Pregnancy & Baby - 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.

July 6, 2018

CAM Champion Highchair

Let your little one join in at meal times with the Campion High Chair from CAM. The CAM company from Italy is one of the finest producers of baby furniture in the world, and being forerunners in the industry they have not only the best quality products, but also mastered the art of the aesthetic. Famous for unconventional and always gorgeous enough to not have to store away after meals, the Campion High Chair is one of the products that is now being distributed in South Africa through various retailers. With 6 adjustable heights, a reclining backrest in 4 positions, 3 trays and storage compartments, the Campion is comfort, convenience and functionality all rolled into one easily folded unit. The character-based designs include owl or bear and are designed in easy-on-the-eye colour palettes, making it neutral enough to match most homes. The Campion High Chair is now available at Hamleys stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, Me Mom & Dad in Greenstone, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za, www.thebabyzone.co.za and www.purplepepperz.com

July 3, 2018

How to prepare a child for an older sibling

Expecting the arrival of your second child is an exciting event, but this may not be so for your older child, especially those between two and six years old. Start by telling your older child about the arrival of his or her new sibling. Use age-appropriate language and pictures to explain how the baby is growing so the connection can be made from about the 5th month of your pregnancy. Encourage your child to talk to and sing to your bump. Explain that the baby will not be a playmate right away and will sleep and feed most of the time but can also cry a lot because that is a baby’s only means of communication. It is important that children and parents learn together about what it means have a new sibling in the family. Let your child take part in the preparations, but constantly talk about all the excitement and preparation you made for his/her arrival. Get out the family photos and talk about how you had to feed, change, rock and cuddle him/her. Be honest about how tired you sometimes felt and that you may get tired again and not be able to play so many games together, but just for a while. When the new baby arrives allow your child to visit you and the baby in hospital. Do not hold the baby during this time until you have given undivided attention to the older child. Introduce them and allow the child to gently stroke and maybe even hold the baby with you. Now is the time to talk about how careful you must be with a small baby. Very young children could be upset, simply because their routine has been disrupted and Mom is in bed in a strange place. For them, do not put too much emphasis on the baby but spend the visit cuddling and talking. Regardless of your older child’s age, make sure that he or she gets individual attention when the new baby arrives home. (Do not arrive with the baby in your arms!) Remember to include him or her in photographs or videos you take of the baby. Sometimes children will act out with arrival of a sibling. Praise positive behaviour and give love, understanding and assurance rather than corrective discipline. They may have toilet training accidents, want to drink from a bottle or ask for a dummy. These are normal reactions that require tolerance during regressive episodes. If you make no fuss and little comment, the phase will soon pass. No one goes to big school with a dummy! Encourage your older child to be gentle with the baby and include them in activities that involve the baby such as bathing, changing and dressing. Encourage singing and talking to the baby. Babies are usually fascinated by older children. Praise him or her when they are helpful and always try and plan one on one time with them, so they feel equally important and cared for Help your child develop a sense of why they are a valuable member of the family by focusing on what they can do, and the baby can’t. Tell them that each member of the family is important for what they bring to the unit and the family needs each person for it to be whole. Raising your child to accept and adapt to new conditions within the households will assist them in future changes that may be challenging. Raising resilient and collaborative children is a priority in our world. Written by: Academic Development Coordinator of ADvTECH Schools Division, Barbra Eaton And Bev O’Shea, Principal at Junior College Preschools Tiny Town.

July 2, 2018

5 steps to getting a good night’s sleep

Tips to ensure that baby andyou get a good night’s sleep Many parents must find themselves wondering where the idiom ‘sleeping like a baby’ comes from, considering the hours of crying, feeding and frustration that usually make up the night time norm. The good news for sleep-deprived moms out there is that there is a slumber-filled solution – it just takes some patience to pull off! Sleep and your baby “Just as babies must learn how to sit, talk and understand the world around them, they also need to learn how to fall asleep on their own,” says Liz Senior, Occupational Therapist and Founder of Clamber Club. “And as with most of baby’s developmental milestones, there’s no better teacher than mom and dad,” she adds. To start with, it is important for parents to understand how babies sleep. “Babies spend more time in the REM sleep (active sleep) phases than adults because they have so much information to process,” explains Petro Thamm, Clamber Club Expert and Founder of Good Night, a certified Sleep Sense Consultancy. “This means that a parent may think that the infant is sleeping, when in fact, as soon as baby is put down he wakes up because he has not yet settled into a deep sleep.” During the night, babies have sleep cycles that are considerably shorter than adults – 45 minutes long compared to 1.5 hours for adults. Quiet sleep comes at the end of the sleep cycle so when it’s over, your baby either begins the cycle again (re-entering active sleep) or he wakes up. By the age of four months, your baby will be sleeping for six to eight hours a night and by six months, he should typically be sleeping for between 10-12 hours. Thamm offers parents five tips for raising an independent sleeper: Eliminate ‘sleep props’ Children need to develop self-soothing strategies so they’re able to fall asleep independently and put themselves back to sleep when they wake in the night. If they depend on a ‘sleep prop’ (nursing or a bottle, pacifier, rocking, bouncing, patting or riding in the car), they will need someone to help them every time they wake up! Implement an early bedtime An early bedtime is best to ensure that baby doesn’t become overtired, which makes it more difficult for her to settle down and fall asleep. Based on your baby’s age and the timing of their last nap, you should pick a bedtime somewhere between 6–8pm. Create a predictable routine A bedtime routine is most effective when it is about 20-30 minutes long, and the majority of it takes place in your child’s bedroom. Some activities that work well include a bath, massage, going potty, brushing teeth, reading, sharing thoughts or a favourite song, and cuddling. Keep baby awake while feeding Feeding (whether breast or bottle) is the number one sleep prop children begin to rely on. Keeping baby awake during feedings will help break the association that sleeping and eating go hand in hand. She will then be awake when she’s put back in bed, letting her practise her self-soothing skills. Consistency Consistency is probably the most important part of teaching your child the skill of becoming an independent sleeper. Once you choose your method, you need to be consistent 100% of the time! If you give up or change rules every night, you will frustrate and confuse your little one. Keeping all sleep situations the same also sends a clear message about what’s expected of them. It’s not always easy, but do your best to stay committed to the process, and try not to fall back into bad habits when you’re exhausted. Having a child fall asleep on her own really is the best lullaby a parent could ask for!

June 29, 2018

Pregnancy: Taking care of your nutritional and financial needs

By 1Life You’ve finally taken steps to confirm the reason behind your weird cravings, unexpected emotional outbursts, the fatigue as well as all the other unusual things that have been happening to your body of late and so begins the journey towards motherhood. One moment you only had yourself to worry about, and now you’re making way for the new bundle of joy that’s growing inside of you. When you are expecting, taking care of your nutritional needs goes well beyond ‘eating for two’. Instead, there are certain nutrients that your body needs during this journey, to ensure your baby is healthy and that you keep yourself in excellent condition as well. Maryke Gallagher, a registered dietician in Cape Town and President of the Association of Diabetics in South Africa, states that from a nutritional point of view, the first 1000 days are the most important. This includes the time the baby spends in the womb, where the first 1000 days are said to set the stage for healthy brain development, growth and appropriate weight gain and building a strong immune system. Having a healthy nutritional plan is therefore vital and can also assist with protecting against chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure later in life. As a result, what you put in your body during this period is extremely important. Some crucial nutritional needs include: Energy needs: These increase in the second and third trimester, but this does not mean you should eat for two. It means increasing the energy intake by 800-200kj per day, the equivalent of a small meal snack, like yoghurt, fruit and nuts, or a slice of rye bread with nut butter and a fruit. Protein needs increase: Focus on eating more safe proteins, at least twice per week. Options that are generally considered safe include trout, salmon, herring, pilchards and mackerel. Plant proteins are mostly incomplete proteins. This means that legumes like lentils, chickpeas and butterbeans need to be combined with grains such as brown rice, quinoa or barley to form complete proteins. Soya beans and tofu are some of the only complete plant proteins. It is generally believed that it is safe to be vegetarian while you are pregnant if you plan carefully to eat sufficient proteins that meet the body’s demands. Omega 3 Fatty Acids: These essential fats are important in pregnancy for healthy brain development in the baby. Fish is one such example of a good source of Omega 3 fatty acids, which you should consider before taking supplements to ensure that you are meeting your daily requirements. These type of vitamins reduce the risk of preterm birth and play a role in the visual acuity of the baby. Later in life, they play a role in the IQ and behaviour of the child. They also play a role in regulating the mood of the mother. Total fat intake: Every cell in the body is made up of fats, and cell membranes consist of phospholipids that influence how well cells communicate with each other within the body. Plant fats are particularly valuable and include nuts, seeds, avocado, olives, olive oil, and flaxseed oil. Micronutrients: These are essential vitamins, minerals and phytochemicals. During pregnancy, the important ones are Folic Acid, Iron, Calcium, Vitamin D, B12 and Choline. Choline plays a role in the first trimester development of the baby, in particular the brain development and formation of neural pathways. Choline is found in animal-protein-rich foods such as eggs and beef. Haricot beans, soya protein, pulses and dairy products (like milk and yoghurt) are good sources of Choline. Folic acid is found in fruits and vegetables such as leafy dark green vegetables, liver, legumes and fortified cereals. The above is all important to keep in mind. However, your nutritional needs are in fact only one of very many aspects that you will need to consider as an expecting mom. As you enter this new life stage, your financial needs are also set to change and you will then need to start asking yourself questions about your financial plan. Things like, can you provide for the wellbeing and financial security of your child, the schools you want them to attend and if you are saving enough towards their future education. Safeguarding your assets is also an important consideration, which ensures that these will go to your child in your absence. These are the first of many aspects related to your financial planning that you will need to consider as you enter this new chapter. When starting your pre–birth financial planning, do a financial needs analysis to determine what your future financial plan should look like. Then ask yourself if your current long-term insurance provider can adjust your cover to cater for your growing family and financial needs. If they are unable to, look for a provider who can – and one who will become your partner in providing financial assurance as your family grows.

June 27, 2018

Arts Powered Learning: choosing a pre-school that fosters creative thinking and a life-long love of learning

Who Are We? Capriccio! Arts Powered Pre-School is a registered Montessori inspired ECD independent school in Milnerton. The Italian wordcapriccio has two interpretations: A lively piece of music; short and free in form. A painting or work of art representing a fantasy or a mixture of real and imaginary features. Both of the above interpretations are representative of our approach to education in the early years, which is designed to harness the full benefits of early exposure to the arts. At Capriccio! our focus is on nurturing each child’s cognitive, emotional, physical, social, and artistic development in a loving, creative and holistic learning environment. We are passionate about the role of art in education and recognise the power it has in instilling within little ones a life-long love of learning. What Are the Benefits of Arts Powered Learning? Studies have shown that exposure to arts education from a young age accelerates positive brain development. Art in all its various forms – music, drama, dance and visual art, has an infinite capacity to affect both the brain and the body, acting as a unifying force that supports and enhances cognitive, physical, emotional, and social skills in young children. Ainissa Ramirez once said, “Creativity is the secret sauce to science, technology, engineering and math.” Exposing young learners to arts powered education creates an open learning environment that fosters curiosity and encourages creative thinking and problem solving. These are transferable skills that are essential to building a strong foundation in other learning areas. We believe that children possess an innate property for appreciation and enjoyment of the arts. By engaging this appreciation from a young age, little ones are provided with a means by which to express themselves, which allows them to progress, self-actualise and foster healthy self-esteem throughout their lives. Our Approach to Arts Powered, Montessori Inspired Learning At Capriccio! the expressive needs and individual developmental abilities of each of our little ones are taken into account. By incorporating arts-driven learning and Montessori principals into our curriculum we create a learning environment which provides each child the opportunity to flourish at their own pace. Montessori is a child centred philosophy of education, which recognises that each child has the innate eagerness to acquire knowledge and a deep love of learning. In keeping with this philosophy, we are focused on following the individual child and acknowledging his or her ability to direct their own learning journey in a carefully prepared learning environment. We have incorporated the traditional Montessori areas of learning such as, practical life, education of the senses, literacy, numeracy and arithmetic, knowledge and understanding of the world, creativity, and outdoor learning, into our methodology and materials. As Sydney Gurewitz Clemens said, “Art has the role in education of helping children become like themselves instead of more like everyone else.” It is our belief that art has intrinsic value in giving each child the freedom of self-discovery throughout their learning journey. For more information on our philosophy and approach please visit our website:www.artspreschool.co.za

June 26, 2018

The quick and easy financial checklist for new parents

Taking your first steps to put the financial basics in place for your family can be really simple. Here is what a new parent needs to do and why, and how it can be done immediately! When you’re a young parent with a full plate of responsibilities and a host of new baby expenses, getting your financial affairs in order are typically not as big a priority as it should be. But is it worth it to put your family at risk if something does go wrong? A new parent should get at least the following in place: Update your Will to ensure you select the right legal guardians for your kids should anything happen to you and your partner – don’t leave it up to the courts to decide; Get life insurance to protect your child’s future by insuring their education; Start saving for your kid’s university/college education as soon as possible. Your kids will be financially dependent on you for at least the first 20 years of their lives. Most of us will pay for their monthly schooling from our salaries and hopefully there is enough left in the budget to start saving for that university/college fund. It is estimated that parents who send their children to public schools and pay for a three-year university degree, will spend on average about R1.2 million per child in today’s financial terms – and the figure doubles if your child goes to a private school. That is a lot of money that will come from your future salary! And it is why becoming a parent is such an enormous financial decision. Should anything happen to you in the next week, where will your family’s money come from? Very few young parents have enough savings in the bank to ensure that their children have the financial means to finish school and continue their education as needed. How do you protect your children’s future? That’s why it is so critical to have enough life insurance in place right away. It will ensure that your kids can enjoy all the opportunities you want for them, no matter what happens. Many parents already know that things like getting life insurance and a Will is important, but delay or forget about it. Or they just do not know where to start as it is such an intimidating thing to do. Research shows that young parents in South Africa need cover the most and 75%* do not have any at all. Becoming a new parent is an exciting milestone. But by checking these financial items off of your to-do list, you can sleep soundly knowing your family will be well taken care of, no matter what happens. Are you ready to take that important financial first steps? Speak to one of the Hero Life experts and see how easy they have made it. They are passionate about assisting young parents with the basics and and their experts help parents digitally at no additional cost …. so that you can get things done anytime from anywhere. Visit www.herolife.co.za for more info or email [email protected] or [email protected] directly. Or click here to chat on Whatsapp. It’s really that easy.

June 21, 2018

Why is my child not walking?

Many parents spend the first year of their child’s life focusing on motor milestones, and are hugely relieved when their baby starts to sit, crawl and walk. The variety of baby and toddler classes and other activities on offer lead to a lot of opportunities for comparison of their child in relation to others. This often leads to parents asking themselves “why is my child not walking yet?” “There are a few reasons why a child may not be walking at around a year,” says Paediatric Physiotherapist and Clamber Club Expert Nicole Hilburn. “The first thing to consider is when the baby started to sit, and crawl, as late sitters and crawlers will most likely walk late as well. From the start of sitting, a baby usually takes 3 – 4 months to start crawling, and another 3 months or so from crawling to walking,” adds Nicole. Babies with significant birth histories such as low birth weight, prematurity, hospital admissions or prolonged bouts of illness are more likely to be delayed due to decreased muscle strength, or imbalances between muscle groups. What factors prevent your child from walking? “An increasing number of babies are presenting with a condition called torticollis – which is where one of the muscles in the neck is tight due to position in utero, or often due to positioning postnatally in premature infants who have been in the intensive care unit for a while,” explains Nicole. Untreated, this condition leads to decreased use and stiffness of the arm and leg on the same side as the tight muscle in the neck, and may interfere with development. This condition may be present when a baby holds his head slightly to one side, and prefers looking to one side; or cannot look all the way to one side. Babies who use alternative methods of crawling such as bottom shuffling will not develop the core stability and pelvic girdle stability to support them in standing and walking, which will delay the onset of walking. These babies will also struggle to pull up to stand from the floor, due to being on their bottoms and struggling with kneeling. There are a few reasons for bum shuffling – the main reason we usually find that baby’s bum shuffle is due to resistance to tummy time – this leads to weak back muscles, weak arms, and the baby never really experimenting with pushing up off the ground. Excessive use of equipment such as seating devices, and walking rings may lead to walking delays. This is because the child is fully supported in these devices and is not using muscles or engaging postural control while in them. A baby’s temperament also contributes to how quickly he or she will start moving. A very easy-going baby may take longer than a very busy baby. A baby with sensory issues, or who is happy being stable will also take longer to walk, as gaining balance on two legs is much more difficult than being stable on all fours, and these babies may find this frightening. How can you ensure that your baby is on track to walk? Lots of floor play between the ages of 1 and 6 months – on the back and the tummy, which will strengthen the trunk muscles. If a baby looks like he/she is not going to crawl or is using an alternative method to move such as rolling or bottom shuffling, this should be corrected by a physiotherapist, in order to build up appropriate muscle strength in the trunk, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle. Torticollis should be treated by a physiotherapist. Once a baby is pulling up to stand and cruising, the following tips can be used to promote walking: Use a wooden wagon to push around Play in the standing position at flat surfaces such as a fridge (e.g. playing with magnets) Encourage play while standing, and give your baby something in each hand, which will encourage standing without holding on Walking with your baby while holding his hands You can also use a hula-hoop if he tends to pull down on your hands a lot – you hold one side and walk backwards and your baby holds the other side – this will give less support, and encourage him to engage his muscles more.

June 20, 2018

Being a mom… tired is my second name

Everyone knows that the most beloved children’s franchise in the world is Disney – and children still resonate deeply with the characters despite literal generations having passed since its inception. Mickey and Minnie Mouse were two of the first creations of the legendary cartoonist Walt Disney and have truly stood the test of time in terms of becoming fast and furious friends with little ones around the globe. Disney Baby, and largely distributed through Prima Baby, have some of the greatest products in the Mickey and Minnie Baby (literal baby version of these adorable characters) and offer moms a great opportunity to collect entire ranges of products for baby’s nursery, or just buy one or two essentials at affordable prices. Disney Baby have a stunning range of products to help soothe the transition from a gummy bear to a gnashy monster, help baby fall asleep quietly or just entertain your little one in his or her own quiet time. With rattles, teething activities and doodoo cloths in both Mickey and Minnie Baby, this adorable twosome can be there for the sleepless nights and painful parts of growing up, as well as the more fun days ahead. Check out the Disney Baby ranges available at: Hamleys stores , Me Mom and Dad Greenstone, Selected Kids Emporium stores ,Dischem Centurion , www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za, www.purplepepperz.com, www.sosobabies.com, www.thebabyzone.co.za.

June 13, 2018

The Hundred Acre Wood comes to life with Disney Baby

As long as most parents and even grandparents can recall, Winnie The Pooh and his friends of the Hundred Acre Wood have been a staple in our children’s upbringing. Stories that have transcended the ages from old library books across to iPads, Winnie is known for his kind, gentle nature, Tigger for his clumsy tomfoolery and Eyore for always being the depressed one that needed a hug. Winnie was always there for his unlikely companions and his adventures with his best friend, the wise but nervous Piglet, saw them perusing the Hundred Acre Wood in search of honey, new friends and of course, fresh adventures. Disney Baby have a range of products that will bring that tradition of friendship into the lives of your child – from rattles and mobiles, to developmental stacking toys and of course, gorgeous huge plushes that nobody could resist getting a cuddle from. Check out the Disney Baby ranges available at: Hamleys stores , Me Mom and Dad Greenstone, Selected Kids Emporium stores ,Dischem Centurion , www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za, www.purplepepperz.com, www.sosobabies.com, www.thebabyzone.co.za.

June 13, 2018

Disney Baby helps your little one develop important skills

We all know how curious babies can be. It doesn’t stop as they grow, it just gets more intense as the thirst for knowledge increases. Developmental toys have become one of the most purchased items by new moms and one of the most important parts of a babies upbringing. From the tiniest of noises to the first touch of a strange texture, everything is new and equally important – just look at the fascination with touch phones and iPads. Disney Baby are one step ahead when it comes to incorporating learning into a baby’s playtime. With Mickey Baby and Minnie Baby as the focal play pals, Disney Baby has created products such as musical touch pads, stacking blocks and light up tummy toys that keep little minds fascinated for hours, whilst all being safe enough to take into the crib with them if they just can’t let go! And the great news is, you won’t have to spend a fortune to keep them entertained and learning at the same time – what more could a new mom want? Check out the Disney Baby ranges available at: Hamleys stores , Me Mom and Dad Greenstone, Selected Kids Emporium stores ,Dischem Centurion , www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za, www.purplepepperz.com, www.sosobabies.com, www.thebabyzone.co.za.

June 13, 2018

Disney Baby offers you the perfect feeding solution

Disney Baby is the proud home of the world’s most beloved mouse Mickey Mouse. He turns 90 this years and is officially one of the longest standing cartoon characters of all time. Disney Baby are also proud manufacturers of some of the best baby products in the world. Known for innovation, functionality, affordability and safety, the Disney baby feeding line extends from newborn to toddler. Available in both Mickey and Minnie Baby versions, the products speak for themselves in terms of cuteness. The ‘baby’ versions of the twosome are fast becoming children’s favourite friends around the globe and luckily, Disney Baby produce entire ranges that can be collected for ultimate cuteness overload. BPA free and anti-colic for the bottles ranges, all plastic is microwavable and dishwasher safe and available in South Africa now at affordable prices. Check out the Disney Baby ranges available at: Hamleys stores , Me Mom and Dad Greenstone, Selected Kids Emporium stores ,Dischem Centurion , www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za, www.purplepepperz.com, www.sosobabies.com, www.thebabyzone.co.za.

June 13, 2018

Oops Building Block sets

Building blocks are literally one of the simplest and most functional ways of getting your child’s mind to think strategically. Traditionally, building blocks have always been an integral part of any child’s toy chest and Oops have made sure that with both their 30-piece and 80-piece collections, the most fun is had whilst learning. Hours of play with big enough blocks for tiny hands to work with, the Oops building block lines allow endless possibilities and encourages hands on learning. The O’clock Learn Time 30-piece set is a great way to teach toddlers the time with jumbo blocks of colour and the ‘City’ landscapes create new worlds only your child’s imagination can think up. European leaders in developmental toys for many years, Oops celebrates the growing mind of every single child and ensures education and entertainment go hand in hand. Oops building block selections are available at Hamleys Toy Stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, Me Mom and Dad, www.thebabyzone.co.za, www.thekidzone.co.za, www.purplepepperz.com, www.loot.co.za & www.takealot.com

June 13, 2018

Award winning innovation with simple, functional design from Dooky

Prima Baby is a now proud affiliate and distributor of the Dooky range of products into South Africa. A simple, yet highly effective range of products to ultimately calm, protect and comfort your child, the Dooky series of products transforms some of the most commonly-used products into indispensable items. 2011 saw Dooky receiving the Netherlands Baby Innovation Award for the Dooky Universal cover, which has fast become one of the most popular items in the Dooky repertoire. Available in a variety of subdued hues, the Universal cover is a simple stroller cover that has replaced the conventional muslin blanket or parasol as a cover to calm and soothe baby whilst out in their stroller. Fitting literally every stroller on the market, the Universal is a simple clip-on, 100% cotton cover that blocks UV, sun, wind, light, cold, noise and light rain – making it perfect for walks as well as naps during outings. The Universal cover comes with a variety of complementary accessories that can also be used on their own, including the car seat ‘Hoody’, 100% cotton attachment that acts as a shield on car seats, the 100% cotton blanket, the car seat cover and the famous Dooky dribble bibs. All ranges are available in matching grey, white, pink, blue with a gorgeous star pattern. The full range of Dooky products is available at Hamleys, www.takealot.com, www.loot.com, www.thebabyzone.co.za, www.kidzone.co.zaand www.purplepepperz.com

June 8, 2018

Fisher-Price Alphabet Blocks

For decades, and indeed probably centuries, building blocks have always been a part of a child’s toy box. The traditional, nostalgic aspect of the wooden toy is one that Fisher-Price have retained through much of their new baby products line, which was launched in South Africa in April through Prima Baby. The alphabet blocks provide baby with hours of fun and entertainment, but essentially they are one of the most important developmental toys a child can own. Combining skills such as colour co-ordination, hand-eye co-ordination, balance and patience, most adults can even remember the joy and frustration these toys could bring as building large structures took loud tumbles or alternatively, became giant buildings to let the imagination run wild in. With 26 alphabet blocks, baby can create their own sets of patterns based on the prints thereon, assisting with logical thinking abilities, fine motor skills and logical combinations. A wonderful gift for newborns to grow into and toddlers to immerse their minds into, the alphabet block is a great gesture at baby showers and early birthdays. Alternatively, parents can just go pick up a set themselves instore now at Hamleys Toy stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.takealot.com, www.loot.co.za, ww.purplepepperz.com, www.thebabyzone.co.za & www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za

May 4, 2018

Bring meal times to life with JJ’s Animal Snackers: A friend in a bowl

Stir your child’s imagination, excite their mind and stimulate their sensory ability with JJ’s Animal Snacker bowls, now available in SA through Prima Baby. When every spoonful activates an animal sound, what baby wouldn’t want to laugh with the roar of the hippo or the meow of the cat whilst eating? The animal sounds of the snacker teaches babies to accept new ideas and interact with challenging concepts – literally with every spoonful of food! The magic spoon is activated by moving within the bowl and in turn lets out an accompanying sound that is either friendly dinosaur, cat, doggie or pig. Despite being loads of fun and laughter for child and parents, the bowls are also microwavable and dishwasher safe too. A strong suction cup keeps base secure to table or highchair to avoid spills. Try an Animal Snacker bowl today to bring some new fun to meal times. Ages: 10 months and up. Available at: Hamleys Toy Stores, selected Kids Emporium stores, www.loot.co.za, www.thebabyzone.co.za, www.purplepepperz.com, www.takealot.com& www.sosobabies.com

May 2, 2018

Tactile Defensiveness

Ben’s* mom describes her child as “temperamental and anxious”. “He doesn’t like to go anywhere without me, even getting him to school has been a challenge. “ Ben* is tactile defensive. He does not like to be hugged and cuddled, and if his mom wants to hold his hand, he will only allow her to hold onto his little finger. He is very particular about the clothes that he wears, and will not tolerate having his nails cut. He hates getting dirty and will not play with glue or paints. He is an extremely fussy eater and is limited to very bland foods with certain textures. He gets very stressed in busy environments, and is happiest playing on his own. Tactile defensiveness is the tendency to react negatively and emotionally to touch sensations that other people may hardly feel or notice. It’s a result of poor processing of this type of sensation and thus the brain is over-sensitive to touch and views many typical touch sensations as being harmful thus resulting in the flight-fright-fight response. Signs to look out for: Dislikes having face or hair washed. Dislikes having teeth cleaned and resists tooth-brushing. Overly distressed when having hair/ finger-nails/ toe-nails cut. Dislikes being touched and pulls away from hugs and cuddles. Displays negative reactions to certain types of clothing. Dislikes putting hands in sand, paint, play-dough etc. Avoids going barefoot – especially on sand or grass. Seems overly fussy about the temperature or texture of food. If your child has more than two or three of these signs, it may be helpful to consult an Occupational Therapist trained in Sensory Integration, to see if your child presents with Tactile Defensiveness. Tips on stimulating the tactile system: Provide your baby with lots of touch input – swaddling with a blanket; cuddles, kisses, tickles and massage. Let your toddler crawl over different textures – grass, sand, carpets, floors, cushions, blankets etc. Let them play outside without their clothes and shoes so that they can experience the feel of different textures on their skin. Engage in creative tactile tasks like finger painting, paper-mache, using glue, playing with glitter, modelling with clay or dough or using tissue paper. Hide objects to be found in bowls of jelly, rice, pasta, sand or shaving cream. Allow your child to help with baking and cooking i.e. kneading bread dough or handling soggy spaghetti. Play dress up games where your child can feel different textures of clothes on their skin, clips in their hair, jewellery etc. Most importantly allow your child to get dirty and messy and to enjoy the freedom and joy that comes from exploring new sensations of touch, texture and temperature. This will allow their sensory system to learn to process this information in a way that is healthy and optimises their response to touch!

May 2, 2018

Quality Nutritional Supplements: A Benefit for pregnant moms

Expectant moms want the best for their babies but often feel overwhelmed by the information they receive on what is and isn’t good for them and their baby, which is often contradictory. Getting the right nutrients during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding, can help to ensure the best health outcomes for you and your baby, so it is important to be able to differentiate between facts and myths. Diet1 and appropriate nutritional supplementation2 play an important role in a healthy outcome for both mom and baby. Research has shown that conditions like excessive weight gain1,3,undernutrition caused by nutrient deficiencies2, and gestational diabetes4 during pregnancy can have a negative and lifelong impact on mom and baby.3,4 Abby Courtenay, a registered consulting dietician from Nutritional Solutions, provides tips below on how nutritional supplementation can help you have a happy and healthy pregnancy: When should you supplement your diet? If you suffer from loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, supplementing your diet will help you reach your calorie and/ or nutrients goals. If you are not consuming enough calories, not gaining any or enough weight or carrying a high-risk pregnancy, a nutritional supplement may help to bridge any nutritional gaps.5 Nutritional supplements which are formulated to contain a variety of nutrients, can be used as a great on-the-go option for busy moms who don’t have the time to prepare healthy snacks. These nutrients include a combination of carbohydrates, proteins and fats which will assist to lower your glycaemic response6, ensuring that you have sustained energy throughout the day; as well as a host of micronutrients to support a healthy pregnancy. It is important for you to look after yourself during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding your baby – a happy, healthy mom ensures a happy, healthy baby Similac® Mom provides an easy and convenient nutritional solution for expectant moms as well as for breastfeeding moms. Similac®Mom is available at all major pharmacy groups and selected retail outlets and via online shopping. References and notes: Source: https://nutrition.abbott/za Muktabhant B, Lawrie TA, Lumbiganon P, Laopaiboon M. Diet or exercise, or both, for preventing excessive weight gain in pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2015, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD007145. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007145.pub3. Haider BA, Bhutta ZA. Multiple-micronutrient supplementation for women during pregnancy. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD004905. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD004905.pub5. Nutrition Working Group, O’Connor DL, Blake J, Bell R, Bowen A, Callum J, Fenton S, Gray-Donald K, et al. Canadian consensus on female nutrition: adolescence, reproduction, menopause, and beyond. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2016 Jun;38(6):508-54.e18. Abstract available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27368135 De-Regil LM, Fernandez-Gaxiola AC, Dowswell T, Pena-Rosas JP. Effects and safety of periconceptional folate supplementation for preventing birth defects. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2010 Oct 6;(10): CD007950. Abstract available from: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20927767 Nutrition Working Group, O’Connor DL, Blake J, Bell R, Bowen A, Callum J, Fenton S, Gray-Donald K, et al. Canadian consensus on female nutrition: adolescence, reproduction, menopause, and beyond. J Obstet Gynaecol Can. 2016 Jun;38(6):508-54.e18. Abstract available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27368135 Augustin LS, Franceschi S, Jenkins DJ, Kendall CW, La Vecchia C. Glycemic index in chronic disease: a review. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2002 Nov [cited 2013 Jul 6];56(11):1049-71. Abstract available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12428171

May 1, 2018

The role that father’s play in birth and beyond

We’re pregnant – words that may be met with surprise, anxiety or even unwavering joy from expectant dads. From that moment on, a father’s life changes forever, as the countdown to the arrival of the little one looms. Alan Hosking, author of the book, What Nobody Tells a New Father, agrees with this sentiment, and according to him, “Parenting is like a chronic disease. Once you’ve got it, you’ve got it for life, and you’ve got to learn to manage it”. While a large part of the birth journey, and process, is more focused towards the mother, it is also highly important that fathers are just as involved in the process. This can’t be emphasised enough given that research* indicates that children who grow up in ‘absent father’ homes show increased risk of poverty, abuse and teenage pregnancy. This truly reiterates the role that fathers play in the lives of their children – where the birth journey is just the beginning. Here are a few waysthat expectant fathers can mentally prepare themselves for the journey that lies ahead: Start the conversation between yourself and your partner – what do you think it means to be a dad? This is the most important thing a man can do to prepare for becoming a father. Physical affection, sitting down together and talking – this is needed to validate your partner and meet each other’s needs. Pregnancy can also be an uncomfortable experience for fathers and your emotional experiences can sometimes be denied. Try to express your feelings and allow your partner to listen and react to them. Learn to apologise and get rid of the emotional baggage between you and your partner before the birth, because a positive relationship between mom and dad is one of the most important factors of creating a positive birth experience and assisting healthy postnatal adjustment. Fathers play a very significant role in a child’s development and in their security. Some of these traits may come naturally and others you may need to work towards – let’s take a look: Fathers are often known to adopt a ‘tough love’ approach when playing with young children, which can sometimes result in the mother stepping in to protect her ‘little cub’. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as this helps children to build trust and courage. They say that parents are a child’s first teacher, and this couldn’t be truer when teaching your child interpersonal communication skills, as these are key in almost every aspect of life. Therefore, adopt healthy communication skills with mom, and in doing so, you are able to indirectly teach your little one how to communicate effectively. Much has been said about the importance of teaching children essential money skills from an early age, as these are skills that they are able to carry through to adulthood. As a father, you also play a role in educating your child about the value of money from as early on as possible. Over and above this, security in the form of long-term financial provision is another responsibility that you have as a father. By being proactive, and starting now, you have a say and are able influence your children’s financial future to ensure that it is secure – even when you are no longer around. Sure, parenting can be overwhelming, and a role that nothing can fully prepare you for. However, as a father, it’s important to recognise that each parent plays a different role, and brings different things to parenthood. So, work towards playing on each other’s strengths and balancing this against your weaknesses, and use these to complement each other for the greater goal – your child’s long-term development and future. * https://www.fatherhood.org/fatherhood/how-to-involve-dad-during-after-moms-pregnancy

April 30, 2018

7 Signs baby is ready for solids

Starting solids is a huge milestone for baby and for parents. Very often parents are keen to start as soon as possible. Signs Baby is Ready for Solids Check these signs baby is ready for solids before giving baby his or her first foods: Baby can hold head up well unsupported Baby sits well when supported Makes chewing motions when you eat Baby is curious when you eat (tries to grab food) Baby has doubled birth weight Baby has good coordination Loss of tongue-thrust reflex (for about the first 4 months the tongue-thrust reflex protects baby from choking) It is best to wait until baby is 6 months or older to start solids.

April 20, 2018

HOW DOES PLAY PROMOTE HEALTHY SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Play is a child’s language, his work, his relaxation and the way he builds relationships. Forming a healthy relationship with parents help children to feel secure. This sets the stage for a child’s social and emotional development for the rest of his life. Social development is how we interact with others, the ability to form secure relationships. Emotional development is the ability to regulate and express our emotions. Strong social-emotional development is the basis for all later social, emotional and academic success. According to the National Academy of Sciences there are three qualities children need to have to be ready for school. Intellectual skills, motivation to learn and strong social and emotional capacity. How do we as parents create the opportunities needed to develop these skills? It is simple, children need to play. Children use play to release emotions, work through feelings and understand their world better by play-acting in situations they can control. The give and take patterns of play allow children the opportunity to practice the skills necessary for healthy emotional development. Here are some practical ways to help: Suggest ways for children to interact and play together. If you see a child struggling to build a tower, suggest that one helps by holding it while other one builds. Help children learn to take turns, or share what they have. “Ethan wants to play too but he has no play-dough. Let’s give him some of ours so we can all play together.” Help your child build empathy and sympathy for others. If someone got hurt let him give a hug or a special toy to help him feel better. Teach him to help someone up if they fell. Build your child’s vocabulary regarding feelings. Being able to express his feelings adequately will result in less frustration and aggression. For example, disappointment, nervous, frustrated, curious, amazed and astonished. Acknowledge your child’s feelings. Help him to talk about how he is feeling. Comfort and hold him and speak to him softly and calmly. Love your child and show affection towards him. Give him lots of hugs and cuddles. Tell him that you are proud of him. Role play and pretend play are lovely ways to teach children about feelings. Tell a story about how the bear got hurt, or how someone said something ugly to him. Explain how he is feeling and give your child a chance to explain what feelings the bear could be having because of what has happened. Let him help the bear with suggestions of how he can make him feel better.

April 19, 2018

Should I be taking aspirin while pregnant?

When you are pregnant everything that you take in your baby takes in too. This relates to the food that you eat, the drinks that you consume and of course any medications that you take. This means that you need to be very careful with the medications you take, even when it seems that they are seemingly harmless medications that you normally wouldn’t worry about at all. What Is Aspirin? Aspirin is a common, over the counter western medication that is used to treat fever, inflammation and/ or pain. It is quite the norm for most people to take aspirin to treat colds and flu, as well as many other common illnesses. Due to the fact that aspirin is such a common medication to take it can be easy to assume that it is perfectly safe to take while pregnant, however it is important to always check any medications that you want to take while you are pregnant with your doctor first. While taking a few low doses of aspirin during pregnancy may possibly have no negative, taking regular adult doses of aspiring while you are pregnant can causes problems for your baby, as well as for you. For this reason it is probably best to avoid taking aspirin altogether while pregnant unless prescribed by your doctor. It is also not recommended to take aspirin while breastfeeding. Taking aspirin during pregnancy can cause the following problems: Increase of miscarriage if aspirin is consumed around the time of conception and during early pregnancy. You are at higher risk of placental abruption (which is when part of the placenta separates from womb) if you take aspirin throughout your pregnancy. Your baby’s growth could be affected by taking aspirin regularly during pregnancy. Taking aspirin late in your pregnancy means that there is a chance that your labor could be delayed and it could increase the risk of your baby developing heart and lung problems after birth. Taking aspirin could also cause problems with bleeding complications for your baby and for you. A number of studies have shown possible links between birth defects and taking aspirin during early pregnancy, however none of these studies are conclusive – most of your baby’s development takes place in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy so it is best to avoid aspirin during this time. If you take standard doses of aspirin after 30 weeks pregnant it can result in the ductus arteriosus closing while your baby is still in the womb. The ductus arteriosus is a blood vessel that needs to stay open to supply the baby in the womb with oxygen and nutrients from the mother. If there is premature closure of the ductus arteriosus then your baby may need to be delivered early. Use of NSAID’s (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, including aspirin) during pregnancy after 30 weeks can cause oligohydramnios which is when there is not enough amniotic fluid around the baby in the sac. How To Use Aspirin Safely While Pregnant There is no evidence to suggest that low dose aspirin has any negative effects on mother or baby during pregnancy, as long as both mommy to be and baby are healthy and not taking any other medications that may be affected by aspirin. Low dose aspirin is a total of 75 to 300 milligrams per day. In fact low dose aspirin is sometimes prescribed in these scenarios when pregnant: If you have Hughes Syndrome (antiphospholipid syndrome or APS), which means you are more prone to blood clots developing which in turn can lead to miscarriage. Taking low doses of aspiring along with the medication heparin will help to prevent blood clots from forming and reduce the chances of miscarriage occurring. If you have a high chance of developing pre-eclampsia due to having diabetes, having had pre-eclampsia before or if you have high blood pressure. If you have taken standard dose aspirin (325mg up to 4g per day) after you are 30 weeks pregnant you should inform your doctor immediately so that your doctor can assess your baby’s well being and you may need extra scans as well as monitoring. Check all the medications you take while you are pregnant, lots of over the counter medications such as Med-Lemon has aspirin listed in its ingredients. If you are pregnant the best is always to look for natural remedies for colds and flu, or alternatively ask your doctor to recommend medication that is safe for you and your baby.

April 19, 2018

10 Fantastic things about being pregnant

For those who are well on their way to bearing a child, I’m sure you feel the happiness and can’t wait for your bundle of joy to arrive in the world! After all, that’s the point of starting a family, isn’t it? But with all these amazing things happening, there will be a bit of discomfort along the way. Yes, like what many mothers experience, there are painful pregnancy symptoms besides labor pain and contractions. While you are pregnant, you may feel nauseous, have weird cravings, or even experience a lot of mood swings along the way! Because of these symptoms, you’re afraid to experience pregnancy or feel nervous about it when in your first few weeks! It can get daunting, but as time wears on, you will realize that there are so many good things about pregnancy that outweigh the bad. Carrying your child doesn’t only mean that you have a new addition to your family, but that you will also experience so many amazing moments that have you feeling like you’re living miracles here! For starters, you’ll always be a priority and skip lines, staying in lounges or having all your loved ones focus on you and your comfort. Who doesn’t want all that extra attention and making people feel a bit of joy as you carry your child? You’ll also feel that overflowing joy and love as you hear your baby’s heartbeat and feel his first kicks. And that’s just the beginning! You see, there are so many things to be thankful for when you are pregnant, and it outweighs those uncomfortable symptoms you’ll feel along the way. Yes, there will be and times and you will feel down, but don’t let that ruin the whole experience! You will surely have an amazing time as long as you remind yourself why it feels great to be pregnant and the things you will experience along the way. That is why I made this infographic, to remind you why there are so many amazing things about being pregnant! So read up and enjoy the little moments. About The Author Hey guys, my name is Naser and I am a BSc Life Sciences student and fitness freak. I write about health, fitness and other remedies on my blogs. I am usually at the gym or strolling in the woods the time I am offline. Let’s connect.

April 13, 2018

11 Things to expect postpartum

Pregnancy is an amazing journey and towards the end moms to be start preparing for their labor and birth, as well as the exciting prospect of meeting their new baby. The baby nursery will be prepared and hospital bags packed and ready. Then once baby has arrived the new mommy will be spending her days caring for her new baby, breastfeeding and bonding. Another important thing to remember and focus on is that the first six weeks after birth is considered a recovery period. Some moms will recover faster and other moms may take longer. How you give birth will also play a role in your recovery period, your symptoms and how you will need to look after yourself. Here are some tips for recovering after birth: Postpartum Bleeding Postpartum bleeding is known as lochia. You can expect to bleed anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 weeks after birth. Postpartum bleeding is heavier than a normal period. Your bleeding will be heaviest for the first 3 to 10 days after birth and then it should get lighter. Postpartum bleeding is made up of blood, mucus and uterus tissue. Your bleeding will turn from red to pink to brown and finally to yellow-ish white. You will need to stock up on maternity pads which are much more heavy duty than normal sanitary pads. Keep in mind that you should not use tampons for the first 6 weeks after birth – tampons could lead to bacteria in your uterus during this time. Consider buying some disposable maternity panties for use in the hospital and while you are bleeding heavily at home. You will undoubtedly leak through your maternity pads at some stage and ruin your panties. Having these stretchy disposable panties means firstly that you are comfortable but also that you needn’t worry about stains and extra washing during this time. If you get large blood clots in your bleeding or your bleeding is excessively heavy so that you are bleeding through a pad in an hour or less contact your doctor immediately as this could postpartum hemorrhage. After Your C-section When you have a c-section you won’t be mobile on the day of the birth. You will receive a epidural which means your lower body is numb and you will have a catheter which will be removed the morning after your c-section. While you won’t be able to move around fast or far in the beginning it is important that you start moving around as soon as possible after your catheter has been removed. This will help your body functions to start working (especially your bowels). It will also help to lower the chances of any post-operation complications like blood clots in your legs. Many women experience gas and bloating after their c-section which may be uncomfortable and even painful. You will need to keep your c-section wound clean and dry for the first 10 days – you will probably have a waterproof bandage on it so you can shower. When you go for a checkup after birth your doctor will remove the bandage and check your scar to see if it is healing properly. Once the bandage is off clean your scar daily and pat it dry afterwards. Check with your doctor whether he advises you leave your scar open or keep it covered. Your c-section scar will be incredibly sore the first few days and stay tender for a long time after the operation. Your doctor will prescribe you anti-inflammatory medication as well as pain medication to help you manage the pain. Using a postpartum girdle after a c-section (or even after natural birth too) comes with many benefits, including providing your stomach with support which will help with easing the pain. You can read more about postpartum girdles here. It is important not to do any lifting after your c-section other than when you need to pick up your baby of course. Refrain from lifting anything other than your baby for the first 6 weeks to give yourself a chance to heal. After Natural Birth Giving birth naturally usually means a quicker and easier recovery than giving birth via c-section, however parts of your body will have taken a bashing. Make sure to look after your perineum (the area between your anus and vagina) properly. For the first 24 hours after birth ice your perineum. Keep a spray bottle handy and fill it with warm water when you need to urinate. Give your vaginal area and perineum a squirt of warm water before and after urinating. This will keep the urine from irritating any torn skin. Your perineum may have torn during birth requiring stitches or your doctor may have performed an episiotomy (a surgical cut to the perineum) to widen you vagina during an assisted birth, if your baby is in distress or to prevent your perineum from tearing. Your body may also be achy and sore from pushing. Your doctor may prescribe pain medication and you can also take a hot shower or use heating pads to ease the aching. Your Uterus and Tummy Your stomach will take a while to get back to its normal size, so don’t expect a flat stomach after birth. You may even still look pregnant for a while. It will take some time for your uterus to contract back to its normal size. You can also expect some cramping as your uterus contracts. Breastfeeding your baby will help your uterus to contract so you can expect to feel cramps when you breastfeed. It may take a few weeks to a couple of months for your tummy to start looking normal again. You can expect to have some stretch marks and if you have had a c-section you will have a scar. You can look into ways to reduce your stretch marks, but also remember that your stretch marks are a sign that you have brought life into this world. Caring For Your Breasts Whether you are breastfeeding or

April 11, 2018

The end of day naps

Much to my horror my 3 year old daughter recently declared that she does not have day naps any more. I have tried my best to change her mind and for a good few weeks still attempted to get her to sleep but it has become clear that no matter what I try this girl has made up her mind. We have battled and once again I have lost! As much as I love my daughter I loved the short break during the afternoon when I can relax a bit, she is incredibly busy and always demands a huge amount of attention from me which can be incredibly tiring. As with any change in routine and new milestones this time is exceptionally tough. I thought the change from 2 day naps to 1 day nap was hard, this is much worse. By 3pm in the afternoon she is tired and gets progressively more difficult as the day goes on. It is hard to try and discipline her in any constructive way as she is overtired: self-control has gone out the window. She cannot listen, she gets rude and cheeky and rough. It is like trying to deal with a person drunk or high on drugs! I need to be patient and remember that she is just a little person, that is tired and going through a major change in her life. At times this is almost impossible as it feels like my child was stolen and a gremlin put in her place! The last few days have been slightly better, but to be honest I don’t think it has anything to do with her, it all comes down to the decision I made recently to stay calm, not get upset and to be more loving towards my child no matter what she does. What age did your child stop sleeping during the day?

April 11, 2018

10 Reasons why colouring pages are healthy for your child’s development

Coloring pages is an awesome and fun activity for children, as well as for adults. Coloring in may seem like it is all fun and games but the truth is that coloring pages provides many benefits for healthy development for kids. This makes coloring pages an important part of your child’s development and education. If you are looking for some reasons to encourage your child to spend some time coloring pages look no further. **Disclosure – this post is sponsored by Top Coloring Pages. However the opinions expressed in this post are all my own.** Here are 10 reasons why coloring pages are vital for your child’s healthy development: Improves Hand Eye Coordination Hand eye coordination refers to your child’s ability to guide his or her hand guided by vision. It is so important for a child to develop good hand eye coordination skills and what better way to go about it than coloring pages? Your child will need to learn how to hold the pencil, how to sharpen the pencil and how to color in the lines. Improves Concentration Now I don’t know what your children are like but mine are like Gummi Bears… on speed. My daughter is all over the place – except when she is absorbed with coloring pages and drawing. She can sit for hours at a time with her pencils. Coloring pages teaches children to focus and concentrate on the task at hand which is going to be a very important skill needed for their years at school! Improves Handwriting Skills Long before your child starts writing or even drawing your child will start coloring in. The skills they need for coloring in are going to be the start of your child writing. Your child will need hand strength to start writing and to be able to hold the pencil correctly, as well as the hand eye coordination mentioned above. Improves Fine Motor Skills Fine motor skills are the small movements that your child makes such as picking small things up between his fingers and holding a spoon. Coloring pages will help your child to develop good fine motor skills which will help your child in other areas of his or life such as mastering a knife and fork or tying shoe laces. Improves Confidence and Self Esteem Coloring pages is an excellent activity to boost your child’s confidence and self esteem. Your child will quickly improve at coloring in and every project that is completed will give your child a sense of accomplishment. Boosts Creativity Your child will use his or her imagination when choosing colors and how to go about making their coloring pages vibrant. Your child will have to think about different color combinations and play around with what they enjoy. Coloring pages gives your child an amazing way to express himself. You will find your child’s personality shining through in his coloring pages making them uniquely his. Stress Relief and Relaxation Coloring pages are incredible for stress relief for children as well as for adults. Coloring in is very meditative and calming on the mind while at the same time keeping the mind busy in a creative way. Coloring pages are just plain fun, they bring enjoyment and increase happiness. Many people, including children, can develop negative habits and coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety. Coloring pages are a great, healthy alternative to help with relieving stress and worries. Increased Knowledge Coloring pages are a fun and easy way for your child to learn new things. Your child can learn about colors, different shapes, animals, patterns and much more. You can find educational coloring pages to help your child learn about numbers, writing and many more things. You can get bible story coloring pages to help your child in bible studies and any other topic of interest that your child is learning about at the time. Boundaries and Structure Learning about boundaries is part of child development and coloring pages teaches youngsters structure with having to follow he rules of coloring in. A child must learn to color in the lines and to keep coloring in the same direction to create a neat and beautiful piece of art. School Preparation Coloring pages involves pencils and paper, just like school does. Children will be doing written work, essays and tests. Coloring pages lays down a good foundation for your child being familiar with and comfortable putting a pen to paper. The boundaries and structure that coloring provides will also help them to adjust easier to the structured work that can be expected in school. So as you can see there are loads of great reasons to get your kids coloring pages. You can even get yourself an adult coloring book and join in the fun with your kids. It will be a great for your own stress relief as well as provide a fun activity for you to bond with your children and spent some quality time with them. Let your kids have fun when they star coloring in, help them to choose coloring pages that inspire them like their favorite characters, famous people or animals they love. You can buy coloring books, or you can easily print coloring pages from the internet. Check out Top Coloring Pages for a wide variety of free coloring pages!

April 9, 2018

Preparing For Baby: What Disabled Parents Need to Know

Preparing for a new baby when you have a disability can be nerve-racking. You may be concerned about navigating feeding time or changing diapers. Toys and other baby items blocking your pathway can be problematic. And how will you navigate to your baby quickly when he cries? Must-Have Items For Every New Disabled Parent Your needs will be a little different than the needs of other parents. There are some basic standard and adaptive items you can purchase. A high-quality baby sling will make carrying baby easier. You can also buy a sling that supports breastfeeding, so you don’t tire while holding your baby. A bedside crib attaches to your bed so you can easily get to your baby with the worry of co-sleeping. Get a stroller system that works for you. Some disabled parents struggle with this. Review stroller videos on YouTube to discover where you might have problems. Check out “The Travel System: Disability Considerations” for insider tips from a disabled mom on managing these systems. How To Modify Your Home For Baby … and You Planning might be a lot more complicated. Research shows that “sophisticated planning” can help new disabled parents learn from mistakes. It may be more time-consuming than it would be for a non-disabled parent, so start working on it right away. Walk through your home as if you have a baby to get an idea of what areas might be difficult. Use your sling filled with weight to mimic carrying your child. Here are some cost-effective safety changes you can make right away: Install grab bars in tubs and showers to help you while bathing your children. Remove anything that might make you trip, clearing areas that you’ll frequently tread after your child’s arrival. Use non-slip rugs and mats for safety. If you are visually impaired, label children’s food items with textured tape or use Braille labels for meal preparation. Test out baby gear with another person to ensure its safety for both you and your child. For example, a baby swing can be hazardous around a wheelchair. A stroller might be difficult to navigate over bumps, gaps, elevators, etc. If you have the budget, you can consider large-scale renovations including widening doorways. Other Considerations There are other things that you might need to consider to welcome baby’s arrival. For example, if you own a service dog, you will need to retrain your dog. A baby may not be a good fit for his background and breed. Ask your dog’s trainer for help with this issue. If you have a traditional dog or get trainer approval, learn about “Preparing Your Dog For Your Baby.” Be creative with things like messes to make it easier for you to tidy up. You might want to designate a small area for baby to play in that you can easily clean it up. You can keep the baby on hardwood floors using a baby mat to wrap toys. This will protect carpets from spit up and diaper disasters. More Resources to Help You Here are some additional resources to help you get started on your journey to parenthood: Parents.com has an entire section dedicated to everything you need to know about babyproofing your home. You can also hire an expert to childproof your home. They may even be able to get products for you that you can’t find. Check out this article from Baby Center to learn what a child-proofing expert can do for you. Visit DisabledParenting.com’s product reviews to learn what products you should be looking for. Plan as far in advance as you can to navigate the challenges you will face so that you can welcome your baby home with a smile. Photo credit Unsplash

April 6, 2018

The power of skin-to-skin

During pregnancy, babies are as close to their moms as they can be – getting the warmth, food, protection and oxygen that they need from their mother’s body. Then, labour occurs, and babies suddenly find themselves without immediate access to those essential needs. It is not surprising that study after study has shown a host of benefits for babies who experience skin-to-skin care (sometimes called ‘kangaroo care’) with their mothers. When babies are held against their mother’s skin, it is the closest they can get to being back in the warmth and security of the womb. Huggies® expert and Childbirth educator, Lynne Bluff, sheds some light on the benefits of skin-to-skin. While most of the early research on skin-to-skin care is focused on the benefits of skin-to-skin care during the first hour or two after birth (often referred to as the “magical hour”), more recent studies show that skin-to-skin care boosts health well beyond the new-born’s first days. The power of touch is good for your baby – and good for you too. Whenever possible, mothers and babies should be in direct contact immediately after birth. When left uninterrupted the baby will pass through the nine instinctive stages where baby will move himself to the breast, find the nipple area, latch on and suckle all on his own – this is instinctive to a baby and will lead to more successful long-term breastfeeding. Long-term skin to skin can be done by mom or dad, when baby has on a nappy to prevent both of them being covered with wee and poo, but the rest of the baby is in the nude lying in direct contact with the bare chest of mom or dad and then covered with a shirt that ties the baby to mom or dad to keep them secure and in place while they can carry on the daily chores with baby attached to them. Huggies® Gold has a New Baby range which offers Huggies® Gold size 0, disposable nappy (for babies up to 4kg in weight) specifically designed for new-borns’ comfort and gentle skin protection. This nappy has special features that include an umbilical cord cut-out to allow for easier cleaning and protection of this delicate area, a wetness indicator that changes from yellow to green when the nappy is wet, fasten anywhere outer tabs to help provide the perfect fit; cottony soft breathable materials and a triple absorbent core with a quilted liner for optimal absorption and skin protection For skin-to-skin mom can also then wrap a shirt around the baby and her together keeping the baby in an upright position between her breasts. If the mother is unable to provide skin-to-skin care, due to labour or birth complications, then dad can step in. Within minutes, you will see the benefits of skin-to-skin care become evident as both mother and baby relax. The baby’s body temperature, breathing, and heart rate stabilize. Here are the five leading benefits of skin-to-skin care: Improvement in heart and lung function Babies go through a dramatic transition after birth as they prepare to take their first breaths of air outside the uterus. Those that experience skin-to-skin tend to adapt sooner than those who don’t. They also tend to have heart and breathing rates that are both more normal and stable. This benefit holds true with premature infants as well as those born full-term. Perhaps the mother’s heart sounds and breathing patterns are familiar to the baby after spending time in the womb. Stabilization of body temperature During pregnancy, a mother maintains her baby’s temperature by sweating when hot and shivering and moving around when cold. After birth, babies have yet to acquire that same ability, so they can’t adjust their own body temperature. In fact, when it comes to keeping a vulnerable new-born warm, a mother’s body is better than an artificial warmer. A mother who has just given birth has a chest temperature that is one degree warmer than normal and has the ability to raise itself by another 2 degrees or lower it by a degree in response to the temperature of her baby on her chest – this regulation occurs automatically by the mother’s body in response to her baby’s temperature. Transfer of good bacteria Babies get exposed to their mother’s bacteria through skin-to-skin contact after birth. Early exposure helps babies develop a range of healthy bacteria. Skin-to-skin contact also supports early breastfeeding. Some of the complex sugars in human milk are indigestible in new-borns, but they boost digestive function, and provide protection from harmful bacteria (pathogens). Experts believe these good bacteria may protect against allergic disease. Reduction in crying Studies show that babies who are held skin-to-skin, cry less than those separated from their mothers. Some refer to a new-born’s cry as a “separation distress call”. During the new-born period, most babies cease crying once reunited with their mothers. Mom and baby should not be separated at birth and should stay skin to skin as much as possible both day and night Relief from pain Studies of babies experiencing clinical procedures show that babies experience less pain when held skin-to-skin during (or even immediately following) the procedure and that the duration of the pain is shortened by the close contact. Skin-to-skin contact is also more beneficial than oral glucose (sugar water, a traditional solution) in relieving pain during a heel stick for blood sampling. The longer skin-to-skin lasts the better relief of pain symptoms. Enhancement of mom-baby communication The time after a baby’s birth provides an opportunity for parents to learn about their baby’s behaviour – signs of hunger, fullness, discomfort, and so on. Having the baby in close skin-to-skin contact helps to ensure that the mother will learn her baby’s signals sooner, improving communication, boosting maternal confidence as well as helping babies develop a sense of trust and security. Skin-to-skin care is a simple, easy method of caring for new-born babies. Hold your baby close and continue to greet your baby with a hug throughout

April 5, 2018

Vitamin B12 deficiency: A silent epidemic with serious consequences

Vitamin B12 deficiency isn’t a bizarre, mysterious disease. It’s written about in every medical textbook and its causes and effects are well-established in the scientific literature. However, B12 deficiency is far more common than most health care practitioners and the general public realise. Research suggests that 40 percent of people between the ages of 26 and 83 years have vitamin B12 levels in the low normal range – a range at which many individuals experience neurological symptoms. Symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency are easily mistaken for signs of other ailments. If you’re feeling more anxious, tired, or worn out than usual, a B12 deficiency may be to blame. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be sneaky and harmful, so keep reading for some insight. WHAT DOES VITAMIN B12 DO? Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and is also the only B vitamin that is almost exclusively found in animal foods. The human body needs vitamin B12 (together with folate) to make red blood cells, DNA and help promote healthy function of nerves. In addition, B12 is one of the vitamins responsible for a well-functioning metabolism and robust energy levels. Like most vitamins, B12 can’t be made by the body. Instead, it must be gotten from food or supplements. And therein lies the problem: Some people don’t consume enough vitamin B12 to meet their needs, while others can’t absorb enough, no matter how much they take in. The absorption of B12 is also complex and involves several steps – each of which can go wrong. As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common. WHO IS AT RISK FOR B12 DEFICIENCY? There are many causes for vitamin B12 deficiency. In general, the following groups are at greatest risk for a deficiency: Vegetarians and vegans Because B12 is not generally found in plant-based foods, vegetarians are at risk for B12 deficiencies. This explains why studies consistently demonstrate that up to 50% of long-term vegetarians and 80% of vegans are deficient in B12. People aged 60 or over The condition is more likely to occur in older people due to the cutback in stomach acid production that often occurs with ageing, making it harder to absorb this vitamin. It has been estimated to affect about 40% of people over 60 years of age. It’s entirely possible that at least some of the symptoms we attribute to “normal” ageing – such as memory loss, cognitive decline, decreased mobility, etc. – are at least in part caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency. People who regularly use PPIs or acid suppressing drugs If you take proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) e.g. omeprazole (antacid or heartburn drugs) you may be at risk for B12 deficiency. These drugs reduce acid production in the stomach and acid is needed to absorb vitamin B12. Medical conditions Conditions that interfere with food absorption, such Coeliac or Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), bacterial overgrowth (intestinal dysbiosis), atrophic gastritis (thinning of stomach lining) or gut inflammation, pernicious anaemia (an autoimmune condition where the body destroys intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of B12) can cause B12 trouble. Certain medications Use of some commonly prescribed drugs such as metformin (insulin resistance and diabetes), or anti-seizure medications such as phenytoin may cause a B12 deficiency. Heavy drinkers or alcoholism Drinking alcohol, even in moderation (more than one alcoholic drink a day), can have profound effects on the way your body absorbs vitamin B-12. Genetic variations Common genetic variations may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, and subsequently levels of the vitamin in the blood. Weight loss surgery People who have stomach stapling or other forms of weight-loss surgery are also more likely to be low in vitamin B12 because the operation interferes with the body’s ability to extract vitamin B12 from food. SYMPTOMS OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY Vitamin B12 deficiency can be slow to develop, causing symptoms to appear gradually and intensify over time. It can also come on relatively quickly. A vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in four stages. Stage 1 – beginning with declining blood levels of the vitamin Stage 2 – progressing to low B12 levels within the body’s cells Stage 3 – increased blood level of homocysteine and reduced ability to repair and produce DNA Stage 4 – finally, macrocytic anaemia Anemia A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause anaemia (low red blood cell production). Red blood cells carry oxygen all over the body. When the body does not produce enough red blood cells, the amount of available oxygen in the body, decreases as well. B12-related anaemia can cause many other issues, including: Extreme Fatigue: It’s normal to get tired during the day if you didn’t sleep well the night before, just ate a large meal, or completed strenuous exercise. But it isn’t normal to experience an overwhelming fatigue that doesn’t go away with rest. Muscle Weakness: You might experience soreness after a hard workout for a day or two, but if your muscles feel like you just ran a marathon after a simple activity like brushing your hair, you may be anaemic. Heart Palpitations: Feel a flutter in your chest? You could be experiencing heart palpitations due to decreased oxygen circulation. Breathlessness: Breathlessness is normal after activity, but if you find yourself short of breath during rest, it’s an indicator that something’s not right. Just like heart palpitations, anaemia can cause breathlessness due to a lack of oxygen in the blood. Pale Skin: Red blood cells are responsible for the rosy colour in our cheeks. When red blood cell production decreases—as it does in anaemic individuals—the skin becomes pale and colourless. Pins-and-Needles Sensation You know the pins-and-needles sensation you often get when your foot falls asleep? This sensation is called peripheral neuropathy and can be linked to nerve damage caused by a B12 deficiency. According to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, a B12 deficiency damages the sheath that surrounds and protects nerves, resulting in an unpleasant and sometimes painful tingling sensation. Other diseases such as diabetes can

April 5, 2018

Teaching table manners

Teaching table manners is something vital in my home. I’m not a mom that has loads of rules and I am quite flexible with a lot of things, but one thing that was enforced by my mother in my childhood was sitting down at the table as a family for every meal. We used to beg her all the time to sit in front of the tv with our plates on our lap. The odd times she did allow this is was a great treat! Looking back I realise that at the time I thought it was a stupid rule: to always sit as a family at the table for supper. There were times when we all sat at the table stony faced and angry because of a family tiff (either between siblings or with my mom), nobody speaking and death looks being passed around. Strange how things turned around when I first became a mom! I now look back at this simple rule and remember the wonderful family meals we had, especially when we got older and everyone was off on their own daily missions but at the end of the day we all came together for that one meal, to connect. I thank my mom for having the wisdom to do something so simple for us as a family. When my daughter was born I told my husband that it is very important to me that we get a table and sit for dinner together which he thought was strange. He was not very impressed either when I told him that part of this family dinner rule is that the tv is turned off as we have an open plan house! Not only does it bring the family together, it is also a very good opportunity to teach my children basic manners. It is also the start of teaching my children the importance of helping around the house and doing their bit. Here are the basic rules we follow: Wash hands before coming to the table. My 3 year old is responsible for setting the table. No toys at the table. No phones, iPads, laptops, books at the table. No throwing or grabbing of food. No banging utensils. No spitting food out. Stay seated at the table for the entire meal. No yelling or loud noises at the table. Asking to be excused from the table. Using the words “please” and “thank you”. Saying thank you for the meal. My 3 year old and I clear the table at the end of every meal. If you are religious it is a great opportunity to say grace together with your family before your meal. What do you do for family meal times?

March 29, 2018

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