Toddler - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Ready, Set, Go! Top Tips and Tricks to Starting Solids with Your Baby

Your baby is nearing six months and excitement starts to mount as you prepare to introduce solids for the first time. This is often called first-foods (weaning) or complementary feeding, implying that foods complement milk at this stage of the weaning journey, instead of replacing it entirely. Even though milk alone may not meet your baby’s nutritional needs anymore, it is still an important source of nutrients and minerals essential for healthy growth and this means that you will still offer baby milk when you first start with solid foods. Ready… The best food to start with is one that is culturally acceptable and familiar to the family. Traditionally, this may be a soft porridge like rice porridge or maize porridge, but other options may be single flavours like puréed sweet potato, or butternut, carrots, apples, pears, pawpaw, or peaches. Regardless of the food you choose, prepare it with breast milk (or formula) to help your baby recognise a flavour that they have been used to for the past 6 months. Offer this food for three days before moving on to another food or changing the flavour in the food. For example, if your baby likes pumpkin, mix with pureed apple or a sprinkle of cinnamon next time as you can mix foods together from early on. It is good practice to continually offer baby’s tastebuds new flavours and taste dimensions as you progress on your solids journey. There is no evidence that babies will not like veggies if they have already had naturally sweeter fruit. It is also suggested that you try a food that is not an allergen for now, avoiding for example a wheat-based cereal (gluten), yoghurt (cow’s milk) or egg at first. For a convenient way to get your baby to try its first foods, why not try Squish 100% fruit and veg purees? Squish offers a range of 100% fruit and veg purees and pressed 100% fruit and veg juices. The convenient pouches are well-loved amongst mommies and are perfect for babies from the first introduction of solids, right through the weaning process – from babies to toddlers and beyond. Squish 100% fruit and veg puree and juice flavours give parents a broader range of taste options for even the fussiest of eaters, right from the first introduction of solids through to a full meal, or tasty snack. Set… Time to stock up on baby-friendly spoons, bowls, and bibs. Think about where you want to feed your baby. Choose an appropriate feeding space, one that will help promote sensory stimulation and the social aspect of mealtimes. Remember, meals do not need to be limited to the feeding chair and you can feed your baby on the lap. Meals also do not need to be limited to the kitchen or dining room. When age appropriate, sit on the floor with a blanket or outside under the trees on a warm day. Regardless, it is important to ensure however that your baby is always well supported and sitting upright when being fed. Invest in different sized bowls with fun colours (silicon cups work great) and a fun mini cooler bag for when you’re out and about. Squish 100% fruit and purees and pressed juices offer convenient meal solutions whether at home, on the go, right from the start of the weaning journey. And because Squish purees are free from preservatives, flavourants, colourants, you can rest assured you are offering your baby a meal that is pretty much the same as making it yourself. Go! It’s go time which means it’s time to choose the right time of day, ideally when both you and your baby are calm, relaxed, and not in a rush. This may be the weekend for working parents, or a weekday for stay-at-home moms. You may also want to include other family members for this memorable milestone. The best time of the day to start offering solids to your baby is when your baby is most alert and awake, and in a happy mood. This may be after waking from a midmorning nap and between milk feeds so that your baby is not too tired, too hungry, or too full. During the beginning stages, do not worry too much about the formality of mealtimes as we know it, like offering cereal for breakfast at 8am or a vegetable with lunch at 1pm. Follow your baby’s lead and enjoy these special first moments watching your baby’s taste buds get excited about solid food. You can then start to add other tastes and eventually other textures when your baby is ready, and Squish 100% fruit and veg purees offer a meal solution for every occasion.

July 6, 2021

The Tell-Tale Signs That Your Baby is Ready for Solids

The first bath. The first sleepover at granny. The first giggle. And now, the first taste of solid food. Initially babies only need milk (breast or formula) but as your baby grows the more proteins and minerals as well as thicker textures are needed, which is why the introduction of solid foods is crucial in baby’s development. Starting solids is an exciting milestone for the family but can also bring about some distress as to when to start. The World Health Organisation, supported by the South African Department of Health, encourages that babies start solid food from 6 months. This is an optimal time when your baby’s gut and kidneys are physiologically mature enough to handle solid food. Another reason is that your baby is born with only enough iron and certain other mineral stores to last about 6 months, after which your baby will need to start getting iron and other necessary minerals from food. Your baby will also start to show physical and developmental signs that they are ready to start eating solid food. Baby will sit without support and can hold their head steady. Baby will watch as you or a family member moves food to your mouth. Baby may try to grab your food and put it in its mouth. Baby will instinctively open the mouth when a spoon approaches. Baby may start to wake up more frequently for night feeds than before, indicating hunger. If your toddler starts to show these signs, in addition to the age consideration, it may be time to consider introducing solids. During this time it is important to continue to offer your baby milk. It is a good idea for the first solid meal to be offered during the day after a mid-morning nap and milk feed and when your baby is not too tired or too hungry. Your baby needs to be in top form to learn this new skill and to start its first food journey. It is always a better time to start when your baby is happy, healthy, and well, and not when ill, has a fever or any rashes. For a convenient way to get your baby to try its first foods, why not try Squish 100% fruit and veg purees, perfect for babies from the first introduction of solids, right through the weaning process – from babies to toddlers and beyond. Squish convenient puree pouches are well-loved amongst mommies and provide delicious tasting convenience, whether at home or on the go. Even better is that Squish purees are preservative free, colourant free and flavourant free with no added starch. Squish 100% fruit and veg puree and Squish 100% fruit and veg pressed juices flavours give parents a broader range of taste options for even the fussiest of eaters, right from the first introduction of solids through to a full meal, or tasty snack. For individualised professional advice for premature babies or any health or nutritional concerns, contact a healthcare professional such as a registered dietitian, paediatrician, or paediatric nurse. Brought to you by Squish 100% fruit and veg puree meals for babies, toddlers and beyond

July 2, 2021

Play Sense launches winter holiday program for pre-schoolers

South Africa has a long winter school holiday over July, when the harshest, cold weather is usually at its peak. With SA’s third wave of the pandemic on the rise and more lockdown restrictions, families are mostly planning to batten down the hatches at home. That’s going to be a particular challenge for parents of pre-schoolers who have to adapt to a homebound, indoor existence. Having your little one home for the entire holidays can be daunting when the opportunities to ramble and play outside are so limited, and many parents are wondering how they are going to cope. Award-winning early childhood education specialists, Play Sense are coming to the rescue this winter with a free four-week holiday platform, Play Box, which will guide South African parents and their pre-schoolers through an enriching, connected time. The winter holiday program, aimed at two- to four-year-olds is easily accessible on-line, so parents around the country can sign up and tap into an array of professionally developed resources that will give them structure for their day and loads of fun content. “The winter holiday program artfully blends on and off-line so parents can choose what works best for them,” says Play Sense CEO and Co-founder, Meg Faure. “Each holiday week has a lovely learning theme, and every day there are two fresh activities that ignite imaginations and enable sensory play, which is so important for this age group. We have also included optional zoom sessions with our best-loved online teachers who are experts at engaging interactively with little ones on-screen.” The beauty of Play Box is that parents are empowered to proactively share in their child’s development, and it gives them unique opportunities to experience their child learning through play like they do in their pre-school environments. Lara Schoenfeld, Play Sense’s Co-founder and Director of Education says, “It’s a simple, straightforward way for parents to access early childhood education content this holiday. It’s a simple free registration to Play Box with no need to access any additional platforms or go through a range of logins. It’s so interesting for parents to get these first-hand insights into how their child responds to different learning materials and activities, and the whole experience fosters deep parent-child bonds.” Play Sense is a SA trailblazer of a unique home environment micro-playschool model based on the development of super-skills, such as creativity, self-regulation and executive function, through imaginary play. Play Sense learning programs are developed by occupational therapists and qualified pre-school educators to meet the specific needs of toddlers, who are arguably, in the most exciting development stage of human life. Play Sense offers both off and on-line playschool programs and are adept at getting the best out of both high-touch and high-tech. “What many parents will appreciate in the Play Box holiday program is that it gives them a structure,” says Faure. “Week by week they will journey through the fun worlds of the Jungle, MyTown, Dinosaurs and Bugs. This is the answer to parents wondering what they are going to do to keep their little ones occupied. As parents ourselves, we know how to make it easy for others to access well-developed activities and to be smoothly guided through a learning by play experience. The real spin-off benefit is that your child is going to delight at connecting with you this way, and day by day, your heart will fill up as you see how you are making a wonderful difference for your child.” Here are some activities you and your little one can expect from Play Box this school holiday: Imaginary play ignites your child’s language, social and emotional skills development The Jungle-theme week includes going on a safari. Using language and props that are easily found around the house your toddler will be engaged in an imagined scenario. Imaginary play is one of the most powerful ways toddlers learn, and by facilitating this activity, parents will improve their skills to facilitate other fun games to play with your child around the house. Sensory play develops your child’s motor skills, cognitive reasoning, language, creativity, and imagination The Bug-theme week includes creating the amazing butterfly lifecycle using play dough, one of Play Sense’s favourite toys. This extra sensory activity will spark other ideas of the magical worlds and scenarios you can create together at home using simple and inexpensive materials. Creative play encourages your child’s cognitive and language development, as well as motor skills The My Town-theme week will explore different human roles and includes engrossing art activities. Your toddler’s creative activities from working with paint to create pictures to building Lego walls is more about the creative process than the end product. Movement play develops your child’s language and gross motor skills while having so much fun The Dinosaurs-theme week includes lots of enriching music and movement play. Movement play activities are not only designed to develop your little one’s body sense but is perfect for setting off fits of giggles and having silly fun together. The Play Sense Winter holiday Play Box is available from 28 June to 28 July 2021. The program is accessible for free, and you can register here.

July 1, 2021

Have you had your Vit D3 sunshine shots?

Here’s a winter health fact. Our bodies need Vitamin D for many important processes including supporting the immune system, bone and muscle building, and to promote better sleep and mood. We can even produce enough vitamin D ourselves. That’s if we bare our arms, legs, back, chests or faces to the sun for a limited period of time, because the sun’s UV rays produce Vitamin D in our bodies. Scientists reckon that five to 15 minutes, or five to 30 minutes for darker skinned people, of sun exposure two or three times a week will do it. But during winter, just when we need this immune boosting and stress relieving sunny gift to help us through the season of colds and ‘flu, the days are short, we stay indoors, and are usually covered up head to toe for much of the time. But, fun tip ladies: if you wear a cami under your warm clothing, you can head for a sunny spot at a warm time of day, strip off the top layers and you’re all set for a short spot of winter sunbathing. You may not wish to try this at the office! For those of us who can’t do the sun thing, vitamin D is also available in some foods, mainly in fatty fish like pilchards, tuna and salmon. Milk, yogurts and cereals are often fortified with Vitamin D too. Still, there are good reasons why many of us can’t get enough Vitamin D from sun or food (being elderly, covered up clothing for religious reasons, no time to go outside, being darker skinned…). In those cases, a one-a-day Nativa Complex® Vitamin D3 https://www.nativacomplex.co.za/immune-health/#nativa-complex-vitamin-d3 can fill the gap. It’s the newest addition to the well-established Nativa Immune Complex® range. Nativa Complex® Vitamin D3 supplies 1000 IU of Vitamin D and can be administered from 6 years of age. Cost is around R100 for a month’s supply, from Takealot, Dis-Chem, Clicks and selected pharmacies nationwide. Read about this well formulated immune boosting range at https://www.nativacomplex.co.za/immune-health/#immune-complex-product, and then enter our competition for a chance to win one of two R750 vouchers from Cotton On . Their stylish men’s, women’s and kid’s clothing can see you through winter, and (yay) into Spring. #VITAMIN D3 #sunshine vitamin

July 1, 2021

“No One Can Live on Just One Food”. Toddler: “Challenge Accepted!”

Is your toddler going through a [insert latest favourite food craze here] phase? Think about how they want to hear the same song on repeat and play with the same toy, all day, every day. Eating the same foods every day is just another version of this. So, while we can helplessly blame this on a toddler’s love for routine and repetition, as parents, there are few things we can do to make these phases as healthy as possible. Up the Nutrition Bread, cheese, potatoes: whatever the food, be sure to always offer up the most nutritious option or version of that food. For example, leave the skin on the potatoes, a valuable source of nutrients and fibre, offer up wholewheat pasta or whole grain bread, or choose sugar- and salt-free peanut butter (may contain allergens). A good tip for starches like pasta, bread or cereal is to be guided by the food label. Aim to choose a starch product that has more than 6g of fibre per 100g, as this is defined as a high fibre food. Feeding your little one Squish 100% Fruit and Veg purees you can rest assured you are giving your little one the best. Squish is preservative-free, colourant free, flavourant free and contains no added starch, what’s more, they come in a convenient pouch perfect for meal-times or on-the-go-snacks. Texturize It is a good idea to offer up the favourite food in a variety of textures, as and where possible. This will at least allow for your little one to be exposed to various textures of foods at this time, which is important for motor and oral development. For example, bread can be toasted and cut into fingers or triangles or offered as a softer, round bread roll. Potatoes can be cut into chunks or mashed, and you can mix small, diced pieces of banana or strawberries into yoghurt. Try adding a Squish 100% Fruit and Veg Puree to a small dish and get your little one to dip their finger foods into it. Good news for moms with slightly older babies and toddlers – Squish 100% fruit and yoghurt purees now come in a new, bigger toddler-friendly 200ml pack for growing babies with growing appetites. The bigger pouch size means you can serve your toddler a full meal or snack in one handy serving, as their appetites increase, in a convenient pouch format. The Squish 200ml bigger pouch range comes in 6 delicious fruit and yoghurt flavours, are free from colourants, flavourants and preservatives, and are ideal for your little one’s growing needs. Flavour Focus Focus on a variety of flavours with this food, both to challenge the taste buds and offer a nutrient variety. For example, if the bread is your toddler’s current favourite you could dip in egg to up the protein and make French Toast or serve up peanut butter and banana sandwiches with added healthy fats. You can mix pureed veg like carrot into mashed potato or try different types of cheese, from softer Mozzarella to stronger Cheddar. Make them scrumptious fluffy and warm breakfast flapjacks filled with sweet, hidden fruits and yoghurt: https://squish.co.za/quick-easy-recipes/sweet/apple-banana-flapjacks/ Patience makes Perfect Throughout this time, keep presenting your toddler with other healthy foods at mealtime, as well as the favourite food. According to research, between 8 and 10 exposures to food may be needed before a child is willing to try it. This means that patience is key when getting through these phases of food obsessions. Like all things, it is comforting to know that this too shall pass, and it is unlikely that your little human’s current food obsession will have any long-term negative health effects. If you are concerned, speak to a registered dietitian or pediatric nurse for more helpful advice.

June 24, 2021

It’s all about control

As parents, we all want to protect our children. The question for many parents is how you can monitor what games your children are playing in order to avoid exposing them to content you might deem unsuitable depending on their age. Luckily, most consoles have some kind of parental control system in place, and the Nintendo Switch is no different. The Nintendo Switch Parental Controls supports a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience So what kind of functionality can you restrict with the parental controls and how do you do this? To begin with, there are the obvious reasons – you think some of the games on your console, which might be appropriate for you as their parent, are just too violent or with too many adult themes for children to understand. You might want to restrict what your children can buy on the eShop, which is likely loaded with your credit card details. Or perhaps you might want to restrict the amount of online time your child has every day. There are a number of ways you can do this – either directly on the console, or via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app, which you can link to your Nintendo account (which you will need in order to be able use this feature). The app also offers a few more features if you’re looking for additional levels of control. On the console itself you go into System Settings, and scroll down to Parental Controls, which will encourage you to download the app. You’re not required to do this but it really is the more comprehensive and the easier option, especially if you have kids who might be able to circumnavigate the parental settings. You can set the age level of your child in order to be able to control what kind of age-appropriate content they’re exposed to, select the rating board of the country in which you reside, disable voice communication so your child can’t speak to others online, and disable VR controls which is recommended for children under the age of seven. Make sure you choose a PIN that your child isn’t likely to be able to guess! Setting up the controls on the app is likewise very easy. You’ll need to sign into your Nintendo account, and once you’ve linked your Switch to the app via a registration code (remember where I told you it would tell you to download the app earlier?), and now you’re ready to set up things like daily play limits. You’ll be asked to enable push notifications so you can monitor your kids’ activity. If you want to restrict access to the Nintendo eShop, there are a separate set of restrictions for those as well which will ensure your child doesn’t make unauthorised purchases, whether those are games or add-ons you might not want your child spending your money on! Ultimately you can remove the parental controls as well if you feel you no longer need to monitor your child’s activity – for whatever reason – but it’s comforting to know that Nintendo is equally as invested in protecting your child as you are. Feel free to read more about how Nintendo is supporting a safe and fun environment for your child’s gaming experience here. By Pippa Tshabalala on behalf on Nintendo Distributor SA

June 22, 2021

What Your Toddler Wants You to Know About Their Eating Habits

As a first-time parent, you may have thought that the most challenging part of parenting would be the newborn stage. Little did you realize the trials you would face as you enter the toddler years. Little personalities coupled with big emotions and an inability to express themselves makes it feel like you are having a conversation in an exotic language. But while our toddlers may not be able to speak to us (yet), if we pay attention, they are particularly good at communicating, especially when it comes to their eating habits. As babies become toddlers the parenting role of nourishing growing tummies continues – it’s still about the need to provide tasty, healthy meals and snacks that are nourishing, filling and simple to get into little people. With growing appetites comes growing independence and it’s exciting and liberating when little people can eat and enjoy snacks and meals by themselves. It is normal to be a picky eater It helps to know that you are not alone in the dinnertime struggles with your toddler. According to research, fussy eating is quite common in young children, peaking at 20 months and gradually fading away by 5 – 8 years of age. This frustrating toddler habit is also about the need to express their independence as they figure out this new and exciting world. Like all things, this too shall pass. Great news for parents of picky eaters, there is a new Squish 200ml 100% fruit and veg puree offering, available in 6 delicious flavours specially made for growing kids with growing appetites. The Squish purees are preservative-free, colourant free, flavourant free with no added starch and come in a convenient pouch, perfect for meal-times, snack-times or on-the-go. “My appetite is never the same” Your child may eat breakfast like a king yet they will barely taste their dinner. It is very normal for your toddler’s appetite to change from day to day, and even from meal to meal. Every toddler is different. Some wake up very hungry to eat a lot at breakfast, while others have bigger appetites at dinner when eating with the family. Teething babies and toddlers are often not extremely interested in food, while growth spurts may mean you cannot keep up with what is on offer. Be guided by the interest your toddler expresses in food rather than assuming they will eat the same amount at each mealtime. “I’ll tell you when I am full” Babies and toddlers are particularly good at listening to their bodies and eating when hungry and stopping when full, unlike adults. Pay attention and you will quickly learn when your little one has had enough to eat. The pace of eating slows down and your toddler will purse their lips closed. They may turn their head in defiance, push food away, and even throw the food to the floor. If you don’t notice these initial signs, your toddler might get rather irritable and demand to leave the dinner table or exit the feeding chair. “Please can I feed myself” With good intentions, many parents will feed their toddlers at mealtimes. However, stepping back and letting your toddler feed themselves is a vital part of their development. The practice of self-feeding stimulates hand-eye coordination and is also important to encourage them to learn to listen to their fullness cues. From about 8 – 9 months you can start offering your baby age-appropriate finger foods like scrambled egg, small soft chunks of butternut, or grated cheese, and toddler-friendly utensils can be used from 15 – 18 months. If you are nervous, serve some meals that allow your toddler to eat on their own and others that you guide.

June 16, 2021

Fisher Price: Baby’s First Blocks & Rock-a-Stack™

Baby’s First Blocks Open a bucket of fun for your little one with Baby’s First Blocks. These chunky, colorful blocks help introduce colors and shapes as babies sort, stack and drop the blocks through the slots in the bucket lid.Open a bucket of fun for your little one with Baby’s First Blocks.… Open a bucket of fun for your little one with Baby’s First Blocks. These chunky, colorful blocks help introduce colors and shapes as babies sort, stack and drop the blocks through the slots in the bucket lid. 10 colorful blocks to sort, stack & drop All blocks fit inside bucket for storage Easy-carry handle for take-along play Introduces colors & shapes Rock-a-Stack The Fisher-Price® Rock-a-Stack® toy is classic, colorful fun for your little one! Younger babies will love grasping, holding, shaking and exploring the five colorful rings. The littlest ring has a shiny, reflective surface for baby to discover inside—with colorful… The Fisher-Price® Rock-a-Stack® toy is classic, colorful fun for your little one! Younger babies will love grasping, holding, shaking and exploring the five colorful rings. The littlest ring has a shiny, reflective surface for baby to discover inside—with colorful, swirling beads that make fun rattle sounds! When they’re ready to sit and stack, babies can place the rings on the post, then bat at the wobbly base to make it rock back and forth. Stacking helps them develop hand-eye coordination and introduces them to the concept of relative size as they learn to sort and stack from biggest to smallest! 5 colorful rings, perfect for grasping and stacking Bat-at rocker base Top ring has shiny surface with rattling beads inside Introduces babies to relative size and stacking Both are available to purchase from Takealot

June 16, 2021

Chicco Multiride – Stroller Of The Week

The Chicco Multiride stroller is the all new off-road stroller that has multi-terrain wheels and is ready for all the action your little one could want as they grow up living the great outdoors. Strong and reliable, the Multiride has already become a global best-seller due to the fact that more and more families want to take their kids out into unpredictable terrain without the fear of wheel-locking or damaging the stroller. Equipped with ball-bearings and a full swivel, the wheels are made from a strong rubber than can withstand gravel, tar, grass and sand. Sturdy suspension makes the journey all the more comfortable. The Multiride stroller also has a fully extendable canopy that offers baby the best protection from the elements at all times. Couple this with the large storage basket and you are ready to face the world. As baby grows, the stroller maintains strength and accommodates your child with ease, allowing 22kgs of weight to be carried. Without a doubt one of the finest strollers on the market right now, the Chicco Multiride stroller is also compatible with the Kaily Gro 0+ car seat which turns the stroller into a newborn travel system that will last until they are 9kgs in weight. Give them the most comfortable ride ever whilst offering convenience and value for money with the Multiride stroller. See www.chicco.co.za for more details.

June 15, 2021

Toddler Milestones

The following information is to be used as a guide to and at the discretion of the end-user and should not replace a doctor’s opinion. Growing children Children grow and learn at their own pace. It is normal for your child to be ahead in one area, but behind in another. Learning what is normal for each age group can help you feel comfortable with where your child is at and spot any problems early on. Milestones: age 2 Milestones for age 2 include: Walking by themselves; this usually takes place between 9-17 months with the average being 14 months Running: about 6 months after learning to walk Climbing stairs and onto furniture Kicking a ball Ability to scribble with crayons, pencils or markers Imaginative or make-believe play Communication includes using real words by 15-18 months and simple phrases by 18-24 months Milestones: age 3 Milestones for age 3 include: Improved balance: can stand on one foot for a short time, can petal a tricycle and can walk upstairs without holding the railing All baby teeth have come through Potty trained during the day 20/30 vision Communication includes increased vocabulary (hundreds of words), uses short sentences, uses plurals and pronouns and asks many questions Can dress self with exception of laces, buttons, etc. Knows their name, age and gender Learns to share Milestones: age 4 Milestones for age 4 include: Hops on one foot well Throws a ball overhand well Uses scissors to cut out a picture Communication includes increased vocabulary (thousands of words), uses longer sentences, uses past tense and asks even more questions than ever Learns simple songs Starting to understand time better Milestones: age 5 Milestones for age 5 include: 20/20 vision Increased coordination: skipping, jumping and hopping well Learning to use writing utensils well Communications includes increased vocabulary (over 2000 words), uses sentences with 5 or more words and uses all parts of speech Knows the primary colours Learning to understand math Learning to behave with more responsibility and less aggression

June 14, 2021

Baby & Kiddies Tastes makes meal time lekker for the little ones

Many South Africans live demanding lives where time is of the essence and nobody feels their pressure more than the moms and dads who, after a long day still need to ensure that the little ones have a nutritious meal when needed. Thankfully Baby & Kiddies Tastes can relieve you of that task. What is Baby & Kiddies Tastes? Baby & Kiddies Tastes trusted meal supplier for the little ones between the ages of 6 to 12 months, then up to 6 years old. The company was started by Vanessa Crichton, a dedicated mother, wife and entrepreneur who also knows her way around the kitchen, trained as a chef in London. Having started many other successful culinary companies such as Exquisite tastes catering, Vanessa, who has eleven years’ experience in making children’s food has turned her attention to helping moms and dads when it comes to mealtime for their young kids. What does Baby & Kiddies Tastes offer? Baby & Kiddies Tastes offer nutritionally tested fully textured, natural and healthy frozen meals for children between the ages of 6 to 12 months for children up to the age of 6 years old. Meals are made using the best ingredients that are also packed with flavour. Vanessa has meticulously crafted up to 50 different flavour combinations ensuring that every meal is a great experience for your child. What are the benefits of using Baby & Kiddies Tastes? Baby & Kiddies Tastes takes away the stress of having to prepare a meal for your young ones and ensures that every meal is jam-packed with essential nutrients that children need. It is also easy to prepare as the meals are cooked and frozen with a 2-month freezer life. It is also worth noting that our meals contain no additives or preservatives and no added salt or sugar, due to this, we do not suggest freezing for longer than 2 months. What other advantages can moms and dads benefit from? We know that convenience is key when it comes to mealtime, as mentioned our meals are packed with flavour and full of nutrients but they also offer added benefits. These include innovative modular packaging which limits food wastage. We know that kids can get a bit inquisitive and might make an unwanted mess. For this reason, we provide tamper-proof Kiddies Tastes tubs for those who are slightly older. Our packaging is also recyclable. Are there currently any special offers? We have a allergen range, “Local is Lekker” options, as well as vegetarian meals. Free delivery is offered for monthly orders. How do I get Baby & Kiddies Tastes meals? Baby & Kiddies Tastes offers free delivery on all monthly orders and we deliver to Johannesburg and Pretoria based areas. Ordering is quick and easy, just head over to www.babytastes.co.za where you will find a list of our meals. Customers can order individual meals or place a monthly order. Alternatively, contact us via info@babytastes.co.za and your order will be delivered within 3 to 5 days. Baby & Kiddies Tastes brings the freshness and goodness of local South African ingredients to your freezer, ready for your child’s meal time, anytime.

June 10, 2021

Your Toddler: A Developmental Checklist: 18 to 24 Months

Remember that all children are individuals and develop at their own pace. This checklist should be used only to get a general sense for where your child is or where he is heading. If you have any concerns about your child’s development, consult with your physician. Physical Development May jump up Builds tower of four to six cubes Throws ball overhand Puts on article of clothing Washes and dries own hands Can climb stairs with help; by 24 months can go up and down alone, but doesn’t alternate feet May climb out of cot Likes to climb everything Can kick a ball Can ride a foot-to-floor vehicle Intellectual Development Identifies and points to two to four items in picture Watches, then imitates, dumping of objects Fears loud noises, water, wind, wild animals, and others Enjoys repetition in songs and nursery rhymes Likes to point to nose, mouth etc. when asked “Where is your?” Speaks in two or three word sentences Learning that everything has a name; may ask constantly, “What’s that?” Speaks and is understood more than half the time Understands role of prepositions in speech Social And Emotional Development Experiments with aggressive responses to disliked things Separation anxiety lessens Seeks adult approval Comes when called Likes to help with daily routines Communicates feelings with words and gestures Is eager to please Language Development Speaks in two or three word sentences Learning that everything has a name; may ask constantly, “What’s that?” Speaks and is understood more than half the time Understands role of prepositions in speech Our parenting advice is given as suggestions only. We recommend you also consult your healthcare provider, and urge you to contact them immediately if your question is urgent or about a medical condition. By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education

June 10, 2021

Chicco Multiride Travel System

Chicco has been a trail-blazer in the world of baby products for over 63 years, with a strong focus on travel products that has seen them remain industry leaders with every new item released onto the market. One of the current highlights of the travel gear collection is the awesome Chicco Multiride Travel System. A travel system built for longevity that stretches way into your child’s toddlerhood, this newborn-ready stroller comes equipped with the Kaily car seat – the perfect companion for this sturdy and versatile stroller. The two items together work perfect for your baby’s travel solutions until approximately 9kgs, where baby may require a front-facing car seat. The Multiride stroller however, will stay your little one’s best friend until they are 22kgs in weight – being the only stroller they will ever need. With a compact fold-down solution, suspension, all-terrain wheels, a large storage basket, extendable handles and weather canopy on the stroller as well as an easy-to-install car seat, the Multiride travel system is a strong, sturdy and convenient ally in your parenting journey. See www.chicco.co.za for more details.

June 8, 2021

Youth Month: Tackle Illiteracy One Book At A Time

With June being Youth Month, READ Educational Trust encourages all South Africans not to turn the page on our children’s fundamental freedom to learn and access to reading and literacy. For READ Educational Trust, a non-profit organisation that has spent nearly four decades promoting literacy among the poorest of the poor, this month is all about sharing in the love and value of books and empowering Early Childhood Development (ECD) caregivers with the tools required to teach little ones how to read with confidence. 1 Children who have never been exposed to the magic of books might perceive reading as boring, mundane, and futile. They don’t realise the beautiful impact that reading has on their brains, lifestyle, and future. READ is determined to change that. While you can’t judge a book by its cover, you can play a tangible role in shaping a child’s success by teaching them how to read and, in turn, cultivating a deep love for literature and books. And this starts at grassroots. Learning to decipher the code of how we use symbols to represent spoken language is a big part of why children go to school. They learn the distinctions between “b” and “d,” or “p” and “q.” They read about pirates, pigs, and pixies, as well as earthquakes and igloos, as they advance from letters and syllables to words and sentences. The possibilities are endless once children have “cracked the code”. This is the delight of being initiated into the world of literacy.2 As famed children author, Dr. Seuss so simply put it, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Whether you were a fan of Alexander And The Terrible, Frog And Toad Are Friends, or Fantastic Mr. Fox, when you were a child, there’s no doubt that your favourite book helped to shape your creativity and imagination in some form or another. Books open doors into dreams of a world without limitations, and those dreams can inspire action to change the world as it is. Aside from magic in the act of reading itself, benefits of early reading habits for children include :3 Supported cognitive development Improved language skills Preparation for academic success Increased concentration and discipline Improved imagination and creativity Cultivating a lifelong love of reading While one would think that being able to read and write in today’s modern world is little more than being able to breathe, this is sadly far from the truth. More than half (58%) of South African children do not learn to read fluently and with comprehension in any language by the end of grade four, according to nationally representative surveys. A staggering 29% are completely illiterate.4 READ has successfully addressed some of these issues over the years, thanks to the implementation of ECD Programmes that assist caregivers, educators, and principals of ECD Centres in overcoming our country’s challenges. READ also provides practical training, hands-on support, and valuable resources that have been highly effective. The need, however, is both dire and vast. It takes time, dedication, a well-designed formula, and creative resources to instil a reading culture. A collective effort can change the face of South Africa. The only way to succeed is for governments, non-profit organisations, big businesses, and private individuals to stand together and do all they can to combat illiteracy by actively promoting and funding reading and educational incentives. What better time to act than during Youth Month? The message is loud and clear: Reading is fun, relevant, exciting, and has the power to transform lives! If you give a child a book and gift them with the skills to read it, you are giving them not just the world, but the universe, which is infinite in possibilities. Visit http://www.read.org.za/ to find out more and join the conversations on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/READEduTrust/, Twitter: https://twitter.com/READEduTrust, Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/read_educational_trust/.

June 2, 2021

Helping our Little People® have big adventures

Parents have had a rough year with families still being encouraged to stay at home as much as possible. This however does not assist in bringing real life experiences to your little one’s. With many parents battling to find ideas to keep their littles ones entertained whilst still stimulating and providing early childhood development, we felt that we would introduce your family to the Fisher-Price® Little People® Range. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Range not only provides time to play but time to learn and grow. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Characters Before getting to the fun, we have to point out that we loved the characters themselves. From school children to doctors and pilots these characters really provide a great start for you to begin introducing different jobs that people have. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Big Yellow School Bus Recommended Ages 1-5 years A bus ride of fun awaits. We really do enjoy toys that stimulate young little children whilst still delivering a way to open up conversations from a young age. With the 3 Smart Ages function your child will be able to imagine, discover and experience motor transport. With over 40 songs, sounds and phrases, you will be able to switch up the learning fun as and when they are ready. From learning about how many wheels there are, counting to 10, shapes, the alphabet and so much more, this really is a great purchase. The bus itself comes with 4 characters, however, one is able to purchase more separately and The Little People® Big Yellow School Bus can hold up to 12 characters. Our favourite was the little boy in the wheelchair. We found it incredibly thoughtful to consider children with disabilities so that they too had a character to relate to (he is standard in The Big Yellow School Bus). As parents we always try to encourage our children to not only learn about children with disabilities but to be considerate toward them as well. This is the perfect tool to start this small and yet powerful conversation off with your little one. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Travel Together Airplane Recommended Ages 1 -5 years Travel around the world and throw in an adventure for your child. Go on an imaginary trip with your child to your dream destination and make the experience even more fun with The Little People® Travel Together Airplane. You see anything can be fun when more Little People® join in. Songs, sounds and phrases will most certainly delight. The Fisher-Price® Little People® Range Encourages: Grasping and movement Strengthens dexterity and hand eye co-ordination Stimulates auditory and tactile senses Discovering cause and effect Some of our favourites out of the range included: Launch & Loop Raceway Caring for Animals Farm Sit with Me School Bus Cuddle & Play Nursery Share & Care Safari™ Playset Snack & Snooze Helpful Neighbor’s Garage Wash & Go Pirate Ship Big Helpers™ Home Noah’s Ark Travel Together Airplane Surprise & Sounds Home Farm Animal Friends

May 31, 2021

Empowering Children Through Stories In Their own Language

A love of reading is sparked when children see themselves in stories and relate it to their lives, even more so when it is shared in their home language. Xolisa Guzula – early literary specialist, author and translator – agrees that when children learn to read in their mother tongues it’s much easier to build on that foundation. However, a survey by the Publishers Association SA (2016) highlighted that only approximately 2% of children books published commercially in South Africa are in local African languages*. The effects are seen in our schools, based on the 2016 Progress in International Reading Study (PIRLS)*, which is conducted every 5 years across several countries, 78% of South African Grade 4 learners are unable to read for meaning. According to Nic Spaull*, Senior Researcher at the Stellenbosch University Economics Department, “Those who do not learn to master the basics of reading remain in catch-up mode for the rest of their lives.” Nal’ibali, a national reading for enjoyment campaign to spark children’s potential through storytelling and reading, is founded on the ethos of giving children access to stories in their home language. The organisation firmly believes that literacy skills are a strong predictor of future academic success in all subjects – and children who regularly read and hear engaging stories, in languages they understand, are well equipped and motivated to learn to read and write. Knowing this Cadbury Dairy Milk, through its inherent generosity, has committed to addressing this need through the recently established Read To Succeed initiative. This three-year initiative aims to ignite a love for reading amongst children across the country by making books in their home language more accessible. To achieve this, Cadbury Dairy Milk, in partnership with Nal’ibali, has set a goal to create and translate “a Glass and a Half” (1 500) new stories for children in their home languages, over the next three years. “Cadbury Dairy Milk is rooted in generosity, driven by the genuine desire to act on improving someone else’s situation. We know the ability to read for meaning empowers children to succeed and although there are a myriad of hurdles that may hinder this, a significant one is the sobering lack of storybooks children have access to in their mother tongues. We look forward to working with Nal’ibali, and the public, to create new children’s stories in African languages and making them accessible to all South African children. Ultimately, we want to create an impact by igniting a true love for reading amongst our children,” says Lara Sidersky, Mondelez SA Category Lead for Chocolate. Reading aids learning Guzula says, “Children are naturally intelligent and just need us to create immersive spaces conducive for learning. If there are no African language books in our libraries or homes, how can we blame children for not being able to read?” She adds, “If children never read about airplanes, mountains, cars, dinosaurs and more, and encounter these words – and concepts – for the first time in tests translated from English into their home language, how can we expect them to do well?” Language as a frame of existence Lebohang Masango, anthropologist, poet and award-winning author of Mpumi’s Magic Beads – a children’s book that has been translated into nine official South African languages – echoes Guzula, “I think it’s important for children to be able to read in their own mother tongues because that is the language that they first use to think, to communicate and to exist in the world. “This is the language that frames their entire existence, so it follows that they should be introduced to reading, mathematical literacy and other kinds of learning concepts in that language as well. I think it’s incredibly jarring to learn one language and then have to master literacy of all kinds in a different language.” She adds, “The written word is the present word. When we use indigenous languages in children’s books, instruction manuals etcetera, that’s how you legitimise them and allow them to grow. You never want a child to feel like their language does not matter. If they can learn in their own language from a young age, that gives them more dignity and pride in their mother tongue and culture.” Cultivating a culture of reading Yandiswa Xhakaza, CEO of Nal’ibali, shares that the organisation aims to make reading material accessible to children in their home languages and to create a demand for reading, “Our primary focus is to bridge the gap between speaking and reading in African languages. We understand that it’s not enough to teach children how to read if there’s no material for them to engage further with text and start to learn to decode and read for meaning. Reading books in one’s home language also enhances self-worth. “We can’t just translate stories from other countries because the context needs to reflect the people of this country. When children read stories by South Africans – or Africans – about areas they know and people they relate to, they feel seen. It changes how they view themselves and gives them the confidence. That’s why I believe this partnership with Cadbury is so powerful.” “We’re excited about working with Nal’ibali to give South African children access to stories they can relate to, understand, enjoy and feel empowered by,” ends Sidersky. Join the conversation and follow how you can participate @CadburyDairyMilkSA (Facebook) or @Cadbury_SA (Twitter and Instagram), and visit https://cadbury.co.za/promotion/our-own-words #GlassAndAHalf *Sources: https://www.news.uct.ac.za/article/-2019-01-11-solving-sas-literacy-crisis https://nicspaull.files.wordpress.com/2018/11/nic-spaull-and-elizabeth-pretorious.pdf https://www.news24.com/citypress/news/want-to-read-to-your-children-in-your-mother-tongue-check-out-these-books-20190221 https://nces.ed.gov/surveys/pirls/ https://africasacountry.com/2019/04/why-are-south-african-children-struggling-to-read-properly https://www.publishsa.co.za/file/1519203677awr-2016publishingindustrysurvey.pdf https://www.businesslive.co.za/bd/companies/retail-and-consumer/2021-04-28-game-pins-hopes-on-selling-african-language-childrens-books-in-turnaround-drive/

May 21, 2021

Squish Launches New 200ml Bigger Pouch for Toddlers

For Growing Kids with Growing Appetites South Africa’s, well-loved, convenient baby food brand, Squish has launched an SA first, a new larger 200ml pouch size especially for toddlers and their growing appetites. The new, bigger 200ml pouch range sees the popular baby and toddler food brand extending its existing range of ready-to-eat 100% fruit and veg and yoghurt purees and pressed juices, giving parents another reason to love the 100% goodness and convenience of Squish. The range includes three yoghurt flavours and three 100% fruit puree flavours packaged in the convenient new, bigger 200ml pouch. “We have created this larger pouch size with our consumers in mind, providing a new, innovative solution for babies and toddlers with growing appetites,” says Tamara Patel, Brand Manager for Squish at RFG. “The bigger Squish 200ml pouch is perfectly sized for growing kids, in a convenient format that parents want, in a size they want.” Patel explains that the latest extension to the Squish product range came after identifying the opportunity to introduce a larger pack-size, “The 200ml Squish range has been developed for parents who have grown to love Squish during their baby’s weaning journey, but are looking for a larger meal for their babies and toddlers as they grow older.” “Like all our Squish products, the utmost care has been taken to ensure that we offer our consumers the best product possible,” she adds. “We do not compromise on quality ingredients, there are no preservatives, colourants, flavourants or starch, and we fully control our supply chain, meaning we can control the quality of raw materials from the fields, right through to the end product.” She says, “Our Squish puree range is made from 100% fruit and vegetables, and is preservative, colourant and flavourant free with no added starch. Our 100% fruit and veg puree with yoghurt range is made with double cream yoghurt, not yoghurt powder, which offers us a notable point of difference.” “With our new bigger pouches, parents can rest assured they are offering their children the same goodness and great taste they have come to rely on from the Squish 110ml range,” she adds. “We understand that parents want the best for their children, but they are often pressed for time. With the extension of this larger pack size, they can feel confident in the knowledge that they are not compromising on the quality of ingredients for baby through to toddler.” “Over the past few years, we have seen a switch in consumer behaviour from jars to pouches. The pouch format offers a safe, hygienic and convenient offering,” Patel explains. “We saw the need to provide a larger pack to parents of older babies and toddlers. Where they would have previously purchased two pouches per meal for their growing little ones, the 200ml pouch is an all-in-one meal for an older baby, or the perfect lunchbox snack for a toddler”. The Squish range now comprises a wide range of purees in 110ml and 200ml pouches, and a 100% fruit and veg pressed juice range ensuring that parents find a range of convenient, quality products to help them on their weaning journey, from starting solids right through to toddlers and beyond. The products are available nationwide at top-end retail, wholesale and specialist chains – find Squish in the baby food section. For more information visit: www.squish.co.za or follow Squish on Instagram: @rhodes_squish

May 20, 2021

5 Great reasons to shop & sell preloved children’s clothes

It’s a challenge to keep your children in style when they outgrow their trendy clothes so fast! With more people selling and shopping preloved clothing online, you can now keep your little ones in style, while spending less money; saving time; doing good for the planet and even making a bit of extra money! Being a mom of two children and passionate entrepreneur, Aune Aunapuu, CEO and Founder of Yaga.co.za – the fastest-growing online marketplace for buying and selling preloved items – decided to create the solution when she was unable to find a safe and hassle-free platform online to sell a preloved baby stroller. Aune shares her five reasons why shopping and selling preloved children’s clothes is a great idea. 1. Keep Your Kids in Style:Shopping preloved clothing online means you can explore a variety of items, a diverse range of styles and many different brands that are always in fashion. Through preloved platforms like Yaga, parents can buy classic, vintage and stylish branded children’s items including Zara, Cotton On, Keedo, Naartjie and Truworths. 2. Save Money: Buying new children’s clothes is expensive and they outgrow their new clothes so quickly! You can get a lot more for your money by opting for preloved clothes, which are available at bargain prices and often at a fraction of the retail prices. You can replace an entire wardrobe of outgrown clothes without overspending. 3. Save Time: Because children grow so fast, it’s back to the shops every so often for a new wardrobe. Shopping preloved items online, on the other hand, saves you so much time usually wasted visiting shop after shop with a stroller and toddler in tow. Shopping preloved clothes online affords you the opportunity to shop an entire new wardrobe of trendy and branded items without ever leaving the house. 4. Do Good for the Planet: Buying and selling preloved can reduce your impact on the planet because it keeps fashion items in circulation, instead of it ending up in dumps or landfill. As most clothing items are processed with chemicals, the fact that preloved items are already pre-washed multiple times means that they are also less harmful for little ones wearing them close to their sensitive skin. 5. Make money!: All parents welcome a bit of extra money, so why not turn a wardrobe of outgrown fashion items into an extra income! Declutter your children’s wardrobes, organise the clothes your children have outgrown by size and season, and then sell these preloved fashion items online. Selling preloved baby and maternity wear is also super popular! Check out some of these trendy mummy Yaga Shops that sell cool items for children: https://www.yaga.co.za/whatreignwore and https://www.yaga.co.za/makeitrayne For more information visit yaga.co.za.

May 12, 2021

Working Women Charting New Ways Forward

Join the conversation, Play Sense Women @ Work webinar There’s nothing quite like a global crisis to shift priorities, change focus and provoke some earnest soul-searching about who we are and what we want from life. Study after study is revealing that women across the world have experienced tougher impacts from COVID-19, with amongst others, a disproportionate number of women leaving the workplace. Women still shoulder a greater proportion of the household and family burdens, and are not surprisingly, more vulnerable to burnout and other mental health challenges. All of this is sparking a multitude of global conversations around better ways for women to engage in the workforce, organise family life and focus more on their self-care. If you are like most working women and mothers, you’re probably in the midst of processing all the ways that the pandemic has changed how you are currently perceiving and experiencing life. You may be having recurring thoughts and going through a lot of self-talk about what you’ve learnt and what you can or should be doing to bring about a reset that suits you better. There aren’t many of us who have a clear way forward yet. That’s why it can help to join a conversation, find out how other women in similar situations are feeling and thinking, broaden your view of the potential prospects and gain insights into the kinds of goals and strategies that can bring clarity. Play Sense co-founder and best-selling author, Meg Faure will be bringing together a panel of women leaders for the Play Sense Women @ Work webinar on Tuesday, 18 May from 8pm to 9pm. Women from all walks of life are invited to tune in. Registration is R50, and you can sign up here. Coach, Author and Influencer, Caitlyn de Beer will be tackling how to reach and maintain the balance of work and family. Sharing five lessons from her own journey as a working mom, Caitlyn highlights the importance of boundaries that not only provide structure for being more organised but the space for self-care. She says, “Our current reality is a big challenge to our old thinking paradigms, and that’s a good thing. It’s a fantastic opportunity to become clear on our expectations of ourselves, prioritising our happiness and cultivating self-talk that is positive and empowering.” Tech entrepreneur, Aisha Pandor, the co-founder and CEO of Sweep South has been at the frontlines managing family and nurturing her personal relationships, while starting up and scaling an innovative business across Africa. “Women already have so many responsibilities to juggle, especially at home,” she says. “I am excited by the new and innovative services, especially through tech, that are now on offer and make life easier and save time. We have to break free from the mindset that we have to somehow go it alone and do it all ourselves.” Meg Faure, an occupational therapist and the best-selling author of the Baby Sense book series, co-founded Play Sense, an innovative micro-school programme for toddlers to provide better options for women needing child-care services. “Reliable, affordable, quality child-care is one the greatest stumbling blocks to working women achieving the balance of work and life,” she says. “Anxiety, stress and guilt around child-care affects most working women, compromising our quality of life and work. We have to explore and be open to more effective, and new and different ways to get the help we need, guilt-free!” Often the solutions to getting more of what we need and want from life are simple and available. What it takes is changing our minds. As we search for more flexible working structures, better organisation of day-to-day life and more fulfilment in our connection to ourselves and others, women are looking for smart ways to lighten their loads. Join the Women @ Work discussion to get more insights and inspiration: Play Sense Women @ Work webinarTuesday, 18 May 20218pm to 9pm Register for R50, now Play Sense Business in a Box Give-away In support of helping female entrepreneurs who want to own their own business while maintaining a work life balance, Play Sense is giving away a ‘Business in a Box’. This complete franchise is valued at R36 800 and includes teacher training, use of Play Sense’s accredited play-based curriculum, all the equipment necessary to start a play school, from art supplies to an indoor/outdoor play gym, and ongoing marketing and business administration support from start-up to success. Any qualified teacher, therapist or childcare professional with 3 years’ experience can enter to win. Join the webinar for more information, applications open 19 May 2021.

May 11, 2021

Why We Love Eggs When Weaning

The first bath. The first sleepover at granny. The first giggle. And now, the first taste of food as you wean your baby onto solid foods. Too low in energy, protein and minerals like iron and zinc, the ability of breastmilk alone to meet the increasing nutritional needs of a growing baby starts to become limited. The World Health Organisation1, supported by the South African Department of Health2, encourages that babies start solid food from six months. This is an optimal time when your baby’s gut and kidneys are physiologically mature enough to handle this newfound solid food. Starting solids can be very confusing for parents with questions like what to eat, how much and when? With all this concern, the good news is there is one less food to worry about – eggs. Nutritious, delicious, affordable, and highly versatile, the simple egg is an easy and suitable option to introduce to your baby from early on in your weaning journey. Allergy Awareness Many parents understandably worry about introducing potentially allergenic foods like eggs to their baby’s diet. The truth is that the risk of food allergies is far less common than believed – a mere 3 in 100 children, according to local data.3 Despite this, many parents choose to delay the introduction of food allergens. The opposite is recommended though. Baby experts now suggest that parents introduce potential allergenic foods as soon as weaning is started. Supporting this is the fact that the early introduction of eggs to a baby’s diet is associated with reduced egg allergy risk, according to research.4,5,6 Brain Boost Findings from a South American study7 suggests that eating eggs early in childhood could contribute to healthy brain development and function. Researchers think that this is because of choline, an important nutrient for optimal brain and nervous system function. Did you know that just one egg contains all the choline that a weaning baby of six months needs? Eggs also package other key nutrients for brain health, like protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, and biotin. Grow Baby, Grow There is a lot of research showing that egg-eating youngsters may have better growth and development.8 This is linked to diets low in choline possibly increasing stunting in young children. The early introduction of eggs, one of the best food sources of choline, can greatly improve a baby’s growth. Added to this, we know that eggs are high in good quality protein. Protein provides the building blocks for muscle, growth, and a healthy immune system for growing, busy little bodies. Now while good growth is important, maintaining a healthy weight is just as key. Worrisome local statistics show that boys who are obese at 4 – 8 years are 20 times more likely to become obese teenagers and girls who are obese at 4 – 8 years are 42 times more likely.9 In a 2015 study, when children (aged 8 – 12 years) had eggs for breakfast, 32% reported feeling fuller and 14% felt less hungry, which is why eggs may help manage weight in older children.10 Whether plain or mixed with vegetables and cheese, well-cooked whole eggs are recommended for your baby’s diet. Omelettes, scrambled eggs or French toast, these easy egg recipes will be a great start to your child’s journey of healthy eating. Remember, it’s important to always offer your baby age-appropriate purees and soft foods, which will differ from young babies just starting out with solids to older babies with more practice in their newfound eating skills. Like EGGcellentFood on Facebook and follow us on Instagram eggcellentfoodsa , for further information visit www.sapoultry.co.za SCRAMBLED EGG Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 3 – 4 minutes Ingredients: 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon (5g) butter Method: Combine the egg and milk in a small bowl and whisk. Heat the butter in a small non-stick frying pan, cook the egg mixture over a low heat stirring until cooked. Do not use a high temperature or the egg will burn and stick to the pan. Transfer to plate and allow to cool slightly before serving, always test the temperature of the food before giving to baby. BASIC OMELETTE Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 3 – 4 minutes Ingredients: 2 eggs 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon (5g) butter Optional – 50g white cheddar or a small portion of cooked, soft vegetables e.g., mushrooms, onion or spinach. Method: Combine the egg and milk in a small bowl and whisk. Heat the butter in a small non-stick frying pan, cook the egg mixture over a low heat. Do not use a high temperature or the egg will burn and stick to the pan. Using a spatula “pull” the egg mixture gently to the centre of the pan, do this until the egg is cooked and the omelette set, it will look like a thick pancake. If adding cheese or vegetables, add now. Fold the omelette over. Transfer to a plate and allow to cool slightly, cut into bite sized pieces before serving. Always test the temperature of the food before giving to baby. FRENCH TOAST WITH BLUEBERRIES Serves: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes Cooking Time: 5 – 6 minutes Ingredients: 1 egg 2 tablespoons milk ½ teaspoon vanilla essence Small pinch cinnamon 1 slice day old bread 1 tablespoon (15g) butter or oil Method: In a bowl, mix together eggs, milk, cinnamon, and vanilla essence. Heat the butter or oil in a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Dip bread into egg mixture and coat both sides well. Put dipped bread into hot pan and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until golden. Serve warm with a spoonful of cream cheese or with sliced banana or blueberries. Tip: You can use up any leftover bread for this recipe. Try sliced French bread, fruit loaf or multigrain bread for something different. References 1. World Health Organisation. Guiding principles on for complementary feeding of the breastfed child. 2001. Available from:https://www.who.int/nutrition/publications/guiding_principles_compfeeding_breastfed.pdf. Accessed 29 March 2021. 2. Department of Health, South Africa. Infant and Young

May 4, 2021

Let’s Talk Left-Handedness

Just because you’re left-handed doesn’t mean you have to be left behind! As a qualified Occupational Therapist and lefty myself, I can help you and your child be the best lefty they can be! That’s why I designed the Lefty Kit! It’s a total myth that being left-handed means that you will automatically struggle with writing and cutting tasks and that it’s a given that a lefty’s writing will look and be awkward. There is really little to no difference in skills whether you’re left-handed or right-handed. It’s just that lefties are the minority and live in a right-handed world and therefore need to learn to adapt to it. They also need to be taught the correct left-handed principles as early as possible. Think about it this way – if you are right-handed, but someone taught you the writing and cutting principles of a lefty, how awkward and difficult would these tasks be for you?! Try to cut with a pair of left-handed scissors if you are right-handed – it will feel uncomfortable and your cutting accuracy will not be as good. It’s the same concept with lefties. If taught writing and cutting principles correctly from the get-go, a left-handed child will look no different to a right-handed child when working in class (other than the fact that they are using their left hand!). The Lefty Kit is designed to assist left-handed children to develop functional cutting and writing skills. As a left-handed occupational therapist, I created The Lefty Kit to assist parents, teachers and therapists navigate little lefties through this right-handed world. The Lefty Kit breaks down common issues that left-handed children encounter, and removes all the anxiety and stress often associated with it. ‘The Guide to Left Handedness’ includes misconceptions about left-handedness and then breaks down writing and cutting principles in a way that is simple, easy to understand and fun for children! It shows how the pencil should be held and how the hand, arm and page should be positioned, meaning that you can easily guide your child to write in the best way. Each kit includes: The Guide to Left Handedness 13 Activities Writing Mat FREE Delivery Nationwide Included in the Lefty Kit are 13 activities that can be done to develop, practice and apply the important aspects of left-handedness in a fun way! One of the activities included in the Lefty Kit is Pompom Flicks. This game requires pompoms (included in the kit) as well as goals (e.g. tape, tins, toilet rolls, etc.). Your child needs to flick the pompoms and try to score a goal by using their thumb and index finger or thumb and middle finger. This flicking movement places the wrist in an extended position. Wrist extension is therefore strengthened during this activity and will assist your little lefty in positioning their hand correctly when writing and will prevent them from developing a hook grasp! Order your Lefty Kit here for only R485! Occupational therapists can assist left-handed children by guiding them, teaching them the principles of left-handedness and helping them practice the application of these principles. They can also assist parents by educating them so that parents can assist their child at home, but can also advocate for them in this right-handed world. What is Occupational Therapy? Occupational Therapy (OT) is a client-centered health profession concerned with promoting health and well being through occupation. The primary goal of OT is to enable people to participate in the activities of everyday life. Occupational therapists achieve this outcome by working with people and communities to enhance their ability to engage in the occupations they want to, need to, or are expected to do. This outcome may also be achieved by modifying the occupation or environment to better support their occupational engagement. (https://wfot.org/about/about-occupational-therapy) How OT can help children A child’s life is also made up of occupations and daily activities. These include playing, learning, sleeping and resting, interacting with others, getting dressed, etc. OT’s can help and support children of all ages, from new-borns to teenagers. OT’s work with children and their families to help them succeed in activities of daily living by incorporating the occupations that are most important to them in the intervention process. The goal of OT is to help children become independent in all areas of life, for example, achieving age appropriate developmental milestones, interacting socially, play skills, gross motor and fine motor skills, sensory integration, coping at school, behaviour, etc. For more Lefty content, follow me on Instagram and Facebook @steadystridesot

May 4, 2021

COVID19: health & cleaning tips for pre-schools and childcare centres

There has been a lot of debate around small children and the role they play in the spread of Covid-19. With earlier studies suggesting that children do not contribute much to the spread of coronavirus, new studies are now showing that children could be capable of spreading infection. According to the South African Paediatric Association, children without underlying conditions are less likely to get sick if infected by the virus or will show milder symptoms such as low-grade fever, fatigue, and cough compared to adults. “As the saying goes, rather be safe than sorry. While the debate goes on there are many parents who find themselves in a catch twenty-two situation, having to go back to the office or being an essential worker and having to make sure their young children are taken care of in a safe environment,” says Emma Corder, Managing Director of industrial cleaning products manufacturer Industroclean. So, what are the steps that need to be taken to make sure that the entire family stays safe during these times? Corder says regardless of the current debate about the effects that the virus can have on younger children, the issue of hygiene in childcare facilities has been topical long before the pandemic arrived on our shores. Anyone that is concerned about the health and safety and wellbeing of children, parents and staff members would agree that the most important step is to reduce the spread of germs and to clean throughout the day. For Parents: “Before making the decision to send your child to back to childcare facilities, talk to your paediatrician or family doctor. We can help you make the best choice based on your child’s medical and immunization history, your family circumstances, and by checking that your child’s growth and development is on track,” says Western Cape based paediatrician Dr Tamryn Phelps. She adds that making frequent hand washing a norm in your household is a must, as children learn by example. Next is connecting with the caregiver: you want to be comfortable with how the centre plans to clean and disinfect, screen children and staff for symptoms, and handle illness. For playschools: Creating a clean and hygienically safe play centre that hosts very young children with little understanding on following instructions and who spend more time on the floor, will require you to clean and disinfect open spaces: Develop your plan. Implement your plan. Maintain and revise your plan. It is also key for teachers and caregivers to know the difference between cleaning, disinfecting and sanitizing, when it comes to creating a clean and safe home and play centre. Cleaning involves the physical removal of dirt, germs and debris by scrubbing with soap or detergent and water. Disinfecting and sanitizing, on the other hand, involves the application of a recommended product cleaner that specifies that it kills 99.9% of germs. What are the correct or appropriate products to use in the workplace and around the home, and does this differ when you are cleaning a play centre area? “The overuse of bleach can also have side effects on children. Most bleach products remain on surfaces and may emit fumes if not used correctly, also bringing with it the risk of possibly causing respiratory illness. This means it is critical that you follow the precise instructions on how to dilute and use the chemicals,” explains Corder. It should also be taken into account that cleaning and sanitising will be done more frequently, so plan accordingly, and ensure staff including the kitchen staff undergo comprehensive training on the correct procedures to be followed. Remember these best cleaning practices: Prepare for cleaning and disinfecting. Correct PPE for cleaning. Use all chemicals correctly. Cleaning equipment must be clean. Do the Job. Clean from top to bottom. For normal cleaning use the spray and wipe method. Colour code all cleaning materials to prevent cross contamination. End of Task Dispose of dirty water and waste according to safe procedures. Wash and dry all equipment before storing it in a clean space. Dispose of all PPE wear before washing up. Play Areas: Identify detergents best suited for play area equipment. Consult manuals that came with the play area equipment for information on how to best care for it. Outdoor playground equipment should be pressure washed at least once quarterly, to get rid of grime that builds up, especially on equipment like swings and monkey bars. References: · https://paediatrician.co.za/position-statements

April 30, 2021

Tolo Baby Musical Activity TV and Tolo Baby Rainbow Stacker

Tolo Baby is a gorgeous new range of gifting and baby toys that will not only entertain your little one, but educate and assist with development during play. Perfect for baby showers, these beautiful, simple toys bring a touch of class into your little ones life. The Musical Activity TV is perfect from newborn and can be placed in your baby’s crib at eye level to see the bright moving gadgets. The squeaks, rattles, moving dials and abacus create a fantastic way to interact with your little one. As they grow they can touch and use their motor skills to engage with animals and sounds. As they develop they will be able to wind up dials and play music all by themselves. The Rainbow Stacker cups are great from 6 months upwards. Show your infant how to stack the cups and have fun building them and knocking them over. The cups also float in the bath and baby can play by scooping them up and pouring water out. When slightly older the child can start using the cups to understand colour differentiation and word association. Also great for sandcastles at the beach. Beautiful soft colour palettes make Tolo Baby toys suitable for all baby nursery décor and genders. Tolo Baby is available at selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot, Babanino, Clicks Baby Club, Hamleys and The Kid Zone.

April 28, 2021

Are our children spreading the Coronavirus?

While there are widespread reports that children experience milder symptoms and suffer fewer complications from the coronavirus than adults, paediatricians are warning that the issue is much bigger than previously thought. “It seems that the number of children infected with the virus in South Africa is higher than what we believe it is. While it is true that children do not seem to be as adversely affected as adults by the virus, we are seeing a large number of children who are asymptomatic, and this is worrying because they could be spreading the virus,” cautions Dr Iqbal Karbanee, paediatrician and CEO of Paed-IQ BabyLine,a trusted telephonic medical advice service for the first 1000 days of a child’s life, starting from conception to birth and beyond. Data suggests that children under the age of 18 years represent about 8.5% of reported cases, with relatively few deaths compared to other age groups. News reports are now suggesting that children may also be more susceptible to the new strains of the virus, without serious consequences. However, there is very limited data available on the number of children who are asymptomatic. “This is why it is important for children to practice social distancing and hand-washing, even if they do not appear ill, as they can pass the disease on to family members, or others,” says Karbanee. People aged 60 and older or with existing health conditions remain the most vulnerable to the coronavirus. That includes people with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease and chronic respiratory conditions. Dr Karbanee says that there have also been few pregnant women who have had complications as a result of the virus, and those who have had the virus have gone to have babies who have been fine. But should pregnant women consider getting the vaccine? “If you are a high risk patient and pregnant, I urge you to consider taking the vaccine, provided that you have discussed it with your doctor,” says Dr Karbanee, adding that high risk includes being overweight, being diabetic or having a lung disease. He says that, given the risk of complications from COVID-19 should a mom-to-be a high risk patient, the vaccine offers a relatively safe guard against the Coronavirus. “The vaccine is not a live virus-based vaccine, unlike the Polio vaccine for example. This vaccine is made from a protein extract from the virus, which, when you get exposure to it, lowers your risk of getting extreme symptoms. There have been very few side effects recorded by those who have taken the vaccine.” Karbanee says that each case should be seen on its individual merits and if pregnant women are concerned, they should discuss their worries and the possibility of getting the vaccine, with their doctor and medical team.

April 22, 2021

Tolo Baby Gripper Rattle, Tolo Baby Triangle Rattle and Tolo Baby Abacus Rattle

Tolo Baby is a gorgeous new range of gifting and baby toys that will not only entertain your little one, but educate and assist with development during play. Perfect for baby showers, these beautiful, simple toys bring a touch of class into your little ones life. Tolo Baby has a stunning selection of rattles to assist in early motor development. Gripper Rattle – Let baby watch the sherbet coloured beads cascade from one end of the rattle to the other – a colourful, easy-grasp rattle. Triangle Rattle – Let baby have great fun exploring this beautiful rattle. Easy-grasp from as young as 3 months. Lots of noisy fun. Abacus rattle – Encourage gripping and shaking and moving the abacus pieces side to side from as young as 3 months. Spin the pieces and get their motor skills working. Encourage lots of free play and noise with the simple, yet effective development of a rattle. Beautiful soft colour palettes make Tolo Baby toys suitable for all baby nursery décor and genders. Tolo Baby is available at selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot, Babanino, Clicks Baby Club, Hamleys and The Kid Zone.

April 19, 2021

Benefits of playing games with kids

Children of all ages learn through engaging with many different forms of media, including games. Games include board games, video games, and even online games, despite what you may have heard! Playing games help children develop many core skills like mathematical or language skills, social skills and healthy interaction, and logic and problem-solving skills. We all know playing is fundamental for young children’s development, but this is true for pre-teens and adolescents, too! Of course, the type of games children play at different ages will differ depending on their cognitive ability and interests. Still, play and games remain fundamental for a child’s development regardless of their age. Infants: 0 – 18 months Babies respond to visual and audio stimuli, including bright colours, movement, and sounds. Consequently, they respond best to singing and other music, holding and playing with bright toys, and looking at colourful pictures. Games recommended for this age group include: ‘peek-a-boo’ (visual stimulation), and singing rhymes and songs (auditory stimulation). Imitate the noises your baby makes to engage in a ‘conversation’ and let them crawl to discover their world. Of course, at this age, the parent or caretaker is doing most of the playing! Toddlers: 18 months – 3 years Children of these ages can usually talk and move by themselves to some degree, meaning the complexity of games caregivers can play with them increases a bit. Toddlers love exploring their physical environment, so touch becomes a big factor in how they learn. They also begin using their imagination and combine their cognitive skills with their knowledge of the external world to create a world of their own. Caregivers can encourage children’s use of their imagination by pretending to drink out of an empty cup or offering toys that enable pretend play. Read to them and develop games based on stories. At this age, recommended games include: building blocks and stacking toys, easy puzzles, and basic art and crafts activities like finger painting. Pre-schoolers: 3 – 6 years By now, children are starting to socialise with each other a lot more, so they need to start developing their social skills. Many children of this age play fantasy games with one another, like ‘cops and robbers’. This kind of ‘pretend play’ is highly recommended for this age group as it allows them to develop: muscle coordination, fine motor skills, language skills, and cooperation skills. Story time remains important – read your child a story and ask them questions about the plot and characters. Because they can now read and write to a certain degree, even simple card games like ‘snap’ are recommended. Other recommended games include incorporating objects like balls in games such as ‘catch’. Read more: Raising Readers: Tips for Parents Middle childhood: 6 – 12 years At this age, children are increasingly verbal and literate and can communicate with one another and adults. They interact with each other to a much greater degree, and their interests become more pronounced. By this stage, many children have started playing online and video games. While these certainly have their benefits, children must continue to play with one another outside of more formal activities like sports and cultural pursuits. It is recommended that caregivers continue to facilitate play among children indoors and outdoors, like playing ‘dress-up’ and hide-and-seek. It is also recommended that children now begin playing more mentally challenging games such as: more advanced puzzles, chess and other board games, and slightly more difficult card games like ‘go fish’. Arts and crafts continue to be encouraged. Read more: Video games: good, bad, or both? Teenagers: 12 – 18 years We all know teen years are difficult ones. Teenagers face many obstacles like changing bodies and moods and discovering who they are as independent and autonomous beings. Many teens can become reclusive or even self-isolate due to bullying, so it’s important to encourage them – very gently – to continue socialising with other teens who are kind and caring. Recommended games for teens now veer from traditional games to: sports, cultural activities, and social events like music concerts and parties. Teens are also encouraged to join clubs that align with their interests, like debate or ‘glee’ club, or outdoor adventures like hikes or rock-climbing if that is more to their taste. Remember, every child is different – nurture their passions through the activities in which they engage. By Jacqui Smit Sources: ACTP Southern Africa manual; healthychildren.org

April 16, 2021

Win the war against picky-eating toddlers

Getting a toddler to try different foods can be a challenge for many parents, coupled with that, the swinging pendulum of likes and dislikes can be frustrating at best; a firm food favourite one day can be snubbed at the next. Bianca Tromp, a FUTURELIFE® dietician, says that picky eating is a common challenge among small children that often causes considerable parental anxiety. “Worried parents may find themselves rushing to the doctor as they navigate what can become cause for daily conflict and concern.” She adds that although toddlers are known for their picky eating, most of them are likely to grow out of it, “In fact, the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development in which 1498 children aged 2.5 to 4 years were assessed at three intervals, found that 30% were picky eaters at some time during the 18-months of the study, although only 5.5% were picky eaters across all three intervals.” So, regardless of whether your toddler falls into the first 30% (the ‘here-today-gone-tomorrow picky eater) or the last 5.5% (the picky eater die-hards), Bianca has some sound tips to help win them over: 1. Perseverance is key As frustrated as you may be, don’t give up on offering your child new foods. Toddlers are notoriously resistant to anything new, but the problem is that as parents we simply give up too easily. In fact, according to a 2004 study, more than 90% of caregivers offered kids food they did not like only three to five times before giving up. Studies however show that it takes offering your child new foods 10-15 times before they begin to enjoy them. 2. Don’t force them to eat This doesn’t mean that you throw caution to the wind and avoid regular mealtimes altogether. Routine is essential and regular meal and snack times (at the same time every day!) is important to give your child a sense of security and stability. Most toddlers are able to regulate their own appetite, so you needn’t force them to eat if they are not hungry. Simply try again at the next snack time/meal. It will eliminate so much unnecessary stress for both of you. 3. Say no to sugary treats This is a toughie because so many parents struggle with it – as good as your intentions are, you often just give in to your toddlers demands because in your mind, “Some food is better than no food.” You’re not alone. Research by Safefood shows that many parents describe how hard it is resisting the pester power of children who are constantly demanding sweets, sugary drinks and foods throughout the day. In an effort to get your child to start enjoying healthy alternatives, you are going to have to be prepared to say “no”, hold your ground and sit out tantrums if need be. They will quickly learn how serious you are, hunger will set in and they’ll try what’s on offer. This doesn’t mean no sugary treats ever – it simply means limiting their intake to weekends or special occasions. 4. Add flavour, texture and variety The key to getting your fussy toddler to eat different foods is to introduce variety and flavour. By introducing new things, you will slowly train your child’s taste buds to enjoy more complex flavours. For example, if your kid likes plain wholegrain pasta, try adding a little olive oil. Once that’s accepted, add some vegetables, then some chicken and so forth. Also, play around with textures. For instance, if you tried mashed vegetables one day, next time, try offering them the same vegetables roasted or even raw. You can also spread out different textured food throughout the day. For example, you can serve a bowl of cereal, like the FUTURELIFE® Tots range (which is soft-textured) for breakfast followed by roasted vegetables for lunch, and crunchy textured fruits like an apple for snack time. “The first few years of your child’s life are a crucial time to establish healthy eating behaviours. Use mealtimes to bond with your child and support their overall development with nutritious and balanced meals and snacks. And, remember, feeding a picky toddler is a marathon and not a sprint. Try to keep it fun and lighthearted so that they develop a healthy relationship with food, and if you are concerned about your child’s growth or development, seek help from a healthcare professional,” Bianca concludes.

April 14, 2021

Tolo Baby Spinning Bunnies and Tolo Baby Bunnies Gift Set

Tolo Baby is a gorgeous new range of gifting and baby toys that will not only entertain your little one, but educate and assist with development during play. Perfect for baby showers, these beautiful, simple toys bring a touch of class into your little ones life. The Spinning Bunnies toy is perfect from 6 months upwards. Use the suction cup to attach to flat surfaces such as high chairs or tables and let your child explore and play during meal times by spinning, somersaulting and rattling the bunny characters. Suitable from 3 months upwards, attach the Spinning Bunnies toy across strollers, cribs or play areas and show baby how to spin, rattle and bounce the bunnies. As they grow older they can engage independently as they grasp and spin the toy. If the toys gravitates towards the mouth, no need to worry as it is designed for teething too. Beautiful soft colour palettes make Tolo Baby toys suitable for all baby nursery décor and genders. Tolo Baby is available at selected Kids Emporium stores, Takealot, Babanino, Clicks Baby Club, Hamleys and The Kid Zone.

April 12, 2021

The puzzle that is Autism

Autism, is currently referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) although people with ASD themselves consider Autism a neurodiversity rather than a disorder. Almost 2% of the world’s population is diagnosed as being on the Autistic spectrum. “Spectrum” because some people appear to be mildly affected and others profoundly so. Since each person is an individual and presents differently, the diagnostic process involves a number of professional assessments to identify strengths and areas of difficulty. Neurodiversity is not anyone’s fault and the causes of Autism are continuously being researched. There is no link whatsoever with vaccine treatments and the diagnosis of ASD. There does appear to be a genetic link, but the genes are not necessarily passed down from parents, since some genetic differences occur spontaneously. Autism can be understood from a medical perspective, as a condition with symptoms that can be improved but not cured, or from a more relevant social perspective, as an alternate way in which the world is experienced. It is not a sign that a person is ‘stupid’, defiant, sick, selfish, crazy, flawed or weird. All people are unique and that is why there are a number of professionals involved in the diagnosis. Paediatricians are perfectly positioned to follow a child’s developmental progress and although Autism isn’t fixed and changes over time, they may be the first professionals who detect neurodiversity in a child. Often paediatricians will refer their patients to other professionals if they detect a difference or delay in the child’s development. Parents can be overwhelmed by the process and feel isolated, but it’s important to remember that this team of professionals is there to support the entire family. Parents may also benefit from speaking to other parents in similar situations. A psychiatrist may assist with high levels of anxiety, attention difficulties, poor sleeping patterns, worries and extreme emotional fluctuations commonly experienced in Autism. There is no medical cure for Autism however prescribed medication is often helpful in reducing these difficulties. A psychiatrist will often refer their patients with Autism to a psychologist, to facilitate an understanding of Autism with the whole family and assist them to address difficulties with acceptance, emotional responses, behaviour and self-expression. People with Autism DO feel emotion and empathy but may battle to communicate those feelings. Psychologists are often also responsible for administering educational testing, to determine existing academic levels and potentials, for correct school placement. Success at school is largely dependent on the learner’s innate cognitive ability boosted by a support team and up-skilled educators. People with Autism often experience the sensory information in their environments differently to the way in which neurotypical people do. This has an impact on the way they behave in different environments and situations, as well as on their emotional resilience and well-being. This is why extremely picky eating; a strong need for predictability and structure; and specific skill sets and interests are often associated with Autism. Occupational therapists are a vital element in the team supporting children with Autism in this regard. The way in which sensory information is processed can fluctuate throughout the day, as well as from one situation to the next. Common responses for children with Autism include either “shutting down” and withdrawing from or avoiding engagement, or “melting down” and having temper tantrums or emotional outbursts and parents and teachers should understand and support this necessary ‘escape’. Neither of these is misbehaviour, but rather an instinctive response to the environment and the way in which sensory stimuli are being perceived. e.g. in a noisy chaotic place, noise reducing earphones may minimise the overload The use of Ayres Sensory Integration® in occupational therapy sessions goes a long way to helping children and adults with their ability to process the sensory information in their environments, thereby facilitating optimal function in daily activities whether they be daily hygiene activities, learning/work activities and/or social activities. A visual schedule at home and school is helpful for the child to anticipate what is coming during the day since people with Autism like predictability and structure and are thrown by unexpected changes in their routine. Occupational therapists can also provide support with motor and visual-perceptual development should this be required. Communication is another significant aspect to consider in the diagnosis of Autism. A speech therapist will support the development of communication skills for developing and maintaining relationships. Often more subtle aspects of communication are missed by a communication partner with Autism e.g sarcasm, facial expression, body language and tone of voice, leaving the person with ASD confused and excluded. While they may be able to define sarcasm for example, they may not realise when it is being used. Parents and teachers may need to point out social cues that have been missed. Fluctuating auditory perception and difficulty starting, maintaining and following a conversation can lead to communication breakdown. This is not necessarily related to the child’s understanding of the topic of conversation so rewording may be necessary. Learners with Autism favour facts and brevity over figurative and inferential information, impacting on academic comprehension and output, and social interaction. People with Autism are not deliberately rude but are to the point, often without an awareness of how their communication is perceived so it may be beneficial to discuss the effect of their own communication on others. Social norms are not always innate in neurodivergent children and adults. They may incessantly discuss a subject of their own interest and pay no attention to their conversation partner’s interest or disinterest in what is being said. Reciprocity in conversation may also be limited, leaving the listener with a sense of frustration and annoyance, shutting down opportunities for socialisation and relationship building. A speech therapist would encourage awareness and understanding of communication behaviours to minimise linguistic, social and emotional misunderstandings. Academic support teachers are the touchstone between learners with Autism, their specialist team and the school setting. They facilitate recommendations from the team to the school and vice versa to maximise the learning potential and happiness of the

April 7, 2021

Tolo Baby Chime Ball and Tolo Baby Roly Poly Teddy Bear

April 6, 2021

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