Prima Baby

Stack sort & store tree

The Stack Sort & Store Tree is a toy that will keep your little one entertained for hours. Stack, sort and store with the cute cat! Stack the 10 different coloured pieces, create building blocks or nest them inside each other. Place the cat on each piece to learn colours, numbers and animals and to also help develop gross motor skills. The stackable pieces also encourage hand-eye coordination, helping your little one to gain more identification skills. Press the big light-up button on the cat to hear fun sounds and music. Also features 4 happy sing- along songs, age-appropriate vocabulary with encouraging fun phrases and jolly melodies! The clear English speaking voice helps develop recognition and accelerates learning. Available instore now at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com.

Lansinoh

Lansinoh Unveils ‘Breastfeeding around the World’ Photography Campaign

Global Leader in the Breastfeeding Market Debuts Campaign for Breastfeeding Awareness Month Alexandria, VA (August 1, 2018) – Lansinoh, a global leader in the breastfeeding market, announces the launch of its ‘Breastfeeding around the World’ photography campaign in honor and celebration of August’s Breastfeeding Awareness Month. This campaign further supports the company’s ongoing commitment to supporting breastfeeding mothers across the globe.  For this unique campaign, Lansinoh partnered with New York City-based photographer, Tina Boyadjieva, who traveled to 19 countries, including South Africa, Uganda, China, Turkey, and Sri Lanka; photographing mothers from all demographics, social statuses, races and occupations, under the common denominator of motherhood and breastfeeding. Ms. Boyadjieva grew up in Bulgaria surrounded by strong and inspiring women, spent time in Italy where she cultivated her artistic education and aesthetics, and attended the International Center of Photography.  During each day of August, Lansinoh will be sharing the beautiful stories of different mothers from a different country, as depicted through Ms. Boyadjieva’s stunning photos, across all of its social media channels. By showcasing mothers from various cultures, countries, and circumstances, Lansinoh highlights the universal nature of breastfeeding and celebrates the connection of motherhood regardless of geographic boundaries.  “For the past 30 years, Lansinoh has been dedicated to providing all mothers with access to the support and resources they need to help them reach their breastfeeding goals, which is why our products are currently available to moms in nearly 60 countries, said Kevin Vyse-Peacock, CEO at Lansinoh. “This year we decided to build upon this mission by sharing the stories of mothers from various backgrounds and geographical locations to highlight how, even though every mother has a different journey, they are all united in the undisputed love and dedication they have in caring for their baby.”  “Ms. Boyadjieva is a strong believer in international and interracial inclusiveness, respect, equality and women power, and aims to demonstrate all of the above in this campaign through her captivating images, and we could not be more grateful for her be a part of this campaign as she helps to bring the stories of every mother interviewed to life through compelling visual narratives,” Mr. Vyse-Peacock added.  For more information about Lansinoh, its dedication to breastfeeding moms everywhere and its portfolio of products, please visit www.Lansinoh.com. ABOUT LANSINOH Founded by a breastfeeding mom, Lansinoh has helped millions of mothers successfully breastfeed during its 30 year history. Famous for its award-winning Lanolin Nipple Cream, Lansinoh® offers a comprehensive range of nursing and pumping solutions in more than 60 countries. For more information, please visit Lansinoh.com, or connect with @LansinohUSA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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/

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

Prima Baby

CAM Smarty Table Chair

Let baby join in all the fun with the CAM Smarty Table Chair.  A vibrantly coloured stand-alone chair that allows your child to be part of any meal time occasion – indoors or outdoors. CAM baby furniture from Italy is one of the leading manufacturers of high quality baby products and with the Smarty Table Chair they have provided a well-priced item that allows moms the confidence to include baby in outdoor social outings in a quick, hassle free manner. The Smarty Chair is one of the most popular chairs for eating out, particularly at a picnic or barbecue.  Adjustable to 4 heights, the chair has adjustable harnesses and a wide, removable tray for easy cleaning.  With the anatomical seat in soft, removable fabric and bright colours, this beautifully deigned chair is yet another item from CAM that parents won’t feel the need to hide away when guests come over.   The non-slip stoppers allow the chair to sit comfortably on any surface.   The Smarty Char is also amazingly compact and can be easily popped into its carry bag. A growing baby necessity, the Smarty Chair is now available in South Africa at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za, www.thebabyzone.co.za & www.purplepepperz.com

Parenting Hub

But Baby, it’s cold outside

As winter takes over in South Africa, temperatures have dropped and there’s a distinct chill in the air.  A cooler climate also spells the start of dry skin, cracked lips and irritated complexions, all of which affect your baby’s usually plump and moist skin. Su-Marie Annandale, brand custodian for Krayons in South Africa says that keeping your infant’s skin soft and supple during the winter months is easily achieved by adding a few extra steps to your bath time routine.   Use Krayons Baby Aqueous cream in the place of soap to help soothe and moisturise more effectively during winter time. Apply the cream prior to lowering your baby into the bath and splash gently to cleanse when in the water. When bath time is over, pat your baby’s skin down with a soft towel being sure not to rub too hard and irritate the skin. Once the skin is dry, apply a thick layer of Krayons Baby Aqueous Lotion over your baby’s body. If your baby has dry or cracked lips, apply a thin layer of Krayons Petroleum Jelly on both lips to lock in moisture. Repeat the Aqueous cream (particularly on the cheeks) and Petroleum Jelly applications if you are going outside to ensure adequate protection from the harsh winter breeze. Annandale says that keeping a baby’s skin healthy and moisturised is one of the first tasks that mothers undertake when their little one arrives. “Most baby’s suffer from a minor skin condition in the first month – cradle cap, eczema, baby acne or contact dermatitis (a reaction from a product that has come into contact with the skin),” says Annandale. “Mothers need soft and gentle skincare products to use on their little ones – especially at a time when they are dealing with the many other issues involved in a baby’s first six weeks.’ For more information on Krayons products visit KrayonsBabies on Facebook.

Good Night Baby

Can Sleep Training harm my baby?

With the stigma around the cry-it-out method – which is what the majority of parents believe sleep training your baby to be – there is no wonder that moms and dads are right to question whether sleep training can harm their baby.  In South Africa, the controversial “sleep training” debate has heated up considerably over the last few months. With so many puritan views on the subject, it’s difficult to discern which information is objective, honest and suitable for everyday families. I am afraid that the vast amount of knowledge and information on the internet has also not helped parents, because there’s no way to judge who is right and who is wrong!? And the “shock effect” that is so popular on social media has caused all of us at one point in our lives to share articles titled “Ferber sleep training harms baby” and the like on social media without even understanding the context or information contained in the article. There are two very different spheres of parenting styles that influence the heated debate on baby sleep trainers. On the one hand you have the attachment approach which is applauded by parents who don’t believe mom and baby should ever be separated and on the other hand you have the parent-directed approach, which is comforting for the parents who know they function better on a good night’s sleep. Essentially, it’s the parent-led or baby-led mommy mantra… And everyone wants to pitch in defending their views on the subject. What is sleep training? Knowledge is power, and it is even more powerful in the paediatric sleep debate. I also honestly believe that most of us have a deeply skewed view of the nature and process of sleep training. Sleep training is not equivalent to crying but sleep training might include crying.  Sleep is a skill and a discipline. It is us (as parents) that often interfere with the process of our children learning how to sleep well (propping our kids up with bottles, feeds, dummies, rocking them continuously, etc.). Think about a child who’s learning to walk: if your child is always placed in a walking ring and is never given the chance to explore or pull themselves up against a couch, how will they learn how to walk? However, in the same breath, you don’t need to explain to your child which muscles to flex for them to walk by themselves. They’ll figure this all out in a safe environment that allows them to practice. In much the same way, a safe sleep environment, with a parent who respects the need of the child to learn to sleep, will be rewarded with a child who learns the skill and the discipline to do so. I prefer the term sleep coaching or sleep consulting rather than sleep training. It is not supposed to be a sleep training technique or approach, but rather a whole eco system and holistic viewpoint of creating an environment which suits your parenting style and allows your baby an optimum environment for sleeping through the night. Can crying harm my baby? Maybe one of the biggest reasons for the “I hate sleep training” slogan is that parents believe sleep training involves crying. When I was a first-time mom, I believed that baby only cried when he was close to dying. Hence, it was the reason I was in a complete panic the first time I took my baby home and he did not stop crying! However, babies cry. Period. Studies suggest that a newborn baby cries on average for 2 to 3 hours a day! All babies cry. Sometimes because they are wet, cold, hot,  uncomfortable, unhappy and/or hungry, and sometimes just because they are babies. Babies cry. A lot. To expect your child to never cry is unrealistic and unnatural. The truth is this – no amount of crying will make a baby sleep without first addressing the fundamental building blocks of excellent quality sleep. Without addressing those, you will only cause unnecessary heartache for yourself.  A client recently asked us to help her sleep train her 9-month-old baby. After a more thorough analysis it became clear that the baby was underfed, and this was the reason for it not sleeping through the night. Once we addressed the nutritional issues this baby slept like… well… like a baby.  Use your instinct as a mother and more than anything your good common sense! Will leaving your 18-month-old (after you’ve addressed all his/her needs) to cry for 10 minutes rather than responding to a tantrum, undo the love and attentiveness you’ve given her the rest of the day (or life!) and harm her? Of course not. Will responding to your toddler who needs your attention right before you breastfeed your second baby  and as such the second baby cries a little,  psychologically damage her? Never! So how can a few minutes of crying harm your child? It simply makes no sense.  The problem comes in when parents read the wrong information on the subject, and leave their children to cry for hours, night after night, without any improvement or success and then they start doubting the process and proclaim that sleep training does not work. It is highly likely that the child was never properly “sleep trained” in the first place.  (And to support this statement, about 85% of the clients that Good Night Child Sleep consultancy work with have done some form of “sleep training” before without success!) What sleep training method should I use? Does that mean then that one sleep training method is better than the other? The truth is that there are many ways to get to same place. You can walk, run, crawl or fly – it all depends on your preferences and your situation. Remember that sleep training a three-month-old is vastly different to sleep training a 9-month-old and the question that you should ask yourself is NOT whether you can allow your child to cry. No child’s needs need to be

Parenting Hub

What new parents need to know about life insurance

Who Needs Life Insurance? Becoming a parent is an exciting, often scary adventure. Long before that happy day, when you get to hold your newborn (and then swiftly hand them over to the nearest grandmother), there’s a lot you need to think about and organise. It’s easy to get caught up—in creating the ultimate, Instagrammable nursery, or squabbling over a name that won’t cause your child a lifetime of teasing—and lose track of your primary role as a parent: to simply provide for your child; both now and in the future. You may have already drawn up a budget with some estimated costs for extra food, housing (if you need a larger space), your child’s daycare, etc. And perhaps you’ve even started putting money away to go towards their future education, which we know isn’t cheap. If so, you’re doing well, but I’d bet good money that you haven’t included life insurance in there. If you’re failing to see why life insurance is relevant to becoming a family, then this article is for you. How can life insurance protect my child? Providing for your child isn’t just about taking care of their current needs; it’s about preparing for their future needs too. Life insurance covers those needs by paying out to your beneficiaries if you die or become disabled. Neither scenario is nice to think about, but not being able to provide for your child or leaving your partner with the financial burden of having to do so alone, is a far less pleasant thought. Who should get insured? Both parents should get insured because, if something happens to either one, the other will have to pick up the slack. This applies to stay-at-home parents just as much as it does to the breadwinners, because you would need to replace their contributions towards childcare and housekeeping with daycare or a housekeeper, and that costs money. Which types of life insurance should you get? There are many different life insurance products out there, which can make choosing the ones that are right for you as new parents quite overwhelming. To protect your new family, you should be looking at products that cover you if you die or if you become disabled. If you die, your debts need to be settled and having a product that pays out a lump-sum amount is a perfect match for this need. You might also want to get cover that replaces a part of the income you would’ve contributed to the household. If you were to become disabled and couldn’t do your job anymore, you’d want your family to continue to flourish with an income protection benefit that pays you a salary for as long as you cannot do your job. How much cover do you need? The right amount of cover depends on you and your situation, and would be influenced by specific details like how much you earn and how much debt you have. Whatever your situation, you need enough life insurance to cover your family’s financial needs. Now, you could calculate this the hard way, or simply get your Indie plan which will show you in under 7 minutes exactly what you need for peace of mind. How much will it cost you? We’ve already established that having a child is expensive, but losing a parent is a financial risk you just can’t afford to take. You pay for insurance on a month-to-month basis, which is called a premium. Your premium will be calculated based on your risk and will take into account how much cover you need, how old you are, your gender, your health, and whether or not you smoke or take part in any dangerous hobbies. If you’re young and healthy, your premiums could be surprisingly low. When should you get it? The good news is, the younger you are when you get insured, the lower your premiums ought to be because you’re likely to be viewed as low risk by the insurer. So it makes a lot of sense to get covered now. Also, with Indie, you have the added bonus of earning Bounty when you get insured, which is money that’s invested for you and grows until you’re 70; so you’ll be covered and investing at the same time. Talk about smart parenting. How do you get it? Traditionally, life insurance is bought through a broker, or partially online with compulsory medical screening thereafter. But between caring for your newborn,  trading in the coupé for a station wagon, figuring out how on earth the car seat works, and keeping your career on track, you don’t have time to be running around in search of life insurance. You ought to be able to get it in less time than it takes to watch a “Build Your Own Crib” video and, unlike the crib, it should be instantly ready and unwaveringly reliable. With Indie you can get covered in 6 minutes, so there’s no time like the present. https://www.indiefin.com https://www.facebook.com/indiefin/ https://www.instagram.com/indie_fin/ https://twitter.com/indie_fin

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