newspaper post
december 2016
IssUe 35
a UsefUl gUIde to chIldren’s growth
weanIng
IntrodUcIng meat to the dIet
boardgames recommended games for this christmas
christmas fun recIpes and crafts
InteractIVe toYs
traditional meets digital
T
he holiday season is here! Christmas decorations are up, lights are on and its beginning to look a lot like Christmas!. Our Christmas issue is bursting with interesting reads on; travelling with you baby this festive season, fun Christmas recipes and crafts for toddlers, recommended gifts amongst others. Don¹t Forget to submit you competition entries to be in the chance to win fantastic prizes by Vivian Corporation. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Vivia n Ba by Tea m Publisher: Lawrence Gatt, Vivian Corporation Contributors: Rosanne Debono, Sephora Schembri, Kathy Zammit, Mariebelle Muscat, Claire Anastasi, Yan Grima & Sara Camenzuli
29 Sanitas Building Tower Street, Msida, MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com www.viviancorp.com
04
AK Christmas Recipes
06
Benefits of Building Blocks
08
The Importance of Play
12
Colour me in! Competition
14
Introducing meat to the Weaning diet
16
Fun Learning Games
18
Travelling with your baby
19
Magical Christmas with your baby
22
Fever in Children
24
Role of Snacks in Toddlers
26
Stop that itch!
28
Nosebleeds
30
Competitions
Vacancies part-time
Childcarers Responsibilities • Plan activities for the children and carry out the daily developmental and care-giving tasks; • Create and maintain a caring, working and learning relationship with children, families and colleagues. Requirements • Candidates must possess at least an MQF Level 4 qualification in Childcare • Be energetic and enjoy working with children whilst being passionate about their overall development. Flexible working hours and conditions can be negotiated. Interested persons are invited to send a CV to info@vista.coop
s
pure & wholesome organic homecooked taste 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street Msida MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com www.viviancorp.com
Christmas recipes for toddlers by Rudolph Pancakes
PreP time
Cook time
15 minutes
20 minutes
4
not SUitaBle For Freezing
stacked rudolph Pancakes
Method
Ingredients For the PanCake Batter
For DeCoration
✩ 100g plain flour ✩ a generous pinch of salt ✩ 2 eggs ✩ 150 ml milk ✩ 50 g melted butter
✩ cooked bacon rashers ✩ blueberries ✩ strawberries ✩ maple syrup to serve
1
2 3
4 ! s u o i c i l e D
4 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
makeS
5
Sift the flour with a big pinch of salt into a mixing bowl, make a well in the centre and add the eggs. Use a balloon whisk to incorporate the eggs into the flour and gradually whisk in the milk. Stir the mixture until smooth but do not over mix. Use a heavy based 15 to 18 cm (6 to 7 in) frying pan and brush with melted butter – you can use a pastry brush for this – and when hot, pour in about 2 tbsp of the batter. Quickly tilt the pan from side to side until you get a circular layer of batter covering the base of the frying pan. Cook the pancake for about one minute, then flip it over – you can use a spatula for this – and cook until the underside is lightly flecked with gold. Continue with the rest of the batter and make pancakes of varying sizes and shapes as in the photograph (for the smaller pancakes you will only need 1 to 1 /2 tbsp of batter). Brush the pan with melted butter when necessary. Stack the pancakes on top of each other and arrange the bacon rashers as antlers and add blueberries for eyes and a strawberry for the nose.
Yumm
y!
Santa Claus at the Ritz Ingredients For the PanCake Batter
✩ 6 ritz crackers ✩ 3 slices chorizo ✩ 100 g cream cheese ✩ capers ✩ 1 stick celery
PreP time
Cook time
15 minutes
no cook
makeS
6
not SUitaBle For Freezing
Method
1 2 3 4
arrange the ritz Crackers spaced apart on a serving plate. Cut the slices of Chorizo in half and then shape each half into Santa’s hat and place on top of the crackers. Put the cream cheese into a piping bag. Pipe a squiggly line of cream cheese where the Chorizo meets the Cracker, pipe a beard at the lower end of the cracker and pipe a star of cream cheese for the bobble on Santa’s hat. add capers for the eyes and nose. Cut the celery into slices and arrange on top of the cream cheese beard to form whiskers.
VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016 • 5
A few points on the benefits of building Blocks There are plenty of benefits why in choosing building blocks this Christmas, here are some of them:
Blocks are one of the toP educational toys Toy building blocks are so popular with children that their life is not complete without them. One thing I love the most about child building blocks is that they are so flexible to use. There is no right or wrong way to use them. Children can use these toys according to their imagination. They can use them in whatever ways they want. So, they are not only fun, but will also dramatically increase your child’s creativity and imagination. Toy building blocks can be used at different levels, which means that these toys will see many uses before your child outgrows them. Baby, toddler, and older children -- all use child building blocks. Building Blocks are durable and make them one of the toys which offer best value for money.
Chicco App for Building Blocks
Build
Focus
•
Increase hand-eye coordination.
•
Enhance logic thinking capability.
•
Enhance capability in spatial awareness.
•
Improve social capability by building ‘something’ with friends and siblings.
•
Enhance language skills, for instance by talking about the end product.
•
Develop Creativity & Imagination.
•
Develop Problem Solving skills.
•
Teach Size & Shape Discrimination.
•
Teach Relationship & Perception Skills.
•
Encourage Basic Math & Science Skills.
•
Teach Sorting & a Sense of Order.
•
Develop Fine Motor Skills.
•
Are Fun For All Ages!
Play & Interact
DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP «App Toys Blocks» The application allows you to discover lots of magic worlds. Endless fun can be enjoyed in two game levels: Level 1: the child can play with lots of different building block puzzles. Level 2: to gain access to the second level of «Augmented Reality» game you need to focus on one of the special blocks with your device camera to discover the magic of the interactive animation.
This magical app will surely be a source of inspiration for creative games with or without building blocks!
Visit us on Facebook: Vivian Baby 6 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
Interactive toys: Where traditional meets digital world.
#Create in Freedom
The App Toys Range BUILDING BLOCKS WITH AUGMENTED REALITY
#Cake Design
#King Castle
The first building blocks where technology meets traditional toys. By means of Augmented reality Chicco magical blocks extend the classic building sets, bringing the child into a special world. Thanks to a free App downlodable on any smartphone ot tablet you can easily zoom in on the special blocks to observe the magic happening on your device. Animals, princess, knights, birthday cakes and many other characters will appear on the screen and interact with your child with lots of sound effect and animation. The building blocks guarantee an intensive playing experience, stimulating creativity and imagination, hand coordination and logic skills. Ask us about our available products.
w w w. c h i c c o . c o m
The importance of play in your child’s development Play is essential to the development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children. Despite the benefits derived from play for both children and parents, time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children. Many children are being raised in an increasingly hurried and pressured style that may limit the protective benefits they would gain from child-driven play. We are approaching the Christmas season and starting a new year, so let’s make time to play with our children, thus helping them in their development through play and last but not least treasure some quality time with them. Benefits of Play Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive and
Play helps children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to face future challenges
emotional strength. Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles, sometimes in conjunction with other children or an adult. As they master their world, play helps children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to face future challenges. Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills. When play is allowed to be child driven, children practice decision-making skills, move at their own pace, discover their own areas of interest, and ultimately engage fully in the passions they wish to pursue. Ideally, much of play involves adults, but when play is controlled by adults, children agree to adult rules and concerns and lose some of the benefits play offers them, particularly in developing creativity, leadership, and group skills. Perhaps above all, play is a simple joy that is a cherished part of childhood. Quite simply, play offers parents a wonderful opportunity to engage fully with their children. Play is crucial for your child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth. It is your child’s way of learning about his body and the world, and he will use all five senses to do it, especially in the first year. Exploration is the heart of play, and in your child’s mind any experiment counts, even hurling a bowl of cereal off the highchair tray. Development experts are fond of saying that play is the work of children whilst cleaning up after play seems to be the work of parents.
Chicco Toys are available from all leading toy shops 8 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
When you switch off the light, a music and colours show begins.
GoodNight Stars
The First Dreams Range Happiness is falling asleep in the midst of a thousand colours and soothing melodies.
GoodNight Moon
Magic Stars
The First Dreams range lulls little ones into the world of dreams, with the GoodNight Stars projector, GoodNight Moon musical light, Magic Stars cot mobile and Baby Bear to choose from. Now there is also the new Rainbow Cube projector that brings to the little ones’ bedrooms classical music, soothing nature sounds and relaxing light effects in 96 different combinations. There is the right one for each dream, since the very first sleep. All the First Dreams products are available in male and female version.
Rainbow Cube
Call w w w.us c h on icco.com
Baby Bear
for your nearest stockist
As your child moves into the toddler years, his play will become more imaginative and complex. Through play, he will exercise key skills and qualities, such as independence, creativity, curiosity, and problem-solving. It can also be an important place to explore feelings and values and develop social skills. Long before your child feels comfortable sharing his favorite toy with his sister, he may offer it to a doll. His first spontaneous “please” and “thank you” may slip out at an imaginary tea party. And what parent can resist wasting a perfectly good bandage the first time her child says his teddy got hurt? What tyPes of Play are Best for my child? It depends on the stage of development. Since play is the tool your child uses to learn about the world, the skills he is working on right now are your biggest clues to choosing the best activities. For instance, if your 3-month-old is learning how to grab objects, let him play with large soft toys. If at 12 months he is exploring cause and effect, play a simple version of hide-andseek with a blanket or by hiding around corners. Here are some guidelines for the types of play your child may be most interested in at different stages: social Play Interacting with you and others is important throughout the first year. Infants like to smile, look, and laugh. Older babies enjoy games such as peekaboo and itsy-bitsy spider. oBject Play Touching, banging, mouthing, throwing, pushing, and otherwise experimenting with things is fascinating for the 4 to 10 month olds. functional and rePresentational Play Pretending to use familiar objects in an appropriate way – pushing a toy lawn mower over the grass, or calling Grandma with a hairbrush, for instance – is the height of fun for 12- to 24 month old as their imagination begin to blossom.
early symBolic Play This type of play, common around the age of 2, creates something out of nothing. Your child might play with a shoebox as if it were a school bus, complete with motor noises, for example, or pretend to eat an invisible object, insisting it is a doughnut. role Play Around 30 to 36 months your little actor will begin taking on new roles. Playing doctor, teacher, or mummy is common now. Try the following to make the most of your child’s playtime: • think of playtime as more than toy time. Playing is really an enjoyable activity that involves people, objects, or movement. • Everything from blowing bubbles at each other to singing songs to splashing in the tub to chasing each other around the room qualifies. If you have ever seen a 12-month old enthralled with a cardboard box, you understand how wide the parameters are. • Get down on the floor with your baby. You are the ultimate plaything, and any activity will seem more fun if your baby can share it with you. Talk to your baby while you play and you will help boost his language skills. • Introduce play activities when your baby is happy and rested. • Stop when your child has had enough. Children have different thresholds for stimulation. When your child seems bored, fussy, or tired, it is time for a break. Give your child a chance to play alone and with others. Both types of play are beneficial. • Let your child choose activities and control the direction of his play. You can suggest new things or present new options, but your child should be the boss. After all, play is about fun, and if there is one thing your child is an expert at already, it is having a good time.
Call us on Freephone 80073102 for your nearest stockist 10 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
w
Encouraging children to get moving.
Goal League
The Fit & Fun Range A child’s growth, and in particular motor development, is affected greatly by the stimuli coming from the environment. This is why giving children toys that encourage motor development, new movements and learning new skills is so important for them.
Jungle Rugby
Ask us about our available products.
Mini Golf Club
Call us on
w w w. c h i c c o . c o m
for your nearest stockist
the Plasmon tree competition
the winner of the most colourful painting will win a hamper full of Plasmon products
Colour in the Plasmon Christmas Tree and send it to; VivianBaby, Plasmon Kids Corner, Vivian Corporation, 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida, MSD 1824
12 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
By not later than 31st January 2017, along with your name, surname and contact number.
2 x 104g
2 2
1 FREE Plasmon Yoghurt 2 x 120g
1 FREE Plasmon Merenda 2 x 120g
29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com
www.viviancorp.com
Plasmon (Malta) Plasmon (Malta) VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016 • 13
Offer is only valid on the Plasmon products as shown on the poster and until stocks last. This offer is not in conjunction with any other offers.
1 FREE Plasmon Banana
IntroducIng Meat to the weanIng dIet POULTRY · · · ·
MEAT
No Added Salt No Preservatives No Bones Great source of Protein
· · · · ·
No Added Salt ONLY THE BEST CUTS No Preservatives USED FOR Steam Cooked DELICATE BABIES Only the best cuts are used Great source of Protein
ONLY THE BEST ITALIAN POULTRY USED
FISH · · · ·
No Added Salt No Preservatives Steam Cooked Fish cleaned thoroughly from any bones and scales · Great source of Omega 3 and 6
Veal and sweet potato pu ree
Here are some recipe ideas for your baby
14 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
(Suitable for babies from 6-8 months+) 1 jar Plasmon Vitello 1 medium size d sweet potato • Peel and chop the sweet pot ato, and steam until ten der. • Blend the sweet potato until smo oth and add the jar of Plasmon Vitello. • Ser ve war m
VARIETY: WHY SO IMPORTAnT? Around 6 months, babies need more nutrients than they get from milk. For this reason, babies are introduced to fruit and vegetables. This leaves us with a ’Weaning window’- which starts from the moment the baby is introduced to puree’ food. During the weaning window, it’s time for us to introduce the baby to a world of flavours and textures. Around 9 months the baby’s taste buds would be developing fast. The wider range of tastes, the more adventurous your baby’s tastes buds will be, growing into a balanced, healthy diet later in life. Once your baby got used to a good variety of fruit and vegetables, then it’s time for your little one to try protein foods like chicken, meat, cheese and fish. Protein is a very important nutrient for cognitive growth and development of the baby.
InTROdUcIng MEAT TO THE WEAnIng dIET Chicken is an ideal first meat and it’s very popular with babies because of its mild taste. Poultry blends well with root vegetables and fruit, such as apples and grapes. Chicken is an excellent source of protein, also rich in vitamin B. While getting used to chicken, white meats such as turkey, rabbit and veal should also be on the baby’s menu. Gradually move on to red meats like beef, lamb and pork. Meat should never be given to the baby on its own, but should be combined with vegetables, baby rice or baby pasta. Once your baby has got used to eating a variety of food, why not introduce fish? Fish remains one of
toes, erry toma roasted cH nd rabbit carrots a 0 months+) 8-1 babies from (Suitable for matoes 10 cherry to ½ Carrot on Coniglio 1 jar of Plasm
d place tomatoes an ry er ch e th • Wash in charrs ll until the sk un der the gri . atoes soften an d the tom erse in im the grill, m om fr e ov d skins. • Rem el the charre pe d an er at cold w until soft oil the carrot Meanwhile, b small pieces. an d chop into matoes e d cherry to el pe e th nd • Ble iglio. Add h Plasmon Con together w it m ar . an d serve w the carrots
penne
the healthiest foods your little one can eat. Many children grow up disliking fish as they find it smelly and bland in taste. So start from when they are little, when their ‘weaning window’ is still open for new flavours, colours, tastes and textures. Plasmon offers a good variety of meat and fish concentrates, all ground to the perfect texture and consistency for your baby. Plasmon concentrates are specifically made for babies, hence do not contain any added salts, preservatives or bones. These can be used in various ways and recipes for your baby. Plasmon concentrates are suggested to be combined with fresh vegetables like sweet potatoes, marrows and carrots. They can also be added with baby rice and baby pasta.
al
salmo (Suitable ne for bab ies from 1 small leek, w 10 mont hite par hs+) ½ jar P t only lasmon S almone 1-2 tab con Ver lespo on dure s of Pla 1 tables smon Pe po on Oli n n ette ve Oil • Bring 200ml o f water Plasmon to the P e n boil an d n ette, co • Peel add the ok for 5 an d cho 6 minut p the le togethe e e s an d d k , an r w ith o rain. ne table d sautee it in ten der, a sauce spo on o add the pan f olive o jar of P an d wa il. Once lasmon r m in t S he pan. almone • Add the dra con ver ine d Pla dure leek sau s m o n Pennett ce an d e to th ser ve w e salmo ar m. n an d
VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016 • 15
Fun Learning Games de F
un !
arn
un !
ing Ma
ORCHARD TOYS PRODUCE GAMES AND JIGSAWS, WHICH ARE FUN AND APPEALING AND ENHANCE LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT. THEY ARE DESIGNED WITH SUPPORT FROM EDUCATIONAL ADVISORS INCLUDING TEACHERS, EARLY YEARS PROFESSIONALS AND CHILDREN THEMSELVES.
Le
Le
arn
ing Made F
arn
un !
ing Made F
Le
Le
arn
un !
ce Enhan & ing Learn ent opm Devel
ing Made F
16 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
Call us on Freephone 8007 3102 for your nearest stockist
A WOrD ABOuT WInnInG Children take game playing seriously, so it’s important that we help guide them through the contest. When a playing piece falls to a lower level, our kids really feel sad; when it rises up high, they are remarkably proud and happy, even if we adults know that it happened only by chance. Therefore, you need to help balance your children’s pleasure in playing the game with their very limited ability to manage frustration and deal with the idea of losing. For 3, 4, and even 5 year olds, winning is critical to a feeling of mastery. So generally, it is okay to “help” them win. By about 6, kids should begin to internalize the rules of fair play, tenuous as they may seem to a child who is losing a game. So it is also fine for a 6 year old, to “amend” the rules to win if he feels he has to. Acknowledge your children’s need for special rules. At the start of the game, you might want to ask, “are we playing by regular or cheating rules today?” We wish you all the best of luck when playing board games and enjoy the quality time with your kids!
ing Made F
orchard Board Games for this christmas
farm opposites
Football Game
Where Do I Live?
Old Macdonalds Lotto
Shopping List
Match and Count
Magic Cauldron
Bus Stop
Pass the Word
Match and Spell
Other recommended titles: • PIRATE SNAKES & LADDERS & LUDO • ALPHABET MATCH • WHAT DO I DO? • RED DOG, BLUE DOG • THREE LITTLE PIGS
arn
Le
arn
Le
Visit us on Facebook (Vivian Baby)
The most recommended
un !
Games do not need to be overtly academic to be educational, however. Just by virtue of playing them, board games can teach important social skills, such as communicating verbally, sharing, waiting, taking turns, and enjoying interaction with others. Board games can foster the ability to focus, and lengthen your children’s attention span by encouraging the completion of an exciting, enjoyable game. Even simple board games like Snakes & Ladders offer meta-messages and life skills: Your luck can change in an instant — for the better or for the worse. The message inherent in board games is: Never give up. Just when you feel despondent, you might hit the jackpot and ascend up high, if you stay in the game for just a few more moves.
Board games have distinct boundaries. Living in a complex society, children need clear limits to feel safe. By circumscribing the playing field — much as tennis courts and football fields will do later — board games can help your child weave their wild and erratic side into a more organized, mature, and socially acceptable personality. After all, staying within the boundaries (not intruding on others’ space, for example) is crucial to leading a successful social and academic life.
un !
So why not choose an Orchard Board Game for your children this Christmas and spend time playing and bonding together? What your children most want and need is to be with you with no goal in mind beyond the joy of spending time together. They want you to take pleasure in them, play with them, and listen to them. Nothing bolsters their self-esteem more! Playing games is an easy and excellent way to spend unhurried, enjoyable time together. As an added bonus, board games are also rich in learning opportunities. They satisfy your children’s competitive urges and the desire to master new skills and concepts, such as: • number and shape recognition, grouping, and counting • letter recognition and reading • visual perception and colour recognition • eye-hand coordination and manual dexterity
ing Made F
• TWO BY TWO • COUNTING CATERPILLARS • POP TO THE SHOPS • SHAPE SNAP • FARM SNAP
VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016 • 17
progress kids
TRAVELLING WITH YOUR BABY
THIS FESTIVE SEASON Trees are up, sparkly lights are switched on and Christmas is all around. If you’re planning a vacation during the festive season, here are some tips to help you get going;
1
Choose a familyfriendly destination with good shopping and medical facilities.
5
Pack a basic first aid kit that includes infant paracetamol, rehydration powder and antiseptic wipes.
2
Avoid destinations which are very hot or require immunisations including anti-malaria medication.
6
Take a rain cover stroller, so you will still be able to go out and about during the day for walks and strolls no matter whether rain or shine.
3
If possible, time your journeys to coincide with your baby’s usual nap or sleep time.
7
If you are bottle-feeding your baby, ensure you have enough feeds for the whole journey including any possible delays.
9
Don’t travel if your baby is unwell. If in doubt, consult your baby’s paediatrician.
18 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
4
Make sure you are all fully covered by travel insurance.
8
Make sure you have enough toys for your journey and keep nappies and wipes handy.
10
When checking-in for your flight, it is best to opt for a seat at the front of the cabin as this provides more legroom.
A MAGIcAL cHRIsTMAs
wITH yOur bAby If this year is your baby’s first Christmas, then you may be looking for some fun ideas of things you can do to make your baby’s Christmas memorable! Baby’s first Christmas is filled with special milestones. Here are some creative ideas to make the first holiday season special with festive decor, Christmas eve traditions and ways to capture the cute moments.
Baby Handprint Ornament Get crafty this holiday season by making handprint tree ornaments, starting with baby’s first Christmas. This is a great tradition not only for you but also as an annual gift to loved ones.
Create your Baby’s First Year Frame Frame your most favourite photos taken during the first year of your baby. This would make a great gift for grandpa and grandma.
Go All Out on the Holiday’s Cards Send out some fun and memorable holiday cards to all your family and friends. Give it a more personalised touch by using your baby’s finger, hand or foot prints.
‘Brought to you by SMA Progress Kids’ VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016 • 19
50 years Of p has leD tO Our mOst a SMA速 Nutrition has continually invested in early life nutrition. As a result SMA速 PRO is born. Inspired by the specific nutritional needs of babies, SMA速 PRO represents some of our most advanced formula yet. SMA速 PRO Follow-on Milk, is to be used as part of a mixed weaning diet.
SMA PRO Follow On Milk Suitable for babies from 6 months +
Vitamin D & Calcium
Iron
SMA PRO Follow On Milk to complement the weaning diet. It is available in 400g and 800g tins. 29 Sanitas Building Tower Street, Msida, MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com www.viviancorp.com
f prOteIn researCh t aDVanCeD fOrmula yet. Omega 3&6
SMA PRO Progress Kids Suitable for toddlers from 1 year +
Iodine
Fortified milk drink that’s nutritionally tailored for toddlers from 1 year onwards.
www.viviancorp.com • www.smamums.co.uk Breastfeeding is best for babies. You should always seek the advice of a doctor, midwife, health visitor, public health nurse, dietician or pharmacist on the need for and proper method of use of infant formulae and on all matters of infant feeding. Good maternal nutrition is important for the preparation and maintenance of breastfeeding. Introducing partial bottle-feeding may have negative effect on breastfeeding and reversing a decision not to breastfeed is difficult. Social and financial implications should be considered when selecting a method of infant feeding. Infant Formulae should always be prepared and used as directed. Inappropriate foods or feeding methods, or improper use of infant formula, may present a health hazard.
Fever in Children
by Dr Samuel Aquilina
Your child seems off this evening and is quieter than usual. The forehead feels warm and the cheeks are flushed. You go for your thermometer..... Fever is one of the main concerns of any parent during their child’s life. In my years of practice I have seen parents panic with the tiniest fluctuations of temperature while others still struggle with what medications to use. During the next few paragraphs, I will hopefully answer most of your common questions and give you the necessary tools to help you through the next episode of fever. so What is fever exactly? The body’s temperature is regulated by a particular area in the brain called the hypothalamus. It knows what the normal body temperature should be so it strives to keep it that way. At times it will increase the temperature, causing fever, to help the body fight an infection. But be aware that other illnesses can also cause fever.
22 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
can We define fever? To put it simply, as a general rule, a temperature of 37.5oC (99.5oF) and over is considered as fever in children. This easy-to-follow rule is complicated usually by people using different sites of the body to measure temperature and using the outdated advice of adding or subtracting from the acquired value. What causes fever? Infections are the commonest cause of fever. There is too wide a range of infections to cover but children generally suffer from upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal or urine infections. Some vaccinations may cause fever while overdressing babies may lead to a slight fever as well. The most common misconception among the general public and some health professionals is that teething causes fever. There is little scientific evidence to prove this and such an approach may be dangerous and dismissive.
hoW do i measure my child’s temPerature? We usually recommend the use of digital thermometers rather than the glass mercury ones. Try finding a reliable brand with a proven track record. While other types of thermometers exist – e.g. pacifier thermometers or forehead plastic strip ones – these are unreliable and not recommended. The easiest sites to measure temperature are the armpits and the ears. Find which method suits you best. If measuring fever regularly, keep measuring from the same place so you can compare any differences. The armpits are most commonly used but make sure the tip of your thermometer is touching the skin in the middle of the armpit. Remember that just by touching or kissing a baby’s forehead may give you a hint of fever but will not be an accurate measurement. When should i Worry? While fever will tell you that your child is sick, the illness is probably not serious if your child is still playful, smiling and drinking well. You should consult a doctor if: fever has been present for more than 3 days, fever is high (above 39oC/102oF), fever that has been present recurrently for seven days even if only for a few hours, fever associated with a chronic condition (e.g. heart disease, cancer). Any baby under 3 months of age with fever should also be seen quickly by a doctor. These signs should be taken seriously when associated with fever: severe headache, new skin rash, inconsolable crying, refusal to drink, trouble breathing, blue lips, trouble waking up and unresponsiveness. hoW do i treat fever? The main two medications doctors use for fever are paracetamol and ibuprofen. Paracetamol can be given every 4 to 6 hours with a maximum of 5 dose in 24 hours. Ibuprofen is given to a maximum of 4 times daily and is given to children older than 6 months of age. Doses are calculated from the child’s weight not age. Parents should also encourage their child to drink plenty of fluids. While it is ok if children eat less than usual, liquids should be offered frequently. Dress your child in light clothing and ensure plenty of rest to give the body time to recover.
Chicco Digital Thermometer It is suitable for axillary, rectal and oral measurement. Practical, compact and colourful, now it comes with new decorations. The probe is specially designed for babies temperature reading in C and F.
More colours available
Chicco no Touch thermometer Thanks to its ergonomic shape, My Touch allows you to measure your baby’s temperature with a gesture that is as simple and delicate as a caress, placing the thermometer to the temple without your little one noticing a thing. Temperature reading in C or F.
nuvita no Contact thermometer No contact, fast, silent and accurate, all in 1 second. Can measure both body and object temperature. Fever alarm and auto switch off.
nuvita Thermometer Easy, fast and accurate to measure temperature on forehead and ear. One second measurement. Probe cleaning reminder. Fever alarm with red led flash notification. Backlight to use easily at night and in the dark. Memory of last 9 measurements with date and time. Also reads ambient temperature.
What is a feBrile seizure? These types of seizures happen usually between the ages of 6 months and 3 years and can be quite frightening, especially if you have never seen a seizure. However, it is important to realize that most of these fits are harmless and almost all children recover fully after one. As a precaution, it would be good to take your child to hospital for some observation. VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016 • 23
The role of
Toddlers eaT smaller amounTs of food Than adulTs do, and This is because of Their small sTomachs. for many Toddlers 70% of Their caloric inTake comes from snacking, so snacks play an imporTanT role in our Toddlers’ dieT!
Snacks top up little toddlers’ intake of nutrients to meet the daily recommended allowance Adds variety to the diet with different tastes and textures Keeps toddlers going in between meals Helps teach good eating habits
Variety – The wider the variety of tastes and textures, the wider the range of nutrients A mix of sweet and savoury snacks Balance – Giving the right foods and at the right time
Fruit Smoothies Fruit Slices dipped in Yoghurt Cheesy Quinoa Bites Eggs on Toast Veggie sticks with Hummus or Avocado and Tomato Dip Cheese & Nuts
Rice-cakes Dried fruit such as dried apricots or packet of raisons Corn & Carrot organic Puffs Squeezy fruit pouch Biscuits
24 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
Making friends with fruit & vegetables
100% organic no added sugar or additives perfect as lunchbox companions fruit & veg made fun ORG100% ANIC 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com
www.viviancorp.com
STop ThAT Dry skin...itchiness...sleepless nights....miserable child. This surely sounds familiar to parents whose children have or have had eczema in the past. The good news is that much can be done to alleviate the symptoms and manage the condition. Not all itchy skin disorders are due to eczema. Also know as atopic dermatitis, eczema occurs in 10-30% of all children worldwide, and is more likely in those who suffer from asthma, hay fever and food allergies. It is a complex disorder which tends to run in families, resulting in a damaged skin barrier, problems in the skin’s immune response and chronic skin inflammation. Eczema is not contagious. Eczematous skin can vary in appearance from very itchy, red, weeping lesions in the acute phase, to dry, crusted lesions and skin thickening in the chronic stages. Babies and infants are most likely to have eczema on the face, scalp, the outside of the elbows and the front of the knees, whereas it usually affects the inside of the elbows and the back of the knees in older children, and becomes less common in adolescence. A doctor will diagnose eczema after taking a detailed history from the child’s caregivers and after carrying out a thorough clinical examination. There are
Article by Dr Christine Galea MD MRCpCh
Dr Galea is a Child health Specialist (paediatrician) and a mum of three young boys.
no specific laboratory tests. Cradle cap, psoriasis and contact dermatitis can look somewhat similar to eczema. The cornerstone of management is to keep the skin well moisturized by applying emollients to the affected areas, thereby reducing water loss from the skin and helping to restore the skin barrier. A lukewarm bath using bath oils and soap substitutes, patting the skin dry with a soft towel, followed by application of emollient creams, lotions or ointments, is strongly recommended. Your paediatrician will be able to advise you which of the several products that are locally available, would be best suited for your child, depending on the severity of the condition and on which parts of the body are affected. Mild eczema usually responds to this relatively simple treatment. It is also advisable to keep the child’s nails short and to cover very itchy areas with a dressing or bandage to reduce the chances of scratching and infecting the lesions. It is best to use cotton clothing, to avoid using scented soaps and to eliminate particular food items if a dietary allergy has been proven by laboratory tests. Acute flare-ups may require the application of steroid creams or ointments. Steroids can cause side effects especially if the more potent ones are used on large areas of the body and/or for long periods of time. For this reason, steroids should always be prescribed by your paediatrician. For patients with severe eczema that does not repond to moisturizers and steroids, a different type of cream (known as a calcineurin inhibitor) may be prescribed. The use of antihistamine (given as a syrup) may provide some relief from itching. The older antihistamines are sometimes used in the acute phase
because of the sedation they tend to cause, thereby allowing the child and the rest of the family to get a good night’s sleep. It is advisable to see your doctor if the eczema is hard to control or if there are signs that the lesions are infected (yellow crusting, oozing of fluid, redness of the surrounding skin, high-grade fever). poorly-controlled eczema can cause sleep disturbance and poor concentration at school, and can affect the child’s self-confidence. It is of utmost importance that the condition is managed well so as to have the least possible impact on the child’s life.
VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016 • 27
A nosebleed can be dangerous if the casualty loses a lot of blood. In addition, if bleeding follows a head injury, the blood may appear thin and watery 28 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
Nosebleeds Article by St John Ambulance
introduction Bleeding from the nose most commonly occurs when tiny blood vessels inside the nostrils are ruptured, either by a blow to the nose, or as a result of sneezing, picking or blowing the nose. Nosebleeds may also occur as a result of high blood pressure. A nosebleed can be dangerous if the casualty loses a lot of blood. In addition, if bleeding follows a head injury, the blood may appear thin and watery. The latter is a very serious sign because it indicates that the skull is fractured and fluid is leaking from around the brain.
your aims • To control blood loss. • To maintain an open airway.
treatment • Ask the casualty to sit down. • Advise them to tilt their head forwards to allow the blood to drain from the nostrils. • Ask the casualty to breathe through their mouth (this will also have a calming effect) and to pinch the soft part of the nose. • Reassure and help if necessary. • Tell the casualty to keep pinching their nose. • Advise them not to speak, swallow, cough, spit or sniff because this may disturb blood clots that may have formed in the nose. • After 10 minutes, tell the casualty to release the pressure. If the bleeding has not stopped, tell her to reapply the pressure for two further periods of 10 minutes.
• Once the bleeding has stopped and with the casualty still leaning forwards, clean around their nose with lukewarm water. • Advise the casualty to rest quietly for a few hours. Tell them to avoid exertion and in particular not to blow their nose, because these actions will disturb any clots.
caution • Do not let the head tip back; blood may run down the throat inducing vomiting. • If bleeding stops and then restarts, tell the casualty to reapply pressure. • If the nosebleed is severe, or if it lasts longer than 30 minutes in total, take or send the casualty to hospital in the treatment position.
It is a good idea to attend a course now before your need arises. St John Ambulance has been teaching first aid to the public since 1886. Malta was the first branch of St John Ambulance to be established outside of England.
Courses are held frequently at the St John Ambulance Training Centre in Valletta and Paola. Courses are also held on-site at various organizations and places of work. www.sjamalta.org | Email: training@sjamalta.org Tel: 21245740 | Mobile: 79245740 By St John Ambulance CEO Franco J Piccinino
VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016 • 29
competition
A waste free Christmas wish list
What does PRO in SMA PRO Progress Kids stand for?
With the Christmas season fast approaching we came up with some Christmas gift ideas which will go a long way towards reducing the amount of waste produced.
1. Symbolises the first 1000 days of the baby
Christmas cards: With domestic mail doubling during the month of December it is safe to assume that Christmas cards make up a very high percent of post. Why not make your own Christmas cards from old ones or send ecards instead. Recycled wrapping paper: If you go to the effort of recycling, why don’t you go the extra step and buy recycled wrapping paper? Or else keep the wrapping paper that is still good and reuse it another time. Wrap it right: Be creative when wrapping presents and re use ribbons or even string which will ensure that the wrapping paper can be reused. Christmas trees: Instead of buying another artificial Christmas tree, why not decorate one of your indoor plants? It is certainly more original and will create a different look while reducing the waste produced. An added bonus with this idea is that it also means less storage needed for your artificial tree for another year. If you do need to change your Christmas Tree, make sure that you dispose of it responsibly by taking it to a Civic Amenity Site. Be battery wise: Families can get through a lot of batteries, particularly at Christmas so make sure that rechargeable batteries and adaptors are part of the Christmas gift to ensure a reduction in batteries going to waste. Give an Experience: Instead of buying material gifts this Christmas, why not give an experience that one of your loved ones will remember such as tickets to a popular show or play, or a short holiday, or even a gift voucher which will ensure that the receiver will buy something they actually need or really want. Reuse your unwanted presents: Everyone receives at least one unwanted gift at Christmas. Give your unwanted presents to charities to be reused. And when you give a gift, always be sure to ask for a gift receipt. Or else, if you don’t know the taste of someone so well, why not give them a voucher instead? Donate to a good cause: When you know that someone is giving you a gift, you can suggest that instead a donation to a charitable cause is given in your name – for example: sponsor an animal or a membership to a charity or environmental organisation. Make Boxing Day a recycling day: Once all the presents are opened, don’t forget to dispose of the excess packaging properly. Paper, plastic and metal items can go into the green/grey bag while large packaging is bulky waste and can be disposed of via the bulky refuse service or else at a Civic Amenity Site. For more information and ideas on good waste management practices visit www.dontwastewaste.gov.mt
30 • VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016
2. Symbolises a progression in the SMA Pro Progress Kids formula 3. Symbolises growth and development Send an SMS with your answer to 50619615 by not later than 31st January 2017, along with your name, surname and contact number. One lucky winner will be randomly drawn and will win 5 tins of SMA Progress Kids. Each SMS costs 28c
competition
Send your Maze to: Annabel Karmel Competition Vivian Corporation 29, Sanitas Building Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 by not later than 31st January 2017, along with your name, surname and contact number.
One lucky winner will be drawn randomly and will win a copy of ‘My Favourite Recipes’ by Annabel Karmel.
competition
iss ue
F O J I R K G A L W Q N H U H
A W S N A A R I P S A M X M V
M S E E P D U E F R A B W B J
I E R S B B M C V H D I C U D
L M H S G L E P D E U Y T V Y
Y A Z C S N E Y D J F E E Y O
S G L D P V I E Q R U Z Q C G
S S E N T I F Y D M E Y V K J
C H I L D R E N A P K A P V M
N I B L O C K S Y L L E M Q F
G L A Complete by finding the following words: G BLOCKS GAMES F DREAMS NOSEBLEED PLAYING R FITNESS HAPPINESS CHILDREN X PARTIES FEVER S XMAS GIFTS arn ORCHARD Q BUILDING ing Made F FAMILY TOYS V Send your Word Search to: P Chicco Word Search, Vivian Corporation J 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 by not later than 31st January 2017, along with T your name, surname and contact number. S will have 3 winners and each will O We receive a Match and Count game
Word Search
un !
N Z U P T Y S I H D G A Y N E
arn
ing Made F
Chicco Competition: Audrienne Magro from Zabbar, Izaak Hili from Qormi, Ritienne Mizzi from Fgura Plasmon Mummy’s Competition: Stefania Galea Annabel Karmel Competition: Litishia Bilocca SMA: Pauline Gouder 34
VIVIAN BABY • DECEMBER 2016 • 31
v
X S P P I X H Y F C I R M I J
Le
R N P A E F X U O T R N Z K I
Le
K O Q H S U V L I T S O G O D