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.
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
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.
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)
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.
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!”
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/
The first few weeks and months with your baby are a wonderfully weird mix of love-filled days and sleepless nights. Just remember, your baby’s new here (to the world) so it might take them a little while to figure out the whole sleeping-through-the-night thing. In the meantime, here are tips and tricks to try, along with some slumber essentials to help turn your baby into a Sleep Superstar. 1. It’s never too early for a bedtime routine. Maybe the first night at home is a little early (you’ll just be happy to see your own bed). But establishing your baby’s bedtime routine during their first month will help set up everyone for a better night’s sleep – maybe even two in a row. You see, routines are how your baby starts to figure out the difference between day and night (and which one is for longer snoozes). While your newborn is trying to figure out their schedule, you can help remind them it’s time to settle down with some simple sleep associations: Gently rock them to sleep Close the curtains in the room where they sleep If you talk, use a soft voice Turn on a soother that plays white noise or peaceful music Try working some of these calming tricks into your baby’s bedtime routine, which usually takes around 15-30 minutes. But if your little one starts fussing, you might want to speed things up to help them get to sleep quicker (and happier). Just remember, consistency is key. A predictable pattern that gives your baby a heads up that it’s time to wind down is BEST: B(ath), E(at), (S)tory Time, (T)ime for Bed 2. Jump on those sleep cues. Wouldn’t it be great if your baby could just say, “Hey, I’m sleepy!”? Well, they kind of do. Yawning is the most recognizable way, but not all babies yawn when they’re sleepy. Though most babies have their own unique sleep cues, here are some common ones to look for: Eyes turning red, Irritated skin around eyebrows, Red, blotchy cheeks, Breaking eye contact and staring off into space, Tense body, Fussier or Hard crying. An infant 0-3 months old has up to 15 minutes from the time they start showing sleepy signs to missing their sleep window. That’s the sensitive time right before they fall asleep. So, when you get the cue from your baby, start the soothing ASAP. This goes for naps too! When you see your baby’s sleep cues during the day it’s time to ready, set, nap. The Fisher-Price® Calming Clouds™ Mobile & Soother helps your baby settle down for sleep with overhead motion and calming music, sounds and lights. With a convenient sound sensor, the mobile automatically restarts the calming action when baby makes noise. This stylish crib mobile also converts to a tabletop sound machine with nightlight as your baby grows to help keep their bedtime routine consistent. 3. Don’t get up yet. Hearing your baby fuss or grunt during the night doesn’t always mean they’re ready for another feeding. Try to wait and see if they can self-soothe and settle back down on their own. (We know it’s not easy). A bassinet or soother, like the Fisher-Price SOOTHE & SNUGGLE OTTER, is a unique plush soother that helps comfort your baby just like you do. Its soft belly moves up and down in a rhythmic motion that mimics breathing to help soothe your baby naturally, along with up to 30 minutes of calming music, sound effects, and soft lights. 4. The art of self-soothing The more chances your baby gets to practice self-soothing, the quicker they’ll learn to fall asleep—and stay asleep—day or night. Naptimes count, too. Here are five self-soothing signs to look for: Clasping their hands Bringing hands & fingers to their mouth to suck on. When held facing you, your baby will snuggle their face into your chest, neck or armpit for comfort and settling. Beginning to roll onto their side or tummy The self-soothing cry: when your baby makes mild, fussing sounds for several minutes (this sounds different than a hard cry). 5. Teaching your baby to sleep longer If your little one is waking up every 30 minutes to 2 hours and needs to be rocked, fed or held to go back to sleep, now might be a great time to work on lengthening their sleep schedule. These episodes of waking up and needing attention are your baby’s way of letting you see their sleep associations and dependency on you. If they need to be fed or held to sleep, try these tips to help settle your little one into a pattern of self-soothing: Feed your baby 20-30 minutes before bedtime instead of right before they go down When baby gets sleepy (but not all the way asleep), place your baby in their sleep spot and pat and shush to help them settle in If baby begins to fuss, pick them up, rock them back to a drowsy state, and try again to pat and shush them to sleep in their sleep spot Repeat this cycle 3-5 times for around 20-25 minutes Try this cycle again the following night so you can start to introduce a consistent, gentle way to get your little one to sleep through the night. 6. What about sleep regression? It’s not as serious as it sounds, promise! Right around 6, 9 and 12 weeks, your baby will go through three big developmental phases. Good news: Your baby’s more alert as they focus on your face when you talk or laugh. Not-so-good news: These new developments will make it difficult for your little one to sleep. Even if they were getting into their sleep groove before, expect more waking and more feeding, too. (Reaching milestones builds an appetite!) That’s Sleep Regression. Take heart, it doesn’t last. Research shows that during this time, babies will be at their fussiest and may even need more help to settle, soothe and sleep. So, what can you do?
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.
Many parents wonder why they should teach their children ‘respectful’ behaviour before the age of 7-8, which is when they really only start to understand the concept of ‘respect’. For example, why force a two-year-old, who is at a very difficult stage socially, to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ when they don’t understand the words? Is that not being unreasonable? Surely, children who grow up in an environment where other people are being considerate to them will eventually choose to turn into considerate human beings – when they are good and ready to do so? It’s a case of which came first, the chicken or the egg? In other words, does a child have to understand respect in order to behave respectfully? Well, in our research we have found three important reasons to strive to teach our children to be as well-mannered as is reasonably possible from early on. Firstly, acting respectfully leads to being respectful; secondly, good manners help pave the way to a higher EQ; and thirdly, manners teach self-control which leads to success. 1. Acting respectfully leads to being respectful Parents who put manners on the back burner until their child is old enough to develop his own convictions about the matter, usually find themselves in a rather precarious situation. The reality of the situation is that it becomes difficult for the parents and others in their child’s life to act as if their child is a blessing and a joy to be around if he’s running around like a self-centered mini-dictator … no matter how understanding they try to be. On the other hand, approving smiles, appreciative looks, and positive comments from parents and other people can have an almost miraculously positive impact on a child’s developing self-concept. It therefore makes sense to teach a child to be pleasant and courteous to people, even if he doesn’t really yet understand the concept underlying this behaviour. Then, by the time a child is old enough to truly understand what respect means, he will be used to thinking of himself as a ‘nice boy’. Then, acting in a way that is contrary to this will be unthinkable to him. 2. Good manners help pave the way to a higher EQ Just like a child can be born with an amazing aptitude of music or sport, which may never be realised due to lack of opportunities, a child can also be born with the potential to develop a high emotional intelligence (EQ) and never reach this potential due to lack of guidance. One of the most important components of EQ is a person’s ability to effectively ‘read’ what other people are feeling and respond accordingly. Since having good manners is in essence about being sensitive to the needs and feelings of other people, teaching manners is a wonderfully practical way to help your child develop his emotional intelligence. 3. Manners teach self-control which leads to success Dr Walter Mischel, a psychologist specialising in personality theory and social psychology, led a study between 1968 and 1974 at Stanford University that involved more than 600 children, who were on average 4½ years old. Each child was filmed as he or she was left alone in a room with a one-way-mirror for 15 minutes … with a marshmallow on a plate in front of them. Before leaving the room ‘to run an errand’, the doctor explained that the child was allowed to eat it, but if they could wait for him to return, they would be rewarded with a second marshmallow. Only one-third of the children were able to wait for his return and the reward of an extra marshmallow. Those who demonstrated the greatest capacity to wait ended up, in subsequent years, with better outcomes. Follow-up studies revealed that these children scored higher in achievement tests and were more likely to finish college. They also dealt with stress better, were more popular with their peers and less likely to develop substance abuse problems. In light of this, it is critically important for a child to develop the ability to delay gratification and control his impulses during the early years. Instead of leaving it up to our children to figure out for themselves how they should behave, parents should be present to direct and influence their child’s behaviour from early on. Self-discipline doesn’t spring up overnight, so we need to start early. Our expectations will naturally change as our children grow older, but the basics stay the same: consistently say ‘no’ to your child when he does something undesirable or oversteps boundaries, encourage him to try again when he is frustrated by a challenging task and remind him to mind his manners in various situations. 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.
Just as you get it all right and think you are on the track to having a baby who sleeps through the night, you get one disturbed night of sleep and it sets you back big time! The question is: are there typical times that you should expect nighttime hiccups? 4-6 months old – From birth your baby will slowly and steadily begin to sleep for longer and longer stretches at night and you will have the satisfaction of the occasional longer period of sleep. But just as your baby pieces it together and is almost ‘sleeping through’, he will start to wake more frequently again. This happens as your little one begins to require extra nutrition at night, the milk feeds that used to sustain him are no longer doing so and you have three choices: Breastfeed on cue and meet his demands at night to stimulate your milk supply. In this way your little one will go back to sleep and wake again in 4 hours for another feed. This is a good idea if Your baby is less than 17 weeks You or your baby have confirmed allergies (in which case you should delay introducing a formula or solids) Offer a top up bottle at bedtime or if he wakes shortly after going down Introduce solids – absolutely fine to do any time between 4 and 6 months 8 months old – At around 8 months old, your baby will start waking due to separation reasons or plain ol’ habits. At this age your baby is working hard to establish object permanence – the awareness that you exist when he can’t see you. To decrease the effect of this milestone on sleep: Encourage a sleep soother such as a ‘doodoo blanky’ (Taglet) or dummy that can be used independently. Play separation games during the day – ‘peek a boo’ or hide and seek. Listen to your baby at night before going to him and see if he resettles on his own. If he cries, go to him, give him love and help him settle on his own with a doodoo blanky. Do not be tempted to feed him at night before 2am as this can lead to habits developing. Toddler years – Toddlers are notorious poor sleepers. Your toddler will wander at night and come through to your room. In fact more toddlers co-sleep than newborns, according to recent research! Toddlers call for their parents at night due to night fears and boundary issues. To address this, leave a night light on and encourage your toddler to use a comfort object instead of coming to you. If your toddler repeatedly wanders into your bed at night you have three choices: Repeatedly walk him back to his bed – while this will be exhausting initially, your toddler will eventually learn that night wanders brings no joy. Let him climb into your bed and share a bed with him Find the sense-able middle ground – have a mattress under your bed that he can pull out and sleep on at night – this means your bed remains your own but your toddler has access to you at night.
We are very lucky in South Africa with the climate that we have. Our children play outdoors much more than most European countries. Whatever the weather though, think of your garden or any outdoor space as Natures Classroom. Every sense and area of learning can be stimulated just by being outside. It is important to create an understanding of the environment from an early age, and the reasons why we need to preserve our world. In this natural wonderland, your baby benefits in many ways: Health Being outdoors means your child is exposed to sunlight and fresh air, both of which have health benefits. The extra space outdoors also means your baby can get moving. Crawling, standing, walking, running, climbing – any age can enjoy moving and it will feel like play rather than exercise. Sensory development Every sense is stimulated in the garden: Place your baby on the grass to feel the texture Crush leaves in autumn Play in puddles and squish the mud between the toes Place your baby on a blanket under a tree and enjoy the watching the leaves moving and the effect it has on light, Feel the temperature in the air, Listen for bugs or birds Smell the earth. The garden stimulates the seeking instinct in toddlers and they will explore and discover things as they go. Every season has something different to offer. Physical development By exploring the garden your baby will develop his gross motor skills as he gets his body moving. Add a ball, bike, trampoline for added enjoyment and movement. Digging in the soil, picking up stones, leaves or worms help to develop fine motor skills. Responsibility Being outdoors means your child is exposed to choices and dangers they will not experience playing indoors. They learn what to avoid, where it is safe to go and dressing appropriately for the weather. Help your baby to learn that the garden is a safe place but that caution is needed. Memory and Success You may find your baby always crawls towards a certain patch in the garden that he likes or you toddler will want to play the same games over and over again. Encourage this use of early memory. Plant flowers, seeds, bulbs and vegetables in your garden and encourage your tot to participate in looking after them and watching how they change every week. There is nothing like seeing the face of a toddler who makes the connection that the bulb he planted in the autumn is the daffodil he sees in spring, or picking the tomatoes from your garden and using them in your salads. What a great success.
Hiring a nanny is a big deal with many factors to consider. A key decision is whether to hire a nanny through an agency or on your own. Not hiring an agency means you’ll have to do all the legwork yourself which can be time-consuming and difficult, especially if you don’t know where to start. Using an agency can be a great way to find a nanny who meets your specific needs. The process of hiring a nanny through an agency can be a little bit daunting; However it’s worth it to have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that you’re hiring a qualified and experienced nanny who has been vetted by an experienced agency. Agencies can also provide support after the nanny is hired, such as addressing any concerns or replacing the nanny if things go wrong. Common Nanny Types Live-in nannies live with the family they work for full time. They are typically available 24/7 and can provide a high level of care for children. Live-out nannies do not live with the family they work for full time. They work a set number of hours per week and are not available overnight. Part-time nannies provide their services occasionally. Night nannies only work overnight to care for children. They can help with night feedings or diaper changes. Special skills nannies have skills or qualifications such as CPR training, first aid training, or experience with children with special needs Choosing the Right Nanny When choosing a nanny, it is important to consider your family’s needs and preferences such as: The age of your children. You may need a nanny with experience caring for infants or toddlers. Your family’s schedule. You may need a nanny who is available to work long hours or who can work nights or weekends. Your budget. The cost of nannies can vary depending on their experience, qualifications, and the number of hours they work. Your family’s values. You may want to choose a nanny who shares your religious beliefs. Interviews The aim of an interview is to ensure that the candidate is a good fit for your family. Interviews can take place telephonically, face-face or as a trial day. Be sure to ask questions about their experience, qualifications, childcare philosophy and availability. Using the Find Your Nanny Agency FindYourNanny is a South African agency that has helped over 3000 families find their dream nannies. The FindYourNanny hiring process is simple and straightforward: Go to www.findyournanny.co.za and select a nanny type and placement package to suit your needs. Complete the online registration form and pay the once off registration fees. FindYourNanny will send you candidate profiles including experience and references. Select candidates to interview. Make an offer to the nanny you want to hire. Pay the placement fee for your chosen package. Onboard your nanny and provide them with information about your family, your expectations, and your house rules. You can contact FindYourNanny on hello@findyournanny.co.za.
As a parent, you already know the importance of child drowning prevention and how quickly accidents can happen. What you perhaps didn’t know is that in South Africa, pool safety will become a regulatory issue, governed by the SABS through its building Standards. According to the Safety Standard (SANS 10134), pool safety will need to be provided on all properties. The most effective way to address this is with a solid safety cover. But not all safety covers are made equal and it is important to understand the criteria when choosing a safety cover. These are the questions to ask and the critical factors to get right if your safety cover is to perform as it should and keep unsupervised children (and pets) safe. After rain, does the water drain off within 15 minutes, leaving no water pooled on top of the cover? A compliant safety cover must have drainage holes. Could an object measuring 114mm fit under the edge of the cover? This represents the size of a small child’s head. Is the cover’s weight tolerance 220kg or more? Can two adults and a child walk on it without harm to themselves or damage to the cover? Are the batons supporting the cover manufactured for solid safety pool covers and able to carry the intended weight? Similarly, are the ratchets of adequate quality? Are the supplier and the installer accredited by SANS 10134? Does the supplier provide official certification with the safety cover? The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is the leading child safety cover and complies with all the abovementioned requirements. Solid Safety Covers were first designed and introduced to the South African market by PowerPlastics Pool Covers. Many have tried to copy it but don’t always get the quality right. Cutting corners by using cheap components could result in a pool cover that is as unsafe as an uncovered pool if not even more dangerous, imagine being trapped under a defective cover! A Solid Safety Cover is a specialist product, and requires specialist design and installation methods. Go with the original and best in quality cover from PowerPlastics Pool Covers. You will be glad you went the extra mile when your quality safety cover stops a child or pet drowning in your own home. Learn more at www.powerplastics.co.za
Giving birth to your firstborn child sees you worrying about how and what to do right as you find your feet and transition into first-time parent mode. Welcoming your second child into your new family, you will be backed by prior experience to support you in your new role as family ‘multi-tasker’ as you embrace managing the love, care, feeding, soothing, and sleeping of 2 under 2! Welcoming in a second child will be different for every family. Each child is born distinctive from their sibling and your role as mother or father becomes a balancing act which may take time to adjust to. What is true for all second-time parents is that with increased time pressures, there are higher stress levels mothering two children who need round the clock care. Now, instead of taking naps alongside your newborn you will be spending precious time with your toddler. Happily, in the changing world around us, traditional gender roles are evolving as Dads help more around the home and do a lot to ease motherhood for mum’s post the birthing process. Partners may bring their boardroom logic into crises managing a moment with quick thinking and the most direct solution when your toddler and baby are both demanding – at full volume – to be fed! Parenting routines and caring for your kids may come first, and taking time for things other than motherhood at this challenging stage can seem unrealistic but like a diamond is pressured into pure sparkling beauty, it is also an opportunity for you as new mums and dads to set routines, prep meals, and delegate responsibilities with the right tools on hand so you can still carve out space in the day to connect with your partner or spouse, take a restorative five minute walk around the block, or journal in your diary. Philips Avent South Africa share some life tips and home hacks to grounding your new family in a harmonious home routine and setting the perfect scene for both your tiny tykes to grow and thrive: #1 Home Coming & Family introductions: Even kids as young as 18 months to 2 years can feel that things are changing. Prepare your firstborn child for your new arrival into the family only when the time is right and you feel ready to do so. Introduce the idea to your toddler that baby will be someone new to love, and that having a sibling is a privilege and a gift and they can be excited having a new role as an older sibling. Don’t oversell the idea however as you may set them up for rivalry. #2 Home Help Routine: Once your newborn has been introduced home, set up your new routines as soon as possible, by aligning feeding and nap times as much as possible to avoid double duty during the day. Second time Mum Sandy (33) claims her superpowers of adaptation saw her master the art of breastfeeding her newborn and spoon feeding her toddler at the same time. She suggests that for whichever task you avoid or dislike the most, this is the area to adapt and master. “I felt challenged by breastfeeding as I had sore, cracked nipples making it painful, and uncomfortable to feed either of my sons so much so that I would dread feeding times! “I was ecstatic when I discovered Philips Avent nipple shields, they protected my scabbed, sensitive nipples so they could recover and I could breastfeed again. Nipple shields made all the difference, thank goodness.” Breastfeeding your newborn should be your priority, with proper latching and full feeds at correct times. For working mums, you newborn and toddler can still benefit from breastmilk when you master the art of breastmilk pumping to ensure you have milk stored in milk storage bags in the freezer. These can be defrosted for feeds for your newborn by Dad or other caregivers or used for meal top ups of breastmilk for your firstborn toddler. Having the right tools to soothe and protect your breasts and efficiently pump your breastmilk makes it easier to stay comfortable and continue breastfeeding until the minimum 24-month breastfeeding period has been reached. #3 Planning & Prepping Meals In the new era of breast pumping, both the Philips Avent manual and electric breast pumps are quiet, and you can stay positioned upright allowing you to continue pumping and feeding, providing the necessary elixir of breastmilk that your children require during the day. Small and inconspicuous, both the Philips Avent manual breast pump and the Philips Avent electric breast pump will easily fits into your bag when you are on the go. The Philips Avent Natural baby bottle is designed for mums who want to combine breast and bottle feeding, with its soft, breast-shaped teat which encourages a natural latch and mimics the feel of a breast, making the switch between breast and bottle as smooth as possible for you and your baby and other parents and caregivers to step in for supported feeds. The spiral design of the teat and petals ensure it naturally flexes and doesn’t collapse when your little one is feeding, so your baby can enjoy an uninterrupted feed. More importantly the anti-colic valve in the Philips Avent Natural baby bottle is designed to reduce colic and discomfort by venting air into the bottle and away from your baby’s tummy for 60% less fussing at night. Generally, after the first month, babies gain an average of 500g to 1 kilogram per month within the first six months. Breast milk is the ideal first food, but beyond this stage, both milk and solid foods are needed to help your baby grow and continue to gain around 2 kilograms per month. Many babies are happy to wait until around six months to begin weaning and at this age can learn the skills needed for eating solid food very quickly especially if there is an older brother or sister to mimic at feeding times. However, babies
Breastfeeding is special for mothers and babies and should be as comfortable as possible. Medela’s breast care range provides additional support when needed and addresses specific issues during breastfeeding. It includes products that help overcome certain challenges during breastfeeding, such as breast milk leakage or sore and cracked nipples. Medela Breast Shells (From R 389.99) Medela breast protection shells offer unique wearing comfort. The discreet shape and the flexible silicone membrane, delicate with the skin, make them pleasant and invisible under clothes. If you have sore or cracked nipples, Medela breast shells protect them and allow skin to recover by preventing your clothes from rubbing on them. Medela Nipple Shields (From R 339.99) Medela’s Contact™ nipple shields make breastfeeding possible when latching on is difficult or painful by protecting sore nipples and helping your baby attach more easily. Product benefits: Enable breastfeeding when latching on is difficult or painful or if you have flat or inverted nipples. Protect sensitive, dry, or cracked nipples during breastfeeding. Made from transparent, ultra-thin, soft silicone that’s comfortable on sensitive skin. Safe and taste-free for your baby. Shape maximises skin contact between you and your baby. BPA free. Medela Disposable Nursing Pad – 60’s (From R 199.95) Medela Disposable Nursing Pads are super absorbent and offer longer protection. The nursing pads are made of super absorbent material that prevents milk leakage and maintains dryness – day or night. Medela Purelan™ – Lanolin Cream 7G/37G (From R 139.99) In the first few days and weeks of frequent breastfeeding, many women experience nipple soreness and dry skin. Purelan™ lanolin cream gives fast relief for sore nipples and dry skin. Benefits: Safe for your baby – no need to remove before breastfeeding Effective–rich texture creates a protective layer on the skin’s surface and rehydrates from within 100% natural, single-ingredient lanolin. No additives, preservatives and fragrances added Medela also offers mothers a range of accessories that make breastfeeding, pumping, collecting, handling, and storing breast milk easier and more convenient. Medela accessories help preserve the valuable nutrients of breast milk during transport. Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags (From R 399.99) Medela Quick Clean Microwave Bags 5 Pack is a handy way to sanitize your pumping equipment and breastfeeding accessories quickly and safely. These bags are small and easy to store, and each bag can be used 20 times. Medela City Style Breast Pump Bag And Cooler Bag (From R 2099.99) Medela City Style Bag is a modern bag essential for carrying all your breastfeeding accessories. In this way, you can carry anything from a thermal bag to your favourite breast pump. Whether for travel or a day-to-day necessity, you will always be accompanied by your favourite accessories. What’s more, this stylish bag can be used while breastfeeding and even after you stop. Medela Cooler Bag consists of a discreet removable cooler bag specially designed to carry four 150ml Medela baby bottles. Its coating provides a refreshing effect so that breast milk can always be in its best condition. Thus, all nutrients and vitamins are preserved for a long time. Milk Collection Breast milk is precious – collecting and storing breast milk for your baby is essential for their health. That is why Medela only offers BPA-free bottles and containers. To make it more comfortable for you and to help ensure your pumping session is a success. Medela Milk Bottles set of 2-250ml/3-150ml (From R 339.99) Medela breast milk bottles are a perfect complement to your breastfeeding experience. Medela’s breast milk bottles are compatible with all our breast pumps, making it easy to pump, store and feed using the same container. This means not a single drop of your precious breast milk is wasted and you have less washing up to do. Medela Breast Milk Storage Bags 25 (From R239,99) / 50 bags (From R 359.99) Medela’s Breast Milk Storage Bags make storing, transporting, and warming breast milk convenient and hygienic. The easy-to-use flat shape is space-saving and makes thawing quick. The double zipper and durable material make the storage of your breast milk safe for your baby. Medela Silicone Breast Milk Collector (From R 339.99) The NEW Medela Silicone Breast Milk Collector is a true breastfeeding companion and breast milk saver. With its double leakproof design, lanyard, and suction base, Medela’s Silicone Breast Milk Collector protects each precious drop of milk from being lost, to ensure your baby receives it all. Easy to use, simply attach the breast milk collector, also known among other brands as a silicone breast pump, on one breast while feeding from the other to capture your natural let-down. Medela Family App The Medela Family app is your personal helper. With the app, you can easily track important stats for pregnancy, baby, and breastfeeding and it gives you tips and support to help you meet your goals. Features of the Medela Family App: Knowledge Centre – A library of expert-written educational articles to help you prepare and learn along your journey. Personal helper – Our smart assistant helps you troubleshoot technical problems and get answers to frequently asked questions. Easy to use – The Medela Family app was designed from scratch with high usability standards including a night mode for easier reading in dim lighting. Virtual milk storage – With this smart milk inventory system you will always know how much milk you have in your stash. Hands-free voice control – Use your voice to track a session! Especially handy when changing a dirty diaper. Baby tracking – The following sessions can be tracked for one or more babies: breastfeeding, pumping, sleep, bottle feeding, diaper changes, weight, and length. Pregnancy tracking – With Medela Family you can track the duration, frequency, and pain intensity of contractions. The Medela Family is available on the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery. All Medela products are available from Dis-Chem, Baby City, Clicks, Takealot.com and other major retailers. Follow Medela on Instagram @Medela_sa and Facebook @MedelaSA.
When our children are babies it is clear what the guidelines indicate when it comes to safe sleeping. The cot area should be clear (NO blanket, NO pillow, NO cot bumper), the mattress should be firm and breathable, and you should always put your baby down on their back. When my daughter moved to a big bed close to 3 years of age, having never slept with anything except the sleeping bag and her taglet, I faced the Big Bed with confusion. The bed sure looks odd without a pillow? As our babies become toddlers (12+ months), is the fear of SIDS no longer a risk? As I started looking for the answer, I realized it is not so clear. Most safe sleep guidelines only cover up to 12 months of age. The recommended age to start introducing a pillow is the same age you move your toddler to a big bed/toddler bed or take the railing down on their cot, which is between 2.5 and 3 years. If your child is younger than this when they move to a big bed then they do not require a pillow, rather just use a safe sleeping bag. When choosing pillows and duvets though, keep in mind that your toddler’s pillow and duvet will differ from yours initially. When deciding on a pillow, rather choose smaller than too big. Choose firm pillows for your growing toddler who needs proper neck support. The same goes for a blankets and duvets, choose one that is not to heavy or too big. Larger blankets/duvets can present suffocation risk that smaller blankets do not present, even if your child is over 12 months of age. Toddlers easily adapt though to the pillow, not always staying on it all night but that is nothing to worry about. It is quite a different story though with your toddler and their blanket. Toddlers are busy sleepers and often kick their blankets off. Another reason to wait till 2.5 – 3 years to introduce the blanket and rather stick to sleeping bags before this age. But once they are using a blanket or a duvet, you want to encourage them to start using it independently. Make them practice putting the blanket or duvet on them, showing them how to pull it over themselves. This might take a while to perfect, but if you allow them to practice and not just do it for them, they will get the hang of it quickly. By Jolandi Becker MD and Owner of Good Night References When is it safe to put a pillow in your toddler’s crib or bed? (todaysparent.com)When Can a Toddler Have a Pillow? Age, Considerations, More (healthline.com)When Is It Safe for My Baby to Sleep with a Blanket? (healthline.com)
At around 6 months of age, babies reach a big developmental milestone. They start to perceive relationships, and most importantly, the effect of distance. Babies start to realise that objects and people can come closer, and move further away, or even disappear around a corner or in the distance. This is a wonderful milestone that encourages babies to move by means of rolling, creeping and crawling. You will also start to realise at this stage that your baby is not happy with you putting him down and leaving him behind, because along with this milestone comes separation anxiety. The severity and effect of separation anxiety in babies differs from child to child. It also comes and goes from 6 months until late toddlerhood. Separation anxiety can last between 2 and 3 weeks at a time and has an effect on your child’s mood and behaviour, as well as their sleep. Whether or not your baby has been sleep trained, your baby might start screaming the second you put him or her in their cot and leave the room at this age. At first this might give you a big fright and cause confusion. Here are some tips on how to deal with your baby’s anxiety: Practise separation during the day: From playing peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek, to leaving your child with a trusted caregiver. Practise going away and coming back. Practise reassurance. Don’t let your child get over-tired: Children are more susceptible to separation anxiety when over-tired. Finding the optimal time to put your baby down for sleep might just make a big difference. Have a fixed routine: Routine is predictable and it makes a baby feel safe. During a phase of separation anxiety, stick to your routine and your child will know exactly what to expect. Your child knows that after a nappy change and story in the room, he will sleep, and when he wakes up, you will return. Comfort items: A comfort item is familiar, and is your child’s sleep buddy. It comforts and provides feelings of control and safety at sleep time. Don’t feed the anxiety: Do not make a big fuss about leaving your child; stay calm. Treat the situation like every other day. Children feed off our energy, and if the caregiver gets nervous about leaving the child, the child will definitely feel anxious. The fact that your baby is learning that you are able to move away from him, makes it is a great time to sleep train as they understand what is happening and will be able to learn from it. To teach him or her that they are still okay even if you are not in the room is a way to not feed the anxiety, but to help your baby get used to these feelings for short periods of time. To conclude, if you find that you and your baby are in a phase of separation anxiety, give your baby extra cuddles during bedtime and follow your normal routine. If your baby starts crying in their cot, give him or her some time to work it out for themselves. Do regular checks on your baby for extra reassurance but let your child fall asleep independently as usual. By Magriet Rothman – Good Night Sleep Consultant Resources:https://www.babysleepsite.com/baby-sleep-patterns/wonder-weeks-chart-baby-toddler-sleep/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/separation-anxiety/https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/separation-anxiety-and-separation-anxiety-disorder.htm
Parental responsibility is the responsibility to care for the child, to maintain contact with the child, to act as guardian of the child, and to contribute to the maintenance of the child. The Children’s Act further sets out that a person may have full or specific parental responsibilities and rights. Full parental responsibilities and rights means that a person may be entitled to all the rights set out in the Act. Specific parental responsibilities and rights means that a person may only have a specific right in terms of the Act; for example, the right to act only as guardian of the child.
In my work with parents and teachers on solving behavior challenges with children, I help them identify the problem, possible causes of the behavior, and then possible solutions for eliminating it. My goal is to send the adults away with a few simple step-by-step techniques they can implement immediately to bring about quick change at home or in the classroom. Here are four key questions to ask yourself to help you identify a current behavior issue and some common sense solutions to solve them. QUESTION # 1: Why can’t the behavior occur? Adults react unnecessarily when children behave in ways that annoy or embarrass the adult, or add more chaos to their already stressed state of mind. Adults also react in this manner in response to feelings of fear that the child may fall down or get hurt in some fashion. Stop before you react unnecessarily and ask yourself, “What is the worst that could happen if I don’t react?,” or “Why can’t my child do what she’s doing at the moment?” Let go of the urge to control everything and everybody. Avoid arranging the outcomes of everyone’s behavior. QUESTION # 2: How would the child know not to behave this way? Children see the world from a different perspective than adults, and adults unfairly assume or expect children to see it from theirs. Carefully examine the models that your children have around them to learn from and be sure to set good examples that teach what you want them to learn. Encouraging a child to read frequently, for example, works best when they see the adult reading, too. Create agreements ahead of time and set up rules before activities begin, not in the middle of them. Yes, this will require you as a caregiver to think ahead and predict behavior situations that could be challenging. QUESTION # 3: What unmet needs might the child be demonstrating? In many instances, both children and adults demonstrate surprising behaviors as a way of getting unmet needs satisfied. The little boy constantly drawing may be exhibiting his need to draw and create. Creating appropriate opportunities for him to draw and color may be all that is necessary to eliminate the problem. Giving a bossy child the opportunity to lead family activities may satisfy his need to be in charge. And relaxing over a tween or teen’s experiments with her appearance that doesn’t endanger her will satisfy her need to explore her own identity in a healthy way. Have you ever behaved in curious ways to satisfy any unmet needs of your own? QUESTION # 4: Is there a purpose to this behavior for the child? Both children and adults find ways to act out to create more purpose in their life. The little boy picking the fights with his brother discovered that it brought his busy grandmother into the room in hopes of her taking his side. The little girl who had once again become a baby was most likely responding to the jealousy she may have felt of having to share her parents with her new sibling. And my own son found a new way to annoy others by experimenting with sounds he could make with his voice. Before you get angry and behave badly as a caregiver, step back for one moment, take a deep breath, and ask yourself these four questions. Perhaps the answers they offer may allow you to see the behavior differently and provide you with an opportunity to choose an alternate response that will get you more effective results. Behavior is usually a result of what has been learned through imitation or getting unmet needs or purpose satisfied. Avoid the urge to react and think of ways you can be proactive instead to avoid or eliminate challenging behaviors.
As a parent, nothing is more important than ensuring that your little one is healthy and happy. However, during the winter months, babies and young children are more vulnerable to typical winter ailments.1 Infants run a higher risk of respiratory infections because their immune systems aren’t fully developed.2 Panado® Infant Drops help with the relief of mild pain and fever associated with colds and flu.3 One of the most significant challenges when it comes to administering medication to babies is ensuring accurate dosing. This is where Pando® Infant Drops excel. The medication is specifically designed to be administered in small doses, making it easier to get the dosage just right. The dropper that comes with the medication is also designed to be easy to use and accurate, making sure that you can give your baby the correct amount of medication every time. Formulated To Be Gentle On Your Baby’s System Panado® Infant Drops contain paracetamol, which is a trustworthy4 solution for treatment of pain and fever in children.5 This means that you can rest easy knowing that your baby is getting the care they need. Another benefit of Panado® Infant Drops is the convenience they offer. The small bottle with a dropper, can easily fit into your nappy bag, handbag, and car cubbyhole, making it easy to take with you wherever you go. Whether you’re heading to the park, going on a road trip, or simply running errands, you can be confident that you have the medication you need to take care of your little one. The dropper also makes administering the medication convenient. You can easily give your baby the medication without having to worry about spills or getting it all over their face, or your clothing. This means that you can administer the medication quickly and efficiently, even when you’re in a hurry. Specially Designed For Infants It’s worth noting that Panado® Infant Drops are formulated specifically for infants up to a year old. Overall, if you’re looking for a pain and fever medication that is easy to use, then Panado® Infant Drops is an excellent choice. With its accurate dosing and convenience, you can be confident that you’re giving your baby the care they need during the winter months. Other Panado® Products Suitable For Your Child In addition to Panado® Infant Drops,3 Panado’s range for children includes Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Strawberry (50 ml | 100 ml),6 Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint Alcohol and Sugar-Free (50 ml | 100 ml),7 and Panado® Paediatric Syrup, Peppermint 5 ml Sachets. Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado® products from independent pharmacies and selected Clicks, Dis-Chem, and Pick ‘n Pay stores. For more information, visit https://panado.co.za/ and join the conversations on Facebook. #Panado #ADoseOfCare 2023050910278218 References: Medical Academy. Winter illnesses and children: when to be concerned? Available from: https://www.medicalacademic.co.za/winter-ailments/winter-illnesses-and-children-when-to-be-concerned/. Last accessed 27 March 2023. UTHealth Houston. Six tips for children’s wintertime illnesses. Last accessed 27 March 2023. Available from: https://www.utphysicians.com/six-tips-for-childrens-wintertime-illnesses/ Panado® Infant Drops (Drops). Approved package insert, August 1990. IRI Data for MAT August 2021. de Martino M, Chiarugi A. Recent Advances in Pediatric Use of Oral Paracetamol in Fever and Pain Management. Pain Ther. 2015;4(2):149-168. doi:10.1007/s40122-015-0040-z. Last accessed 27 March 2023. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4676765/ Panado® Paediatric Syrup Strawberry. Approved package insert, March 2002. Panado® Paediatric Syrup. Approved package insert, April 2010.
Babies can have fun with books long before they know any words, and they’ll also be picking up skills they will need later when they begin learning to read. Even small babies love listening to the sound of your voice as you share books cuddled up together, and they soon come to associate reading with this positive feeling of warmth and security. By looking at books, children become familiar with how books and stories work. As babies, they learn which way up to hold a book and how to turn the pages. Later on, they get to know that stories have a beginning, a middle and an end, and often follow a predictable pattern. They also become familiar with storybook language, which is more formal than everyday speech. These are all vital skills that will help a child learn to read when the time comes. Babies have a very short attention span, so it’s best to start with short sessions of just a few minutes at a time. As their concentration improves, you can gradually lengthen the time you spend reading together. As you read, look at each page in turn and give your baby time to look at the pictures. Wait for them to coo or point at things that interest them, and respond when they do. Point to the pictures on the page, say the names of objects and describe what you can see. It’s good to ask lots of questions, such as ‘Where’s the cat? Can you see its tail?’, even though you’ll have to answer the questions yourself. From about 12 months, try to set up regular reading times, maybe first thing in the morning, after lunch, before a nap or at bedtime. Bedtime stories often become an important part of a child’s routine and can be continued long after children are able to read for themselves. Did you know? Studies show that women tend to read to children more than men, but it’s very important – particularly for boys – that dads, or other male relatives, read to children as often as they can. Information taken from: Usborne Parents’ Guide: Help your child to read and write Article By: Usborne Parent Guide Help your child read and write – Usborne Publishing
From around seven to nine months old your little one will be ready to start on finger foods. Keep these important things in mind as your child takes this next step on their exciting food journey. 1. Readiness clues So how exactly do you know that your baby is ready to move from purees on to finger foods? At around seven to nine months old, your child will start to master the pincer grasp – this means they can pick things up with their fingers and don’t need to use their whole hand – and will be able to bring their hand to their mouth with intention. One of the easiest clues that your child is read for finger food is that they will start reaching out to steal food out of your hands or off your plate! 2. Keep it soft When first introducing finger foods start with softer textures so that they are easy to chew or suck and your little one can move the food around their mouth easily. Try mango, avo or banana, as well as sliced hard-boiled eggs and softly toasted bread. Initially you’ll need to take the crunch out of veggies like carrots so that your baby can chew them easily – simply lightly steam or roast. 3. Size it right To make grasping easier, don’t slice food too thinly. Prep food to be about 2-3cm thick and about 6-9cm long. You don’t want your child to feel frustrated because they can’t pick it up! 4. Add dips Finger foods love a dip – and so will your little one. They are a great way to introduce new tastes, flavours and textures to your child and are so easy to make: just add a tablespoon of Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree to yoghurt or smooth cream cheese and mix well. Or you could simply use the puree on its own – there are a variety of flavours to choose from, including Squish 100% Summer Berries, Banana + Apple, and Sweet Potato, Apple + Cinnamon. Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Purees are packed full of natural goodness. They are completely free of added colourants, flavourants and preservatives, and have no added cane sugar. The resealable lids on Squish pouches cut back on waste too – just use what you need, then screw closed and pop back in the fridge for later. You’ll find more dip inspiration under the Quick + Easy Recipe tab on our website, like this tasty and nutritious Bean Dip. 5. Take these precautions Choking is always a concern, especially when your little one first starts eating solids and finger foods. Make sure your child is sitting securely in their highchair to minimise choking risks – and sit with them so that you can supervise. Now isn’t the time to multitask! If they start to get sleepy while eating, remove the food. Also, remember your child should not eat in the car, unless there is an adult sitting in the back seat to keep an eye on them. 6. Get adventurous Once your little one has mastered basic finger foods, you can start to increase their menu options. Try these yummy recipes – they’re all packed with Squish goodness: Cheesy Veg Balls and Potato Pops.
Newborn Hearing Newborns can hear immediately upon birth and are able to distinguish their mother’s voice above all else. If your baby does not seem to react to your voice or does not startle with a loud noise, be sure to tell your paediatrician. Stimulating your baby’s sensesBelieve it or not your baby will learn a lot in their first year of life. One way you can help them learn is to provide stimulation for them in different forms. This can be done in a variety of ways such as stimulating their vision and hearing or through touch and movement. Remember to spend some time every day working to help your baby explore the world around them. Stimulating your baby’s vision Here are a few ways to help stimulate your baby’s vision: Make eye contact with your baby during times when their eyes are open. Look them right in the eye. They recognize faces very early in life, especially yours!This helps them develop their memory. Use a mirror to let your baby stare at his or herself. They will enjoy looking at “another” baby and watching the movements it makes. Stick out your tongue for your baby or make funny faces. Starting at 2 days old newborns can begin to mimic simple facial movements as they begin to develop problem solving skills. Hold up two pictures for your baby to look at. They should be similar, but with some sort of difference between the two – maybe one has a house and the other doesn’t. Even young babies will look back and forth between the two to try and figure out the difference between them. This can help them develop letter recognition and reading skills later. Stimulate your baby with laughing and singing Laughing and singing are great ways to stimulate your baby and have fun at the same time. Here are a few suggestions: Find ways to get your baby laughing. This can be through methods like gentle tickling, blowing on their arms and tummy, or making funny faces. As they get older you can joke around more too. Laughter is great for babies! Sing song to your baby. Learn as many as you can or make up your own words to songs you already know. Play music to your baby. This can be Bach or Mozart or even the Beatles. Learning music rhythms may help them learn math skills later on. Talk away. In other words, have a silly, fun conversation with your baby. Chat away and pause at places where your baby would speak in the conversation. As your baby grows, they will learn to start chatting to fill in the spaces you leave. Be sure to make eye contact and smile a lot! Play peek-a-boo, it’s great for getting babies to giggle and laugh – it also teaches them that objects can disappear and then come back. Physical activities for your baby As your baby gets older and is more mobile encourage physical activities that can help with motor skills, coordination and problem-solving. Here are a few suggestions: Turn yourself into a playground by lying on the floor and letting your baby crawl all over you. This will help boost their problem-solving skills and coordination. Teach them to move to music. You can teach them to do the twist, twist and shout or even twirl like a ballerina. This helps them develop skills like balance and coordination as well as a sense of rhythm. Create an obstacle course by laying toys, boxes or sofa cushions on the floor and then show your baby how to crawl over and around or under the items. This helps with problem-solving, strength and coordination. Play pick up by allowing them to drop toys or pieces of wadded up paper off their highchair into a bucket or other safe container. This helps them learn and explore the laws of gravity.
There is much discussion and debate on whether walking rings are beneficial or dangerous to babies. Once very popular and widely used, there has been a strong debate on their usefulness in recent years. We will take a closer look into these reasons and decide whether it is worth the risk. 1. Walking rings can cause a risk of serious injury; The risk of falling down stairs or tripping over can result in head injuries, concussion, skull fractures, and or soft tissue injuries to the head and neck. The raised height of the baby means they are in closer reach to hot drinks, kettle and iron cords, stoves, cleaning products, etc. Walking rings make it easier for babies to reach up and pull things down. 2. Walking rings may result in delayed motor development. The natural process of walking includes babies learning to roll, sit, crawl, scoot and stretch. These pre-walking skills help a baby strengthen their muscles and learn to balance. Walking rings may visually appear as though they are helping your baby to walk. However, they can delay their motor milestone development, and in fact, they can hinder your child’s mental and learning development as well. Walking rings prevent your baby from viewing their limbs and feet, which help babies visually guide their legs across the floor. The visual-motor skills are critical for a child’s development of depth-perception and visual processing needed for tracking words across a page, moving their eyes from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph. Walking rings limit eye and foot coordination, which is necessary for motor planning and sequencing (praxis)– generating an idea of what you want to do (ideation), figuring out how you are going to do it (organisation), and then carrying out what you want to do (execution). Children with poor planning and sequencing may find difficulty when needing to think harder to complete new physical tasks due to poorly integrated information from the sensory systems. Under-developed planning and sequencing skills impact a child’s ability to organise themselves and learn new routines. It also prevents your baby from using the natural movement needed for cross-laterality, which is important for right and left-hemisphere brain development, fine and gross motor skills, balance, posture, and language skills. The advantages of using a walking ring are as follows: Providing your baby with a source of entertainment Allows parents the opportunity to do some household tasks while babies keep themselves busy. Given the high risk of injury and the possibility of delaying development and milestones, you have to ask yourself whether it is worth taking the risk. I raised my babies in an era where walking rings were very popular, and our babies spent much of their day rolling around the house in them. However, now being able to make an informed decision with the experience I have through witnessing the injuries and delays involved in walking rings, I would recommend baby learn to crawl and walk on the floor. I honestly believe that the risk is too high, and our babies are far too precious to take that risk. Teacher Natalie Early Childhood Educator The importance of Breastfeeding
Wouldn’t you like one less thing to worry about in your home? Especially now that you have a curious little one meandering around without a care about anything that could be dangerous. In a matter of seconds, your child could get into a potentially hazardous situation in the house. At Safety 1st, we have the babyproofing products you need to keep your child safe, from the kitchen to the bathroom to every other room. Safety Gates Once your little one is on the move – the race is on. And as fast as you think you are, they are somehow faster. Keep your wobbly walker from accessing certain areas of your house by installing baby gates in your home. But how do you know which safety gate to choose? Well, it all depends on where the baby gate is going. Pressure-mounted gates are perfect for the bottom of staircases or doorways. Since they adjust and stay in place by using pressure, you can install the gate without drilling into the wall. If you need a baby gate at the top of the stairs, you’ll want one that securely mounts to the wall. These gates extend to ensure the proper fit, but you’ll need to get your drill handy. At Safety 1st, we have baby gates that are perfect for just about anywhere you need one in your home, including walk-through gates, doorway gates, pressure mounted, hardware mounted flat step, tall and wide, and more. Locks & Latches Curious kids love opening and closing doors, drawers, and cabinets until you find yourself so exhausted from telling them to stop that you need a nap. Since it isn’t safe to play with what’s tucked away inside, Safety 1st designed childproof locks and latches, including magnetic drawer locks, appliance locks, and latches that help protect your child from getting into areas they’re not supposed to be exploring. Keeping your child safe is our top priority, which is why they are very easy for you to install and use, in case you were wondering. It’s ok if your home doesn’t have traditional doorknobs. We have locks that fit lever handles, too. Shop our childproof cabinet locks, latches, and much more! Plug Protectors As much as you tell your little one not to play with something, they don’t always listen. So, you need a stronger line of defense when it comes to electrical outlets. Play it safe by installing plug protectors. The plug protectors are removable (by you) and help stop little ones from sticking who knows what into the unused outlets. When it comes to in-home safety, there are a few other ways to protect your little one, too. For instance, cord shorteners are a great way to wrap up long cords to help prevent your little one from getting caught in one. One thing parents don’t always think to cover is a power strip, but the exposed outlets that aren’t being used can also pose a danger. Shop our selection of plug protectors, plus much more.
As a lactation consultant I often get asked how long should a mother breast feed for? The World Health Organisation have had the recommendation of: exclusive breast feeding for 6 months and prolong breast feeding for 2 year or longer for a while now. This guideline is very helpful for mothers to realise what is considered normal and beneficial to both mom and the baby. Breastfeeding is seen as the normal way of feeding a baby. Study after study has show in increasing clarity how beneficial breast feeding is to baby and mom. Prolonged breast feeding of 2 years or longer is due to the continued benefits. Mothers can now feel assured that they can breast feed their baby for as long as they both desire with positive health benefits due to breastfeeding for the entire time. Human breast milk has a unique composition that is rich in antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory agents and living leukocytes all these components contribute to helping the child’s immune system develop. Breastmilk is dynamic and it changes to meet the needs of a growing or ill infant. Studies of exclusive breast feeding over 6 months have shown lower rates of respiratory tract infections, severe diarrhoea, otitis media and obesity. Let’s unpack that for a child that is living in South Africa. The under 5 stunting rate in South Africa is 27%, which is above the world average. Stunting is an indicator of long-standing undernutrition. With breast feeding for longer we would be able to reduce this statistic. The illnesses mentioned above have major effects on children’s growth and development specifically if they happen often. Breast feeding helps to prevent these illnesses and help to promote better growth and development of children. For example, a child that has reoccurring ear infections this can affect they way that they hear. Causing them to have delayed speech or to miss hear sounds. This can have a negative affect on the child’s speech and learning. The health benefits are for all babies that are breast feed and not just those that have lower social economic backgrounds. Mothers who breast feed for longer than 6 months have a reduced risk of developing diabetes by half even if they have had gestational diabetes. Cholesterol levels can also be lowered in mothers that are breast feeding, maternal weight loss and reduced risk of different types of cancers. Baby’s skin also benefits from breast feeding as there is a reduced risk of skin issues, allergies and eczema. The preventative effect from cancer is not just for the mother but also for the child. The mother’s immune system works with the baby’s immune system though exchange of milk and baby’s saliva to share information about health and need for immune responses. This is very important as the baby gets older and is exposed to more bacteria and viruses. Ways that we can assist mother with prolonged breast feeding is to be accepting. It is as simple as that. We know that there are benefits for both the mom and baby- I would also like to add to the extended family as well. There is no need to comment or ask when the mother will stop breast feeding. Let mom and baby enjoy their breast-feeding time together because it the grater scheme of life it is a very short period. Shops and restaurants need to make it easier for mothers to breast feed in private or public as she feels comfortable. In the working environment, there are guidelines that HR departments can follow to allow the mother to express at work so that the mother is able to maintain her supply when she returns to work. For the mom to express efficiently and effectively they need a strong breast pump like the Ameda Mya Joy. This breast pump is a hospital grade breast pump that can effectively drain and empty your breasts. This is important for mothers that are pumping at work because effective draining is key to maintaining your breast milk supply. By having a good milk supply, that you can express easily in the 30 minutes break expressing breaks, helps to keep your breast milk stash fully supplied and helps to reduce stress around pumping. Another breast pumping tip is to have a great pumping bag that can fit all your pumping equipment and a milk cooler bag that keeps your milk the correct temperature while you travel home. See the My Breastpump bag and Cooler bag on our website.
While teething can be uncomfortable for your baby, Affinity Health, a leading provider of high-quality healthcare, says there are ways to make your baby’s teething experience more bearable. “Teething occurs when your baby’s teeth protrude through the gum line. It’s also known as odontiasis,” says Murray Hewlett, CEO of Affinity Health. “Every baby is different when it comes to teething. However, your baby will likely get their first tooth during their first year.” When Do Babies Begin To Teeth? Some babies begin teething before the age of four months, while others start after the age of twelve months. However, most babies begin teething around the age of six months. Symptoms Of Teething Baby teeth can sometimes emerge without any pain or discomfort. At times, however, teething can cause your baby to be irritable and uncomfortable. Signs that your baby is teething include: Sore and red gums where the tooth is coming through A mild temperature (less than 38 degrees Celsius) Flushed cheeks A rash on their face Rubbing their ears Dribbling more than usual Gnawing and chewing on things more than usual Restlessness Irritability “Teething can be painful, but it rarely causes babies to become ill,” adds Hewlett. “If your baby has diarrhoea, vomiting, body rashes, a higher fever, or cough and congestion, contact your doctor. These are not typical teething symptoms. You should also contact a paediatrician if your baby’s gums are bleeding or if you notice any pus or swelling on their face. What is the order of appearance of baby teeth?” The Order Milk Teeth Appear The following is a rough guide to how babies’ teeth typically emerge: Bottom incisors (bottom front teeth): These teeth are usually the first to appear at around five to seven months. Top incisors (top front teeth): These appear around six to eight months. Lateral incisors (either side of the top front teeth): These appear around nine to 11 months. Bottom lateral incisors (either side of the bottom front teeth): These appear around 10 to 12 months. First molars (back teeth): The majority of children will have all of their back molars by the age of two or three. When and how teeth appear varies from baby to baby and may be influenced by family history. Eventually, 20 milk teeth will emerge. 8 Ways To Calm a Teething Baby What soothes one baby might not work for another, so you might need to try different things to make your child feel better. Bananas, apples, and carrots can be frozen and gnawed on by your teething baby for pain relief and a tasty treat. To avoid choking hazards, crush the food and place it in a baby-safe mesh feeder once the teeth have emerged. Ginger is a natural anti-inflammatory that soothes the nerve endings in the gums, which helps to relieve teething pain. Rub a slice of peeled ginger over your baby’s gums for two or three minutes for the best results. Cloves contain oils that are warming and numbing. Combine ground cloves with water, coconut oil, or unsalted butter to make a paste that can be rubbed on the gums. Allow your baby to chew on a damp washcloth for a cool, numbing sensation. To add some interest, tie one end of the cloth in a knot before freezing it, or soak it in chamomile tea instead of water. Because they are nearly bite-proof, firm rubber and unfinished wooden teething rings are ideal for older teethers. Avoid liquid-filled teethers because they can break under pressure. And, of course, make sure that the ones you buy are BPA-free Chill a metal spoon in the refrigerator for a few hours and give it to your baby to suck on. Use your index finger to rub and massage your infant’s gums gently. Allow them to gnaw on your big knuckle if you’re brave (and they don’t have too many teeth). Rub your baby’s face, jaw, and gums in a circular motion several times daily. This treatment may be ineffective in some babies but may be effective in others. A Word On Teething Necklaces You may have heard that heated amber teething necklaces release a pain reliever. That has not been proven, and doctors advise against using one. “Teething necklaces, in general, are not recommended by paediatricians,” says Hewlett. “They’re dangerous because they have the potential to strangle your baby. They can also choke if the necklace breaks and the beads are swallowed.” If you do decide to use one, make sure that you: Put it on the baby’s wrist or ankle, not around their neck. Always keep an eye on your child while they are wearing it. Take it away whenever you are not watching your baby, even for a short period.
The first few days after giving birth are very important in setting up your milk supply, particularly if your baby is born early. Starting your milk supply without a baby drinking directly from your breast can be done. It does take commitment and effort but it most certainly can be done. In this blog, I will give you tips to help you and also the reason as to why they will work. Firstly if your baby is born early you still need to get your milk production up to its maximum by week two. This is to ensure that you are able to meet your baby’s needs as she grows and gets older. The amount of expressed breast milk that you are aiming to express is between 750-1100ml per 24 hours at 2 weeks for a singleton. An interesting fact to note is that your baby will not need more milk than this as they age. The composition of your breast milk will change according to your baby’s needs but not the volume. So once you have reached this goal you are set for the rest of your breastfeeding experience. So how do you get your milk supply up in such a short time and with everything else that is going on in the NICU? The first step is to start pumping as soon as possible. The guideline is to start pumping within the first 6 hours after birth. This target is important, as it is, your body is primed to start with breastfeeding. If for any reason you were not able to start within this time, start anyway, often there are reasons for the delayed starting that are out of a mom’s control: surgery, recovery from the birth, ill health, not having a breast pump or knowing how to hand express. The reason that you need to start expressing is you need to let your body know that you have a baby to feed and it will respond. Your body has been primed during pregnancy for breastfeeding but now it needs the nipple stimulation that is associated with breastfeeding and pumping to start up your “milk-making factory”. The nipple stimulation gets your prolactin levels higher which is the milk-making hormone. You need to maintain high levels of prolactin in order to keep your “milk factory” working. The second step which is actually more important than when you started expression, is how often your express in 24 hours. Your goal should be 8 to 12 times, with no longer than a 5-hour break for your evening sleep. This strict regime of pumping is so that you are imitating how a newborn would be feeding. It imitates how your nipples would be stimulated and increases and keeps the prolactin levels high so that your breast milk factory (the breasts) keeps on producing milk. With time you will see your milk change from colostrum to transitional milk and then mature milk. Don’t forget to pump at night. Night pumping is very important as your prolactin levels are higher at night and as a result, your breasts will then respond to the stimulation better. This can become an issue for a mother that needs sleep and is not able to maintain a 3 hourly schedule of pumping through out the night. In this case, the recommendation is that the mother pump just before she sleeps and as soon as she wakes up with no longer than a 5-hour break between pumping. Sleeping is also important in the process of making breast milk and sleep can be very beneficial in helping you with your milk production. Make sure that you are pumping efficiently and effectually in the shortest amount of time. This is because it is better to pump 8 times a day for 20 minutes and 4 times a day for 60 minutes. Some mothers find that if they wait longer, they can express more in a session- this is the beginning of weaning as the breast will be stimulated less and less resulting in a decrease in milk production over the 24 hours. It is better to keep to more often pumping with an effective Double electric hospital-grade breast pump that is a closed system like the Ameda Mya Joy. An added bonus is that the Mya Joy is very quiet and portable. There is even an option to make the pump, hands-free as well. When pumping make sure that all your breast pump parts are clean, sterilised, and in working order. You may need to replace the valves over time as these are the parts that wear the most. Focus on your happy place- while you re pumping. This can be your baby, looking at a photograph or a video. However, some mothers might find this stressful to see their baby in NICU with all the tubes and monitors so they may benefit from focusing on a different happy place. It really is an individual focus that will help you to get your milk flowing. You may even try hands-on pumping which in some cases has shown to improve the milk volume at the end of a pump. Focus on these 5 tips to help you to get your breast milk supply up and flowing while your baby is in NICU. As soon as you are able to take advantage of skin-to-skin and how it can help you to increase your milk supply. It is also a lovely way to spend time with your baby.
Breastfeeding is a beautiful and natural experience. It is a special time to feel close to your baby. Medela nursing bras are designed and tailored to your needs. These nursing bras don’t just look good, they fit perfectly to the body and provide gentle support. 3-In-1 Nursing and Pumping Bra (From R 1999.99) Pump and breastfeed in complete comfort with the Medela nursing and pumping bra. With a 3-in-1 versatile design, it’s lightweight, ultra-breathable, and features Adaptive Stretch™ for a perfect fit and ultimate comfort. This 1-step, hands-free pumping bra makes pumping easy. Its convenient design fits most breast shields and in-bra breastpumps. This 3-In-1 nursing and pumping bra is perfect for all-day wear and designed for In-Bra Pumping, Electric Pumping, and Nursing with comfort and ease even while pumping. Features: Hands-Free Pumping: Pair with a Medela Electric Breast Pump for a 1-Step hands-free pumping journey or use with an in-bra pump for a discreet, comfortable pumping experience. Full Drop-Down Cups: When nursing, enjoy maximum skin-to-skin contact to encourage bonding with your baby. Soft Touch Adaptive Stretch: Made with Adaptive Stretch material to grow with your changing body. Perfect For All-Day Comfort: With its strap-style top, the bra is designed for a snug and tight feel, providing medium to high support to comfortably carry out daily tasks. Compatibility: Medela 3-In-1 is designed to work with Medela Electric Breast Pumps, wearable pumps, in-bra, and other electric pump brands. Hands-Free Pumping Bustier (From R 1299.99) The Medela Hands-free™ Pumping Bustier makes pumping easy and convenient. It has a strapless design with an easy-fit front zip and hook, so it is quick and easy to put on. Bottles can be slid in from the front in one easy step. With the Medela Hands-free Pumping Bustier, you can express breast milk with all Medela double electric breast pumps. Features: Hands-Free Pumping: Made for easy expression, Medela Pumping Bustier gives the freedom and flexibility to allow for a completely hands-free experience, leaving you free to simply relax or multitask comfortably. Adaptive Stretch: With a strapless tube top design, the Hands-Free Pumping Bustier is designed to have a snug and tight feel which will adapt to the unique body shape over time. Soft Touch Material: For comfort through the pumping journey while reducing breast compression allowing for maximum milk flow. Pump More Discreetly: Works perfectly with Medela breast shields and provides full nipple coverage, so you can. Compatibility: Medela’s Hands-Free Pumping Bra is designed to work perfectly with Medela Electric Breast Pumps: Pump in Style with Maxflow, Swing Maxi, Freestyle Flex, Sonata, and Symphony. But is also compatible with most other breast pumps on the market. Medela Family App The Medela Family app is your personal helper. With the app, you can easily track important stats for pregnancy, baby, and breastfeeding and it gives you tips and support to help you meet your goals. Features of the Medela Family App: Knowledge Centre – A library of expert-written educational articles to help you prepare and learn along your journey. Personal helper – Our smart assistant helps you troubleshoot technical problems and get answers to frequently asked questions. Easy to use – The Medela Family app was designed from scratch with high usability standards including a night mode for easier reading in dim lighting. Virtual milk storage – With this smart milk inventory system you will always know how much milk you have in your stash. Hands-free voice control – Use your voice to track a session! Especially handy when changing a dirty diaper. Baby tracking – The following sessions can be tracked for one or more babies: breastfeeding, pumping, sleep, bottle feeding, diaper changes, weight, and length. Pregnancy tracking – With Medela Family you can track the duration, frequency, and pain intensity of contractions. The Medela Family is available on the App Store, Google Play, and AppGallery. All Medela products are available from Dis-Chem, Baby City, and other major retailers. Follow Medela on Instagram @Medela_sa and Facebook @MedelaSA.
