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Vital Baby

Understanding Your Breastfeeding Rights in the Workplace

As a new Mother, nothing will be more important to you than the well-being of your newborn infant, as your instinct ignites the powerful force of motherhood within you to protect and nurture your baby. A newborn requires exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of its life for optimal growth and development and continued breastfeeding, combined with solid foods, for two years or longer. Working mothers returning to jobs and careers following their maternity leave period will face the challenges of juggling work and home responsibilities. Unfortunately, according to a 2021 survey, the number one reason why new mothers stop breastfeeding their newborn infants is due to having to return to work. While South Africa has legal rights in place for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace, there are challenges new mothers may face in trying to exercise these rights. According to a survey done in 2021 by the South African Breastfeeding Association, only 20% of companies have dedicated breastfeeding rooms in the workplace. According to South Africa’s Basic Conditions of Employment Act, the legal rights of breastfeeding Mothers in the workplace in South Africa are: Breastfeeding mothers are legally entitled to two 30-minute breaks per day for breastfeeding or expressing milk if their infants are younger than 6 months. Breastfeeding breaks are paid time. Employers should provide a clean and private area for breastfeeding or expressing milk, as well as a facility for storing the milk. Breastfeeding mothers should not be discriminated against or harassed for choosing to breastfeed or express milk at work. However, the challenges that breastfeeding mothers may face in trying to exercise these rights are: The Code of Good Practice does not specify whether the breastfeeding breaks are in addition to or part of the normal breaks, such as lunch or tea breaks. The Code of Good Practice does not require employers to give breastfeeding mothers a suitable space for expressing or storing their milk, nor does it specify the minimum standards for such a space. The Code does not impose any penalties for employers who fail to comply with its provisions, nor does it provide any remedies for breastfeeding mothers who are denied their rights. According to BioMedCentral, the survey conducted in March 2021 involved 1000 working mothers across South Africa who had given birth in the past two years. It found that only 20% of companies have dedicated breastfeeding rooms for working mothers, and 40% of mothers had to use public spaces such as toilets, storerooms, or their cars to breastfeed or express milk. The survey also revealed that 60% of mothers felt unsupported by their employers and colleagues when it came to breastfeeding, and that 30% of mothers had stopped breastfeeding before six months due to work-related challenges, highlighting the need for more awareness and action from employers, policymakers, and society to create a more enabling environment for breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. Some employers may be unaware of or unwilling to accommodate the needs of breastfeeding mothers and may create a hostile or unsupportive work environment for them: “My employer did not provide any space for me to pump, so I had to use the bathroom. It was dirty, noisy, and uncomfortable. I felt like I had no privacy or dignity. I often got mastitis and low milk supply. I hated every minute of it,” says Maria, who is a cashier. Some co-workers may be ignorant or insensitive to the benefits and challenges of breastfeeding and may make negative comments or jokes about it. Luckily this was not the case for Fatima, a machine operator in a factory where there are mostly men. “They were very sympathetic to my breastfeeding. They helped me find a quiet corner where I could pump, and they covered for me when I took breaks. They never made any jokes or remarks. They treated me like a normal coworker.” Certain breastfeeding mothers may feel embarrassed or uncomfortable about breastfeeding or expressing milk at work and may face social stigma or pressure from their workplace, families or communities. Ashley, a nurse, had to quit her job because her employer refused to accommodate her breastfeeding needs. “They said it was too disruptive and costly. They threatened to fire me if I kept asking for breaks and space. I felt discriminated against and harassed. I wish I had more legal protection.” Marketing manager Jessica had a more understanding employer. “I was lucky enough to have a supportive boss who let me use his office to pump whenever I needed. He also made sure that no one disturbed me or made any rude comments. He even bought me a mini fridge to store my milk in. I felt valued and respected as a working mother.” At Vital Baby we care about parenting and bring you tips on how to navigate your work-life balance and make breastfeeding work for you so you can give your child the best start in life, wherever you may find yourself. It is important to: – Know your rights. Be prepared to negotiate with your employer for more flexible work arrangements, such as flexible hours, part-time work or extended maternity leave. Plan ahead. Before you return to work, discuss your needs with your employer and colleagues about your breastfeeding needs. Discuss a suitable space for breastfeeding or expressing milk at work. If it is impossible, express extra milk and store it in the freezer so your baby can still benefit. Electric and manual breast pumps are small and non-disruptive. The Vital Baby Flexcone Electric Breast Pump Gift Set R2199.99 makes the perfect maternity gift set from the office and includes everything a new mother needs to maintain breastfeeding; it includes the Vital Baby electric breast pump, a breast like feeding bottle, slow flow teat, silicone breast cup, a manual conversion kit so it works during load shedding, bottle stand, charge cable and plug adapter, six ultra comfort breast pads, 30 easy-pour breastmilk storage bags and 2 protect and care silicone nipple shields. The Vital Baby Manual Breast Pump Gift

October 10, 2023
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

DEALING WITH KIDS AND PREGNANCY

Dealing with pregnancy can be tricky on its own, but when you have a toddler or young kids to look after things can become more difficult. If this is your second pregnancy, you may be struggling with morning sickness, fatigue and a tired achy body and still having to look after another young child.  You’re probably wondering how to manage, so we’ve put together some useful tips to help you the second time around. Be patient with them and yourself It’s important that you’re patient with your child. Initially, they may not understand the pregnancy which can make them act out in confusion. Getting them involved and feeling like a big sibling can help them to feel excited about the new addition to the family. That being said you should also be patient with yourself. You may be feeling unwell due to your pregnancy, and with looking after another child you may find things falling by the wayside. It’s likely that only you will notice these things, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Playtime for you and them  You might not always be feeling up to playtime with your little one, so this is a good time to encourage them to play independently. This way you free up a little bit more time for yourself while keeping them entertained. As your pregnancy progresses, play in ways that you can manage. Instead of running around, focus on board games, drawing and puzzles. Allowing a little bit of screen time (even together) is another way you can easily entertain your kids. Help and schedules Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have a partner, they are the obvious person to lend a hand, but if you are by yourself, either reach out to close family or consider getting paid help for part of the day.  Another way to find some time for yourself is to nap when your toddler naps. Syncing up your sleep schedules may mean that you find yourself a little bit more rest time for when you’re feeling tired or nauseous. 

October 6, 2023
Parenting Hub

The best products for healthy babies and children

Babies and children require seemingly few products to stay healthy, but as they age, most parents realise that there are some essentials that do not only boost and improve their child’s health, but also makes the parents’ lives easier. While requirements vary from family to family, there are a few basics that are considered beneficial for young ones. Here are a few products we recommend: Health care products Every household needs quick and easy access to a first aid kit or health care kit. When you need it, it’s usually to attend to an immediate problem, meaning there’s no time to search around. First-time parents sometimes aren’t sure what exactly they’ll need for baby’s first aid kit, which is why it’s will be handy if you have a pre-packed kit filled with the basics. We recommend the Safety First Healthcare Kit (R289.99), an 11-piece kit containing all the basics you’ll need for baby’s basic health needs. From a nasal aspirator, to a digital thermometer, medicine dropper and soft grip toothbrush, this handy kit covers all the basics. Grooming products Babies might not need much grooming to start off with, but as soon as they’re a little bit older you’ll need to look into nail clippers, hairbrushes, and other basic grooming items. Like with a health care kit, it might be difficult for first-time parents to know exactly which items to buy. The Safety First Essential Grooming Kit (R229.95) is a handy 10-piece kit containing all the good quality basics you’ll need, such as a comb, hairbrush, nail clippers, nail files and more. Breast pump Breastfeeding moms know that there comes a time – be it when you return to work, or when you need to pop out – that a good quality breast pump becomes a lifesaver. Whether you pump because you can’t physically be with your baby to breastfeed, or whether it’s to allow dad and other family members to help out with feeding, many women find pumping easy and convenient – with the right pump, of course. Medela Harmony Essentials Pack (R999.95) combines everything moms need for breast milk pumping in one breast pump set. It comes complete with a silicone teat, four milk storage bags to store and freeze your milk, and four ultra-thin nursing pads: everything you need to express and store your breast milk and feed it to your baby. This single manual breast pump is perfect for moms who want to try out pumping, moms who express occasionally and need a lightweight travel companion, or moms who want a handy backup to their electric pump. Quality bottles On the days that you’re pumping, you’ll need some quality bottles with which to store your baby’s milk. It’s important to choose a brand that makes use of materials safe for baby, that’s convenient and durable. Medela Milk Storage Bottles 2-Pack (R339.99) are free from Bisphenol (BPA) for your baby’s health, dishwasher and microwave safe for your convenience and ideal for expressing, storing, freezing, and feeding breastmilk. A good quality multivitamin Let’s face it – most parents struggle to get their children to eat vegetables, and picky eaters often end up lacking many of the essential nutrients needed for healthy growth. This is where multivitamins come in. A good quality supplement contributes to the normal function of the immune systems and the normal function of many other systems in the body contributing to general wellbeing. We recommend: NutriPure Kids Multi-Vitamin Complete (R126.95) which is specially formulated in a tasty, soft, and chewy gummy, making taking vitamins fun and easy for children aged three and older. Each NutriPure Multi-Vitamin Complete gummy contains 11 essential vitamins and minerals: Vitamin D, B6, B12, C, Biotin, Pantothenic Acid and Niacin to help metabolize carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. An effective probiotic Probiotics are an essential supplement for all ages. A balanced intestinal micro-flora is highly important in keeping the body in healthy working order and is a key element in overall well-being. Plus, it helps us to better metabolize all the healthy nutrients we consume in foods. We recommend: NutriPure Kids Pro-Biotics (R139.95), which is formulated with Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus rhamnosus, two scientifically tested bacteria strains. Each NutriPure bear contains one billion live cultures to help your child boost his daily culture intake.

October 4, 2023
Parenting Hub

7 WAYS TO SOOTH YOUR BABY’S UPSET TUMMY

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, explores seven ways to soothe your baby’s upset tummy. One of the most common concerns for new parents revolves around their baby’s digestion. Tummy upsets can lead to prolonged crying, sleepless nights, and considerable distress for both baby and parent. Understanding Your Baby’s Delicate Tummy A baby’s digestive system is still in its developmental stage, making it susceptible to upsets. Even simple factors like a new food, or trapped air can disrupt their tiny tummies. While crying is a natural way for babies to communicate discomfort, understanding and addressing the root cause is pivotal for lasting relief. Common Causes Of Upset Tummies In Babies Upset tummies in babies can stem from a variety of causes. Common culprits include: Colic, often characterised by prolonged crying sessions with an unknown cause. Gas, which can accumulate when babies swallow air during crying, feeding, or sucking on pacifiers. Gastroesophageal reflux, where stomach contents return to the oesophagus, leading to frequent spitting up. Intolerance or allergies to specific proteins in formula or breast milk. Lastly, infections in the digestive system, such as viral gastroenteritis. 7 Ways to Alleviate Tummy Troubles While persistent stomach issues should prompt a visit to a paediatrician for a proper diagnosis and care, if your baby experiences occasional tummy upsets, try these at-home solutions: Gentle massage: Gently massaging the baby’s stomach in a clockwise motion can help release trapped gas and soothe cramps. Using a soft touch and ensuring your hands are warm can make this technique even more effective. Warm bath: A warm bath can relax your baby’s muscles, aiding in the expulsion of gas and easing discomfort. Always test the water’s temperature with your elbow or wrist to ensure it’s suitable for your baby’s delicate skin.  Bicycle legs: Lay your baby on their back and gently move their legs in a cycling motion. This exercise can help release trapped gas and stimulate bowel movement. Burping: Ensure you burp your baby after every feeding session. Holding your baby upright and gently patting their back can help release any trapped air swallowed during feeding. Probiotic drops: Certain probiotics are designed specifically for infants to promote a healthier gut flora, which can potentially alleviate symptoms of colic and gas. However, always consult with a paediatrician before introducing any new supplements. Check your diet: For breastfeeding mothers, what you consume can impact your baby’s digestion. It might be helpful to monitor and adjust your diet, eliminating potential irritants like dairy or caffeine, to see if it makes a difference  Use a pacifier: Sucking on a pacifier can help relax and soothe a distressed baby. However, if breastfeeding, ensure it doesn’t interfere with your baby’s feeding routine.

October 4, 2023
Bennetts

How to Develop Early Maths Skills (Number Concept)

Learning to count from one to ten, and later to a hundred, is an important milestone in early math development.  However, it is equally important for young children to learn to understand the “how many-ness” or the value that every number represents. Teachers and therapists refer to this important school readiness skill as number concept.  Grade R’s typically count to a hundred, but few truly understand the quantities that different numbers describe. In other words, many children freeze when you ask: “If you have six balls and your friend has eight balls, who has more?” Children who don’t understand the value of numbers will naturally not be able to conjure up a mental image of two sets of objects (in this case, a set of six balls and a set of eight balls) and then compare the sets against each other to determine which one of the two is bigger or smaller. And, as a result, they won’t be able to add and subtract with understanding.  It’s important to play games with your child on three levels if you want him to develop a clear understanding of the value of different numbers. Firstly, use body movements to demonstrate numbers. Secondly, provide many opportunities for him to use his hands to handle and count off certain numbers of objects. And thirdly, make sure to include games that encourage your child to visualize different numbers of objects in his mind’s eye.  You can, for instance, teach a three-year old to do the following: To include body movements, ask him to move (e.g. clap, jump or twirl) one, two or three times. To incorporate the handling of objects using his hands, you can ask him to hand you one, two or three of something whenever the opportunity pops up. To involve the mind’s eye, you can place a pile of single Lego blocks, 2-block-towers and 3-block-towers in a bag and then take turns with your child to use your sense of touch to find one of each number without looking. Then arrange your towers from one to three.  Games should naturally become more challenging as a child grows older.  However, the basic prerequisite for success remains unchanged throughout the first seven years: the more concrete (hands-on and tangible) the experience, the easier it is to learn. Children progress from concrete functioning to abstract reasoning as they enter primary school. Children function on a concrete level up to Grade R (where they still need to touch and handle tangible objects to discover and understand ideas about those objects) before moving on to being able to fully grasp unseen ideas on an abstract level in Grade 1.  Most importantly, they need time and playful practice or else they won’t grow into being comfortable in the world of representations and symbols. It’s crucial for every Grade R learner to reach the point (by the end of the year) where he or she is able to picture an image in the mind’s eye of a number line. After throwing two dice, he should be able to name the number shown on any one of them at first glance (without counting), before shifting his attention to the second dice to “count on”. In other words, if the dice landed on three and four, he could look at one and say, three”, before pointing to each of the dots on the second dice as he counts on: “four – five – six – seven … it’s seven!” (Alternatively, he could choose to start with four, and then continue with “five – six – seven” on the second dice.) He should be able to arrange the numbers 1 to 10 in order, with each of them in its proper place, based on the value that it represents. When you point to any number from 1 to 9 on the number line, he should be able to name the number that is “one bigger” or “one smaller”. As he enters Grade 1, he can learn to do this without looking. What can I expect from my child at every age along the way? Toddlers discover the meaning of “one and many” during the second year of life. Two-year olds usually learn to rote count to three and you can teach them to hand you either one or two toys. Three-year olds can be expected to count to five and they understand the concepts of one, two and three well enough to be able to hand you that many of an object.  Well-developing four-year olds can be expected to rote count to 10 and count off any number of objects from 1 to 5. Most five-year olds can count to 20 and have a real understanding of numbers up to 10. Finally, a six-year old should be able to count to 100 (also in tens), count off any number of objects between 1 and 20 and arrange the numbers from 1 to 10 in order to build a number line.  Learning to work with numbers is much like learning to speak a special kind of language. Learning the language of mathematics is largely about getting better at understanding the properties of numbers and recognizing relationships and patterns ever more quickly.  Naturally, acquiring these skills takes time simply because learning a new language always involves building new brain wiring. Ultimately, you want your child to reach a point where navigating around in the world of numbers will become second nature to him – like a golfer’s swing. Any kind of math play is better than none, but if you want your child to benefit optimally, you’ll need to play as many age-appropriate games as possible at home from toddler stage, and repeat them often. 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 months of age, parents choose from a balanced selection of more than 1000 activities to develop the 14 fundamental skills age-appropriately. For children between 2 and 7 years, the 50 school readiness skills are divided into 6 groups and tackled systematically, year by year, with 10- to 20-minute games that can be adapted to a child’s level of functioning. 

September 20, 2023
ChildSafe

Preventing Electrical Burns

Young children can be burnt very quickly, and this often happens when an adult is present, so it is important to be alert. An electrical burn happens when a child touches or comes into contact with an electric current. The current passes through the child’s body and can damage organs and tissues. Damage can be mild or severe – and it can even cause death. Last year, the Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital alone, treated 880 children for burns, the most common (733 children) was caused by hot liquids (such as hot water, drinks and food). A large number of the cases were treated for electrical burns. During the period between January and February in 2020 there were 5 cases treated for electrical burns. In 2021, this number has doubled to 10 cases.  “Recently, we have been seeing far more electrical injuries than usual. This may be related to children spending more time at home due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. These injuries often involve the hands, resulting in severe injuries with permanent loss of function. Care givers need to remain vigilant at all times”, said Gary Dos Passos, Head of Burns Unit, Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital. “Most burn injuries can be avoided. Most of the burns happen in the home, specifically the kitchen. A first step to preventing burns is to make sure that the home environment is safe. Children are not always able to know when something is dangerous, so parents can start by checking every room in the house for possible burn risks to children. Electric shocks from appliances and electrical outlets and cords can burn the skin and cause tissue and nerve damage”, said Yolande Baker, Executive Director of ChildSafe. Electricity can cause different types of skin burns, depending on which skin layers are affected. The terms doctors use to describe different types of burns are:  Superficial – A superficial burn affects only the top layer of the skin. The skin is red, dry, and painful. When you press on the burn, it turns white.  Partial-thickness – A partial-thickness burn affects the top 2 layers of the skin. The skin is red and can leak fluid or form blisters.  Full-thickness – A full-thickness burn affects all the layers of the skin. The burn does not usually hurt, because the burned skin cannot feel anything. The skin can be white, grey, or black.  Here are a few safety tips for parents and caregivers to keep all children safe from electrical burns. ALWAYS:  Cover unused electrical outlets with safety covers. Unplug electrical cords that are not in use, keeping electrical cords, power plugs and electrical equipment away from children. Keep electrical appliances away from sinks and bathtubs. Turn off electrical equipment that is not being used. Teach children to stay away from electrical sub-stations, electrical wires ate ground level and electrical fencing. NEVER: Overload power points or run electrical wires under carpets. Use unsafe or illegal electrical connections. Allow children to play with power points or electrical equipment. Repair faulty plugs and frayed cords immediately. For more information on injury prevention, call ChildSafe at 021 685 5208 or please visit www.childsafe.org.za

September 19, 2023
Parenting Hub

REFLUX IN INFANTS: UNDERSTANDING THE CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, AND TREATMENT OPTIONS

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, delves into what reflux in infants is, why and when it happens, how common it is, its symptoms, and the various treatment options available. Navigating the journey of parenthood is filled with moments of joy and, sometimes, concerns about your infant’s health. One such concern that often arises in a baby’s first year is infant reflux. This common yet distressing occurrence can leave new parents anxious. Understanding Infant Reflux Infant reflux, also known as gastroesophageal reflux (GER), occurs when a baby’s stomach contents come back up into the oesophagus and, sometimes, out of the mouth or nose as vomit. This happens because the muscle between the oesophagus and the stomach (lower oesophagal sphincter) is not yet fully mature, allowing stomach contents to flow back up quickly. When Does Reflux Occur? Infant reflux typically begins within the first month after birth, often peaking at four months of age. Most infants outgrow reflux by the time they reach 12 to 18 months of age. As the muscles in the oesophagus and stomach develop and become stronger, they can better prevent the backflow of stomach contents. When a baby starts sitting up and eating solid foods, reflux symptoms tend to decrease or disappear altogether. The Prevalence of Infant Reflux Approximately 50% to 70% of infants experience some degree of reflux during their first few months. While it can be distressing for both the baby and parents, it’s essential to remember that reflux is a normal part of development for many infants and that only a small percentage of infants with reflux experience severe or persistent symptoms that may require medical intervention. Symptoms of Infant Reflux While the most common symptom of infant reflux is spitting up, other signs include: Frequent or recurrent vomiting Refusal to eat or difficulty eating Crying and irritability during or after feedings Arching the back during or after feedings Weight loss or poor weight gain Choking or gagging Diagnosing Infant Reflux               If your baby is showing reflux symptoms, your healthcare provider will likely start with a physical exam and questions about the baby’s eating habits and symptoms. In some cases, further testing might be necessary, including lab tests, ultrasound, or a procedure called a pH probe to monitor the acid levels in the baby’s oesophagus. Treatment Options for Infant Reflux Most babies with reflux do not need treatment, as they are “happy spitters” and continue to feed well and gain weight. However, for more severe cases, several treatment options can alleviate the symptoms: Feeding changes: Adjusting the way your baby is fed can be helpful. Smaller, more frequent feedings can reduce the amount of food in the stomach and minimise reflux. For bottle-fed infants, switching to a different type of formula, such as a hypoallergenic or thickened one, may be recommended. Positioning: Keeping your baby upright during and after feedings can help prevent reflux. Holding your baby upright against your shoulder or using an inclined infant seat can reduce the likelihood of stomach contents flowing back into the oesophagus. Burping: Burping your baby frequently during and after feedings can help release air from the stomach and reduce the likelihood of reflux. Gently patting or rubbing your baby’s back in an upright position can facilitate burping. Elevating the crib or bassinet: Placing the head of your baby’s crib or bassinet on an incline (using a wedge or raising the legs) can help keep the upper body elevated during sleep, reducing the occurrence of reflux during the night. Trial of hypoallergenic diet: If your baby shows signs of possible food allergies or intolerances, your doctor may recommend a trial of eliminating certain foods from your diet (if breastfeeding) or switching to a hypoallergenic formula. Allergies or intolerances to specific proteins in breast milk or formula can contribute to reflux symptoms. Medication: In cases where lifestyle modifications are insufficient, your doctor may prescribe age-appropriate medications to manage reflux symptoms. Surgery: In rare and severe cases of reflux that doesn’t respond to other treatments, surgical intervention may be considered. Surgical procedures, such as fundoplication, aim to strengthen the lower oesophageal sphincter and prevent stomach acid from refluxing into the oesophagus. Navigating Through Infant Reflux While infant reflux can be a cause for concern, understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments can empower parents to manage the situation effectively. Remember that most babies outgrow reflux as they age, often a regular part of their development. However, if you are ever in doubt or your baby’s symptoms are severe, seek advice from a healthcare professional who can guide you through this phase of your baby’s growth.

September 18, 2023
Good Night Baby

Medicating to help with sleep – Babies & Children

As sleep consultants we come across many instances of parents medicating their children to aid sleep. Parents are often faced with this decision, desperate for the entire family to get some much-needed sleep. There are special medical cases where medication may be needed and will be prescribed by your doctor, but for the most part healthy sleep routines and habits are NOT something that should be achieved by medicating. Sleep is essentially a learned behaviour that we can teach our babies and children. What does normal sleep look like? It is important to understand what normal sleep looks like for babies and children as it gives us a better indication of what to expect and why they wake so often, even after they are no longer feeding at night. We all sleep in cycles. We move through stages of light sleep (also referred to as Rapid Eye Movement or REM) and deep sleep. For a baby, sleep cycles are around 45 minutes and it gradually gets longer as they get older. They therefore naturally have a lot more REM sleep than we do. An adult has a sleep cycle that lasts up to 1.5 hours in length. During the newborn phase babies wake in the night for nutritional purposes. Between the age of 4 – 5 months, babies can usually manage one longer sleep period at night and the need to feed gradually reduces. Unfortunately, the night waking’s do not always end when the need to feed does. Even though sleep is a natural process and is a necessity to our wellbeing, linking sleep cycles and sleeping through the night is an essential skill that babies need to be taught. Some babies manage to do so naturally, but more often they need some help to get there. Children require 11 to 12 hours of sleep a night, with age-appropriate naps during the day. There are endless health and wellness benefits of getting the sleep we need. Growing children are at a disadvantage if they do not sleep well. It has a direct influence on their health, mood, weight, concentration, stamina and learning. What influences sleep? We need to look at sleep holistically and not in isolation. Sleep is a complex function as there are so many influencing factors in our daily life. NutritionWhen Nutrition Can Influence Sleep – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) EnvironmentSetting the stage for a good night’s sleep – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) RoutineYour 7- to 11-month-old baby’s sleep routine – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) Sleep associationsUnderstanding the sleep training Process – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) Stimulation IllnessMy great sleeper is sick – Now what? – Good Night (goodnightbaby.co.za) Trying to ‘cure’ sleepless nights by looking at sleep in isolation is treating the symptoms and not the cause. By – Dr Carla Jardine – Paediatrician All parents (including Paediatricians!) have struggled through sleepless nights with their kids. Trying to get your child to sleep through the night is one of the most exhausting phases of parenting. Many parents are tempted to try medication after endless sleep deprived nights. Unfortunately, this is never a real solution. These medications may provide a brief sense of relief when your child drifts off to sleep more easily at bedtime, but prolonged use can cause side effects and do not address the core problem…only a good routine with healthy sleep habits and sleep associations can encourage children to sleep through the night! The Common Culprits Melatonin: This is a natural hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It controls our circadian rhythm-the natural sleep-wake cycle in our brain. When it is dark, melatonin increases, and the effect is that you feel progressively more sleepy. When it is light, melatonin decreases with the opposite effect. Some insomniacs have been found to have naturally low levels of melatonin. There are also instances when the circadian rhythm (and melatonin secretion) become disturbed, such as in shift workers, long haul flights (jet lag) and in people living in countries with extremes of either daylight hours or night hours. In these instances, a melatonin supplement is appropriate. Melatonin is a synthetic hormone and has side effects such as: headache, feelings of depression, daytime sleepiness, dizziness, stomach cramps and irritability. Melatonin has not been approved for use in children but there are certain instances where it can been used “off-label”. This is mainly in children who have ADHD or Autism. In these conditions there is often a disturbance in the sleep-wake cycle and melatonin has been of benefit. Anti-Histamines: These are medications that decrease the levels of histamine in the body. They are usually used to treat allergic conditions. The first generation of anti-histamines were found to be very sedating as a side effect. This resulted in these drugs being marketed as over the counter sleep aides. This is not however the appropriate use of these drugs, and they also have many side effects: dry mouth, drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, restlessness, headaches, moodiness, blurred vision and confusion. Codeine: This is usually the ingredient in pain medication that causes sedation. Codeine is a weak opioid. It can be a useful pain medication and is also sometimes used in cough mixtures as it also causes cough suppression. Some of the side effects of codeine are: lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting, shortness of breath, sedation, allergic reactions, constipation, abdominal pain or rashes. All of these common “sleep aides” have many side effects and their long term use is ill advised. Some are not tested in children at all and others should not be given to children under 2 years of age. The safest thing to do is to use medications only as prescribed by a doctor and not to improvise their use according to their sedative properties. If in doubt, always get your doctors advice! How do you teach your child to sleep? Just as we help our children master the skills of walking, talking, using manners, sharing, brushing teeth,  we can teach them how to sleep well by putting down good

September 14, 2023
Parenting Hub

5 SYMPTOMS OF SEPARATION ANXIETY IN BABIES

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality health cover, discusses separation anxiety in babies, the triggers and causes, and the five symptoms to look out for. It also provides helpful tips for parents on easing separation anxiety in their little ones. “Separation anxiety is a natural milestone in a baby’s journey of attachment and growth”, says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “By understanding their needs, providing reassurance, and fostering a nurturing environment, parents can guide their tots through this phase with love and understanding”. What is Separation Anxiety? Separation anxiety in babies refers to the distress and unease experienced by infants when separated from their primary caregiver, usually a parent. It typically begins around six to seven months old, peaking between 10 to 18 months, and gradually subsides as the child ages and develops a stronger sense of security. Triggers for separation anxiety can vary from child to child, but everyday situations include the following. Leaving your baby with a new caregiver. Starting daycare. Moving Home. The loss of a parent or caregiver. Changes in routines that disrupt their sense of familiarity. It is important to note that separation anxiety is a normal response and does not indicate any underlying issues or problems with the child or caregiver. Factors that Contribute to the Development of Separation Anxiety in Babies The following are several factors that contribute to the development of separation anxiety in babies. Cognitive Development: As infants grow, they develop object permanence, which is the understanding that objects or people continue to exist even when out of sight. This newfound awareness can lead to anxiety when the primary caregiver is absent. Attachment: Strong emotional bonds between infants and their caregivers are formed during the early months of life. When the caregiver is absent, the baby may experience separation anxiety due to their attachment and reliance on them for comfort and security. Sensitivity: Some infants may have a naturally more sensitive temperament, making them more prone to experiencing separation anxiety. Environmental Factors: Significant life changes, like moving to a new home or the birth of a sibling, can disrupt the baby’s sense of security and trigger separation anxiety. Parental Anxiety: Babies are highly attuned to their parent’s emotions. If a parent feels anxious or uneasy about leaving their child, it can be transmitted to the baby, exacerbating their anxiety. Five Common Signs of Separation Anxiety in Babies Identifying the symptoms of separation anxiety can help parents better understand their baby’s needs and provide appropriate support. Here are five common signs to look out for. Clinging Behaviour: Infants with separation anxiety may become clingier and more reluctant to be separated from their caregiver, even for brief periods. Crying and Distress: Babies experiencing separation anxiety may cry excessively and become inconsolable when their caregiver is out of sight or leaves the room. Fear of Strangers: Infants may display fear or wariness when approached by unfamiliar people, seeking comfort and reassurance from their primary caregiver. Sleep Problems: Separation anxiety can disrupt a baby’s sleep patterns, causing difficulty falling asleep or waking up frequently at night. Regression: Some babies may exhibit signs of regression, such as reverting to previously outgrown behaviours, like thumb-sucking or bedwetting. Tips for Parents To help parents ease their baby’s separation anxiety, Affinity Health provides the following tips. Start by leaving your baby with a familiar caregiver for short periods and gradually increase the duration of separation over time. Establish a consistent daily routine that includes predictable times for separation and reunions. This helps the baby develop a sense of security and predictability. Babies can pick up on their parent’s emotions. Remaining calm, reassuring, and positive when leaving or returning can help alleviate their anxiety. Provide a special toy or blanket that carries the familiar scent of the caregiver. This transitional object can provide comfort and security when the caregiver is absent. Practice short separations while staying within sight. For example, you can leave the room for a few moments and then return, gradually increasing the distance and time apart. Transparency is critical when easing separation anxiety in your little one. Instead of sneaking away, honesty is the best approach. Take a moment to say goodbye, reassuring your baby that you’ll be back soon. When you return, greet your child with a warm smile and a loving hug. Engage your baby in fun and interactive activities to redirect their attention and create positive associations with separation. Playing peek-a-boo or offering engaging toys can help distract them from their anxiety. Foster your baby’s sense of independence by encouraging exploration and self-soothing. Allow them to explore their surroundings and gradually build confidence in their ability to navigate their environment. Reach out to other parents or join support groups to share experiences and strategies for managing separation anxiety. Connecting with others who have gone through or are going through similar challenges can provide valuable insights and support. “It is important to remember that separation anxiety is a temporary phase and will naturally diminish as your baby grows older and develops more self-assurance”, adds Hewlett. “By implementing these tips and providing a nurturing and supportive environment, parents can help their babies navigate separation anxiety more easily”.

September 11, 2023
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Webinar – breastfeeding positions

Sr Ingrid Groenewald explains the different breastfeeding positions that you can try to have a successful Breastfeeding journey, as well as the latch baby, should have.

September 8, 2023
Parenting Hub

Choosing a Baby Sitter

Choosing a baby sitter for your children can be a very daunting task. You need to find someone trustworthy, who is the right fit for your children.

September 6, 2023
Toptots Head Office

Why do I need to stimulate my baby from a young age

Parents to be, have the unique opportunity to create a better brain for their unborn child from day one.  When a baby is born she born with unlimited potential but the experiences she has in her life will determine the outcome of that potential. Experience = learning.  No experience = no learning. Lots of experience = optimal learning. Your unborn children will face many different challenges to you.  In all likelihood they will be working in fields that have not even been developed yet. You will have very little knowledge of what they are doing, as it will not be part of your frame of reference. We as parents need to equip them with the best tool (a ready brain) to deal with this onslaught.  There are very simple things that you as a parent can do to help ensure that your child is equipped to deal with the challenges that may face her.  In order for you to understand this we need to go back and look at the brain. The brain is made up of three layers (Triune model) these layers have a window of opportunity to develop to their full potential.  A window of opportunity is just this brief period that we have for optimum development of that part of the brain.  The first layer is the primal survival brain – the fight or flight centre of the brain.  The next layer is our emotional brain – here we learn to love and care and feel.  The last layer is the thinking brain or the cortex.   The first window of opportunity is during the first 14 months from birth; during this time we need to stimulate the survival brain in order to create strong muscles so that we can send messages to them that they will respond to in the correct way. We do this through encouraging movement. Once we stimulate the senses the message has to travel via neurochemical pathways (roots) to the muscles to react.  How do we create these neurochemical pathways in the brain?  By allowing our babies freedom to move and explore.  Nothing is more detrimental to a child’s development than being cooped up in a chair or stroller for the better part of the day.  Simply by stimulating the senses through massage and exposing them to different experiences during these crucial 14 months, you are creating the networks (roots) that she will need to help her learn and help her reach her full potential.  By repeating the actions you are creating the insulation (myelin) that makes it permanent. Repetition is good for a child, it is how they learn. The next window of opportunity is from 14 months to 4 years and during this time your child will be working on the emotional brain.  This area of the brain processes feelings and emotions. This is the glue that holds the survival brain and the cortex together.  We have to keep our emotional bucket full in order for learning to take place.  Only between 4 and 11 years will the thought processes be laid down.  This is the area of the brain that focuses on language, creativity, thought etc. As parents we can create a whole brain experience with an excellent root system that allows messages to come through easily to the brain just by stimulating our children.  It is imperative to enrich a child’s brain with as much experiences as possible during these windows of opportunity.

August 31, 2023
Parenting Hub

Baby monitor. Do I really need one?

The question I get asked is ‘is it really necessary? After all my parents did without and I turned out just fine!’. Baby Monitors come in all shapes and sizes but it’s all about what fits into your lifestyle and meets your needs as a parent.

August 31, 2023
Parenting Hub

Encouraging Baby’s First Words

When can you expect to hear your baby’s first words and how you can encourage speech development in your baby or toddler? It’s another wonderful moment: The first time your baby looks up and says “Mama!” Perhaps they are just practicing their “m” sounds, but this is another step toward “Mommy, I love you” all the same. Whether it’s “mama,” “dada,” or some other cute combination of sounds, they are starting to vocalise and to imitate the sounds around them. To encourage your child to talk you should talk to them often. Point out cats, balls and apples and so on. Talk about what is happening around you. Follow your child’s lead and describe the things your child points to, they will listen to you and they will learn. As children learn new words, they might not get them quite right at first. Don’t feel like you need to correct them straight away. Help them by repeating the word after they say it, so that they can hear it again. Help build a child’s vocabulary by adding details to the objects and events of the day. For example, if the child says “car”, you could add, “Yes, that’s right, it’s a car. We drive in a red car”. Don’t be afraid to use expressive vocabulary when you talk about things. If you get tired of talking why don’t you try reading to your child? While exposing your baby to language outside your own day-to-day vocabulary doesn’t guarantee your child will learn new words, it might help. And it can be a fun way to be close to your child. Remember that children recognise and understand many more words than they can say. Don’t be afraid to use ‘parentese’ – that singsong, higher-pitched way of talking to young children. Baby Talk Milestones Baby talk at 3 months. Lots happen within the first 3 months of your baby’s development, and by the end of this period you’ll likely be hearing your baby offer up their sing-song coos as they interact with you. Something that you will probably notice is that they listen to your voice, watch your face as you talk, and turn toward other voices, sounds, and music that can be heard around the home. Baby talk at 6 months. By 6 months that cooing has progressed to babbling as your baby combines a few basic consonant and vowel sounds. Strings of ba-ba-ba or da-da-da will bring a smile to your face. However, don’t mistake that “da-da” cry as being a call out for dad. Sounds at this age do not have meaning; they are simply sounds that your baby delights in making and in hearing. Baby talk at 9 months. Your baby will have their language progress to having them recognise a few basic words, such as “no,” “more,” and their name. You’ll hear them using a larger range of consonant sounds, and they’ll have developed a tone of voice. Baby talk at 1 year. Their development around the first birthday will showcase a few basic words, and they’ll use them with meaning and purpose. You’ll likely melt at the first heartfelt call of “mama” or “dada.” Your child will recognise their own name when you call them, but can’t say it. Toddler talk at 12 to 17 months. They are using one or more words and know what these words mean. They will also raise their tone when asking a question, saying “Up-py?” when they want to be carried, for example. They realise the importance of talking and how powerful it is to be able to communicate their needs. Toddler talk at 18 to 24 months. Their vocabulary may include as many as 200 words now, many of which are nouns. They’ll even string two words together, making basic sentences such as “Carry me.” By the time they are two, they’ll use three-word sentences and sing simple tunes. Their sense of self will mature, and they will start talking about themselves — what they like and don’t, what they think and feel. Toddler Talk at 25 to 36 Months. Your child will struggle for a while to find the appropriate volume to use when talking, but they will soon learn. They also start to get the hang of pronouns, such as me and you. Between ages two and three, their vocabulary will increase to up to 300 words. They will string nouns and verbs together to form complete though simple sentences such as “I go now.” Your baby’s first word is an exciting milestone, and one that you’re probably anxiously waiting for. Keep in mind, though, that every child develops at their own rate, and whether your child is an early talker or a late one seldom has an impact on their later communication skills. Talk, sing, read, and play silly games with them. The more you communicate — from birth on up — the more language they will learn.

August 30, 2023
Tommee Tippee

Pre-Sleep Rituals, Sleep Routines For All Baby Stages

Pre-sleep Rituals or bedtime routines are really good to introduce to your baby around three months old. I like to call them rituals because they do become just that – rituals. By incorporating special time with your baby before they go to bed they come to know and love it. But it is the simple and consistent rhythm of what you do before bed that becomes so predictable for your baby and allows them to know what’s coming next. And being relaxed and calm in the minutes before being put into the cot can really help them fall asleep easily. Some babies, especially if they are overtired, can be quite wound up and stimulated before bedtime. A gentle predictable routine around bed can really assist them to get out any pent-up energy and really wind down to a calm and relaxed state. The younger your baby is the shorter the pre-sleep ritual needs to be (3-6 months). Great ideas for pre-sleep rituals for younger babies are: A lovely warm bath or a baby massage.    Swaddle your baby dry in the  Tommee Tippee Swaddle Dry Towel it is made from hypoallergenic, skin friendly, microfibre material. It is supersoft and is the perfect way to make sure your little one stays warm and cosy after bathtime.  Take bub into the bedroom, dim the light, turn on the white noise and change them. The Tommee Tippee Grolight 2-in-1 Night Light is a simple adaptor that fits easily to your normal overhead light or bedside lamp and converts your light into a dimmer light.  Wrap them in their snuggle or pop on their sleepbag. Wrapping or swaddling baby with their arms inside super soft fabric helps mimic the closeness of the womb and suppresses the startle reflex which can wake babies up. The Tommee Tippee easy-to-use Snuggle sleep bag combines the comfort of swaddling with the ease-of-use of a baby sleep bag. Cuddle your baby and read them a story Cuddle your baby and talk to them about what they did that day (your voice is so soothing to them) Sing them a song Do a final feed and transition them into their Moses basket or cot Slightly older babies can enjoy a bit more winding down time (6-12 months). Great ideas for pre-sleep rituals for this age group are: A bath and into a snuggle or sleepbag Saying goodnight to everyone (babies love to be carried around to say goodnight to family, pets, or even their favourite toys!) Read them a story or sing to them Cuddle with you while snuggling with a special blanket or toy Final feed for the day and then into the cot   Turn on the white noise, turn off the light and say goodnight. The Tommee Tippee Grofriends are a cute night-time companion.  With a soft heart shaped light, and 6 great natural soothing sounds which  include a comforting heartbeat, rainfall, white noise or any of 3 lullabies,  your little one will be reassured as they go to sleep. During the night, the intelligent CrySensor listens out for any crying noises and plays your chosen sound or lullaby to help them drift back to sleep. Having bedtime at roughly the same time every night is important to support your baby’s body clock. And the predictable sequence of events before bed gives your baby clear signals that it’s wind down time and bedtime. It doesn’t really matter what you do, or exactly how you do it but that you consistently do it. In time the lovely wind down routine and the special rituals you incorporate in for your baby will become just as enjoyable and special for you as they are for your little one. Resource  : Emma O’Callaghan is a qualified midwife, nurse and infant and child sleep consultant. With over 20 years’ experience in both hospital and community settings, Emma knows about sleep. She has helped thousands of families reclaim sleep and is particularly passionate about supporting new and first-time parents. She is the Founder of Baby Sleep Expert, and with a common sense, compassionate approach is often referred to as the ultimate “baby whisperer”. Emma lives in Melbourne with her three daughters and fur baby.

August 30, 2023
Bennetts

DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONES- YOUR BABY’S FIRST YEAR

Caring for an infant can be exhausting, but there’s so much to look forward to. Take a tour of first-year “firsts” with WebMD’s guide to the most anticipated baby milestones. During the first year of life, your baby will grow and develop at an amazing speed. While caring for an infant can be exhausting during this period, there is so much to look forward to.  Here are the development milestones that your baby will reach in their first year: At Birth Head, Hands and Visuals At birth, your baby will: Have no control of head movement. You would notice that baby’s hands are closed and palmar and plantar grasp reflexes are present. Baby is able to close their eyes in response to bright light. 6 Weeks Head, Hands, Visuals, Hearing, Speech, Recognition and expressions Has a moderate amount of control over the head, particularly while lying on stomach, bust still demonstrates head lag when gently pulled up into a sitting position. Places hand in mouth and can make tight fists. Looks at faces or objects placed within the direct field of vision and may follow slow moving objects within 90°. Responds to sounds by calming, startling or crying. May turn head to the source of the sound. Starts making “cooing” sounds. Begins to smile in response to a familiar face or voice. 3 Months Head, Hands, Visuals, Hearing, Speech, Recognition, expressions and Gross Motor Can lift head when lying in a prone position, very little head lag. Spends much time inspecting hands. Hands are held loosely. Grasp objects that are placed in the hands. Follows objects moving up to 180° in the field of vision. Starts to recognise and look at the source of sounds. Smiles spontaneously. Develops facial expressions to show basic emotions. Recognises and responds to parents. Can lift upper body with forearms when lying on stomach. Demonstrates controlled leg movements lick kicking and stretching. Begins to demonstrate standing reflex, (pushing down on a surface with legs when held up). 6 Months Head, Hands, Visuals, Hearing, Speech, Recognition, expressions and Gross Motor Supports head and can move head. Reaches for and grasps objects. Transfers objects from hand to hand. Starts holding a bottle. Places objects in mouth. Can move eyes in all directions. Responds vocally when spoken to. Uses sounds, such as moaning, squealing or laughing, to express emotions. Uses repetitive monosyllabic sounds, like “baba”. Recognises toys. Recognises self in a mirror and responds to own name. Can support upper body with hands when lying on stomach. Sits when supported. Rolls over. Legs can support the body when held in a standing position. 9 Months Head, Hands, Visuals, Speech, Recognition, expressions and Gross Motor Can pick up, shake and drop small objects. Begins to grasp food and place it in the mouth. Holds a bottle. Begins to point. Starts imitating sounds. Recognises their own name. Nervous around strangers. Sits without support. Crawls on stomach and then on hands and knees. Starts to pull body into a standing position. 1 Year Begins to understand and respond to words like “no”and “bye bye”. Walks with support. Speaks up to 4 words. Can perform gestures such as waving goodbye, pointing or shaking the head. Plays with and makes sounds at toys. Begins to throw objects. Searches for hidden or fallen toys. Helps to dress self. Shows social preference. *These milestones are only given as an approximate as to when your baby might start doing certain things, as all babies develop differently. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, please consult with your healthcare professional. 

August 28, 2023
Weaning Sense

WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO INTRODUCE SOLIDS TO YOUR BABY?

Over many years the theory on when the right age to introduce solids is, has been debated. The advice has varied over the last 60 years from 2 weeks old to 6 months and even older. There are two ways to approach this question: Understanding science and research Knowing your own baby The current evidence in research points to the following: Do not introduce any solids into your baby’s diet before 17 weeks unless advised to by a medical doctor.  Preferably breastfeed your baby for at least 6 months. Do not delay the introduction of solids too long after 6 months as allergy risk as well as fussy eating can result from very late introduction of solids. It is safe from an allergy perspective to introduce solids between 17 weeks and 6 months of age. Your Baby With the facts in mind, turn your attention to your baby. Introduce solids between the window of 17 weeks and 6 months, once your baby shows he needs and is ready for solids: No longer displays a tongue thrust reflex that pushes food from his mouth. Can hold up his head and sits supported in a chair Is no longer stretching between feeds and is demanding another feed in the day. Interest in your eating and reaching for your food or utensils when you are eating. Not sleeping as well at night as he was previously.  Once you have weighed this up, discuss it further with your clinic sister who knows your baby best from a health perspective. 

August 25, 2023
Meg Faure

GETTING THE STIMULATION BALANCE RIGHT WITH YOUR BABY

Stimulation is important for brain development – of that we are sure. The connections (synapses) that are made between brain cells are vital for development. For example a connection in the language part of the brain will result in understanding of speech or in speech itself. Connections are mainly made between brain cells in the presence of stimulation.

August 23, 2023
Medela South Africa

How to use a breast pump: 12 top tips

Learning how to use a breast pump can take time and dedication, but is well worth the effort. Read our expert breast pumping tips to help set you on the path to successful expressing. Like any skill worth having, it might take you a bit of time to get the hang of using a breast pump. The key is to be patient, even if you’re not able to express as much as you’d like right away. After all, a breast pump won’t stimulate the same feelings in you as your baby does. But, with time, your body will usually learn to trigger your let-down reflex when you pump, and the quantity of milk you express should increase. 1: There’s no need to rush to start pumping… In the first four weeks, you and your baby work together to initiate and build your milk supply. If your baby is healthy and breastfeeding is going well, you won’t need a pump to help with this. Pumping is, however, really helpful if you need to be apart from your baby any time (see tip below). If not, enjoy this time with your baby and be reassured that even if you plan to pump regularly in future, there’s no need to ‘train’ your body to express milk in the first few weeks. 2: …unless your baby is unable to breastfeed If your baby can’t feed directly from the breast, perhaps because she’s premature or has special needs, or you are separated for any reason, start double pumping breast milk as soon as you can after the birth. Research shows that starting to express within the first few hours (when a healthy newborn would usually have her first breastfeed) helps mums produce a higher volume of milk in the early days and weeks,1,2 giving their babies the best chance of being fed exclusively on mother’s milk. If you’re expecting your baby (or babies) to be born pre-term, in need of intensive care, or to have a condition that might make breastfeeding difficult, prepare yourself. Contact Lorraine at medelasa@sunpac.co.za or 011 445 3300 for advice about breastfeeding or book a full consultation with her online at www.medela.co.za to help you choose the right equipment to prepare yourself for special feeding conditions. There will probably be a hospital-grade double breast pump at your hospital or birth facility, so ask staff to show you how to use it. It’s important to remove milk from your breasts whenever your baby would normally drink – this means your breasts will still get the message to make milk. Aim for eight to 10 pumping sessions every 24 hours at first, and continue this frequency once your milk comes in. 3: Time it right For your first breast-pumping session, express for at least 15 minutes. Don’t worry if you don’t collect much milk at first – regular extra suction should soon stimulate your breasts to produce more milk. Some mums find pumping one hour after a feed gives the greatest milk yield, others prefer to pump straight after every second feed – try expressing at different times to see when best fits your lifestyle. When you find times that work for you, stick with them so your body gets used to your breast pump use and the extra demand on your milk supply. You may be tempted to extend the time between expressions in a bid to collect larger volumes of milk. However, if you wait until your breasts are full one pumping session won’t drain them very well, so the key is to pump frequently and regularly. 4: Be hygienic Always wash your hands before and after breast pumping, and clean any pump parts that have been in contact with your milk or your baby’s mouth. You will also need to sanitise them after cleaning at least once a day. Be sure to allow all the pieces to completely dry and you can then store the pump set in a clear bag or container until next use.  5: Be prepared To avoid interrupting your breast-pumping session, have everything you need close by before you start. You might want a drink and snack, your phone or TV remote, bottles or milk storage bags for your expressed milk, and a muslin cloth to soak up any drips. Try the Medela Milk Storage Bags for a convenient way to store, carry and warm expressed breast milk. They have a double zip protection and double walls to ensure no leaks, and the heat-sealed seams guarantee no tearing, splitting or cracking. A specially designed breast pumping bra allows you to keep your hands free, making it much easier to operate the controls and do other things while you express. 6: Make yourself comfortable The best position for pumping is one in which you feel at ease. Being relaxed is essential for the release of the hormone oxytocin, which stimulates your let-down reflex. Discomfort and distractions can hamper this process, so choose somewhere private and comfortable, and make sure your arms and back are well supported as you pump. If you’re not using a pumping bra, hold your breast shield between your thumb and index finger, and use your palm and other fingers to support your breast. Hold the breast shield gently against the breast – pressing too hard could compress your breast tissue and obstruct milk flow. Medela’s PersonalFit™ Breast shields play a key role in pumping comfort and efficiency. Shields are available in different sizes and is shaped around you so you can easily adjust the way your breast shield fits to find the most comfortable pumping  position. Some mums find deep breathing, soothing music, visualisation techniques, or having their partner massage their back and shoulders, can help them express more milk. 7: Kick-start your let down Most Medela electric and battery-operated breast pumps have 2-Phase Expression technology, which mimics the way your baby feeds (with fast, light sucking followed by slower and stronger sucks), to help trigger your let down. Massaging your breasts before

August 23, 2023
Sudocrem South Africa

What Causes nappy rash and how to know when to spot it

What causes nappy rash? The most common cause of nappy rash is when your baby’s skin becomes inflamed after contact with the chemicals in urine or faeces. Nappy rash is likely to occur if nappies are not changed often enough or if your baby has diarrhoea. However, if your baby has particularly sensitive skin, it can occur even when the nappy area is frequently cleaned. Sometimes friction caused by the nappy rubbing against your baby’s delicate skin or washing detergents that have not been thoroughly rinsed out of terry nappies (reusable nappies) can also cause nappy rash to the develop. When is nappy rash more likely to occur? Nappy rash can affect your baby’s bottom at any time and the reasons can be unclear. Particularly as some babies naturally have more sensitive skin and may be more prone to the condition. However, there are certain times when babies are especially susceptible to nappy rash, such as: During teething. Changing from breast to bottle feeding. When your baby feels unwell. (If your baby has a cold, their stools may be soft; meaning that nappy rash may be more likely to occur.) After antibiotics (Which can upset a baby’s digestive system causing diarrhoea.) Starting on solid foods. Sleeping a full night for the first time (Meaning that their nappy may be changed less often.) Drinking cow’s milk for the first time. How to spot nappy rash You can often quickly detect nappy rash by looking for these effects: A slight redness in the nappy area(This tends not to affect the skin folds.) Your baby’s bottom and upper thighs can become red and moist Skin can also become sore, spotty and hot to touch Patches of dry, flaky skin may also develop In more severe cases, blisters and pus-filled spots may appear. Nappy rash can be soothed, protected from coming back by using the Sudocrem at every nappy change. Types of nappy rash Normal nappy rash The most common occurrence of nappy rash is when the skin looks red and sore, and can almost appear shiny. This is usually caused by your baby’s bottom being in contact with a dirty nappy for a prolonged period or if the baby has a bout of diarrhoea. It is often the combination of urine and faeces which causes the most irritation. Mild nappy rash should disappear after a few days of following the steps above — sometimes it can go over night. Fungal nappy rash Different types of nappy rash require different treatments. A fungal nappy rash is a form of thrush and treatment is often an anti-fungal cream which your GP will need to prescribe. This should be applied thinly to the affected area. The fungal rash shows as tiny red spots and the genitals can appear swollen and can sometimes occur if your baby is on antibiotics. It is important that, if the nappy rash is fungal, you avoid your usual barrier cream as this can make the condition worse. If you are unsure, ask your GP or Health Visitor for advice. Bacterial nappy rash A bacterial nappy rash shows as infected spots or pimples and your baby is likely to have a fever. It can develop from a normal nappy rash when the skin has broken and an infection has developed because of bacteria entering the broken skin. This type of nappy rash may well need antibiotics so you should see your GP for treatment advice and monitoring as soon as possible. Use Sudocrem Skin and Baba Care Cream at every nappy change to soothe irritated skin and to prevent nappy rash from occurring. Sudocrem is available in 60g, 125g, 250g and 400g tubs and can be purchased at Baby City, Dis-Chem Pharmacies, Clicks, other major retailer outlet near you and online.

August 22, 2023
Tommee Tippee

Newborn Settling, How To Encourage Newborn Sleep

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to parenting your little newborn. Gosh I remember coming home from hospital with my little baby in lots of overwhelm. I was in charge of this little being and I had absolutely no idea what I was doing! I paid close attention in the hospital to everything the midwives told me about how to care for and bath my baby. I tried hard when it came to establishing breast feeding and when I got home, I continued to follow the advice of my maternal and child health nurse as closely as I could. Things were going pretty well, given I was flying blind, but the one area I was fairly confused around was sleep. The first three weeks she slept constantly, or at least it felt like that. And I really enjoyed her sleeping on my chest and those gorgeous newborn cuddles. But after three weeks she seemed to really ‘wake up’, and I began to wonder how much she should be sleeping in her bassinette. Often when I’d tried to get her to sleep in there, I really had not had much success. If you’re a parent of a newborn I know newborn settling can be tricky. So, let me offer you some know-how and tips to guide you through this stage and encourage some healthy newborn sleep habits. Firstly, set yourself up for success. I love making sure that the room they are sleeping in is nice and dark for all their naps (definitely after 4 weeks old) and I love to use a sleep aid that offers white noise.  It’s important to swaddle your newborn with a good firm swaddle that helps to stop the moro reflex such as the easy swaddle or swaddle wrap options. It’s perfectly normal in the first few weeks for babies to want to sleep on you, or in the carrier, or in the pram. If fact it can feel pretty strange for a baby to be swaddle and popped in the bassinette flat on their back. They were so compacted and cosy inside you while growing, that this flat feeling is initially pretty strange. I like to think of helping babies learn to sleep in their Moses basket slowly but surely. At least once a day practice putting them to sleep in the Moses basket. Once they start to get the hang of it you can build it up to twice and three times a day and so on… Pop them in there for overnight as well. This will just get them used to the feeling of being flat in their new bed. Now the second part of settling them in their Moses basket comes into play. Instead of them falling asleep in your arms and then transferring them into the bassinet, we need to work on them being in there awake first and then falling asleep.   As the weeks go on it starts to get fairly weird for babies to fall asleep in your arms and then wake up in a completely different place. They much prefer to know where they are falling asleep and to wake up in the same place. Many parents that I’ve worked with say that they have trouble settling their babies in the moses basket. Often, they will transfer them in and then their baby just starts crying and will not calm and relax at all. Often seemingly hating the basket. But it is consistent practice that is the key, and with time babies do become used to it. Settling Your Newborn To practice settling I recommend, firstly, taking your baby into their dark sleep space, make sure they are well fed and burped and then get your bub really relaxed and settled in your arms. Take your time with this. Hold them for a while if you need to, until you feel their bodies really relax and they are quiet and calm. Then while they are calm but awake transfer them into the moses basket. If they appear calm still and like they will sleep, keep your hand on their tummy for a minute and then slowly move away. If you transfer them in and they start to grizzle or cry, turn them onto their side with their back facing you and hold their arms firmly with your left hand (if your right-handed). With your right hand rhymical pat their back or bottom while they are crying. The patting can really help to calm them. This will give your baby a good chance to settle. If they start to calm down with the patting, when they are really calm or asleep then slowly move them onto their back. Just never leave a baby on their side unsupervised. But what if they don’t calm down? If you’ve tried patting for a few minutes now and your baby is not calming down at all, pick them up to calm them in your arms. Then calmly repeat the process. So, get bub really calm again. Take your time and remember to be very calm yourself. Rock them in your arms or even give them a very quick feed if that will help to relax them.   And then when you have achieved the state of calm with your little one, try transferring to the Moses basket again and see if they can go to sleep in there now – once again pat them if you need to. Babies find patting very soothing and it can be a useful tool to help them relax when they are lying down so always remember to spend a good while attempting to calm them with patting while they are in the basket.  Now, do this process three times! If after three really good attempts it hasn’t worked, that’s no big deal! This has been awesome practice. And you need to practice, practice, practice this for your newborn to get the gist of it.   As you can see newborn settling takes

August 21, 2023
Parenting Hub

Lifesaving tips every parent should know about

While most parents prefer not to think of their children in potentially life-threatening situations, being prepared and knowing how to respond appropriately in the event of an accident, injury or illness is crucial for the well-being of children. These unexpected events can also place huge financial burdens on families if they are not dealt with quickly, decisively and correctly. For this reason, Bestmed Medical Scheme has introduced Best Care, a life-saving first aid series that offers insights on how parents and caregivers can better care for their families. In this article the brand offers tips on first aid kits, CPR and Wound care in collaboration with some of SA’s best paediatricians. First aid A fully stocked first aid kit is an essential item in every home, but it’s also a good idea to create a mini first aid kit that can be carried in a handbag, diaper bag or in the car for use during an emergency while out and about or on the road to your next holiday destination.  According to paediatrician, Dr Enrico Maraschin, having medical tools and medication that can be used to measure and control a temperature is vital. High fevers can be dangerous to the health and wellbeing of little ones if left unattended or not properly treated. It can result in convulsions, which is a stressful event for parents to witness and support their child through. Rehydration solutions, over-the-counter medicines to bind a runny tummy and even probiotics are good items to include in your home first aid kit for children, in case your child is exposed to a virus or bacteria that can cause diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting.  Antiseptic creams, bandages to wrap wounds and a small pair of scissors to cut bandages may also come in handy in case of a fall or injury, and keep safety pins, an eye patch and adhesive dressings packed too. CPR Knowing how to resuscitate a child who is choking or having difficulty breathing is a necessary first aid skill that every parent and caregiver should possess, as it could help keep them alive until emergency services arrive.  Resuscitation is necessary when a child appears unresponsive, has collapsed or is gasping for air and struggling to breathe. It’s always best, of course, to intercede and assist a child as early on as possible – always take signs of breathing difficulty seriously and don’t wait for the child to collapse before taking action. The first abbreviation to keep in mind is SSS – Safety, Shout and Stimulate. Safety: Look at the immediate environment around you and ascertain whether it’s safe to attend to the child here or if they need to be moved to safety. It might seem simple enough, but in a moment of panic it’s easy to lose sight of this very important step.  Shout: Call for help from people nearby, phone the emergency services or get someone to call an ambulance for you. Stimulate: Check if the child is responsive by gently tapping their arm, stroking their face or speaking to them. If the child does not groan or move and is unresponsive, quickly move on to the ABC. ABC is a CPR abbreviation that stands for Airway, Breathe, and Circulation. Airway: Make sure the child’s head and neck are aligned and that their body is positioned in a straight position – don’t let the neck flex as this prevents air from reaching the lungs. Breathe: In the case of infants and babies, place your mouth over their nose and mouth to create a seal. For bigger babies and children, pinch the nose and place the mouth over just their mouth. Circulation: There are three steps involved in this section: Step one: Take a breath and breathe into the mouth, making sure that the chest rises. Step two: Wait for the chest to deflate to normal position Step three: Repeat the first step.  You can continue this cycle five times. If the child is still not responsive, move on to chest compressions. While the technique varies between younger and older children, the gist remains the same. For infants, use two fingers or a hand circling technique to apply compressions. For older children who are above the age of one, use one or two hands curled around the other to press on to the breastbone (the same would apply for an adult). Use quick compressions, positioning yourself directly over the chest and keeping the elbows straight. “You need to do the compressions at a rate of 100 to 120 seconds. Singing a song like ‘Staying Alive’ in your head and compressing to the beat will help you to do this,” says paediatrician, Dr Kevanya Coopoo. Alternate between compressions and administering rescue breaths, and continue this until help arrives, the child is responsive, or you are too fatigued. “I always recommend that families go for basic life support courses. Have a look at the Resuscitation Council of South Africa’s website for a range of courses to choose from,” says Dr Coopoo. She adds that this ensures all members of the family are aware of safety practices and are able to help one another in a crisis. For younger children, teach them the phone numbers of emergency services so that they can call for help in an emergency. Wound care Accidents happen, and when they do, they may result in wounds that require proper care and treatment to ensure they heal well. A wound is any break in the skin or injury to the tissue. It can be open (in the case of the skin being penetrated or cut) or closed (if there’s damage to underlying tissue). “If there’s bleeding, compress the wound with a clean cloth or gauze for a few minutes until the bleeding stops. Then rinse off with clean running tap water for a few minutes. Now, clean the wound by using an alcohol-sterilised pair of tweezers to pick out any debris,” says Dr Coopoo.  Dr Coopoo adds that the wound would most likely be moist at

August 17, 2023
Parenting Hub

Teething Tears No More with these Natural Healing Tips & Safe Soothers

As first-time parents, as you get into the groove of caring for your gurgling bundle of joy, you will need to prepare ahead of time for your next baby milestone, that of teething, which usually occurs around six months of age.   While the appearance of those first red bumps on their lower gum is a sign your little one is growing and developing, it also brings with it a slew of symptoms as your infant experiences pain for their very first time. Be aware that teething usually coincides with the start of separation anxiety as baby’s emotional needs start to develop too.    Knowing the signs, planning for the symptoms, and soothing responses required from mom and dad by their side, will ensure teething is a natural growth spurt handled with love, care, and knowledge-based safety.  Baby’s First Experience of Teething Pain  Baby’s first signs of early-stage teething include irritability, disrupted sleep, swelling and sore inflamed gums, drooling, reduced appetite, mild temperature, increased biting, gum-rubbing and sometimes ear-rubbing. Teething does not cause fevers and diarrhoea. If your baby has a temperature above 38 degrees Celsius and has diarrhoea, you need to speak to a medical professional.  Not all babies’ teeth to a timeline however and teething can start as early as 4 months or as late as 13 months of age in some children.  The bottom incisors or two lower front teeth usually appear first, followed by the top incisors. Next to appear are the canines, also known as eye teeth. Then, anywhere between baby’s first and third birthday, eight molars will appear, as the biggest teeth, this is said to be the most challenging and painful stage of infant teething.  Teething & Infant Tooth Decay   Many parents are not aware that children’s baby teeth are at risk of decay and tooth cavities can start as early as 6 months, with cavities forming faster in baby teeth than in adult teeth.   Putting a child to bed with a bottle each night can cause more severe, rapid tooth decay as milk, formula or juice soak the thin enamel of the baby teeth in sugar for many hours. The same is true for breastfeeding infants who fall asleep while nursing with unswallowed milk remaining in their mouth.  Start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as their first tooth appears. Early signs of decay include white spots which begin to form on the teeth in affected areas which means the enamel is starting to break down.   An early cavity is light brown in colour, turning a darker shade of brown to black. Cavities are infectious and can spread, sometimes causing infections in the adult teeth growing beneath then. If left untreated, cavities in baby teeth can cause more significant infections such as dental infections and cause long-term issues for your child’s oral future.  Use a soft infant toothbrush and toothpaste made for children to clean their teeth regularly. If your baby does not like a toothbrush in their mouth, use a clean, damp face cloth or gauze to wipe the front and back of each tooth.   How to Safely Soothe Teething Pain Away:  #LoveMeDo Extra comforting or one-on-one play time with your baby can distract them from the pain in their gums and help them to feel loved and safe.  #TrustedTeethingTools Invest in a choice of superior quality teething rings. Paediatrician-approved teething remedies include chewing on something cold. Not all teething rings are created equal however and you will need to consider if it is made from safe materials, is easy to clean and mould is prevented from growing inside.   BPA free and suitable for children from 0+, the Infantino Chew and Play Ring Teether R104.95 (main  picture) is an all-around activity teether which is soft and flexible with an easy-to-grab shape, soothing textures and spinning rings and covered soft teeth able areas.   Babies are drawn to bold colours, playful prints, and soft fabrics and the cute and friendly Infantino Cuddly Teether Penguin R169.95 features unique textures and crinkle sounds baby will love exploring. It encourages sensory development, and along with mobiles and overhead gyms can be helpful in encouraging eye tracking.    The 3-stage Infantino Crystal Clear Teether Set R198.95 is a lovely gift set for first time parents as they tackle the three stages of teething with a BPA, PVC, dye, and phthalate-free teether full of textures and shapes needed to meet all stages of teething. This 100 % pure teether cools in the refrigerator providing extra comfort and is easy for small hands to grasp with interesting textures which relieve sore gums. Most importantly, they are also easy to keep clean.  #TastyTeetherTreats When no help is at hand, you can massage baby’s gums with a clean finger to relieve the pressure of the tooth pushing through. You can also warm a face cloth or dip it in chamomile tea and give it to your baby to chew on.    Freeze breast milk into ice cubes to distract baby and calm sore gums. You can also give them cool or frozen foods such as carrots, bananas, or apples which are safe for your baby to gnaw or gum on.   Happy Family Organics provides delicious safe snacks and a teether with their Happy Baby Teether Sweet Potato and Banana R157.40 with 12 x 2 packs per box made with jasmine rice flour and a touch of organic fruits and veggies, which dissolve easily, making them a perfect first snack for baby’s developing gums.   The Happy Baby Teether Crackers R157.40 with Strawberry & Beet with Amaranthus an easily dissolving cracker made with ancient grains and organic fruits and veggies, which is not only tasty for baby, but easy on their gums and encourages self-feeding. All the Happy Family Organics baby products are gluten-free, Kosher, certified organic, contain no GMO or high fructose corn syrup, artificial food colourants or flavourings.   #DroolersDelight Keep baby comfortable by keeping them dry. Drool creates constant moisture around their hands and face which can cause a wet rash around their mouth,

August 16, 2023
Vital Baby

PREPARING YOUR BREAST MILK FOR YOUR PREM BABY

Breast milk is important for your baby at any age but especially for your premature infant’s special needs. Both you and your new-born prem can benefit from your expressed milk until baby has developed enough to feed from your breast. Expressing your milk can feel daunting at first, but within a matter of hours you will have learnt a new skill to benefit both baby and you for months to come. EXPRESSING Expressing simply means releasing milk from the breast which is then stored and fed to your baby as and when required. Expressing your breast milk, starting within the first six hours after giving birth, gives your prem baby the best chance for growth. MATCHLESS MILK Mothers of prem babies produce breast milk higher in protein and minerals which delivers several types of fat that your baby can absorb and more easily digest. Small amounts of Colostrum appear in the first two or three days, containing high concentrations of antibodies which help your baby fight infections, followed by the ‘coming in’ of your breast milk to nourish and develop your baby’s brain and neurologic tissues. Human milk is easier for prem babies to absorb than formula and prevents the risk of your prem baby developing intestinal infections from cow’s milk proteins. PREPARATION Even if your prem baby cannot breastfeed yet, expressing breast milk from birth will ensure that your milk supply is maintained until your baby is able to nurse. Establish a routine of expressing milk 8 to 10 times in a 24-hour period. You will need to store your breast milk until your prem is able to feed. At first, you will express only small amounts of colostrum, a few drops to a few mls, until your flow changes to more mature milk, increasing to around 50 to 70 mls each time by day five. Remember however that every prem baby and Mom is unique and volumes will vary. It is essential that fresh breast milk is stored hygienically, and we recommend the easy-pour designed Breast Milk Storage Bags from vital baby® with its leak proof secure seal and a wide neck and freestanding base making it easy to stand. With 30 x 250ml bags in each box, you will always have breast milk stored on hand when you need it. BONDING Expressing your breast milk is especially handy when you have to be away from your prem baby for periods of time. Your baby can still smell and taste your milk and benefit from its nourishment while your breasts are prevented from becoming engorged and uncomfortable and will be less likely to leak. It helps to be rested and relaxed while expressing your milk; try to express immediately after holding your prem baby skin-to-skin. If this is not possible, look at a photograph of your baby to help release your flow. Once you begin breast feeding, your baby may find it difficult to latch, and for mom’s with sensitive skin, your nipples can become raw and painful. Silicone Nipple Shields  from Vital Baby® NURTURE™ are ultra-thin silicone caps with a soft, natural skin feel which improve latching and provide easier feeding, especially with flat or inverted nipples, and will help your sore nipples to heal without disrupting your breastfeeding routine. PUMP SUPPORT Expressing milk for prem babies requires the support of an electric breast pump which helps new moms to establish and maintain an adequate breast milk supply. An electric pump such as the Vital Baby® NURTURE™ helps you to efficiently express your milk at regular intervals, supporting you to tailor your feeding experience to approximately the times when your baby would usually feed. Prepare to pump your breast milk at least 6 to 8 times a day; this provides nipple stimulation and encourages milk production. The Vital Baby® electric pump is discreet, quiet, lightweight, and portable for total convenience, giving you ultimate control while at home and away. 

August 9, 2023
Vital Baby

Help is on Hand for Coping with Crying Colicky Babies

When your newborn is screaming in distress for hours on end for what seems like no reason at all, it can be frustrating and frightening for parents and family as you search for answers for ease and relief for your tiny mite. A newborn suffering from colic can disturb the family harmony and leave you feeling helpless, hopeless, angry, guilty, anxious, and filled with self-doubt. Colic is a common condition affecting 1 in 5 babies in the first month of life, regardless of whether they’re breast or formula-fed. The most common causes of colic are related to parents’ misreading their infants’ cues, inadequate handling, and poor feeding techniques.  Colic Versus Reflux: Often confused with colic, reflux in babies can make an appearance around the same stage and display similar symptoms, however they have different responses. Reflux is the movement of fluids, food, or acid from a baby’s stomach into their esophagus or throat and may cause them to spit up. Reflux is caused by baby not latching and taking the feed properly, a predominantly fluid diet and lying flat too much of the time which results in restless feeding, crying, vomiting, and failure to thrive (not gaining weight or growth). Frequent chest infections may occur as stomach contents enter the windpipe and lungs. Common in the first three months, reflux causes your baby to be niggly and fussy throughout the day with reflux usually stopping by 12 months.  According to the Mayo Clinic the cause of colic is unknown. It may result from numerous contributing factors and varies in intensity among infants. What the medical experts do know is that in almost all instances, colic resolves itself in its own time and your newborn should grow out of it and, most importantly, it is not harmful to your child.  Colicky Cries: Colic is expressed by intense crying and painful screaming, which is a different sound to that of cries of hunger or a wet nappy. Babies will clench their fists, tense the abdominal muscles, and arch their back. Colicky babies usually cry in spells mostly occurring around the same time at night disrupting baby’s and your sleep patterns.  Colicky Causes: Colic may be due to baby’s immature digestive system making it harder to digest food when they are still infants. Their developing digestive system may have an imbalance of healthy bacteria, or it could be due to a food or cow’s milk intolerance causing muscles to spasm, gas, and stomach pain. This supports the rule that no baby under six months of age should be given solid foods (even watery rice milk) as their digestion system is not developed adequately to process anything else but breastmilk.  A colicky baby may also have a sensitivity to light, noise and excess stimulation of fear, frustration, or excitement at a time their nervous system is still developing. It may also be a form of childhood migraine. Often parents think their child is crying with hunger resulting in overfeeding and infrequent burping which worsens the symptoms. Colic may also be brought on by family stress and anxiety. A colicky baby is often identified by the 333 rule; your baby cries for more than three hours per day, for more than three days per week and for longer than three weeks in an infant who is well-fed and otherwise healthy. They may burp often or pass a lot of gas, but this may also be due to swallowing air while crying.  Stress Management & Colic: It is important to discuss your baby’s specific symptoms and your concerns with your local clinic sister or pediatrician to rule out all possibilities. Constant crying is extremely stressful for parents and statistics back the increased risk of postpartum depression in mothers, early termination of breast-feeding and feelings of guilt, exhaustion, helplessness, or anger.  The stress of calming a crying baby can lead to parents shaking or otherwise harming the child. Shaken baby syndrome is when an adult severely shakes a baby out of frustration or anger causing a form of head injury when baby’s brain rebounds inside their skull when shaken, causing bruising of the brain, swelling, pressure, and bleeding (intracerebral hemorrhage) which can easily lead to permanent, severe brain damage or death. Soothing Support for Colic: Commonly, there is no need to treat colic and medications are generally not advised. However, if your baby develops colic a medical professional can guide you. See a doctor immediately if your baby develops colic after a fall, injury or illness or has a bluish hue to the skin or lips during a crying fit, or if they eat, sleep, or behave differently.  Evidence shows that baby chiropractic adjustments significantly improve colic symptoms. When baby’s spine and nervous system are misaligned, their digestive system becomes dysfunctional, and infants respond with intense crying. A slight spine adjustment can support baby’s digestive system to start working again by stimulating their nerve flow to their small intestines and increase peristalsis that helps push gas and liquid through. Avoid overfeeding, only give your infant the recommended amount. Wind baby properly during and after feeding, positioned against your shoulder with smooth but firm upwards strokes. Hold them upright for 30 mins after feeding. Take turns with your partner caring for your colic-stressed child so you can take a break and get some rest.  Anti-Colic Technology with Parents & Baby in mind: Thanks to modern technology available today, there are amazing products to support your journey as a parent in soothing, caring for and preventing a colicky baby. When a baby is upset and you are tired, the new Vital Baby SOOTHE collection of pacifiers has been developed to provide a solution to help soothe babies when they need it most. The Airflow Soother 0-6 months Adventure and Glow in the Dark soothers R128.70 feature symmetrical teats to make the soother easy for baby to hold in their mouth. The 100% soft silicone is taste and odour-free and comfortable for baby while the wide-open Airflow shield helps

August 8, 2023
Good Night Baby

The building blocks of sleep

At Good Night, the basis of our methods and processes are the building blocks of good quality sleep.  The reality is that even though sleep is quite natural, it is also quite complex.  Getting your baby to sleep better, is often not just one thing but a combination of things that need to be in place.  These ‘things’ we refer to as the building blocks of sleep. Over many years and many clients, we have also realised that not only do the building blocks matter, the sequence of how they are implemented also matters.  Some building blocks might be easier to implement, but it does not make them less important.  In fact, these easier building blocks, are the blocks that hold it all up!     Just like a house you will start with the foundation and build your house from the ground up!  This is the most responsible way to do it, as you can cause unnecessary crying or protest. You can’t implement a bedtime routine, without having a sleep space (environment) in place.  You can’t expect your baby to have a ‘normal’ routine and schedule during the day if they are ill (other).  You cannot sleep train your baby (creating sustainable sleep associations), if you give them Coca-cola before they go to sleep (nutrition). Other Factors:  these are factors that can influence sleep and cause wake ups but are beyond our control as parents.  Such as if your baby is ill or has allergies.  It is always advised to first get the all clear from your paediatrician before making any major changes for your baby/toddler. Environment:  The most important part about environment is safety!  Keep in mind the ABC’s of safe sleep: Your baby should be alone, on their back and in a safe cot. Nutrition:  the classic chicken-egg-scenario.  If your baby is hungry, they will be waking up at night, but if your baby is not sleeping well, it could have an impact on their feeding during the day. Bedtime routine:  The single most important thing to implement for your baby/toddler, a bedtime routine that is not too long and not too late. Routine and schedule:  sleep begets sleep, your baby/toddler needs enough sleep during the day to ensure that they are not over tired at bedtime, causing them to struggle to fall asleep and to stay asleep. Creating sustainable sleep associations:  Aka sleep training, the methods we use to teach babies/toddlers to fall asleep on their own. It is possible to implement all of these at the same time, in fact in some cases it is advisable, but whether you do sleep training or NOT, implementing the building blocks in the right way can BETTER your families sleep.   By Jolandi Becker – MD of Good Night

August 7, 2023
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