Vivian baby 40

newspaper post

march 2018

IssUe 40

a UsefUl gUIde to chIldren’s growth

a step-by-step gUIde to

weanIng

new weanIng collectIon from chIcco

a healthy dIet

for yoUr toddler

the Importance of

sUn protectIon

D

ear readers, we have the pleasure to present to you the first Vivian Baby issue of 2018! It is jam packed with interesting reads on new launches, an easy to follow weaning guide, tips for a healthy diet for toddlers, suncare, and much more.

Don’t forget to send your competition entries, to be in the chance of winning fantastic prizes from Vivian Corporation, including some limited edition items!

Vivian Ba by Tea m

Publisher: Joanna Gatt, Vivian Corporation Contributors: Sephora Schembri, Julia Sant, Mariebelle Muscat, Claire Anastasi, Yan Grima & Sara Camenzuli 29 Sanitas Building Tower Street, Msida, MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com

04

Vivian Baby Seminar & Baby Fair

06

Growing up is fun

08

New cups for all ages and stages

12

A step-by-step guide to weaning

18

A healthy diet for toddlers

20

Easter crafts

22

Look & Find Puzzles

24

Sun Protection

26

Competitions

www.viviancorp.com

If you wish to unsubscribe from receiving the Vivian Baby newsletter, do not hesitate to contact us on the above details.

100m refill l p o u ca b l e hes

HOW TO USE

Thoughtfully designed resealable, recyclable, dishwashable & freezable pouches for travellers, artists & adventurers, babies & adults

Come and visit our stand at the

Vivian Baby Seminar & Baby Fair more inFormation on page 4 2 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

1986 Rodeo

2013

1958

Chicco Next2Me Crib

Anti-Hiccup Bottles

1958 • 1968

1968 • 1978

1978 • 1988

1998 • 2008

2008 • 2018

1971

Gommotto Soother

1999

2003 Trio Transformer

For 60 years Chicco has accompanied families in their most extraordinary adventures.

For 60 years Chicco has accompanied parents with great passion and experience throughout their extraordinary life, made of memorable experiences.

That is why Chicco, Wherever there’s a Baby, are proud of their experience, service and mostly the range of products that they managed to develop for families throughout all these years. There are many innovative products that have been developed over the years such as the Trio Travel system, the anticolic teat, the Next2Me crib, the latex soother and many, many more!

A milestone which Chicco celebrates with great pride: 60 years of working closely with families, hearing their needs and emotions during the different stages in life. Chicco continues to work closely with families and children to find solutions for every growth stage.

And with great passion for baby products, Chicco together with the Baby Research Centre will continue doing their research, keeping in mind the needs of the parents and to see babies developing in serenity during each moment of their growth.

It Is a prIvIlege that every day ChICCo FInds solutIons wIth theIr produCts!

Friday

seminar and Fair 2018

06

april

HOsted by

Xara Lodge rabat

Claire agius Ordway

From

16:00 tiLL 22:00

PrOgramme One

Parents-to-be 16:00 registration & Coffee 16:30 – 17:15

Common ailments during Pregnancy mr albert sCerri, COnsultant gynaeCOlOgist

17:15 – 18:00

breastfeeding and sterilisation ms Helen bOrg, midwife

For eVerYone 18:00 refreshments 19:00 – 19:45

first aid for babies and toddlers interaCtive sessiOn by mr CHarles feneCH ambulanCe emergenCy resPOnder team leader

PrOgramme twO

Parents with babies under 12 months 16:00 registration & Coffee 16:30 – 17:15

Child development in early months ms damaris sPiteri, Play tHeraPist

17:15 – 18:00

infant nutrition; weaning your Child dr JOsePH mizzi PaediatriCian

ViVian babY

4 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

Le

arn

ing Made F

arn

Le

lounge area

un !

Coomine j s u

un !

Visit our stands

ing Made F

eXhibition area

the Xara Lodge

Parents Programme

Parents-to-be Programme

Free e entranc registration

book Your seat!

Parent-to-be and parents with babies under 12 months are requested to book their seat in advance by calling our Freephone 8007 3102 or 2258 8600 or via email info@viviancorp.com, with your name & surname, PreFerred Programme & ContaCt number

VIVIAN BABY • march 2018 • 5

P U G N I W GRO

N U F IS

Children who play are children who are developing well and who show their interest in the world. Play time is full of emotions and achievements. By touching, shaking and biting, they understand the essence of the things that surround them.

Playing with your baby is important for both of you. It makes them confident and happy and it allows you to observe your baby

Bedtime with Chicco First Dreams is a line of toys dedicated to your baby’s dreams. What could be more magical and precious than bedtime? Lots of products devised for a calming bedtime ritual: toys in pastel colours that lull your baby to sleep with relaxing classical music, projection of soft lights and soft characters to cuddle.

and learn more about their character. Don’t be surprised if, with lots of toys, your baby always chooses the same toys.

Those best suited to your baby and of which they are fondest will grow with them allowing your baby to play with them over and over again, discovering something new every time. And now, everyone on the floor. Let’s Play!

Speech Development In these first few years of life, babies are able to learn words in different languages with great ease. Talking to babies and asking them to repeat phrases or words is the easiest way of encouraging them to speak and learn new words.

Sensory Development During the first months of their life, babies perceive reality through their senses and learn to recognise the environment surrounding them. Everything that surrounds them, sounds, colours, and smells, is an important source of stimuli that play a key role in their development. Increasing more curiosity, they can now grasp objects, they want to touch and experience everything they see, feel every surface, and bring everything to their mouths to examine it.

Call us on Freephone 8007 3102 for your nearest stockist 6 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

Here are our top 5 reasons why play is important in the early years: Developing secure attachments: Through play children begin to foster secure attachments with their peers, families and educators. Strong relationships are the key to children feeling safe, secure and supported, which impacts their learning, happiness and self-esteem. Parents are a child’s first teacher and much of that teaching happens through play.

The effect of play on brain development: Play has intellectual and cognitive benefits for the brain and it is believed that play can in fact shape the structural development of the brain.

Development of learning skills: Through play children develop important learning and life skills such as exploring, identifying, negotiating, risk-taking and imagining.

Speech and language development through play: During play children are watching, listening, exploring and imitating. Even when your child is playing silently, they are learning important information and are exposed to new vocabulary that they will carry with them and use later.

The ability to regulate their behaviour: As children play they are learning skills such as how to concentrate on a task, how to take turns and how to share. In turn these will aid them in regulating their behaviour and emotions. Play leads to enhanced school adjustment and, most importantly, a love for learning. When children play and learn new things they discover that learning can be fun and go on to view learning as something enjoyable, rather than a chore.

First Toys Playing stimulates your baby more and more. Now your baby can sit upright with confidence, coordinate movements properly, and their face lights up when they see that, by pressing a button, they can hear a word, listen to a song, or see a light. Your baby is becoming increasingly in control of their toys and is aware of the effects of their actions. They can move a model car, throw a ball or interact with toys that respond to their commands. Encouraged by their progress, they will repeat the game over and over again, showing excitement with chuckles and little shrieks of joy.

Motor Development At first, a baby’s motor skills are limited to kicking their legs. As the muscles in their neck start to develop, they will be able to hold their head up on their own. From then on, one little improvement follows on after the other, allowing your baby to coordinate their movements to grasp objects, bring food to their mouths, and shake toys. Then comes the crawling stage, which allows the baby to move around, chase after mum or run away from their dad when playing. Your baby will soon become an expert in climbing up to ride a toy or standing up on their own, looking for support. Then, suddenly, they will take their first steps, unstable at first, then increasingly quickly, ready to conquer the world!

Chicco products are available from all leading outlets VIVIAN BABY • march 2018 • 7

New Cups for all Ages & Stages JUST RIGHT BeCAUS e THey DevelOPeD WITH B WeRe ABIeS

From SuCking to Drinking in tHe eaSieSt PoSSible way

The child is more active, they move around and play, REQUIRING PROPER HYDRATION ESPECIALLY OUTDOORS.

8 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

4M+

TRANSITION CUP

ideal for the gradual, smooth and easy transition from breast or bottle to the first cup.

• Super soft and flexible silicone spout, gentle on baby’s sensitive gums.

• Spill-proof system to reduce the sucking and enjoy a comfortable drink.

• Removable, easy grip handles ideal for developing motor skills.

12M+

•

•

•

•

•

PeRFeCT CUP

360° lip-activated silicone membrane promotes independent drinking, by releasing liquids when baby’s lip is pressed against the rim, while staying spill-resistant.

Features a clear silicone membrane so baby can see liquid coming towards it and they learn how to decode this input.

Removable membrane for free flow open cup training, with or without the handles as a real glass.

14M+

eASy CUP

Just like drinking from a rim of a glass without drips.

• • •

Ergonomic, semi-soft spout, bite resistant.

Shaped spout to facilitate a correct lip positioning and decentralised to promote a proper posture of the neck while drinking.

Ergonomically shaped cup, dimple on top for the nose and detachable comfort-grip handles, ideal for developing motor skills.

Removable Easy Sipping Valve: innovative patent pending solution that makes the cup 100% spill proof without compromising the baby’s ease of drinking both with and without valve.

12M+

ADvANCeD CUP

gradual development of the straw drinking skills.

• • •

Ergonomically shaped cup and dimple on top for the nose.

Soft-coated straw training spout, bite resistant and round shaped to gradually introduce the straw shape.

Removable Easy Sipping Valve: innovative patent pending solution that makes the cup 100% spill proof without compromising the baby’s ease of drinking both with and without valve.

14M+

SPORTS CUP

Practical, easy drinking even outdoors.

Bite resistant hard-rim spout. Thin rim-like spout helps baby transition to open cup drinking.

Ergonomic shape to stabilise the lower lip and dimple on top for the nose.

Removable Easy Sipping Valve: innovative patent pending solution that makes the cup 100% spill proof without compromising the baby’s ease of drinking both with and without valve.

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TRAINING CUP

ideal for encouraging the evelopment of different drinking skills.

Perfect for learning to drink from a glass without spills.

•

6M+

• • •

Soft silicone straw with flip closure to keep it clean.

Integrated spill-proof system, easy to use even on-the-go.

Lightweight double wall insulated cup helps to keep drinks cooler for longer.

The new Chicco cup line helps the baby to easily and naturally drink, step by step during their growth with practical, specific solutions, stimulating them to develop new skills and respecting their abilities and preferences

Chicco Malta VIVIAN BABY • march 2018 • 9

Weaning the weaning period provides the baby with more nutrients and it is also an important step for their psychological, emotional and educational development. new food, new flavours, new textures and a new way of drinking and eating, leading to everincreasing independence. Chicco accompanies the parents and the baby with a complete range of useful, practical products, specifically studied to meet their needs day by day.

6M+ SOFTly SPOON

6M+ WARM PlATe

maximum softness for delicate gums.

• Soft, flexible silicone tip.

• Also practical with the deepest jars of baby food.

• Hygienic tip raised from the table surface.

warm food for longer so baby can eat without rushing.

• The temperature is naturally maintained thanks to the hot water in the tank.

• Maximum functionality thanks to the spoon rest area.

• Easy to use thanks to the ergonomic design, non-slip base and the insert to avoid burning your fingers.

8M+ BABy’S FIRST SPOON

18M+ MeTAl CUTleRy

easy-to-use spoon to start self-feeding.

• Angled and ergonomic it simplifies the child’s movements.

Child-size so little ones can eat just like grown-ups.

• Stainless steel tips to fit small mouths.

• Small, light and easy to grip.

12M+ FIRST CUTleRy maximum practicality to begin self-feeding.

• Small, light and easy to grip with a non-slip finish.

Find us on Facebook 10 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

Chicco Malta

A 100% organic range by

11 varieties to accompany your growing child on his discovery of the world of tastes and flavours.

Available from all leading supermarkets.

Plasmon (Malta)

A step-by-step

Guide to Weaning Is your baby ready for weanIng? Every baby is an individual, but there are three clear signs which show your baby is ready for solid foods alongside breastmilk or formula:

1.

They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady.

2.

They can coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so they can look at a food, pick it up and put it into their mouth, all by themselves.

3.

They can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will push their food back out, so they will get more round their face than they do in their mouths.

tIps on startIng weanIng

be present Always stay with your baby when they are eating in case they start to choke.

temperature Cool hot food and test it before giving it to your baby.

addItIVes Don’t add salt, sugar or stock cubes to your baby’s food or cooking water.

VaryIng appetIte Baby’s appetite varies from time to time especially during illness or teething; during this time, he may prefer more milk.

watch sIgns Your baby will guide you to know how much food he wants, like turning his head away when he has had enough.

Independence Allow your baby to feed themselves, using their fingers, as soon as they show an interest.

usIng a spoon If you are using a spoon, wait for your baby to open their mouth before you offer the food. Your baby may like to hold the spoon too. do not force Wait until the next time if they are not interested this time.

12 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

Start the weaning process by offering your baby solids once a day at first with smooth singleingredient purées of apple, pear, carrot, sweet potato, potato, pumpkin or butternut squash. All these vegetables can be puréed in a blender, apart from potato which should be pressed through a sieve.

Your baby will need to be a little bit hungry but not ravenously so and you may need to give him a little milk to take the edge off his hunger first. A mother’s instinct is very powerful, so if

your feel he is ready, you are probably right. If he doesn’t seem at all interested after a couple of attempts, you could always leave it another few days and then try again.

When introducing solids, take care not to reduce your baby’s milk intake, as milk is still the most important factor in growth and development, so make sure your baby drinks 500-600ml of breast or formula milk each day. Cows milk is not suitable for babies as a drink until they are 1 year old.

first tastes

weaning

Week One Early Morning

Breakfast

Lunch

Snack

Days Breast/Bottle 1-2 Days Breast/Bottle 3-4 Day 5 Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle

Day 6 Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle

Day 7 Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle, Carrot or Sweet Potato Breast/Bottle, Butternut Squash Breast/Bottle, Apple Breast/Bottle, Carrot or Sweet Potato Breast/Bottle, Pear and baby rice

Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle

Week TwoEarly

Morning

Breast/B Days Pear withottle, 1-2 baby rice Days Breast/Bottle, Banana 3-4 Breast/B ottle, Day Apple or pear 5-6 Breast/B Day 7 Cream ofottle, Fruit

Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle

the jars taste just lIke you’d make at home – perfect for those busy days

Breakfast

Lunch

Snack

Bedtime

Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle, Carrot or Parsnip

Breast/ Bottle

Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle, Trio of root veg purée Breast/Bottle, Butternut Squash Breast/Bottle, Carrot or Parsnip

Breast/ Bottle Breast/ Bottle Breast/ Bottle

Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle

Week Three Early Morning

Bedtime

Breakfast

Breast/Bottle, Breast/Bottle Banana Breast/Bottle, Day 2 Breast/Bottle Apple Breast/Bottle, Avocado and tle t/Bot Breas 3 Day Banana Breast/Bottle, Day 4 Breast/Bottle Apple and Pear Purée

Day 1

Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle

Bedtime

Lunch

Snack

Breast/Bottle, Broccoli Trio

Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle, Butternut Squash

Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle, Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Carrot and Pea Purée Breast/Bottle, Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Trio of root veg purée

Breast/Bottle, Sweet Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Potato or Butternut Day 5 Squash Breast/Bottle, Potato, Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle, Day 6 Breast/Bottle Banana Broccoli and Pea Purée Breast/Bottle, Carrot Breast/Bottle, Pear and Parsnip Squash Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle tle Day 7 Breast/Bot with Baby Rice with Apple

all recIpes ed are featur f o d en e th at . le c thIs artI

Breast/Bottle, Breast/Bottle Cream of Fruit

steam VeggIes to preserVe theIr precIous nutrIents

Vegetables Potato Carrot Sweet Potato Butternut

Squash Pumpkin Parsnip

fruIts Apple Pear Banana Avocado

tIck the smIlIng or gloomy faces after each food Item

to help you record your successes (or otherwise!).

VIVIAN BABY • march 2018 • 13

fIrst fruIts & Vegetables Very first foods should be easy to digest and unlikely to provoke an allergic reaction, which is why it is best to start with single ingredient purées. Some people prefer to start their babies on vegetables rather than fruit to establish a liking for more savoury tastes.

after fIrst tastes After first tastes are accepted you can introduce all fruit and vegetables so that you wean your baby on as wide a range of foods as possible.

Fruits and vegetables: your baby can eat all fruits and vegetables. Include citrus fruits and berry fruits, tomatoes and vegetables.

Lentils: a good source of protein and iron but combine them with plenty of vegetables as they are high in fibre.

root Vegetables These tend to be the most popular with very young babies since they are naturally sweet, have a smooth texture once puréed, and are unlikely to cause an allergy

aVocado and banana You can also start with these uncooked mashed items. Banana is an excellent source of fiber and potassium while avocado is a superfruit.

melon, peach, mango, plum After the first few weeks, your baby can move on to these raw mashed or puréed fruits apples and pears Start with cooked purées of these fruits taste fruIt Choose fruit that is ripe and has a good flavour

drIed fruIts These can be introduced but in small quantities; although they are nutritious they tend to be laxatives.

14 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

wIth runny purées lIke peach, you can stIr In a lIttle baby rIce to thIcken them

wholegrain cereal with a source of vitamin C like berry fruits, as this helps improve the absorption of iron.

Fish: Introduce white fish such as cod and also oily fish such as salmon, as the omega 3s in oily fish are very important for the development of a baby’s brain, nervous system and vision.

Herbs: Add flavour with fresh herbs like basil, thyme and dill. Limit the use of salt for babies under 1 year.

Porridge: good mixed with cooked or fresh fruit for breakfast.

Chickpeas: a true superfood; rich in protein, iron and fibre.

Semolina: a good source of vitamin and potassium.

Couscous, quinoa and rice: As your baby gets older and is better able to cope with soft lumps, start introducing these items for more texture.

Chicken: Cooked chicken blends well with root vegetables like carrot, sweet potato and fruits like apple and grapes.

Meat: The iron a baby inherits from his mother starts to run out around six months, so it’s important to introduce red meat or a vegetarian source of iron like lentils.

Vitamin C: Combine non-animal sources of iron like spinach and these suggestIons are only Intended to be used as a guIde. some babIes wIll start weanIng earlIer than others and eVery baby wIll progress at theIr own pace

these charts are Intended only as a guIde and wIll depend on many factors IncludIng weIght. some babIes may only want one solId feed a day and some may prefer to haVe a second meal at teatIme

Vegetables Broccoli Cauliflower Peas Courgette Spinach Leek Sweet Red Pepper Green Beans fruIts Plum Prune Dried Apricot Peach Mango Melon tIck the smIlIng or gloomy faces after each food Item to help you record your successes (or otherwise!).

after first tastes accepted

meal planner Early Morning

Breakfast

Day 1 Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle, Avocado, Banana Breast/Bottle, Day 2 Breast/Bottle Apple, Raspberry Purée Breas t/Bottle, Day 3 Breast/Bottle Pear, Baby Rice Day 4 Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle, Avocado, Banana Breast/Bottle, Day 5 Breast/Bottle Apple, Pear, Cinnamon Purée Day 6 Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle, Banana

Week One Lunch

Breast/Bottle, Carrot, Pea Purée Breast/Bottle, Spinach, Pumpkin, Chickpea Purée Breast/Bottle, Broccoli Trio Breast/Bottle, Carrot, Parsnip Squash with Apple Breast/Bottle, Avocado, Banana Breast/Bottle, Carrot and Sweet Potato Mash Breast/Bottle, Breas Day 7 Breast/Bottle Apple, Raspberry Pota t/ Bottle, to, Broccoli, Purée Pea Purée

Week Two Breakfast

Mid Morning

Lunch

Bedtime

Water, Broccoli Trio Breast/Bottle Water, Chicken, Mango Mash with Breast/Bottle veggies Water, Spinach, Pumpkin, Chickpea Breast/Bottle Purée Water, Chicken, Mango Mash with Breast/Bottle veggies

Mid Afternoon Snack

, Baby Breast/Bottle Water, Broccoli Trio Breast/Bottle Day 1 Breast/Bottle Cereal, Mashed Banana Breast/Bottle, Baby Water, Avocado Breast/Bottle Breast/Bottle and Banana Day 2 Cereal, Apple and Raspberry Purée Water, Potato, , Baby Breast/Bottle Broccoli, Pea Purée Breast/Bottle Day 3 Breast/Bottle Cereal, Fruity Semolina Water, Chicken , /Bottle Breast/Bottle Breast and Mango Mash /Bottle Breast 4 Day Baby Cereal, Pear with veggies Breast/Bottle, Day 5 Baby Cereal, Avocado and Banana Breast/Bottle, Baby Day 6 Cereal, Apple and Raspberry Purée Breast/Bottle, Baby Day 7 Cereal, Apple, Pear, Cinnamon Purée

Snack

Water, Potato, Broccoli, Pea Purée Breast/Bottle Water, Carrot, Parsnip Squash Breast/Bottle with Apple Water, Sweet Breast/Bottle Potato

Breast/Bottle Water, Broccoli Trio Breast/Bottle

Bedtime

Water, Ricotta with Breast/Bottle Biscuits, Pear, Yoghurt Water, Trio of root veg purée

Breast/Bottle

Water, Carrot and Pea Purée

Breast/Bottle

Water, Avocado, Breast/Bottle Asparagus, Ricotta Dip Water, Carrot and Pea Purée

Breast/Bottle

Breast/Bottle Water, Pear

Breast/Bottle

Water, Avocado, Breast/Bottle Asparagus, Ricotta Dip

Water, Carrot Breast/Bottle and Pea Purée

Breast/Bottle

Water, Ricotta with Breast/Bottle Biscuits, Pear, Yoghurt you can cook large batche s of your baby’s faVourIte purées and freeze them so that you haVe them to han d when you are short of tIm e

This article has been brought to you by Plasmon and Cuore di Natura.

VIVIAN BABY • march 2018 • 15

Meal

Planner Recipes Brought to you By PlaSmon and Cuore di natura Carrot or Sweet Potato or ParSniP (makes 4 portions) Wash, peel, trim and slice 2 medium carrots or parsnips or a large sweet potato. Place in a saucepan of boiling water, cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until very tender.

Alternatively, you can steam them.

Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and purée to a smooth consistency, adding some liquid if necessary.

Butternut SquaSh or PumPkin Purée (makes 6 portions) Preheat the oven to 200°C. Cut a 1 medium butternut squash or sugar pumpkin in half and remove the seeds and membrane. Press the halves cut side down on a baking sheet (lined with baking paper) and bake for about 45 minutes or until tender. Remove from the oven, allow to cool, then scoop out the flesh and purée or mash with a little breast or formula milk.

Alternatively, you can peel and chop the squash or pumpkin and steam for about 20 minutes, until tender.

aPPle (makes 5 portions) Peel, halve, core and chop 2 medium apples. Put into a heavy saucepan with 4-5 tablespoons water. Cover and cook over a low heat until tender (about 7-8 minutes) and purée.

16 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

Pear (makes 5 portions) Peel, halve, and core 2 pears, then cut into small pieces. Cover with a little water, cook over a low heat until soft (about 4 minutes) or steam them for the same amount of time then purée.

You may need to add some water if the pears are not very ripe. After the first weeks of weaning, you can safely purée ripe pears without cooking.

Pear and BaBy riCe (makes 4 portions) Peel and chop 1 apple and 1 pear. Place the apple in a steamer and cook for 4 minutes then add the pear and cook for an additional 4 minutes or until the fruit is tender. Add the fruit to a blender together with a pinch of cinnamon, 1 tablespoon Plasmon Bebiriso and 2 tablespoons of the cooking liquid and blend together to form a purée. avoCado and Banana (makes 1 portion) Remove the flesh from the avocado and mash with the banana until smooth. This should be eaten soon after it is made, or the avocado will turn brown.

Banana Choose a ripe banana and mash very well with a fork. Add 2 tablespoons of boiled water or baby milk until you obtain smooth consistency.

Carrot and ParSniP SquaSh with aPPle (makes 4 portions) Peel 4 carrots, 4 parsnips, and 3 apples.

Steam for around 15 minutes until tender. Place in a food processor and blend. You can also add some breast or formula milk to make thin the mixture.

riCotta with BiSCuitS, Pear, and yogurt (makes 1 portion) Place 50g ricotta in a bowl and mix until you get a soft cream. Crush 3 biscotti Plasmon and add 2/3 of them to the ricotta cream. Fill a glass with alternating layers of the biscuit and ricotta mixture and 1 jar Plasmon Merenda Pera e Yogurt. Add the remaining crushed biscuits and serve.

Cream of fruit Peel, core and cut 1 apple and ½ a pear into small pieces. Put into a saucepan with some water. Cover and cook over low heat until tender (7-8 minutes).

Purée the cooked fruit, then stir in 1 jar Plasmon Banana, 1 tablespoon Plasmon Bebiriso and 2 tablespoons breastmilk or your baby’s usual milk. Mix well until a creamy consistency is formed.

aPPle and raSPBerry Purée Place 100g raspberries and 1 chopped apple in a pan and cook over low heat for 5-8 minutes or until soft. Purée and pass through a sieve to remove the seeds. Serve warm. trio of root veg Purée (makes 5 portions) Peel and chop 150g carrots and 75g parsnips and steam for about 5 minutes or until tender. Drain the vegetables, add 2 jars Cuore di Natura patata dolce and blend to a purée adding a little of the boiled water at the bottom of the steamer or some of your baby’s usual milk to make a good consistency for your baby.

Carrot and Pea Purée Put 80g of peas in a saucepan and bring to boil. Once the peas soften, drain the water. Using a blender, blend the peas until a purée consistency is formed. Add 1 jar Plasmon Carota to the mixture and mix well. aPPle and Pear Purée (makes 6-8 portions) Chop two apples and place them in a saucepan. Split a vanilla pod, scrape the seeds into the pan and add the pod along with 2 tablespoons of water or apple juice. Cover and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add 2 chopped pears and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the pod from the mixture and purée.

You can also add 2 ripe peaches when they are in season along with the pears. avoCado, aSParaguS and riCotta diP (makes 1 portion) Trim and cut 3 spears of asparagus into pieces and steam until tender.

Once cool, blend with half a ripe avocado, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon ricotta to form a dip.

This can be used with breadsticks and cooked carrot sticks.

SPinaCh, PumPkin and ChiCkPea Purée Using a strainer, lightly squeeze 2 cubes of defrosted spinach (or use fresh spinach) to remove any excess water. Blend it well to remove any long stem filaments. Add 1 jar Plasmon Zucca e Ceci to the mixture.

Heat together in a saucepan, or in a microwave, making sure no hot spots are present by stirring well. aPPle, Pear, and Cinnamon Purée Peel and cube half an apple and half a pear and add them to a saucepan.

Add in 125-250ml water and a dash of cinnamon. Bring to a boil, cover and simmer on low heat for 5-8 minutes.

Once tender, place in a blender until you obtain a purée.

ChiCken and mango maSh with veggieS (makes 3 portions) Roast or steam 1 chicken breast until cooked and dice. Peel and finely chop 1 carrot and 1 parsnip and steam until tender. Peel and de-stone 1 mango or peach and cut finely. Purée the chicken and half of the chopped fruit and vegetables together until smooth.

Stir through the remaining chopped fruit and vegetables.

Carrot and Sweet Potato maSh Peel and chop 1 medium carrot and 1 sweet potato. Add them to a large saucepan along with 1 heaped dessert spoon of tinned unsalted chickpeas or lentils and 300ml water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes or until tender.

Drain, reserving the cooking liquid, and purée to a smooth consistency, adding some liquid if necessary.

BroCColi trio (makes 4 portions) Peel and chop a medium sweet potato (approximately 200g) and boil for 5 minutes. Place 50g of broccoli and 50g of cauliflower florets in a steamer basket above the sweet potato, cover and continue to cook for 5 minutes.

When all the vegetables are tender, purée them in a blender together with a knob of butter and enough of the cooking liquid to make the desired consistency.

Potato, BroCColi, and Pea Purée (makes 6 portions) Peel and chop 350g potatoes and place them in a steamer for around 10-12 minutes. Add 50g frozen peas for the final 3-4 minutes. Once all the vegetables are tender, place them in a bowl and mash together with some butter. Add some breast or formula milk to obtain a thinner consistency. fruity Semolina (makes 4 portions) Blend 75g strawberries and half a banana together until you get a smooth consistency and set aside. Put 25g Plasmon Semolina di Grano in a pan and gradually stir in 250ml breast or formula milk over a medium heat.

Bring to a boil, stirring consistently.

Reduce the heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring gently until the semolina is thick and creamy. Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the blended fruit, then allow to cool before serving. riCe Pudding (makes 2 portions) Heat 100ml of your baby’s usual milk until hot. Add 3 tablespoons Plasmon Bebiriso and whisk until the mixture is smooth and lump free. Remove from the heat, add a drop of vanilla essence and 1 teaspoon caster sugar and stir well. This can be served warm or cold.

VIVIAN BABY • march 2018 • 17

A Healthy Diet for Toddlers A BAlAnCeD AnD heAlThy DIeT for kIDs ensures They geT enough energy AnD nutrients for developMent. therefore it is iMportant to offer a variety of foods as these expose their taste Buds to essential nutrients and flavours.

Milk and Dairy two to three portions a day

Milk and dairy are an important part of a toddler’s diet as they are a good source of energy and protein, and contain a wide range of vitamins and minerals. toddlers should have 2-3 servings of milk and dairy foods every day. if your little one doesn’t like drinking milk, try adding it to mashed potato, puréed vegetables or porridge, or offer yoghurts or cheese which are also a good source of calcium.

Fruits and Vegetables five portions a day

fruit and vegetables are an essential part of a healthy diet because: • They provide vitamins A and C, fibre and some B vitamins • Different fruits and vegetables contain different vitamins and minerals, so variety is not just important but vital.

18 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

toddlers should be offered fruits and vegetables at each meal and some snacks. offer small amounts of fruits and vegetables to get them used to the taste, and mix up fresh, frozen, puréed, or dried foods. add them to recipes such as puréed vegetables in a pasta sauce.

Meat, Fish and Vegetarian alternatives two to three portions a day

protein is important for your toddler’s growth and development. Meat, fish, eggs and vegetarian alternatives, such as pulses, are good sources of protein but they also contain other nutrients including: • Iron needed for your little one’s cognitive development • Zinc, magnesium and B vitamins toddlers need one or two portions of protein each day and vegetarians need an extra one.

Most toddlers prefer softer cuts of meat, such as chicken, and may refuse more chewy textures, so add lean beef or skinless chicken alongside or mixed with other familiar foods, like macaroni cheese or in pasta sauce. red meat is a good source of protein, iron, and zinc.

however, this should be mixed with other proteins and iron-rich food such as fortified breakfast cereal, dark green vegetables, bread and dried apricots, figs and prunes, because eating too much red meat isn’t ideal. vegetarians should take iron with vitamin C to help with iron absorption.

Vitamins for toddlers will make sure they get the right level of vitamins A, C and D. Fish two portions a week

fish is a good source of protein, vitamins and minerals, so it’s recommended that you offer it twice per week and oily fish — such as salmon, sardines and tuna — should be offered at least once a week.

Starch and Carbohydrates four portions per day

Most children don’t need much encouragement to eat bread, cereals, potatoes or pasta.

Carbohydrate-based foods are important staples – they are a good source of energy, fibre, vitamins and minerals. offer toddler-sized portions of bread, rice, pasta or potatoes at every meal and within some snacks.

Avoid too many whole grains, sugar, salt or saturated fats. you can also give wholegrain foods, such as brown rice, however too many wholegrain foods can fill your toddler up before they’ve had all the calories they need.

Fats during toddlerhood, high fat foods are encouraged. at this stage, they need the concentrated energy and other nutrients provided by full fat whole milk, yoghurt and cheese. this is because: • some vitamins such as A and d are only found in fats • fat in the diet helps the body absorb certain nutrients • It also provides essential fatty acids that the body can’t make itself But not all fats are created equal. the unsaturated fats from vegetable sources, such as cooking oils, are better for health than the saturated fats found in meat and animal sources. to reduce the amount of saturated fat: • Buy leaner cuts of meat • grill or bake foods instead of frying them • use as little cooking oil as possible

Toddler Meal Planner at a Glance

• limit crisps and similar snacks, fried foods, pastry and commercially prepared cakes and biscuits. low fat and fat free products often have ingredients such as sugar, thickeners and salt, to make up for the taste lost from the fat. they also may not have enough calories that your toddlers needs so they should be avoided.

Snacks two to three per day

toddlers only have small tummies, so regular snacks between meals prevents them from getting overly hungry or going too long before eating. a recommended daily routine includes two to three snacks per day fit in around their three meals and nap times. little ones love sweet treats, but these are more likely to cause tooth decay and may lack important vitamins and minerals, so it is important to limit sugar-containing foods and drinks in-between meals. and swap unhealthy snacks for more nutritious ones, like fresh fruit, vegetable sticks, wholegrain breakfast cereals, natural yoghurts, fruit purée lollies, bread and cheese.

Important Vitamins for Toddlers growing children sometimes don’t get enough vitamins A, C and d, particularly if they do not eat a varied diet. the best way to ensure your child receives enough vitamins and minerals for normal growth and development is to provide a wide variety of fresh foods such as fruit, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, nuts, and legumes. this is because: • Vitamin A helps to strengthen your toddler’s immune system and helps maintain healthy skin • Vitamin C helps your toddler’s body absorb iron and helps with the normal function of the immune system • Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium from the foods we eat — supporting their rapid bone growth and development in the early years you could also include some other fortified foods like cereals and toddler milks, such as sMa progress kids, in your child’s diet.

As well as 3 meals, offer your toddler 2 snacks and six to eight drinks a day.

Mix up favourite dishes by swapping regular fruit and veg for new, exciting ones.

Make food friendly by serving mini bite-size pieces.

Get your toddler to help make the dishes so food becomes fun.

this article was brought to you by sMa progress kids VIVIAN BABY • march 2018 • 19

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EastEr EastEr Crafts for for toddlErs toddlErs

Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and easter crafts are cute as can be. get your kids egg-cited about Birds are chirping, flowers are blooming and easter crafts are cute as can be. get your kids egg-cited theupcoming upcomingholiday holidayand andhave havean anafternoon afternoonofoffun funwith withthese thesethree three adorable adorable easter easter crafts. crafts. the

tEr EastEr ato atoEas Pot Pot mPs stamPs Egg Eggsta Whatyou’ll you’llneed: need: What potatoes 1.1.potatoes knife 2.2.knife different 3.3.different coloured coloured paints paints

plate 4.4.plate towel 5.5.towel Cardboard 6.6.Cardboard papertoto paper stamponon stamp

Whatyou’ll you’lldo: do: What

Cut a potato in half and press 1.1.Cut a potato in half and press theopen openend endonto ontothe thetowel towelto to the helpabsorb absorbthe themoisture. moisture.the the help insideswill willbe bequite quitewet wetand andcan can insides makethe thenext nextstep stepslippery slipperyand and make dangerousififyou youdon’t don’tdry drythem. them. dangerous oncethe theopen openend endofofyour your 2.2.once potatoisisdry, dry,begin begincutting cutting your your potato designsinto intoit. it.use useaaknife knife to to designs makelines, lines,circles, circles,zig zigzags, zags, and and other other shapes. shapes. make pressthe theopen openend endofofthe thepotato potatoto to the the towel towel to to dry dry it it again, again, as 3.3.press cuttinginto intoititcan cancreate createadditional additional moisture, moisture, and and you you are are now now ready cutting forstamping. stamping. for placedifferent differentcoloured colouredpaints paintsonto onto the the plate plate for for easy easy dipping dipping and 4.4.place pressthe thecut cutend endofofthe thepotato potato into into them. them. remove remove any any excess excess paint press beforestamping. stamping.you youcan canalso alsouse use aa brush brush for for more more detailed detailed painting. before pressthe thepotato potatostamps stampsto tothe the paper paper and and press press firmly. firmly. repeat repeat as 5.5.press manytimes timesas asyou youwant. want.when whenyou you want want to to use use aa new new colour, colour, just many rinsethe thepotato potatounder underwater. water. rinse seehow howeasy easythese theseegg eggstamps stampscan can be? be? you you can can try try making making them them with see sortsofofdesigns, designs,and andofofcourse, course, using using all all sorts sorts of of paint paint colours. colours. allallsorts

ll Ball on onBa tt Co Cott mB la lamB What Whatyou’ll you’lldo: do:

What Whatyou’ll you’llneed: need: 1.1.paper paperplate plate 2.2.Cotton balls Cotton balls 3.3.Craft glue Craft glue 4.4.Black Blackcardboard cardboard

5.

5.scissors scissors 6.

6.googly eyes googly eyes 7.

7.Black Blackmarker marker

1.1.glue cotton balls to the paper plate until the paper plate is completely filled in with cotton balls. glue cotton balls to the paper plate until the paper plate is completely filled in with cotton balls.

2.2.ononthe theback backofofthe thecardboard cardboardpaper, paper,draw drawan anoval ovalwith withtwo twosmaller smallerovals ovalsattached attachedto toform form the the sheep’s sheep’s head head and ears.

3.3.Cut out the head and ears, turn it over and glue two googly eyes to the front. Draw a nose and mouth on Cut out the head and ears, turn it over and glue two googly eyes to the front. Draw a nose and mouth on the thesheep’s sheep’shead headand andthen thenglue gluethe thehead headto tothe thepaper paperplate. plate.

4.4.Cut four rectangles from the cardboard paper to make the sheep’s legs and glue them to the bottom of the plate.

Cut four rectangles from the cardboard paper to make the sheep’s legs and glue them to the bottom of the plate.

5.5.Cut out a small oval from the black construction paper, and glue it to the back of the sheep to form the tail.

Cut out a small oval from the black construction paper, and glue it to the back of the sheep to form the tail.

20 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

Fortified milk drink that’s nutritionally tailored for toddlers form 1 year onwards Contains Vitamin D and Calcium to support the normal growth and development of bones Iron to help support normal cognitive development

Helping to build a nutritional foundation for life We remind you of the importance of a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle from the very beginning.

www.viviancorp.com • www.smamums.co.uk 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com

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.

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People have long known that puzzles present many benefits for children as they develop. Children usually start out with simple knobbed puzzles that are made of simple shapes that fit into corresponding board cutouts. From there they move on to more complex silhouettes of real world objects that take more consideration. In addition, doing a puzzle with a friend or family member also allows for the growth of social skills as they work together and communicate about what fits where.

Puzzles are also an important educational learning tool for toddlers and young children as they provide many skills and mental learning benefits and opportunities.

Here are some basic skills that help children in their development when playing with puzzles.

Cognitive SkillS: Puzzles come in a whole range of themes and topics such as alphabet letters, shapes, vegetables, numbers, pets, transport and colours. It increases their visual spacial awareness and develops a deeper understanding of these themes and topics. All children learn in a different way and puzzles may be their medium for grasping an understanding of certain themes.

Problem Solving: When completing a puzzle, even the simplest of puzzles sets a single goal to achieve. Toddlers and children must think and develop strategies on how to approach achieving this goal.

This process involves problem solving, reasoning skills and developing solutions which can later be transferred into their personal/adult life.

Fine motor DeveloPment: Puzzles are a fun way for children to develop and refine their fine motor skills. When engaged in playing with puzzles, children are required to pick up, pinch and grasp pieces (some with small knobs, pegs or chunky pieces) and move them around, manipulating them into slots, sorting them and fitting them into the correct places.

HanD anD eye CoorDination: Playing with puzzles requires a trial and error process which involves a lot of hand and eye manipulation. For example, if the children place a piece of the puzzle that does not fit, they will try all over again where their actions involve doing what they actually see.

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22 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

Call us on Freephone 8007 3102 for your nearest stockist

SoCial: Puzzles are a great educational tool to enhance and promote cooperative play. As kids work together to complete a puzzle, they will discuss where a piece should go and why, take turns and share and support each other when handling frustration, then sharing the joy of finishing the puzzle.

SelF eSteem: The accomplishment of achieving a goal brings so much satisfaction to a child. Overcoming the challenges involved in solving a puzzle really gives them a sense of achievement and pride within themselves. It provides a boost to their selfconfidence and self-esteem as this prepares them for other challenges in life.

Puzzles are a fun educational toy that challenges young minds, teaching and preparing them for very important life skills.

There is no mistaking the benefits of puzzles in childhood development. You used them, your parents used them and your children are using them now. Give your child the opportunity to continue learning from simple shapes, to silhouettes, to jigsaw puzzles, to abstract shapes united by a mathematical concept that include a board game twist.

The look and find activity puzzle range for ages 3+ reinforces our core values for learning and fun.

Covering key preschool topics including the alphabet, numbers, shapes and colours, each box contains two jigsaw puzzles – one learning puzzle and one fun scene to match to.

After piecing together the two puzzles, children use them together by matching the items shown on both for added play value and to reinforce learning.

Dinosaur Lotto A simple, dinosaur-themed matching game for children from age 3. It features a variety of friendly dinosaur species for children to match and identify. Double sided boards for two levels of difficulty.

great Value for money and great Fun!

2 ways to Play

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VIVIAN BABY • march 2018 • 23

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Orchard Games are available from all leading toyshops and supermarkets

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An exciting new range of 2 in 1 Activity puzzles for children Aged 3+.

The first months of the year have already flown by and, as proud inhabitants of our beautiful island, we are now looking forward for Malta’s awesome spring and summer weather. Hikes, picnics, outdoor dining and those trips to the beach…. can’t wait! As paediatricians, we are always encouraging parents to take children away from their favourite screens at home to go outside exploring and exercising. While outdoors, we must remember to protect our children against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays as it only takes just a few serious sunburns to increase your child’s risk of future skin cancer.

There are a number of easy steps and measures one can take to make sure that UV rays do not burn your child’s skin: • Applying sun protection creams.

Choose creams that have a high sun protection factor (SPF). Usually an SPF of 30 or more is recommended and the higher the SPF, the better and longer the protection of your child’s skin will be. Remember that sunscreens can wash off with sweating or with water during swimming so be careful to reapply the sunscreen at regular intervals.

However, this still does not mean that your child can stay for very long periods in the sun. Friction with

n u S Protection

sand or towel may also remove the sunscreen. Apply the sunscreen everywhere but mostly in the uncovered areas and do not forget the nose, ears and tops of the feet.

• Avoiding the sun. Despite the best protection possible, this still remains an important measure to keep in mind. The sun should be avoided when it is strongest – approximately 10am to 4pm – so as much as possible try and plan indoor activities during that time. Alternatively, seek shade by using an umbrella or a tent.

• Cover as much of the skin as possible using tightly woven shirts and pants (put your hand inside the shirt and make sure it does not show). Remember that wet T-shirts offers much less UV protection than dry ones, and darker colours may

Written by Dr Samuel Aquilina PAeDiAtriCiAn

offer more protection than lighter colours. Use hats, especially those with a wide brim, to cover the scalp, ears, neck and face.

• Wear sunglasses. Let your child pick up their favourite cool pair of sunglasses to protect their eyes from sun damage. Just make sure they are certified (search for the CE mark) and block as close to 100% of UV rays as possible.

Two final points to remember: There is no such thing as a healthy tan so protect your child’s pinked up or tanned skinned with a good moisturiser if changing colour; and do not forget that you are your child’s role model so protecting your own skin by using the measures described will be healthy for you and a great lesson for your children!

Stay safe, and do not get burned!

This arTicle was broughT To you by

24 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

High-safety and high-tolerance hygene and skincare for babies

For more information visit: www.bioderma.com

competition

Wordsearch

plasmon oasi natural Weaning nutritious Grains cereals Goodness Biscotti Vitamins

Send your word search to: Plasmon Word Search Vivian Corporation 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street Msida MSD 1824

by not later than 30th April 2018, along with your name, surname and contact number.

One lucky winner will receive the latest Guess 1981 fragrance.

competition

Decorate your own Chicco love bottle.

Send us your designs to: Chicco Love Bottles Vivian Corporation 29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street Msida MSD 1824

by not later than 30th April 2018, along with your name, surname and contact number.

Three lucky winners will receive a limited edition love bottle and soother.

limit editi ed on co l lec tio

26 • VIVIAN BABY • march 2018

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competition by

Mention 3 vegetables which are suitable for early weaning.

Send an SMS with your answers to 50619615 by not later than 30th April 2018, along with your name, surname and contact number.

Two lucky winners will be drawn randomly and will win a hamper of Cuore di Natura Products. Each SMS costs 28c.

competition

What age is SMA PRO Progress kids suitable for?

6m+

9m+

1 year+

Send an SMS with your answers to 50619615 by not later than 30th April 2018, 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

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ViVian BaBy Christmas Competition winner Stephanie Borg Caruana 39

VIVIAN BABY • march 2018 • 27

entrFaree nce

Friday

semiNar aNd Fair 2018

06

april

Xara lodge raBat

Claire agiuS ordway

From

Programme one

PareNts-to-Be

HoSted by

16:00 till 22:00

16:00 registration & Coffee 16:30 – 17:15

Common ailments during Pregnancy mr albert SCerri, ConSultant gynaeCologiSt

17:15 – 18:00

breastfeeding and Sterilisation mS Helen borg, midwife

For eVeryoNe

Programme two

PareNts with BaBies uNder 12 moNths 16:00 registration & Coffee 16:30 – 17:15

Child development in early months

18:00 refreshments

mS damariS SPiteri, Play tHeraPiSt

19:00 – 19:45

17:15 – 18:00

first aid for babies and toddlers interaCtive SeSSion by mr CHarleS feneCH

infant nutrition; weaning your Child dr JoSePH mizzi

ambulanCe emergenCy reSPonder team leader

PaediatriCian

Book your seat!

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Parents-to-be and parents with babies under 12 months are requested to book their seat in advance by calling our Freephone 8007 3102 or 2258 8600 or via email info@viviancorp.com, with your Name & surName, PreFerred Programme and CoNtaCt NumBer

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