Baby's and beyond - Issue 6 = July - September 2015

Baby’s and Beyond

babys beyond TM

July - September 2015

and

Allergens and food labels

July - September 2015

Buckle up – it’s the law Colds vs flu – know the difference Death-defying vaccination Nightmares and night terrors

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

ISSN 2311-5467

9 772311 546706

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babys beyond TM

and

13 CONTENTS 21 Features

Buckle up – it’s the law Pregnancy and medical aid Love in pregnancy, birth and beyond Keeping the bills down So much more…

Colds vs flu – know the difference Skin-to-skin care Egg donation in South Africa Understanding dogs’ body language Routine infant circumcision Sexual abuse and the law Why do children have nightmares?

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Health

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Death-defying vaccination Allergens and food labels My child’s front tooth is going black Natural remedies for teething Managing bleeding in little people Exercise – it’s good for you Listening in the classroom

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Education

Teaching children to share Navigating developmental stages Keeping the environment clean The magic words

Regulars

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Kicks for Kids: Fun puzzles and activities Grab Some Grub: Smoked Salmon Pizza with Cream Cheese Fruit Smoothies to delight the little ones Getaway review: Forest fairies and bath wrinkles News: NACSA launches Courage Disney creates magical moments Hamleys opens in Cape Town Johnson’s Baby Sense Seminars PnP’s Mother’s Day survey results Understanding parenting challenges Good food for little eaters An app for everything Book Review: Ten books to read before you grow up

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Baby’s and Beyond July - September 2015

CREDITS babys beyond TM

Editor: Emma Dawson editor@babysandbeyond.co.za

and

Editorial Contributors Barbara Eaton Lynn van Jaarsveld Gavin Sutton Melissa Jacobs Elmarie Jensen Dr Adel Rossouw Jenny Currie Dr Etti Barsky Donovan Adams Vanessa Preston Carly Tzanos Lourdes Bruwer Sr Ann Richardson Nolene Rust Annamarie Song

July - September 2015

Allergens and food labels Buckle up – it’s the law Colds vs flu – know the difference Death-defying vaccination Nightmares and night terrors

Production Manager: Melanie Taylor artwork@mediaxpose.co.za

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

ISSN 2311-5467

Design and Layout: CDC Design carla@cdcdesign.co.za

9 772311 546706

INSIDE: Giveaways

Classifieds

Subscribe and WIN!

Project Manager: Elroy van Heerden elroy@babysandbeyond.co.za

Kicks for kids

Sales Manager: Sarina Afonso sarina@mediaxpose.co.za

Cover picture: shutterstock

Advertising Sales: Ehrin Manuel ehrin@babysandbeyond.co.za Lorraine Beneke lorraine@babaysandbeyond.co.za Allison Davids allison@babysadnbeyond.co.za

Pictures: www.shutterstock.com; www.123RF.com

babysandbeyond

Chief Financial Officer: Shaun Mays shaun@mediaxpose.co.za

@babysandbeyond

Accounts Assistant: Melany Smith accounts1@mediaxpose.co.za Reception/PA: A-eeshah Davids receptionist@mediaxpose.co.za Distribution and Subscriptions: Melany Smith distribution@mediaxpose.co.za Printing Paarl Media Paarl www.paarlmedia.co.za

Scan here to access our website: www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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404 Commerce House, 55 Short Market Street, Cape Town, 8001 PO. Box 15165, Vlaeberg, 8018 Tel: 021 424 3625 Fax: 086 544 5217 E-mail: info@babysandbeyond.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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ED’S NOTE Learning at all ages

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love learning. In fact, if I didn’t have to work I’d probably be a perpetual student! I particularly like spending time in the company of experts in their fields, and love a good dose of well-researched and considered information that we can apply to our lives and knowledge banks.

I was thrilled to recently spend a morning at the Table Bay Hotel in Cape Town to learn about the launch of the Johnson’s Baby ‘so much more’ campaign, which is all about the importance of multi-sensorial experiences that can lead to happy, healthy baby development.

There were a number of fascinating speakers at the event who revealed advanced research about baby development and how a baby’s bath time can be so much more than just about cleansing. However, what most appealed to me was a talk by Megan Faure (BSc OT and Baby Sensory Expert) about sensory engagement for optimal development.

Megan told us that stimulating an infant’s nervous system by engaging sensory input through all the senses is essential for development. Emerging research suggests that sensory stimulation and emotional engagement are the foundation for neural growth, providing the platform for all development, emotional intelligence, and ultimately longterm success. This opportunity is never more significant than in the critical early years.

Pregnancy provides the platform for the birth of 100-billion brain cells that are largely unconnected when a baby is born. From birth to 18 months, connections occur at an incredible rate of over one million per second! By the baby’s second birthday, his brain will have grown to 80% of its adult weight, providing the platform for all development through his life. We are now discovering that multisensory stimulation increases synaptic connections, which promote brain development. When a neuron is stimulated it is reinforced, whereas those synapses that are not stimulated are pruned.

This means that what a baby feels, smells, tastes, hears and sees, will help to promote the long-term survival of synaptic connections during brain development and enhance the brain’s physical development.

Fascinating stuff! If you’re interested to learn more about your baby’s development and multisensory stimulation, keep an eye out for our October edition where we’ll discuss this in more detail.

As usual, this issue is filled with masses of fabulous information to assist you on your parenting journey, and to help you provide the optimum stimulation for your children.

Happy learning!

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FEATURE

Buckle up

– it’s the law

Nearly 40 people die on South Africa’s roads every day, and about 10% of these are children. Effective from May1, 2015, it’s now illegal for children under the age of three to be unrestrained while travelling in a car.

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ith roads becoming ever-more busy, car accidents are inevitably also more prevalent.

In the event of an accident, the most effective measures to protect vehicle occupants are seat belts and proper child restraints or car seats for children.

The Department of Transport has introduced a new law that states: ‘The driver of a motor vehicle

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operated on a public road shall ensure that an infant travelling in such a motor vehicle is seated on an appropriate child restraint. This provision shall not apply in the case of a minibus, midibus or bus operating for reward.’

In other words, from May 1, it’s now a punishable offence for your child (under three years old) to travel unrestrained in a car.

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FEATURE According to Arrive Alive, seat belts and child restraints are secondary safety devices, designed primarily to prevent or minimise injury to vehicle occupants during a crash. Seat belts and child restraints reduce the risk of contact with the interior of the vehicle or reduce the severity of injuries if this occurs; distribute the forces of a crash over the strongest parts of the human body; prevent the occupant from being ejected from the vehicle in an impact; and prevent injury to other occupants (for example in a frontal crash, unbelted rear-seated passengers can be catapulted forward and hit other occupants).

Arrive Alive also advises that infants and children need child restraint systems that accommodate their size and weight, and can adapt to cope with the different stages of their development. The safest place for children under the age of 12 is in the back seat, properly restrained in an approved child safety seat and away from airbags.

Choosing the right restraint There are a number of different types of restraints but the determining factor should be your child’s weight.

It is also important that child restraints are used correctly. If a child is restrained in the wrong system for its age or weight, or the straps or harnesses are not adequately secured or entirely left undone, it will place the child at an increased risk of both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when installing a restraint and placing your child in it.

Birth to one year old – Never hold your child in your arms or share your seat belt with your child. In a crash you won’t be able to hold on to your child and he may either be thrown around the vehicle or out of the vehicle. The safest way for an infant to travel in a vehicle is in the rear facing position. A rear-facing child restraint system (sometimes called an infant car seat) provides the best protection for infants until they are one year old. Keep him in this position for as long as possible and only move him to a forward-facing child seat when he no longer fits in the rear facing position.

One to four years old – The bone forming process is not complete until the age of six or seven, and throughout childhood a child’s skull remains less strong than that of an adult. A restraint system needs to limit forward head movement in a frontal impact and provide protection from intrusion in a side impact. A child restraint should distribute the crash forces over as wide an area as possible. Belts and harnesses need to fit well and be properly positioned as designed by the manufacturer.

Everyone in a vehicle should buckle up – the statistics speak for themselves.”

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The safest place for children under the age of 12 is in the back seat.”

The restraint system should also provide protection from contact with the vehicle interior in both front and side impacts. The best type of child restraint for young children is the child safety seat. The integral harness secures the child and spreads the crash forces over a wide area. This seat will last until your child’s weight either exceeds 18kg or he grows too tall for the height of the adjustable harness.

Four to six years old – Booster seats are designed for weights from 15kg to 25kg. Children should continue to use a booster seat until the lap and diagonal belts in the car fit properly, typically when they are approximately 145cm tall. Booster seats raise the child’s seating position so that the adult seat belt lies properly across the chest, crossing diagonally at the child’s shoulder rather than the neck, and low across the pelvis. If the adult belt is too high across the stomach, serious internal injury could result in a crash, or the child could submarine under the seat belt. Additionally, a booster seat has a back to it that provides some protection in a side impact.

Six to 11 years old – A booster seat can improve the seat belt fit when your child is too big for a forward facing child seat and too small for an adult belt. As a general guide, buy a rigid booster seat with a back, side wings and a sash guide to keep the seat belt in place. Booster cushions without backs are designed for weights from 22kg to 36kg, but manufacturers are now producing booster cushions with backs that cover the full 15kg to 36kg range.

Shield booster seats, which have a plastic shield in front of the child, offer less protection and should not be used.

It should also be noted that although children are best protected when secured in age appropriate child restraints, if such restraints are not available, it is still better to use an adult seat belt than to leave the child unrestrained on the back seat.

Once your child’s eyes are level with the top of the back seat of the car or the child is approximately 26kg or heavier, they may use a seat belt. However, the seat belt must fit your child correctly – the lap belt is low over the bony part of the hips (not the stomach) and the sash does not touch their face or neck when all slack is removed.

Besides this being legislation, everyone in a vehicle should buckle up – the statistics speak for themselves and it’s the responsible thing to do. We’re failing our children if we don’t adhere to the laws on child restraints and if don’t teach them to buckle up.

For more advice, visit Arrive Alive’s highlyinformative website at www.arrivealive.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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FEATURE

Pregnancy or medical aid – which comes first?

The costs of having a baby, whether through a normal delivery or caesarean section birth, are vast. ELMARIE JENSEN, from Genesis Medical Scheme discusses the importance of joining a medical aid scheme before getting pregnant.

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ost women will agree about the importance of chatting to their partners about some of the ‘biggie’ parenting issues, such as tossing their birth control, new priorities, childcare, working vs staying at home, and money matters to name a few. They’ll also be keenly aware of other considerations, such as taking folic acid, giving up binge drinking or smoking, monitoring caffeine intake, and aiming for a healthy lifestyle.

Motherhood and pregnancy are universal experiences that are unique to every woman, but one aspect that is of paramount importance, and often overlooked especially for first-time moms, is the importance of belonging to a medical aid scheme at the time of falling pregnant.

Currently, the average cost of a normal delivery in a private hospital in South Africa is in the region of R30 000. Should you not be able to give birth normally and have to opt for a caesarean section, you could be looking at costs in the region of R45 000.

Costs may increase drastically if there are complications involved. An estimated 5% to 18% of all deliveries are preterm. In the unfortunate event that your baby is born prematurely and is therefore hospitalised for respiratory distress, for example, your baby may need to spend a few days, weeks, or even a few months, in hospital. Precisely how long this hospitalisation may be depends on your baby’s gestational age, how developed your baby is and whether he or she has any health problems. In cases like these, your total hospital bill can vary between a few tens of thousands to a few million rand.

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FEATURE

Graphic credit: Genesis Medical Scheme

Category

3 month general waiting period

New applicants who are currently members of another registrered SA mediacl scheme for more than 2 years, and/or who have not cancelled their membership for more than 90 days preceding the date of application

12 month condition specific waiting period

Yes

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New applicants who are members of a registered SA medical scheme for less than 2 years

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Yes

New applicants, or applicants who are not members of a registered SA mediacl scheme for at least 90 days preceding the date of application

Yes

Yes

This table demonstrates the waiting periods applicable as per the Medical Schemes Act. If you have not belonged to a medial scheme for 90 days or longer prior to applying for membership after finding out that you are pregnant, a medical scheme may impose a three-month general waiting period, as well as a 12-month waiting period on the pregnancy, confinement and related conditions.

The big shock Daily, medical schemes receive calls from moms-tobe who have just found out that they are pregnant and want to join a medical scheme. They want the peace of mind that their medical scheme will cover the cost of their baby’s birth in a private hospital, with the assistance of their trusted gynae and paediatrician.

Unfortunately, this often the first big shock they encounter on their new journey when they are told that the medical scheme will not foot the bill and that the entire cost of the delivery will be for their own account if they choose to go to a private hospital. For many, the thought of giving birth in a state hospital may become a reality if they do not have sufficient funds or savings to cover the costs themselves.

Why will medical schemes not cover your birth?

Medical aid schemes in South Africa may impose certain waiting periods on new members and/or their dependants when joining a medical scheme.

Generally speaking, waiting periods depend on the amount of time an applicant has been (or has not been) a member of a South African medical scheme at the time of joining a new scheme.

According to the Medical Schemes Act (‘Act’), medical aid schemes are entitled to impose a threemonth general waiting period and/or a 12-month condition-specific waiting period(s) for any preexisting medical condition(s), such as pregnancy.

The Act makes specific provision for the imposition of waiting periods to protect the current membership pool of medical schemes from ‘selective abuse’, in other words, only wanting to join a scheme once you find out that you are pregnant. In this regard, the Act offers some protection for medical schemes from people that only join a scheme when they require hospitalisation and/or medical attention.

The funding model of a medical scheme is based on the model of cross-subsidisation. Generally, younger/healthier members contribute for a reasonable period while not claiming anything major.

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generally older/more sickly members, or the other big-ticked and unexpected expenses of young and old. Over a period of time, the younger/healthier members become older and, in turn, benefit from younger and healthier members who contribute to the risk pool. ‘Selective abuse’ of medical scheme funds, where large claims are made shortly after joining a scheme and then cancelling membership, result in increased contributions for all members.

Waiting periods Waiting periods are not always imposed when joining a medical scheme, and are determined at the scheme’s discretion. There are two kinds of waiting periods: • A general waiting period of up to three months – during this time members have to pay their normal monthly contributions but are not entitled to claim any benefits whatsoever, except in certain instances with claims relating to Prescribed Minimum Benefits.

• A condition-specific waiting period of up to 12 months – during this period, members have to pay their normal monthly contributions, but any pre-existing health condition(s) are excluded and all medical costs associated with the condition(s) during the first 12 months are for the member’s own pocket. This waiting period can be applied to any condition for which a member sought medical advice, obtained a diagnosis, or for which care or treatment were recommended or received within the 12 months prior to the date on which application is made to join a scheme.

Peace of mind Pregnancy and giving birth can be one of the most amazing experiences you ever experience. However, it can also be one of the most expensive. Before you start thinking of names or search for a trust fund that will pay for your child’s studies one day, make sure that you are a member of a medical aid scheme in South Africa.

For more information, visit www.genesismedical.co.za

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ADVERTORIAL

Love in pregnancy, birth and beyond

By Annemarie Song

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want a natural labour experience, but I don’t want to give birth at home. Do I have another option?

Yes, Oageng Baby Link Home Birthing Sanctuary is a birth centre with a difference. If you’re a healthy woman, having a low-risk pregnancy, and you’d like a more natural, family-centred experience without routine medical interventions, Oageng Baby Centres offer personal and quality care.

Oageng Baby Link Home Birthing Centres offer a low-tech, comfortable and homely place for childbirth that is safer than having your baby at home if problems arise. If you choose an accredited birth centre (currently not available in South Africa but Oageng Baby Link Home Birthing Sanctuary is in process of achieving this) you’ll be cared for by two midwives, with a backup hospital nearby and your gynae on call in case of an emergency.

Birth Centres aren’t mini hospitals – your labour will never be induced or stimulated with oxytocin (Pitocin), and C-sections are not undertaken.

Our birth centres are equipped with IVs, oxygen, medication and infant resuscitation equipment if needed in an emergency while you and your baby await transport to the hospital.

Birth centres are independent and not affiliated with any hospitals. They offer childbirth education, breastfeeding classes and advice and prenatal care throughout your pregnancy. You can give birth at these centres and go there for your postpartum care.

Additionally, your midwife will visit you after the birth for routine check-ups and assistance before your sixweek check-up at the birth centre.

At a birth centre, you won’t be subjected to any routine medical interventions. Instead of continuous electronic foetal monitoring your midwife will monitor your baby’s heartbeat intermittently with a handheld Doppler, like the one your midwife uses during your

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antenatal visits. Once you’ve given birth, no routine policies or procedures require you to be separated from your baby. All your baby’s examinations take place in your room.

Birth centres have arrangements with laboratories for prenatal screening and other testing, with specialists for consultations if necessary, as well as with obstetricians and nearby hospitals in case you need to be transferred during labour, birth or postpartum.

Our staff are trained to help and support you through labour and are committed to a drug-free birth if that’s your choice. Analgesic drugs, such as Demerol are available, but epidurals – which require an anaesthesiologist – are not. You can move around freely, choose the position you’d like to be in for labour and birth, and eat anything you choose during labour. You also will not be limited as to the number of people you can have at the birth. If you’d like your children there, they’ll be warmly welcomed.

You’ll have a private room, typically with a rocking chair and or a lazy boy, a bed large enough for you and your partner to share, and soothing decor and lighting. Birth centres usually have kitchens where you can store and or prepare food, or order food. Some also have large whirlpool tubs. And there’s often a separate family room where guests can go if you decide you need more privacy.

Because women who deliver in birth centres usually stay for a shorter time and use fewer interventions, the average cost is about a third less than a hospital birth. You’ll go home 12 to 24 hours after delivery if you and your baby are doing well. The birth centre ladies may call you to see how things are going, and you’re always welcome to call them with questions.

For more information, visit www.oagengbabylink.co.za.

Photo credit: Oageng Baby Link Home Birthing Sanctuary

A Birth Centre is a place that feels like home, with a family-orientated personal quality loving care. It’s the perfect alternative to a hospital.

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FEATURE

Keeping the

bills down

South Africans need to be more creative about managing their money under ongoing economic pressure. DONOVAN ADAMS, CFP® professional and 2014 FPI Financial Planner of the Year – First Runner Up, shares his advice about small changes that help to keep bills down.

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s your bond is one of your most significant household expenses, there are several decisions that could help lessen the repayment amount, reducing the financial impact.

What options are available for first time home owners?

Your home is one of the most important investment decisions you can make. If you have saved sufficiently for a deposit and secured lending, that is a great achievement in itself.

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Now that you are paying off your bond, you could try and reduce the monthly repayment. This could be done by extending the bond repayment period, or electing to pay back only the interest portion of your bond for a period of time. However, this is unwise and will cost more in the long run. My advice is to try and pay more into your bond each month and hopefully settle the outstanding debt in a shorter repayment period as the compounded savings are significant.

The same principle should be applied to other debt to ensure that you are not spending more in

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FEATURE the longer term. It’s advisable to seek help from a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional/CFP® professional, who will assist you to understand the options better and make wise financial decisions.

With debt out of the way, you can start investing into other assets and really start building your wealth.

The sense of achievement in overcoming debt is tremendous and life changing.

What are the different payment options, and what do these entail?

You could select a fixed or variable interest rate over the bond finance term. A fixed rate means that your monthly repayment stays the same. This is a good choice if you feel interest rates (cost of debt) will rise in the future. The banks know this, so your quotation will factor this in, usually at a higher rate.

Usually it is best, and most affordable, to simply choose a variable loan with your interest rate linked to the prime interest rate. At the time of your loan application you should try and negotiate the lowest rate possible, as even a small difference in the rate can make a significant impact when compounded over the long term. A CFP® professional will help you to understand the best option based on your financial position.

Maintain good financial control by tracking what you spend your money on each month.”

How do I choose the best payment scheme and what do the banks base this on?

Banks will ask you questions and rate you on a scale of risk according to their criteria. This determines the type of bond you qualify for, and its terms – for example, the size of deposit required and interest rate.

What are the benefits of paying off a bond timeously/in a shorter period of time?

When you invest, you benefit from the power of compound interest. So if you are able to pay off your bond quicker, the benefit is then compounded in your favour. Take, for example, a R1-million bond over a 20 year repayment period. The normal monthly payment would be R9 150, assuming a prime lending rate. If you were to increase your monthly payment by an additional R1 000, it would result in total savings of R316 000 and shave four-and-a-half years off the repayment term. This is the power of compounding.

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If I already have a bond, what changes can I make to pay less overall?

There’s no harm in investigating switching your home loan – perhaps another institution can offer you a better rate of interest. If this is the case, a move may be worthwhile. But don’t fall for a longer repayment period or only paying the interest portion, unless your situation is desperate.

How can I pay off my bond faster?

Maintain good financial control by tracking what you spend your money on each month. This is easy to do via a spreadsheet or mobile apps on your phone.

You need to know where your money is going before you can allocate it most effectively. Saving a little extra each month to contribute towards your bond repayments will help to pay it off in a shorter time frame.

Should you use your bond to finance other purchases, such as a vehicle?

This can be a good option for people with an access facility on their home loan. The reasoning here is that the loan interest rate is lower than any vehicle finance would be. This is fine, as long as you are disciplined and you pay the car off over the same period as you would finance it and not simply add debt to your bond over the rest of its term.

What are the implications of missing a debt payment?

Protecting your credit worthiness is vital and should be done at all costs. You should never default on any credit payments as you could find yourself in trouble with institutions who can have you blacklisted. If you are ever in trouble financially, you should follow the correct measures and negotiate with your creditors.

Debt counsellors are available to assist with these situations. Be respectful of people or institutions that lend you money. Debt should only be used to finance real assets (home or car), never lifestyle expenses.

This is the difference between good debt and bad debt.

How can a professional financial planner help me?

The role that CFP® professionals play is that of both a financial and life coach. My clients often say how helpful it is to have a financial life plan that is tailored to their needs. In addition, they appreciate my support and are motivated by their accountability for achieving the things they said were important to them. Any good financial plan starts with a budget and knowing where your monthly spend is going.

From there it’s easier to assess what is absolutely necessary and what could be done away with. This creates efficiencies in your monthly budget and can lead to other investment opportunities that you’d perhaps not considered.

To consult with a CFP® professional, for assistance with your financial planning needs, or for bond advice, visit www.fpi.co.za or call 086 1000 FPI (374) or 011 470 6000.

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FEATURE

Above: The Johnson’s Baby Gentle Protect range – hand wash, bath, soap bar and wipes – will be available from August 1, 2015.

Above right: Guest speakers at Johnson’s global launch of its ‘so much more’ campaign, were Megan Faure (BSc OT and Baby Sensory Expert) and Karen Hansen (Qualified Mid-Wife and Training Consultant).

So much more…

Johnson’s has recently launched its first ever global campaign – Johnson’s so much more – which highlights that bath time is so much more than just cleansing. EMMA DAWSON attended the launch and reports.

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hrough its new ‘so much more’ campaign, Johnson’s is advancing research that reveals the importance of multi-sensorial experiences that can lead to happy, healthy baby development.

Bath time is so much more than cleansing – it’s a ritual that allows parents to unlock the full power of a baby’s senses and provides parents with an opportunity to nurture their baby’s ability to learn, think, love and grow.

Dr Carol Bedwell, a lecturer in midwifery at the University of Manchester in the UK, agrees that research shows how little parents understand about the amazing wider impact the time they spend with their children can have on their longterm development. ‘Research shows that by the age of three, 85% of a baby’s brain is developed, highlighting the importance for parents to recognise that opportunities to engage touch, sight, smell and sound – such as at bath time – are crucial to helping shape their baby’s brain,’ Dr Bedwell insists.

Academic research reveals that routine touch and massage by a parent or loving caregiver is critical to a baby’s growth, development, communication and learning. According to a study published in the JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY, infants who experience routine touch and massage (compared to those who did not) are 50% more likely to make eye contact, and three times more likely to have an overall positive expression (smiling, eye contact).

The Johnson’s Baby Bath Time Survey Johnson’s Baby Bath Time Survey reveals how parents underestimate the power that touch can have, with only two in 10 South African parents saying they think that massaging their baby is extremely important to their baby’s brain development – this compares to nearly a quarter of parents globally.

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It also reveals that 60% of moms can’t stop smelling their baby after bath time because they smell so good, compared to 44% of moms globally.

This is a pleasing statistic because other studies show that babies bathed with a fragranced bath product, compared to those who were not, displayed 30% more engagement cues with their parent after a bath and spent nearly 25% less time crying before sleep. Additionally, a study of 58 mother-infant pairs found that infants who followed a bedtime routine, which included a warm bath with a fragranced bath product, took 37% less time to fall asleep and had a significantly improved mood in the morning.

As South Africa’s No. 1 baby skin care brand, Johnson’s has been pioneering the science behind baby skin care for more than 120 years, providing products that are safe, mild and effective, and specially formulated and designed with babies in mind.

Johnson’s Baby Gentle Protect In addition to the launch of its first ever global campaign, Johnson’s is also launching its Johnson’s Baby Gentle Protect, which gives moms peace of mind and enables toddlers’ healthy development by providing a safe and mild everyday germ protection solution to keep little explorers healthy.

The Johnson’s Baby Gentle Protect range – hand wash, bath, soap bar and wipes – is developed to effectively wash away 99% of dirt and germs while being gentle to delicate baby and toddler skin. These products will be available at leading retail outlets, including Pick n Pay, Checkers, Shoprite, Baby City, Dis-Chem and Clicks from August 1, 2015.

For more information, visit www.johnsonsbaby.co.za. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2015/06/25 11:52 PM

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FEATURE

Colds vs flu –

know the difference Do you know the difference between a cold and the flu? When should you keep your child home from school, and how are these bugs transmitted? ELMARIE JENSEN provides the answers.

By Elmarie Jensen, Marketing Manager, Genesis Medical Scheme.

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What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

Should children be kept home from school at the first sign of a cold or the flu?

Flu, or influenza, is a viral illness that occurs predominantly in winter. It can infect the nose, throat, sinuses, upper airways and the lungs. Flu is easily confused with the common cold, which is also a viral illness, although caused by a different virus. Colds are also caused by viruses and there may be more than 200 of them circulating during a cold and flu season. On the other hand, there may only be one influenza virus that circulates each year.

Cold symptoms usually begin with a sore throat, followed by nasal congestion and a runny nose, along with a cough by the fourth or fifth day. The watery nasal secretion may become thicker and darker after a few days. Children may be likely to have a fever, while this is usually uncommon in adults. Cold symptoms generally last for about a week. However, flu symptoms are usually more severe and the onset is quick. Symptoms usually include a sore throat, fever, headache, muscle aches, congestion, cough and just feeling miserable. Most flu symptoms gradually improve after a few days.

Flu spreads easily from person to person through droplet distribution when an infected person sneezes, coughs or, quite commonly, through handto-hand (physical) contact. In a crèche or school environment, where children are in close contact with each other, it is more likely for the flu or cold virus to spread and infect other children.

School environments have many so-called flu hot spots, such as stair railings, bathroom doors, playground equipment, classroom desks and chairs, to name but a few, where children may come into contact with a virus. According to virologists, epidemiologists and other experts, there is a correlation between being sick with a cold or the flu and making others sick by touching them directly, or handling an object that they may soon touch themselves.

Despite compelling reasons for thinking our children ought to go to school while they’re sick with a cold or flu, they shouldn’t. Minimising contact with other children until a fever is gone, for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, is important.

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FEATURE The best way to recover from flu or a cold, and not spread it others, comes straight from your grandmother’s book of sound advice: stay in bed, get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, gargle with salt water, and give children’s little bodies time to fight the infection. Stress and a lot of physical activity can depress our immune systems, which is why rest is important.

Measures to protect children from infection Flu viruses generally have an incubation period of one to four days and a contagious period of seven days and longer. Many cold and flu viruses can therefore be acquired from other children/adults who don’t yet show any symptoms, or from viruses that travel through the air. Although you can’t really prevent them from being exposed to these viruses, there are some general measures you can take to give your little ones the best chance of avoiding infection: • Teach your child to practice good hygiene, such as regular hand washing. Hands should be washed before eating, after reading books, after play times and after shared equipment is used. Wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

• Give children hand sanitiser to keep at their desk and encourage them to use it throughout the day.

• Teach your child not to touch their nose, eyes or mouth unnecessarily.

• Teach children not to touch objects in their school and public places, such as using each other’s stationery, and hand rails on stairways or escalators.

• Speak to your children’s school about their cleaning and disinfectant programmes.

When is a trip to the doctor necessary?

Flu can sometimes weaken the lungs, making it easier for a bacterial infection to take hold. Bacterial infections can cause pneumonia, bronchitis or sinusitis, and those related to the flu may need to be treated with antibiotics, especially when the following symptoms are present: • Persistent fever • Pain or pressure in the chest • Trouble breathing or fast breathing • Croup • Vomiting • Facial pain • Confusion or convulsions • Ear infection • Symptoms that last for more than a week

Cold symptoms generally last for about a week.”

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Flu spreads easily from person to person through droplet distribution.”

If your little one has any of the above signs or symptoms, it may be an indication of a flu complication, in which case you should seek medical advice without delay.

Help children to build their immune systems Having a healthy immune system can reduce the frequency at which your child gets sick. Our immune system is complex and depends on many factors, including a balanced, fresh diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, good hygiene and managing psychological stress, to name but a few.

We all know that a healthy little body houses a healthy (mighty) mind and vice versa. While no two bodies are the same, the following immune-boosting tips may help your little one to stay healthy this winter: • Let children play outside in the sun, or take a Vitamin D supplement. Regular sunlight provides their bodies with the Vitamin D it needs to improve their immune function.

• Try to give children fresh ginger (mix this with their juice/tea), carrots or carrot juice, berries, fish, beans, raw nuts and fresh vegetables. Vegetables provide an excellent source of Vitamins A and C. Veggie soup is always a good option for cold winter nights.

• Spice up your family’s food with ginger, turmeric, rosemary, nutmeg, thyme and cloves. These spices and herbs are known to boost the immune system.

• Give your children plenty of water to drink.

• Use Echinacea at the first signs of a cold or flu.

It is known as one of the best immune stimulants in the herbal kingdom as it contains special kinds of polysaccharides, such as inulin, which increase macrophage production, which are the immune cells that destroy bugs.

• Give children a high-potency multi-vitamin and mineral supplement, as it will make their body’s T-cells more effective and boost their immunity.

What about flu jabs?

Ideally children should build up their own immune systems and not rely on the flu vaccination, unless they regularly suffer from chest or similar infections.

Although some experts reckon the best way to protect against the flu is to get the annual flu vaccination, which is safe for children of six months and older, it is best to speak to your doctor about it, as there may be other circumstances to be taken into consideration.

Sources: businessnewsdailyh.com, osha.gov, health24.com, clicks.co.za, webmd.com, mayoclinic. org, and babycenter.com. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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2015/06/25 11:54 PM

FEATURE

Photo Credit: Grobaby

Skin-to-skin care Skin-to-skin kangaroo care is the practice of holding your baby skin-to-skin and chest-to-chest. It’s the optimal position for mother and baby to exchange vital sensory information, which has both physiological and emotional benefits.

By Vanessa Preston

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any people think that Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is only for premature babies. However, recent studies show that babies born full term via natural or caesarean birth can also benefit from the closeness of KMC. The World Health Organization recommends that skin-to-skin contact for mothers and new born babies should occur regardless of age, weight and the type of birth. There is only a small percentage of babies that are medically unstable, were KMC is not recommended.

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Being separated from their mothers creates stress in all babies. Some can cope with stress but others are more sensitive and feel vulnerable or even get sick.

Additionally, one of the most important needs for infants at birth is maintaining the correct temperature. Infants are unable to generate heat because they don’t have a shivering mechanism, which can lead to rapid decline in temperature.

And, infants delivered via caesarean section are predisposed to hypothermia because of the low www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2015/06/26 12:02 AM

FEATURE

The WHO recommends skin-to-skin contact for mothers and babies, regardless of age, weight or type of birth.”

temperatures in operating rooms, as well as a reduction in a mother’s central core temperature.

A baby’s temperature stabilises more quickly when nurtured in the skin-to-skin chest-to-chest KMC position.

Your chest becomes the perfect place for babies’ growth and development. Within the bounds of KMC babies can: • Eat and sleep peacefully.

• Emotional intelligence begins with the wiring of the approach pathway, which comes from feeling safe and secure in skin-to-skin KMC contact.

• Be constantly reassured by their mothers’ voices, smell and sound of her heart beat.

• Constant eye-to-eye contact allows for bonding.

As love and trust build the foundation of a baby’s social intelligence.

• Early experience of ‘secure attachment’. This is a psychological term that refers to the secure base that the child now has to develop from, and on which he builds adult mental health.

• Motion is very important for a baby. The movement and sway of mom stimulates baby’s vestibular system, which is the part of the inner ear

that controls balance. This helps to improve the muscle tone necessary for motor development, brain development, gastrointestinal and lung health. All of which lead to better growth.

KMC skin-to skin is not just beneficial for baby but for mom, too: • An increase of the mother’s body temperature activates the baby’s sensory nerves, helping it to relax, and helps both mom and baby to feel safe and secure.

• A baby’s closeness to its mother’s breast in skin-to-skin contact leads to more successful breastfeeding.

• The baby’s closeness releases oxytocin (the happy hormone), and the fundamental secretion of breast milk and breast heat. The release of oxytocin reduces the chances of depression for new moms.

For the maximum benefit of skin-to-skin KMC, it is recommended that you carry baby skin-to-skin chest-to-chest for a minimum of one full sleep cycle – minimum of 60 to 90 minutes per day. For premature babies, skin-to-skin KMC under medical supervision is suggested for as long as possible.

By practising skin-to skin KMC in a SnuggleRoo Nurture Shirt, your baby is tightly hugged close to your chest, mimicking the calm sensory environment of the womb. Your baby is in the best place, snug and safe on your chest.

Sources: http://www.sciencedaily.com/ releases/2012/03/120308120012.htm http://www.kangaroomothercare.com/for-full-termbabies.aspx http://www.nurture-through-touch.com/babywearing-benefits.html#sthash.3dHpY1qB.dpuf Research Article: The effects of skin to skin contact on temperature and breastfeeding successfulness in full term new-born’s after caesarean delivery – Hindawi publishing, INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PAEDIATRICS.

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2015/06/26 12:03 AM

FEATURE

Egg donation in South Africa

Egg donation could be the answer for couples and women who have no other way to conceive – it’s a chance where there is no other, writes JENNY CURRIE founder and owner of baby2mom Egg Donation Agency.

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outh Africa has established a reputable and ethical base of egg donation practices and principles, making our country a sought-after destination for these services from people around the world. Professional medical care, coupled with high success rates for treatments in South Africa’s key cities, are highly advantageous for people wishing to include medical travel with some leisure time.

Additionally, we have an advantageous system of providing extensive information about egg donors but not to the extent that confidential and identifying information is compromised. This means that recipients receive adequate details about their anonymous egg donor and have the reassurance of knowing that her responsibility ends on the day her donor eggs are retrieved. The donor is not obliged to be available in the future, and has the comfort of knowing that any children conceived from her egg donation will never be able to contact her. This is the basis upon which South African egg donations are managed, supporting the concept of anonymous tissue donation.

To explain further, this is anonymous in terms of identifying details, but known in terms of physical traits, academic and personality traits. No adult pictures of egg donors are divulged. Recipients only have access to childhood pictures of egg donors.

This is a highly attractive option for both egg donors and recipients who can then continue their lives in privacy.

Ethically, egg donation in South Africa takes on a kind and gentle vive. Egg donors are given a donation (amount approved by the Department of Health) for their participation and devotion to the

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process and appointments. This keeps the motivation on an altruistic and loving nature. The profit and greed incentive is completely removed. Financially, the process is therefore viable and affordable by comparison to other areas in the world.

The increased popularity of egg donation results from a change in lifestyles, access to information and the understanding of egg donation. With people living longer, the option to start a family later in life has become more feasible and accepting. A fastpaced life also forces people to focus on careers, delaying the decision to start a family. By this time (late 30s onwards), woman may find their fertility levels have declined and they need to consider egg donation.

Additionally, finding the ideal life partner may only happen later in life when women’s egg reserves have been depleted. In many cases, couples in second relationships where one (or both) of the partners doesn’t have children may compel people to consider egg donation.

Increasing male homosexual couples and single men are also seeking to have families through the assistance of surrogacy egg donation.

Woman are born with a fixed ovarian reserve and this ‘basket’ depletes throughout life as a result of eggs being lost in the monthly cycle, exposure to pollution, or auto immune disease, among others.

Accordingly, when a woman reaches her late 30’s, egg donation is encouraged as a means to conceive and limit excessive fertility treatments with her own eggs. Woman who are carriers of genetic concerns and seek not to recreate these challenges also look to egg donation as a solution.

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FEATURE Egg donors are woman between the ages of 18 and 34 with a healthy BMI, and who are willing to contribute in a mature and disciplined manner. All egg donors have an appointment with a psychologist and have appropriate medical screening and counselling before embarking on the donation process. Full and dedicated support is offered to the donors.

The process of donating eggs involves facilitating the synchronisation of menstrual cycles between the recipient and egg donor so that the bodies are ‘behaving as one’. Ordinarily the uterus and ovaries work together to get ready for pregnancy, now the readiness of uterus of the recipient has to be aligned with the ovarian function of the egg donor.

An egg donor has to avail herself for about three scans during the two week process during which the eggs are stimulated to ripen. This is undertaken by injections. It is important to note that an egg donor will shed the same amount of eggs during an egg donation cycle as a normal cycle. The purpose of the treatment/injections is to aid the ripening. In a natural cycle, it is predicted that hundreds of unripe eggs are simply lost.

The egg retrieval is a vaginal process of sucking the eggs from the follicles of the ovaries. While the egg cell is one of the largest cells in the human body, it is still only about 10% of 1mm. The egg retrieval does not involve an operation and egg donors are not cut, but sedated to reduce the discomfort of the process.

The eggs are then fertilised by the sperm and grown in a medium that mimics the uterine environment for a couple of days before being transferred to the recipient. A pregnancy test is done about two weeks later and the recipient is able to enjoy the full benefit of being a mom, including breastfeeding and preferred type of birth, where possible.

While egg donation is a largely a medical process, there is a significant emotional involvement that is key.

In over eight years of egg donation facilitations, I have found that egg donors and recipients love to send messages and care to one another, anonymously. They want to know how the other is coping, they want to send letters, wishes and hopes. They will not meet, but they shed tears of emotion together – at the news of joy or loss. They are connected in a way that is so special. There is a spiritual and emotional connection. Egg donation is a way for people to care and unite.

For more information, visit baby2mom Egg Donation Agency at www.baby2mom.co.za.

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2015/06/26 12:03 AM

FEATURE

Understanding dogs’

body language Learning to understand dogs’ body language provides you with lots of useful information about how your dog is feeling, and will warn you if a dog is unhappy or threatened and ready to snap.

EMMA DAWSON talks to animal behaviourist, NICOLE DE KLERK, to discover what dogs are ‘saying’ to us.

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hat is your dog telling you? Of course your dog can’t talk, but it does use body language to communicate its emotional state and its intentions to those around it. Understanding what your dog is ‘saying’ will help you to interact appropriately and safely with dogs – whether this is your own furry friend or a dog you meet out walking.

Dogs are very expressive and have ways of communicating whether they’re happy, sad, fearful, nervous, angry or ready for a game. Their body language (non-verbal communication) can easily be interpreted when you know how. The better you know the signs, the better you can predict what the dog is likely to do, and how you should interact with the dog. Once you learn their language, and teach it to your children, you will derive a great deal more pleasure from your pooch, and go a long way to ensuring your children’s safety, particularly around dogs unknown to them.

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Body Language When looking at a dog’s body language it’s important to look at the whole picture rather than individual elements. You need to consider the dog’s overall demeanour, which includes its face (mouth, nose and eyes), ears, tail, hair, as well as its overall body posture.

Relaxed, approachable – The dog is relaxed and reasonably content. It’s unconcerned and unthreatened by any activities going on in its immediate environment and is usually approachable.

The dog’s ears will be up (not forward), head held high, tail down (although not down between hind legs) and mouth open slightly (tongue exposed). Its stance will be relaxed with its feet flat on the ground.

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FEATURE Fearful and aggressive – This dog is frightened, and has no ‘flight’ option, but is not submissive and may attack if pressed. A dog will generally give these signals when he is directly facing the individual threatening him. The dog’s body will be lowered, hackles raised, ears back and pupils dilated. Its nose will be wrinkled and its lips slightly curled – sometimes teeth may be visible – and the tail will be tucked between its legs with little or no movement.

A fearful dog may become aggressive if the perceived threat is not removed and if their flight option is not available. If this dog sees you as a threat and you don’t pick up on these cues or acknowledge them or the dog’s emotional state, you are forcing the dog to protect itself.

Alert, checking things out – If a dog has detected something of interest, or something unknown, these signals communicate that he is now alert and paying attention while he is assessing the situation to determine if there is any threat or if any action should be taken.

Ears will be forward (and may twitch if trying to catch sound), eyes wide, smooth nose and forehead.

His tail will be horizontal (not stiff or bristled) and may move from side to side. The mouth will be closed and the body leaning slightly forward, standing tall on toes.

Dominant, aggressive – This type of stance indicates a very dominant and confident animal. He is not only expressing his social dominance, but is also threatening that he will act aggressively if he is challenged. Warning signs include a raised and bristled tail, ears forward, hackles raised, forehead may show vertical wrinkles, nose will be wrinkled and lips curled. Teeth and often gums are visible and the mouth will be open in a C-shape or the corner of the mouth will be forward. The tail is still but may be seen to quiver or vibrate from side to side. The stance is stiff-legged with the body leaning slightly forward.

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Stressed and distressed – This dog is either under social or environmental stress. Its signals are a general ‘broadcast’ of its state of mind and are not specifically addressed to any other individual. Signs include a lowered body, ears back, pupils dilated and tail down. You will also notice rapid panting with the corner of the mouth back and possibly sweating through the pads on its paws.

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FEATURE Fearful and worried – This dog will offer signs of submission – signals that are designed to pacify the individual who is of higher social status, or who the dog sees as potentially threatening, to avoid any further challenges and prevent conflict. In a frightened dog, you’ll notice a lowered body with raised paw, smooth forehead and ears back. Eye contact will be brief and indirect and the dog may lick the air or the face of a dominant dog. The corner of its mouth will be back and its tail down (it may wag slightly).

onto its back and turn its head away to avoid direct eye contact – eyes will be partly closed. The tail will be tucked between its legs and the ears flat and back. The nose and forehead will be smooth and the corner of the mouth turned back. It may also sprinkle a few drops of urine.

Playful, ready for a game – An invitation to play may be accompanied by excited barking or playful ‘attacks’ and retreats. You’ll know you’re being invited for a game when the dog’s tail is up and may have a broad wag. His front end will be lowered and forepaws bent (called a Playbow). Ears are up, pupils dilated and mouth open (tongue may be exposed).

This position may only last a moment before the dog breaks into a run in some random direction.

Extreme fear/total submission – A frightened or totally submissive dog will indicate complete surrender and submission, showing that he accepts his lower status by grovelling before a higher ranking or threatening individual in the hopes of avoiding a physical confrontation. In this case, the dog will roll

Nicole de Klerk from Pawsitive is an animal behaviourist who donates 100% of her income from training and consulting to charity. Nicole teaches pet owners how to deal with behavioural problems that their animals may be exhibiting. Her techniques are based on a gentle approach, using positive reinforcement, and includes educating pet owners by providing essential support in resolving these issues.

Nicole does much work for the Animal Welfare Society (AWS) of Southern Africa in Cape Town.

Animal Welfare offers a full range of veterinary services to underprivileged and disadvantaged communities around the country. In Cape Town, from its base in Philippi, AWS handles about 4 000 animals per month from its clinic that is open seven days a week.

AWS has fully-equipped theatres for sterilisations, orthopaedics and other operations. At any one time AWS houses over a hundred sick or injured animals, and is committed to sterilising every animal that comes through its hospital as its contribution to reducing the number of strays and unwanted animals in Cape Town.

The Society also has adoption kennels. Stray and unwanted pets are taken in to see if suitable homes can be found. Animal are sterilised and micro-chipped before leaving AWS and home checks are strict. AWS is funded entirely by the generosity of the public.

Contact Nicole de Klerk at Pawsitive on 021 7941087 or at www.pawsitive.co.za. To contact Animal Welfare in Cape Town, call 021 692 2626 or email adoptions@awscape.org.za.

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FEATURE

Routine infant

circumcision

Circumcision is the surgical removal of the skin covering a portion of the penis, and routine infant foreskin amputation is fairly common for newborn boys in some parts of the world. However, MELISSA JACOBS argues that there’s very little benefit from routine infant circumcision.

By Melissa Jacobs, Organic Birth

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n most first-world countries (Sweden, Netherlands, Japan and the UK) babies are not circumcised, and there’s no national or international medical association that recommends routine nontherapeutic circumcision. There can be immediate and long term complications associated with circumcision, and the statistics are higher than we are led to believe.

The immediate complications of circumcision may be classified as haemorrhage, infection, surgical mishap, life-threatening pulmonary embolism (blockage of the main artery of the lung or one of its branches), apnoea (temporarily stops breathing) and projectile vomiting, tachycardia (rapid heart rate) and heart failure, pneumothorax (air or gas in the cavity between the lungs), gastric rupture, and death. One study estimated there are more deaths from [routine infant] circumcision than from cancer of the penis (which would mean more than 200 deaths per year [just in the US]).

There are also long-term adverse effects of circumcision, such as emotional, sexual (as well as an effect on the partner), and social effects. ‘Taylor et al (1996) reported that circumcision removes more than 50% of the normal skin and mucosa from the penis.

This skin and mucosa is provided by nature to allow for the expansion of the penis during erection. There may not be enough residual foreskin and mucosal tissue after circumcision to allow the penis to expand during erection. The result, not infrequently, is painful erection or tearing at the scar site as the residual tissue is stretched to the limit and beyond.’

Normal anatomy Parents are now learning that the foreskin is a normal, protective, functioning organ. The male prepuce, or foreskin, is a highly mobile and extraordinarily sensitive double fold of tissue that is the end of the penis. During erection, it rolls back and inside-out, unfolding until it covers much of the penile shaft.

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FEATURE Typically, the swelling glans (head of the penis) extends ‘through’ the foreskin until it is mostly or completely exposed. Without something to roll the foreskin back, specialised mechanisms cause it to spring back into place over the delicate mucus membrane of the glans, where it serves a protective function similar to one’s eyelid. Even in its ‘neutral’ position, it can easily be retracted simply by pulling the skin of the shaft toward the body.

Sexual function The glans of the circumcised penis is less sensitive to fine touch than the glans of the uncircumcised penis. The transitional region from the external to the internal prepuce is the most sensitive region of the uncircumcised penis and more sensitive than the most sensitive region of the circumcised penis.

Circumcision ablates the most sensitive parts of the penis.

The human foreskin contains up to 20 000 nerve endings, which is significant as they make up about half the nerve endings of the entire penis. In fact, the human penis has a more innervated and welldeveloped foreskin when compared to other mammals. True to its retractile nature, the foreskin is made to be pushed back and inside-out as it slides into the vagina, so that its more sensitive inner surface is exposed to the vaginal wall. As the penis is withdrawn, the foreskin is pulled forward again, so that it squeezes against the sensitive ridge at the base of the glans, and perhaps further. This inside-out motion, partly aided by the foreskins’ own muscular action, is unique in human physiology – it allows the man to roll the skin of his penis against itself. This creates a gliding sensation that is not abrasive or drying to the partner. Indeed, the foreskin adds its own lubrication. Another common complaint is that the non-moving skin of the circumcised penis (even with a condom) creates friction and even micro tears in the partner’s vagina. This, as you may guess, can precipitate the transmission of HIV and STDs in general.

Human Rights In response to comments such as ‘my child, my choice’, ‘it just looks better’ or ‘he should look like his father’, one can turn it around and realise that circumcision denies a male’s right to genital integrity and choice for his own body. It is not the parent’s choice, it is the penis owner’s choice. I do think that people should be allowed to express their own religious or cultural beliefs on their own bodies but they should not be allowed to impose their beliefs on other people’s bodies, especially children, who cannot consent or understand. Studies have been done using MRI and/or PET scanning to directly observe the effects of circumcision on the infant brain. The results speak for themselves. ‘...circumcision affected most intensely the portions of the victim’s brain associated with reasoning, perception and emotions. Follow-up tests on the infant one day, one week and one month after the surgery indicated that the child’s brain never returned to its baseline configuration. In other words, the evidence generated by this research indicated www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Parents are now learning that the foreskin is a normal, protective, functioning organ.” that the brain of the circumcised infant was permanently changed by the surgery.’

Care for an intact penis The intact penis needs no special care. The foreskin should never be retracted by force. The first person to retract a child’s foreskin should be the child himself.

A young boy usually pulls his foreskin outward. This is normal and natural and no cause for concern – he won’t hurt himself. Once a boy discovers that his foreskin is retractable, he can easily learn to care for himself. Telling your son about its retractability beforehand will keep him from becoming alarmed the first time his foreskin retracts. When a boy is old enough to bath himself, he can wash his penis when he washes the rest of his body.

Simple instructions may be helpful for him: 1. Gently slip your foreskin back (if it is retractable).

2. Rinse your glans and the inside fold of your foreskin with warm water.

3. Slip your foreskin forward, back in place over your glans.

Non-retractile foreskin is normal at birth and remains common until after puberty (age 18). Some boys develop retractile foreskin earlier, and about 2% of males have a non-retractile foreskin throughout life.

Non-retractile foreskin is not a disease and does not require treatment.

Conclusion There is very little argument for the benefits of routine infant circumcision. While there is a long history in religious and cultural practices, it has little place in modern medicine. For most of the reasons that it is promoted, these issues would be prevented by using basic healthcare practices such as not forcibly retracting the foreskin, the use of antibiotics when needed, and sexual health education. As parents and educators we need to be proactive in teaching our sons, and daughters, the correct physiological functioning of their bodies so that we can discontinue this risky, and essentially cosmetic surgery in future generations.

To contact Melissa, a professional doula (advanced skills, placenta specialist, and holistic women’s health emissary), visit Organic Birth’s website at www.organicbirth.co.za.

Sources www.mayoclinic.org, www.doctorsopposingcircumcision. org, www.nocirc.org, http://madsciencewriter. blogspot.in/2013/05/the-foreskin-why-is-it-such-secretin.html?m=1, http://www.stopinfantcircumcision.org/ BrainVisualizationArticle.htm.

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FEATURE

Sexual abuse and the

law

What constitutes sexual abuse? Our law clearly refers to sexual acts, exploitation/grooming exposure to explicit material, and to compelling or causing children to witness sexual acts.

By Nolene Rust

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he sexual abuse statistics in our country is sky high, with a vast amount of abuse being committed by children with children. This is worrisome to say the least. What else is also worrisome are the low prosecution rates. Because the reporting rate itself is so low, successful prosecutions are even lower. This renders the authorities working with abuse helpless and very frustrated, and it leaves our children ever more vulnerable.

Which laws are important to take note of?

To begin with, our Bill of Rights is worth mentioning.

It has been said that this piece of legislation is one of the best in the world. Often, when working in the grey area of sexual abuse we fall back on the Bill of Rights. Section 28 clearly refers to the protection of all children and that ‘a child’s best interests are of paramount importance in every matter concerning the child’. What is important to note is that everyone is responsible for protecting children. Not just the professionals and authorities.

Adding to this, the children’s act explicitly states that any person who has suspicions of alleged abuse or neglect is mandated to report their suspicions. In South Africa we also have the Sexual Offences Act, which states that any knowledge of abuse has to be reported to the relevant authorities. The relevant authorities involved in these cases are the police (who fall under the Department of Justice) and the welfare (Department of Social Development). The law is written in such a way that the person reporting cannot be civilly prosecuted when reporting in good faith. On the other hand, having knowledge without reporting it can lead to prosecution and, ultimately, jail time.

How to report It is always best to make your concerns known in writing. When reporting to the police it might be best to report information to a trained person in a FCS Unit (Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences Units – previous known as Child Protection Units).

Any opened docket will be sent for investigation to the unit in the area where the alleged offence took place. This being said, no police station is allowed to send you away and not help you should you wish to open a case. You also have the right to speak in your language and with a person of your choice (male or female). The only problem is that there might not be a person at that particular station that speaks your language, but it is still your right.

Following this, when a child renders her statement, it can be done at any place of your choosing and you can request that the police officer wears civil clothes (no uniform that might frighten a child). You and your child are allowed to have a supportive person with you during this process and to have privacy when rendering your statement.

If you report at the welfare (Department of Social Development) you have to report in the area where the child lives, as social services might have to get involved.

In both the above mentioned scenarios you have the right to be informed of the process, and your child has the right to legal representation. This is a person that has to act in your child’s best interest throughout the process.

This is one of the most stressful things a family can go through, so gather support and remember to take care of yourself, too.

Nolene Rust is a qualified forensic social worker and a registered counsellor specialising in play therapy.

For nine years, she has worked with families and children in welfare organisations, hospitals, in schools, and in the private sector. Her work includes advocating for children’s rights and working with abused and neglected children in a child protection and counselling capacity. Nolene is a regular speaker on radio, presents seminars, is involved with Jelly Beanz (NGO), and is vice president of OPSSA. To contact Nolene, call 012 7526503 or email Nolene.rust@gmail.com

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FEATURE

Why do children get

nightmares night & terrors?

Whoever it was that coined the phrase ‘sleep like a baby’ has obviously never had one! Many parents may wonder why their child seems to have such difficulty with sleep issues when other children seem to sleep like angels.

By Sr Ann Richardson

Environmental issues The arrival of a sibling can cause your toddler to become excessively weepy and clingy, especially at bedtime. Moving into a new home, starting or changing playschool, and a change of teacher or caregiver may also cause a problem. The death of a parent, grandparent, or loved caregiver, as well as divorce, may also cause sleep disturbances.

Acknowledge his loss with him, and allow him time to grieve with lots of extra hugs and kisses.

If you have returned to work, expect your toddler to be a bit unsettled. Give him time to get used to his new routine. Holidays or house guests can disrupt the routine your child has come to know and expect.

Try to keep your routine the same as always, even if you are not at home – toddlers need to know what is coming next, and become very confused when things change.

Medical and health issues Any medical issues need to be addressed, and if you or your child has been hospitalised, it will obviously be very traumatic for all concerned – expect your routine to take at least 10 days to settle again once you are home.

If your child is ill or teething expect your nights to be a bit wobbly – medicate if necessary. Certain medication can cause side-effects such as insomnia and hallucinations, so be informed before administering any new medication to your child.

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Always check the medicine’s ingredients with your pharmacist.

Worm infestation can also cause restless nights as some worms’ eggs are active at night in the anal area, causing irritation and itchiness. De-worm the whole family, including your animals, and check with your child’s school that the staff and school goers are de-wormed regularly. Speak to your healthcare provider about the correct age-appropriate dosages.

Anaemia can cause behavioural problems and frequent night waking, so speak to your clinic sister or pharmacist about a good iron supplement. Muscle cramps and growing pains can cause restless sleep – ask your pharmacist to recommend a magnesium supplement and give it to him at bedtime.

Inappropriate stimulation Exposure to too much of the wrong sensory stimulation, for example excessive and inappropriate TV watching in the late afternoon and evening, can over-stimulate your child’s nervous system, impairing his ability to shut down and go to sleep. Rather play some gentle classical music, and keep the TV switched off.

Hyperactivity or sensory overload Neurotransmitters are the little chemical messengers that are released at each and every nerve ending as it transmits a message to and from the brain.

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FEATURE

enables the sensory system to work efficiently in regulating basic automatic functions of sleeping, feeding, heart rate and breathing. In some children, usually because of genetic factors, the concentration of the neurotransmitters is faulty and they give irregular and inconsistent messages to the brain. This can manifest in over-active behaviour. We know, too, that disturbed sleep patterns can lead to high levels of these chemicals, which cause the brain (nervous system) to be in a more aroused (alert and wakeful) and irritable state. This is largely because of stimulatory chemicals being released when the body is fatigued and, of course, sensory overload. So, the more tired the child is, the more likely he is to be hyperactive and irritable.

Nightmares Nightmares are part of normal sleep, and are not associated with any specific emotional problems.

Nightmares occur when we dream during the REM or light cycle of sleep. If your toddler has a nightmare it is likely that he has been dreaming of normal anxieties and fears, such as falling off a building, or not being able to breathe. In most instances, he may simply call out, but continue to sleep. Older toddlers (approximately four years of age) are more prone to nightmares as their imagination can become overwhelming at this stage. If you can hear that he is getting increasingly distressed, then go to him, wake him up and console and calm him.

If your child has many nightmares, keep a dim night www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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light on in his room – he will be comforted by this.

Nightmares are usually a passing phase and have no lasting effect on your child.

Night terrors Night terrors are different to nightmares in that your child wakes up (usually screaming). He looks terrified and anxious, his heart is pounding, his chest heaving, and he is utterly inconsolable. Night terrors are not bad dreams, and actually occur when he is sleeping deeply. There is not much you can do for your child while he is having a night terror other than holding him tightly and reassuring him that you are there. You may have to wake him up for him to recognise you before he will calm down. Most night terrors subside after a few minutes. However, research has shown that night terrors are common in children with abnormal sleep schedules. If your child is experiencing night terrors, try to encourage a daytime nap, move his bedtime earlier and avoid excessive stimulation and sensory overload during the day, particularly before bedtime.

Sleepwalking Sleepwalking is unusual in toddlers, although research has shown that sleepwalking is more common if there is a family history. Some children open and close doors or dress and undress. There is no treatment, other than ensuring the environment is safe, then gently taking him back to bed, and tucking him in.

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FEATURE Sleep talking

Teeth grinding

Some toddlers will mutter and mumble in their sleep – usually simple phrases like ‘mo more’ or ‘go away’ as if they are remembering an event that may have occurred during the day. Try to limit over-stimulation, particularly before bedtime. And, if your child sounds particularly anxious, take note of what is happening in his world during the day. If necessary, make some changes.

Teeth grinding during sleep is quite common among toddlers and should improve with age. It has no effect on the quality of sleep, and can occur in any stage of sleep.

Head banging and body rocking About 5% to 10% of children, usually boys, will bang or roll their heads before falling asleep. In most children this is a normal part of development, and should stop by the time they are four years’ old. This rhythmic behaviour is often because of sensory overload caused by over-stimulation and overtiredness. By moving their bodies rhythmically, the sensory system is calmed, and the children feel calmer and more grounded. Avoid overtiredness and over-stimulation by encouraging a day nap or some regular quiet time, and move bedtime earlier. Encourage your child to participate in more intensive movement and heavy work during the day (pushing a loaded toy wheelbarrow) and lots of outdoor play. Very rarely, head banging and body rocking are associated with underlying neurological diseases. Your paediatrician will be able to diagnose these uncommon conditions if they are present, so if you are worried, please seek medical help.

Snoring Research has shown time and time again that children (and adults, too) who snore are not getting the best quality sleep. In children this can result in increased incidence of bedwetting, daytime drowsiness, mood changes, hyperactivity, headaches and impaired performance.

If your toddler has two or more of the following symptoms and is a difficult sleeper, please consult your paediatrician for further advice: • snoring • difficult breathing (or stopping breathing) during sleep • restless sleep • chronic runny nose • mouth breathing when awake • frequent colds or middle ear infections • sweating when asleep • poor appetite • difficulty in swallowing • excessive day-time sleepiness • excessive hyperactivity (not age appropriate) Structure and routine, early to bed, and teaching him healthy sleep habits will result in a happier family and a better behaved and well-adjusted toddler.

Ann Richardson is a speaker at the 2015 Johnson’s Baby Sense Seminars, taking place on August 1 (PE), August 15 (Durban), August 22 (Cape Town) and September 5 (Johannesburg). For more information and to book for these informative parenting seminars, visit www.babysense.com.

Suggested further reading: SLEEP SENSE: Faure, M& Richardson, A: Metz Press: 2007 TODDLER SENSE: Richardson, A: Metz Press: 2011 (new edition) BABY SENSE: Richardson, A; Faure, M: Metz Press: 2010 (new edition)

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HEALTH

Death-defying

vaccination

The HPV vaccination prevents infection developing on the cervix, and the World Health Organisation recommends that sexually naïve girls, and girls between the ages of nine and 13 years’ old, are vaccinated against HPV. Here’s what you need to know.

By Emma Dawson

I

n recent years, South Africa’s Department of Health has undertaken a massive campaign to provide the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine to schoolgoing girls between the ages of nine and ten. The purpose of this intervention is to implement one of the four basic components of cervical cancer control – prevention.

The statistics In South Africa, 5 743 new cases of cervical cancer are reported each year. About 3 027 of these are fatal. The statistics are frightening, added to which, most people with HPV do not know that they are infected.

Statistic show that one in every eight women who die in South Africa die from complications as a result of cancer of the cervix. Almost 80% of cervical cancers are caused by the HPV virus, which can affect the genital area. Infection may cause genital warts and in severe cases, cervical and other cancers.

Cervical cancer is the number one ranked cancer in women aged 15 to 44 in southern Africa and one of the leading female cancer death causes in South Africa.

About HPV According to the South African HPV Advisory Board, cervical carcinoma is still the most common cancer in women on the African continent. Mortality remains high – worldwide at 50% – mainly because of late presentation, the advanced stage of disease and the absence of a functioning screening process.

The link between HPV infection and cervical cancer has been well established and a number of high-risk

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Abstinence or practicing safe sex is the best form of protection.” www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

HPV can cause cervical cancer, genital warts and abnormal cells of the cervix, vagina or vulva.”

HPV genotypes have been identified. HPV infection is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) in the world today – up to 80% of sexually active females will harbour HPV at some point in their lives.

HPV is a common virus that for some can cause serious health issues. If you don’t know much about HPV you should, because it could have serious effects to your health now and in the future.

HPV is the name of a group of viruses that infect the skin. There are more than 100 different types of HPV. Certain types of HPV cause warts on the hands or feet, and other types can cause warts on the genitals. Some types of genital HPV may cause genital warts, while other types of genital HPV are linked to abnormal cell changes on the cervix (detected through Pap smears) that can lead to cervical cancer. However, this cancer can almost always be prevented through regular screening and, if needed, treatment of abnormal cell changes.

For many women and girls the virus goes away on its own. However, if it doesn’t, it can develop into cervical cancer, precancerous lesions, or genital warts, depending on the HPV type.

There are four types that women and girls should be most concerned about.

• HPV Types 16 and 18 cause about 70% of cervical cancer cases • HPV Types 6 and 11 cause about 90% of genital warts cases Since HPV has no signs or symptoms, many people don’t even know they have HPV or are passing it on to others.

How can one protect oneself from getting HPV? Of course, abstinence is the best form of protection.

Another obvious method to reduce the risk of acquiring an HPV infection is to practise safe sex and to always use a condom during sex. While condoms do not eliminate the risk of infection, the proper and consistent use of them will decrease the risk of passing on HPV to your partner. Delaying the onset of sexual debut and limiting your sexual partners also decrease the risk of acquiring HPV infections.

In addition, vaccination is a preventative but even if the vaccine is given, barrier methods are still recommend to prevent other infections not covered by the vaccine, among other HIV. What is the role HPV vaccines? Two HPV vaccines are licensed and available in South Africa: Gardasil® protects against infection with high-risk types HPV 16 and 18 and against HPV 6 and 11; and CervarixTM protects against infection with high-risk types HPV 16 and 18.

How does the HPV vaccine work? The vaccine contains virus proteins that were identified from the most serious types of HPV. It is combined with an inactive substance that stimulates the body to cause a strong immune response. It does not contain any antibiotics or live viruses.

Who should receive the HPV vaccines? For maximum effectiveness, the HPV vaccine should be given before a female becomes sexually active. The vaccine should be administered to girls aged 11 to 12, and as early as nine years’ old. Young women aged 13 to 18, who have not yet started the vaccine series or who have started but not yet completed the course, should also be vaccinated.

Almost 80% of cervical cancers are caused by the HPV virus, which can affect the genital area.”

Common questions As part of a public health response to this serious problem, several HPV vaccines are under development. However, use of vaccines still poses unanswered questions in some respects.

The precursors of cervical cancer can be detected and treated. The most important aspect of detection is screening of asymptomatic women. The Pap smear is generally used for this purpose. If this is used with wide coverage in a population, Pap smear screening has been shown to lead to a drastic reduction in the occurrence of cervical cancer in that population.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions (published by the South African HPV Advisory Board, an expert panel on human papilloma virus infection and its clinical implications at www.sasog.co.za): www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Why does the vaccine have to be given at such a young age? The vaccine will only prevent HPV infection if it is given before a girl has been exposed to the virus (ie sexually active).

Should young boys be vaccinated? Studies are currently being done to determine whether the vaccine will prevent HPV infection and genital warts in boys. At this stage the vaccines are not registered for use in males. Furthermore, at present it is not cost effective to vaccinate young boys.

How many doses of HPV vaccine should be given?

A series of three doses of HPV vaccine within a period of six months should suffice.

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HEALTH How effective are the HPV vaccines? The Gardasil® HPV vaccine has demonstrated a high success rate in preventing cervical cancer precursors (70%) and genital warts (90%). The CervarixTM HPV vaccine also claims excellent results in preventing cervical cancer precursors.

How long does the HPV vaccination last? Is a booster necessary? We must bear in mind that the vaccine is new, but recent studies indicate good protection against HPV for five years (which was the duration of the studies). Studies are ongoing to determine if further immunisation or a booster dose is necessary.

Does the vaccine protect against all HPV types and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs)? The vaccine only protects against the types of HPV mentioned earlier.

Is the vaccine safe? The vaccines have been tested extensively and all indications are that they are safe.

Does the vaccine have any side effects? There have been a few side effects reported, the most common being a brief discomfort at the site of the injection.

Will females who have been previously vaccinated still need to be screened for cervical cancer? The HPV vaccines do not protect against all types of HPV. Even when someone is vaccinated, it is still possible to become infected with one of the less common types of HPV that the vaccine does not claim to protect against. Therefore, it is important that vaccinated females continue to have regular screening tests such as Pap smears and/or HPV molecular testing.

The American Sexual Health Association provides a list of fast facts to remember: • HPV can infect anyone who has ever had a sexual encounter.

• HPV is spread through skin-to-skin contact, not through an exchange of bodily fluid.

• In most cases, the virus is harmless and most people have no symptoms. The body clears most HPV infections naturally.

• HPV can be contracted from one partner, remain dormant, and then later be unknowingly transmitted to another sexual partner, including a spouse.

• Though usually harmless, some types cause cervical cancer if not detected in time. The majority of women with an HPV infection will not develop cervical cancer, but regular screening is crucial.

babys beyond TM

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• •

• • •

•

Know the facts

and

For maximum effectiveness, the HPV vaccine should be given before a female becomes sexually active.”

• • • •

Certain high-risk strains of HPV cause cervical lesions that, over a period of time, can develop into cancer if untreated.

Cervical cancer most commonly takes 10 years to 20 years or more to develop; women who are no longer sexually active should continue to be screened.

Cervical cancer is the first cancer in women to be identified as being caused almost exclusively by a virus.

If an HPV infection is persistent past the age of 30, there is a greater risk of developing cervical cancer.

You can screen (or check) for cervical cancer with a Pap smear and/or an HPV test. Ask your healthcare provider which tests are right for you, based on your age and medical history.

Regular screening detects virtually all precancerous changes and cervical cancers.

Cervical cancer is completely preventable if precancerous cell changes are detected and treated early, before cervical cancer develops.

Latex condoms can reduce – but not totally eliminate – the risk of HPV transmission.

Thirty percent of oral carcinoma is related to HPV. It is commonly seen in ages 20 to 39 The risk of contracting oropharayngeal cancer (cancer of the tonsils, back of throat or base of the tongue) heightens 3.4 times with six or more oral sex partners.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www. cdc.gov); South African HPV Advisory Board (www. sasog.co.za); American Sexual Health Association (www.ashasexualhealth.org)

babysandbeyond @babysandbeyond

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

Allergens and

food labels Do you or your children suffer from food allergies? Do food labels confuse you? Here’s what you need to know about food labelling legislation, what’s behind precautionary label warnings, and just how cautious you need to be.

By Emma Dawson

I

have a dear friend who recently told me that her two-year-old daughter is allergic to ‘just about everything’ – the most threatening being tree nuts and nuts in general. With so many food products carrying precautionary allergen warnings on the labels her frustration with finding non-risky foods is mounting, as is her confusion about whether the product really is unsafe. Are these warnings used as a ‘catchall’, or simply to cover manufacturers from a legal standpoint, or are they very real?

The answer for my friend, and anyone suffering from food allergies, is that even though precautionary labels are now omnipresent on retail shelves, making a mounting list of products dubious, these messages need to be taken seriously.

Here’s the research behind food processing and labelling, and why we need to take heed of label warnings.

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Precautionary allergen labelling With food allergy on the rise, the widely accepted and recommended treatment is allergen avoidance.

In South Africa, mandatory allergen labelling has been legislated for the safety of food for allergic consumers. However, an additional form of voluntary labelling (called precautionary allergen labelling) has increased on packaged foods to minimise risk to customers, and to negate the impact on businesses that may result from exposure to trace amounts of food allergen present from cross-contamination during production.

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HEALTH This has resulted in the nearly ubiquitous utilisation of a multitude of precautionary allergen labels, which are confusing many consumers as to their significance. And, according to the WORLD ALLERGY JOURNAL and global experts, this isn’t just a South African problem but affects consumers around the world.

South Africa has world-class legislation that deals with matters relating to the composition, labelling, hygiene, marketing, safety, quality, and import and export of food, and other consumer products.

The most important of these laws, about labelling specifically, is the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act (Act 54 of 1972), Regulation R146 relating to the labelling and advertising of foodstuffs.

Our Consumer Protection Act (CPA) also weighs in here in terms of protecting consumers against ‘unusual hazards’.

The law In terms of Regulation R146, mandatory information for all food labels includes listing ingredients – the ingredient weighing the most will be listed first and the ingredient weighing the least will be listed last. All common food allergens must also be indicated in the ingredient list in the prescribed format. An ‘ingredient’ is any substance, including food additives and any constituents of compound ingredients, which are used in the manufacture or preparation of a foodstuff and which remains in the final product. In terms of the law, ‘food safety’ refers to the assurance that food will not cause harm to consumers when prepared and/or eaten according to its intended use.

The legislation provides for a standardised method of conveying information about foodstuffs to consumers, and removes the use of superlatives and ridiculous claims. It also ensures consumers are able to make clear comparisons between products.

This legislation was a long time in the making, but thankfully now enforces truthful descriptions and prevents misleading and confusing messages on food packaging. With regard to allergens, anyone with an allergy triggered by the more ‘common allergens’ (eggs, cow’s milk, crustaceans and molluscs, fish, peanuts, soybeans, tree nuts and significant cereals – which include wheat, kamut, spelt, rye, barley, oats or crossbred hybrids of these cereals), can simply check the list of ingredients on the label to see if the food contains one or more of these allergens.

This is by no means a full explanation of the legislation – there are many factors pertaining to the date of durability, allowable and illegal health and nutritional claims, the size of the letters on the label, language guidelines, graphics, and much more that I haven’t covered as they don’t relate to the topic of this article.

The grey area While the law is clear, a grey area exists about the use of voluntary ‘precautionary warning labelling’.

When used in the past, these warnings were vast and varied, including precautions such as, ‘contains milk’, ‘this product was produced in a facility that also uses wheat’, or ‘made on equipment that also processes nuts’. The ‘may contain’ warnings caution customers that traces of a food allergen might unintentionally end up in their packaged food.

This inadvertent cross-contact or contamination can occur because of shared processing lines or baking equipment, or because workers use the same gloves while producing a number of products, to name but a few.

So, do labels that contain precautionary allergen warnings actually contain the allergen? Or do these manufacturers simply include the warning to protect themselves from litigation?

The simple answers is that we don’t know. But just because we don’t know, you cannot assume they don’t.

Generally in South Africa, food manufacturers only use precautionary labelling if there is a risk of contamination.

In an article written by FACTS (Food & Allergy Testing & Consulting Service), two fundamental approaches are mentioned that manufacturers use to control allergen cross contamination in processing plants: (1) Complete segregation of processing facilities or equipment for the processing of allergenic foods, or (2) allergen management through the implementation of an allergen control plan, where complete segregation of facilities or equipment is not practically or financially feasible.

The degree of risk There will always be a degree of risk of cross contamination when shared equipment and processing lines are used for the production of both allergenic and non-allergenic foods. While cleaning is considered the first line of defence against allergen cross-contamination, it may not be sufficient (for a number of scientific reasons) for the removal of allergens from surfaces and equipment. Unlike microbiological contamination, allergenic material is generally unaffected by heat or chemicals. Cleaning and removing protein (allergen) residues is difficult at the best of times and, while reputable manufacturers do everything in their power to control the risk of contamination to the best of their ability, it can be difficult.

The bottom line about whether or not to take warning labels seriously takes us back full circle.

Consumers should avoid all products that carry precautionary label warnings if they wish to avoid risk. While unintentional, contamination can be unavoidable.

Ed’s note: The regulations include tree nuts and peanuts as two of the eight common allergens. If there is a risk for either being present in a food product, manufacturing companies should provide precautionary label for tree nuts and/or peanuts separately. However, as an extra precaution, if your child is peanut-allergic and a product has a precautionary warning about tree nuts, but not peanuts, it’s wise to contact the manufacturer to ensure they aren’t including peanuts in the term ‘nuts’. While peanuts are technically legumes, the term ‘nuts’ could be used as a catchall.

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HEALTH

My child’s front

tooth

is going black What happens if my child bumps a baby tooth and it turns dark?

Will it lighten again and is there anything to worry about?

By Dr Adel Rossouw, BChD (Pret)Dip(KGM)Dip(For Odont)

I

f a child bumps his baby tooth it may turn dark, which usually happens two to three weeks after an accident. The colour is usually grey or purple in colour.

Whether it turns dark or not, doesn’t always depend on the severity of the injury. However, if the tooth is displaced or knocked very loose at the time of the injury, there seems to be a greater chance of it turning dark. If the tooth doesn’t turn dark after a month, it probably won’t have any further problems.

Will the tooth ever lighten up again?

It can, but it takes a while. There is just not a good blood supply to the tooth. If the blood supply of the tooth has been damaged with displacement, it might not recover or lighten at all. However, most dark baby teeth do lighten again, but remember, if it is a permanent tooth then it’s a whole new ball game.

A traumatised permanent tooth that turns dark usually means that the tooth is ‘dead’ and will need a root canal treatment to save it. It will also need a porcelain crown after the root canal treatment to support the tooth structure and to get the colour to match the other teeth again.

How long will it take to lighten up?

Baby teeth seem to take several months to lighten.

It’s like a bruise inside the tooth. Unlike a bruise on the skin, where there is a good blood supply, the tooth takes a longer amount of time to recover. Sometimes it will lighten to a sort of slight opaque look, which is

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Most dark baby teeth do lighten again.” barely noticeable. This is because the canal inside the tooth closing up. It’s like a scar inside the tooth. If this happens then the tooth looks pretty good and is not likely to have any further problems.

Sometimes the tooth never lightens and stays dark.

If no signs of infection or injury are present, then the tooth must just be observed. Often no need for treatment is necessary. An X-ray can be taken, if possible, to check for problems. In a few cases, the tooth can form an abscess because of the death of the pulp (nerve) inside the tooth. The body can’t get into the tooth to heal the injured pulp and, because of this, it is important to alert for abscesses.

If the baby tooth is dark and you don’t like the look of it, then a filling on the front of the tooth can hide the colour.

If an abscess (swelling or bump above the tooth, sometimes with a pussy discharge) is present, the treatment at this stage is often to remove the baby tooth to prevent damage occurring to the permanent tooth.

For more information, visit www.adelrossouw.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

Natural

remedies for

teething You have the shakes and spill your coffee. Your head feels disconnected from your body. You peer into the mirror but can’t actually see because your eyes you are so sleep deprived. As a parent, if these are your symptoms, the likelihood is that your child is teething.

S

adly, there is no magic wand for the teething blues, but there are natural remedies available to bring relief to your baby and to you.

Essential oil remedies German and Roman Chamomile are both safe options. Chamomile has been used for centuries to ease gum inflammation, upset tummies, skin ailments, and to help with sleep disorders. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, muscle relaxant, antispasmodic, anti-allergenic and sedative properties, which make it an obvious choice for teething.

Lavender essential oil is well known as the only essential oil that is safe to be used directly on the skin (even so, dilution is necessary for children under the age of two). Lavender is a pain reliever, an antiinflammatory and antiseptic. It also smells wonderful and has a soothing and calming effect.

Dilute one drop each of Lavender and Roman Chamomile with pure coconut oil and apply to the jawline or cheek for teething relief.

Clove essential oil is in many teething remedies because of its pain relief properties but it is not considered safe for infants under the age of two. If your child is old enough, clove oil must be diluted and you need to check first for sensitivity to the oil.

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Dilution guide – according to your child’s age Children between six months’ and six years’ old: one drop per four teaspoons of carrier oil.

Children six years’ old and older: one drop per teaspoon of carrier oil.

Adults – two drops per teaspoon of carrier oil.

Other natural remedies Soak a clean facecloth in chamomile tea and freeze it, then let your baby chew on it. You could also let your baby gnaw on a large (to reduce any choking hazard) cold, raw carrot. If you do this it’s important to be present and keep an eye on your baby.

Dab one drop of Chamomile essential oil with a drop of Rescue Remedy on a teething ring, or clean facecloth, and allow babies over six months’ old to chew on it. Bach’s Rescue Remedy is alcohol-based but the benefits generally outweigh any possible negatives. Naturally, the decision is yours…

Rescue Remedy and Lavender essential oil are highly beneficial for frazzled parents, too.

Article kindly supplied by http://essentiallynatural.co.za/ www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

Managing

bleeding

in little people

Just saying the word ‘blood’ is enough to send most parents into complete panic mode. Let’s be frank, kids, blood and parents are not a great combination. So how do you stay calm and do what needs to be done?

By Gavin Sutton, veteran paramedic and COO at Be Safe Paramedical South Africa

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s a paramedic, I would have to say that some of the most stressful calls I ever attended involved kids and bleeding. The care of a child who is actively bleeding is right at the top of my list of the scariest things both parents and paramedics may be faced with. How bad is it? Will I be able to stop it? What if I cannot stop it? Should I take my kid to hospital myself or wait for the paramedics? These are the questions that often crop up when dealing with this type of emergency.

Kids are very different from adults and respond differently when bleeding. For many years, the teaching that kids are simply small adults has proved to be completely unfounded and scientifically incorrect. Kids have distinctive requirements, and a very different set of rules apply – both in their response to bleeding and also for their care.

I have been really fortunate to have witnessed some true medical miracles in my life and my career.

Many of these are directly related to the basic care given to the child prior to our arrival on the scene.

Without this initial care, even the most skilled and

ARTERIES

- Spurting blood - Bright red colour - High oxygen concentration www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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experienced paramedic would find many cases beyond challenging.

This article focusses on the basics of controlling external bleeding in children. I hope that you never have to use this information. However, if you do and need to act quickly, I believe following a few basic steps could very well allow both you and the responding paramedics to experience one of those true medical miracles.

Determining the source of external bleeding We categorise external bleeding into three main types, in order of severity: 1. Bleeding from an artery – These are generally bleeds that are quite dramatic in appearance and also the most life threatening. They are most often seen as bright red blood spurting from a wound.

Incidentally, the spurting action closely coincides with the patient’s heart beat.

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- Steady slow flow - Dark red colour

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- Slow even flow - Oozing - Watery blood 57

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HEALTH

Above: It’s very important to stem the flow of external bleeding as quickly as possible.

Above right: Once you have control of the bleeding, wrap a bandage around the wound pad to continue the pressure.

Tourniquets are an effective way to stem bleeding if used correctly.

The arterial part of the circulatory system is what carries oxygen and nutrients from the heart and lungs to all major organ structures and, most importantly, to the brain. As a result, the blood circulating through the arterial system is under immense pressure.

Bleeding from an artery is therefore extremely rapid and can threaten life in a matter of minutes. We’ll discuss the control of arterial bleeding and others a little later on in the article.

2. Bleeding from a vein – This is significantly less dramatic in appearance than bleeding from an artery, and is often seen as a steady flow of ‘darker’ coloured blood from a wound.

The venous part of the circulatory system carries oxygen depleted blood and carbon dioxide from the processes of metabolism to the heart and lungs where oxygen is taken up and carbon dioxide expelled. This lack of oxygen is what gives the blood a ‘darkish’ tinge commonly seen with venous bleeding.

Venous bleeding is therefore far more passive in flow and is therefore a great deal easier to control than arterial bleeding.

3. Bleeding from capillaries – This is best described as a slow oozing-type bleed. This is because capillaries have an extremely narrow diameter and cannot handle high-pressure blood flow. One of the most

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common types of capillary bleeds is a graze. This is where just the top layer of skin is removed and results in very slow ‘oozy’ and watery bleed. For this reason, capillary bleeds are easy to control and are generally never considered serious. Most kids would disagree with me though, and I probably would too if I were on the receiving end of a graze.

Controlling external bleeding In the initial stages, all types of external bleeding are managed in a similar way and are largely determined by the source and type of bleeding as per the above categories. However, given that there is a significant difference between the rate of bleeding from capillaries and an artery, we sometimes need to try something slightly different to gain control over a severe arterial bleed.

When faced with an actively bleeding wound, the first thing you need to quickly ascertain is what caused it? If it was something such as broken glass, which is likely to have fragmented, it is a good idea to first try and remove as many of the smaller fragments as possible. This can be achieved by gently running cool water from a tap over the wound. Don’t ‘blast the wound’ with a strong jet of water as this may force the fragment deeper into the wound. Irrigating the wound with cool water will also have the effect of causing the smaller capillaries to constrict, further slowing down the blood flow. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH For ‘clean’ cuts from a knife or from wounds that have already been irrigated, the next step is to take a clean dressing or wound pad, place it directly over the wound and apply firm downward pressure by hand for three to five minutes. For lacerations to the legs or arms, a combination of direct pressure and elevation of the wound, above the level of the heart, may allow gravity to assist with slowing down the bleed. However, this should not be done if there is any chance that any of the bones within the arms are legs are fractured.

If the dressing becomes saturated with blood, do not remove it. Simply place an additional dressing over the first and continue to apply firm pressure.

This is done because the wound may have already started clotting and by removing the initial dressing we could easily dislodge the clot and again cause active bleeding.

Once you have gained some control over the bleeding, you may consider wrapping a bandage around the gauze or wound pad (pressure bandage), which will allow continued pressure and also free up your hands.

There are some really excellent pressure bandages on the market that, beyond a doubt, will make an excellent addition to your first aid kit. One type that’s used extensively by the Emergency Medical Services and has gained excellent results, is the CritiBand MkII. This trauma bandage has a thick trauma pad incorporated into the bandage and the material from which the bandage is manufactured is able to apply a high-level of pressure. The bandage is also self-securing, so you simply continue wrapping it around the wound until it secures onto itself. There is therefore no need for safety pins or additional tape to secure it in place. This is a great asset when you are under stress and need proven and effective wound compression.

Special considerations

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A few additional thoughts…

The average blood volume in a new-born baby is approximately 300ml, 1 000ml to 2 000ml in a child, and 6 000ml in an adult. In an infant, 75ml of blood loss is considered dangerous, 300ml to 500ml in a child, and 1 500ml in an adult. This provides a good indication of how important it is to gain control over external bleeding as soon as possible. This is especially true when considering the small blood volumes in infants and children.

Children have the uncanny ability to compensate really well during blood loss, which often paints a confusing picture as the severity of blood loss can easily be underestimated. It is better to err on the side of caution and try your best to control the bleeding as quickly as possible and transport the child to hospital without delay.

It has been shown through numerous studies that the less the time delay in transporting the patient to a hospital, the better the chances of a successful outcome. The Emergency Medical Services has a huge workload and I truly believe it is better to transport a child privately, rather than delaying by waiting for the paramedics to arrive. The chances are it is very unlikely that they will do more than what has been discussed in this article.

Remember, irrespective of how experienced or medically qualified you are, it truly is the basics that save lives. The important thing is to keep a level head and start with the basics and work your way up to more aggressive care should basic techniques fail.

Gavin is a paramedic and previous head of training for the Western Cape Emergency Medical Services. He is currently the chief operating officer at Be Safe Paramedical South Africa. www.be-safe.co.za

Picture: Gavin Sutton

As mentioned earlier, bleeding from arteries are usually very rapid and therefore potentially lifethreatening. If the laceration has damaged an artery in either of the legs or arms and you cannot gain control of the bleeding using the methods mentioned above, you may need to consider the application of a tourniquet.

A tourniquet is any broad-banded structure such as a belt or strong bandage that is applied above the wound and tightened to the point where blood flow through the limb is completely stopped. It is a treatment that was considered taboo in years gone by. However, with the evidence gathered from numerous combat campaigns, it has been shown to dramatically reduce mortality if applied correctly. I have personally been on the scenes of several cases, including shark attacks, where the application of a tourniquet can be 100% attributed the saving the victim’s life.

So my thoughts on their use is simply this; if the wound is on an arm or a leg and is still bleeding profusely even though you are applying direct pressure, apply a tourniquet. Make a note of the time applied and pass this information to the responding paramedics or hospital staff, should you opt to transport privately. The use of a tourniquet is as a

last resort to try and stop potentially life-threatening bleeding from an artery only. It should never be used for minor bleeding and should only be used on arterial bleeding from either the arms or legs.

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HEALTH

Exercise – love it or hate it,

it’s good for you Pic credit: Preggi Bellies

Many of us have a love/hate relationship with exercise – we either love it or, in some cases, hate it even though we know it’s good for us.

By Dr Etti Barsky, MBBCh, MSc Sports Medicine

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omen standing on either side of the divide can’t understand why the other does or doesn’t do what they do. Yet, when it comes to pregnancy, both sides know that getting up and moving is something that has to be done. The benefits to both mom and baby are countless.

If you’re someone who’s always trained and made an effort to keep fit, the good news is that you can keep exercising. As long as it remains comfortable and the risks of abdominal injury are low. These risks usually apply to contact sports such as martial arts, netball, rugby, and activities where there is a chance of a serious fall – mountain-biking, cross-country running, horseriding, competitive ice-skating or gymnastics. The restrictions about heart rates, which some healthcare providers and fitness professionals place on exercising pregnant women, are outdated.

In fact, recent studies show that there is more benefit to training harder for shorter periods than ‘taking it easy’.

The main limitation for the seasoned exerciser is that pregnancy is not the right time to train for competitive events. The stress placed on the body during pregnancy is not recommended and, on a practical level, you do get slower. It is a hard truth to get used to and will be very frustrating to work against it. However, the scenario changes completely once you’re postnatal, and your performance can actually improve.

For those that have not been exercising much until now – don’t despair. Pregnancy is as good a time as any to choose to lead a healthier lifestyle. Anyone who is less than 30 weeks’ pregnant can put on a pair of takkies, a cozzie or just go as you are and start an exercise programme. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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However, there are two important things to remember if you haven’t exercised for a while: 1. Listen to your body – if something doesn’t feel right or comfortable then don’t do it.

2. Exercising correctly is key.

This is why supervised training, whether it’s with a personal trainer or in a group (both of which are available through Preggi Bellies), is not only recommended but actually preferable.

During pregnancy your ligaments are more lax, some muscles that are not used for bearing body weight start taking strain, and it’s important to know how to strengthen them without straining. Knowing how to breathe correctly during an exercise is also crucial as you would not want to put any unnecessary strain on your pelvic floor. So it’s really important to be under the watchful eye of someone who knows how to adapt exercises for pregnancy.

Starting to exercise or continuing to exercise (correctly) is one of the most rewarding choices you can make for yourself as you go through one of life’s biggest milestones. The benefits of exercise extends on many levels. Physically, it can help to control your weight gain and reduce your chances of pregnancyrelated aches and pains. Physiologically (at a level of your internal body function), you place your body in a better condition so that it is prepared to deal with any unexpected hiccups that can happen during labour. Psychologically, exercise helps lift and stabilise your mood.

All in all, exercise helps equip you for the many demands of motherhood – especially by teaching you to take a time out for yourself.

For more information about Preggi Bellies, visit www.preggibellies.co.za.

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Listening

in the classroom Could my child’s academic achievements be linked to a hearing loss?

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hile many parents and guardians are actively involved with their children’s schools and teachers, each dreads being told that their child is not performing as she should be.

‘Before possibly labelling your child incorrectly, it is pertinent to be aware that children who are experiencing hearing loss often present with many of the same signs as children with learning difficulties,’ says Tally Sherban, a client relations executive at Oticon South Africa, a leading hearing aid manufacturer. ‘These signs can range from a lower academic achievement than their age, background or IQ scores predict, or even inattention that is frequently related to frustration and fatigue,’ she adds.

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Tell-tale signs to look out for in a pupil with hearing loss: • Inappropriate responses to questions • Watching other pupils to see what they are doing • Articulation problems – speech difficulties • Fatigue, especially at the end of the day • Academic failure • Poor self-concept • Day dreaming • Apparent laziness If your child exhibits any of these signs it would be wise not to assume that your child has learning or behavioural problems. ‘The first to ruling out hearing loss is to take your child to an audiologist who will look www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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HEALTH

Confirm your child’s hearing ability before making any decisions relating to your child’s education.” at any history of hearing loss or ear infections, and perform a hearing test to establish the child’s hearing ability,’ explains Tally.

‘If your child has hearing loss, it is vital to inform your child’s teacher(s) of the situation as they have a tremendous impact on their pupils’ learning, selfimage and social adjustment. Working with pupils who have a hearing loss requires a team approach from the parents, classroom teacher, speech and language therapist, and audiologist to determine the individual needs of each pupil and to develop an appropriate educational plan,’ she continues.

Self-image and social adjustment Focusing on your child’s self-image is crucial throughout the process as she will most likely perceive herself as being different, especially if she is wearing hearing aids and/or utilising an FM system (wireless communication) in the classroom. ‘Help your child to accept how her hearing impairment makes her different, while emphasising that hearing loss is not her only descriptive characteristic. Focus on positive aspects and facilitate an understanding of what your child’s hearing loss is and how it affects her everyday life. Classmates will also benefit greatly from this knowledge,’ suggests Tally.

Hearing instruments and FM in the classroom The primary function of amplification in the classroom is to provide access to speech information and facilitate learning. In most cases, hearing aids will benefit the child with hearing loss. However, in specific listening situations, such as in very noisy classrooms, hearing aids alone may not be enough.

‘FM systems work with a child’s hearing aids to enhance the speaker’s voice for better speech understanding and immediate relief in the classroom.

It typically comprises a microphone/transmitter worn by the teacher and a receiver that hooks on to the hearing aid worn by the child. If this is an option that you are considering, it would be advisable to discuss the matter with your child’s teachers to get their support,’ says Tally.

‘An FM system allows your child to sit anywhere in the classroom and hear the teacher’s voice as if it were only a few centimetres away. By reducing the distance the teacher’s voice has to travel, the effects of background noise and echo are dramatically reduced. Many children and teachers who use FM systems report less fatigue at the end of the day because the teacher does not have to raise her www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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voice to be heard and the child hears better with less strain.’

FM systems are not only for children with hearing loss. They can also be used by children with normal hearing who present with ADHD, auditory processing disorders and language-learning difficulties. Research shows that children with these difficulties present with improved academic performance through the use of these FM systems.

Classroom tips for teachers • When addressing the pupil say her name first and identify the topic you are covering.

• Seat the pupil for optimal listening and visual cues within the classroom. Ideally, this should be with the pupil’s back to the window, seated one third of the distance of the room from the teacher, not in the front row directly beneath the teacher.

• Be aware of possible misunderstanding – avoid idioms, sarcasm, slang (if you use them, explain).

• Sometimes ask other pupils if they have heard or understood rather than always focusing on the child with hearing loss.

• Speak in an ordinary tone of voice, without exaggerated lip movements, and at a normal rate of speaking.

• Make sure your lips are clearly visible. Face the class not the blackboard when speaking.

• Make sure that the room does not have bright lights shining directly in the child’s face. Backlighting is ideal.

• Be aware that the pupil is unlikely to be able to lip read or fully hear during a film/slide presentation.

Either use a captioned film or provide information (transcript) in advance.

• Institute a buddy system – such as a classroom helper or official note taker.

• Provide an opportunity for the pupil to share information with the class about the hearing aid and/or FM system and how it works.

• Keep extra batteries on hand for your FM system.

• It is important not to have a preconceived notion of function based on the degree of the child’s hearing loss.

• Remember always to speak naturally and clearly. If using exaggerated mouth movements, extremely fast or slow rates of speaking or overly loud speech, pupils may have difficulty understanding.

• Be careful not to chew gum or eat while talking to pupils to make lip reading possible.

• Remember always to make a recognisable transition when moving on to a new subject.

• Consider passing around a written copy of the day’s or week’s assignment for all pupils, or writing assignments on the board.

Confirm your child’s hearing ability before making any decisions relating to your child’s education. ‘Be cognisant of the fact that many children with hearing loss are often incorrectly labelled as children with learning difficulties. Make an informed decision that will allow your child to claim the best possible future for themselves,’ Tally concludes.

For more information, please visit www.oticon.co.za.

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Teaching children how to

share

By Lynn van Jaarsveld, Principal of Trinityhouse Pre-Primary Little Falls

Young children tend to play alongside other children, but not with them. This is normal, but how do you teach your children how to share?

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t is not in a small child’s nature to share. They think the world revolves only around them,’ wrote psychologist, Dr Ian Wallace in CHILD PHYCHOLOGIST. Children only care about themselves and not about other children’s wants and needs.

Young children tend to play alongside other children, but not with them. Children at this age also form strong attachments to mom and their toys.

These attachments are normal and very important to becoming an emotionally strong person one day.

As children begin to play and form social bonds with other children, and cooperate in their play, they begin to see the value of sharing.

‘A good way to teach children any principles or values is through play. They are more likely to remember what they have learned through play than what they hear in your lectures every day,’ says Dr Bill Sears in his TRUSTED RESOURCE FOR PARENTS. Play ‘sharing games’ with your children. Give your toddlers sweets, cookies or toys and then ask them to share these with everyone in the room. You want them to learn that sharing is a normal way of life and that it spreads joy and happiness. When a squabble begins, it may be best not to interfere immediately but to observe and see how this pans out. If the situation deteriorates, intervene. There is more value in them solving their own conflict situation than you solving it for them.

A good opportunity to encourage and teach sharing is when friends come to visit. It is very natural for toddlers not to want to share their toys when they have friends visiting. Ask the parents of the friend to bring some toys with them. Have a sharing basket on

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the floor where they are playing. Ask your toddler to choose toys he would like to play with while his friend is visiting and then put these in the sharing basket.

The little friend will do the same. All children get very excited when there are new toys to play with. Teach your toddler that to play with the little friend’s exciting toys he has to let his friend play with one of his toys.

This teaches a toddler that sharing and taking turns is fair play and that everyone has fun when they share.

Keep praising your toddler when he shares.

Allocating time for each child to play with the same toy is a good way to encourage your toddler to share. Tell them they will each have two minutes to play with the toy. They might argue about who goes first. Give them a number dice. The one who rolls the highest number will go first. When you say ‘time up’, the toy is given to the other child. Reassure them that they will have another turn to play with the toy. If they are still not willing to share, take the toy away and they can only play with it again when they have learnt how to share. They will soon learn that it is better to share than to forfeit the toy completely.

Lead by example. Children copy or mimic everything their parents do. When someone wants to borrow something from you, make this a teachable moment (for example, ‘Mommy is sharing her scissors with Granny’ or ‘I am sharing my popcorn with Daddy and, because I shared my popcorn with him, he is now sharing his chocolate with me’).

Keep praising your toddler when he shares as this will make him feel secure within himself when he has your approval.

ADvTECH Schools Division, www.advtech.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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EDUCATION

Navigating developmental stages and challenges Occupational therapists and moms, CARLY TZANOS and LOURDES BRUWER, have published a helpful tool for parents with babies and toddlers. Using their book, GROOVY ADVENTURERS, playing with your baby has never been such fun.

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focus on developmental stages rather than ages allows you to recognise and revel in your baby’s major achievements and his mini milestones.

GROOVY ADVENTURERS aims to empower you to create many fun-filled, ‘just-right’ challenges for your baby as you understand more about his physical and brain development during each stage. There are over 100 easy-to-use activities, each carefully selected and chosen to build strong sensory, motor, perceptual, and cognitive foundations. Co-authors, Lourdes and Carly, share some thoughts and tips about developmental milestones and how they shape the way we think and play.

We all fall into the comparison trap – wanting our babies to be the first and the best at everything! Are babies who reach their developmental milestones ahead of their peers really superior or cleverer than their counterparts? Babies develop at their own unique pace and tend to work on different areas of development at different times.

Babies who seem to be slow developers are often spending more time cementing their foundational skills, which allows them to have a more stable base from which to later build more complex skills. For example, while some babies may be causing their moms to fret because they are not keen to start walking on their first birthday, their developmental spotlight could be on speech and language or fine motor development. The extra time crawling will help them to develop a strong shoulder girdle, which gives them the base they need to free up their arms and hands for posting, finger feeding and pointing.

We firmly believe in each child’s individual developmental rate. Although there are specific age norms at which milestones are expected to be achieved, the rate of maturation varies from one individual to the next. The range is therefore large, accommodating early and late developers who are all normal.

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A lack of opportunity to move and practice a skill may delay the process of development. There are ripe periods of maturation – a window of opportunity – when certain skills are ready to be developed. If we observe a child carefully we may recognise this opportunity and then cleverly help our little ones to practice a certain skill, helping to perfect it timeously.

How do we recognise this opportunity? Just watch.

The nervous system is like a self-service petrol station!

It seeks out what needs to mature. Whatever your child is doing over and over again, that is the area of development that is in the development spotlight.

For example, if your little one is constantly posting your car keys and cell phone into any and all little holes and crevices, you may want to help with your child’s fine motor development, which is clearly in the spotlight. Try cutting a hole in a cereal box and posting toy cars or ping pong balls into your treasure box. It is just as much fun to open the box and rediscover what’s hiding in there. If you are too focused on what your baby should be developing next, you may miss this golden opportunity to cement foundational skills.

Encouraging and supporting your children to build their skills in a helpful sequence of development takes your focus off worrying about the age at which they reach each milestone. It may be helpful to think of development in stages rather than ages. Slow down and really invest in the process, rather than trying to get ahead as fast as you can. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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EDUCATION Every baby needs a challenge that is ‘just right’ for them. The Just Right Challenge would be to offer just enough encouragement and support to spark action from your baby without frustration leading to him giving up or losing interest. For example, let him do as much for himself as he is able to do. Your little treasure needs to experience success to motivate him to try again.

Before you rush out to the toy shop and max out your credit card, open your kitchen cupboards and have a look around your home for what can be used to support your child’s development. You do not need a lot of money to give your little one the best learning opportunities. They often play with the box long after the toy has been opened and forgotten anyway.

The most important thing to remember while you are encouraging your baby to reach each major and mini-milestone is that it should be fun, fun, fun!

Play is your child’s ‘work’ and it is the way he learns best. You may find it helpful to spend time getting down on your child’s level, following his lead and joining in his play. This quality floor play time will communicate love, support and encouragement.

Watch and marvel as your baby leaps from one developmental stage to the next.

Some fun activity ideas Paper plate face – Use bold, strong colours (black, blue and red) to draw a simple face on a paper plate (dot eyes, nose and single line mouth). Hang it or stick it close to your baby’s face (about 10cm to 20cm from his eyes) while changing him.

Shiny bubbles – Use a two- litre plastic bottle and fill it with coloured soapy water, glitter and table confetti. Make sure the lid is tightly closed.

Now roll it just out of your crawling baby’s reach to encourage him to creep or leopard crawl towards it. Show him that he can push it to make it roll again.

Button posting – Cut a narrow slit in the lid of a tin or box. Give your toddler an assortment of buttons, large ones, small ones, thick ones and thin ones.

Have him post the buttons by pushing them through the narrow slit. The narrower the slit, the more his little finger muscles have to work to get the buttons into the tin/box. [Ed’s note: This game should never be played without an adult present because of the risk of choking.]

Tips for groovy parenting Tummy time – a few minutes at a time is all it takes to get started. Try placing him on his tummy over your legs, on your chest, over a large exercise ball, or on the arm of a couch so you can ‘chat’ with your face at his height.

Repetition allows your baby to spend less and less time and energy on how he performs a task and enables him to focus more on learning the next step.

It is also important in daily routines to help your baby anticipate what is coming next. Bumps and bruises are part of your baby’s learning experience, so a few scrapes are inevitable and necessary for planning future expeditions.

Visit www.jumpleapfly.co.za for more information, or to purchase a copy of GROOVY ADVENTURERS.

JOIN US FOR THE

Exciting

NEW MOMMY & ME EXPO!

SAVE THE DATE 28-29 Nov 2015 www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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EDUCATION

Creating a

better world

One of the most common types of plastic you’ll find in your home are Polyolefins, making up about 70% of plastics packaging in South Africa. They are tough, resilient and, most importantly, 100% recyclable. EMMA DAWSON chats to MANDY NAUDÉ from POLYCO about the importance of recycling in your home.

Pic credit: Polyco

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s mothers, we are acutely aware of the world and the future we’re creating for our children.

We want to do everything possible to ensure that we leave a planet for them and our grandchildren where they can live safely and healthily, continue to enjoy nature, and enjoy the type of lives we had,’ says to Mandy Naudé, mother of three and CEO of POLYCO – the not-for-profit company tasked with promoting the recycling of polyolefin plastics.

However, anyone who has ever had a baby knows only too well that one small baby can generate a lot of waste. From nappies and bottles to wet wipes, jars of formula and food. It’s shocking to think that a tiny individual, weighing less than 5kg, is responsible

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for so much waste that is sent to landfill. While soiled nappies and wet wipes are not recyclable, the packaging they’re sold in is made from plastics that are recyclable and in high demand.

While packaging has its uses, Charles Muller, Executive Director of Packaging SA, admits that in some cases there can be too much packaging than what is needed to protect a product. ‘Brand owners realise that their retail package is the last and best chance they have to convince consumers to make a sale. Because the majority of purchases made by mothers are influenced by emotion, package design has become a vital component of a brand’s marketing strategy and success,’ Charles explains.

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EDUCATION ‘Consumers have a major role to play by choosing and supporting brands based on the sustainability of a product and its packaging, as well as the packaging’s recyclability,’ Mandy confirms.

Recycling in South Africa Recycling is important for many reasons. Not only do we want to protect our Earth and her resources, but government wants to reduce the amount of plastics, cans, paper and glass packaging sent to landfills. In support of this objective, the plastics industry has set itself a target of sending zero plastics to landfill by 2030.

Despite a growing awareness about recycling, the burgeoning demand for recycled material, and lot of work being done by the packaging industry to encourage consumers to recycle, very few households are actively recycling their household waste.

‘South Africans are generally still unaware of the importance of domestic recycling, and the lack of collection and sorting infrastructure in their communities also does not support their participation in separating the recyclable materials at home,’ Mandy explains.

What can you do?

‘As much as it is our responsibility to look after our planet and our resources, we are also responsible for raising the next generation of eco-warriors who will continue the good work we’ve begun. We don’t want our children to repeat the same mistakes that we inherited from our parents. When children see the principles of reduce, reuse and recycle being implemented on a daily basis at home, it will become second nature to them,’ Mandy points out.

To become truly committed to recycling, you need to understand why you are doing it. The three main reasons why recycling makes a difference include: 1. Our country is running out of landfill space at an alarming rate. To reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill sites, separate your recyclables from your kitchen waste so that recyclers can use them as building blocks for an array of new materials. For this reason, we are teaching people

to have a see-through bag that they use for their clean, dry recyclables (plastic, glass, paper and cans) and a black refuse bag for dirty, wet kitchen waste that cannot be recycled.

2. Recycling helps to save our natural resources.

When we use or include recycled material during the production process, the water, energy or ingredients that were used the first time, are not lost, but used again and again.

3. The recycling of plastics alone provides jobs to more than 45 000 South Africans. From the person who is collecting your recyclables to the recycler who makes new products from the materials – all these people earn a living thanks to your recycling efforts.

Passing the knowledge on to children ‘Moms have the opportunity to influence young minds and shape their children’s actions from an early age by making the learning experience fun and interactive. You can turn recycling into an educational game. For example, allow your kids to help you rinse out the plastic containers before recycling them, or sort recyclables into cans, glass and plastic, or even into different colours. Improve their hand-eye coordination by seeing if they can throw plastic bottles into the recycling bag, or help you tie the bag and carry it to the kerb for collection. If they are learning numbers, you can turn the container upside down to see if they can identify the 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 or 7 on the polymer identification code, and put all the same numbers together,’ Mandy suggests.

A typical South African household of four generates approximately 5kg of plastic waste per week, or 20kg per month. If 50% of the readers of this article start to recycle today, it means that we will have 22 500 new recyclers generating 5 400 new tons of recyclable plastic packaging material per year. If families (averaging 2.2 children) learn to recycle for the future, we will have 49 500 new recycling households in the next 15 years. Start recycling today and make a positive difference for your children’s future.

For more information, visit www.polyco.co.za.

How to start recycling

Step 1:

When a product is finished, give the container a good rinse in your used dishwashing water. Remember, in South Africa water is scarce. Leave your container to dry to avoid wetting your paper recyclables, and help recyclers by removing the label, sleeve or any other loose parts (the bottle’s cap).

Step 2:

Make sure you have a see-through refuse bag for recyclables. All recyclables (paper, glass, tin and plastics) go into one clear bag so that the recycling companies can easily see which bag contains the recyclables. Your non-recyclable waste should go into the usual black bag.

Step 3:

Once your bag is full, knot it and leave it on the pavement on the day your municipality collects waste. If your municipality doesn’t do kerb-side collection, you can drop it off at a collection site or drop-off point.

To find your closest recycling depot, visit www.mywaste.co.za or to learn more about recycling, visit www.youtube.co.za/PolycoSouthAfrica.

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EDUCATION

The

magic words

Are the traditional magic words ‘please’ and ‘thank you’, usually learnt in childhood, disappearing in today’s society? Why is it important for your child to learn these words, and how do you teach them?

By Barbara Eaton, Academic Development Co-ordinator for the Pre-Primary Schools at CrawfordSchools™ and Trinityhouse

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ivilised and primitive societies have always insisted on certain standards, such as having respect for elders, greeting people respectfully, and saying please and thank you appropriately. Eating habits are also defined by the cultural norms of the community. Many cultures begin to inculcate these standards in their children from a very young age, but in this on-line, texting and less verbally communicative society, are these societal norms a thing of the past? Do we still need to teach our children manners?

I would say a definite yes! This is hard for parents when their children watch barbaric and seemingly acceptable behaviour on their screens and even Disney films depict ‘bratty children’ who get their own way and virtually rule their parents. I visited a classroom recently where written large on the wall was, ‘the only rule in this class is that we respect each other’. This sums up how we should act towards each other to live in harmony, and societal harmony is desperately needed in South Africa.

If we can inculcate respectful behaviour for others by modelling it to children from babyhood, the polite norms of different societies are easily learned. In canvassing my colleagues of different cultures, it is clear that everyone expects their children to learn how to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ appropriately, and to eat in a polite manner. Whether the child says ‘thank you’ or claps her hands in thanks is immaterial.

In our multi-cultural society it would be good for children to learn how this can be done in various ways.

This will teach tolerance and mutual respect. After all, if we visit other countries we make a point to learn their customs to avoid giving offence. Why do we not accord our own countrymen the same respect?

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For a child to make eye contact with adults is frowned on by some African cultures but considered polite in Euro-centric cultures. Let’s explain this to our children so that they understand how to behave. Spending so much time on digital devices has the risk of forcing children to look downwards for extended periods of time. They could be missing the social cues of facial expression and body language that grease the wheels of smooth communication. Many enlightened schools are teaching this emotional literacy to their pupils, which helps them to understand themselves and others better.

Being polite to others is something parents have to teach, model and reinforce until the child achieves automaticity. It may seem a chore but, like other skills, will smooth your child’s social interaction with teachers, peers and others. We all know that when our child brings home an impossibly rude and difficult child for a play date, we are unlikely to extend a second invitation. This is not the child’s fault but that of his parents. That child will soon find himself unwelcome in most homes.

‘Don’t do as I do, do as I say.’ This does not work with children. You cannot expect good manners from your child and, at the same time, be rude to waiters, yell at your spouse, and swear at taxi drivers!

Consistency is key to reinforcing polite behaviour.

Children need to learn that rudeness is hurtful and unnecessary, unattractive and immature. This doesn’t mean that they need to be doormats, being politely assertive is also a skill worth learning. Do your children a favour – teach them good manners and respect.

They will thank you for it later.

ADvTECH Schools Division, www.advtech.co.za www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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KICKS FOR KIDS

babys beyond and

Pirates

A pirate is a person who robs or plunders at sea. Pirate ships were governed by their own laws, called Articles, which were agreed between the pirate crew and the captain. These Articles also agreed how the prize money from their raids would be shared out. Although the Golden Age of Piracy lasted from the 1650s to the 1730s, there are still real life pirates sailing the oceans today.

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a

Find the

route

Help this hedgehog family find their way to the mushroom.

KICKS FOR KIDS

Spot the difference

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Can you find the 10 differences between these two pictures?

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c Join the

dots

KICKS FOR KIDS

Match

the dog and owner

d

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Help these owners to find their doggies.

Draw a line from dot number 1 to dot number 2, then from dot number 2 to dot number 3, and so on. Keep going until you’ve joined all the dots.

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2015/06/26 9:30 AM

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GRAB SOME GRUB

Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Pizza Serves 4 Smoked Salmon and Cream Cheese Pizza is the perfect option for a ‘ladies lunch’ or Saturday treat.

Pre-bake the crusts and assemble when cold. The assembled pizzas can be refrigerated for an hour or two if necessary.

Ingredients

Olive oil 1 x 250g cream cheese or creamed cottage cheese ¼ cup (60ml) Ina Paarman’s Blue Cheese Salad Dressing 200g salmon trout ribbons 2T (30ml) caper berries 1 red onion, sliced paper thin ½ punnet rocket

Garnish

Lemon wedges

Method

Preheat the oven to 200°C and preheat a large baking sheet. Roll out a quarter of the pizza dough thinly into four plate-size disks. Re-roll it on baking paper. Leave at room temperature until puffy. Brush dough with olive oil. Slide baking paper, with the dough on it, onto the pre-heated pan. Prick the bases a few times with a fork.

Bake without a topping on, for ± 12-15 minutes.

Leave to cool. Mix together cream cheese and Blue Cheese Dressing. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the cooled bases. Top with salmon ribbons, caper-berries, red onion and rocket. Drizzle with olive oil. Add a grating of black pepper and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

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Basic pizza dough

Makes 3 pizzas and 4 flatbreads To make the dough is dead easy, it will rise slowly in the fridge – just punch it down every day and it will keep for three days.

1kg (± 6½ cups) bread flour 2T (30ml) sugar 1T (15ml) Ina Paarman’s Seasoned Sea Salt 1 x 10g packet instant yeast ± 2 cups (500ml) lukewarm water 2T (30ml) olive oil

Method

In a biggish mixing bowl, measure the flour, sugar, salt and yeast. Toss together with your fingers. Add lukewarm water. Bring dough together with one hand and knead to form a soft pliable dough. Add a little more water depending on consistency. Divide dough into two.

Divide the olive oil between two big mixing bowls. Turn the dough balls in the oil to coat them lightly. Cover with cling film. Leave to stand at room temperature for an hour or two until the dough has doubled in size. Knead it once more. If not using straight away, store in the fridge.

To shape the pizza

Divide one of the dough balls into four.

Flatten between layers of baking paper with a dinner plate.

Roll to required size and shape.

Refrigerate the remaining dough. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

2015/06/26 12:16 AM

GRAB SOME GRUB

Banana and Apple Smoothie Serves 4-6 The best thing about smoothies is that you can use virtually any fresh fruit available. A good tip if you have slightly over-ripe bananas is to freeze them. They are ideal frozen in a smoothie.

Ingredients

3 ripe bananas 2 apples peeled and cored 1 cups (250ml) plain yoghurt 1 cup (250ml) full cream milk 4T (60ml) Ina Paarman’s Cheesecake mix ± ½ cup (125 ml) small ice blocks Blend everything together until smooth and serve.

Strawberry Smoothie Serves 4

Ingredients

400g strawberries – rinsed, green stems removed 2 oranges, squeezed 1 apple, peeled and cored and cut up, or 1 banana 4T (60ml) Ina Paarman’s Lemon Cheesecake Mix 1 cup (250ml) double cream yoghurt 1 cup (250ml) full cream milk 3T (45ml) oats ½ cup (125ml) ice cubes Blend everything together until smooth and serve.

Recipes and pictures courtesy of www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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CLASSIFIEDS 82

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CLASSIFIEDS

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CLASSIFIEDS

Special Design Clothes for Boys & Girls

Day And Night Fashion for any Occasions.

Tel: 082 8505 808 E-mail: info@cherrykids.co.za Website: www.cherrykids.co.za 13 Boekenhout Crescent, Extension 4, Delmas, 2210 PO Box 815, Delmas, 2210

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Nannies | Domestics Workers | Training

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We stock Tolo, Alex and Snookums toys, Sistema Food storage containers MONTAGUE GARDENS 021 551 5790

CONSTANTIABERG 021 702 1700

SOMERSET WEST 021 852 4007

GEORGE 044 871 0271

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2015/06/26 12:20 AM

DEZIGN IT DECOR interior design

BABY DECOR

supplier

KIDS DECOR

online store

HOME DECOR

hello@dezignitdecor.co.za www.dezignitdecor.co.za

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GETAWAY REVIEW

Forest fairies and bath wrinkles Set in the enchanted forest off the Karatara Road in Sedgefield is Teniqua Treetops where, in just one weekend, the unexpected quickly became the norm.

EMMA DAWSON reviews this getaway.

There’s plenty on offer to keep the kiddies entertained, including two swimming pools, a jungle gym, trampoline, games room and a communal braai area.

Photo credit: Emma Dawson

Just what’s required for a tranquil, romantic weekend away surrounded by nature.

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GETAWAY REVIEW

Teniqua Treetops’ indigenous forest is home to an abundance of fauna and flora, and a special touch of magic.

W

hat, you may ask, could forest fairies and bath wrinkles possibly have in common? Well nothing really, except that both are tied to experiences you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else!

Teniqua Treetops is certainly ‘something different’. It offers guests a remote, relaxing break, fully immersed in nature and elevated high up in the canopy of an indigenous forest. A number of accommodation options are available (one and two bedrooms, and a one-bedroom toddler-friendly family option) – all of which take the form of self-catering tented tree houses perched on timber pilings that blend harmoniously into their surroundings and nestle within the forest canopy. The views are spectacular and vary depending on the tree house you book.

Our first surprise were the creature comforts in our tree house – a fully-kitted kitchen with everything you need for a weekend away, eco-friendly electric blankets and a heater for colder months, a mozzie net over the bed, and gas and solar geysers to warm water. However, the best feature was a romantic two-person bath on the deck that, although sheltered, is essentially open to the elements and surrounded by the forest.

While the promise of communing with nature attracts most visitors, the resort is also a child-friendly getaway with much on offer to keep children entertained – including two swimming pools, a jungle gym, trampoline, games room (with pool and ping pong tables) and a communal braai area for families and groups – all of which is set away from the tranquil tree houses.

However, getting back to the forest fairies and bath wrinkles, we were sans children for the weekend so made the most of stopping for oysters on our way in to Sedgefield and mooching around the Wild Oats Community Farmers’ Market on Saturday morning.

Back at Teniqua on Saturday afternoon, while taking a stroll through the forest, we stumbled across a fairy garden that would mesmerise any child, and many www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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Teniqua Treetops offers guests a remote, relaxing break, fully immersed in nature.”

adults (me included)! It is these little touches that make Teniqua Treetops so enthralling and delightful for the young and young-at-heart alike.

After a braai on the deck, watching a glorious sunset over the forest canopy, we did exactly as an eco-friendly sign on the bathroom wall suggested: ‘showers for one, baths for sharing’. Wallowing in a gloriously warm, cola-coloured bath (water pumped directly from the river), my partner, Paul, suddenly silenced me, pointing to a small spotted genet that was peering around a bench just meters from where we were chatting in the bath on the deck. An hour later, the water long-gone tepid, our little spotted friend was still entertaining us with his antics – sniffing around our braai, walking across the canvass above our heads, and popping back to the deck to check in with us. By this stage we were pretty wrinkly, but grateful for nature’s unexpected entertainment, nonetheless.

Teniqua Treetops certainly offers something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a tranquil romantic break, adventure, to soak up the abundant nature, or to spend an afternoon ‘away with the fairies’! For more information about accommodation options, rates and winter specials, visit www.teniquatreetopsa.co.za.

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NEWS

Courage The National Adoption Coalition of South Africa (NACSA) has launched Courage, an innovative child protection community engagement programme that empowers communities to identify and solve their child protection challenges. Courage was developed through a partnership between NACSA, the Swedish Foundation for Children without Parental Care (Föräldraslösa barn) and project leader, Dee Blackie, a child protection and change management specialist.

Courage is a picture-based programme that uses posters, maps and interactive training material to assist child protection officers, organisations, families and individuals to engage around the issues they face in their communities. It helps participants to recognise the rights and needs of children, to identify and prioritise their child protection challenges, and then gives them the strategies and tools they need to solve them. The material can be used for: 1. Prevention Programmes: Communication and awareness, advocacy, and capacity building.

2. Early Intervention: Sex, conception and pregnancy awareness, option counselling for crisis pregnancy, strategies for positive parenting, and individual or community empowerment.

3. Statutory Intervention: Child abandonment management, counselling of parents and children, court preparation, and stakeholder management.

4. Child Placement: Alternative care solutions and adoption counselling.

‘Many child protection programmes are reactive and only serve to solve problems that already exist,’ says Katinka Pieterse, Chair of NACSA. ‘Courage focusses on proactive and preventative solutions.’

‘Everyone has a role to play in the protection of our children but often the challenges seem too great and the solutions too complex to enact real change. We call it empowered care,’ says Dee Blackie, global project leader.

For more information, contact Dee Blackie at dee@bobi.co.za, or visit www.couragechildprotection.com or www.adoptioncoalitionsa.org.

Creating magical moments Disney Africa has launched two websites in collaboration with Discovery Vitality – Disney Baby Africa and Disney Healthy Living.

Disney Baby Africa offers expecting and new parents information, resources and inspiring ideas about pregnancy, birth and the early years of raising their children. The website helps parents in many areas of their day with their child and adds a dose of magic to this special time in a family’s life.

Parents and caregivers will find the Disney Healthy Living website useful to make healthy eating and physical activity more appealing, simple and fun for their children. The site features engaging recipes, articles, activities and games, as well as useful tools and information aimed at a family’s wellbeing. With Disney’s iconic range of characters, kids and parents can learn more about nutrition, creating delicious recipes and enjoying activities that involve the whole family.

‘The Disney Healthy Living and Disney Baby Africa websites celebrate, support and inspire new magical family moments. We are thrilled to be collaborating with Discovery Vitality to bring these online destinations to South Africa,’ says Christine Service, Senior Vice President and Country Manager for The Walt Disney Company Africa.

For more information, visit Disney Baby Africa baby.disneyafrica.com or Disney Healthy Living www.disneyhealthyliving.co.za.

Pic credit: Disney 2015

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2015/06/29 9:54 PM

NEWS

Photo credit: Hamleys

World’s oldest toy store opens in Cape Town Young Capetonians are in for a treat with the oldest toy shop in the world now open at the V&A Waterfront.

Young visitors entering the Hamleys store in the Victoria Wharf Shopping Centre will encounter a world of wonder and delight, jam-packed with every conceivable toy and activity.

Hamleys, which first opened in London in 1760, operates 49 stores across 17 countries. Over the years its customers have included royalty, movie stars and celebrities. The new store is located in Kings Warehouse, next to the cinemas.

For more information, visit www.hamleys.com.

Johnson’s Baby Sense Seminars The Johnson’s Baby Sense Seminars, now in their 12th year, provide concise, expert information to moms-tobe and new parents with babies up to 12 months old.

Offering credible and to-the-point information, this year’s parenting experts include Sr Ann Richardson (co-author of BABY SENSE AND SLEEP SENSE), Tina Otte (midwife and special editor of YOUR PREGNANCY), Lizanne du Plessis (OT and author of RAISING HAPPY CHILDREN), Kate Bailey (OT and early childhood development and stimulation expert), and Dr Welma Lubbe (registered nurse and advanced midwife with qualifications in neonatal nursing science).

In the morning session, our experts equip moms-to-be with everything they need to know about baby’s transition from womb to world, the golden hour straight after birth, and newborn basics. The afternoon session is aimed at parents with babies up to 12 months old, including information about stimulating your baby, gentle sleep solutions and what it takes to be a brave mom.

Between the two sessions is a Johnson’s Baby Massage Workshop that teaches moms the benefits of sensory stimulation and provides tips for baby massage and how parents can communicate with their babies through touch and massage.

Dates and venues for the Johnson’s Baby Sense Seminars: August 1, 2015 – Port Elizabeth, Radisson Blu Hotel August 15, 2015 – Durban, Three Cities Riverside Hotel August 22, 2015 – Cape Town, Vineyard Hotel September 5, 2015 – Johannesburg, Protea Balalaika Hotel The cost per seminar is R240, and R60 for the massage workshop. Attendees will receive a goodie bag, refreshments and the chance to win amazing prizes. Moms are welcome to bring their babies who are younger than six months old.

To book, visit www.babysense.com. www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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NEWS

Mother’s Day survey In the lead up to Mother’s Day this year, Pick n Pay conducted an online poll to find out about the importance its customers place on Mother’s Day. When asked what respondents thought of Mother’s Day, of the nearly 3 000 respondents, 6.9% didn’t see the point of the day, followed by 13.8% who thought it was as important as any other celebration. Additionally, 15.2% said it was a day like any other to treat their moms like queens. However, the vast majority of respondents (63.6%) thought Mother’s Day is a great reason to do something special.

When customers were asked to recall some of the best Mother’s Day gifts they’d been given, the answers ranged from the more traditional flowers to grandchildren!

Some of the best gifts included flowers, perfume, chocolate, spa days and treatments, holidays and weekends away, and breakfast in bed. However, some of the lowlights included nothing (at the top of the list), slippers, socks, soap and even cleaning materials (really?).

But it seems that most respondents do put thought into what they give. Asked how they go about buying presents, 61.2% said they chose the gift themselves, while 4.2% opt for shopping online. However, for 29.5% it’s about doing, not buying – these respondents made lunch or baked a cake instead. 5% pitched in with other family members to buy a gift.

Understanding the challenges of parenthood TDi Brandz represents Brother Max and many other international brands throughout the African continent.

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Photo credit: TDi Brandz

Brother Max is quickly establishing itself as a brand known for its quality and ingenuity, and was developed by people who understand the challenges of parenthood. Their aim was to create an exciting array of products that are designed to help get things done more quickly and easily, so that babies, toddlers and their parents can spend more time doing the fun stuff.

‘The goal was to answer the challenges with the most ingenious solutions, remembering at all times that our focus is to make the life of a parent easier and more enjoyable.

Quite simply, it’s all about great designs for little people,’ says TDi Brandz marketing manager, Trish Tree.

The Brother Max range includes, thermometers, nightlights, baby weaning, toddler feeding products and highchairs. Now, the 2015 portfolio has launched with a fabulous range of new-look products.

A recent milestone for the brand was winning its 50th award. This accolade was bestowed in the form of two Mother & Baby Gold Stars for Best Safety and Best Weaning products.

‘The awards are testament to the design and technology solutions we incorporate into our products. To be recognised by parents for providing solutions for their parenting problems is the icing on the cake,’ Trish enthuses.

To help you on your parenting journey, Brother Max recently introduced his little friend, Max. Max is supersmart, knows the products inside out, and has lots of helpful hints and tips, too. Max is three years’ old, and lives at www.brothermax.com. To help customers, he offers handy tips, competition information and suggestions about how to use or order products. He understands the early obstacles parents often face and has come out the other side of it with a wealth of experience to help you on your way.

Keep an eye out in the media for weaning recipes, hints and tips, or visit www.tdibrandz.com for more information.

Stock is available at selected Clicks stores nationwide.

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2015/06/26 9:42 AM

NEWS

Good food for little eaters

Photo credit: Umatie

Umatie offers yummy homemade meals, with the stamp of approval from a dietician who specialises in child nutrition to make sure that your baby (or toddler) gets all the nutrients that he needs.

Umatie’s baby and kiddie meals are free from additives and preservatives, and no salt or sugar is added to our baby meals (although a pinch of Himalayan crystal salt and brown sugar is added to some of our kiddie meals). We take great care in sourcing the very best, high-quality ingredients, organic produce and free-range meats.

Our baby and kiddie meals are home-cooked with love, then frozen to lock in all the goodness and ensure that our meals last in the freezer for up to eight weeks.

Our natural packaging is 100% recyclable, biodegradable and compostable, and completely freezer-friendly and microwave-safe.

What’s more, our labels are printed on 100% recycled stock using nontoxic inks, making our packaging completely eco- and baby-friendly.

Customers can buy individual meals that best suit their child’s stage and tastes, or you can opt for a weekly meal-planner that offers a balanced selection of nutritious lunches and dinners. The meal planners ensure your child gets all the vital nutrients they need to grow big and strong, while freeing parents from time-consuming kitchen duties.

All Umatie’s meals are freshly prepared and delivered to your door (Cape Town, the Southern Suburbs, Somerset West, Stellenbosch, Durbanville and surrounds) on a weekly basis. Individual meals are also available at The Wellness Warehouse in Kloof Street, Cape Town and selected stockists across the Western Cape. Parents are also welcome to collect directly from Umatie in Somerset West. For more information, visit www.umatie.co.za.

An app for everything These days, there’s an app for everything to help you get through the day.

Knowing how hectic things get, here are a few apps we think you may enjoy.

Cozi Family Organiser This app has won an award for Best Family App in the Appy Awards for good reason. It has a colour-coded shared calendar to view schedules of individuals or the family, set reminders, shared shopping lists, see items added by family members, and to do lists. The whole family shares one account but each individual can access it using their own email address. Another bonus is the cross-platform support. www.cozi.com.

Young Explorer Mammals Sasol Young Explorer – Mammals is a beautiful multi-lingual app that introduces your children (three to eight years’ old) to the majestic wild creatures of southern Africa. The app seamlessly blends storytelling and game playing in a fun and educational way, which will keep your kids engaged for hours at a time as they develop their reading and learning skills. www.youngexplorerapp.com

Apphirmations If you want to take charge of our life you need to take charge of your thinking by focusing on what you’d like or want to achieve, rather than what you don’t like.

Affirmations are positive statements that can be used to change your self-sabotaging thoughts, emotions and beliefs into self-supporting ones. With Apphirmations you can play the affirmations of your choice with music of your choice. You can download it for free from Google Play for Android devices. Then select the affirmations of your choice from www.apphirmations.com.

www.babysandbeyond.co.za

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EASY OPTIONS TO CONTACT US www.babysandbeyond.co.za babysandbeyond @babysandbeyond 2015/06/26 11:09 AM

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BOOK REVIEW

TEN

books to read before you grow up

These books are distributed by Penguin Random House South Africa – www.randomstruik.co.za, or www.penguinbooks.co.za.

Pic credit: Penguin Random House South Africa

 Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Lewis Carroll) When Alice follows the White Rabbit down a rabbit hole, she finds herself in an enchanted world, filled with creatures like the Mad Hatter, the disappearing Cheshire Cat, and the Queen of Hearts. Alice quickly finds out that nothing is as it seems in the wild world of Wonderland…

 Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (Roald Dahl) Mr Willy Wonka, the most wondrous inventor in the world, opens the gates of his amazing chocolate factory to five lucky children. Gobstoppers, wriggle sweets and a river of melted chocolate delight await – Charlie needs just one Golden Ticket and these delicious treats could be his.

 Charlotte’s Web (EB White) This is the story of a little girl named Fern who loved a pig named Wilbur and Wilbur’s friend, Charlotte A Cavatica, a beautiful large grey spider. With the help of Templeton, the rat, and a clever plan of her own, Charlotte saves Wilbur’s life.

 Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Book 1 (Jeff Kinney) Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into a new year and a new school where undersize weaklings share the corridors with kids who are taller, meaner and already shaving.

Desperate to prove his maturity, Greg is happy to have his sidekick, Rowley, by his side. But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s popularity to his own advantage.

 The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (John Boyne) This is a very difficult book to describe and the publishers feel a clue to its contents would spoil this unforgettable and life-changing story. They believe it’s important that you begin reading without knowing what it’s about. However, if you do read it, you’ll go on a journey with a nine-year-old boy called Bruno and sooner or later you’ll arrive at a fence.

 The Magic Faraway Tree (Enid Blyton) When Joe, Beth and Frannie climb to the top of the Faraway Tree, they meet Silky, Moon-Face and the Saucepan Man. Their new friends show them an exciting secret – how to visit lots of strange and magical lands, where they have many thrilling adventures.

 The Tale of Peter Rabbit (Beatrix Potter) The Tale of Peter Rabbit was first published by Frederick Warne in 1902 and endures as Beatrix Potter’s most popular and well-loved tale. It tells the story of a very mischievous rabbit and the trouble he encounters in Mr McGregor’s vegetable garden.

 The Very Hungry Caterpillar (Eric Carle) The classic edition of the bestselling story written for very young children.

A newly-hatched caterpillar eats his way through all kinds of food.

 Where’s Spot (Eric Hill) Spot’s mom searches everywhere for little Spot in Eric Hill’s first ever lift-the-flap tale. This is a reissue of the popular board book edition with a coloured cover.

 Winnie-the-Pooh (AA Milne) Winnie-the-Pooh may be a bear of very little brain, but thanks to his friends Piglet, Eeyore and Christopher Robin, he’s never far from an adventure. In this story, Pooh gets into a tight place, nearly catches a Woozle and heads off on an ‘expotition’ to the North Pole. Heart-warming and funny, Milne’s masterpiece reflects the power of a child’s imagination like no other.

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