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The Ins and outs of Co-Sleeping with your Kids

Co-sleeping is common in many parts of Africa, including South Africa. Co-sleeping is when parents share a bed with their young infant or child. It is considered as bonding, comforting, and protecting the child, however, co-sleeping may also have risks and challenges, affecting the parents’ sleep quality, intimacy, and independence. Co-sleeping may also vary depending on the family’s preferences, values, beliefs, and circumstances. Co-sleeping was common in Western societies until the 19th century when nuclear families and private bedrooms became popular. Co-sleeping was then associated with poverty and bad parenting and discouraged by society. Babies can find it hard to sleep without the closeness of a parent and may cry when they’re in a cot. Co-sleeping can make it easier for parents to respond to their baby, settle them more quickly and hopefully get some better-quality sleep at the same time. Older children might be motivated to sleep with their parents because of separation anxiety or when feeling sensitive or vulnerable, such as during the night. No evidence confirms co-sleeping enhances a better (or worse) emotional attachment compared to those children who sleep separately. While today’s modern paediatricians may recommend room-sharing and discourage bed-sharing, the choice remains with your family, and your cultural and societal customs. Jake in the Bed Lisa and Mark had a two-year-old son named Jake, who slept in their bed every night since he was born. They loved the warmth and comfort of co-sleeping but faced some problems. Lisa often had back pain and neck stiffness from sleeping awkwardly to accommodate Jake. Mark often snored loudly, which disturbed Jake’s sleep and made him restless. They also felt that co-sleeping affected their intimacy and relationship, as they had no space or time for each other. They decided to try to transition Jake to his bed in his room, but they faced some difficulty as Jake was now used to sleeping with his parents. He resisted and cried whenever they tried to leave him alone which left Lisa and Mark feeling frustrated and exhausted from the constant struggle. Max in the Bed Anna and Ben had a four-month-old son named Max, who slept in a crib beside their bed. They were happy with this arrangement, but they noticed that Max often woke up crying during the night and had trouble falling asleep. They also felt that they missed the closeness and connection with their baby. They decided to try co-sleeping with Max and found that co-sleeping made their nights more manageable and more enjoyable. Max could nurse more frequently and comfortably, which helped him sleep longer and better. Anna and Ben also felt more relaxed and rested, as they did not have to get up and check on Max every time, he made a noise. They also felt that co-sleeping strengthened their bond with Max, as they could cuddle, kiss, and talk to him more often. They enjoyed watching him sleep and wake up with a smile. They continued co-sleeping with Max until he was ready to move to his room. Co-sleeping is common in many cultures and families, but it has some benefits and drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of co-sleeping with your kids: Weigh up the facts and set the scene to suit you before it becomes a nightly habit and ensure your best option for harmonious nights and deep, peaceful sleep for everyone. Pros for Co-Sleeping: Co-sleeping may increase your emotional bond and attachment with your baby, as you can cuddle, comfort, and communicate more easily. Co-sleeping may make night nursing more accessible and convenient for breastfeeding, as you will not have to get up and go to another room to feed your baby. Co-sleeping may help babies and toddlers fall asleep faster and sleep better, as they feel more secure and relaxed near their parents. Cons for Co-Sleeping: Co-sleeping may increase the risk of accidental suffocation, strangulation, or injury to the child, especially if the parents are obese, smoke, drink alcohol, use drugs, or sleep deeply. Co-sleeping may interfere with your sleep quality and quantity, as you may be disturbed by the child’s movements, noises, or needs. Co-sleeping may affect your intimacy and relationship with your spouse, as you may have less privacy and time. Co-sleeping may make it harder for the child to develop independence and self-soothing skills, as they may become too dependent on their parents’ presence to fall asleep or stay asleep. Co-sleeping is a personal choice that depends on many factors, such as your family’s personal preferences, values, beliefs, and circumstances. There is no right or wrong answer to whether you should co-sleep with your kids. However, if you co-sleep, you should follow the safety guidelines to reduce the potential risks. You can also consider some alternatives to co-sleeping, such as room-sharing (where the child sleeps in their crib or bed in the same room as you) or partial co-sleeping (where the child sleeps in their room but joins your bed for part of the night). Safety Tips: Place your baby on their back on the side of the bed, away from the edge and to the side of one parent. Avoid placing your baby between parents or next to other children or pets. Co-sleeping with a child over one year old is less risky than with a child under 12 months. At a toddler’s age of 1 to 2, they can roll over and free themselves if trapped in the bed. Co-sleeping during the school-aged years has been associated with problems initiating sleep, less nighttime sleep, more daytime sleepiness, more bedtime resistance, increased nighttime awakenings, and greater levels of sleep anxiety. Tips for Getting Baby to Sleep in their Cot: Make sure baby is comfortable. Check the room temperature, the lighting, and their clothing. Make the cot a safer place. Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and a comfortable baby sleeping bag. Try the gradual retreat. Move the cot closer to your bed and slowly away until it reaches the baby’s room. Eliminate motion. Avoid rocking or driving your baby to

December 13, 2023

Proper Dosage For Peace Of Mind

While the classic approach suggests a spoonful of sugar helps medicine go down, convincing kids to take medicines often demands more than a little patience. While administering medicine to tots can be challenging, the good news is you can make it a little easier – and keep your child safe – by giving the correct amount every time. Why Correct Dosage Is Important Little bodies process things differently than adults, making precision crucial. A child’s weight and age often determine medicine dosage.1a Even a tiny excess can be harmful, while too little can render the medicine ineffective.1b How To Get The Right Dose – Every Time Before administering medication to your child, read the medication label and follow the dosage recommendations. If in doubt, reach out to your child’s doctor to discuss the medication’s proper amount, frequency, and duration. Sometimes, the way we measure can lead to inaccurate doses. Here are some key pointers to keep in mind when medicating your child. Household spoons: A regular kitchen teaspoon is equivalent to 5mls but not all spoons are created equally. Some may measure significantly higher or lower than 5mls.1c Even if medicine instructions say “teaspoon”, it’s safer to ask your pharmacist for metric measuring spoon that shows the exact millilitres. That way, you can always be sure. Dosing cups: While using a dosing cup is better than a teaspoon, it’s not always accurate as some medicine can stick to the cup. This means your child might not get the full dose.1d Oral syringes or infant droppers: Both these options are available at most pharmacies, doctors, or online stores, are safe for babies and toddlers (they don’t attach to needles), help give the exact dose by showing measurements, and reduce mess and spitting by allowing you to place medicine in the corner of your child’s mouth.1e When in doubt, calculate how much paracetamol you should give your child with Panado®’s quick and accurate dosage test. Click here. Medicine Safety Basics Ensuring the health and safety of our children is paramount, especially when it comes to medications. In addition to always ensuring you give your child the correct dosage based on their age and weight, keep the following guidelines in mind. Avoid giving partial doses or adding “a bit more” based on your child’s perceived illness severity. Dosages are determined by a child’s weight for safety and effectiveness, not by how sick they appear. Underdosing might not work, while overdosing could be dangerous.2a Check with your child’s doctor or pharmacist before giving your child two types of medicines with the same ingredients.2b Never give your child medicines prescribed for someone else, whether it’s an adult or child.2c Children should not be given medication that contains aspirin, as it can lead to serious health complications like Reye’s syndrome.2d Do not give cough or cold medicines to your child unless the doctor gives you the green light, especially to children under four years old.2e Turn to the Power of the Panado® Paediatric Range of Products Panado® contains paracetamol, which boasts over 150 years of clinical experience.3 It’s fast-acting4 and gentle on sensitive tummies.5 Panado® paediatric range of products includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry,6 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free,7 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets8 and Panado® Infant Drops.9 Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado® products available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and Independent Pharmacies. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook. 2023083110309095 References: Intermountain Health. Getting the right medication dose for your baby. Available from: https://intermountainhealthcare.org/blogs/getting-the-right-medication-dose-for-your-baby. Last accessed August 2023. John Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. On call for all kids: Giving your child the correct medicine dosage. Available from: https://www.hopkinsallchildrens.org/ACH-News/General-News/On-Call-for-All-Kids-Giving-Your-Child-the-Correc. Last accessed August 2023. 150 years of paracetamol. GP Pharma Update Mar/Apr 2019. Moller PL, Sindet-Pedersen S, Petersen CT, et al. Onset of acetaminophen analgesia: Comparison of oral and intravenous routes after third molar surgery. Br J Anaesth 2005;94(5):642-8. doi:10.1093/bja/aei109. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15790675/. Last accessed August 2023. Goodman & Gilman’s.The pharmacological basis of therapeutics, 13th ed. Acetaminophen. p696 Panado® Paediatric Strawberry Syrup approved package insert, March 2002. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free professional information, May 2022. Panado® Paediatric Syrup professional information, May 2022. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops) approved professional information, August 1990.

December 12, 2023

Every Mother’s Power Struggle with Junk Food & Their Toddler

Junk food is addictive, and your toddler will fall in love with their first taste of sugary treats. Managing junk foods and your toddler’s health may be your first-ascent challenge in your journey of motherhood, so it’s wise to get ahead of the pack and learn how to avoid the pitfalls and traumas of keeping those little fingers out of the sugar bowl and growing and developing without worry of tantrums, addiction, or disease. Junk food is usually gorgeous and glitzy to look at, always colourfully presented and wrapped with a silver lining or in a cluster of sugary crystalline collaboration which looks decidedly more alluring than a piece of broccoli on a plate. Even adults struggle with maintaining a healthy diet, but you can help your child ingrain good eating habits early on in life and set them up for health and longevity over a lifetime – at the same time, it may help you to get back on track after your maternity. Everyone needs to eat healthily but especially toddlers to get the nutrients their growing bodies need. Studies show that fast food served more than three times a week is associated with disorders in children such as asthma, eczema, and rhinitis. Cakes, sweets, puddings, potato chips, ice cream and other low-nutrient junk foods shouldn’t be part of their diet. Junk food puts everyone’s health at risk but especially your toddler and sets them up for: Obesity, low self-esteem, and the risk of developing depression later Constipation and poor bowel health Dental problems, cavities, and mouth disease Skin complaints and dry skin and hair Anxiety, mood swings and problems with concentrating Addiction to dopamine, the reward system in the brain, throughout their life Nutrient deficiency in iron, vitamin D, calcium, and zinc, leading to stunted growth, breathing problems, fatigue, unusual food cravings, and chronic infection. How can you better manage junk food and your child’s health? Avoid power struggles. Even if your child likes chips, sweets, and fizzy drinks, you don’t have to give in to their cravings. Your toddler can’t get to the shops to buy junk food themselves, so don’t keep it in the home. When they ask for treats, simply respond that you don’t have any and offer them a choice of two healthy snack options instead. Nature’s own sweets are fresh or dried dates, sweet melon, and grapes. Eat regular meals. When your toddler is getting adequate nutrition with regular and timely meals, there will be no room for junk food cravings and bad eating habits to creep in. If you have a busy schedule, it is important to plan and bring healthy packed snacks when you are unable to sit down at the table to eat. The Nourish Scoop™ High chair from Vital Baby is compact, comfortable and tailors to every stage of weaning. It is perfect for sit-down family meals while growing up, converting to a handy toddler chair when the time comes. Set a good example. Our children don’t do what we say, they do what we do. Let your child watch and get involved in cooking nutritious meals and packing lunches, or at least having a say in what goes into their lunch boxes. For example, let your child help squeeze fresh oranges for decanting into their juice bottle or sippy cup and let them choose their favourite trail mix style. You can encourage their nutrition further with the Vital Baby® NOURISH Starter Weaning Kit, which is the perfect combination of utensils and accessories for little ones who are taking their first weaning steps toward independent eating and drinking. This set makes for a great weaning gift for moms and dads who are about to start their toddlers on their own food journey. It includes super-soft and shallow spoons for a little mouth, bowls and pots for easy serving and storage, a super soft silicone bib with a built-in mess catcher, free flow cup to encourage sipping and is BPA, Latex, and phthalate free. Make meals learning time together. Engage with your child at mealtimes. You can get them involved in their meal by arranging foods into a smiley face or cutting patterns into fruit skins. Brighten their meals by serving five different food group colours on their plate, always as fresh as possible. Help them identify the colours with parts of their body, such as their heart, bones, teeth, and eyes. Red fruits are for healthy hearts and immunity. Orange fruits are antioxidants and convert to Vitamin A in our bodies. Green food groups relate to protein and Vitamin K for healthy skin and gut. Blue fruits such as blueberries are superfoods providing a good source of fibre and Vitamin K, and C. Encourage your child to be curious by preparing their favourite meal and adding a new vegetable or fruit to the sample. You can also serve two side dishes at the evening meal, one familiar and one as a new experience. If your toddler is ready to move from finger foods to adult cutlery, empower them further with the Vital Baby big kid cutlery set, which includes their own stainless-steel set with rounded fork tips and chunky handles for little hands to grip easily. By feeding themselves, your toddler is developing many skills, including hand-eye coordination, fine motor skills and postural control. Quick Tips to Live By #1 Never use junk food as a reward or bribe. #2 Order the healthiest options when eating out. #3 The number one contributor to junk eating is stress and boredom. Children often get fussy and demand junk food when they are idle and don’t have anything to keep them busy. #4 We often feel hungry when we are dehydrated. When your child wants junk food, ask them to drink a cup of water first. Add a slice of cucumber to the glass and ask them to count the transparent seeds in the centre to take their mind off the junk. #5 Involve your child in making ‘junk food’ at home, including

December 12, 2023

HOW TO IMPROVE BRAIN DEVELOPMENT IN INFANTS

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, explores various strategies and activities to nurture young minds. “The first few years of a child’s life are critical for brain development. During this time, their brain undergoes rapid growth, forming countless connections that will shape their cognitive, emotional, and social development,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “As parents and caregivers, there are numerous ways we can help improve brain development in infants and set the stage for lifelong learning.” Early and Frequent Interaction Early and frequent interaction is one of the most fundamental ways to promote brain development in infants. From the moment your baby is born, make eye contact and maintain it during feedings, nappy changes, and playtime. This simple act helps strengthen the bond between you and your baby and encourages their visual development. Talk to your baby, even if they can’t respond with words yet. Narrate your day, describe what you’re doing, and sing songs. This helps build their vocabulary and understanding of language. Pay attention to your baby’s cues, such as crying, cooing, or facial expressions. Responding promptly to their needs builds trust and helps them feel secure. Skin-to-Skin Contact Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is essential for infants’ brain development and emotional well-being. Holding your baby close to your skin provides comfort and warmth, regulates body temperature, and reduces stress. It also strengthens the parent-infant bond, which is crucial for healthy brain development. Breastfeeding Breast milk is known for its incredible nutritional and developmental benefits. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients, antibodies, and growth factors that support brain development. The act of breastfeeding also promotes bonding between mother and child. Tummy Time Tummy time is essential for strengthening an infant’s neck and upper body muscles. It also allows babies to explore their surroundings from a different perspective, enhancing their sensory and motor development.3b Gradually increasing tummy time as your baby grows helps them develop the muscles needed for crawling and eventually walking. Offer a Stimulating Environment Creating a stimulating environment for your infant can greatly benefit their brain development. Here are some ideas: Age-Appropriate Toys: Provide toys that are safe and suitable for their age. Toys with different textures, colours, and shapes encourage sensory exploration. Books: Even before they can understand words, reading to your baby stimulates their cognitive development and introduces them to the world of language. Mobiles and Visual Stimulation: Hang colourful, visually stimulating mobiles above their crib or play area. These can capture their attention and promote visual tracking. Encourage Exploration Infants are naturally curious and eager to explore their environment. Allow your baby to touch, feel, and examine objects within safe limits. Supervised exploration helps build cognitive skills and fine motor control. Music and Rhythms Music has a profound impact on brain development. Play soothing music or lullabies to help calm your baby, and introduce rhythmic play with instruments like shakers or tambourines. Regular Sleep Schedule Consistent sleep patterns are crucial for brain development in infants. Ensure your baby gets enough sleep by establishing a regular bedtime routine. Newborns typically require 16 to 18 hours of sleep per day, while infants generally need 12 to 16 hours of sleep daily, which includes their naps. Toddlers should aim for a total of 11 to 14 hours of sleep, preschool-aged children require about 10 to 13 hours, and elementary school-aged children should aim for 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. A well-rested baby is more alert and ready to learn during wakeful hours. Baby Sign Language Baby sign language is a valuable tool for improving communication with your infant before they can speak. Simple signs like ‘more’, ‘eat’, and ‘milk’ allow your baby to express their needs, reducing frustration and enhancing early language development. Maintain a Healthy Diet If you’ve started introducing solid foods, ensure your baby’s diet is rich in nutrients essential for brain development. Include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and healthy fats in their diet. Limit Screen Time The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends avoiding screen time for children under 18 months and limiting it for older children. Excessive screen time can interfere with physical, social, and cognitive development, so it’s best to prioritise hands-on activities and face-to-face interactions. Create a Safe and Loving Environment A secure and loving environment is the cornerstone of healthy brain development. Ensure your baby feels safe, loved, and protected. Be responsive to their needs, provide affection, and create a stable home life. Get Outside Spending time outdoors exposes your baby to new sights, sounds, and sensations. Fresh air and natural surroundings stimulate their senses and support cognitive development. Remember to protect them from the sun and dress them appropriately for the weather. Engage in Play Play is an essential avenue for learning in infancy. Simple games like peek-a-boo, tickling, and imitating facial expressions can provide hours of entertainment while promoting social and emotional development. Be Patient and Responsive Finally, remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Be patient and sensitive to their specific needs and create a loving environment in which they feel loved.

December 6, 2023

Lifesaving SA and DHL launch an online water safety learning platform

Every year, hundreds of families across South Africa lose loved ones in preventable drowning accidents. For youth 17 and under, drowning represents the second highest cause of accidental death after road accidents. The highest percentage of deaths are in children aged 1-9 years. This problem is not unique to South Africa, but follows trends seen globally, where 90% of the world’s accidental drowning deaths occur in middle to lower income countries. (World Health Organization) Following on from the success of Lifesaving SA’s WaterSmart School programme, in partnership with the Department of Education and DHL, Lifesaving SA has launched a free online e-learning WaterSmart hub, making water safety content accessible to all South Africans. While water safety training does take place in South Africa, its reach is limited. This is because programmes currently depend on in-person instruction conducted by volunteers, such as those working with Lifesaving South Africa (LSA). In 2016, Lifesaving SA launched WaterSmart, a paper-based educational programme written for the Department of Education Life Skills Orientation curriculum for grades 4-6. Since its inception, each year 50 lifeguard facilitators present this programme in hundreds of underprivileged schools, thanks to the sponsorship from corporates such as DHL, who through its partnership with Lifesaving South Africa, connect people and help save lives. In 2021 the KZN Department of Education partnered with Lifesaving SA where 6700 teachers and supervisors were trained to present the programme in their classrooms. In 2022 the programme was presented to 607 770 learners in more than 6000 schools, reaching over a million learners to date. The DHL Lifesaving WaterSmart Online Hub seeks to address the problem of drowning in South Africa by teaching learners about the various dangers water poses, empowering them to better manage risks and maintain a constant awareness and vigilance whenever water is around. The hub includes animated video content and interactive quizzes and spot the risks, making it fun and easy for children to learn about water safety and prevent drowning. The characters and scenes are presented in a simple, easy to understand format, allowing a greater audience to be reached. The content draws upon materials already developed by LSA for in-person training, including the character of “Resci,” who guides learners through the content. Teachers and parents are guided with learning plans, downloadable resources such as workbooks, readers, and posters to assist with delivering the programme to their learners and after each module is completed the learner is presented with a certificate. Jed Michaletos, Managing Director of DHL Express South Africa, expressed his delight, adding, “As a business, we talk about delivering excellence in a digital world, so when we had the opportunity to work with the Lifesaving SA team to digitize their learning materials, we jumped at it. This will increase the reach of the programme dramatically through ease of access – and really help deliver the message of water safety, to all. This project is a true demonstration of our organisational purpose, of Connecting People and Improving Lives.” With summer having finally arrived after a long and wet winter, DHL and Lifesaving SA want to ensure that children are taught how to be safe around water to prevent unnecessary drownings because one life lost to drowning is one life too many. To access the hub, visit https://watersmart.dhllifesaving.com/library/home or click on the QR code to start learning. For more information about Lifesaving South Africa visit www.lifesaving.co.za and follow us on social media X – @LifesavingSA Facebook – Lifesaving South Africa Instagram – lifesavingsouthafrica

December 5, 2023

Easy ways to stay sane and serene when flying with kids

After a busy year, the festive season is an ideal opportunity to reconnect with loved ones far away. Zoom and WhatsApp calls are no substitute for longtime friends or two or more generations of a family sharing a meal together, and air-travel is the quickest way to cross great distances. But travelling with little ones can be a source of dread and stress. Serving more than 160 destinations around the world from their Doha hub, Hamad International Airport, Qatar Airways’ crew get to go lots of places, often. They share some suggestions on how to not bookmark your holiday with anxiety over your kids. Do the paperwork in good time: Depending on your destination, the documentation you’ll need will vary widely and some of it takes a while to secure. So prepare a list of what you need: visas, birth- and vaccination-certificates, and so on. Some travellers find it reassuring to carry a file with hard copies of any documentation they might need to present. Talk about it: Depending on their age, you may be able to explain to your youngsters what to expect at the airports and in the air. There’s also a large variety of videos online that show kids what it’s like to pass through customs and to board. Sort out seats and eats: As a parent, you can request that you and your family board your flight before or after the other passengers, depending on what you feel is easier. Plan ahead and you can reserve bassinets which are installed against the bulkheads of long-haul aircraft, and book special meals if you need to. You can also push foldable pushchairs up to the door of the aircraft. Some airports, like Doha’s Hamad International Airport, have complimentary pushchairs for passengers’ use, but remember to reserve yours beforehand. Most airlines also allow you to book children’s meals ahead of time, and they’ll be fed before everyone else, which can help settle them. Manage the noise: Air travel can be noisy, and for neurodivergent people of all ages, the levels of sensory stimulation can be overpowering. Noise-cancelling headphones can help, although civil aviation regulations mean they’ll need to be removed for takeoff and landing. Lay down their arms: Many kids have a favourite toy, and many will find it upsetting if they have their Jacqui or Jack Sparrow rubber sword confiscated by airport security. Rather leave anything at home that resembles a weapon. Don’t overpack: You want to avoid running out of nappies, wipes and other essentials while airborne, but carrying too many supplies will be a burden, so pack a sensible amount in your carry-on and check the rest in to go in the hold. Pack chewy snacks: Changes in the pressurization of airline cabins during ascent and descent can be uncomfortable and upsetting for little ones. That’s generally remedied by munching age-appropriate snacks. Avoid overly-sugary ones as that may make some kids restless. Screentime is okay: There are times when you want your youngsters to spend time in the real world and way from their devices, but on a long-haul flight, inflight entertainment or games on a smartphone or tablet can be your new best friend. Any good airline will have a wealth of age-appropriate movies on offer, but Qatar Airways’ is unmatched. Ask for help: The cabin-crew is trained to make life easy for passengers of all ages, and that includes parents, children and babies.

December 5, 2023

Travel Hacks for a Happy Holiday Season

No one wants to be bogged down by pain or fever during their holiday travels, and now, thanks to Panado®, you don’t have to be! Whether you’re jetting off on a family holiday, embarking on a road trip adventure, or simply making a quick visit to family and friends, Panado® has your back with a range of solutions for adults and children. Tips for Travel With Kids Comfortable Seating While car seats are a must for children, they are designed primarily for safety, not comfort. If you’re traveling long distances by car, ensure that your child’s car seat is properly installed and fitted,1a and that it is appropriate for their weight, and height.1b Ear Pressure Relief Children often experience earaches during plane journeys due to rapid cabin pressure changes.2a To help your child during air travel, teach them to relieve ear pressure by chewing gum or sucking on a lollipop.2b Manage Motion Sickness Motion sickness happens when our senses send conflicting signals to the brain.3a For example, when we’re in a moving car, our inner ear senses motion, but our eyes see a stationary interior, which can make the brain feel confused and lead to dizziness, nausea and vomiting, especially in children younger than age six.3b If your child gets motion sick, keep a bag handy in the car, for just in case. Talk to a doctor about remedies, consider child-sized acupressure wristbands, and encourage them to focus on objects outside the car.3c Tips for Adults for Travel Plan Ahead Planning ahead is the secret sauce to ensuring your travels are as pain-free as possible. Before you embark on your adventure, take some time to create a checklist of all your travel essentials. This checklist should include items like your passport, tickets, itinerary, and, of course, a basic first aid kit. Stay Hydrated Dehydration can be a silent troublemaker when it comes to discomfort while traveling. It can cause headaches, nausea and fatigue.4 To combat this, make sure to drink plenty of water while you’re on the move. Carry a reusable water bottle with you and aim to stay refreshed throughout your trip. Stretch Your Legs Whether you’re on a long-haul flight or a road trip across the country, taking regular breaks to stretch your legs and get your blood flowing can work wonders. Being in one position for an extended period can lead to stiffness and aches.5 Stand up, walk around, do some simple stretches – anything to keep your muscles engaged. The Paediatric Range We understand that traveling with babies, toddlers, and children can be an adventure all on its own. Panado®’s paracetamol-based infant drops, paediatric syrups, and on-the-go sachets provide soothing pain and fever relief for your little ones. Parents trust6 Panado® to be gentle on little tummies but tough on pain and fever in babies and kids.7&8 Panado®’s paediatric range includes peppermint flavoured syrup in convenient 5ml sachets, Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),9 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),10 and Panado® Infant Drops 20 ml.11 Always administer using a medicine measure or a syringe. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Dosage details can be found at https://panado.co.za/dosage-calculator/ and are calculated according to your child’s age and weight. The Adult Range Panado® is conveniently available in tablet12, capsule13 or effervescent14 form to suit individual preference. Panado® Tablets provide relief from pain and fever. For those seeking an alternative, Panado® Capsules offer a convenient option: the capsule shells are designed to be smoother and more slippery, making them easier to swallow – especially beneficial for individuals who struggle with tablet consumption. The tasteless and odourless nature of the capsules caters to those who find tablets’ taste or aftertaste bothersome.15 In cases where swallowing tablets or capsules poses a challenge, Panado®’s effervescent formulation serves as convenient solution.16 Panado® products are available from Baby City, Pick n Pay, Checkers including Hypers, Shoprite, Clicks, Dis-Chem and Independent Pharmacies. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook. 2023092110313298 References: National Childbirth Trust. Guide to child car seats. Available from: https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/getting-out-about-your-baby/travelling-baby/guide-child-car-seats. Last accessed October 2023. KidsHealth. Flying and your child’s ears. Available from: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/flying-ears.html. Last accessed September 2023. University Hospitals. How to prevent and treat car sickness in kids. Available from: https://www.uhhospitals.org/blog/articles/2023/01/how-to-prevent-and-treat-car-sickness-in-kids. Last accessed September 2023. Medical News Today. Headaches, nausea, and fatigue: How are they related? Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/headache-nausea-fatigue. Last accessed September 2023. Flarin. Why do my muscles feel stiff after sitting for a while? Available from: https://flarin.co.uk/why-do-my-muscles-feel-stiff-after-sitting-for-a-while/. Last accessed September 2023. Circana, MT, July 2023 MAT. Blondell RD, Azadfard M, Wisniewski AM. Pharmacologic Therapy for Acute Pain. Am Fam Physician 2013;87(11):766-772. Prescott LF. Paracetamol: past, present, and future. Am J Ther2000;7(2):143-147. Panado® Paediatric Strawberry Approved package insert March 2002. Panado® Paediatric Syrup Alcohol and Sugar-Free & Panado® Paediatric Syrup package insert. April 2010. Panado® Infant Drops (Drops) approved professional information, August 1990. Panado® Tablets approved professional information, June 2005. Panado® Capsules approved package insert, August 1984. Panado® Effervescent (Tablet) approved professional information, July 1992. Science Direct. Capsule. Available from : https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/capsule. Last accessed October Panado website. Panado tablets effervescent 16s. Available from : https://panado.co.za/product/panado-tablets-effervescent-16s/. Last accessed October.

December 1, 2023

Correct Care and Intervention for Your Baby’s Cleft Lip & Palate

Cleft lip and palate are common birth defects that affect the development of the upper lip and the roof of your baby’s mouth. They occur when the tissues that form these structures do not fuse properly during pregnancy. The causes of cleft lip and palate are not fully understood, but they may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Cleft lip and palate can affect your baby’s appearance, feeding, speech, hearing, dental health, and self-esteem. This is because many children with cleft conditions are rejected by their cultures and their families and may face ridicule and harassment for their appearance. As a result, they often struggle with low self-confidence, bullying and social exclusion. Correct Care for Cleft Palate Early surgical intervention is important for cleft palate babies as it can prevent speech patterns from being negatively affected. “A great many South African parents do not realise that the quality of life of children born with cleft lip and palate can be drastically improved as help is available and there is always a way to get assistance for your child,” says Netcare Doctor Professor Tim Christofides. Smile Foundation SA encourages new parents to celebrate their babies and seek help from the medical professionals available through their non-profit organisation that aims to assist children from disadvantaged backgrounds to receive life-changing Plastic and Reconstructive surgery to correct facial anomalies that children have been born with or developed because of trauma. International children’s charity Smile Train South Africa supports 100%-free cleft repair surgery and comprehensive cleft care for children globally and empowers local medical professionals to provide cleft care in their own communities. Treatment involves surgery to repair the cleft, as well as other interventions such as speech therapy, dental work, and ear care. Cleft lip surgery usually takes place when your baby is aged 3 to 6 months old, and cleft palate surgery is done when your baby is 6 to 12 months old. Vital Feeding Support for Your Baby Feeding your baby with cleft lip and palate can be challenging, as babies born with cleft may be unable to feed properly and may suffer from malnutrition and thirst. The risk of death is nine times higher for cleft-born children.Vital Baby offers a range of products for babies and toddlers, including feeding, weaning, hydrating, and soothing items. If you want to breastfeed your baby, you may need some extra support and guidance from a lactation consultant or a nurse. Breastfeeding a baby with cleft lip and palate can be possible but may require some modifications, such as using a breast pump, a nipple shield, and supplemental feeding appliances to help you stay calm and organised. Controlled Flow Feeding for Cleft Babies: Babies with cleft lip and palate may need special bottles or nipples that allow the parent to control the flow of milk or formula into the baby’s mouth. Vital Baby offers a range of bottles and nipples suitable for cleft-born babies, such as the Nurture Breast-Like Feeding Bottle, the Nurture Bottle Feeding Gift Set designed to mimic the natural feel and shape of the breast and to help your baby latch on easily and comfortably, and the Nurture Flexcone Electric Breast Pump Gift Set, Burping Your Cleft Baby Babies with cleft lip and palate may also need frequent burping during and after feeding, as they may swallow more air than usual. Vital Baby recommends using their Easy Pour Breast Milk Storage Bags to store and freeze breastmilk and to gently squeeze out any air bubbles before feeding. They also suggest using their Nipple Shields to protect sore or cracked nipples and their Ultra Comfort Breast Pads to absorb any leaks or spills. Feeding Position for Cleft Baby Babies with cleft lip and palate can benefit from a supportive and comfortable feeding position, such as holding them upright or slightly tilted to prevent milk or formula from going into the baby’s nose or ears. During breastfeeding, a mother’s nipple naturally flattens when in the baby’s mouth. The vital baby® NURTURE™ breast like teats are designed to mimic breastfeeding, with a Flexzone teat to stretch and flex just like a nipple, helping avoid bottle confusion and making the transition between breast and bottle easier so your child can get all the nutrition it needs to grow strong. Weight Management for Cleft Baby Check your baby’s weight regularly to make sure he or she is getting enough nutrition. Your doctor or nurse will tell you how often to weigh your baby and what weight gain to expect. Remember, too, that caring for your baby with cleft lip and palate can be emotionally and physically demanding, so it’s important to take care of yourself as well as your baby. Soon enough, you will be celebrating all your baby’s milestones and achievements; until then, focus on your baby’s strengths and abilities rather than his or her differences. Remember that your baby is unique and beautiful regardless of the cleft. Vital Baby cares about you and your newborn. Head over to our Family Corner to learn more about caring and nurturing your little one.

December 1, 2023

SUGAR, DEVIL OR FRIEND?

Over the past few years many health experts voiced their opinions loudly on social media regarding the many dangers that dietary sugar pose to our health while very few articles ever consider the merits thereof. When you consider dietary sugar intake in terms of one’s own health or the health of one’s family you need to weigh all the facts carefully before you unwittingly cut important nutrients from a diet. Always keep in mind that variety is essential as we derive the many vitamins and minerals our bodies need from all the different foods we consume. It is sensible to start off by familiarising yourself with what exactly constitutes as sources of dietary sugar. Many of us would be surprised to learn that most of the main food groups we view as essential in our diets actually are sources of dietary sugar. What exactly do I mean? Let us break down sound scientific data to digestible bites of information!

November 30, 2023

There are safety covers, and then there are safety covers

Know what you are buying. Understand compliance. Remember this is your child’ s life on the line here so it is perfectly OK to ask your supplier the difficult questions. A solid safety cover may seem like a simple item but sub standard materials and installation methods have a direct impact on your safety cover’s efficiency and longevity. When efficiency relates to lives, it can’t be more critical. Choose a brand like PowerPlastics Pool Covers that has been covering pools for decades, not weeks. The finer details of safety compliance There has been wide industry collaboration and years of research that has gone into laying out the pool safety guidelines and, in South Africa, the function is addressed by the SABS, forming part of the national building standards, specifically SANS 10134. The cover specs you need to know / the technical questions you should be asking the pool cover supplier to ensure your compliance are: Are there any gaps or openings that allow unsupervised entry? If yes, can I fit a ball of 9cm x 14cm x 30cm through the gap? (this being the size of a child’s head or torso). Can the device bear weights of up to 220 kg? (static load test). Opening test – is the cover sufficiently anchored to prevent a child gaining access to the pool water? Does rain or sprinkler water drain off so the cover is dry within 10 minutes, with no pools forming on top of the cover? The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is SA’s bestselling safety cover to prevent drownings. The baton and ratchet system creates a tensioned PVC cover that a child is not able to tamper with. Remember, the questions will get a lot harder after a tragedy has occurred in your pool and you are found to be non compliant with SANS 10134. PowerPlastics Pool Covers keeps you compliant and the family safe. Contact us with any questions on safety compliance for pools.

November 24, 2023

Sleep Regressions

Sleep regressions can be quite challenging for both parents and little ones. There are many regressions and some babies and toddlers might experience one or two instances of poorer sleep as they grow and very rarely some children experience all phases of sleep regression . Sleep regression also varies in the duration and severity of the experience.

November 23, 2023

The benefits of mouthing toys

If you have found yourself horrified by what your growing baby or toddler are putting in their mouths – you are not alone! All children go through a mouthing phase, where they seem compelled to put things in their mouths. There are different reasons, benefits and downsides to this.

November 22, 2023

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

It’s got to be one of the top karaoke songs of all time! ABBA’s “THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC”. How often haven’t you heard it and found yourself singing or humming along to those famous words? “Thank you for the music, the songs I’m singing, thanks for all the joy they’re bringing”. Let me introduce myself. My name is Kirsty Savides and I’m the Founder and Programme Director of Wriggle and Rhyme, a music and movement programme for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers. ABBA’s words have been ringing in my ears recently. You see, October 2023 marked Wriggle and Rhyme’s 15th birthday. It’s been 15 years since I ran the first ever Wriggle and Rhyme class from the lounge in my home in Fish Hoek. Since then, the business has grown and evolved. I’ve gone through all the stages of motherhood with the business – from exciting conception to a crying newborn, to a demanding toddler, to a feisty tween, to a maturing teenage. Here are some highlights: In 2011, we branched out into PRE-SCHOOLS in Cape Town. We extended the programme from babies and toddlers, to include children up to Grade R level. We now have hundreds and hundreds of children participating in our music and movement classes in pre-schools each week. In 2013 the BABY and TODDLER programmes were licensed to allow other women to run classes from their venues too. We now have branches in MEADOWRIDGE, RONDEBOSCH, CLAREMONT and MELKBOSSTRAND. In 2017 we partnered with Lifeline Energy to bring our music to children across the African Continent. Lifeline Energy distributes solar-powered radios and MP3 players to prisons, refugee camps and schools across Africa. These children are now also singing our songs each week! We’ve also created a range of unique and fun musical stories to enjoy. Originally available on CD, these can now be accessed through your favourite music streaming platform – SPOTIFY, APPLE MUSIC, iTUNES, AMAZON etc. Running a business in South Africa has not always been easy. We’ve had to weather global recessions, the really difficult COVID season and ongoing loadshedding. Sometimes the song in our hearts has been upbeat and full of joy, sometimes it’s been melancholy and slow. These are still challenging times that we’re living in. With the rising cost of living, wars and rumours of wars across the world, pain and suffering all around us. It’s easy to become despondent and feel anxious. But, I wake up every single morning saying “thank you for the music”. Not just for Wriggle and Rhyme, but thank you that I get to be part of something that contributes so beautifully to the lives of children. Thank you that Wriggle and Rhyme assists our family and many others financially each month. Thank you that I have the flexibility to spend time with my children each day. So, as we celebrate Wriggle and Rhyme’s 15th birthday, I’m resolved, more than ever, to live in gratitude for all that life brings – the ups and downs, the highs and lows. My song today and every day is, “thank you for the music!”. If this resonates with you, come and sing along with us. Join our team and discover the joy of adopting Wriggle and Rhyme into your own family! For more info about the W&R business opportunity, have a look at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za/join-the-team For more info about the W&R musical stories and online resources, have a look at www.wriggleandrhyme.co.za/our-music Find us on Facebook and Instagram @wrigglerhyme #wrigglerhyme

November 21, 2023

Breastfeeding myths you need to forget

Thanks to the Internet, and well-meaning (but mostly misinformed) advice-givers, the myths surrounding breastfeeding are endless…

November 21, 2023

Does a Belly Binder really work?

Women have been binding their bellies after pregnancy for many decades. Many different cultures bind the abdomens of mothers after they give birth as a standard procedure. Different materials are used to create pressure on the lower abdominal area so that the stomach that has stretched quite drastically during pregnancy is encouraged to return to its usual state. A belly binder or another form of binding after birth works wonders! Not only does the pressure cause the belly to flatten but the compression on the pelvic and abdominal area encourages healing. Compression causes enhanced blood flow and fresh, oxygenated blood is brought to the pelvic area, which improves recovery. Belly binding and abdominal pressure also gives support to the body. Back, pelvic and hip pain is common during pregnancy and can remain for a long duration postpartum. The support offered by a belly binder gives structure and protection to the back, pelvis and hips as well as the belly, which reduces pain and discomfort arising from these areas. The first 6 weeks after baby is born is an incredibly important time for healing. Enormous changes are happening yet again to the female body as it attempts to return to normal while adapting to the needs of a new-born. It is during these 6 weeks that the belly starts to shrink. Uterine contractions during breastfeeding occur to do just that. The first 6 weeks are therefore the most crucial time to wear a belly binder as the body is working maximally for healing and recovery. Binding the belly during this time drastically enhances the body’s natural need to return to its correct position. Through compression and support the belly binder works hand in hand with the healing body. The cosmetic results are highly evident, and the belly returns to its normal state a lot faster than not binding or creating pressure at all. C-section delivery is increasingly common and is an invasive abdominal surgery that requires its own recovery. When pressure is applied to the incision by a belly binder the pain is greatly reduced as the cut is stabilized. Movement, coughing, laughing, sneezing and bed mobility is all made a lot easier as the cut is stabilized beneath the pressure of the binder. C-section healing is also promoted as the compression afforded by the binder brings fresh blood flow to the area. The compressive effect of the belly binder also enhances breastmilk production as fresh blood flow is coming into the area. This oxygen rich blood is made available to the breast area which enables the production of milk more to be more efficient and effective. The belly binder can be worn during breastfeeding to bring fresh blood flow to the breast area as well as to offer back support. Breastfeeding can cause back pain due to incorrect body positioning or poor posture assumed usually due to fatigue and attempts to keep baby comfortable. The supportive effect of the belly binder reduces this pain and maintains a good posture while feeding baby. Diastasis recti is a common occurrence during pregnancy and has varying degrees of severity. Diastasis recti is a condition where the abdominal muscles split in the middle of the abdomen due the internal force of the growing baby during pregnancy. It is most visible after delivery as the full extent and severity of the separation can be assessed. A belly binder gives support to this weakened area and prevents it from getting any worse. The binder encourages the abdominal muscles to draw back together and its constant pressure stimulates these muscles to contract, further improving the outcome of diastasis recti. It is highly recommended by medical professionals that women use an abdominal binder after pregnancy if they present with diastasis recti. Haemorrhoids (piles), incontinence, pubic symphysis pain and diastasis, all improve with the correct use of postpartum belly binding. The pressure is taken off the pelvic floor and ‘up and out’ of the pelvis. It is important that the correct binding technique is used, and the pressure is directed upward. If too much compression is created in the upper abdominal area, the lower abdominal and pelvic areas will be under great force which can have extremely negative outcomes. When the correct and effective techniques of belly binding are applied the results are phenomenal. Women recover a lot faster internally and externally with the help of a binder after baby. The belly binder should be worn from the first or second day after baby is born for up to 6 weeks. With the correct use of a binder, coupled with a good diet and gentle abdominal exercises, a full return to a pre-pregnancy body or an even better figure can be achieved. Preserve, protect and restore your body after pregnancy with a belly binder. If you have made the informed decision to purchase a belly binder for your postpartum recovery Julie Kay Belly Way has the perfect solution for you! Our unique, top quality belly binders are designed and manufactured in South Africa by physiotherapist Julie Kay. Orders can be placed on our website www.juliekay-bellyway.com and delivery is within 48 hours. If you have any questions or specific requirements, please contact us directly. Join the Julie Kay maternity family today!

November 20, 2023

Why Organic Is Best For Your Baby And Toddler

In 2019, a study by  Healthy Babies Bright Future, an alliance of NGO’s and scientists, found that 95% of conventional baby foods in the US are contaminated with toxic heavy metals including lead, arsenic, mercury and cadmium, which can impact the growth of babies brains, lower IQ, and increase the risk of cancer. It also found that the effects of these toxins are cumulative, and that even low-level exposure in early life was of significant concern.  It’s no coincidence that these poisons are routinely used to produce the chemical fertilizers that are used extensively in conventional farming, and when you add in the toxic pesticides used on these crops, we have a perfect storm which many experts around the world believe is the cause of rising cases of infertility, early puberty in children, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders such as Parkinson’s, ADHD, and autism.  A ground-breaking study published in 1993, “Pesticides in the Diets of Infants and Children”, was the first to focus on the risk of toxic chemicals to this group – prior to this, environmental safety policies had focussed on the assessment of risk to the “average adult”.  The study found that infants and children have a heightened susceptibility to chemicals in the environment. Firstly, children have a greater exposure to toxins compared to adults because they drink and eat more than adults in relation to their body weight. In addition, children’s metabolic pathways and their ability to metabolize chemicals are immature and they lack the enzymes needed to break down and remove these poisons.  Thirdly, children’s early developmental processes are complex and easily disrupted. There are critical periods in early development when exposure to even tiny doses of toxic chemicals—levels that would have no adverse effect on an adult—can disrupt organ formation and cause lifelong functional impairments.  Finally, children have more time than adults to develop chronic diseases. Many diseases triggered by toxic chemicals, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases, are now understood to evolve through processes that take many years and that are kicked-off by exposures in infancy.   THE BOTTOM LINE With the current chemical-based system of food production, humans are exposed to increasing levels of toxic chemicals which accumulate in our systems throughout our lives. Early exposure – as infants and children – has been linked to the development of a range of cancers and neurological disorders. By limiting this exposure particularly in the vulnerable early years, through feeding infants and children organically produced food, parents can give their children the best possible chance for a healthy future.

November 16, 2023

3 Ways to Encourage Imagination at All Stages

Activities that encourage imagination play a vital role in childhood development at all stages. From birth, children are constantly learning about the world. While senses such as touch, smell, sound, taste, and sight are essential for development, skills such as imagination are also important to help with thinking, spatial awareness, problem-solving, reading, and various other functions that help your child from early childhood all the way through to adolescence. To help encourage imagination in your child, there are a few key steps you can take. Keep reading to find out more. How to Encourage Imagination at Every Stage Some of the most effective ways to encourage imagination at all stages of childhood include the following: 1. Stories Reading is a skill that will see your child through until adulthood and beyond. Learning how to picture people, places and situations without physically seeing them is one of the best ways to teach your child how to think outside of the box. But kids don’t only have to read or be read to when it comes to getting the benefits of stories. They can also learn to make up their own stories and later, write their own stories. Once your child is able to imagine a world and all its possibilities through stories, they will be able to process real-world events much more easily. 2. Pretend play Pretend play is great for all ages. Toddlers often learn by mimicking behaviours they see each day. Tea parties, dress-up and other activities help them imagine themselves as moms or dads, superheroes, animals, monsters, princes, princesses or anything else they want to be. In older kids, pretend play takes the form of acting. All pretend play helps kids to act out scenarios and make sense of the world in a way that is gentle and fun. 3. Art It goes without saying that art is an excellent tool for boosting imagination. Art is a good tool for developing right-brained activity. While colouring in and doing specific art-based activities are good for fine motor skill development, freestyle art is best for letting your child express themself and experiment. Painting, drawing, collages and other art forms that require kids to think, strategise and play around with colour, texture, shapes, and elements will help your child unlock free-thinking abilities that stem from a creative, expressive place rather than the logical left brain. Our baby, toddler and playschool classes are made to help your child develop key skills needed at all stages of development. Get in touch with Clamber Club today to find a class in your area that will encourage imagination in your child.

November 16, 2023

How to exercise with baby in tow

For some new moms, the thought of struggling into something lycra on very little sleep, with leaking breasts, to take part in some form of exercise might fill you with horror. Fair enough! But there are those of you who feel trapped by the fact that you can’t take part in sports and activities that you used to now that you have a baby and consequently feel like you are missing out. The good news is that things have moved on a great deal in the last 15 years when it comes to mother and baby exercise. My first piece of advice is that it is important to be sure you are taking part in exercise for the right reasons. There is a lot of pressure on mothers to regain their pre baby figure and this is a worrying trend. While it is great to be fit, healthy and to lose any weight gained during pregnancy, you simply shouldn’t feel pressure to do so on top of the demanding job of caring for a new baby. So assuming you are looking to exercise with your baby to make you feel good, keep up a level of fitness and get out of the house, what is there on offer? There has been an explosion of mother and baby classes that involve meeting in the park with your baby and buggy and getting a sweat on! These classes often involve lunging and strength exercises and fast walking or running. These are great as they give your baby some fresh air and you get a chance to meet other mothers too. What happens in the class is designed to be safe for postnatal mums so you don’t need to worry about doing anything inappropriate. Another popular mother and baby class is yoga. This can be done together with your baby. No one minds if your baby has a bit of a grizzle and I have memories of having a little nap in one the classes I attended, unintentional of course! Water-based classes are another popular choice for mother and baby. Everyone is carrying post baby weight so you are all in it together squeezing your swimsuits on. A word of caution here though, a swimming pool can be a breeding ground for germs so take care when taking a small baby to a public pool. If they are showing any signs of feeling unwell then avoid swimming at all. Chlorine can be harsh on a baby’s skin too so have a think before you make the decision to take your baby swimming if they have sensitive skin. There are of course things you can do with your baby that cost very little. A brisk walk with your baby in the buggy, a cycle with your baby on the back of your bike, and don’t forget the trusty home workout DVD as there are plenty designed for postnatal mums. A word of caution, if you have had a C-section, do check with your doctor before taking part in any exercise as you are recovering from major surgery. Whatever you choose to do, enjoy doing it with your baby! To share your own exercise tips or to read tips from other moms, visit www.facebook.com/philipsavent

November 15, 2023

Fill your Child’s Love Tank with Touch Therapy

As parents, we do our very best for our children, actively giving them everything we believe they need… and more. So, the idea that their ‘love tanks’ may sometimes be running low is not only hard to believe, but it flies in the face of the love we express for them daily through our words and actions. The 5 Love Languages In a book written by Gary Chapman, called The 5 Love Languages (Moody Press, 1997), the author describes how there are five main ways of expressing and experiencing love (Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service and Physical Touch). Each of us (including our children) prefers to express and receive love in one or maybe two of these ways. If we can find a way to ‘talk’ the right love language when we’re dealing with a particular person, our needs and the needs of those we love are easier to fulfil. This book is very true, and a later companion book called The 5 Love Languages of Children (Gary Chapman and Ross Campbell M.D.), notes that a child’s preferred ‘love language’ only becomes noticeable from around age five. What about babies and toddlers? Interestingly, when a baby is born, the one area of the brain that is most developed and able to process information is the area devoted to touch perception. And, because little babies and toddlers live on a very physical level, for the most part they experience life and understand the world through their bodies. Babies and toddlers also naturally don’t yet understand abstract concepts like giving and receiving gifts; the underlying value of spending time together; the meaning of words; and the intentions behind acts of service. So it makes sense that young children across the board initially prefer the language of physical touch when it comes to expressing and experiencing love and affection. What is an ’empty love tank’? Simply put, a person suffers from an empty love tank when he doesn’t feel loved and secure in the relationship he has with the important people in his life. How do I know when my child’s love tank is running low? Your little one becomes very clingy. Your little one becomes more demanding than usual, especially when you’re in the middle of something, like a phone call, shopping, or cooking dinner. Your little one cannot deal with simple frustrations (like someone taking their toy) and has a meltdown as if his emotional foundation has been rocked when he doesn’t get his way. Your little one is finding it exceptionally difficult to deal with a ‘big change’, such as a new school, teacher, sibling, moving house, a divorce or any other major life change. The value of Touch Therapy The good news is that you can help to solve two incredibly taxing parenting challenges with one simple remedy: fill your child’s love tank. And how is this done? Well, while filling somebody’s love tank may involve different things for different people, Touch Therapy is by far the most effective way to communicate love and security to young children. When using Touch Therapy, you are literally communicating to your child that he is deeply loved. And, when done correctly, this basic touch-technique tells your child what countless words and actions cannot. Because Touch Therapy helps to fill your child’s love tank, the end result is usually a child who is more emotionally grounded, secure and resilient. So it is also a great method to use when starting sleep training; when a new sibling arrives; when your child is struggling with frustration; when your child is being verbally or physically aggressive; and when your child is sick. Commonly, parents find they interpret their child’s negative behaviour with more insight and empathy once they are aware of the concept of an empty love tank. However, beware of responding by doing Touch Therapy within a few minutes after an ‘incident’ in an effort to soothe your child, because you may inadvertently be rewarding the negative behaviour. In fact, Touch Therapy works best as part of a routine, for instance, every morning and every night at roughly the same point in your waking-up or bedtime sequence of events. Touch Therapy – Step by Step You can do Touch Therapy when your child is lying down, or even sitting on your lap with his back to you. With gentle but firm and rhythmical pressure, use both your hands to hold-and-squeeze his arms very slowly, starting at the shoulders. Repeatedly hold-and-squeeze all the way down his arms until you reach his wrists. At this point, press your child’s hands together. Now, do the same with your child’s legs, starting at his hips and working towards his ankles, ending off by gently but firmly squeezing his feet. Lastly, place your hands over his ears, and hold his head in a firm grip for five to ten seconds. You can repeat this slow and rhythmical ‘massage’ for at least five minutes, and it may make the whole experience more enjoyable for your little one if you sing and recite rhymes to the rhythm of the movements of your hands. Remember, this is a special time – so for these few minutes the atmosphere should ideally be calm, relaxing and free from distractions. As your child’s personality unfolds and develops between the ages of five and eight, he will find himself drawn more towards one of the five love languages as described by Gary Chapman. But it is good to know that for the rest of his life, touch will remain a calming and reassuring experience. And this is true not only for your children, but for you as an adult as well. There is nothing more effective than a good firm hug every now and again to make us feel as if our very existence is solid and worthwhile. This article is written by: The Practica Programme is a comprehensive research- and play-based home programme. This unique system has stood the test of time since 1993, and it comprises of a wooden box with specialized apparatus, parents’ guides, an advisory service and educational newsletters. From birth to 23

November 14, 2023

How do I store my Breastmilk

Store your precious breast milk so you don’t lose a drop. Any mum who has expressed her breast milk knows it is the equivalent of liquid gold. Even the tiniest drop spilled is heartbreaking. By knowing how to store it safely, you can reduce the risk of any of this precious liquid going to waste. Here’s how: Breast milk must be stored in a clean, sterilised container. Tommee Tippee Milk storage bottles and pots allows you to collect, and measure your expressed breast milk. They are suitable for freezing, thawing & heating breast milk. The Tommee Tippee Milk Storage Bags are pre-sterilised allowing mum to simply pour expressed milk directly into the bags without the need for sterilising in advance. Always label the container with the date and time the milk was collected, so you can use the oldest milk first. If you are going to freeze the milk, it’s handy to write the amount on here too. Breast milk can be frozen or refrigerated depending on when you are planning to use it. As with every parenting topic, advice varies on this but a great guideline to remember is ‘The Rule of 6’ as breast milk is safely kept: For 6 hours at ambient room temperature For 6 days in the refrigerator For 6 months in the freezer It’s absolutely fine to put milk breast pumped at different times on the same day into the same pot. Don’t be alarmed if you notice that it has separated into layers after being stored for a while – this is just the hindmilk and foremilk. Just give it a shake before you offer it to your baby. When freezing milk, allow space at the top of the container for expansion. It is easiest to freeze milk in individual feed quantities of 60-125ml. Storage – Pouches can be put straight in the fridge or freezer. Likewise, or you can use a specially designed storage case to neatly store pouches and help prevent damage. If you want to take your milk with you when you are out, make sure it stays cold or frozen until needed. A cool bag is perfect for protecting your milk on the move.

November 13, 2023

The Screen-Free Sleep Aid Every South African Parent Needs to Know About

In an era marked by rising screen addiction among children, Morphée has introduced an offline innovation designed to mitigate digital dependence and revolutionise sleep. My Little Morphée, an internationally established screen-free sleep aid designed for children aged three to ten, has made its debut in South Africa. Developed in conjunction with a team of international experts including sophrologists, psychologists and hypnotherapists, My Little Morphée has been dubbed an ‘offline oasis,’ shaping the sleep aid landscape by offering a non-digital approach to self-soothing, daytime serenity and peaceful sleep, without the harmful effects of screen exposure. Its key feature being an extensive content library containing 192 audio journeys, spanning eight to twenty minutes, including soothing stories, guided meditations and soft music tracks. Children can choose a travel companion from an array of friendly animals in soothing settings, fostering essential life skills such as boldness, confidence, wisdom and generosity. The product also features nature sounds and white noise, teaching children how to master their emotions and self-regulate. According to Morphée’s South African Brand Manager, Daniella Degens, “We have received numerous positive reviews from our international team regarding the efficacy of My Little Morphée, especially when it comes to children who struggle to self-sooth. Parents also find the safety of its screen-free nature really reassuring, particularly for younger children.” Endorsed by a wide spectrum of international medical professionals including doctors, paediatricians, psychologists, nurses, physiotherapists, sophrologists, yoga practitioners and teachers, My Little Morphée is a trusted choice for parents seeking to provide their children with a healthier and more wholesome alternative to screen-based products. “Distinguishing itself from traditional story boxes, this beautifully designed product serves as a compelling solution to helping families break free from the modern-day challenge of digital devices. It goes beyond entertainment, inviting children to explore a wide range of creative and calming journeys, without the harmful effects associated with screens. Serving as an introduction to self-regulation and meditation, My Little Morphée alleviates anxiety, enhances concentration skills, boosts self-confidence and sooths children to sleep – all of which contribute positively to their overall health and well-being” says Daniella. Designed with French flair, commitment to quality and an APP-free, WiFi-free and screen-free experience, My Little Morphée has been crafted with modern travellers in mind, offering the added convenience of a three-hour battery life. Since its inception in 2008, the brand has experienced exponential growth across six continents, earning numerous international awards, including ‘Best Sleep Product of the Year’ and the ‘Healthy Sleep Awards,’ cementing My Little Morphée’s prominent position on the global stage. Poised to challenge the conventional notion of child entertainment by providing an enriching alternative that captivates children’s imaginations, My Little Morphée emerges as a much-needed screen-free solution for South African parents. Other products in the collection include My Morphée created for adults featuring a comprehensive selection of sophrology and meditation sessions, cardiac coherence and immersive journeys, along with The Morphée Zen designed to manage stress in an instant. Website: https://sa.morphee.co RRP: R2490 including VAT

November 9, 2023

Avocados as a First Food for Babies

Your baby is nearing six months and the excitement starts to mount as you prepare to introduce solid foods for the first time. As your baby grows, the ability of breastmilk alone to meet the increasing nutritional needs starts to become limited as it is too low in energy, protein, and minerals like iron and zinc. A variety of nutritionally balanced foods are needed to fill this nutritional gap. With all the do’s and don’ts out there, the great news is that avocados are a nutritionally unique food with suitable consistency and texture to feature as a first food in a baby’s diet. First Food Traditional first foods include cereals, soft porridge (e.g., rice porridge or maize porridge) and pureed vegetables like pumpkin. While these are great options, there are many other foods to add to your baby’s diet from early on. Easy to puree into a consistent texture, avocados work very well as one of the first foods. Compared to traditional first foods, avocados are nutritionally unique, containing healthy monounsaturated fats and a blend of soluble and insoluble fibre. Avocados Pack a Nutrient Punch Good first foods should meet the high nutritional needs of a baby, such as energy, fatty acids, and key vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, the B vitamins, iodine, iron and zinc. Avocados are high in energy, high in healthy monounsaturated fatty acids, naturally free from cholesterol and sodium and are a source of fibre – all key nutrient factors in a healthy and balanced diet for a baby. Avocados are also high in vitamin K (necessary for healthy bones), copper (needed for immune function), and biotin (for skin and hair health), and contain amongst the highest levels of a group of antioxidants called carotenoids (namely lutein and zeaxanthin) of any fruit. Avocados Offer Variety It is good practice from early on to offer your baby a variety of flavours and textures. Now while it is important to start with pureed options as your baby first experiences the change in texture from liquid milk, it is easy to get stuck on pureed butternut and mashed banana. The ability to handle lumpier foods is important long term for your baby’s oral development for speech. Avocados offer a variety of texture options from super smooth to slightly lumpy and this can be easily altered depending on how much you mash the fruit. It’s Play Time A baby’s eating experience is about more than just taste: other senses like sight, feeling and smell are equally important. Allowing babies to play with food is key for motor development. Experiment by adding some avocado slices to the tray of the feeding chair or scooping pureed avo into your little one’s hands. This will encourage your baby to start moving the hand to the mouth to learn the important skill of self-feeding, and in a safe and secure manner. As your baby gets older and masters the pincer grasp, small avocado cubes are a great way to practise this newfound skill. Allergen Awareness Many caregivers make the mistake of not offering babies potential allergenic foods. In fact, introducing potential allergen foods from 6 months may even reduce the risk of allergies, according to research. Introduce potential allergens, like wheat, eggs, and nuts, one at a time, monitoring for 2 – 3 days for signs of a reaction. The great news is that avocado is not a high-risk food when it comes to allergies and can be safely and quickly introduced into your baby’s diet. Remember, it’s important to always offer your baby age-appropriate purees and soft foods, which will differ from young babies just starting out with solids to older babies with more practice in their newfound eating skills. BABY FOOD AVO & PUMPKIN PUREE Butternut or sweet potato can be substituted for the pumpkin. Avocado makes a healthy first food, packed with monounsaturated fats and essential nutrients. Number of servings: 4 Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 10 mins Total time: 15 minutes Ingredients: ¼ small wedge pumpkin, peeled and cut into cubes ¼ ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced 1 tablespoon apple puree, homemade or readymade (optional) Method: Cook pumpkin in 1 cup of boiling water for 10 minutes until very tender. Drain and cool completely. Mash the pumpkin and avocado in a bowl until smooth. Add apple sauce to taste. Serve baby 1 to 2 tablespoons mixture. Extra puree can be stored covered in the fridge, serve at room temperature. (do not heat in the microwave as the avocado will turn bitter) BABY FOOD AVO CHOCOLATE PUDDING Number of servings: 2Preparation time: 5 minutes Cooking time: 0 minutes Total time: 5 minutes Ingredients: ¼ ripe, fresh avocado, halved, pitted, peeled and diced ½ banana 2 dates, pitted, and soaked in boiling water ½ teaspoon cocoa powder ½ teaspoon vanilla extract Method: Drain the dates, and chop. Place all the ingredients in a food processor and blend to a smooth puree. Serve. References Fewtrell M et al. Complementary Feeding: A Position Paper by the Hepatology, and Nutrition (ESPGHAN) Committee on Nutrition. Journal of Paediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition. 2017;64: 119–132. Ierodiakonou D, Garcia-Larsen V, Logan A, et al. Timing of allergenic food introduction to the infant diet and risk of allergenic or autoimmune disease. A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA. 2016;316:1181–92. Comerford KB et al. The Role of Avocados in Complementary and Transitional Feeding. Nutrients 2016, 8, 316; doi:10.3390/nu8050316.

November 7, 2023

BLIPPI MAKES A SPECIAL STOP FOR THE FIRST TIME IN JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA

Global sensation Blippi to delight audiences for the first time in South Africa in all-new live show, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour from 1 – 10 December 2023 at Theatre of Marcellus, Emperors Palace Blu Blood in association with Round Room Live and Moonbug Entertainment are proud to announce that the new live theatre show, Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, will for the first time in South Africa, bring the vivacious, energetic, and educational antics of global sensation Blippi to the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperors Palace, Johannesburg on the 1st to 10th December 2023. “With new music, characters, monster trucks, and even the Blippi mobile, we’re thrilled to bring Blippi to even more kids and families around the world in a brand-new show,” said Stephen Shaw, founder and co-President of Round Room Live. “Following the success of Blippi The Musical, we’re excited for audiences to create memorable experiences with Blippi, with all the amazing music, production, and energy they expect, but in a way they’ve never seen before.” For Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour, the character Blippi will be played by professional stage performers selected specifically for the stage show. “It’s very special to witness the love that our fans have for Blippi and his buddies, and the joy this beloved character brings to families around the world,” said Susan Vargo, Head of Live Events at Moonbug Entertainment. “Our live experiences bring families together to make memories that will last a lifetime. With Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour fans can expect catchy music, lots of dancing and a whole lot of fun!” Blippi is coming to Johannesburg for the ultimate curiosity adventure in Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour! So, come on! Dance, sing, and learn with Blippi and special guest Meekah as they discover what makes different cities unique and special. Will there be monster trucks, excavators, and garbage trucks galore? You bet! So get ready to shake those wiggles out and OJ Twist your way through this brand-new musical party! Blippi inspires curiosity in preschoolers around the world by creating content and experiences that are relatable, accessible and make learning fun. Blippi has become a worldwide sensation with more than one billion monthly views across platforms including Netflix, HBO Max, Cartoonito, Sky, Amazon and YouTube and millions of fans around the world. The franchise has expanded rapidly since it was acquired by Moonbug Entertainment in 2020. Blippi is available in more than 20 languages, including ASL, and is distributed by more than 30 global broadcast and streaming partners. Blippi’s buddies Meekah and Juca have spun off into their own shows and Blippi lives off the screen as well with sold-out live events, popular music tracks, and in-demand toys available at all major retailers. Tickets for Blippi: The Wonderful World Tour are available via www.ticketpros.co.za and Spar Payzone kiosks. For tickets and additional information, visit https://bit.ly/3E5G2NV. Fans can visit BlippiOnTour.com now for tour dates and ticket information. FOLLOW BLIPPI ON TOUR Official Website: www.BlippiOnTour.com Facebook: @BlippiOnTour Twitter: @BlippiOnTour Instagram: @BlippiOnTour FOLLOW BLIPPI Official Website: www.Blippi.com YouTube: @Blippi Facebook: @Blippi Twitter: @BlippiOfficial Instagram: @BlippiOfficial

November 1, 2023

How to Work Together as a Breastfeeding Team

As the saying goes, bringing up a baby takes a village, and although there’s only one pair of boobs that can feed baby, there are lots of ways others can chip in and help. Dads, partners, friends, siblings, and other family members can all form a breastfeeding team. When mums feel supported and happy, they’re likely to breastfeed for longer. What Partners Can Do to Help Dads and partners are key members of any breastfeeding team. They’re the ones who are there with mum and baby in the middle of the night, when times get tough, and reassurance is needed most. With the right support, mums have the time, energy, and peace of mind to get breastfeeding off to the best possible start. Do your research Begin to research breastfeeding before the baby arrives, and make sure you talk to mum about her feeding plans. Let her know that you understand the difficulties that may crop up, and that you’re there for her whatever happens. Lactation consultants – you can find one closest to you right here at http://salactationconsultants.co.za/wp/find-a-consultant/, and organisations like La Leche League have loads of great information about breastfeeding and also run support groups to help parents find their feet. Offer encouragement Be a breastfeeding cheerleader and offer verbal encouragement and support throughout. This will let mum know that you see and appreciate what a great job she’s doing, and will spur her on to persevere if times get tough. Be sensitive to your partner’s needs It’s important to understand the bond between mum and baby, and to be aware of the rollercoaster of emotions that post-pregnancy hormones can bring. Talk to each other honestly about how you’re both feeling, and encourage openness at every new stage that raising a baby brings. Help around the house To reduce stress and ease the load, make it your job to keep on top of the housework. Encourage mum to put her feet up and enjoy bonding with the little one while you pop to the shops, do the laundry, or rustle up something tasty in the kitchen. Burp the baby Once the baby has finished feeding with mum, you can take on the task of winding them. Remember to have a muslin cloth close by – just in case! Why not check out our live video with Terence Mentor @afrodaddyct and Dr Mike Marinus talk about burping your baby. In this brilliant IGTV session, Dr Mike Marinus (MScPaeds, M.Tech Chiro)@marinuschiro @easybaby_academy and Terence Mentor @afrodaddyct chat about burping babies, winding babies, and just getting all that air out. Check it out right here https://www.instagram.com/p/CPI3r4wpaMF/ Create a calm environment Dealing with a newborn can be chaotic, so try and keep your home as calm as possible. If you have older children, perhaps you take them out for the afternoon? Make sure your house isn’t always filled with visitors, and ask people to call or text to arrange a convenient visiting time. When people do come to visit, look for signs that mum – or baby – is ready for them to leave. Keep her company Breastfeeding can be a lonely time for some mums, so try asking if they’d like some time alone with the baby, or if they want you to stick around and chat. Care for the baby in other ways Caring for your baby during the breastfeeding process teaches them that love comes from interacting with people, as well as from food. You can pitch in with walks, nappy changes and bath or bedtimes – all of which are great opportunities to build a lasting bond, and give mum some time off to enjoy a soak in the bath or a well-deserved snooze! Stand up for her right to breastfeed, whenever, wherever.

November 1, 2023

CHOOSING A PLAY SCHOOL

Your baby reaches 18 months and suddenly there is a little shift in the things you think about – suddenly you may start to wonder if leaving her at home with the nanny or being at home with you all day or attending a creche is ticking all the boxes ITO her development. It’s a fact that most parents start to wonder about a play group and specifically what criteria they need to look out for.

October 30, 2023

When to Start Tummy Time

Start slow, mix it up, and more ways to get your baby to love tummy time. Thanks to the “Back to Sleep” campaign, which urges parents to place babies on their back for naps and nighttime, rates of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) have declined significantly. But this practice has also led to an increase in plagiocephaly, when there are flat areas on an baby’s head due to lying on her back for too long. The fix: tummy time, which gives your baby a chance to develop her neck and arm muscles and view the world from a new perspective. “This activity takes pressure off the back of the head and allows babies to look from side to side so they can maintain full range of neck motion,” explains Andy Bernstein, MD, a pediatrician in Evanston, IL. It also lets them work on their arm strength which they’ll need when they’re ready to roll over and crawl. Of course, since she’s not used to this position, your baby may end up red-faced and grunting at first. Here’s how to make tummy time more fun for both of you: Choose the right time for tummy time That usually means she’s in a good mood, has been fed, and is well-rested. Many parents have found their babies to be most receptive after a diaper change, bath or nap. Wait about an hour after the last feeding so she doesn’t spit up from the pressure on her belly. Start slow There’s no need to put babies on their bellies until they can’t stand it anymore, reminds Bernstein. Start slowly by putting her in this position for just a few minutes at 1 or 2 months of age, when babies are beginning to hold their heads up. As your baby’s neck and upper body control improves, gradually increase the amount of time spent on her belly. Make her comfy A baby’s head is larger in proportionate size to her body, so you’ll notice it can be hard to hold her noggin up for very long. Because tummy time can be awkward, you might try adding a bit of padding for her comfort. Alanna Levine, MD, a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics who practices in New York and New Jersey recommends starting babies in a ‘superman’ position over a pillow. “This helps infants to gradually develop the strength to hold their heads up,” she adds. You can also try a rolled-up baby blanket under your child’s chest, increasing the size of the roll as she grows and gets stronger. This bit of padding also frees up her hands to reach out and hold toys. Keep tummy time fun Make tummy time more enjoyable by having a few playthings on hand. You might also try getting down to your baby’s level so the two of you are eye to eye. “Make it as interactive as you can by showing your baby how it feels to roll over and stretch for nearby toys,” suggests Bernstein. Sing, smile or talk to keep your baby’s attention and place rattles, teethers or a baby-safe mirror within her reach in order to lengthen the play time. And don’t forget to share your tot’s excitement and praise her efforts when she actually grabs hold of a toy. Mix it up Tummy time doesn’t always have to occur on the floor. Change up the scenario by lying on your back and putting your baby tummy-side down on your stomach or chest. Meet her gaze and encourage her to look up. You can also give her neck muscles more of a workout by moving a toy in front of her, starting at eye level and then slowly raising it upward and side to side. “Engage in this activity as much as you can,” says Levine. A couple of sessions every day should do the trick. A great product to help promote tummy time is the Rainforest™ Music & Lights Deluxe Gym With a third play setting and more than 10 toys & activities, the Fisher-Price® Rainforest™ Music & Lights Deluxe Gym keeps baby busy as a bee, at home or on the go! The rainforest comes to life with music, lights and nature sounds that respond to baby’s movement. During lay & play time, hanging activity toys & motion-activated music encourage teeny-tiny ones to reach, bat & play…hello, toucan! Lower the toys or move them to the soft deluxe mat to encourage baby to push up for tummy time fun! Sweet details, including a soft, satiny mat border and large crinkle leaf, offer sensory development as your little one plays. And, for extra on-the-go fun, remove the take-along toucan, which features up to 20 minutes of music in the long-play setting as well as cool, color-changing lights! Go wild, baby! Deluxe newborn gym with 10+ toys and activities and a removable, take-along toucan with music and dancing lights Three ways to play: Lay & play, tummy time and take-along Responds to baby’s movement with music and lights in short-play setting Up to 20 minutes of music in long-play setting! Removable, take-along toucan – press its wing or give it a gentle shake to activate tunes & lights Link toys to mat or giraffe to encourage baby to push up on tummy Repositionable toys: Soft monkey, mirror, soft jingle lion, rollerball snail, clacker zebra and more! Satiny butterflies dangling overhead move at baby’s touch Baby’s kicks and motion activate fun sound effects and musical ditties Interactive toys, sounds, colors and textures help give baby’s sensory development a boost

October 30, 2023

Why Doesn’t Sleep Training Work?

Working in the baby/parenting industry I know that there are many topics that can cause a big debate. Topics that can get parents talking, engaging and give passionate opinions on. In the sleep space this is no different and even just the words ‘sleep training’ might send a shiver down most parent’s spine. Even I don’t love the words “sleep training”… not because I have strong opinions on it but rather because I know other parents do. I always find myself clarifying the words, explaining what I mean when I say it. What do I mean when I say sleep training? For me sleep training means the methods we use to create sustainable sleep associations. Yes, it sounds complicated but in reality it should. I purposefully chose the wording! I know the power that goes with it. I know how irresponsible people can go about sleep training! I know that not doing it correctly, can do more harm than good! I know that just doing sleep training will not work! I know doing sleep training wrong will not work! YES, I said it – sleep training does NOT work! Many times I have consulted with parents who have attempted a form of sleep training by themselves and it did not go well! Even long hours of crying didn’t help at all and resulted in a traumatised baby and parents. This has nothing to do with the parent’s consistency, nothing to do with their determination or even their beliefs. They did it and it did NOT work. Why doesn’t sleep training work if attempted without professional help? Even though sleep is natural, it is complex AND parents time and time again underestimate this. Sleep training (or rather creating sustainable sleep associations) is only one part of sleeping well. This is the part that many parents have passionate opinions on because it is often one of the more difficult steps of teaching good sleep habits BUT it does not make it more important. The fact is that too many parents attempt sleep training without understanding how to do it responsibly. Too many parents attempt sleep training without any of the other building blocks of sleep in place. Too many parents attempt sleep training in an irresponsible way, which can cause a lot more unnecessary crying and ultimately more sleep issues. Sleep training without a proper daily routine and schedule in place will not work. Sleep training after giving your child a litre of coca cola will just cause hours and hours of crying. Sleep training with a bedtime routine that is too late will cause you baby to wake up soon after falling asleep. Sleep training with all the lights on will not only prolong the process but also create multiple wake ups. Sleep training does NOT work… in isolation. It should never be attempted without first considering the other building blocks of good quality sleep, that would be irresponsible. You can only create sustainable sleep associations once all the other building blocks of sleep are in place. Just because the other building blocks are easier to achieve, does not make them less important. In fact, getting the other building blocks in place can go a long way in bettering your baby’s sleep without even needing to do sleep training! By Jolandi Becker – MD of Good Night

October 30, 2023

TEACHING YOUR BABY USEFUL SELF FEEDING TECHNIQUES

How to teach your baby the art of self feeding is actually an incredibly common question amongst parents. One which many do not think of, up until the age where it begins to happen. However, this process is not as difficult as one would think if you have the necessary knowledge to implement effective teaching. This is where this article will help you shine. Teach your child these valuable life skills and help them reach their independence by reading on below now. What Your Child Will Gain From Self Feeding There are multiple benefits to teaching your child this practice. A child that can self feed is also a blessing in disguise to parents who will be able to enjoy their own meals during dinner time. We will take a look at a few of the key reasons of the importance of self feeding below. Motor Neuron Development By teaching your baby how to hold and operate a spoon, you are actually heling their motor neuron development. This action develops their motor skills, which are incredibly needed later in their developmental stages. Fine motor skills are small muscle movements within the hands and fingers. By teaching your child to self feed, you are enabling them to develop strength and dexterity within their hands and fingers. Independence By teaching your child to self feed, you are essentially giving them their first little taste of independence. This is actually incredibly important during the developmental stages. By giving your child a sense of independence, you will be instilling a sense of self assurance within them. Babies begin to develop a sense of self from about eight months onward. During this time, they begin to start seeing themselves as a separate entity, their own little being if you will. By allowing them to feed themselves, you are giving them the ability to establish their own identity through independence of you. A Sense Of Accomplishment One of the best things you can do for your child is celebrate small wins. And by allowing them to blunder through the art of learning to self feed, you will be giving them a sense of accomplishment. Be sure to encourage them during this time and help them along their journey. Teaching Your Baby The Art Of Self Feeding Teaching your baby self feeding techniques is a somewhat lengthily process. This is due to the fact that it needs to go through three key phases before they become truly independent. We will discuss all three of these below. Finger Feeding This is the first stage in the self feeding journey. Finger feeding is an important step to take as not only will it begin your child’s self feeding development, but it will also give them exposure to various textures. By feeling the various textures of food, you will help them develop their sense of touch. Great foods to start finger feeding with should be soft to the touch, and are not hard in texture. Hard raw veggies and fruits such as carrot and apple are bad ideas for first finger foods. These may get stuck in your babys through, should they bite off too big a piece as such, soft foods such as mashed potatoes or an avocado wedge are real winners. These softer foods will ensure that your baby will be able to mash up the food easily before swallowing. Furthermore, these will be easier for your little one to grasp. Remember, when finger feeding begins, your baby will first start by grabbing handfuls of everything. Your baby’s grasp will change over time. First they begin to grab with a fist-full, shoving everything into their little mouth. But over a period, they begin to hone the process, until they reach a pincer like grip in which the index finger and thumb are used to pick foods up. Encourage this grip by holding a piece of food for your baby, and only letting go when they use the above mentioned two fingers. Introducing Feeding Spoons The next step along your self feeding journey will be to teach your baby to eat with a spoon. This process can be incredibly messy, so prepare yourself for a few pumpkin smears here and there! Once your baby is confident in finger feeding, introduce them to their first spoon. Firstly, they should be used to a spoon since you would have been feeding them with one when they began to eat solids. But now, give them their own to hold as you feed them. If they mimic your actions, encourage them to do so. A great technique is the over hand guide. Place your hand over your baby’s and guide it into their bowl of food. Get a taste of food onto the tip of their spoon, and help them guide this into their mouth. Practice this technique for a while before meals, then leave them to try it on their own. Watch them to ensure their spoon is facing the right way, but allow them the freedom to play with their food. Finally, Introduce The Fork The third step within the self feeding journey is to introduce your child to the fork. Be sure to only introduce them to this utensil once they are completely capable of using a spoon. Use the same over hand method to help them develop their fork skills. Some children may opt to use finger feeding over forks this is natural as it is easier. Allow them to do this, but keep the fork nearby as an ever present option which you encourage them to use.

October 26, 2023

WHAT TO EXPECT FROM YOUR BREAST CHANGES DURING AND AFTER PREGNANCY

Breast changes within a pregnant woman are truly incredible. The topic of breast development is one which is grossly misunderstood. Most women have an incorrect knowledge of how their own body develops. For most of ladies, it is assumed that by the time they have gone through puberty, that their breasts are fully developed. But this is wildly incorrect. Puberty is actually just the beginning of breast development. Within this article, we will discuss the actual development cycle of a woman’s breasts and what changes she can prepare herself for both during, and after pregnancy. You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet! How Breasts Develop After Puberty Many people link breast development to size. Simply put, this is the wrong measure to take. Whilst a woman’s breast size will remain relatively the same from puberty up until pregnancy, the real development happens within the tissue itself. Breasts actually continue to develop every time a woman menstruates. When it is that time of the month, a lady’s breasts begin to produce small amounts of secretory tissue. This is the tissue that allows milk production to take place. This cycle will go on until a woman either reaches the age of about 34, or she falls pregnant. Naturally, another question arises in light of this knowledge. If a woman is consistently creating additional tissue, why do the breasts not get bigger as she gets older? Well, the breast actually replace the older cells within them when creating the new ones. As such, the old cells are replaced by the new. This is also why a lady’s breasts become incredibly sensitive during this time. In a nutshell, the body only begins to develop a woman’s breasts from the end of puberty onwards. But, what happens when you fall pregnant? Breast Development During Pregnancy Pregnancy is truly a miraculous time for a woman. Multiple changes begin to happen within your body. Your hormones sore, your bodily functions begin to change, but above all, a tiny being begins to grow within you. This period can be seen as your breast development heyday. During this time, your breasts will grow into full maturity. And it all begins after month one of falling pregnant. The first notable thing a woman will experience is the sensitivity of her breasts. This is actually one of the most common first signs of pregnancy. This is caused by the sudden change in hormones within her body. Within the first four to six weeks, the breasts will be particularly sensitive – similar to how they feel during a period. For the first trimester of her pregnancy, a woman’s breasts will remain sensitive. Visible Physical Changes The next change is one you will physically be able to witness. During pregnancy, breasts may go up by a cup size. This change happens particularly in first time mothers. Some ladies even go up by two sizes during this time. You will start to see the beginning of this growth from about six to eight weeks into pregnancy. Breasts may also begin to feel particularly itchy during pregnancy. This is due to the tightness of the skin within the area as the breasts grow. Some women have even developed stretch marks on their breasts during pregnancy from the sudden growth. Areola Changes Another physical indication of breast change during pregnancy are prominent veins. When pregnant, a woman’s breasts may begin to show large, blue veins running through them. This is attributed to the act that the veins will expand to accommodate extra blood flow of the growing breast tissues. Don’t be alarmed if you notice this on yourself – it is completely natural and will fade once you have given birth and stopped breastfeeding. Additional colour changes to expect occur within the areola’s. During pregnancy, it is common for a woman’s areola’s to become slightly larger, and darker in colour. Your areola’s will also develop pronounced bumps, known as Montgomery’s tubercles. These are oil producing glands which are common within pregnancy, and help lubricate the nipples during this time. Tissue Changes As far as changes are concerned, the first thing which begins to change in the tissue structure are the amount of milk ducts within the breast. The hormones released during pregnancy send messages to the breast structure informing it of the need to increase the number of ducts – as feeding will soon begin. As such, a burst of ducts begins to develop within the breast tissue. Lactocytes are another tissue addition within the breasts during pregnancy. These are actually the milk production cells. Naturally, the body will need to develop these as they are the power houses behind breastfeeding. Other Changes The next set of changes do not necessarily happen within all women. Firstly, there is the possibility of the breasts leaking. During the third month of pregnancy, a woman’s body begins to produce the liquid substance known as colostrum. This is also known as liquid gold, as it contains nutritional value second to none for babies. However, during the last few months of pregnancy, the breasts may actually leak a tiny bit of colostrum. This happens frequently in some women, may start earlier in others, and may not occur for some moms. If you experience a breast leakage, don’t be ashamed. Invest in a few disposable breast pads and wear these during this time. Another pregnancy change could be that of lumpy breast tissue. Some ladies may develop umps within the breasts during pregnancy. This can commonly be associated to milk-filled cysts beginning to appear. These should subside once the woman begins to pump r breast feed. How to Deal With Breast Changes During Pregnancy Breast changes can be uncomfortable for some women. Even if they are not causing discomfort to you, there is something every pregnant woman needs to invest in; nursing bras. Nursing bras or apparel is a must have for all moms to be. These are designed to optimise comfort both during pregnancy and after. They also allow for easy feeding

October 26, 2023

Unpacking common myths around child drowning

Whether you have a pool or have small children in your family or social circle, everyone needs to learn about pool safety. Being able to identify a drowning in progress and acting fast can make a real difference to the child making a full recovery after a drowning incident. Most people imagine that picture A is an accurate depiction of a drowning in progress. In reality, B and C are more accurate – mouth at water level, head bobbing, body upright, little to no splashing and sometimes the appearance of doing doggie paddle. Familiarise yourself with these drowning behaviours: Head low in the water, mouth at water level Head tilted back with mouth open Trying to roll over onto the back to float Hair falling over the forehead or eyes Body is vertical/ upright Eyes glassy & empty, unable to focus Eyes open, with fear evident on the face Hyperventilating or gasping Trying to swim in one direction but without progress Common Drowning Myths Myth: Drowning children will shout for help Drowning children are physiologically unable to call out. The respiratory system is designed for breathing – speech is the secondary function. Drowning children’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface but while their mouth is above the surface, they need to exhale and inhale before they sink again. There is not enough time to cry out. Myth: Drowning children are unsupervised children 50% of all child drownings will occur 25 metres or less from an adult who was distracted for only a few seconds. Myth: Drowning children wave their arms to attract attention or will thrash in the water Drowning children cannot wave for help. Physiologically, a person who is drowning cannot perform voluntary movements such as waving or moving towards a rescuer. Envisage the surface of the water as a platform. Someone who is drowning often presses down on the surface and tries to use it as leverage to get their mouth above the water’s surface to breathe. So what the onlooker sees are arm movements that can appear to be playful swimming. Children will not kick wildly either. They remain upright in the water with no evidence of a supporting kick. They are quiet, focused only on breathing and show no signs of violent struggle. The child’s struggle is quick — 20 seconds, whereas an adult struggles for 60 seconds. Myth: My child has had swimming lessons so he / she won’t drown No child is ever drown-proof, no matter how good their swimming skills. A few swimming lessons are no guarantee when it comes to drowning prevention. Myth: Water wings and flotation aids will prevent drowning Water wings give a dangerous and false sense of security, often making children think they are stronger swimmers than they actually are. Flotation aids can also suddenly deflate. To prevent a tragedy, be vigilant about pool safety and cover your pool with the leading safety cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers – The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover which also complies with local safety regulations. This cover also saves water, power and chemical input, giving you safety as well as savings, and it brings a beautiful finish to the outdoor living area. Learn more and shop online at www.powerplastics.co.za

October 23, 2023

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cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_ga	2 years	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid	1 day	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_gat_gtag_UA_18530557_4	1 minute	No description
pron_ip	session	No description
pvc_visits[0]	1 day	This cookie is created by post-views-counter. This cookie is used to count the number of visits to a post. It also helps in preventing repeat views of a post by a visitor.
tk_ai	session	Gathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.