Volume 6 September - November 2019 by Media Xpose

Baby’s and BeyondTM Volume 6

VolUME 6

INSIDE: Features Competitions Kicks for kids Recipes a family lifestyle magazine TM

andbeyond www.babysandbeyond.co.za

Teach your teenager to work wisely with money

Seasonal allergies

the diagnosis and management

Protecting your family when the CURVEBALLS COME www.babysandbeyond.co.za

The benefits of having plants in your baby’s room

Sep 2019 – Nov 2019 R29.90 Incl. VAT

Can gluten intolerance impact your ability to fall pregnant?

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a family lifestyle magazine TM

andbeyond www.babysandbeyond.co.za

REGULARS

FEATURES

1,2,3,4, From infertility to quads................................................ 12 What’s in the bag?.................................................................... 16

Fitness 42

A new baby means a new look at your vehicle.................... 19 Advertorial: Chicco................................................................... 21 Critical illness in children: A parent’s worst fear..................... 22

Family fun 46 Recipes 86

Teach your teenager to work wisely with money.................. 24 Advertorial: Two Oceans Aquarium........................................ 26 Breastfeeding experts urge workplace support for mothers.................................................................... 28

CHILD DEVELOPMENT Art is fundamental to learning.................................................. 30 The development of creativity................................................. 33

EDUCATION Don’t forget to have fun........................................................... 40

DIY Arts & crafts 88 Kicks for kids 106 Book Reviews 110 Competitions 111 Editor’ Choice Baby

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Health

Protecting your family when the curveballs come................ 44

Beauty

HEALTH

Décor

What bacterial vaginosis really feels like................................. 49

The growing problem of childhood and teenage obesity......................................................................... 52 Taking cough medicine correctly............................................ 58 Seasonal allergies: diagnosis and management................... 61 Advertorial: Bata Shoes............................................................. 64 Children and their feet.............................................................. 66 Caring for a child with eczema................................................ 70 Can gluten intolerance impact your ability to fall pregnant?........................................................................ 72 The one thing that could make your child smarter and healthier.............................................................................. 74

NUTRITION What to feed a baby to prevent allergies.............................. 79 Considering starting solids: What to look out for................... 82

PREGNANCY The benefits of having plants in your baby’s room................ 92 The do’s and don’ts when planning a nursery....................... 98

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ed’s note The blossom season is finally here! A season to be jolly and also nature’s way of saying, ‘Let’s party!’

El roy

or dit E van Heerden,

ut it’s also the season known for allergy reactions, with pollen being the most common trigger. Read more about the diagnosis and management of seasonal allergies on page 61. On another note, we are excited to announce that Baby’s and Beyond™ is now available in retail stores. We are looking forward to expanding our readership, which is primarily focused on the consumer. As the saying goes, ‘change is as good as a holiday’. In light of this, we have made several changes to the look and feel of the magazine to encourage readership growth. Its been an exciting journey since our July edition and we look forward to growing stronger and expanding our reach to benefit our advertisers, but also continue to provide our readers with insightful content. There is definitely more in the bag - all to be revealed in our December edition. We are also looking forward to a fantastic holiday and a back-to-school edition. And don’t forget to turn to page 111 to enter our great competitions. For now, let’s enjoy the blossom season. Happy reading!

Greetings

Elroy

Win!

ENTER TO SMS the word

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and your email address to 33903 and stand a chance to win a Natralogic hamper to the value of R1 339.75

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T’s & C’s: By entering any competition, you agree to receive further communication from Baby’s and Beyond™. The competition is only open to South African readers. The judges’ decisions are final and no correspondence will be entered into thereafter. All entries close 30th November 2019 and winners will be announced on the 2nd December 2019 on our Facebook Page and via email.

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Education Planning with Sanlam Goal Manager Saving for your children’s education is one of the most worthwhile things you can do for their future. It can also be challenging if you don’t know where or how to start. With this in mind we’ve developed Sanlam Goal Manager to help you and your financial planner set your savings goal for your child’s education and plan your savings journey. Sanlam Goal Manager will calculate the cost of your child’s future education, for example, a four-year degree in ten years’ time, and to help you work out a savings plan you can afford. A Sanlam financial planner or accredited broker can help guide you through these important personal financial decisions.

www.sanlam.co.za Sanlam is a Licensed Financial Services Provider.

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Baby’s and Beyond

VolUME 6

S KICKS For KIDS rECIpES INSIDE: FEatUrES CoMpEtItIoN a family lifestyle magazine tM

a family lifestyle magazine

Volume 6

andbeyond

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

Picture: Polo SA

teach your teenager to work wisely with money

andbeyond

SeaSonal allergieS

the diagnoSiS and management

Protecting your family when the curVeBallS come

babysandbeyond @babysandbeyond

The benefits of having plants in your baby’s room

Sep 2019 – Nov 2019 r29.90 Incl. Vat

Editor: Elroy van Heerden editor@babysandbeyond.co.za

Can gluten intolerance impact your ability to fall pregnant?

2019/07/29 14:42:05

Giveaway Front Cover.indd 1 Babies and Beyond - July 2019 -

Kroko Health Care hamper

Sms your email address and keyword “KROKO” to 33903 and stand a chance to win this hamper which includes the following: • Kroko Foot and Shoe Spray, a hygienic, cooling deodorant spray for daily use • Kroko Foot Powder, keeps feet dry and odour-free • Kroko Corn Protectors, reduces painful pressure on corns • Kroko Medicated Corn Plasters, with regular use, will help remove corns • Kroko Medicated Ointment, helps remove corns and calluses

Editor’s Assistant: Wadoeda Adams wadoeda@mediaxpose.co.za Sub-Editor: Tessa O’Hara Tessa.ohara@gmail.com Ad Traffic Controller: Melanie Taylor artwork@mediaxpose.co.za Editorial Contributors: Tracy Freemantle Charlene Lang Michelle van Coller Megan Hunt Nadia Dembskey Desi Horsman Jurgen Kerschbaumer Carey Haupt Nicky Swart Design and Layout: CDC Design carla@cdcdesign.co.za Advertising Sales: Allison Davids allison@babysandbeyond.co.za Lorraine Beneke lorraine@babysandbeyond.co.za Shelly Oxley shelly@babysandbeyond.co.za Jo Ryklief jo@babysandbeyond.co.za Social Media and Digital Manager: Sasha-Jade Burgess digital@mediaxpose.co.za

* Kroko Heel Balm, for use on rough, dry cracked heels and elbows

Social Media Assistant: Kyla van Heerden social@mediaxpose.co.za

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6 Carlton Crescent, Parklands, 7441 Tel: 021 424 3625 Fax: 086 544 5217 E-mail: info@babysandbeyond.co.za Website: www.mediaxpose.co.za Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.

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editorial snippets Lunch levels up - Blue Ribbon introduces all new health squares

One of the South Africa’s most recognised and loved home brands has given us a completely new world of healthier options to keep taste buds tantalised and tummies satisfied. This year, adults and kids alike get to experience the same great taste with a healthier twist- perfect for the whole family!

Introducing Blue Ribbon Health Squares Evolving and making life easier for the consumer is at the core of what Blue Ribbon does. It is continually innovating and finding ways to keep consumer needs satisfied in a delicious way. Blue Ribbon Squares are designed for convenience and compatibility and hold an array of delicious fillings. Launched in 2017, Blue Ribbon Squares took the country by storm, providing versatility available in both white and brown variants. High in fibre and ready sliced, the betterfor-you, baked Blue Ribbon Squares make it easier to put together your lunchtime favourites.

This year, Blue Ribbon has added two new variants to its offering: Whole wheat and multiseed & oats. According to the latest South African Demographic and Health Survey, almost two-thirds of women and a third of men in the country are overweight or obese. South Africa has the highest rates for women in Africa, while 13% of South African children are overweight or obese, which is more than double the global average of 5%. Health and diet trends see a growing interest in wellness and nutrition. As such, Blue Ribbon has been encouraged to improve the nutritional profile of its offering, while aligning with niche diets such as the popular low carb and paleo diets.

This caters to more consumer needs, particularly with many choosing to exclude bread from their diets. The Blue Ribbon Health Squares are also vegan-friendly, ensuring everyone is catered for. ‘Studies have shown that low-GI diets are the most effective way of managing body weight, and more importantly, blood sugar levels. Low-GI foods give you more sustained energy levels across the day. We have really taken time and researched the trends and needs of our consumer. This is why we are so proud to introduce these exciting new health offerings,’ says Blue Ribbon Brand Manager VA Baked Goods, Nadine Havenga. Premier, a yummy South African favourite, has consistently delivered bakery innovation to households over the years. Containing eight slices per pack, Blue Ribbon Squares’ new variants makes life easier for families to awaken their culinary creativity. Blue Ribbon Squares are available in all major retailers across South Africa*. *Please note that the KwaZulu-Natal region can purchase Squares from BB Bakeries.

McCain feeds future leaders on Mandela Day Nelson Mandela Day honours Madiba’s life and legacy. In his initiative to bring about economic and social transition, the icon focused his passion on children as the rising generation of African leaders. McCain hosted a motivational-driven initiative on 18 July, Mandela Day. The frozen food manufacturer honoured the nation’s father in a way he would most appreciate: helping youth leverage their education to make wise career and life choices.

he McCain team, together with media personality, Unathi Masengana and Chef Tibz, visited Laban Motlhabi Comprehensive School in Springs. The day was filled with informative and engaging career guidance conversations, together with wholesome meals.

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A pledge board was available in the classrooms for the learners to commit to the goals and dreams which they intend to achieve and live by. By making them realise that education is imperative in the course towards achieving this, McCain helped to instil self-recognition and

their capability to succeed. At a crucial stage in their high school career, Grade 9 leaners were selected as the focus of the initiative as they were about to make their subject choices, determining the career paths on which they will embark. McCain believes in building stronger communities. Whether it is providing funding for community revitalisation programmes, grassroots support for community events and scholarships and programmes for students, the company’s commitments in South African communities are longstanding. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2019/08/25 12:25 PM

editorial snippets My cuppa, my story! It’s Cuppa for CANSA season from June to October (www.cuppa.org.za) and the Cancer Association of South Africa (CANSA) invites people to host an event, giving cancer survivors and caregivers a platform to share their story and give hope to others affected by cancer. The campaign encourages everyone to enjoy a cup of their favourite beverage and support a great cause by giving a donation to CANSA.

Maria Scholtz, CANSA’s Head of Sustainability, says, ‘Our theme for 2019 is #MyCuppaMyStory, providing a platform for cancer survivors and caregivers to share stories that can inspire hope. Our CANSA Global Heroes of Hope (www.relayforlife.org. za/honouring-our-heroes/) truly demonstrate that cancer survivors have the power to save lives by sharing their story and demonstrating the many ways to fight back during a cancer journey. We also acknowledge the support that caregivers offer to those affected. During our Cuppa Campaign we aim to create a space for their voices to be heard, to inspire hope.’ CANSA’s goal is to motivate the community to get involved; assist by hosting a Cuppa event, and help raise funds, which will

be used to deliver support and care programmes at CANSA Care Centres countrywide. Services include education, early detection screening, counselling, support groups, wigs, prostheses, medical equipment hire and assistance with wound care and stoma clinics. ‘Hosts can contact any local CANSA Care Centre nationally to register their event and get host packages and invite all their contacts to support their event. Invite a survivor or caregiver to share their story and journey. Hosts can also host a “virtual” Cuppa and send messages of hope and donate online on our website. Specially branded Cuppa mugs (R50) may also be purchased by hosts or the public at Care Centres, as a special keepsake,’ Scholtz continues. CANSA encourages hosts to share photos, pledges and stories about

survivors and caregivers as part of the Cuppa for CANSA. Use the hashtags #MyCuppaMyStory and #CuppaForCANSA and share on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. Five Roses, the official tea sponsor is again committed to funding CANSA’s ongoing care and support programmes, with the sale of the limited edition Smooth Ceylon Blend 52’s pack, featuring the pink and blue CANSA ribbon. R1 per pack sold is donated to CANSA. (For more information, please contact Maria Scholtz, Head: Sustainability at CANSA at email mscholtz@cansa.org.za, or telephone 083 280 0725.

CANSA T 0800 22 66 22 E info@cansa.org.za W www.cansa.org.za

Introducing NuMe Cake in a Cup When kids have a sweet tooth and time is in short supply – moms need an immediate remedy – and one that hits the sweet spot without all the negative effects of sugar!

o, how about a 2-minute solution that is an “ooey gooey” chocolate delight free from sugar - a not so naughty cheat that’s actually good for you. You might think it sounds impossible, but in fact, thanks to Nutriseed’s NuMe Cake in a Cup – moms can be super heroes too! www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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This premix is developed for moms who have an appreciation for good health – but still want convenience and great taste all in one serving while juggling life on the run. And it’s not just for kids – it’s suitable for anyone who is following a banting, paleo, wheat- and gluten-free lifestyle. This dessert is low carb, high in protein, diabeticfriendly and GMO-free. The credentials of the NuMe Cake in a Cup are certainly top drawer! Described as versatile for good reason – you can add nuts, berries, choc shards for those with a sweet tooth or nut butters to change things

up. Once it’s cooked, you can top it with more decadence – grate sugar-free chocolate over the top or serve with cream – you can really dress it up or down depending on how wicked you want to make it.

2019/08/25 12:25 PM

editorial snippets Jordan launches leading sustainable toothbrush Leading specialist health & beauty distributor, ACDOCO SA, will launch Jordan’s award-winning Green Clean sustainable toothbrush range. Ninety percent of the total product (including packaging) is made from recycled materials, minimising resource use and giving materials a new life.

he launch of Green Clean signals Jordan Oral Care’s mandate – ‘Sustainability without Compromise’. With its modern design, ergonomic handle and quality bristles, Jordan Green Clean combines great functionality with sustainable materials. In the design process, nothing is left to chance and all materials are carefully selected, based on their recycling and sustainability credentials. The handle is made of 100% recycled and FDA-approved plastic, originating from food

containers, such as yoghurt cups. The bristles are made of bio-based nylon originating from castor oil plants, a renewable source. The packaging is made from recycled paper fibres from paper-based product and the packaging label is made from FSC certified paper, ensuring that it originates from sustainably managed forests. Green Clean is designed with both the customer and the environment in mind, enabling one to take care of one’s teeth with extra good conscience.

‘Scandinavian design is as much about aesthetics as it is about functionality. To me, sustainability is also a big part of it,’ says internationally renowned Andreas Engesvik, the designer behind Jordan’s new toothbrush. The Jordan Green Clean toothbrush range will be available at leading retailers across South Africa in a range of pastel colours, for both adults and children.

Caring for your baby’s clothes without the stress You have just found out that you have a baby on the way, and one of your first stops will undoubtedly be a trip to your local shopping centre. Standing in front of rows and rows of baby clothes you can just imagine yourself dressing your little one in these bright, colourful, tiny outfits. What you don’t think about is how many times these gorgeous outfits are going to find themselves in the washing machine.

‘W

hat many new parents don’t realise is how many outfits a baby can go through during the course of one day,’ says Sarah Webb, Brand Manager for Personal Touch. ‘Your baby’s clothes will spend more time in the washing machine than on your baby; however, this constant washing, if not done with care, can damage your baby’s clothes.’ When clothes are washed too often, they can lose their softness, their colours will fade and they can irritate your little one’s skin. Webb provides the following tips on how to keep your baby’s clothes looking like new: • When you buy something new for baby to wear, make sure to wash it before putting it on. Babies have very sensitive skin and washing the clothes beforehand removes any irritants and residue on them. • Babies mess on their clothes all the time and parents find themselves changing them more

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often than anticipated. However, it is important to treat stains straight away before it leaves a permanent mark. Personal Touch’s Fabric Stain Remover boasts a soft touch innovation formula making it safe for baby’s clothes. Available in a spray and in-wash powder, it has a triple action formula to protect colours, is free from chlorine and delivers powerful stain penetration while keeping their clothes in good condition. • Select the gentle spin cycle on the washing machine settings, as this will reduce the clothes’ risk of sagging. Baby clothes are made from fabric that is looser and more delicate so that babies don’t overheat when wearing many layers. • Scrutinise the products you use in your washing machine; some laundry products can irritate a

baby’s skin, so only opt for sensitive products. Personal Touch Baby Love fabric softener is formulated specifically to care for the tiny, precious items in your baby’s wardrobe. It is dermatologically tested, anti-static and is proven to reduce drying time for your laundry. • Always look at the clothes’ label for any specific washing instructions. These labels are there to guide you on how to look after your baby’s clothes and keep them in good condition for longer. ‘Once baby is home, the first few weeks always seem like a whirlwind, and doing the laundry is not high on your list of priorities, but that doesn’t mean that it isn’t building up, as well as your stress levels. In the beginning, don’t be afraid to ask for help when settling in and establishing a routine – you are going to need it. Once you have found your feet and are in a routine (of some kind) you will be able to add the laundry to your list of daily chores to tackle,’ says Webb. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2019/08/23 9:04 PM

editorial snippets Rebalancing the effects of PCOS A new supplement that contains unique ingredients clinically proven to correct endocrine and metabolic imbalances linked to insulin resistance and infertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is now available in South Africa1, 2, 3, 4.

inopol®, from iNova Pharmaceuticals, is a new three-in-one formulation to address infertility, oxidative stress and insulin resistance5. PCOS is a common reproductive disorder6 that effects as many as 15% of the female population7. It is defined as a hormonal disorder common among women of reproductive age8. The exact cause of PCOS is unknown8. In fact, even though this condition was first discovered over 80 years ago, there is still no definitive test to diagnose it, no cure and no clear agreement among health professionals about what causes it7. What is known is that PCOS is associated with many health conditions and has an impact on various metabolic processes in the body6. Left untreated, PCOS can lead to serious long-term complications such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease8. A diagnosis of PCOS is made when a woman experiences at least two of the following signs: 1. irregular periods 2. excessive androgen (elevated levels of this male hormone) 3. polycystic ovaries8 (when ovaries may be enlarged and contain follicles that surround the eggs, which may result in the ovaries not functioning correctly10). In fact, 60-80% of women with PCOS suffer from insulin resistance and excess body fat, 95% have irregular periods and may not

ovulate, 60% suffer from hair loss, acne and unwanted hair growth and 20% have infertility problems6. Alarmingly, more than 50% of women with PCOS will develop diabetes or pre-diabetes before the age of 4011. PCOS signs and symptoms are also typically more severe if a woman is obese8. While the health effects of PCOS can severely affect a woman’s quality of life6, it is the effect on fertility that can be particularly heart breaking. In fact, polycystic ovary syndrome is the most common cause of irregular menstruation that leads to infertility6. Studies have shown that amongst couples seeking treatment for infertility, 30% of cases are due to anovulation6, a term that means that a woman does not ovulate during menstruation9. It is estimated that 90% of anovulation cases are actually caused by PCOS6. Sinopol®’s unique three ingredients include Alpha Lipoic Acid (400mg), Myo-Inositol (1000mg) and Folic Acid (200µg) 5. Myo-Inositol reduces insulin resistance in patients with PCOS. Alpha Lipoic Acid is an antioxidant, which reduces oxidative stress and helps to promote healthy glucose metabolism. Folic Acid helps the body to metabolise proteins, helps to forms red blood cells and helps to reduce the risk of neural tube defects when taken daily prior to becoming pregnant and during early pregnancy5.

In fact, this combination of ingredients in various studies on certain patient profiles have been proven to reduce insulin resistance by 45.5%2, reduce obesity by 8.4%3 and increase successful pregnancies by 44%1. While there is no cure for PCOS6, medical treatments are available which may address individual symptoms of the condition7. These include oral contraceptives in younger woman who do not want to fall pregnant. Not only do these pills regulate the menstrual cycle, but they also decrease the production of adrenal androgens, or male hormones6. For a woman showing signs of insulin resistance, diabetes medications might be prescribed7. For women with fertility issues, doctors may prescribe medications to promote ovulation7. While there is currently no standard diet for PCOS, research has found that what people eat has a significant effect on PCOS10. Some recommendations include following a low glycaemic index (GI) diet and including natural unprocessed foods and plenty of high-fibre foods11. Sinopol® is the only 3-in-1 formulation that can address metabolic, endocrine and reproductive symptoms of PCOS1, Sinopol®, which is available over the counter at pharmacies without a prescription, has been shown to be safe and well tolerated1.

References: 1. Rago R, Marcucci I, Leto G, et al. Effect of myo-inositol and alpha-lipoic acid on oocyte quality in polycystic ovary syndrome non-obese women undergoing in vitro fertilization: a pilot study. J Biol Regulators Homeostatic Agents 2015;29(4):1-11. 2. Genazzani AD, Shefer K, Della Casa D, et al. Modulatory effects of alpha‑lipoic acid (ALA) administration on insulin sensitivity in obese PCOS patients. J Endocrinol Invest 2018;41:583–590. 3. Carbonelli MG, Di Renzo L, Bigioni M, et al. α-Lipoic Acid Supplementation: A Tool for Obesity Therapy? Curr Pharmaceut Design 2010;16:840-846. 4. De Cicco S, Immediata V, Romualdi D, et al. Myoinositol combined with alpha-lipoic acid may improve the clinical and endocrine features of polycystic ovary syndrome through an insulin-independent action. Gynecol Endocrinol 2017;33(9):698–701. 5. SinopolR approved package insert, February 2019. 6. Barthelmess EK, Naz RK. Polycystic ovary syndrome: current status and future perspective. Front Biosci (Elite Ed). 2014 Jan 1;6:104-19. 7. Web MD. Why is PCOS hard to diagnose (2016) at https://www.webmd.com/women/features/pcos-polycistic-ovary-syndrome-women#1 (Website accessed on3 July 2019) 8. Mayo Clinic. Polycystic ovary syndrome (2017) at https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pcos/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353443 (Website accessed on3 July 2019) 9. Sharif, E. et al. The frequency of polycystic ovary syndrome in young reproductive females in Qatar. International Journal of Women’s Health 2017:9 1–10 10. Healthline. Anovulatory Cycle: When You Don’t Release an Oocyte (2018) at https://www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/anovulatory-cycle (Website accessed on3 July 2019) 11. Medical News Today. What to eat if you have PCOS (2018) at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323002.php (Website accessed on3 July 2019)

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2019/08/23 10:25 PM

true story

1234

, , , from infertility to quads! By Nicky Swart

On the 24th of June 2016, I finally heard the words I had longed to hear for so long – ‘Congratulations -you are pregnant’. It would end a four-year battle with infertility. This battle included six cycles on fertility drugs, three artificial inseminations, a laparoscopy to remove previously undiagnosed endometrioses, endless tests and three in-vitro cycles with a mere 23% success rate.

had reached the end of a very difficult, and at times, lonely journey. But little did I know that my journey into motherhood would look very different to the picture I had in my head. I should have known something was different when I started waking up in the middle of the night, absolutely ravenous. At my seven-week appointment, the fertility specialist confirmed that there was a very healthy heartbeat, in fact, there were three heartbeats! We were in absolute shock after struggling for so long, hoping for just one baby to hold and love. It was early days and the doctor warned that it was common for one or more of the babies to vanish

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after a while. We were very anxious at our nineweek check-up and had just started wrapping our heads around the possibility of having triplets. Nothing could have prepared me for the look on the doctor’s face or the words that he was about to utter. There were not three, but four very strong heartbeats! I could not wrap my head around the idea. Four babies coming at once! How on earth was that possible? But it was. I was carrying three identical babies with a shared placenta and a singleton. My two blastocysts had multiplied into four. Something that I would never have imagined after such a long battle to fall pregnant.

The quads with dad, Kobus, holding Amelia Frances and Nick, and mom, Nicky, with Dreyer and Handre.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2019/08/23 7:15 PM

true story

The journey as a multiple mom I was referred to an obstetrician that specialises in multiple births and so my journey as a multiple mom started. It was a very high-risk pregnancy and the doctor was frank about all the complications that my pregnancy would hold, for me and the babies. He outlined all the scenarios, outcomes and options, including selective reduction of the pregnancy. From the start this was not an option for us, not after our drawn-out battle to fall pregnant and the fact that this pregnancy was in fact a miracle gifted from God. The doctor monitored me closely and the aim was ultimately to carry these babies to 32 weeks. I had a very healthy pregnancy and worked up until I was 27 weeks pregnant. The day after I stopped working, I went in for a routine check-up, but my blood pressure was very high, and my feet had started swelling. The doctor informed us that the time had come for me to be put on full-time bedrest in hospital so that he could monitor me daily. I reluctantly agreed, because I knew that it was the best for my babies. Although the pregnancy up to this point was very healthy, I was now exhausted and very uncomfortable. The day before I was 29 weeks, the doctor informed me that we could no longer wait. The babies needed to be delivered, not because they were in distress, but my body could no longer take the strain. I was so disappointed that I had not managed to reach the goal of 32 weeks, and to further add insult to injury, I would need to be under anaesthetic for the birth as my blood platelet count was very low. This was a huge disappointment for me – I would miss such a special moment in my life – the birth of my precious babies. But I trusted the doctor to know what was best for us.

Amelia Frances, Handré, Dreyer and Nick are born On the 22nd of December 2016, my four beautiful, very premature babies were born. Amelia Frances, Handré, Dreyer and Nick, each weighed just under one kilogram and were immediately whisked off to the NICU after their birth. They were all put on ventilators and were doing well under the circumstances. I would only manage to meet my babies on the afternoon of the 23rd of December, and it was a bittersweet moment. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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I had four beautiful babies, which I could only stare at as they were on oxygen and full of pipes and monitors. The babies stayed in the NICU for 53 days and were discharged from hospital on the 13th of February 2017. Two weeks before they were due to be born! The NICU stay was really tough, but our babies were doing so well, and it prepared us to take care of them. The NICU staff were absolute angels and assisted us getting them into a routine. We were very fortunate as their NICU stay was just for them to mature enough to be able to breathe properly, regulate their own temperatures and develop their sucking reflex. There were so many other babies who had started their lives with much better odds than our four who were battling to stay alive. Another testimony of the overflowing grace that God has granted our family.

A near impossible task eased with family support The first couple of weeks at home were exhausting. It was by far the most difficult challenge I had ever faced. Feeding four babies every three hours took its toll, not to mention trying to get them to sleep at the same time. A near impossible task! Over time we established a good routine and had such a good support structure that we were soon coping very well. The past two-and-a-half years has been a blessed time in our lives. We are fortunate to have so many people who are helping us with this mammoth task. The saying ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ is even more true when there are four of them. There is always a granny or grandpa ready to assist with the kids, or to offer a hug and love when all four of them need it at the same time. I can look back and say it has been a difficult journey. But when I look at my babies, I know I am one of the fortunate ones. I am infinitely blessed and will forever be thankful to God. And yes, for me, motherhood looks very different from what I could ever have imagined. In this case, different is a good thing! I have four little human beings who I love to the ends of the earth. There is no better feeling than the hugs and kisses (even the snotty ones) from these little people. To all the longing hearts, remember, there is always hope!

2019/08/25 11:57 AM

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What’s in the bag? The ultimate hospital-bag list for parents-to-be

What should you pack for labour? • Your birth plan and maternity notes - A birth plan is a great way for you to communicate your wishes to the midwife and doctor who will be taking care of you during labour. It provides them with an overview of the labour and birth you would like to have and what you would like to avoid. • Snacks - Carbohydrates are good to eat during labour as they are easily digested and give a slow release of energy. These will really help you through contractions. • A dressing gown, comfy slippers and socks - These will come in very useful if you end up having to pace up and down the hospital corridors during early labour. Added to that - did you know your feet can get really cold during labour? • Music - Your labour could last hours so make sure you and your partner have put together an epic playlist that covers all bases – something soothing, a bit upbeat at times and happy songs to focus your mind on positive thoughts and feelings. • Stuff for dad - everyone seems to focus on mom and baby during this time, but what about dad? Make sure dad has a toiletry bag and fresh change of clothes so he’s ready for anything too.

Whether you are welcoming baby number one or three into the world, bringing home a new bundle of joy comes with an endless to-do list. We know how overwhelming it can be, so we’ve spoken to Parenting and Pampers® Institute Expert, Sister Lilian, for some tips about what you will need to make sure you and baby are all packed for this important occasion.

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feature Your baby will need very little (except you), but some of the essentials include: • New-born-sized dummy – this is a nice to have and isn’t a necessity as close contact with you will take care of all those suckling needs • Light blankets or muslin wraps • Newborn Pampers nappies • Various toiletries for baby, which should preferably not be used in the first 24 hours to allow the skin barrier to develop (baby lotion and oil; bathing soaps/body wash; face and body cloths) • Newborn pyjamas (especially if it’s winter) • Newborn bodysuits and socks • Going-home outfit

Baby’s just-born bag • Cotton wool balls for cleaning the navel and umbilical stump • Cleansing lotion for the navel • Gentle cosmetics like liquid soap, shampoo, skin lotion, buttock cream, and talc (don’t remove all traces of vernix – it’s nature’s own baby skin protector)

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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• Three sets of clothes – onesie body suits with feet, plus a vest and cap • Three baby receiving blankets • One baby shawl for leaving hospital • Small orthodontic pacifier – just in case • Baby car seat - installed and ready for the trip home. Hospitals vary in their policies about what you are allowed or need to bring when you have your baby, so it is always best to check-in with them. You may want to take a few items from home, such as your own pillows or bedding to make the environment familiar and comforting, but be sure to check first. Even if you aren’t planning a hospital birth, you may need to go in unexpectedly, so planning ahead and having your bag packed by the 36-week pregnancy mark is ideal. Once you’ve packed your list, place it somewhere convenient that everyone’s aware of and get ready for your baby’s arrival. It’s an exciting time so don’t get too anxious or caught up in the logistics of the day. Rather look forward to welcoming the newest addition of your family.

2019/08/23 7:18 PM

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A new baby means

a new look at

your vehicle Pretty much everything in life changes when you have your first child, and what you need from your vehicle is no exception. Here’s a handy checklist for firsttime parents

deally, every new parent would have enough money to invest in an upgraded vehicle to accommodate the extra space that’s now required, along with the focus on safety that automatically comes with a first born. However, in the real world, that luxury isn’t possible for most, especially with all the other immediate expenses, investments to be made for future education costs, and a possible drop in income.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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feature Gumtree Auto’s Jeff Osborne advises new parents that if they aren’t buying a new car, they should at least look at their existing one in a new way: ‘Take a look at your vehicle with fresh eyes and think carefully about all the new dynamics that are now in play,’ he says.

Osborne provides a helpful checklist for first-time parents: 1. Can your baby seat be anchored properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions? Make sure the seat belts will restrain the baby seat properly. Replace them if they don’t. Do not be tempted to do a makeshift repair to anchor the seat. 2. Be thorough about basic vehicle safety measures – tyres, brakes, lights, windscreen wipers and demisters are the key components here. Also make sure you have a good spare tyre and that all the required tools to replace a flat are in place and easily accessible. 3. If you only have front passenger seats, like single cab bakkies, then make sure the passenger side airbag is turned off (the vehicle’s manual should tell you how to do this) to prevent the bag activating around the baby seat. If you have a second row of seats, then the baby should always travel in the back. 4. Check that the child-locking systems and automatic window controls are all working. 5. Make sure you can always keep sun off the baby. The middle back seat is the best place for your baby seat, but you might also need to buy in a visor or a sun shield of some kind. 6. Do not have any loose objects inside the vehicle. If you have an accident, loose items can become dangerous missiles to a small child. 7. Organise the storage space in the vehicle so that everything you need to find quickly for the baby can be found easily. Consider buying some kind of top-opening box for storage, which can be held in place by a seat belt and put next to the baby seat for easy access. 8. One interesting tip from www.pampers.com is to put a small picture of your child somewhere prominent (maybe on your key ring) just to jog your memory that you have a baby in the back. Tragically, sometimes parents forget they have a baby in the car (especially if they’re sleeping) when they park and leave them behind in the vehicle.

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www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2019/08/23 7:24 PM

Advertorial: Chicco

Should you be co-sleeping with a newborn?

Think back to when your mom raised you, or when you had your oldest children. In those days we often co-slept with our newborns out of sheer exhaustion, or found it was a guilty pleasure that made our life easier - but ultimately wasn’t considered ideal for mom or baby. These days, that entire mindset has changed in favour of the co-sleeping family (or mother and newborn), as research in the baby field now shows us just how beneficial co-sleeping can be.

Co-sleeping is the night sleeping routine that keeps mother and child together by either sleeping with baby in the bed, baby in a bassinet inside the bed, or next to the bed in a side co-sleeper.

• Bonding and attachment forming - This is a wonderful way to create a strong bond with your baby as you are close to each other and your baby can reach for you in vulnerable moments, forming a strong bond of trust. • Rousing baby - Babies need to avoid too deep a sleep whilst very young due to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and being near mom helps babies practice rousing themselves. A bedside co-sleeper will have all the benefits of co-sleeping, yet maintain a certain amount of independence for you and the baby as they grow, ensuring they feel confident in their own cot as they grow up, and of course, allowing mom and dad to maintain the sacred space of their own bed.

Are there benefits to co-sleeping?

Best co-sleepers

What is co-sleeping?

While for years co-sleeping has been discouraged to avoid the baby becoming too clingy in their later years, co-sleeping has become increasingly popular due to the benefits that have been proved. Apart from the obvious exhaustion and euphoric love that having a newborn brings with it, the following benefits are excellent reasons to give cosleeping a chance: • Breast-feeding - Your child will feed easier, more often and without fully waking. They will also cry less and be awake less and of course, keep your milk flowing happily. • Reduces anxiety - Co-sleeping is a wonderful way to reduce anxiety in mother and child, both of whom are wired to be close together during this crucial stage in the baby’s life. This aids sleep and comfort for both. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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The Chicco Next2Me and Next2Me Magic bring all the convenience of co-sleeping whilst maintaining some independence for mother and child. The bedside co-sleeper has its own sturdy mattress and the drop-down sides make it an extension of the bed. The legs also slip conveniently under any bed, regardless of the base. They are also height adjustable. The Chicco Next2Me and Next2MeMagic are available nationwide.

2019/08/23 11:06 PM

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Critical illness in children â&#x20AC;&#x201C;

a parentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worst fear No parent is ever prepared to hear that their child has a life-threatening illness and such news can be devastating. The diagnosis of a critical illness creates an instant crisis in the family and reactions can vary from panic to complete disbelief.

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ccording to the World Health Organisation, cancer is a leading cause of death for children, with 300 000 new cases diagnosed worldwide each year. Momentum’s 2018 claim statistics support this statement with 44% of child critical illness pay-outs for cancer, followed by 19% of claim pay-outs for cardiovascular related diseases. Tragically, one of the child critical illness claim pay-outs was made for Stage 4 cancer of the soft tissue in the pelvis to a 13-year-old girl. During 2018. Momentum paid out 33 child critical illness claims; the most child critical illness claims ever paid along with the highest number of severity percentages (100%) linked to claims. There are a number of genetic and environmental causes for cancer in children, such as a genetic predisposition but leukaemia remains the most prevalent type of cancer among children in South Africa. During 2018, Momentum paid-out six critical illness claims for children suffering from leukaemia.

Comprehensive cover for children provides peace of mind When a child is diagnosed with a critical illness it could have a devastating financial impact on the rest of the family if they do not have adequate critical illness cover in place for children. This is especially challenging in light of medical schemes only being able to provide cover up to a certain point. With this in mind and reflecting on our extensive experience as critical illness cover experts, we believe modern “best of breed” critical illness benefits should offer unsurpassed breadth of cover for both clients and their children and be simple to understand. Therefore, parents’ choice of critical illness benefits is vital since it can determine the pay-out level for which they, and therefore their children, qualify. This is because Myriad’s complete range of critical illness benefits automatically includes child cover that equals 10% of the parents’ benefit amount, with a maximum pay-out of R250 000 per parent policy for child critical illness, at no additional cost to the parents. Also, any critical illness claim pay-out for children does not reduce the parents’ cover in any way and each child is treated as a separate life on a Momentum Myriad policy, which means that a claim for one child will not reduce the existing cover for another child. During 2018, nine children benefitted from dual pay-outs because both their parents had critical illness cover in place with Momentum. The youngest child for whom we paid out a critical illness claim during 2018 was for an eight-month-old baby, showing the advantage of having a critical illness benefit that covers child critical illnesses from birth. Myriad’s critical illness cover for children also explicitly caters for 13 child-specific claim events, such as cleft palate repair, juvenile arthritis, cancers and metabolic conditions, if the cover is in place for the duration of the pregnancy. This is in addition to all the other claim events covered under the parent events and this cover extends from birth. During 2018, 13% of Momentum’s child critical illness pay-outs were for congenital anomaly repairs.

Being in a position to provide George Kolbe, Head of Marketing for Momentum Retail Life Insurance, says that Momentum Myriad is the market-leading retail life insurance product of the JSE-listed financial services group, MMI Holdings. The brand offers comprehensive cover to thousands of lives when it comes to death, critical illness, disability, longevity and the protection of clients’ incomes. With its advanced and innovative design, plus premium discounts of up to 60%, Momentum Myriad is recognised as a leading life insurance product in the long-term insurance industry. Since its inception in 2002, history is scattered with examples of how Momentum Myriad spearheaded change and innovation in the life insurance industry, with the sole objective to enhance the financial wellness of every single client. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2019/08/23 7:36 PM

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Teach your teenager to work wisely with money

By Tracy Freemantle, a teacher at Pinnacle College, Kyalami

Children and teenagers have to be shown and taught how to deal with money. We are advised that, ‘The love of money is the root of all evil’. The source of this wisdom is the Book of Timothy in the Bible. This well-known adage is often misquoted as, ‘Money is the root of all evil’, which does not mean the same at all. It is greed and corruption and the misuse of money which can cause trouble for us, not the cold, hard cash or credit cards in your wallet. 24

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TIP

feature

Teach your child how to use their allowance – spend some, save some, give some to charity.

ccording to your family’s wishes and beliefs, it is a good idea for children to learn to manage small amounts of money and experience having to budget for items they want. We know that we are living in a world where many young people feel entitled to have everything they want, or least everything their friends have. Not every family has the same financial means and children should be taught to understand that fact. Teach your children not to show off with money.

Decide on a reasonable allowance Decide as a parent, with your teenager, what would be a reasonable weekly allowance. Receiving a weekly amount to begin with may be better than a monthly sum, which may seem large and be squandered initially. Just like all adults, all children are different, so watch without interfering, how your teenager manages money in the early stages. The amount to give depends on the parent and also on what you expect your teen to buy with this allowance. Do you give your teen a separate budget for cellphone use, or to buy family gifts? Those details need to be negotiated between you and your teenager. Teenagers are usually still at school and either living at home or in the boarding house at school. They should not have to pay for their daily lunches at the tuck shop at school from their allowance. To avoid this expensive trap, pack an interesting and healthy lunchbox and provide a water bottle for school every day. If the teenager wants to buy something at the

tuck shop sometimes, then that item should come from their allowance.

Doing chores to earn an allowance Many parents believe that teenagers should do chores around the home in exchange for an allowance. These chores could include cleaning the house, taking care of the garden or swimming pool, or feeding the family’s pets. A lot of teens also do the cooking at home if a parent is busy at work, or with younger siblings. Some parents are stricter than others and will deduct from an allowance for tasks not performed satisfactorily. Doing work in exchange for an allowance can teach responsibility and give your teen a taste of what the real world will be like. Everyone needs to learn to perform basic tasks like ironing a shirt or polishing school shoes.

Teaching your teenager to budget It is reasonable to expect a teenager to budget for non-school clothing and entertainment, such as movies or treats with friends. If they want to buy more expensive items of clothing, they should learn to save their allowance and budget. This is good training for when they are adults and working and earning their own money for the first time. Teach your teenager to work wisely with money and save a small amount every month. Allow them to learn the value of money while still in the safety of home. Encourage them not to be extravagant or to waste money unnecessarily. Enjoy and use your money carefully, but don’t LOVE it!

Tracy Freemantle has been teaching for 32 years and is a proud employee of ADvTECH at Pinnacle College Kyalami High School. She believes that teaching makes a lasting impression on the lives of her students and that great teachers inspire students to develop the skills they need to compete in a challenging global market. She does not only have a great passion for education but is a very proud mom to two teenagers and dachshunds.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2019/08/23 7:37 PM

Explore. Experience. Engage. A membership to the award-winning Two Oceans Aquarium means so much more than just a visit with the fish. So, you’ve decided to become a member of the Two Oceans Aquarium. Imagine being asked if you would like a rehabilitated turtle with your annual pass? Or perhaps some pensioners joining your meander through the aquarium? Or a plastic-free seal? How about some underprivileged children to watch the shark feed with you? You might think the aquarium had gone slightly mad if you were asked such questions. But did you know that an annual membership makes so much more possible than just a visit with the fish? As a member, you’re not only contributing to the operations of the Two Oceans Aquarium, but also supporting the aquarium’s educational and conservation initiatives, which include: • turtle and seal rescues • educational outreach programmes that touch more than 30 000 underprivileged children every year • subsidised visits for school groups • concessions for pensioners, and • campaigns such as “Home to Ocean”, which encourages people to say no to single-use plastic through widespread initiatives such a public presentations, beach clean-ups and events. Having an annual membership means that you are making a real difference, every day, to the creatures in the sea and the people who love them and learn from them. Of course, a membership also allows you and your family unlimited access, so you can come and go as you please and plan to participate in those activities that you find most rewarding, like the three daily puppet shows and the all-day arts ‘n crafts. Members also receive special invitations to exclusive family

sleepovers and behind-the-scenes events, exclusive extended hours, and preferred rates for public events and other experiences. The Two Oceans Aquarium is home to more than 8 000 animals representing over 250 species – nowhere else will you to see this much of the diverse life that thrives along the Southern African coast. The aquarium prides itself on showcasing local species (with one or two wonderful exceptions), celebrating the biodiversity that makes this part of the world so unique and precious. The three awesome large-scale exhibits – featuring amongst others, majestic ragged-tooth sharks, tall waving kelp fronds, turtles, stingrays and a full 10m-long tunnel – are complemented by many smaller exhibits that surprise and delight around every corner. Close encounters happen at the Touch Pool and Microscope Exhibits, and five feeding times a day ensure that visitors are engaged and informed throughout their visit. While this is an awesome day out for children, we have it on good authority that adult curiosity and wonder are also awakened on every visit to the aquarium. The aquarium was recently named Best Responsible Attraction at the World Travel Market Responsible Tourism Awards, which just goes to show that, as a member, you are contributing to broadranging education, conservation and research work. So, while we don’t ask you strange questions when you become a member, isn’t it good to know that your membership does buy so much more than just visits to the aquarium? It is something that lasts even when you’ve left the building ... and that’s worth every cent!

Two Oceans Aquarium Dock Road, V&A Waterfront T +27(0) 21 418 3823 W www.aquarium.co.za

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Breastfeeding experts urge workplace support for mothers

UNICEF and the National Department of Health (NDoH) have urged workplaces to support mothers to breastfeed. Currently, many employers know very little about the breastfeeding provisions that are in the Code of Good Practice included in the Basic Conditions of Employment Act.

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Photo Credit: Ylanite Koppens from Pixabay

his call was made at a roundtable discussion on ways to support breastfeeding in the workplace, attended by experts from UNICEF, the NDoH and the University of Stellenbosch. The roundtable discussion explored how working mothers can claim their rights to breastfeeding as well as the role employers should play. South Africa’s Basic Conditions of Employment Act includes guidelines that promote breastfeeding in the workplace (Code of Good Practice on the Protection of Employees during Pregnancy and after the Birth of a Child) that makes provision for two 30-minute breastfeeding breaks. Despite this, few employers and workers are aware of the code, and workplaces usually lack facilities that allow for breastfeeding or expressing of and storing milk. Dr Lesley Bamford of the NDoH, gave background of the work that is being done by government through their Side by Side Campaign. The campaign aims to ensure that children receive care and protection they need to reach their full potential. Supporting breastfeeding is one of the core mandates of this campaign. ‘This campaign is important because it gives advice to mothers about the first 1000 days, which is a crucial time in the development of the child,’ said Prof Bamford. Ann Behr of the Department of Health spoke about the benefits of breastfeeding as well as the workplace toolkit which is a guideline for www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2019/08/23 7:43 PM

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organisations. The toolkit is expected to help South Africa’s effort to reach the World Health Assembly target of at least 50% of infants under six months of age being exclusively breastfed by year 2025. Currently the figure is at 32%. ‘In a breastfeeding policy review, out of 100 respondents from 32 organisations, only 11 had a workplace breastfeeding policy; while just five had a written policy providing breastfeeding breaks for six months,’ said Behr. Lynette Daniels, who is doing her PhD on the subject at the University of Stellenbosch, presented the latest findings on support for breastfeeding in the workplace. Key to the findings was that support practices were limited and inadequate. This is mainly due to a variety of factors, such as the lack of private space and time for expressing breastmilk, as well as negative and unsupportive attitudes from co-workers and supervisors. ‘Employers do not consider breastfeeding a priority. As a result, more focus is placed on work and targets. There is also a lack of funding to provide breastfeeding space and resources. Support for breastfeeding in the workplace is limited and there is widespread ignorance about the rights employees have,’ said Daniels.

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A roundtable discussion followed the presentations. The panellists discussed what workplace breastfeeding entails. It also included a discussion on how the workplace can be made conducive for breastfeeding, and the steps employers and colleagues can take to encourage breastfeeding. Some of these include establishing breastfeeding support groups, and employers providing time and space for new mothers to nurse or express milk. Dr Alison Feeley, UNICEF nutrition specialist, said breastfeeding in the workplace must be treated as the norm, noting that many mothers know the benefits of breastfeeding but choose not to breastfeed as they need to return to work. ‘Returning to work should not stop a mother from initiating and sustaining breastfeeding. We need to establish how we can support the mothers who struggle to breastfeed. Workplaces are important in doing this,’ she added.

FOR BREASTFEEDING MOMS FLORA FORCE FENUGREEK stimulates breast milk production. FLORA FORCE FENNEL helps trigger the letdown reflex (useful for working moms not responding well to the pump). For more on breastfeeding: www.floraforce.co.za/breastfeeding-abcs/

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2019/08/23 7:42 PM

child development

Art

is fundamental to learning By Charlene Lang, a teacher at Maragon Ruimsig Preprimary

What is art? Art is the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;expression or application of human creative skill and imaginationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and can be experienced in a child in many forms: music, dance, literature or visual creative arts.

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Michael H

child development

rt is fundamental and part of a vital milestone in the pre-school child’s learning. In my experiences with visual arts, the atelier is a place of research and experimentation where the child can express themselves through the stimulation of their own creativity. The experience is one of enjoyment and plays a role in shaping their own sense of personal, social and cultural identity. The art activities set out are of great importance, because: • They help develop fine motor, gross motor and hand-eye co-ordination skills. • Problem solving abilities develop as they explore a huge variety of new materials and tools around them. • Art is one of the many languages of the world; discussions and conversations lead in different directions, building on vocabulary and where children with a limited vocabulary have an outlet to express themselves. • The stages of art, from scribbling to consciously drawing shapes, form a foundation for school readiness. • They teach children about cause and effect, appealing to the child’s sense of curiosity. • Open-ended art is essential as it helps children not to be afraid of change and allows for higher order thinking. • A sense of pride is developed, through the planning of an activity to the final outcome, it all has a purpose. • The child’s self-esteem develops through activities where they can express their own thinking through the freedom of choice. Independence is encouraged and taking responsibility for an activity boosts self-confidence. • Working in groups at times, sparks collaboration, socialising and compromise, which are all life skills that are crucial for development.

• Cultural identity and differences are built on through the introduction of various artists and their art works. Art should no longer merely take the form of using a mark-making tool on paper. Art is the discovery of building, fitting, fixing, breaking and composing of loose parts, using old things to become new things. It is about repurposing and upcycling. Our mindsets have been shifted from the traditional ridged and somewhat constricted views of what constitutes art or an artist. I think teachers are only scraping the tip of the iceberg of the possibilities available worldwide. When teaching, we should take the opportunity to explore and expose our children to the wealth of resources available. Once we take on this “new age” way of thinking, we can understand the full and rich meaning of why art is so fundamental to learning in the classroom and beyond.

Charlene Laing, a teacher at Maragon Ruimsig, is a preschool teacher with 16 years’ experience, with four of those as a specialist preschool art teacher. She has completed Reggio workshops which play an important factor in her teaching activities. Charlene studied BprimEd(Pre-primary) at the University of Pretoria.

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creativity

child development

Creativity can be developed through various ways parents interact with and respond to very young babies. This can be seen in the many ways they use to calm, soothe, comfort, engage, amuse, delight, enthral, or even confuse or confound their child. Playing creatively with babies, even newborns, fosters many aspects of development. The physical skills it promotes become one of the primary ways that babies learn about their world, allowing them to develop mentally and to discover new ways of thinking, engaging, discovering and problem solving.

The development of

By Michelle van Coller

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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his growth may come from toys such as blocks, rings or cups, but it can also come from cushions with bright colours or textures to explore, even objects that make interesting sounds will ignite a childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curiosity. Singing, cuddling and interacting are important ways to participate in play, but it is equally important to encourage independent play time as well. For a young baby, this may be a toy that is foot-operated (one of the first gross motor skills to come online is the control of kicking) that they can enjoy without parental interaction. Such moments, built up over time, allow your childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus to be self-directed for periods, and allow a sense of curiosity and wonder to build. Very young children learn about the world through their senses. Thus, to foster creativity and creative thinking right from the start, draw on this natural proclivity. Stimulating multiple senses, as babies develop the stamina, is a great way to foster imaginative thinking. A vast majority of your interactions should be hands-on activities where you and your baby interact face-to-face. However, there are also great ways to stimulate creativity with online interactions where parent and child are engaged in the experiences together. The element of surprise will also challenge your babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s expectations, another great way to foster thinking. Toddlers are ready for more when it comes to creative opportunities. Allow your child an expressive outlet for her thoughts, feelings, wishes and

2019/08/25 11:56 AM

child development imagination. Challenge her new representational abilities by using her body in space: have her hop like a bunny, roar like a lion, etc. Get more abstract and see if he can become a kite, blowing in the wind, or a balloon blown too full that pops. Have her become a plane taking off, or a lost kitten who finds its owner. Challenge your child’s play to go beyond the familiar routine she may have developed. For example, fly your car to the moon. Look at everyday moments as opportunities to enhance creative thinking. Ask your child why she thinks the dog is chasing the squirrel, or where the bird that flew out of sight is off to. Ask your child what she thinks will happen next as events unfold in front of her or make up her own ending to a story. While you are reading, have her start a new story the day after ‘happily ever after’ and see where she goes with it. Along the same lines, bring literature to life: Act out Jack and the beanstalk or the story of the Three Little Pigs. Then, surprise your child with an unexpected alternate ending! Regardless of your child’s age, creativity is a process, as opposed to a product. This is especially true with babies and toddlers who are just developing the coordination to control and manipulate objects with intention, and the cognitive capacity to problem solve and organise thinking. Your excitement, enthusiasm and interest will play a big part in what he continues to explore, and what he shies away from. So, find ways to capture your child’s experience: photos of her painting, scribbles proudly hung at your child’s eye level, excited conversations relating your child’s experiments - even her frustrations or failures! Problems that are never faced cannot be problem-solved and overcome!

Creativity in art Art for 0- and 1-year olds When babies engage in creative art, it is a wholebody experience. They often are as interested in grasping, chewing, pounding and squishing as they are in trying to actually create something. Childcare providers sometimes do not provide infants with art experiences. But even at this age, the sheer exploration is worthwhile for children’s development.

Creativity is the freest form of self-expression. There is nothing more satisfying and fulfilling for children than to be able to express themselves openly and without judgment. The ability to be creative, to create something from personal feelings and experiences, can reflect and nurture children’s emotional health.

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Safety is an important concern at this age, and adult supervision is critical. We don’t want babies swallowing things or hurting themselves or others. Infants enjoy sensory experiences such as water play, texture books or toys. Art for 1- and 2-year olds Children of this age are in a scribbling stage. At first, between the ages of 1 and 2, their scribbles are usually disordered and uncontrolled. Scribbles are more a product of physical activity, made by the pumping of the shoulders because children can’t yet control their elbows or wrists. These young scribblers will typically try holding their crayon a variety of ways and don’t often associate their movements with lines appearing on paper. Their attention spans are short, and they only scribble for one or two minutes at a time. Art for 2- and 3-year olds Gradually these scribbles become more controlled as children gain greater control of their arms, hands and fingers, and their eye-hand coordination improves. As a result, their efforts show up as repeated motions, such as a series of oval shapes or a series of horizontal and vertical lines. By age 3, children are also putting more concentration and time into their art, sometimes spending as much as 15 minutes drawing. As children leave this age range, a very important change takes place. Even though they are still scribbling, children begin to name the scribbles. Naming artwork is a big step that shows the child has begun to think in terms of mental pictures. During the first three years, children’s fine motor skills and coordination are becoming more refined. This is also a time when children come to understand that pictures represent something in real life known as representational thinking.

Creativity in music Babies are born with a natural ability to appreciate music and early exposure to music plays a crucial role in wiring your baby’s brain for learning. For example, singing songs teaches children about how language is put together. When you sing, words and phrases are slowed down and are easier for your baby to understand. Singing together regularly helps them to build up a vocabulary of sounds and words long before they’re actually able to understand the meaning. Listening to music also helps to put babies and toddlers into a relaxed and receptive state – perfect for when you want to try a new activity with them. Making music together is a cheap and easy activity that can provide a wonderful bonding experience for you to share.

Singing with your baby Encourage your baby to clap along and move to the beat as you sing together. For younger babies, pick songs and rhymes with a simple, steady beat and lots of repetitive language. For older children, try more energetic songs with more varied beats, tone and rhythms. Watch your baby as you sing. What are they doing? Try to let them take the lead. If they clap, you clap. If they roll over, you roll over. Mirroring your www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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child development baby like this will increase their self-esteem and self-confidence and encourage more of the same.

Using action rhymes and songs (and signing) Toddlers love rhymes! Singing and chanting together isn’t just fun – it’s a great way to introduce children to new words. Research has shown that the wider a child’s vocabulary is, the better reader they’re likely to become. Rhymes also teach children how particular words sound and shows them that changing a letter will make a rhyming word with a new meaning (e.g. ‘cat’ could become ‘hat’, or ‘moo’ become ‘boo!’). This will help them when they come to learn letters and sounds at school. Use rhymes at any time as they’re a great way of keeping your child happy in the supermarket queue and a handy trick to have up your sleeve when boredom strikes! Rhymes and songs can also help remind children of day-to-day routines or tasks like brushing their teeth or getting ready for nursery. Try personalising the action rhymes you choose. So, when doing ‘Incy Wincy Spider’ – with fingers and hands moving upwards, just like the spider travelling up the spout – say your child’s name instead of ‘Incy Wincy’. You could even name the whole family. Children often find this very funny – the strangeness of it appeals to their sense of humour.

Make your own instruments Making your own musical instruments is a brilliant way to encourage your child to get creative. Tapping, banging or shaking in time with some music will introduce them to the idea of rhythms, patterns and beat which are useful for problem solving and reasoning. Instruments don’t have to be complicated or expensive – if you can shake it, bang it, rattle it and make a noise, it’s an instrument! Dried rice or lentils in an empty bottle makes a great shaker, or you could use a saucepan for a drum with a wooden spoon as a drumstick. Letting your older baby make a noise with an instrument encourages self-expression and gives them a way to communicate how they’re feeling before they can talk. Try placing a collection of simple instruments with different sounds in front of them – they’ll tend to be more creative if they’re given choice and freedom to play. Toddlers love the opportunity to make lots of noise and it’s a good way to develop their language and listening skills. Try making loud, quiet, slow and fast sounds, for example, by tapping a pen on the table, or banging a wooden spoon on a saucepan. Stop after making each different sound and encourage your child to copy you. At every stage, make sure you praise and encourage your little one’s efforts – appreciating their creative endeavours (however noisy they are) will build their confidence and self-esteem.

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Every child is an artist; the problem is staying an artist when you grow up. - Pablo Picasso The importance of nurturing creativity Creativity is the freest form of self-expression. There is nothing more satisfying and fulfilling for children than to be able to express themselves openly and without judgment. The ability to be creative, to create something from personal feelings and experiences, can reflect and nurture children’s emotional health. Drama, music, dance and visual art foster creativity and imagination in toddlers. These activities also help young children develop their senses through exploration and discovery. They let toddlers express how they see the world and their place in it. Toddlers can use creative play to communicate their feelings. Michelle completed her studies in Foundation Phase Education at the North-West University. She relocated to the UK in 2009, where she gained experience in teaching at different nursery and primary schools and became interested in gaining a better understanding about the impact of early year development on the child’s ability to learn and progress later in life. She is a great believer that positive experiences in early childhood have the potential to pay off for a lifetime. On her return to South Africa in 2011, she taught various foundation phase classes in primary schools around Johannesburg. Whilst teaching is her passion, it also sparked further interest in the benefits of early cognitive, behavioural, social and emotional development. Michelle acquired the South African Baby College Franchise in 2018 as she believes there is a need to invest her energy and apply the knowledge and skills, she acquired in her teaching career, to help parents invest in their children’s future.

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SMALLER families…. BIGGER dreams! Enjoy the experience, pleasures and challenges of becoming parents by choosing to have a smaller family!

ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTARY STERILIZATION OF SOUTH SOUTH AFRICA AFRICA For further information information regarding regarding sterilizations sterilizations please please contact contactus: us: SMS: 072 072 180 1803130 3130•• Tel/fax: Tel/fax: 021 531 1665 • Email: info@avssa.org.za 021 531 1665 • Email:

www.avssa.org.za

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editor’s choice baby

Oils of Africa Precious Baby Oil, 125ml, R28.99, available at Clicks.

Miracle X for Dry Eczema, R200. Online orders at www.miraclex.co.za

BABE-Eeze mom and baby silicone teething beads

Farm Fresh All-Purpose Gentle Cream, 470ml, R38.99, available at Clicks.

Sudocrem Care & Protect guards against the causes of nappy rash. R169.95, available at major retailers (Clicks, Dis-Chem, Baby City, Baby Boom).

Badger Zinc Oxide Diaper Cream, R299, available at faithful-to-nature.co.za Bio Baby Training Pants (12-15kg). Pack of 26’s. R255, available at faithful-to-nature.co.za

Photo Credit: Robert Armstrong from Pixabay

Farm Fresh Gentle Bath Milk, 750ml, R58.99, available at Clicks.

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Tots ‘n Toddlers Forest Fun 3-in-1 bath wash, shampoo & conditioner, 500ml pump pack, R52.99, available at Clicks.

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editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice baby

Olli Oaty Much Bars over 12 months

Silvercare Organic Cotton Earbuds. R33, available at faithful-to-nature.co.za

Olli Puds under 12 months

Olli Smoothies under 12 months

Olli Mealos under 12 months

Baby BABY

Olli Rice Bites over 12 months

Sunumbra Kids SPF40 Sunscreen, R299, available at faithful-to-nature.co.za Bathtime Buddy 2-in-1 bath wash & conditioning shampoo, 1-litre pump pack. R84.99, available at Clicks.

Mother Nature Swim Cozzies. R199, available at faithful-to-nature.co.za

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2019/08/23 10:59 PM

education

FUN! Don’t forget to have

By Megan Hunt, Principal of Junior Colleges Snuggles

Sometimes, Moms and Dads get so bogged down with the routines of the day that they forget to have fun with their children.

n the mornings it’s wake up, get dressed, eat your breakfast, go to school. In the evenings it’s eat dinner, jump in the bath, bedtime. Each one of these activities is a potential disaster waiting to happen. Toddlers will fight you at every turn if they can, because they are asserting their independence and testing boundaries. We start to associate the mornings and the evenings with “unhappy hours”, because of the tensions and stress they generate. Why do we need to fight about everything? Why are we not including games and activities in these times? If you stop and analyse what is happening, you might need to relook at the way you are doing things at these busy, routine-driven times of the day. Pre-school teachers are often asked how we manage to get 20 two-year-olds to do things that moms and dads struggle to do with one or two children. There are three main reasons: 1. The routine is so set in stone, there is no negotiating. Everyone has lunch, everyone goes to the toilet, and everyone has a nap. It is just the way it is. Try and cultivate this at home by giving warnings of what is coming next. Toddlers cannot tell the time and it is upsetting for anyone to be told to stop what you are doing with immediate effect. Rather say, ‘When this big hand on the clock gets to six, I am going to ask you to put away your toys, so finish your game by then’. 2. When we change the routine at school, we play! We make use of transition activities. When it is toilet time we hop like a bunny or creep like a mouse. When we go for lunch we sing a song while choosing children to go and sit down.

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While eating, we recognise children showing good manners. At home you can set challenges such as, ‘I’ll race you to the bathroom’. Give choices, ‘Would you like the blue towel or the red one?’ and ‘Would dolly like to bath with you tonight?’ Buy bath crayons and have fun drawing on the bath or tiles with them. 3. Making food fun is quite simple and children are quick to eat if you can make faces, snakes, volcanoes, etc. Either eat with the whole family present or sit with the children while they eat. Make conversation they can join in with and don’t nag. If the food is not eaten after 20 minutes, simply say that you can see they do not want it and remove it. Don’t offer alternatives or force feed. After a week or so of this calm approach, the children will see no need to play up over food. Children will not starve themselves. Teachers are always in control at school and so should you be at home. Children need the security of knowing someone is in charge. Children also want to please; they want to feel as if they are seen and appreciated. If a child is being particularly well behaved at school, they get a shout out and the rest of the children fall quickly into place to do the same. As parents, when our children are well behaved, they generally don’t hear from us. Moms and Dads, this is when they need positive feedback like ‘Wow, John! I love how well you are eating your supper. Jenny, you washed yourself so well tonight, let’s see that again tomorrow’. The time with your small children is fleeting. You will look back and wish you had played more with your children. Dance, sing, play, enjoy doing things together to make memories – and don’t forget to HAVE FUN!! www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Photo Credit: feeeling_blue from Pixabay

education

Megan Hunt has the kind of positive energy and charisma that rubs off on any person she comes in contact with. Megan says her love for kids led her to go into pre-school education and she knew from the get-go that her passion was in teaching. She is a passionate educator, devoted mother and wife as well as Principal of Junior Colleges Snuggles. She has a Diploma in Child Care and has worked in the Pre-School environment for over 21 years.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2019/08/23 8:03 PM

fitness

Keeping fit while you’re

pregnant By the Sports Science Institute of South Africa

Sports Science Institute Biokineticist, Zoe Woodman, gives us her advice on the do’s and don’ts of keeping fit during pregnancy. 42

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fitness

What you can do during pregnancy Consult your physician, obstetrician or gynaecologist before you start exercising. This applies especially to women who have a medical condition, are severely obese, or have hypertension or gestational diabetes. Stay hydrated; make sure you drink water before, during and after exercising. Do an extended warm up before you exercise and cool down afterwards. Strength training is great, especially for gestational diabetes. Your resistance should allow you to get between 12-15 repetitions where you should reach a moderate fatigue level.

Kegel exercises, which strengthen your pelvic floor, help to decrease the risk of incontinence. Strengthen your glutes and lower back. Lower back pain is common amongst pregnant women because of the weight shift. So, besides strengthening the upper back, focus on strengthening your glutes and lower back. Add to your exercise routine. Depending on your previous activity level, the best time to change or add to an exercise routine is during the second trimester.

What you shouldn’t do during pregnancy Shortness of breath. Women who are pregnant should not exercise if there are signs or symptoms of dyspnoea (shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing) before exercising, vaginal bleeding, chest pain, swelling, headaches or decreased foetal movement. Avoid contact sports and exercises that may cause a loss of balance. Avoid holding your breath during exercise. Scuba diving is a prime example of a sport that should be avoided by pregnant women. Do not exhaust yourself. A simple talk test is a good example of this. By the end of the session the woman who is pregnant should still be able to hold a conversation. To prevent venous obstruction, pregnant women should avoid exercise in the supine position (on the back) after 16 weeks of pregnancy. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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The Valsalva manoeuvre should not be performed during pregnancy. The Valsalva manoeuvre is performed by moderately forceful attempted exhalation against a closed airway, usually done by closing one’s mouth and pinching one’s nose shut while pressing out, as if blowing up a balloon. Hot and humid environments should be avoided during exercise. Blood pressure may drop when pregnant women move from a low to a high position. Try to avoid exercises that continually need you to get up and down off the floor. Avoid lifting heavy weights, especially during the first and third trimester.

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financial planning

Protecting

your family should the curveballs come As a parent, there is nothing you want more than to protect your child. There are the common cuts and scrapes of childhood that heal quickly and are forgotten just as quickly. However, more serious illnesses and injuries can have a bigger impact on a family, emotionally and financially. Protect your loved ones from unexpected, cost-intensive curveballs with cover that puts your family first. The Sanlam Child Illness & Injury Benefit is designed especially for children. It’s the most comprehensive benefit of its kind in the market, covering many events that have never been addressed before.

r Marion Morkel, Chief Medical Officer at Sanlam, says, ‘This benefit complements your existing cover. There are often many hidden costs that accompany an unexpected incident. Your little one might need rehabilitation or counselling. You might need to redesign his or her room. You may want time off to stay by his or her side during recovery. Inevitably there are shortfalls, and that’s where the Child Illness & Injury Benefit makes all the difference.’

How will the Sanlam Child Illness & Injury Benefit protect your family? To be eligible for cover, this benefit must be taken any time after the child’s 1st birthday, but before their 18th birthday. Cover will continue until the policy anniversary before or on the child’s 20th birthday. The benefit covers 81 claim events, with all cancers counted as one claim event. The “catch-all” claim event provides cover for unlisted diseases or injuries that are severe enough to warrant a payment. And, the ICU claim event pays out if your child needs to be admitted to ICU for 48 hours or more. Netcare gives an estimated daily average of R20 796 for specialised intensive care (which would include paediatric care), which is for the ward only, excluding treatment and medical care. So, the benefit could be a big financial help.

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Some examples of what is covered (many events are unique to Sanlam’s benefit): • Diseases like cancer, organ failure, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy and anorexia • Injuries or accidents like head injuries, rib fractures, dog bites and near-drowning events • Impairments like loss of sight, hearing or speech, or the use of limbs • Infections like rabies, cerebral malaria, tetanus and meningitis No new or invasive medical tests are required and the benefit offers cover of up to R1-million, with premiums starting at just R35 a month. As the benefit is paid out in a lump sum, this money can be used for anything, for example, counselling to help a child work through a traumatic event or adjust to a new body image and way of living and attending school. The benefit pays out for a claimable event irrespective of where your child is in the world. So, should your little one become injured or ill while you’re on holiday overseas, for example, you’ll have financial support to supplement treatment fees and any other costs. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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financial planning

The more common kinds of claims for this benefit It is far rarer for children to experience severe illnesses than adults. It’s awful to think about, but it’s important to have protection in place, as cancer in children, for example, is a lot more expensive to treat. ‘We do receive claims for cancers, particularly blood cancers, and kidney and liver cancers. In a child, there’s usually a need for prolonged treatment. Cancer is treated in a more serious light, with the short- and long-term effects considered. And, a patient needs to be monitored for longer, even after remission. This usually makes treatment for children much costlier,’ explains Dr Morkel. The Child Illness & Injury Benefit covers all cancers from stage one on, as ASISA prescribes. Sanlam has also received claims for near-drowning events, major burns, renal failure, uncontrolled epilepsy and ICU admissions following traumatic incidents, like vehicle crashes. Sadly, South Africa has a high road accident rate and child passengers can be injured because of this.

What else to consider The Child Illness & Injury Benefit can be complemented with a Child and Spouse Protector benefit. This is designed to help supplement your income for six months if your child or spouse is injured or ill. Crucially, it gives you complete peace of mind that you can be there for your family when they need you most. ‘Sanlam’s Child Illness & Injury Benefit is one of the best and most industry-respected products in its category. It is not meant to replace medical aid, but to complement it as part of your financial plan. It’s there to pick up any shortfalls when life happens – as often these shortfalls can be costly. This benefit provides financial assistance so you can focus on family time and the many other things your child may need,’ Dr Morkel concludes.

www.sanlam.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2019/08/26 4:01 PM

family fun

Here are some fun activities to stop boredom in its tracks over the Spring school holidays.

Stop boredom in its tracks! Explore the Boomslang walkway at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, in Cape Town.

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family fun Have a ‘Masterchef’ competition at home . Invite a few of your kid’s friends over and keep the meal simple.

Take a train or bus ride and make a day of it, Take the whole family along.

Put on a puppet show at home. Have fun creating your own puppet by using old socks and getting creative.

Plan a farm visit where you can ride a horse and feed the chickens and goats.

Have a family game of mini golf, it is great fun for the whole family.

Make a balloon dart board. Let the kids blow up balloons and staple them to the board.

Organise a treasure hunt in your garden.

Backyard bowling – simplify the game with homemade bowling pins made out of empty water bottles and make your own alley using your porch or driveway.

Go indoor rock climbing; it’s a great way of exercising in a safe and vibrant environment.

Organise a soccer match with your kid’s friends.

Find a wide, open spot in the park or a nearby field to fly a kite with you kids.

Organise a sleepover party in your backyard.

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2019/08/23 8:10 PM

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health vaginal

What bacterial vaginosis really feels like Many women will agree that having a vaginal infection with recurrent symptoms can affect many aspects of their everyday life1. Most research done to date on infections such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) has been from a medical perspective. A study conducted at a Swedish gynaecology clinic to gain a deeper understanding of what it is like to live with a vaginal infection, has highlighted just how deeply vaginal infections can affect women1.

larmingly, even though BV is more common than thrush2, 3, 4, the study found that for many women who are diagnosed with BV, it is the first time they have heard of it1. Once they find out just how common BV is, they seem to be more at ease with managing the condition and are relieved that their infection is not their fault1. Bacterial Vaginosis is actually the most common cause of unusual vaginal discharge, with one in three women experiencing this condition at some time in their lives5. Women who have BV have less normal or “good” vaginal bacteria (known as lactobacilli), and more problematic “bad” bacteria in the vagina. This shift www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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causes the vagina’s PH levels to become alkaline5. Without the proper treatment, many women may suffer for a long time with uncomfortable symptoms of BV1, some of which include increased thin white or grey vaginal discharge3, 6, increased fishy odour6, and possible minimal burning during urination or itching around the vulva, or both4.

What causes BV? While the exact cause of BV may be difficult to clarify1, it can be brought on by using medicated or perfumed soap or bubble bath, using antiseptic liquids in the bath, using a douche or vaginal

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health vaginal deodorant, using strong detergents to wash underwear, smoking, hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle, or even semen in the vagina after sexual intercourse without a condom5. Women with BV reported an ongoing feeling of being unhealthy, especially in those who were not being diagnosed accurately1. While BV was not affecting their overall health necessarily, women with BV felt they did not feel fresh or clean and that being intimate or even physically close to their partner could be very uncomfortable – mostly due to their fear of the fishy smell from the infection1. Some women in the study reported that their vaginal infection was even affecting what clothes they wore, as tight clothing was making their infection more uncomfortable1. Apart from the physical symptoms, it was found that patients with BV also felt emotional discomfort due to their infection1. Women, however, who were given adequate information about what was causing their discomfort were relieved, particularly that it wasn’t anything more serious1. Furthermore, those with BV who were

given access to appropriate treatment not only felt relief from symptoms, but also felt “room to breathe” and optimistic that they now knew how to treat this very common vaginal infection.

Treatments for BV Treatment options for BV include gels, creams and oral treatments7. One option, a treatment preferred by most South African gynaecologists8,9 is a water-based gel treatment which is administered vaginally, meaning that the infected area is treated directly and topically with a once-a-day dose for five consecutive days10. It is effective, convenient and time saving10, 11,12, and is available over the counter at leading pharmacies. Infections such as bacterial vaginosis need not be a taboo subject. They are very common2, 3, 4 and treatable7. Visit www.myvaginalgel.co.za and complete a selfassessment questionnaire to check if your symptoms might be BV. For information about Bacterial Vaginosis, speak to your doctor or healthcare professional.

Seven myths about BV

References: 1. How Vaginal Infections Impact Women’s Everyday Life. Advances in Sexual Medicine (2017) at http://urn.kb.se/resolve?urn=urn:nbn:se:oru:diva-53843 2. Hoosen AA. Management of vaginal discharge. CME 2004; 22(2):72-78. 3. Eckert L. Acute Vulvovaginitis. N Engl J Med 2006;355:1244-52. 4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CDC Fact Sheet. Bacterial Vaginosis .June 2017 at https://www.cdc.gov/std/bv/stdfact-bacterial-vaginosis.htm 5. Thrush and Bacterial Vaginosis. FPA (Sexual Health Charity). NHS. January 2014 (https://www.fpa.org.uk/sites/default/files/thrush-bacterial-vaginosis-informationand-advice.pdf) Website accessed on 8 February 2018 6. Ries AJ. Treatment of Vaginal Infections: Candidiasis, Bacterial Vaginosis and Trichomoniasis. J Am Pharm Assoc. 1997;NS37(5):563-569 7. Kyle JA and Butcher A. Bacterial Vaginosis: Facts and Myths – Pharmacy Times. June 2008 (http://www.pharmacytimes.com/publications/ issue/2008/2008-06/2008-06-8557) Website accessed on 01 May 2018. 8. Impact Rx – April 2019 9. Data on file February 2019 10. Approved package insert 2000/10/23. 11. Wain A. Metronidazole Vaginal Gel 0.75% (MetroGeI-Vaginal®) A Brief Review. Infectious Diseases in Obstetrics and Gynecology 6:3-7 (1998). 12. Beigi R, Austin M, Meyn L, et al. Antimicrobial resistance associated with the treatment of bacterial vaginosis. American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology (2004) 191, 1124-9.

1. It’s the same as thrush False. BV is a bacterial condition, unlike thrush, which is a yeast infection. It’s also twice as common as thrush, but very few women are aware of it, meaning more than 60% are misdiagnosing their symptoms as thrush. 2. BV is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) False. BV is not an STI. There are also lots of other totally normal and common things that can disrupt the natural vaginal pH and trigger BV, like wearing tight clothing and thongs, heavy periods, hormonal changes, the coil and even having baths instead of showers. 3. You can avoid BV by eating acidic food False. There is no evidence that the foods we eat can impact our vaginal pH levels, but what we eat affects all of our body in one way or another. 4. BV makes you itch False. While BV can cause occasional discomfort, intense itching or even a burning sensation is usually a symptom of thrush. 5. Anyone can get BV False. Only women can get BV - in fact, at least one in three of us will experience BV at some point, but men cannot get it. 6. You can clear up BV by washing more False. In fact, over-washing can be a trigger - once a day is plenty. Douching is also a big no-no, as well as using perfumed soaps or antiseptic products as these could also upset the natural balance of the vagina. 7. You have to take strong antibiotics to clear up BV False. BV can sometimes clear up itself. However, if it doesn’t then the mainstay of treatment is changing the vaginal pH back to being slightly acidic, increasing the number of healthy protective lactobacilli and removing the overgrowth of unhealthy bacteria. This can be done using BV treatments available at your local pharmacy, usually in the form of a gel or pessary. Source: https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/life/health/seven-myths-about-bacterial-vaginosis-38248719.html

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health obesity

The growing problem of childhood and teenage

obesity

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, over 14% of primary school children in South Africa are overweight. If these obesity rates continue, it is predicted that by 2025, 3.91 million school children will be overweight or obese1.

hildhood and teenage obesity are a growing problem, both in South Africa and globally. In fact, global estimates predict that by 2025 there will be 70 million obese young children around the world2. Children can be particularly vulnerable to this environment of obesity. Children of overweight parents as well as children subjected to malnutrition during pregnancy or infancy are both groups which are more likely to become obese later in life1. Energydense foods, increasing screen time and sedentary behaviour, are also putting more children at risk1. The World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that the fastest growth of obesity is in the African region, where childhood overweight and obesity has more than doubled from 1990 to 20132.

Obese children are more likely to develop health issues as adults A major concern is that obese children are more likely to develop a variety of health problems as adults, including cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance (often an early sign of diabetes), musculoskeletal disorders (especially osteoarthritis – a highly disabling degenerative disease of the joints), some cancers (endometrial, breast and colon) and even disability2. Research has shown that overweight and obese children suffer from negative body image and low self-esteem and self-worth3. In fact, from a psychological standpoint, obesity is described as one of the most stigmatising conditions in childhood3. Childhood obesity is one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century. Parents have a vital role to play in setting the right example for their children. By enforcing a healthier lifestyle at home, many obesity problems could be avoided5.

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Children learn what to eat from their parents Importantly, what children learn at home about eating healthy, exercising and making the correct nutritional choices will have an enormous impact on their lives, including the choices children make selecting food and choosing to be more active5. Dr Rosetta Guidozzi, a GP from Johannesburg with a special interest in weight management, says that the best advice to start off with is to consider the lifestyle and eating habits of the parents. She says it is pointless offering teenagers and children advice if the parents are not adhering to a healthy lifestyle. Dr Guidozzi mentions the following as reasons for the rise in teenage obesity: • rapid urbanisation with the introduction of high fat and sugar foods (fast foods) • sweetened beverages, • lack of exercise and sport facilities • insufficient information and awareness • less available income to purchase healthier foods • not enough access to healthier foods • longer hours of parental work with less supervision. ‘Unfortunately, high fat and sugar rich foods taste better than a salad! 6,’ she adds. She also says that parents need to monitor any money given to their teenagers and how this is spent, to monitor their eating patterns at home and provide guidance about eating outside their immediate home. She also says that parents need to be interested in their children’s health and provide the correct support. ‘The most important factor to emphasise is the teenager’s health and consequences of obesity with lack of exercise on their future wellness,’ she adds6. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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health obesity Small changes can make a big difference Furthermore, there are certain changes that really could make a great difference5. Sugary drinks, for example, have continually found to be a contributing factor to being overweight5. Snack foods, such as chips, baked goods and sweets have also been found to have a major impact on obesity, as have portion size and activity levels5. In South Africa, young girls are most at risk of becoming overweight and obese, with statistics showing that 30% of girls living in urban areas are overweight or obese1. Physical appearance is a particularly sensitive issue for children entering adolescence3. Being overweight or obese is also one of the most common reasons that children and adolescents are teased at school4.

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health obesity Create a positive family culture Dr Kelly Owen, a psychologist from Greenside, Johannesburg, says that it is vital to create a positive family culture of health and wellbeing in the home, both from a physical and an emotional standpoint. ‘Parents need to be highly cognisant of their own attitudes, behaviours and biases towards weight, body image and food because their children will learn directly and vicariously how to feel about their own bodies. ‘Self-esteem, body image and self-confidence are all influenced by the child’s environment. Body image studies in children consistently show that sociocultural factors such as child rearing practises, parenting styles, societal standards of beauty, the mass media trends are all impacting on girls to the extent that body dissatisfaction has become normative in females of all ages,’ she adds7. Dr Owen also stresses the importance of parents teaching good eating habits and the need to focus on health instead of body weight, shape or size and the same applies to exercise – functional strength and health instead of exercise for weight loss, is a must7. She adds that good habits from early on can make a huge difference. One example is to teach your children to drink water from infancy. Good habits formed in early childhood will help your children to not reach as readily for a fruit juice or cold drink7.

Medications approved for the treatment of obesity, when used in combination with lifestyle adjustments, have been proven to assist in weight loss9, 10. Dr Guidozzi says that medically approved medication must only be considered in obese teenagers and must be monitored very carefully by a healthcare provider. ‘The idea is not to teach the teenager to diet but rather to adopt a healthy long-term eating pattern and lifestyle. This eating pattern and choice of foods must be suitable for their plans for the day, culture, affordability and education. It is important that they realise that they are the decision makers and must remain autonomous. It must not be a battle of wills and dominance- this will lead to an eating disorder,’ she explains. ‘Ultimately, the eating plan should suit each individual and be able to suit the household as well’6.

Medical treatment for obesity in teenagers Medical treatment for obesity in children, particularly those over the age of 12, can be helpful in cases where lifestyle changes and increased physical activity have not been adequate and especially where there is a strong family history of type 2 diabetes or increased risk of cardiovascular problems8.

References: 1. N GO Pulse. Childhood Obesity in South Africa (2016) at http://www.ngopulse.org/article/2016/10/13/childhood-obesity-south-africa (Website accessed 01 March 2019) orld Health Organization (WHO). Facts and Figures on Childhood Obesity (2017) at http://www.who.int/end-childhood-obesity/facts/en/ (Website accessed 01 2. W March 2019) 3. R esearch Gate. The Effect of Body-Weight and Obesity Bias on Children’s Self-Esteem (2016) at https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290927193_The_effect_ of_body-weight_and_obesity_bias_on_children’s_self-esteem (Website accessed 01 March 2019) 4. B acchini, D et al. Bullying and Victimization in Overweight and Obese Outpatient Children and Adolescents: An Italian Multicentric Study. 25 November 2015 at https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0142715 (Website accessed 01 March 2019) 5. S ahoo, K et al. Childhood Obesity: Causes and Consequences. J Family Med Prim Care. 2015 Apr-Jun; 4(2): 187–192 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ PMC4408699/ (Website accessed 01 March 2019) 6. Q &A with Dr Rosetta Guidozzi – 13 March 2019 (unpaid) 7. Q&A with Dr Kelly Owen – 22 March 2019 (unpaid) ugust, GP et al. Prevention and Treatment of Pediatric Obesity: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline Based on Expert Opinion. J Clin Endocrinol 8. A Metab. 2008 Dec 1; 93(12): 4576–4599 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6069785/ (Website accessed 01 March 2019) 9. L ondoño-Lemo, ME. Pharmacological Advances to the Treatment of Obesity. J Child Obes Vol No 3 Iss No 1: 3. 23 February 2013 at http://childhood-obesity. imedpub.com/pharmacological-advances-to-the-treatment-of-obesity.pdf (Website accessed 01 March 2019) 10. Phelan S, Wadden TA. Combining Behavioural and Pharmacological Treatments for Obesity. Obes Res 2002;10(6):560-574 11. Package insert (2000)

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editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s choice health

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Health HEALTH Blackseed Rub 50g ointment, R86.95, available at Clicks and Dischem and retail pharmacies.

Kroko Corn Protectors, R38.95, available at Clicks, Dischem and pharmacies.

Metagenics Metakids Probiotic, R519, available at www.faithful-to-nature.co.za Kroko Corn & Callus Remover, R41.95, available at Clicks, Dischem and pharmacies.

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ECS Colloidal Silver Nasal Spray 50ml, R97, available at www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

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editor’s choice health

Blackseed Tablets 60’s, R104, available at Clicks and Dischem and retail pharmacies.

BlueironFe3 Liquid Iron (liquid iron flavoured with blueberries, vegan friendly), average price R339, available at Health shops, Dischem, Wellness Warehouse, independent pharmacies and online at Takealot.com, faithful-to-nature.co.za & floraforce.co.za

Flora Force DensiMax multi-mineral, R211, available at Health shops, Dischem, Wellness Warehouse, independent pharmacies and online at Takealot.com, faithful-to-nature.co.za & floraforce.co.za

Septogard Syrup 100ml, R124.95, available at Clicks and Dischem and retail pharmacies

Flora Force Fenugreek, R106, available at Health shops, Dischem, Wellness Warehouse, independent pharmacies and online at Takealot. com, faithful-to-nature.co.za & floraforce.co.za

Stress Away Tablets 60’s, R137, available at Clicks and Dischem and retail pharmacies.

Tibb-Renotone Tablets 60’s, R170, available at Clicks and Dischem and retail pharmacies.

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Solgar Full Spectrum Curcumin 185, 30 capsules, R459, available at www.faithful-to-nature.co.za

2019/08/23 8:29 PM

health

the importance of accurate dosing How many of us can admit to swigging cough mixture directly from the bottle? Or using a kitchen spoon to measure it out?

ith winter and cold and flu germs in full swing1, many of us will be reaching for an over the counter (OTC) cough medicine, especially as a cough is one of the most common symptoms for which patients seek medical attention2. Knowing how to get the correct dose is vital. This is because all medication, including OTC products, contain pharmaceutical ingredients, and correct dosages are calculated based on a variety of factors to achieve the best results and avoid overdosing3-5. Some of us might be alarmed to read that an average sip of liquid can be as much as 14ml6, which means that when medication is sipped directly from the bottle, a patient can be overdosing. Similarly, using kitchen spoons of varying sizes can also lead to dosing errors7.

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health While the difference of a few millilitres of cough medicine can seem minimal, these types of overdosing errors are likely to accumulate, especially when we are tired and sick and dosing ourselves every four to eight hours for several days7.

The difference between a dry and a wet cough Besides incorrect dosing, many people don’t consider whether they have a dry or wet cough, and whether they are taking the correct cough mixture to treat their specific symptoms. In fact, many people have trouble differentiating between these two types of coughs and end up buying and using the incorrect cough mixtures, which means that their cough remains untreated for longer than necessary8. Simply put, a dry cough is when there is no phlegm or mucus, often a barking type of cough or an itchy feeling in the throat which causes you to cough. A wet cough is more of a chesty cough where phlegm or mucus is expelled8. For those with a wet cough, a cough medicine containing scheduled ingredients such as a bronchodilator and mucolytic can help relieve wet cough symptoms. For those with a dry cough, a cough suppressant can relieve dry cough symptoms, and when combined with a nasal decongestant, congestion can also be relieved9,10.

Here are some helpful tips to make sure you take cough medication correctly and safely: • Make sure that the medication you choose treats only the symptoms that you have, and avoid taking medication that you do not need. Also remember that the OTC medication that you use can interact with other medicines, so always talk to your pharmacist about what prescription and other OTC products you may be taking5. • Use the medication exactly as directed by your healthcare provider, including at the right times and for the full length of your prescribed treatment. If a product says two/three/four times daily, this means a 24-hour day, not a waking day12. • Follow the label instructions carefully. Some medications need to be taken with food; others should be taken on an empty stomach12. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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• Try to take your medication at the same time every day. Don’t panic if you miss a dose of your medication. Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular medication schedule. Do not take two doses to make up for the dose you missed12. • Scheduled medicine shouldn’t be used by anyone except the person who it has been prescribed for. • Take special care with children3. If you give cough and cold medicines to children, follow the label directions EXACTLY and use only as directed3. Follow dosing instructions for your child’s age and weight. • Measure doses with the correct measuring cup, spoon or syringe. Do not use ordinary household spoons and cups. • If you plan to use more than one medicine, compare labels carefully. Speak to your pharmacist or healthcare professional about the other medications so that they can review and assess to make sure that the two medications do not pose any negative interactions. • After you administer each dose, replace the child-resistant closure. Lock the medicine up where children can’t see it or reach it. Remember, for adults and children alike, it is safer and much more effective to use a measuring cap, dosing spoon, measuring dropper, or dosing syringe to dispense liquid medicine than to assume the amount poured into a kitchen or other spoon is accurate7. And never sip directly from the bottle. For more information about different types of coughs and treatments, go to www.knowyourcough.co.za.

References: 1. Very Well Health. When is Common Cold Season (2017) at https://www.verywellhealth.com/when-is-common-cold-season-770443 (Website accessed on 9 April 2019) 2. De Blasio F, Virchow JC, Polverino M, et al. Cough management: a practical approach. Cough 2011;7(1):7. 3. Poison Control. National Capital Poison Center. Cough and Cold Medicine Safety. Not for Children Under Two (2008) at https://www.poison.org/ articles/2008-mar/cough-and-cold-medicine-safety (Website accessed February 2019) 4. Drugs. Drug Dosage (2019) at https://www.drugs.com/dosage/ (Website accessed February 2019) 5. Medical News Today. Cough and Cold Medications – Use them safely (2017) at https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/16181.php (Website accessed on 4 June 2019) 6. Stelle CM et al. Reference values for healthy swallowing across the range from thin to extremely thick liquids. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research. January 2019: 1-26 at https://pubs.asha.org/ doi/10.1044/2019_JSLHR-S-18-0448 7. Web MD. Spoon Size leads to Medicine Dosage Errors (2010) at https://www.webmd.com/parenting/news/20100104/spoon-size-leadsto-medicine-dosage-errors (Website accessed 16 May 2019) 8. Differentiating Dry Cough and Wet Cough Based on Causes, Symptoms, Treatment - ePainAssist (https://www.epainassist.com/chest-pain/lungs/ differentiating-dry-cough-and-wet-cough) Website accessed on 11 March 2018 9. Data on file. November 2017 10. Data on file. February 1999 11. Data on file. July 2017 12. Cleveland Clinic. Taking Medications: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe (2018) at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/ 4940-taking-medications-what-you-need-to-know-to-stay-safe?view= print (Website accessed February 2019)

2019/08/23 8:33 PM

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health allergies

Springtime is a time of increasing sunshine, beautiful blossoms, new leaves on trees and flourishing grass. However, in nature’s mood of abundance, springtime is also a time of flowering and pollination. For those with seasonal allergies, this can be a frustrating time, with annoying nasal symptoms imposing on one’s quality of life in response to inhaling the abundant pollens in the air. Seasonal allergies can manifest as predominantly nasal symptoms, known as allergic rhinitis, or occasionally also as an increase in chest symptoms, such as asthma.

Seasonal allergies –

diagnosis and management www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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health allergies

llergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction of the nasal mucosa to environmental allergens which should usually be harmless. The reaction involves the immune system and leads to the release of chemical messengers inside the nose and surrounding tissue, causing four typical symptoms: swelling, itching, sneezing and rhinorrhoea (copious mucus). Allergens can be all year round (such as house dust mites, mould and animal dander, which tend to undergo a peak in autumn and winter when your household ventilation decreases because of colder weather) or seasonal (such as grass and tree pollens, which peak in spring and early summer). Whilst tree pollen levels frequently peak from August to October in South Africa, our grass pollen season is particularly long and relentless, spanning from September right through to March. Unfortunately, with climate change phenomena such as global warming, our pollen season will likely be more intensive and prolonged in the future.

Viral colds and allergic rhinitis often mimic each other If you have symptoms of allergic rhinitis, it is of utmost importance to have it checked out by a doctor to rule out other conditions. Viral colds and allergic rhinitis can often mimic each other - though with a cold you usually also have systemic symptoms such as fever or body aches in addition to nasal symptoms. Equally important is having the correct testing for allergic rhinitis. Environmental allergies can be checked by a skin prick test or blood test. Skin prick tests are gentle pricks on the skin, usually on the forearm, which introduce a bit of allergen into the top layer of the skin that will cause a weal and a flare if you are allergic. Results are accurate and immediate within 15 minutes, but you need to be off antihistamine medications for at least three days before the test. Blood tests can check for a variety of environmental allergens and can be done even you are on antihistamines. Results take between one and a few days to come back.

You should take the medication every day during the season of your allergies as consistent use leads to best results. If you are also asthmatic, the controller asthma pump needs to be used regularly. If basic treatment is inadequate, then specialist referral to discuss further management options is advised. A more curative treatment is that of desensitisation, otherwise known as immunotherapy. In this treatment, tiny amounts of the allergen that you are allergic to is administered to you regularly for several years to try and shift the immune system into tolerating the allergen. The most commonly used form of immunotherapy for seasonal allergies is sublingual drops, taken daily under the tongue for a period of three or more years. Immunotherapy is generally safe and effective, but still expensive in South Africa as the allergens are imported.

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t self diagnose! Self-diagnosis is discouraged, as accurate diagnosis of the condition and the relevant allergens leads to optimal treatment planning. If seasonal allergies are poorly managed, headaches and concentration difficulties may arise, as well as complications such as asthma, ear infections and sinusitis. It is best to get the basics in place, including the right diagnosis and an effective management plan. Your family doctor can start the process, and specialist allergy centres are available to optimise diagnosis and treatment.

Managing seasonal allergic rhinitis

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www.allergyfoundation.co.za

Photo Credit: meineresterampe from Pixabay

Management of seasonal allergies includes avoidance of the allergen as much as possible in the first instance. It is important to avoid being outside during peak pollen times such as sunset, and to avoid being near freshly cut grass. Usually avoidance alone is not sufficient to manage symptoms, and medication is also needed. Medication prescribed depends on the most dominant symptoms. Nasal corticosteroid sprays tend to be the best overall treatment. Nasal corticosteroids are safe with minimal absorption into the system in spray form, making them far safer than steroid pills or injections. Nose bleeds are a potential side effect, especially if sprays are angled incorrectly towards the middle nasal septum, which is rich in blood vessels. Antihistamines may be of use if itching and sneezing are predominant. Newer generation antihistamines are ideal with their cleaner side effect profile and minimal sedation.

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2019/08/23 11:07 PM

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The best maternity shoes for happy feet You’re pregnant and with that arises the need to buy new clothes to accommodate your growing body – but, did you know you may need new shoes as well? Expect your feet to swell when you’re expecting; and you need good footwear that will provide stability and support as your weight increases and your centre of balance shifts. To maximise comfort and to prevent injury, it is critical that you select the correct shoes.

he ideal pregnancy shoe does exist and here is a guide to help identify the qualities that make up the perfect pregnancy shoe.

Easy to put on Reaching over your growing belly to put on a pair of shoes can be quite difficult, not to mention uncomfortable. There are many different types of shoes available, but two clearly stand out as being suitable for those of you that are expecting: flats and sandals. Stick to flats and sandals as they are easy to slip on, which means no uncomfortable bending over or having to battle with shoelaces.

Supportive As your pregnancy progresses, the added baby weight puts your joints under more stress than usual. Choose a shoe that has both ankle and arch support so that you can reduce joint pains associated with walking, and hopefully eliminate the joint pains all together.

Extra room During pregnancy your feet will swell. As your pregnancy progresses, getting your foot into the shoe that once fitted you perfectly will start to feel like squeezing a marshmallow through a keyhole. Be sure to buy a pair of shoes that leave you with some extra room. It’s advisable to buy a pair of shoes half a size bigger than you normally wear as they will still give you comfort when your feet swell. Functional shoes do not have to be ugly. Whether you are in your first trimester or in your last trimester, the perfect maternity shoe exists thanks to Bata. Comforting and reassuring – Bata Comfit shoes and sandals provide added comfort and reliable traction wherever you go. The super-soft uppers, cushioned insole and heel with advanced ergonomic design, gently support your feet, enveloping them in comfort to soothe and relieve pregnant feet. Bata Comfit shoes and sandals provide reliable traction, wherever you go with a practical, durable, non-slip sole that makes sure you are safe every step of the way. Bata Comfit – caring for your feet.

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health feet development

Children and their

By Nadia Dembskey

According to the Podiatry Association of South Africa, podiatrists consider the first year of a child’s life to be the most important stage in the development and growth of the foot. A child’s foot grows significantly during the first year and is determined by hereditary factors. Unless the foot is subjected to abnormal pressure, podiatrists know what to expect in terms of normal foot growth based on age and gender.

he function of the foot is to support the body, absorb shock and to shift, align and adapt to different surfaces. A fully-grown foot has 26 bones that are part of a complex system of nerves, blood vessels, muscles and ligaments. A child’s foot has fewer bones compared to that of an adult and new bones continuously grow until the foot is fully formed. Newborn feet are examined to look for potential problems that could affect normal growth and development. We recommend an examination when the child is 4-6 months old, or around the time when the child tries to stand (between 8-10 months). Most children begin to walk unassisted anywhere between 10-14 months A comprehensive podiatry examination every two years after a child reaches the age of 10 can identify problems early.

Rate of growth and possible restrictions A child’s foot grows nearly 1cm each year, and between birth and four years of age, it doubles in length. At age 10, most girls have completed 90% of foot growth, with completion at 14 years. Similarly, boys complete 80% of foot growth by age 10, with completion at 16 years. All children’s feet are soft and flexible because the bones have not yet fused. Any abnormal pressure from wearing ill-fitting shoes or tight socks, can affect the foot’s growth. A child who is beginning to walk should do so barefoot to allow for proper ground contact.

Common foot problems Children are affected by many of the same foot conditions that adults are, including ingrown toenails, plantar warts, flat feet and heel pain. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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health feet development An ingrown toenail occurs when the edge of the nail grows into the skin around it. This causes pain and often results in an infection. Ingrown toenails occur frequently in children, especially teens and may be due in part to footwear, since a child is more likely to experience tight-fitting shoes during growth spurts. A plantar wart is a skin lesion on the sole of the foot that is caused by a virus, to which children are susceptible as their immune systems are still developing. It’s often mistaken for a corn or callus due to similarities in its appearance; usually a circular area of thick skin that creates discomfort with weightbearing. The classic sign of a wart is the appearance of tiny black dots in the lesion. Pes planus or flat feet have minimal to no arches and are a common concern for parents. A child may have flat feet for a variety of reasons, including orthopedic developmental changes that may be outgrown with no lasting problems. Treatment becomes necessary if flat feet are associated with foot or leg pain, lead to difficulty walking, or if one foot is flat relative to the other. Certain congenital foot defects that cause severe flattening will also require treatment. Heel pain can be caused by various conditions. Pain in the bottom of the heel, either with activity or rest, is known as plantar fasciitis. This is an inflamed area of the thick band of tissue that attaches to the heel bone. Pain in the back of the heel at the growth plate is common in adolescents (8-14 years) and may be caused by a condition called Severs Disease. This pain is caused by strain from the Achilles tendon which attaches to the back of the heel.

Fitting footwear Proper fitting footwear and socks are important for normal foot growth in children. Children need larger footwear and socks to accommodate growth. Podiatrists caution against handing down footwear and recommend sizing the shoes to fit your child specifically.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Have your child’s feet measured for length and width before buying new footwear. Also check the size of their socks to make sure they are not too tight. Choose either a fitted pair of trainers with laced or Velcro fastening, made from breathable material. Footwear with stiff heel counters and a textured sole for grip are ideal. Inspect your child’s footwear regularly for unusual wear and seek professional advice if you are concerned. Unusual wear may be the first indication that there is a problem with the foot posture or your child’s general posture and should always be investigated. Normally, wear is across the back of the heel or between the back and the outside. You should look out for severe wear on the inside or outside of the heel, which may carry forward to the sole of the shoe. The heel area of the upper part of the shoe may also be broken and bulge inside or outside. Be aware that blisters and sores may develop with new shoes if the fit or style is incorrect. Inspect children’s feet regularly for inflamed tissue around the nails, red pressure marks on the top of the small joints of the toes, below the ankle bones and at the back of the heel - these signs may be attributed to ill-fitting footwear.

2019/08/25 12:15 PM

health feet development Tips for parents Remember that teenagers in particular can be secretive about foot problems and a trivial, easily rectified problem can be more serious if neglected. If they complain of itchy or painful areas, or you see any rashes or hard, raised areas on the skin, seek professional advice immediately. Ensure your child washes daily with simple soap and water and dries well, particularly between the

toes. Children, in particular teenage boys, have naturally sweaty feet, but smelly feet may be an indication of poor hygiene. The toenails should be inspected regularly and trimmed as needed. A good investment is a pair of nail clippers. Never cut nails too short. When cutting, follow the contours of the nail at the tip of the toe and always leave the corner of the nail just clear of the fleshy part of the toe.

Nadia Dembskey obtained both her B.Tech. Podiatry and M.Tech. Podiatry Degrees at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. With her private practice situated in the southern suburbs of Johannesburg, she has a passion for all aspects of pain management and is a member of Pain SA. Other interests include trauma, surgery, wound healing, laser therapy and diabetology. She is a published author in the podiatry field and has been part of the Podiatry Association of South Africa National Executive Committee from 2011 to today. She served first as Northern Branch Chairperson and later as National Executive Secretary; now newly elected as the Chairperson for the upcoming term. In 2017, she was one of the first podiatrists to receive recognition from her peers and obtained a Level 3A PASA accreditation. Future aspirations include starting her PhD in 2019, pursuing Post Doctorate studies, as well as further development of podiatry in the trauma and surgical fields.

Podiatry Association of South Africa T +27 (0)86 110 0249 | E pasa@podiatrist.co.za | W www.podiatrist.co.za

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health skincare

Caring for a child with

eczema By Lindi Struwig

Allergic reactions are becoming more prevalent around the world, especially in more developed countries. This heightened sensitivity may be due to increased exposure to harmful environmental factors, such as air pollution and cigarette smoke, as well as cleaner living environments with fewer micro-organisms and bacterial exposures.

e often forget that not all bacteria are harmful; some micro-organisms are part of our natural environment and necessary to build immunity. These factors can cause newborns and young children to develop a more sensitive immune system. Approximately 1020% of children in South Africa have asthma, 30-40% have allergic rhinitis, and 15-20% of children have atopic dermatitis, which is the most common type of eczema. Eczema is a chronic condition that affects the skin, which is the primary barrier responsible for protecting your body from allergens, environmental irritants, bacteria and viruses. Damaged skin also allows water to escape the body, leaving the skin dry, irritated and vulnerable to infection. When eczema appears, the skin will become red, itchy and inflamed. Eczema is more common in infancy and early childhood. Symptoms usually appear in babies around 3-4 months of age, especially around the face, on their forehead, chin, cheeks and scalp and the upper areas of their arms and legs. In older children, it is most commonly seen in the inner creases of skin around the elbows, wrists, hands and knees and ankles. Fortunately, most children outgrow eczema, or the symptoms become more manageable with time. There is no exact cause of eczema and symptoms may be acute (lasting less than six weeks), chronic (lasting more than six weeks), or episodic and recurrent (lasting for short periods of months to years). A family history of asthma, hay fever and eczema or atopic dermatitis and environmental exposure to excessive drooling, irritants (strong perfumes, harsh soaps or fabric softeners) and woven or coarse material, dry skin, sweat and allergens (pet hair and

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skin, pollen and dust) may lead to the development of eczema in children. Unfortunately, the symptoms of eczema not only affect a child’s skin, but the damaged skin can be painful or become inflamed. It affects your child’s sleep and the ability to play with their peers due to a common misconception that eczema is a contagious skin disease.

Food allergies and eczema It is essential to understand the relationship between food allergies and eczema. A food allergy will not cause eczema in all children, but a child with eczema may have an increased risk of developing a food allergy. When food allergens or proteins from food sources such as peanuts, milk and eggs, enter the skin through external contact rather than being ingested, the body sees this allergen as an invader and reacts against it. This may cause an allergic reaction when that food is eaten. If you have a history of allergies, or your child starts showing signs of an allergic reaction, it is best to be cautious when introducing solids containing allergens. The nine most common allergens are peanuts, cow’s milk, eggs, wheat, shellfish, soy, fish, tree nuts and sulphites. However, avoiding these foods is not recommended. Excluding these foods from your child’s diet may cause your child to become a picky eater, or nervous when eating in social settings. Children with numerous dietary exclusions have an increased risk of developing nutrient deficiencies that may impact their health, growth and development. If you are pregnant, start allergy prevention strategies early, throughout breastfeeding and by following an age-appropriate introduction of solids to your baby. • During pregnancy follow a balanced diet without www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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health skincare exclusions by including fruit, vegetables, nuts, meat, fish and dairy. • Breastfeed without dietary restrictions for as long as possible. • Only exclude foods from your diet if you have a known allergy or intolerance. • When introducing solids to your baby, start with single food items first and do not delay exposure to allergens. • Avoid infant exposure to cigarette smoke, vape vapour, harsh chemicals and irritants. • If your baby has severe eczema, allergy testing may be required and performed by a specialist.

Skin protection strategies If your child’s eczema is difficult to control, skin protection strategies are essential. By protecting the skin, the body’s first line of defense is strengthened and improves the immune system from being exposed to allergens and environmental contaminants. Some skin protection strategies include: • Making bath time an enjoyable experience by using lukewarm water that soothes pain and skin irritations and helps to hydrate the skin. Make sure you use a soft washcloth or your hands to prevent damaging the skin, and only use a mild soap in the last minutes of bath time to limit exposure to the soap. There are a wide variety of natural products or fragrant-less soaps for sensitive skin that may help to prevent symptoms. Experts recommend patting your baby dry before applying a cream or ointment with a higher oil content to help seal in moisture and reduce skin irritation. • Follow your doctor or paediatrician’s treatment protocol, even when results take time. It is important to remember that treatment for any condition will not necessarily be the same in all individuals. It is best to consult your medical specialist before adjusting the treatment plan, especially in infants and young children who cannot verbally communicate their symptoms.

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• Help your child with prevention strategies by applying moisturiser when you see them scratching and avoiding environmental toxins or triggers such as smoke, dust, mould, harsh chemicals, soap and detergents, and definite dietary triggers. • Personal hygiene is essential for the entire household. Ensure nails are clean and neat, choose clothing that does not irritate the skin and remove tags where possible, avoid tightfitting clothes and teach your child about the importance of basic hygiene from a young age. Eczema is a manageable condition, and although symptoms may be challenging to treat on occasions, it can become part of your daily routine. Ensure that all caretakers, teachers, coaches and family members are aware of the treatment protocols and prevention strategies to help your child cope with their condition in the best way possible.

Lindi Struwig is a private practising dietitian in Fourways, Johannesburg. She graduated from the North-West University Potchefstroom campus, where her love for Dietetics started. She has many interests, some of which include allergies, gastrointestinal conditions, body composition and genetics. She believes in patient-specific treatment and giving clients the latest information relevant to their specific needs and capabilities, while focussing on improving their quality of life.

2019/08/23 8:55 PM

health pregnancy

Can impact your ability to fall pregnant? Going gluten-free is dismissed by many as just another fad because it has become such a large diet trend, but the science behind it cannot be ignored.

ntil recently, gluten was considered only a problem for those with coeliac disease, an autoimmune disease in which gluten is the trigger. However, we are aware gluten intolerance is on the rise and more and more people are suffering its negative effects. New research on gluten is linked to not only other autoimmune illnesses, which are on a rapid rise at the moment, but to fatigue, abdominal pain and other bowel disturbances, headaches, liver function, malnutrition, weight loss, itchy skin, burning sore tongue or canker sores, eczema, acid reflux, hair loss, joint pain, fat malabsorption, menstrual irregularities, infertility and possibly miscarriage.

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By Desi Horsman, nutritionist, speaker, wellness expert

Several European studies have demonstrated that many women with infertility, even those who have failed multiple rounds of IVF, who were identified to have antibodies to gliadin or tissue transglutaminase (blood tests used in the diagnosis of celiac disease), went on to conceive once they adhered to a gluten-free diet. Notably, the majority of women diagnosed with celiac disease, and those represented in these studies, had no gastrointestinal complaints. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology in January 2015, points to diet and gluten as potentially impacting infertility. On average, data suggests that 2.6-8% of those struggling with infertility have undiagnosed celiac disease. Both celiac disease and gluten intolerance are drastically under-diagnosed, and we now have a growing understanding of how much more far-reaching glutenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effects are. This could be a missing link to why it has become so hard to fall pregnant and to stay pregnant.

How gluten interferes with a healthy conception and pregnancy Nutrient depletion: Zinc, selenium, iron, Vitamin D, calcium deficiency, protein and fat absorption can result from exposure to gluten, causing inflammation of the gut lining which interferes with nutrient absorption. These nutrients are vital to proper hormonal signalling, including LH and FSH production (ovulation managers), DNA production and oxygenation. Thyroid balance is critical for conception, miscarriage, and preterm birth prevention and selenium deficiency may drive hypothyroidism. Health of vaginal flora: Gluten can cause demonstrable, long-term changes in your gut bacteria. Good bacteria keep the vaginal environment at the right pH and sugar level to support the passage of the sperm and facilitate conception. Too much of the wrong flora can prevent conception, reduce the effectiveness of IVF and could lead to a pre-term birth. Chronic inflammation: Gluten causes inflammation that is systemic, and not only in the gut. The chemicals that are produced when your body is in a chronic state of inflammation sends the message that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in a danger zone and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a safe time to get pregnant. Inflammation is also associated with endometriosis which interferes with falling pregnant. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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health pregnancy Autoimmunity: Dr Alessio Fasano has published groundbreaking research on the effects of gluten in the body, which creates gaps between the cells of the gut and causes the intestine to become permeable. The cells in our gut lining prevent unwanted particles from entering the bloodstream. Every time you eat gluten, the cells of your gut lining become more permeable and allow particles to sneak directly into your bloodstream. This means that anything that’s going through your intestines - microbes, food particles and toxins - can leak into your bloodstream, and from there go anywhere in your body. Nobody can efficiently digest gluten. Because of the composition of the protein, it’s impossible for the enzymes in our guts to break down the protein into small enough parts to absorb. These can be recognised as foreigners and provoke an immune reaction. Antibodies are produced to attack the gluten protein, but these antibodies also fight the cells of the gut lining and any other part or the body. These antibodies not only affect the way blood vessels form in the uterus but may also potentially attack the placenta. Auto immune conditions can change the body’s ability to tolerate foreign cells, including sperm or the baby. For many people this may not be a problem as their bodies easily remove the protein and repair the gut lining. The problem arises when we eat gluten several times throughout the day and the body does not get a chance to repair the leaky gut. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS): We know that one of the most common causes of infertility is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, which is strongly linked to blood sugar imbalance, which itself has a strong correlation to gluten. Sperm: Gluten intolerance can also contribute to low sperm count and low motility in men. Your diet is one aspect of fertility that you can take into your own hands. Follow a gluten-free diet for at least three months, but preferably six, to maximise the benefit. The healthier you are the better chance there is of a healthy pregnancy and ultimately a healthy baby. For further information visit www.desihorsman.com Desi Horsman, a nutritionist, speaker, wellness expert, has the following qualifications: • 1992 Bachelor of Commerce from Wits University • 1999 Certified Nutritionist from Life Science Institute, Texas (now in Canada) • 2012 Diploma in Nutritional Supplementation from the International Academy of Nutrition, Australia • 2013 Diploma in Clinical Nutrition from the International Academy of Nutrition, Australia • 2013 Certified Wellness Coach from Wellness Coaching Australia

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2019/08/23 8:56 PM

HEA

E AL TH

H LT

BRA

HEALTHY DEVELOPMENT

health

The one thing that could make your child smarter and healthier By Jurgen Kerschbaumer

It is not news that healthy fats are extremely important to wellness; even more so leading up to and during pregnancy. But the benefits are not limited to that special time.

Taking Omega-3 supplements that are high in DHA during pregnancy and breastfeeding has an amazing range of potential benefits, such as: Lower risk of allergies, eczema & asthma Better hand-eye co-ordination Problem solving abilities Alvega-3 is a pure Omega-3 supplement, high in DHA extracted from non-GMO algal oil. Suitable for vegans/vegetarians.

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hat is astounding is that research reveals that taking Omega-3 supplements during pregnancy and then examining those babies at the age of 16, showed they had a lower risk of food allergies and asthma. Perhaps here one should point out that giving our children the very best opportunity to fulfil their potential is not a sprint, but an ultra-marathon. And every meal, every hour spent reinforcing healthy habits, is an immeasurably valuable investment. A study of babies concluded that at nine months old, those who had the benefit of Omega-3 supplementation, showed greater problem-solving abilities. This was done by measuring how long an infant focussed on or responded to stimuli. Some of these infants were tracked when they reached school age to confirm the findings. Several studies also confirm the benefits of Omega-3 supplementation during pregnancy for proper development of the brain and retina. Correlations were found between those mothers that supplemented with Omega-3 and the improved hand-eye co-ordination of their children at two-anda-half years old.

Why does this happen? There are two main essential fatty acids, EPA and DHA. DHA is the more important fatty acid for cell membrane function. The most likely explanation is this: during the third trimester of pregnancy, vast amounts of DHA accumulate in foetal tissue. The two areas where this is most densely concentrated are the eyes and brain. ‘Many mothers don’t realise how much DHA they need in the third trimester, and that the baby can deplete their stores,’ says Somerset West-based nutritionist, Sherri-Lynn Grant. To get Omega-3, you have to eat fish, right? Wrong! Fish have Omega-3 in their liver because they feed on Omega-3-rich algae. So, the true source of these healthy fats is algal oil. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2019/08/23 8:57 PM

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nutrition

What to feed a baby to prevent

allergies

There are many theories on the right way to wean your baby but sometimes guidelines can be too rigid and don’t take into consideration that babies mature at different rates and have individual needs. The first two years of nutrition map out the rest of the childhood diet and have a huge impact on whether a child will develop food allergies and intolerances. By Desi Horsman, Clinical Nutritionist, speaker, wellness expert

here’s no right time to wean your baby, but generally at around six months the baby’s immune system and digestive system is ready for the introduction of solids. Delaying weaning until this time will also reduce the risk of developing allergies, especially if conditions such as asthma, eczema, hay fever or migraines run in the family. Food allergies and intolerances can develop not only because the food is not suited to the baby’s constitution, but because the correct enzymes for digestion have not yet been produced. The food is not properly broken down and undigested particles may cause certain reactions, including a runny nose, colic, eczema, nappy rash, constipation, diarrhoea, rings under the eyes, sleeplessness, recurrent respiratory infections and hyperactive behaviour. Look out for all these symptoms when introducing a new food.

Even at six months, some babies may not be interested in eating solids the first few times. Shelve it for a week or so and in the meantime just give finger foods like celery, cucumber and big carrot sticks to play with and get used to snacking on raw foods. Use a food safety net if they have teeth already.

Introducing new foods Introduce one food at a time and give the same food for three days to allow the baby’s digestive system a chance to get used to a new food. If any of the above symptoms appear, leave the food and introduce it again a few weeks later. If the baby also appears not to like the new food, try a few weeks later and again a third time if necessary - but never force feed. It takes a while to get used to different smells and textures.

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nutrition Premature weaning may result in over feeding as the baby is only used to sucking, not chewing. If your baby is happy and healthy there is no need to introduce solids too early or worry if your baby is only eating small quantities to start with. The presence of teeth is nature’s way of saying it’s time to begin adding solids. In saying that, there are some babies that get teeth very early or very late - so again we have to be mindful of individual needs. Some babies show interest in food as early as four months. In these cases, start very slowly and only give fruit and vegetables that are easy to process until the digestive system has matured. In all situations, go slowly and let your baby guide you. Babies are born with the innate ability to be completely aware of what to eat and how much to eat and when.

Raw fruit is the best first food Fruit generally is the best first food as the baby is used to the subtle sweetness of mother’s milk. Make raw fruit purees and not cooked fruit because it can be very acidic and cause a nappy rash. When fruit is cooked it becomes very sweet and the baby does not learn to enjoy the freshness of fruit and you may well find at a later stage, they will not like to eat any fruit. Cooked fruit purees also encourage a sweet tooth at a later stage. Starting with veggies, try baby marrows, for example, my personal favourite. It’s a slightly sweet vegetable and non-allergenic and it teaches the baby to eat a wide variety of foods and not to favour only the sweet. It will be trial and error for each baby. Keep meals as natural as possible which means NO additives, flavorants, sugar (one teaspoon of sugar can shut down a baby’s immune system for 12 hours), salt, modified and refined starches, hydrogenated fats and anything else you do not understand on a food label.

Allergy-free introduction to foods 6-9months: • Fresh fruits (except citrus and strawberries) • Fresh veggies (except potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines and peppers. These belong to the nightshade family and contain natural toxins, which gradually accumulate and cause a reaction. Tomatoes can be particularly allergenic to babies and can lead to hyperactivity and acidity, eczema and nappy rash.)

9-12 months: • Gluten-free grains (millet, buckwheat, quinoa, brown rice) – remember, at least six teeth should be present for grains to be introduced. Babies need to be able to chew properly to produce the right enzymes to be able to digest carbohydrates. • Cereals using the above whole grains • Corn, potatoes, tomatoes, aubergines, sweet bell peppers • Nut butters - like tahini from sesame seeds (not peanut butter) • Lentils and legumes • Pasture-fed chicken and meat (no hormones or antibiotics) 12-24 months: • Ground nuts and seeds (start with raw almonds and sunflower seeds, which are the least allergenic - avoid tree nuts. Whole nuts are a choking hazard so make sure your toddler is ready to chew properly.) • Gluten grains in moderation • Dairy products (yoghurt and white soft cheese and best quality whole cow’s milk) - milk is a common cause of allergies in babies and extremely mucous forming, is difficult to digest and inflammatory by nature. Goat’s cheese and its derivatives are easier to digest • Citrus fruits • Eggs • Fish (except shellfish) • Soya products 24months+: • Shellfish • Strawberries A healthy immune system means less chance of allergies. Foods should be whole foods (not refined) with enough high fibre to ensure a healthy bowel into adulthood. Introduce a wide variety of foods slowly to develop an adventurous appetite and to ensure your baby is getting a broad selection of all the nutrients needed. Beware of bottle foods with very long expiry dates and look out for hidden sugars. A healthy immune system develops from healthy eating.

Desi Horsman is a leading authority on everything about food. She is a well-respected clinical nutritionist, wellness coach and professional speaker with a particular interest in children’s health. She is passionate about teaching parents how to feed their children, so they foster a healthy relationship with food from their earliest days.

www.desihorsman.com 80

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2019/08/23 9:09 PM

nutrition

Considering starting solids â&#x20AC;&#x201C; what to look out for By Carey Haupt RD(SA) SACLC

Starting solids can be an exciting time. I remember when we started our son on solids. We had my brother and the grandparents over. He was propped up in a chair and we all watched as my husband and I fed him some mashed butternut from a spoon. The video is so cute, the words of praise about how clever he was is quite impressive, and his outfit was cuter than cute. However, now when I watch the video, I shudder. I shudder because I can now see all the non-verbal signals that he was sending, saying he was not ready. We could have waited a week longer, just to give him time. If I had known better, I would have done better. 82

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followed the WHO guideline for the introduction of solids; however, my son was born prematurely. Although he was six months old, he was not six months corrected age and was not physically ready to start solids. I wanted to be a good mother and provide extra energy for him so that he would continue to grow well and so I started to introduce solids early instead of waiting. If I were to do it again, I would follow the tips below and watch his non-verbal signs to assess if he is physically ready for solids.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2019/08/23 9:10 PM

nutrition

What to look for when assessing if your child is ready to start solids The WHO recommends six months as the right time to introduce your baby to solids, and they have good reason to. Before a child is ready to eat solids, they need to be able to protect their airway while eating. This is important to prevent choking and aspiration (when food or liquid goes into the lungs). So, how can a parent tell if a baby can protect their airway? • Look for head and neck strength: Can your baby hold their head in a book-reading position for extended periods of time. Picture yourself sitting upright and reading a book. Think of where your chin is in relation to your neck. Can your baby hold the same position? • Can you baby sit unaided? This means alone and not in a chair that supports them, or with pillows that help to prop them up. The same muscles that are used for sitting up also help to stabilise a child for eating. • Is your baby showing interest in food? Does your baby watch you eating or try to take food from your plate? What does your baby do with the food once they have it in their hands? Do they just play with it (that is ok, and in fact, it is great for sensory reasons) or does your baby mouth the food? • Once you start feeding your baby, does your baby stick out his tongue? This is an automatic movement where the tongue pushes the food out the mouth. If this happens, then your baby has not lost his tongue thrusting reflex. It is a good indication that you should wait a bit before starting solids. • What feeding cues are you seeing? Is your baby turning to the food and opening his mouth or turning away? Does your baby put their arm in the way of the food or start crying? If so, your baby is showing you that he is not ready and not enjoying this activity. I am not a fan of the saying that ‘food under one is just for fun’. The introduction of solids is very important www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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as it has a large impact on how your baby grows and their relationship with food into adulthood. At about six months your baby needs extra dietary iron to keep up with their growth. This additional iron is supplied from the solids that you start to feed your baby. It is important to include food that has a high iron content. Children also need to learn about different textures, flavours, colours, temperatures and shapes of food. The ideal time to expose your baby to this is before they are one year old. As children get older, they start to become choosier about the food they eat. This is called neophobia and is normal. It is thought to be a protective instinct, so that a child does not eat something that could potentially be harmful to them while they are out and about exploring the world. By exposing a child to as many different foods, textures, colours, shapes and combinations, you are broadening the child’s term of reference for which foods are safe. If a child has just had soft food until they are one year old, they are more likely to become a fussy eater as they have not learnt how to chew and move lumpy food around in their mouth.

Tips about solids and children If you don’t eat the food, don’t expect your child to love it either. Your child watches your eating habits and copies you. Eat with your child, let them see what you eat and how to eat it. They will earn their table manners from you. Dinner time can be a special family time where you are able to connect and find out how each other’s day went. When introducing a new food (unless it is sweets) children may take at least 15 positive exposures before they accept the food. (Yes, I often have to breath and be patient with my children). A positive exposure can be seeing the food, touching the food or smelling the food. They don’t necessarily have to put the food in their mouth. If you force a child to eat a food, the child experiences it as a negative exposure.

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nutrition Try not to tell your child that the food is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;SOOO NICE and TASTYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, because for them it may be awful, and they will not trust your judgement on food taste. Rather explain the food to the child, what colour is it, how does it feel in your mouth, what shape it is, and if it makes a sound when you chew it. That way the child is focused on the food and learning about it. If I am introducing a food to my daughter that has a strong taste, like capers, for example, I explain to her that they have a strong taste and I am not sure she will like it. She generally will taste the food and eat it, or tell me it is too strong for her, but she is happy to try it again later. Try not to use food as a reward; rather use a sticker chart or special time together. If food is linked to a reward it makes it so much easier to eat for comfort when your child is older. One of the most important things to remember is that feeding is messy. Yes, the best time to feed is just before a bath. Let your child explore and learn about the food they are eating. It is ok if they cover their face with butternut - the photos are so cute. Once they have eaten, you can wipe up and clean the feeding chair. This way your child is learning not only how the food tastes, but also to use their other senses when eating food.

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2019/08/23 9:10 PM

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recipes

Lamb Sosaties with Harissa

Serves 4–6

Ingredients

3 Tbsp Pesto Princess Harissa Paste 3 Tbsp plain yoghurt 3 Tbsp apricot jam 100ml apricot juice (peach, apple or pear juice will also do the trick) Salt and pepper to taste ± 1kg boneless leg of lamb, cut into 2cm cubes 250g dried apricots, soaked in hot water for 10 minutes

Method

1. In a bowl, combine the Pesto Princess Harissa Paste, yoghurt, jam and juice to create a marinade. 2. A dd the cubed lamb to the marinade so that the lamb is covered and leave it in the fridge for at least 60 minutes, or as long as possible (up to a day). 3. L ight your fire and remove the lamb from the fridge to bring it to room temperature. 4. I n another bowl, cover the apricots with hot water and let them soak for 10 minutes, until softened. Drain and set aside. 5. T hread the lamb pieces, alternating with the apricots, onto the skewers. About 3-4 pieces per skewer. 6. B raai for approximately 10 minutes, basting with marinade, until the lamb is medium rare.

To celebrate your return to the ‘kole’ (in truth some of us never really left them), we thought you’d enjoy making these nosetwitching lamb sosaties with harissa and plump apricots. Serve them with a simple green salad and cauliflower skewers and you’ve got a family feast. With love from a smoky palace HRH Kathleen

Dust off the braai, put on the slops, slap on some sun cream and let’s declare braai season 2018/2019 open! 86

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2019/08/23 9:12 PM

recipes

Sticky ribs with Chimichurri Serves 4

Ingredients

1kg pork ribs (pre-cooked from your trusted butcher) 1kg baby potatoes 3 Tbsp Pesto Princess Sundried Tomato Pesto Olive oil Pesto Princess Chimichurri Sauce 1 small bunch parsley, finely chopped Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 200⁰C. Boil the scrubbed potatoes until fork tender. 2. Layer the ribs on a baking tray with the bone side facing down and baste generously with Pesto Princess Sundried Tomato Pesto. Drizzle with olive oil and roast for 20–30 minutes until the ribs start to crisp-up on the outside. 3. When cool enough to handle, cut the potatoes into small wedges and toss in a little olive oil. If there’s space next to the ribs, squeeze the potatoes alongside them, season generously and roast until golden. If it’s too crowded, roast them in their own oven tray. 4. Once cooked through, toss the roasted potatoes with parsley. Slice the ribs and serve with Pesto Princess Chimichurri Sauce and plenty of serviettes for those sticky fingers.

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diy arts & crafts

Use a piece of pine, plywood or MDF, a 25mm dowel and some Rust-Oleum 2X UltraCover spray paint to make this dowel hanging rack.

Dowel hanging rack This dowel peg hanging rack can easily be mounted in a hallway for coats, in a bathroom for towels, or in a children's bedroom. You can make a longer rack for more hanging pegs and choose your own colours for the pegs. 1. You can extend the length of the board if you want to add more hanging pegs. Divide the board into sections, allowing between 60mm and 80mm between each peg. Use a steel ruler to mark and draw where to cut out for the pegs.

2. At the base of each slot, drill a hole with a 25mm spade bit. If you are using a different sized dowel, use the corresponding size spade bit.

You will need: • A piece of board (MDF, plywood or pine will do) approximately 250mm x 500mm, or longer • 25mm pine dowel • ‘No More Nails’ adhesive • Rust-Oleum 2X UltraCover spray paint in your choice of colours • 120- and 180- or 240-grit sandpaper • two keyhole hangers and four 16mm screws Tools: 1. Drill/Driver and assorted bits 2. 25mm spade bit 3. Jigsaw and clean-cut blade 4. Steel ruler and pencil OPTIONAL: You can use a mitre saw if you are cutting dowel pegs at an angle.

tip tip

Place a scrap board underneath the board you are cutting to reduce ripping and chipping at the back of the board. Tork Craft have a 9-piece spade bit set that contains a selection of the most commonly used spade bits.

3. Use a jigsaw to cut out the slots.

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4. After completing all the cutting, sand the edges smooth with 180- or 240-grit sandpaper. If you need to remove uneven edges inside the slots, a Dremel MultiTool and sanding ring comes in very handy. Alternatively, wrap the dowel with sandpaper and rub up and down. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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diy arts & crafts 5. When using spray paint on SupaWood or MDF, it is always better to seal the cut edges. This effectively blocks the edges and means that you use less paint. A small bead of wood glue applied over the edge works like a dream. Let the glue dry.

6. The pegs are 25mm in diameter and 100mm in length. The ends are cut at an angle for effect, but you can keep them straight if you don’t have a mitre saw. The ends for our peg rack were cut at a 20-degree angle. Sand away any rough edges.

7. Choose your favourite colours for the pegs. We used Rust-Oleum 2X in satin poppy red, aqua, French lilac and green apple. Apply several light coats, allowing each coat to dry. The main panel was sprayed with Rust-Oleum 2X satin heirloom white.

8. To mount the board onto a wall, we used two keyhole brackets mounted at the back. These particular keyhole brackets need to be drilled out behind the fitting, so draw out the shape with a pencil first.

11. To mount the pegs use ‘No More Nails’ adhesive at the base of the slots and push down the pegs. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess adhesive that oozes out.

9. Use a 10mm wood bit to drill to a 5mm depth where you marked the shape of the keyhole brackets.

10. Screw the keyhole brackets in place with 16mm screws.

13. Now you can hang the peg rack on the wall. 12. Let the adhesive dry overnight.

tip

When mounting anything onto a wall, it is important to use Fischer wall plugs. Fischer wall plugs are nylon (not plastic) and provide a secure mounting for large and heavy items. For this project I used SX6 wall plugs that require a 6mm drill bit and 4mm to 5mm diameter screws. Remember that the screws should be about 5mm longer than the plug.

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diy arts & crafts

tip

14. Mark where you want the hanging rack on the wall and use a spirit level to ensure the line is straight.

You should also use an electronic detector as a safety precaution before you start drilling. You may not know where water pipes or electrical conduits are in the wall. Checking before you drill is far safer than drilling and possibly hitting one of these.

tip

If you are looking to buy a drill/driver, consider the Bosch PSB 10,8 LI-2 combi drill/driver. This model is lightweight and also features a hammer function for heavyduty drilling for the home DIY enthusiast. You can buy this at your local Builders or online at www.Tools4Wood.co.za .Using Alpen masonry bits is like pushing a hot knife through butter, and with a Bosch PSB 10,8 LI-2 drill/driver and 6mm bit, it really is a breeze to drill the holes.

15 . Make sure the hole is clean before pushing in the nylon wall plug.

16. Drive in the 5mm screw so that only the head of the screw protrudes from the wall. Place the keyhole brackets onto the screw heads and push down to slot securely in place.

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2019/08/23 9:39 PM

nursery

The benefits of having plants in your

babyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s room Having plants in your home not only gives off a warm, homely and organic feel but it is scientifically proven to help create a healthier environment for you and your family.

ecause of our busy lifestyles, not everyone can spend time outside in nature. We at Plantr, make it our mission to bring nature into the home with stylish designs and stress-free self-watering systems, making plant care simple and easy. We understand that becoming a parent can be stressful, which is why we are here to help. Research shows that having plants in your home can reduce physiological and psychological stress. Environmental health expert, Danica-Lea Larcombe, says that plants confer positive changes in the brainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s electrical activity, muscle tension and heart activity (The Conversation).

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2019/08/23 9:40 PM

nursery

Adding plants to your home can also act as a natural air filtration system by converting carbon dioxide into fresh oxygen, as well as removing harmful toxins from the air. Research has shown that rooms with houseplants contain up to 60% less airborne mould and bacteria, than rooms without any greenery. Introducing air purifying plants into your child’s room can be exceptionally beneficial but be sure to elevate the plants and keep them out of reach to avoid any potentially harmful contact or ingestion. Using a product like the Wonderwall would be a great choice. Our choice for your baby’s room would be MotherIn-Laws tongue (Sansevieria). Not only are they easy to look after, requiring little water and with a renowned tolerance to a wide array of light levels, but they are also excellent air purifiers - removing toxins from the air and improving indoor air quality. We would love to hear from you so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if we can advise you on the right products to choose, or if we can answer any questions you may have.

Plantr T 084 6777 666 M 071 1207 290 E info@plantr.co.za W www.plantr.co.za Palms Centre, 145 Sir Lowry Road, Woodstock, Cape Town

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2019/08/23 9:40 PM

editor’s choice décor

Vox Altitude Cot Bed in White, R5 990, available at www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za

Blankets, R299, available at www.babesandkids.co.za, or in-store at Kids Living or Takealot. The stylish Altitude Cot Bed – Graphite by Vox – will grow with your child as you can convert it into a toddler bed when needed, R6 550, available at www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za

Vox Altitude Compactum in White, R5 490, available at www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za

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Milk Convertible Cot Bed with Storage Drawer, R5 990, available at www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2019/08/23 9:41 PM

editor’s choice décor

Cotton and Wool Duvet Inners, R599 and R699, available at www.babesandkids.co.za, or in-store at Kids Living or Takealot.

The Bambu Eco-Cot is a truly eco-friendly, non-toxic, solid bamboo cot for your baby, R5 990, available at www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za

Bunni Velvet Star Scatters, R325, available at www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za

DéCOR Décor

Duvet Covers, R799, available at www.babesandkids.co.za, or in-store at Kids Living or Takealot.

Lorena Canals Washable Stars Rug in Vintage Blue & Vintage Nude, R2 490 , available at www.cleverlittlemonkey.co.za

Muslins, R329, available at www.babesandkids.co.za, or in-store at Kids Living or Takealot.

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2019/08/23 9:41 PM

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nursery

The do’s and don’ts when planning your nursery One of the best and most exciting parts of your new bundle of joy in the family is decorating the nursery.

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ith so many new trends and so many goodies available, it can be rather overwhelming – so we have summed up the do’s and don’ts of everything you need to know when it comes to planning and styling your nursery.

Choosing your furniture Do choose key pieces first. As strange as it may sound, it is important to decide on your furniture pieces before you decorate. Parents often choose a theme or colour scheme first, but it is easier to match wallpaper, decor and bedding to your furniture.

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2019/08/23 9:44 PM

nursery Don’t underestimate space. If you take one thing from this article, let it be this: measure your space and furniture before you make the purchase. Keep the size of the room in mind and how practical it will be to move around in it. There are lots of nursery pieces that combine comfort, quality, functionality and longevity without compromising on style. Do go for quality and functionality. Consider how long you want the nursery to function as a baby’s room and how long you expect the furniture to last if you want to convert it to toddler furniture. Many key pieces of furniture are designed to fit your needs as well as grow with your child – for instance, a compactum that turns into dressers by removing the changer, and cots that transform into toddler beds that can be used for up to seven years. Look out for sturdy materials and designs, as there comes a time when your baby will stand up and rock the cot - and did we mention that they like to chew on the edges? Natural wood is a good option. Don’t clutter. Storage, storage, storage! Think of the midnight drill - it’s dark and you’re half asleep; there’s no humour in bumping into objects.

The psychology of colour Choosing a colour palette for your baby’s nursery can be a long and frustrating journey. In the past, new parents almost always ended up opting for pastel blues, pinks, greys or even all-white. Nowadays, parents are much more experimental with colour, but it’s important to consider the psychological effects that different colours can have. The colours of your surroundings can influence mood and behaviour, stimulate the brain and even affect the health of your baby. Before you decide on a paint colour, take a minute to consider the psychological effects that the colour can have on your little one. Do use yellow - Whimsical, cheerful and the colour of sunshine, yellow has long been a popular colour for nurseries and for good reason! Thought to promote concentration and aid learning, yellow is a great colour to surround your baby with during their first few years of life. Pair it with soft cream and warm greys and you’ll have a striking, on-trend nursery too.

Yellow promotes concentration and aids learning and is a great colour to surround your baby with during their first few years of life. Pair it with soft cream and warm greys and you’ll have a striking, on-trend nursery too.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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nursery Don’t use red - Strong and intense, red is known to increase heart rate, blood pressure and metabolism and is a colour to steer away from when decorating your baby’s nursery. Some studies suggest that exposure to the colour red can cause mood swings, headaches and even insomnia. Do use green - Calming, serene and nurturing, green symbolises nature and the growth of plants, and is the perfect colour of choice for a nursery. Associated with good health and healing, green is known to reduce anxiety and will have a soothing effect on the mind and body of your baby. The best shades of green to opt for when painting your nursery are earthy shades, such as sage, olive and moss. Pair it with white and bring in some emerald green elements for a beautiful, contemporary nursery.

Theme

The 4You Cot Bed by Vox offers removable cot bars for baby to climb out when they’re ready and thereafter becomes a bed and desk.

Even more important than the aesthetically pleasing look of your nursery, is to have a soothing atmosphere where you can rest and play with your favourite little human. Do your thing - You’ll be spending your days and nights in the nursery, so stay true to yourself here, as clichéd as that may sound. Sure, bunnies are oh-socute, but if it’s not true to your style, you’ll tire of it very quickly. Don’t forget the golden rule - Simplicity is key, and while there are so many beautiful decorations and accessories to choose from, it’s easy to go overboard and buy unnecessary items. Keep it simple, safe and functional.

The power of lighting

Simplicity is key. Keep it simple, safe and functional.

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Often an afterthought, lighting plays a very important part in our lives. Lighting has the power to adjust an interior by creating ambience and it also has the power of changing the perceived size of a room! Do combine natural and artificial lighting - With the right furniture and colour selection, your nursery can go from a sunny picnic in the park, to a cosy sleep clinic with the flick of a switch. Don’t be afraid of the dark - When it comes to blinds or curtains, make sure they are dense enough to mimic night, anytime. You want to be able to fake

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2019/08/26 2:50 PM

nursery the dark when it’s time for an afternoon nap - it’s not only beneficial for baby, but mom and dad as well! After all, sun-is-out means fun-is-out and your baby wouldn’t want to miss out on anything. Make sure that your curtains are able to block sunlight or add a stylish hanging canopy over the cot for extra darkness. Do avoid harsh lighting - Soft lighting is your best friend in a nursery. Babies eyes aren’t fully developed, so a soft dim light prevents overstimulation. Look for bulbs called “warm white” or “daylight”, which are more diffused, making the light gentler on your baby’s eyes. Do create light layers - We have established that soft lighting is the way to go, but sometimes you just need to be able to see what you’re doing when you’re elbow-deep in nappies. The solution: Layers of light. Make use of a variety of functional lights. In addition to the light fixture on the ceiling, aim for task-centred lights, for instance, a night light, a reading lamp and a changing table light. Yes, planning a dream nursery may be as stressful as it is exciting, but with these tips, you can focus on the perfect room where you want to hang out with your favourite little person.

Make sure that your curtains are able to block sunlight or add a stylish hanging canopy over the cot for extra darkness.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Clever Little Monkey is a team of fun-loving, creative thinking, trend-setting girls but mainly, we’re a parent’s best friend and ally. We want to give you and your child the best in furniture and decor. That’s what inspired our guaranteed-for-quality items that have been curated by industry experts and conform to international safety standards. And even better, it conforms to our very high standards in taste and trends! Our mission is to create happy nurseries, toddler rooms, playrooms and above all, happy children and happy parents!

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Cape Gate Build it has just gone babylistic Check out our new baby range hitting our shelves soon

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EVERY CHILD COUNTS. EVERY MOMENT MATTERS. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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C The Ultimate Mom & Baby Handbag

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sporty silicone time teach watches For those learning to tell time, Mimbee has the TimeTeach range of watches. Their dials are designed to simply help indicate the amount of minutes ‘past’ or ‘to’ the next hour, and with subtle colouring and patterns. they can be a great accessory to school uniforms. For more information on how our watches look, why not check them out on our Facebook or Instagram pages.

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SOLVE

Do the maths and solve the puzzle! Then colour in the correct colours by following the numbers.

SOLVE Unscramble the words to complete the puzzle! Use the cartoons to help you!

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book reviews Little World: In the City by Ladybird

Curious minds will love to explore the big city with this interactive title from Little World. Walk the bustling streets and climb towering skyscrapers in this bright and colourful board book, which features a novelty to slide, push or pull on every spread.

No Longer Alone by Joseph Coelho

Told through the voice of a little girl who is labelled as quiet and shy, No Longer Alone follows her tumult of emotions as she navigates the world around her. But when she finally shares her feelings and tells her Dad all the things that are worrying her, she no longer feels so alone.

Biggest, Fastest, Tallest, Strongest by Darran Stobbart

A dynamic, visual collection of the biggest, tallest, fastest, strongest, highest, deepest, longest and furthest things in the world – and beyond. Simple facts are coupled with eye-popping visuals that show-off the sheer scale of each superlative.

The Little Town of Marrowville

by John Robertson, illustrated by Louis Ghibault

In a town surrounded by deadly mist and filled with oddities, two young siblings become orphans. And that’s the best thing that’s happened to them all day. Howard Howard was a Wrecker (a brute and bully by profession) who was brutal and bullish to his children - Aubrey and Aubrey’s Sister. Howard Howard deserved to be turned into mince, and thanks to a mysterious duo called The Grinders, that’s exactly what happened to Howard Howard. Hunted by the police and their father’s gang of Wreckers, the siblings find some new friends to help keep them safe: a talented burglar named Charlie (who has no bones, but a great moustache) and a sword-wielding assassin named Calo (who has a sword, duh.) In a town already revelling in its own chaos and with new dangers around every corner, Aubrey’s Sister and Aubrey stumble into a world of secrets, myths and monsters.

A Wishing-Chair Adventure: A Daring School Rescue by Enid Blyton

A brand new full-colour short story from Blyton’s magical Wishing-Chair series – the perfect companion to the successful Magic Faraway Tree Adventure series and perfect for readers aged 5+. Molly and Peter are ever so lucky. They have a magical wishing-chair that will fly them to fairy-tale lands and grant them any wish they please! But on a mission to find their missing toys, the children are captured and made to attend the very strict school for bad brownies! Will they escape and find the wishing-chair again?

Peppa Pig: Peppa Goes to the Cinema by Ladybird

Peppa and George are very excited! They are going to the cinema to see the new Super Potato film. Will Super Potato save the day? Peppa and her friends can’t wait to find out! You can find out all about the cinema in this exciting new Peppa Pig adventure. Perfect for little ones visiting the cinema for the first time!

Baby Touch: Colours by Ladybird

Bursting with colour, Baby Touch brings a new, interactive board book to brighten up early learning. Part of Ladybird’s best-selling Baby Touch series, this new book is designed to help stimulate a baby’s senses from birth. Encouraging interaction and play, the Baby Touch books are lots of fun for the very youngest babies, as well as toddlers. 110

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One thing about being a child will never change. A lot has changed since you were a child, but the need to protect children certainly hasn’t. Sanlam’s Child: Illness and Injury Benefit has been developed specifically for children. While we understand kids being kids may mean a few scrapes and cuts along the way, more serious illnesses and injuries can place families under significant financial pressure. Get peace of mind and give your kids the protection they deserve with a benefit that covers a wide range of dread diseases, injuries, impairments and infections. From as little as R35 a month.* Speak to your financial adviser today or SMS “CHILD” to 48103 and we will call you back. Standard SMS rates apply.

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