my baby 1
6/5/14
16:20
Page 1
EE FR
Issue 1 • Spring/Summer 2014
IN THIS ISSUE: Tots’ Spring/Summer Fashion Away with the Tots Baby on the Go! • Baby Safety What is a Doula? Party Tips & Gift Inspirations Reader’s Story: Surprise Twins Fun Competitions and much, much more . . .
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:20
Page 2
A note from the editor
contents
Welcome to the first issue of My Baby Magazine!
3 8
Tots’ Trends for Spring Summer 2014
11
Reader’s Story
12
Baby on the Go!
In this issue we take a look at the latest Tots’ Trends for Spring Summer 2014 as well as helping you to celebrate those special occasions with wonderful gift inspirations and tips for planning a child’s party. And, to celebrate our first issue there are also some great competition prizes to be won! Our first ever reader’s story is about Sarah and Lee, and their surprise at finding out they were expecting twins. There is also a section for those of you who are expecting the pitter patter of tiny feet in the next few months. If you are looking to take a break check out our Away with the Tot’s section and Baby on the Go! for tips on Getting Out and About with Baby, as well as some fantastic products that make life on the go a little bit easier. So why not grab a cuppa and a little time to put your feet up, and browse through the great selection of features that we have in store for you. We hope that you enjoy the read! Best wishes from Karen and the My Baby Team
Let’s Celebrate! Party Time! Tips for planning a child’s party
Ultrasound Scan Revealed a Double Surprise for Sarah and Lee
Out and About with Baby
17
Online Safety
18
Baby Safety
21
Preparing for Baby
Share Safe!! Protecting Your Family's Snaps and Presence Online
Looking after your baby: Keep Cool & Sleep Safe
What is a Doula?
25 28
Cool Kids’ Rooms
31 32 34
My Baby Loves . . .
Active Tots Swimming for Babies
Away with the Tots Health The Yellow Card Scheme: Making medicines safer for children
Feature images used under license from depositphotos.com and Shutterstock.com. Other images have been supplied by independent sources. COMPETITION RULES Full details of competition rules are available on our website www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk. Entering a competition through the print magazine or via this website will be seen as acceptance of these rules. DISCLAIMER The information contained in My Baby magazine is not meant to replace that of a midwife, healthcare professional or GP. My Baby would always recommend that you seek medical information from a qualified health professional.
My Baby Magazine 75 Elizabeth Court • Wigston • Leicester LE18 2AF Telephone: 0116 2100911 For advertising enquiries email karen@mybabymagazine.co.uk
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:20
Page 3
Tots’ Trends for Spring/Summer 2014
Room Seven Nena nightdress in big rose white print
Oilily Dwarrel dress in soft Cotton with Tappy striped leggings www.oililyshop.com
www.roomseven.com
Isossy Mianna 2-piece frilled top and shorts for baby girls in cotton sateen and African Print www.isossychildren.com
mybaby
3
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:21
Page 4
Sail Boat Baby Blue handmade soft leather shoes www.inchblue.com
Isossy Ola dress with Peter Pan collar – part of the Isossy Play collection
www.isossychildren.com
4
mybaby
Oilily Dorah dress in soft organza, cardigan and soft cotton socks www.oililyshop.com
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:21
Page 5
Room Seven white-blue stripe bathrobe www.roomseven.com Oilily boys’ Hopper jersey hoody and Peer bermuda shorts www.oililyshop.com
Rainbow Stars Tee and Denim Kagool www.boysandgirlsshop.com
mybaby
5
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:21
Page 6
www.busypeas.co.uk
6
mybaby
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:21
Page 7
TOTS’ TRENDS
Inspired by beaches and festivals and featuring some stunning, colourful prints it captures the very essence of a brilliantly British Summer’s Day and includes everything from cute dungarees to adorable little rompers.
ee
C
hr ome V 1 Fr
Soft leather shoes designed to give total comfort for little growing feet +44 (0)1495 311123 | www.inch-blue.com
Summer is one of the most exciting times of the year for children and babies fashion, and Frugi has certainly pulled out all the stops to create a stylish and practical collection that will be on every family’s wish list. There are cute rompers for the littlest members of the family, stunning girl’s dresses as well as some fantastic shorts and t-shirt combinations for boys. Camper vans, ice lollies, beach huts, dinosaurs, surf boards, floral prints and guitars make this one of their coolest collections yet. Not only do Frugi clothes look fabulous, they are designed with ultimate comfort in mind. Little ones will not feel at all restricted by their outfits and can focus on the important things like climbing trees, roaming in rock pools and running through fields. The design team have taken extra care to ensure that waistbands don’t pinch and seams don’t irritate or tear. Absolutely everything is made from organic cotton, so it’s lovely and soft against delicate skin. Parents will love Frugi just as much as their little ones, as it’s long lasting and well made, and can be thrown in the washing machine if it gets covered in mud or ice-cream! To view the complete collection make sure you check out
www.welovefrugi.com A vibrant range of clothing, toys and books for babies from newborn to 18 months. Bringing fashion and education together, Busy Peas introduces children to fruit and vegetables at an early age, encouraging them to read and learn to grow their special favourites!
“PicO¬youV¬own” uniUYI¬gifX foV¬XLaX¬WpeciaP¬baby. For more information please contact: Jayne Liston: T. 0208 748 7671
E. jayne@busypeas.co.uk
www.busy peas.co.uk mybaby
7
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:21
Page 8
LET’S CELEBRATE
Party Time!
Tips for planning a child’s party
Where and when? There is always so much Decide when to host the party and where it will to do when you are be. Time the party earlier in the day for under 5’s arranging a child’s party to avoid children getting tired and irritable – a Buy or make the decorations couple of hours should be sufficient, you don’t and if the last time you Buy table cloths, party plates, napkins, piñatas, need to put on entertainment all day. party bags, favors and decorations to match the went to a kid’s party it party theme – you’ll usually find all the party You could host the party at home but if you was your own, you will supplies that you need at a good party shop or holding the party at a venue contact them well from online party suppliers. Alternatively you before hand to avoid the disappointment. Plan probably need a few tips can make your own; your little one will love the party for a time that won’t clash with annual to help you along the way. holidays and other events that could prevent getting involved. The key to throwing your little one the perfect birthday bash is organisation! Here are a few things that you can do to make sure that your child’s party is a fun and memorable event for everyone.
Choose a theme This will help when it comes to buying decorations, invites, food and the Birthday cake. Ask your child what theme they would like as they may already have a great idea of their own. If they are short of ideas take inspiration from their favourite book, film or TV show. Some popular party themes include princesses, pirates, fairies, super-hero, Disney, Peppa Pig etc.
children from coming.
Book the entertainment When you’ve booked the venue, you may want to book a professional children’s entertainer, magician, disco or bouncy castle for the party. There’s sure to be a number of local companies supplying this type of service but it’s a good idea to ask friends for recommendations.
The guest list Ask your child who they want to invite and write a guest list (including cousins, family friends, neighbourhood children and friends from playgroup). Around 15 children is a good number to invite, as it is enough to make the party fun without being too overwhelming.
Send out the invitations Buy or make invitations that match the theme of the party. Before you start to write them double check that the party doesn’t clash with any commitments that you have made – you don’t want to double book yourself. On the invitation write the date and time and where the party will be, also let guests know if they need to dress to suit the theme or if they need bring a swimsuit, football kit, trainers etc. Let guests know if you are supplying food and ask parents to let you know if their children have any special dietary requirements or if they have food/drink allergies. Give plenty of notice – hand the invitations out a month before the party if possible. Include an rsvp and ask parents to respond by a specified date. You can’t invite everyone, so try not to hand the invitations out in front of children who haven’t been invited as this might make them feel sad and left out.
8
mybaby
Plan games and activities It’s worth having a few pairs of extra hands at the party so ask friends, family and other mums and dads if they can help out. If you don’t have entertainment booked you will need to put together some fun activities and games to keep everyone amused. You could use tried and tested activities like pass the parcel, musical statues and blind man’s bluff or tailor games to the theme of the party eg. put on a treasure hunt for a pirates party.
Party food and drink Firstly you’ll need a birthday cake from your local supermarket, bakery or you could make your own – cupcakes and cake pops are also a popular choice for children’s parties too. You will also need party food but keep it simple as children can be put off if the food is too fancy. Finger food such as sandwiches, pizza, fruit, biscuits and crisps are usually favourite but you could offer hotdogs, fish fingers or hamburgers instead (remember to include meat free options for vegetarians). Make sure that children have access to plenty of drinks especially if it is a hot day – for younger children avoid fizzy drinks and serve squash, bottles of cooled water, fruit juice and milkshakes instead. If parents are attending cater for them too.
Safety Ensure that the party is appropriate for the age of the children attending. Don’t leave children alone and make sure that you have enough helpers for the number of children that you have invited – when children are very young encourage the parents to stay. Before parents leave their child take contact numbers and make sure that you know who will be collecting the child. Never let a child leave the party with someone that you don’t know or on their own.
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:22
Page 9
LET’S CELEBRATE
Exclusive Gifts for Children from
Petit Home
Hand Picked Gifts and Interiors for Your Little Cherubs!
Introducing Petit Home, the online boutique that makes a child's space a unique and beautiful place to dream, grow, work and play. Disappointed by the choice of products available for her own child, Aurore Vincens started searching for timeless accessories and gorgeous products that made her smile and would brighten up her child’s space. Upon sourcing an exciting collection of products that were lovingly handpicked for her little one, she decided to share her finds with others looking for special items for their own children. Today Petit Home is a place full of quirky and unusual gift inspirations and contemporary kid’s bedroom decor and baby bedroom decorations that defy the predictability of the highstreet!
For chic and enchanting items to decorate and personalise children’s rooms visit
www.petithome.co.uk
Meet Busy Peas, a brand that revolves around an adorable range of clothing, toys and books for babies, toddlers and infants. The roots of this business lie in the garden – bringing fashion and education together, Busy Peas designs introduce children to fruit and vegetables at an early age, encouraging them to read and learn to grow their special favourites! The Busy Peas product ranges feature five cute fruit and vegetable characters – Peat Pea, Tom Tomato, Carry Carrot, Stewart Strawberry and Gene Aubergine.
Cherish & Cherubs offers a fresh approach to gift buying with an ethos of quirky, different and quality.
BabyPod is a vibrant range of clothing for babies from newborn to 18 months, which includes colourful all-in-one baby grows, sleepsuits, bodysuits, comfy daywear, bibs, hats and booties, all made in the softest cotton.
The beautiful range of vintage and vintage inspired gifts and interiors for children has been carefully selected to include products that aren’t stocked on the high-street – ensuring that British homes retain the muchloved quirky nature we’re renowned for.
At Petit Home you will find an assortment of decorative items that make unique presents that will last and please both parents and children, including gifts and accessories that are exclusively sold at Petit Home. With refined selection of bed linen for children, baby quilts, adorable kid's cushions, quirky lamps by Heico, poetic mobiles, lovely music boxes and jewellery boxes by Trousselier, and many other delightful accessories that make the child's space fun and special, you are sure to find the perfect gift at Petit Home.
Gorgeous gift ideas from
Founder Caitlin draws inspiration for Cherish and Cherubs from her young son, her background in antiques and a passion for vintage style. After spending ages searching for fun and good quality products for her son and special gifts for friends, she decided to establish this selection of fun, stylish and quality gifts and interiors for everyone's little cherubs! In doing so she brings together her own collection of handpicked products, all of which come with the guarantee of being reliably sourced from crafts people and suppliers, from around the UK and Europe. The collection of tasteful gifts and interiors include, a range of personalised baby blankets and cushions, hand-painted keepsake boxes and door plaques, gorgeous pyjamas, fun personalised aprons, traditional toys and games, and much more! For more details please visit
www.cherishandcherubs.co.uk
Playpod introduces the fruit and vegetable characters as a range of entertaining and educational books and toys. Each toddler toy has a cheeky personality, while the toddler books involve the child in the adventures of their favourite Busy Peas character.
The Busy Peas Luxury Collection is a beautiful white handmade baby gift box containing an all-in-one with matching accessories, toy and a delightful story book. The box comes tied with a gorgeous green ribbon and a Busy Peas tag – the perfect gift for every little boy and girl! All products are available to purchase online at
www.busypeas.co.uk mybaby
9
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:22
Page 10
LET’S CELEBRATE
smarTrike Boutique is the perfect 1st Birthday Gift The smarTrike Boutique is the ultimate gift for baby’s first birthday! The 4 in 1 trike is the most advanced on the market and is not only an awesome present, it is a great investment that will last for years and years. The Boutique has a patented Swivel Wheel and Touch Steering to ensure it really does give the smoothest ride ever! In the early stages little ones can sit back in their padded seat and enjoy the view whilst Mum or Dad takes control with the steering handle! As they grow up and gain more confidence they can practice steering and pedalling, and then once they are ready, parents simply press the Magic Button to give their child full control. The Boutique certainly lives up to its name, it has a gorgeous fully-extendable sun canopy, perfect for sunny days, and a very clever detachable storage bag perfect for all those baby essentials. £119 from Toys R US Suitable from 10 months to 3 years +
Ethical Gifts from
Let’s Play Fair Capture. Cherish. Share. 23snaps lets you capture every precious moment with your baby. Collect photos, videos, stories and measurements, and privately share these precious moments with family and close friends all over the world. GET THE FREE APP NOW. SEARCH FOR 23SNAPS ONLINE OR IN:
If you are looking for an imaginative gift for your little one, you’ll be spoilt for choice at award winning toy retailer Let’s Play Fair! Now celebrating their 6th year, the familyrun company has blossomed into a reliable, easy to use online store; sourcing toys from around the world, to offer you something different from the usual High Street options. Let’s Play Fair’s range includes a fabulous selection of musical toys, craft kits, jigsaws and puzzles, handmade rag dolls and wooden toys, that will last through the whole family for years to come. And, when you buy from Let’s Play Fair, you will be safe in the knowledge that all of their products are either Fair Trade certified or ethically produced. If you need help choosing a gift, Let’s Play Fair are on hand to give you advice – just give them a call on 01279 815508, email karen@letsplayfair.co.uk or visit the new website www.letsplayfair.co.uk
10 mybaby
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:22
Page 11
READER’S STORY
Ultrasound Scan Revealed a Double Surprise for Sarah & Lee It came as a complete surprise to Sarah to find out that she was pregnant in September 2012. Neither herself or her husband Lee, had expected any additions to their family, after the results of a Hysteroscopy a few years earlier had confirmed Sarah couldn’t have any more children. With 2 teenage kids and both holding down demanding full time jobs, they were happy with their lot.
On the afternoon of her scan Sarah went for her appointment with her mum as Lee was working away. Everyone focused on the screen – ‘OMG, there were two blobs’ Sarah thought to herself as the image moved around the screen! ‘Are there twins in the family?’ the Sonographer questioned within a matter of seconds. ‘No’ Sarah replied, as it dawned on her what was about to follow. Congratulations, there is now!’ came the reply.
After a bout of sickness, a friend had joked that Sarah ‘might be pregnant’! That lunchtime Sarah headed to the chemist and despite thinking it was a completely ridiculous idea purchased a pregnancy test. On her return to the office, she took the test, to discover that she was in fact pregnant! It took a while for the news to sink in, but once it did the expectant parents were both really excited.
As the twins first birthday approaches, we caught up with Sarah to find out about her about her pregnancy and the birth of gorgeous twin boys, Tyler and Mason.
After my initial scan I was told about all the potential problems with multiple births – I know it’s important to be well informed but I remember feeling really anxious about it all and feeling more could have been done to put my mind at ease’.
How was your pregnancy this time around?
What about the birth?
‘I tried to work until my maternity leave but I suffered from really bad exhaustion all the way through my pregnancy which wasn’t something I’d experienced before. I did have to take extra time off work and took my maternity leave at the earliest opportunity. The morning sickness was bad – it lasted all day and the doctor prescribed medication to help as I was losing weight and some days I couldn't get out of bed or eat. On good days, when the sickness subsided I had cravings for the strangest things including pork pie, pickled onions and roast potatoes’.
‘I was due to be induced around 38 weeks but at my last scan one of the babies had turned into the breech position so my birth plan was changed and I was booked to have an elective Caesarean section on May 10th 2013. It was a scary time as my other pregnancies had been normal vaginal deliveries with no problems at all and I had a spinal block which again was new to me. When Mason was delivered he was unresponsive – I can remember feeling quite helpless as the midwives didn't really have time to tell us what was happening and it was relief when both babies were delivered safe and sound into mine and hubby's arms’.
The first few weeks went well and they soon broke the news to their family and friends. They made plans for what they would do when the baby arrived and daily life carried on pretty much as normal. However, Sarah couldn’t help thinking that this pregnancy felt different to her previous ones – she felt more exhausted and her morning sickness was much worse than it had been with her other two, but she put this down to being older and looked forward to her first scan.
The second big surprise in just a few months meant that the couple were about to take completely different path into parenthood this time around.
How did your antenatal care differ? ‘It was very different – I saw my midwife every week as my blood pressure was high and because I was expecting twins I also saw the Consultant at the hospital and had a scan every month.
What tips would you give to others who are expecting twins? ‘While you are pregnant rest as much as you can and enrol the help of family members and friends, and accept all the help you can get! When the babies arrive be as organised as possible and plan trips to the supermarket, appointments etc around nap and feed times. Check out local baby facilities before the babies arrive – we found that a lot of places aren't twin friendly! The best place to shop near us was Sainsbury’s, they were the only supermarket that had baby twin trollies that were clean and in good condition, plus good mother and baby parking. Also be prepared for the amount of attention that your twins will receive when you're out and about. A quick trip to the shops can turn into a couple of hours, as everyone you meet seems to love your 'double trouble' as much as you do!’
mybaby 11
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:22
Page 12
BABY ON THE GO!
Out and About with Baby As any parent knows even a simple trip to the shops with a baby is a challenge, and if you have more than one tot under 5 you need to be super organised if you want to get anywhere. The logistics of getting from a to b with baby can be overwhelming, but there are a few things that you can do to make sure that your trip is a stress free and happy one for everyone.
Mental prep
Parking – is there enough space to get everyone and your buggy/stroller out of the car? Is parking close enough to the destination? Are trollies near to the parking spaces? Facilities – check that there is easy access for your buggy/stroller, especially if you have a double buggy – you don’t want to arrive at to find you can’t even get through the door. You may need baby changing facilities, somewhere quiet to feed baby, a highchair or changing room that you can fit everyone and your pram/buggy into – check online or call ahead if you are not familiar with your destination.
Think about different scenarios that could happen – being prepared for any little blips is half the battle. Think about what you will do if your tot has a meltdown, needs a nappy change, becomes tired, is hungry etc., think about how to prevent it or how you will deal with it when it happens.
Destination
First aid – It’s a good idea to have a basic first aid kit to hand – you can buy one or make your own, visit www.nhs.uk or www.redcross.org.uk for more information.
12 mybaby
Timing is crucial for a successful outing! When possible plan your trip around nap and feed times. Earlier in the day is the best time for little ones who may get tired and irritable later in the day. Allow a little extra time to deal with the unexpected – think about how long your trip will take and take into account times that traffic may be heavier as your journey will take longer. If you are shopping or going to the bank, choose a time that is likely to be less busy with other shoppers or workers on their lunch break.
Arriving at your destination Safety In the car – Children must use the correct car seat until they reach 135 centimetres tall or age 12, the type of car seat your child needs depends on their weight. If you are travelling abroad, always use a car seat when travelling by car regardless of the regulations in your destination. A universal model is a good idea if you are using a variety of vehicles or hiring a car.
Whether you are popping to the supermarket, coffee shop or for a family trip there are a few things to check out before you hit the road –
Timing
When you get to your destination take a few minutes to find out where baby changing facilities, lifts etc. are located and if possible check that everything is in good working order.
Play Time Prevent boredom with buggy toys and in car toys to keep your little one entertained while you are out and about. Toddlers will get fed up if they are in a buggy for too long, so if possible let them walk with you for a while or find a play area or place where they can let off steam for a few minutes.
6/5/14
16:28
Page 13
baby’s head and s t ne or ck pp
y! fel sa
Move baby without waking
su
“A Mummy and Baby must have...” Jo Tantum
Ful ly
my baby 1
Order online www.snugglebundl.co.uk or telephone
01273 - 958703 Use Coupon MBM1 for £5 discount and Free P&P
not the car seat
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:29
Page 14
BABY ON THE GO!
SShhhh… Don’t You could WIN wake the baby! a Hamster So many parents know how difficult it can be when you’ve eventually got your baby to sleep to then lay them down without waking them. The baby instinctively knows when you try to move them away from your body.Parents often end up with an arm trapped underneath their sleeping baby.
Buggy Bag
Hamster Buggy Bags is a smart, streamlined storage solution to bulging plastic bags and tipping pushchairs – perfect for when baby is on the go!
But thanks to a very simple solution from two Sussex based Dad’s that problem has been solved! The Snugglebundl is a soft cotton wrap that has cleverly attached strong handles on the sides so you can simply lift up or lower down your baby without waking them!. Its clever design safely supports your baby’s entire body and lifts them so gently they don’t know they’re being moved! It also means you don’t need to bend or stoop taking the strain from the back, tummy and pelvis making it a great help for your post birth recovery. It even fits securely into car seats, so no more lugging out that bulky car seat; just simply lift your baby out on the Snugglebundl! It can be used in pushchairs, prams, supermarket trolley seats, cots and cribs and is ideal for discreet breastfeeding. You can even use it for rocking them to sleep in.
Win a
BabaSling Babywearing is not only convenient when you are on the go; it’s great for bonding too! New for 2014 BabaSlings have introduced three stylish designs. The beautiful fresh designs feature a timeless style that’s set to be one of the 2014’s biggest trends; polka dots! The three latest designs to join the Classic Collection are; Polka Rose, which features pale grey dots on powder pink and Polka Blue with white dots and Polka Red which has cream dots. Parents can wear their baby or toddler in five different ways from birth to two years with theBabaSling, and there are even two positions which are great for breastfeeding. They are ideal for when you don’t want to, or can’t take the pushchair with you, and baby will love snuggling up and seeing the world from a new view point.
Hamster Buggy Bags are a pair of pannier type bags that attach securely and neatly to the sides of buggies using strong hooks. They provide safe and flexible additional storage space. Hamster Buggy Bags are designed to distribute the weight towards the front and sides of the buggy, preventing it from tipping backwards when loaded up with baby essentials and shopping. Hamster Buggy Bags have combined volume of 20L, roughly the size of two full plastic bags, but are much stronger. £24.99 (for a pair)
www.hamsterbags.co.uk
Their slings are designed with extra padding on the shoulder, an adjustable buckle so both parents can fix theBabaSling® to suit them, and the hammock style means baby’s weight is distributed evenly without putting pressure on their spine or hips. Parents can carry their little one in five different ways from birth to two years, making it a great investment.
www.thebabasling.com
www.snugglebundl.co.uk
WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN!
WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN!
WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN!
We have teamed up with My Baby to give 5 lucky readers the chance to own a Snugglebundl of their own. To enter simply email your name address and contact number to team@snugglebundl.co.uk (closing date – midnight on 29th August 2014)
We have teamed up with My Baby to give you the chance to win a Hamster Buggy Bag of your very own – to enter simply email your name address and contact number to hamsterbb@mybabymagazine.co.uk (competition closes at midnight on 29th August 2014).
BabaSlings Limited have teamed up with My Baby to offer you the chance to win a sling worth £44.99 of your choice – to enter email your name, address and telephone number to BabaSling@mybabymagazine.co.uk before the competition closes at midnight on 29th August 2014.
14 mybaby
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:29
Page 15
BABY ON THE GO!
Varioguard + Isofixbase – Group 0+/1 The Varioguard arrived in stores late 2013 and already it has made an impact! With several very positive reviews and a Bizziebaby Silver Award, the Varioguard is already off to a great start.
The Varioguard is an amazingly flexible two stage car seat in one, complete with Isofix base. It is pioneering in design and provides your child with the latest technology and the highest level of safety. Unlike many other car seats in group 0+ the Varioguard offers a 5point harness as well as energy-absorbing belt pads, which guarantee maximum security. The additional use of memory foam in the head and side regions provide excellent test results in front and side-impact tests. This feature and the use of highquality, breathable fabrics also contribute to the well-being of
young passengers. A standard seat minimizer offers optimal support during your baby’s first months. When fitted to an Isofix connection the seat can be used both forward and rear facing up to 18kg. If fitted using a 3point safety belt then the Varioguard is suitable from birth to 13 kg as a forward or rear facing seat, and up to 18kg as a forward facing seat. The angle of the seat can be adjusted into 5 positions and the height-adjustable head protection offers comfort and safety as your child grows. RRP £199.99 Visit
www.hauckuk.com or telephone 01978 664362 for further information.
Shopping For Baby Equipment Online at Babe-equip Congratulations, you’re pregnant . . . three little words that herald the pitter-patter of tiny feet! From that moment on you will want what’s best for your baby, but when it comes to selecting the best gear for your little one – how do we really know what the best is? Online retailers Babe-equip, aim to make it easy for parents shopping on line to find the right products for them. They offer products that they believe to be the best in their category based on quality, value for money and ease of use – products that they would use on their own children.
Babe-equip go beyond the usual service offered by other online retailers by making their site easier to use and more information based, as well as encouraging use of the blog and product reviews to foster a community spirit with their customers. From maternity and birth, through to taking care of your little ones daily needs, Babe-equip will help you to make informed choices about the items you buy. When you are out and about with your little one, Babe-equip can provide a number of accessories that will make the logistics of getting baby around easier and safer – the ‘Child Safety & Car Seats’ and the ‘Buggies & Travel’ sections are a great place to start shopping for your baby today.
At Babe-equip shopping is simplified with sections such Sleep, Bathing & Nappies, Feeding, Buggies & Travel and a specific ‘Eco Friendly & Organic’ section, which offers products that ease landfill, save energy or are made from natural and/or sustainable resources.
For more information visit
www.babe-equip.co.uk telephone 01977 663306 or email customer-services@Babe-equip.co.uk Use code B&M4 at checkout for 7% discount
mybaby 15
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:29
Page 16
BABY ON THE GO!
The smallest folding buggy in the world! The innovative YOYO buggy has become a phenomenon since it hit the UK and with the launch of the next generation YOYO 0+, you will be able to enjoy all the benefits of the YOYO from the moment your baby is born. YOYO is the smallest folding buggy in the world and the only buggy to fully comply with size recommendation for cabin baggage. Perfect for urban parents and fantastic for globetrotters! The YOYO 0+ will have all the same great features as the existing YOYO 6+ (suitable for 6 months+), but will accommodate babies from birth. The stylish newborn stroller is rearfacing with a pop-up canopy that can be adjusted to 3 positions, a foot cover and head support and a 5 point harness. By removing the newborn nest and adding the 6+ pack (seat base and hood ), parents can convert the YOYO 0+ to the existing YOYO 6+, an outward facing stroller with multi-position reclining seat.
Weighing just 6kg, this unique buggy is the most compact buggy ever imagined (52 x 44 x 18 cm when folded). The featherweight buggy has a one of a kind folding mechanism which allows it to be opened and folded in seconds with just one hand and it can then be carried over your shoulder with the detachable shoulder strap.
Key Features l Fully reclined newborn nest with 5-point harness. l Exclusive pop-up canopy with 3 positions. l Includes a foot cover and a newborn head support. l Removable and washable fabrics.
l Most compact buggy ever (52 x 44 x 18 cm when folded) and first buggy in the world to fully comply with size recommendation for cabin baggage. l Featherweight (only 6kg). l 4-wheel suspension. l Exclusive "soft-drive" system: no need to lock the front swivel wheel, even on rough terrain. l Folding, unfolding and driving, all onehanded. l Detachable shoulder strap. l 5 colour pack options. For further information visit
www.babyzen.com
NEW Cosatto Supa stroller in Pixelate design Cosatto launches the Supa stroller in Pixelate design for Spring/Summer 2014 – the cleverest umbrella stroller out there. You’ve never seen so many fab features as on these revolutionary rollers. These are souped-up strollers with attitude! Make like a multicolour Midas and download Cosatto’s NEW Supa Pixelate pushchair. There’s never a dull moment with this stroller’s symphony of colour. Packed with futuristic features, Supa outfoxes the ordinary with a super smart free-standing folded option and fantastic one-handed, four position recline (including newbie lie-flat option so suitable from birth). Responsive Supa is a smoothie with intuitive features such as lockable front swivel wheels and adjustable handles for mum and dad. Superheroes get in-flight entertainment thanks to the multimedia gadget pocket in the hood with speaker. Supa is Cosatto cosy thanks to the free reversible 4 way Cosy Toes with kangaroo pouch and reversible zip-off fleece liner.
Key Features l Suitable from birth l Lightweight aluminium chassis with carry handle l Front and rear suspension l Compact umbrella fold with auto lock l Adjustable handle height l Integral extendable hood sunshade protection with UPF 50+ l Viewing window and magnetic fastening pocket for parent l One-handed recline with 4 recline positions l Adjustable padded calf support l Lockable swivel front wheels Spacious storage basket l Cup holder l Toy loops in hood
What makes Cosatto’s Supa different? l Extendable hood with patent pending gadget window l Rear pocket and speakers in the hood l Free-standing feature when folded l Fully removable seat unit for easy cleaning For further information visit
www.cosatto.com 16 mybaby
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:29
Page 17
ONLINE SAFETY
Share Safe!
Protecting Your Family's Snaps and Presence Online It is extremely unlikely that your children or family will ever come to any physical harm from someone who discovers your photos online. However it’s still reasonable to take precautions and consider the digital legacy you are leaving for your children when you upload family snaps.
Prevent Privacy Problems While the only 100% guaranteed way to protect your photos is not to share them at all, that’s not a very practical solution. Here are some tips to help ensure your photos stay private. l Use private photo sharing services (like 23snaps) to host the majority of your photos. l For public sites like Facebook and Instagram, add a comment with any instructions for your friends (such as "don't tag anyone in this photo" or "Please don’t share this one!") l Read and understand the Terms of Service of each site you use – make sure you are happy with how your photo content might be used or shared.
l Provide family and friends with photos you are comfortable sharing – possibly with the face obscured slightly, fully clothed and without any identifying details. l Consider adding a watermark so that anyone who wants to use the photo will need to contact you to get the original.
Stay Aware of Your Family’s Online Presence Whether you want to post photos publicly online or not, the important thing is to stay aware of what content is online so you are always in control. l Google your family’s names every so often. You can also set up a Google alert so that you receive an email if any new web content using your name appears online. l Do reverse image lookups using a service like TinEye. Although these services are limited today, they are getting more powerful all the time and are a great way to discover where your photos appear online. l If you have older kids, be sure to check the internet browsing history to see where they are sharing content. l Ask friends for a heads up if they see any of your photos somewhere unexpected.
Article written by:
Meaghan Fitzgerald Head of Operations at 23snaps
www.23snaps.com
What to Do if Your Feel Your Privacy is Compromised Uncomfortable with where a photo of your kids ended up? While your options are limited, here are a couple of tips. l Take a deep breath. Photos online get increasingly hard to find. On Facebook alone, over 300 million photos are uploaded each day. l Ask nicely to have the photo removed. Most people and websites will be more than happy to comply with a profuse apology. l Report a privacy violation. Here is the link for Facebook’s privacy infringement form: https://www.facebook.com/help/contact/ ?id=144059062408922. l Disconnect from anyone who may have been involved in reposting the photo without your permission if you’re concerned it may happen again. Protecting the privacy of your family and kids’ photos online shouldn’t mean you give up sharing and saving special family moments. With some simple precautions, and using private photo sharing services like 23snaps, you can stay secure in the knowledge that the right people are also able to enjoy your most precious memories.
l Be particularly aware of photos that viewers or brands might want to share – such as particularly cute photos or photos of your family endorsing or using a popular brand.
mybaby 17
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:29
Page 18
BABY SAFETY
Looking after your baby:
Keep Cool & Sleep Safe KEEP COOL
When you’re outside . . .
Summertime can be a fantastic time for families, but during the early months of an infant’s life their temperature control system will not have fully developed and overheating (thought to be an important risk factor in cot death) is something every parent and grandparent should be aware of.
l Keep your baby out of direct sunlight. Use a parasol or umbrella to keep the sun off l Protect your baby's head with a sun-hat, and their skin with loose-fitting light cotton clothes l Always use a high-factor sunblock
Here are The Lullaby Trust’s ten top tips which will ensure that your baby stays as cool as possible this summer.
When you’re in the car . . .
When you’re inside . . . l The room your baby sleeps in will be cooler if you close curtains and open all windows during the day l Use as few clothes or bedclothes as possible l Know what the coolest room in your home is so that you know where to take your baby to cool off
l Use window shades and make sure all the windows (except those with shades) are open and the car fan is on l Never leave your baby in the car
Generally . . . l Offer your baby plenty to drink l In very hot weather, sponge your baby down regularly with slightly warm water.
This is our recommended safe sleeping environment for a baby up to 6 months old
SLEEP SAFE Try to remember that cot death is rare and that if you follow advice such as sleeping your baby on the back, you will be reducing their risk of cot death considerably. Since the introduction of our 'reduce the risk of cot death' campaign in 1991 the number of babies dying has fallen by 70%. Advances in research mean we are regularly discovering new positive steps parents can take.
Advice for parents to reduce the risk of cot death: l Place your baby on the back to sleep (and not on the front or side) l Cut smoking in pregnancy — dads too! And don’t let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby l The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a crib or cot in a room with you for the first six months l Settling your baby to sleep with a dummy can reduce the risk of cot death, even if the dummy falls out while your baby is asleep. l Breastfeed your baby. Establish breastfeeding before starting to use a dummy. l Do not let your baby get too hot, and keep your baby’s head uncovered l Never sleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair
It’s dangerous for your baby to sleep in your bed if you (or your partner): l are a smoker (even if you never smoke in bed or at home) l have been drinking alcohol l take medication or drugs that make you drowsy l feel very tired l if your baby was premature (born before 37 weeks) l if your baby was low birth weight (less than 2.5kg or 51/2lb) l if your baby is less than 4 months old. The Lullaby Trust runs a freephone helpline for parents 0808 802 6869 and more information about safe baby care can be found at:
www.lullabytrust.org.uk 18 mybaby
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:29
Page 19
BABY SAFETY
Peace of mind and convenience for parents with the
Brother Max 2-in-1 Thermometer This multi-function 2-in-1 ear & forehead thermometer by Brother Max is designed to give parents complete peace of mind and offers great value for money. Our thermometer is highly accurate, providing a precise digital reading to 0.1Âş in just 1 second to completely reassure parents if their child is unwell or has a fever.
For convenience, it can measure ear and forehead temperature depending on which is most comfortable. The sleek design is easy to hold and operates with one-touch buttons and clear icons for ease of use by the whole family. It is also simple to switch between Celsius and Fahrenheit modes. Unlike other ear and forehead thermometers, ours is designed for use without probe covers so there is no need to buy these separately – saving time and cost. Parents can trust the 2-in-1 ear & forehead thermometer with its unique features for added accuracy. When repeatedly taking temperature, all contact thermometers need to re-acclimatise so a 10 second countdown is displayed on the screen for convenience. When taking forehead readings, the scan mode measures the average temperature for improved accuracy. A hygiene cap is included to protect the probe during storage and travel. Designed to be highly energy efficient with exceptionally long life in the included battery, there is also a battery level display for extra reassurance.
The Brother Max 2-in-1 Ear & Forehead Digital Thermometer is available from www.boots.com
WIN a SnoozeShade
! $ ! " ! # # # # # ! % ! $ $
SnoozeShade is the UK’s leading range of sun and sleep shades. This bestselling brand is the UK’s first breathable, blackout solution for prams, buggies, pushchairs, car seats and cots and was designed by a British mum specifically to help babies get the sleep they need when out and about. Thanks to its protection of UPF50+, SnoozeShade blocks out 99% of UV rays, as well as protecting babies from wind, chill, light rain and even snow making it a year-round must-have. The unique universal fit uses Velcro straps to fit all prams, pushchairs, and buggies, making it a great investment! From £19.99. www.snoozeshade.com
WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN!
SnoozeShade have teamed up with My Baby to offer you the chance to win a SnoozeShade of your own – to enter simply email your name address and contact number to snoozeshade@mybabymagazine.co.uk (competition closes at midnight on 29th August 2014).
mybaby 19
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:30
Page 20
BABY SAFETY
Safety for Spring & Summer As the weather improves a run around in the back garden or fun in the paddling pool are great ways for kids to let off some steam. Child Safety Week, 2329th June 2014, supports parents in keeping children safer from serious accidents. Here are some tips for keeping your children safe in your garden this summer.
l Secure your garden so younger children can’t wander out into the road if you can. l Remember to lock garden tools away in a shed or other secure area. Never leave electrical equipment plugged in when you are not using it. l Keep all chemicals – such as weed killer or fertiliser – locked away and out of reach of young children. Don’t be tempted to transfer contents to food jars or bottles which a child could easily open. l Keep young children away from lit barbeques or bonfires and remember that barbeques will stay hot long after you have finished cooking. l Teach children to never eat anything growing in your garden unless you tell them it’s safe to. Find out more at www.rhs.org.uk l Watch children playing near or in water, especially two and three year olds who are more likely to drown at home or in your neighbour’s garden. Fill in, fence off or cover your pond if you have one and make sure your young child can’t get out of your garden and near your neighbour’s pond or water feature.
Sun Safety for Children Exposing your child to too much sun may increase their risk of skin cancer later in life. Sunburn can also cause considerable pain and discomfort in the short term. Here are some tips to protect your little ones from sunburn: l Babies less than six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Their skin contains too little melanin, which is the pigment that gives skin, hair and eyes their colour and provides some protection from the sun. l Older infants should also be kept out of the sun as much as possible, particularly in the summer when the sun is at its strongest. If you go out when it’s hot, attach a parasol or sunshade to your baby’s pushchair to keep them out of direct sunlight. l Cover exposed parts of your child's skin with sunscreen, even on cloudy or overcast days. Use one that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or above and is effective against
20 mybaby
UVA and UVB - many brands produce sunscreen specifically for babies and young children with an SPF as high as 50 plus. Reapply often throughout the day, after toweling and particularly if your child is in and out of the sea or paddling pool. l Make sure your child wears a sunhat with a wide brim that shades their face and neck or a long flap at the back, to protect their head and neck from the sun. l Be especially careful to protect your child's shoulders and the back of their neck when they're playing, as these are the most common areas for sunburn. Cover your child up in loose, baggy cotton clothes, such as an oversized T-shirt with sleeves. l Encourage your child to play in the shade – for example, under trees – especially between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest. l Protect your child's eyes with sunglasses that meet the British Standard (BSEN 1836:2005) and carry the "CE" mark (check the label or ask the manufacturer).
l Babies can drown in as little as 5cm (2 inches) of water. Be sure to empty the paddling pool as soon as you’re finished rather than leave it for the next day.
For further information visit
www.childsafetyweek.org.uk or www.capt.org.uk
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:30
Page 21
PREPARING FOR BABY
Introducing the NEW
Your Pregnancy, Your Baby Show The campaign for natural birth continues in the form of the ‘Your Pregnancy, Your Baby’ show, a pioneering new event taking place at Stephenson’s College, Coalville, Leicestershire, on Sunday 22nd June, between 10am-5pm. Brought to you by Leicestershire based antenatal and parenting service, Partners In Pregnancy – the show will bring together both parents and professionals to showcase informative films, workshops and seminars along with 130 pregnancy, baby and toddler stands from across the East Midlands. The show offers the opportunity to meet midwives and experts that you may encounter on your journey as a parent. The show is designed to help women make informed choices about pregnancy, birth and beyond, so come along and find out about hypnobirthing, breastfeeding, aromatherapy, doula and so much more! Come along and meet Virginia Howes author of The Baby's Coming, her memoir, which tells stories of her training as a midwife as well as some of the most memorable, the most dramatic, the most touching births. Get your book signed, participate in one of her workshops and help raise funds to SAVE INDEPENDENT MIDWIFERY!
loads more of their favourites! They will love bopping the time away with Diddi dance or making new friends at the crèche facility while you attend a workshop or two. Tickets are priced at £3.50 per adult or group ticket £10.00 for 4 adults in advance, or £7.00 per adult on the door (no group ticket) – kids go free! For tickets in advance visit www.yourpregnancyyourbabyshow.co.uk email liz@partnersinpregnancy.co.uk or telephone 07807 056 234.
Meet the woman behind
Liz Earle started her Midwifery journey at Demontfort University, retraining later on in Antenatal Education where she went on to launch Partners In Pregnancy – a childbirth education, hypnobirthing and Doula service that operates across the Midlands. Approached by a FEDANT assessor, she now also tutors Doula and Antenatal Educator students, and runs the Your Pregnancy Your Baby Show. “Whilst I was a student Midwife, I had the amazing privilege of supporting women through a very vulnerable but magical time; however I also came across too many women who simply did not know what their choices were and how to work with the system for the best outcome. It was this that eventually led me to start Partners In Pregnancy and to launch the ‘Your Pregnancy Your Baby Show’. The shortage of Midwives and the surrounding crises, unfortunately places women at risk during the pregnancy and labour and whilst I cannot change the NHS, I can empower women to take an active role in their care – which improves the outcome for mum and baby. I love my job and look forward every day to the new mums I meet and support”.
A great day for the whole family – there’s a fancy dress competition for little ones and the chance to meet magical Disney characters Belle, Cinderella, Peter Pan and
mybaby 21
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:30
Page 22
PREPARING FOR BABY
Choosing the right Breast Feeding gear for your baby Advice from MEDELA UK My daughter is now 9 but I still by Cathy at www.babe-equip.co.uk
remember vividly being completely bewildered shortly before her birth, not knowing what I needed to buy or where to go for it or for advice on what we would require. As you are reading this you are at least one step up on where I was!
Deciding how you feed your baby is a big decision for every mum. For those that choose to breastfeed, Sioned Hilton, Lactation Consultant and Education Manager at Medela UK has some great pieces of advice.
Essential oils for Pregnancy, Birth and Labour Essential oils have been used in aromatherapy treatments for centuries to aid wellbeing and are wonderful during pregnancy to relax and help keep the expectant mum calm and feeling able to cope.
The excitement and preparation parents-tobe go through is nothing compared to the joy of meeting your new baby for the first time and this ‘honeymoon period’ can last for weeks – but there may be a few minor hurdles along the way but these are easily jumped with some support, and remember this... you are not alone! l After 3 days of age when the milk comes in – mum will be a little tender and may be tearful l You may feel a little overwhelmed at about 3 weeks when baby has a natural growth spurt and feeding is often more frequent for a few days l And again... at 3 months of age another growth spurt and again babies feed more frequently
There are a few things to bear in mind when you are making purchases for your little one – consider your lifestyle and space that you live in. Living in a town and planning to stay at home with your baby your needs are quite different to living in the country side, planning to go back to work, and have to drive to get anywhere. My husband was not happy because he had to sell his much loved car as the pushchair wouldn’t fit in the boot! We only used this pushchair for a short time because it was too big and bought a lightweight, quality buggy with a full layback seat which was much more convenient for our needs. How much living space do you have? Highchairs come in many different designs, some are very big and heavy (Ok if you have lots of space) whist others are smaller, lighter and can easily be folded away. Budget can also be a big issue. It is easy to spend a couple of thousand on “all the stuff” but it really isn’t necessary. Think about how you will be using the items that you buy and how they will fit into your lifestyle.
22 mybaby
l Sore and tender nipples can cause you some discomfort try applying a hypoallergenic lanolin based ointment such as PureLan to the nipple to aid healing – this does not need to be wiped off before a feed. For more information visit the Medela UK Drop in Clinic on their Facebook page every Tuesday.
Aromatherapy by Eunice Finney has been providing essential oils for pregnant women for over 20 years and Eunice is well respected for her knowledge and understanding of the use of Aromatherapy. Eunice uses quality essential oils, with extended labels on bottles giving full instructions for use with 'no frill' packaging and offers a comprehensive package that gives ‘Mum to be’ confidence to use Aromatherapy during pregnancy, labour and after the birth. The weeks just prior to birth can be very uncomfortable. Regular baths in Lavender essential oils help relieve minor aches, pains and heart burn prior to labour, as well giving ‘Mum to be’ a little time out for herself and an opportunity to relax in the comfort of her own space. Essential oils can also aid sleep in many cases and if something more than Lavender is wanted, try using ‘Aromatherapy by Eunice Finney’ Soothing Blend – a blend of Lavender and Geranium. As expectant mum approaches labour essential oils really come into their own – the blend of Lavender, Clary Sage and Ylang Ylang in ‘Aromatherapy by Eunice Finney’ Labour Blend and Labour Massage Blend is ideal in a bath or as massage oil during labour. After the birth the use of essential oils is vital to help aid the healing process, ‘Aromatherapy by Eunice Finney’ After the Birth – a blend of Lavender, Cypress and Tea Tree essential oils, can be used in a bath or bidet and works wonders to sooth the part which hurts the most after birth. For more information visit
www.eunicefinney.co.uk
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:30
Page 23
PREPARING FOR BABY
Stay active when you're pregnant The more active and fit you are during pregnancy, the easier it will be for you to adapt to your changing shape and weight gain. It will also help you to cope with labour and get back into shape after the birth. Keep up your normal daily physical activity or exercise (sport, running, yoga, dancing, or even walking to the shops and back) for as long as you feel comfortable. Exercise is not dangerous for your baby – there is some evidence that active women are less likely to experience problems in later pregnancy and labour.
Exercise tips for pregnancy Don’t exhaust yourself. You may need to slow down as your pregnancy progresses or if your maternity team advises you to. If in doubt, consult your maternity team. As a general rule, you should be able to hold a conversation as you exercise when pregnant. If you become breathless as you talk, then you're probably exercising too strenuously.
Aromatherapy
by Eunice Finney Essential Oils & Aromatherapy Products
If you weren't active before you got pregnant, don’t suddenly take up strenuous exercise. If you start an aerobic exercise programme (such as running, swimming, cycling, walking or aerobics classes), tell the instructor that you're pregnant and begin with no more than 15 minutes of continuous exercise, three times a week. Increase this gradually to at least four
30-minute sessions a week. Remember that exercise doesn't have to be strenuous to be beneficial. For further information visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-andbaby/pages/pregnancy-exercise
Aromatherapy Pregnancy Plus Packs & Workshops Established since 1997, Ladybird Day Nursery provides a friendly stimulating and safe environment where children enjoy challenging activities that stretch their imaginations and help develop a range of new skills.
www.eunicefinney.co.uk
Registered with Ofsted Early Years – all staff hold appropriate childcare qualifications. The nursery also benefits from a large, secure garden and CCTV.
Tel: 03331212270 Fax: 03331212271 (Calls to the above numbers are at a standard local/national rates & include mobile phone bundled minutes)
Mobile: 07973134076
Situated next to Edgbaston county cricket ground, opposite Cannon Hill Park, Ladybird Day Nursery offers flexible childcare for up to 29 children from 0-8 years of age – including school holidays and teacher training days. Open Monday - Friday, 7.00am until 6.30pm (excluding bank holidays)
Telephone: 0121 440 5706
www.theladybirdnursery.co.uk mybaby 23
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:30
Page 24
PREPARING FOR BABY
What is a Doula? by Liz Earle, founder of Partners in Pregnancy Ltd Doula literally means “woman servant”, a carer chosen by the couple to provide practical and emotional support during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Many Doulas have also undertaken additional training such as antenatal education and breastfeeding. To fully understand the role of the Doula, it is important to understand the role of midwife as well I believe. Many midwives do not have the time to fully support you during labour. This is not to say midwives are uncaring – quite the opposite, unfortunately the current midwifery crisis means that most certainly they have huge amounts of paperwork to attend to, but they may have other women to care for. This is why many parents opt to hire a Doula for continued knowledgeable support during labour. It is also important to note here that Midwives are there to assess
your medical needs and make judgements in care based on those facts. This is never a Doulas role.
Why should I have a Doula? Personally I believe that all women need a Doula to attend them during labour. We have countless years of research demonstrating the benefits of Doula. However these benefits only stem from someone not employed by a hospital or trust, and outside your social circle or family. Having a Doula empowers both parents to take an active role in their birth and by attending your birth reduces the time in labour. Doulas also reduce the need for pain relief – especially if your Doula is qualified in hypnobirthing as 60% of women decline pain medication. The knock on effect of this is that it also decreases your chances of a caesarean section by 50%. A common cause for caesarean section is fetal distress and/or maternal fatigue, which can be attributed to longer labours. The current rate of caesareans in the UK is an average of 25%. If all women had doulas this would be reduced to 12-13%. The World Health Organisation states “there is no justification for any region to have
24 mybaby
CS rates higher than 10-15%”. From these figures alone you can see how vital a Doula actually is to a woman’s birth.
Are there any other benefits? Yes quite a few! In regards to postnatal Doula or those that have undergone specialist breastfeeding training, a Doula can discuss your options when it comes to feeding baby. Studies have shown that 81.6% of women are still breastfeeding at 8 weeks if their partner has been given some form of breastfeeding training. This is in comparison to only 66.8% if partners do not attend or 38.1% if neither parent attended. Oh and guests, housework and shopping. Postnatal Doulas are there to cook, clean, pick other children up from school, handle guests when you need to rest – that sort of thing.
How do I choose a Doula? Firstly all Doulas should be qualified and regulated with insurance. There are a variety of regulators however FEDANT, the Federation of Antenatal Educators (www.fedant.org) regulates both Doulas and antenatal educators, so if don’t have access to childbirth education or you cannot afford it, you may wish to discuss birth choices with your Doula. It would therefore be advisable to also ensure they are a qualified regulated educator. This is also a preferable situation for birth as you are supported by someone with additional knowledge. Sit down with your partner and create a list of things you want your Doula to know or do for you and a list of questions you would like to ask your perspective Doula. These may be things like childbirth education, breastfeeding support and functional questions like – “How many births have you attended”, or they might be social questions “what would you do if…! Give them a ring and if they sound right for you, invite them to meet with you to ensure you feel comfortable and safe with her, above all be able to form a trusting relationship.
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 25
COOL KIDS’ ROOMS
mybaby 25
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 26
COOL KIDS’ ROOMS
Stylish Rooms for Little Ones from Nubie Create a nursery space that’s safe, comfortable and equally as stylish with the delightful collection of furniture and baby accessories from online children’s boutique, Nubie.co.uk. Sourced from around the world, the cool and contemporary range features an array of modern essentials from nursing chairs and changing tables to cots and design-savvy homewares to suit any mother’s style. Choose key furniture pieces from designled brand Oeuf of New York that include a chic mix of minimalist changing table and dresser combos as well as sleek Scandinavian style cribs, skillfully crafted using sustainable wood and non-toxic finishes. Sleek yet practical, the inspiring furniture range is beautifully complemented by a gorgeous selection of baby accessories and uber-cool bedding designs that range from bold robot prints to geometrics in muted pastel hues.
Win a Safe Dreams Cot Wrap The Safe Dreams Cot Wrap is a revolution in safe sleeping which is set to make thick, quilted cot bumpers obsolete. Made from innovative Softbreathe fabric which babies can breathe right through, the clever design uses velcro rather than dangerous ties which babies can get caught in. With an inner surface of 100% cotton, the Cot Wrap gives the cot a lovely cosy feel similar to a moses basket and is surprisingly padded to protect against knocks and bumps. The Cot Wrap is available in white, pink, blue, silver grey and mint grey to compliment any nursery. From £27.99
www.safedreams.co.uk
WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! Safe Dreams have teamed up with My Baby to offer you the chance to win a Safe Dreams Cot Wrap – to enter simply email your name address and contact number to safe@mybabymagazine.co.uk (competition closes at midnight on 29th August 2014).
www.nubie.co.uk
Competition – win a gorgeous organic baby bedding set from The Little Green Sheep The Little Green Sheep organic baby bedtime brand has everything you need to create the perfect nursery for your little one. Their SnüzPod 3 in 1 Bedside Crib is the ideal solution for parents who want to keep their baby close throughout the night and during the day.
simply as a rocking bassinette for nap time around the home. A safe alternative to bedsharing, the zip-down mesh wall allows parents to easily access their baby during the night whilst still providing babies with their very own safe sleeping space. SnüzPod is available in four different colours, Espresso, Natural, Eco White and Dove Grey, all lovely options.
The versatile crib can be used in three different ways; as a bedside crib, a stand-alone crib or
In addition to this they have an enviable selection of natural and organic mattresses to ensure your baby will get the best night’s sleep possible. One of their coolest innovations is the Twist Mattress, on one side it’s firm and flat – perfect for a baby, and on the other it’s springy and supple perfect for a toddler. It’s a fantastic investment, and you won’t have to worry about this mattress as it’s naturally anti-dustmite and 100% chemical free. They also have some gorgeous organic
26 mybaby
baby bedding, mattress protectors, blankets and sleeping bags so you can rest assured that your little one will be comfy, cosy and perfectly safe in their Little Green Sheep nursery! For more information check out
www.thelittlegreensheep.co.uk
WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! The Little Green Sheep are offering you the chance to win one of their gorgeous organic baby bedding sets which includes two sheets, a blanket and luxury mattress protector! To enter email your name, address and telephone number to LGS@mybabymagazine.co.uk before the competition closes at midnight on 29th August 2014.
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 27
COOL KIDS’ ROOMS
A selection of chic bed linen, lighting, decorative accessories, wall stickers and musical playthings
www.petithome.co.uk
A one-stop shop for all things modern for little ones, Nubie holds a passion for providing parents with an eclectic collection of high quality products that perfectly complement today’s up-to-date interior style. Brimming with a treasure trove of super chic designs from leading children’s designers, styles range from cribs and cots, toddler beds, to décor accessories and outdoor buys.
Enter Voucher code MYFAMILY at checkout for 10% off your first order.
www.nubie.co.uk
mybaby 27
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 28
ACTIVE TOTS
Swimming for Babies Swimming is the perfect exercise for babies and young children, as the water allows their muscles to move freely without the constraints of gravity. Regular exercise plays a vital role in their development, with every movement helping to strengthen their brain for new learning. You can take your little one to the pool earlier than you might think, babies of any age are comfortable in the water as long as they feel safe and will instinctively move arms and legs when immersed. If you have any queries don’t hesitate to ask your health visitor for advice before you take them for a dip. When you go swimming try to submerge your baby to shoulder level, if they are out of the water they will soon become cold. Watch your baby’s face so you can monitor their reactions and
keep moving to familiarise them with the feeling of travelling through the water. As a parent, you can increase water confidence in your baby, even at home. Use bath time to get them used to the water, help wet their face, tummy and hair, splash hands and feet, blow bubbles and sing and play. Keep bath time short and reassure your baby by smiling, talking and maintaining eye contact. Many pools offer adult and child swimming classes, usually from six months upwards and this is an excellent way to engage your
child in water activities in a fun environment. In these sessions buoyancy and balance begin to develop and confident toddlers often become able to swim without buoyancy aids. Ask your pool if their lessons follow the Swim a Song programme, a fun and
progressive swimming programme for babies and young children. Swim a Song is a stepping stone for the British Gas ASA Learn to Swim Pathway, the national syllabus to assist and support the delivery of swimming lessons.
Use the ASA’s Poolfinder tool (www.swimming.org/poolfinder) to find ASA approved swimming lessons near you or for more swimming tips for the whole family visit www.swimming.org/go/parents.
Shark attack!
SwimFin welcomes Violet Fish to the family! SwimFin, the world’s only shark fin shaped swimming aid for toddlers and children, is thrilled to announce the launch of a brand new colour for 2014. The Violet Fish in purple is the latest addition and will join the growing collection of bright fins in May! Due to popular demand, the team behind the revolutionary vertical buoyancy aid decided it was time to introduce another
bright colour to the range to ensure there really is a fin to suit every little swimmer. Purple is the perfect choice for boys or girls,
and it’s even Pantone’s colour of the year, so anyone choosing this particular fin is sure be the envy of the marina! Learning to swim with a fin is not only a whole lot of fun, it’s a lot easier too! Unlike traditional flotation aids, SwimFin does not restrict arms or legs, so little ones have total freedom to kick and splash about and master those four key strokes. SwimFin is worn on the back, so they help children establish a natural position in the water ensuring there is no danger of tipping or losing balance. The
28 mybaby
beauty of a SwimFin is that it’s a self-adjusting aid, adapting through each and every stage of learning to swim. It gives complete support when fully submerged in the water, but can also be used to master swimming underwater. Wearing a SwimFin boosts confidence, and you can guarantee parents will have no trouble convincing children to wear one; it’s a lot of fun being a shark! For further details visit:
www.swimfin.co.uk or find us on Facebook & Twitter
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 29
ACTIVE TOTS
Tips for Getting Tots into the Water If you are thinking about taking your baby swimming here are a few expert tips that will help to make you little ones swimming experience enjoyable and build your baby’s confidence in the water.
Top Tip from Ali Beckman, Technical Director at www.puddleducks.com You don’t need to wait until your baby has had their immunizations before going swimming. Mummies need to wait until they’ve had their post-natal check but it doesn’t stop daddies taking the baby swimming. Underwater experiences should be fun. If a baby shows any signs of distress, cease underwater activities immediately. The recommended maximum number of submersions for babies under 6 months is six.
Top Tip from Will Wood at Monkeys Inc www.monkeyswimmers.com Make sure you are swimming in a warm water pool heated to at least 30 degrees. If you are swimming in a pool cooler than this, it is advisable to use a special baby wet suit.
Top Tip by Emma Gibson at www.swimfin.co.uk When teaching your child in the water make sure your eye level is the same as your child's and always maintain a smile – kids pick up on negativity and angst so remember to reinforce the positive and never use negative comments. Lavish your child with praise in the water and you will see their confidence grow immensely.
Top Tip by Josu Shepherd founder of www.jakabel.com When your child is learning to swim use a good swimming aid that is comfortable to wear and your child will be excited about getting into the pool.
Top Tip from Frank Starrs at www.babyswimming.co.uk Little and often! Going to the swimming pool regularly for short visits (around 30 minutes) will make your baby feel more comfortable in the water as it becomes part of their routine. Staying in the water too long will leave your baby tired and could end in tears.
Jakabel® Introduce New Lines for 2014 Jakabel® the UK specialist in UV50+ wear, floatsuits, wetsuits, pool toys and accessories, have introduced their very own BEACH design range of UV50+ swimwear for 2014 – a great way to protect little ones from the sun when playing in or out of the water. Other must sees in the Jakabel® range include the Dolphin Stripe® soft touch towelling range in fabulous pink or navy stripe which includes beach robes and hooded towels – all at great prices and covering ages 0-10yrs. For baby, Jakabel’s new Babysafe non slip bath gloves, have been specially designed to prevent baby slipping in the bath when you hold them. Also, there are exciting new designs in Jakabel’s very own Nappi-wrap swim nappies, which either go over a disposable swim nappy or be worn on their own, as they are designed to prevent little accidents escaping! Jakabel® is the exclusive UK distributor of the Swimsafe Floatsuits® the only floatsuits in the world with an anti-tip neck ring. Now available in exciting new colours – they are a must for a little one learning to swim between the ages of 1-5yrs. With a huge range of Surfit® branded sun protection wear and wetsuits in the highest quality, brightly coloured fabrics and exciting array of pool toys Jakabel® promises uncompromisingly speedy delivery all year round! to find out more, visit
www.jakabel.com Tel: 0208 7152385 Mobile: 07957 541406 email: info@jakabel.com.
mybaby 29
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 30
ACTIVE TOTS
Childhood physical literacy should be “as important to parents as monitoring homework” Judy Murray supports a new ukactive report, Start Young, Stay Active recommending that physical literacy skills are embedded at a young age A new report Start Young, Stay Active, released today by not-for-profit health body ukactive, calls on government, education providers and every stakeholder involved in childhood development to recognise the importance of physical activity in the home, by encouraging parents to take a more active role in their children’s physical literacy. The report consolidates national information revealing that there is a declining standard of fitness amongst children across the UK and highlights the need to address the fact that many children start school without having developed physical literacy skills. “We have a generation who are growing up less fit and healthy than their parents. Modern diets and the multitude of sedentary activities don’t help, but it’s the fact that children aren’t developing the basic aptitudes for exercise that is the most worrying thing for me,” said children’s activity advocate Judy Murray, endorsing the report. “It’s vital that parents encourage and foster an
environment where activity is considered important, but it’s also critical for schools, sports providers and authorities to give parents the tools they need to instigate this process. Real change could be achieved by calling on government to include physical education homework as mandatory”, she added. Other recommendations within the report include providing parents with the resources to support their children to be active, extend the national child measurement programme to include activity levels alongside height and weight and improve the depth of data collection on children’s physical activity. ukactive CEO David Stalker said: “This is about re-ordering priorities so that preschool, activity led games become as second nature for parents, as supporting their children to learn to read or count. It’s simple, a child who is habitually active from a young age is more likely to be more confident, achieve academically and grow into a happy adult, free from chronic diseases, which have a detrimental impact on their personal health and on the nation’s spiralling NHS costs.” Start Young, Stay Active calls for closer relationships between schools, parents and policymakers and increased promotion of available resources for adults to use, such as Set4Sport, a
programme designed by Judy Murray to improve co-ordination, balance and agility in children. Dr Gavin Sandercock, reader in Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Essex and the principal investigator for the East of England Healthy Hearts Study said: “There really is no doubt that we are facing a crisis when it comes to the activity levels of young people. Anything that can be done to improve the communication between schools, parents and policymakers and address the issue will be a positive step. We are all responsible in ensuring that every child has the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of physical activity.”
For more information visit
www.ukactive.com or @_ukactive on Twitter
30 mybaby
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 31
MY BABY LOVES . . .
Introducing Milkysnugz Milkysnugz is the multi award winning brand making drinks huggable! The unique, cosy and cuddly bottle comforters make feeding time easier for baby! The genius collection not only provides comfort and takes away coldness from bottles; they also become a wonderful buddy to snuggle up with. In the early days they help dads get involved. When feeding expressed breastmilk baby might miss mum, but with Milkysnugz baby has a warm snuggly bottle from dad, which makes for an ideal combination! In the later stages the product aids the transition from breast to bottle and beyond as these cute cuddlers reduce separation anxiety by offering companionship. £21.99
www.milkysnugz.co.uk
Win a Curious Dog from Happy Hopperz The Curious Dogs from Happy Hopperz is the perfect gift for baby’s first birthday. Happy Hopperz are a collection of bright, inflatable animals that not only rival the space hoppers of the 1970's but take BOUNCING to a whole new level. Created with ears & horns for children to grip on to and feet to steady the bounce, these wonderful animals come in a variety of different styles and colours. Hopping is fantastic for physical exercise, a healthy lifestyle, strengthening muscles, building confidence, social interaction and encouraging imaginative play. £21.99
www.happyhopperz.co.uk
Meet the Creeper Crawlers Creeper Crawlers is the brand on a mission to provide unique fun products that aid babies development. First to hit our shelves is the award winning and patent pending Crawl Suit, a revolutionary romper that provides traction and protection to ultimately support and increase the chance that your child will crawl successfully. Made from the softest 100% cotton with no nasty chemicals in the dyes, Crawl Suits have grippable little bugs all the way up the shins and on the soles of the feet, which promise to help tots crawl safely & happily, more successfully and for longer on all surfaces including the increasingly popular wooden floor and tiles. £15
www.rosyandbo.com
The NEW Stomp v2 from Ickle Bubba Ickle Bubba, the brand behind the unique travel systems offering parents exceptional value, is delighted to announce the arrival of their eagerly anticipated Stomp v2. This fantastic upgrade on their original Stomp is packed full of enhanced features and fabric upgrades and best of all, despite raising their game, the Stomp v2 will continue to offer unbeatable value with a price tag that remains under £500!
www.icklebubba.com
WIN! ++ WIN! ++ WIN! Happy Hopperz have teamed up with My Baby to give you the chance to win a Curious Dog of your own. To enter, simply email your name, address and contact number to happy@mybabymagazine.co.uk (competition closes at midnight on 29th August 2014).
Almondella gift boxes – Now launched in the UK Launched 2 years ago Almondella is already a huge success across most of Europe and has now arrived here is the UK! Delivering you a monthly box of gorgeous gifts from the hottest European brands at up to 50% off – this exciting gifting concept is set to change the way new parents go about discovering inspirational new brands for themselves and their baby. Almondella have created 36 baby boxes with the most beautiful selection of care products, toys & clothing each of which has been thoughtfully put together to take you through all your baby's developmental milestones. Each box contains up to 5 products and has a retail saving of up to 50%. Subscribe for 1, 3 or 6 months, tell Almondella the baby’s gender and age, or mother’s due date, and then sit back and wait for your Almondella box to be delivered. Subscriptions start from £37 a month or trial a box for just £12.
www.almondella.com mybaby 31
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 32
AWAY WITH THE TOTS
Baby and Toddler
Friendly Hotels Life changes when a baby comes along – but that doesn’t mean you have to stop doing everything you love. With so many baby and toddler-friendly places to stay, there are some great places to take a break with your little ones in Britain.
Festival Fun
for Everyone! Festivals are no longer the domain of the grown-up! Across Britain a number of festivals have been created with kids in mind. Cue smiling faces all round . . .
Camp Bestival July 31st-3rd August 2014 How does a Director of Fun sound? At The Rubens at the Palace, opposite Buckingham Palace in London, this is exactly what you get when you take little ones to stay; Directors provide welcome packs of games and a children’s check in and tour of the hotel which ends with a cupcake-decoration session with chef in the kitchen! When they’re really little, it’s hard to get time as a couple to remember what adult company is like! The Luxury Family Hotels consortium’s hotel collection – which has 8 properties across England – offers baby-listening services so that mum and dad can have a date night, knowing their babies are being looked after. Most of the hotels also offer a crèche, specially tailored menus for children (the Bedruthan Steps in Cornwall even offers a ‘dirt and worm pie’ – but a delicious one!) and luxurious
spas for the adults to relax in while kids are being entertained. Hands up who thinks LEGO room service is the best idea ever?! Bovey Castle in Devon, in south west England, is the only hotel in the world to bring LEGO toys to the bedroom door. Open your LEGO menu on arrival, make your selection and it’ll be delivered in no time…
A perennial family favourite, Camp Bestival at Lulworth Castle in Dorset is big on kids’ entertainment. As well as plenty of space for little ones to run around there are a multitude of live acts, DJs, comedy, theatre and shows, food, attractions and activities, poets, authors and talks, bouncy castles as well as separate Toddlers’ area.
www.campbestival.net
How about an on-site ice-cream factory? Cally Palace in Dumfries and Galloway (2 hours south of Edinburgh) has just that, as well as a nearby beach to enjoy it at. Beaches abound in Wales too, and little visitors to Trefiddian Hotel in Aberdovey, north Wales, take priority – they get their own special dining slot (before the grown-ups!) and there’s also a listening service for babies.
www.visitbritain.com
baby baths, warm water and bubbles. Little ones will enjoy the most mysterious, magical and magnificent experience of their life as they watch and learn from the Les Enfants Terribles’ Marvellous Imaginary Menagerie – the world’s weirdest wonder emporium!
www.justsofestival.org.uk
Just So Festival 15-17 August 2014 Set in the Grade II-listed park and gardens of the beautiful stately home Rode Hall, south of Manchester the Just So Festival in Cheshire has been designed for families with small children. Baby facilities include a dedicated baby changing tent, with changing mats, nappies and wipes, plus there is baby feeding boudoir, electricity points for bottle warmers and sterilisers and baby bathtime is held in a special tent of
32 mybaby
Lollibop 15th-17th August 2014 Lollibop's brand new home for 2014 is Hatfield House! This amazing stately home and its surrounding lawns, gardens and woodlands have fast become one of the most loved family destinations in England. The new location will provide the magical, wonderful experience LolliBoppers have come to love and expect.
www.lollibopfestival.co.uk
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 33
AWAY WITH THE TOTS
Eco Friendly Camping on
Mersea Island Situated just off the Essex coastline, around 10 miles from Colchester, you will find the unique and largely undiscovered holiday haven, Mersea Island.
Take A Family-Friendly
Farm Break If you are looking to break away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, a visit to Wheatacre Hall Barns could be just what you are looking for.
loos, a laundry and shower block with solar powered water heating and a family sized shower room that provides plenty of space for parents to attend to little ones at shower time. Recognised for the work done to protect the environment in and around the campsite with the David Bellamy Gold Conservation Award, Fen Farm is a popular destination for those wanting an eco-retreat.
One of Britain’s best-kept secrets, this tiny island is just 5 miles by 2 miles and has 12 miles of coastline. Located in a peaceful, rural setting, in the southeast of the island you will find Fen Farm Caravan and Camping Site. This small yet wellappointed campsite offers its guests a warm and friendly welcome. Owned by The Lord family since 1918, the site caters for tents, trailer tents, touring caravans and motor homes of any size and boasts award winning
A great place to escape the distractions of everyday life, the sites proximity to the Essex marshes provides a unique and tranquil atmosphere. At Fen Farm kids can enjoy themselves without having to switch anything on or boot up! There are play areas with swings, seesaws and climbing frames, plus plenty of wide-open space to explore.
For more information visit www.fenfarm.co.uk or telephone 01206 383275
Nestling in the charming south Norfolk countryside, amongst rolling farmland and hidden waterways – the attractive cluster of eight barns on the Burroughs family working dairy and arable farm, provides the perfect spot to relax, unwind and enjoy the tranquillity of country life. Wheatacre Hall Barns have been tastefully restored with stylish and comfortable interiors to create
Things to see and do . . .
Fen Farm Camping and Caravan Site is within walking distance of a wonderful south facing beach. In West Mersea you will find shops, cafes, a museum and restaurants, many of which sell the famous Mersea Native oysters. Take to the water for a spot of sailing,
Norfolk and Suffolk food produce has a great reputation which is sure to tickle the taste buds! Those who fancy eating out will enjoy visiting the quality, local pubs or restaurants that these two fabulous counties have to offer.
For nature lovers – Cudmore Grove Country Park is very close by and the renowned Fingringhoe Wick nature reserve is just 6 miles away. Abberton Reservoir with its abundance of water birds is also well worth the 10 minute drive and guests at Fen Farm can enjoy discount entry to nearby Colchester Zoo.
There is a play barn to keep under 5’s amused and for more energetic members of the family there is a games room, fitness barn and plenty of grassy areas for football and other outdoor games. Children are sure to love visiting the animals on the farm and the abundance of wildlife and birdlife will delight the nature lovers of the family. The Wheatacre site has extensive river frontage for fishing and there are network of walks varying in length amid the picturesque landscape.
To find out more or to check availability visit www.wheatacrehallbarns.co.uk or telephone 01502 677208
Things to see and do . . . windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing or try crabbing – you haven't been to Mersea properly until you have been crabbing in the creek!!
luxury, well equipped self-catering accommodation, for couples and families alike. Each barn boasts its own private garden and furnished patio area with barbecue, where guests can relax and enjoy dining alfresco.
The fine medieval city of Norwich has a magnificent cathedral, castle with museum, cinemas, theatre, independent shops and a covered market, perfect for combining a spot of retail therapy with a little sightseeing. Just 45 minutes by car – this award winning BeWILDerwood with magical Treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles, boat trips and marsh walks, offers a brilliantly exciting day out.
mybaby 33
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 34
HEALTH
REFLEXOLOGY for soothing crying babies by Sally Earlam FMAR. BSc. RN. PGCE Association of Reflexologists – Maternity Specialist
All babies cry, and some cry a lot; and this can be distressing and on occasions frustrating for all concerned. Sometimes it is easy to work out why babies are crying, for example hunger, dirty nappy, wind or if they are tired, however sometimes there appears to be no apparent reason and nothing seems to soothe them. But an unpublished study from Denmark suggests that some simple reflexology moves on the feet of your baby may help reduce those screaming fits. There may be times of the day when your baby may seem to cry a lot and can’t be comforted. Early evening is the most common time for this to happen and this can be hard for you as it’s often the time when you’re most tired and least able to cope. Excessive crying in an otherwise healthy baby is traditionally called colic which is relatively common in the first few months of your baby’s life. However, it is important if your baby is crying for long periods that you see your doctor or health visitor to rule out any health problems such as milk intolerance or allergies. If your baby suffers from periods of unexplained crying, the evidence now suggests that the sooner a parent or carer responds to a crying baby the sooner it will stop. Picking a baby up and placing it on your shoulder may be enough to comfort your baby but sometimes it’s not. The Danish study was looking at the effects of reflexology on screaming fits for babies aged between 4 and 13 weeks. Each baby received four reflexology sessions over two weeks, and reflexology proved to be significantly superior to traditional medical treatments such as colic drops. Nearly half of the babies having reflexology reduced their crying to just half an hour a day.
What is reflexology? Reflexology is a non-invasive and relaxing complementary therapy that aims to optimise both physical and emotional health. It works by massaging and stimulating specific points (usually on the feet but sometimes on the hands, face and ears) called reflex points. These points are believed to correspond to different parts of the body.
34 mybaby
Reflexology to soothe crying babies
These moves can also be carried out in the same manner on the hands.
There are a few simple moves that you can try on your baby, try and do these moves for 5 minutes every day when your baby is calm. Reflexology for babies uses massage strokes over areas of the feet and only requires gentle pressure; lie the baby down, face up, make this a fun time with lots of smiles, or you could even sing nursery rhymes to you baby as you work on their feet.
During a screaming fit, try picking your baby up and placing on your shoulder, use one hand to support the baby and the other hand to perform the reflexology moves described on both hands and feet.
Work on one foot at a time, use one hand to hold each foot, one at a time and the other one to make the following actions: 1 On the bottom of each foot use your thumb to make circular movements, working in a clockwise direction in the middle of foot – this mimics the direction the digestive system works in the body. 2 Repeat the same move over the heel area 3 Use your thumb to gently push up from the base of each toe, up to the very tops of the toe. 4 Place your thumb in the centre of the foot and gently press in and hold for about 10 seconds.
Having a newborn baby also can take its toll on you as a parent, so why not try some reflexology yourself; it is particularly beneficial in giving you ‘me time’ after the birth of your baby and can offer many benefits to you, aiming to optimise your health, aid relaxation, de-stress and improves the quality of sleep in post-natal women.
Where can I find out more about Reflexologyy? The Association of Reflexologists has an excellent website full of useful information, including a ‘find a reflexologist’ service, where you can put in your postcode and find a welltrained and insured reflexologist local to you. There are also interactive foot and hand maps and videos of real client’s experiences should you wish to find out more at
www.aor.org.uk
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 35
HEALTH
The Yellow Card Scheme: Making medicines safer for children A headache, the common cold, a cough – medicines are effectively taken for many common health complaints by millions of people every year without problems. But have you or your child suffered a side-effect to a medicine? All medicines can cause unwanted side-effects that cannot be anticipated or predicted. The likelihood is that you will discuss these sideeffects with a doctor or other healthcare professional. Recent research undertaken on behalf of the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) shows that 59% of parents have self-medicated their child, that 75% of parents would ask their GP for advice if their children had suffered a sideeffect and that just 11% of parents have heard of and know what the Yellow Card Scheme is. So what is the Yellow Card Scheme? The Yellow Card Scheme is a voluntary reporting scheme run by the UK’s medicines and medical devices watchdog, the MHRA. It receives reports on side-effects from healthcare professionals and patients for medicines and vaccines. It was formed following the Thalidomide tragedy in 1964 and is an integral part of ensuring that the benefits and risks of a medicine are assessed and new safety trends with medicines can be identified. In children’s medicines alone it has recently been responsible for increased
warnings about potential skin reactions in children with eczema using aqueous cream and has led to reviews into liquid codeine and overthe-counter cough and cold medicines for children.
Why should parents report? Reports from the public, including parents, as well as those from healthcare professionals, can give a more complete insight into the way drugs effect patients. The MHRA uses information from Yellow Cards alongside other scientific information to effectively monitor the safety of medicines ensuring they can be used safely by everyone, including your child. The Yellow Card Scheme gives you a voice; your GP may or may not report your side-effect, doing so directly through the Scheme means that you know your experience will be heard and that it will contribute to greater knowledge of the safety profile of that medicine.
Why is it important to report side-effects for children? Before a medicine is approved for use in adults, it must undergo extensive testing and clinical trials to ensure that it is safe and effective. It is more challenging to test medicines in children as they are a vulnerable group with developmental, physiological and psychological differences from adults, which makes research into medicines for children particularly important.
Children react differently to medicines from adults and their bodies may handle a medicine differently. For example, the liver and kidneys in a child have not fully developed and that can affect how the body removes a medicine. Reporting to the Yellow Card Scheme helps to provide important information about the sideeffects and the overall safety of medicines and is considered when the benefits of medicines are balanced against the possible risks from treatment.
A call to parents and carers The MHRA is running a campaign to encourage parents and carers to report any symptom they think may be a medicine side-effect their child is experiencing to the Yellow Card Scheme. If you think that you, your child, or someone you care for is experiencing or has experienced a side-effect to a medicine or vaccine, you should: 1 Read the patient information leaflet supplied within the packaging of the medicine. This lists the known side effects and advises you what to do. 2 Speak to a healthcare professional; such as a doctor, pharmacist or nurse 3 Report the side-effect to the Yellow Card Scheme It is important to know that the MHRA cannot provide medical advice in individual cases and if you are concerned about a side effect, you should consult a doctor or pharmacist for advice. However the MHRA will use this information to review the safety of this particular medicine.
How to report It is easiest and quickest to report online at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard. You can also get Yellow Card forms by: n emailing yellowcard@mhra.gsi.gov.uk n downloading printable forms from the Yellow Card website n by telephoning: 0808 100 3352 (10am 2pm, Monday-Friday only)
mybaby 35
my baby 1
6/5/14
16:32
Page 36
The informative new magazine for pregnancy through to pre-school IN THE NEXT ISSUE . . . Breastfeeding advice • Hospital bag must haves Autumn/Winter fashion • Best for Baby My Baby’s Christmas Gift Guide Competition fun and much more!
MEET OUR SISTER MAGAZINE . . . My Family Magazine A reflection of modern family life from birth to early teens Check out the latest issue FREE online at
www.myfamilymagazine.co.uk