Parenting Hub

The juggle is real : 4 powerful tips to help you get the work/life balance you deserve

Working moms have a lot of balls in the air. We juggle work and home at such a frenzied pace that we feel we’re not able to do either very well. Balance is a dream that seems far out of reach. “We crave three minutes to ourselves. But we feel too guilty to take them” comments Janice Windt, a time management coach who specialises in taking working mothers from stress, anxiety, and guilt to feeling present and in control.  “I want moms to be able to thrive both at work and at home” she continues.   Windt is a speaker at the inaugural The Baby Show and #Meetup sponsored by Pampers, taking place at Kyalami International Convention Centre in September. Nicole Muller, mom of two and Show Director for The Baby Show said “We’ve invited Letshego Zulu to get involved with the show. She’s an outstanding example of how to expertly juggle pursuing business whilst caring for a child as a single parent. We’re proud to welcome her as the host to our main stage”.  Here, Windt alongside Zulu, share their tips and insight in to how to successfully juggle being a working Mom Identify your 20% and create a mind-map for it In the late 1800s, Vilfredo Pareto observed that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population.  While gardening, he also observed that 20% of the pods he had planted yielded 80% of the peas. Thus the Pareto Principle, or the 80/20 rule, was born. As interesting as Pareto’s gardening findings are, what value do they add to the life of an incredibly busy working mother?  “It’s simple” comments Windt.  “If you can focus on your priority tasks, you will find that 20% of what you need to do will yield 80% of the benefits you seek. You need to ask yourself what is your 20%?” she asks.   “I then suggest you ditch your to-do-list for a mind map” comments Windt. “I find to-do lists are long and often don’t get completed”. Windt points out that a mind maps is set out in exactly the same way as your brain thinks: a central topic with main topics added around it.  “New information is then added under the appropriate topic. Eventually you have a complete picture of the key information about the main subject: the demands on your time” commets Windt. Figure out when you’re most productive, and create a daily ritual to get the hard stuff done with pleasure   When is your most creative time of the day?  What changes do you need to make in order to manage your energy better and make the most of that effective time? “I’m a night owl” sayd Windt.  “I’m programmed to peak in my focus and creativity once the rest of the house is in bed” she comments.  “I can focus when our home is quiet and I know I will have a lovely long stretch of uninterrupted time to focus on my high priority tasks, so I schedule this time in” she advises.  “I then suggest you identify a daily ritual to do during this time, as this will help you get your priorities get done almost effortlessly”.  Windt once interviewed the Regional Head of Business and International Communications for the African region of an international bank.  She worked full time with international travel and had two sons aged two and four at the time.  In order to get her focused work time in, she would wake up at 4am and light candles around her computer (particularly in winter) in order to feel that the time she had was closer to self-care, than self-preservation. Master the 5 second rule     It’s easy to get up once, go to the gym, come home aching, and hit the snooze button for the next three mornings thereafter. That’s easy. That’s normal.  But it doesn’t help you get the work-life balance you so desperately crave.  “There is a solution” advises Windt.  “The Mel Robbins ‘five second rule’. You simply count backwards from five every time you choose to do something you don’t instinctively want to do, but you know you should” she continues. “Before you hit one, you need to be physically up and engaging in your priority activity.  This way you will override your croc (primitive) brain before it stops you.” Try it.  It works. Visit melrobbins.com for more info Make time to play “There are many ways to set aside time for play.  You may choose to have a family pyjama day every other week.  Play board games, braai, roast marshmallows and build lego” advises Windt.  “Leave the house exactly as it is and warn visitors to stay away!” she continues. “It’s beautiful just to have that unstructured time together” To hear Janice live, visit babyshow.co.za to book you tickets to the #MeetUp on Saturday 29 September. For more information on Janice, visit janicewindt.com  

Parenting Hub

The six things new dads should do as their baby arrives

Becoming a father is often quoted as the single most emotional moment in a man’s life. It’s  a combination of relief, of safely welcoming a newborn into the world and, the overwhelming realisation that you’re responsible for this little life. Su-Marie Annandale from baby brand Krayons says that often the outpouring of emotion and joy means a lot of  dads  have no idea what to do next. “The experience is so all-consuming, that dads just don’t know what their role is.” Annandale has the following suggestions for new dads, to keep them involved and helpful: Love and affirmation – your primary role is to make sure  your partner feels loved and secure in the fact that she’s doing an incredible job. Whether its surgery or natural child-birth, the experience can be traumatic, draining and extremely emotional. Take the time to love your partner, kiss her whenever possible and remind her how awesome she is. Capture the moment – it’s your job to find someone in the child-birth suite to take the pictures. You need to be in the moment with your wife, so you can’t be messing about with a camera. Ask a nurse or the paediatrician to take a few snaps for you. Security detail – once that baby pops out – it’s your role to protect him or her. Make sure you’re with the little bundle for every second – when she’s weighed, measured and checked out. Don’t leave her side for a second – you’re in charge of making sure she’s kept happy and safe. Once the baby is born and seen to, your partner will likely be transferred back to the ward. Help to make sure  she’s set-up in the ward. She’ll be uncomfortable and unable to move. Make sure she has water close-by, her mobile phone, if she needs it as well as the buzzer to alert nursing staff. If the baby is in good health, she’ll be brought to the room for skin-on-skin time with her parents. Make sure your partner has everything she needs to adequately care for your newborn – set up a little changing station in the ward, or at the very least – ensure that the nappies and bath products are placed on the bottom shelf of the bassinet. Products like the Krayons Petroleum Jelly and Aqueous Cream as well as newborn nappies should be on the ready. Every change requires a new coating of Petroleum Jelly and a fresh nappy. Once the initial excitement and emotion has died down, take the time to let your friends and family know that your bundle has arrived. You have lots of people waiting with baited breath to hear about the safe arrival of your little one, and the healthy state of your partner. Be sure to include weight, gender and the child’s name – if you have one.

Parenting Hub

4 reasons Dads are going to love The Pampers Baby Show & #MeetUp this year

The UK’s Best Baby Show has been running for the last 15 years, and finally hits SA shores this September. Moms and moms-to-be will be exposed to everything they need for a bump and baby – but don’t forget dads!. Daddies-to-be and new dads do not want to miss out on this event especially tailored to include both parents and provide a comprehensive, balanced approach to parenthood.  Make informed choices “It’s vital for dad’s to be involved from the very beginning of the parenthood process as it allows them to make informed and considered choices for the health and happiness of their babies,” says Michael Simpson, Brand Manager, Pampers. “We encourage all dads (and moms) to pop-in at the Pampers stand as we will be providing parents insights into the superior quality and benefits of our nappies as the No. 1 Choice of Paediatricians in South Africa.” adds Simpson. Because boys will be boys  Dads can also look forward to Porsche South Africa’s #SportsCarTogether Zone that will celebrate everything that is Porsche and family. Dads can check out Porsches latest baby, the all new Cayenne, whilst little ones take Porsche push cars for a test drive. For the little kid in you, Dad can experience a virtual drive around Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit and learn more about the models in the range through an interactive augmented reality timeline wall. Porsche Driver’s Selection clothing and accessories will be available for purchase during the show and you can stand a chance to win a Porsche Driver’s Selection hamper for the whole family.  Trail before transaction The Four-wheeled adventures continue at the Pushchair Testing Track with the latest pushchairs on offer to tackle a dedicated obstacle course; the best way to discover the perfect pushchair fit for your growing family. Most stands at the Baby Show will provide trail opportunities to understand the benefits and experience first-hand how products and services can help you take care of your bump, baby and you.  BIG advice from experts on little people On the Saturday of the event, the #MeetUp workshops with Meg Faure, provides a platform for visitors to have face-to-face interaction and enjoy entertaining talks from top experts in pregnancy and childcare. Besides talks about human milk and baby bumps, some topics will speak directly to dad:  Sleep expert Dr Alison Bentley will be giving sleep saving tips for Dad to deal with the Night Shift; For the fathers and male role models out there, best-selling author and ‘dad coach’ Craig Wilkinson will get into those sometimes difficult to talk about topics, such as why don’t many SA men step up to fatherhood; Also talking about his recent surrogacy experience and being a single dad, will be former referee, Jonathan Kaplin, in the Parent Sense workshop, aptly titled “Winging it”; Priya Naicker (Advice Manager for Old Mutual Personal Finance) will answer all questions on how to finance for your new family; to name a few.  The Pampers Baby Show & #MeetUp takes place at the  Kyalami International Convention Centre from 28-30 September. For just R140, new mums and dads can secure 1x baby show ticket, 1x Pampers newborn nappy pack and 1x Pampers baby wipe pack. Use the promo code PAMPERS to secure your package today at www.babyshow.co.za  About Pampers®  Pampers® is the world’s top selling brand of baby nappies. For more than 50 years, Pampers® has been helping to improve life for babies, toddlers, and the parents who care for them through a complete line of nappies, training pants, and wipes designed for every stage of baby’s development.   About Procter & Gamble P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always®, AmbiPur®, Ariel®, Bounty®, Charmin®, Crest®, Dawn®, Downy®, Fairy®, Febreze®, Gain®, Gillette®, Head & Shoulders®, Lenor®, Olay®, Oral-B®, Pampers®, Pantene®, SK-II®, Tide®, Vicks®, and Whisper®. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit http://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands.

Prima Baby

Seaside spinning top

VTech baby brings the best in technology-based learning to your child as they grow their little curious minds during play.  Another gorgeous toy in the 0-18 month category is the Seaside Spinning Top – the perfect plaything to discover ocean animals, colours and numbers. The chunky blue press-down plunger spins the ocean animals around whilst the sea bed lights up, helping your little one discover cause and effect relationships. The press buttons introduce the crab, 2 angel fish and 3 starfish to baby, calling out their colours and encourage counting teaching numbers one, two and three.  The music button plays 3 happy sing-along songs and 10 jolly melodies. Fun phrases and sounds encourage discovery and exploration. English speaking voice promotes recognition and accelerates learning. Grab one now at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

Parenting Hub

Breastfeeding basics: What you need to know

World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated around the world from 1-7 August every year to raise awareness, protect, promote and support breastfeeding worldwide because of its health benefits for both mothers and their children. The theme this year, “Breastfeeding: Foundation of Life”, calls for greater commitment from government, health practitioners, mothers, doctors and civil society in ensuring lifelong good health for babies and mothers. “Breastfeeding has been shown to have major health benefits for both the mother and child. The benefits of breastfeeding include protecting babies from some of the biggest killer diseases of infants and children in South Africa: diarrhoea and pneumonia,” says Laura Sayce, Lactation Consultant at Life Healthcare’s Genesis Maternity Clinic. “It is also associated with improved development and educational achievement. However, babies are not the only beneficiaries. Breastfeeding after birth helps the uterus contract and reduces the mother’s postpartum blood loss, reduces the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, and type II diabetes.” According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), if breastfeeding were scaled up to near universal levels, about 820 000 child lives would be saved every year. Globally, only 40% of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed[1]. In South Africa a third of children under six months old are now exclusively breastfed. This represents a nearly five-fold increase over the last twenty years[2]. While breastfeeding is a natural act, it is also a learned behaviour, therefore ensuring that expectant mothers are prepared is key. Research has demonstrated that mothers and other caregivers require active support for establishing and sustaining appropriate breastfeeding practices. “There are two essential ways to prepare for breastfeeding ahead of the birth. Expectant mothers should start by attending a breastfeeding class conducted by a certified lactation expert. They also need a breastfeeding plan. For a successful breastfeeding journey every new mom needs a plan which should include what to do in the first hours following birth, and who they can contact for support. The plan should also consider what steps to take for any special needs, such as how to ensure baby receives breastmilk in the event mom and baby may not be able to breastfeed,” she says. Sayce continued to say that often mothers don’t realise that if baby doesn’t latch or needs to go to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), they can still express breastmilk to feed their baby. “World Breastfeeding Week gives us an opportunity to further educate people about the benefits of breastfeeding to save lives and improve the overall health of infants and their mothers.” To learn more about breastfeeding visit www.lifehealthcare.co.za or contact your local Life Healthcare hospital. For breastfeeding support at Genesis Maternity Clinic visit https://www.genesisclinic.co.za.

Toptots Head Office

Carseat battles

Many children fuss when placed into a car seat. If you had just found your feet and was relishing in your new found independence so would you!  Children hate being restrained but this is one battle you must win! There are no if’s and but’s in this. It is scary to drive past parents and they are strapped in but their precious child is loose at the back of the car roaming around the open space. Not a good idea! There are enough demos of what happens to children when involved in an accident to place a very real fear in you.  Rather have a screaming toddler than one you are not going to hear ever again. Fortunately if you persist they will get the message in the end and resign themselves to the car seat. Here are some tips that may help: Make sure your child is comfortable, the straps must be firm but not too tight. Make sure the car seat is big enough. Toddlers grow so fast. Instead of announcing that you are going to strap her in, try and distract her by    pointing to something outside or talk about going to the shops. Put on her favourite CD. Keep some car toys that only get seen when you go out in the car. Attach them with a shoelace to her seat so that you don’t add to the stress of losing a toy. As you get in the car, say something like “Mommy’s buckled up as well.” Lead by example. If she wriggles out of the belt use an old fashioned nappy pin to secure your little one in. Allow no exceptions!

Prima Baby

Little friendlies starlight sounds polar

Sleep time is invaluable – and tech toys are the way of the future when it comes to augmenting nurturing and soothing.   VTech baby introduce the Starlight Sounds Polar Bear. Part of the Little Friendlies range of lovable characters, the cute, soft and cuddly polar bear features 4 modes of play with a 15, 30 or 45 minute timer, a light control button and an adjustable volume dial.  The polar bear projects four different coloured lights with the option of 6 different light displays onto the ceiling whilst playing calming nature sounds and lullabies in the nature and lullaby mode, 3 soothing sung songs and melodies play in the lullaby mode, 7 popular nursery rhymes will be read in the story mode and 60 relaxing melodies will play in the lullaby mode. A vital addition to any babies nursery, this item is one of the most popular items on the VTech Baby range and continue to be any parents helper at sleep time.  It is available at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

Parenting Hub

Raising Money-Smart Children is Every Parent’s Responsibility

“Money doesn’t grow on trees.” How often did you hear this saying when as a child you wanted a treat or a shiny new toy? As a parent, how many times have you responded with this very phrase to your own child? While the saying is an extremely common response to children’s demands, parents shouldn’t miss the opportunity to teach their children about basic money matters. Raising money-savvy children has been made easy by the many free resources and financial education tools now available.  Lack of financial literacy and understanding can severely impact how South Africans manage their money. The 2018 Old Mutual Savings & Investment Monitor found that out of a group of 10 metropolitan working South Africans, only six say they are satisfied with their current financial situation. Whether our children grow up to be business leaders, biochemists, architects, chefs or entrepreneurs, they’ll need to balance household budgets and plan financially for their goals and dreams. This is why it’s so important to lay a good foundation when it comes to money matters from a young age.  With my own children – who are aged 10 and 12 – I always have honest conversations about our money, whether it’s planning big purchases like a new car or what kind of holiday we can afford. This teaches them an important lesson about living within your means.  Here are four ways to get the money conversation going. Income vs expenses Speak to your child about the importance of making ends meet and explain the relationship between income and expenses.  Highlight the importance of being realistic about your money situation and help them draw up a simple budget to manage their money. Make earning interest an exciting thing to do Help your children understand the advantages of saving for the things they want in life (rather than paying them off) by introducing them to the concept of earning interest. Explain how compound interest helps your savings to grow. Also explain the flip side of compound interest: how it can make borrowed money (debt) spiral out of control.  Help them set money goals The next time your child asks for the latest Playstation or mountain bike, have a conversation about setting money goals and creating a plan to achieve them – and emphasise the importance of sticking to your plan! This will help them understand that good money habits matter.  Teach them about real money The cashless world of credit cards and smartphone payment apps can make the act of paying very abstract and intangible. Next time you’re paying with your card or smartphone, talk to your child about basic banking concepts. Point out that paying with a credit card simply means you have to repay your bank later – probably with interest. Explain how technology has made it easy to pay for goods, but also easy to get into debt.   Remember actions speak louder than words, and it’s your own money habits that will most influence your child’s relationship with money. Upskill yourself to stay in the know. Know better, and do better. The growing trend to sign up to open online courses like Old Mutual’s Moneyversity and free apps like 22Seven means we can all access information on how to manage our money responsibly and wisely – and then act on it.

Hero Life

New Parents’ Guide To Life Insurance

What to remember about life insurance when your a parent?   When you hold your newborn baby in your arms, it’s hard to imagine he or she will someday be all grown up. And that day arrives sooner than expected. Before you know it your little baby is riding a bicycle, going to school, applying for universities and soon don’t need you to hold their hand every step of the way. But, when your children are young you’ll want them to feel protected at all times and enable them to be successful one day. One way is getting basic life insurance in place to make sure their dreams and futures are protected. Here are a few things to consider when thinking about getting life insurance cover for your family. The cost of raising a child and education According to News24 the cost of raising a child is approximately R90 000 per year. This may sound like a lot, but when you consider the costs of food, daycare, housing, clothing, education, and other activities, it makes sense. A good education is something that can really put a lot of financial strain on your wallet in South Africa. It is projected that in 2023 it will cost around R55 000 per annum for a child to go to a public primary or high school. The cost of sending your child to university also ranges from R30 000 to R60 000 a year. Would your partner be able to cover all these costs if you were no longer there? Unless you have a lot of savings or are a trust-fund-baby yourself, most people’s answer would be no. Life insurance is a smart way to ensure that your kids will be protected and get the education you intend them to get if the unthinkable should happen. To plan for sufficient cover, think about the monthly expenses your child (or children) would need covered until they are old enough to support themselves or just use our calculator to calculate the expected cost of their education and your other needs for you. As your life changes, the cover you need will change too Your life insurance needs will change over time. As you expand your family or when you take out a bond, your life insurance needs grow. As your kids become older, you pay off your debt and your savings grows, your life insurance needs become less. By actively managing your needs to pay for just the right amount of cover over your lifetime, you will save a lot of money. Most life insurance policies are not easy to change, but Hero Life your life insurance policy is flexible. When your needs change with time you can adjust your cover online with no extra hassle with just a few clicks – no agents and no paperwork involved. Life insurance can be very affordable for new parents While buying a life insurance policy might feel overwhelming, it’s really not. Or at least, it doesn’t need to be overwhelming. If you’re a parent, Hero Life provides a simple and easy process with affordable rates. We designed a product specifically for young parents they are generally safer, more responsible and healthier individuals ensuring an affordable rate for all. But, we can also help other parents finding the best provider at the best price. Ready to consider your life insurance options? Follow these steps: Understand how much cover you need. The best way to estimate your cover is to use Hero Life’s insurance calculator the expected costs of your kids education and other needs you may have in less than 5 minutes! It is extremely important to be fully aware of your future needs. The only thing that is important with your life insurance cover amount, is that you have the right amount of cover at a given time. On our website, check the premium associated with the amount of cover chosen. It will show you how much you would expect to pay each month for cover. You can easily reduce the cover to fit your budget and you can always apply for more cover later. Get covered. If you are happy with the cover amount and the premium, the process to apply for cover can take less than 5 minutes, and you’ll get immediate cover. If you pay your first pro rata premium, cover will begin immediately and you can cancel your policy at any time, no questions asked. You can also change the cover amount at any time with no fees or penalties. You are also welcome to chat to the Hero team directly over the website or via WhatsApp at any time for any assistance or information required. Life insurance plays a significant role in the protection of your family. Taking you less than 5 minutes anyone has time to apply. Apply now to protect your family and become the Hero they need you to be.  

Toptots Head Office

Brushing those teeth

Do you have problems with brushing your little ones teeth? Most of them do at some stage or another. It’s his mouth and he is letting you know that he has control over it. It’s just another struggle on his part for self-determination. He is not going to give in and it would not be wise for you to give in because even baby teeth need to be cleaned. So what now! Enlist the help of a third voice. You know the dentist has much more clout than you have. We had the most fantastic dentist when my kids were little. He started checking their teeth from a very young age and would ask to count them, having a quick look at the same time. He then told them that they had such lovely teeth and must be looking after them very well. At home all I had to do was say “Remember Dr Robinson said you had to brush your teeth to keep them healthy.” This worked very well. The other option is to give them a choice. Have a few toothbrushes on hand. Different colours, some with pictures on. Let him choose which one to use, it helps them feel in control. The third trick is to let him brush his teeth himself, this will help to develop his motor skills and independence and then you finish up with a good clean afterwards.   It really is only at around seven years of age that they can be relied upon to brush properly so don’t let them do it on their own until then.  Limit the bottle with juice. Sugars in the juice remains in their mouths and eats away at the tooth enamel causing cavities.  Rather give your child lots of fresh water to drink. When all else fails let them scream… at least you can see the teeth!

Prima Baby

Little friendlies glow & giggle playmat

Every baby needs a day time activity mat for play, learning and fun. This beautiful playmat features a colourful rainbow arch with 3 attachment links.  They include fantastic development items such as a hanging mirror for self discovery, a dangling butterfly with crinkled wings for sensory development and a caterpillar teether for soothing baby’s gums.  Beneath features a soft padded mat covered with the popular Little Friendlies characters to make play time comfy. The Glow & Giggle Playmat Includes a detachable piano activity centre where baby can press the piano keys laying down or sitting and learn animals, shapes, sounds and colours in the 3 modes of play. The giant tree attracts baby with magical light-up apples. Features 20 melodies and 6 sing-along songs.  An all-round delight for the senses, this is one item that will keep your little one entertained for hours on end, guaranteeing you that they are learning every step of the way.  Available now at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

Prima Baby

Play to learn, learn to play

Prima Baby, is proud to announce our new exclusive affiliation with one of the world’s leading developmental tech toys for babies and toddlers – VTech Baby  (0-24 months). VTech Baby makes playtime fun for little ones with a beautifully crafted, cleverly engineered collection of baby toys.  The collection of products includes cuddly plush toys, teethers, nighttime projectors, bath toys and much more.   Playful animals, whimsical music and flashing lights engage your baby and help your child reach developmental milestones in their early years. From September, parents in South Africa will be able to conveniently obtain baby products from this range that include some of the most adorable, yet functional items.  With lots of stimulating add-ons such as buttons, textured appendages, singing functions, lights and much more, babies will stay entertained as little fingers explore and enjoy controlling their own play time. VTech Baby products will be available from 1st September at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium store, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com. Check out the full range on our website at www.primababy.co.za

Parenting Hub

Fill n Squeeze

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION FOR WEANING, FEEDING AND SNACK TIME Fill N Squeeze is a revolutionary new approach to convenient feeding for your child.   Cleverly designed pouches are filled in seconds to create portable, convenient and mess-free feeding situations on the go. And the good news is, it’s your choice of food that’s being used – so home-cooked goodness is never far away! The Fill N Squeeze Starter Kit comes with the brightly coloured, sealable, reusable pouches that can be filled in an instant and then frozen or microwaved. After consumption, the BPA and lead-free pouches are easily cleaned and stored away for the next trip, outing or snack time. The pouches safely store any consistency of food – from juices, to purees to soft porridge. Simply pour the food into the container and push down on the plunger to fill the attached pouches – as simple as that – and literally mess-free! Fill N Squeeze also offer a specially designed weaning spoon that doesn’t touch surfaces when laid down, and allows you to feed your baby with one hand. The spoon is the perfect add-on utensil for when it’s time to wean your little one away from bottles and pouches. The spoon is attached to the pouches and food squeezed onto the utensil – a complete extension of an already convenient feeding mechanism. Extra pouches can also be purchased in packs of ten from participating retailers. Use the Baby Weaning Spoon with the Fill N Squeeze Weaning Baby Food Starter Kit and reusable pouches to feed your baby home prepared, healthy, nutritional purees and smoothies – and keep life simple, easy and nutritious!   All 3 items are available at: Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.thekidzone.co.za, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za & www.purplepepperz.com Suggested retail prices are: Starter Kit: R649.00, Spoon: R179.00 & pack of 10 pouches: R179.00

Prima Baby

Cosatto Zoomi

Cosatto has been saving the world from boring baby stuff with the coolest designs, funkiest concepts and all-round impeccable styling, making motherhood an aspirational time for many customers. The Zoomi Exclusive 5 Point Plus Anti-Escape System harness keeps children safer than conventional car seats and has been tested for the 9-36kg weight category, approximately 9 months to 12 years of age. Removable, washable covers keep the gorgeous fabrics of these car seats pristine – and you wouldn’t want it any other way when you see the designs. Retailing at approximately R5000, the Cosatto ranges are higher-end, stylish and exclusive and are available now at Hamleys stores, www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.thebabyzone.co.za, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com

Speech and Audio Inc

Cooing over Communication

One minute they are crying, the next they are conversing!  Communication development begins at birth. From the time your precious newborn gives their first cry, they start learning all about language, communication, and connecting with the world around them. Babies have “conversations” through their cries, facial expressions and body language long before the arrival of their first words. The development of language takes place through the encouraging and loving interactions young children have with the people in their lives. It is through responsive and repetitive processes that young children learn how to communicate.  Why do baby’s communication abilities matter? Communication skills that are learnt in the first year of life are what set the bar for success in many learning areas. Communication development is directly linked to the development of reading, writing (spelling) as well as building social skills and forming relationships later on in life. Language skills are divided into three main areas – RECEPTIVE LANGUAGE, EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE, and PRAGMATIC LANGUAGE. Development of all areas is vital for effective communication, and begins developing after birth.  Receptive communication involves the ability to receive and understand information. Listening and reading fall into this category.   Expressive communication is the ability to convey a message to another person. Speaking and writing fall into this category. Expressive skills are more difficult to develop than receptive skills.  Pragmatic communication refers to social language abilities or the “rules” of language. These are vital for communicating our personal thoughts, feelings and ideas. It includes what we say, how we say it, our body language and whether the communication interaction is appropriate to the given situation.  Language Acquisition Guidelines By Maureen Wilson (Speech Language Pathologist) Age Receptive Expressive Pragmatic 0-3 months Moves in response to sound or voice Shows interest in caregiver Briefly looks at people Quiets in response to sound Excites when caregiver approaches Smiles and coos Quiets when picked up 3-6 months Fixes gaze on face Responds to name Vocalizes to expressions and sounds 6 months Enjoys being played with Initiates vocalizing with another person 7 months Responds to name Responds to ‘no’ most of the time Listens when caregiver is speaking to them Uses hands to request Different vocalizations for different moods Anticipates actions 9 months Babbles Vocalizes to toys or pets Dances to music Intentional two way communication Recognizes familiar people Makes physical contact to gain attention Shouts to attract attention 10 months Plays peek-a-boo Points to request Shakes head ‘no’ Waves ‘bye’ when cued 11 months Recognizes familiar people and objects when named Looks at named pictures or objects Pushes and pulls others to direct them Reaches to request object 12 months Identifies two body parts when asked Gives objects upon request Imitates words to best of ability Uses 5-10 words (typically names and preferred objects) Alters behaviour based on others reactions Vocalizes to respond 14-18 months Follows 1-step instructions without cue Uses gesture + word combinations Uses exclamations – ‘uh oh’ Uses ‘Hi’ and ‘Bye’ Can roll toy back and forth Points to desired objects Comments Protests Acknowledges speakers with eye contact / response 18 months Nod/shakes head for yes/no Identifies 3 body parts on self or doll when asked Understands IN and ON Vocabulary at least 50-100 words (50% nouns) Words are understood outside of routine activities Names familiar objects on request How can I help? Communication skills can be stimulated and elicited from birth. It is so important to provide opportunities for your babies to “talk” to you from birth. Conversations with your baby might feel very one sided initially but your baby will still try to join in! You can encourage communication development by smiling, talking, playing, and reading with your baby. It will help them develop the communication skills needed to build meaningful relationships and succeed in school.  Use a high-pitched, sing-song voice. This helps get and keep your baby’s attention while you talk. Play with sounds. Get silly while playing and make sounds that connect with what your child is doing. Use facial expressions and gestures to communicate the meaning of words. Describe your actions throughout the day while performing daily routines such as changing nappies, dressing, feeding, and bathing your child. Pairing the same words with routine activities is a great way to develop language. E.g. “I am changing your nappy, this wet wipe might be cold!” Describe the objects your child walks by when walking around the house / shop / outside.  Encourage two-way communication. When your child communicates with you using sounds, words, or gestures, be sure to respond and take turns in the “conversation”. Read with your child. “Reading” can simply mean describing pictures without following the written words. Choose books with large, colorful pictures, and encourage your child to point to and name familiar objects. Expand your child’s vocabulary by building on the words they already know. For example if your child says “dog” you could say “Yes, that’s a big brown dog!” Reword your child’s phrases. If your child makes a speech or language error, respond with the phrase in the correct form. This helps them learn proper pronunciation and grammar. For example, if your child says “Doggy big” you can respond with “Yes, the doggy is big”. Remember to respect your child’s need to disengage when they become tired. Observe and end the conversation when they let you know it’s time to move on to something else.  When should I worry? It is important to remember that language development occurs at different rates and all children develop at their own pace. Guidelines are there to show you the averages, when these skills should be present and observable, but do not have to be necessarily mastered. Having a general guideline for milestone development can help to determine whether there is a language delay present.  Often, parents want to “wait and see” how things turn out. However, if there is a language delay present, early intervention is the most ideal form of intervention. Early intervention can change a child’s developmental trajectory

Prima Baby

CAM Regolo

Let baby travel in style with the Cam Regolo Car Seat! CAM, Italian leaders in baby travel, are famous for their impeccable design and style, with matching technology to ensure only the best for your child, whether it be travel products, furniture or décor. The Cam Regolo Car Seat is approved for babies and children in the 9- 36kg weight category, which is approximately 9 months old to 12 years of age.  This luxury car seat has various special features to ensure that your child travels safely and comfortably.  It has anti-shock side impact protections for the head, a soft head hugger, a headrest adjustable in height with side protections, adjustable backrest in 5 positions as well as an easy mechanism to adjust the height of the harness.  To ensure ultimate safety, it has a 5-point harness with padded non-slip harness protectors and crotch strap and an integrated belt guide. It can be fitted on the vehicle’s seat – always in a forward position – by using the standard 3-point safety belt provided in the car. Furthermore, the covers are removable and washable. An excellent higher-end investment that retails at approximately R5000 and can be found at Hamleys stores, www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.thebabyzone.co.za, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com

Prima Baby

Foppapedretti Dinamyk

Foppapedretti is one of Europe’s leading baby travel brands, having creatively and technically mastered the market with over 70 years of dedication to baby products under their belt.  Trusted by moms around the globe, Foppa (as it’s affectionately know), is now a go-to name when it comes to child travel, not to mention their furniture and baby décor. The Dinamyk 9-36 car seat is approved for groups 1, 2 and 3 (children from 9 to 36 kg). The anatomic seat has the innovative side protection system SPS (Side Protection System) so that every child can travel safely and comfortably and available in a variety of colours.  An incredibly stylish way to travel for your little one! A higher-end car seat, the Dinamyk Retails at approximately R4300.00 and is available at Hamleys stores, www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.thebabyzone.co.za, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com

Skidz

How much time does your child spend playing?

Play is an integral part of a child’s development. This is how they build relationships, learn to trust and explore their environment. Children do not need cupboards full of toys, they need your undivided attention. They need to know that they are more important than work or household chores. How do they learn this? It is very simple, through playing with you. So put away your laptop, put aside your phone and forget about those dirty dishes for 20 min a day and have fun with your child. In this time you will learn more about your child than you would spending 2 hours talking to them. I know, it is difficult. There is a lot of stress in your life and you have too much on your plate already, but the reward that you will receive will be well worth it. Not only will you build a healthy attachment with your child, this will last into adulthood. Start by setting an example today where family time means fun, no screen time. Thus, when our children are teenagers the same will happen. You might be a working parent or even be a mommy who spends all day with your kids but don’t know how to actively engage in play with them. Well, that is where Skidz comes in. The Skidz Clever Activity Boxes are age appropriate and contain over 100 activities each. All these activities are play based. The idea is to take the work out of it for you as the parent and to spend quality time with your child in active play, which translates into active learning. The box is great for working and stay at home parents alike, as it contains more than enough activities and games to do at home. The boxes are divided into the following age groups: 0-6 months, 6-12 months, 12-18 months, 18-24 months and 2-5 years. To get your box go to www.skidz.co.za or follow us on facebook at www.facebook.com/skidzsa  

Parenting Hub

SA women’s risk of ante- and postnatal depression four times greater than global average

According to the World Health Organisation, about 10% to 13% of women experience antenatal and postnatal depression globally, while in most developing countries the condition affects 20% of mothers. In stark contrast, more than 40% of South African women suffer from the condition. Shouqat Mugjenker, Mental Health Portfolio Manager for Pharma Dynamics says no woman is immune to ante- or postnatal depression, but research shows that women living in low to middle-income countries are at particularly high risk. “The high burden of postnatal depression in SA, is likely as a result of women’s exposure to a number of risk factors, which could include poverty, intimate partner violence and the threat of HIV. “Depression can affect new mothers in many different ways and can start a few months before giving birth or at any time within the first year after childbirth. It may develop suddenly or over time. Most women feel tearful and anxious within the first few weeks after giving birth, which is completely normal and commonly referred to as the ‘baby blues’, but if feelings of sadness and low mood lasts longer than two to three weeks, it might be a sign of postnatal depression. “Postnatal depression puts both the mother and baby at risk since some moms could turn to smoking, drugs or alcohol to help them cope and as a result neglect caring for their new-borns, which makes early identification and treatment essential. Suffering from postnatal depression also makes it difficult to bond with your baby, which can make babies more stress reactive and difficult to soothe. This sets in motion a dangerous cycle for both moms and babies. “Unfortunately, postnatal depression often goes undiagnosed as symptoms, such as loss of interest in life, lack of energy, increased irritability, persistent feelings of sadness, guilt and hopelessness are often dismissed or overlooked. New mothers have to deal with enormous change that range from fluctuating hormones to having to adjust both mentally and emotionally to the relentless demands of a baby. Many of the symptoms of depression such as lack of sleep, reduced or increased appetite, problems concentrating and tiredness are also associated with having a new baby in the home, which makes diagnosing even more difficult,” says Mugjenker. Several studies highlight the gap that still exist in the detection of depression in pregnant women and new mothers in SA. A number of screening tools have been tested in the country, but most are time-consuming and difficult to administer in busy, under-resourced maternal clinics. “If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult your local clinic, GP or psychiatrist who will be able to confirm a diagnosis and advise on how best to manage the condition going forward. With the right help and treatment you will be able to care for yourself, other family members and your baby,” encourages Mugjenker. For more info on antenatal and postnatal depression, visit Pharma Dynamics’ Let’s Talk website: www.letstalkmh.co.za or contact their toll-free helpline on 0800 205 026, which is manned by trained counsellors who are on call from 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Parenting Hub

Should you insure your baby?

Now that you have a baby bump, you don’t need any other bumps in the road. Those who have held that little bundle in their arms, or seen two lines on the pregnancy test, will know just what it is like to suddenly be a mom and how amazing it is – you’re not sure what Cosmic Approval Process let that one through, but you sure are glad. Your pregnancy is life changing and it somehow finds its way into your every waking moment …. trust us! Some people may not get how you can be ecstatic and absolutely terrified about the road ahead at exactly the same time. There are very few things apart from a call to your mother that will assuage the constant thinking, worrying and planning but, surprisingly, insurance is one of them. Why life insurance during pregnancy might work To help ease the ‘what to expect when you’re expecting’ nerves. Most of a women’s stress during pregnancy is not for themselves, but for the baby. Specifically, angst around the birth and whether the baby will be completely healthy following the birth. The MiLittleLife Birth Benefit offered exclusively by MiWayLife offers cover of up to R180 000 for 14 of the most common and severe conditions affecting new-borns at birth. The product provides cover for several conditions affecting the baby and includes things such as Down’s Syndrome, Cerebal Palsy, Cleft Lip and Club Feet. To help ease the what comes next For those expecting for the first time, you may soon begin to appreciate that the birth is not the destination but merely part of the journey and therefore the worrying doesn’t diminish after the birth. In fact, the bigger your little one gets, the more scrapes they can get into! Newborn cover which evolves naturally into child insurance can take the sting out of this both emotionally and financially, with cover for conditions your tot might develop only after birth. A reassuring 79 conditions, plus a catch all, are covered by MiLittleLife’s Child Benefit, including ICU admission costs and dog bites, plus more specialised congenital issues such as Cleft Palate surgery. Because insurers can be people too. MiWayLife has developed the birth benefit to cover your growing baby bump for a minimum of R20,000 from the first premium and a maximum of R180,000 depending on when the policy was taken. And in the case of pregnancy brain, the offering is human – in case of any missed premiums, there won’t be any penalties; your cover will remain in place. While the amount won’t grow, it won’t shrink either! Because doing something will empower you. Finally, investigating cover for you and your baby might just help psychologically. There is so much that can feel frustratingly outside of your control, from when you fall pregnant to the endless worrying over possible complications during the pregnancy and birth. There’s not a lot you can do to prevent complications from happening, but doing something that might offer you a safety net if things go wrong can help ease your troubled mind. Because you’ve done everything that you can possibly do, and that helps a little. Things life insurance won’t – or might not – work for: As a supplement to normal insurance. The other forms of insurance cover are also there for a reason. It is important that anyone who has any reason to believe they’ll be in hospital in the next two years – like expectant moms – have medical aid, gap cover and life insurance. This doesn’t have to be as overwhelming as it sounds. Call up your medical aid or life insurer and ask specific questions about your products. ‘Am I covered for water birth? What about gynae visits? How many? What about anti-nausea meds?’ Ask all of it, because having a baby can be like a wedding: for 8 out of 10 ladies, it costs a lot more than you think from unexpected expenses that add up. As a get-out-of-work-free card. Pregnancy insurance will seldom if ever cover extra leave taken after one’s maternity leave is up. Better insurance products will allow a payout in cash that mothers can choose to use as ‘extra income’ in lieu of leave, but that could leave them high and dry if their baby should fall ill. So, the best policy here is an honest conversation with your boss. That way, your working relationship is secure should you suddenly find yourself needing to take days off if baby requires a procedure. As a substitute for good, old-fashioned relaxation. Insurance during your pregnancy is there to smooth over the little, and bigger, bumps in the road. It gives that extra peace of mind when you’re in the waiting room for the umpteenth time, and takes the financial fear out of the doctor’s statement: ‘we need to run a few more tests.’ However, it’s not a silver bullet for your own state of mind. Insurance can work wonders for your balance sheet, but it works best in tandem with you actively de-stressing, doing pregnancy-safe exercise that boosts dopamine and getting support from various sources, especially if you don’t have a partner walking through it with you. “At MiWayLife, we are constantly working at reimagining life insurance and this presented us with an ideal opportunity in one of the areas that remains under or unserved by the insurance market,” says CEO Craig Baker. “We all know that although the possibility of something unforeseen happening to one of your children is upsetting and frightening, it does not change the reality that bad things happen to good people. Simply spending a few minutes investigating the options and getting the cover in place will provide you with both financial and emotional protection.”

Prima Baby

Foppapedretti Babyroad 9-36

Foppapedretti is one of Europe’s leading baby travel brands, having creatively and technically mastered the market with over 70 years of dedication to baby products under their belt.  Trusted by moms around the globe, Foppa (as it’s affectionately know), is now a go-to name when it comes to child travel, not to mention their furniture and baby décor. The Babyroad 9-36 is the perfect mid-price car seat and is approved for groups 1, 2 and 3 (from 9 to 36 kg).  The anatomic seat has an adjustable headrest, removable and washable padded shoulder protection, adjustable 5-point seat belt and double-sided internal reducers for all the various colours available.   The weight category of the Babyroad 9-36 makes it perfect for children from about 9 months old to approximately 12 years of age. The Babyroad 9-36 retails on average at R2300 and is available at Hamleys stores, www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.thebabyzone.co.za, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com

Clamber Club

The benefits of bananas for babies

The children’s song ‘Go Bananas! Eat Eat Bananas!’ carries some good advice for parents. Bananas are a fantastic fruit option for children six months and older as they are soft, easy to eat and they don’t have seeds that could pose a choking risk for young children. However, more than the delicious taste and smooth texture that makes this fruit a firm favourite amongst moms and children alike, bananas also bring several benefits to babies and children when eaten regularly: High in fibre: The dietary fibre of bananas can be useful in helping to keep baby’s tummy regular. While a baby’s digestive system is still developing, adding fruits that contain pectins, such as bananas, can be helpful in alleviating constipation but also preventing a runny tummy. In addition, the high fibre content is useful in aiding digestion. Boosts immunity: Bananas contain several vitamins including vitamin B6 and vitamin C which help to maintain the immune system. This is particularly useful for babies and small children as they are still building up their immunity. Vitamin B6 is also assists in maintaining the nervous system and supports muscle function. Maintains a healthy heart: Bananas contain several essential minerals, most notably potassium. Potassium is important for a healthy heart and it helps to maintain blood pressure levels. Prevents anaemia: Iron is very important in the production of haemoglobin and formation of red blood cells. From six months of age, the iron stores of a baby become Bananas are a source of iron and can help maintain iron stores to reduce the risk of your baby becoming anaemic. Most of the vitamins and minerals that our babies need to growth healthy and strong cannot be produced by the body and need to come from the foods they eat. It is important that children eat nutritious foods, such as fruits and vegetables, from a young age in order to gain the nutrients they need to help their bodies develop and function optimally. The Truth vs the myth about bananas Bananas definitely do NOT cause constipation. As long as ripe bananas are eaten, the fibre and pectin is easily absorbed to keep the digestive system regular. Babies sometimes get constipated due to low fibre in the diet, however if you are breast feeding or formula feeding, this should provide the fibre that your baby needs, Simple fruits, such as bananas with their natural fibre assist in keeping the tummy regular. Providing nutritious foods can sometimes be a challenge for busy parents and that is why companies like De-lish have produced premium quality, wholesome pureed foods for babiesand toddlers. “The De-lish pouch range of products have been created with fresh fruit and are conveniently packaged to take along wherever you go to make sure you have easy access to the goodness of fruit, maize and oats at any time,” says Kate, Clamber Club mom. The De-lish range is available nationwide from Baby City. Contributed by De-lsih Website: http://de-lish.co.za/home-2/

Kaboutjie

4 Extended Breastfeeding Tips

As a mother that really struggled with breastfeeding I really take my hat off to the moms that have managed to breastfeed for a long period of time. Any mother that manages to breastfeed until her child self weans is a hero in my eyes.

Prima Baby

CAM Idea Chair for Anywhere

Let your baby be part of any occasion with the CAM Idea Chair For Anywhere.   Another innovative design from one of the world’s leading baby furniture producers, the Idea Chair takes the hassle out of finding a space for your little one at social outings.   The Idea Chair can literally be used anywhere – from picnics to the dinner table to your own office when needed. With non-slip rubber stoppers that act as a sturdy base, the chair can work on floors as well as surfaces.  Adjustable to 7 heights, the chair also has adjustable harnesses and a removable wide tray for meal times.   Made with an anatomic seat with soft, removable padding, it’s one of the most comfortable chairs your child could possibly want.  The character-based designs of owl and bear not only offer a beautiful neutral colour palette for easy-on-the-eye aesthetics, they also match other products from CAM, including the Campion High Chair and the  Volare Changing station.   Gorgeous baby furniture you won’t want to hide away when guests come over, grab one today from Hamleys stores, selected Kids emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za, www.thebabyzone.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com

Toptots Head Office

Why is reading to your child so important?

As parents, we know that reading a book to our child before bedtime is a good routine to put in place. We also know that after the ‘witching hour’ (feed, bath and bed), our energy levels aren’t at their highest. As a matter of fact, reading a story, sometimes three times in a row at your child’s insistence, is the last thing you want to do. So how important is it that you introduce the concept of reading to a child from a young age? Does it really make a difference in their development? Studies and research say yes. These studies show that early language and literary development start in the first three years of a child’s life. Now this isn’t to say that your toddler should be reading and writing words. This literary development comes in the form of your young child enjoying books being read to them, exploring pictures within those books and the bonding experienced when a parent spends the time reading to them. Reading to your child teaches them all kinds of vital skills. They learn how to physically handle the book and turn pages. It helps increase their concentration and memory. You will find your child pointing to the pictures as you read the words, showing that even at such a young age they have an understanding of the story and recognise different elements and characters. Read to them often enough, and you can even video them babbling along and pretending to read themselves. Still not convinced? Did you know that most children’s books contain 50 percent more unusual or rare words than children’s TV shows, or even college students’ conversations? Which means your child is growing their vocabulary each time you read them a new story. And the better your child’s vocabulary is by the time they reach school going-age, the better chance they have at exceeding in their academic life. Now that you know the importance of reading to your children, where should you start? There are many books out there to choose from. They need to be age appropriate, picture- filled and have a fun story line to follow. Buy books that are soft-covered and small in size – meaning that your tot will be able to handle them with ease.

Mia Von Scha

What I learned from my journey through Postnatal Depression…

I’m no stranger to depression. From as far back as I can remember I’ve had bouts of it, some severe, some just dragging out like a rainy British summer. So when I read about PND in a pregnancy book I felt sure that I would recognise it if it hit me. I didn’t. The first time I realised something was wrong I was already on my way to familicide. I was literally loosening the top of the gas bottle where my husband and baby were sleeping peacefully when it occurred to me that this was not normal. The thing is, I didn’t feel depressed. All that was going through my mind was how nice it was going to be to have a really long sleep.Depression in the past for me had always meant crying… And crying… And crying. This was different. It manifested as an underlying irritability. Everything and everyone was annoying. My temper was short and my tongue was vicious. And the layers of guilt piled up high on top of that. The morning after that realisation I called the PND help group. Even then I was fighting to stay off meds. I wanted to be a “good mother” and breast feed for as long as possible. I was told that a good mother is one who is alive to see her child grow up and bottle fed babies grow up too. Too true. And so began my journey to figure out what went wrong and how I could shift this depressive state once and for all. My first glimmer of hope came from a talk I went to by a prominent nutritionist. He spoke about research they had conducted into PND and how the vast majority of cases we’re deficient in omega 3s. This specifically affected vegans and vegetarians. I had been a vegetarian for 20 years. I put myself onto a high dose of omega 3 fish oils (yes, I had to do some soul searching and moral debating first) and I weaned myself off the anti depressants within 6 months. During this time I did further research into PND and found four pervasive factors that contribute to your chances of going down this slippery slope: The first is your perception of the birth. Well I definitely ticked that box. I saw the whole experience as the most traumatic event of my life. I had anger at the midwife for misunderstanding my needs and requests. I had anger at my husband for not having to go through it; for just getting to enjoy the good bits. I had anger at myself for being so traumatised that I was unable to bond with my baby. I had A LOT of emotional processing to do. I set out to acquire the skills to do that. I had no intention of spending years in a psychologists office rehashing the event. I wanted results, and I wanted them yesterday. Babies grow fast and there was one growing up in front of me needing me to be in my best possible state to raise her. The second is your relationship with your mother. Research shows that women with a poor relationship with their own mother have a much higher chance of having a traumatic birthing experience and a higher chance of depression post partum. Tick again. My relationship with my mother was not horrific, more like not there. Again, I set about finding the tools for letting go of the past and any lingering hurt, anger and resentment. What I found was a way not just to understand the past but to actually come to a place of gratitude for everything that has ever happened, even the stuff we label as bad. A life of gratitude is a long way from a life of depression. Number three is the instant and dramatic shift in values that you experience. It is like being kicked out of comfort zone so far that you have no idea what your comfort zone even looks like and no strength to crawl back in it if you did find it. It takes time and patience to form a new one and usually if the shift has been dramatic it means that your kids are coming out somewhere near the new top. The fourth idea I came across much later, and that is the link between depression and fantasies. All depression has its basis in an unfulfilled fantasy and nowhere is a fantasy more thrown in your face than in motherhood. The moving pictures and glossy pages that fill your pregnant world are endowed with images of doting mothers, smiling sweetly down at their breastfed babies. They are not filled with bedraggled mothers wincing in pain as their babies latch into their cracked, bleeding nipples. They show you images of happy families, their white clothes blowing in the breeze as they throw their giggling baby into the air on the beach. They don’t show you the mother who cannot leave the house for fear of leaking through the two boat-sized pads she is wearing to soak up the B-grade horror movies’ worth of blood she’s losing daily. They show you happy families snuggling in bed together doting on their newborn with their hair looking gorgeous and their make up already done. They don’t show you the unshaven husband sleeping in the couch because to his sleep deprived wife his snoring is more like a log than a straw breaking that poor camels back. We get sold a well-meaning lie. The truth is uglier and harsher, but real. And acceptance of reality is one of the cornerstones of emotional well-being. I had to face a lot of ugly messy truths, including the one where I was a less than perfect mother. And that is true. And that is ok. You see what makes me good at what I do is not that I was or ever will be the perfect parent. What makes me good at what I do

Clamber Club

A balancing act: Developing your child’s vestibular system

The vestibular system is found in the inner ear and responds to head movement and gravity. It connects and organises all other sensory input, contributing to a child’s sense of balance and spatial orientation. Difficulties with vestibular processing and regulation can disrupt everything from gross motor co-ordination and learning to mood and behaviour. Impact on your child’s development The vestibular system works closely with all the other sensory systems to organise and process incoming information about gravity and movement. If you bend down suddenly when holding a new-born, you will notice the baby startle and their arms reach out as if to stop themselves from falling (protective extension). This shows the baby’s developing vestibular system in relation to gravity and space.  “One of the most basic of all human relationships is our relationship to the gravitational field of the earth. This relationship is far more primal than the mother-child relationship. Sensory integration of the vestibular system gives us `gravitational security’ – the trust that we are firmly connected to the earth, and will always have a safe place to stand. Children with vestibular processing difficulties do not feel grounded or safe,” says Nicole Katzenellenbogen, Occupational Therapist and Clamber Club Franchisee Trainer. The vestibular system also sends signals to the neural structures that control eye movements, and helps us to understand if we are moving or if an object is moving. “When a child receives correct information from the vestibular, proprioceptive and tactile systems, they are able to feel and understand how their bodies are moving and working without their vision,” says Liz Senior, Occupational Therapist and Founder of Clamber Club. “This also allows for fluid bilateral integration to develop – the ability to use both sides of the body together in a smooth and co-ordinated manner,” she explains. This is necessary for gross motor skills such as hopping and skipping, and for functional skills such as tying shoelaces and cutting. The role of balance  “We often take the skill of balance for granted,” says Katzenellenbogen. “Being able to balance is not only about standing on one leg, it is also about carrying a bag and walking at the same time. Balance is dependent on an adequately functioning vestibular system as the sense of movement and gravity is what keeps us upright and helps us understand our relationship to space.” Balance is also dependent on appropriate proprioceptive feedback – our unconscious awareness of our body parts in relation to each other and the environment.  Vestibular and proprioceptive impulses also interact to warn the brain of possible injury to the body when it is about to fall.  Activities to develop your child’s vestibular system Balance is an important aspect of a child’s development and can be improved by stimulating the vestibular and proprioceptive systems, as well as improving postural control.  For babies Vestibular activities:  Sitting on a lap and gently bouncing Bouncing on a therapy ball Aeroplane on your legs  Swinging in a blanket held by two adults Proprioceptive activities: Massage Tummy time  Have baby lie on your legs facing you with her feet on your tummy. Let her kick her hands and push against your body Postural activities: Rolling from tummy to back  Teaching baby to reach for her toes Tummy time For toddlers Vestibular activities:  Dancing around the room, twirling and spinning Sitting on a lap and playing Horsie-Horsie Swinging in a swing or hammock Proprioceptive activities: Crawling through and over various surfaces Pulling and pushing heavy items Create a crash pad for your child to jump and crash on to For pre-schoolers Vestibular activities:  Spinning and running around in circles Holding arms and spinning Swinging in a swing or hammock Merry-go-rounds Proprioceptive activities: Pulling and pushing heavy items Climbing and crawling over various surfaces.  Tug of war, wrestling Postural activities: Jungle gyms and free outdoor play Swimming Balance beams

Parenting Hub

Why new moms must re-look insurance needs before baby arrives

Expecting a new baby is always an exciting time, particularly for first-time moms who are exposed to a whole new world of baby related must-haves. While it’s easy to get swept up in pre-baby planning, it’s just as important to ensure you are prepared by updating your insurance requirements before your baby arrives, according to Casey Rousseau, Marketing Manager of 1st for Women Insurance. “Generally speaking, there are five main insurance requirements all new moms should re-look in the run-up to the big arrival – car, home, personal, portable possessions and life cover,” she says. There will be a number of once off purchases which you, or even family members and friends, will make before baby arrives, and with the right insurance policy in place, you can keep it that way.  Some of these items include: ·         Cot:  R700 – R11 250 ·         Compactum: R1 300 – R3 200 ·         Baby monitor: R600 – R4 200 ·         Humidifier: R250 – R1 200 ·         Breast pump: R300 – R1 200 ·         Pram and carry: R1 000 – R3 000 ·         Car seat: R1 000 – R3 000   In terms of home insurance, Rousseau says it’s not just about adding all your expensive new purchases to your home policy, but also finding out what insurance would be required for specific baby-related items transported in your vehicle such as a pram, car seat, and anything stored in your baby bag. “In the unfortunate event that your vehicle is stolen or damaged with your critical baby essentials inside, they would in fact fall under the portable possession section of the policy, and not the car insurance policy, meaning it is always best to check with your insurance provider on what type of cover you will need,” says Rousseau. “There are also various personal insurance policies available such as cellphone policies, personal accident or scratch and dent policies to name but a few, which you can also consider adding to your insurance basket to ensure comprehensive insurance that best suits your lifestyle,” she adds. And while baby equipment and gadgets are replaceable certain things are not, and for this reason Rousseau emphasises the importance of thinking long term when it comes to securing the financial future of your child. Life cover is essential if you want to ensure your child is financially well taken care of should anything ever happen to you. “It’s very important for families to think about not only the type of insurance cover they need in preparation for a growing family but to also consider the benefits provided. With 1st for Women for example, our Guardian Angels Lifestyle Assistance benefit includes Nurse@First, a service which moms can call at any time of the day or night to get advice on what to do if their baby is sick, while the Guardian Angel on Call benefit provides emergency medical assistance when you are in a severe accident,” says Rousseau. “By being prepared before your baby arrives and ensuring your insurance needs and the benefits offered through the policies are right for you, it’s one less thing to worry about as a new mom. With insurance specifically designed for women, we know how helpful it is to have less to think about, so that you can get on with enjoying your journey into motherhood,” she says.

PowerPlastics Pool Covers

Child drowning – a leading cause of childhood death that is entirely preventable

Drowning remains one of the top causes of unnatural childhood death in South Africa and for every child that dies from drowning, five are left with permanent brain damage from the lack of oxygen that occurs in a near-drowning. Manufacturer of the leading child safety pool cover in SA, PowerPlastics Pool Covers, is on a drive to remind parents that drownings are entirely preventable with multiple layers of safety applied to the pool.  The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover and adult supervision at all times should be included in these layers of safety at all times.  The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover offers parental peace of mind as it completely seals off the entire pool. The PVC cover is drawn over strong aluminium batons that rest on the coping, and a tamperproof ratchet fastening system makes it impossible for a small child to access the water. Small drainage holes prevent rain or sprinkler water from collecting on the cover as just a few millimetres of water can be fatal to a curious child. The cover withstands up to 220kg and is easily deployed by two people, or it can be semi-automated for single person usage.  “For years we have been educators in pool safety for children and, with our solid safety cover, parents not only get peace of mind, the cover also allows significant savings on water, power and chemicals, unlike alternatives such as nets and fences which still leave the water exposed,” says Carolyn Idas of PowerPlastics Pool Covers.  “But a cover only saves lives if it is actually on the pool. Being lazy about re-securing a pool after use is surprisingly common. For this reason, we developed our safety cover so that it is hassle-free and does not require brute force. Next time you ‘can’t be bothered’, consider the alternative which could be a drowning due to negligence.” The PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover is available in a range of colours, allowing it to blend into the outdoor area, or it can be custom printed with photos and graphics for a unique 3D effect.  Thermal pool covers or ‘bubble’ covers that lie directly on the water should never be considered as child safety pool covers as they do not bear weight. These covers heat the pool and save water by stopping evaporation but their purpose does not include child safety.  “As part of our education in the community, we launched TopStep, the home of pool safety, an educational website with tips and advice on preventing drownings. Aside from covering the pool, every adult in the home needs to know what a drowning in progress actually looks like as TV has created wide misconceptions around this. There is no noise or splashing nor calls for help. Drowning is quick and silent. Visit www.topstep.co.za to learn more about this.”  Even if one doesn’t have children, it is still necessary to consider safety for visitors. Families living in residential complexes with a communal pool should insist that their body corporate install a safety pool cover.  “The bottom line is that children need to be supervised around pools, and as long as the pool is covered by us and other layers of safety are in place, the likelihood of a tragedy occurring in your pool is greatly reduced.” Learn about the PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover here or email [email protected] Practical tips for pool safety Don’t let your pool’s water levels drop. Keeping the pool topped up allows for small arms to easily grab the edge if needed.  For every two children in the pool, have one adult supervising. The more children, the more supervisors needed. Be aware that children’s pool parties are high risk events.  For larger groups, give the designated supervisor a bright hat to wear so the children know who to call for help.  Turn off fountains and water features. Not only do they waste water and power, they can cause ripples and splashing, making it harder to see when a child has encountered difficulty in the pool or has sunk to the bottom.  Ensure that every adult in the home knows CPR, including domestic workers. Never hire a baby sitter or au pair who can’t swim. Don’t let anyone who has been drinking or on sedative medication supervise children in a pool.  Don’t leave toys in or near an open pool as children will be tempted to retrieve them. Teach your child to swim fully clothed and with shoes on. If your child develops a fear of water, don’t ignore this – a child who panics is at greater risk of drowning. Never allow swimming after dark. Discourage your dogs from swimming. Children and pets in a pool are not a good mix. Never leave the pool without securing it with your PowerPlastics Solid Safety Cover. Never design / build a pool that cannot be secured for child safety.  Drowning myths Television has a lot to answer for when it comes to how drowning is portrayed and there are many myths out there. Be aware of the signs and remember that the appearance of a drowning can vary widely.  Myth #1: Drowning children will shout for help Drowning children are physiologically unable to call out. The respiratory system is designed for breathing – speech is the secondary function. Drowning children’s mouths alternately sink below and reappear above the surface but while their mouth is above the surface, they need to exhale and inhale before they sink again. There is not enough time to cry out.  Myth #2: Drowning children wave their arms to attract attention or will thrash in the water Drowning children cannot wave for help. A person who is drowning cannot perform voluntary movements such as waving or moving towards a rescuer. Envisage the surface of the water as a platform. Someone who is drowning often presses down on the surface and tries to use it as leverage to get their mouth above the water’s surface to breathe. So what the onlooker sees are arm movements that can appear

Prima Baby

CAM Volare Changing Station

CAM introduces the new Volare Changing Station – one of the most beautiful necessity items in your little one’s bath time routine. Designed with the character-based friends owl and bear, the changing station has two matching items available, namely the Idea Chair and the Campion High chair, but is sold and used separately as a bathroom or nursery item. With drop prevention system and a soft changing mat, a bathinette with two anatomic seats, the Volare Changing station makes baby’s bath time easy and convenient for parents. It comes with a storage compartment for sponges and soaps, a plug with a drainage pipe and a drawer to hold bottles.  Ideal for even the smallest bathroom, the changing station also folds up for compact storage. The Volare Changing Statin is available now at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, Me Mom & Dad (Greenstone), www.takealot.com, www.loot.com, www.thebabyzone.co.za& www.purplepepperz.com

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