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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
Vital Baby

Sleep Stage by Age: Understanding Your Baby’s Sleep Cycles 

The foundation of good parenting is in establishing the two most important aspects of your newborn’s growth and care, that of correct feeding, and establishing their sleep routine, which will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.  Sleep is important to infants as this is when they process new experiences and abilities they have learned, preparing them to wake up refreshed, so they can learn more.  If a baby doesn’t get adequate sleep at night, it can lead to a decrease in brain development, learning problems, emotional difficulties, weight loss and possible illness.  Chronic sleepiness, however, can be just as concerning. If your newborn is sleeping for more than 17 hours a day and it’s interfering with their ability to eat at least eight times per week, you should let your paediatrician or medical consultant know. Frequently missing meals can affect their weight gain milestones and developmental growth. Bear in mind, however, babies are unique human beings and, therefore may vary in the amount of sleep they need. Use general guidelines to assess where your child’s specific disposition falls. Trust your gut and call on professional help when you feel something is off and need a second opinion.  As parents, learn the basics of your newborn’s sleep requirements and together, enjoy stress-free days and nighttime settling to sleep with gentle kisses.  Newborn Sleep Cycles  In general, infants require eight to nine hours of sleep during the daytime and 8 hours of sleep at night.  New-born babies have both active and quiet sleep. However, since they still have tiny tummies, they are known to sleep in short bursts of 20 to 50 minutes and wake every few hours to feed during the day and night, taking in around eight to 12 feeds over a 24-hour period.   Start to read your baby’s cues when it is time to settle them to sleep, such as rubbing their eyes and yawning, so you can establish a smooth routine for the whole family to learn and set in place.   As baby becomes drowsy, their eyes droop and may open and close, and they may appear to be dozing. As they move into light sleep, they can be startled by sounds, causing them to display the Moro reflex of sleeping with their arms above their head. It is also known as the ‘startle reflex’ and is a sleep-wake reaction to sudden sounds that usually disappears by six months of age.  When your baby falls into a deep sleep, they are quiet and do not move. Four-month Fatigue Baby’s new routine can be tough on first-time parents, however, by four months, most babies begin to sleep longer throughout the night. Be aware that as a parent your own mental health can be affected by lack of sleep too and you may want to ask for support from friends and family when you need to catch up on your much-needed rest.  One of the most useful tools you will ever need is a Vital Baby manual or electric breast pump so you can pump your breast milk and store it in the freezer in hygienic pouches so a caregiver or your partner can fill in the baby’s feeds when you need a break.   Another invaluable infant accessory is the Soothe Airflow Newborn 0+ pacifier to soothe and comfort your baby,  while at the same time helping to strengthen their reflex sucking muscles in the mouth and throat.   Vital Baby’s symmetrical soother teats make the soother easy for your baby to hold in their mouth; while Moms and Dads can benefit from the 0-6 months Glow-in-the-dark soother which makes it easy to find in the dark without disturbing baby.  Between the age of 3 and 6 months, some babies have two to three longish sleeps during the day, while others just have short naps. A few infants sleep 12 hours at night without interruption, some manage 8 hours while many others may wake regularly for feeds. Six-month A-Okay Lullaby From about 6 months old, your baby’s sleep patterns will begin to align more with yours, as they learn to sleep the longest period at night, on average for about 13 hours in a 24-hour cycle, with daytime naps which drop off to around two during the day. Sleep Training Tips You can help your baby to sleep longer with the following tips: Feed them correctly during the day. Sometimes this may be difficult for new Mums suffering from sore, chaffed, and dry, cracked nipples. The relief you will get from the Vital Baby Nipple Shields in the easy snap case will be complete, making feeding a breeze again. After feeding, keep your baby upright for  10 to 15 minutes or longer if your baby spits up or has Gastroesophageal reflux disease GERD. As their digestive systems settle in newborns may spit up occasionally, which is nothing to worry about.  Swaddle babies correctly at night, and tuck the covers securely under their arms so they cannot slip over their heads. Babies’ heads should never be covered, and it is important to keep their crib free of soft toys and cushions that could smother them. For added warmth, layer lightweight blankets. Baby’s mattress should be firm, flat, well-fitting inside the crib, clean, and waterproof on the outside. Simply cover the mattress with a single sheet.  Always lay your baby on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome SIDS. Establish a nighttime routine. Babies sleep best in a darkened room as light stimulates their brains.  Once you are able to read your baby’s cues and you see they are tired, put them down in their crib while drowsy but still awake. Sit in a chair next to them. Once the baby is asleep, leave the room. If they cry, delay your response time, and keep all night-time interactions brief. Return and sit back in the chair next to their crib. Every few nights, you can move the chair slightly further back until

August 3, 2023
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Webinar – Baby Milestones

Sr Ingrid Groenewald explains the milestones that you can experience in your baby’s first year.    

August 2, 2023
Good Night Baby

A bedtime routine for the family

My kids are 2, 4 and 6 years old and I wanted to help moms out with an idea of what your evenings could look like with a consistent routine that your children can know and become used to. By knowing what to expect, as each night is more or less the same, my kids don’t argue or negotiate what to do or not do, as we have done the routine since they were babies. We have dinner when dad gets home from work around 5:00/5:30 p.m. After dinner, we do some sort of activity, which usually lasts for 15−20 minutes. We either go outside and play, throw the ball for our dog, swing or jump on the trampoline (the kids, not us adults!). Or, on long summer days, we go for a walk around the block. After this, we go inside and all three kids jump into the bath at around 18:00/18:15 p.m. While they bath, I get their clothing ready – nappy for little one and PJs. I set up their essential-oil owl diffusers (I find this is super helpful with snotty noses and change of season as well as dry air) and take the towels back to the bathroom, while dad stands in the doorway watching them. They play and the splashing often gets a little out of hand; we wash them and then wrangle them out the bath by 18:30 p.m. We apply cream, do meds and get dressed. We then all read a story or two (sometimes three, if they get their way) on one bed. After the story, it is lights out. We all say good night and my husband often sits with the older two for a few minutes (my 4- and 6-year olds share a room, each with their own bed) and I take our 2-year old to bed. I tuck her in with her bunny and also sit with her or stand by the door for a few minutes. Most nights, all the kids are asleep by 7:00 p.m. In summer, we put the fans are on, which helps with a bit of white noise, and in winter, we have wall heaters to take the chill off the air. I dress my kids in warm fleece onesies in winter because they generally do not sleep under their blankets, and before I go to bed myself each night, I check on them and put a blanket over them, as being cold can cause early wakings with babies and children. When they were smaller they still had sleeping bags. We try keep our bedtime routine, from bath to lights out, within 30 minutes. Research shows that our body’s melatonin is at its highest point within 30 minutes of having had warm water on our bodies, and I have seen that this really does help my kids calm down and get sleepy. With only one child, you can really create a SPA type of environment with dimmed lights and calming music. But as they grow and are more mobile or when you start to have more kids in the bath-time routine, it is quite unrealistic to expect your kids to not splash and be loud at bath time. Having a consistent routine allows my children to know what is coming next and that bedtime with lights off is at the end of the routine. To summarise: WHY a bedtime routine is needed: A consistent bedtime routine is vital for good sleep health, for both children and adults. The consistency of a bedtime routine helps your baby or child prepare for sleep and to know that sleep is coming. It also helps with melatonin production. WHEN a bedtime routine should be done: If you aim for bedtime to be between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., you need to aim for 30 minutes before that. HOW a bedtime routine should be done: I love reading that “a bedtime routine should be relaxing and a SPA-like environment should be created” (at Good Night, we even used to advocate this). And yes, that is a lovely idea and would help with prepping the brain for sleep and allow your baby to feel super relaxed and calm. It could also be achievable when you have only one child, but throw three children in the bath together and the noise and atmosphere will be more like varsity-locker-room vibes than a SPA. Load shedding added to the mix can spice up your night, especially as it is getting darker earlier as winter approaches. I use a lamp to have light in the bathroom. I also need to be a little more prepared with turning our geyser on earlier so our water is warm and making sure the clothing is out so I don’t need to use my cell phone flashlight to find the PJs in the dark. But my kids are so used to load shedding that it doesn’t cause too many issues; they just know that we need to then tell and not read a story in the dark. Below are just the basic points of what a bedtime routine can look like. Bedtime routine: Bath Dress in PJs Read a story Hugs and kisses Lights off Being able to have all three of our children bath and do their bedtime routine together was what we wanted as a family, firstly to create a time of bonding and secondly for practical reasons. When my husband works late, I need to be able to independently bath and put to bed all three of my kids together and bathing and dressing them one by one is way too exhausting and drawn out. Having all three of our kids bath together works for us, even though that creates lots of noise, wet floors and chaos. We embrace the chaos and noise and allow the warm water temperature to do its work on the brain (temperature change signals the brain to release melatonin) regardless of the splashing and loud fun being had by all three children.   By Megan

August 2, 2023
Toptots Head Office

Routines are they really necessary

We know that having a routine is important for children in their early developmental years, but let’s unpack why it is so beneficial to their overall level of well-being. Young children do not have a concept of time and thus they cannot judge the passing of minutes, hours and days. The only way they can understand the passing of time is through events e.g. nap time, dinner time, bath time, bed-time, play-time, story-time etc. This understanding of the sequence of different events in their day gives them a sense of predictability and structure which makes them feel more secure in that they know what to expect.  Just as routine and predictability are vital, experiencing change is also an important step in a child’s development. Having a set routine and a strong sense of security in that routine allows children to be able to approach any changes calmly and with confidence.  Coping well with a change then helps them to develop a sense of mastery in dealing with the unexpected and as this sense of mastery is strengthened, they can then feel confident to tackle larger changes.  However, without the foundation of structure and routine, they are likely to experience fear and anxiety when faced with the unknown and this will reinforce that they are not able to cope and can result in avoidance of anything unknown or unfamiliar.  Here are some of the benefits of having a routine at home: Children are likely to be better sleepers if they have a regular routine for nap-times and bed-times. Their body clock can adjust to their routine making it easier for them to regulate themselves. The same is true for having regular mealtimes and they are likely to be better eaters. Having a consistent time for meals will result in better bowel routines.  Children who have a set routine are less likely to have meltdowns and display extreme emotional reactions to things. This is because of the sense of predictability and safety that goes along with knowing what to expect and reduces feelings of stress and anxiety. Routines help with establishing expectations e.g. children begin to expect and complete activities without issue e.g. “after play-time we need to pack away all the toys”. This then reduces the need for parents having to nag and repeat themselves as children know exactly what is expected of them. Having a routine can help with developing healthy habits e.g. the knowledge that every day after breakfast and before bed, teeth need to be brushed! A routine at home makes it easier to adapt to a routine at school. If your child attends extra-mural activities for e.g. Toptots, it is important to stick to the weekly routine as it helps children to feel comfortable with the environment, the other people (parents and children) and with the activities. It is important to remember that programmes like Toptots (and other extra-murals) often follow a particular sequence of steps and each week builds on the skills of the previous week. 

July 31, 2023
Parenting Hub

How To Encourage Your Baby’s Mobility

When we talk about your baby’s mobility, what ideas come to your mind?  Things like, rolling, crawling, walking, etc. All of these things involve the large or gross muscles in the body & so to encourage mobility, we do exercises that strengthen your baby’s body from quite an early age. Now, it’s a bit like doing some strength training at gym – on the first visit, you’re not going to go for the heaviest weights, otherwise, you can cause some injury. You’re fist going to do the basics first & build on top of that. It’s the same with your baby.  We’re going to talk about each stage & what’s appropriate for each stage. The reason why I will talk about stages & give approximate ages is for 2 reasons: Premature babies’ chronological age (i.e. number of weeks & months of age) is different to their developmental age, because they had less time to develop physically in the womb. Each child is different in terms of their development & this is still healthy. Control over the body From birth onwards, your baby will develop physically by first learning to control his / her head, slowly growing stronger down the trunk of the body & the legs.  That’s why you’ll see that your baby will first learn to control his / her arms & only later his / her legs. Babies also gain control of their bodies from the centre outwards, which is why your baby will first learn to bat or try to swipe a toy & only later discover that he / she can move & control his / her fingers independently. Here, we do exercises to strengthen baby’s neck, shoulder & back muscles, for example, lying baby on his / her tummy.  Often babies do not enjoy the experience when you first start placing them on their tummies, but with practice & stronger neck & shoulder muscles, they will enjoy the tummy time.  When you do place baby on his / her tummy to begin with, you can roll a small blanket & place it under baby’s chest, but with his / her arms in front of it, so that your baby is not completely flat on his / her tummy. Remember: Not to place baby on his / her tummy just after a feed, because the pressure on the tummy could cause the milk to reflux out Only to place baby on his / her tummy when she / he is happy Even a minute or two to begin with will help to build his / her muscles & you can gradually increase the time as your baby’s muscles become stronger We do quite a few different tummy exercises in my workshop, but one example for a nearly 4 month old baby is: For mom to lie on her back & hold her baby so that baby & mom’s tummies are touching Mom asks “Where’s my baby?” & lifts baby’s face to her face and says “There you are!” Repeat Mom asks “where’s my baby?” & lifts baby up high above her face & says “Up high, high, high!” This also helps stimulate your baby’s vestibular system – so he / she can feel movement & his / her body’s position in space & it gives moms a good work out for tummy muscles too! Learning to roll As your baby becomes stronger & stronger at moving & controlling his head, he / she will start to turn his / her head around to see interesting things & his / her legs will start to follow the head.  This ability to twist at the waist is important in order to learn how to roll, sit & crawl.  Between the age of 4 & 6 months, your baby will start to roll from tummy onto his / her back & also from back on to tummy. An exercise that I do in my workshop to encourage rolling is to: Hold both of your baby’s hands together in one hand & both baby’s feet together in your other hand. Gently rock your baby from side to side Can later just hold the feet together & gently roll your baby over Learning to sit At around the age of 6 months, your baby will learn to sit.  They key to sitting is for your baby to learn how to balance his / her body & your baby will have a few crash dives  before he / she masters balancing for sitting.  So it’s important to make sure that your baby is well supported by things like cushions & is under supervision preferably on a softer surface e.g. a soft carpet / rug vs a hard, tiled floor. Some ways to support your baby while learning to sit are: Put your baby in the Tailor pose – feet together & knees open & carrying his / her weight on her hands You can place pillows all around your baby or you can sit with your baby between your bent legs either facing you or facing away from you Again there are many different exercises that we do in my workshops to encourage balance.  One really fun one that we do for 5 month old babies & which even older toddlers will love is using a towel. Here we simply place baby on his / her tummy on a towel & drag the towel around the room. It’s important that your baby faces you, because he / she may feel a little anxious about this game the first time & will look for the expression on your face for reassurance. Learning to Crawl If your baby has spent lots of time on his / her tummy, once he / she has learnt how to sit, he / she will first learn to pull themselves forward from the sitting position to all fours. Once comfortable on all fours, your baby may start rocking on all fours and later crawling backwards.  Soon thereafter

July 28, 2023
Bennetts

Bathing your Baby

How often should I bath my baby? It’s up to you how often you bathe your baby. Some babies love being in the water and giving your baby a warm bath can become a fun and relaxing ritual. That’s not to say you have to bathe your baby every day. If your baby is new born, a bath two or three times a week is enough to keep him clean. Bear in mind that if you live in a hard water area, too much tap water may dry out and damage your baby’s skin. Between baths: wash your baby’s face regularly clean your baby’s genitals and bottom after each nappy change wipe any grime off his skin When you do bath your baby you may find it a little scary the first few times. You may want to have someone with you to give you a bit of support. It’s also helpful if you’ve forgotten something you need for your baby. Until you get into a routine, you’ll probably find this is a common occurrence! Handling a wriggling, wet and slippery baby takes practice and confidence, but you and your baby will get used to bath time and start to enjoy it. Most babies find warm water soothing and a bath may help a fussy baby to relax and calm down. Where should I bath my baby? To begin with you may find it easier to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby bath. You could use your big bath, but it can be awkward as you need to kneel or lean over the side. If you do use your big bath, it may help to use a bathing seat or support, or a rubber mat or sponge bath base. When should I bath my baby? Choose a time of day when you’re not expecting any interruptions and have time to devote to your baby. It’s best if your baby is awake and contented before you start, and between feeds, so he’s neither hungry nor full. When your baby is new born you may find it easiest to bath him during the day. But after a few months, a bath can become part of his bedtime routine. Warm water can help to relax your baby and make him sleepy. It’s also an opportunity for other family members to get involved. Bath time is a part of baby care that dads often enjoy taking on. If someone comes to the door or the phone rings and you feel you must answer it, scoop your baby up and take him with you. Never leave your baby unattended in the bath, not even for a few seconds. That could be all the time it takes for your baby to get into difficulty in the water. Even if one of your older children is in the bath with him, or you are using a special bath, bath support or bath seat, you must stay with your baby. Once your baby is a couple of months old, you or your partner could share a bath with him. Being in the bath with your baby is a lovely way for you to be close to each other. It’s a great way for dads to have precious skin-to-skin time with their baby, too. Have a quick shower or wash before you get in the bath. Make sure the water is warm, not hot. Use mild baby cleansers and washes, as your normal bath products will be too harsh for your baby’s skin. It can be tricky, and risky, to get in and out of the bath while holding your baby, so ask your partner or someone else to help. They can pass your baby to you once you’ve got in and lift him back out again when you’ve finished.

July 26, 2023
Tommee Tippee

Guide To Swaddling Safely, How To Swaddle

What is swaddling? Swaddling is simply wrapping up your baby gently, so they can’t move their arms. To your baby being swaddled can replicate the feeling they had of being in the womb.  Swaddling gives babies a sense of comfort and security and has been proven to improve the quality of sleep in young babies. It helps to reduce the startle or Moro reflex that can disturb your baby’s sleep.   When swaddling you should only wrap baby’s body and not their neck or head. Is swaddling safe? Yes, if you follow safe sleeping and safe and hip friendly swaddling guidance for babies. Safe baby sleeping advice is to always lay your little one down to sleep on their back and avoid front or side positions for sleep, especially if your baby is swaddled. You should stop swaddling your baby when they show the first signs of rolling over. How to swaddle your baby safely The safest way to swaddle is to do it from birth rather than suddenly introduce swaddling at the vulnerable age of 3 months when the SIDS risk is highest. Use a light cotton material such as a newborn swaddle or swaddle blanket and make sure that the swaddling finishes at shoulder height. Your baby’s head must be uncovered. Never place your baby on their tummy – especially when they are swaddled. Use hip-healthy swaddling techniques to that allow your baby’s hips and knees to move freely to reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Your baby’s legs should be able to fall into a natural position (like frog legs). Check your baby’s temperature regularly to make sure they don’t get too hot or overheat. Check they’re wearing suitable clothes for the weather too. Our swaddle sleepwear is specially designed for safe swaddling and is acknowledged as ‘hip healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) when used as directed. The design helps to ensure that baby’s legs are in a natural froggy-legged position when sleeping. Should I swaddle or not swaddle my baby? Not all babies are swaddled of course, but there are a few circumstances which make it helpful as a settling tool; When swaddling can be helpful: If baby is startling themselves awake You might have noticed as your baby is falling asleep, they suddenly twitch or jerk and wake up. These “sleep starts” or myclonic jerks are perfectly normal but in some babies, they can delay the onset of sleep and make the whole process of drifting off a real struggle. Being swaddled prevents the flailing of your baby’s limbs which tends to wake them up. Babies who have eczema or other itches By containing a baby’s hands, swaddling prevents them from scratching or rubbing as they go to sleep and during sleep itself. Lots of babies scratch or rub as they fall asleep, and due to the “itch – scratch – itch” cycle, we know that preventing the scratching will also prevent the itching and will lead to better quality sleep. Babies who are fretful and unsettled There are many reasons why some babies are more unsettled than others – discomfort and hunger are the most obvious, but sometimes, they just want a cuddle. It would be lovely if they could be held all day and night, but there are times when you have to put them down and swaddling will help to give them a feeling of security. The Tommee Tippee easy swaddle is designed to ensure that baby’s legs are in a natural frog-legged position that is important for correct hip development. There are no for poppers, Velcro or ties. Just enough fabric to keep your baby snug, but not so much that they get too hot. When is it time to stop swaddling? Every baby is different and there is no set time when you should stop swaddling. Many babies enjoy being swaddled for several months whilst others will become frustrated by their restricted movement from as early as 2-3 months.   The most important factor to consider is safety and your baby’s movement. Swaddled babies should not sleep on their front, so when your baby is able to roll onto their front, you should think about stopping swaddling. You should be especially cautious when they are not yet able to roll back onto their back. The best way to transition baby out of a swaddle Your baby might struggle to go to sleep when you get first rid of the swaddle. It will feel strange to them if they are used to falling asleep easily with it on. Indeed, you may have even noticed them becoming sleepy as soon see their swaddling cloth. The main key to helping your baby sleep without a swaddle is not to allow swaddling to become your baby’s only sleep trigger. From an early age, you should introduce some other sleep signifiers at bed time which will still let them know that sleepy time is coming and will help them to settle even though the swaddle has gone. These sleep triggers should include: A similar bed time routine using familiar phrases /songs etc A nightly bath Milk feed – with a dim light on to prevent your baby from falling asleep over the feed Goodnight song or story – same one each night Into the cot awake but sleepy, to settle for the night   For a few days before planning to remove the swaddle completely, you should stop swaddling your baby’s arms and just wrap their legs and body up to chest height. At the same time, you should gradually loosen the tension of the swaddling. Our Grobag Snuggle features special poppers on the arms so you can wrap baby arms in for a safe and snug swaddle or arms out as they transition to a baby sleep bag. If you feel that your baby misses the feeling of pressure from the swaddle, you place your arm gently across their upper body. As they start to settle, you can then take your arm away. And although it is possible that you might have a night or two of less settled sleep, your baby will soon get used the change. Resource  : Emma O’Callaghan is a qualified midwife, nurse and infant and child sleep

July 25, 2023
Parenting Hub

Helping new mums get a handle on baby’s routine

Parent Sense App launches Responsive Routine feature As incredible as the first year of your baby’s life can be, it is also undeniably fraught. When baby feeds and when baby sleeps dominate the day and the night.  For radically sleep-deprived mothers coping with hormonal changes and ‘mommy brain’, keeping clear track of their infant’s routine is a near impossible task. Meg Faure, baby expert, best-selling parenting author and founder of Parent Sense, a popular, science-backed baby development app used by thousands of new mothers, says, “Routines are important for babies for several reasons. For one, routines provide structure and predictability, which can help infants feel more secure. Routines also help infants learn cause and effect. When a little one is being fed, changed, and put down for a nap at the same times every day, they may begin to anticipate and understand that these activities will happen in a particular order. In addition, a routine can help babies develop good sleep habits – something that all new, sleep-deprived parents want.” “But there’s a catch – all babies are different and both infants and parents have different needs when it comes to routine,” continues Meg. In Baby Sense, her best-selling book first published in 2002, Meg was the first to highlight the importance of ‘flexible routines’ for babies versus the rigid routines that were widely and often, controversially promoted in the 1990’s. “There’s significant research that shows a flexible routine is best for the health of an infant, and it also serves as a much-needed guide for first-time mothers or those who may be struggling with a sensitive little one who doesn’t necessarily feed or settle easily. Flexible routines also reflect the reality that babies are all unique, and there’s no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer,” says Meg. “Mothers too are different, and each one has to find parenting practices that help them to be the best mum they can be.  Even moms who embrace a baby-led ethos will often blend this approach with some forms of flexible routine to have a well-fed and well-rested little one.” However establishing a healthy routine can be an overwhelming task. There’s copious amounts of information available about routines, but so often, this information is contradictory and confusing.  “What a new mum needs is a trusted source of practical, real-time support to help her follow a simple, adaptable routine that she doesn’t have to think about. That’s why we have launched the Responsive Routine,” says Meg. The award-winning Parent Sense app’s one-of-a-kind Responsive Routine makes it quick and easy for a new mum to track her baby’s feeds and sleeps. Using this unique data, the app dynamically adjusts the flexible 24-hour routine to provide customized feeding and sleeping times so that mum doesn’t have to work out the timings, and she always knows what’s coming up next for her baby. Meg says, “The Responsive Routine takes care of the two big questions that create so much anxiety for new mothers – Is my baby feeding enough? And, is my baby getting enough sleep?  Tracking this data and following the suggested routine also helps mom to build her confidence as she tunes into her baby’s unique rhythms and patterns.” The new feature helps parents to be calmer and more adaptable when it comes to schedules and makes it easier to plan for the day. Many more parents are hybrid working and there’s been a significant drop in childcare typically provided by domestic workers in the early months of an infant’s life1. Using Parent Sense’s Responsive Routine is ideal for busy, modern parents who value being organised and are probably juggling childcare with work from home. Hybrid and remote working are also changing traditional parental leave. Where maternity leave was once a time to be at home with full focus on their new-born, many new moms are now blending maternity leave with remote work. One advantage is increased work flexibility beyond their leave period, but the downside is the steep challenges of meeting the demands of both baby and work. “As a woman in technology, my goal has always been to develop innovative solutions that empower and support users. The Responsive Routine feature in the Parent Sense app represents a culmination of our efforts to create a tool that simplifies the lives of new mothers. By leveraging technology, we aim to alleviate the stress and uncertainty surrounding baby routines, allowing mothers to focus on both their parenting journey and their careers. I am thrilled to see the impact of the Responsive Routine in helping mothers find fulfillment in both aspects of their lives,” concludes Meg. The Responsive Routine feature is live within the Parent Sense app. Download the app here and start using the Responsive Routine to take the guesswork out of your baby’s schedule.

July 21, 2023
Tommee Tippee

Creating The Ideal Sleep Environment For Your Baby

Setting up your nursery for your soon-to-be newborn is one of the most exciting things to do whilst prepping for your new arrival. Paint colours, baby furniture, mobiles and ‘themes’ are all big considerations. But whilst there’s lots of fun to be had creating the ‘dream’ nursery, from the perspective of how to encourage the best sleep for your newborn there’s some more essentials to think of. Setting up the ideal sleep environment from the very beginning is the foundation that great sleep habits are built on. Babies ideally need certain factors available to them in their sleep environment to help them achieve restorative sleep. So, let me talk you through the top things I am looking for and encourage every parent to consider when setting up the perfect room for their new little one… Keep it Clean and De-Clutter: A nice calm and serene space is a lot more conducive to sleep than having the nursery overrun with toys, mobiles and accessories that clutter the environment. Most importantly, it is imperative that safe sleep guidelines are followed.   Becoming very familiar with safe sleep guidelines is a real must to help create the safest possible sleeping space for your newborn, free from toys – keep it simple. Make it Dark: This is probably my favourite tip of all. Make the room dark. SO dark that you would struggle to read a book in there…. yes, super dark! A really important biological process happens when we nap our babies in the dark. When our babies are up and awake time, natural light going into their eyes produces the hormone Serotonin in the brain. Now, here is the interesting part. When we then take our babies into a dark space for their naps and night-time sleep, that serotonin hormone is converted into the sleepy hormone melatonin. So, the darker the space the higher the levels of  melatonin in our babies’ brains. This melatonin makes them feel physiologically tired and supports their sleep. It’s also an important factor in helping newborns link their sleep cycles. When they rouse following one sleep cycle in their dark room and there is nothing to grab their attention, they remain much calmer and can easily drift off into the next sleep cycle. Think about how you could make your baby’s room as dark as possible. Get a black out blind and maybe you may also need a curtain over the top of it to stop any light coming through the sides and the top. Tommee Tippee GroBlinds create a dark sleep environment at home or on-the-go. They are adaptable and can be put in place in minutes, attaching directly to window glass using long lasting suction cups to ensure a close fit that will block out the light. Ideal to take on holidays and create that dark ‘sleepy’ environment wherever you go, it’s well worth the effort. Set up White Noise: White noise is a wonderful ‘tool’ to use in the sleep environment. Babies literally grew in white noise! White noise mimics the sound that babies experienced inside the womb, and the womb was really noisy… as noisy as a vacuum cleaner! Setting up some good white noise in the nursery to play all through their naps and overnight sleep is so beneficial. It creates a cocoon of sound that can really help babies calm faster, cry less and settle. Using white noise has the added benefit of shutting out all the stimulation that stresses babies out and is excellent at blocking out general household noise. Our Grofriends feature white noise to help your little ones settle – plus it’s nice to have a normal conversation without whispering right? Create the Perfect Room Temperature The ideal temperature for a baby’s sleep environment is between 18 to 21 degrees. You’re aiming for a constant, even temperature. It’s the drop in temperature during the night that can really wake babies up.  They just don’t have the body mass to generate heat like adults do. So, ensuring that the nursery is a nice constant temp will stop those 4.00 am wake up calls. Using a Groegg is an easy way of quickly showing the temperature of your baby’s nursery. Once you know the temperature, appropriate sleepwear such as swaddles or snuggles can be chosen, ensuring your baby is snug and at the perfect temperature all night. With some simple planning these foundations can be set up in your baby’s nursery easily. Have fun incorporating these sleep factors in! So not only is the nursery looking fantastic, but also has all the tools and best advice in place to encourage wonderful restorative sleep for your baby. Remember, it’s all for the love of sleep! 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.

July 21, 2023
Parenting Hub

HOW TO EXPRESS AT WORK

Making the transition from maternity leave to going back to work can be an emotionally difficult time for a lot of moms. On top of that, you will now need to find a way to stick to your pumping schedule whilst there. If you are fretting about making this transition, and where you will find time to pump when back in the office, this is the post for you. Read on below now as we will tackle this next step head on! Plan Ahead For your Return Before you go back to work, have a sit down conversation with your boss. Let them know that you will require a few breaks throughout the day to complete your pumping schedule. Give them a copy of the times and duration of your pumps if you would like as well. Let your boss know that you will require a secluded room dedicated to your pumping needs. This will ensure that when you return, you won’t be questioned for your need to pump. Setting things up before arriving back at work can really save you a lot of trouble. Ensure You Have A Place To Store Your Milk Breastmilk is able to be kept at room temperature for six hours. Thereafter you risk it going off. As such, it is in your best bet to organize some space in the office fridge in which to store your milk. Furthermore, ensure that you have a cooler transport bag available for when you leave your office and head home.  You may want to also have a pre-chat to your co-workers and just make them aware that you plan to store your milk in the office fridge.  Making It Easier To Express At Work The above tips will sit-down help you express at work going forward. Furthermore, if you need a bit of help with the let-down, keep videos and images of your baby nearby. These have been proven to help moms with their let-down. 

July 20, 2023
Sudocrem South Africa

Preventing & Soothing Nappy Rash

Preventing nappy rash Nappy rash is one of the most common skin conditions of your baby’s early life. It is an irritation of the skin anywhere in the nappy area. While it might be sore for your baby, the good news is that it is rarely serious. Nappy rash most often affects your baby’s sensitive skin when there is prolonged contact with urine or stools. Learn more about what causes nappy rash. Your baby’s bottom may have red patches or the whole area may be red. The skin may look sore and can feel hot to touch. If your baby is suffering from nappy rash, you can use Sudocrem to soothe and protect your baby’s skin. The very best way to deal with nappy rash, however, is to prevent your baby getting it in the first place. To prevent your baby getting nappy rash follow these tips: Change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible. Young babies need changing as many as ten to twelve times a day, whilst older babies at least six to eight times Ensure you clean the whole nappy area thoroughly using plain water or baby wipes, wiping front to back Lie your baby on a towel and leave the nappy off for as long and as often as you can in order to let fresh air get to the skin Use a barrier cream such as Sudocrem If your baby does get nappy rash use Sudocrem to soothe and protect your baby’s skin. If you are using a nappy rash cream and the rash remains or your baby develops a persistent bright red, moist rash with white or red pimples, which spreads to the folds of the skin, they may have a thrush infection. You will need to use an anti-fungal cream, available either from the pharmacist or on prescription from your doctor. Ask your pharmacist or health visitor for advice. Occasionally nappy rash can become persistent or can be related to other skin conditions like eczema. If you are at all worried, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor or health visitor. Soothing nappy rash If your baby’s skin in the area covered by the nappy is sore, red and feels warm to touch your baby may have nappy rash. You can follow the steps below to soothe nappy rash. Change your baby’s nappy every time it becomes wet or soiled It is really important to stop the chemicals in urine and faeces aggravating your baby’s delicate skin Leave the nappy off for as long as possible to let your baby’s skin get some fresh air Try to ensure that your baby’s nappy fits well and is not chafing or rubbing Avoid using any soaps, detergents or bubble bath that could be irritating your baby’s skin Ensure your baby’s skin is clean and dry before using a fresh, clean and dry nappy Use a nappy rash cream such as Sudocrem at every nappy change to soothe and protect the skin. Sudocrem is clinically proven to help by soothing the soreness, helping the skin heal and protecting the skin from further attack by irritants or infection. You can use Sudocrem at every nappy change. If the rash persists, speak to your doctor or health visitor. 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.

July 19, 2023
Bonitas – innovation, life stages and quality care

Webinar – Post Birth Care for Moms

In today’s webinar, Sr Ingrid reminds Mom’s that’s it’s important to look after yourself post birth. What you can experience post birth and how to deal with the body changes, bleeding and uterus contractions.

July 14, 2023
Parenting Hub

Retailer Alerts of Dangers of Buying Second-Hand Baby Goods

The second-hand infant goods market in South Africa is rapidly growing, providing much-needed affordable products and financial relief for families across the country who are struggling with the rising cost of living.  First-time parents in South Africa spend on average upwards of R100,000 a year to raise a child and nursery set-up costs alone surge to more than R5,000. Despite the financial reprieve of purchasing second hand items, Babies R Us advises caution when purchasing some second-hand baby goods as they may have been recalled or are unsafe. The second-hand infant goods market is estimated to be worth around a billion rand with the primary buyers in South Africa from low-income families. Most purchased second hand items include clothes, toys, furniture, and equipment.  According to a report last year by Mercari in the United States, 62 percent of parents purchased second-hand baby and kid products last year, with 58.7 percent of those surveyed doing so to save money. “As a retailer we understand parents are always looking for ways to save money when it comes to purchasing baby items, such as clothes, toys, and furniture,” she adds. “Unfortunately, buying some second-hand baby goods can have serious consequences for your child’s safety and health.”  “There are a number of challenges in the second-hand infant goods market,” according to Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Babies r Us. “The primary being the lack of regulation and meeting safety standards which means it is difficult to ensure the quality and safety of the products.” She explains that South Africa does not have its own set of safety standards in place to regulate many infant related products, specifically those that are produced locally. “It’s not just about safety standards though, there’s a growing global concern of products being sold in the second-hand market that have been recalled for safety reasons.” According to a report by Kids in Danger, a non-profit organisation focused on children’s product safety, last year, the United States had the highest number of children’s product recalls since 2013 impacting everything from baby products to kids’ clothes and toys.  Nursery products, items like strollers and baby swings, accounted for over half of the more than 5 million units of children’s products recalled in 2022 alone, the report found. By way of example she adds, the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is currently calling on Meta and a well-respected manufacturer to recall a product being sold on Facebook Marketplace. The item in question has been linked to the deaths of approximately 100 infants which was recalled in 2019 ten years after it had been on the market. It is estimated that there are still over a million still in circulation having not been returned which are now being sold on sites like Facebook Marketplace. “Every parent wants their baby to be safe, but once the market is flooded with an unsafe product, it’s hard to bring it back,” she says. “Infant products make their way onto second hand sites, they’re in day-cares, at charitable organisations and have even been handed down to family members.” Jacoby notes however, that although it’s totally fine to buy second-hand for some products like clothes, some toys and even furniture, not every product can be safely bought second hand as some of these items are not subjected to the same safety standards as new items.  “Experts advise that items like car seats, highchairs, strollers and cots should be bought new to ensure they meet the current safety standards and haven’t been recalled, don’t have any peeling paint, chips, or missing parts. “This ensures that the product is safety checked, you are notified if there are any issues with it and you can be assured of the safety of the product,” she explains.  Additionally, Jacoby adds, used baby items may contain bacteria or viruses, which can cause serious illnesses in infants. It is important to clean and inspect them thoroughly before allowing your child to use them.  “Our advice to parents is to research the products you are buying second hand, keep an eye out for great deals on new items and if you’re purchasing second hand items ensure you clean and inspect them properly,” she concludes. For more information visit: www.babiesrus.co.za 

July 10, 2023
Parenting Hub

BOOST YOUR BABY’S BRAIN WITH BABY TALK

Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, explores how ‘Baby Talk’, also known as parentese, might sound silly to adults. Still, it has many benefits for your little one. As a new parent, you may talk to your baby in a high-pitched, sing-song voice, using words you wouldn’t usually use in everyday conversation. This is known as “baby talk,” and while it may sound silly to some, research suggests that it can positively impact your baby’s brain development. Studies have shown that babies exposed to more baby talk have larger vocabularies and more vital language skills later in life. In fact, talking to your baby in a nurturing, engaging way can actually help to shape the architecture of their brain, building meaningful connections between neurons and setting the foundation for lifelong learning and development. One of the ways that baby talk helps with brain development is by providing babies with a steady stream of language input. Babies are born with the ability to recognise and distinguish between sounds from all languages, but their brains are wired to respond more to the language(s) that they hear most frequently. By talking to your baby in a rich, engaging way, you are helping expose them to various sounds and words, which can help strengthen their language skills. So, how can you incorporate more baby talk into your daily routine? Here are a few tips from Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health, to get you started: Narrate Your Day As you go about your daily tasks, describe what you’re doing to your baby. For example, “Mommy is washing the dishes now. See how the bubbles make them all shiny and clean?” This helps to expose your baby to new words and concepts and helps them to understand the world around them. Use Exaggerated Expressions When talking to your baby, use exaggerated facial expressions and gestures to help them better understand the meaning behind your words. For example, if you say “peek-a-boo!” while covering your face with your hands, your baby will understand that you’re playing a game. Repeat And Expand If your baby coos or babbles, repeat the sounds back to them and expand on them. If your baby says “ba,” you could respond, “Yes, that’s right, that’s a ball! Look how it bounces!” This helps reinforce the sounds your baby is making and expose them to new words. Sing Songs And Recite Nursery Rhymes Singing and reciting nursery rhymes are great ways to engage with your baby and expose them to new words and sounds. Babies love the rhythm and repetition of songs and rhymes; they are a great way to help build your baby’s vocabulary. Read Books Even though your baby may not understand the words, reading books can help them develop a love for language and storytelling. Choose books with bright, colourful pictures and simple words, and point out the images as you read. “It’s important to remember that baby talk isn’t just about using a high-pitched voice or babyish words. It’s about engaging with your baby meaningfully and creating a nurturing environment that supports their learning and development,” says Murray. In addition to baby talk, there are other ways to support your baby’s brain development, such as providing plenty of sensory experiences, encouraging exploration and play, and fostering a loving and supportive environment. So, don’t be afraid to break out the baby talk and engage with your little one in a fun and meaningful way. Your baby’s brain will thank you for it! You can set your baby up for a lifetime of learning and success with consistent engagement and a positive, nurturing environment. About Affinity Junior At Affinity Health, we know that the growth and development of your child is of utmost importance. With Affinity Junior, you can get Day-to-Day and Hospital cover for your children. Affinity Junior provides affordable healthcare for your children – keeping the most important people in your life healthy and happy! Affinity Junior will provide your children unlimited, managed doctor consultations, medication, and hospitalisation, depending on the chosen plan. The unique feature of the Affinity Junior plan is that the policy insures only your children. For more on Affinity Junior, click here. About Affinity Health Affinity Health is South Africa’s leading health insurance provider, offering you a range of options, including access to the widest national provider network. We understand the importance of medical insurance that meets your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Our healthcare products are designed to protect you and your family when it matters. We strive to give our clients peace of mind and the highest standard of service. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

July 5, 2023
Parenting Hub

Babies R Us Real Mama Club Annual Event Series is Back

Babies R Us is calling on all soon-to-be and new mamas to join them at the annual Mama Club events, being held nationally from July.  The event series in partnership with Parent Sense offers an opportunity to discover the secrets to successfully navigating the journey of parenthood. Mamas from Cape Town, Johannesburg, Gauteng East Rand, Pretoria and KwaZulu Natal will have an opportunity to join the full day events which include important postpartum topics like, sex after birth, returning to work, the importance of pelvic health, reading your baby’s cues, introducing solids, mental health awareness, and relationships with your partner and family. “Parenting can be challenging especially during the fourth trimester and immediately after birth but the Babies R Us team of experts are ready to guide our mamas through their journey of mamahood with this hugely popular annual Real Mama Club event series,” says Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Babies R Us. “The event is particularly suited to mothers in their fourth trimester or who have recently given birth and we’re offering them an opportunity to meet new mama friends, share insights, get advice and enjoy a delicious lunch,” she adds. “What’s more, we have baby care on hand so mamas attending can be rest assured their little ones are taken care of by the Super Nannies.” Tickets are on sale via the website at a cost of R200 and the ticket includes: a goodie bag packed with baby essentials, an opportunity to engage with a panel of expert speakers on a wide variety of postpartum topics, baby care provided by Super Nannies.  There is also an opportunity to learn about products relevant to your baby from over twenty brands, including Tommee Tippee, Joie, Bounce, NUK and Bennets. Attendees also stand a chance of winning prizes from Pampers and Parentsense.  “We know parenting is hard, but it is also incredibly rewarding. The aim of these events is to remind parents that they’re not alone and we’re here to support them through the reality of parenting,” Jacoby explains. “Babies R Us is more than just a baby retail store, we offer free antenatal care, wellness checks for both pregnant mom and baby, a family wellness department and the best products at all phases of parenting, all curated by professionals, these events are an extension of that.” “We’re really looking forward to sharing this journey with our mama’s and parenting together,” she concludes. Event details: Cape Town, 7th July at The Forum, Embassy Hill Gauteng Midrand, 4th August at The Forum, The Campus Pretoria, 1st September at Monte de Dios Kwazulu Natal, 6th October at Talloula Gauteng East Rand, 3rd November at Birchwood To find out more visit the website or follow on Instagram.

July 5, 2023
Vital Baby

What to expect in the early days after the birth of your baby

First-time moms are often anxious about what to expect after bringing baby home for the first time. During those precious first few days you may experience a rollercoaster of emotions. There’s the pure joy of finally having baby in your arms, the excitement of what’s to come, the stress and anxiety over whether or not you’re doing everything correctly and of course the pure exhaustion that comes with sleepless nights.

July 4, 2023
Parenting Hub

Buying Second-Hand Baby Items – What you should and shouldn’t do

From strollers and cribs to clothes and diapers, the amount of stuff your little one requires can add up quickly. To cut costs, many parents-to-be scour the internet for used baby gear and welcome hand-me-downs.  According to a survey conducted by Everyday Health Group, 66 percent of new or expecting moms report having bought second-hand baby gear. This money-saving technique is especially common among Gen Z with 76 percent of Gen Z respondents saying they’ve purchased second-hand baby gear, compared to only 63 percent of Millennial and 55 percent of Gen X respondents. Buying used baby gear or accepting hand-me-downs from friends and family can save money — but not everything is safe to use twice. Experts in all things baby, Babies R Us provides some useful tips on what you can reuse or buy second-hand, and what you should buy new. According to Catherine Jacoby, Marketing Manager at Babies R Us, “It’s important to only choose safety approved and tested products. “The benefit of buying these sorts of products whether new or used is that you will know if the product is reliable, you can check if there have been any recalls, the product has been assessed for possible hazards, the materials used are safe and the risks are minimised.” Car safety seats: Experts say you should try to avoid buying or borrowing a used car seat. It is important that you are aware of the seat’s entire history. She suggests asking questions around accident damage, checking the number for any recalls and whether the seat comes with the original manual. “If you are considering a used car seat, look for the label that includes model name, number and manufacturing expiration dates. In South Africa it should have the standard specification SABS 1340 and bear the certification mark,” she adds. “Car seats expire, typically between 6 to 8 years so ensure you understand when the item was bought and check manufacturing details on the label.” Playpens and portable cots: Find out if it was made after 2013, the latest safety updates were issued in 2012. “If you purchase a second-hand one, consider purchasing a new mattress to ensure safety and make sure the mesh has no tears and holes are smaller than 0.5cm. Strollers and prams: If you’re buying second-hand check when the stroller or pram was made, if it was after 2015, they are ok to reuse. “Safety standards have changed since then to address stability, impact and shoulder strap safety,” Jacoby says. “Look for broken or missing parts, check that it is sturdy, and you should ensure it has an instruction manual.” Highchairs: Safety standards require a highchair to have a five-point harness to prevent climbing out and a fixed crotch post so the baby can’t slide out and avoid highchairs with removable trays or arms that lift over the baby’s head. Jacoby cautions that if a second-hand highchair does not have these in place, you should consider purchasing new. Are used cots safe? The short answer she says, is no. “It’s advised that you do not buy a used crib. New rules for how cribs are made were instituted in 2011 and essentially this means that most cots sold before that date are obsolete and technically unsafe. “Research suggests that drop-side cots have been found to be particularly dangerous so much so that in the United States they are no longer allowed to be sold,” she explains. “Rather buy a new crib that meets new safety standards and if you can’t afford one rather purchase a portable one which is more cost-effective.” Toys and other furniture: There’s nothing wrong with buying any additional furniture like rocking chairs or changing tables for your nursery second-hand. My advice Jacoby says is to check that the items don’t have any peeling paint, chips or missing parts. “When buying second-hand toys or accepting hand-me-downs, be sure to check if any items have been recalled due to defects or safety concerns,” she adds. “It’s important that you clean and sterilise all second-hand items before handing them to your child.” “All parents want the best for their children, if you’re ever unsure about an item it is worth discussing it with an expert who will guide you,” Jacoby says. “Our team of baby experts at Babies R Us are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and willing to assist you on your parenting journey.” “We are constantly finding ways to make infant products more affordable without compromising on quality or safety standards,” she adds. “It’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for seasonal or sale specials which also assists in making these items a little lighter on the pocket.” For more information visit: www.babiesrus.co.za

July 3, 2023
Toptots Head Office

Calming strategies for a fussy baby

The transition from the womb to the world is a challenging one for your baby. Leaving the consistency and comfort of the womb for the ever-changing, highly-stimulating world can be a big adjustment.  By creating an environment that mimics the womb, one can make that adjustment much easier for your baby. These same principles can also be applied with your toddler/ child when they are sick, frustrated or over-whelmed.  Calming strategies to try: Swaddle your baby – this provides them with the calming deep pressure that they are used to in the womb and makes them feel safe and secure. It is important that when they are swaddled, their hands are placed in the middle of their chests and stick out of the blanket, so that they can use their hands to suck on for self-soothing. Wrap them tightly in a stretchy blanket. Make sure they are warm enough, but not hot – the womb environment provides nice neutral warmth, and this is the temperature one should try to mimic. (If you live in a very hot climate and use air-conditioners or fans, make sure the air doesn’t blow directly on your baby as this can be a very stimulating sensation on their skin).  Make use of white noise – many babies sleep better if they have some calming background noise, which also mimics the sound of the fluid in the womb e.g. white noise apps on a phone or tablet; the sound of a fan; natural sounds like the sound of the sea or of rain. Gentle rocking – In the womb, babies feel the slight movement of the fluid, and thus find very slow and gentle movements e.g. rocking, to be calming. Using a sling or a pouch can also be helpful in providing this type of sensory input.  Avoid strong smells – babies are calmed by comforting and familiar scents and their favourite smell is mom’s natural smell and the smell of milk. They are very sensitive to smell initially and can be over-stimulated by strong fragrances.  Keep decor neutral and minimal – babies and toddlers can be easily over-stimulated by too much visual input in the environment around them. Avoid having their eyes look directly at bright lights.  Baby massage – this provides deep touch input which is also calming and helps your baby to relax and promotes bonding. 

July 3, 2023
Parenting Hub

Are you struggling with a teething baby?

It’s 3 ‘o clock in the morning and your baby just won’t settle down.  She’s been crying non-stop for the last couple of hours and after checking that’s she’s dry, fed and not in any way uncomfortable, you still can’t figure out what’s wrong with her.  Surely it can’t be that she’s teething?  She’s still so tiny! But yes, it’s possible – teething can begin as early as three months and continue until a child’s third birthday. Between the ages of four and seven months, you’ll notice your baby’s first tooth pushing through the gum line. The first teeth to appear usually are the two bottom front teeth, also known as the central incisors. Four to eight weeks later the four front upper teeth (central and lateral incisors), appear and about a month later, the lower lateral incisors (the two teeth flanking the bottom front teeth) will appear. In some rare cases, babies are born with one or two teeth or have a tooth emerge within the first few weeks of life. Unless these teeth interfere with feeding or are loose enough (as they sometimes are) to pose a choking risk, this should not be cause for concern. As your baby begins teething, she might drool more and you’ll notice that she wants to chew on things. Fortunately for mom, some babies find teething completely painless and their teeth seem to suddenly appear out of nowhere! However, others may experience brief periods of irritability, and some may seem cranky for weeks, with bouts of “unexplained” crying and disrupted sleeping and eating patterns. And you guessed it – that’s when you find yourself at 3 o’clock in the morning trying to calm a crying baby! For the most part, teething can be uncomfortable, but if your baby seems very irritable, talk to your doctor. Although tender and swollen gums could cause your baby’s temperature to be a little higher than normal, teething doesn’t usually cause high fever or diarrhoea. If your baby does develop a fever during the teething phase, it’s probably due to something else and you should contact your doctor. It has been said that teething symptoms are signs of physical stress which can lower your baby’s resistance to infectious agents that under normal circumstances would not produce illness. The same germs that live in a baby’s intestines and cause no ill effects, at other times could produce ear-aches, congestion, or other low-grade infections when your baby is teething. As parents look more towards natural healing, we have found Baltic Amber, which is a fossilised resin, can provide relief.  There are many gum soothing medications and remedies on the market and you should consult your pharmacist, local clinic or paediatrician to find a solution that best suits your baby’s needs. Stages of teething : 6 to 7 months – Incisors (situated 2 central bottom  & 2 central top teeth) 7 to 9 months- Two more incisors (situated top & bottom; making four top & four bottom teeth in all) 10 to 14 months – First molars (double teeth for chewing) 15 to 18 months – Canines (pointed teeth or fangs) 2 to 3 years – Second molars (second set of double teeth at the back)

June 29, 2023
Parenting Hub

Why tummy time is so important for your baby

As a new parent, you have more than likely been told by your doctor that baby needs to always be on his/her back when being put down to sleep or take a nap.  However, it is just as important that baby does spend time on his/her tummy during the day whilst awake and during periods of time where mom or dad can supervise. Babies now spend much of their days on their back on relatively hard surfaces – at night, in a crib or bassinet, or in a bed; during the day, in a pack and play, car-seat and stroller. All of this time on their backs can lead to a flattening of the back of the head. It also leads to weaker neck muscles, as the baby never has a chance to exercise their neck lying on their back. Because of this, baby experts and health professionals now call for a prescribed amount of tummy time for baby each day, allowing baby to strengthen their neck and take the pressure off the back of their head for a while. Since your baby will be spending so much time laying on his/her back, tummy time will help to strengthen their little neck muscles which will ultimately assist in achieving other physical milestones. So what is tummy time, we hear you ask? “Tummy time is when your infant lays on his (or) her stomach while supervised,” says Wendy Wallace, DO, a paediatrician at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Care Network. Tummy time includes a variety of activities, positions, and routines to keep your infant spending a significant amount of time on his/her tummy. Whether or not they enjoy it, and it seems most don’t at first, your baby needs this time to practice lifting their head, then pushing up from the ground. Experts say that they have found that babies who don’t spend time on their tummy’s can experience certain development difficulties with their motor skills. Facing down is an unfamiliar position for baby and so it’s natural for baby to feel uncomfortable and perhaps even abandoned.  And this is where ‘Baby Wearing” is proving to be more beneficial for baby.  “Baby wearing” doubles as tummy time, and if you’re wearing baby for an hour, or a number of hours, each day, they receive much more exercise for their little neck and back than they would have during the prescribed amount of tummy time.   The added benefit is that because baby is being kept of his/her back, there is less chance of developing a flat head. When a baby is in a sling, especially once they are in an upright position, which is possible from birth and ideal from four or six months and up, their core muscles are constantly engaged as their parent moves and goes about their day. Though baby’s body is well-supported, safe and secure in the carrier, small shifts in their parent’s body position cause them to shift as well, in turn strengthening their muscles. They also lift their heads to see or to turn their head, which strengthens their neck in the same way tummy time would.

June 27, 2023
Good Night Baby

WHY CRASH COURSES ON BABY SLEEP DON’T WORK

I have been assisting families with implementing sleep plans for many years and as it so happens that I am assisting the same families again with their second or third children. Often, the question comes up: “Why does the same plan of my first child not work with the other children? There is truth when I say: “Every child is different!”

June 23, 2023
Vital Baby

Dads make a Difference When It is Time to Feed Baby

Sometimes when Mom cannot be there, Dad’s need to step in and make a difference when it comes to caring, feeding, and soothing your newly born baby or young infant. Breast feeding your baby does not need to be scary, just organised, and we have a dad DIY baby plan for you and your tiny tyke to support you each step of the way.  Aron, dad to nine-month-old twins Ihla and Summer says: “Have confidence and get involved with your children from day one. There is a tendency to sit back as a new dad and rely on other people. But I think the quicker you get involved, the quicker you build confidence and bond with your baby.” Dad Ways to be Helpful: Dads, you can step in and offer support to your partner by soothing, bathing, changing, dressing, cuddling, and burping your baby. You can also keep your partner company during breastfeeding time and make sure that she has plenty to eat and drink. Once your partner and baby have the hang of breastfeeding, help by feeding your baby expressed milk from a natural baby feeding bottle. Expertly designed to mimic mum’s breast, Vital Baby’s Nurture range gift set has teat flexes like mum’s nipple, providing easy latch on for your baby. With advanced triple anti-colic valves to reduce air intake, the silicone is soft and smooth against baby’s delicate face and its wide neck bottle is easy to clean and fill again with stored breastmilk. Give your partner rest and sleep breaks and take the time to discover ways to bond with your baby. Pick your child up and talk to them when they are awake and alert.  At bedtime or naptime, you can rock your baby gently until they drift off to sleep. When sleeping, you can sit quietly and hold baby in your arms. If you are a dad bringing up a child on your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. You may find that other single parents are a reliable source of support.  Starting Solids Once your infant is ready to start solids, which is usually around the 6-month mark, you can bring your food pairing inspirations to nourish baby and support Mom in saving time.   Steaming cooking vegetable and fruits and blending homemade meals is made quick and easy for you with the NOURISH prep & wean™ Steam Cooker. With three modes – sterilise, steam cook and blend – it is perfect for batch cooking and feeding later. With five blending modes, it allows you to tailor the consistency of food to your child’s stage of weaning from smooth purees to chunkier textures. Its 2-tier steaming system allows you to cook multiple foods with different cooking times all at once making it suitable for use with fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish. Be sure to include the NOURISH Store and Wean Pots 120ml 4-pack set to store and freeze and take with you when you need to feed baby when out and about.  After each feed, make sure all bottles, nipples and other utensils are clean and sterilized and ready for the next feed. Steps for steam sterilizing baby utensils: Wash all utensils thoroughly with soap and water before sterilizing them. The energy efficient HYGIENE Advanced pro UV sterilizer and dryer from Vital Baby safely destroys 99.99% of bacteria, viruses, and mould in just 7 minutes using UV LED’s super-fast sterile and dry action in just 29 minutes. It is versatile to use too, from bottles, soothers and toys to cosmetic brushes, mobile phones, and keys. Using no water, chemicals or heat, its HEPA filter effortlessly removes dust, pollen other airborne pollutants.  It is important to sterilise baby’s feeding equipment as it helps to protect your child’s developing immune system from potentially harmful bugs and bacteria. You can leave the sterilised contents inside the steriliser for 24 hours, but make sure the lid is kept closed for the duration. Ensure you re-assemble items with clean hands or sterilised tongs if you can and always on a clean surface too. Children are stimulated by bright colours, and they grow up fast. Soon enough they will want to mimic Dad at the dining table or when at a sports event or picnic outing. Toddlers can now enjoy their own version of adult cutlery with Vital Baby’s big kid cutlery.  Hydration is just as essential as hungry tummies for the growth and development of your child, and you will want to ensure they stay always hydrated when at home or on the go for family car trips and day outings.   Pack a favourite Sippy cup so they can hydrate themselves, and include NOURISH™ snack on the go™ travel snack bowls for treats such as fruit pieces or biscuits if they can manage finger foods on their own, or store porridge or formula in the travel milk formula dispenser designed so that the revolving lid can click accurately into position above each compartment, and the wide, easy pour spout makes it simple to dispense contents into the bottle, avoiding spillages.  Dads! By feeding and helping your partners with your new-born infant you can make the transition to parenthood a joyful and rewarding experience for everyone. Consider these early chores as an opportunity to create lasting memories and connections with your little one that will last a lifetime. At the same time, by nurturing your baby’s growth and development you will be developing your own confidence and skills as a parent. Not only that, but you are also helping to set a positive example for your children and your community by showing that parenting is a shared responsibility and a source of joy, and that dads can be just as involved and loving as mums.  At Vital Baby, we believe in real moms and dads parenting as best they can. Join other parents for articles & snippets from the vital baby® family https://vitalbabyshop.co.za/

June 20, 2023
Bennetts

Five Ways to Encourage your Child’s Social Skills

Most parents agree that they want their children to reach their full potential – whatever that may be. They won’t enjoy and celebrate a child any less if it turns out that his fullest potential doesn’t involve straight A’s and being hugely successful in the sports arena. In fact, most of us will be more than pleased to see our little ones grow up to be truly happy and successful in their own unique way. As long as they live their best life – everything else is a bonus. However, ask any adult about their happiness level and whether they think they are living meaningful lives and you will soon realise that “living your best life” is not as easy as it sounds. It’s so difficult, in fact, that any practical advice to parents about things that can be done during the early years to increase a child’s chances to be happy and content as an adult one day is extremely valuable. In this post we’ll be looking at what research teaches us about cultivating social skills in our children.  It is, after all, impossible for a person to be happy and successful without being able to get along with people. Here are five things that parents can do to help lay a solid foundation with regards to social skills. 1. Talk about thoughts and emotions. Studies show that children, whose parents often talk about what they and their children are thinking and feeling, are more popular, more comfortable in social situations and better able to cope with anger and disappointment. [1] 2. Deliberately work on having a sunny outlook on life.  Children with the most developed preschool social skills are the ones who experience more positive emotions at home. It’s not necessary or even realistic to be constantly happy, but practice a “can-do” attitude towards setbacks and frustrations. Researchers say children suffer when parents – and particularly mothers – tend to give in to anger or despair when things don’t go according to plan. The more often children see their mothers display negative emotions, the less likely they are to view their mothers as people who can comfort them and give them advice. [2] 3. Create special opportunities for “pretend play” and join in the action every now and then.  One of the most important ways in which children develop friendships during the pre-school years is by playing pretend games together. Researchers have found that children who pretend together are less likely than other children to quarrel or have communication problems. They also develop self-control and the ability to “put themselves in somebody else’s shoes”. [3] Parents who play along from time to time are doing their children a huge favour. Children are found to play for longer and at a higher level when parents encourage them. But, remember to keep the experience upbeat and don’t take over; allow your little one to take the lead. 4. Use words wisely when you discipline your child.  Peggy O’Mara said, “The way we speak to our children becomes their inner voice”. What’s more, research shows that children, whose parents take the time to explain rules and discuss consequences of bad behaviour, are popular amongst their peers and they have more self-control and less conflict with peers. [4] 5. Be sensitive to your child’s emotions. One study, done by Suzanne Denham in 1997, asked children to say what they think their parents would do when they experience strong emotions in various situations, for instance when they wake up from a bad dream. The very same children who reported that their parents would comfort them and not ignore their emotions or get angry were the ones who were pointed out by teachers to be more socially skilled when they are with their friends. These children were also better able to relate to other children’s feelings and they were generally more cooperative. [5] What much of the research boils down to is that positive parental involvement is very important to their children’s social development. What’s more, discussing thoughts and emotions, whether positive or negative, helps our children to understand their own thinking and feelings, and therefore other people’s, so much better. 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.  References: Tompkins, V., Benigno, J.P., Lee, B.K., Wright, B.M. (2018). The relation between parents’ mental state talk and children’s social understanding: A meta-analysis. Social Development, 27(2), 223-246. Valiente, C., Fabes, R. A., Eisenberg, N., & Spinrad, T. L. (2004). The relations of parental expressivity and support to children’s coping with daily stress. Journal of Family Psychology : JFP : journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43), 18(1), 97–106.  Goldstein, T. R., & Lerner, M. D. (2018). Dramatic pretend play games uniquely improve emotional control in young children. Developmental science, 21(4). Moreno-Ruiz, D., Estévez, E., Jiménez, T. I., & Murgui, S. (2018). Parenting Style and Reactive and Proactive Adolescent Violence: Evidence from Spain. International journal of environmental research and public health, 15(12), 2634.  Denham, S. (2010). “When I have a bad dream, Mommy holds me.” Preschoolers’ conceptions of emotions, parental socialisation, and emotional competence. International Journal of Behavioral Development, Feb. 301-319. 

June 14, 2023
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