newspaper post
June 2015
Issue 29
a useful guIde to chIldren’s growth
summer protection
stages of weaning
iCreatemotion photography; www.iCreatemotionstudio.com
fosterIng creatIvIty
the child’s development journey
A
s the hot summer months kick in and days grow longer we start to relax and take life easier. This summer issue of VivianBaby is jam packed with various interesting reads, covering sun protection tips, guidelines to the stages of weaning, new baby products and articles by experts in the paediatric field. All this and much more in this edition. Don’t forget to send in your competition entries to be in the chance to win fantastic prizes from Vivian Corporation. May I also remind you to follow us on Facebook for more product offers, upcoming events and much more… Until next time mummies and daddies, have a fiesta this summer!
n R a y Butt ig ie g a
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The Child’s Development Journey
Children Exposed to the Sun Sun Protection Tips
Top 20 List of Games and Jigsaws from Orchard
The Stages of Weaning
04 08 11 14 17 18 20 22 23
Protection against Mosquitoes
Encouraging our Children to be Creative
Sippy Cups; When can my baby use it?
Yoghurts; A fresh snack for our babies this Summer Competitions
Publisher: Lawrence Gatt, Vivian Corporation Editor: Ray Buttigieg Contributors: Claire Camilleri, Hannah Cremona, Mariebelle Muscat, Luan May Sant, Sephora Schembri, Dr Charles Borg, Dr Ramon Bondin.
29 Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida, MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 Email: info@viviancorp.com www.viviancorp.com 2 • VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015
Growing up milk from 1 year +
Nutritionally balanced for active toddlers Contains Omega 3 & 6 for growth and development Beneficial effects of essential fatty acids is obtained with a daily intake of 10g linoleic acid and 2g of alpha-linolenic acid
Fortified with iron Contributes to normal cognitive development Calcium & Vitamin D for bone development 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.
y e n r u o j t n e m p o de ve l The child’s
d l i h C t n e d n e p e d n I e h T s h t n 24-36mo
Your child has by now started to run about making physical limitations less of an issue. You might notice that your child is becoming interested in his/ her surroundings and wants to imitate whatever you do. Children, being so active, may make it difficult for you to keep up with them. However, they need your support to boost their confidence and independence. By pushing it to the limits, your child is actually checking that you want the best for him/her and that there is someone that really cares. The aim of this article is to help you focus on your child’s abilities and strengths. Remember that development is not a race.
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Movement and activities: Your child can by now run and may be able to get around obstacles. S/he can climb up and down stairs without much difficulty and may have also started to climb onto things with ease. You may notice that your child can stand on one foot unsupported and is able to kick a ball. His/her hand skills have also improved, handedness has become more apparent and your child can hold a pencil or crayon in a writing position. Wall graffiti are a real possibility but are better discouraged. They can also show manipulative skills, and play-dough is a great way to develop this skill.
Language development is dependent on adequate hearing Communication is the way we interact with each other and express our feelings and desires. Most children use a combination of finger pointing and unclear words to show their needs, which their parents commonly understand. Reinforce attempts at speech by maintaining eye contact with your child, vocalising and responding to their needs. Picture books and matching puzzles can be used to teach your child new words by repetition. They will start joining two words together and later speak phrases. At times, your child may become frustrated and upset because
they cannot communicate their needs. In this case, stay calm, help them complete the word and reassure the child. Often, your child understands the meaning of words which they cannot yet vocalise. It might be difficult stopping the child from doing an activity without going through a tantrum. The idea of keeping a peaceful balance may seem difficult but a helpful hint is to try to change the activity that the child is doing into another task which you would want them to do. This may sometimes necessitate you starting it off so that they join in.
During this period, you may start to notice various changes in the way the child looks at themself and the interaction with others. They may notice the differences in gender helping to develop an own identity. They may also start to feel shy during bathing and would prefer washing by themselves. Dressing and undressing would become easier during this period as your child tends to help more. They wouldn’t mind playing on their own and are quite imaginative and are happy playing with other kids as long as they know you are there for support. For those children who do suffer separation anxiety, a teddy-bear may be helpful to replace the missing parent and help the child gain confidence to play with the other kids. Their thoughts are still egocentric and tend to be selfish, so try to encourage a sharing attitude to foster a caring behaviour. At this stage the biggest challenge is perhaps toilet training. Timing may be indicated by the child expressing his/her needs. This step should be encouraged and a star chart can be an effective way forward. This motivates the child by offering a goal and a sense of achievement.
This article has been brought to you by SMA Progress Kids.
Food and nutrition: Many children could decrease the amount of food that they eat. This could be either because of their likes and dislikes or because of the way the food is presented to them. The child sees the feeding time as a period of play and exploration. A way around this problem would be to present the food in the form of a platter and let the child choose the food to eat. Present the food in different shapes and as a form of play. By the end of the third year, most children will start to enjoy the food we eat. It is imperative to be sensitive to your child’s needs so you can help your child achieve. Patience is a virtue. It is the right time to teach your child the right values and rules that s/he will abide to in the future.
Dr Ramon Bondin MD, MRCS VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015 • 5
SMA Progress Kids, is specially tailored to help provide the important nutrients toddlers need, such as vitamin D for normal growth and development of bones, iron for cognitive development as well as Omega 3 & 6
SMA Follow-on Milk, to be used as part of a mixed weaning diet. It provides iron, vitamin D and Omega 3 and 6. Iron supports normal cognitive development and calcium and Vitamin D support the normal growth and development of bones
For more information visit www.smamums.co.uk
Important notIce: Breast milk is best for babies and breastfeeding should continue for as long as possible. Before you decide to use an Infant Formula, consult your health professional for advice. Sma Follow on milk is for babies over six months. It is not to be used as a breast milk substitute during the first 6 months of life. 6 • VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015
save money wiTh chicco
This summer special offer on chicco lighTweighT sTrollers save up To 12% when purchasing any one of These sTrollers
Chicco London Stroller ReD WAVe
Chicco Echo Stroller Blue Ideal for you if:
Ideal for you if:
you want an amusing and colourful stroller
you want a complete and essential, ‘’no frills’’ stroller
practicality is essential for you and you are looking for resistant fabrics
you often take with you a lot of toys and you need a practical basket
WAS €80.90
WAS €99.90
NOW €70.90
NOW €89.90
Weighs ONly 7.6kg
Weighs ONly 7.2kg
• New and exclusive customised leg rest footboard • Double safety system to prevent accidental closure. • Wide seat providing extra comfort for infants. • Front swivel wheels for easy handling. • Rear wheels with twin braking system
• Single action backrest recliner mechanism • Multi-position reclining backrest. • 5-strap harness: extra safe retention for infants. • Practical netting storage basket • Homologated for use from birth (0m+).
Available until stocks last from all leading baby shops and Gallarija, Fgura
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• • • •
The backrest can be reclined flat and the leg rest is adjustable to ensure maximum comfort. Single action backrest recliner mechanism Front swivel wheels for easy handling. Practical quick closing mechanism. It is compact when closed and stands up on its own if put against an upright surface with the rear wheels locked.
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Soft shoulder straps for your child’s safety. The hood turns into a practical sun shade. 4-position reclining backrest. 5-strap harness: extra safe retention for infants. Spacious easy access storage basket Rain cover included Twin braking system. Approved for Group 0m+
Chicco Malta VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015 • 7
Natural protection for all the family
May we remind you on some tips on how to prevent the multiplication of mosquitoes!
Summer is in and Mosquitoes follow… Summer seems to have started early this year as people are already wearing their summer clothes and many already had their first swim or even a tan! The summer climate also brings with it mosquitoes, therefore we need to act fast by protecting ourselves and especially our children. Children’s skin is still very delicate so it is of utmost importance to protect them with safe and natural products. Most mosquito repellents found on the market contain active ingredients of chemical origin. The most common ones, Icaridin and Diethyltoluamide (DEET) are not recommended, even in very low doses, for children younger than two. Babies’ delicate skin needs to be protected using repellents with a safe formulation studied specifically for infants and whose effect attested: even better if the active ingredient is of a natural origin. Chicco active ingredient, an extract of a particular species of Eucalyptus from Australia which is in fact of a natural origin. It is widely recognized for its excellent insect repellent properties. With no added alcohol, colourings and parabens, they are specially adapted for children’s skin (from 3 months of age) and for pregnant women. The exclusive formula works efficiently both at night and during the day, providing excellent protection against most common types of mosquitoes, including the Asian Tiger mosquito. The mosquito repellent effect of Chicco products lasts longer than most natural mosquito repellents on the market. A single application will protect baby’s skin for up to 3 hours.
All mosquitoes need water in order to reproduce. Each female mosquito may lay as many as 200 eggs that will transform into larvae and then into mosquitoes after 7 days. The best way to control the reproduction of these mosquitoes is to destroy the places where they lay their eggs: • Remove any water containers like pot plates, old buckets, food containers, tyres and anything you may have that keeps water. • Any puddles, inlets to sewers and drainage systems should be drained not to allow water to stagnate for more than 3 days. • Gutters should be kept clean from fallen leaves and other debris so that water does not gather in them. • Flower pots and standing flower vases found outside that can collect water should be filled with sand or fine gravel. • Man made outdoor water features, especially fish ponds, should contain fish such as gold-fish or guppies as these are known to feed on the mosquito’s immature stages. • Litter can also hold rain water and should be removed. This includes abandoned cars, old machinery and other junk in vacant areas, • Any standing water in swimming pools, catchment basins, etc, that cannot be drained or dumped can be periodically treated with the proper insecticides. • Keep swimming pools empty if not in use or regularly maintained with chlorine. • Where possible, keep all water reservoirs or wells covered.
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chicco anTimosquiTo army your family from insect bites!
The Natural shield to protect yourself and
siGNLe use wiPes NaTuRaL PRoTeCTioN 15PCs
d deviCe uLTRasouN
GeL 60ML
sPRay 100ML
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uLTRasouNd PoRTabLe deviCe
sti sh yfi Jel l uit ob ite
There are times when we get carried away and believe that there are no mosquitoes around. Then out of the blue we discover that our children or even ourselves were bitten by a mosquito‌..or even worse, we are enjoying ourselves at the beach, children swimming and splashing when all of a sudden someone got stung by a jelly fish. Always handy and effective, we encourage you to keep the Chicco after bite pen in your bag, wherever you go. The Chicco after bite pen contains Zanthoxylum extract, a Chinese plant universally recognised for its soothing properties. It is ideal for soothing children’s delicate skins after an insect bite, and may also be used after a jelly fish sting.
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A Must Have in your bag... out and about and at the beach!
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A ‘must have’ pen for bites and stings during the summer season
Please visit our Facebook page Chicco Malta or call us on
VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015 • 9
ChildreN expOsed tO the suN precautions and rules The sun is certainly essential for life on our planet, and is also a general factor for the welfare of the human organism. However, excessive sun exposure or, exposure which is inadequate for our natural defence systems, can produce adverse health effects. There is extensive evidence that prolonged exposure to sunlight is not only the main factor of “premature skin ageing”, but it plays also a major role in determining the occurrence of major skin cancers (carcinomas and melanoma). Since it is estimated that over 50% of the total amount of UV radiation, received during the course of our life, is received before 18 years of age, it is necessary for adults to become aware of this and adequately protect their children against the risks of excessive exposure.
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Rules for exposure to the sun: Be very careful when exposing infants of under six months to direct sunlight. For children over six months of age, avoid exposure in the central hours of the day, from 10.00 am to 4.00pm, when the solar irradiation is very intense. If you stay outdoors for more than 20 minutes, always use sunscreens (UVA and UVB), possibly with a medium high Protection Factor. Exposure to the sun should always be gradual to avoid “burning”, encouraging the progressive production of melanin, which is the most natural defence of the skin against ultraviolet rays. Always use appropriate protective measures (wide rimmed cap, T-shirt, sunscreen, sunglasses), bearing in mind that most summer fabrics do not guarantee efficient protection against ultraviolet rays. Reducing the time of direct exposure and increase the protective measures in the vicinity of reflecting surfaces (snow, sand and water),
as they will enhance the ultraviolet irradiation. 6 Remember that even in the shade, if close to sunny environments, we are still subject to indirect ultraviolet rays, which have at least 50% of the power of direct rays. 7 Be careful on slightly cloudy days: ultraviolet radiation still reaches the earth’s surface. It is a common experience to be surprised by sunburn at the end of a “cloudy” day. Also watch out for windy days: even if you do not feel the heat (infra red rays heat the earth and not ultraviolet) you can burn more easily. 8 Sunscreens are useful but provide protection for a limited period of time (even total blocks), so they must be reapplied at least every 2 hours, especially when swimming in water or there is profuse sweating. The so-called “water resistant” sunscreens can be useful to increase the persistence of solar products on the skin. The use of sunscreens cannot justify failure to comply with the above mentioned rules.
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9 Never apply scented creams or antihistamines before exposure to the sun: the risk of photo-toxic reactions is very high. 10 Warning: some specific drugs can enhance the action of sunlight or be responsible for adverse reactions when taken before or during
exposure to the sun. Always ask your paediatrician if the prescribed drug has solar exposure amongst its contraindications. 11 When other people take care of your children, make sure that they are able to observe these simple rules.
12 Do not forget that the immediate redness is not a good indicator of safety. Usually you only notice sunburn after a few hours, in the evening or during the night.
suN ANd MelANOMAs Over the last few decades, extensive research data has supported the causal role of sun exposure with regard to melanomas. The most convincing of these is the increased frequency of melanomas recorded in the geographical areas with high solar radiation compared to those with less sun (40 new cases per year compared to 5 new cases per year per 100,000 inhabitants) and this is so even when you consider homogeneous people for ethnicity and photo-type. Melanomas are in fact particularly related to sunburn, especially in childhood. Although melanomas are not an issue in themselves in children (only 0.3-0.5% of melanomas occurs before 18 years, and most of them after 12 years of age), during early childhood crucial events might occur, such as sunburns, therefore it is at this age that prevention measures should be taken.
suN Milk sprAy 150ml Very high protection sun milk spray, specifically formulated for the skin of children, easy and practical to apply. Microbiologically and dermatoligacally tested! Chicco Sun Milk Spray is specifically formulated for the sensitive skin of babies. With Vit E, it helps in UVA and UVB protection • Fragrance free • Water resistant • Alcohol and Dyes free • With organomineral filters • Hypoallergenic • Microbiologically and dermatologically tested Suitable for babies 12 months and over.
ChiCCO suN CreAM 75ml Chicco Sun Cream is specifically formulated for the sensitive skin of babies. With Vit E, it helps in UVA and UVB protection • Fragrance free • Water resistant • Alcohol and Dyes free • With organomineral filters • Hypoallergenic • Microbiologically and dermatologically tested Suitable for Newborns
Use Instructions Apply uniformly on thoroughly dried skin before sunbathing; It is recommended to apply the product 20 minutes before sun bathing and regularly reapply during the day and after bathing. Avoid contact with eyes.
Please visit our Facebook page Chicco Malta or call us on
VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015 • 11
pure & wholesome organic home-cooked taste
1
st a g e and up Organic apple, banana & mango
Organic apple, blueberry & vanilla
2 st a g e
+
7
months
Organic chicken & butternut squash
Organic cottage pie
Tomato, sweet potato & cheese sauce
Sauces
12 • VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015
convenient to mix with pasta, salmon, chicken and veggies.
Organic Moroccan chicken
About Annabel… Annabel Karmel is a modern day “mumpreneur” juggling life as a busy working mother of three with a hugely successful career. Since launching with the Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner more than 20 years ago, Annabel has written 40 books, which have sold over four million copies worldwide, covering every stage of a child’s development. From nutrition during pregnancy and weaning, through to feeding fussy eaters and family cooking, Annabel Karmel MBE has long been a leading authority on children’s food and nutrition.
Organic banana, pear & peach
Organic carrot, apple & parsnip
Credited with revolutionising the way babies and children eat, Annabel’s tried and tested recipes have also grown into a delicious, nutritious range of Organic Baby Purees and Sauces. Her quick and nutritious pouches are the perfect solution for busy days and taste just like homemade.
Organic salmon & sweet potato
Carrot & lentil sauce
Ask for them at your favourite supermarket or pharmacy
VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015 • 13
Encouraging our children to be
creative
When we think of all the skills a child needs to learn to be able to succeed academically, we often think of reading, writing, concentration, math and so on. However, one of the most important skills children need to develop, is their creativity. Creativity is what children use to write stories, solve problems, play music, make arts and crafts and even perform complex math operations.
More creativity means better writing, thinking and problem solving What is creativity? Simply put, creativity is being able to think of new ideas. To help our children become creative we need to foster their natural curiosity and sense of adventure. Children are like sponges that can absorb new information easily, and a child that is curious is going to go out of his way to learn new things. The more things that children find to beinteresting, the easier it will be for them to make new connections between them and come up with new ideas.
There are many things we can do as parents to encourage creative thinking in children. Some of them are pretty obvious like encouraging coloring and drawing, and others are less obvious such as helping your child to think for themself. Below is a list of easy tips that can help your children develop their creativity. Give your child the chance to explore his creativity this summer…let him paint, make shapes, figures through dough…and let him dream in the world of imagination.
Call us on Freephone for your nearest Giotto be-bè stockist 14 • VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015
Tips for fostering creativity 1. A child with high self-esteem is confident to try new things and believes in his own ability to be creative. Have a ready supply of arts and crafts for your child. Why not encourage your child to make their own Thanksgiving or Christmas cards? Their cards may not be as aesthetically pleasing as the Victorian snow scene you can buy in a stationery shop, but they will be actively developing creative thought. A homemade card has a beauty and charm of its own, and will always be appreciated by grandparents and close friends. By actually using their cards, your child will see that you value their efforts and that will give them the confidence they need to be creative in the future. 2. Read to your child. It may
seem obvious but the more stories a child hears, the more their imagination will be stimulated. Why not ask your child to tell you a story? You may find that it bears a strong resemblance to stories you have read to them, but typically there will be elements of more than one story. That is what creativity is – making associations between different ideas to create something new. When your child is learning to read and write, ask them to write out their stories, illustrate them and turn them into keepsake books. 3. Children begin to play “pretend” at around the age of 18 months. This may take the form of using a banana as a phone or pretending to drink tea out of a toy cup. As they get older, their pretend play will become more sophisticated. Whatever type of pretend play they engage in, whether it is charging up and down the stairs pretending to be dinosaurs or dancing around playing princesses, it is all good. They are stimulating their imagination and creating new stories. Children really appreciate it when their parents join in with their game.
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It shows them that you think their ideas are important and worthy of your time. What better way to build self-esteem in your child? Children love making music. Encourage your child to play a musical instrument to stimulate their artistic and creative side. Let your child help you in the kitchen. Cooking may not feel very much like being creative when you do it every night. However, watching a sloppy cake mixture turn into a light, fluffy sponge is fascinating for children. Putting two ingredients together to make a third new flavour is creativity in action. Children have an open-minded approach to everything, and puzzles are a great way to stimulate their creative thinking. They can often solve puzzles more easily than adults simply because they are not limited by adult preconceptions of how things work. Give your child time and space. Children need time every day to play and daydream. If every waking moment is filled with activities, your child will never have the time to use his imagination and think creatively.
Giotto be-bè products may be found at leading supermarkets, stationeries and toy shops VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015 • 15
...And what’s new from Orchard Toys this Summer! ing Made F
Encourage your children to learn new skills with these Fun Learning Games... and let them drift away into their world of imagination! Children learn through play and that’s why, at Orchard toys, we are dedicated to produce games and jigsaws that are fun and appealing to children, but also help them to develop their skills. All Orchard games and jigsaws are created with the support of educational advisors, including teachers, early years professionals and children themselves, to ensure that they are in line with the early years foundation stages. Orchard Toys have been designing and making children’s educational games and jigsaws in Britain for over 40 years. With the emphasis on “Learning made fun�, the distinctive, colourful designs, educational benefits and high quality products have build a reputation as leaders in this sector.
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Farm Four in a Box & Animals Four in a Box Use these bright, favourite farm picture jigsaws and begin to count. Educational Benefits • Develops Hand Eye Coordination • Encourages Observational Skills
Giant Road Jigsaw Design lots of different road layouts using the 20 chunky interchangeable puzzle pieces. Add to the fun with your own favourite toy cars.
Educational Benefits • Develops Hand Eye Coordination • Encourages Observational Skills
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Call us on Freephone 8007 3102 for your nearest stockist
Our tOp 20
MOST RECOMMENDED JIGSAWS AND GAMES
PETS PUZZLE
2. FARMYARD PUZZLE 3. PIRATE SNAKES & LADDERS & LUDO What Do I Do? A collection of 3-piece jigsaws, featuring characters from different occupations. The jigsaws provide a fun first jigsaw for little hands and a discussion aid for parents to talk about the different jobs these characters do. Educational Benefits • Develops Hand Eye Coordination • Develops Matching and Memory Skills
4. TRANSPORT 5. FLASHCARDS 6. COLOUR MATCH 7. ALPHABET LOTTO 8. SHOPPING LIST 9. CAN YOU GUESS? 10. MATCH & SPELL 11. UNDER THE SEA 12. WHAT DO I DO? 13. IN MY HOUSE 14. MATCH AND COUNT
Educational Benefits • Develops Hand Eye Coordination • Encourages Number and Counting Skills • Encourages Observational Skills
15. FARM OPPOSITES 16. BIG NUMBER JIGSAW 17. FAIRY TALES 18. ANIMALS 4 IN A BOX 19. GIANT ROAD JIGSAW 20. FARM PUZZLES 4 IN A BOX
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Orchard Toys are available from toy shops, stationeries and supermarkets
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Big Number Jigsaw A one to twenty talk about jigsaw. A bold and colourful jigsaw, designed to encourage number recognition and counting skills from one to twenty. This fun number jigsaw is suitable to play on a table or as a floor puzzle and is full of characters and objects for children to count and discuss.
ing Made F
VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015 • 17
Six months is a good time to begin teaching your baby how to drink from a cup – although you can start even earlier if you like. Some infants who will not take a bottle will drink from a cup. One benefit of switching to a sippy cup sooner rather than later is that the longer a baby drinks from a bottle, the harder it is to wean him. If you are breastfeeding, you can even bypass the bottle altogether and go straight to a sippy cup. When switching to a sippy cup to feed your baby breast milk or formula, pay careful attention that he is getting enough. Drinking from a sippy cup is slow going at first. Dentists and paediatricians recommend switching your child to a cup around the first birthday to help prevent tooth decay.
TIPS FOR INTRODUCING A SIPPY CUP • Start off with a soft, pliable, nipple-like spout, which will feel more familiar to your baby than a hard plastic spout. • Show your baby how to raise the cup to his mouth and tip it up to drink. • Give it some time. Until your baby masters the technique, you may want to put water in the cup to avoid too many messes. Do not worry if your baby does not use the sippy cup properly for a while. • Try different models until you find one that suits your baby. Some cups have valves that are so effective at keeping the liquid from spilling that children really have to work to get a drink.
® 18 • VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015
When can my baby use a
sippy cup? What should I do if my child refuses the sippy cup? Babies have all kinds of reasons for rejecting sippy cups. And of course, there is no law saying they ever have to use one. Some babies switch from breast or bottle straight to a regular cup. If you prefer that your baby learns to use a sippy cup because you think it will make a good transition – try these tactics to make it more successful: • Dip the tip of the sippy spout into the breast milk or formula and then give it to your baby. Babies 6 months or younger should get only formula or breast milk in the sippy cup. • If your baby sucks on the sippy spout but does not get anything, try taking out the valve that controls the flow (if the sippy cup has one of these and it is removable). It will be messy at first, but once baby learns to handle the cup, you can put the valve back in and your child will probably be willing to suck harder for their drink. • Offer your baby a straw. Some baby cups come with built-in straws, and some babies find these easier to use than a spout. If your baby does get the hang of sucking from a straw, they may then be better able to handle sucking from the spout. • Switch beverages. Some babies will drink water or juice – but not
breast milk or formula – from a sippy. Sometimes it is a matter of association (milk belongs in a bottle or breast). Never give juice to a baby 6 months or younger, and remember to limit juice for older babies and toddlers to no more than 4 to 6 ounces (a half cup or so) a day. • Some parents have had success waiting to introduce the sippy cup until their baby is ready to start drinking whole milk (at age 1). Show baby how. Get yourself a clean sippy and let your baby see you drink from it. Or have a sibling drink from a sippy in front of the baby. Sometimes all it takes is a little sucking noise (make it when you give baby the cup) to inspire a baby to start sucking. Just be sure to give your baby a clean sippy cup. Sharing a cup with your baby can increase the amount of tooth-decaying bacteria in her saliva.
Nuvita products are available from all leading baby shops, supermarkets and pharmacies.
29, Sanitas Building, Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 Tel: 2258 8600 | Email: info@viviancorp.com www.viviancorp.com
Nuvita Malta
The Stages of Weaning When to Start Introducing Solid Foods Introducing your baby to solid foods, often called weaning, should start when your baby is around four to six months old. It is a really important step into your baby’s development and can be great fun. To begin with, how much your baby takes is less important than getting them used to the idea of eating. They will still be getting most of their nutrition from breast milk or infant formula. Babies don’t need three meals a day to start with, so you can start by offering foods at a time that suits you both. Gradually you’ll be able to increase the amount and variety of food your baby eats until they can eventually eat the same as the rest of the family, in smaller portions. Research shows that babies need nothing but breast milk or infant formula for the first six months of life. This gives a baby’s digestive system time to develop so that they cope fully with solid foods. This includes solid foods made into purées and cereals mixed with milk. 20 • VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015
Introducing food before this age increases the risk of allergy and obesity later on in life.
Signs Your Baby is Ready for Their First Food •
Every baby is an individual, but there are three clear signs which, together, show your baby is ready for solid foods alongside breast milk or infant formula.
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They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady. They can co-ordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so that they can look at the food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, all by themselves. They can swallow food. Babies who are not ready will push their food back out, so they get more round their face than they do in their mouths.
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Some signs that can be mistaken for a baby being ready for solid foods include chewing fists, waking in the night when they have previously slept through and wanting extra milk feeds. These are
normal behaviours and not necessarily a sign of hunger, or a sign of being ready to start solid food.
Getting Started • Always stay with your baby when they are eating in case they start to choke. • Allow your baby to feed themselves, using their fingers, as soon as they show an interest. • Do not force your baby; wait until the next time if they are not interested this time. • 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 a spoon too. • Start by offering just a few pieces or teaspoons of food, once a day. • Cool hot food and test it before giving it to your baby. • Don’t add salt, sugar or stock cubes to your baby’s food or cooking water. Your baby will guide you to know how much food he wants. Stop when they tell you they have had enough (like turning their head away).
A baby’s appetite varies from time to time especially during illness or teething; during this time he may prefer more milk.
of food: fruit and vegetables, bread, rice, pasta, potatoes, meat, fish, eggs, beans and other non dairy sources of protein and milk and dairy products.
From 6 Months of Age
From 12 Months of Age
Your baby’s first foods can include mashed or soft cooked fruit and vegetables like parsnip, potato, sweet potato, carrot, apple or pear, all cooled before eating. Soft fruit like peach, soft ripe banana or avocado as finger foods or mashed can be given. Baby rice or cereal can be mixed with your baby’s usual milk. Keep feeding them breast milk or infant formula as well but do not give them whole cows’ milk as a drink until they are 1 year old. After introduce soft cooked meat such as chicken, mashed fish (check very carefully for any bones), pasta, noodles, toast, lentils, rice as well as full-fat dairy products such as yoghurt, cheese or custard (choose products with no added sugar or less sugar). Whole cows’ milk can be used in cooking or mixed with food from six months. Introduce a cup from around six months and offer sips of water with meals. Using an open cup or a free flow cup without a valve will help your baby learn to sip and is better for your baby’s teeth.
From 8-9 Months of Age By this time your baby will move toward eating three meals a day. It will be a mixture of soft finger foods, mashed and chopped foods. Your baby’s diet should consist of a variety of the following types
Your baby will now be eating three meals a day, chopped if required, plus breast milk or whole cows’ milk and healthy snacks like fruit, vegetable sticks, toast and rice cakes. They can now drink whole cows’ milk. Choose full-fat dairy products because children under two need the extra fat and vitamins found in them.
Tips To Encourage Your Child to Explore Food Healthy Eating - Babies like the food they get used to so give them as many different, healthy foods as you can – this way they are more likely to keep eating them as they grow up. Do not give them foods or drinks with added sugar, or salty or fatty food, as this will make them more likely to want them as they get older. Solid Foods and Milk - As your baby eats more solid food, they may
want less milk at each feed or even drop a milk feed altogether. Babies should have breast milk (or infant formula) for at least the first year, and can carry on with breast milk for as long as you both want. Take Time - Allow plenty of time for eating, especially at first. Rushing or forcing your baby could lead to problems. It’s Messy - It can get messy but this is an important part of your baby’s development. Show Them and Eat Together Babies copy their parents and other children so you can help them by showing them that you eat healthy foods. Finger Foods - Let your baby feed themselves with their fingers as this makes eating more enjoyable. As a guide, the best finger foods are foods that can be cut up into pieces that are big enough for your baby to hold in their fist, and stick out of the top of it. Pieces about the size of your own finger work well. Homemade is Best - Homemade food is made from simple ingredients with no added sugar or salt. Any unused food can be kept in the fridge or frozen. Then all you have to do is reheat the amount you need. Sit up straight - Make sure your baby is sitting up straight so that they are able to explore foods better and are less likely to choke.
Dr Charles Joseph Borg MD MRCPCH (UK) VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015 • 21
Recipe Apricot Yoghurt Cake Suitable from 6 months
Ingredients: • 1 jar Plasmon Albicocca and Yoghurt • 2 tablespoons Granulated Biscuits, Primi Mesi
Y
oghurt is a great addition to the weaning diet, it’s not only tasty but it also has the perfect consistency for your food newbie and it is laden with vitamins and minerals, making it a perfect healthy snack. Yoghurt can be introduced to your little one’s diet by the age of 6 months, where it can be either a yummy snack or a post-meal dessert for older children eating larger portions. The high calcium content found in yoghurts is very much needed to strengthen their growing bones and teeth, while the Vitamin C also present in Plasmon yoghurts help in growth and repair of tissues. Other roles of Vitamin C in the body include; a healthier immune system to ward off seasonal diseases such a colds and flu, and the repair of several components in our body including bones, teeth, cartilage and blood vessels. Plasmon has a range of delicious yoghurts from which one can choose, making snack time more interesting for your baby. There is also a choice between gluten free and gluten containing yoghurts, thus catering for different nutritional requirements. The gluten free yoghurts include ‘apple and yoghurt’, ‘banana and yoghurt’, ‘pear and yoghurt’ as well as ‘apricot and yoghurt’. These fruit and yoghurt combos combine the sweet taste of the fruit together with the nutrition of the yoghurt resulting in a perfectly balanced snack. The gluten containing ‘yoghurt and biscuit’ is an equally healthy and tasty alternative to the fruit yoghurts. The Plasmon yoghurts are conveniently packaged in 120g jars, where they can be given straight from the jar whether you are on the go, or at home. If only half a jar is needed, as in the case of smaller portion size or in recipes, it is suggested that the amount needed is poured in a bowl using a clean spoon, and the opened jar can be stored in the fridge for 24 hours. Any remaining yoghurt in the bowl, which would have come into contact with your child’s mouth, should be discarded. Plasmon yoghurts are a great source of calcium, and they are fortified with vitamins, furthermore there are no preservatives or colourings, making them the best choice for your baby.
22 • VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015
Method: Cover the bottom of a serving container with the granulated biscuits, and press lightly using a teaspoon. Cover the biscuit bottom with the Plasmon Albicocca and Yoghurt jar. Best served chilled as a refreshing summer snack.
Mummy approved
✔Genuine 100% fruit snack ✔Innovative ✔Convenient
Get a Free Plasmon Toy Bag with any 5 Plasmon items purchased. Terms & Conditions Apply: Offer Valid until stocks last.
VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015 • 23
CoMPETiTion
Mummy’s
Competition
Plasmon yoghurt is a great and important addition to the weaning diet. Give us one reason why Plasmon yoghurt is the best choice for your baby. Send an SMS with your answer to 50619615 by not later than 31st July 2015 along with your name & surname. Each SMS costs 28c 1 lucky winner will win the new Guess Dare 50ml Perfume worth €50
CoMPETiTion
Word Search o g s p n e g a m e s
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There will be 6 winners and each will receive a Chicco Zanza Spray 24 • VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015
p v a o s n e u g q w
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Complete the word search by finding the following words:
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Send your Word Search to: Chicco Word Search Vivian Corporation 29, Sanitas Building Tower Street, Msida MSD 1824 by not later than 31st July 2015, along with your name and surname.
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CoMPETiTion
Annabel’s nutritious range of organic baby purées and sauces are now available in Malta.
To enter this competition, simply tell us which is your baby’s favourite AK pouch. Send an SMS with your answers to 50619615 by not later than 31st July 2015, along with your name & surname. 10 lucky winners will be drawn randomly and will win a hamper of Annabel Karmel’s nutritious products.
Good Luck!
CoMPETiTion
What are the advantages of the ABCDERM Solaire 50+ sunscreen? The lucky winner will win an ABCDerm Solaire 50+ along with armbands. Send an SMS with your answer to 5061 9615 by not later than 31st July 2015 along with your name & surname. Each SMS costs 28c
COMP ET WINNITION ERS ISS uE
28
26 • VIVIAN BABY • JUNE 2015
SMA Progress Kids Competition: Joseph Said Chicco Competition: Melanie Debarro, Rita Bonello Cauchi, Brian Brincat Plasmon Mummy’s Competition: Sharon Said Stafrace ABC Derm Competition: Erica Camilleri, Graziella Friggieri, Bernice Mercieca
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