Indholdsfortegnelse for June - July 2023 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

Mine is pretty full right now after a wonderful break in Cape Town seeing old friends and family. We ate, we laughed, and we lounged around in front of the fire. My full cup means I got home last night able to pour again into my own family. But listen up, an empty cup isn't necessarily a bad thing. During yoga teacher training some years ago, I learnt that the ideal student is an empty cup, as they arrive in class willing to learn and receive, with no expectations or judgement. We discussed some other cups too. A full cup (of a different kind) is someone who simply can't take in any more information. If you have a very chatty toddler or two, you'll know that frazzled feeling. Also, if…

WIN A GIFT CARD! Send a high-resolution photo of you and your bump, and you could win a Dis-Chem Baby City gift card worth R580. Email your entry to sharing@ypbmagazine.com with the subject ”Baby City”. Include your ID number, contact details and nearest Dis-Chem Baby City store. ONLY 12 WEEKS TO GO! Gary and I have been on our own for so long, that we cannot believe a new addition to the family will be with us so soon. Thank you for all the parenting advice!…

#loving Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com Panado® understands that parents need to take off those superhero capes and sneak in a little indulgence now and then. This limited edition pamper hamper from Panado® is perfect for your me-time. It includes a diffuser, two essential oils, a scented candle, delightfully fragranced bath salts and a handy first aid kit. Make pain and fever care easy by shopping for Panado® products from independent pharmacies and selected Clicks, DisChem, and Pick n Pay stores. Visit panado.co.za, and join the conversations on social media.*…

The Carriwell postpartum BellyBinder (R675) not only helps you get back to your pre-pregnancy body sooner, but also speeds up recovery, helps reduce stretch marks, and transforms your postpregnancy body to give you the confidence you deserve. BellyBinder is designed to help reduce postpartum swelling and bloating, and the unique compression and support helps speed up recovery of stretched abdominal muscles. Its full torso compression lets you customise your fit, ensuring comfort, great lower back support and improved posture, especially while nursing. Wear it as much as possible (day and night) once you're comfortable after delivery. Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WINNER…

Leading broadcaster Elana AfrikaBredenkamp just goes from strength to strength. Her popular parenting podcast, Parent + Baby Brunch, has been a thing for almost eight years already! Now Elana has an app that gives parents access to the helpful information and tips shared on the regular podcast. Recent topics have included gut health for toddlers, anxiety in mothers, and autism in children. And here's more good news: It's free! Apple: apple.co/41dUoWn Google: bit.ly/3Lgy7Sp…

#Nesting…

1 COUGH MIXTURE Choose a cough medicine that helps loosen the phlegm, thus encouraging your child to clear his chest when he coughs. Prospan or Mucospect do the job. Don't use cough suppressants that contain codeine. You also can't use medications that contain pseudo-ephedrine or firstgeneration antihistamines in children under 2 years. So you can't use oral decongestants. Even when buying over the counter, talk to your pharmacist, and make sure they know your child's age. 2 REHYDRATION SACHETS The change of season time is also gastro time, so keep an electrolyte solution at hand, as babies dehydrate much faster than adults. You don't have to include anti-diarrhoeal or anti-vomiting medication in your medicine chest. 3 SALINE SPRAY AND NASAL DECONGESTANTS Your child will probably have a stuffy nose, and…

Sinopol may help correct hormonal imbalances linked to polycystic ovary syndrome and restore balance to metabolic indicators, such as insulin resistance and glucose, as well as associated reproductive health issues, including irregular menstrual cycles. It helps reduce oxidative stress, which may help improve egg cell quality. Sinopol is available in the vitamin aisle in leading pharmacies. Price ranges from R409,95 to R459. For legals and references, or more information visit sinopol.co.za. Complementary medicine: health supplement. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority for its quality, safety or intended use. For more information, speak to your healthcare professional. IN1808/22…

YOUR PARENTING Many moms relate that they feel as though they need support from their child's dad. And guess what – he needs your support too. Why? The research results are clear: children who come from homes where their fathers have been actively involved in their lives do better at school, are less involved in drugs, they tend to be at a lower risk for promiscuous sex, have a higher self-esteem and are more empathetic. So it's a no-brainer, really, that as a mom you'd want to give your child not just a dad or co-parent who is around, but one who is also actively involved. SET THE TONE John Hoffman, parent columnist for Today's Parent, is quoted as saying “the first thing that a mother can do to support…

YOUR RELATIONSHIP There are essentially two types of communication between any two people: verbal and non-verbal. Challenging circumstances, like having a new baby, can put pressure on even the best of relationships. Establishing good verbal communication skills while at the same time being aware of non-verbal signals will go a long way to reducing the possibility of misunderstanding. “During times of stress, communication in marriage tends to be intense,” explains clinical psychologist Deanne Savill. “Verbally, there may be criticism, angry words or, on the other end of the scale, silence, moodiness and hostility.” Deanne says paying attention to what is being said as well as what is not being said is a skill that needs to be practised. “While one partner is expressing feelings, the other needs to be ‘listening’…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERT ROGER THAT! I'm told having a natural birth really ruins your sex life forever afterwards. Apparently everything is all loose and floppy, and you have very little sensation. They say you can just as well read a book while your partner gets his jollies, as you hardly know you're having sex. My sex life is very important to me – should I rather have a caesar? TINA SAYS: The way vaginal birth is “done” today, does predispose you to having more trauma to the pelvic floor. Most women give birth on their backs with numb…

FRUIT FILLERS Make fruit your go-to snack during pregnancy. Delicious, nutritious and oh so good! Aim for three to five servings of these per day. □1 medium fresh apple □5 rings dried apple □2 medium apricots □12 cherries □1¼ cup berries □2 medium granadillas □½ medium grapefruit □2 medium raw guavas □2 medium naartjies □1 medium nectarine □1 medium orange □⅔ cup papaya □1 medium raw peach □1 medium raw pear □2 halves dried pear □2 medium plums □3 rings pineapple □1 medium kiwi fruit □5 litchis □½ small mango □12 grapes □2 dates □2 medium dried figs □2 medium fresh figs □1 small banana or half large □1 cup sweet melon □1¼ cup watermelon □½ cup unsweetened fruit juice □2 dried/tinned unsweetened peach halves □½ cup unsweetened fruit salad…

PREGNANCY MONTH 9 Will you be squeezing your birth partner's hand and breathing through your labour as you go drug-free and au naturel, or are you leaning more towards “knock me out at the first twinge of pain and wake me when the hairdresser arrives”? You can choose different levels of intervention. They all have their benefits and drawbacks. Let's look at the main three methods of pain relief. GAS AND AIR (ENTONOX) WHAT IS IT? A mixture of nitrous oxide and oxygen gas, which has an anaesthetic and muscle-relaxing effect. It's also known as laughing gas. HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED? You breathe the mixture in through a mouthpiece, which you hold over your mouth, for about 20 seconds as a contraction begins. An advantage is that you therefore control…

A The Carriwell Adjustable Maternity & Nursing Bra is now available in honey colour. The bra is soft and comfortable and moulds to your changing body shape. Easy one-handed nursing clasps help you expose the entire breast whilst nursing, maximising skin-to-skin contact between you and your baby. It has no irritating seams or stiff underwire, but rather a wide underband that supports and lifts the breasts. A complementary bra extender adds to adjustability options. R499,99. Use the store locator on carriwell.co.za to find your nearest stockist.…

While he's feeding, either on the breast or bottle, your baby swallows a bit of air that then gets trapped and causes discomfort, burping, flatulence, bloating, cramps and even crying. This happens to all babies, but you may be surprised at exactly how niggly a wind can make your little one! Some babies suffer severely from wind, while others hardly suffer at all. If your baby is suffering with a wind, he will probably stop suckling. This is because the trapped air is making him feel full before he has drunk enough. He could even cry, have a pained expression on his face, or squirm and grimace if you try to lay him down after a feed. Luckily there are ways that you can help make your baby more comfortable.…

“Language development refers to how words, grammar and communication rules are stored in the brain and retrieved for effective communication,” says speech therapist Arina Coetzee. Common speech disorders include: ■ STUTTERING A disrupted flow of speech where the child repeats or prolongs sounds, syllables, words or phrases ■ ARTICULATION DISORDERS Distorting sounds (saying “shleep” instead of “sheep”), omission of sounds (saying “eanut” for “peanut”) or substituting sounds ( “wabbit” instead of “rabbit”) ■ VOICE DISORDERS Voice may be unusually hoarse or nasal sounding. Also includes problems with pitch and volume control ■ APHASIA Speech and language loss owing to head injury or stroke ■ DELAYED LANGUAGE OR SPEECH Delay in vocabulary and grammar development that is essential for developing verbal communication skills.…

With a close link between language and memory, Kate says boosting memory is best done when your child's language skills start to develop. She suggests the following memoryboosting techniques: 1. Play peek-a-boo, or hide objects under a blanket while your baby is watching. This will prompt her to start searching for the hidden toy, forcing her to remember its size, shape, colour and texture. 2. Keep daily routines and your home environment consistent. Allow your baby to play with the same toys in the same room at the same time every day – this allows her to remember the scenario much longer than if it changes every day. 3. If a new toy requires a skill that baby hasn't learnt yet, spread out playtime with that toy over the entire…

It doesn't get more local than this! ARA has created traditional-medicine luxury soap bars that contain high-quality Imphepho oil, known for its anti-bacterial and antiinflammatory properties. Imphepho is also known as African sage. It is ideal for dry, sensitive and eczema-prone skin. Added glycerine ensures a deeply moisturising effect that's suitable for the face too, for daily cleansing. ARA Luxury Family Bar and Gentle Baby Bar has been clinically tested and dermatologically approved. The ARA Luxury Family Bar (R16,99, 100g) is available at selected PEP stores, while the Gentle Baby Bar (R13,99, 75g) and Luxury Family Bar are both available online on skinmiles.com, takealot.com and houseofcosmetics.co.za.…

Here's some exciting news! Safeway has just launched its 360° Rotate Isofix Car Seat. The Safeway Phoenix boasts no interference from the top tether belt when you rotate the seat, as the top tether belt is attached to the L-shaped base installed in your vehicle. Nifty! Other details you need to know: Group 0+/1/2/3 (0-36kg), rearward facing from birth to 18kg (Isofix/ TT), forward facing 9 to 18kg (Isofix/TT), booster seat 15 to 36kg (Belt/Safefix). R4 999 from all leading baby retailers.…

Not all milestones are reached at the same time and, as children get older, achieving milestones becomes more complex. The following list is a guide to the transitions your toddler should be achieving. However, always make sure you take current circumstances and your tot's personality into account before you embark on any big change: BOTTLE TO CUP Opinions differ widely on when a baby should give up the bottle with some saying that a baby can drink from a cup as young as 8 months. Convention seems to point to ten months and beyond. COT TO BED Most children make the switch sometime between ages 1 ½ and 3 ½. POTTY TRAINING There is no set age at which potty training or toilet training should begin. The right time depends…

DISTRESS TANTRUM On a practical level, the best way to respond to your child during a distress tantrum is to use simple and calm actions, try to distract them with something interesting (which often works to reactivate the thinking brain), and tenderly hold your child. Avoid time-out or walking away, and keep reminding yourself that their distress is very real for them. LITTLE-NERO TANTRUM While the tantrum is occurring, if it is safe to do so, simply walk away. Manipulation is only effective if there are two people in the equation. You may then choose to discipline your child for the behaviour, or simply explain that there are more socially acceptable ways of reaching their goal. For example, if they want a sweet before dinner, and have a little-Nero tantrum,…

Q After many sad and hectic events over the last three years – thanks, Covid! – I'm now sending my child off to preschool. Before, I was so focused on cognitive development, but now, above all else, I want him to be a kind human being, as I've seen that this matters more than anything. Ubuntu! Any tips to share on how to achieve this? Q&A Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERT “PERFORMING RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS HELPS CHILDREN DEVELOP EMPATHY AND INTERNALISE MORAL PRINCIPLES. IT CREATES A SENSE OF PRIDE IN THEMSELVES AND FEELINGS OF BELONGING AND OPTIMISM.” A ANEL…

MUCH MORE THAN A BOOK This poignant book about a little girl's ocean adventure and her desire to save it from destruction is made even more special when you know that South Africa's first black freediving instructor, Zandile Ndhlovu, wrote it. Inspired by her deep love of the ocean – which she only swam in for the first time when she was 28 – she quickly realised she wanted to make the seas more accessible and diverse to all Africans. Zandi's Song, illustrated by Katlego Keokgale, is available in isiXhosa, isiZulu and Sesotho beside English, Afrikaans, and is available for R150 each, Pan Macmillan. BE INSPIRED Embrace Youth Month this June, with a book written specifically with the young boys of South Africa in mind. It aims – through positive…

PLAYDATE MANNERS ■ A successful afternoon has a definitive beginning and end. Agree on a time with the parent: usually 4.30pm, but no later than 5pm. ■ Always pack extra clothes for water play, or if your child should have an accident. An apron is always a good idea if messy play is on the agenda. ■ Exchange cellphone numbers beforehand, and ensure you have your phone handy for when there's a crisis. ■ If it's your child's first playdate with a new friend, make the effort to chat to a parent beforehand. Make sure you know where they live, what they'll be doing (is she going to be taking them to the beach, or to the movies?), and their swimming pool, if they have one, is safe. ■ Don't…

Getting ready for your new arrival has taken nine months of preparation and toil. But now you're a parent and your whole world has changed. Your goal is to keep your baby safe, sound and healthy. This starts the second you leave the hospital – you need to get your newborn home, which means you need a car seat. CHOOSING A SEAT Infants are especially at risk for head and spinal cord injuries because their bones and ligaments are still developing. Their heads are also proportionately larger than their necks, so the structural support system is still a little wobbly. There are two types of infant car seats, each with specific requirements for proper installation. When choosing your seat, remember that your baby's head and neck are most at risk,…

DIAL 112 From you cell phone you will reach a call centre with an automated menu. Don't be put off. It helps prioritise treatment so you can be referred to the best emergency service closest to you. Emergency situations can be very scary, particularly when they involve an infant or young child. The most important thing is to try to stay as calm as possible and remember to follow these important steps when in an emergency: one If you think your child has taken poison, take her to the hospital. two If you think your child has been seriously injured, do not move her unless she is in further danger. Keep her warm and comfortable, and wait for help to arrive. three Know your basic CPR steps (see pages 24…

#coverstarssearch Your Pregnancy & Baby has six issues per year, and we alternate between baba and mama by featuring a pregnant woman on every second cover. That means that there are three opportunities per year for a baby or child to appear on the cover: one cover for a boy (the winner was on a previous cover), one for a newborn (on this cover), and one for a girl to go on the last cover of 2023. Baba & Kleuter has three issues per year and therefore three winners. For the next two covers, we are looking for two girls. Entries close 31 August. Turn to pages 8 & 9 to see what you can win. Each winner receives more than R5 000 worth of prizes! Turn to page 121…

There is nothing dramatic about my story, but sometimes isn't it just great to read a story where a birth goes normally? I had been in the early stages of labour for two days. I went to bed. In the morning I could feel pains around my back as well as my belly. I was sweating and quickly called my mom because I was alone. I did all my pregnancy exercises, and somehow I gained this genuine power that helped me throughout the rest of the day! My mom arrived and brought KFC, and I was so busy focusing on my labour and what happened next that I didn't even want to eat at all. I could stand and walk on my own without being assisted by anyone. My partner…

COVER STAR SEARCH KAILUM LOOKS SO CHILLED (AND FLEXIBLE!) IN THE PHOTO — IS HE LIKE THIS IN REAL LIFE TOO? Yes, he really is – he's been a joy! He is our firstborn, plus the first grandchild and great grandchild in the family so we don't have much to compare with, but everybody says he's such an easy and friendly baby. HOW DID YOU CHOOSE HIS NAME? Now that's a bit of a story! While I was pregnant, my husband and I drew up a list of names that we liked. We had a lot of options, but we loved the sound of Kailum (which I found on Instagram but with pregnancy brain, I can't remember where!). In the Hindu culture when a baby is born, a priest looks…

Send a clear, good-quality, high-resolution photo to sharing@ypbmagazine.com. Each photo published receives a R380 Dis-Chem Baby City Voucher. Send a clear, good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com…

That's how many newborn screenings have been done thanks to the Netcare National Newborn Hearing Screening Programme since its inception in 2019. On average, an estimated five children per 1 000 in developing countries will be born with or develop hearing loss in the first weeks of life. Identifying hearing difficulties within the first three months can significantly improve a child's overall development. Sharlene Swart, national co-ordinator of the mother and baby wellness clinics located at selected Netcare hospitals, says the screening programme is the first of its kind in South Africa. “All newborns at Netcare maternity units have their hearing screened by professionally qualified audiologists. The cost of the specialised screening is covered as part of Netcare's maternity passport offering, which can be obtained when you book your delivery…

The South African Institute of Hypnotism and its training arm – Mastermind Training Centre – have helped thousands of people overcome issues including stress and anxiety, smoking cessation, weight and pain management, and sports performance enhancement through applying modern hypnosis techniques. If you're curious about how hypnosis can be used as a tool to help improve your health, wellness, and overall well-being, take a look at their one-day self mastery through auto hypnosis workshop, or try the self-hypnosis audio programme for free at home. For more information, visit hypnotherapy.co.za, or take a squiz at the YouTube video: “Hypnosis to improve life”. Check IT OUT…

Chipin is an innovative, easy-to-use crowd-gifting platform. With Chipin, you can ensure baby showers gifts really are the things you need and want. Chipin is not an app, meaning you don't need to download it and use data. Rather, it is an online platform that requires simple registration for you to start creating your gift wish list. Once created, you can send that list to your friends and family. With Chipin, the giver can select a gift from the list or contribute an amount towards a gift. So for big-ticket items, everyone can, well, chip in. The list creator can set a deadline and will receive updates about contributions made. Once the targeted date is reached, the gift owner can complete the purchase or top up the balance owing if…

REAL LIFE “Our journey for baby number three started as a big surprise,” says Cat Pereira, a Johannesburg-based mom of two. “Unlike my previous two pregnancies, we were taken completely by surprise when in July 2020 – during Covid lockdown – we discovered that we were pregnant, especially as we were far from trying for another baby!” Cat and Pedro were overjoyed and, despite the surprise, immediately started to visualise how wonderful it would be to be a family of five. NOT TO BE “Our first two pregnancies were uncomplicated and uneventful, so we didn't expect this pregnancy to be any different,” Cat explains. “We excitedly shared the news of our little blessing with our two children, Gabriella and Luca (now 11 and 6), our families and friends.” The couple…

Keep your baby warm, snug and safe this winter with complete skincare solutions from the award-winning local brand Portia M for Baby. Portia M for Baby will keep your baby's skin nourished and moisturised. With its mild ingredients specially designed for the most delicate and sensitive skin, you can rest assured that your baby's skin is well protected. After all, that is the Portia M for Baby promise. Portia M for Baby: Unscented Petroleum Jelly (R31,99 for 250ml), Baby Oil (R58,99 for 200ml), Baby Wash (R42,99 for 250ml), Baby Gentle Scented Moisturizing Cream (from R60 for 250ml). Available at Clicks, Dis-Chem, Pick n Pay and Shoprite as well as Portia M Beauty Stores countrywide.…

Doctors usually look at when the miscarriage happened to determine the cause. GENETIC ABNORMALITIES Roughly 50 percent of miscarriages are the result of genetic abnormalities – in other words, there was something wrong with the foetus – and these are the miscarriages that occur early in the pregnancy, Dr Cilliers says. “Genetic abnormality is the most common cause for miscarriage before eight weeks.” The older the mom, the bigger the chance of a miscarriage due to genetic abnormalities. A common genetic abnormality is when the amniotic sac develops normally but the embryo does not take shape, or stops growing. So at 12 weeks, only the empty amniotic sac is visible. ANATOMICAL ABNORMALITIES OF THE UTERUS These usually cause miscarriages after 12 weeks, Dr Cilliers says. “There's a whole host of…

1. ENGAGEMENT Engagement refers to how many direct, one-on-one interactions a father has with his child. For example, how much time he spends playing with his child doing practical things like bathing, feeding and changing nappies. While it is only natural for you to take on the bulk of the feeding and caring for a newborn, partly due to maternity leave benefits, if you're wise, you'll make an effort to carve out time for your partner to spend time with the baby – even if it means removing yourself from the equation for a short time. As a mother, it is important to remember that small gestures and words of affirmation make all the difference in how her partner perceives the value of their efforts. According to Prof. Lamb's model,…

1 BE SURE YOUR PARTNER IS LISTENING Generally, it is advisable to actively check out your partner's availability by asking, “Can you listen to me now?” If they aren't ready, ask them when they think they might be. Having a willing audience will provide you with a better platform to discuss your issues. 2 BEGIN WITH SOMETHING POSITIVE Whenever you need to have a serious discussion with anyone, it is always advisable to begin with something positive. People automatically become defensive when they hear someone beginning with negatives, such as criticism or complaints. 3 DON'T EXAGGERATE Exaggeration is one way in which we vent our feelings when we are upset. However, generally, when your partner hears any slight exaggeration on your part, they will feel fully justified in rejecting everything…

Carpal tunnel syndrome, or CTS, occurs as a result of increased pressure within the carpal tunnel. The carpal tunnel is a narrow, rigid passage formed by the carpal bones of the wrist and the tough, inelastic, transverse carpal ligament. Tendons and nerves pass through the tunnel into the hand. When there is increased pressure on the nerves in the carpal tunnel, there will be a decrease in the blood flow, resulting in a lack of oxygen and nutrients. This means that the nerve can't send the necessary impulses to the rest of the limb. “CTS IS COMMON IN PREGNANCY AND USUALLY MILD. IT'S OFTEN WORSE AT NIGHT, AND YOU MAY WAKE UP WITH STIFFNESS IN YOUR HANDS AND FINGERS.” SYMPTOMS OF CTS CTS causes numbness and tingling in the hands…

Q My baby was born a week ago and I'm breastfeeding, however, it isn't going so well. My nipples are red, sore and cracked. What can I do? “FOR RELIEF OF NIPPLE PAIN, YOU CAN USE PURE LANOLIN OR AN OINTMENT THAT IS PRESCRIBED. DON'T USE ANY OTHER BODY LOTIONS OR CREAMS” Q&A Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERT A PROF LISANNE DU PLESSIS ANSWERS: Sore nipples can have many causes but the most common one is when a baby is not positioned well for a good latch. There are many options for how to hold your baby. It is important…

1.3g ALA = 2t chia seed or ground linseed, or 1T canola oil 200mg DHA = 110g canned pink salmon per week, or 1 can of light tuna in brine and 4t of fish paste per week, or 80g mackerel fillets per week 13g LA = 4t sunflower oil per day GOOD SOURCES OF DHA ■ Anchovies ■ Herring ■ Rainbow trout ■ Salmon ■ Mackerel ■ Sardines ■ Tuna ■ Pilchards GOOD SOURCES OF ALA ■ Chia seeds ■ Canola oil ■ Green leafy vegetables ■ Nuts ■ Ground linseed ■ Canola margarine GOOD SOURCES OF LA ■ Nuts ■ Sunflower oil ■ Cottonseed oil ■ Mealie oil ■ Eggs ■ Chicken ■ Seeds ■ Soya oil ■ Margarine ■ Pork…

OVER THE SHOULDER Place your baby over your shoulder, with his bottom supported by your arm. Pat or rub his back gently but firmly with your other hand. This is often the easiest position to use. SITTING UP Sit with your baby upright on your lap, so that he leans forward with his chest supported by your hand as you hold his far shoulder. Pat or rub his back. FACE DOWN ON YOUR LAP Place your baby face down on your lap. Hold him firmly with one hand while you gently pat or rub his back. You can also lie him over your forearm to rub his back.…

Lily + Sid is the new organic cotton brand exclusively available from 45 selected Ackermans stores. The designs are simply adorable and the fabric so soft, it's like a hug for your baby! Pictured here from top: print babygrow 0 to 24 months, from R179,95; bicycle print jogger 3 to 36 months, from R99,95; pink ladybird track top 3 to 36 months, from R149,95; girls printed tee 2 to 10 years, R139,95. If your nearest Ackermans doesn't stock Lily + Sid, you can shop the entire range online at ackermans.co.za.…

YOUR BABY “On average, a 12-month-old child should be saying two to three words besides ‘mamma’ or ‘dada’,” says Cape Town speech and language therapist Corli Hanekom. However, each child develops at their own pace, so while some children learn to talk early, others may be late catching on. The right stimulation at each developmental age will encourage this process to unfold. Speech and hearing therapist Dana Atlini strongly recommends doing a hearing test should you suspect your child has problems talking. A delay in language development, explains Dana, can often be attributed to low muscle tone and dyspraxia (problems with movement and coordination). She says, “Language development can be delayed for a number of reasons, from lack of stimulation to prematurity, or for no apparent reason at all. The…

YOUR BABY The nerve cells associated with memory develop by the third trimester of pregnancy. Memory creates an understanding of something familiar to your baby, which is then stored for later recognition and learning in the future. Well before birth, your baby's brain is able to process memory storage and the recognition of sounds, like the sound of your heart and your voice. Kate Cockcroft, professor in the department of psychology at the University of the Witwatersrand, says studies show that 3-day-old babies can distinguish their mother's voice from that of another woman's. “Newborns can also recognise music that they were exposed to regularly while in the womb,” she says. During infancy, your child's memory will develop through repetitive action or routine. When you attend to her cries, she will…

Among the shelves laden with toys, which ones are most beneficial for your toddler? The toys that allow her to do things by herself and fulfil her current occupation of ultimate explorer. She wants to try out how her body moves, see what sounds she can make, observe people at close proximity, dabble with uncooperative behaviour, discover what different emotions are and work out how to show love and affection. WHICH TOYS ARE BEST FOR DEVELOPMENT? Toys that allow your child to create and experiment, rather than prescribe how she should play, are best for developing minds. While she's on a mission to discover herself, her world and her influence over both, she still needs regular reassurance and a place to run to for praise, encouragement and a cuddle when…

Q I'ma teacher's assistant at a little play school, and we have a biter in the class. At the beginning of the year, he didn't bite; it has only been happening for the last month or so. Of course, we watch him like a hawk as far as we possibly can, but it still happens that he sometimes bites another child – at least once a week. Please give me some advice on how to deal with him, and how to deal with the little victims too, but also what to say to the parents of both the biter and his victims. How do we get through this without tempers in tatters? Q&A Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each…

The first time you find your child pinching a friend on the playground you may feel absolutely horrified and start to question your parenting skills. Rest assured that aggressive behaviour isn't a malicious act and is in fact quite normal for toddlers. They simply aren't aware that their actions can hurt others. However, the earlier good habits are established and bad habits are banished, the better. By the time you reach preschool, some of these bad habits can make your child very unpopular. So start nipping them in the bud. LASHING OUT Even children with the most affectionate parents lash out physically. They're quite impulsive and haven't yet learnt to control their emotions and self-restraint doesn't come easy. To curb the lashing out, make your disapproval known. Say calmly “No,…

MONSTER MEAL WHAT YOU NEED ■ Chicken schnitzel, cooked and sliced ■ Butter lettuce ■ Cucumber slices ■ Tomato slices ■ Mayonnaise and mustard ■ Whole-wheat rolls WHAT TO DO: Slice open the rolls and spread the mayonnaise and a touch of mustard on each side. Layer the lettuce leaves on the base of the roll. Add the sliced chicken schnitzel. Layer the cucumber and tomato slices on top. Close the roll and slice into segments. SERVING TIP: Serve with fruit kebabs made from chunks of peach, strawberries, kiwi fruit and melon, stuck onto wooden skewers. NUTRITIONAL VALUE: Chicken contains omega-3 fatty acids and is a good source of protein. It is also an excellent source of B vitamins, iron and zinc. Tomatoes help reduce the risk of some cancers.…

SAFETY IN AND AROUND THE HOME ■ Keep a list of emergency numbers at all your landline phones, and also save these numbers on your cellphone. Using the acronym ICE (In Case of Emergency) at the beginning of each of these contacts makes these numbers easy to find in an emergency. ■ Keep all your heaters in good condition, out of a child's reach and placed at least 1m away from curtains, any paper and furniture when in use. Ensure they have protective covers. ■ Make sure that electric cords are not frayed or overloaded and are placed out of reach, and fit all unused electric plug points with safety covers. ■ Install toddler gates at the top and bottom of all stairways and make sure that the strength of…

STOP DOG BITES BEFORE THEY EVEN HAPPEN Dogs don't understand that biting people is wrong. Dogs often bite when they are scared or trying to protect themselves. In order to prevent being bitten by a dog, we all need to understand: How dogs are feeling. How to approach known and strange dogs safely. When it is safe to approach or interact with a dog – and when it is not. MUST KNOW If you are bitten, do not pull away! Hold still – and if you fall, roll into a ball by tucking you arms and legs in. DEWORMING Worms are nasty parasites. Unfortunately, worms are a very common problem for children. As parents, it is our responsibility to ensure that our children are free of this parasite by deworming…

1 Check your first aid kit regularly, replacing expired medications or any supplies that are running low. 2 If you are going to take your kit on holiday, include extra prescription medicines and anything else holiday-specific, like malaria medication and after-sun lotion. 3 Adapt this list to create a kit of essentials to keep in your car. 4 Include a record of your family members’ medical information so that you can find them easily in an emergency, even if you are far from home. 5 Type up your family's information on a small card, laminate it and keep it in your car in case of an emergency. 6 Tape this card near the phones in your home and on the fridge too.…

#Sharing Send a short letter and photograph to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com My name is Tamrin, and I am the proud mommy of little Eva. Twentyfive weeks into my pregnancy, I was bleeding. I was told I had placenta previa and was prescribed two weeks of bed rest. While lying in bed, I kept on touching my stomach to make sure that Eva was still moving. I had bad pains, and they were getting worse. One evening, the pain was a lot worse. We arrived at the hospital, they rushed me to the labour room to do a stress test, and a few minutes later I was hooked up to a drip. I was in agony. The nurse told me that I was in labour. I freaked out and told her…

I dug through the archives to find pictures of me and of Darius when we were both babies. How exciting to see that the new addition to the family, little Darlia, looks exactly like we did! It is amazing to see how children look like their parents. Darlia was born on 16 March 2023.…

SHOP ONLINE AT DIS-CHEM BABY CITY The wide range and every day low prices from Dis-Chem Baby City are now available online with an option to collect or have your purchases delivered. No wonder DisChem Baby City is SA's leading baby hyper. babycity.co.za CUDDLERS: FOR COMFORT, QUALITY & VALUE For almost 40 years, Cuddlers has been here for every little step in a child's development and all the happy moments in between. Entrenched as part of your family, for every magical milestone. cuddlers.co.za LOVE YOUR CHILD'S SKIN WITH EPI-MAX® Epi-max® Baby & Junior is a gentle emollient range that is mild enough to be used as a moisturiser or soap substitute on normal and dry skin, and for dry skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. epimax.co.za REUTERINA® CAN HELP…

#Crib notes AUSTISM Although statistics in South Africa are scarce, a study conducted in the Western Cape noted an increase of 76 percent in children with autism in schools. This is in line with the 2023 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report showing that approximately one in every 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with ASD, higher than the previous 2018 estimate that found a prevalence of one in 44. KNOW THE SIGNS ■ Little awareness of, or disinterest in others, difficulty in social interaction, lack of eye contact. ■ Social interactions predicated mainly on the child's particular interests. ■ Distress caused by changes in routine or environment, especially extreme distress for no apparent reason. ■ Non-typical patterns of play, preferring solitude, lack of imaginative play, repetitive…

Three tips to soothe this terrible dry, sore itch: 1. INCLUDE PROBIOTICS IN YOUR CHILD'S DIET. Studies have shown that probiotics can help improve the balance of bacteria in the gut, which can, in turn, reduce eczema symptoms. We're fans of Reuterina probiotic drops. 2. AVOID HIGH-SUGAR FOODS. These upset the balance of bacteria in the gut, exacerbating eczema symptoms. Keep the focus on whole, nutrientdense foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. 3. HYDRATE TO THE MAX! Dry skin can worsen eczema symptoms, so it's essential to keep your child's skin moisturised. We're fans of Epi-max products to moisturise and hydrate.…

BROCCOLI & CHEDDAR SOUP SERVES 4 READY IN 30 MINUTES WHAT YOU NEED ■ 1T olive oil ■ 250 g leeks, roughly chopped ■ 1 large onion, chopped ■ 1 clove garlic, chopped ■ 1 tsp dried mixed herbs ■ 1 large head broccoli, trimmed and roughly chopped ■ 3 cups good quality vegetable stock ■ 1 cup milk ■ 1 cup grated mature cheddar ■ Salt and black pepper, to taste FOR THE CAMEMBERT AND CARAMELISED ONION SOLDIERS ■ 8 slices of your favourite bread ■ 1 jar caramelised onion marmalade ■ Camembert cheese, sliced ■ Butter TO SERVE (OPTIONAL) ■ Toasted mixed seeds ■ + chopped fresh Italian parsley ■ + sprinkling of grated hard cheese WHAT TO DO 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot…

Cat spills the beans on all the dietary and lifestyle changes she made to help manage her endometriosis and how they also helped prepare her body for pregnancy. The pre-trimester (the three months before conception) really is so important to get the body ready for pregnancy, she says, “So I knew that any changes I was making would benefit my body overall anyway.” DIETARY While there's not too much research connecting diet and endometriosis, and dietary changes are definitely not a cure, it did make sense to her that what she was putting into her body could influence the inflammation and hormonal imbalances (oestrogen peaking) she was experiencing. RED MEAT. “I have never eaten red meat, so this was an easy one, a bit of a cheat! Red meat can…

YOUR FERTILITY Bleeding is probably the first sign that something is up. Then there might be pain, and later blood clots and parts of the foetus might appear. Or your amniotic fluid starts leaking – a sign that the amniotic sac has ruptured – without you feeling a thing. The result is the same: your pregnancy is over. A loss of pregnancy is termed a miscarriage if it happens before the foetus reaches viability, explains Dr Francois Cilliers, a maternal-foetal specialist from Bloemfontein. After that, it's called a stillbirth or preterm birth. “The international definition holds that it's a miscarriage before the foetus weighs 500g or the pregnancy has reached the 22week mark. The South African law regards the foetus as viable from 26 weeks.” Dr Cilliers says the biggest…

1. A woman who's had three miscarriages has a 55 to 75 percent chance of having a normal pregnancy afterwards, without treatment. 2. About 1 percent of women will experience three or more miscarriages. 3. More than 80 percent of women who've had two miscarriages will go on to fall pregnant and give birth naturally. 4. There is a link between morning sickness and a decreased risk for miscarriage. 5. One study has shown that the age of the father could also play a part in miscarriage and that pregnancies by men who're older than 40 are 60 percent more likely to end in miscarriage compared to pregnancies by men in their 20s. 6. One study shows that 75 percent of pregnancies in women older than 45 end in miscarriage.…

Anyone who has ever suffered from constipation will agree that it can make you feel miserable. When this occurs in pregnancy, your already bloated body groans as it struggles to expel waste products from both you and your baby. The good news is that there's a lot you can do to help yourself, and this is a chance for you to change some of your bad habits for good! WHY DOES IT HAPPEN? Constipation during pregnancy occurs for four main reasons: ■ sluggish, slow digestion ■ pressure on the intestines ■ influence of hormones ■ lack of moisture The high levels of progesterone relax the smooth muscle walls of the bowel, slowing down the entire digestive tract. As if this weren't enough, the increasing pressure of the growing uterus on…

Released into the bloodstream when we're happy and relaxed, oxytocin is an important chemical messenger in human behaviours such as sexual arousal, anxiety, childbirth and mother-baby bonding. So says Henny de Beer, a clinical midwife from Cape Town. “Oxytocin causes a chemical reaction in the body that makes a person feel good. It offers a truly rose-coloured perspective – one that helps with seeing the best in a situation,” she adds. “THIS WONDER HORMONE HELPS YOU FEEL STRESSFREE AND RELAXED AFTER BIRTH.” WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR YOU AND YOUR BABY? ❤ DURING PREGNANCY “Oxytocin is released by a small gland inside the brain called the pituitary gland,” explains Henny. “This happens in response to a sensory stimulation. Its production will increase with physical efforts like exercise and massage, as…

Email your question for our experts to: sharing@ypbmagazine.com Please note that experts unfortunately cannot respond to each question personally. The answers provided on these pages should not replace the advice of your doctor. OUR EXPERT REGISTERED NURSE SUSAN BOLKE UNIT MANAGER AND MIDWIFE AT LIFE ST GEORGE'S HOSPITAL “Relevant education around postpartum care for new moms may not always be easily accessible. We've sought to address this through the publication of the Little Life Newborn Guide that we include in our hospital maternity packs. New moms can also find the right information for postpartum care by speaking to their birthing medical teams and local antenatal and postnatal groups and other credible maternity services and platforms,” says Dr Khungelwa Mrwebi, Regional Clinical Manager – Border Kei, Life Healthcare WHAT ABOUT ME?…

Kangaroo mother care (KMC) is used as a treatment for premature babies but is just as beneficial to fullterm babies. The benefits are numerous. It helps a newborn baby with temperature regulation, aids sleep and promotes better digestion and growth. Mothers and their babies also tend to follow a similar sleep pattern during KMC, breastfeeding is easier, bonding is stronger, and KMC lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Kangaroo care consists of the following three components: ■ Skin-to-skin contact where the naked newborn baby is placed on his mother's bare chest. The baby can wear a nappy. ■ Breastfeeding is an important component of KMC, but premature babies may require additional nutritional supplementation and may not have the ability to suckle at your breast. ■ Support for…

Pop in at PEP for winter essentials for your baby. They have a wide variety of 100 percent cotton outfits, including matching vests, leggings, beanies and socks. Pictured: Coral fleece matinee jacket (R59,99 each, newborn, 6-12 months), coral fleece leggings (R39,99 each, newborn, 6-12 months), plain cotton beanie (R17,99), short sleeved bodyvest (R24,99 each, newborn, 6-12 months), long sleeved bodyvest (R27,99 each, newborn, 6-12 months), leggings (R24,99 each, newborn, 6-12 months), booties (R19,99 per pair, 6-12 months, 12-24 months).…

SOiL's Fair Trade product offering continues to grow. Their latest is these 12 remedy rollers in the aromatherapeutic on-the-go range. Reformulated, easy to carry and ready to roll, the 12 therapeutic blends help support and combat the day's emotions and events. They cost R50 each. Visit the SOiL website for more aromatherapeutic scents, oils, diffusers, melts and gift sets. You can also learn more about aromatherapy, product benefits and sales when you sign up to the SOiL monthly wellness newsletter. soil.co.za, or follow on Facebook @SOiLAromatherapy and Instagram @soilorganic.…

#Feeding As your baby grows her nutritional needs change. Finger foods are an important step in this process: they help her develop her hand-eye coordination and pincer grasp, which she'll use in future when writing and doing other fine motor tasks. The rougher textures also encourage the development of the muscles in your baby's jaw and mouth. Johannesburg-based dietician Tammy Wolhuter says, “Finger foods should be easy for your baby to chew. A piece of uncooked carrot is too difficult for baby to handle at first. Once she has a full set of teeth, eating pieces of fruit and veggies will be easier. There's also not any one perfect finger food; as long as what you offer your baby contains variety and important nutrients, it's fine. Avoid foods that are…

YOUR TODDLER There comes a time in every new parent's life when your little angel decides she wants something badly enough to dig her heels in. This often takes the form of a great big tantrum – screaming, tears, kicking, rolling around on the floor. Understanding the process of a tantrum and what actually goes on in a child's body at the time can really help us not only to deal with the tantrum but to even empathise with our child to some extent. The message is not that tantrums are acceptable, just that they are natural and that they need to be dealt with correctly. WHAT IS AN AMYGDALA HIJACKING? The phrase amygdala hijacking describes a rush of emotions so strong that it causes even a self-respecting adult to…

1. Ignore Don't give attention to bad habits because to your child, even negative attention is better than none. Make sure you often catch your child doing something right. Spend quality time together, maybe exercising or practising a hobby or reading and relaxing. 2. Praise 3. Set the rules When your child is making good effort and progress to stop her bad habit, shower her with praise. It will encourage her to stop altogether. Reward charts work well for preschoolers too. They help your child understand what is acceptable and what is not. Explain the rules clearly so that your child understands them and always be consistent in dealing with her bad habits.…

1 TO 2 YEARS ■ Add “please” and “thank you” to your child's vocabulary from the moment he is able to say a few words. Consistently prompt your child to say these words. ■ Teach your child to ask for a tissue instead of wiping his nose on his sleeve. ■ Dinner time with everyone seated around the table should be introduced now. If your child eats earlier than the rest of the family, you can sit him at the table with a small yoghurt or piece of fruit while everyone else has their dinner. Encourage him to feed himself. ■ Polite greetings are also best started at this age. Practise with stuffed toys, creating pretend “visits” where you say hello and goodbye to the “guests”. ■ During playdates, it's…

You want your child's playdates and sleepovers to be a hit. Here are all the things you can do to make the afternoon a roaring success. DEALING WITH DIFFICULT FRIENDS ■ A SHY, CRYING CHILD. A specific activity can often be blamed for the friend's unhappiness, says Lerato Zwane, of Fourways in Johannesburg, mom of Omphile (7) and Thato (5). Say “perhaps you've run too much and now you're a little tired” or “Maybe the DVD's sound was too loud, and it bothered you. Let's rather do something that's a little calmer.” Lerato always tells a crying friend that she can phone her mom if she'd like to talk to her or rather go home. “I don't want a child to think she's being held here against her will,” she…

Parenting presents us all with a learning curve of note! My children are close to leaving the nest and that curve still shows no sign of flattening out. I still worry about their health and safety pretty much all the time, especially now that they're driving. No matter how vigilant we are, our children will get ill sometimes and they will have accidents and ouchies. This is all part of growing up and mostly you can kiss it better. What you can also do as parents is to take up arms against serious injuries and the repercussions of illnesses by taking protective, preventative action and knowing what to do in an emergency. And just so you know, fevers and falls have a way of happening at the most inopportune times…

1 Two fingers above your eyebrows. This protects your forehead if you fall. 2 V shape strap around your ears. Make your fingers into a V shape around your ears. Keep the straps straight and taut. This will keep the helmet in position as you ride. 3 One finger space between your chin and the chin strap. The chin strap prevents the helmet sliding forwards and backwards on your head. 4 Do the helmet salute every time before you set off on a cycle, no matter how short. Shake your head to make sure the helmet is not loose. QUAD BIKES ARE NOT TOYS Most quad bike accidents involve the vehicle overturning. Excessive speed, inexperience and unsafe loads are usually to blame. Children should never ride alone as they simply do not have…