Pregnancy & Baby - Parenting Hub

INFORMATION ABOUT BABY POOP

Tommee Tippee has the information you need about baby poop, including what is considered normal and how often it should happen. How often should babies poop is one of the most commonly asked questions that Tommee Tippee receives from moms, so you’re not alone in wondering this and other baby poop-related questions. Whether you feel you are changing nappies every ten minutes or worrying that you’re not changing them often enough, it is likely that your baby’s bowel movements are normal. Some babies are like little poop machines, pooping several times a day, usually around every feed. Meanwhile, some babies can go several days without pooping once (you can bet you’ll know about it when it does happen though!). You’ll find that you’ll change the most nappies with your newborn. A newborn baby can average around 12 changes in a 24-hour period but you may be relieved to hear that this does slow down as your baby gets older (phew!). This is the time however when your nappy disposal bin will be your best friend. What your baby is fed can also determine how often they poop. Breast milk contains a natural laxative, so breastfed babies can poop more often, typically have several bowel movements each day. Formula-fed newborns may have fewer. Formula is harder for babies to digest, which changes the texture of their poop to make it more solid. This means it’s more likely for them to become constipated. But before you reach for the prune juice, it’s probably helpful to know that it is totally normal for babies to strain and cry when passing a poop. This alone does not mean that they are constipated. As long as the poop is soft, everything is fine. For more information about how to help a baby poop, keep on reading for a more general baby poop guide. It covers everything you are dying to know about your new favourite subject. You also invited to join the Tommee Tippee Changetime right here https://www.instagram.com/tommeetippeeza/ from 15 – 19 November 2021. Tune into a IGTV series of pre-recorded & live sessions about nappies, fifty shades of poo, nappy rash, sore tummies, along with tips & tricks on how to help you navigate this very important part of your life (and your baby). Is this poop normal? You’re in for a surprise when it comes to the colour, texture and smell of baby poop! With the help of Tommee Tippee though, you can become an expert in one of the most talked about subjects for new parents on what’s normal and what isn’t. Poop. Something you hardly thought about and certainly didn’t talk about before becoming a parent. And now it’s not only a hot topic of conversation but wondering whether the colour, texture, smell or frequency is normal is starting to drive you a little crazy! Baby poop comes in all sorts of shades and forms and can keep even the most experienced parent guessing. Let us help demystify that nappy for you with our handy baby poop guide…. BABY’S FIRST POOP Among the most unusual baby poop is a baby’s first poop. This is because it is made up of something called meconium, which is made up of everything mum ingested while their baby was in the womb. This poop is a dark greeny-black colour and very, very sticky, which can make it quite difficult to wipe away. Yes, it does look and feel like something they tarmac the roads with — this is normal and will likely last for a few days at least. BREASTFED BABY POOP After the meconium has passed, your baby’s poop will start to change to a lighter greeny-black colour and then on to a yellow hue. It is also often quite bright. The texture will change too, from sticky to grainy, even loose. It should be soft and easy to pass. The biggest surprise for new parents is often the smell, as it is far sweeter than you might anticipate – a breastfeeding bonus! BOTTLE-FED BABY POOP It is a little more difficult for a baby to digest formula than breast milk and this results in some small differences in their poop. Bottle-fed baby poop is likely to be bulkier than breast-fed baby poop. Colour-wise, you can expect the poop to be a paler yellow or yellowish brown and it will be stronger smelling. Fortunately, your nappy disposal bin should be helping you keep those nasty niffs away. BABY POOP WHEN INTRODUCING SOLID FOODS All change! With solid foods, your baby’s poop will now become larger and thicker, more like what you’d expect as an adult. And unfortunately they will get smellier too! You may notice that different foods affect the poop differently. Sometimes you’ll see the colour of the poop reflect what you’ve given your baby to eat. You may also notice certain hard-to-digest foods pass straight through. This will change in time, as your baby gets used to different food types. In the meantime, you’ll have fun guessing what those weird little black flecks are (HINT: it’s probably that banana). This poop just got real. JET PROPELLED POOP Yes, your baby can achieve some real force behind that poop! Don’t be surprised if that poop you’ve waited longer than usual for has made its way out of the nappy. What to watch out for with baby poop… You already know that poop comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes (not to mention smells and colors). Because of this, it is sometimes hard to tell when something is wrong. Nevertheless, there are a few signs you should watch out for that could indicate a greater problem: Diarrhea – runny or even explosive diarrhea could be a symptom of teething or an allergy, but you should check with your doctor in case of infection or other medical problem. Constipation – some babies just don’t poop as often as others (especially if they are bottle fed). However, if your baby is really

November 15, 2021

Nappy Rash – What do I need to know?

Nappy rash is a common skin condition or skin irritation in babies and toddlers. Babies and toddlers who wear nappies can develop nappy rash. Once children are toilet trained at around 2-3 years of age, nappy rash generally isn’t a problem. Until then it’s not uncommon. Most cases of nappy rash are mild and respond very well to simple management like more frequent nappy changing and applying a good quality barrier cream. Sometimes nappy rash needs specific treatments to target the cause of the rash. Try not to worry if your baby has nappy rash. Most babies will, at some time, get nappy rash no, matter how well they are nurtured. Generally, it is not caused by an infection or poor hygiene, but simply due to the sensitivity of a baby’s skin. What are the symptoms of nappy rash? Generally, the skin covered by the nappy appears red, inflamed, and sore. The rash may just be concentrated around the baby’s bottom, or all over the area covered by their nappy. May look spotty, like little pimples. Can look shiny and red. Blisters and broken skin can be present when nappy rash is severe or caused by a bacterial or other skin infection. What causes nappy rash? A baby’s skin is sensitive to all sorts of irritants and some babies are particularly susceptible to nappy rash. When the skin covered by a nappy is in contact with moisture the skin reacts by becoming red and irritated. The ammonia and enzymes in wee and faeces irritate their skin and the acidic contact causes their skin to react. Sometimes nappy rash appears very quickly, even between nappy changes. Rubbing caused by friction of the moist nappy aggravates the skin even more. This means the usual protective barrier function of the skin is compromised, causing their skin to react. Nappy rash can become worse when a baby is teething. How can I prevent and treat my baby getting nappy rash? The key is to change your baby’s nappy frequently. Removing a wet or soiled nappy so it’s not in contact with their skin is the single most useful thing you can do. Clean your baby’s skin thoroughly after removing their soiled nappy. Use warm water or gentle nappy wipes to remove all traces of wee and faeces from their skin. Allow their skin to dry well. Smear a good quality barrier cream such as Sudocrem Skin & Baby care cream onto their skin which will help to create a protective barrier. If the cream is thick, try warming it between your fingers before you apply it. Even if your baby doesn’t have a nappy rash, or it’s cleared up, use Sudocrem Skin &Baby care cream to ensure the skin barrier is maintained. Use good quality nappies which will help to draw any moisture away from your baby’s skin. Give your baby some time each day to kick freely without a nappy on. During floor time, lay them on a towel and give their skin a chance to ‘breathe’ and never leave a baby unattended. See a doctor or healthcare professional if: Your baby seems distressed or there are any changes in their feeding or sleeping patterns. If your baby has a temperature or any other symptoms which you feel could be signs that they are unwell. If their nappy rash has blisters, pimples or crusts. Sudocrem Skin & Baby care cream has been used and loved by families since 1931. It’s great for preventing, soothing, and treating nappy rash. Sudocrem Skin & Baby care cream is a soothing emollient cream that helps in the management of nappy rash. The Zinc Oxide in Sudocrem provides a barrier to protect the baby’s delicate skin between nappy changes.

November 12, 2021

NAPPY RASH

Nappy rash… it’s sore, it’s red and it’s uncomfy for your little one. But it’s also pretty easy to treat and maybe not as scary as you think it is. Nappy rash isn’t as common in newborns as it is in bigger babies and toddlers, but most babies will get nappy rash at least once in their lifetime. Let’s get into it. What causes nappy rash? Your baby has super sensitive skin which doesn’t like to be wet or irritated. Unfortunately, your baby also likes to wee and poo in their nappy, and even the most absorbent nappy will still leave some wetness on your baby’s skin. This alone can cause nappy rash, but here are some more common causes to look out for: Your baby’s nappy isn’t being changed often enough and their skin is becoming irritated by the moisture. Your baby’s nappy may be too tight and is rubbing on their skin. The skin in the nappy area has not be clean thoroughly enough during changes. It could be a reaction to some soaps, wipes or detergent. Diarrhea is a common cause of nappy rash because of the extra… moisture. Your baby has recently been treated with antibiotics. What does nappy rash look like? It’s good to know exactly what you’re looking for when it comes to nappy rash. The rash itself can range from a mild rash to a large rash that can spread across their bottom and thighs. Here are some common signs to lookout for: Red or inflamed skin. Spotty or bumpy skin. Skin is hot to touch. Small blisters in the nappy area. In severe cases, there might be small specks of blood in their nappy, from irritated skin. You might also notice that your little one is fussy or seems irritated especially when they’re having a wee or a poo, or when you’re changing their nappy. In other cases, they might not seem bothered at all! Types of nappy rash If you’re looking to get scientific, there are a bunch of different types of nappy rash that your baby could get – some more common than others: Irritant dermatitis – The most common type of nappy rash, caused by a wet nappy being in contact with your baby’s skin. To avoid this, you should change your baby’s nappy regularly and use a solid nappy cream. Candidiasis (yeast infection) – Yeast overgrowth in the nappy region, often caused by diarrhoea or tight nappies. A good nappy cream should be able to tackle this, but if not you can always visit your doctor. Bacterial infections – This infection is often caused when baby’s skin is already irritated and bacteria builds in irritated areas. Antibiotics are normally needed for a bacterial infection, so if you notice puss-filled blisters or hard scabs around their nappy area, you should consult your doctor. How can nappy rash be prevented? Obviously, the best way to deal with nappy rash it to try and avoid it in the first place. Here are some of the best methods of avoiding nappy rash: Change your baby’s nappy as soon as possible. Give your baby a bath once a day – enough to keep them clean and their skin hydrated but not too much to dry out their skin. Try not to use soap or bubble bath when cleaning your baby. Dry your baby gently after washing them and try to avoid talcum powder, as it could irritate your baby’s skin. Make sure your baby’s nappy fits correctly – the nappy should be snug under the belly button and the tape should be fastened evenly. Have some nappy-free time – especially after a bath, you might want to pop your baby on a towel and let them wriggle around in the nude. How to treat nappy rash Sometimes you take all the precautions in the world and can still be stuck with a little nappy rash – it happens. But not to fear – you can almost always treat nappy rash at home. The best thing to do is invest in a top notch cream or ointment. Look for a cream or ointment that is a great all-round soother and healer for your little one’s sensitive skin, one that contains antiseptic and antibacterial properties will help fight off further infections. If you think your baby’s rash might be an allergic reaction, try to figure out if you’ve used anything new recently. The culprit is often detergent or soap! And if your baby’s rash isn’t clearing up after day 4, looks extra sore or is spreading, you should visit your doctor to ensure the rash isn’t infected. You can also catch the Tommee Tippee Changetime # Nappyfest on https://www.instagram.com/tommeetippeeza/. Dr Aimee Gavin a dermatologist, will be chatting live to AfroDaddy on all things nappy rash. Tune into the live on Monday 15th November 2021 at 8pm.

November 12, 2021

Keep little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Wipes and Anti Mosquito After Bite Rub

Summer brings lots of fun, warm nights and days spent in nature – unfortunately, it also comes with insects. Keep your little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Wipes and After-Bite Rub and get the gentlest, most natural solution to all-round cover. Made with naturally effective ingredients such as Melissa, Crabwood and the soothing properties of Xanthoxylum, wipes are easy to use as they sit in strollers, car seats or in their cribs. A gentle wipe-down will keep them refreshed and free from nagging mozzies at all times. If mozzies do manage to get their way, just rub some gentle soothing After-Bite rub into the bitten area and provide relief from itching and stinging. Unlike most mosquito repellents the Chicco Anti-Mosquito range leaves a great smelling, natural fragrance, reminding you that every time you protect your baby you are doing the least possible harm to their gentle skin. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Loot, Takealot and other participating retailers.

November 10, 2021

How to be #preemiestrong

November is dedicated to all the parents and little warriors that find themselves in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). No mommy ever thinks that something might go wrong and that her baby will be born too early and need to be in a NICU. NICU’s are not really spoken about and can be scary if you suddenly find your baby in one. For myself this is a very special month because both of my children were born too early and it would have been amazing to have had this type of information and support 11 years ago. For myself the first time realizing that my baby was going to be born at 33 weeks, I was scared and did not know what to expect. I did not even know what I needed to ask for help with. The day after my baby was born, a friend of mine arrived at ICU and gave me a breast pump. For this I will always be grateful because she helped me start my journey of breastfeeding, even though it was not what I had planned but it ended up being so very special. Every drop that I pumped for my babies, was a love letter sent to them. So what does a mom need to know if her baby is in NICU. Your baby is in the care of professionals who want you baby to grow and get stronger so that your baby can go home, but you are still your baby’s mom. You are an important part of the NICU team and we consider you as your baby’s life support. Ask questions, be available, get to know your NICU team and try to practice skin to skin as soon as possible. Find out more about why Skin to Skin is so important . Protect your milk supply. Mothers own breast milk is lifesaving. Colostrum and mature milk are known for their antibody, stem cells, easy absorption, correctly balanced nutrition (for a premature infant) and it is protective against Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC). A mom needs to start expressing as soon as possible after birth as she can. Ideally to start within 1 hour if possible and then to express for 10 -12 times in 24 hours. This will help you to get your milk supply up and way ahead for your baby’s current needs but get you ready for when your baby comes home. You should be aiming for 750ml by day 14. In order to be able to express this amount you will need a high-quality hospital grade breast pump like the Ameda Mya Joy. Find a South African Certified Lactation Consultant to help you with your breast feeding and expressing. Make use of donated breastmilk if you need it. Throughout South Africa we have a variety of breast milk banks that collect and send out breast milk for premature infants. If your baby needs breast milk in the first week, ask your NICU team for more information about breast milk banks. This will give you time to recover from birth and build up your own milk supply. If you have lots of breast milk and you would like to share with other mothers in NICU then please contact the South African Breast Milk Reserve and they will let you know the process. Donating your breast milk can really make the difference for a premature infants life. Syringes can be very useful to collect your first few drops of breast milk. They are sterile so you can use them straight away to suck up the colostrum drops and send to the NICU. Remember to label them Have a pumping bag ready to take to the NICU. This will allow you to spend more time and be able to pump while you are with you baby. In your pumping bag you will need: Breast pump Microwave sterilizing bag. It is always better to have your own way to sterilize your breast pump parts. This helps you to be in control of your sterilizing and not needing to share equipment with other moms, thus reducing the risk of cross-contamination. Breast milk storage bags .These are so useful. Make sure that you label the bags with your baby’s name, date of expressing and amount. This way you make sure that you baby will get your breast milk and that the oldest milk is used first. Breast pads can be very useful to help prevent any unwanted leaking. You can try the disposable breast pads or the washable breast pads depending on your preference. Have some snacks and drinks available. These are so useful if you have been in the NICU all day. You don’t need to leave and it can help keep you hydrated for all the pumping. To help you with bonding, you can use a NICU bonding heart. These are the most amazing little hearts that helps your baby to smell you even while you are away. The octopal is the cutest little octapus but is also calming aid that helps your baby to feel at home and helps to stop them from pulling out their tubing and drips. Join a support group. There is a lovely support group for NICU parents on Facebook called My Little Prem Support SA (@MyLittlePrem), where you can share your stories and chat to other moms that are going through or have gone through similar experiences like you. Your friends and family might not understand how strange and difficult NICU can be for a parent, and it is so amazing to be able to relate to other mothers who have followed the same journey as you have. It does help to make you feel less alone and more heard. Find your preemie nappies that will make such a difference in your little one’s life Finally buy your baby a coming home outfit. You might find that new born clothing is a bit large for your little one. We love the Little Little Prem

November 8, 2021

This Children’s Day, Pampers Celebrates Single Parents who brought the world home when their babies couldn’t step out through their campaign #MamaUyindlovu

Pampers also steps up to support young children with early childhood development scholarships In celebration of National Children’s Day in South Africa, Pampers is celebrating single parents who bravely navigated lockdown parenting with little to no support. 40% of parents in South Africa are single moms. Though the past year has been challenging for most parents, it has been undoubtedly been even much more so for single parents who spent months isolated from family, friends, and childcare facilities that would form part of their support system. The campaign called #MamaUyindlovu, highlights the unique struggles and triumphs of renowned singer, Busisiwe “Cici” Thwala as she experienced first time motherhood during the COVID-19 related lockdowns. It also recognizes how she left no stone unturned to ensure her baby was safe and thriving developmentally during the height of the pandemic, despite the isolation. “My son Dialo is just over a year old, so he spent most of the first year of his life in lockdown. I was worried at first that he was missing out on crucial social contact with others. But I realized that I had an opportunity to do things differently and that’s when I decided to create special moments where we would explore and learn about the world in our home in creative ways.” said Cici. Damilola Oyebanjo, Brand Director, Pampers South Africa, says, “Pampers exists to celebrate and support parents to give babies the brightest beginnings in spite of these unprecedented times. Children’s Day presents the perfect opportunity for us to celebrate single moms, who are bringing up the next generation. 40% of parents are single moms in South Africa, and despite the challenges, all parents are showing incredible resilience and are giving their little ones a great foundation because of their active involvement and investment in their child’s development.” Committed to making a meaningful difference and stepping up as a #ForceforGood, Pampers has pledged to donate towards early childhood learning scholarships by partnering up with SmartStart. SmartStart is an early learning social franchise that boasts over 6000 sites across South Africa. This is part of Pampers’ efforts to support the happy and healthy development of little ones as they continue their journey of discovery in our post-lockdown world. “Early learning is critical for a child’s future success. Yet many children from disadvantaged communities cannot access quality early learning due to economic barriers. We’re excited to be partnering with Pampers to grow access to our quality early learning programmes through early learning scholarships. We believe this kind of support is essential to parents during these times.” said Samantha Maasdorp, Network Strategist Lead at SmartStart. The partnership with SmartStart aims to support South African moms by providing early learning opportunities for their little ones during national lockdowns, especially single moms. Pampers is calling on all local communities to join in saluting single moms and supporting the right of all children to access quality early education this Children’s Day. “Through National Children’s Day we are presented with a unique opportunity to come alongside parents, as a brand, to support the holistic development of children by creating greater access to the critical development resources they need to have a brighter future,” concludes Oyebanjo Damilola, Pampers Brand Director.

November 8, 2021

Keep little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Spray and Anti-Mosquito Roll On

Summer brings lots of fun, warm nights and days spent in nature – unfortunately, it also comes with insects. Keep your little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Spray and Anti-Mosquito Roll On and get the gentlest, most natural solution to all-round cover. Made with naturally effective ingredients such as Eucalyptus and Citrodiora, the lotion is available in either a convenient spray and rub or a roll-on. Unlike most mosquito repellents the Chicco Anti-Mosquito range leaves a great smelling, natural fragrance, reminding you that every time you protect your baby you are doing the least possible harm to their gentle skin. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Loot, Takealot and other participating retailers.

November 3, 2021

Style, function, exclusivity: new luxury bag range launches online in South Africa

Born in South Africa in 2020 – Luxury Neoprene Bags. For fashionistas, workaholics, party girls, super moms, sweat addicts, baby mammas & YOU! The Lily Rose Collection was created to allow fashion-savvy women to easily switch between casual weekend style and glam working executive mode, without having to swap out her handbag. Crafted for stylish women who value practicality and convenience, every bag in the Lily Rose Collection is made from neoprene – a hardworking material offering no-snag protective cushioning that’s also weather-, water- and heat-resistant so it will last for ages. The added bonus? The entire bag is plastic- and latex-free. The Lily Rose Collection bags are washing machine-friendly, extremely durable yet lightweight and with just the right amount of stretch to fit in that little something extra – because you can never have enough space in your handbag. With limited signature prints – photographed in Cape Town using locally-grown blooms – reminiscent of luxe Victorian fabrics, it’s apt that the brand name is the Lily Rose Collection. With lilies representing devotion to oneself, family or career, and roses known to signify love and passion, who better to turn to for a statement piece to carry all your daily essentials? But you’ll love your Lily Rose Collection bag for more than just its good looks, because the designers really have thought of everything. A wide opening with a roomy main compartment, two zipped pockets, colour-matched canvas hand- and shoulder straps for ease of use, built-in elasticated mesh storage pouches for a water bottle or your wallet – plus, there are thoughtful details like zip stoppers, protective feet and a gorgeous, branded puller to secure everything inside. Whether you opt for a soft, neutral colour palette like the Tranquillity bag, something bold like the Passion bag or attention-grabbing like Abundance, there’s a feminine print to suit every taste because a Lily Rose Collection bag is a style statement. What’s new?? The Lily Rose Collection will be launching an all-new range of Neoprene beach bags just in time for the December holidays. Locally designed, locally manufactured in gorgeous new prints. Every beach bag will come included with a PC lotion bag to store your sunblock and the like – so keep your eyes peeled for the Launch! Currently available in South Africa, visit www.lilyrosecollection.co.za for more information or to start your collection today.

November 2, 2021

Herbal extracts and how they can help overcome common women’s health issues

These days supplements, which include vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts, are easily available and more accessible. Fortunately, science and technology has also come a long way in recent years and we have made impressive strides with vitamins, minerals and herbal extracts in particular when it comes to studying and knowing the mechanism of action and how it relates to the body’s physiology and thereby, how it helps keep you healthy or how it can help treat ailments. The Salome range, launched by South African pharmaceutical company 3Sixty Biomedicine, addresses common women’s health issues using herbal extracts as a key ingredient. The current product range offers over the counter treatment options to help manage heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual pain, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and infertility linked to PCOS. 3Sixty Biomedicine locally manufactures their products and because they are based on herbal extracts the added benefit for consumers is that they are safe to use and have limited side effects. Being a biotechnology company, the efficacy of these ingredients included in their products is backed by science and medical studies, which is why their products are recognized and reimbursed by certain medical aids. Common women’s health conditions that moms can do without – period! Primary dysmenorrhea, the technical term for period pain without the presence of other conditions such as endometriosis, is the most common gynaecologic problem in women of all ages and races with the menstrual cramping being severe enough to interfere with daily activities, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Salome Menstrual Pain is based on herbal extracts of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) which has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory & analgesic effects, which may provide relief for spasm associated with menstrual periods known as dysmenorrhoea. What is great about Salome Menstrual Pain is because it contains natural ingredients, females from as young as 13 years old who suffer from menstrual pain can use it to manage painful menstrual cramping without worrying about unwanted side-effects. Another common problem experienced by women is menorrhagia (heavy menstrual flow and prolonged bleeding). 3Sixty Biomedicine created their Salome Heavy Menstrual Bleeding product to help alleviate this problem. The product also draws on herbal extracts from Capsella Bursa-Pastoris, a medicinal plant also known as Shepherd’s purse, as an active ingredient to assist with the reduction of heavy menstrual bleeding in women with regular menstrual cycles. The medicinal benefits of this plant have been scientifically proven to have smooth muscle stimulant effects. As an added bonus Capsella has antioxidant features that improve uterine tone, meaning that it will facilitate the regulation of menstrual blood flow. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that can have a positive impact on the management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). Understanding the basics of PCOS Salome Polycos assists with the management of symptoms commonly associated with PCOS by helping to decrease testosterone levels, increasing progesterone levels in women with irregular or absent periods and thus regulating the menstrual cycle, as well as reducing blood pressure levels. It also plays a role in increasing insulin activity in women diagnosed with PCOS, as many suffer from insulin resistance. Due to these hormonal imbalances women living with PCOS often battle with acne, irregular periods, male pattern hair loss or experience excessive body hair growth (hirsutism). Salome Polycos’s main active ingredient is D-chiro-inositol (DCI) which is a natural extract obtained from the carob tree. In cases where infertility can be linked back to the hormonal imbalances caused by PCOS, patients who make use of products like Salome Fertility that contain Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol have seen an increase in their ovulation, a reduction in their hyperandrogenism and in the oxidative stress in their follicular fluid. The efficacy of the product lies in it containing the correct ratio of Myo-inositol and D-Chiro-inositol that have been extracted from the pod of the Carob bean tree. Clinical studies have shown that these natural extracts are instrumental in helping manage the regulation of ovarian function in PCOS patients. There is a solution! The full Salome range that contains natural herbal extracts is available online at Takealot.com and www.3Sixtybiomedicine.co.za, as well as over the counter at most pharmacies nationwide. The products are recognised and can also be reimbursed by medical aids. We believe #YourJourneyMatters so follow the Salome range on their social media pages to hear from Salome experts who are committed to educating and normalizing conversations about common women’s health conditions. Facebook: SalomeRange Twitter: SalomeRange Instagram: SalomeRange

November 1, 2021

Take care of baby’s delicate skin in the early days

One of the most exciting events in life is to bring a new baby into this world! But little do we know how much pressure it puts on us as new parents, to ensure that we do everything right for this new little bundle of joy. From worrying about feeding to whether or not this precious life is getting enough sleep, the last thing that mom needs to worry herself with is choosing the best barrier cream for baby’s delicate bottom. Sudocrem skin and baby care cream can be used on the baby’s bottom from day one. With its zinc and lanolin ingredients, Sudocrem skin and baby care cream is perfect for not only protecting from nappy rash, but for treating it too. The hypoallergenic triple-care ointment is so light that it glides onto delicate skin without dragging or pulling. Because Sudocrem skin and baby care cream has been developed specifically for babies, all the ingredients are designed to focus on the protection of nappy rash. Nappy rash is one of the most common skin conditions of your baby’s early life. It is extremely uncomfortable and is generally linked to wet or infrequently changed nappies and diarrhea amongst other things. In the early stages of your baby’s life, use Sudocrem skin and baby care cream to soothe, heal and protect and moisturise against nappy rash. Sudocrem skin and baby care cream works in three different ways : A water-repellent base forms a protective barrier that prevents any irritants such as urine and faeces, from coming into contact with the baby’s delicate skin It contains an emollient that soothes sore skin Its cooling properties help ease pain and irritation Sudocrem skin and baby care cream can be applied at every nappy change and this is recommended. This will help soothe nappy rash if it has occurred, as well as protect your baby’s skin from nappy rash forming. The best way to use Sudocrem skin and baby care cream? Ensure your baby’s bottom is clean and dry With clean and dry hands, place a small amount of Sudocrem skin and baby care cream on the tip of your finger. Remember that a little goes a long way Gently massage Sudocrem into the skin using light, circular movements. Try to avoid rubbing especially if the skin looks irritated and sore What you want to achieve is a thin light, translucent film on the skin. Repeat the application to the baby’s bottom as often as you need to. We recommend with every nappy change How do I recognize nappy rash? The baby’s bottom may have red patches or the whole area may appear red The baby’s skin may look sore and feel hot to the touch How do I treat nappy rash? Change wet or soiled nappies as soon as possible. Young babies need changing as many as ten to twelve times a day, whilst older babies at least six to eight times a day Ensure you clean the whole nappy area thoroughly using plain water or baby wipes, wiping front to back Lie your baby on a towel and leave the nappy off for as long and as often as you can, to let fresh air get to the skin Apply Sudocrem skin and baby care cream Moms all over the world have been using Sudocrem skin and baby care cream with confidence for over 80 years. Ingredients should always be checked before use. If nappy rash persists, seek medical advice.

October 29, 2021

Chicco Oasys 2-3 Evo FixPlus

Chicco, world leaders in baby travel, introduce the brand new toddler seat, the all-round, comprehensive Oasys 2-3 Evo FixPlus – perfect for the forward-facing part of your child’s car travels. Relax and #parentmore knowing your little one is as protected as can get with the rigorous safety standards that come with every Chicco car seat. Oasys 2-3 Evo FixPlus grows with your child and features a new level of safety – the new Safe Pad. The perfect booster seat for toddlers, this group 2/3 car seat is suitable for children weighing between 15 kg and 36 kg (From 3 – 12 years). Installing the Chicco child safety is easy and done in only a few steps by using your vehicle’s own 3-point belt which makes it perfectly suitable for being installed in almost every vehicle type. In order to gain even more safety and security for your child, you can attach the rigid FixPlus connectors to the Isofix-points in your vehicle. No matter when or how fast your little one grows, the Oasys 2-3 Fixplus Evo car seat always adapts perfectly to your child’s body size. Both height and width can be adjusted independently of each other by using a convenient rotary wheel. At the touch of a button, you can adjust the backrest and seat surface in four different levels until a comfortable position for your little one is created. The integrated cup holder keeps their bottle or sippy cup within arms reach for road trips. If your little one spills on the car seat, no problem! Easily remove the cover and throw it in the wash to restore its slick and pristine look. You can pick up Oasys 2-3 Evo FixPlus from Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone, Babanino and other participating retailers now.

October 29, 2021

Why making book reading part of your bedtime routine is smart

By now you know that creating a predictable bedtime routine helps set your child up for a better nights rest. A previous blog about Bedtime and Naptime rituals for Toddlers mentioned how reading a book together at bedtime promotes cognitive development as well as bonding between you and your little one. But there is more. Interactive, shared book reading can also support a wide range of early language skills. We as parents tend to think we have to read to our child, but it actually has greater benefits if you read with your child. Children learn the most language during enjoyable back-and-forth interactions with you, their beloved parent. When you read with your child regularly, your child may learn language faster, enter school with a larger vocabulary, and become a more successful reader eventually. How do you read with your child? Follow your child’s lead As mentioned in this blog your bedtime routine must be fun. This is not the time to argue with child. Let your child choose the book she wants to read, even if you have read it umpteen times before. You could even allow your child to hold the book and decide when to turn the page. She is more engaged when she plays an active role in the book reading and an engaged child is a learning child! Make it a conversation You can simply read the story, or you can talk about the characters, or illustrations or plot. Watch your child to see what she points to and make a comment about that. Having a conversation about the book helps your child understand the story better and it exposes her to more complex language. Besides, there is nothing more calming than a quiet conversation with mom or dad before bedtime. Don’t ask questions all the time Remember, the aim is to have an enjoyable back-and-forth conversation. You do not want to test your child’s knowledge here. Pause often and wait for your child to participate, rather than bombarding her with questions. If you do want to ask a question, make sure it is an open-ended question such as, ‘How do you think Mouse felt when he found out the Gruffalo really existed?’ It is never too early to start reading with your child and reading with your child is never a waste. Happy reading! www.talkingtokiddo.com By Lize van der Merwe – Speech Language Therapist with special interest in early language development

October 27, 2021

Creating a perfect sleeping environment

Creating a sleep-friendly environment for your child is an essential factor to provide a good night’s rest. Children take time to fall asleep; it depends on how sleepy they feel after their bedtime routine and if their naps during the day were successful. It is vital to ensure that their daytime routines and bedtime routines assist in setting the stage for a good night’s rest. If you are sure that your routine is perfect and that your child’s tummy is full, you also need to consider what your child’s sleeping environment is like, as it also has to be conducive to sleep. Let’s look at a few factors that might play a role: Setting the stage for sleep You need to ensure that your child knows that his/her room is for sleeping only. Try to teach your child that their room is a place of relaxation; create a calm and safe space where they know that they can relax. If their room is too engaging and used as a play area, your child will not understand why he/she cannot play when it is time for a nap. Blue light Creating a relaxing atmosphere for bedtime includes making sure no screens are emitting blue light. This consists of any screens, tablets, or monitors emitting blue light like some video monitors do. This light interferes with the production of melatonin, the sleepy hormone. This can cause your child to struggle to fall asleep and to stay asleep. Please note it is not the colour of the light that matters but rather any LED’s that can emit blue or white light. Blackout curtains Light influences sleep; thus, it is vital to ensure that no light enters the room. Any light shining in from outside will also most likely cause your child to wake up early as it will cause melatonin production to stop. To ensure that this does not happen, invest in blackout curtains or adhesives that you stick to your window to ensure no light peeking through the curtains. Night lights Some toddlers do have night time fears, and this is where a night light comes in handy. Having any light in the room does prevent melatonin production, which is why you have to ensure that you install a natural light if you decide to use a night light. Natural light includes night lights like Himalayan salt lamps (non-LED globes to be used). If you have an older child that can understand more advanced concepts, you can also get a clock that shows you when it is time to wake up. A watch makes it easy for children to know when it is time to get out of bed. White noise If you have a noisy environment or multiple children in the house, then using white noise would be beneficial, both during the day and at night. White noise will drown out outside noises and helps your baby not to wake up from birds chirping in the early hours of the morning. Aromatherapy oils Aromatherapy oils can provide a soothing atmosphere for your child, and may help their little brains relax if they smell a particular scent such as lavender; this helps set the stage for sleep. You can use an aromatherapy oil diffuser in your child’s room during the bedtime routine or use a diluted oil to apply to their body. Bedding Always keep safety in mind when it comes to your child’s sleeping space. Keep loose bedding that your child could get entangled in to a minimum and if you have a child under the age of one year, please keep the risk factors of SIDS in mind. Invest in top quality materials such as cotton or hemp that regulate body temperature. Natural fibres do not cause your child to overheat and is breathable for those hot summer months. Give your child a comfort item such as a taglet (not under 6 months of age) to hold onto as a sustainable sleep association. The ideal temperature for sleep is between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius, so dress your child accordingly and adjust the room temperature if possible. Bottles If your child is old enough to reach for his/ her bottle, do not leave a bottle of milk beside their bed. It is essential to keep safety in mind as they can choke while lying down and drinking, and it also causes tooth decay. Please ensure that your child eats and feeds during the day so that he/she does not make up for lost calories at night. Many factors play a role when it comes to sleep. Creating a healthy sleep environment is one of the building blocks that you need to have in place for your child to sleep like a superhero. Please contact us at www.goodnightbaby.co.za if you need further information or a FREE consultation for us to assess your unique circumstances. By Anneri van Rooyen – Good Night Sleep Consultant

October 26, 2021

Chicco Ohlala2 Stroller – Black Nite

When you want to make an entrance there is only one stroller that says urban cool with the utmost confidence – the Chicco Ohlala2. In slick Black Nite colouring, this diverse and convenient travel option is an all-round solution when looking for a lightweight, easy-to-fold yet durable solution to shopping, strolling and hanging out with your little one. Easy enough to ‘lift with one finger’, this 3.8kg stroller makes going out with baby so much easier when packing away in cars or accessing stairways. Fully reclining when it’s nap time for baby, you can use the extra coverage of the UV50+ protected canopy to keep harmful rays at bay. With a strong bumper bar protecting from forward falls, baby can hold on and watch the world go by whilst being strapped in with the five-point safety strap. Durable wheels make the Ohlala2 perfect for roads, pavements, malls and hard exteriors. As baby grows, the footrest will make sure they are neatly tucked in and ready to go. Pop your shopping or baby essentials in the large storage basket and be ready to make an impression with this ultra-fashion stroller. Also available in twin mode. Suitable up to 22kgs. Grab one at the reduced price of R1999 from www.shopchicco.co.za while stocks last.

October 22, 2021

Let’s Talk about PND

In the weeks leading up to the birth of my daughter, I remember waking multiple times a night due to being uncomfortable and all those bathroom breaks! I was thinking this was my body’s way of preparing me for waking through the night to care for my baby— and would get filled with a sense of excitement and also dread. Although my little one was premature, she was a good sleeper (by newborn standards), I still however never got more than a few hours of sleep at a time. I was physically exhausted, but the emotional roller-coaster was worse. I was constantly anxious, having panic attacks, I was distraught because I felt like my life had been unequivocally changed and that I’d never get it back. I cried every day, but could rarely explain why. I was not the mother she needed, I was not coping, I was failing her, myself and my husband. Why could I not rejoice and marvel at the child I had always longed for? At the time I put this down to the baby blues that I knew was very common after having a baby. But weeks turned into months and the feelings stayed and so did my desperation, I was lost and I did not think I would ever find my way back. I had to reach rock bottom before I realized that I needed help that this was not “normal”. My baby blues had turned into full-blown depression, I knew I had to do something! So I got help, and it was not easy finding my way back. During my journey, there were a few things that helped me find myself again. Get help: Any kind of depression should be seen like any other illness, for example: diabetes. No one will ever tell you to just sort yourself out if you were a diabetic and it is the same with depression. It needs intervention from medical professionals South African Depression and Anxiety Group (sadag.org). Make time for yourself: relax and take a break from your little one. Do something that makes you feel good. Share what you are feeling: Having someone just listen to how you are feeling can help you work through how you feel in a safe place. Have a support system: support will play a big part in recovery make sure they know how you’d like to be supported. Very often it is our instinct to take on everything. Allowing others to help can reduce your stress. Make time for friends and family. Spending time with those you love increases your “feel good” brain chemicals. Make meals a priority. The foods you eat can affect your mood. Keep blood sugars stable and ensure you continue to take your postnatal vitamins. Get out and about: going outside in the fresh air and slowly introducing some exercise. It can give you some perspective and time for your body and brain to have a breather. Join a group for mothers. Chatting to others who are experiencing similar struggles can be reassuring and it is also a good social outlet. Get some sleep: A good night’s sleep. This was one of the biggest factors for me. When I started sleeping more, I notice a huge difference in not only my mood but in my child. At the time I did not realize how sleep and your mood are extremely closely related and mounting evidence suggests that the fewer hours sleep you get, the more likely you are to have a mood disorder like postpartum depression. A recent study shows that only 10% of parents get an average of 7 or more hours of sleep a night! This suggests we are at risk of creating an issue not only for us but for our children who need more sleep than we do! If you suspect how you are feeling is more than just crazy post-baby hormones, please reach out for help, you do not have to continue to struggle in silence, you are not alone and there is help available! By Ohara Kydd – Good Night Consultant

October 19, 2021

Chicco Polly Progres5 highchair

Welcome to the world of stylish baby feeding. The champion of all highchairs is back with the brand new, most versatile option yet – the Polly Progres5. As advanced as a highchair can get, this bold and daring red polka dotted high-fashion baby product is designed with convenience in mind so you can #parentmore as you give them the best possible feeding and weaning experience. Allowing you to start feeding with ease from newborn, the Polly Progres5 grows with your child until they are ready to join their family at the big table. And even then, the Polly can come along. The fully-reclining seat is a first for Chicco highchairs. Bottle feed from newborn and allow the chair to continue supporting as your child grows. The Polly Progres5 has all the convenience of an everyday highchair with superior adjustability and functionality. 4 recline positions with one-hand adjustment and 8 height positions make it easy to bring growing children up to the table. Snap-on highchair with booster tray includes removable liner and stores on rear legs. The highchair seat easily detaches from frame to create the booster and stool configurations. When it’s time to grow up the fold-away foot rest swings out of the way to create stool configuration. Highly space-saving, the highchair is only 11.5 inches when folded for storage in between meals. And with an extra padded cushion, the Polly Progres5 is the most comfortable seat in the house. Modes: Baby: Reclining seat mode and fully upright mode for baby feeds. Toddler Booster: Highchair seat detaches from frame to create high-back booster. Big Kid Booster: Zip-off extension panel and fold-away arm rests convert booster to a more portable seat. Youth Stool: Highchair frame converts to height-adjustable stool with snap-on seat. With a 12-month guarantee you can rest assured that the Polly Progres5 is the only highchair you will ever use again. Grab them on special for a limited time at www.shopchicco.co.za for R4499.

October 15, 2021

How does baby’s physical development contribute to learning?

Many babies learn how to crawl at the same time they learn to sit on their own. Crawling, however, takes longer to perfect than does sitting without assistance. At six months, expect your baby to sit for a second, but balance will come later; also, you will probably notice your baby get into a crawling position, but not know how to proceed after that. Even though ‘crawling’ usually means progress on hands and knees, many babies use other moves to get them where they’re going. Rolling, slithering, ‘bottom shuffling’ (when a baby pushes around while sitting, using one hand to make the propelling motion), and pulling along on elbows are all manoeuvre used instead of the conventional crawling, so don’t be surprised if you see those first. Still other babies learn to crawl in the ordinary way, and then figure out that they can move faster on their hands and feet than their hands and knees. If something is out of reach of a six-month-old baby, you may see that baby pull up the knees under the body, push up with hands and often manage to get the tummy off the floor. For that moment, the baby is in a crawling position, but needs encouragement to actually add forward motion to the mix. By the ninth month, early crawlers start to make some real progress – though it’s often backwards, away from the object they’re trying to reach! Upper-body control is more developed than leg-control, so a baby tends to push harder with hands and arms than with knees – propelling the baby backwards. Not to worry (and try to reassure your frustrated baby, too!), this is just a short-lived phase. The biggest advantage baby has when it comes to solving problems is with the development of large and small muscles over the course of the first year, helping various tasks become easier. The two-block stack that will seem too complicated for your little architect one month will become an easy three-block stack just a few weeks later. When baby starts to focus on lower muscles (around 10-12 months), you might want to put favourite toys on the couch, encouraging your child to stand in order to reach them. This helps build balance and strong leg muscles necessary for cruising, a forerunner to walking. Once a baby solves the problem of how to stand and balance, and how to move one foot in front of the other, watch that glowing smile of accomplishment – your baby is now beginning to walk. Who’d ever thought it would happen so fast? Once you’ve reached this stage, you know your baby really ‘did it’ – and your family will never be the same. Talk about an accomplishment you can be proud of! Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition. A perfect product to help a child develop like this would be the Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot available at retailers nation wide. The Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot is a transforming playtime buddy for baby featuring 4 ways to play and lots of fun music, lights and hands-on activities. Each bot has its own fun for little ones to discover, from spinning eyes to silly popping balls to exciting crawl-and-chase play. Baby can play and explore each bot individually or build them up into one big interactive buddy with fresh music, sounds and phrases! And with Smart Stages® technology, you can switch up the learning content to best fit your child’s age and stage. 4 toys in 1 to keep playtime going as baby grows from infant to toddler to preschooler (ages 6 months-5 years) Each individual toy is filled with fun activities for babies to explore. Put them all together to build an interactive electronic robot buddy! 3 Smart Stages® learning levels with 120+ songs, sounds and phrases about numbers and counting, the alphabet, shapes, colors and more Press any button on the motorized bot to send it zooming forward with music & lights, encouraging baby to crawl and chase Lots of hands-on activities for sitting babies, including press-down antenna, twist & flip gears, ball-popper, and spinning & clicking arms By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education.

October 11, 2021

Chicco launches new e-commerce website

Leading baby products supplier Chicco has just launched their brand new, e-commerce website, www.shopchicco.co.za. Shop Chicco is finally ready to supply consumers with top quality baby products straight from the heart of the company. Chicco has been on the forefront of the baby world in European and American markets for almost 65 years. As a heritage brand that started off in the medical field, all Chicco’s products are quality controlled and tested in the Osservatorio in Como where Chicco is based. A laboratory within the company ensures that no item leaves the company without rigorous and methodical testing. It is through this strict attention to detail that Chicco has continued to be the preferred supplier to parents across the world for so long. When you shop on www.shopchicco.co.za you get access to not only a wide variety of Chicco products, but you also get the opportunity to sign up to the newsletter and receive further discounts. When you check-out, receive a free baby hamper gift worth R500*. Shop Chicco South Africa offers reduced pricing on selected goods, making it more than just an online portal, but a club to belong to in order to receive the very best deals on Chicco favourites. Shop world-class strollers, car seats, high chairs, bouncers, cribs, slings, carriers, toys, nursing products, grooming products and so much more on www.shopchicco.co.za today. Free gift valid until stocks last

October 8, 2021

Different Uses of Sudocrem Skin and Baby Care Cream

Sudocrem – Soothing Families’ Skin since 1931 As global environmental concerns grow, it is becoming more evident to us that we need to be taking better care of ourselves as well as the environment. Our skin is our first line of defense and our protective barrier against physical injury and hazardous substances. Our skin ensures that we retain moisture in our bodies and protects us against harmful UV rays from the sun. Sudocrem’s skin and baby care cream has been soothing families’ skin for over 85 years. Not only is Sudocrem mom’s first choice in the prevention of nappy rash, but this amazingly versatile product has many other uses too. The Sudocrem skin and baby care cream has become mom’s ally: In the early years to soothe, heal and protect against nappy rash To deal with bumps, scrapes and everything in-between as a toddler begins to explore the world To help treat eczema and acne in teenagers To moisturize, soothe and protect mom’s skin In the golden years to relieve pressure sores and chilblains Nappy rash is one of the most common skin conditions of your baby’s early life, it is extremely uncomfortable and can be caused by many things. It is generally linked to wet or infrequently changed nappies, diarrhea, new foods, and antibiotics. Sudocrem skin and baby care cream is gentle on the skin and forms a defensive layer to assist in the protection of the baby’s delicate skin. A toddlers’ life is so busy! They climb everywhere, fall frequently, and spend the greater part of this exciting time in their life, with little bumps, abrasions, and bruises all over. Sudocrem aids in preventing infections and also soothes any irritation on your toddlers’ skin, leaving them to romp around and enjoy life as they should. Everyone knows that a teenagers’ biggest nightmare is acne.! Sudocrem is a great way to treat acne. At a time when it starts to become important to look their best, Sudocrem will help to keep your teenagers’ blemishes under control. Allergies are on the rise and many people battle the discomfort of eczema – a rash that typically appears on the arms and behind the knees but can also appear anywhere on the body. Usually, treatment includes avoiding soap and other irritants. Sudocrem is the answer here too, because of its unique formula, Sudocrem has been known to provide relief for eczema. Cuts, burns, grazes and abrasions happen when we least expect them and generally happen when we’re at home. It’s a known fact that more accidents happen in the home than anywhere else and especially to little ones running around the house and playing outside in the garden. We strongly advise that for all major injuries, medical assistance is sought out. However, where the injury is minor, the use of Sudocrem can provide the protection and relief needed to assist in the healing process. Always be sure to wash any affected areas before applying Sudocrem to ensure that an infection is avoided. And of course, if symptoms persist, please consult a doctor.

October 5, 2021

Make sanitising your Breast pump parts easy peasy

Convenience, when taking your pump to work or on holiday is so important because, don’t we all just want a little bit of extra help? The conventional steam sanitizing systems are super bulky and not at all practical for travel. Let the Clean Ease be your secret little helper. It is so easy to use, hygienic (only you are using it) as well as time and space saving. A big question is how often I need to sanitize my breast pump parts and when can I stop doing so. This has often split mothers with their differing opinions. The recommendation from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) may surprise you. The CDC recommends at least once daily. By sanitizing the parts after each time the parts are washed results in extra germ removal. This process is recommended for the following babies (after each use): If your baby was born prematurely If you baby is under 3 months If you baby has a weakened immune system or is undergoing medical treatment If you feel that your parts need to be sterilized more often If you want to continue to sanitize daily for longer this will continue to remove germs and will still be beneficial. If you are using your pump at work and you are not in control of the cleanliness of the space, then it may be recommended that you continue to clean and sanitize your pump parts. Why do we like the Ameda CleanEase Microwave sanitizing bags so much? well that is easy: Quick sanitization of breast milk pump kit parts and accessories. Leakproof Zipper with slider for easy hold. BPA free. Expandable bottom. It stands on its own. 20 uses for bag (with tick off reminder). Basically, all you need to do is pop your cleaned pump parts into the Clean Ease bag add 60ml of water. Seal the bag with the easy-to-use zipper. Use your microwave as per the correct setting and time. These settings are as follows 5 minutes in 600-750W, 3 minutes 800-1100W and 1.5minutes for >1100W. The CleanEase bag has some nice features to prevent you from scalding yourself on the steam or hot water. The bag and its contents will now be super-hot with steam and water. Once your microwave has beeped, open it up and take the Clean Ease bag out using the protective grip. There is an easy pour slit on the side opposite to the protective grip. This means that the steam can escape and that you will be able to pour out the hot water and steam from the opposite side to your hands without needing to open the bag. Pour out the water and then you are ready to use the parts. The CleanEase can also be used as a carry bag for your pump parts while you are traveling. Remember to tick off each use on the front of the bag, this help you to keep track of how many times the bags has been used and when it is time to replace it. A great feature is that you are the only person who uses the bag and that you are in control of how clean it is and how often the water is changed. This is really nice for mothers with a baby in NICU as you can take your own sanitizing bag to the NICU and use it there. Some tips for keeping your pumping parts clean and sanitized: Only wash and sterilize the parts that need to be. With the Ameda closed system you only need to sterilize the bottle valve, diaphragm and flange. Please do not sterilize the tubing or adaptor cap. Wash your hands with soap and water before starting Rise your pump parts with cold water as soon as possible after you have used them. Wash each part separately using a brush and soapy water expect for the valve, as a brush may damage the valve. Make sure you have cleaned the parts correctly and that there is no milk residue on the parts. If milk residue is left it will cook on to the part and can be a spot where bacteria can grow. Rinse again in clean water to remove all soap residue. Sanitize the parts and then allow to completely dry before use. Avoid using dish towels to dry your pump parts. Rather set them aside on a clean paper towel to dry. Once your pump parts are dry, assemble your pump so that it is ready for use. Avoid touching the inside section of your pump parts that will be touching your breast milk. Heating for longer than recommended can cause damage to the bag and the contents. Only sanitize your breast pump parts or similar accessories. Do not use this bag to sanitize metal parts as it will damage the bag and microwave. On a regular basis, check your pump parts or accessories for any cracks, chips or tears Cleaning and sanitising your pump parts is an important step in making sure that you are giving your baby a healthy start. By using the Ameda CleanEase microwave sterilizing bags this step is made easier and safer for you.

October 4, 2021

Giving birth – the facts and the myths

With so many truths and myths flying around when it comes to pregnancy and giving birth, it’s no wonder you get confused. Not only does every existing mother and aunt know the ‘right’ answer to everything, but doctors also have varying opinions. Have you ever walked out of the doctor’s office realising that out of the ten important questions you want to ask, 8 slipped out of your mind during the consultation? Don’t worry, it happens to the best of us. We have listed some popular beliefs and delved into whether they are true or false. Breaking of the waters makes the contractions stronger, thus can speed up labour. True. While there are other medical reasons why breaking the waters may be necessary, once a woman is around 7cm dilated, this process helps speed things up for the painful last three. However, this will only be used if you absolutely need to have things go a bit quicker. So don’t count on it to help you out if you’ve been in labour for 30 minutes without any complications. Braxton Hicks contractions are regular and strong, and will wake the mother up if she is asleep False. Real contractions will start at the top of the uterus and the intense pressure, like a tight belt around her waist, will wake her up. True contractions feel like menstruation cramps. While Braxton Hicks may not be a walk in the park, you will know the difference because they won’t come in regular intervals and increase in intensity. If you lift your arms above your head during pregnancy, the umbilical cord will slip around the baby’s neck. False. The baby is submerged in water and thus gravity will have no influence. Furthermore, the baby may become entangled by the umbilical cord because of the length of it. But the baby can swim through a loop in the cord as well. Dilation of the cervix can occur at any given time of the pregnancy. True. Some women have an “incompetent cervix” which means that the cervix does not tighten properly and a woman who had a child previously, has a slightly dilated cervix. In labour, dilation of the cervix is capable of happening earlier in the pregnancy. This is not necessarily a problem, but your doctor will talk you through it, depending on each case. An epidural might not be possible if the mother previously had an extensive back injury. True. Although this statement is true in certain circumstances, the skills of the anaesthetist will determine the likelihood of the mother having an epidural. If you feel that this may be a problem, make an appointment with the anaesthetist prior to the birth to talk about your options. An emergency epidural can be done if the baby is under stress False. This is not true as an epidural takes up to 20 minutes to have an effect. If the baby is under stress, 20 minutes to wait will be too long. The most successful method of managing pain during labour is the one the mother choose True. To manage the pain of labour, the mother needs to have the right attitude and support. Sometimes a combination of non-pharmacological methods (hypnosis, reflexology, massage and water therapy) is more effective than any given pain medication. While the term ‘mind over matter’ sounds like hocus-pocus when it comes to the pain of birth, it really has proven to help. So if you believe that having a water birth will help you, then you’ve already done some of the work. Bleeding in pregnancy at any given time necessitates a trip to the emergency room. True. Bleeding is always regarded as suspicious and should be investigated. So ignore those who scoff at your apparent paranoia and get yourself checked out ASAP. If the mother wakes up in the morning in the last trimester with a swollen face and extremities, she should contact her primary caregiver immediately True. This may indicate a rise in blood pressure and must be investigated immediately. You should take a urine sample for testing as well. The mother should insist that an advanced lactation specialist help her with breastfeeding. False. All midwives are trained to help and assist the mother with breastfeeding difficulties. However, it is true that a lactation specialist have a particular interest in and passion for breastfeeding. Some hospitals do not have lactation specialists available, then the ward midwife can assist effectively. With the right attitude and the right support, breastfeeding can be a success. The delivery of the placenta occurs within 15 minutes after the birth of the baby with a contraction True. But don’t worry, this contraction is not as strong as during the birth and the tissue is soft and moulds into the area, so the expulsion will be far easier than delivering the baby.

September 29, 2021

Tips to help make breastfeeding a breeze

If you have decided to breastfeed, it is a great way to give your baby the exact nutrients they need. But it’s not always easy. Here are a few tips and tricks that may help transition you into this new way of life. Breastfeeding stations Being comfortable is a big part of successful breastfeeding. And being stuck in the same room every time you feed may do damage to your mental health. Try making breastfeeding stations around the house so you can join your family in experiencing life at home. Make sure you have a comfortable chair, a little table, a water bottle, wipes, burp cloths, and nipple cream available to you. Include your partner If you find that you need help, or your partner wants to be more a part of the feeding experience than they are, get them to position baby, help burp, change and dress them. These can be bonding experiences themselves. Check if baby is getting enough milk Have a peak in their nappy. By day 5 they should have 6 or more wet nappies every 24 hours. You should also see about 3 to 4 stools a day by day 4. The colour of these stools should be transitioning from the dark, thick meconium poops right after birth to what is usually a yellow, seedy poop. Also make sure that they are back to their birth weight by no later than 14 days birth. After that, you’ll want to see them steadily putting on weight. Hold your baby skin-to-skin Holding your baby skin-to-skin will help your body to start making milk and will wake up your baby’s feeding reflexes. This means that your baby will start looking for your breast sooner and your body will make more milk. Know the signs of a hungry baby: Besides crying, your baby may start rooting, licking their lips and putting their hands to their mouths.Babies need to eat often in the first few weeks: at least 8 or more times in 24 hours. This will help you to make more milk and will help your baby to gain back any weight they lose in their first few days. Some babies prefer many short feeds while others like fewer, longer feeds. Do not rush your baby – take your time. Keep up the night feeds Even though they are tough, know that these are important. Your body produces more prolactin (the hormone that promotes milk production) when you breastfeed at night, so night feedings help to keep up milk production. Also, mothers vary in the amount of milk they can store in their breasts, so for many women night feedings are essential to meeting their babies’ needs. What to wear PJs that open down the front (rather than one you have to pull up or down) will give your baby easier access, while keeping you warm during the night. This applies for day wear as well, try wearing breastfeeding tops (that can be easily pulled down) or button up ones.

September 28, 2021

Establishing breast milk supply after stopping breast feeding

There are many reasons as to why a mother may decide to restart breast feeding. This can be true for mother that had a good milk supply or mother that were barely able to produce milk can find herself in a situation there she needs to increase her milk supply. It may surprise you that even a post-menopausal woman can relactate successfully. Relactation requires time, patience, determination, and a co-operative baby Yes, it is possible to be able to relactate and produce enough milk to breastfeed you infant exclusively, while some mothers may still need assistance with supplementation. Younger infants tend to be more willing to suckle than older infants, but there are reports of children over a year old who have been breastfed after relactation. Relactation may take several days (can be up to 2 weeks or longer) for the milk to start coming in and possibly a few weeks before she is able to meet the full nutritional needs of her baby with breast milk (2 to 6 weeks). How to get your milk supply started. Follow the tips below to help you get your milk to “come in” and to boost your milk supply. Skin to skin helps to stimulate the release of the hormone Prolactin. Prolactin is especially important for the production of breast milk. Skin to Skin is when you have your baby naked except for a nappy. You place your baby directly on to your chest (no bra or any clothing should be between you and your baby. You can put a blanket over your babies back. Try to latch your baby to your breast. It is important that you get a good deep latch to help you remove milk effectively. Remember to be patient and not to force your baby to the breast. Stimulate your breast at least 10 to 14 times in 24hours, you can use hand expression, a breast pump of your baby. Each stimulation should last 20 to 30 minutes. It is important that you also stimulate the breast at night as this is when your bodies prolactin levels are highest. Before you offer your breast to your baby or start expression. Encourage your milk to start flowing by using massage and heat. Circular motions towards the nipple stimulate the breast to make milk. Use heat to during message to help you with your let down reflex. You can use a warm bean bag, hot water bottle or warm water in a tightly closed bottle. You may need to use a breastmilk supplementer. This is a device that helps you to provide extra milk to your baby while you are direct feeding. It has a container that you can put expressed breast milk into that has a fine tube that carries the milk from the contain to your nipple. It allows your baby to stimulate your breast while also getting milk form the container. This helps to encourage your baby to suckle. Please contact a lactation consult to assist you with this process. Some mothers may need specific medications that can assist them with increasing their supply. This process needs to be done under supervision of a doctor that has experience in relactation. • Supplementing while breastfeeding. A helpful method of re-establishing or inducing lactation is to feed the BMS to the infant while he/she is suckling. In this way the infant’s efforts are rewarded, and the infant’s suckling stimulates the production of milk. This method is useful if an infant is not interested or is too weak to suckle from a breast that does not produce milk yet. The supplement used can be artificial milk, pasteurised donated breastmilk or preferably the mother’s own expressed milk (if she is producing any). The supplement can be put into the side of the infant’s mouth using a syringe or dropper while the infant is suckling, it can be dripped onto the mother’s breast so that it goes into the infant’s mouth while the infant suckles, or, if cleanliness and sterilisation can be assured, then a “breastfeeding supplementer” can be used. This consists of a cup or bottle of supplement, with a fine tube which leads from the bottom of the container, along the length of the mother’s nipple (at the top or side) and into the infant’s mouth. Reference: Infant Feeding in Emergencies: Policy, Strategy and Practice (WHO; 1999; 41 pages) Annex VIII: Re-lactation, Hand Expression and Cup Feeding http://helid.digicollection.org/en/d/Js13434e/5.8.html#Js13434e.5.8 https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bfinfo/relactation-and-induced-lactation

September 24, 2021

How to build up your breast milk stash!

Building up a breast milk stash is often why mothers buy a breast pump. A large milk stash can be top of mind once the baby has been born. Although this is a great way to make sure that you have enough breast milk to feed your baby once you start work again, does it need to be a worry? My Breastpump will share some tips on making sure you have a milk stash perfect for your baby. With all this information you will not ever waste a single drop of your very precious breast milk stash. When is the ideal time to start expressing? The answer to this question is dependent on when you are going back to work and need to leave your baby. For some mothers this can be as early as 6 weeks or as long as 6 months. You would need to start expressing before you go back to work. The longer your maternity leave the longer you have to establish your milk supply before you start expressing. If you only have 6 weeks, I recommend that you start 2 weeks before and increase your amount of pump sessions until you go back to work. If you have a longer maternity leave then you can wait until about 1 month before you start work. Use the first week getting to know how to use your pump and when the best times for you to express. For mothers that work and express at the office a Mya Joy double electric hospital grade breast pump that is ultra-quite and portable is recommend. How to express to build up your breast milk stash? iI you understand how breast milk supply works it will help you to be able to express your milk with confidence. Breast milk is made on a supply and demand basis. The more you stimulate your breast and remove milk the more your breast will make milk. Now if you are direct feeding your baby and wanting to build up a breast milk supply you need to understand that your baby is already taking all the milk that they need and any milk that you express is extra. Therefore, in the first week you may only get a few drops of milk if you express directly after a feed. This will start to increase as you add pumping into your daily routine. If you pump in between feeding your baby, you can expect to express about half a feed. So, you would need to express twice a day to have 1 full feed and four times a day to have 2 full feeds. This will change when you are back at work as you should be able to express one full feed at each expression because your baby has not drunk any milk. It is also a good idea to try and pump at a similar time each day as you would once you start working. This way your body gets used to pumping and it will not be such a change once you go back to work. Expressing in the morning will also yield larger volumes of breast milk than in the afternoon. What to store your expressed breast milk in? I am sure you have heard the horror stories of mothers finding that their breast milk has leaked while defrosting the milk. Let’s be honest that is heart breaking, to have worked so hard for the milk, stored it and then realized that you can’t use the milk is absolutely terrible. So how do you prevent this from happening to you? Use containers that are designed to hold liquid breast milk. Containers that are safe to store breast milk in are: Glass, plastic (food grade, presterilized and are BPA free) and hard plastic cups. All three suggested items have advantages and disadvantages. Glass containers are great because they are reusable, but they can break if dropped or over filled before freezing. Food grade plastic can either be breast milk storage bottles like our Hygieni breast milk bottles, they are reusable and you can pump directly into the bottle which is a great time saver as you do not need to cleaning extra bottles. The disadvantage is that they can take up a lot of space in your freezer. Breast milk storage bags are ideal for storing large volumes of breast milk in a freezer as they can be frozen flat to save space in the freezer. My Breast pump has two different options of storage bags. The first option is the Ameda Store’nPour which you are able to pump directly in your breast milk bag. The second is the My Breastpump breast milk storage bag which can hold 250ml and is medically sterilized before packing. Both can be found on our website’s storage page. Storage containers that are not recommend to store breast milk in are: plastic that contains BPD, disposable bottle liners, steel containers and food ziplock bags (they have not been sterilized for breast milk storage and can split easily). How to manage your breast milk stash The golden rule of storing breast milk is first in first out. This way you are more likely to use the breast milk before it has “expired” and not to waste a drop. It is important to store your milk in the volumes that you will be needing the milk. Once you go back to work you may need larger amounts of milk per day. It is really useful to freeze the milk with this in mind. It is less wasteful and time consuming to store milk in one or two bags rather than 5 smaller amounts. In order to do this, you may need to mix milk from different expression sessions. The golden rule here is to mix milk that is the same temperature. If you know that you are going to need more milk to fill you bag. Store the milk in the fridge. Once you have expressed the next amount

September 23, 2021

What should I do if I have symptoms of COVID-19 and I am pregnant?

Given today’s current global COVID-19 pandemic, worrying about the potentially harmful viruses’ effect on your pregnancy and baby is a valid concern. You’re probably wondering the best ways to avoid the virus when pregnant, and what to do if you think you may have caught it. How can I protect myself and my baby from catching the corona virus? Protecting yourself from COVID-19 while pregnant, is similar to that of anyone else avoiding the virus. Minimise contact with others through social distancing, frequently wash and sanitise your hands, and avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth. Don’t be tempted to skip important prenatal visits in lieu of avoiding the virus – chat to your doctor about the best way forward with regard to this. Although slightly disappointing, cancelling events such as baby showers is a good idea, as the risk of exposure and infection becomes bigger with larger groups. Being pregnant, it’s a good idea to be extra precautious where possible. However, the RCOG (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists) states that pregnancy doesn’t increase your risk of becoming unwell from coronavirus, and the majority only develop mild to moderate symptoms. What should I do if I think I have COVID-19 while pregnant? If you think you may have COVID-19 or have tested positive for corona the first thing you should do is contact your doctor. However, it’s best to avoid travelling to the doctors office as you may come into contact with someone positive for COVID-19 in these spaces. As the virus is new, this means that the studies that have been conducted are limited. Because of this it’s essential to follow social distancing guidelines to try and protect yourself, however, if you do contract the virus there is no immediate need for stress, as pregnancy doesn’t increase your risk.

September 23, 2021

6 ways to boost your relationship after having a child

If your marriage is taking strain since having children, you are not alone. One of the most stressful times in a relationship is when children enter the equation, and often your bond with your partner is put on the backburner. Work your way through these steps and try put the spark back in your relationship. Know it is normal While social media might not show the negative side of relationships, going through a rough spot with your partner when you have a baby is absolutely normal and common. People just don’t like to speak about it. The first step to fixing the problem is trying to shed the layers of blame. Yes, you may be struggling, but don’t blame yourselves. The transition into parenthood is all kinds of rewarding, but it is filled with stressful situations and responsibilities that you didn’t have before. This applies to second children too. Communicate One of the biggest breakdowns in a marriage can come from building resentment. This happens when you experience unhappiness or irritation and don’t let your partner know how you are feeling. These emotions build up, and eventually overwhelm you. You can end up lashing out over a small thing, with emotions coming out that have been building over time. Being able to calmly tell your partner when something bothers you as it happens can circumvent this. Try phrasing your words in a way that is not inflammatory, “I would really appreciate more help around the house. Like last week, when you cleaned up while I was feeding, that was amazing”. In this way, instead of fighting about something that is bothering you, you are calmly suggesting an alternative that will make you happier. Make lists This may sound basic, but do you and your partner both know what is expected of each other? Sitting down and making a list of who does what around the house and with the baby can really help your relationship grow. All of a sudden, you won’t be irritated because you have to ask your partner to do something all the time. They won’t be annoyed because you expect certain things of them without telling them. If you both know that while you cook dinner, they bath the baby. Or while you are feeding, they are tidying the kitchen – then each of you have agreed to your responsibilities and they are fairly spread out. Take turns to sleep in on a weekend, alternate who feeds and who baths. Give each other a break on a regular basis and resentment will start being replaced with gratitude. Make the time for each other This can be one of the most difficult things to master, especially when your child is small, or you have more than one child. While everyone’s circumstances are different, try implementing a date night once a month. If you can’t get someone to babysit, then make sure your date night is after you have put your child to bed. Watching a movie with some popcorn or eating a nice dinner with a glass of wine can be just as good at home as going out to do it. But more important than scheduled date nights is making time for each other every day. This can be a 10-minute chat in the kitchen while dinner is being cooked, or a catch-up call during your lunch breaks. Making the effort every day to find a moment to connect verbally will do wonders for your relationship. Try to remember that these moments don’t have to be about your children, but rather about each other. This reinforces that while you are both parents, you are also two people in a relationship with each other. Don’t sweat the small stuff Ask some couples who have been married for years and have grown children how they managed to get through it all, you will probably get a variation of this. Letting go of the small things that bother you doesn’t mean internalising the irritation (see step 2). But it does mean that there are certain things about your partner that you may not like but can accept as it is a part of who they are. Besides, no one is perfect, and there is a very good chance your partner is also accepting things about you that they don’t like. We are talking about shoes lying around the house, a wet towel on the floor, or clothes on top of the washing basket. Yes, these things may annoy you. But if your partner is helping you in other ways, or putting in the effort to make you happy, these small things can be overlooked for your own sanity. When something like this irritates you, try taking a deep breath and saying, “It will take me 30 seconds to hang this towel, but an argument may ruin my entire day”. If you find your partner is not overlooking your small flaws, talk to them about this step and how it will help you both. Don’t forget the intimacy One of the first things to take a dip in a relationship after a child comes along is intimacy. Of course, when one of you have given birth, are breastfeeding, and both of you are exhausted, sex may be the last thing on your minds. Again, that’s pretty normal. But intimacy doesn’t have to only be about sex. It is remembering to give each other a kiss hello and goodbye. It’s holding hands when you go out or draping your legs across their lap while watching TV. When those small intimate moments are alive and well, then getting back to a healthy sex life after having a child becomes a natural progression over time.

September 22, 2021

Chicco Mosquito Perfumed Clip and Bracelet

Mosquitoes are arguably among the most dangerous animals on the planet accounting for millions of deaths every year. These flying parasites have the ability to carry and transmit diseases to humans. For the most part, mosquito bites are nothing more than an itchy nuisance that will go away on its own after 24 hours. But prevention is WAY better than any cure! INTRODUCING THE CHICCO ANTI-MOSQUITO RANGE: Our Anti-Mosquito Natural bracelets are perfectly designed to keep mozzies at bay. Lightly perfumed with a delicate lemongrass flavour, their active ingredients are natural and harmless to your child. A cute accessory for wrists, ankles and even in ponytails, these handy bracelets are great for holidays and summer nights. Alternately you can use this safe-to-wear perfumed clip keeps mozzies at bay without having to apply any product to your babies skin. With natural effective ingredients, the clip easily sits on clothing and has a pleasant, light smell. The perfumed Chicco Natural perfumed clips allows you to customise kids garments like t-shirts, hats and backpacks offering easy protection from mosquitos. Suitable for use from 3 years on, this anti mosquito range will give you peace of mind. From R39.99 at participating outlets. For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

September 20, 2021

Soothe Operator

BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS, 6-12 MONTHS Picture this: You spend nine months in the cosiest of cocoons, digging the darkness and white noise, when one day with zero warning – boom! – you’re thrust into a big, noisy, unfamiliar new world. It’s no wonder your baby might be a teensy bit teary (or full-blown bawling!) as she adjusts to life on the outside. She’s turning to you, the close comfort of your baby-warming arms, and your newly minted sh-bounce moves to feel calm and content. No pressure or anything! The good news: There’s more than just one way to soothe your wee one. Here, we’ll show you tricks that’ll help you help him learn to calm himself – a beautiful lifelong skill we can all appreciate. Cuddles, please! Your touch, from soft caresses to gentle strokes, makes your mini-me feel safe. It also releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin, which helps you two bond. So try some “Kangaroo Care.” Simply lie down and place your baby on your bare chest; drape a light blanket over her back to keep her nice and toasty. During bathtime or nappy changes, gently massage her head, tummy, arms, legs, hands, and feet, and follow her cues, from coos to body language that says “More, please!” Physical touch releases happy neurotransmitters in you, too! Win, win. You’re getting very sleepy… Mellow music, a good book, Netflix in bed – the need to wind down before drifting off is real. Your baby craves a similar comforting routine. Sure-fire winners: Reading her a board book, singing a lullaby, or giving a gentle massage. When it’s time to say goodnight, she’ll be chill. Night, night. Up, up and away! When you’re not carrying baby in your arms or a sling, you can recreate that magic movement with a swing. It’s fun to discover what your baby digs: Does he like to shimmy side to side, or rock forward and back? A few minutes at a time in a swing, or a vibrating rocker, can be the dose of womblike movement he loves. Plus, you get some much-deserved hands-free time. All by myself Your baby’s favourite spot is near you (obviously), but you don’t need to spend every moment interacting with him. Like us, kiddos need some alone time, too. If he’s yawning, arching his back, or simply seems zonked and needs a break, give him a safe space (like on a cushy playmat) to peace out. Bring the noise Make a ruckus to calm your cutie? It works. Think about it: The womb isn’t exactly a serene sanctuary, between the pounding of Mom’s heartbeat and other pleasing background noise. Those sounds are home to your baby, and you can recreate them with a fan, a vacuum, shushing, or a white-noise machine (Think waves, rain, and waterfalls!). Walk this way Can’t stop your cutie’s tears (and maybe even your own)? When in doubt, head out! A walk can be a (literal) breath of fresh air for both of you. Nature offers all kinds of soothing sounds and feels, from warm sunshine on her face to the rustle of the trees. Bonus: There’s an excellent chance she’ll see other babies out in the wild (always a welcome sight). So, strap on a carrier to keep her close and take a stroll. You can find baby buddies via a playgroup at your local library or a neighbourhood meet-up. Time with your people is magic – and you’re never too young to learn that. Product Features Include: The Fisher-Price® Baby Bear & Firefly Soother starts as a tabletop sound machine for your nursery with customizable music, sounds, twinkling lights or overhead light projection to help settle your baby for sleep. As your baby grows, the cuddly plush bear detaches for your convenience. The Fisher-Price® Baby Bear & Firefly Soother starts as a tabletop sound machine for your nursery with customizable music, sounds, twinkling lights or overhead light projection to help settle your baby for sleep. As your baby grows, the cuddly plush bear detaches for snuggle time while the take-along lantern becomes a comforting nightlight for toddlers. Don’t worry, Bear, the fireflies will light the way! Tabletop light-up sound machine that grows with baby from newborn to toddler Sleep expert-approved Ready, Settle, Sleep™ playlist of gentle music, sounds and lights helps baby fall and stay asleep Lantern’s twinkling lights and light projection options becomes comforting nightlight for toddlers Snuggly plush bear toy detaches from lantern for take-along cuddles For use from newborn baby and beyond Available from leading retailers

September 17, 2021

Covid-19 Information for Moms-to-Be

Pregnant women do not appear to be more severely unwell if they develop Coronavirus than the general population. As this is a new virus, how it may affect you is not yet clear. It is expected the large majority of pregnant women will experience only mild or moderate cold/flu like symptoms.

September 16, 2021

Chicco Toothbrush Range

Cleaning and caring for your children’s teeth early on set up good dental care habits for life. It’s not always easy to do in reality though so here are our tips and tricks to help you on this journey… THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN BABY TEETH: Position your baby so you can see baby’s mouth, and baby feels secure. It might help to sit on a bed or the floor with your baby lying down so that baby’s head is on your lap. Cup your baby’s chin in your hands, with baby’s head resting against your body. Lift your baby’s lip to clean teeth using soft, circular motions. Make sure you spend time on the front and back of each tooth and also the gum line. If your baby doesn’t like having teeth brushed, you could try make brushing more fun by singing songs or letting your baby play with a toy. Even a quick attempt at brushing is better than nothing, so your child starts to learn that brushing is a normal part of the daily routine. Have a cute toothbrush also goes a long way to motivating your little ones to keep brushing for longer! Chicco has a wide range of toothbrushes for every stage of your little one’s dental development. Our Chicco toothbrush is suitable from 6m+, has non abrasive, gentle bristles to brush those first milk teeth and get baby learning about dental hygiene from a young age. With it’s large handle for easy grip and small head for little mouths, this is the perfect first toothbrush! New to the Chicco dental range, the Electric Toothbrush allows children to get a deeper clean to their milk teeth. Gentle, but firm, the small head reaches inside little mouths and the non-abrasive bristles offer a perfect clean. For our sustainable parents our new eco-bamboo toothbrush is perferct for toddlers that need a gentle brushing soloution. These biodegradable toothbrushes keep toddlers teeth clean with a gentle, non-abrasive bristle on a small head, to reach all parts of smaller mouths. From R79.99 at participating outlets. For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

September 13, 2021

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