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Parenting Hub

HOW TO MANAGE YOUR BABY’S PORTION CONTROL

Managing a baby’s portion control can be tricky, especially if you are a new parent. However, this can be made easy if you have the right equipment in your feeding arsenal! Take a look at why portion control is important for your child, and how to get it right with the perfect plate. Developing Healthy Habits Through Baby Portion Control From an early age, your child is picking up on how to interact with the world. Therefore, instilling a healthy relationship with food is vital for your baby. Portion control can help your child avoid: Diabetes Obesity Anorexia Bulimia  All of the above mentioned health problems can be linked to the practice of overeating – which is scary.  The Do’s And Don’ts Of Baby Portion Control Below are a number of suggested habits to get yourself into to strengthen your baby’s portion control: Do Allow Self Feeding: This will help your baby develop not only a good relationship with food, but also the ability to determine when he or she is satisfied. Do Try Various Flavours: This will allow you to suss out which are your little one’s favourites, and will allow your baby to widen their pallet. Do Make Use Of A Divide Plate: If you don’t know the first thing about baby portion size, get something to guide you along the way. Don’t Encourage Plate Completion: This is a grave mistake made by many parents. Encouraging your child to finish a whole plate of food may give them a poor relationship with food, as they are being forced to continue eating even once they are full. Rather ask them if they are satisfied and have had enough. If they say yes, trust them on this.  Don’t Use Food As A Rewards System: This will also deepen an unhealthy relationship with food. Rather than coaxing them into doing something with the promise of a sweetie, reward them in other ways.

May 12, 2022
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

NEW PARENTS AND YOUR BABY’S HEALTH

Becoming a parent is a joy but it can also be overwhelming and just a little daunting. There is no degree or diploma, you are simply propelled into it. It’s a steep learning curve. You instantly have a new life depending on you and, combined with sleep deprivation, the challenges of adjusting to being a parent and wanting to do the best for your child, you need all the help you can get.Becoming a parent is a joy but it can also be overwhelming and just a little daunting. There is no degree or diploma, you are simply propelled into it. It’s a steep learning curve. You instantly have a new life depending on you and, combined with sleep deprivation, the challenges of adjusting to being a parent and wanting to do the best for your child, you need all the help you can get.

May 11, 2022
Parenting Hub

ABOUT BABY & I MELROSE

The inspiration for our children’s clothing shop began when I started my 1st job at one of the major SA Retail Head office in the late 90’s. I have experience in the setting of specifications on the technical requirements of the production of garments. And my experience includes the development of innovative standards and methods of solving and managing quality related problems. I have gathered extensive experience in Garment Technology. I was also involved in the effective planning and efficient execution of standards development projects.  With such an experience in the clothing industry came the decision to venture into Retail.  The decision was inspired by an ambition to deliver high quality clothing at a reasonable price. I have a passion and enthusiasm for the baby industry and want to bring innovation in the sector.  In this space we only want to attract business partners (i.e manufactures, suppliers) with the same values, ethics, and will provide the best customer service to. Quality and comfort are paramount in decision making of what we want to offer to our customers. At Baby and I Melrose we want to create a shopping lifestyle to suit both parents and their little angels. We will focus on offering exceptional products with attention to detail and providing quality items. Our product selection and service excellence is motivated by passion to be the best and most valued choice for parents, babies, and toddlers when it comes to quality, price and service.     We will work hard and build a team that will take the brand to reach its milestones of opening more stores into other provinces. Customer satisfaction is what we are all about.  Our friendly staff is always at hand to help. They will find the perfect baby items for your needs. We will help guide you through all the product choices available, making sure you select the right products and brands for your lifestyle.  We want to stock the latest ranges across all departments namely children swear, essentials, travel systems and accessories, nursery furniture and accessories, toys, and gifts. We have launched our website for our customers to be able to shop from the comfort of their own home and for an exclusive shopping experience.   Our Vision  To lead in the children’s industry and strengthen brand recognitionTo be accessible to parents based on trust, quality, and innovation To build a strong and loyal consumer base  To maintain the highest customer service level standards   You can shop for the following with us: Travel system i.e. Pram, strollers & car seat.  Baby essentials i.e. shoes, clothes, baby food and nappies. Nursery décor, essentials and furniture. 

May 9, 2022
Exigo Care

The importance of choosing the right baby nappies: On the couch with Jessica

As a mother, I only want to put the best baby nappies on my little one’s bottom. As a nurse, I understand the importance thereof. The super absorbent core and extra depth double leak guards feature are the heart and soul of our Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups. A super absorbent nappy core ensures a dry nappy surface protecting baby’s sensitive skin from prolonged exposure to moisture. Excess moisture in a nappy is the leading cause of nappy rash and here is why:  It causes maceration of the skin surface. This is caused when the skin gets lighter in colour and goes wrinkly – just like when you sit in the bath for too long – compromising the skin’s integrity. Broken down skin is a free pass for fungal, yeast and bacterial infections which thrive in a warm moist environment. A premium nappy with a super absorbent core can save you on medical bills. Prolonged contact with urine and faeces irritates the skin which can lead to inflammation and skin breakdown. Contact dermatitis is especially common when babies have diarrhoea, often paired with illness or teething. The effects can be minimised by using a premium nappy that has good absorbency, to lock away excess moisture, combined with a good barrier cream to protect the skin.  In addition to protecting baby’s skin, a premium nappy with a super absorbent core is the difference between waking up at night to a crying, cold and wet baby and a good night’s rest, with 12 hours of dryness. It means more time to play with your little one. Time to pay attention to the things that matter, and less time spent washing wet clothing and linen.  As parents we want what is best for our little humans and with Hi Baby Premium Nappies you are giving them just that. Til next time Jessica  (Registered Nurse/Midwife)

May 9, 2022
My Breastpump

My Breast Milk Storage Bags are super useful

Pumping breast milk to store it for later use is a fantastic way to prolong your breast feeding, specifically for mothers that are going back to work or who need to be separated from their baby. The storage of milk allows you time to be away from your baby and still have breast milk for your baby to drink.  The best time to start building up you milk stash is at least 2 weeks before you will need it. This allows you time to get used to expressing. It may take some time to get used to a pump and find the best settings for you to use. The Mya Joy hospital grade breast pump is an excellent pump. Being able to express both breast at the same time is a great time saver and also having a motor that is able to empty breasts and also last for the 2 year warranty is super important. If you want to find out more about the Ameda Mya Joy breast pump you follow this link: https://www.mybreastpump.co.za/product/MyaJ .  You also have some time available to build up a bit of a stash so that you know that you will have milk for when you need it. If you are exclusively breast feeding, expect to express about half a feed in between the breast feeding. Your body is already making enough milk for your baby and now your body is making extra on top of your baby’s needs. Expressing does also add more to your schedule, so give your self the time to express and slowly work up to the extra sessions that you need. Once you are at work you will need to express in the times that you would normally have feed or pumped.  Having an affordable option to save your breast milk in is a must. The My Breast Milk Storage bags are idea for storing your breast milk on. They are BPA-free and medically sterilized so that you don’t have to do anything to get them ready, just tear open the top seal and pour your milk in to the bag. The bags also have space for you to write with a permanent marker your baby’s name, date that you expressed the milk on and the volume. This information is very important. If you baby goes to creche you need to make sure that the breast milk given to your baby is your milk. When breastmilk freezes it expands which can make it difficult to work out how much milk is in the bag. By having the amount of milk on the bag it makes it easier for you to manage how much milk you need to defrost and can result in less wastage. Lastly by dating the bags you are able to use the older milk first. First in First out is really important in making sure that you use your breast milk within the correct time frames so that it does not expire.  What really sets the My Breast Milk Storage Bags apart is that it has a double ziplock seal so that the bag does not leak. The side seals are very strong so that the bag will not burst in your freezer. There is nothing worst then defrosting your milk only to find that it has all leaked out. The bags has a very useful pouring sprout. This means that you don’t need to pour the milk out of the opening with the Ziplock seal. You have a designed spout that enables you to pour accurately with out messing your milk. The milk can also stand on it own once you have filled it. This makes it so much easier to handle.  Just a little tip when using breast milk storage bags is that you can save a lot more space if you freeze the bags flat. This way they become thin and once frozen are able to stand up in a container so that you can arrange them first in fits out. This make managing the stash so much easier and you can fit so many more bags into your freezer. No need to just buy a breast milk freezer.  If you are not sure how long you can store breast milk for, the CDC guidelines are on the back of the box. This makes it so easy for you, you just have to flip the box around and there is all the information. It also explains how long you can keep thawed breast milk as well as what to do if the baby does not finish the bottle of breast milk. This information is so important, by having it at your fingertips you are able to save more milk y not wasting and also ensure that your baby get the benefits of the breast milk that you have expressed.  You can get the My Breast Milk Storage bags from Takealot (look out for the bulk deals where you can buy 4 bags and save R60) Alternatively you can buy  the bags form the online store www.mybreastpump.co.za

May 6, 2022
Parenting Hub

HAPPY TRAVELLING HACKS WITH PANADO® PAEDIATRIC SYRUP, PEPPERMINT 5 ML SACHETS

Even seasoned travellers may find car and plane trips with infants or toddlers daunting. How will you entertain your child while on the road? What if your child experiences earache or a fever during the plane flight? How can you ensure that your entire family arrives safely and in good spirits? Do not fear, fellow parents!  These suggestions for travelling with a baby or toddler will ensure that everyone has a pleasant experience. Headaches Regrettably, airplane travel may be a headache generator, especially for pint-sized passengers.  Airplane Headache (AH) is exclusively related to airplane travels, and although may occur at any time during a flight; there is a higher incidence during the take-off and landing phase.1  Motion Sickness Headaches arising due to motion sickness from riding in cars can also make your child miserable. Symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and headache are common to motion sickness.2 Encourage your child to look outside the window of the car rather than putting their head down and focusing on books, games or screens.  If your child is prone to motion sickness, don’t forget to pack recently launched and conveniently packaged, Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets, for the symptomatic treatment of pain and fever for kids on the move.  Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets contain paracetamol, which is included in the List of Essential Medicines for Children of the World Health Organization.3 Avoid Overdoing It Bear in mind that babies and toddlers lack the tolerance that you do for lengthy road trips. If your car trip will take several hours or days, break it up with pauses for playing, eating, and sleeping.  Plan Trips Around Your Child’s Sleep Time Your infant or toddler may slumber during your road trip if you’re fortunate! Some experts encourage driving at night when travelling with toddlers or infants. However, arriving in the middle of the night may rouse your children and disrupt their circadian patterns as well. Provide Lots (and Lots) Of Snacks Pack some nutritious travel snacks for children. Consider whole-grain cereals, fruit chunks, and cheese cubes. To ensure food safety, keep refrigerated items in a cooler bag. If your child is prone to choking, serve snacks and meals at a rest stop, park, or restaurant. Ensure That Your Child Is Properly Secured Make sure children are properly buckled in a car seat, booster seat, or seat belt – whichever is appropriate for their age, height, and weight.4a The Centre for Disease Control and Prevention says that data shows the correct use of a car seat reduces the risk for injuries in crashes by 71% – 82% for children, when compared with seat belt use alone, while booster seats reduce the risk for serious injury by 45% for children aged 4-8, when compared to seat belt use alone.4b  Other Panado® Products Suitable for Your Child  In addition to Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachet, Panado’s range for children include Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),5 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),6 and Panado® Infant Drops 20 ml.7 Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado products from independent pharmacies and selected Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick ‘n Pay stores. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/and join the conversations on Facebook. #Panado #ADoseOfCare 2022040110194118 References: 1. Headache Classification Committee of the International Headache Society (IHS) (2013) The International Classification of Headache Disorders, 3rd edition (beta version). Cephalalgia 33:629–808. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://thejournalofheadacheandpain.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s10194-016-0628-7 2. Cuomo-Granston A, Drummond PD. Migraine and motion sickness: what is the link? Prog Neurobiol. 2010 Aug;91(4):300-12. doi: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2010.04.001. Epub 2010 Apr 21. PMID: 20416353. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20416353/ 3. de Martino M, Chiarugi A. Recent Advances in Pediatric Use of Oral Paracetamol in Fever and Pain Management. Pain Ther. 2015;4(2):149-168. doi:10.1007/s40122-015-0040-z. [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4676765/ 4a,b. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.  [Cited 2022 March 29]; Available from https://www.cdc.gov/injury/features/child-passenger-safety/index.html 5. Panado® Paediatric Strawberry Approved package insert March 2002. 6. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free & Panado® Paediatric Syrup package insert. April 2010. 7. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops) approved professional information, August 1990.

May 5, 2022
Medela South Africa

Medela Relaunches Swing Maxi: Brand’s iconic double electric breast pump gets exciting facelift for proud mothers

In the year of its 60th anniversary, the acclaimed Swiss manufacturer releases the new version of Swing MaxiTM, its iconic double electric breast pump. The updated product has been designed to fit the needs of mums across all aspects of their life, with features that empower them to live life as a mother to the max. Proud Mother and More Medela knows that motherhood – aside from being the greatest gift of all – has its challenges. With a new baby in their life, it may get difficult for some mums to find the time and energy to keep up with the hobbies they had before giving birth. But that’s exactly what science and advanced technology can help with. Be it a refreshing hike in the forest, an afternoon yoga session or whipping up a favourite dish in the evening, mothers should be able to find balance in their new lives. The new Swing MaxiTM has been designed to give them the freedom to be everything they aspire to be: proud mothers and more.  To reinforce this inspiring message, Swing Maxi returns with a campaign that introduces an ensemble cast of real-life mothers and their babies. The characters have been chosen for the launch to inspire mums to see motherhood as it truly can be: an opportunity to find your true self in all walks of life. New Features Designed for Proud Mums The same conceptual thinking and technological innovation manifest in the product’s new design and functional features. With a completely new built-in USB rechargeable battery, Swing MaxiTM allows up to 6 pumping sessions on one full charge, so mums can enjoy more freedom on the go. The combination of 2-phase ExpressionTM technology and PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield, Medela’s signature technologies, offers mothers more comfort and up to 11.8% more milk1.  The smooth, user-friendly product design also focuses on making mums’ lives easier: with only 4 buttons and 9 pre-programmed settings, pumping is simpler and more intuitive. Furthermore, with only a few parts, the new Swing Maxi is really easy to clean and assemble, and, at only 45 dB at Maximum Expression Level, works noticeably quieter than its predecessor. 1 Sakalidis VS et al. Breast shield design impacts milk removal dynamics during pumping: A randomised controlled non-inferiority trial. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 2020:doi: 10.1111/aogs.13897.

May 3, 2022
Pampers South Africa

Grace Matlhape’s SmartStart partners with Pampers to keep children learning

Access to early childhood learning has a lasting positive impact on educational and life outcomes for children With more than 1 million preschool children from disadvantaged communities in South Africa not having access to quality early childhood learning opportunities, Pampers has committed to supporting access to early learning through its partnership with SmartStart, following its recent R1million donation.  “With our focus on children from disadvantaged homes, SmartStart, with the support of partners such as Pampers, aims to address inequality in education from an early age,” said SmartStart’s CEO, Grace Matlhape. Research has shown that the brain grows most rapidly during the first five years of childhood, together with other significant developmental changes. As a result, learning capabilities are primarily formed during these years, which are critical in laying the foundation for a child’s future. Like so many moms in South Africa, Mpho Zwane is currently an unemployed single mother, struggling to raise her three-year-old daughter, Mpilo, while job hunting and facing economic and social challenges. Being able to provide a good early-childhood education for her child with the help of a Pampers scholarship, means her child can have access to life-changing opportunities.  “At a SmartStart centre, Mpilo is learning skills that are preparing her for future success at school,” said Mpho. “I’ve seen Mpilo develop so quickly since attending the lessons. She is curious and bubbly! At three-years-old she is already counting to 10, says her prayers confidently and knows the different colours. Not only is she learning, but she is in a safe and secure environment too and enjoys making new friends. There is not much support structurally for single mothers, so this Pampers scholarship has really been a godsend to us.” 40% of South African moms are single moms. The extent of the stringent lockdowns hit women badly as they saw an increase in roles and an extra burden of family care, but they fell disproportionately on single mothers, many of whom were already facing hidden challenges – such as unemployment or job stress. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG), said parental stress and anxiety increased during the lockdown. The call volume of people seeking help doubled during the lockdown with up to 1 400 calls a day. About 85% of these calls came from women – single mothers making up the majority. This very real stress and unequal share of childcare responsibilities was a crisis that affected almost half of the moms in South Africa is coupled with social stigma and discrimination that only increases the anxiety. Pampers believed that they must play a strong role in alleviating this parental stress and champion the healthy and happy development of South African children through early learning initiatives that support both child and mother. “We are presented with a unique opportunity to come alongside parents to support the holistic development of children by creating greater access to the critical development resources they need to have a brighter future,” said Rajat Gupta, Pampers Senior Marketing Director. Statistics South Africa General Household Survey for 2019 revealed that the proportion of children up to four years old attending an early childhood development programme declined between 2018 and 2019 from 43.9% to 40.7%. Having supported some 5500 playgroups and disadvantaged communities in South Africa since it started in 2015, SmartStart has some skin in the game when it comes to championing childhood learning. The organisation has enabled more than 120 000 preschool children to enjoy the benefits of high-quality early learning programmes, which they would otherwise not have had access to. In addition, it has provided opportunities to unemployed women and men across the country. “Recognising this decline and the lack of access to ECDs, particularly among the poorest, expanding the availability of quality early learning is part of the South African Government’s National Development Plan Vision 2030. We, along with our partners, are keen and proud to be able to support the government in achieving this,” said Grace. SmartStart playgroups and ECD centres follow a structured programme based on South Africa’s National Early Learning Standards (NELDS), and take a holistic approach to child development, covering emotional, social, cognitive, physical and language skills. Emphasis is also placed on partnering with parents and caregivers, providing guidance and the resources, for example reading material, for them to continue their child’s learning experience at home. “We believe in providing a nurturing environment and playful learning opportunities to provide our pre-schoolers, not only with the skills, but also with the enthusiasm, for lifelong learning,” Grace concluded.

April 29, 2022
Parenting Hub

Positive Encouragement and Engagement for Your Baby

Being a parent is doing the most important job in the world – raising a human being. A life is entrusted to parents and it is expected that they raise a healthy, well-rounded adult. This is no small task! How can we make sure that our precious baby will grow up to be a successful, confident adult? Positive encouragement and engagement are two very important tools that should be in every parenting toolkit. What does positive encouragement entail? The sense of hearing is the most important source of input in your baby’s development. Therefore, whatever parents say to their baby will have a profound impact on their little one. There is a saying that the way we talk to our children becomes their inner voice. Babies already know their parents’ voices while in the womb and from a very young age babies want to please their parents. Research shows that already before birth, we can positively shape our baby’s emotional development by speaking loving and nurturing words to our unborn. Even saying something like: “I hope it is a girl” can make an unborn baby boy feel very unwanted and vice versa. Parents are ultimately responsible for the development of their baby’s sense of self-worth. How do I build my baby’s sense of self-worth? This is where positive encouragement is key. I am talking of going beyond parenting where you respond immediately to your baby’s needs, Responsive parenting is the basis of feelings of love and self-worth in your baby and the pattern of responding on cue hundreds of times, makes your baby feel valued. I have often mentioned the importance of repetition for forming networks in your baby’s brain. A pattern of responsive parenting will store mental images in baby’s brain of what to expect in a certain situation. But… and here is the big BUT, tending to baby’s needs on cue is not enough! Every responsive action needs positive verbal encouragement to build the emotional bond and to develop baby’s EQ. Actions without words to sooth and comfort, to encourage and praise, are like bricks stacked on top of each other without cement. Talk to baby in a loving positive way using every opportunity and situation. Skin-to-skin touching, singing and whispering comforting words are essential for baby. Encourage baby to try something new. Praise baby for every effort and little miracle he masters, A baby who receives encouragement and praise feels loved, appreciated and valuable. These feelings are established and integrated into your baby’s sense of self and your baby is able to draw on these feelings of “I am a worthy, valuable person” in times of challenge, your baby is able to and will always want to apply that which he has learned during his early life, to relationships and situations. Make sure it is positive! Allow your baby to express all emotions – even anger.  Babies usually seem angry when they are frustrated, which is caused by something that is upsetting them. Babies cannot verbalise that which is upsetting them and this leads to frustration and perceived anger.  If this frustration is met with a negative response from a parent, such as frowning, scolding, shushing or ignoring, a baby may suppress the feeling of anger in order to please the parents. If this happens often, the suppressed feelings may later manifest in some other negative way, it can even make your child physically ill. Always use positive words, such as: “It’s OK, my baby.  Mommy/Daddy is here.” Try to avoid “no” as much as possible and replace it with a positive statement. How do I engage with my baby? It is very important that both parents engage with baby. Everything listed below can be done by both Mom and Dad. Talk lovingly or sing to baby in all situations and at every opportunity Read to baby and dramatise all the voices and sounds of the characters Play games with baby, such as peek-a-boo Use puppets and put on a show for baby with different voices and songs Babble with baby and mimic baby’s cooing and gurgles Laugh and giggle with and tickle baby Hold baby skin-to-skin while singing a lullaby Take baby’s hands and encourage baby to explore your face, telling baby what he is touching Encourage baby to do things over and over. Remember, repetition builds networks Explore everyday situations like eating and bath time, by talking about what is happening and make it fun Encourage baby to explore situations and objects and create similar situations or give baby similar objects if baby is very interested in something. You are nurturing a natural interest which may lead to a passion, e.g.: If baby loves to finger paint provide opportunities to do this. Add sponges and brushes as baby gets older Encourage baby to try to do something by himself. As parents we have a natural inclination to help, but encouraging baby to do it all by himself, gives baby a sense of achievement and teaches baby problem-solving, like fitting a puzzle piece into its slot. This builds self-confidence Praise baby when he has put in effort, not only when he has succeeded. This will teach baby that trying is important and not to give up The first 1000 days are the most important in a child’s development. Make it count. Get down to your baby’s level and really engage with your baby. It is so worth it!

April 28, 2022
Wriggle and Rhyme

MUSIC MATTERS in your little one’s development!

As parents, we want what’s best for our children.  This means that we want them to be healthy and develop holistically.  We want to give them the best possible chance to thrive!   I don’t know about you, but I often feel bombarded with information. It can be quite overwhelming at times! If you’re feeling like that already, I certainly don’t want to add to that as you read this!  But, I do want to share something of my passion for one of the oldest activities known to humanity – MAKING MUSIC. Since the dawn of time Music has been around since the dawn of time.  The oldest piece of evidence for this was discovered by archaeologists in a cave in southern Germany – a 42,000-year-old flute made from the wing of a vulture.  One doesn’t need to be a scientist or educator to know the enormous impact that music has on children.  From a little baby beginning to sway or babble along to music, to a toddler dancing and singing, to a pre-schooler playing a simple instrument … the list goes on!   Music is a phenomenal teaching tool … but what’s going on in a child’s brain when they’re engaged in music-based activities? What does Neuroscience tell us? With significant progress in the field of Neuroscience over the past decade, there is now more and more data available to review. Functional MRI scans allow neuroscientists to see what’s happening in the brain, when engaged in various activities. What they’re learning, is that music is the one activity that lights up all areas of the brain simultaneously – effectively giving the brain the equivalent of a full body workout! (For more reference material or research on this, look at the work of Dr Anita Collins www.anitacollinsmusic.com and the work of Dr Nina Kraus at the Auditory Neuroscience Laboratory www.brainvolts.northwestern.edu, amongst many others). The research is very exciting, because it confirms what parents and educators have witnessed all along – that intentional musical activities are powerful tools for learning and development. There are many, many ways that music exercises the brain – these are my top 5: 1 MEMORY Music has a way of embedding information into our memory in a powerful way – not just the information, but often the circumstances as well.  For example, you may struggle to remember a poem, but as soon as it’s put to music, you can recall it really easily. Music acts like the brain’s search engine!  It connects the dots between experiences, information and emotions. That’s why when you hear a familiar song, you won’t just remember the song itself, you’ll often remember other details too – where you were when you first heard the song, who you were with, and how you felt! This makes music a powerful tool for learning!  It can be used to embed learning and experiences into a child’s brain in a positive and safe way, which the child can then recall at a later stage. 2 LANGUAGE and LISTENING Music connects with the language centre of the brain. It’s also a powerful tool to increase vocabulary, strengthen auditory processing, extend speech and build tools for early literacy – skills needed for learning to read at a later stage. 3 EMOTIONS Music has the ability to make us feel a certain way because it connects us with our emotions.  One poet said that “music is what feelings sound like”. This means that music can be used, not only to help children identify and express their emotions but to give them the tools to help them to regulate their responses. These are the building blocks of developing emotional intelligence. 4 MOVEMENT Music was made for movement. Intentional movement to music promotes fine and gross motor skills, as well as hand-eye co-ordination. All of this stimulates oxygen flow to the brain, setting up the brain to concentrate and learn. 5 SOCIAL SKILLS All team-based activities promote social skills such as working together, sharing, etc. However, music is unique, because we can incorporate emotional awareness into the social aspects – especially sensitivity and consideration to those around us. Just like a group of instruments playing together is full of unique and beautiful sounds, they need to work together with sensitivity and emotional awareness, for the greater good. Some ideas to include more music in your child’s life Music-based learning matters!  Here are some ideas for including music in your child’s daily routine: 1.Wake up your child in the morning by singing a little song / rhyme to them 2.Play music when you’re travelling to listen to together 3.Switch off screens and consider adding audio stories to your child’s “down- / rest-time”.  This stimulates imagination in a way that visual resources cannot.   Wriggle and Rhyme has a range of musical stories which you can access on your favourite streaming service (Apple music, Spotify, iTunes, etc.) or take a look at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za/our-music  4.Use music to help to set a mood in your home – e.g. at bedtime, play gentle, soothing music but at playtime, play upbeat, energetic music. 5.Make singing together part of your daily time with your child.  Expose them to your favourite music too – it’s not just about them!  6.Consider enrolling them for a music programme at their school, or encourage them to learn a musical instrument.  You don’t have to spend a fortune!  An instrument like a recorder is a cheap and easy way to get started! Whatever your circumstances or resources, make sure that you put music on the map!  Because when it comes to your child’s development, MUSIC MATTERS! Wriggle and Rhyme also offers a host of unique musical stories which can be accessed on your favourite streaming platform.  They also have a YOUTUBE channel where fun episodes called “MUSICAL FUN WITH FROGGY” can be found. @wrigglerhyme  #wrigglerhyme  YOUTUBE – Wriggle & Rhyme SA Article by Kirsty Savides Founder and Programme Director, Wriggle and Rhyme South Africa

April 26, 2022
Exigo Care

What is a wetness indicator?

What is a wetness indicator? What is its purpose? A wetness indicator is a wonderful feature featured on all the Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups.It is a yellow line down the centre of the nappy or pull-up, which changes first to green and then to blue when exposed to moisture or pH change.  Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups have a super absorbent core keeping baby’s skin dry and safe from exposure to excess moisture. This is wonderful but can be very stressful for a mother who is trying to monitor her baby’s urinary output, as the nappies are so absorbent that you can’t always tell whether or not baby has passed urine. The wetness indicator will change colour enabling caregivers and parents to know exactly when baby needs a change, before any discomfort is felt. Bearing the above in mind, I would like to encourage parents and caregivers to rather think of the wetness indicator as an “Alert Line”. Be alert to the fact that there has been some action in that nappy, as opposed to immediately changing baby’s nappy the moment you see a hint of colour on the wetness indicator – peek inside and then decide. If baby has soiled the nappy please change it, as prolonged exposure places baby at risk of nappy rash. However, if baby has only passed urine, consider how long has baby been wearing the current nappy? Are you changing the nappy because it needs to be changed or are you changing it out of habit? This a useful feature that can save you time, money, and unnecessary nappy changes. Until next time, Sr Jessica Bredenkamp (Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

April 13, 2022
Parenting Hub

What happens in the Play Lab doesn’t stay in the Play Lab!

Behind-the-scenes at Fisher-Price’s unique research space – including a huge treehouse, and eye-tracking goggles When Herman Fisher first started making toys in 1930, he knew that to put them to the ultimate test, he would need to call in the real experts: the kids themselves! Fast-forward to 1961, when the Play Lab developed from being half of Fisher’s office space, to having its own dedicated playroom-style environment, where researchers could observe children’s every move from behind a one-way mirror. Today, it has evolved into a unique and innovative 15,000sqft area in the Fisher-Price’s New York headquarters, where they host around 2,500 kids and 1,850 parents a year in various methods of research. Additionally, 450 toys and initial designs are tested each year in three inspirational, child-friendly rooms, by little ones aged 0 to five. Here, The Senior Director of Early Childhood Development Research, Deborah Weber, PhD, who oversees the Play Lab reveals what really goes on behind the scenes – and how taking part is like every child’s dream come true! What happens inside the Play Lab? Deborah says there is a real “wow” moment when children first walk into the Play Lab, which has four rooms; three for children and one for parents. Each is designed specifically for watching little ones play as naturally as possible, making sure it’s an environment in which they feel welcome and comfortable. The Right-at-Home Research Lab is designed to look and feel like an open-plan kitchen-dining-living room space with carpet, hardwood, linoleum and tile floors to test toys such as walkers and scooters. While the Pre-Cool Lab, for preschoolers, is like a classroom. There are comfy, cozy places with couches for content viewing and reading. And there are open spaces for running, riding and swinging. Everything is child-size, including the tables and chairs, and the toilets and sinks. Deborah says: “The first thing children do is climb the huge life-size treehouse! They can then pick and choose what toys they want to play with from the open shelves – books, toys, art supplies, dolls, and dress up clothes. “Development teams observe the children via one-way mirrors and video and audio systems. Inside the preschool and discovery labs there are 360-degree cameras and audio wired into the walls, floors and tables so the product development teams can watch the play patterns of children from all angles.  “They’ll watch that hands-on play to see whether something about the toys isn’t working quite right, or whether certain things aren’t working right well or don’t resonate with the children.” What are the toy developers looking out for? Every Fisher-Price toy goes through a six-month cycle of testing, and improving, before it comes to fruition.  Children can be brought in to test products as soon as the initial ideas stage – they might be shown photos or a prototype, so researchers can gauge their interest and thoughts. Deborah says: “During this time, the researchers will be looking at many different aspects. From what draws a child’s immediate attention, to the types of play features that are intuitive for them – do they know how to play with it, without being taught. How long the child plays with the toy, and the level of engagement. “Does it make them smile? Does it make them move? Do they sing along with the music? Do they want to try out all the different features?” Another key factor for researchers is whether children play with the toy as they intended, or perhaps they put their own spin on it. Why are parents’ views important? While the kids are the main testers, Fisher-Price is keen to have parents’ views too. This is carried out either in the Play Lab, or in homes, something that was carried out virtually during the pandemic.  They’re asked for feedback on toys, including how children play with them around the home, and what interests they have. Deborah says: “We can then take their perspective into consideration and help design and develop toys that are first and foremost meaningful, relevant and developmentally appropriate for children, but also that resonate with the families and parents in regards to the experiences that they want to expose them to.” How is the Play Lab moving forwards? Just as toys evolved, how Fisher-Price observes children play is evolving too. This is the first year the brand has fully integrated face reader software analysis as well as eye-tracking research. Face reader software allows researchers to take videos of the children and then run through the analysis to see how they were feeling when they were engaged and playing with the toys. And with eye-tracking, there’s a camera pointing to each eye to see the features in toys or watching content that children are looking at that are a visual prompt to start playing or interacting with it. Deborah says: “Fisher-Price is also now working with TV show developers, using eye-tracking to see how kids watch that content, and then go to the toys and play. So how does the show inspire their play – or how does their play inspire new content? “We’ll put the goggles on the kids and play certain clips for the first time for them and just kind of take in what they are gravitating towards, what is really magical for them? Where are their eyes going? When are they losing interest and looking away? It’s surprising what they’re focusing on. “ How are the Play Lab findings beneficial to parents? Busy lifestyles mean adults simply don’t have the time to spend hours researching every toy their child wants. And this is especially true during the pandemic, which due to lifestyle changes, may have seen many little ones falling behind with their developmental milestones. So it’s reassuring that every toy Fisher-Price designs has the brand’s Early Childhood Development & Learning Framework at its core, upholding its commitment to babies’, toddlers’ and preschoolers’ physical, cognitive, social, and emotional development.  Whether it’s the Steady Speed Walker for little ones who are

April 12, 2022
Medela South Africa

Medela launches two new breast pumps

When it comes to feeding baby, mom knows best. What works for one doesn’t necessarily work for another and the saying “fed is best” rings true.  Human breast milk is biologically designed to meet all baby’s nutritional needs and being so valuable, it’s often referred to as “liquid gold.” But not all moms can or want to, breastfeed. Some may struggle with a steady milk supply, some may produce no milk at all, and some may not enjoy the experience. There are pros and cons to all manners of feeding, and at the end of the day, the only thing that matters is that your baby is healthy.  For moms whose bodies can supply milk, and who want to breastfeed, the journey might still not be easy. Sometimes baby won’t latch, or mom is required to travel or work from an office during the day, making it impossible to breastfeed. For moms in this position, breast pumping is an excellent way to make sure that their baby benefits from getting breast milk.  Some of the benefits of pumping include: Feeding time can be shared Pumping breastmilk and feeding it to baby via a bottle means that feeding times can be split between mom and dad, and baby’s grandparents, nanny, or other visitors. Not only does this relieve mom, but it also allows family and friends to spend some one-on-one time with baby. It offers control over timing Pumping allows moms and caregivers to control the timing of feeds, and to follow a schedule that works for them.  It gives mom more freedom Some moms have to return to work shortly after giving birth, some are required to travel and some lead busy lifestyles that leave them permanently on the go. This means that baby might be left in the care of a nanny, grandparent, or day-care from a young age. Pumping means baby can reap all the benefits of breastmilk while mom can fulfil her other obligations.  It could assist with milk supply issues If your breast milk supply is not steady, pumping may help to solve the problem. Some moms pump after breastfeeding to naturally increase their supply. If you’re concerned about periods when your supply is low, a frozen stash of breast milk will go a long way in easing stress.   Whether you’re pumping exclusively, or only on occasion, Medela has a breast pump suited to your needs. They’ve recently launched two new products: Medela Swing Maxi Double Electric Breast Pump (R5999,99) The new Swing Maxi is a compact and easy-to-use double electric breast pump with improved mobility to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle. Key features include: Double pumping for up to 18% more milk in less time. **need a ref 2-Phase Expression™ technology mimics your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. PersonalFit Flex™ breast shield for increased comfort and 11% more milk (2 sizes included). **need a ref Improved mobility: built-in rechargeable battery for up to 6 pumping sessions on one full charge. Faster charging with USB type C port, compared to micro-USB port. Easy to use: 4-button intuitive interface and 9 pre-programmed settings. Easy to assemble and clean thanks to fewer parts. Noticeably quieter compared to the previous generation, only 45 dB at the Maximum Vacuum Level. Closed system prevents breast milk from entering the tubing. Medela Solo Single Electric Breast Pump (R4099,99) Medela’s Swing Flex breast pump has been reborn as Solo. Solo is a compact, effective and easy-to-use single electric breast pump with a rechargeable built-in battery, 2-phase Expression technology, and PersonalFit Flex breast shield. Key features include: Easy to use: 4-button intuitive interface and 9 pre-programmed settings.   Easy to assemble and clean thanks to fewer parts. Lightweight and compact design. Improved mobility: built-in rechargeable battery for up to 6 pumping sessions on one full charge. Faster charging with USB type C port, compared to micro-USB port. 2-Phase Expression technology mimics your baby’s natural sucking rhythm. PersonalFit Flex breast shield for increased comfort and 11.8% more milk. **need a ref Noticeably quieter compared to the previous generation, with less than 45 dB at the Maximum Expression Level. A closed system prevents breast milk from entering the tubing. Visit https://www.medela.co.za/ for more info. 

April 6, 2022
Parenting Hub

BABY FEEDING MYTHS DEBUNKED

There are a few baby feeding myths in circulation, which will definitely be forced on you as a new parent. However, this is where we step in to help you separate the fact from the fiction. Take a look below to see our top baby feeding myths and how we have debunked them for you! #1 Baby Feeding Myth: Fruit Juice Is A Healthy Hydration For Your Baby This is a common mistake made by parents. Fruit juice – especially highly processed kinds – contain massive amounts of sugar. This can lead to unnecessary tooth decay in your baby. Babies younger than a year should not be given fruit juice at all and children should be limited to their intake.  #2 Baby Feeding Myth: They Don’t Know When They’re Full Many parents tend to over feed their children in fear of them not having enough to eat. However, this is a dangerous practice. Force feeding your baby is never a good idea as this will cause them to develop unhealthy relations with food later on. if your child turns away from their meal and are hesitant to eat trust them that they are full. #3 Baby Feeding Myth: Honey Is A Healthy Sweet Treat No, no and no. giving honey to a baby under 12 month old can lead them to develop an illness called botulism. Rather avoid this sweet treat until they are much older.  #4 Baby Feeding Myth: Avoid Allergenic Foods Whilst Breastfeeding This is also is a common mistake amidst breastfeeding moms. Did you know that you are encouraged to eat high allergen foods whilst breastfeeding? This actually helps your child develop anti-bodies against allergies, making them stronger to them at a later stage. This was proved as per the following study; Pitt et al. Reduced risk of peanut sensitization following exposure through breast-feeding and early peanut introduction. J Allergy Clin Immunol. 2018;141(2):620-625.e1.

March 29, 2022
My Breastpump

Prematurity is not something that a mother plans for when she falls pregnant

Prematurity is not something that a mother plans for when she falls pregnant. Prematurity can happen for so many different reasons and you may have a warning or not. Sadly, it does happen to about 1 in 7 pregnancies in South Africa. This is about 84 000 babies born per year to early. As a mother of two children that were born to early, I have lived through the uncertainties, stresses and also the wins that happen when you find your self in this situation. As a result My Breastpump focuses on helping families with support and products that will help them during this time.  Mom, dad and baby soon find themselves living in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). It becomes their focus and their everything. Mom and Dad may have limited access to the NICU due to COVID restrictions, but their heart and mind will not leave the NICU until there little one comes home. It can be a helpless feeling not being able to hold and cuddle your baby, but a mom can help her little one grow and get stronger by supplying her baby with breast milk. Breast milk is the recommend milk for all premature babes as it has among other benefits: growth hormones, specialised nutrients (mothers’ premature milk is different to that if a mother from a full-term baby), easier absorption of milk and immune factors. If a mother needs assistance with breast milk she can ask for donated breast milk. The mom can ask for information for the nearest milk bank and find out what the hospital polices are. There are several breast milk banks in South Africa: The South African Breast Milk Reserve, Milk Matters and the Net Care hospital group.  Here are some tips for mothers of premature infants that want to build up their supply. Start expressing as soon as possible after birth. The ideal time is within 1 hour but if the mother has had extra surgery or complications, she can try to start expressing within 6 hours. Hand expression can be used in the beginning and then it is recommended that the other used a double hospital grade breast pump. The reason for this is that the mother will save a lot of time by Double pumping. This may sound insignificant, but it can reduce her expression time by half or more. This will make expression more possible and not as strenuous on the mother. Double pumping also will help her to increase her milk supply sooner. She needs to aim for about 1000ml of expressed breast milk in 2 weeks. This will allow her to keep up with her infants needs and set her up for a better breast-feeding experience later. The Ameda Mya Joy is a hospital grade double electric breast pump that is ideal for exclusive pumpers like mothers who have premature babies. The Mya Joy is small, but the motor is very strong and able to empty a mother’s breast well. It is this emptying that assist the mother to increase her milk supply. The Mya Joy has 7 different flange sizes that can be used and help for comfort and better breast emptying. The Mya Joy also has a NAPPI code which can be used with some medical aids to claim back from the medical saving. Please note that this is dependent on the medical aid plan and savings. The Mya Joy Hospital Grade double electric Breastpump can be bought on Takealot and on our website  Another thing that parents may be concerned about is that it is very difficult to get the correct sizing nappies, especially for babies born before 29 weeks. My Breastpump has just launched our first premature nappy which is the My Little Prem <1.1kg, these nappies are designed to help the baby be more comfortable. This aids in better sleep and decrease in pain. Both are very important for improved growth and development. The My Little Prem Nappies are soft, light, small and have a leg cut out. The Leg Cut out is designed so that the baby can be placed in different positions and allow for correct placement of their hips. This allows for correct growth and improvement in the baby’s muscle tone. These nappies can be bought on Takealot and on our website  My Breastpump also has one on one session that a mom can book with our lactation consultant to help her with her expressing journey, transitioning back on to the breast and making sure that she maintains her breast milk supply. Topics that are covered in these sessions are: How to choose a breast pump- what to look out for How to look after your breast pump and what parts to replace often How to maintain/ increase your supply using a breast pump How to pump if your baby is in NICU How to pump if you must go back to work Cleaning and sterilizing your breast pump parts Managing your breast milk stash If you would like to book a session with our lactation consultant, please book on our website Our goal at My Breastpump is to help families that need assistance with breast feeding and expressing. We want to help you to reach your goals and walk this journey with you. Please follow our social pages on Instagram and Facebook for more information on breast feeding. 

March 15, 2022
Good Night Baby

Why so dark?

Lights out is a well-known phrase over many years, indicating it is bedtime, however there is more to it than that.  Exposure to light is one of the most important factors when it comes to sleep.  Most people know it is easier to sleep when it is dark, but it is important to know that the link between sleep and light exposure goes much deeper. Before electricity, humans woke and slept in sync with the rising and setting of the sun, but now there are lights in our homes, electronics and light pollution outside have made the relationship between light and sleep much more complex.  Light has dramatic effects on sleep, influencing our circadian rhythm, melatonin production and sleep cycles.  Circadian Rhythm:  work by helping to make sure the body’s processes are optimized at various points during a 24-hour period.  Circadian rhythms throughout the body are connected to a master clock, sometimes referred to as the circadian pacemaker – located in the brain.  During the day, light exposure through the eyes causes the master clock to send signals that generate alertness and help keep us awake and active. As night falls, the master clock initiates the production of melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep, which then keeps transmitting signals that help us stay asleep through the night.  Circadian effects vary based on the type of light and the duration of exposure. While prolonged light tends to be impactful, even short periods of artificial light can affect circadian rhythm. Melatonin production:  Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland located in your brain.  It helps your body to know when it is time to sleep and time to wake up.  Your body makes more melatonin at night – it increases once the sun starts to go down.  Melatonin decreases in the morning as the sun comes up.  The amount of light you get during the day together with your body clock determines how much melatonin you produce.  It goes without saying that we need to make sure little ones have enough melatonin when it is time to sleep. Light inhibits the secretion of melatonin. “Even if you doze off, light can be detected through your eyelids and your brain won’t produce melatonin if it’s confused between night and day,” says Joyce Walsleben, PhD, associate professor at the New York University School of Medicine. “You want as much darkness in your bedroom as you can handle.”  Sleep cycles:  are a combination of different sleep stages (REM and non-REM sleep).  When exposed to light at night is disrupts the transitioning between sleep cycles, reducing the quality of sleep.  When exposed to too much light it will cause repeated awakenings, interrupting the sleep cycle and reducing time spent in deeper, more restorative sleep stages.  Studies suggest that a healthy sleep cycle is integral to maintaining a balanced mental and emotional well-being. If your quality of sleep gets affected due to even a small amount of light, then you run the risk of having sleeping issues, which are well-known for causing a range of emotional problems, including depression. Now that we understand how important darkness is, the question is  HOW dark should it be and how do we achieve that?  Have you ever visited a hotel, guesthouse or lodge where they have block out curtains?  Most people can recall how well they slept in complete darkness.  This is not only beneficial for good quality of sleep, but helps us to fall asleep easier and stay asleep.  Teaching babies and children to have good quality sleep is so important and one of the most important (and easiest) ways to do so is to make their room dark.  When closing the curtains during daytime it should mimic the night.  Not only does it signal the brain it is time to sleep, but it helps little ones to fall asleep without any distractions.  Children’s eyes are anatomically slightly different, they do allow in more light, which is why it is even more important to make sure they sleep in a dark environment most of the time. As a mom myself, I know every parent wants the best for their children and we will do what it takes to help them sleep better (I am sure I don’t have to explain to you how important sleep is).  So why not take a few minutes to do a darkness check and if needed make the changes – it will be worth it. Recommendations: Block out curtains are a great long-term investment. Request a voucher for block out curtains for your baby shower! Its THAT important. Spend the money on good quality 100% block out curtains that are made for your windows. Most shop bought curtains are not 100% block out, even if they say block out. To test whether curtains are 100% block out, take your cellphone light and shine it through the fabric – if you can see the light, they are not 100% block out curtains. Have a 3 rail system – voile, block out and then your normal curtains. Make sure the curtains cover the whole window and no light is shining in on the sides. Block out lining.  If you already have taped curtains, no need to buy new ones.  Simply order block out lining and hook it on the inside of your current curtains. An easy, cheap and effective way of blocking out light is to cover your windows with black bags, brown paper, cardboard or even aluminium foil. Block out travel blinds have suction cups and sticks to a window – what an easy and effective way to sleep better when traveling!  Take 5 minutes and switch off the lights in the room – go and stick Prestik or double-sided tape on all small LED lights in the room – eg monitor light, aircon light, humidifier light etc Keep night-lights low and on the ground so that they are not shining directly into a child’s eyes. Dimming all household lights one hour before bedtime. Keep toddlers

March 15, 2022
Toptots Head Office

Why is baby’s sense of touch so important?

The tactile system (or sense of touch) is one of the earliest to develop, and is also the largest sensory system. It comprises various receptors which allow us to feel light touch, deep pressure, texture, pain, and temperature. Its main function early in life is a protective one – allowing infants to feel pain or discomfort, for example, a wet nappy. It also guides them in feeding, as they use their sense of touch to locate the nipple for milk. The ability to process touch sensation within the mouth aids with sucking and later, with chewing and swallowing solid food. Since our tactile system develops so early on, before the visual and auditory systems are well-developed, touch is the way in which babies initially make sense of the world around them. This starts with putting everything in their mouths in order to understand the properties of the objects e.g. size, shape and texture. Later on their hands begin to process tactile input in a more mature manner and from this they start to develop gross and fine motor skills. The relationship between touch and bonding and emotional development in early life is also a significant one. It is essential for an infant to have physical closeness with his mother or caregiver so that he learns to form a primary attachment. Bonding also gives an infant his first feelings of himself as a physical body, and later allows him to develop his body scheme (awareness of his physical boundaries). This “boundary” that the skin provides, helps him to feel secure in the world around him. Stages of development: The tactile system starts to develop in the uterus and functions well from birth. 1 month: Touch sensations are important as a source of emotional satisfaction, for feeding and for reflexes e.g. when you touch your baby’s cheek he will respond by turning his head. 3 months: Starting to reach for objects and holding on as part of the automatic grasp reflex and as a reaction to the sensation of touch in the palm of his hand. 4 – 6 months: Starting to touch and look at hands and starting to use the thumb and fore-finger. [Concerns should be raised if your child is not yet grasping items, touching his hands and bringing toys together with his two hands]. 6 months – 2 years: Starting to develop more accuracy in reaching and grasping by using the hands and eyes together. 2 years: Improved ability to tell where touch occurred on the body and thus direct responses more voluntarily. [Concerns should be raised if your child is fumbling, dropping items regularly, and having difficulty playing with toys and learning new skills.] 3 – 7 years: Starting to use simple tools like paper, crayons, scissors, zips and buckles and developing accuracy and control with them. [Concerns should be raised if your child is battling with learning skills like doing buttons and zips, tying shoelaces, using eating utensils.

March 10, 2022
Good Night Baby

Naps Take Longer

As parents embark on their journey with us, they are delighted when, improvement in their baby’s  night time sleep happens relatively quickly. They kiss their baby goodnight, lay them in their cot and since they have become so accustomed to spending ages helping their baby fall asleep, it delights them that their little one simply drifts off into dreamland within minutes. Going to sleep independently at bedtime tends to get progressively easier with each passing night. Babies fall asleep more quickly and start to have fewer night wakings. It is a wonder to behold, one which we can be thankful for.  However, naps really do tend to take longer to settle. Going to sleep happily in the day and the nap lengths can take up to 3 weeks to resolve. Day naps are often where we see parents second guessing themselves and the plan that they are following. “Surely, by now, she should be falling asleep in the day without protesting so much?” At night, it is easier for babies to fall asleep. At night time, their melatonin hormone levels naturally increase, which promotes sleep.  The bedtime routine is longer, including a bath, which is a strong signal to the brain that sleep is coming. This is not the case with day naps, because of course, they occur throughout the day. It is bright and light outside, melatonin levels are naturally low, its noisier, your baby may be more excited to practice their newest standing skills than sleeping and there tends to be far less “sleep pressure” encouraging your baby to fall asleep, like there is at night time after a busy day. For those reasons, babies just starting with a new routine often find it challenging to either fall asleep quickly or to stay asleep longer for their day naps. They have not yet fallen in love with sleep, but it will come. It helps when your baby has independent sleep skills, an environment conducive to sleep which includes a darkened room to produce just that little amount of melatonin to help them sleep in the day time, a shortened “nap wind down routine” prior to the nap and an appropriate awake time so they are sufficiently tired, but not overtired. However, for some babies, even with the perfect plan in place, they will still protest prior to falling asleep. For most babies, you may simply need a little more time to see progress in the day. It is nothing that you have done wrong. We often see that the families we work with do not see naps improving until the second week and in some incredibly determined little ones, the third week of us working together. If this is you, please do not stress. Simply be consistent and your little one will get there. It is a wonderful experience, once you are on the other side of the sleep training process, to see how your baby responds to sleep. You will immediately be attuned to your baby’s own sleepy signals and will know when to put them down for a nap. Your baby will not fight you, the protesting will become less and they will welcome their cot because they know that wonderful sleep is coming. They may immediately roll over, grab their comfort item, or get into their favorite sleep position and will start to doze off all on their own! You will walk out the room, close the door and marvel at how you have made it to the other side of the mountain. We know that the journey is tough and we know it is challenging to push through and to continually remind yourself that what is happening now, is only temporary. You will be glad you pushed through and you will be exceptionally proud of your little one for proving you wrong! By Tammy Buitendach – Good Night Consultant Resources: www.verywellfamily.com www.sleepfoundation.org www.parentingscience.com

March 10, 2022
Exigo Care

The Perfect Fit

Wearing clothes that are too tight, shoes that don’t fit properly, being heavily pregnant and not fitting behind the steering wheel, that face mask that just doesn’t sit right and makes you want to touch your face constantly… We all know the discomfort when something just does not fit correctly. When it comes to little humans, you want only the best for them: not stretched out clothing that is too small, but clothes that fit correctly to keep them warm and comfortable. When they start to walk, you want their little feet to be protected by shoes that will not only keep their feet safe but will allow for perfect development as they grow. You want them to have the correct diet to ensure optimal nourishment and development. When they are ill, you want to ensure that they get the correct medication or assistance to restore them to health as soon as possible. When travelling, you strap baby in the car seat and make sure that the safety belt is on correctly to keep them safe, but not so tight that it can hurt them.  You want baby to have the ‘perfect fit’ when it comes to essentials and when it comes to baby nappies it is no different.  Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull ups are the ‘perfect fit’ in so many ways. The super absorbent core of Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups means that baby is dry and comfortable throughout the night. You want the nappy to fit correctly and their skin to be free of redness and irritation – this can be ensured thanks to the soft leak guards, the stretchy waist and the adjustable velcro straps. Being free from oxymethylene, flourescer and brightener, these nappies and pull ups do not have a chemical smell and are gentle and safe – suitable for even the most sensitive skin. Unlike many other brands, all Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Ups come in packs of 50 regardless of their size and at a consistent price. This means that you do not need to push baby to stay in a size for longer than needed. As a result, this is also the ‘perfect fit’ for your pocket.  Furthermore, our size 6 pull ups are slightly larger than most other brands, meaning you have more peace of mind not having to worry that your baby will outgrow their favourite nappy brand before they are potty trained.  Parents of children with special needs can also rest assured that, as a company, we will, where possible, endeavour to supply you with size 7 nappies and pull ups as well as a good quality adult nappy range. Feel free to contact us directly, or to get in touch with your nearest reseller, should you have a special request or should there be a specific product you need. In summary, Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull ups are the ‘Perfect Fit’ as your trusted brand Protection against nappy rash as baby’s skin is kept optimally dry Ensures better sleep as baby is kept warm, dry and comfortable throughout the night Redness and irritation avoided thanks to the soft leak guards, stretchy waist and adjustable Velcro straps  Free from harmful chemicals Easy on the pocket  Comfort and freedom of movement ensured Trusted AAA Grade Quality Free delivery ensures the ‘perfect fit’ for today’s busy lifestyle Indicates when nappy is wet with the featured Wetness Indicator to avoid unnecessary changing Trusted product conceptualized by moms for moms Until next time,  Sr Jessica Bredenkamp (Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

March 8, 2022
Good Night Baby

Starting the year with BETTER sleep

As a mom who has been sleeping well for quite some time (if you have the secret to sleep you use it!), just one night of sleep interruptions can completely throw me out.  Inevitably though even the best sleepers wake up for some or other reason every now and then:  illness, the heat, wetting the bed, thunderstorms, scary dreams or just being thirsty, is to name just a few!   With my children being 8 and 10 years old now, independence when it comes to sleep (and other things) is a lot easier.  “Get your own water” or “put the aircon on” but other things like bad dreams or thunder, requires parental intervention and comfort and OF COURSE I will provide it.  Luckily these nights are few and far in between,  BUT they are a good reminder for me and hopefully for you:  there is NO such thing as perfect sleep and some night waking’s are just out of your control!  You are not doing anything wrong! With all the information out there on sleep and sleep training, we can often create unrealistic sleep expectations for our babies and children.  Thinking that our newborn should be having longer stretches at night.  Thinking our 6-month-old should be sleeping through the night.  Thinking our toddler should be having longer naps.  For each one of these examples I can give you examples where that was the case BUT I can give you even more examples where it was NOT the case.  What is normal sleep? Each baby or child differs in their speed of development and reaching milestones, which includes learning to sleep well.  You need to find your baby’s rhythm and establish what their sleep needs are and stop comparing your baby or child to others, they simply are not the same. There are some points worth mentioning – mostly to reassure you and remind you that you are not doing anything wrong, some night waking’s are just beyond your control: Newborns (0 – 12 week old babies) their bellies are tiny and thus they will wake quite frequently both during the day and at night. Three hourly night feeds are normal. Newborns (0 – 12 week old babies) do not have melatonin or sleep cycles, so there is NO pattern to their sleep, sometimes they will have 2 hour naps and the next nap you will do the exact same thing and they will only sleep 10 mintues. This is normal. A nap lasting 45 minutes are normal.  Anything longer you should consider to be a bonus. There will be phases that your baby/toddler/child will wake up early.  The sun comes up at 5am in summer and so will they! There will be phases where your toddler will protest going to sleep, not because they are not tired but because they just want to test the boundaries. You have a baby NOT a robot and most days will be different than the day before. It is only around 10 months of age that daytime sleep becomes a bit more predictable and only from when they move to one nap a day, will it become a lot more predictable. An early morning feed (between 3 – 6 am) is still quite normal until 9 months of age.  Most healthy, growing 9 month olds can go through the night without a feed. Above 12 months of age, a night feed does more harm than good so all night feeds should be dropped by this age. How can we BETTER your families sleep? Bettering sleep does not always involve drastic changes.  Just because some things are easier to do does not make them less important.  Try implementing some of these things for 10 – 14 days to experience their effects and BETTER your family’s sleep: Follow age-appropriate awake times(Awake time is the time from when your baby woke until they need to be put down for the next nap NOT when they fall asleep)3 months – 1h306 months – 2h308 months – 3h0010 months – 3h30 Implement a bedtime routine that is NOT too late or too long.  Aim for a 30 minute bedtime that ends around 19h00. Good bedtime routine for 6+ months:BathCream and MassagePut diaper and PJ’s onCuddle/Sing a songPut in Cot Make it as dark as possible during the night and during the day.  Remove all toys, including mobile, from the cot/sleep area. Introduce a sustainable sleep association such a taglet. Avoid any screen time 2 hours before bedtime. Nightwakings inevitably happen to us all, including our children.  Sometimes it is beyond our control and nothing we are doing wrong.  Here is to supporting your family getting BETTER sleep, not PERFECT sleep in 2022! By Jolandi Becker – MD of Good Night

March 4, 2022
Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp

Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp Celebrates 6 Years of Parenting Podcast- Parent & Baby Brunch

South Africa’s popular online parenting support platform, Parent + Baby Brunch, is celebrating six years since inception. Founded by Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp, the content portal is best known for its parenting podcasts, regularly ranking as the number one locally-produced parenting podcasts in South Africa.  “The concept was born shortly after I had my first daughter”, says Elana. “Like the adage write what you know, I created the Parent + Baby Brunch community after experiencing first-hand what mothers and fathers of newborn children were experiencing. I was on a whatsapp group with my just-turned-parent girlfriends at 2am, everyone complaining about anything from sore nipples to back-aches. I knew there weren’t sufficient support groups out there, and so I started one!” Initially conceptualised as a series of parenting events, the popularity soon took off as new parents attended the one-day workshops that would feature guest-speakers. Off the back of the success of the events came the idea of the Parent + Baby Brunch podcasts. “There were many parents who didn’t have the means to attend and I was looking for a great way to share the content of the events across the country. My background has been radio for more than 20 years, so producing the podcasts was a natural fit” says Elana.  Several years later with over 100 podcasts under her belt, the popularity of the Parent + Baby Brunch podcasts continues to grow from strength to strength with thousands of streams per month across South Africa, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Israel and many more nations. Popular topics include:  The role of a doula in your pregnancy Divorce, mediation and everything you need to know Hormones, weight-gain and more   Affairs & entanglement Breastfeeding 101 And many more “Our content has grown to incorporate videos, blogs, podcasts, events, social media and so much more. What started out as a community for new moms has grown into a network for parents of babies, toddlers and teens. Dads and dads, moms and moms, black and white, all are part of the Parent + Baby Brunch community” Follow www.babybrunch.co.za and @babybrunchsa Parent + Baby Brunch is supported by Fedhealth, Epimax and Jacaranda fm.  More about Elana: Elana Afrika-Bredenkamp is a popular media personality and businessperson. This mompreneur has 4 children and is based between Johannesburg and Cape Town. She presents a daily radio show on Jacaranda fm in Gauteng, is an actress and contributor on TV, and regularly hosts corporate events. 

March 3, 2022
Parenting Hub

12 Baby Games for New Parents

Let the baby giggles begin! So you’ve got your feeding pattern down, know what to expect with naps, and can hold your baby like a pro. You have some confidence and you are ready for more. While there’s plenty more that will come your way, it’s never too early to start playing. Here are 12 baby games that double as great learning activities for babies under 12 months old: 1.Copy-cat Once your baby starts vocalising, it’s a great time to have “conversations.” Even if she only says “caw-caw,” then you say it back in a different tone. It may seem silly, but this game is a great way to interact with your baby and show her that what she has to say matters to you. Try to make eye contact as you play. Even better: This early vocalisation is how babies learn to talk, so when you “converse” with them, you help them develop both social and mental skills. 2. Hide the ball This game is best for older babies who can sit but can’t crawl yet. One of the things babies are learning is object permanence. By taking a ball and hiding it behind your back and letting baby choose with hand has the ball, they are learning that the ball exists, even when it is out of sight. Delight, laughter, and gummy smiles will ensue. 3. Freeze dance Press play on a fun song and start rocking out. Then stop. Let the baby start to ask for the music. Then play, dance, and stop it and freeze again. When it comes to baby games, remember that babies delight in the thrill of anticipation. The bonus is that it teaches them to value movement and how being active can be fun. 4. Fun with textures Babies like to feel different textures, and this can also help enhance their fine motor skills. What to do: Cut up pieces of fabric and cardboard and paper and all different objects. Let baby feel them and hold them between her fingers. Make them rather large and sit with baby while she explores. 5. Rattler Take a baby rattle and shake it until baby looks. Once you have the hang of that, start moving the rattle around so she needs to turn her head in the direction again and again. This easy, interactive game helps baby start to develop her neck muscles and also helps with hearing. 6. ‘Catch’ the ball Okay, so baby can’t quite play catch yet. But she can roll a ball back and forth with mummy or daddy. She can explore different kinds of balls made of fabric, plastic, and rubber. She may just hold and explore them at first, but as she grows, there will be plenty of rolling and new ways to coordinate. 7. Point it out As you read to baby, ask him to point to the things he sees. “Do you see the ball? Where is the chicken? Is there a sun?” Depending on age, he may or may not be able to respond, but this gets him used to the concept of interactive reading. A great product to help promote recognition of new things is the Fisher-Price® Laugh & Learn® Counting And Colors UNO™ Baby can join in on the family game night fun with the Laugh & Learn® Counting and Colors UNO™ toy from Fisher-Price®! This baby-sized UNO™ ‘game’ comes with 5 cards for little players to slot into the reader to see it light up with fun music, sounds and phrases introducing the numbers, colors and objects on each card. And with a convenient ring to link the cards together, you can easily take baby’s favorite ‘game’ along wherever you go! Baby-sized UNO™ electronic learning toy with multi-color lights, music and phrases Insert a card into the slot to see the reader light up and offer fun songs and phrases about the items on each card 30+ songs, sounds and phrases teach counting, colors, familiar objects and Spanish words Includes light-up card reader, 5 UNO™ toy cards, and a convenient ring for take-along play For infants and toddlers ages 6-36 months 8. Pony, pony Children love interacting with mum and dad, cuddles, and rhymes or songs. Combine these three by sitting on a cushy couch and bouncing baby on your lap to a song like “Pony, pony trot to town, pony, pony don’t fall down!” When you say “down,” let baby drops between your knees as you hold her. It’s a perfect interactive game, full of anticipation and fun. 9. Stuffie peek-a-boo You can change up the classic baby game when your child can sit unassisted. Have her sit facing the couch and you hide behind it with a variety of stuffed toys. Pop them up and yell “Peek-a-boo!” Babies love the anticipation of this and the more they do it, the more likely they are to start to call for certain animals by name, thus developing their vocabulary. 10. Pop the cheeks Babies think it is hilarious when you puff your cheeks and “pop” them. Each time make a different noise. Whoosh! Zoom! Brrr! Then have baby blow her cheeks up and see what she does. It’s a great interaction and helps her grow her baby “vocabulary,” too. 11. Clap along songs Sing a song all the way through with the words. Then replace one word with a clap. Do it again and again and get baby clapping along. This helps him learn rhythm and will make him think since it’s a little tricky. 12. Baby yoga games Once baby is mobile, it’s a great time to introduce her to “yoga.” This is off the mat, loud animal yoga. Be an elephant and make a trunk with your arms. Be a monkey and goal post your arms. Be pig and snort. All these animals will get baby giggling, moving, and enjoying all she can do with her voice and with her body. A great product to help encourage your baby to

February 22, 2022
Prima Baby

Chicco Microwave Sterilizer and Silicone Bottle Cleaning Brush

Keeping germs at bay is vital when you have a newborn in the house – and Chicco is there with you every step of the way, adding convenience to essential household items. When it’s time to wash milk or juice bottles, ordinary dish washing won’t necessarily kill all germs. Opt for a sterilizer that is small, economical and so easy to use. The Chicco Microwave Sterilizer takes all makes of Chicco bottles, teats and pacifiers and with a few centimetres of water placed at the bottom, uses the properties of steam to neutralise all germs in just a few minutes, avoiding long waits between bottle cleans. If you would like to keep bottles stored in the sterilizer they remain germ-free for up to 24-hours with a closed lid. If you’re looking for a quick scrub up, the Chicco Silicone Bottle Brush gives you deep cleaning with silicone bristles to remove all sorts of milk or juice build-up. with an ergonomic handle, it’s non-slip and the perfect addition to your bottle cleaning regime. Pick the sterilizer up at select Clicks stores, Babyclub by Clicks, Baby City, Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone and Loot. The Silicone Brush is available at Takealot, loot, The Kid Zone and others.

February 21, 2022
Good Night Baby

Sleep and Solids

As a sleep consultant, one thing I am aware of, is how desperate moms are to get their little ones to sleep. I have seen moms who constantly dose with pain medication in the hopes that their sleep disruptions are caused by teething, or who switch from breastfeeding to formula feeding because ‘surely their baby is hungry,’ and they have heard how formula digests slower. I have seen moms push their children in the pram to sleep multiple times during the day and night, and some who have spent a small fortune on paediatrician appointments because ‘certainly there must be something medically wrong with their baby. “Feed your baby to fill him up” is another commonly used practice that some mothers will resort to out of desperation. So, lets delve a little deeper into the relationship between sleep and solids and what we know as sleep consultants. 1. Can starting solids really help your baby sleep better and longer? The short answer is probably not. There was a study completed in 2010 that showed starting solids before the age of 4 months essentially caused sleep disruptions. Those babies slept on average an hour less per night than the babies who received milk exclusively. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends starting solids at 6 months. Researchers have found that waiting to begin solids can protect babies from a whole host of complications, including food allergies and future obesity. Hoping that solids will help your baby to sleep better does make sense. A baby with a full tummy will not need to wake up to feed right? Which is true in a sense, except that as parents we forget that hunger is only one of the reasons a baby will wake up throughout the night. Often, we assume it is hunger and we use a feed to put our baby back to sleep. This seems to work every-single-time and by doing this we are reinforcing the idea in our mind that our baby is hungry. This may encourage you to begin with solids sooner rather than later. 2. How do I know if it is hunger affecting my baby’s sleep? Firstly, you can have a look at what is age appropriate for your baby at night. A 4-month-old could be waking for 1–3-night feeds, which drops to 1-2 feeds by 6 months and all feeds tend to fall away by the end of their 9th month. If your baby falls within this range, then there is nothing to be concerned about. If your 5 – 6 month old baby has always slept well, they are able to fall asleep independently in their cot without support from a milk feed, dummy or rocking and they begin to wake up more frequently, or they begin to wake up before midnight which is unusual for them, then hunger may well be the cause. Provided of course that they are also showing other signs of readiness. If your baby has never slept well and you were hoping that solids would solve your sleep problems, then rather first evaluate how your baby is falling asleep at bedtime and how much assistance they require from you during this process. You may want to embark on sleep coaching to establish independent sleep skills. This will usually have the biggest impact on their overall sleep. 3. Can solids cause poor sleep? Solid foods can be a bit of a “shock” to the gastrointestinal tract as it is still accustomed to digesting breastmilk or formula up to this point. Once solids are introduced, the GI system starts releasing new enzymes for digestion. The tummy is made for this, but with any new and drastic change, it can cause sleep disruptions for a few days. This may be attributed to an increase in gas, pooping and general tummy discomfort. Some babies are extremely sensitive to this, whereas some show no discomfort at all. Thus, the recommendation stands to introduce all new foods it the morning to prevent potential overnight sleep disruptions. If your baby has any sensitivities or reactions to the foods introduced, one can expect that their baby would sleep poorly. This poor sleep will be short lived and should resolve itself once the food is no longer offered or being digested. This would seldom be the cause of many days or months of poor sleep. Another less commonly discussed point to note, is that some babies prefer solids to their milk. Under the age of 12 months their milk is more important than any solids. Any solids given should be considered complementary to their milk intake. The shift occurs at 12 months where solids then take priority over their milk intake. If you find that your 6–9-month-old baby is taking in substantial amounts of solids in a short amount of time and their milk intake is decreasing as a result, this can attribute to new overnight awakenings. Offer any solid foods only after they have consumed their milk and ensure that your baby’s daily milk consumption is age appropriate. Unfortunately, when it comes to sleep there is no magic formula that will make a dramatic difference if your baby has never been a good sleeper. If your baby does not have the skills necessary to sleep, solids will not make much of a difference. Good quality sleep is determined by how much assistance your baby needs to fall asleep. If they are fed to sleep at bedtime then the chances of them requiring a night feed increases as that is the only way they know how to go back to sleep, its quite possible they are not hungry at all, you should then begin exploring ways to help them fall asleep that does not include feeding to sleep.   Once you do embark on this exciting chapter in your parenting journey, make sure to follow sound guidelines. Invest in good quality food, spark their curiosity with flavours and keep their meal sizes age appropriate. By Tammy Buitendach – Good Night

February 21, 2022
Parenting Hub

All you need to know about complementary feeding for your baby

Breastfeeding exclusively for the first six months of a baby’s life is the most natural way to feed your baby.  However, what comes next is also important because of the extraordinary growth and development that takes place in the first 1000 days of an infant’s life.   After six months of age, breastmilk is no longer sufficient as the only food source.  For example, there’s not enough iron and zinc in breastmilk to meet a baby’s growing needs for these micro-nutrients after the age of six months.  Mothers are definitely encouraged to continue breastfeeding, but also advised to introduce small amounts of soft, nutrient-dense foods as complementary feeding. Estelle Strydom, registered dietitian and ADSA spokesperson (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa) says, “A 2018 review of complementary feeding practices in South Africa revealed that the diets of many older infants do not meet the criteria for a minimally acceptable diet.  In addition, it was reported that many babies between six months and one year are regularly given processed meats, soft drinks, sweets and salty crisps, which are all nutrient-poor foods that are not suitable for babies.” Furthermore, Professor Lize Havemann-Nel, registered dietitian and researcher in the Centre of Excellence for Nutrition at North-West University, also points out that your baby’s nutrition is a vital part of a foundation for a healthy life.  There’s no other time when a child grows and develops faster; it’s both a window of opportunity to set your child on the path to good health, and a time of great vulnerability.  Malnutrition, in all its forms, from underweight and overweight to the nutritional deficiencies that cause lasting damage, can be avoided through optimal complementary feeding. Professor Havemann-Nel says, “It’s important to get the timing right by introducing complementary foods from six months onwards.  It’s also vital to know what foods are appropriate so that you are providing your little one with a variety of nutrient-dense meals and avoiding harmful practices.  The other goal of complementary feeding is to set your baby up to try new foods so that as they grow they transition to eating nutrient-dense family foods, which makes life much easier for parents and caregivers.” Registered Dietitian, Mbali Mapholi emphasises the importance of parents’ awareness of the accepted complementary feeding guidelines.  She says, “Parents and caregivers need to understand what nutrient-dense foods are suitable for their babies.  The transition from only breastmilk to suitable complementary foods, along with continued breastfeeding, works well if the food offered to baby is soft and easy to digest, which is why the first solid foods are usually pureed and mashed.  We start out with mashed, soft foods, and as they develop, the food becomes more textured and soft finger foods can be offered.” An important guideline is that meat, fish, chicken and eggs should be offered daily.  Mbali says, “These foods are high in protein which is essential for growth and development.  They also contain important vitamins and minerals that support the immune system and healthy body functioning.  Eating these foods every day prevents deficiencies of important nutrients such as iron.  Plant protein sources such as soya, beans, peas and lentils are affordable and are also important to include in the diet regularly.” Another important nutrition guideline is making dark green leafy vegetables and orange-coloured fruit and veg available daily to your baby.  Mbali says, “Spinach is easy for us to grow in our gardens or in pots so that we can harvest the leaves we need each day, while the plant keeps on growing and providing more.  Vegetables such as butternut and carrots, and fruits such as citrus, paw-paw and mangoes are good sources of vitamins A and C that help to maintain your baby’s good health.  It works out well to buy seasonal fruit and veg because it’s more economical.” For a toddler between 12 and 36 months, you need to provide five small meals per day with starchy foods in most meals.  Dairy such as milk, maas and yoghurt should be consumed every day – 500ml is recommended so that your child gets sufficient calcium intake for strong bones and healthy teeth. There’s also a list of nutrient-poor foods that parents and caregivers need to stay clear of: Avoid tea and coffee as these drinks contain caffeine Avoid sugary drinks and juices which are high in sugar Avoid highly processed and high fat foods Avoid salty foods Registered dietitian Carey Haupt says, “Under 12 months of age, a baby’s kidneys are not yet fully developed.  These types of unsuitable foods can put strain on the kidneys.  Foods that are high in sugar and fat can lead to overweight and childhood obesity, which is an increasing problem in South Africa.  Use herbs for flavour instead of adding salt.  Substitute clean water in place of juices and soft drinks that are high in sugar and can damage new teeth.” Throughout this introduction of complementary foods, mothers should be supported in continuing to breastfeed. Parents can start with offering their child a pureed meal (traditional complementary feeding) or soft finger foods (baby led weaning). Carey says, “It makes good sense at this very young age to let your baby play with their food.  Picking up a stem of broccoli enables them to look, feel, smell and taste.  By letting them explore and interact with new foods, you may avoid picky eating later on.” ADSA has released a series of three short, informative videos about complementary feeding for South African parents and caregivers.  Join the ADSA dietitian team to learn more about the nutrients that babies require after six months of age; get tips on how to make complementary feeding easy for you, and for baby.  Each episode also features a recipe for a simple yet nutrient-dense complementary baby meal that is quick and convenient for busy moms and caregivers.

February 18, 2022
Prima Baby

Chicco Bottle Warmer

Keep their meals ready with a handy kitchen appliance that will become your greatest ally in your babies feeding routine, the Chicco Bottle Warmer. In stylish grey and pastel blue, this perfect cooking companion for new parents allows you to plug in and conveniently heat up bottles and small jars without the dangers of boiling pots of water like our parents used to do. Be guaranteed no scalding when you slow heat bottles and preserve the nutritional properties of milk at the same time. With an automatic off switch you will prevent over-heating or kitchen mishaps. The Chicco Bottle Warmer is suitable for all Chicco bottles on the market including the best-selling Natural Feeling range, in glass or plastic. Grab one today and get convenience at your fingertips at participating retailers such as Baby City, Babanino, The Kid Zone, Takealot, Loot and others.

February 14, 2022
Exigo Care

Hi Baby nappies’ super absorbent core

The Super Absorbent Core of Hi Baby nappies are the heart and soul of our nappies. When it comes to caring for your little human, other than a parent’s loving arms, it is the surface area of the nappy that holds the most responsibility. The inner surface of the nappy you put on your baby’s bottom will be in contact with your baby’s skin for prolonged periods of time so why would you want to put anything other than an AAA grade Hi Baby Premium Nappy on that bum?  Excess moisture in a nappy causes maceration of the skin surface (where skin gets lighter in colour and goes all wrinkly… such as when you have been sitting in the bath for too long) and ultimately leads to skin breakdown which may result in secondary fungal, yeast and bacterial infections which thrive in a warm moist environment … especially in this summer heat! Prolonged skin contact with urine and feces irritates the skin, leading to inflammation and further skin breakdown. Contact dermatitis is especially common when babies have diarrhea, often paired with illness or teething. A super absorbent nappy core ensures a dry nappy surface protecting baby’s sensitive skin from nappy rash.  How do Hi Baby nappies absorb and retain so much moisture?  Along with the incredibly soft top inside layer, the nappy’s inner core is made up of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAPs). SAPs look like little crystals when they are dry, but when exposed to moisture they swell up and turn into a gel-like substance. SAPs can absorb up to 30 times their own weight in fluid (kind of like a pregnant woman… or at least it feels that way) ensuring that the nappy absorbs moisture and locks it away. SAPs cannot dissolve in water and can tolerate weight/pressure so that, even with a baby bouncing on the nappy, moisture does not get released back to the nappy surface, keeping your little one’s skin safe and dry. An added bonus is that Hi Baby Premium Nappies and Pull Up’s are free from Oxymethylene, Flourescer and Brightener, making them gentle and safe on baby’s skin without chemical smells. The outer layer of the nappy is just as soft – it does not have a plastic feel to it, and it breathes, eliminating excess ‘humidity’ on the inside of the nappy. When thinking about it, one could easily compare a mother to a Hi Baby Nappy or Pull Up. Like the outside of our nappies, a mother brings that soft and gentle element into a home … and she is beautiful too (just like our nappies).  The inner soft layer is like a mother’s gentle touch; that loving hug, that gentle hand wiping away tears. She is that protective barrier between her little human and the big bad world, protecting her little one to the best of her ability, regardless of the circumstances. A mother is absorbent, just like the core of a Hi Baby Nappy or Pull up. Her heart is full of Super Absorbent Polymers … taking in each moment of her little one’s fleeting childhood, and sealing it in, not releasing it from her heart again.  From the moment you found out that you were pregnant, coming to terms with the fact that this little person is yours, and embracing it. Feeling your unborn baby kick for the first time. Sealing in the moment you looked at your newborn for the first time … vowing that you would protect him/her against all odds. Just like the nappy takes a few blows when a baby is bouncing all over it; so too does a mother’s heart. Sometimes your little one will get, sometimes it feels like they are hurting you on purpose … but it does not change the fact that you would do anything to protect them from harm and keep them safe.  From now on, every time you change your little one’s Hi Baby Premium Nappy or Pull up, take a moment to hold that full dry-surfaced nappy in your hand (yes, regardless of what is in the nappy) and remind yourself to absorb every moment, every phase, and every stage. Seal it in your heart where not even the toughest situations in life can take that from you because you are a mother: with a heart full of Super Absorbent Polymers! Until Next Month, Sr Jessica Bredenkamp (Registered Midwife (BCur) & Mom)

February 9, 2022
Prima Baby

Gorgeous fashion plate pacifiers with Chicco’s Physio technology at the heart

The perfect pacifier will be a parent’s best friend – and they are harder to find than one may imagine. Chicco has spent years in the Observatory research centre developing the ‘perfect pacifier’ that is not just a soothing device, but ultimately meets the needs of every child’s oral development too. Introducing the ‘Physio’ concept of pacifiers. Based on the theory of good breathing, the range of Physio pacifiers extends from the smallest of premmie needs to the versatility of glow-in-the-dark favourites to keep toddlers sleeping through the night, even when they drop their dummies.  Physio Micro is the first and smallest in the innovative range of Physio pacifiers. Micro in size but powerfully effective, this premmie dummy is perfect for the littlest of mouths, with an orthodontic teat to match. With extra lightweight fashion plates with air holes for ventilation, Micro Soft’s teat sits neatly in the palette, keeping from lolling around in the mouth and causing saliva build-up. When it’s time for baby to outgrow their newborn pacifier, the Physio Air range steps in. Great for bigger newborn and supporting little ones all the way up to 36 months, the range includes a wide variety of fashion plates with cute characters and colours. The glow-in-the dark range is perfect for finding dropped dummies in the night without turning on the light. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Takealot, Loot, Babanino and a host of other retailers.

February 7, 2022
Prima Baby

Breathing made easy with the orthodontically-approved Chicco Physio Soft pacifier

The perfect pacifier will be a parent’s best friend – and they are harder to find than one may imagine. Chicco has spent years in the Observatory research centre developing the ‘perfect pacifier’ that is not just a soothing device, but ultimately meets the needs of every child’s oral development too. Introducing the ‘Physio’ concept of pacifiers. Based on the theory of good breathing, the range of Physio pacifiers extends from the smallest of premmie needs to the versatility of the one-piece silicone pacifier that soothes toddlers all the way up to when they are ready to say goodbye to their trusty dummy. The Physio Soft is a best-selling pacifier from the range that has stood the test of time and continues to be a household favourite around the world. Made in sizes from newborn upwards, this one-piece silicone is so flexible and soft that it can completely bend, allowing face-sleeping to not disturb or line your little one’s face. Without separate compartments this pacifier reduces the chance of bacteria and mold getting inside elements and is one of the easiest dummies on the market to clean. The perfectly created cut-out shape gives noses space to breathe comfortable and the trademarked Chicco Physio teat sits in the palette area to avoid lolling and saliva build-up. With cut-out heart designs, more air can circulate between your babies face and the pacifier, ensuring that rashes are kept at bay and proper ventilation is key. Let your little one try one today in clear, pink, purple, blue and green colour tones in a range of age-appropriate sizes. Available at Baby City, select Clicks stores or Clicks Babyclub online, The Kid Zone, Takealot, Loot, Babanino and a host of other retailers.

February 1, 2022
Prima Baby

Chicco’s manual or electric toothbrushes for perfect infant dental care

When selecting that very first toothbrush for newly sprouting teeth, certain factors need to come into play: Soft bristles for delicate gums Small head for little mouths Handle with grip for a non-slip brush Chicco’s manual and electric toothbrushes offer the best solution for early dental development. Whether little ones are still learning the movements of brushing themselves or working alongside an electric brush for that deep clean, their toothbrush will be their daily dental ally and form good habits for their lives moving forward. Available in pastel pink and baby blue, the manual toothbrush is available at a variety of retailers including The Kid Zone, www.shopchicco.co.za, babanino, Baby City, Takealot, Loot and many others. The Chicco Electric Toothbrush is available in dark pink and dark blue with comic characters such as mermaids and pirates on them and available at the same retailers. Pair with great tasting, age-appropriate toothpastes and get them loving their dental routine for life.

January 25, 2022
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