Chicco Manual and Electric Breast Pumps

With 61 years as global leaders in the world of baby products, Chicco has perfected the art of the quality nursing item.  Whether breast feeding exclusively, or expressing for later feeds, there comes a time in every busy mom’s life when she will need to pump milk.  Nutrition is key and with everyone knows breast milk is ultimately the richest form of nutrition you can give your child – yet sometimes one just needs a break from hungry mouths and little emerging teeth. Chicco has two of the best solutions for expressing moms.  Whether using the high-tech electric breast pump, or the conventional, yet reliable manual pump, both items are essential nursery items – particularly if moms need to start working again.  The electric breast pump is a mother’s best ally.  With ten settings to choose from, there is a pressure that will work best for you. The pump has an LED light that enables night-time pumping without waking co-sleeping partners or children and the pumping mechanism is gentle on breasts, allowing nipple repair and reduced engorgement. The manual pump is an effective, delicate and practical device that is quiet and allows for mom to pump at work or whilst out and about as it is a small and discreet item.  It connects directly to a 150ml milk container which can be popped directly into the fridge. Available at Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers.

April 22, 2019

Chicco Bottle warmer and milk containers

With 61 years as global leaders in the world of baby products, Chicco has perfected the art of the quality nursing item. We all want convenience when it comes to feeding times, yet it’s not always easy when working, or bringing up other children. Chicco has a great solution for moms of newborn and younger babies when it comes to storing and warming food.  The Chicco bottle warmer is a simple, fast and safe way to warm up feeding containers in a convenient and speedy fashion. The warmer keeps food warm for up to an hour and even comes with its own internal support system to help elevate smaller bottles and feeding containers.   Another way to store food, especially milk, is with the simple Chicco 150ml milk container.  With tight seal lids, food can be stored by expressing directly into the containers.  Pureed foods are also easily store and frozen in these little jars.  They come in packs of 4. Together this combo of convenience makes heating, storing and freezing food one less stress in a busy mom’s life. Available at Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers.

April 15, 2019

Can Mom Drink Coffee When Breastfeeding?

Food and drink restrictions while pregnant are normal and expected. But how about after the little one arrives? After 9 good months of deprivation and caution, can you actually go back to your normal eating/drinking life? Most pregnant women pay attention to anything they take; wondering if that tiny bite of sushi or soft cheese will affect their little ones. The worry continues even for any breastfeeding mom. Just as you were restricted to taking certain foods/drinks when pregnant, the same restrictions still prevail even when breastfeeding.  You might have heard some mom say that taking in cabbage made their baby gassy. Others say taking in coffee kept their little ones awake all night. The major question here is can mom drink coffee when breastfeeding? Does the baby sip some coffee through the breast milk? If so, is it safe for her/him? Well, to some degree, it is safe, mostly when the little one is more than 3 months old. Here is what happens when you take a cup of coffee when breastfeeding. Factors Determining The Caffeine Effects On A Baby There are several factors that determine how caffeine will affect a baby. Though it is not recommended for mom to take caffeine when pregnant, some still do it. Well, such babies are likely to have less caffeine reaction after birth. This means that if you are hundred percent sure you did not take caffeine when pregnant, your baby will have more reaction to caffeine after birth. Besides coffee intake, while pregnant, another factor that determines the effects of caffeine is the age of your little one. Babies below six months tend to react more to caffeine than older ones. So, you can skip taking coffee or other caffeine-rich drinks for these first 6 months. This will allow the baby to have a better excreting and processing of caffeine as they grow. According to the Australian Breastfeeding Association, newborn kids take around 160 hours to process caffeine. Those are 6 good days! On the other hand, when a baby is 6 months old, it should take them almost 3 to 7 hours. So, How Much Caffeine Is Too Much? Just 1% of caffeine intake goes into the breast milk through the bloodstream. The caffeine in your breast milk starts to peak almost one hour after consumption. On to the issue of how much caffeine is too much, that really depends on the mother and their little one. Some babies might process caffeine efficiently and quickly. Such a baby will have fewer effects of caffeine. Usually, pregnant or breastfeeding moms should not take more than 300mg of caffeine each day. Those are about two cups of coffee – based on the brew. According to Healthychildren.org, taking three cups of coffee or less throughout the day might show some or no caffeine in the kid’s urine. Can A Baby Be Sensitive To Caffeine Intake? If you consume over 300 mg of caffeine every day, then, the answer to this question is yes. Your baby will show symptoms of caffeine stimulation such as being fussy, irritable and fails to sleep for long. In such a case, a breastfeeding mom should substitute coffee with caffeine-free drinks at least for one or two weeks. Within these two weeks or after, you should notice a significant difference in how your baby behaves.  If indeed caffeine stimulation was the cause, your baby will become less fussy after a few days – that is – when you eliminate caffeine. Can Caffeine Decrease The Supply Of Breast Milk? Fortunately, there is no research pointing out that caffeine can lower milk supply. However, the myth about caffeine and milk decrease is widespread. Most new moms take caffeine and none has stated any diverse impacts of caffeine on breast milk supply. In the light of this, no clinical observation or study that proves caffeine can reduce the supply of breast milk. In fact, a Nehlig & Debry study (1994) shows that caffeine intake can indeed stimulate the production of breast milk. Nonetheless, caffeine stimulation might make a baby jittery and fussy baby.  Such a baby might not nurse properly. As a result, your milk supply can decrease with time. Take note, the mom’s intake of caffeine did not cause a decrease in milk supply. Rather it was caused by the decrease in nursing. Other Caffeine Sources Though coffee is a source of caffeine, it is not the only one. According to Dailycupo.com, Energy/sports drinks, soft drinks, and tea also contain caffeine. More so, some prescription and over-the-counter medications, any food containing chocolate or coffee also have caffeine. Further, green tea, herbal products that have Paullina/guarana cupana and yerba mate are sources of caffeine. Therefore, any mother worried about the caffeine the take should take note of these other caffeine-rich drinks and foods. The Takeaway There is no scientific study that states you should avoid taking a coffee when breastfeeding. However, it would be wise if you enjoyed your cup of hot coffee in moderation. Some of the strategies you can use to control your caffeine intake are: Paying close attention to your baby: some little babies are highly sensitive to caffeine. Thus, they may become restless or fussy in case your breast milk has excessive caffeine. Monitor how any other dietary option affects your baby; not just caffeine. A drink with high sugar concentration, for instance, can have similar effects to the baby as caffeine does. Acknowledge that your health, as a breastfeeding mom, matters as well. Here you should evaluate why you need caffeine in the first place. Do you want it to help you deal with regular nighttime wakeups? Or you want coffee to boosting or maintain your energy level?If your answer to either of these two questions, then you should take coffee in moderation. Take coffee immediately after a pumping session or nursing. This strategy becomes successful when you know how frequent your baby nurses. In doing so, the caffeine in your baby milk will have enough time to drop before your

April 12, 2019

Understanding your baby better through Sensory Intelligence®

How often have you heard parents say: “My kids differ like day and night.” A detailed elaboration usually follows on the afore-mentioned statement, highlighting not only differences in appearance, but also in personality, behaviour and reactions to the world. Why is it that children from the same biological mother and father can be so different and unique? To answer this question, we need to go back to the very beginning of development. During infancy, it is all about the senses! Development, maturation and integration of a baby’s sensory systems is a major building block towards future development, learning and acquisition of skills. A baby experiences the world around them through their seven senses, consisting of the five familiar “visible” senses i.e. sight, hearing, smell, taste and touch; and the two less-familiar “hidden” senses that relate to movement i.e. the vestibular sense and proprioception. The vestibular sense tells them when their bodies are displaced and helps to orient movement for them. The proprioceptive or body sense gives them feedback from muscle movement and joint position. The information they receive through their senses becomes their first awareness of the outside world. As human beings, our brains are constantly flooded with information from our senses. This information gets filtered and organized to enable us to focus only on important input and ignore irrelevant information. Thankfully this happens on a subconscious level. Had it not been for this filtering process, we would be aware of each and every sight, sound, smell, taste, touch and movement, every second of every waking day. That is quite an exhausting thought, isn’t it! When a sensory stimulus is relevant and important to the brain, it gets registered on a conscious level and a reaction is elicited. Think of a baby in its mother’s arms, hearing its mother’s voice, smelling its mother’s scent, seeing the outlines of its mother’s face… and then the heart-warming reaction, making up for countless sleepless nights: a big, bright baby smile. This process happens on an ongoing basis in all of us: newborns, infants, toddlers, school-going children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. Our differences and uniqueness in reaction and behaviour is a result of each individual’s neurological threshold. A neurological threshold is the amount of stimuli required for a nerve cell or neuron to respond. An individual with a high threshold, requires more stimulation to trigger a reaction, while low thresholds, on the other side of the continuum, requires less stimulation to trigger a reaction. Think of a newborn baby going home for the first time: some of these little humans are happy being held and passed on from relative to relative, while others will soon let you know, in no uncertain terms, that they want to be laid down in a quiet space with minimal contact from the outside world. Same age, same scenario, same sensory input… but very different behaviour. In her ground-breaking book, “Sensory Intelligence®, why it matters more than IQ and EQ”, Dr Annemarie Lombard use the analogy of a Sensory Tree™ to help explain these individual differences. Individuals with high thresholds are like the leaves of a tree. They seek sensory input, and enjoy activity, variety and change, just like leaves enjoy sunlight and blowing in the wind. On the other hand, the low threshold individuals resemble the roots of a tree, avoiding sensory input. They need less stimulation, more quiet space, clear expectations and prefer predictable routine, just like roots prefer the quiet calmness underground. And then we have the typical thresholds who are neither high nor low thresholds. They can be described as the trunk of the tree. These individuals usually cope well in all kinds of life situations and are not bothered by too little or too much sensory input. This applies to little human beings as well, since sensory thresholds are mainly part of your genetic make-up. It’s important to keep in my mind that there is no right or wrong. Their (and our) profiles are merely a reflection of who we are, and nothing needs to be fixed… just understood. Let’s now look at characteristics of a typical little leaf and a typical little root. We will not be going into detail about our little trunks, since they will mostly not be overly affected by too little or too much sensory stimuli. A typical little baby leaf might: enjoy being amongst people be very active throughout the day enjoy making sounds with his/her mouth enjoy looking at moving objects such as ceiling fans enjoy looking at shiny objects not be bothered by wet or dirty diapers enjoy finger foods and not be bothered by the messiness that comes along with it enjoy swinging, rocking and being lifted into the air seek opportunities to feel vibrations such as stereo speakers, tumble dryer mouth all kinds of objects On the other side of the continuum, a typical baby root might: enjoy having regular quiet time have difficulty getting to sleep and easily be awakened startle at sound, compared to other babies of the same age be fussy feeders resist being held get fussy when exposed to bright lights become agitated when having hair washed, nails trimmed, and face wiped become upset when placed on back to change his/her diaper become agitated when crawling on certain surfaces such as grass, sand, carpet, tiles not cope well when their daily schedule change As adults, we self-regulate to maintain our optimal level of focus, attention and comfort. An adult leaf can add sensory input to his/her life, just as an adult root can structure their environment to avoid unnecessary sensory input. Our little infant leaves and roots does not always have the ability to self-regulate and cannot adapt their environments according to their individual needs. When this happens, they can easily go into a state of sensory overload, which I’m sure most people in this room will be familiar with. Typical signs of sensory overload might include: gaze aversion, or staring irritability inconsolable crying frantic, disorganised, jerky movements tongue

April 11, 2019

Tips To Using A Manual Breast Pump

Using a manual breast pump is not as arduous as some moms think it should be. The beauty of manual pumping is that it is actually really simple to master. However, if you are feeling reservations to this type of pump and are unsure of how you will manage to operate it, read on below now. We will give you an easy, step by step guide to using a manual breast pump. Using A Manual Breast Pump – The Steps Every Mom Needs To Know Before pumping, ensure you have thoroughly washed the pump as well as your hands Read the provided instruction manual carefully to familiarize yourself with your pump Always pump in a room which is secluded and leaves you in a state of relaxation Have a picture of your baby on hand – this helps stimulate milk production in most moms Gently begin to pump and find a rhythm which suites you – if you do not express immediately, do not worry, it may take you a few minutes before let down occurs Once you do begin to produce milk, try different pumping tempos to try and best match your baby’s suckle Try to switch breasts consistently to allow each to express – ensure each breast has been pumped for 15 minutes minimum Tips For Using A Manual Pump Know What You’re Looking For: before investing in a breast pump, know what it is you are looking for. Research thoroughly into whether you want an electronic pump, a manual pump or would prefer to rent a hospital grade pump in the beginning. See which will best suit both your lifestyle and your budget. Practice Makes Perfect: try practicing with your pump for a while before you actually plan on pumping regularly. For instance, if you are planning on going back to work, and have mainly been breastfeeding, begin to pump two weeks before you plan on making it a regular routine. This will give you time to familiarize yourself with the machine and how long it will take you to express. Dress For The Occasion – make sure that what you wear is suited to pumping. Generally, more flowy pieces which button down in the front are ideal. 

April 11, 2019

Everything You Need To Know About The Medela Harmony Manual Breast Pump

The Medela Harmony is a manual breast pump perfect for every mom. This little breast pump is packed with pros for every woman. Read on below now for everything you need to know about the Medela Harmony pump. About The Medela Harmony The Medela Harmony pump is one of the most innovative manual breast pumps on the market. This can be attributed largely to its 2-phase expression technology. This mimics a baby’s feeding pattern with two different pumping phases: Stimulation – this phase is dedicated to stimulate the breast to begin milk production. Expression – this phase is when you expresss the let down and you begin to express milk. Above this, the Medela Harmony has been designed in a way to be comfortable, safe and easy to use. This pump is small and lightweight, making it easy to transport for all moms on the go. Furthermore, the pump is free from any BPAs, making it safe for you and your baby to use! Features Of The Medela Harmony Breast Pump BPA Free: every part of this pump which come into contact with your breastmilk are completely free from BPAs Swivel Handle: this innovative handle is great for all moms, as it allows you to position the handle in a comfortable position whilst pumping 2-Phase Expression Technology: this incredible type of pumping technology ensures that you get more milk in less time during the expression phase Spill Less: the set comes with a bottle stand, allowing you to easily store your expressed milk upright once pumped to avoid spills Win The Medela Harmony Today! This month, we are bringing you the Medela Harmony as our monthly give away. Be sure to check out our competition page now. You could be walking away with this great, innovative little breast pump so don’t miss out!

April 10, 2019

Surviving the newborn stage – 6 top tips

Becoming a parent fills you with so many emotions – joy, happiness, love, apprehension, fear…you name it. When you are in hospital though, you (and baby) are looked after 24/7 by the wonderful nursing staff. They help you feed your baby, swaddle your baby, bath your baby and even put your baby to sleep. Then just as you think you can handle your baby…you get discharged and you, your spouse and baby have to fend for yourselves. The key is not to panic – you will panic – but try not to. The below are some of the tips that I have learnt along the way in this journey of motherhood. Have everything prepared Being pregnant is a walk in the park compared to brining your baby home. Your baby has everything it needs in your womb; now that you have given birth you need to actively look after this tiny human. Being prepared is having all your basics ready at home – the cot, baby clothes washed and packed, the nursery all set up, formula and sterilisers (if you are bottle feeding) or nursing pads (if you are breast feeding) and mommy supplies (snacks, magazines, movies etc) to occupy yourself during those first few weeks when baby just seems to sleep and feed. Have a support network Whether it is your spouse, your mom, your mom-in-law or friends – use them. Use your people to your advantage, it might be to help with the housework, hold the baby so you can take a shower and eat a proper meal or just someone to talk you. Don’t hold in your emotions You have just had a baby; your hormones are going to be all over the place. This doesn’t mean you are crazy or you don’t love your baby. If you are having feelings of self doubt and worry, express them. If you need to scream into a pillow, do it. If you need to cry, cry. Letting your emotions out into the open is natural and healthy. Sleep when you can Many people say “sleep when the baby sleeps”, I was not one of those people, when the baby slept I was worry that she wasn’t breathing so I would check on her every 10 minutes, or I had that 20 minutes to shower and eat a meal. My advice is bringing sleep when you can even if you sleep upright holding your baby. Put down the baby books You invested in all the literature, you read all the baby books but now that your newborn is home you wonder “is she sleeping too much?”, “is she awake past the recommended time?” The baby books are great and are fantastic reference tools, but you are the only person that truly knows your baby, so use and trust your instincts. Enjoy every day This is the tough one, as each day presents a new challenge. You will be tired, you will be anxious, you will doubt yourself, but try to enjoy your newborn. My favourite moment is when I put my little girl to sleep, singing her a lullaby and she falls asleep in my arms. Time is too precious to wish this phase away, it will be difficult, but before you know it, your newborn will be a toddler. Contributed by Kathy Cowell of Little Ashford Preschool

April 10, 2019

Autism: What is it, what are the signs and who can help?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a group of conditions that affect a person’s social communication, sensory processing, thinking and emotional regulation. It is a lifelong condition that has a spectrum of difficulties. Savannah Senior, Clamber Club Expert and Speech-Language therapist, sheds some light on Autism, the signs and how you can help your little one. This means that a child with ASD will have small to significant difficulties in each area of the spectrum. Although many people describe a spectrum as a line, a circle can also be used. This can sometimes give one a better idea that a child may function better in one area and less so in another. Sensory Processing: The ability to process and integrate all your senses and use them in a functional way. For example, to hear the teacher’s voice, seeing her writing on the board, feeling the pen in your hand = processing this information and understanding that you need to copy the teacher’s writing = motor movements of you writing. Children with ASD frequently struggle to process and integrate the sensory information that they receive from their environment. Social Communication: Communicating with others and sharing joy in social relationships. Children with ASD are impacted in this area of communication as they struggle to understand others facial expressions and body language; are more literal than figurative; struggle to make eye contact; find it difficult to share attention together with someone else etc. Thinking: Children with ASD may think in a rigid manner meaning that they cannot understand or accept alternatives when they were not expected. Thinking ahead may be difficult and new unexpected situations may be difficult. Routines often help with this. They frequently have fixed interests. Emotional Regulation: This is being able to monitor and modify emotional reactions to situations that may distress you. If one cannot emotionally regulate, behavioural difficulties can often be observed. When you are well regulated, you can recognise when you need to implement a regulation strategy such as talking to our friends, taking a break when you need it, sleeping enough, exercising etc. Children with ASD find regulating their emotions difficult and this can often result in self-harm, physical aggression, or inconsolable children. Behavioural difficulties are frequently associated with children who have ASD. It is important to remember that every behaviour is a communication. The cause of ASD is unknown but it is thought that it is a combination of genetic and environmental components. At one point it was thought that MMR vaccinations caused ASD, but this has been extensively researched and has shown that there are no links between ASD and MMR vaccinations. What to look for: ASD comes in all shapes and sizes, in other words, every child is different! Not every child will present with the same signs. Here are a few signs to look out for, but remember that a child usually has a few or many of these signs and may have ones that are not mentioned here: Struggling with non-verbal communication including: eye-contact (receiving and using); understanding and using facial expressions and body language Delayed understanding and use of language. Difficulties understanding figurative language. Children with ASD will frequently take phrases literally i.e. It’s raining cats and dogs. A child with ASD will look up to see where the cats and dogs are. Lack of interest in other children. They frequently prefer to play alone or alongside children. Difficulty understanding their own and other people’s emotions and feeling. Echolalia: repeating words, phrases or sentences (immediately or later) without fully understanding their meaning. Oversensitive to touch, light, textures or sounds. Lack of imaginative or pretend play. Children on the spectrum will frequently play with toys in an unusual way such as lining them up, spinning or opening/closing a toy instead of playing with it as a whole. Enjoying routine and structure. Difficulty moving from one activity to the next or difficulty getting them to engage in an activity (seems as if they have poor attention). Preference for repetitive activities and games such as lining things up, opening and closing doors, turning lights on and off, putting things in something and taking them out etc. Arm flapping, self-harm, uncontrollable temper tantrums and other behavioural difficulties. What to do? If you are concerned that your child is presenting with signs of Autism, seek help. It is best to contact your child’s Paediatrician who will be able complete a developmental assessment and either diagnose your child or refer your child for further assessments. Autism South Africa can also help you on your quest of answers! They can be contacted through their website: http://aut2know.co.za/. Some General Tips: Make things visual! Children on the spectrum are usually visual learners. Use pictures to help improve your child’s understanding of up-coming events and situations. This can include photographs, line drawing, visual schedules, showing your child an object/action while speaking etc. When communicating, break things into smaller phrases i.e. instead of saying, ‘Put your coat on and go to the car,’ rather say, ‘Put your coat on’ child puts coat on ‘Go to the car.’ Remember that all behaviour is a communication. You can try deciphering what your child is saying by keeping a log of: the behaviour that occurred, what happened before this and how you helped your child become regulated again. Look through them to try find patterns. Avoid figurative language. Copy your child’s actions and play routines to enter their world.

April 10, 2019

Keeping Your Children Safe During Bath time

I’m sure many of you will agree that bath time is loads of fun for our kids. Whilst the bathroom is a fun place, it can also be a scary place with a number of dangerous hazards such as the drowning, burns and poisoning.  It’s important that you are always in the bathroom with your children before, during and after bath time. Drowning is a major cause of death in children under five years. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commision in the United States, 80% of the 87 children, under five years who drown at home each year, have drowned in the bathtub. Young children are top heavy and can slip suddenly and drown in very little water. Infants and toddlers also don’t have the upper body and core strength to lift themselves up if that slip under the water.  HOW TO RUN A BATH Keep your child away from the bath until the water is the right temperature.  The safe temperature of bath water should be between 37oC and 38oC (36OC for a newborn). Children have thinner skin than adults so they can burn much more quickly. Even if the bath feels warm to you it may be hot to your little one. Your plumber can also set the thermostat of your geyser to a maximum of 50oC.  Always fill your bath with cold water first. Your child could put his hand or foot in the water before the bath is ready and get burnt. If you have a mixer tap, run hot and cold together but start with the cold and slowly increase the amount of hot.  Run cold water through the tap before your child gets into the bath to cool the tap and prevent them from getting burnt if they touch it. If you have a mixer tap, point the lever on the cold setting when you are finished running the bath to ensure the hot water does not get accidentally turned on in the bath.  Do not overfill the bath. Fill the bath water to just over your little one’s knees.  HOW TO HAVE A S-A-F-E BATH  S: Supervision is key! Always supervise babies, toddlers and children less than six years in the bath and when you run the water. Never leave an older child to supervise. A: Arrange everything you will need for bath time in advance for e.g. towel, soap, shampoo, nappy, clean clothes and any medications.F: Feel the water with your elbow first. It should feel warm but not hot. You can also use a water thermometer. Remember to swirl the water around to ensure an even temperature with no hot pockets.  E: Empty the bath as soon as bath time is over.  SLIPS, TRIPS & FALLS  Slips, trips and falls in the bathtub and shower are a common cause of injury in young children and according to statistics more common than tub drownings.  Use a non-slip mat in the bath. If you are using a bath seat or ring, your child will still need to be supervised. A bath seat is not a safety device. These seats are actually associated with an increasing number of reported drownings. This is because the device gives parents a false sense of security and they are therefore more likely to leave their baby alone in the bath.  Infants should be bathed in the bathroom basin or a smaller infant bathtub. This way they can’t roll over or ever be completely covered by the water.  Wipe up any splashes before your kids get out the bath so that nobody, including you, can slip and hit their head. As your kids get older you should also teach them to remain seated in the bath and not to stand up and jump.  Be sure to keep a MiniKit in your bathroom for peace of mind. Each kit contains a range of thoughtfully selected first aid items geared towards common childhood injuries. You can purchase one here: https://www.oneaid.co.za/product/minikit/ WHEN CAN YOU STOP SUPERVISING YOUR CHILD IN THE BATH? This is a difficult question to answer as children mature at different ages. Since most children who drown in bathtubs are under the age of five, the general consensus is children under the age of six should never be allowed to bath alone and even those over six should be closely monitored. Even if your child knows how to swim you should never be too far away. OTHER BATHROOM HAZARDS Toilet: luckily my daughter has never been interested in exploring the toilet bowl but I have had moms tell me how their child likes to play with the water in the toilet. Keep the toilet lids closed at all times and if your little one is particularly curious install a toilet-lid lock.  Appliances: make sure any electrical appliances in the bathroom are unplugged and out of reach when your child is having a bath. Regular plug sockets may actually not be fitted in bathrooms for safety reasons so rather keep extension cords out.  Medicines: many of us keep medication in the bathroom. Make sure they are all locked away, out of sight and out of reach.  Dangerous items: make sure you keep cosmetics, razor blades, nail scissors, cleaning products and other dangerous items away.  Don’t get distracted during bath time. Keep your phone on silent or rather keep it out of the bathroom and join in on the fun. You could also try having a shower with your child instead for some extra fun. My daughter loves this and the best part is that I manage to get cleaned up as well freeing up some time later in the evening for something else. Just make sure you get a slip-proof mat for the shower first. RESOURCES https://www.aappublications.org/news/2015/11/11/PPBath111115 https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000154.htm http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19596735 https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/124/2/541.long https://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/100/4/e1.long?utm_source=TrendMD&utm_medium=TrendMD&utm_campaign=Pediatrics_TrendMD_0

April 9, 2019

Chicco Electric & Microwave Sterilizers

With 61 years as global leaders in the world of baby products, Chicco has perfected the art of the quality nursing item. Whether breast or bottle feeding, there’s no messing around when it comes to germs – and there comes a time when all moms will need to deep clean and sterilize feeding utensils and containers. Whether using the SteriNatural electric sterilizer or the conventional microwave sterilizer, Chicco has the solution with economical, practical and safe items.   Both sterilizers use the properties of steam to thoroughly penetrate all nooks and crannies of your baby feeding items and obliterate germs.  The electric sterilizer not only cleans feeding jars and containers, but can also sterilize items such as teethers, pacifiers and plastic toys. If it goes in your baby’s mouth, you can give it the ultimate clean.   Both items have capacity and space for sterilization of several products simultaneously.  Whether you’re expecting a newborn or already have a large family, sterilization is vital.  Grab one today from Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers.

April 9, 2019

Meet Thule Sleek

Thule’s first four-wheel stroller is a must for city-slicking moms Thule’s eagerly awaited four-wheel stroller, the Thule Sleek, is the new member of the Active with Kids family.  This flexible and stylish stroller is ideal for parents who want to share city adventures with their child, and the best news is that you can now shop safely and securely for your new stroller, from the comfort of your own home, at the new Thule Online Store http://bit.ly/2OrwMZM. A first for the award-winning Swedish brand, the new four-wheel Thule Sleek has been specially designed with practicality in mind. “We understand that most moms feel a little weighed down at times,” says Julia Downey of Thule Active with Kids. “Gone are the days when you could zip out the house carrying nothing but a gorgeous handbag – now, it takes a good 10 minutes just to pack the baby bag, remembering everything from nappies to extra burpers. And that’s before you factor in towing around a bulky pram.”  This is precisely why the Thule Sleek has been designed to deliver outstanding manoeuvrability. “The reality is that every mom’s day includes lots of walking, on lots of different surfaces. In an ideal world, we’d take every step on smooth tiling – but we don’t spend all our lives inside shopping centres. We’re active people who want to explore our cities with our families, and we want to do so in comfort. And we don’t want to let something like a pram that gets stuck on paving bricks to slow us down.” Neither narrow corners, nor crowded areas pose a problem for the Thule Sleek. The pram’s lightweight design promises the ultimate comfort, for both mom and baby. Equally impressive is the Thule Sleek’s ability to expand and contract on demand. Thule recognises that a family’s needs grow along with baby.  “We’ve made it possible to transform the Thule Sleek into the pram you need, with a few simple additions,” Downey explains. Add a bassinet, and the pram is able to perform a range of new functions; replace it with a car seat, and it changes once more. You can also add a sibling seat or a Glider Board, making it possible to transport up to two children at one time. Moreover, the seat can be moved to face forward or backward. Plus, Thule offers a range of accessories to ensure that the pram is able to meet all parents’ needs, whatever they are. This makes it an exceptionally cost-effective offering – why buy a new stroller just because your little one has grown, when you can simply reconfigure your Thule Sleek?  “With 14 different seating arrangements, it grows with your family. It can handle two toddler seats, two bassinets, or two car seats. Both seats are reversible and have a deep recline – simply put, you’ll never need another stroller,” says Downey. Of course, the Thule Sleek is carrying some rather important cargo. It has therefore been rigorously tested to ensure it complies with the highest safety standards. It’s also durable and hard-wearing, and will provide years of service. And what about looks? Thule Sleek embodies Thule’s trademark Scandanavian style, featuring contemporary design that makes it a favourite with fashion forward moms. The stroller is available in Grey Melange, Midnight Black, Shadow Grey, Navy Blue, and Energy Red, complete with a range of matching accessories. “A sense of freedom is important for any mom. The Thule Sleek gives you just that,” promises Downey. The Thule Sleek is available at all Thule Stores, Thule Partner Stores and Online https://thulestore.co.za

April 5, 2019

Electronic vs. Manual Breast Pumps: Which Works For You?

Many people debate over whether they need an electric or manual breast pump. Truth be told, there is no right side to this discussion. Both manual and electronic breast pumps have their purpose within the breastfeeding world. Knowing which best suits your lifestyle is the key question one should be asking. We shall discuss this below, so read on ow to see which pump best suits your needs. Electric Breast Pumps The electric breast pump has been in production since 1991. This was introduced to the world by the Swiss company, Medela, who managed to produce the first ever electric-powered, vacuum operated breast pump. From then on, the electronic pump has grown exponentially, with hundred of suppliers and models available. But what are the advantages to having an electronic pump? The Pros Of The Electronic Breast Pump It is time efficient – taking less time than a manual pump to express This type of pump requires less effort to use than a manual pump There is a wider variety of models to choose from, including hospital grade pumps Offer you the option of hiring – please note however, only hospital grade pumps can be rented from a professional supplier The Cons Of The Electronic Breast Pump These types of pumps are a lot pricier than any manual The electronic pump is far nosier than a manual pump Some electric models can be intricate to sterilize Generally, these pumps are more difficult to transport than a manual If you buy a mains operated pump, you will be reliant on a plug outlet to do your pumping Manual Breast Pumps The manual pump has been around since the late 19th century, first being patented in the States. There is a reason this magical little appliance has endured through the century – even with the introduction of the electronic breast pump.  The Pros Of The Manual Breast Pump Cost effective – this type of pup is far more affordable for the everyday mum The manual pump is light weight and compact, making it easy to carry on the go The manual pump is incredibly quiet to use The pump is also really simple to operate This pump requires no electricity, meaning you can use it any time, any where The Cons Of The Manual Breast Pump This type of pump operates slower than the electronic counterpart Sometimes finding a regular pumping rhythm can be challenging Manual pumping can tire your hands In Conclusion As you can see, both electronic and manual breast pumps have their pros and cons. If you are a mom pressed for time with a bust schedule, your best bet would be to invest in an electronic pump. However, if you’re looking for an affordable, easy t use and transport breast pump, the manual version will serve you just fine! Stand a chance to win a Medela Harmony Manual Pump this month! See our competition page for more now.

April 2, 2019

Chicco PhysioSoft Pacifiers

With 61 years as global leaders in the world of baby products, Chicco has perfected the art of the quality nursing item – and with soothers and pacifiers, moms can’t get much better than the PhysioSoft. Made from 100% silicone, the PhysioSoft has been crafted carefully in the Chicco Observatory in Italy, a laboratory that focuses on the study and perfection of all their baby products.  Paediatricians, dentists, gynaecologists and parents alike impart with scientific and anecdotal advice to create the best possible product. The results include a smaller neck than most teats, ensuring mouths do not sit unduly open and create muscular imbalance in the baby.  The air holes are situated just right to avoid saliva stagnation, and the placement of the orthodontic teat ensures just the right amount of pressure is applied to the palette to discourage movement in the mouth and ensure a snug fit. One of the best-selling aspects of the PhysioSoft is that the entire pacifier is made from one soft mould that will not leave marks, or cut baby’s face whilst sleeping. In fact the pacifier is so soft the child could literally sleep on their face and not be disturbed. When it comes to soothing, the PhysioSoft is in a class of its own.  Available from 0 months upwards. Available at Baby City, selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot.com, Loot.co.za and other baby retailers.

April 1, 2019

Why You Need The Twistshake Mini Click Mat

The Twistshake Mini Click Mat is a revolutionary piece of feeding equipment every parent simply needs to own. This is attributed to its brilliant design and baby friendly features. Read on below now to find out everything you need to know about the Twistshake Mini Click Mat and why you should make this a part of your baby’s meal plan now! Features Of The Twistshake Mini Click Mat No harmful products have been used in production of this product as it contains no BPF, BPS or BPA Designed to work in perfectly conjunction with other Twistshake feeding plates Adhesive bottom allows the mat to stick to the table surface it is placed on, avoiding spills and falls Made from quality silicone Can be easily washed in the dish washer as it is dish washer safe 31x17cm A Bit More About The Twistshake Mini Click Mat Now you know the ins and outs of the product, here is why this is such an innovative mat. The Twistshake Click Mat has been designed to minimalize mess made during meal times. This is achieved by the adhesive underlayer of the mat which secures it to any table surface it is placed on to.  From there, additional Twistshake feeding products such as the divide plate can easily be clicked into place. this hinders your baby from picking up their plate or bowl and sending it flying across the room. The mat will still allow your little one the freedom to feed themselves, however, it lessens their chances of making a colossal mess around their feeding area. Furthermore the mat is a breeze to clean. Since it is made from premium silicone, it can easily be wiped down or placed into the dish washer. However, please note that this product is NOT suitable for the microwave.

March 29, 2019

Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes, What You Need to Know

Pregnancy is one of the most life-altering experiences for a woman. Pregnancy Awareness Week takes place from 10 to 16 February to strengthen pregnancy education and stress the important issues that promote a healthy pregnancy and safe motherhood1. This year Life Healthcare is focusing on educating women about gestational diabetes. Pregnancy can result in various risks for both mother and baby, the most prevalent of these risks is gestational diabetes, a condition in which a woman without diabetes develops high blood sugar levels during pregnancy. Pregnancy can affect the way a woman’s body processes sugar due to a high volume of hormones produced by the placenta. These hormones block the body’s ability to produce insulin that moves the sugar from the bloodstream into the body’s cells. “Gestational diabetes is most common from 20 weeks of pregnancy and is rarely diagnosed before this. Identifying the signs and symptoms of gestational diabetes isn’t always easy as they are nonspecific, however, a urine test, which is then followed up with a fasting blood test, can ascertain whether an expectant mother has this condition,” explains Dr Liz Radloff, Obstetrician/Gynaecologist at Life Wilgers Hospital. Risk factors for diabetes include being over the age of 25 years, being overweight, having conditions that cause insulin resistance, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), and having high blood pressure prior to pregnancy. Gestational diabetes can result in various complications for both mother and baby, including a higher than normal birth weight, preterm labour and low blood sugar in the infant2. “Nutrition is critically important for an expectant mother and child and will assist in decreasing the risk of developing gestational diabetes. It is important for pregnant women to adopt a healthy, balanced diet and establish a regular exercise routine that is overseen and approved by their specialist. It is not recommended that women who are overweight attempt to lose weight once they have fallen pregnant. If weight loss is required, consulting with your specialist and a dietician will ensure that this is done safely to minimise the risk of complications,” explains Dr Radloff. Should diet and exercise fail in managing this condition, medication in oral or injectable forms may be necessary to manage high sugar levels. Generally, gestational diabetes clears after birth, however, mothers who have been diagnosed during pregnancy are likely to develop type 2 diabetes later. If a pregnant woman has gestational diabetes, her risk of type 2 diabetes after pregnancy rises. It is therefore recommended that mothers follow the same diet and exercise plan once their babies have been born. It is vital that expectant mothers listen to their bodies to avoid the risk of developing complications such as gestational diabetes. Life Healthcare places great importance on appointing a qualified and skilled healthcare practitioner to assist and monitor development during pregnancy. The correct medical assistance from a certified healthcare provider will ensure both mother and baby are kept healthy and safe during pregnancy. “Gestational diabetes can be a worrying diagnosis for an expectant mother. However, by managing the condition with your obstetrician/gynaecologist and making well-informed decisions related to your diet and exercise, risks can be mitigated, and expectant mothers can look forward to delivering healthy babies,” concludes Dr Radloff. For more information on pregnancy and pregnancy-related symptoms and developments visit our pregnancy guide in the link below: https://www.lifehealthcare.co.za/media/1567/pregnancy-guide-v2.pdf

March 27, 2019

Tips For Choosing The Right High Chair

Before going out and buying a high chair it’s important to know the safety requirements. A US study found that more than 9 400 children, aging three years and younger, were treated each year for high chair related injuries in emergency rooms from 2003 to 2010. That’s one child every hour!  Nearly all of these injuries were as a result of a fall where the child either climbed in or out of the chair or stood in it. Majority of the injuries seen were head injuries (37%) then bumps and bruises (33%) followed by lacerations (19%). Most of us use our high chairs in the dining room or kitchen where the flooring is usually hard, so you can imagine the impact this has on a small brain.  This has prompted the US to update their safety standards (unfortunately there are no available statistics for South Africa). From mid-2019 all high chairs in the US will have to have a passive crotch restraint and a three-point restraint system, which means there has to be a fixed post that sits between a child’s legs and restraints that are fixed to the high chair in three different places. They found that children were able to slip out the bottom of a high chair and hope a fixed post will prevent this.  High chairs are not recommended for children younger than 6 months of age. A child is only ready for a chair once they have good head and neck control and are able to sit up on their own. If one is used too early a child could experience positional asphyxia. You may however, be able to start a little sooner with a reclining high chair. CHOOSING THE RIGHT HIGH CHAIR Framework: choose a high chair that is sturdy. Put some weight on it and see if it squeaks, deforms or moves or collapses. Gaps: make sure there are no gaps your child can slip out of. Also chair-related check for gaps that little fingers can get caught in.  Harness: choose a high chair with either a three-point or five-point harness that includes a crotch strap or a post. The restraint should go over the shoulders, around the waist and if a five-point harness then between the legs.   Wide base: a high chair becomes top heavy when your child is in. Choosing a chair with a wide base will make it more stable so that it does not tip easily.  Wheels: if you choose a high chair with wheels, make sure they can be locked when the chair is in use. Folding locks: if the high chair folds check that the locks work well enough so that the chair cannot fall or collapse when in use. Joints: choose a high chair with metal joints. These are stronger than plastic, which can crack after time. Safety standards: make sure the high chair meets current safety standards and has been approved by an international safety authority.  BOOSTER SEATS AND HOOK-ON SEATS  Please be careful when you use these chairs. If not used correctly these seats can be dangerous.  Hook-on seat: These chairs are mounted directly onto a table and should only be used once your baby has good head and neck control and can sit upright. The mounts must be slip resistant and because this seat carries the entire weight of your baby the table has to be strong so that it does not tip over.  Booster seat: These seats are attached to normals chair by straps to raise a child’s height. They are usually used when a child has outgrown the high chair but is not quite tall enough to sit at the table unaided. They should also have straps to keep your child in the seat.  KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE IN A HIGH CHAIR  Never leave your child unsupervised when they are in a high chair.  Always use the safety straps when your child sits in the chair, even if only for a few minutes. The tray is not a restraint. If the chair folds, make sure it is locked each time you set the chair up. If the chair has wheels, make sure they are locked each time you set the chair up. Never allow your child to stand in the high chair. Do not place the high chair near a counter or table. Your child may be able to push against the surface and cause the chair to tip over.  Don’t allow older children to climb or play on the high chair while another child is seated in it because it could tip over. Position the high chair at its lowest possible height if this is adjustable.  Make sure potential hazards such as hot food, drink and sharp cutlery are out of reach.  When choosing a high chair opt for an age-appropriate one with plenty of safety features. It’s also important to check often for recalls once you have purchased your chair. High chairs are commonly recalled because of their safety issues. Recent recalls include the Skip Hop Tuo convertible high chair and the Graco Table2Table 6-in-1. You can check http://www.recalls.gov to see if your high chair has been recalled.  RESOURCES https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/0009922813510599 http:// https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/newsroom/news-releases/2013/12/new-study-finds-24-children-a-day-are-treated-in-us-emergency-departments-for-high-chair-related

March 20, 2019

CHICCO MODE BOOSTER SEAT

The Chicco Mode Booster Seat is the ideal solution for toddlers who want to sit at the table and join in with their family during meals.  It has 3 different height positions, can be adjusted to suit different types of tables and adapt to your child’s growth.  The adjustable and removable tray is also an ideal surface that toddlers can use when they cannot reach the table. The seat has a padded lining and trendy solid colour or geometric patterned prints. Safety tested and approved by the most authoritative European laboratories, the Mode Booster Seat grows with your baby, from 6 months to 3 years. This funky little piece of furniture is the perfect first chair for your baby as they start gaining their independence and want to sit, eat and socialise with the family. Comes in trendy Pois design as well as a cute Elephant design. Pick one up today at al leading retailers and online portals for the suggested price of R899.

March 19, 2019

How To Instantly Organize Childhood Memories

How do you survive an influx of your kids’ stuff pouring into your home from school on a regular basis?  Today it’s a drawing of your family, tomorrow it’s a painting, yesterday it was a school photo, 3 weeks ago it was a special valentine’s card and next week it might be a footprint in clay.   And I’m sure your memory keeping doesn’t stop with creative objects.  During the year you’ll take digital photos of a birthday ring, receive a medal of achievement from a sports day and near year end, purchase a video of a school concert.   Memory keeping, I’m sure you’ll agree, doesn’t stop there. You’ll most likely celebrate a birthday with a specific theme, and you’ll enjoy a family holiday.  Both events will bring loads of digital photos and videos to show for them. And that’s just for one year.  Now multiply that by the number of years your child goes to school and multiply the stash of keepsakes you have for every other child you have.  Oh, my! That’s a lot of, well… good stuff! Who else is living with the dilemma of clutter in their living space?  So why then, do we collect all these objects that take over our lives?  I don’t know about you, but my heart goes all mushy when delight fills my daughters’ eyes, as she delivers her little masterpiece into my hands, after a day at school. Her unique voice rambles away with joyful excitement as she explains her creative work.  I love being part of her development, watching her grow and flourish from day to day.  I especially enjoy participating in the progressing maturity of her work. And that’s why I tend to keep a careful selection of her beautiful efforts. Each piece telling a story of her childhood journey.  Sentimental items, that’ll one day take her back in time, of days long forgotten. Browsing through photos of when she was a baby and toddler, never ceases to amaze her.  Again, and again, she loves to travel back in time and witness how she has grown over the years.  I feel particularly fuzzy inside, when she suddenly gets excited about a birthday theme she had, or friends that were present in her life. She suddenly remembers stories of her past and confidently tells us about them, and as a family, we share in her joy. Children are a joy! As parents we choose to celebrate their lives.  And most of the time, I’m sure you’ll agree with me, all these precious memories and valuable mementos of their childhood, are of course, very sentimental.  And that’s the reason why we keep these tokens of their lives. How much we tend to keep, is purely a reflection of who we are as individuals.  Some moms will keep more, some will keep less, but the point is, we all keep something, because there is priceless value associated to whatever we choose to keep. The problem doesn’t lie with keeping these treasured pieces. The problem therein lies, on where we keep them and how we display all these very dear tokens of childhood.   The truth is, most of us moms and dads, think we have solutions for saving our children’s prized works and achievements.  We think we have all our digital memories all saved safely and sorted.  But if we ask ourselves honestly, do we really have it together?  I’ve experienced it all myself and I’m sure dozens of you feel the same.   From boxes, of all shapes and sizes, to envelopes, files, books, scrapbooks, flip files, albums, drawers and shelves.  We’ve all tried and tested a mix of them all.  Some work, some don’t but the combination of assorted methods tend to create havoc on in our lives. To make things worse, and with the advent of the digital world, well this just bamboozles our filing methods all together. Because simply put, there are way too many videos and photos to look through in a single lifetime. And they too, are just dotted all over the place in  various drives, SD cards, memory sticks, computers, phones, CDs and DVDs. Do you feel swamped? Do you need a life jacket yet? If you are anything like I was, or how most people are, you’re using a bunch of standalone keepsake methods that are cluttering up your home and life. In isolation they probably work, but honestly, they negatively alter the way every childhood story should unfold, that is, chronologically, in unified sequence.   If you want to feel better, faster, I’ll pinpoint ONE staggering storage solution, that’ll save you money, space, time, chaos in the long term. More importantly, this one revolutionary system is guaranteed to accurately and chronologically keep a variety of ALL your keepsakes, art and memories together, in ONE place, in a neat, tidy, organized and compact way.   A way that is not only easy to put together, instant to enjoy and look through, but impressively tracks childhood year by year, whilst keeping all documents safe, from anything that can destroy them. ForeverChilds – My File About Me has made a huge difference in my life, and it’s had an impact on the lives of thousands of our happy customers too. I invite you to embark on a new adventure. It’s truly a delight to watch your child grow and capture the journey. To discover more or shop online www.myfilleaboutme.co.za

March 18, 2019

How To Track Baby’s Feeds, Sleeps and Nappies

There are many ways to track your baby’s daily essentials. You may prefer to use a baby tracker App, note book or just printed out notes. Either way, here is what you need to be tracking. How to track your baby’s feeds If you are breastfeeding, track the time you commence breastfeeding, the duration your baby fed on each breast. For bottle feeds, track the time you started the feed and the amount of milk your baby drank. Once your baby transitions to solids, you can note down the time, what your baby ate (e.g., sweet potatoes) and portion size (e.g., one ice cube, or 1 tablespoon). It is also a good idea to jot down if he ate ‘all, most or some.’ So that you can see what your little one likes! WHY? You will be able to pick up your baby’s feeding patterns and then from there build a routine. Also, if your baby has any weight issues or health concerns a record of your baby’s feeding schedule will be required by your paediatrician. By referring to the feeding record your paediatrician can begin to understand why and support you to address the situation. How to track your baby’s sleep Write down the time your baby went to sleep, and when he woke up, or the duration of the nap. Importantly, write down the time your baby goes down for the evening and wakes up in the morning to start the day. Knowing your little one’s bedtime will enable you to set down bedtime at the same time each night. WHY? You will pick up your baby’s sleep patterns and notice your baby’s routine developing. By noting your little one’s sleep, you can also start to pick up if your baby is going through a growth spurt or getting sick, etc. Knowing your little one’s bedtime will enable you to set down bedtime at the same time each night. Establishing a bedtime is often the first step in building a healthy, flexible sleep routine. How to track your baby’s nappies Tick off when your baby has a wet or a dirty diaper. You may also make comments on consistency or colour if relevant, or if you have any concerns. WHY? Through this, you will pick up whether your little one is feeding enough. Generally, a newborn will have about 6 wet diapers a day. If your baby has no wet nappies, this is a concern, and you should contact your doctor. Who should track your baby’s daily routine? First and foremost, as a mom you will be the one spending the most time with your newborn baby. Therefore, it is essential that you are comfortable with the baby tracker method you will use. Ultimately, everyone who cares for your little one should track. Including both parents and caregivers. As your baby grows and you start leaving your baby with granny or a nanny, you can also ask them to note down your baby’s day in the baby tracker. In this way, you will have a one snapshot view of your baby’s day while you were away. Track your little one’s special moments and milestones Whichever baby tracker method you use, ensure you have space to capture special moments. That first outing, first smile, or the first nappy blow out on to your clothes (yep, it’s a THING). Although having a newborn is tough, it is also incredibly rewarding. These moments are priceless. The With Love Baby Journal – Baby Tracker Journal The With Love Baby Journal was designed as a simple, yet beautiful book for you to write down your little one’s routine. Created by a mama for mamas! It is the perfect Baby Tracking Journal for you track your baby’s feeds (breast, bottle, solids), sleep, nappies, and milestones. The With Love Baby Journal also doubles up as a beautiful keepsake you can look back on. Order your With Love Baby Journal to help you keep track of everything that matters.

March 14, 2019

CHICCO POCKET RELAX BOUNCER

Ensure your newborn always has a place to sit and play. Perfect for families on the go, the Chicco Pocket Relax bouncer is lightweight and features a 3D folding system which allows it to fold easily and compactly at the click of two buttons making it easy to take with you when away from home. The Chicco Pocket Relax can be used in both a static sitting position or can be used to gently rock and soothe your little one. It even comes complete with its own storage bag making it even more portable when on the move.  One of the best things about the Chicco Pocket Relax Bouncer is the fact that it is so compact, and comes with an easy to transport travel bag. The entire bouncer weighs only 2.2kg.  It is not only ideal for travel, but an excellent solution to use around the home to keep an eye on your child whilst busy. Grab one today at all leading retailers and online portals for the suggested price of R1199.

March 13, 2019

Goatie Goodness – the better choice

When choosing milk, it’s not just a matter of full cream, low-fat or flavoured anymore. Sometimes an alternative is needed. But not all milks are created equal.  Here’s a five-point checklist of what to look for and why Goat milk could be the ‘right’ milk choice for you and your family.  Fat size Young children should drink full cream milk since they need the fat for proper development of their brains and nervous systems.  Goat milk is a full cream milk and is naturally homogenized, meaning the fat molecules are naturally smaller and more easily digested.  Protein Structure Milk is also a great source of high-quality protein.  Protein builds, strengthens and repairs our body’s muscles, bones and blood. The protein composition of goat’ milk allows it to form a softer curd during digestion offering greater digestive health and comfort. Type of Carbohydrate Some carbohydrates, known as oligosaccharides possess “prebiotic” properties, promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in our gut and boosting our immune system. Goat milk contains the highest amount of oligosaccharides among domestic animals and is free of added sugars Essential Vitamins & Minerals Research consistently shows that South Africans have a low intake of the minerals, calcium and potassium. Milk is a good source of calcium. Calcium is needed for strong bones and teeth.  Vitamin D is essential to help increase the absorption of calcium from the gut. Check the ingredients list on the milk label for milk with Vitamin D (cholecalciferol).  One glass of KABRITA Instant Full Cream Goat Milk gives you half your daily requirements for vitamin D. Better Sustainability Important environmental issues such as hygiene, animal welfare and overall quality are uppermost in the minds of the most discerning consumer and parent. All KABRITA goats’ milk is non-GMO* and is sourced from farms which follow strict guidelines in terms of animal feed and treatment.  KABRITA goats’ milk is set to meet the highest international standards and goats have not been exposed to antibiotics, growth hormones or pesticides. KABRITA Instant Full Cream Goat Milk is available as an easy-to-use goat milk powder for the whole family; it’s free of added sugars and provides nutrients that support health. Why not give this unique, high-quality goat milk with its fresh and mildly sweet taste, a try?  *non-genetically modified organisms Kabrita Instant Full Cream Goat Milk powder is available at Dis-Chem Pharmacy, Baby City stores and Wellness Warehouse nationwide with a price range from R170 (400g). The product range is also online at… www.dischem.co.za www.wellnesswarehouse.com  www.takealot.com  For more information and visit www.kabrita.co.za and follow @kabrita_sa on Facebook and  Instagram. #GoatieGoodness #KabritaSA

March 8, 2019

The Twistshake Divide Plate: Everything You Need To Know About ​This Product

The Twistshake Divide Plate is a must have for all moms and dads out there. This product works closely in connection with the Twistshake Mini Click Mat, which we have also reviewed this month. Take a look at why this a must have for your baby’s meal times and what makes up this ingenious product. The Twistshake Divide Plate Features The plate has been designed with anti-slip, meaning that it slips minimally on whatever table surface it is placed on The product is free from all harmful materials such as BPS, BPA and BPF The divides allow you to easily work out your baby’s portion sizes This product is both microwave and dish washer safe The ingenious Twistclick function allows you to easily stack and store, or transport, multiple divide plates More About The Twistshake Divide Plate As you can see above, there are a lot of great features which come with this plate. However, it offers more than just eating ease. Thanks to the design, the Twistshake Divide Plate also minimalizes the mess made during meal times.  Thanks to the anti-slip functionality of the plate, the likelihood of it sliding around the surface of the table is reduces phenomenally. However, when you pair it with the Twistshake Mini Click Mat, things become even more secure. The plate has the Twistclick ability to secure to the click mat. This means that it cannot be picked up by your baby. The Twistclick functionality also allows the plates to be stacked on top of one another. This reduces your storage space dramatically. This also makes for easy transport if you need to pack a meal for your little one on the go.  Free from all harmful materials, and being dishwasher and microwave safe, this little plate is a must have for all moms and dads. Get yours now!

March 7, 2019

The Ultimate Feeding Guide For Babies

Finding a black and white feeding guide for babies is a difficult thing to do. All children develop at different rates, meaning that there definitely isn’t a one size fits all when it comes to feeding suggestions. However, this post should help you get a clear indication of the general baby feeding habits to expect throughout the first year of your child’s life. The Beginning: Birth – 4 m/o During this time, your baby’s little digestive system will still be developing within. The first five days post birth are critical for you and your child. However, the first two weeks have the most frequent notable developments in their digestive system. Day 1: Your baby’s stomach will roughly only be the size of a cherry. This means he or she will only be able to hold about 5ml – 7ml of fluid inside at a given time. Therefore, if you are not producing copious amounts of milk, don’t stress. Your body will match milk production to your baby’s feeding needs. Day 3: Your baby’s tummy will now have grown to roughly the size of a walnut. They will now be able to ingest between 22ml – 27ml of fluid per feed and can be expected to feed between 8 – 10 times a day. Day 7: Your baby’s tummy will now have grown to the size of an apricot, meaning it can hold between 45ml – 60ml of fluid.  Day 14: Your little one has now developed to their final phase of initial digestive development. Their tummy should now hold between 80ml – 150ml of fluid and be about the size of an egg. You can expect roughly nine diapers through the day during this time; six wet diapers and three bowl movement diapers. From week four towards the six month mark, you can expect your baby’s eating habits to remain relatively similar. However, once they reach six months, this is where things start to get interesting! The Introduction To Solids: 6 m/o – 8 m/o During this time, your child will begin to show signs of readiness for solids. Now’s the time to start slowly introducing them to certain solid foods whilst still breastfeeding. Here are some foods to include in your baby’s diet: A selection of pureed foods including:  Meats Vegetables Fruits  Breastmilk Semi-liquid baby cereal Now That You Have A General Feeding Guide For Babies From the 8 month mark, you can begin to introduce smaller bits of whole foods such a cereals and meats cut into bite sized pieces. We suggest breastfeeding your baby I conjunction with solids for at least 24 months post birth. 

March 7, 2019

BANKING YOUR BREASTMILK SAVES LIVES

The breastmilk bank is probably the most altruistic banking system in the world. Healthy, lactating moms express and donate their excess breastmilk. The milk is tested and pasteurised, and then distributed to neo-natal intensive care units around the country, where it is used to feed the most vulnerable babies. Every year, donated breastmilk saves the lives of thousands of vulnerable babies in South Africa.  Eight out of one hundred babies in the country are born prematurely and, every year, approximately 11 000 premature babies die from preventable infections and complications.   “All babies have immature immune systems,” says Abby Courtenay, a Registered Dietitian and spokesperson for ADSA (The Association for Dietetics in South Africa), “Breastfeeding plays a vital role in transferring not just nutrients but antibodies and other immune-boosting properties to an infant to strengthen the immune system and protect them against infections.  This is why breastmilk is the perfect first food, and why the World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life.” Many mothers giving birth to premature babies in neo-natal intensive care units don’t produce milk immediately, or enough of it. Some mothers experience health complications and cannot breastfeed.  If their babies can be fed donated breastmilk instead of formula, it dramatically increases the baby’s chance of survival and offers greater protection against life-threatening infections such as the intestinal infection – necrotising enterocolitis. Donated breastmilk also helps premmies to gain weight and grow faster. This is why donated breastmilk is the next best option when the mother’s own  milk is not available.   Breastmilk banking was pioneered in South Africa sixteen years ago by the South African Breastmilk Reserve (SABR) and, today, they have a network of 27 banking facilities across the country. The breastmilk movement in South Africa has since grown to include several other initiatives such as ithemba Lethu milk bank and children’s home in Durban, the KZN Breastmilk Bank Initiative and Milk Matters in the Western Cape. Every year, more than a thousand South African moms help save lives by donating their milk. “What we would like to see is breastmilk banking being used far more frequently,” says Executive Director and SABR founder, Stasha Jordan. “Expressing breastmilk has become the norm for many new moms who have to return to work while still breastfeeding. Some women have an abundant supply of breastmilk and can easily express more than their baby needs. That surplus can literally save the life of another child. Our donor moms are real heroes helping the most vulnerable in our society to survive.” SABR and ADSA have partnered to raise awareness of breastmilk banking, which is supported worldwide by both the World Health Organisation and UNICEF. Who can bank their breastmilk? A healthy, lactating mom with an excess of breastmilk can make donations. It’s important that you have not received a blood donation in the past year; that you are a non-smoker; that you do not consume alcohol regularly and that you are not on any medication. Donor mothers do need to undergo blood tests to be screened for HIV and hepatitis B. How does banking my breastmilk work? Donor moms complete an online screening questionnaire  SABR contacts you telephonically to refer you to your nearest sign-up facility.  Arrangements will be made for the necessary blood tests. You will receive all the information you need for the safe storage of your expressed milk, which will be collected from you. Your breastmilk will be screened, pasteurised and distributed to help save the lives of premature babies in neo-natal intensive care units.  Every drop counts and small donations can also be used, so don’t be put off from donating if you don’t have a particularly excessive supply. To find out more visit https://www.sabr.org.za 

March 4, 2019

How To Make Messy Eating Easier With The Twistshake Mini Click Mat

Messy eating is a hugely important part of the developmental phase for all children. However, it can also be slightly harrowing on mom and dad. This is where the Twistshake Mini click Mat comes in! This ingenious meal time addition will not only help your baby still get the pleasures out of self-feeding, but also make mess minimal for you as the parent. Read on to find out more about why your baby needs to make a mess whilst eating, and how the Twistshake Mini Click Mat will make things easier.  Why You Should Celebrate Messy Eating From Your Little One Meal times can often leave parents in states of shock when they see the aftermath. However, did you know that this is crucial to your baby’s development? Here are the top reasons why self-feeding is important to your little one: A Healthy Relationship With Food Is Born By allowing your child the pleasures of feeling their food, they will begin to experience the joy that food can bring. By being allowed to squish their pumpkin through their fingers, they will fine tune the art to enjoying their food. This enjoyment, is accompaniment with them discovering new flavours they like, and allowing them to eat their own chosen amount at their own pace, leads to a healthy relationship with food. Quantity And Speed Is Important As previously mentioned in the point above, giving your baby the freedom to determine how much to eat, and what speed they’re comfortable eating it at, can really help them shape healthy eating habits. This point has some of the most incredible benefits for your baby. By allowing them to stop eating once full, you are helping decrease their likelihood of developing dangerous health problems such as obesity or eating disorders at a later stage.  Picky Eating Is Avoided By instilling the enjoyment of eating into your baby from a young age, you are also opening the doors to them trying more foods. They will be curious to experience the textures, tastes and smells of different things, thus broadening their pallet and not restricting it to certain flavours.  How The Twistshake Click Mat Will Alleviate Some Of Your Mess Stress While self-feeding is hugely beneficial to your baby, the mess left behind can leave a parent’s nerves on edge. This is where the Twistshake Mini Click Mat comes in. This incredible product secures itself to your table surface, and the click mechanism allows you to click Twistshake plates and bowls onto its surface. This minimalizes the surface area of mess your baby will make. Gone are the days of bowls being flung to the floor! Thanks to this product, your little one will still get the pleasures of self-feeding, but in a controlled area, making mess less for you in the long run. 

March 1, 2019

Pregnancy and Migraine

Pregnancy is an exciting time for many women. Unfortunately pregnant women also suffer from headaches and migraines, and tend so self-medicate with over the counter medication.  According to Dr Elliot Shevel, Medical Director of The Headache Clinic, and South Africa’s internationally recognized Migraine expert and pioneer in the field of Migraine Surgery, “Often the migraines or headaches worsen during the first trimester (the first three months of pregnancy), but don’t despair – in 70 % of women the migraines get better in the second and third trimesters. Unfortunately medication is not a good option during pregnancy, and the only pain medication that is safe is Panado or Paracetamol,” he says. “Unfortunately pregnant women who suffer from migraines with aura, (a term used to refer to warning signs of migraine such as seeing zigzag lines before the pain starts), usually don’t find relief in the second half of their pregnancy and have less chance of improvement.” Two studies show that many pregnant women rely on over the counter medication. The first study, published in the Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association, showed “a significant number of pregnant women relied on over-the-counter medication”. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Isra University Hospital in Pakistan for six months and comprised of 351 pregnant women who were interviewed face to face. Overall, 223 (63.5%) patients were using over the counter drugs before pregnancy and 128 (36.5%) had used them in a previous pregnancy. A further 133 (37.9%) were using the medications during the current pregnancy. Quite worrying is that a total of 103(77.4%) had no knowledge about the possible harmful effects of the medication they were taking. Whilst this study highlighted the frequent use of over the counter medications in pregnant women, another study, published in Headache: The Journal of Head and Face Pain, indicates most women experience automatic relief during their 2nd and 3rd trimesters.  So is surgery a viable option in pregnant women? One of the most successful treatment methods for migraine is to close off the small arteries under the skin of the scalp that cause the pain (not the arteries in the brain), by means of minimally invasive surgery. Commenting on the surgery during pregnancy, Dr Shevel says, ‘We usually wouldn’t do the surgery during the first three months of the pregnancy because the drugs used in the sedation or anaesthetic may affect the fetus and cause problems. After the first trimester the operation is safe to perform, but we prefer to wait until the baby is born to avoid any possible unforeseen complications. Sometimes however, an expectant mother is just in so much pain that the operation can’t wait.”  Other pressing issues Expectant mothers always have a lot of questions about headaches and migraines. Here are some answered:  Will the baby be affected by the trauma and pain of my headache? No, says Shevel. “There is no evidence to indicate this, but the baby can be affected by a medication the mother is using and that is why we are saying only Panado or Paracetamol is safe.”  Is there an ingredient in the pill that aggravates or makes headaches worse? The short answer is yes. “The pill contains a variety of different hormones, and changes in those hormone levels can affect the headaches. It is interesting to note however, that although they can make the headaches worse, they may also sometimes make them better – it’s impossible to predict.” What role does breastfeeding play? According to Shevel breastfeeding can also play a role. “If women breastfeed after birth the headaches usually stays away until the baby is weaned. “

February 26, 2019

Next2 Stars Projector

Chicco present First Dreams, the ultimate multi-tech range of soothing toys especially designed with the perfect night’s sleep in mind. Why not introduce a soothing night light into your baby’s nursery at bedtime, to help ease the atmosphere and create a gentle environment for the to doze off in? The Next2 Stars Projector plays soft classical music and projects colour-rotating stars within the room to light up the walls and ceiling with magic.  The projector is perfect as an add-on to any travel or wooden cot, or can be placed on bedside tables. As leaders in the baby products world, Chicco has, once again, tested the product appropriately and found it to be highly successful within sleep studies. The First Dreams Next2 Stars Projector is available in pastel pink and blue and is for sale at leading retailers and online vendors.

February 25, 2019

Everything You Need To Know About The 3pc Twistshake Feeding Spoons Set

Twistshake is taking the South African baby feeding market by storm. And the 3pc Twistshake Feeding Spoons set is no different. The innovative line of feeding spoons offers much more than a feeding utensil to parents and children alike. Read on below to find out everything you need to know about these great utensils right here! What Sets The 3pc Twistshake Spoons Set Apart As we mentioned, this spoon is designed with both parent and baby in mind. First off, and most notable, the spoon has been designed with health in mind. No signs of BPA, BPF, and BPS can be found within the range. Instead, they have been constructed using premium materials; PP and TPE plastic. This will put any parent’ mind at ease since no toxins will come into contact with their baby.  The design continues to amaze through the unique grip of the spoon. This has been designed with your baby in mind. The grip is easy to use and the perfect fit for any little hand. Furthermore, the soft touch design ensures that the spoon is comfortable for both holding and eating! Furthermore, another brilliant design aspect for the 3pc Twistshake feeding spoons set is the angle of the handle. This allows your child to get to every inch of their feeding container, leaving no spoonful uneaten! These spoons can be popped straight into the dishwasher, making them easy to clean. They are suitable for all children from four months and older. Furthermore, allowing your child to experience self-feeding will give them a deep sense of achievement and independence!  A Little Bit About Twistshake Twistshake is a great line specializing in the child feeding field. From their innovative hot and cold thermal bottles, to their incredible click mat system, all products are designed to be both practical and easy to use. None of their products contain any harmful materials and all are free from BPA, BPD and BPF. Be sure to enter this month’s competition to stand a chance to win the 3pc Twistshake Feeding Spoons and more!

February 22, 2019

The Taboo Topic Of High Allergen Foods And Breastfeeding

The topic of high allergen foods being consumed while breastfeeding has been a long debated one. However, we have some interesting developments on the subject! Read on below to see why you, in fact, should be upping the ante by eating high allergen foods whilst breastfeeding.  Don’t Believe Us? Believe The Science! In a study published in the Journal of Experimental Medicine today, research suggests that a mother’s diet while breastfeeding can help the baby build certain tolerances against allergic foods. Conducted by teams from Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, they researchers show how introducing allergic foods to your child’s digestive system from an early age actually help them build tolerance against these foods later in life. This results in them not developing full blown allergies to the foods in question.  How To Introduce High Allergen Foods Into Your Diet Whilst Breastfeeding You know the good old saying, less is more? this is definitely true in this instance. When introducing the foods to your diet, do so slowly so as to not risk giving your child a reaction. For example, start with a handful of nuts a day. Go for sushi one weekend. All the while, monitor how your baby reacts to the new exposure to these foods.  What Not To Do In The Process By no means should you jeopardise your own well-being. If you are highly allergic to a certain food, eating these foods will do you no good. As a result, this will definitely not benefit your baby either. Therefore, only introduce foods which you can safely eat yourself into your and your baby’s diet.  Making High Allergen Foods And Breastfeeding Work In Unison From now on, do not be afraid to experiment a little with what you are eating. Who knows, it could actually benefit them highly later on in life!

February 19, 2019

Lullaby Sheep

Chicco present First Dreams, the ultimate multi-tech range of soothing toys especially designed with the perfect night’s sleep in mind. The gorgeous Lullaby Sheep is the perfect best friend for your baby. It’s proven that babies look for a ‘friend’ at sleeping time to soothe them and the Lullaby Sheep is designed to be the perfect cot companion for them at the most important part of their early months. With a soft plastic belly playing 20 minutes of soothing classical music, a soft, diffused tummy of light and a voice recording facility for moms to leave a message for baby, this innovative toy brings a magical atmosphere to the nursery. Lullaby Sheep is machine washable (upon removal of battery unit), battery operated and made from luxury plush.   As leaders in the baby products world, Chicco has, once again, tested the product appropriately and found it to be highly successful within sleep studies. The First Dreams Lullaby Sheep is available in pastel pink and blue and is for sale at leading retailers and online vendors.

February 18, 2019
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