An adorable bedtime buddy, the hi-tech elephant plays calming music and sounds as well as nature sounds to send baby off to sleep easily. A glowing star-shaped tummy button provides a soft diffused night light. Tactile stimulation is also encouraged through expressions such as ‘Hug Me’. The elephant surface is even machine washable. With an automatic shut off, baby won’t waste batteries if they fall asleep during play.
Safe sleep should be one of the first things parents are concerned about when creating their child’s sleep environment. It is vitally important and often neglected. Forget about décor and theme (for now!), here’s my top tips for safe sleep:
Covering a wriggling child in sun cream is tricky enough, but when your little one has sensitive skin it can be even trickier– you don’t want to use anything that’s going to irritate. That’s why Childs Farm sun protection products don’t containparabens, SLSs, mineral oils, artificial colours or anything that might make sensitive skin flare up. Plus if you have a super-wriggler on your hands, our spray and roll-on sun lotions make everything easier.
This post is a little different to my others because it is personal. I want to share more of my momlife journey with you so where better to start than at the beginning, with one of the first challenges I had to deal with when becoming a mom.
V-Tech Baby Sleepy Glow Bear is a 25cm plush bear with a soft glowing tummy that provides the ultimate comfort to your little one during nap time. With advanced tech features, Sleepy Glow Bear introduces loving phrases and plays melodies and sing-along songs. There is also a nature sounds button that helps children learn the sounds of the natural world they live in. Timer plays up to 30 minutes of music. Over 70 songs, melodies and phrases are available in this one-of-a-kind toy. With an automatic shut off, baby won’t waste batteries if they fall asleep during play. All V-Tech Baby toys are available at Babies R Us, Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone and selected Kids Emporium stores.
Potty training does not have a season, but summer is a great time to give it a go. Warm weather encourages more fluid intake that in turn helps for extra potty practice.
Do you have a growing family and love an active lifestyle? Then the new Thule Urban Glide 2 Double needs to be the new member of your family. This all terrain stroller with a sleek, lightweight design is perfect for active familes who enjoy the great outdoors, as well as getting around town.
Learn and discover with the V-Tech Baby Little Friendlies Magical Discovery Mirror. Press the star button to magically see a lion and monkey appear on the mirror – almost like a TV. Enjoy music and nature sounds as well as expressions and songs while developing motor skills with the hanging star, butterfly and roller ball. An all-round engaging and fun experience from newborn upwards. Hangs on the side of cot or can be held by baby during playtime. With an automatic shut off, baby won’t waste batteries if they fall asleep during play. All V-Tech Baby toys are available at Babies R Us, Takealot, Loot, The Kid Zone and selected Kids Emporium stores.
You reluctantly open your eyes. It’s still dark outside, but something very familiar called you out of dreamland – it’s your little one’s voice calling for his Mommy. You glance over at the clock just to realize that, yet again, your child has woken up way too early for you to start your day.
It is common misconception that if you want your child to sleep, they need to sleep in their own room. I am here to tell you sleep can happen either way, BUT if you choose to co-sleep you need to do it safely. The reality is that new research shows that co-sleeping with younger babies is associated with higher risk of Sudden Infant Death.
With World Breastfeeding Week recently celebrated and the focus placed on the importance of breastfeeding to improve the health of babies, it is an ideal time to consider the risks of alcohol for pregnant and/or breastfeeding mothers – and the delicious alternative beverage options that are now available in the market. Today, one of the major risks to a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is alcohol consumption. While many women do limit their intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding, they may not be doing enough. The health risks associated with consuming alcohol during pregnancy, breastfeeding and even conception mean that there are now an increasing variety of alcohol-free beverages for moms and moms-to-be in order to have safer (and healthier) choices. In fact, it turns out that 0.0% non-alcoholic malt beverages can even boost breastmilk supply by stimulating prolactin levels. It also has some other surprising – and quite remarkable – health benefits… Without going into the technical details, the barley malt contains lactogenic beta-glucan. This not only makes it highly nutritious, but when enjoyed 90 minutes prior to breastfeeding, can see an increase in the mom’s milk production. This makes sense, considering that barley is a starchy food that contains complex carbohydrates. The soluble fibre (essentially slowing glucose absorption) contained in the barley can lower cholesterol and even reduce the risk of heart disease. Malt drinks are well known to be both wholesome and highly nutritious, while providing some protein, sugar, essential minerals and levels of vitamins A and B vitamins. It also provides the all-important folic acid that is beneficial during both pregnancy and breastfeeding. The Risks of Alcohol During Pregnancy Here’s how it works, in a nutshell. Alcohol in the mother’s blood passes to the baby through the umbilical cord. This can result in miscarriages, stillbirth, or a range of disabilities that are classified under the term foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). Sadly, South Africa has the highest prevalence of these disorders than anywhere else in the world with 111.1 instances per 1 000 children (the global average is 7.7). The Consumption of Alcohol During Breastfeeding & Alternative Options Conventional wisdom used to state that drinking a beer before nursing could help with the milk ejection reflex. However, more recent studies have shown that infants who are fed milk by mothers who have consumed alcohol tend to take in less milk than those who did not. Startlingly, consuming alcohol while breastfeeding can lead to a multitude of ill effects: disturbed sleep cycles, extreme drowsiness, weakness, decreased growth in the infant, the possibility of decreased milk-ejection reflex and milk quality in the mother, not to mention the impairment of a mother’s natural reflexes that are needed in taking proper care of her child! On the other hand, consuming a non-alcoholic beverage or two means that you get all the benefits without any of the disadvantages – whether pregnant or breastfeeding. Moreover, modern 0.0% non-alcoholic beverage now has the same taste, while being devoid of the negative health side-effects associated with alcohol. Additional benefits include the hangover-free lifestyle and reduced calorie consumption. A win for South African mothers, and mothers all around the world! To celebrate women as everyday heroes, Bavaria threw a surprise baby shower for Itumeleng Nyathi, a Zimbabwean woman who left her country to pursue a brighter future in South Africa. In doing so, she had to walk away from her family and existing support systems. While in South Africa, Itumeleng met her husband Larry and they are now expecting their first child together, a baby girl arriving in September. Itumeleng received a bumper supply of gifts at the event, courtesy of Bavaria and a Johannesburg Mom’s Group – who banded together to provide her with a stroller, car seat, cot, feeding chair, baby bath, bouncer, booster seat, and more. An extra special surprise awaited Itumeleng as she was reunited with her mother, whom she hadn’t seen in several years. This heart-warming story has been turned into a special, shareable video: Please click here to watch By Oliver Wills, Marketing Manager at Bavaria
100% natural protection for your little ones when they need it most. With Spring upon us, insects are back in full force – mosquitos in particular.
The weather is getting warmer and it’s time to get outdoors. One of the most exciting outings is to gather the family for a picnic. You can picnic in your own garden or venture to some of the great picnic spots around South Africa. Here are some tips to have a fuss free picnic: 1. Pack light Make sure you pack smart and light. You never know how far you are going to need to walk to find the perfect spot. Picnic Baskets are great but can be clumsy if you are balancing a toddler on your hip as well. Backpacks make the best picnic bags. Don’t forget a good lightweight foldable picnic blanket try not weigh yourself down with heavy blankets that get damp and dirty. 2. Stay Hydrated Keep a bottle of frozen water in your bag in summer, this will slowly melt and keep the water cold. For something sweeter for the kids the new Miracle 360° Fruit infuser cup from Munchkin makes for a healthy choice. Add your child’s favourite fruit like strawberries, oranges, or blueberries into the fruit basket, twist it into the bottom, then fill the cup with water. The twist-on fruit extractor breaks up the fruit allowing it to infuse into the water and make a fun flavourful drink! Bye, bye juice and unhealthy cooldrinks! Hello, healthy flavoured water! Plus, your kids stay hydrated and clean (or at least cleaner!) while playing at parks and scenic areas. 3. Keep the hunger at bay When packing for a picnic, it seems like there are never enough bowls to accommodate all the different snacks everyone wants. Once again Munchkin have an answer Munchkin Love-a-Bowl comes in a set of four bowls with interchangeable lids, these come in handy when your little ones have not finished all the snacks and want to eat later. With all the tossing around in your picnic bag the lids need to be leak proof. Munchkin Love-a-Bowl are 100% guaranteed to be spill proof, leak proof and break- proof. Now that’s the kind of bowl I need on a picnic. 4. Keep the Insects away Flies and bees can be a pest on a picnic! Our top tip for this is take along your Camp Cot Mozzi net. It can come in handy if baby falls asleep in a pram or for just keeping those bugs off the food. 5. Snacks on the go If your kids enjoy food on the run, consider the Munchkin Deluxe Snack Catcher. It is designed to keep up with your toddler’s active lifestyle. This cleaver little bowl teaches self-feeding with a bit more dexterity and a lot less mess. It’s a multitasking bowl with soft flaps that are gentle enough for fingers to get through but sturdy enough to keep messes at bay (and insects out.) 6. No Stress Picnics with kids need not be a challenge so stick to what you know your kids like to eat and drink and don’t forget something special for Mom and Dad Picnics can be a cost-effective outing, so go out and enjoy a bonding time with your family. Don’t forget to enter the picnic hamper competition on the competition page. Thank you to Munchkin for generously donating our favourite products for the prize.
Keep your baby bite and sting free in the gentlest, yet most effective way possible, as well as the most convenient – the Chicco Anti-mosquito wet wipes.
Natralogic is South Africa’s first all-natural and safety approved range of skincare products designed for use during pregnancy. Now, looking and feeling good doesn’t have to mean exposing your baby to toxic chemicals! Clinically and Dermatologically certified, our products are formulated to maximize effectiveness against common pregnancy skincare concerns such as stretch marks, cellulite, swollen legs/feet and nipple pain from breastfeeding. With Natralogic skincare, you can give your body the best care and address all your pregnancy skincare concerns without worrying about the effects on your unborn baby.
The moment I found out I was pregnant with my second child I was in tears. These were tears of a combination of emotions: joy, happiness, fulfilment and panic. My husband and I always wanted two children, but we didn’t expect them to be 18 months apart. I knew it was going to be tough and that nothing can fully prepare you for a new human in your life, but being thrown into the deep end, for me, was the best preparation.
100% natural protection for your little ones when they need it most. With Spring upon us, insects are back in full force – mosquitos in particular.
Happy Family Organics, makers of ready-to-eat, nutritious and delicious organic meals, is not only changing the way babies and children are nourished in South Africa and around the world, but they are also changing the lives of young orphans in Tanzania through their Happy Family Children’s Village (HFCV).
Extra-large air holes let your baby’s skin breathe Let your little one’s skin breathe with the Philips Avent ultra air pacifier. Featuring 4 extra-large air holes, the lightweight shield is designed for maximum air flow so your baby’s sensitive skin stays drier while soothing. A light, breathable pacifier for sensitive skin 4 extra large air holes Skin stays drier while soothing Rounded edges for comfortable soothing Comfortable soft & silky nipple 98% of babies accept our ultra air pacifier* Textured, silky nipple for soothing comfort Designed for natural oral development Sterilisation & carrying case Sterilizing in the microwave is safe and easy Simple steps for reliable sterilization in 3 minutes Quality assured Made at our award-winning site in the UK Specifications What is included ultra air pacifier: 2 pcs Accessories included Sterilizer/carrying case Safety Safety ring handle BPA-free Hygiene Easy to clean Can be sterilized Dishwasher safe
How do you know what health products and supplements are necessary or not when it comes to your little one? How do you choose and what do you look for?
Often breastfeeding and sleep are thought to be part of two different worlds. Many people will tell you that your child won’t be able to sleep through the night until you stop breastfeeding. Tell that to my daughter who was breastfed until she was 12 months old, and slept through from when she was 4 months old!
100% natural protection for your little ones when they need it most. With Spring upon us, insects are back in full force – mosquitos in particular.
Multi-cloth toys are a great way to get a very young child using their sensory skills. A soft, easy-to-hold cloth with different textures, colours and shapes attached, they are available in 3 adorable characters – Molly Cuddly Turtle, Arthur Funny Dino and Daisy Cuddly Butterfly. All unisex and completely safe for even the youngest of children, Chicco’s Baby Senses multi-cloths are available across South Africa now at Takealot, Babies R Us, Loot, Kids Emporium and selected Pick and Pays.
Keeping your body at optimum levels during and after pregnancy can be tough, especially if you are planning on breastfeeding. With everyone having all the advice in the world on how and what you should be doing, it really is important for your baby that you receive essential vitamins and minerals from a brand you can trust. Mom2B has all the answers. Parenting Hub was given Mom2B’s range of Pregnancy Shakes to review. We always have a preggie mom on hand to try new products and Gemma was most excited to take on the challenge. On new mom Jackie, a breast feeding mom was also keen to jump in and try something new! Gemma reported that shortly after starting the shakes that she could feel a difference in her energy levels. With this being a tough pregnancy for her, she was so happy to not feel tired all the time. She reported that the flavours were amazing and not too sweet which is so important. Jackie who is currently breastfeeding said that she found Mom2B’s shakes so quick and easy and a really nice way to supplement her diet. She also felt that her energy levels were up and that she could cope much better with the stress that comes with looking after a newborn. These Mom2B Shakes come in three tasty flavours, chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. They’re packed with vitamins B5, B6, B12, B1, B2, B3, C, D and E as well as biotin, folic acid, zinc, iodine, iron and magnesium. They’re also low in fat, high in fibre and a great source of calcium and phosphorus – all the necessary supplements required during pregnancy. Produced locally by Nativa (Pty) Ltd since April 1999, this wide range of alternative and complementary health products can be obtained through visiting www.mom2b.co.za. Nativa report that feedback from consumers has been excellent, indicating that Nativa products have improved the quality of their lives. Nativa’s values are: Integrity, honesty, excellence, courage and collaboration and through the excellent interaction that Parenting Hub and our clients have experienced, it is very evident that Nativa live up to these values. Parenting Hub highly recommends Mom2B’s range of products.
Chicco’s Baby Senses range of toy is a developmentally engaging range of colourful toys that range from simple multi-cloths to rattles, teethers, puzzles and much, much more. All designed with early development in mind, the range is bright and stimulating and offers a toy for every stage of your child’s first year.
PLAY! This may seem obvious, but it is essential to a child’s development. Sometimes we focus so much on what we should or shouldn’t be doing and look at everything as work, but play is a child’s work. This is how they explore their world. Play teaches them important physical skills such as coordination, balance and muscle control. These set the foundation for more complicated physical skills such as kicking a ball while running, skipping and doing cartwheels. Again these may seem like trivial skills but they are essential to a child’s development and set the stage for academic success.
Baby Senses Vibrating Monkey Rattle and Giraffe Rattle are two of the cutest and most entertaining baby rattles on the market right now. Baby Senses is a developmental range of colourful toys that engage and stimulate children from as young as three months and the two rattles are both engaging with features such as teething rings, crinkly textures and a vibration on the Vibrating Monkeys leg. Soft enough to even cuddle, the two rattles are ideal to stimulate curiosity and bright enough to engage baby’s vision.
Each new mum’s circumstances are different, and they help her decide on whether to breast or bottle feed her newborn. Whatever method she chooses, the hours cuddling her little one while feeding are a most precious part of motherhood.
Chicco’s Baby Senses range of toy is a developmentally engaging range of colourful toys that range from simple multi-cloths to rattles, teethers, puzzles and much, much more. All designed with early development in mind, the range is bright and stimulating and offers a toy for every stage of your child’s first year.
Life doesn’t stop when you are pregnant. Most of us are still busy with a full day’s work plus the usual cleaning, washing, shopping and cooking chores while sometimes caring for older children as well.
