My Child Magazine Issue 106 July 2020

MAGAZINE.COM.AU

ISSUE 106 - JULY 2020

baby

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Bianca Medina ART DIRECTOR

Bianca Medina DEPUTY EDITOR

Caroline Meyer CONTRIBUTORS

Sheree Hoddinett Amy Adeney Lance Green Jade Read Victoria Borodinova Nico J Diego Rezende CONTACT

My Child Magazine North Parramatta NSW Sydney Australia +614 11 572 877 editorial@mychildmagazine.com.au

Contents 6

46

96

Is Baby Led Weaning A Choking Risk?

5 Must Haves When Bringing Home

Dad Read - Preparing The Car For A

10

Your Newborn!!

Baby

52

102

Why Are C-Sections On The Increase?

Romance When You’re Trying To

14

58

Conceive

The Chemicals Found In Disposable

Get The Look Interiors

Social Media And Postnatal Depression

Nappies

68

18

Immunising Your Baby

Little Innoscents Winter Blues Balm!

24

74 Do You Know How Children Really

When To Stop Feeding Formula

Learn?

30

80

Book Reviews

Potty Training Do’s And Don’ts

34

84

The Pros And Cons Of Soy Milk

Disabilities And Chronic Illness

40

90

Irritable Uterus?

Toy Reviews

156

102 Blogger -Changing The Direction

106 Little Innoscents Unscented Natural Wipes

116 Fashion

126 Fashion Feature - Yoli & Otis

138 Recipes

MY CHILD DIRECTORY

DISCLAIMER: It My Child Magazine and mychildmagazine.com.au are wholly owned by My Child Magazine (ABN 79 167 787 662). No other parties or individuals have any financial interest in the company or in My Child or mychildmagazine.com.au. My Child contains general information only and does not purport to be a substitute for health and parenting advice. Readers are advised to seek a doctor for all medical and health matters. The publisher and authors do not accept any liability whatsoever in respect of an action taken by readers in reliance on the recommendations set out in this magazine. Reproduction of any material without written permission by the publisher is strictly forbidden. We cannot accept responsibility for material lost or damaged in the post or for any unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. All reasonable efforts have been made to trace copyright holders.

Bianca Medina editor-in-chief

Editor’s Letter

Well Hello Everyone, I hope you are all safe, well and healthy!

So, by the looks of it, I totally jumped the gun in saying that life was returning to normal, clearly COVID-19 has its own agenda. With Melbourne going back into lockdown this month, it’s now only a matter of time until Sydney follows!

Watching and reading the daily news has broken my spirit! I’m actually happy to go back to into lockdown if it means protecting the wider community and getting rid of this terrible virus once and for all!

If you have been affected COVID-19, please know you are in my thoughts. Sometimes the universe sends us lessons and at this time I truly believe that we all need to stand united, follow the directions of the health professionals, protect those most at risk and do our part to reduce to this virus to the kerb!

I cannot imagine anything worse than knowing there is nothing you can do to protect your loved ones, so please do what you can to help, mask up when out and about, wash your hands and remember to social distance!

Well that’s all folks!

Until Next Month

Bianca oxo

editor’s picks

White Rose & Jasmine $42.95 palmbeachcollection.com.au

Mon Petit Name Necklace $290 oakandluna.com

The Memory Tree $15.99 angusrobertson.com.au

Intensive Night Repair $155 ellusandkrue.com.au

Frida Satchel $749 oroton.com

LeapFrog Smart Sizzling BBQ $89.95 toysrus.com.au

Tom Ford Lost Cherry $480 myer.com.au

A Serum Retinol Restorative $109 aestheticsrx.com.au

B. MEOWSIC $69.99 kidstuff.com.au

is baby led weaning a choking risk? written by: caroline meyer

The recommendation for starting to introduce babies to solids is at around 4 to 6 months. There is a new approach, called baby-led weaning which calls for allowing babies to feed themselves instead of spoon-feeding soft purees. This calls for giving them soft foods they can squeeze against their palate and allowing them to eat or not eat as they choose. Many people are concerned that this form of feeding leads to a high risk of choking in infants. Giving finger foods to babies does have some concerns and it is important that the right foods are presented in a way that makes it easy for babies to eat it without it being a choking hazard.

Baby-led weaning has many perks such as: • • • • • • •

Baby can sit at the table with everyone else d uring mealtimes Self-feeding allows for improved dexterity It’s a lot less expensive than store bought purees It has the potential to stop picky eating It is less stressful on the adults It allows your baby to eat as much as they need and stop when full • They are likely to get a lot more nutrition from whole foods • There is no processing or addition of sugar, chemicals and colourants • May reduce obesity due to overfeeding Studies have been done showing that while baby-led weaners are more likely to gag in the beginning, they are on par with babies that ate pureed food by the time they were 18 months old. When it came to choking however, there was no actual difference at any age. Gagging is not the same as choking. Gagging is not that much of a concern and actually prevents choking. The gagging action allows the food to move from the back of the mouth to the front so that it can be processed further or be spat out so that only particles that are small enough to be swallowed without risk of choking are allowed at the back of the throat. Eating real foods at an earlier age when the gag reflex is further forward in the mouth actually reduces 8

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

the risk of choking. Most of the time gagging is followed by further chewing and then swallowing without choking. While parents are often concerned by this, the gagging is actually a natural reaction and shouldn’t be a concern. Choking however is something quite different. This is when the airway becomes blocked by a piece of food preventing the flow of air. This is often from a circular pieced of a hard food and not from small pieces or mashed up foods. To prevent the risk of choking, there are a few things you can do: Let your baby pick up the food and put it in their mouths by themselves. When food is placed in the mouth by someone else it can be placed too far back on the tongue and not allow for adequate chewing before swallowing. Never leave your baby to eat unsupervised. While gagging is often noisy, choking is usually silent. Be on hand to keep an eye on your baby so that you can react immediately in the event of a blockage. Make sure your little one is in a suitable highchair that keeps them upright and that they cannot slip out of. Unless you have a baby that climbs out of the highchair, don’t buckle them in. This will allow you to grab the baby out in a hurry if you need to.

Make sure that foods are thinly sliced or cut. Food should be about half the width of your baby’s fingernails. Don’t give whole round items, rather cut them into quarters. This includes nuts, grapes, cherries and so forth. For harder foods cut them in to longer, thin strips so baby can hold and break pieces off as they eat. Where possible choose soft foods such as steamed veggies and even fruits that can be mashed up in the mouth. Hard apples are one of the most commonly choked on foods. If you want to offer apple, steam thinly sliced, peeled pieces. When baby is older you can grate hard foods such as carrot and apple before offering it to your little one.

Make eating time about eating and nothing else. Allow them to focus on what they are doing and not have any other distractions.

For your own peace of mind, you might also want to take a CPR class that deals with choking in infants so you can deal with it if it should ever arise. Test the foods you offer your baby to ensure they can be mashed against the roof of the mouth easily before serving to your little one.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

9

POSTNATAL DEPRESSION

SOCIAL MEDIA AND

Written By: Caroline Meyer

Postnatal depression is fairly common and can occur in around 25% of new parents both male and female. Postnatal depression takes a physical and emotional toll, not only on the parents but also on the infants. It can further result in posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder and postpartum psychosis. Postnatal depression can have a severe impact on the child which can have lifelong implications. PND can result in the breakdown of relationships with partners, family and friends. It can even result in suicide should the depression get such a level without treatment being sought.

Some of the risk factors for postnatal depression include age, socioeconomic status, race, incidence of depression prior to the birth, marital stress, poor social support, substance abuse, history of mental illness, experiencing traumatic life events prior or subsequent to the birth. Physical factors such as environmental and hormonal changes may also have some relation to PND incidence. Women who struggle to bond or look after their babies adequately after birth may also be more prone to PND. Another risk factor that hasn’t had as much exposure is the effect of social media on new parents. Many new parents will join up with groups on Instagram and Facebook to feel part of a community and perhaps seek advice from other parents. While this may seem like a good idea, it may actually lead to higher incidence of PND. Many people will use social media sites to post pictures and comments that paint an unrealistic view of parenting. Their “perfect”

family life is unattainable and may trigger anxiety in new parents that want to strive for this way of life that is just not grounded in reality. These sites seem to be created to establish a community of likeminded people to support each other but in reality, may actually make people feel more isolated.

When you are struggling to breastfeed and generally take care of a newborn, these social media platforms that show “mummy goal” and “parenting wins” and are full of highly edited, staged photos of parents with babies may be overwhelming and make you feel as if you are failing. New parents will compare themselves to an idealized version of parenthood and feel they are not living up to these standards. Those that try will find themselves struggling to stay afloat as there is pressure from all sides when trying to be a “perfect” parent.

The pictures and the stories posted on these social media platforms are generally not real and are posted for acclaim and “likes”. Making comparisons between these ideals and your own parenting skills can lead to added depression, which you don’t need.

Many of these communities are full of people that are not likeminded and may be from different backgrounds and beliefs.

While this may seem great to start with, this can lead to a wide variety of parenting styles. This can result in online bullying, people arguing, posts being trolled and other nastiness. As a new parent, you do not want to be sucked down that rabbit hole as it does not lead to wonderland, but just further anxiety and stress for you. You may also find yourself spending far too much time on these platforms and neglecting other aspects of your life. You may also get to know far more about people on the internet than you really want to. You may develop relationships and become friendly with people you meet in these communities. When these people, whom you don’t really know all that well, even though you feel you do, post things that are hurtful or goes against your personal beliefs, it 12

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

can be very upsetting. Sometimes it is better to disconnect for a while or restrict yourself to a maximum of 2 to 3 pages that offer advice and support and cut off interactions with people that cause upset and anxiety. Sometimes you may post on these groups and not get feedback or support. This may feel devastating to a new parent even if it was not intentional on the part of the community.

“ Postnatal depression takes a physical and emotional toll, not only on the parents but also on the infants.”

The internet is full of bad advice, old wife’s tales and simply faked information. For a new parent who are struggling to cope with a new baby, this slew of unsolicited or bad advice can be rather damaging. People telling you what worked for them or how you should do things without knowing your circumstances, finances or background can cause a lot more harm than good. You need to do your own research and base your parenting on your own background and circumstances. Trying to do what people on the internet are insisting you do can increase anxiety levels as well. Higher anxiety is a definite PND risk factor.

While there are some benefits to being part of social media communities, should you suffer from added anxiety due to your interactions in the communities, it may be better to switch off and walk away from it. Try and join a local group of mums and dads for a more realistic experience which may help instead of making you feel more anxious. If you feel your anxiety levels are high or you may be suffering from PND, speak to your doctor as soon as possible to be able to treat and manage the condition.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

13

the chemicals found in disposable nappies written by: CAROLINE MEYER

Extra care needs to be taken when you purchase disposable nappies for your little ones. Some nappies have been found to contain hazardous chemicals. These can actually come into contact with your babies’ skin when the nappy is wet.

Some of these chemicals may be in the nappies due to contaminated raw materials while others are intentionally added during manufacture or accidently included during the process. Some of these chemicals are allowed, but in low levels that are deemed safe. Not all manufacturers ensure that the limits are being upheld and that there is no contamination. Some of the chemicals found in disposable nappies include Hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, Butylphenyl methylpropional, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dioxins, furans, PCB-12 and DLPCBs as well as glyphosate which is used in herbicides.

Most of these hazardous chemicals are introduced in the fragrances added into the disposable nappies.

Some of these chemicals such as dioxin are known to cause skin damage, liver disease and may also be a cancercausing agent. The substance is linked to birth defects in test animals. Sodium polyacrylate gel that is used in many disposable nappy brands to absorb moisture is linked to toxic shock syndrome when used in tampons, so why is it still being used in nappies? The product has also been linked to severe nappy rash and damage to the perineal and scrotal tissue.

The substance Tributyltin (TBT) is used by some disposable nappy brands to kill bacteria is an extremely toxic substance which can actually disrupt hormone function and impair the immune system and is considered a major environmental polluter. Certain manufacturers have been called out on 16

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

their use of this substance, but to date, no evidence has been shown that they have ceased to use the substance in their product.

Some of the chemical emissions from disposable diapers have been shown to have an adverse effect on test animals when inhaled. The effects were immediate and the animals had problems breathing. This effect has not been tested on humans at this point, but with the increase in asthma in the general population, it may pay to be safe instead of sorry.

Besides chemical contamination, disposable nappies have also been shown to keep scrotal temperature too high in boy babies. This may hamper their sperm production later on in life. Testicular health and function can be improved by wearing cloth nappies instead of disposables.

There are many alternatives to the disposable diaper including shaped cloth diapers and pull-ups which may be healthier and safer for your little one. Do your research on the various brands before you purchase to ensure that the nappies do not contain hazardous chemicals and that adequate controls are in place to ensure there is no accidental contamination during the manufacturing process. If you do use disposable nappies, make sure that you dispose of them according to manufacturer’s guidelines to try and reduce their impact on the environment. Hopefully a lot more research will go into the field of disposable nappies in the future so that we can have the convenience without health risks or environmental contamination. Check out the various options before deciding on the best alternative for your precious bundle of joy.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

17

LITTLE INNOSCENTS WINTER BLUES BALM REVIEW

The chances are, that when the colder months of the year came when you were a child, your parents used a vapour chest rub to soothe away your winter discomforts. Fast forward to your own parenting journey and the odds are, yep you guessed it, it’s you who is now doing the same for your child!

With so many options in the marketplace, the ingredients contained should play a big part in the choice you make.

Not all vapour rubs are created equally and when we were children, some of the more traditional vapour rubs that our parents would have used, or are still used today, contained ingredients like petrolatum, a refined derivative of petroleum (crude oil). Perhaps not something you want to apply to your baby’s skin.

Choosing a product with ingredients that are easy and simple to understand should be a priority, Certainly is for Little Innoscents products, when we looked at their ingredients list when reviewing the Winter Blues Balm.

As with all the products that Little Innoscents offers, there is a lot to love with this one.

The Little Innoscents Winter Blues Balm is made using only ingredients that are certified organic and natural. With a Jojoba oil, Beeswax and Shea Butter base, Little Innoscents has created a vapour rub that will gently absorb into the skin to soothe, calm and relieve winter discomforts and snuffles. The balm is infused with the beneficial essential oils of Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, Rosemary, Spearmint, Lavender as well as Lemon - that are all known to support respiratory health as well containing anti-bacterial, anti-viral and 20

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

anti-inflammatory properties. The Winter Blues Balm is formulated to help naturally ease the symptoms of colds and coughs.

When applied to the skin, the balm has a natural warming effect and can help to ease your little one’s congestion making it easier for them breathe and rest. You can rub the Winter Blues Balm into your child’s chest, back and the soles of your child’s feet for quick and effective relief.

Little Innoscents has formulated the Winter Blues Balm to be safe and gentle enough to use on your baby’s delicate skin right from birth, through to their older years. The Winter Blues Balm is the all-natural alternative that soothes and comforts your child and works to clear out blocked sinuses and easy those pesky coughs.

Some key benefits of the Little Innoscents Winter Blues Balm are: • Made using only certified organic and natural ingredients • Effective but gentle enough to use on delicate baby skin from newborn • Uses essential oils that have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties • Helps ease nasal congestion and calms to ensure rest • Can be applied directly to skin or dissolved in hot water as a vaporiser • Warms and relaxes the body, relieving winter chills • Can be used by the whole family, so no need for multiple products JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

21

22

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Overall, the Little Innoscents Winter Blues Balm delivered. We loved the smell and effectiveness that the product offered when applied to the skin and it certainly lived up to alleviating the dreaded running nose and the pesky night time cough. Being suitable for the whole family to use, makes this balm an easy choice. The fact that you can add a little of the Winter Blues Balm into your vaporiser was an unexpected, added bonus and it left the room with a soothing smell and tranquil feel during these cold winter nights.

If you are searching for a vapour rub that offers allnatural, safe and effective ingredients then the Little Innoscents Winter Blues Balm is your answer!

For more information on Little Innoscents Winter Blues Balm, visit littleinnoscents.com.au or purchase today from your local Chemist Warehouse or pharmacy.

* Like with any product that is used on the skin, it’s best to test on your child skin before you use it. If you notice any redness, or other symptoms, wash off immediately, monitor and consult a medical professional if needed.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

23

When To Stop Feeding Formula WRITEN BY: CAROLINE MEYER

You may breastfeed to start and switch to formula later. You may use formula right from the start. You may combination feed using both breast milk and formula all along. Whatever you choose to do, there comes a time when formula feeding needs to stop. When do you stop feeding formula? Where possible, it is recommended to breastfeed for your baby for at least 6 months after birth and after 6 months use a combination of solid food and breastmilk as your feeding choice. If you choose mixed feeding (breast and formula) or straight formula feeding, you could look at a similar option of introducing solid foods at six months. You can start to offer a wide variety of foods from 12 months to ensure nutrient needs are being met and can then taper off formula feeding. Some mums may choose to breastfeed for longer by choice, but as long as the little ones are gaining enough nutrients from solid food, it isn’t really necessary after this point.

Toddlers may be a little picky and this might alarm parents so that they reintroduce formula or continue giving formula long after it stops being needed. This actually creates an ongoing problem. Kids that fill up on formula will not have a decent appetite when it comes to solids, exacerbating the “picky eating” scenario. Ditch the formula and offer a few different food options and your toddler may soon get over the phase of not wanting to eat their solids.

26

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

There has also been a correlation between slower speech development in toddlers that use bottles for longer periods of time. As soon as they are able to use a cup, switch them over to an open topped cup. Sippy cups may be okay for a little while but also interfere with the tongue movements needed to learn proper speech.

Bottles and sippy cups may actually inhibit the correct movement of the tongue to be able to move food around in the mouth and chew and swallow correctly.

At 12 months, if you feel the need to give your child milk, you can switch to cow’s milk provided that the child does not have a dairy allergy or is lactose intolerant. Before the age of 12 months cow’s milk is not recommended as it may cause harm to the baby’s developing kidneys. There are vitamins and minerals in cow’s milk that babies struggle to process and with there being safer alternatives, it is not recommended.

After the age of 12 months you can serve your little one whole milk (not the low fat, skim or lower fat percentage milk). Small kids need the higher fat levels for digestion. Cow’s milk also offers vitamin D and calcium, protein and carbohydrates. It can be replaced with soymilk or lactose free milk for children with allergies or intolerance.

By the age of 1 year old, your little one should JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

27

be eating the same things as the rest of the family. Keep the meals healthy and ensure that they contain protein, grains, dairy and fruit and vegetables. Food consumption should be about 1000 calories every day. If you are concerned that your toddler is not receiving enough nutrition or not eating enough to develop properly, speak to your doctor to rule out any health conditions and get advice on how to proceed to ensure no harm comes to your little one.

Switching over from formula to something else needs to be gradual, which will also make it less traumatic for some young ones. Start by reducing the amount of formula you give your child and offering other drinks in between or mixing the formula with cow’s milk in increments over time.

Only offer formula after a meal so that they have an appetite for their food. Some little ones will need a full formula only bottle at bedtime for a while to comfort and soothe them before sleep time. It is fine to do this for 6 months or so and then taper off for a while before completely stopping the bedtime bottle. Weaning is not always a quick process and the first while can be rough but they will eventually get past it and sooner than you think. Try introducing the sippy cup early on so it makes getting rid of the bottle easier. Transitioning from sippy cup to open top cup is much easier and by 18 months there should be no more bottle feeding.

28

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Bottles have been linked to problems with tooth development as well as obesity in early childhood if it is prolonged for longer than a year and a half. Little ones are more likely to ensure they finish their bottles than cleaning their plate of healthy food choices. If your child is eating a balanced, healthy diet they should not be drinking more than 3 cups of milk per day. Offer water if they complain about being thirsty.

Avoid offering fruit juices as these have a high sugar content and can lead to increased risk for tooth decay. Avoid flavoured milk, teas, sports drinks, cordials, energy drinks, vitamin drinks, fizzy drinks and anything that contains alcohol.

Water is a good thirst quencher and generally available wherever you might be. Soy, cow’s milk and certain nut milks can be an option, but as a formula replacement not as a bonus milk drink. Water activated with fruit and vegetables can also be an option for those that refuse to drink plain water.

So, it is safe to say that the right time to stop formula feeding is around 12 months to a maximum of 18 months by which time your toddler should also be weaned off the bottle and on to a cup. This should help with normal tongue development and reduce the risk of problems with tooth development and speech and language issues related to tongue movement.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

29

30

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

BOOK e

v

i

e

w

s

by: Amy Adeney from Busy Bookworms

r

TIPPY & JELLYBEAN

BY SOPHI E CUNNI NGHAM AN D A N I L TO RTO P Tippy and her baby Jellybean l i v e i n a beautiful eucalyptus forest . O ne d ay , they wake up and sniff the ai r . I t ’ s sm ok y , hot and windy. Kangaroos and wal l ab i e s are bounding. Lizards and snak e s ar e slithering. Wombats are head i ng t o t he i r burrows. The cockatoos take of f i n an enormous f lock. Tippy can’t hop . O r r un.

Or f ly. Instead she shelters he r b ab y i n t he only way she can.

Th is is t h e u p lif t in g t ru e st ory o f a m o th er koa la wh o sa v ed h er b a b y f ro m a b u s h f i r e, a n d t h e d ed ic a t ed v et s wh o loo k a f ter th em u n t il t h ey a re rea d y t o go h om e. T h i s i s a h ea rt felt b ook t o sh a re wit h c h i l d r en a g ed t h ree a n d u p , a n d p roc eed s f r o m th e s a l e will ra ise mon ey for t h e Bu sh f i r e E mer g en c y Wild lif e Fu n d .

T H E BO DY BOOK

BY H A N N A H A L IC E Wha t’s g oi n g o n in s id e t h e h u man body?

H o w d o w e mo ve, ea t , t h in k an d breathe?

Chil d r e n w i ll lo ve lo o kin g i nside the hum a n b od y t o d is c o ver t h e a n swers with t his i n c r e d i b le in t er a c t ive b oard book.

Wit h l a b e l l e d s ee-t h r o u g h d ia g r ams of the m us c u l a r , s k elet a l, r es p ir a t o r y, circulatory, dig e s t i v e , e x c r et o r y an d n er vo us systems, t his i s a f an t a s t ic fir s t lo o k at human a na to m y .

F ro m p u m p i ng blood to breathing a ir, Th e Bo d y B o o k i s an e x citing w ay to exp lore a ll t h e a m a z i n g things our body can d o. Wh ile y o u n g ch i l d r en will e njoy look i n g a t t h e pic t u r e s , th e information is target ed t owa rd s c h il d r e n a g e d five and up.

32

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

F I N D I N G F R AN Ç O IS

BY GUS GORDON Alice, a little piglet, loves lif e wi t h he r grandmother, but wishes she h ad a si st e r , or even a brother. So, she wri t e s a not e , tucks it into a bottle, and tos se s i t i nt o the river, where it drifts out t o se a and arrives at a f araway lighthou se . T he r e , Francois, a small dog, lives wi t h hi s d ad .

He is everything Alice could h av e wi she d f or in a friend, and soon the se as ar e b usy with their bottled correspondenc e .

In t h is ma rv ellou s, gen t ly f u n n y a n d rea ssu rin g t a le, t h e lov ely frien d s h i p b etween Alic e a n d Fra n c ois sp a n s t h e le n g th o f th e R iv er Sein e a n d t h e loss of a l o v ed o n e.

Awa rd -win n in g a u t h or a n d a rt ist Gu s Go r d o n t en d erly sh ep h erd s kid s a ged t hr ee a n d u p on a jou rn ey fu ll of fa n t a st ic p o s s i b i l i ti es , f rien d sh ip , a n d h ea lin g.

THE GIANT AND THE SEA

BY T R E N T JA MI E S O N A N D R O V IN A CAI A g ia n t s ta n d s o n t h e s h o r e, w at c hing the s e a . S h e n e v e r m o ves , n ever s p eaks, until th e da y s h e tu rn s t o a lit t le g ir l a nd says, ‘The sea i s r i s i n g .’ T h e b r a ve g ir l t akes the m e ssa g e t o t h e t o wn , b u t t h e p eo p le ignore h e r de s p e r a t e p lea s a n d b an is h t he giant fr o m th e i r s h or es . W h en t h e s e a rises, th re a t e n i n g t o w ip e o u t t h e c it y, t he giant re t ur n s t o r e s cu e as ma n y p eo p le as she c a n a n d t a k e t h em t o m a ke a n ew home on h ig he r g r ou n d .

A ly ric a l a n d d e e p ly moving s tory that t ou c h es on imp o r t a n t the mes for today’ s ch ild ren , i n c ludi n g cl i m a t e change, s tanding u p f or wh a t y o u b e l i e v e in, and the pow e r of h op e.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

33

THE PROS AND CO

ONS OF SOY MILK WRITTEN BY: CAROLINE MEYER

There are many different types of milk available on the market today. Soy has been around for a while now and can be purchased in flavours such as chocolate and vanilla. You can even purchase infant formula made from soy. There are also other milks such as oat and almond which seem to be billed along the same lines as soy. Some say soy milk is incredible while others say it can cause health issues. So, what is the truth when it comes to soy milk?

Soy milk is a non-dairy, plant-based produce which is touted as an alternative to cow’s milk. It is derived from soybeans and contains calcium, Omega-3s, vitamin D and other vitamins and minerals. It can even be used in cooking. It is a creamy liquid that is vegan friendly and has flavonoids that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and cardioprotective properties. For people who want to avoid dairy, are lactose intolerant or simply don’t enjoy the flavour of milk, soy milk may be a valid alternative. Soy milk is also lower in fat and may be used when trying to lose weight. Soy milk is rich in protein and contains fibre while being low in sugar (if no extra sugar has been added) and a full glass only contains around 80 calories.

36

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

When comparing soy milk with dairy milk, rice milk, coconut milk and nut milks, soy milk is closest to low fat dairy milk when it comes to nutrition. It contains 9 essential amino acids along with the low fat and high protein. Almond milk has a lower calorie count but offers a much lower protein value unless extra protein such as pea protein is added. Oat and rice milks are also low in protein. Coconut milk has around the same amount of fat as soy milk but the saturated fat levels are a lot higher. Coconut milk contains no protein.

Dairy based milk is much higher in calcium than soy milk but soy milk is lower in saturated fats and remains high in protein.

Soy is also a great choice for people wanting a plant-based diet. Soy is a good alternative to dairy-based milk especially if you are lactose intolerant and want to use milk while avoiding the unpleasant gastrointestinal issues that accompany cow’s milk consumption. Soy is also rich in isoflavones.

These plant chemicals have been shown to reduce risks of cancer, osteoporosis and even relieve some menopause symptoms.

Soy milk may also reduce bad cholesterol (LDL cholesterol) and could reduce the risk of heart disease.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

37

There is a myth that soy milk increases the risk of breast cancer. Research has shown that soy milk and whole soy products may actually reduce the risk of some cancers and improve the outcomes for people who are fighting breast cancer as well as lowering the risk of reoccurrence of cancer of the breast or prostrate. The recommended allowance of soy milk or whole soy products would be 2 to 3 cups per day. Soy is fine to consume during pregnancy as well. The only people that should avoid soy milk are those that are allergic to soy products.

When shopping for soy milk, look for one that is unsweetened in order to avoid adding extra sugar into your diet and try for organic as far as possible. Check the labels of the soy milk for additives. Most soy milks are fortified. Beneficial vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D and calcium may be added to soy milk to have the nutritional benefits resemble those of dairy-based milk.

Soy milk has a number of great benefits and is fine for men and women to consume. It does not contain oestrogen but does contain phytoestrogens, an isoflavone that mimics oestrogen to a degree. Soy milk is gluten free 38

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

and can be a good substitute for people with gluten or dairy allergies. Soy milk is safe for children although some may exhibit allergic reactions to soy products. Reactions may be very mild to concerning, so consult with your doctor if your child exhibits any allergy symptoms.

Children under the age of 3 benefit from less frequent bowel movements and a lower incidence of diarrhoea that those that drink cow’s milk. This is likely due to the higher fibre content in soy milk. There have been some rare cases where infants have thyroid levels that fluctuate after consuming soy milk. This can result in an illness known as goitre. It resolves quickly when the infant is switched to a different non-soy-based product.

All in all, soy is a good alternative for children and adults who don’t want a dairy-based milk or have allergies to lactose in dairy milk.

If you have any concerns or are wanting to switch formulas, speak to your paediatrician or GP for advice that is tailored to you and your child.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

39

IRRITABLE UTERUS ?

Written by Caroline Meyer

We notice many of the outward changes when we are pregnant but seldom stop to think what is happening inter nally. The uter us goes through many changes during the pregnancy and while this is mostly completely nor mal and expected, sometimes it behaves a bit differently. The uter us expands as the baby grows and from the second trimester you may also star t noticing Braxton Hicks contractions. These contractions are mild and ir regular and will stop after a while.

Usually hydrating and rest will make them fade quite quickly.

For some women, this can also be rather different. The uter us does not contract in an expected way and these unusual contractions may be what is refer red to as an ir ritable uter us. During pregnancy the muscles inside the cer vix keep it closed. W hen you go into labour, the outer muscles contract.

This causes the cer vix to open and allows you to push the baby out. Labour is usually regular contractions that are quite urgent and strong. An ir ritable uter us does not result in strong contractions but feels more like a twitch. It does not result in labour and does not cause the cer vix to dilate at all. The cause of these inter nal twitches is not fully 42

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

understood at this time but does seem to be related to orgasm, dehydration, constipation, stress, exercise, heavy lifting and even a full bladder in some people. W hile these is not much research done at this point, there does seem to be a link between ir ritable uter us and preter m labour. The risk was close to 8% higher in women with ir ritable uter us symptoms that those without. Fur ther research is needed to conf ir m the previous study.

Ir ritable uter us differs from Braxton hicks in that the contractions happen far more regularly and can be painful and can last a lot longer. They also tend to be a lot more regular and the contractions are more frequent. These contractions can actually be severe enough to be mistaken for actual labour. Ir ritable uter us contractions may also include pain or pressure in the back, leading women to think they have star ted tr ue labour. Braxton Hicks usually subside fairly quickly while those caused by an ir ritable uter us can continue for some time and worsen with movement such as walking.

It can cause the belly to feel ver y tight and can remain in this state for more than an hour.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

43

If you are experiencing contractions before 37 weeks it is impor tant to consult your doctor, even if you believe it to be ir ritable uter us symptoms. They will do a check up and r un a few tests to deter mine if it is labour or ir ritable uter us. A belt will be placed around the belly to check the length, strength and duration of any contractions that may occur. An ultrasound may be done to check on the cer vix length (it star ts to shor ten before tr ue labour). There may also be an analysis of the vaginal secretions.

W hile this is not always accurate, f inding foetal f ibronectin in the secretions may mean preter m labour.

There is no actual treatment for ir ritable uter us at this point and it can result in sleep disturbances and added fatigue. To reduce the chance of contractions happening due to this syndrome, stay hydrated, empty your bladded often, avoid lifting anything heavy, tr y and reduce your stress and get enough sleep. You can also tr y eating small, regular meals and avoid caffeine. Lying on your left side has also given some relief to women with the malady. Check with your caregiver if you can use a magnesium supplement, which can also provide some

relief. If nothing seems to work, your doctor may prescribe medication that can reduce the strength of the contraction or potentially prevent it from happening.

If your risk of delivering preter m seems high your doctor may recommend par tial or complete bed rest. This means you could spend an extra 4 hours to all your time in bed besides bathroom breaks and checkups. No sexual activity would be allowed at all. This may help stop preter m labour for longer, giving your baby more time to develop before coming into the world.

Unfor tunately, the amount of infor mation on ir ritable uter us is minimal and it can be quite disturbing, especially for f irst time mums.

If you have any concer ns you should consult your doctor or midwife. If you experience any leaking or bleeding, pressure in the pelvis, reduced foetal movement or more than 5 contractions an hour or ver y painful contractions, seek advice from your care giver immediately. If you have concer ns at any point in your pregnancy, speak to your midwife or doctor, especially if you have other risk factors for preter m labour as well.

5 MUST HAVES WHE YOUR NE

EN BRINGING HOME EWBORN!!

Bringing home baby brings much excitement and many questions about what you really need. It’s easy to get caught up in all things baby, however surprisingly and as hard as this might be to believe, babies don’t actually require too much!

There are a few things outside the essentials: clothes, a cot, a pram and of course a car seat that you’ll need to ensure that you have before you bring home your baby. These items will make life just that little bit easier with a newborn in the house.

SO, WHAT WILL YOU NEED?

Made for Me Nipple Cream If you choose to breastfeed, make it a little smoother and more comfortable with this all- natural nipple cream. Made from just three ingredients, avocado oil, beeswax and shea butter, this food safe formulation is safe for both mum and baby. It helps keep nipples soft and supple, making mums feel comfortable throughout the breastfeeding journey. It’s also Hypoallergenic, contains no parabens, petroleum, lanolin or preservatives.

Made for Me Electric Breast Pump The Made for Me Electric Breast Pump is portable, lightweight and discreet enough to give you the confidence and freedom to express breast milk when and where you want. Powered by a USB rechargeable power unit, a full charge gives you over 60 minutes of power to express breast milk on the go.

It’s significantly quieter than the leading breast pump available and with the added benefit of soft, cushioned silicone cups that are gentle on breasts, a choice of 5 massage and 9 express settings, you can discover the most comfortable way to stimulate your milk flow and express.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

49

Twist & Click Nappy Disposal Bin For such a tiny person, your baby can generate a lot of mess and smell!

Fortunately for you, the innovative Sangenic® Tec nappy disposal system from Tommee Tippee offers antibacterial protection from germs and odours. Each nappy is individually sealed away in seconds making it easy to use and easy to empty. You can spend less time changing and more time with baby all while keeping your baby’s room, clean and odour-free.

The Original Grobag Swaddle Wrap Swaddling your newborn with their arms close to their chest, helps keeps them snug and secure. The Original Grobag Easy Swaddle (previously known as the Groswaddle) is made from snuggly soft, stretchy cotton that wraps easily around your baby without any need for any complicated fastenings. The Easy Swaddle it’s the perfect starter sleepwear to improve sleep quality for young babies and parents alike!

50

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

The Groegg2 The correct room temperature is vital for creating a safe sleeping environment for your baby. It’s recommended that your baby’s room maintains a temperature between 16–20°C. The Groegg 2 is a colour changing digital room thermometer changes colour with making it easier for you to monitor and adjust your baby’s the correct room temperature when needed.

As exciting as it is to buy all the things you see and think you’ll need when bring home baby, you really only need few things to get you through those early days. So, if you can, don’t get caught up in purchasing all the things that you won’t use immediately or will inevitably become dust collectors. Stick to the must haves that will definitely help you when embarking on your parenting journey and beyond!

For more information on the listed products, visit: tommeetippee.com.au gro-store.com.au

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

51

WHY ARE C-SECTIONS ON THE INCREASE? Written by Caroline Meyer

When looking at births worldwide, studies done on the period 2000 to 2015 shows an increase from 12% of births to 21% of births are occurring through C-section.

Interestingly, this has not occurred due to improved conditions in developing countries as for many women in low income regions, the procedure is essentially unavailable. It is in the middle to high income countries that the procedure is becoming more common place. Caesarean sections are generally touted as a lifesaving intervention which is usually only used for complications such as hypertension, foetal distress, bleeding or baby being in an abnormal position that prevents him being delivered normally. This isn’t a catch all intervention and there are risks involved in c-sections as well. Just as in most surgeries, there are risks to the baby as well as the mom. There are also long-term complications associated with repeated C-section surgery. The complications that require a caesarean occur in around 15% of births. Why then is the level of C-sections so much higher. In some countries the incidence of C-sections is as high as 40% of births.

Childbirth is a normal process which occurs 54

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

naturally and quite safely in more than 85% of cases. The increase of C-sections among richer parents therefore seem to be occurring without any medical complication being present. While C-sections do offer an improved maternal and child survival rate in higher risk pregnancies, there are no actual benefits to mums who have C-sections that are not medically indicated. This actually raises the risk of complications and a higher risk of a negative outcome for mums and newborns especially in facilities that do not have adequate care and skills readily available. C-sections cause scarring to the womb which can result in issues such as abnormal placenta development, ectopic pregnancy, bleeding, preterm and stillbirths in later pregnancies. Disability and maternal death during C-sections are also higher than during vaginal birth when looking at a worldwide average. The risks of something going wrong increases after each C-section.

The more Caesarians a woman has, the higher the risk of serious complications.

There is also some evidence that babies that are born via a C-section may have different exposure to bacteria and hormones as well as different medical interventions that can JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

55

alter their long-term health. The research on this is still ongoing, but proven shortterm effects include altered bacteria in the gut, a different immune development than a vaginal birth baby and an increase in the risk of asthma and allergy development.

Some of the reasons that women are requesting C-sections include bad experiences during previous labours, fear of pain, not wanting to risk pelvic floor damage or reduced sexual function or potential urinary incontinence. For healthcare providers there needs to be improved education in order to relay the potential risks of C-sections and benefits of vaginal birth to reduce C-sections done without a medical complication which specifically requires it.

Medical facilities should have effective guidelines in place to ensure that mumsto-be are given enough knowledge in order to make informed decisions and that noncomplication C-sections are discouraged. To allay fears, parents can attend labour and childbirth workshops, attend parenting and prenatal lessons and educational lectures.

Offer second opinions so that parents get 56

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

the benefit of experience from more than one doctor if needed.

There are financial incentives to many facilities if C-sections are done as the patient stay is longer and the care costs are higher, resulting in extra funds. Doctors may also feel they cannot deny requests made for C-sections due to potential litigation.

Sometimes C-sections are simply done for convenience for the doctor or the patient.

With the increase in C-sections, many doctors are less confident attending vaginal births. By addressing the issue and perhaps improving education for the doctors and medical personnel, the rate in unnecessary C-sections may start to drop. There is even a suggestion that more women be allowed to attempt vaginal birth after having undergone a C-section previously if it is deemed safe.

Reducing other interventions in childbirth may also reduce the number of C-sections required. Planning births, relaxation training and adequate education may help mums feel more confident and more likely to try a vaginal birth as a first option with a C-section only being on the cards in the case of an emergency or a medical complication that demands it to reduce risk to mum or baby.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

57

58

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

INTERIORS

get the look

nursery Photo: Interiors

Rocking Cradle $589.95 boori.com

I love you to the moon and back $58 etsy.com/au

Tufted Hamper Blue & Grey $10 kmart.com.au

Silver & Grey Merino Sheepskin Rug $119 templeandwebster.com.au 62

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

IKEA PS Cabinet, White $199 ikea.com/au

NUMERO 74 Canopy Ice Blue $218 designstuff.com.au

Silhouette Ivory/Navy $799 wearehome.com.au

Bear Cushion $44.95 granitelane.com.au JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

63

k i d s Photo: Sophie Allport

Nobodinoz $175 smallable.com

Wooden Train Set $129 potterybarnkids.com.au

Tender Leaf - Stacking Garden Friends $30.95 edresources.com.au

Hand-Knitted Pouffe $149.99 vidaxl.com.au

66

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Edinburgh $149 amartfurniture.com.au

Desk Swivel Globe $24.95 toygalaxy.com.au

Safari Bedding Set $50 sophieallport.com

3D Felt Stuffed Animal Head Wall Hanging $28 ebay.com.au JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

67

IMMUNISING

YOUR BABY Written By: Caroline Meyer

When it comes to immunisation, new mums often have many questions. The first line for answers to these questions are the doctors and nurses that your family frequents or a medical practitioner that is focused on babies and children. They have years if experience in most cases and have heard almost all of the questions that you need to ask previously. They can advise when and where the vaccines can be done as well. Immunisation consists of getting a vaccination against various diseases to protect you against the contracting the disease.

When a vaccination is given, it creates a reaction within the body that stimulates an immune response. This means that your body develops antibodies which can effectively defend against the disease should you come in to contact with it. The initial immune response is usually fairly mild and there are usually only minor or no symptoms at all. In the future, these antibodies stop the infection if you come in to contact with it, preventing you from becoming ill as a result.

Babies and children have an immune system that is still in the process of developing to be able to help defend against illnesses. Immunisation basically acts as a booster to the immune system to reduce the risk of contracting serious illnesses such as whooping cough that can result in loss of life if contracted without any defence against it. Immunisations are done at various 70

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

times for a variety of illnesses to ensure adequate defence should the child be exposed to the diseases.

There are vaccines against whooping cough, mumps, diphtheria, tetanus, chickenpox, measles, hepatitis B, polio, rubella, rotavirus, pneumococcal disease, meningococcal disease (strains A, C, W and Y) as well as haemophilus influenzae type B. Teenagers can also receive immunisations against human papillomavirus (HPV). For children with underlying health issues or who are at greater risk of contracting specific diseases may also receive recommendations to have further immunisations that are not generally offered.

The immunisations are done according to a specific schedule to allow the immune system to build up before the risk of them contracting the illness as far as possible.

Babies and children are also likely to respond best to the vaccines at certain ages. The schedule should be kept to in order to maximize the effectiveness of the vaccines.

If you miss one or more you should get in contact with your doctor to reschedule these as soon as possible.

They will usually given you a modified schedule at this point to try and get your child back on the right schedule to receive the vaccines at the right age.

While immunisation is effective, it does not protect your child from all infectious diseases. Different strains of a virus may not be covered and many diseases don’t have JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

71

a vaccine as yet. Children can also contract the disease after an immunisation if it has not started to work as yet or hasn’t worked as well as it should. For example, around 10% of children contract a mild version of chickenpox even though they have received the vaccine at the correct intervals.

For small children, you may want to discuss what is going to happen and why they need to receive the immunization.

You can also find a way to reduce the stress or offer a reward for going through the process. Expect some tears and discomfort and be prepared to offer consolation. If you are breastfeeding, you can try breastfeeding during the immunisation to give your baby comfort. You can also try distractions such as playing with toys, reading a book or giving something sweet to drink before the vaccination.

If they have comfort toys or blankies you can take this with to help console them as well. There are also gels and creams that contain an anaesthetic agent that are safe for most children to use. Check on whether this would be of use to your child and if it is age appropriate. It is okay to pick your child up for a hug or to walk with them after being immunized as well. Often this will help alleviate some of the distress.

Do not delay immunisation due to minor illnesses such as a cold. If they have a fever and are seriously ill you would need to discuss with your doctor on whether or not 72

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

to have the immunisation or if it should be delayed until the child is feeling better. Note that many schools and kindergartens require proof that your child has been immunized before they can be enrolled. If there are specific reasons for exemption, proof would need to be provided. If immunisations are not up to date, they would require you to prove that there is a schedule in place to catch up on the missing vaccinations. In Australia, children that are not fully immunized also do not qualify for the Child Care Subsidy. There may also be further implications such as a reduction in the Family Tax Benefit. Teenagers are usually immunized at school and this is funded under the National Immunisation Program. Should your child miss the immunisation at school, it can be done by your GP or local clinic.

Immunisations do have minor side effects for many people but serious side effects are rare. Some of the most common side effects are pain at the injection location, vomiting, fever, headaches or just feeling unwell. In very rare cases there may be febrile convulsions due to high fevers, anaphylaxis due to an allergic reaction (less than 1 in a million cases) or a bowel obstruction after rotavirus immunisation (very rare). If you are concerned about any of the side effects your child may be experiencing after immunization, consult with your doctor on how to proceed. Report any serious side effects to your local or territory health authority.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

73

DO YOU KN CHILDREN RE

NOW HOW EALLY LEARN?

A child’s brain develops faster in the first five years than at any other time in their life, and we know children are capable of learning and communication from birth.

There are so many opportunities for them to learn that may not be obvious to the untrained eye. That’s why it’s imperative to provide babies and children with the right support and stimulus from the getgo.

Alix Broadhead, Guardian Childcare and Education Curriculum Mentor, says, “Children, no matter their age, learn best when they feel secure and happy, in a stimulating environment, with a supportive network.

“Our teachers and educators take pride in developing educational programs based in play and real-world contexts that support each child’s current knowledge, strengths, ideas, culture, abilities and unique interests.”

“We build sandcastles and explore why wet sand and dry sand behave differently. We bake and have conversations about why things go into the oven cold and wet and come out hot and dry. We grow vegetables, using these in our cooking at the centre, and supporting children to develop respect for the environment.”

76

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

“Our environments spark a child’s natural curiosity and inspire them to wonder, build their confidence and begin to understand that knowledge is gained in all sorts of wonderful ways. As children’s knowledge and abilities develop, so too does the complexity of the materials in our learning environments to extend and further enhance each child’s learning.”

Childcare provides the building blocks children need for a lifetime of learning, and at Guardian Childcare and Education, teachers and educators are focused on developing children’s skills, confidence and independence from as early as six weeks of age.

As experts in the field, Guardian Childcare and Education have identified simple yet effective ways to teach children five important 21st century skills.

DEVELOPING READING SKILLS A common misconception is that children only begin learning to read when you present them with words. Children do not learn how to read or write overnight. Nor do they simply begin the year before they start formal schooling – this skill begins to develop a lot earlier. For example, when a baby watches a bubble floating through the air, the visual tracking skills they use are the same they will later require to read and write. Visual tracking is one of the first steps in learning to read, and parents, teachers and educators alike can support their child to develop these skills in many of ways.

Parents can develop their child’s reading skills with techniques such as rhyming – which will help children imitate and remember – reading aloud familiar books, encouraging them to turn the pages one at a time, and having conversations. The more you have real conversations about real topics, the more your child will understand and begin to develop and use language. Younger children will communicate through actions, hand movements or facial expressions, while older children begin to use new words.

“Our teachers and educators are tuned in to understand this unique communication with young children, thanks to their training and the relationships they nurture and develop with each child, which creates a safe and supportive space for skills to develop and children to explore, learn and grow,” says Alix. “We encourage children by asking them JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

77

questions, by closely watching and responding to the actions and cues of our babies and giving each child plenty of time to respond and always acknowledging their efforts.”

SPARKING CURIOSITY Curiosity and questioning your surroundings play a key role in developing problem-solving skills. Similar to reading skills, inquiry is a skill developed and explored earlier than the age your child begins to ask 101 questions! It actually starts with babies as they begin to investigate their surroundings and place in the world. From looking at different lighting and seeing and feeling different textures, to using their whole bodies and all senses to experience something new, children’s curiosity begins flourishing at an incredibly young age.

As parents, there are some clear ways you can encourage your child’s curiosity – some you may already be doing without even realising! Use a torch to create shadows that move or encourage your child to play in front of the mirror to help them better understand movement and facial expressions; or, offer your child a basket filled with materials of different textures, colours or even scents to explore together. The use of ‘opened-ended materials’ gives babies and children a limitless supply of possibilities.

“By providing open-ended materials, our teachers and educators encourage children to investigate and discover many literacy and numeracy concepts, for example; big, small, tall, short, volume, numbers, pattern-making and counting. They ask questions and provide the space and time to give children of all ages opportunities to work things out and to develop further ideas and their own theories of how these materials work.” says Alix.

COLLABORATION AND FRIENDSHIPS Introducing your child to different people across a range of age groups and cultural backgrounds will help them as they learn to socialise.

Childcare offers your child a great opportunity to develop relationships and friendships and communicate with a wide group of people, as they will engage with children ranging from zero to five years, as well as other adults.

From birth to two, this begins with your child making eye contact, 78

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

expressing happiness when they see familiar faces, and starting to be cooperative when playing. From around two-three years, friendships are formed through noticing and imitating other children’s actions, playing alongside others in a cooperative manner, sharing, showing empathy and more. Enrolling in childcare is a great way to present children with opportunities to build friendships in safe and nurturing environments.

BECOMING ACTIVE MOVERS There are telling signs that your child is reaching developmental milestones when it comes to movement, which the untrained eye may not recognise. Reaching for objects, raising their head and chest when lying on their stomachs, and transferring objects from hand to hand all indicate your child’s continual development from the ages zero - two.

For toddlers, this development may be seen through them listening and moving to music, avoiding obstacles, building with more complexity, and even stopping readily as they take more notice of what is around them. Role-modelling these skills and encouraging your child’s progress are great ways to support them further.

SELF-EXPLORATION Self-exploration is important for children when learning about their own identities, and will help them become mature, well-adjusted adults.

Recognising themselves in the mirror, referring to themselves by name and using terms such as “I” and “mine”, and playing independently are qualities to look out for. Likewise, a sense of self can be seen when they become increasingly aware of themselves as separate from others, exploring their own thoughts and feelings, and enjoying doing things “all by myself ”. These factors all encourage independence in children.

“Learning through play and in relationships with others encourages children to build their knowledge, develop confidence and embrace curiosity. Along the way they naturally refine practical life skills as they explore, experiment, discover and solve problems through play. And importantly, they build their confidence and forge a lifelong love of learning,” adds Alix Broadhead.

Discover the Guardian difference and book a tour today by visiting: guardian.edu.au/book-a-tour

POTTY TRAINING DO’S AND DON’TS Written By: Caroline Meyer

There are so many different articles about how to potty train.

Some claim to get your toddler off nappies and on to the potty in just 3 days. None of these methods can be a fix all for all toddlers. Kids develop at their own pace and some may not be ready for the process and some may also take a lot longer.

Hang in there, they will get there eventually. Here are a few do’s and don’ts to help you along the way.

Do: Make sure that your toddler is ready for potty training. For most toddlers this happens around 27 to 32 months. Starting earlier than this could lead to failure if they are aren’t ready to understand the concept. Forcing potty training too early could mean resistance later even when they are able to grasp what it is about.

Don’t: Be aware of the signs. Ignoring them can lead to frustration and difficult in training. Your little one will show an interest in using the bathroom or asking you questions about what you are doing when you are in there. They may show an interest in wearing underwear instead of nappies. They should have some patience and be able to undress and dress themselves.

Being able to sit on the potty for long enough is important and avoiding accidents will help build their confidence.

Do: Talk about using the potty before you start training. You can also read them books about it. If they want to sit on the potty before you start training, let them do so. Make sure that when you do start, have everything on hand that you need.

Avoid frustration by being prepared. Don’t delay past the time period that they have indicated readiness as the process can become harder if delayed too long.

Don’t: There are many different potty-training methods. Don’t limit yourself to a particular method only. You can try a few different methods and remain patient. Sometimes one strategy will work straight away. Sometimes you may have to try a few 82

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

methods or a combination of methods. Sometimes it takes 3 days, sometimes 12 months. Your little one will get there eventually. You just need to stick with it.

Do: Keep calm and don’t put pressure on your little one. If there are tears or tantrums on their end or frustration and anger on yours it will just be more difficult in the long run. Make it as stress free as possible for both of you. If one way isn’t working, try something else. Something will click and they will just get it. Putting too much pressure on your toddler could make the process take longer than it needs to. Stick with it, whether you are at home or out. Try have them use the potty before you go out but if you are at the shop and they let you know they need to go, be prepared to drop everything and get them to a bathroom quickly.

Do: Use small rewards to help them stay on track. Maybe start with something small such as stickers to put on a chart or a small sweet for the first few days to make it exciting. Then slowly taper off the rewards as they stop being a motivation and lose value after a while. Reward charts (for success only/ ignore failures) can be a good way to motivate at the start as they only receive an actual reward after a certain number of successes. Motivate with plenty praise and affection more than physical rewards.

Don’t: Don’t punish mistakes. There will be accidents, it is to be expected. Don’t embarrass or humiliate them for having an “oops” or three. Keep it positive. This is a life skill you will teach your child once and it sets them up forever. It is also one of the big teaching experiences you will have with your little one. As much as you are teaching them, use this as a learning experience for yourself as well. It will help you learn how to motivate your child, stay patient and relax even when accidents happen. Just remember, they will get there in their own time.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

83

disabilities and chronic illness

Written by: Caroline Meyer

Learning that your child has a chronic illness or disability can be a shock. It may seem rather devastating at first and people may feel helpless and anxious about having to face a future with a child that has special needs. Becoming a parent is a happy time but full of its own stress and anxiety as well.

Adding in unknown factors of dealing with major health problems, chronic illness or disabilities may seem like a lot to bear. Yes, it is not going to be easy but there are ways to cope to make it easier for your child and your family in general.

Learn as much as you can about the added requirements and special needs that you child may require in order to deal with the day to day care of your little one.

Knowing what may happen and how to treat the condition can reduce the burden somewhat as knowing what to do in different circumstances can help reduce the anxiety and stress of imagining situations that you cannot control. Knowledge will help you plan better and advocate for your child. As your child gets older, they may also learn to be able to manage their situation better themselves. You will need to learn how to teach and to guide them in the process.

You can also better help them advocate for themselves and learn to prepare for a world 86

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

in which they are different and which may not always offer the same conveniences to them that able bodied or children without health issues may receive.

Teach your child about their condition in an age-appropriate way. Help them learn to know their symptoms, triggers and other issues over time. When they are very little they may not understand, but by the age of around 10 they will be able to grasp more complex issues and better learn about their condition. Make sure that you continue to give information and answer your child’s questions as they grow-up. As they are better able to understand, allow them to learn more complex details as well as how to manage their own care as far as possible at that age. This will allow them some control as well and allow them to become more self-sufficient. This is not true for all illnesses and disabilities but should factor in for many children living with disabilities and chronic illness.

Help your child cope with the stress of living with disability and chronic illness.

They may have to deal with bullying, severe treatments, living with pain, surgeries and even the potential for a reduced life span.

There are unfortunately no cure-alls for JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

87

handling stress and it may also be age related in how the child is able to cope with high levels of anxiety. Allow your child to discuss their emotions and thoughts with you while you remain calm and listen to what they have to say. Be supportive and do not overreact. While you may be upset knowing your child is unhappy or in pain, you do not want to change the focus to how you feel but concentrate on their feelings.

Talk to them about their treatment and what is expected going forward. Knowing what is to come can also help reduce anxiety.

If you are not sure about a procedure or process that is to come, talk to the child’s doctor so that you can discuss it with your child and take some of the fear away.

You can also try and expose them to the places where procedures will take place prior to it happening to make them feel more comfortable before an operation or procedure. Allowing them to talk to other children in the same predicament or that have gone through the procedure may also help make them feel less afraid.

Try and get involved in support groups and where possible, allow your child to meet children in similar predicaments. Knowing they are not alone and that there are others with similar illnesses or disabilities can help 88

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

them come to terms with their differences.

Be open about their condition so that they don’t feel restricted in what they can or can’t ask about when it comes to their care.

Where possible, allow them to make some choices when it comes to their care so they feel they have some control over their own health. Support them and let them know they are strong and have many options despite their situation. Encourage them in what they do and highlight their strengths.

Let them do what they can for themselves so they can learn responsibility and ways to manage and cope with their conditions.

It is not easy and make sure you also have some time to relax now and then as well so you don’t become burnt out. While it may be more difficult, loving and caring for a child with special needs can be rewarding as well.

Seeing your child progress and persevere through things that would be easy for other kids can seem like a miracle. Offering love and support may seem like very little while you are dealing with medication, surgery, therapy and so forth, but it is really the most important part of taking care of a child with a chronic illness or disability. If you are struggling to cope, reach out to your doctor, family, friends and support groups.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

89

90

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

T O Y r e v i e w s

by: SHEREE HODDINETT

LEAPFROG LEAPSTART 3D WITH 2 BOOKS BUNDLE $89.95

5/5 L e a pS ta r t 3 D i s a c o mp let e lea r n ing system that magically brings books to l i f e . W he n u se d w i t h n e w 3 D -like en c o d ed LeapStart books, the LeapStart 3 D hardwar e d e l i v e r s a m a gic a l e x p e r i en c e t h a t en h an c es the learning f un with amazing animati ons t hr ough a po p -u p h o l og r a p h ic s c r een . T h e system stylus reads invisible dots on e v e r y p age , tr ig ge r i n g h o l og r a p h ic a n ima t io n s along with questions, challenges, song s, j ok e s and m o re .

C hildr e n w i l l b e exc it ed a s t h eir f avourite characters and objects come t o l i f e wi t h a m a z i n g 3D -l i k e an ima t io n s , en c ouraging interactive play. Kids can engage wi t h t he s t e p- b y - s t e p s y s t em t o lear n s c h ool and lif e skills through more than 6 00 ac t i v i t i e s tha t m a tc h t h e c u r r ic u lu m fo r t h ei r preschool and early school years. Th e gr ow-wi t hm e st y l u s h e l p s fin e-t u n e g r o s s motor skills providing the correct grasp f or l e ar ni ng to w r i te .

T he n e w L e a p St a r t 3D b u n d le c o mes with two bonus books: Shapes & C ol our s wi t h C re a ti v i ty a n d 200 W o r d s in E n g lish & French. Each book seamlessly blend s f un wi t h s k ills f r o m p r ob lem -s o lvin g t o r eading lessons, helping with your child’s de v e l op m e nt a nd in t r o d u c t i on t o key c o n c ep t s . Give your child a LeapStart into learn i ng!

Ou r V e r d i ct – With a 4 -ye ar-old wh o h ea d s of f t o sc h ool n ext y ea r, t h is i s p er f ec t f o r g e t t in g h e r e v e n more re ady for join in g h er sist er a t “b ig sc h ool”. We a lrea d y l o v e b o o k s i n o u r h o u s e , r eading is s omething t h a t h a s b een a b ig p a rt of ou r liv es si n c e th e g i r l s we re b a b i e s . I love how e as y this is t o u se, esp ec ia lly for t h e kid s. It ma kes r ea d i n g a n d l e arni n g f u n w hile teaching s ome fu n d a men t a ls a lon g t h e wa y . We’re a t th e s ta g e o f b a sic w r i t i n g ( n ame , letters and numb ers) so t h is is p erf ec t t o h elp h er lea rn h o w to f o r m l e t t e r s t h e r i g h t way, e ve n if s he doesn ’t wa n t t o d o it t h e wa y t h e p rogra m i s tel l i n g h er , h a ha ! Ev e n t h o u gh it’ s a tad on the ea sy sid e for my soon -t o-b e 7-y ea r-old , th a t d o es n ’ t s t o p h e r g e tti n g in on the action too, ev en sh owin g…I mea n h elp in g…h er lit tl e s i s ter g et the ha n g o f t h i n gs . The y eve n s et every t h in g u p like t h ey ’re a t sc h ool, wit h one th e tea c h er a n d o n e th e s tu de nt, it’ s ve ry cute to wa t c h ! Th is is d efin it ely a win n er for a n y o n e l o o k i n g fo r a f u n , e a s y , learning tool for their lit t le on es!

Ava il a bl e F r o m : B i g W , Ta rget & leapfr og .com.au 92

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

93

VTECH MUSICAL CUDDLE BUG

$29.95

4/5 C udd l e u p w i t h t h is a d o r a b le Mu sical Cuddle Bug, featuring a variety of sof t f ab r i c s a nd c o l ou r f u l p a t t er n s . P r es s t h e eight legs of the Musical Cuddle Bug t o l e ar n DoR e - Mi , c o l ou r s , an d s h ap es . P r es sing the colour changing tummy star but t on p l ay s eve n m o r e f u n r es p o n s es , in c lu d ing sing- along songs and melodies. Pres si ng t he l e g b ut t o n s w h i l e p la yin g melo d ies r eveals the melody note by note. Choose b e t we e n Da y m o d e a n d Nig h t mo d e: D ay mode plays fun and exciting melodies f or d ay t i m e p la y; w h i l s t N i gh t mo d e p lays s o othing and calming classical melodies for whe n i t ’ s b e dt im e .

Ou r v e r d i ct – I t ’ s cute , colourful, intera c t iv e a n d ea sy t o u se - ev en f or t h e bi g -g er “ k i d s ” .

To u c h a n d f e e l toys w hich are colou rfu l a n d ma ke p len t y of n oise (a lt h ou g h tes ti n g f o r a d ult s ) ca n m a ke s ome of the gre atest t oy s for kid s. Alt h ou gh my kid s a re g etti n g a l i ttl e b e y o n d t h e b a by toys , that doe s n’ t st op t h em p la y in g wit h t h em, esp ec ia lly i f th er e a r e s o m e l i t tl e b a b i e s around too. In fa c t , t h is lit t le b ea u t y c a u gh t t h eir ey e w h en we f i r s t op e ne d th e b i g b ox . I quite often hav e t o remin d t h em t h ey a ren ’t b a b ies a n ym o r e a s th ey k e e p p u s h i n g the toy buttons ( and min e t oo!) a n d seein g wh a t it c a n d o. I gu es s I h a v e to l e t t h e m h a v e s ome fun. I als o reall y like t oy s like t h is on e wh ic h giv e y ou d a y a n d n i g h t op t io n s . T h e r e ’s nothing wors e than a rea lly fu ll on a n d lou d t oy t h a t c ome s o u t b ef o r e b e d t i m e a n d winds k ids up e ve n m ore, b u t t h e more p ea c ef u l t u n es a t n i g h t c er ta i n l y make a d i f f e r e n ce , well to me anywa y ! Ad d t h is on e t o y ou r n ext sh op p in g li s t.

Ava il a bl e F r o m : : K m a rt & vtech .com.au

94

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

95

PREPARING THE CAR FOR A BABY WRITTEN BY LANCE GREEN

There are so many things to do to get ready for having a baby around the house.

Some things dads can get involved in and some we can’t. We may help with putting together the crib, paint the baby room and so on but one place that we sometimes forget is out cars. Having a baby means making sure the car is comfortable and safe for baby on trips out and ensuring you can have peace of mind when travelling with your precious bundle.

98

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

There are many regulations and standards when it comes to securing your little one in your vehicle and this changes as your baby grows up. At different ages and weights the restraints and seating arrangements change. Your baby needs to be a good quality seat in a rearward facing position for as long as possible. Some seats are adjustable and can be used for longer periods of time. Small kids that outgrow the rearward facing seat should be moves to a booster seat until they are at least 7 years or older and could be in the seat until the age of 12.

The recommendation is not to move to an ordinary seat belt until the height of 145cm is reached. So, for shorter children, a booster seat would be a good bet until they are older.

Some baby chairs can be moved from car to pram without having to pick baby up or move them out of the car chair. This is often a good choice for small ones, especially those that are a little niggly and fall asleep better in the car.

Make sure that the seat you purchase is installed correctly. Check that the brand purchased meets the legal requirements as well as having adequate quality and safety needs checked off. Cars manufactured after 1976 should have child safe anchor points fitted to allow for safe installation. Cars manufactured before that year may need to be retrofitted to meet JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

99

the safety guidelines. It is also recommended that you place a seat protector before installing the chair. This will help protect the car seat and prevent damage from the chair over a long period of time.

You can look at installing a car seat with a canopy to protect your little one from the sun when travelling.

Alternatively, you can put up window sunshades that protect from harmful exposure to the sun.

A further recommendation is a baby travelling mirror. When installed, this allows you to check up on your baby while they are safe in their rearward facing chair. They may also be able to spot you in the mirror when they get a bit older and feel more secure.

Once your car is secure, you need to also ensure that any other vehicle your child may be in is fitted with a good quality car seat. This will include friends, grandparents and any care givers that may travel with your child in the car. If they do not have adequate measures in place to travel your baby safely, you may want to discuss it with them or even offer to install a safe chair in their vehicle if they are travelling with baby often. It is not recommended that baby is carried on a lap or in any way that is not safe and secure. It contravenes a number of laws and is simply not in the best interest of your little one. Do the right thing and make sure you are set with a safe and secure car seat for your baby before they are brought home.

100

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

e l b a s u e R s e i p p a N SAVE $1000’s per child • ENVIRONMENTALLY Friendly EASY to Use • BAMBOO Absorber Included

ONE SIZE WITH ADJUSTABLE LEG ELASTIC!

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

GOLD 2018

FAVOURITE FAVOURITE MUM REUSABLE PRODUCT NAPPY

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

SILVER

FAVOURITE BREASTFEEDING PRODUCT

FAVOURITE TOILET TRAINING AID

2018

Bamboo Liners • • • •

Makes nappy changes easier Made from 100% bamboo Antibacterial 100% Biodegradable and compostable

EXCELLENCE AWARDS

BRONZE

2018

Bamboo Nursing Pads

Toilet Training Pants

• Pack of 6 pads • Environmentally friendly • Made from absorbent bamboo • Waterproof, soft & breathable • FREE washable mesh bag

• Soft bamboo lining & outer • Waterproof & breathable inner • Built-in absorbency • Allows your child to feel wetness for speedy training

ROMANCE WHEN YOU’RE TRYING TO CONCEIVE written by: Caroline Meyer

To many couples making a baby sounds like a lot of fun.

It’s when conception doesn’t occur as expected that things may become rather strained. Tracking ovulation, sex on demand and treating each other as baby making machines can place a real strain on a relationship. What was once intimate and fun may start to feel like work. It can get even more difficult as time goes by and the goal of falling pregnant just doesn’t seem to be happening.

This can lead to stress, depression and a lower sex drive. Romance tends to take a back seat and all the fun and intimacy that should be enjoyed when making love seems to disappear. There are some things you can do to keep the romance alive when trying to conceive.

Try harnessing your inner teenager and get out your mobile phone. Take the time for a call during the day when you can whisper sweet nothings to each other.

Maybe send a naughty text to turn both your minds on to getting in the mood for bedroom antics later on. Try some role play, wear something sexy or find other ways to connect on a fun and intimate level. A nice massage which can turn a little more erotic is a great way to get things started. Take the time to caress each other and appreciate your partner as a person, not just a piece in the baby-making puzzle.

Don’t be restricted by the cycle. You can enjoy sex even on the days you are not particularly fertile. Besides increasing the chance for conception, this will ensure that you actually have sex for pleasure and not just to conceive. It allows you to let go and just go with the flow.

There is less pressure on the days that you aren’t at your most fertile, so have fun and play around together when there is less anxiety.

104

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Remember the quickie? Those days when you couldn’t wait to connect with your partner? There may not have been time for lots of foreplay and long drawn out make out sessions, but you wanted to join together so badly that you just couldn’t wait? Spice up your fun by having a quickie now and then. No time for romance on an optimal moment in your cycle? A quickie works just as great and it puts less pressure on both of you.

Take a break and get away from your own bedroom if you can. A vacation can do a lot to reduce stress and bring back your mojo. When making love in your own bedroom has become a chore, a change of scenery may make all the difference. If you can’t get away from your home, take the sex out of the bedroom for a while. The shower, the lounge, the pool or anywhere else you can have fun together without the neighbours being able to watch could be just what you need to spice things up and get the juices flowing. You could also have date night with your partner and spend time doing some handholding, hugging and kissing to stimulate your libido. Just making that intimate connection can go a long way to having sex fun again.

Don’t be afraid to try new things in the bedroom. Bring on the essential oils, body chocolate and blindfolds.

Whatever you both are good to try out to bring back the heat between you two, go ahead and give it a go. Some things may end up just being a laugh, but that may even be enough to get you to connect to an intimate level again. While you both are aware of the end goal, sex does not always have to be about trying to conceive.

Make it about the two of you and your love for each other. Bring back the intimate connection. Enhancing your libido and making it fun may be all you need to make trying to conceive enjoyable for both of you.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

105

C H AN G IN G T HE DIRECT I O N WRITTEN BY: SHEREE HODDINETT

If a change is as a good as a holiday, why doesn’t it feel that way with kids?

If someone had told me long before I had children, how much change you go through I’m not so sure I would have believed them. Sure, you change a lot of nappies and clothes in the early years, they’re the pretty big kind of changes you expect to be dealing with.

But as the years roll on, you start to notice more and more. I know I was a kid myself, not so long ago. Who I am kidding, it was a long time ago and it’s quite possible I don’t remember a lot of things. All part of the brain trick to get you to have kids maybe?! Haha!

108

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

I guess one of the biggest things I really wasn’t prepared for, even though I knew it would happen, is the growing independence I’m seeing all the time. It’s funny how for so long you sort of can’t wait for them to do a lot of things for themselves but when it actually starts to happen, you feel all the feels. You know you can’t slow time down, but you don’t want it to go so fast either.

No longer is Mummy… sorry Mum…needed to open biscuit packets, get drinks or even brush hair at times. Funny how I’m still required to spoon food into mouths when they’re “too tired” or even assist with wiping bottoms because the lazy gene kicks in again!

I doubt I’m going to win that war for some time yet, haha! Don’t even get me started on when it’s time to clean up mess! It’s nice to be wanted for the good things, not so sure about the less appealing side of parenting though.

One thing I still can’t get used to and I know I need to, is my eldest daughter losing teeth. Especially when her younger sister will have to go through it too. I honestly cannot remember when I lost my teeth, not that it was really that long ago, but I seem to have blanked it from my memory.

The teeth are coming out regularly but she still won’t let me pull any out. The mention of string tied to her tooth and a door is met with horror and a runaway child. Although I’m not sure I could do it anyway, I know I couldn’t do it to myself, I moved with the door instead of standing still, haha!

If you’re ever doubting yourself or your skills as a parent, never fear you are not alone on that one.

Even before I became a mum, I was worried about whether I could handle the responsibility.

I still worry but I always think I have to be doing something right. For one, they’re still alive and secondly they don’t always like me because they don’t get what they want. Every parent knows the feeling of watching a sooky or sulking child, no matter what age, carry on because you have told them no. It doesn’t make you a perfect parent, nothing does.

But it gives you a feeling of knowing you’re doing the right thing by your child, whether they like it or not. I must admit there is a small feeling of satisfaction when you hold the upper hand for a change and they really don’t like you for it. You need to have some wins right?!

One day they might surprise me. Or not. I live in hope. There’s no rules, right way of doing things or anything to point you in the right direction when it comes to raising your kids. Sometimes it would be nice so you know which decision is the right one. Is there ever a right decision to make?

I know I still have many years of “fun” ahead of me especially with so many girls to contend…I mean deal…with. Can I just fast forward through all the not so good moments and enjoy all the good. If only! I guess it’s all about doing our best to embrace the change, preparing for what is possibly loads of unexpected moments and doing our best.

Who am I kidding?! I’m still going to swear like a trooper, scream at them when I need to and hide in the cupboard with my wine and chocolate when I can’t take anymore.

Good times to look forward to, haha!

If you ever need to feel better about yourself check out all of my parenting tales on my own personal blog. Head along to www.shereekim. com. Until next time, keep chugging along and don’t forget to smile no matter what, it keeps everyone guessing!

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

109

LITTLE INNOSCENTS NATURAL BABY WIPES

112

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Believe it or not, when you finally welcome your little one to the world, you’ll be surprised with how many wet wipes you can go through. Just like every good parenting horror story, at some point you’re bound to leave the house one day without them, vowing to never make that mistake again!

These cant parent without product, are not only amazing for their intend use but they are so versatile that you’ll end up using them for everything from cleaning up those spit up accidents to even wiping down your kitchen benches.

For those who are new to the world of baby wipes, choosing the right wipes among a sea of options is no easy task! Every parent, especially the newbies, want what best for bub, but exactly what that is can be tricky to decipher!

So, is choosing the right wet wipes really that difficult? Actually, it can be very easy if you know what to look out for. One of the main things you want to ensure is, is this the best choice for your baby’s skin?

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

113

Knowing what ingredients are in your wet wipes is the first step you need to tackle. You’ll want to make sure that they are free of: • Alcohol • Artificial Fragrance • Colours • Parabens or Phthalates These yukky ingredients are a big NO NO in your wet wipes choice and the reason is simple, they can irritate and be toxic on your baby’s delicate skin.

What you should expect and shouldn’t compromise on when choosing wet wipes is: • Natural And Soothing Ingredients • A Quality Wipe • An Effective Clean • Value For Money • Ease Of Use We recently had the pleasure of reviewing the Little Innoscents Unscented Natural Wipes and as expected, when it comes to the Little Innoscents product range, we were not disappointed! They ticked all the boxes and more.

With another everyday industry leading product that 114

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

we all need during the parenting journey, the Little Innoscents Unscented Natural Wipes are exceptional to say the least!

Firstly, we were impressed by the ingredients that have been used. The Unscented Natural Wipes have been formulated using plant-based ingredients and have been infused with soothing Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, ensuring that even the most sensitive skin will benefit from the pure and natural formulation that Little Innoscents has developed.

Not only are the Little Innoscents Unscented Natural Wipes thick, ultra-soft and very absorbent, they make cleaning up everything from a wet bottom to sticky hands, a dirty face to even the most feared of all, a dirtied dummy a complete breeze. They also come in an easy to dispense and use pack which is the icing on the wet wipes cake!

Being wipes that have been developed and are intended for multi-use, their safe and natural ingredients make them the easy choice for your babies and families wellbeing.

For more information on the Little Innoscents Unscented Natural Wipes, visit littleinnoscents.com.au or you can simply purchase from local Chemist Warehouse.

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

115

116

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

fashion JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

117

girls FASHION

UNDER $20 kmart.com.au BABY 3 Piece Knit Set $19.00 Baby T-Bar Shoes $9.00

UNDER $20 kmart.com.au

GIRLS Sweatshirt Dress $19.00 High Top Casual Shoes $12.00

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

119

UNDER $50 meyer.com BABY Jack & Milly Emily Knit Coverall with Frill Bib $29.95 Seed Heritage Tab Jogger $39.95

UNDER $120 meyer.com GIRL Jack & Milly Lucia Long-Sleeve Knit Dress $39.95 Ciao Gisela Girls Bow Boots $119.95

120

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

SPLURGE melijoe.com/au

BABY Tartine Et Chocolat Sweater Dress With A Pleated Collar $160.00 Tartine Et Chocolat Sequined Leather Babies $89.00

SPLURGE melijoe.com/au

GIRLS Dsquared 2 Sweatshirt Dress With A Print $333.00 Dolce & Gabbana Mini Me Leather Sneakerss $475.00

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

121

boys FASHION

UNDER $29 kmart.com.au

BABY Cord Dungaree Set $17.00 Baby Boots $9.00

UNDER $20 kmart.com.au

BOY Printed Pullover Hoodie $10.00 Knit Denim Joggers $15.00 Junior High Top Shoes $20.00

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

123

UNDER $60 meyer.com BABY Mack Knit Denim Boiler-Suit with Front Button Opening $34.95 Seed Heritage Tab Jogger $39.95

UNDER $70 meyer.com

BOYS Bauhaus Essential Sweat Top - Santa Monica $30.00 Indie Kids by Industrie Drifter Cargo Pant $64.95 Adidas Performance Tensaur Sport Shoes $59.95

124

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

SPLURGE melijoe.com/au

BABY Catimini Striped T-Shirt And Pants $147.00 Ikks Newborn Baby Trainers $53.00

SPLURGE melijoe.com/au BOYS The Marc Jacobs Mini Me Sweatshirt $145.00 Kenzo Kids Slim Fit Twill Pants Sport $200.00 Stella Mccartney Kids Bi-Material Sneakers With Laces $286.00

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

125

BRUNO COAT MUSTARD FLORAL $245

MILAN DRESS MUSTARD FLORAL $205

EMMA BLOUSE WHITE $190

EMILIANA DRESS WHITE $175

VALERIANE DRESS SWEDISH BLUE $175

GHANI DRESS SWEDISH BLUE $145

LOLA DRESS FRENCH FLORAL $145

DERN TROUSERS WHITE $135

yoliandotis.com

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

137

138

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

recipes sourced from: healthier.qld.gov.au JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

139

Delicious

Awesome Avocado And Banana Smoothie INSTRUCTIONS 1

Blend banana, avocado and honey in a food processor until smooth.

2

Add vanilla, milk and ice and blend for 30 seconds.

3

Serve immediately.

4

Set aside for a few minutes. Sprinkle with extra cinnamon, to taste.

140

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

prep time: 5 mins serves: 2 INGREDIENTS 1 ripe banana, sliced avocado, peel and re1 move stone 2 tsps honey (optional) 1/4 tsp vanilla extract 2 cups milk, chilled 6 ice cubes pinch of ground cinnamon

Quick & Easy

Rainbow Fruit

prep time: 5 mins serves: 2

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS 65g raspberries 90g mango 75g white peach 45g kiwi fruit 25g blueberries

1

Mix all ingredients together.

2

Store in an airtight container (at room temperature) for up to 6 months

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

141

142

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Savoury Tomato Toast prep & cook time: 10 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS 1

Heat tomatoes and juice in small saucepan for five to seven minutes on medium heat.

2

Stir in breadcrumbs, cheese, dried basil and pepper and simmer for two minutes. Remove from heat.

3

Toast bread and divide tomato mixture between each.

4

Cut into squares and serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS 400g canned tomatoes 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, grated 1tsp dried basil 1 cup wholegrain breadcrumbs 4 slices wholegrain bread, toasted.

Pepper to season

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

143

144

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Pesto Baked Mushrooms With Roast Tomatoes prep & cook time: 25 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS 1

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan forced).

2

Place tomatoes on a tray lined with baking paper and drizzle with vinegar.

3

Trim mushroom stems and spread pesto onto the underside of the mushrooms.

4

Add mushrooms to the tray and bake for 20 minutes.

5

Just prior to serving, toast muffins and place on plates.

6

Top muffins with mushroom, divide tomatoes between plates and sprinkle with basil.

INGREDIENTS 250g cherry tomatoes 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar flat field or Portobello 8 or 4 mushrooms 1 tbsp basil pesto wholegrain English 4 muffins, halved fresh basil leaves, torn, to serve

Serve immediately

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

145

Baked Chicken Parma With Sweet Potato Mash

prep time: 20 mins cook time:20 mins serves: 4

INSTRUCTIONS

INGREDIENTS can diced tomatoes with basil, 400g onion and garlic 400g chicken breasts, trimmed of fat 20 basil leaves 270g sundried tomatoes, drained char-grilled capsicum or roasted 270g pepper strips, drained 2 cups baby spinach leaves 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese sweet potato, peeled, chopped 800g into 2cm cubes 1/4 cup milk basil leaves, extra to serve

1

Preheat oven to 200°C (180°C fan forced).

2

Spread ¼ cup diced tomato in the base of a large ovenproof dish.

3

Halve each chicken breast lengthways to form 4 thin breast steaks. Using a rolling pin, pound steaks between 2 sheets of plastic wrap to 5mm thickness.

4

Arrange chicken on tomatoes in pan base; layer each with basil leaves, sundried tomato pieces and capsicum.

5

Pile on spinach, spoon over remaining diced tomatoes and sprinkle with mozzarella. Bake for 20 minutes until chicken is cooked and melted cheese has browned.

6

Steam sweet potato for 10-15 minutes until tender. Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish with 2 tablespoons water on HIGH (100%) for 8-10 minutes, stirring after 4 minutes.

7

Drain and add ¼ cup milk and mash with a potato masher until smooth. Add more milk if required for desired consistency.

8

Divide sweet potato mash and chicken between serving plates, sprinkle with basil.

146

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Pork Medallions With Chargrilled Potato Salad INSTRUCTIONS 1

Combine orange juice, vinegar and mustard together in a cup. Pour half the mixture into a non-metal dish, add pork and turn to coat with the marinade. Cover, refrigerate and marinate for as long as time permits, anywhere between 30 minutes to several hours.

2

Microwave potatoes in a covered bowl with a tablespoon of water for 10-12 minutes on high or until just tender. Allow to cool slightly then cut each in half.

3

Spray a barbecue, char-grill or griddle with oil and heat to medium-high heat. Cook potatoes on grill for 4-5 minutes each side until lightly charred, set aside.

4

Drain pork well and discard marinade. Grill pork for 5-7 minutes each side or until cooked to your liking. Remove from heat, cover and set aside to rest for 5 minutes.

5

Place salad leaves, capsicum, onion, tomatoes, beans and potatoes in a large bowl. Pour over remaining orange dressing and toss to combine.

6

Divide salad among serving plates, add pork and serve immediately.

prep time: 40 mins cook time: 40 mins serves: 4 INGREDIENTS freshly squeezed orange juice 3/4 cup (from 2 oranges) 1 1/2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp wholegrain mustard 500g pork loin medallions fat trimmed 500g gourmet baby potatoes mixed salad or baby spinach 150g leaves red capsicum, seeded and sliced 1 into strips 1/2 med red onion, thinly sliced 250g cherry tomatoes, halved can cannellini or butter beans, 420g drained olive or canola oil spray

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

147

148

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Fruity Rice Pudding prep time: 5 mins cook time: 60 mins serves: 4 INSTRUCTIONS 1

Preheat oven to 160 °C.

2

In a 4-cup pie dish, mix all ingredients except the spice.

3

Sprinkle nutmeg on top and bake for 1–1 ½ hours until the rice has absorbed most of the liquid.

4

Serve hot or cold.

INGREDIENTS 1/3 cup short grain rice 2 cup milk 1 tbsp honey grated orange or 1 tsp lemon rind dried apricots, 1/4 cup chopped 1/4 cup sultanas Pinch nutmeg or cinnamon

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

149

150

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

Poached Pears prep time: 10 mins cook time: 15 mins serves: 2

INSTRUCTIONS 1

Place water, sugar, lemon rind and juice and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan, and stir over a medium heat until the sugar dissolves

2

Bring to a boil and add pears. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered for 5 minutes or until pears are just tender.

3

Remove from heat and allow to stand, covered for 10 minutes.

4

Toast almonds in the oven for 2 minutes.

5

To serve, use slotted spoon to remove pear from syrup and divide among serving dishes.

6

Top with some syrup, yoghurt and flaked almonds.

INGREDIENTS 2 1 tbsp 1 tsp 1/4 cup 2 cup 2 200g

pears, peeled, quartered and cored 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon lemon rind Âź cup sugar 2 cups water cinnamon sticks, broken natural yoghurt

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

151

directory 152

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106

153

MY CHILD directory

Sides snaps for fast and easy changes Handy mini wetbag to store the nappy in after use Soft fold-over leg elastics for the perfect fit Save money and the environment Award-winning customer service

Get ready for summer at www.bubblebubs.com.au

MY CHILD directory

Australia’s favourite modern cloth nappy brand offering award-winning products for busy, enviro-conscious parents.

MY CHILD directory

www.stardustandmagic.com.au

MY CHILD directory

Quality European Baby & Children’s wear Boys & Girls Available now online

t x e n e h t l i t n U ! e u o x iss m a e T d l i h C My VISIT OUR SITE www.mychildmagazine.com.au LETS BE FRIENDS - FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/mychildmagazine SHOW US SOME LOVE - INSTAGRAM @mychildmag 158

JULY 2020 | My Child Magazine Issue #106