Toddler - Parenting Hub

Advice from the experts

Water Safety

Drowning is the 2nd leading cause of death in children between 5 and 14 years – 30% of all drownings. Children under the age of 5 are most at risk. Drowning is known as “the silent killer” because when drowning occurs, it happens so quickly and one may have less than a minute to react. There can be very little splashing, waving or screaming. A child can drown in as little as 4cm of water and it takes about 90 – 120 seconds submerged for a child to lose consciousness. Irreversible brain damage occurs after 4 to 6 minutes not breathing. ChildSafe reminds parents and caregivers of the following:

November 30, 2021

Soothing done right with the world-famous Chicco Physio teat selection on pacifiers

Trusted by doctors, orthodontists and parents for over 63 years, Chicco is a world-famous Italian brand that produces only the best quality pacifiers that align with your babies oral growth and development. The Chicco Physio teat is designed to allow breathing to be the most important factor in a child’s soothing process. Naturally opening up airways, the teat sits comfortably in the child’s palette to avoid moving around and saliva build up. With various sizes available, the Physio teat starts at the smallest size possible with the Physio Micro range of pacifiers. Perfect for even premature babies, this micro teat is the start of the series and the perfect start to a child’s soothing process. As the child grows, the Physio Air teat is slightly larger, with cute fashion buttons and various options available in terms of age and gender. Holes on the pacifier plate allow air between the skin to avoid dummy rash. Luminous versions of the Physio Air are available for night time dummy loss without waking the child. The most popular of the Physio teats belongs to the Physio Soft pacifier range. With colours ranging from nude to pink, purple, blue and green, the Physio Soft is a one-piece silicone dummy with appropriate airholes to avoid dummy face rash. They go up in age groups from newborn and are perfect for those face sleeping moments without leaving harsh marks or hurting little faces. Whatever Physio teat you choose to begin your child’s soothing journey, you will be guaranteed a world-class pacifier with orthodontic approval. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Loot, Takealot and other participating retailers.

November 24, 2021

Under the African Sea music album launch

After 30 years in the biz, local ECD educator launches children’s music album Coming soon to Apple Music and in limited hard copy is a collection of original, locally produced songs about the many sea creatures we can find in our African seas. Appropriate for all ages from birth to ten and beyond, Under the African Sea is a swift and pleasant departure from the clamour of today’s one-dimensional kiddies music that so often conspires to drive parents mad. Rather, this soundtrack is one that the whole family can enjoy and one that will lead to informative and educational discussions around sea life in our local oceans. Produced by Bedfordview-based early childhood development expert Petra Scherf, this collection of songs actually came to fruition years ago. “After a morning on the beach with a friend and our children, I was inspired to write a series of songs about the sea life we had observed. I composed the tunes in my head as I jotted down the words and, just like that, I had a beautiful collection of songs that the children at my school have been enjoying ever since.” This year, Scherf was encouraged to professionally lay down the tracks. “I wanted to share this music with all the children of the world to enjoy. Gregory Nottingham from JAZZWORKS produced the most amazing music based on my tunes and, together with Tulla Eckhart (our main vocalist), Gregory made the songs come alive.” Children from Petra’s preschool created the images used as part of the album cover and Studio esse.nr13 pieced it all together to create the under-the-sea inspired artwork. With the album now professionally produced, Scherf is confident that Under the African Sea can be enjoyed by children across South Africa and beyond. It’s the perfect learning tool for teachers and other child-focused groups that use music and song to entertain, stimulate and educate young children. “The album includes instrumental tracks that can be used by music teachers for percussion and movement, for children to sing the songs karaoke-style or for schools to dance and move together,” says Scherf. She adds that the songs include a variety of music-inspired movements and actions like marching, swaying and diving, which helps develop spatial awareness and language skills. Under the African Sea will soon be release in Zulu and Xhosa and is the first to be produced in a series of Africa-inspired albums that will include On an African Farm, In the African Bush and The African Sky and Beyond.

November 24, 2021

BIG NEWS FOR LITTLE ONES

UCOOK has teamed up with Kath Megaw, one of South Africa’s leading Paediatric Dieticians, to create a range of frozen kids’ meals. The new UCOOK Frozen Kids range launches with six meals and two pizza options with more to come, each boasting the promise of No-Nonsense Goodness to ensure that children get the required quantities of essential vitamins and minerals from a large quantity of hidden vegetables in every dish. The meals are suitable for children from the toddler to pre-teen years. South Africa’s favourite meal-kit delivery company moved into the frozen meals category in October 2020 with a range of UCOOK Craft Meals, aimed at offering convenience to time-pressed customers. With this new expansion into the frozen kids category, UCOOK plans to make their customers’ lives easier than ever before. Kath Megaw says that as the mother of an ex-fussy eater, she inherently understands the concerns that parents of picky or fussy eaters face. “Making sure that your child eats a balanced diet and consumes the required amount of fruits, vegetables, vitamins and minerals can be difficult and lead to stressful mealtimes,” says Megaw. “Now you can rest assured that your child is eating a healthy balanced meal, which means saving time on dinner-time battles and having to prepare a number of different options.” No-Nonsense Goodness is UCOOK’s promise to parents that their kids will get the benefits of nutritious ingredients crucial for development without compromising on the flavour they love. The UCOOK range has no added preservatives, sugars, sweeteners, artificial colourants or flavours and no added MSG. Each meal has a specially crafted blend of hidden vegetables, with some meals consisting of up to 74% fruits and vegetables. Each meal has an added bespoke Vitamin B pre-mix (B1, B2, B3, B6, B12 and Folic Acid) to boost the vitamin content. Sarah Hewitt, head of new product development at UCOOK, says that nutrition and immunity are directly related, and in a climate where both topics are particularly high on the consumer agenda, healthy eating is an imperative for all family members. “Following the launch of our range of baby foods, and then the UCOOK Frozen Craft Meals range, it occurred to us that to best serve the needs of our primary consumer, we needed to provide a solution for family members of all ages.” “We’re thrilled to work alongside Kath once again and bring these delicious meals to life as part of the UCOOK range of products,” says Hewitt. Megaw says that she’s often asked about the freezing process and how it affects meals. “Blast freezing preserves all the nutrients in the meal until such time as you choose to heat it up. Following the correct reheating instructions on the pack will ensure that there is no mineral loss or diminishing of the delicious flavours.” The new UCOOK Kids Frozen range launches with the following meals: UCOOK Kids Mac & Cheese UCOOK Kids Beef Lasagne UCOOK Kids Beef Rump Bites & Root Veg Mash UCOOK Kids Chicken & Broccoli Bake UCOOK Kids Mushroom Bites & Root Veggie Mash UCOOK Kids Spaghetti Bolognese UCOOK Kids Double Cheese Mini Pizzas UCOOK Kids Bacon and Cheese Mini Pizzas To explore the range and order your first taste, visit www.ucook.co.za.

November 22, 2021

Keep little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Bracelets and Anti Mosquito Clip-ons

Summer brings lots of fun, warm nights and days spent in nature – unfortunately, it also comes with insects. Keep your little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Bracelets and Clip-ons and get the gentlest, most natural solution to all-round cover. Made with naturally effective ingredients such as Citronella and Lemongrass to provide a gentle perfumed repellent that does not affect a babies delicate skin, slip on a bracelet in a variety of colours, wear it in ponytails or opt for the clip-on repellent which works on strollers, prams and t-shirts with ease. Unlike most mosquito repellents the Chicco Anti-Mosquito range leaves a great smelling, natural fragrance, reminding you that every time you protect your baby you are doing the least possible harm to their gentle skin. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Loot, Takealot and other participating retailers.

November 17, 2021

Yogi Bear, Cindy, Huckleberry Hound, and a Universe of Hanna-Barbara Characters Welcome You to Jellystone! on Cartoon Network Africa

Original animated ensemble comedy series from Chowder’s C.H. Greenblatt and Warner Bros. Animation marks anticipated return of legendary characters to television after 30-year hiatus Cartoon Network’s young audience won’t be the only ones delighting in the brand-new, animated series, Jellystone! – there’s something nostalgic for baby boomers and millennials in there too! From 15th of November, Africa’s #1 kids’ channel is bringing on the whacky, wonderful, and absolutely hilarious epic ensemble cast of Hanna-Barbera characters, created by acclaimed showrunner and executive producer C.H. Greenblatt (Chowder, Harvey Beaks) and produced by Warner Bros. Animation. The series presents a reimagined take on these beloved characters, modernising them for today’s family audience and introducing them to a new generation of fans. Set in the charming town of the same name, Jellystone! follows the Hanna-Barbera characters as they live, work, play, and (often the case) destroy the town in some silly way together. Huckleberry Hound proudly serves as the town’s mayor; Cindy, Boo Boo and Yogi are the town’s medical staff; Jabberjaw works at Magilla’s clothing store where they supply all the bow ties and hats to the town’s citizens. Every character has a specific role in the community, and their paths cross in fun and ridiculous ways, turning everyday activities into hilarious pandemonium. “I grew up watching tons of Hanna-Barbera cartoons and have a deep love for these characters,” said Greenblatt. “The massive amount of both classic and not-so-classic characters we were able to use from the Hanna-Barbera library is what really makes the Jellystone! universe special. Rather than recreate the feeling of cartoons of the past, we wanted to have silly, weird fun with these characters and expand their personalities to give them more depth. Chances are, if there’s a character you love, you’ll see them somewhere in this world eventually. We hope long-time fans appreciate our take on this world, and we’re excited that parents get to introduce and enjoy their favourite Hanna-Barbera characters with their kids.” We’re re-writing history at Cartoon Network, so take a trip to Jellystone! from Monday, 15 November, on Cartoon Network Africa.

November 16, 2021

Keep little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Spray and Anti-Mosquito Roll On

Summer brings lots of fun, warm nights and days spent in nature – unfortunately, it also comes with insects. Keep your little ones protected from mosquitos and bugs this summer with Chicco Anti-Mosquito Spray and Anti-Mosquito Roll On and get the gentlest, most natural solution to all-round cover. Made with naturally effective ingredients such as Eucalyptus and Citrodiora, the lotion is available in either a convenient spray and rub or a roll-on. Unlike most mosquito repellents the Chicco Anti-Mosquito range leaves a great smelling, natural fragrance, reminding you that every time you protect your baby you are doing the least possible harm to their gentle skin. Available at Baby City, The Kid Zone, Loot, Takealot and other participating retailers.

November 3, 2021

Why making book reading part of your bedtime routine is smart

By now you know that creating a predictable bedtime routine helps set your child up for a better nights rest. A previous blog about Bedtime and Naptime rituals for Toddlers mentioned how reading a book together at bedtime promotes cognitive development as well as bonding between you and your little one. But there is more. Interactive, shared book reading can also support a wide range of early language skills. We as parents tend to think we have to read to our child, but it actually has greater benefits if you read with your child. Children learn the most language during enjoyable back-and-forth interactions with you, their beloved parent. When you read with your child regularly, your child may learn language faster, enter school with a larger vocabulary, and become a more successful reader eventually. How do you read with your child? Follow your child’s lead As mentioned in this blog your bedtime routine must be fun. This is not the time to argue with child. Let your child choose the book she wants to read, even if you have read it umpteen times before. You could even allow your child to hold the book and decide when to turn the page. She is more engaged when she plays an active role in the book reading and an engaged child is a learning child! Make it a conversation You can simply read the story, or you can talk about the characters, or illustrations or plot. Watch your child to see what she points to and make a comment about that. Having a conversation about the book helps your child understand the story better and it exposes her to more complex language. Besides, there is nothing more calming than a quiet conversation with mom or dad before bedtime. Don’t ask questions all the time Remember, the aim is to have an enjoyable back-and-forth conversation. You do not want to test your child’s knowledge here. Pause often and wait for your child to participate, rather than bombarding her with questions. If you do want to ask a question, make sure it is an open-ended question such as, ‘How do you think Mouse felt when he found out the Gruffalo really existed?’ It is never too early to start reading with your child and reading with your child is never a waste. Happy reading! www.talkingtokiddo.com By Lize van der Merwe – Speech Language Therapist with special interest in early language development

October 27, 2021

Creating a perfect sleeping environment

Creating a sleep-friendly environment for your child is an essential factor to provide a good night’s rest. Children take time to fall asleep; it depends on how sleepy they feel after their bedtime routine and if their naps during the day were successful. It is vital to ensure that their daytime routines and bedtime routines assist in setting the stage for a good night’s rest. If you are sure that your routine is perfect and that your child’s tummy is full, you also need to consider what your child’s sleeping environment is like, as it also has to be conducive to sleep. Let’s look at a few factors that might play a role: Setting the stage for sleep You need to ensure that your child knows that his/her room is for sleeping only. Try to teach your child that their room is a place of relaxation; create a calm and safe space where they know that they can relax. If their room is too engaging and used as a play area, your child will not understand why he/she cannot play when it is time for a nap. Blue light Creating a relaxing atmosphere for bedtime includes making sure no screens are emitting blue light. This consists of any screens, tablets, or monitors emitting blue light like some video monitors do. This light interferes with the production of melatonin, the sleepy hormone. This can cause your child to struggle to fall asleep and to stay asleep. Please note it is not the colour of the light that matters but rather any LED’s that can emit blue or white light. Blackout curtains Light influences sleep; thus, it is vital to ensure that no light enters the room. Any light shining in from outside will also most likely cause your child to wake up early as it will cause melatonin production to stop. To ensure that this does not happen, invest in blackout curtains or adhesives that you stick to your window to ensure no light peeking through the curtains. Night lights Some toddlers do have night time fears, and this is where a night light comes in handy. Having any light in the room does prevent melatonin production, which is why you have to ensure that you install a natural light if you decide to use a night light. Natural light includes night lights like Himalayan salt lamps (non-LED globes to be used). If you have an older child that can understand more advanced concepts, you can also get a clock that shows you when it is time to wake up. A watch makes it easy for children to know when it is time to get out of bed. White noise If you have a noisy environment or multiple children in the house, then using white noise would be beneficial, both during the day and at night. White noise will drown out outside noises and helps your baby not to wake up from birds chirping in the early hours of the morning. Aromatherapy oils Aromatherapy oils can provide a soothing atmosphere for your child, and may help their little brains relax if they smell a particular scent such as lavender; this helps set the stage for sleep. You can use an aromatherapy oil diffuser in your child’s room during the bedtime routine or use a diluted oil to apply to their body. Bedding Always keep safety in mind when it comes to your child’s sleeping space. Keep loose bedding that your child could get entangled in to a minimum and if you have a child under the age of one year, please keep the risk factors of SIDS in mind. Invest in top quality materials such as cotton or hemp that regulate body temperature. Natural fibres do not cause your child to overheat and is breathable for those hot summer months. Give your child a comfort item such as a taglet (not under 6 months of age) to hold onto as a sustainable sleep association. The ideal temperature for sleep is between 21 and 23 degrees Celsius, so dress your child accordingly and adjust the room temperature if possible. Bottles If your child is old enough to reach for his/ her bottle, do not leave a bottle of milk beside their bed. It is essential to keep safety in mind as they can choke while lying down and drinking, and it also causes tooth decay. Please ensure that your child eats and feeds during the day so that he/she does not make up for lost calories at night. Many factors play a role when it comes to sleep. Creating a healthy sleep environment is one of the building blocks that you need to have in place for your child to sleep like a superhero. Please contact us at www.goodnightbaby.co.za if you need further information or a FREE consultation for us to assess your unique circumstances. By Anneri van Rooyen – Good Night Sleep Consultant

October 26, 2021

Meet the Magbuddies

Magformers is a magnetic construction toy which allows children of all ages to express themselves through build and play, Magformers is more than just a construction toy. Once the Mag Buddies join the fun your child’s collection becomes an endlessly versatile playset. Meet the Mag Buddies! Magformers MAG BUDDIES are compact sets that come with Magformers magnetic pieces and a figure, making them perfect to collect. With a total of 4 characters, children and adults can choose their favourite set. This special Magformers product is fun for everyone of all ages. When connected all four sets make a series of mega-mansions for the friends to live in and play happily. Visit Max’s playground. Max the playful character just loves to build and play – and he loves hanging out at his ever-changing playground. Sometimes he puts a swing upstairs, other times he puts the slide in his room. Max’s Playground, making design changes is super easy – he just smashes it down and starts again – because with Magformers magnetic construction it never takes long to build a new playground layout. Maggy’s wonderful house. Maggy loves to decorate and build a beautiful new house every day – and she can, using a mix of magnetic shapes and accessories including a door, window, balcony, furniture, a bed, a bath, TV. She picks and chooses how she wants to live. Sometimes her bedroom is upstairs, other times she builds it at ground level. And making design changes is super easy…just smash it down and start again, because with Magformers magnetic construction it never takes long to build a new home. Minibot is the world’s hardest-working chef. Every day he builds his very own kitchen to whatever design takes his fancy – then cooks up a delicious meal for his friends in his little oven. Each day this busy bot designs a brand-new kitchen layout using Magformers magnetic construction squares and triangles plus chairs, a table, fridge, oven with sliding drawer, windows, and other fun accessories. With Minibot’s Kitchen Set making changes is always as easy as pie – you just smash it down and start again – because with Magformers magnetic construction it never takes long to build a new design. Milo is the luckiest puppy in the world. This pampered pooch lives the high life in his very own mansion. Every day this happy hound decides how he wants to design his home using stairs, windows, a swing door, an outside kennel, a special tree piece, and other fun accessories. And with Milo’s Mansion Set making design changes is super easy – you just smash it down and start again – because with Magformers magnetic construction it never takes long to build a new layout.

October 25, 2021

Chicco Ohlala2 Stroller – Black Nite

When you want to make an entrance there is only one stroller that says urban cool with the utmost confidence – the Chicco Ohlala2. In slick Black Nite colouring, this diverse and convenient travel option is an all-round solution when looking for a lightweight, easy-to-fold yet durable solution to shopping, strolling and hanging out with your little one. Easy enough to ‘lift with one finger’, this 3.8kg stroller makes going out with baby so much easier when packing away in cars or accessing stairways. Fully reclining when it’s nap time for baby, you can use the extra coverage of the UV50+ protected canopy to keep harmful rays at bay. With a strong bumper bar protecting from forward falls, baby can hold on and watch the world go by whilst being strapped in with the five-point safety strap. Durable wheels make the Ohlala2 perfect for roads, pavements, malls and hard exteriors. As baby grows, the footrest will make sure they are neatly tucked in and ready to go. Pop your shopping or baby essentials in the large storage basket and be ready to make an impression with this ultra-fashion stroller. Also available in twin mode. Suitable up to 22kgs. Grab one at the reduced price of R1999 from www.shopchicco.co.za while stocks last.

October 22, 2021

How to encourage a love of learning

We try to teach our toddlers many things now in the hopes that it will stick with them when they are older. Not all of those lessons will carry through but teaching them to love learning is one that can. This is because the positive or negative thoughts surrounding learning are often derived from an emotional connection to the concept. If your child grows up hearing negative language in reference to reading, writing and learning new things – that emotion will stick with them as they get to school age. However, if they grow up associating learning to be beneficial, exciting and an accomplishment, they will approach their academic lives with enthusiasm. Make it exciting As a toddler, learning should not be seen as a chore. For you or your child. If they see that the learning activity is one you are forced to do and don’t enjoy, they will mimic that. So when you are reading them a bedtime story, building a puzzle or lego, helping them draw a picture – do it with the same enthusiasm you would like them to tackle school work in a few years’ time. Answer all the questions Your toddler will probably hit a stage where they follow you around talking non-stop. It is easy to drown this out (no judgement here) and give a noncommittal nod of the head every now and then. This is the part of your child’s development process that gets them thinking in a critical and exploratory manner. Don’t just encourage it, but engage with it too. Try and really listen to what they are babbling about, give them answers they can understand and ask them questions that will make them think about it even further. It is moments like these where a child’s brain will start getting used to thinking outside of the box. Use games and toys Helping your toddler associate learning new concepts while doing something fun will change their way of thinking as they get older. If you want to help them learn new things or develop new skills, try to do it in a way that makes them feel like it is a game rather than just a learning moment. Whether they become an A grade student or not, the love of learning has more to do with their attitude and effort than the results on their report cards. Remember that learning doesn’t just happen at school but also in everyday moments. We need to try to make sure our children are open to receive those teachable life lessons.

October 19, 2021

The toy that grows as your child does

Since its introduction into the market, Magformers has won the hearts of parents and children alike. More than just an educational magnetic construction toy, Magformers has grown into a brand parents trust, children love and that grows as your child does. Just as Magformers start the play journey as 2D flat magnetic shapes and transform into amazing 3D structures, so too Magformers has become a journey of growth and change you can explore with your child as they grow and develop. The award-winning design of the Magformers magnetic construction toy helps to explore and develop children’s creativity. At the core of the product, is the concept of 3D Brain Training – which helps children to develop comprehensive three-dimensional thinking through play. The Magformers family of products has something for children as young as 18 months and evolves and grows with your child to their tween years. The wonderful thing about Magformers is that even adults can’t put them down, with the “click” as the magnets meet being just too alluring to resist. Join us as we explore the Magformers family and find the perfect starting point for your child’s amazing Magformers journey. Sensorimotor Stage – 18+ months From birth to age 3, 80% of a child’s brain development is formed. This development is accomplished through sensory stimulation activities. This positions the Stock-O range perfectly to aid in early development Magformers Stick-O’s is the chunky magnetic construction toy for little hands. Designed to be super fun, safe and durable, kids can have endless enjoyable hours making all sorts of cute and imaginative creations. It’s also a great introduction to the wonderful world of magnets. The Magformers Stick-O collection uses hidden encased magnets to ensure children’s safety and are “tiny hand approved.” The size and shape of the pieces are made to fit perfectly inside toddlers’ hands or in the hands of children with functional challenges. This feature helps develop fine motor skills while playing. Exploration Stage – Age 3-5 During this phase children passionately exlore their environment. This stimulates their curiosity and develops their symbolic thinking. It is at this stage where children engage in imaginative and pretend play. My First Magformers is the perfect guide to assist children in exploring the world around them. Learn 6 different colours, 2 geometric shapes and all 6 Magformers building techniques. Create towers, houses, and the Magformers Magic Ball. Magformers My First Sets are safety tested from ages 18 months+ allowing your child the best start to learning as soon as possible. The My First Line uses a solid colour scheme, compared to a translucent one, as young children’s eyes are still developing and recognise solid colours easily. The learning content that is included with the My First products is specifically designed to help young children learn their geometric shapes and colours as well as developing essential life skills such as 2D to 3D modelling, problem solving and more. The transition from the My First range to the Magformers Basic Plus range is seamless as all the sets are fully compatible and interchangeable. Independent Behavioural Stage – Age 5-7 It is during this stage that children’s actions are triggered by their self-reliance. This is when children truly come into their own and express and develop their own unique ways. The Magformers Basic Plus and Themed Sets are the perfect outlet for children to explore and express themselves creatively during this stage. Unlock the ultimate playtime with Magformers. Selected sets include play cards to lay ideas flat and then roll, pull-up, transform, fold combine and wall to create exciting 3D ideas. The basic principle is that your creativity and, of course, the amount of fun you have while playing is unlimited. The frequent admiring looks of those who get to see your creations are also limitless. Concrete Thinking Stage – Age 7-12 During this phase, children are busy developing their observational and analytical skills. Children will be able to think critically about their experiences and reproduce those through play. So, what better time than this to click, connect, create, and explore endless construction possibilities with Magformers House Set. Your little one can build anything they can imagine when they use the Magformers Magnetic Rainbow shapes and the character and accessories to create and decorate houses. Each geometric shape contains magnets that never reject, so you’ll always hear the Magformers click. When playtime is over, use the magnetic power to simply stack and store. Compatible with all Magformers, add the Maggy, Milo, Minibot and Max sets, or any of the Town Sets for extended building fun! At every stage of your child’s development, Magformers will be a trusted partner helping your little ones develop and grow, and don’t be surprised if you find yourself joining in on the addictive Magformers fun.

October 18, 2021

Chicco Polly Progres5 highchair

Welcome to the world of stylish baby feeding. The champion of all highchairs is back with the brand new, most versatile option yet – the Polly Progres5. As advanced as a highchair can get, this bold and daring red polka dotted high-fashion baby product is designed with convenience in mind so you can #parentmore as you give them the best possible feeding and weaning experience. Allowing you to start feeding with ease from newborn, the Polly Progres5 grows with your child until they are ready to join their family at the big table. And even then, the Polly can come along. The fully-reclining seat is a first for Chicco highchairs. Bottle feed from newborn and allow the chair to continue supporting as your child grows. The Polly Progres5 has all the convenience of an everyday highchair with superior adjustability and functionality. 4 recline positions with one-hand adjustment and 8 height positions make it easy to bring growing children up to the table. Snap-on highchair with booster tray includes removable liner and stores on rear legs. The highchair seat easily detaches from frame to create the booster and stool configurations. When it’s time to grow up the fold-away foot rest swings out of the way to create stool configuration. Highly space-saving, the highchair is only 11.5 inches when folded for storage in between meals. And with an extra padded cushion, the Polly Progres5 is the most comfortable seat in the house. Modes: Baby: Reclining seat mode and fully upright mode for baby feeds. Toddler Booster: Highchair seat detaches from frame to create high-back booster. Big Kid Booster: Zip-off extension panel and fold-away arm rests convert booster to a more portable seat. Youth Stool: Highchair frame converts to height-adjustable stool with snap-on seat. With a 12-month guarantee you can rest assured that the Polly Progres5 is the only highchair you will ever use again. Grab them on special for a limited time at www.shopchicco.co.za for R4499.

October 15, 2021

How does baby’s physical development contribute to learning?

Many babies learn how to crawl at the same time they learn to sit on their own. Crawling, however, takes longer to perfect than does sitting without assistance. At six months, expect your baby to sit for a second, but balance will come later; also, you will probably notice your baby get into a crawling position, but not know how to proceed after that. Even though ‘crawling’ usually means progress on hands and knees, many babies use other moves to get them where they’re going. Rolling, slithering, ‘bottom shuffling’ (when a baby pushes around while sitting, using one hand to make the propelling motion), and pulling along on elbows are all manoeuvre used instead of the conventional crawling, so don’t be surprised if you see those first. Still other babies learn to crawl in the ordinary way, and then figure out that they can move faster on their hands and feet than their hands and knees. If something is out of reach of a six-month-old baby, you may see that baby pull up the knees under the body, push up with hands and often manage to get the tummy off the floor. For that moment, the baby is in a crawling position, but needs encouragement to actually add forward motion to the mix. By the ninth month, early crawlers start to make some real progress – though it’s often backwards, away from the object they’re trying to reach! Upper-body control is more developed than leg-control, so a baby tends to push harder with hands and arms than with knees – propelling the baby backwards. Not to worry (and try to reassure your frustrated baby, too!), this is just a short-lived phase. The biggest advantage baby has when it comes to solving problems is with the development of large and small muscles over the course of the first year, helping various tasks become easier. The two-block stack that will seem too complicated for your little architect one month will become an easy three-block stack just a few weeks later. When baby starts to focus on lower muscles (around 10-12 months), you might want to put favourite toys on the couch, encouraging your child to stand in order to reach them. This helps build balance and strong leg muscles necessary for cruising, a forerunner to walking. Once a baby solves the problem of how to stand and balance, and how to move one foot in front of the other, watch that glowing smile of accomplishment – your baby is now beginning to walk. Who’d ever thought it would happen so fast? Once you’ve reached this stage, you know your baby really ‘did it’ – and your family will never be the same. Talk about an accomplishment you can be proud of! 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. A perfect product to help a child develop like this would be the Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot available at retailers nation wide. The Fisher-Price® 4-in-1 Ultimate Learning Bot is a transforming playtime buddy for baby featuring 4 ways to play and lots of fun music, lights and hands-on activities. Each bot has its own fun for little ones to discover, from spinning eyes to silly popping balls to exciting crawl-and-chase play. Baby can play and explore each bot individually or build them up into one big interactive buddy with fresh music, sounds and phrases! And with Smart Stages® technology, you can switch up the learning content to best fit your child’s age and stage. 4 toys in 1 to keep playtime going as baby grows from infant to toddler to preschooler (ages 6 months-5 years) Each individual toy is filled with fun activities for babies to explore. Put them all together to build an interactive electronic robot buddy! 3 Smart Stages® learning levels with 120+ songs, sounds and phrases about numbers and counting, the alphabet, shapes, colors and more Press any button on the motorized bot to send it zooming forward with music & lights, encouraging baby to crawl and chase Lots of hands-on activities for sitting babies, including press-down antenna, twist & flip gears, ball-popper, and spinning & clicking arms By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education.

October 11, 2021

WEANING 101: HOW TO START SOLIDS

It’s something to celebrate when your tiny tot tastes something other than formula or breast milk for the first time. But often, the overload of information makes parents fearful of starting solids. Go with your gut and take your cues from your kiddie. If they’re old enough and face-planting into your plate to try to share your lunch, it’s usually a sign they’re ready! Here are some simple tips for a solid start to solids. Nadia Jansen van Rensburg, co-founder of Rooted Natural and a clinical dietitian with a special interest in paediatric nutrition, says, “We started Rooted Natural because we wanted children to have a healthy relationship with food right from the get-go. It’s natural for parents to be preoccupied with whether their little ones are eating well. But it can become an unhealthy obsession very easily, which means missing out on the joy of the experience. “The best advice is to be relaxed and let your baby lead the process. Repeated exposure of as many tastes, textures, smells and colours as possible. We eat with all our senses!” Here are van Rensburg answers parents’ most pressing questions when it comes to solids: When should I start solids? It’s different for every child. From four to six months, infants are developmentally and emotionally ready to start exploring a new method of feeding – and new foods, flavours and textures. Their nutritional needs increase and the introduction of solids helps to optimise growth and brain development. Plus, more energy from food supports their increasingly active bodies as they begin to sit, play and crawl. It’s a wide window period, so take your cues from your little one. They need to be able to sit with minimum support and have good head and neck control. Children often show you when they’re ready by grabbing at food, and sucking their lips or opening their mouths when morsels are nearby. How do I set the scene for success? It’s a great idea to get into regular feeding rhythms right from the start. Sit your little one at the table in a chair or in a chair with a clip-on tray and make sure their feet are supported. Avoid screens and any distractions. Try to get them excited about the food – its taste, textures, colours and smells! Positively talking about food is an important part of the process. Allow them to play! Play is a pivotal part of children’s learning process so let them have fun with their food. That’s how they’ll learn to eat by themselves. Time it well. Your baby should be rested, hungry and interested; not overly hungry, overtired, stimulated or fed. Importantly, you need to be relaxed as well. Go with a single flavour at first. Think about starting with vegetables, then progressing to fruit, grains and protein combinations. Should I do the puree or baby-led weaning approach? That’s up to you! The more traditional take is for first foods to be smooth, soft purees, then there’s a progression to textured purees and, eventually, whole meals. The latest trends and research are seeing parents include the baby in the meal – e.g., if they reach for a whole broccoli stem, let them try it. There’s no right or wrong! We recommend combining the two methods. This way, you ensure adequacy, but baby also gets to play, participate and explore, which fuels tactile development. Remember, the bigger the mess, the higher the success! Van Rensburg concludes, “Our Rooted Natural brand was designed to bring fun to the feeding process, with wholesome, sugar-, salt- and preservative- free foods that let children play with new tastes and textures. Healthy kids are happy kids. I’m a dietitian and my co-founder, Kirby, is a professional chef. We combined our love of food to create a range of organic, earth-friendly baby and toddler food that takes the stress out of solids. “We encourage you to relax and enjoy this new chapter. It’s a beautiful, exciting one. Most importantly, you’ve got this. You’re a brilliant parent. Go with your gut and learn with your little one.” For more information on Rooted Natural, visit RootedNatural.co.za or follow on Instagram and Facebook.

October 8, 2021

Chicco launches new e-commerce website

Leading baby products supplier Chicco has just launched their brand new, e-commerce website, www.shopchicco.co.za. Shop Chicco is finally ready to supply consumers with top quality baby products straight from the heart of the company. Chicco has been on the forefront of the baby world in European and American markets for almost 65 years. As a heritage brand that started off in the medical field, all Chicco’s products are quality controlled and tested in the Osservatorio in Como where Chicco is based. A laboratory within the company ensures that no item leaves the company without rigorous and methodical testing. It is through this strict attention to detail that Chicco has continued to be the preferred supplier to parents across the world for so long. When you shop on www.shopchicco.co.za you get access to not only a wide variety of Chicco products, but you also get the opportunity to sign up to the newsletter and receive further discounts. When you check-out, receive a free baby hamper gift worth R500*. Shop Chicco South Africa offers reduced pricing on selected goods, making it more than just an online portal, but a club to belong to in order to receive the very best deals on Chicco favourites. Shop world-class strollers, car seats, high chairs, bouncers, cribs, slings, carriers, toys, nursing products, grooming products and so much more on www.shopchicco.co.za today. Free gift valid until stocks last

October 8, 2021

Boomerang lives it up in New York with Tom and Jerry!

Brand-new show launching this October… Winning the hearts of millions is no easy feat, but after more than 80 years and countless accolades, the iconic duo, Tom and Jerry, are back, better than ever, leaving the suburbs behind for new escapades in New York City. To say Tom and Jerry have been around the block would be the understatement of the century! This pair, who love to hate each other, have been around the globe, gone through time travel, into outer space, down every nook and cranny imaginable, and are now running wild in Manhattan. From Monday, 04th of October, Boomerang Africa will premiere Tom and Jerry in New York, the show parents have been waiting for to introduce their kids to. Follow our favourite cat and mouse as they settle into their new digs at the Royal Gate Hotel and unleash mayhem across The Big Apple, inciting hilarious chaos uptown, downtown, and everywhere their manic escapades take them. So, best believe, Central Park, giant museums, department stores, and even subway cars will be turned upside down, inside out or just be totally annihilated in this brand-new Tom and Jerry series! All these chases and games have not been in vain; in fact, with their lengthy history on the small and big screen, Tom and Jerrycontinue to bring on the childhood nostalgia and fresh memories with equal measure. The two have also been over-achievers in their own unique way, having garnered 13 Oscar nominations for best short subject cartoon and winning seven of them in the franchise’s history. Plus, they did all that without even saying much; legend has it that the first time Tom and Jerry spoke at length was in their 1992 feature film. It does not get any more iconic than that! Get excited for the hilarious return of everyone’s favourite frenemies, as Tom and Jerry in New York premieres on Monday, 4 October at 07:25 CAT on Boomerang Africa! Watch. Play. Laugh.

October 4, 2021

How to handle angry feelings

Once there was a red balloon that lived in a house with a family. Every day the red balloon got bigger and bigger without anyone noticing. One day the balloon popped with a loud bang and everyone in the house got a nasty fright. Anger is often like the red balloon in that it builds up slowly over time until it explodes over a seemingly small incident/event. Aggressive behaviour is learned through the modelling of significant others. If you handle your anger like the red balloon, your children might learn that aggression is the best way to deal with uncomfortable emotions. Eventually these emotions could cause school difficulties, anxiety and relationship problems. Emotional control, however, creates a feeling of security and peace within a family. It is thus important for us as parents to ensure that our emotions and our reactions in response to our emotions are equal. For example, when you are angry, you do not have to express that anger by yelling or throwing things. Feeling angry is not wrong, but the way you express it might be wrong. As parents we have the responsibility to teach our children how to deal with their emotions in effective and appropriate ways. The following tools can help you manage your emotions more effectively: If you realise that there are often outbursts among family members, write down your emotions and thoughts. Keeping a journal will help you gain perspective. Humour can help you feel more in control over stressful circumstances. Take deep breaths. This will help to not only relieve some of the tension but will also give you a few moments to think more clearly. Focus all your attention on something in your environment or something on yourself, like the garden outside your window or the pattern on your dress or shirt. This technique can help you gain control over your emotions. Research has shown that there is a close link between a healthy marriage and successful parenting. It is therefore a good idea to invest in building a healthy relationship with your wife/husband. A good way to do this is by going away for a weekend or having planned date nights, to help you reconnect with your partner. Build your self-knowledge. Who am I? What is my personality like? Self-knowledge can help you gain insight into your own behaviour and emotions. Be mindful of external factors that could contribute to your emotions. For example, are you eating healthy foods, exercising, getting enough sleep? Are you stressed and worried?

September 29, 2021

How to parent a strong-willed Toddler

If you find yourself with a toddler who is outspoken, demanding and opinionated – you are probably trying to parent a strong-willed toddler. While this may not be the easiest job in the world, it is not only possible but having a strong-willed toddler is a blessing. Firstly, most toddlers are defiant. It’s pretty normal. It is their way of exploring their boundaries and the world around them. If you have a toddler that is showing signs of stubbornness, it’s likely that they will grow up to be adults that know their own minds and can set their own boundaries – great, right? Let’s get you there first! Give them choices. The one thing that will set a stubborn toddler to dig their heels in is when they are completely controlled. Yes, as their parent, it is your job to tell your child what to do at such a young age. But you know what you can also do? Give them choices. Perhaps eating vegetables is the war in your house. Instead of forcing your child to eat broccoli, give them the choice between broccoli or butternut. Let them learn by doing As long as their health and well-being are not at risk, let your strong-willed toddler learn by doing. This allows them to explore their world and learn from experience instead of things being told to them. The next time they demand to bite into a lemon, hand it on over. Set rules for strong-willed toddlers Yup, strong-willed children are also in need of set rules and boundaries. The vital thing is to lay out all the rules from the start and stick to them no matter what. This gives your toddler a strong framework to work within and knowing the rules upfront will make it feel like you are ‘bossing’ them around at every point. Dial down the punishment Trying to punish a strong-willed child almost never works. No matter what you do, they will not give in. Sound familiar? That doesn’t mean your toddler mustn’t experience consequences, just that you may have to tailor the experience for them. The best way to do this is through using your words and trying to understand them. Saying something like, “that lemon wasn’t nice, was it – that’s why I said it wasn’t a good idea to eat it”. Meeting your stubborn toddler halfway by using empathy will help immensely. Be kind Often, strong-willed children will mirror the emotions that you are showing. If you are angry, so they will be too. If you are kind and understanding, you will find they mimic those emotions from you. Next time you are at your wits-end, take a breath and try to approach your child with kindness and see how they respond to you.

September 27, 2021

Children’s games that help development

Occupational Therapist, Megan Smith, suggests some age-appropriate games that your children will love to play. They have the added benefit of being fantastic for their development too. Development games for 0-12 months Game: Peek-a-boo How does this game help development: During the end of your baby’s first year, they start to develop a cognitive concept called ‘object permanence.’ Ultimately, this is the brain’s ability to note that when an object is no longer within the visual field, it still exists. You will notice that your baby will start showing signs of separation anxiety around eight months of age. For instance, when you leave the room, your baby may begin to whine or make louder noises. This is their brains exploring the concept that when you disappear visually, you are not disappearing off the face of the earth. Boost the gameplay: Play the game with various other objects, hide bears and toys under blankets or balls in boxes and tins and encourage exploration. Show your little one that the object exists even when it is covered and cannot be seen. Use your voice when your face is hidden, this reinforces the concept that she cannot see your face, but because she can hear you, it is still there. Development games for 1-2 years Game: Finding objects hidden in the sand How does this activity help development? This is another great game to reinforce the concept of object permanence as the toddler’s brain develops. It challenges them on a higher level to search for an object when they do not know what it is. The game provides sensory stimulation through tactile (touch) and visual (sight) systems and challenges the brain to interpret this sensation and simultaneously execute bilateral hand coordination to dig through the sand and locate the objects. Finding hidden objects in sand provides an opportunity for the toddler to start the early development of different visual perceptual skills. Some of these are: Visual Form constancy: to distinguish one similar object from another. Visual figure-ground: the ability to identify an object from different backgrounds. Visual Closure: To identify an object when only half of the object can be seen. Boost the gameplay: Make sure the objects you hide are brightly coloured and can easily be seen against the background of the sand, the objects should also be large enough to fit in the toddler’s palm, any smaller, and they may struggle to find them. Use familiar toys, such as toy fish, flowers, pets and cars. This assists them with identification and will elicit feelings of success. As the toddler ages, you can make the game more challenging and exciting by hiding smaller objects that are more difficult to find and hiding two of each object and encouraging the search for pairs. This can assist in the development of early number concept development. Development games for 2-3 years old Game: Throw the bean bag in the hula-hoop How does this game help development? This game challenges the gross-motor developmental skills and visual perceptual skills, as it requires hand-eye coordination to work alongside visual perception to create success. The use of bean bags provides the toddler with proprioceptive input (this is when the muscles and tendons provide input to the brain explaining where the limb is in space), which is very important information needed to plan and execute a movement appropriately. Boost the gameplay: Put little treats in each hoop that they can win if they get the bean bag in – it will be like taking them to a carnival! Development games for 4-5 years old Game: Hop-scotch How does this game help development? Hop-Scotch is a gross-motor based game. This means that the game itself focuses on developing and challenging gross motor skills, including hand-eye coordination and hand-foot coordination. These games also challenge the child’s bilateral integration, which is the ability to use both sides of the body, in different movement planes, at the same time. This is a skill that is later refined and needed for writing and cutting at school. Boost the gameplay: Make use of bright colours and shapes which the child can hop and jump onto. This is a fun way to incorporate basic concepts (counting, colours and shapes) into playtime.

September 24, 2021

Chicco Mosquito Perfumed Clip and Bracelet

Mosquitoes are arguably among the most dangerous animals on the planet accounting for millions of deaths every year. These flying parasites have the ability to carry and transmit diseases to humans. For the most part, mosquito bites are nothing more than an itchy nuisance that will go away on its own after 24 hours. But prevention is WAY better than any cure! INTRODUCING THE CHICCO ANTI-MOSQUITO RANGE: Our Anti-Mosquito Natural bracelets are perfectly designed to keep mozzies at bay. Lightly perfumed with a delicate lemongrass flavour, their active ingredients are natural and harmless to your child. A cute accessory for wrists, ankles and even in ponytails, these handy bracelets are great for holidays and summer nights. Alternately you can use this safe-to-wear perfumed clip keeps mozzies at bay without having to apply any product to your babies skin. With natural effective ingredients, the clip easily sits on clothing and has a pleasant, light smell. The perfumed Chicco Natural perfumed clips allows you to customise kids garments like t-shirts, hats and backpacks offering easy protection from mosquitos. Suitable for use from 3 years on, this anti mosquito range will give you peace of mind. From R39.99 at participating outlets. For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

September 20, 2021

Soothe Operator

BIRTH TO 6 MONTHS, 6-12 MONTHS Picture this: You spend nine months in the cosiest of cocoons, digging the darkness and white noise, when one day with zero warning – boom! – you’re thrust into a big, noisy, unfamiliar new world. It’s no wonder your baby might be a teensy bit teary (or full-blown bawling!) as she adjusts to life on the outside. She’s turning to you, the close comfort of your baby-warming arms, and your newly minted sh-bounce moves to feel calm and content. No pressure or anything! The good news: There’s more than just one way to soothe your wee one. Here, we’ll show you tricks that’ll help you help him learn to calm himself – a beautiful lifelong skill we can all appreciate. Cuddles, please! Your touch, from soft caresses to gentle strokes, makes your mini-me feel safe. It also releases the feel-good hormone oxytocin, which helps you two bond. So try some “Kangaroo Care.” Simply lie down and place your baby on your bare chest; drape a light blanket over her back to keep her nice and toasty. During bathtime or nappy changes, gently massage her head, tummy, arms, legs, hands, and feet, and follow her cues, from coos to body language that says “More, please!” Physical touch releases happy neurotransmitters in you, too! Win, win. You’re getting very sleepy… Mellow music, a good book, Netflix in bed – the need to wind down before drifting off is real. Your baby craves a similar comforting routine. Sure-fire winners: Reading her a board book, singing a lullaby, or giving a gentle massage. When it’s time to say goodnight, she’ll be chill. Night, night. Up, up and away! When you’re not carrying baby in your arms or a sling, you can recreate that magic movement with a swing. It’s fun to discover what your baby digs: Does he like to shimmy side to side, or rock forward and back? A few minutes at a time in a swing, or a vibrating rocker, can be the dose of womblike movement he loves. Plus, you get some much-deserved hands-free time. All by myself Your baby’s favourite spot is near you (obviously), but you don’t need to spend every moment interacting with him. Like us, kiddos need some alone time, too. If he’s yawning, arching his back, or simply seems zonked and needs a break, give him a safe space (like on a cushy playmat) to peace out. Bring the noise Make a ruckus to calm your cutie? It works. Think about it: The womb isn’t exactly a serene sanctuary, between the pounding of Mom’s heartbeat and other pleasing background noise. Those sounds are home to your baby, and you can recreate them with a fan, a vacuum, shushing, or a white-noise machine (Think waves, rain, and waterfalls!). Walk this way Can’t stop your cutie’s tears (and maybe even your own)? When in doubt, head out! A walk can be a (literal) breath of fresh air for both of you. Nature offers all kinds of soothing sounds and feels, from warm sunshine on her face to the rustle of the trees. Bonus: There’s an excellent chance she’ll see other babies out in the wild (always a welcome sight). So, strap on a carrier to keep her close and take a stroll. You can find baby buddies via a playgroup at your local library or a neighbourhood meet-up. Time with your people is magic – and you’re never too young to learn that. Product Features Include: The Fisher-Price® Baby Bear & Firefly Soother starts as a tabletop sound machine for your nursery with customizable music, sounds, twinkling lights or overhead light projection to help settle your baby for sleep. As your baby grows, the cuddly plush bear detaches for your convenience. The Fisher-Price® Baby Bear & Firefly Soother starts as a tabletop sound machine for your nursery with customizable music, sounds, twinkling lights or overhead light projection to help settle your baby for sleep. As your baby grows, the cuddly plush bear detaches for snuggle time while the take-along lantern becomes a comforting nightlight for toddlers. Don’t worry, Bear, the fireflies will light the way! Tabletop light-up sound machine that grows with baby from newborn to toddler Sleep expert-approved Ready, Settle, Sleep™ playlist of gentle music, sounds and lights helps baby fall and stay asleep Lantern’s twinkling lights and light projection options becomes comforting nightlight for toddlers Snuggly plush bear toy detaches from lantern for take-along cuddles For use from newborn baby and beyond Available from leading retailers

September 17, 2021

Play & Social Development

If you ask any 4-year-old what he does in preschool, he will probably say something close to, “I do my work and I play with my friends”. Of course, that 4-year-old’s ‘work’ includes painting, listening to stories, carrying out suggestions made by teachers – ‘play,’ in most of our vocabularies. But we all know what is meant by ‘play with my friends.’ It involves the interaction between and among children by which they learn how to get along with one another, to be helpful and share, and to understand the consequences of their own behaviour. In short, in their social play, they are full participants in the laboratory of life. Although cognitive development tends to be stressed in today’s world, many parents enroll their children in early childhood programs primarily because of the unparalleled opportunity it provides for social play. Just as is true for muscular advance and cognitive development, social play in young children goes through several stages. One classification that teachers find helpful is as follows: Onlooker The child remains at the edge of the group, possibly playing half-heartedly with a toy of her choosing, but merely watches the other children at their play. Solitary Play The child plays intently with available materials but remains totally alone. Parallel Play The child does the same things that a group of children is currently doing but does not interact with them to any extent. Cooperative Play The child truly plays ‘with’ other children—takes roles (‘You be the mummy and I’ll be the daddy’), gives instructions (‘No, that chair belongs in the corner’), offers and asks for help. During the early childhood years, the social play goal of parents and teachers is to help children move through these different levels until they become successful at cooperative play. This is not to suggest that the earlier levels are inappropriate, as children will switch from one level to another on the same day. But, in general, they move toward true interaction with one another, recognizing the needs and interests of all the children in the group. Although I am descoting social play as consisting mainly of interaction between children, much of it also involves interaction with adults. For example, it has been shown that if an adult occasionally joins in the play, the level of complexity and creativity can be sharply increased. Children often engage in repetitive activities in their play with one another—pouring coffee, putting bread in the toaster, putting hats on and taking them off. A participating adult (who should not take over as director of the play) can enrich the level of play by commenting, ‘Watch that coffee; it’s hot.’ Soon the ‘pouring’ child will be cautioning the other children not to burn themselves. Or, ‘I think you look better in the red hat’ can launch a search among the play hats requiring identification of the correct colour. And the parent or teacher can help establish an awareness of the excluded or ignored child. ‘I think Heather would like to join your group. Do you have a cup for her?’ In their social play, children develop an awareness of their own effectiveness with others and have an opportunity to try to improve it. The girl who is listened to as she assigns roles to the other children gets a boost as she strives to develop a positive self-concept. A child who refuses to sit in the circle next to a classroom bully can exert influence to help the bully learn more constructive ways of dealing with anger and frustration. Parents and teachers need that kind of ally. 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. A perfect product to help a child develop like their social skills & play at the same time with their friends would be the Fisher-Price® Little People® Load Up ‘n Learn Construction Site™ available at retailers nation wide. Suitable for ages 3 and up! By Dr. Bettye M. Caldwell Ph.D. Professor of Pediatrics in Child Development and Education

September 16, 2021

Chicco Toothbrush Range

Cleaning and caring for your children’s teeth early on set up good dental care habits for life. It’s not always easy to do in reality though so here are our tips and tricks to help you on this journey… THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN BABY TEETH: Position your baby so you can see baby’s mouth, and baby feels secure. It might help to sit on a bed or the floor with your baby lying down so that baby’s head is on your lap. Cup your baby’s chin in your hands, with baby’s head resting against your body. Lift your baby’s lip to clean teeth using soft, circular motions. Make sure you spend time on the front and back of each tooth and also the gum line. If your baby doesn’t like having teeth brushed, you could try make brushing more fun by singing songs or letting your baby play with a toy. Even a quick attempt at brushing is better than nothing, so your child starts to learn that brushing is a normal part of the daily routine. Have a cute toothbrush also goes a long way to motivating your little ones to keep brushing for longer! Chicco has a wide range of toothbrushes for every stage of your little one’s dental development. Our Chicco toothbrush is suitable from 6m+, has non abrasive, gentle bristles to brush those first milk teeth and get baby learning about dental hygiene from a young age. With it’s large handle for easy grip and small head for little mouths, this is the perfect first toothbrush! New to the Chicco dental range, the Electric Toothbrush allows children to get a deeper clean to their milk teeth. Gentle, but firm, the small head reaches inside little mouths and the non-abrasive bristles offer a perfect clean. For our sustainable parents our new eco-bamboo toothbrush is perferct for toddlers that need a gentle brushing soloution. These biodegradable toothbrushes keep toddlers teeth clean with a gentle, non-abrasive bristle on a small head, to reach all parts of smaller mouths. From R79.99 at participating outlets. For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

September 13, 2021

Prevention of Falls

From the moment a baby starts to crawl, the world is a magical place filled with new adventures and discoveries. From their perspective, everything is a potential mountain to climb (that giant bookshelf), obstacle to overcome (those pesky stairs) or mysterious place to investigate (anywhere beyond the safety gate). Little bumps will happen, but ChildSafe is here to help so these brave expeditions do not result in something more serious.

September 10, 2021

Chicco Toothpaste Range

One of the best ways to set your little one up for oral hygiene success is to establish a baby dental care routine from the very beginning. Besides laying the groundwork for good hygiene habits later, it’s a fantastic way for parents to interact with their little one. Cleaning your baby’s mouth can also become a special time for snuggling and bonding with your child. The goals of this routine should be to: Establish a habit of brushing at least twice a day Keep baby’s mouth clean Help baby get used to the feeling of having a clean mouth. These goals are simple enough, but many parents aren’t sure when to start brushing baby’s teeth and gums, the simple answer is from as early as possible! Chicco’s range of toothpastes contain low abrasion formula’s that use xylitol and fluoride as their main bacterial control. Our awesome flavours are mild and will get your little one’s brushing for longer! Available in Apple-Banana, Strawberry, Fruit Mix and Mild Mint flavours from only R79.99 at participating outlets. For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

September 6, 2021

Thomas & Friends™ 2-in-1 Transforming Thomas Play-set

Young conductors can create their own Sodor adventures, at home or wherever they travel, with the Thomas & Friends™ 2-in-1 Transforming Thomas Playset from Fisher-Price®. This awesome train set features a large push-along Thomas, which stores die-cast engines inside, and Young conductors can create their own Sodor adventures, at home or wherever they travel, with the Thomas & Friends™ 2-in-1 Transforming Thomas Playset from Fisher-Price®. This awesome train set features a large push-along Thomas, which stores die-cast engines inside, and large passenger cars Annie & Clarabel, which open to reveal all the pieces kids need to build out a full track set! The 2-in-1 Transforming Thomas Playset comes with a die-cast, push-along Percy engine, a working Cranky the Crane™, and cool elevated track pieces for gravity-defying railway play. Large Annie & Clarabel cars transform to a Thomas & Friends™ push-along train and track set with large Thomas for die-cast engine storage Annie & Clarabel open up to reveal track and play pieces for kids to build out Working Cranky the Crane™ lets kids load and unload cargo Comes with 20+ pieces, including die-cast Percy engine and 8 track pieces. Compatible with all Thomas & Friends™ track, except wood. (Additional track sold separately.) For preschool conductors ages 3 years and older Take the railway play anywhere The Thomas & Friends 2-in-1 Transforming Thomas Playset lets young conductors take their favorite engines wherever they go and create their own exciting railway adventures. The large, push-along Thomas engine and Annie and Clarabel cars open up to transform into a full-size train set with elevated track and lots of fun cargo loading action. Push to send Thomas, Annie & Clarabel racing around, no track required Thomas conveniently holds up to 5 die-cast engines (Additional engines sold separately and subject to availability.) Turn the dials on Cranky the Crane to lift and load cargo Everything stores inside the car for take-along play All aboard for adventure and fun! Fisher-Price Thomas & Friends trains and track sets let young conductors live out their own Island of Sodor stories with all their favorite characters from the show. As kids race from Brendam Docks to the Blue Mountain Quarry and beyond with Thomas, Percy and the rest of the Steam Team, they’re practicing important skills like taking turns, working together, and how to make the perfect train whistle. Don’t forget to watch Thomas & Friends on Netflix!

September 6, 2021

Why socialising your child is important

With the onset of Covid-19 and the subsequent lockdowns, social distancing has become the new norm. While this is essential to protect ourselves and those we love, it has had a noted impact on our children. Never has the importance of children socialising and its benefits been more highlighted than in the past year when they have not been able to. However, with the adoption of Covid-19 best practises, safely socialising our children is important for their development. According to Child Psychologists, here are some of the top reasons why your young child should be safely socialising. Developing language skills in children Socialising from a young age helps children develop language skills and increase future vocabulary. It also helps them learn what the appropriate things to say are in different situations. Developing empathy in children Having your child interacting with others will assist them in developing empathy. The ability to be kind, considerate and thoughtful of how others are feeling is possibly one of the most essential components of someone’s Emotional Intelligence. The earlier these skills are learned and used, the better. Developing self-esteem in children With socialisation comes an improved and developed self-esteem. This is because when children learn to make connections at a young age, their ability to make friends as they grow older will directly improve how they feel about themselves. Also, having someone other than a parent give them praise is an important boost at any age. Developing conflict resolution in children Having your child play out different scenarios with other children will assist them in learning how best to resolve conflicts in a peaceful manner. If possible, it is ideal for this skill to already be developing before children start school. Developing happiness in children Besides spending time with other kids being fun, studies show that socialisation also floods our child’s brain with oxytocin – better known as the love hormone. Research also indicates that socialisation improves your child’s memory and brain recall function. Choosing a safe environment that has Covid-19 safety protocols for your child, and you, to interact with others will ensure they are getting the socialisation they need along with all its benefits. Toptots Parent and Child Workshop is a safe place to do just that – find a branch near you to register.

September 3, 2021

Chicco Multifunction Gum Gel

Teething! The bane of many a tired parent’s life… as exhausting and as challenging as it can be, it can also be a fun time in yours and your babies life as with little teeth comes a lifelong skill of dental care. WHEN IS THE RIGHT TIME TO INTRODUCE DENTAL CARE? Dental care for baby teeth can start before your baby’s first tooth appears. Once your baby is about three months old, you can gently wipe your baby’s gums using a damp, clean face washer or gauze twice a day. This helps your baby get ready for brushing when the first tooth appears. From around 4 months old, we recommend that you use Chicco’s Multifunction Gum Gel either on your finger or a finger toothbrush to get baby used to the feeling of dental care. Our multifunction gum gel kills bacteria in the oral cavity, whether teeth have started sprouting or not. Made from Chamomile flowers and containing xylitol, it prevents accumulation of bacteria. It is totally harmless if swallowed and has no flavour or preservatives. Available at participating baby retailers you can get if from R99.99 For more information head to www.chicco.co.za

September 1, 2021

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cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional	11 months	The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance	11 months	This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy	11 months	The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_ga	2 years	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to calculate visitor, session, campaign data and keep track of site usage for the site's analytics report. The cookies store information anonymously and assign a randomly generated number to identify unique visitors.
_gid	1 day	This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. The cookie is used to store information of how visitors use a website and helps in creating an analytics report of how the website is doing. The data collected including the number visitors, the source where they have come from, and the pages visted in an anonymous form.

Cookie	Duration	Description
_gat_gtag_UA_18530557_4	1 minute	No description
pron_ip	session	No description
pvc_visits[0]	1 day	This cookie is created by post-views-counter. This cookie is used to count the number of visits to a post. It also helps in preventing repeat views of a post by a visitor.
tk_ai	session	Gathers information for WordPress by themselves, first party analytics tool about how WP services are used. A collection of internal metrics for user activity, used to improve user experience.