feelings that drive their addiction and develop coping mechanisms to deal with cravings and triggers. Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) is often used to help with withdrawal symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse. Support groups can provide a sense of community and accountability for individuals in recovery. In some cases, inpatient or outpatient treatment programmes are recommended. “It is important to note that behavioural addiction treatment should be tailored to the individual and may require ongoing support and monitoring to maintain long-term recovery,” concludes Hewlett.

April 14, 2023

The Link Between Eczema and Gut Health – Three Tips To Help Soothe Your Child’s Skin

If your child struggles with eczema, you know too well the symptoms of itching, swelling, dryness, and discomfort that interfere with everything from missed school to anxiety and limited physical activity. What is eczema? Eczema is a common chronic inflammatory disorder of the skin that causes dry, itchy, and inflamed skin and affects up to 30% of children.1 Recent research has shown a link between eczema and gut health.2a Here are three tips to soothe your child’s eczema-prone skin and improve their gut health: #1 Incorporate probiotics into your child’s diet:Studies have shown that probiotics can help improve the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can, in turn, reduce eczema symptoms. 2b Reuterina® drops3 is clinically validated in babies and children and shown to improve a variety of health conditions. #2 Avoid high-sugar foods:High-sugar foods can upset the balance of bacteria in the gut, exacerbating eczema symptoms.4 Instead, focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. #3 Keep your child’s skin hydrated:Dry skin can worsen eczema symptoms, so it’s essential to keep your child’s skin moisturised.5 The Reuterina® family of probiotics are available from selected Dis-Chem and Clicks stores and independent pharmacies nationwide. For more information, visit: https://reuterina.co.za/ and join the conversations on Instagram and Facebook. Ascendis Pharma (Pty) Ltd. Co Reg No. 2002/001567/07 | Customer Care: +27 11 036 9600 | 022 ZA Reut 022023

April 14, 2023

Bubblegummers are back! Strong, comfy, scented sneakers for building imagination without limits

Bata South Africa has brought back its top-selling, global children’s footwear range, Bubblegummers, promising to fuel the imagination of little ones once again with the coolest, comfiest shoes around. The new line of Bubblegummers high-tops and sneakers is out now in selected Edgars stores nationwide and online. A firm favourite for kids the world over, Bubblegummers have delivered lasting memories of fun and adventure for generations of children. They’re crafted for function, durability and great support for growing feet, but designed with colour and fun in mind. With elasticated laces and light-up soles – infused with a signature bubblegum scent – the new line includes a variety of styles, designs, colours and sizes, packaged in a super sturdy and lightweight fit that’s perfect for active and playful kids. Bata Country Manager, Michael Wyatt, says: “Every pair of Bubblegummers is designed with the most advanced technology to ensure that kids can play and explore in comfort and safety in their early years. Bubblegummers is all about combining fun, form and function, and we’re confident that kids and parents alike will love the innovation and aesthetic appeal that have been incorporated into the design of this new line.” Bubblegummers footwear innovation The new Bubblegummers range of sneakers is antibacterial and breathable thanks to special Bubble Breathe technology. Bubble flex helps the shoes adapt comfortably to the energetic movements of childhood. Bubble absorption in the sole of the shoe keeps busy little feet protected, while a non-slip bubble grip supports the child’s stability as they explore the world. Bubble health keeps feet fresh and free from odour-causing bacteria, thanks to sanitised insoles. And to top it off, there’s bubble smell, with a signature Tutti Frutti bubblegum fragrance infused into every pair of Bubblegummers. The Bubblegummers range caters for girls and boys, and all shoes are designed with a child’s general developmental goals and ages in mind. Bubblegummers for infants are soft, yet offer protection from unexpected bumps, while shoes for pre-school children have an easy fit and are flexible for energetic toddlers who want to play. “Children take up to 16 000 steps every day as they play and keep active. As parents it’s our responsibility to encourage play and physical activity, which are necessary for growth. This is why the Bubblegummers range is designed to allow for flexibility and protection, with the colours and technologies that your children need to grow up healthy and happy, as they build their imagination without limits,” says Wyatt. Shop Bubblegummers at selected Edgars outlets nationwide, and Edgars online. Sizes range from toddler size 6 to 10 and kids’ size 11 to 3, for boys and girls. Follow Bubblegummers on social media: Instagram: @bubblegummers_za Facebook: Bubblegummers_ZA

April 14, 2023

Why it’s important to sterilise your baby’s bottles

Sterilising baby bottles may seem like a tedious job, and let’s be honest, it can be! But although it’s not the most exciting chore, it’s one of the most important ones. It’s really important to sterilise baby’s feeding equipment as it helps to protect your baby’s developing immune system from potentially harmful bugs and bacteria. A baby’s immune system is not yet fully developed, and babies are more susceptible to infection and illness than older children and adults are. Sterilising baby’s feeding equipment for the first 12 months is of the utmost importance to protect their developing immune system from potentially harmful bacteria. A lot of mothers ask if it’s really necessary to sterilise feeding equipment in areas where tap water is safe to drink. The answer to that, is yes. Although your baby will be at lower risk, the risk is not eliminated. Because of your baby’s immature immune system, water that is safe for an adult, will not necessarily be safe for them. It is also important to remember that harmful bacteria does not just come from water – it can be transferred by your hands or even from milk remains in the bottle. It’s better to be safe than sorry. To sterilise effectively, you should make sure that all bottles, teats and accessories are disassembled and washed thoroughly with warm soapy water and rinsed clean before sterilising. You can leave the sterilised contents inside your steriliser for 24 hours, but make sure the lid is kept closed for the duration. Ensure you re-assemble items with clean hands or sterilised tongs if you can and always on a clean surface too. The inside of the steriliser lid is perfect for this. Time with your baby is precious. The vital baby® NURTURE™ 2 in 1 combination steriliser is designed to make the sterilising process as quick and simple as possible. The vital baby® NURTURE™ 2 in 1 combination steriliser has been designed to give you ultimate convenience and peace of mind, killing 99.9% bacteria to keep your baby healthy and happy. This microwave and cold water steriliser combination offers total flexibility depending on your needs. It keeps contents sterile for a full 24 hours when the lid is kept closed. This is really useful, so you can always have a sterile bottle close to hand. You can choose to sterilise in either the microwave with only water using steam for a chemical-free clean, or using the cold water method with sterilising solution added. The large capacity holds up to 4 wide neck bottles, teats, collars, caps and tongs. This steriliser is also suitable for standard neck bottles and accessories such as breast pumps and their components, soothers and teethers. It can be easily stored in the microwave when not in use and can be easily transported when travelling with baby. Sterilising time is just 4 minutes in the microwave (based on an 850W microwave). Vital Baby products are available at: Clicks, Babies R Us, Baby City and online at Babies Africa, Loot and Takealot. Learn more about Vital Baby on www.vitalbaby.co.za or follow them on social media @vitalbabysa.

April 14, 2023

Introducing your little ones to fruit

Introducing your little one to trickier tastes, particularly fruit, early on in the weaning journey will help them accept them more readily. Infants usually start with pureed or mashed foods such as nutritious, organic and tasty baby and toddler pouches, a convenient way for babies to explore food on the go – just simple combinations of fruits and grains for a fun taste adventure! As your little one gets older, you can have fun with all sorts of fruits and finger foods, discovering new tastes and textures along the way! Taste As your little one grows, their sense of adventure does too, and from around 6 to 12 months they’ll be open to trying new tastes. This is often called the weaning window. Research shows that babies who are offered a wide variety of tastes and textures at this age are more likely to eat a range of foods later in childhood. Don’t worry though it may take 10-15 tries for your baby to get used to new tastes, so keep trying! There will be days when they eat more, some when they eat less, and then days when they reject everything – this is normal. Texture Solid food will feel strange at first, start slowly and simply. Softer textures are very important when first introducing fruit such as soft banana slices. Do this each day until your baby is looking for more. Over the next couple of weeks gradually increase the amount you are giving and slowly introduce new flavours, colours and textures so your little one can develop the mouth control they need. Stockists: Clicks, www.takealot.com and www.babiesafrica.com

April 14, 2023

The best study snacks and why they work

There are so many things that can distract you from studying. Maybe you have low energy and can’t concentrate. Maybe you’re hungry and that’s pulling focus away from your work. Maybe you’re even struggling with your memory right now due to stress or depression. Food is a good and sustainable way to address all of these factors, alongside daily physical activity and quality sleep. In this article, however, we’re talking about the best study snacks and why they can work for you, in addition to being delicious. 1. Coffee with milk You probably already know that coffee can help increase your energy levels and keep you awake, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to tell you to drink coffee when you have to study late at night (more on that later). Another great thing coffee does is increase the production of dopamine in the brain. Dopamine lifts your mood, making coffee a great option for the beginning of the study session, when you may not feel like getting stuck in. This neurotransmitter also improves focus and boosts concentration, helping you take in more information when you’re learning. Limit your coffee intake to two cups per day and don’t drink any coffee at all after lunchtime. This will prevent caffeine-related anxiety and poor sleep later on. 2. Trail mix Toss together a big bowl of mixed nuts, your favourite dried fruits and small pieces of chopped dark chocolate. Carbohydrates are our brain’s preferred source of energy, so you’re definitely going to want to include them when you’re planning your study snacks. Fruit contains plenty of carbs in the form of sugar, as does dark chocolate, and this often results in a spike in blood sugar (and energy), followed by an energy crash. We use fat to counteract this effect, and that’s where nuts come in. Nuts contain plenty of the good fats, which force the body to digest carbohydrates more slowly when the two are eaten together. This will give you a steady flow of energy for the next couple of hours. And remember, a portion of trail mix is about a quarter cup, so try to stick to that amount at snack time. 3. Popcorn There are so many things to love about popcorn. It’s high in protein, wholegrain carbohydrates and fibre. All of these nutrients work towards sustainable slow-release energy to help you concentrate. They also work together to keep you fuller for longer, so you won’t be distracted by hunger 30 minutes into your study session. Popcorn is also extremely low in calories considering the nutritional value it serves, but only if you prepare it correctly. Stay away from ready-to-microwave popcorn or cooking it on the stove with heaps of butter and oil. Instead, buy a bag of kernels and mix a portion with one or two tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of salt. Pop them into a brown paper bag and then microwave the popcorn until it’s done. 4. Smoothies Do you want a wholesome filling snack that includes lots of brain foods plus energy-boosting nutrients? A smoothie is the best way to do this. Remember, our brains need carbs for energy, and healthy fats to help our bodies absorb and use that energy more slowly rather than all at once. So we’ll start with those as a base. We love the idea of oats as your main carb option. They blend easily, give smoothies a nice texture and they have a neutral flavour. Milk offers the same smoothie-making benefits, while offering protein and fat. Now that you have your base, it’s time to add brain food! Blueberries have been found to support memory and cognition. The omega fatty acids found in chia seeds, nuts and seeds are great for concentration and overall brain health. L-theanine is a compound found in green tea that increases focus while decreasing anxiety at the same time! Greens like spinach, broccoli and lettuce are about the long game. Eat them regularly for long-term cognitive health throughout your studies, working life and beyond. Dark chocolate (in small amounts) because it’s another food that naturally contains caffeine. 5. Apples and celery with peanut butter We know it sounds weird, especially the celery part, but celery and apples are an amazing combo, and celery and peanut butter are an amazing combo (try it before you deny it). Apples are packed with nutrients and energy in the form of carbs, making it a well-rounded snack when paired with a healthy fat protein like peanut butter. When it comes to celery, recent studies have shown that it can improve memory. The evidence also points towards helping people with depression. If you suffer from depression and find that it is affecting your memory (as it commonly does), adding celery to your diet could help to counter this symptom. We’re excited to see where this research leads! When it comes to peanut butter, you can benefit from all the brain boosting effects its omega fatty acids offer. These include improved memory, cognition, concentration and mood. 6. Veggies and hummus If you’re not a sweet tooth and prefer savoury snacks, what about veggies and hummus? Choose a wide range of veggies in different colours for your energy and nutrients. Serve them with some hummus on the side for dipping to act as your protein and fat source. If you’re a slow snacker, carrots, cucumber, sliced peppers and celery keep (and travel) well, and they all pair well with hummus and each other. 7. Fruit yoghurt ice lollies Have you ever been in a test or an exam, and a teacher pulls out a bag of Fizz Pops or chewy sweets for the class writing? If you have, you’ll probably remember forever how good your memory and concentration were that day. If you look around, you’ll see this everywhere. People chew gum to increase focus during the work day, they bite their nails to concentrate on something they’re reading, snacking on small nibbles throughout a movie feels

April 14, 2023

How Multifunctional Toys support Creativity, Learning & Problem-Solving

The educational value of toys are easily overlooked because playing, as an developmental activity, is not supported by traditional educational models, but it’s been proven that multifunctional toys stimulate a child’s development and brain function more than you know. Music, art and playing are great educational tools, just like reading and writing. At a young age, children don’t only learn, they use all their senses to quickly develop subconscious perceptions of the world, and hands-on play encourages understanding of the world around them as well as imaginative play. Engaging with the bright colours of the tracks when playing and stunting with Hot Wheels reinforces learning as children engage create new experiences with the dynamic system of play which stimulates their emotional and imaginative development in a completely different way than books do. Toys and sets with interchangeable parts give children the freedom to play without rules, and explore their individual interests, placing them in a mental space where they can share their feeling and thoughts through play, because they feel comfortable enough to create what they want to. Apart from just stimulating creativity, which traditional approaches don’t cultivate, this kind of engagement also have an effect on other issues like self-esteem and confidence building. Children need to be encouraged to think and create independently, and not confined to colouring inside the lines. This also helps them appreciate different points of view, rather than shy away from it, as well as stimulates their problem-solving abilities. Parents who don’t know where to start are encouraged to get the The Hot Wheels Speed Drop Hauler, which redefines Hot Wheels storage and racing in one very cool semi-truck that’s full of surprises. Small display windows on the trailer showcase the more than 20 Hot Wheels cars it can carry, and when kids pull the back latch, this 3-in-1 toy unfolds into a six-foot long racetrack! The multi functioning vehicle comes with three 1:64 scale Hot Wheels vehicles and can hold 20 more. It provides endless fun for kids 4 to 8 years old. Colours and decorations may vary, but the Hot Wheels Speedway Hauler is the ultimate all-in-one Hot Wheels package with so many features and so many ways to play, and is compatible with the entire Hot Wheels System of play, allowing for hours of imaginative and creative play. About The Hot Wheels ™ City Speed Drop Transport™ The Hot Wheels™ City Speed Drop Transport™ Hauler combines the convenience of a cool-looking Hot Wheels® hauler with the awesomeness of a two-foot vertical racetrack that connects to other sets. In transport mode, the big rig semi can hold more than 20 1:64 scale toy cars as it rolls on its six massive wheels. Unhitch the rear lock and transform this hauler into an incredible two-foot-tall track for extreme excitement. Stunt cars down the epic gravity drop that can connect to other sets (additional track sold separately). Includes one Hot Wheels® vehicles to haul from the get-go. Colors and decorations may vary.for 22. Features: The Hot Wheels™ City Speed Drop Transport™ Hauler transforms from a cool and functional car-carrying trailer into a spectacular track with a 2-foot-tall gravity drop for extreme transport and excitement. The hauler can hold more than 20 Hot Wheels® vehicles and has big, rolling wheels to make it part of the fun itself. Unlock the rear hitch and transform the hauler into a track set with an epic 2-foot-tall drop. Includes 1 Hot Wheels® vehicle, and the track can connect to other sets to extend the stunting adventures (additional track sold separately). This hauler combines convenience and excitement with its massive storage capacity and epic drop – kids 4 years and older will love the awesomeness of this incredible gift! Legal Line: ©2021 Mattel. Licensed Legal 1: Licensed Legal 2:

April 13, 2023

5 DANGERS OF SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explores the dangers of smoking during pregnancy. “While the prevalence of smoking during pregnancy in South Africa has decreased in recent decades, it is still a significant public health concern that requires continued attention and support to help pregnant women quit smoking and protect the health of their unborn babies,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Quitting smoking is the best way to protect the health of both the mother and the baby. Many resources are available to help pregnant women quit smoking, including counselling, support groups, and nicotine replacement therapy. Seeking help is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and a healthy baby.” When a woman smokes cigarettes during pregnancy, the harmful chemicals in the tobacco smoke enter her bloodstream and pass through the placenta to the developing foetus. This can lead to a range of adverse health effects. Despite this, many women smoke during pregnancy because they are unaware of the risks or find quitting difficult. Dangerous Chemicals in Cigarettes Cigarette smoke contains various harmful chemicals that can affect foetal development and increase the likelihood of a range of health problems in the short and long term. A few of the many chemicals found in cigarettes include: Nicotine is the addictive substance in cigarettes, and it increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and lung cancer. Tar, a sticky brown substance, is deposited in the lungs when inhaled cigarette smoke can lead to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Carbon monoxide, a poisonous gas, reduces the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream and can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, and headaches. Benzene, a carcinogen, can damage the bone marrow and lead to leukaemia. Formaldehyde, used to preserve dead bodies, is also found in cigarettes and is a known carcinogen. Acrolein, a toxic liquid, irritates the eyes, nose, and throat and can cause lung damage. Smoking During Pregnancy: The Top Risks to Your Unborn Baby’s Health Affinity Health lists five of the most significant risks associated with smoking. 1. Low Birth Weight Smoking during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of low birth weight. Babies born with low birth weight are at higher risk of health problems, including respiratory distress, feeding difficulties, and infections. They may also experience developmental delays and have a higher likelihood of long-term health problems, including chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. According to the American Pregnancy Association, smoking during pregnancy can result in an average 180 grams decrease in birth weight. This risk increases with the number of cigarettes a mother smokes per day. 2. Premature Birth Smoking during pregnancy is also a significant risk factor for premature birth (defined as giving birth before 37 weeks of gestation). Premature babies are at higher risk of developing health problems, including respiratory distress syndrome, cerebral palsy, and vision and hearing problems. According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), smoking during pregnancy raises the chance of premature birth by 25%. 3. Stillbirth Smoking during pregnancy can also lead to stillbirth (when a baby dies in the womb after 20 weeks of pregnancy). Stillbirth is a devastating loss for families and can be caused by various factors, including smoking during pregnancy. According to the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, smoking during pregnancy raises the chance of stillbirth by up to 40%. 4. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected death of an infant under the age of one year, typically while sleeping. Smoking during pregnancy is a risk factor for SIDS, and babies born to smokers are up to three times more likely to die from SIDS than babies born to non-smokers. Smoking during pregnancy raises the risk of SIDS by altering the baby’s respiratory and immunological systems, leaving them more vulnerable to illnesses. 5. Developmental Delays and Long-Term Health Problems Smoking during pregnancy can also lead to developmental delays and long-term health problems for the baby. Children born to moms who smoked during their pregnancy had an increased risk of developmental impairments, including language and cognitive development delays. Smoking during pregnancy can also affect the baby’s DNA, leading to long-lasting changes that may increase cancer risk and other chronic diseases later in life.

April 13, 2023

CAREER DESIGN: WHY YOU SHOULD MAP YOUR FUTURE PATH FROM EARLY IN YOUR STUDIES

As hundreds of thousands of students head back to university throughout South Africa, they enter a world of study that has already changed just from last year and will continue to do so more rapidly than ever before due to technological advancements changing the landscape almost from one day to the next. This is why these students should, as soon as possible, strategise their career trajectory, taking into account not only their current graduate studies, but also potential post-graduate options, an education expert says. “Today’s students are developing their skills in the face of an uncertain future, the only certainty being that they will be competing in a very tough job market by the time they graduate. One of the most important reasons for strategising one’s career trajectory from early in your studies, is to reduce uncertainty and stress, by knowing that you have a solid plan in place which will allow you to focus on going above and beyond in your everyday endeavours during your academic journey,” says Peter Kriel, General Manager at The Independent Institute of Education, South Africa’s leading private higher education provider. “By having a plan in place, you will feel more confident and in control of your future, which will allow you to be resilient if the landscape changes on the way, and allow you to make decisions with greater clarity and purpose, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the many options and uncertainties that will be coming your way,” he says. Kriel says in coming years, a post-graduate qualification will become a non-negotiable for remaining competitive in the job market, which is why it is important for students to factor that into their academic journey from as early as possible. “Postgraduate studies are of course a significant investment, so it is, therefore, important to carefully consider your goals and options before pursuing an advanced degree. It’s also important to choose a programme that aligns with your career goals and provides the skills and knowledge you need to advance in your chosen field. It is for this reason that this decision should be top of mind throughout one’s graduate studies, and not be left until the last moment.” Kriel says making the contemplation of post-graduate studies part of one’s graduate student career has a number of benefits, most notably the fact that time is on one’s side. “When you start planning your career trajectory early, you have more time to explore different options and make informed decisions. You can take advantage of opportunities as they arise and make adjustments to your plan as needed.” It also allows a student to continuously align their academic and career goals. “In other words, you’ll be able to select programmes leading to qualifications, the elective modules within such programmes where applicable and the focus of any research projects in such a way that will best support your career aspirations and build the skills and knowledge you need for your future studies and career.” Knowing that you’ll be continuing your studies will also allow you to start building your professional network, says Kriel. “While studying towards your first qualification in university, you will have opportunities to connect with academics, alumni and industry professionals who can help you build your professional network, which will not only be able to support you as you progress to post-graduate study and point you towards new opportunities but who will also later be a valuable support network as you enter the job market.” With technological advancements and automation changing the nature of work, employers will in future increasingly look for candidates who have advanced skills and knowledge, regardless of their field of study, as no field is exempt from these developments, says Kriel. “A postgraduate degree not only demonstrates your commitment to professional development and objectively increases your competitiveness and earning potential in the job market, but also proves that you have deepened your understanding in your field of expertise and that you can stay on top of new developments. By starting now, and taking the time to consider your options and make informed decisions, you can set yourself on a path to a successful and fulfilling future from early in your university career.” STUDY TRAJECTORY: HOW EACH QUALIFICATION LEVEL BUILDS ON THE NEXT FIRST DEGREES AND DIPLOMAS (NQF LEVEL 6 or 7): A first degree or diploma equips you with the toolkit to do certain tasks, and enables you to become competent in delivering on the key outputs in line with these tasks. Some four year professional degrees are on Level 8). HONOURS DEGREES (NQF 8): When competency has been achieved in terms of the toolkits acquired in the first qualification, an honours degree allows you to level up by learning how to use different tools at once, particularly in relation to one another. This brings a new level of maturity within the field. POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMAS (NQF 8): An option to expand you knowledge base and specialisation. For example if you have a general business-related undergraduate degree and you would like to gain deeper insight into for example marketing or human resource management – or even beyond that. MASTER’S DEGREES: A master’s degree develops the art of being able to synthesise and develop independence in a field. Instead of just being able to competently develop an identity for a brand, now you start to be able to stretch a brand’s identity into mergers and acquisitions and product portfolios. DOCTORATES: Doctorates enable you to contribute to thought leadership and development of the field.

April 13, 2023

It’s Scrabble’s 75th Anniversary!

The Iconic Game of Wits and Words Celebrates 75 Years of Fun Around the World on National Scrabble Day Scrabble, the iconic word game that has brought joy to millions of people around the world for 75 years, today celebrates its milestone anniversary on National Scrabble Day. The game that started as a passion project by US architect, Alfred Mosher Butts in 1948 has become a beloved game enjoyed by people of all ages with over 165 million sets having been sold to date. Since its creation, Scrabble has stood the test of time, becoming one of the most popular and enduring board games in history. Its success is built upon a simple truth: It’s not how many words you know, but how you use them that matters. The tactical game of wits and words keeps on reinventing itself with dynamic innovations welcoming a new look that embraces all players, both long-time fans and newcomers. And Scrabble continues to inspire enthusiasm across the globe with its latest extensions including Scrabble Junior, Scrabble Trap Tiles and Scrabble Vision, which has brought augmented reality to game play. The brand is set to enjoy future success as it carries on joining forces with fan favourites like Harry Potter and Star Wars. Ray Adler, Vice President, and Global Head of Games at Mattel said “We are thrilled to be celebrating 75 years of the ground-breaking strategic word game Scrabble. After 75 years, Scrabble continues to be one of the most iconic games in the world by fostering meaningful connections across generations, harnessing the power of words, and celebrating the benefits of positive expression. An ethos brought vividly to life by players enjoying the simple fun of building words together on a shared game board. We hope you too are sharing the fun beyond words of Scrabble today!” In the UK, to celebrate Scrabble’s 75th anniversary & the forthcoming coronation of King Charles III who also turns 75 this year, milliner to the stars Justin Smith has created a crown of Scrabble tiles, inspired by the St Edward’s Crown of the real British Crown Jewels. Renowned for creating couture headwear for Hollywood stars including Angelina Jolie, Emma Thompson and Amal Clooney, the British milliner’s playful take on St Edward’s Crown will go on display in London from National Scrabble Day April 13th until the King’s coronation on May 6th. In France, spoken word artist (or ‘slameuse’ in French) Chloe M has created an ode to Scrabble. Inspired by her favourite game’s 75th anniversary and her love of the French language (‘la langue vivante’), the gifted wordsmith is marking the occasion by performing her ‘Scrabble slam’ in front of Paris’ Eiffel Tower. Globally, adult Scrabble fans are encouraged to post their proudest Scrabble moments and endeavours using the #75yearsofScrabble. In honour of its anniversary year, Scrabble’s 75th commemorative edition will be available to buy this summer. It is the most premium Scrabble ever built, made from more sustainable materials than any previous version of Scrabble to date. Featuring an espresso-stained wooden gameboard casing and tile racks, wood tiles and a rotating board with a gameboard grid. Scrabble is now available in 30 languages across 120 countries around the world, with Ukrainian being the latest language to be introduced in 2006, along with Scrabble having also been in braille for the visually impaired. As it celebrates its landmark birthday, Scrabble is perfectly positioned to rack up another 75 years of fun beyond words.

April 13, 2023

Baby – It’s Getting Cold Outside!

Someone once said about winter : “All you need are tea and warm socks.” However, when it comes to baby and winter, you’re certainly going to be needing much more! In preparing your newborn for winter, start with long-sleeved babygrow that fits really well. Include socks and make sure that you have a well-fitting warm beanie to keep ears warm as well as mittens to keep baby’s hands covered and protected from the cold. If you’re taking baby outside, be sure to cover baby’s stroller with a bunting bag and keep baby snuggled in a zip-up sweater or a Snug baby grow with feet and matching beanie, to keep baby warm, available in various colours from Baby and I Melrose. Essential items to remember are : Babygrow, babygrow, babygrow! The top essential for baby during winter Socks and more socks Booties Mittens – be sure to have a good few on hand! Remember that babies always put their hands in their mouths and you don’t want baby to be wearing wet mittens Snuggly soft and warm beanie Swaddle or Sleeping bag Even though winters here in South Africa aren’t that harsh, we do get some extremely cold days. For that reason, it’s a good idea to know how cold is too cold for baby? When your thermometer is reading single figures, or you feel that it’s too cold for yourself to be out and about, then you know it’s too cold for your baby. Should you need to take baby out, make sure that they are not exposed to the elements for more than a few minutes at time. Of course going out requires so much more to be taken along to ensure that you are fully prepared for all eventualities during those cold winter days and nights. Whether you’re running to the shops or hopping on a plane, all parents will agree that a hands-free easy to carry and comfortable to use baby bag or backpack , is always going to win hands down! Consider a nappy bag backpack with a generous size to fit everything you need, such as nappies, wipes, a change of clothing and your own items, without weighing you down. The bag should feel comfortable to wear without sacrificing your style. Additional considerations include a changing station or pad, wet bag, easy-to-use zips, pockets (insulated and uninsulated), easy access, size, and overall value. When dressing baby for the night in winter, we suggest dressing him or her in a swaddle or sleeping bag with a 1.0 TOG or 2.5 TOG rating. TOG stands for Thermal Overall Grade and is a unit of measurement for insulation and warmth of sleepwear and bedding. Put simply, the lower the TOG rating the lighter the fabric. The higher the rating, the more padded and insulated it is for warmth. 1.0 TOG is suitable for room temperature of 21°C to 24°C 2.5 TOG is suitable for room temperature of 17°C to 23°C The easiest way to see if baby is too hot or too cold is to feel the nape of baby’s neck which will either be sweaty or feel cold to the touch. To tell if baby is warm enough, place your hand on baby’s chest. If it feels comfortable and warm to the touch, then baby is warm enough. Touching baby’s hands or feet is not ideal for determining whether or not baby is warm enough. In preparing baby for the night, it can be very tempting to offer a soft warm blanket to help comfort baby for the night. However, blankets are not recommended until baby reaches at least 12 months old. This is because blankets can increase the risk of suffocation. Rather dress baby in one or two layers to sleep. Make sure that baby’s clothes do not have any strings or ties when putting baby down for the night and never cover baby’s head. Until baby can roll over by himself, use a swaddle or sleep sack to form one of those layers to ensure that baby is warm enough for the night. Tips for keeping Baby warm on cold winter nights : Dress baby as we’ve explained above Set the room temperature to a comfortable – 20°C to 22°C Use a swaddle or sleeping bag Keep wind off baby Use a firm mattress (always) Wear baby to keep him or her warm It is essential for perfect development that baby receives all the important nutrients from powdered milk formula. Baby and I Melrose has the perfect answer to this. The “Cool Twister” reliably cools freshly boiled water to the recommended temperature for food preparation. This is the only way to ensure that all probiotic nutrients are retained. And when your baby is hangry, it has to go fast. With the Cool Twister, you can prepare a bottle in just 80 seconds. In order to maintain hygiene, cleaning and bathing baby is important. During the winter months, bathe your baby in lukewarm water on alternate days, particularly in the early days. On the other days you can just use a wet towel to wipe their body before changing their clothes. Doing this will reduce the risk of illness as well as help to retain moisture of the skin. Cold and dry air sucks away all the moisture from baby’s skin which makes it dry and flaky. A great way to keep the skin moisturized is to massage baby at least twice a day in the winter months. So when looking for winter essentials for baby, Baby and I Melrose is the perfect place to look. We can’t wait to give you a shopping lifestyle experience and to serve you. Baby & I Melrose offers a unique experience as a Baby Boutique in South Africa. Check out our website https://babyandimelrose.co.za/

April 13, 2023

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