Innholdsfortegnelse for April - May 2024 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

Pedestrianised. That's a new word I learnt on holiday in Spain last week. I also learnt to listen (a bit too late though) when the booking.com host says “there is no parking in the city” that that really is what she means. No parking. None. Nada. Nothing. Niks. For this Joburger it was a difficult concept to grasp – I always find parking! But in Spain, absolutely everything is done to discourage you from having or bringing a car when you stay in Andalusia's old cities. I also have a new respect for my husband's driving skills, as he pulled off some amazing feats of navigation in those tiny one ways, and kept calm while the car's sensors went berserk as the space was judged too tight nearly the entire…

I struggled with infertility for two years before I fell pregnant with my miracle twin girls. At 18 weeks pregnant, I found out that my one baby had a condition called a congenital hernia, and her survival rate was a mere 30 percent. We never gave up hope on our little girl right until the end. I went into labour at 29 weeks and 5 days, due to my body not being able to carry the weight. Both girls were born. Our precious Ahana passed away 26 hours after she entered this world, but her sister spent a long two months in NICU and is now finally home. A journey with complete mixed emotions – but one that brought me my rainbow baby. It was really all so fast and…

To enter, send a good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! Carriwell Organic Cotton Washable Breast Pads with soft flannel allow for quick absorption of your milk and keep you dry, which reduces the risk of mastitis and cracked nipples. Absorbing: The soft touch cotton quickly absorbs your milk, keeping you dry and comfortable. Breathable: The breathable leak-proof layer traps moisture for maximum confidence. Comfort: Cotton wicks remove moisture from the skin, maximising dryness and comfort. Also available in a silk Deluxe version. Available in black or white at Dis-Chem Baby City, Babies R Us @ Toys R Us, takealot.com, loot.co.za, Wool worths and leading baby and maternity stores for R178,98 for a pack of six. winner…

FUN TO FOLLOW ON Social media @stayoutside.trish A Canadian mom who takes her baby out in nature all day long, no matter the weather. She shares great practical tips too. Interestingly, the comment section is wild with criticism of her lifestyle! @_jen_hamilton_ A very funny American labour and delivery nurse who keeps it very, very real. @drjennyrose Cape Town clinical psychologist who specialises in parents and children, with a beautiful social presence and loads of inspiration. South Korea's post-partum care centres are called joriwons. At these centres, new mothers are provided with hotel-like accommodation, facials, massage, childcare classes and nurses who watch over the babies around the clock. New moms can expect pampering for three weeks, with fresh meals, including miyeok guk (seaweed soup), a post-birth Korean staple. Interestingly, South…

Win six packs of nappies each month for 12 months, in your baby's preferred size, delivered to your door quarterly. Lovies nappies are exclusively available at Checkers and Shoprite stores nationwide. ENTER NOW, HERE'S HOW SMS the code YPB155LL with your name, surname, physical and e-mail addresses to 36480 OR EMAIL the code YPB155LL with your name, surname and physical address to win@ypbmagazine.com. Your nappy size requirements will be confirmed via email or WhatsApp prior to your quarterly delivery of nappies by the Shoprite Group. As part of the winner announcement, winners agree to be photographed or interviewed by the Shoprite Group. Winners’ names will be published on our social media pages 15 days after the closing date. ENTER BEFORE 31 MAY 2024…

GET NIPT It stands for non-invasive prenatal testing. According to Dr Liani Smit, Cape Town-based medical geneticist working with Mediclinic Precise, “Chromosomal abnormalities are common and can occur in upto 1 in 150 live births. The risk for some chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome, increases with maternal age, but chromosomal conditions can occur in any pregnancy. These conditions often have a significant impact on a baby's health and development and in some cases life expectancy.” Mediclinic launched its own system of safe, non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT) for expectant mothers last year, as part of their DNA-based diagnostic and clinical interpretation services. The simple blood test screens for common chromosomal conditions in the foetus, such as Down syndrome, Patau syndrome, Edwards syndrome, sex chromosome aneuploidies (chromosomal conditions caused by the…

#nourishing Braised greens pot pies MAKES: 4 PREP TIME: 30 MINS COOK: 50 MINS (PLUS COOLING) INGREDIENTS 2T olive oil 70g slightly salted butter, chopped 3 garlic cloves, sliced 1 bunch green kale and 2 bunches spinach, stalks and leaves separated, stems finely chopped, leaves torn 1 bunch each finely chopped dill and parsley and stalks 1t each dry-roasted cumin, coriander and fennel seeds, crushed, plus extra, for scattering pinch each of ground allspice and ground cinnamon 2,5T plain flour 375ml vegetable stock rind of 2 lemons, plus 2,5T juice or to taste 150g firm ricotta, drained, crumbled 150g soft goat's cheese, crumbled 150g haloumi, drained, grated 1 large zucchini, cut into 5mm pieces 2 sheets frozen puff pastry, defrosted 1 egg and 2 egg yolks, lightly beaten, for egg wash CARAMELISED SHALLOTS 2T olive oil 70g slightly salted butter 10 shallots, cut into thin wedges 2t caster…

When we are defining our ideas of success and what it means to be successful, the work of Australian nurse Bronnie Ware is great food for thought. Sister Ware spent many years working in palliative care, caring for people in the last 12 weeks of their lives. She gathered their insights into a blog and a book called The Top Five Regrets of the Dying. Here they are: 1. I wish I'd had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others had expected from me. 2. I wish I hadn't worked so hard. 3. I wish I'd had the courage to express my feelings. 4. I wish I had actually stayed in touch with my friends. 5. I wish I had let myself be happier…

TEAMWORK Collaboration and consistency are the key to a successful partnership in caring for babies and children. There's nothing worse than a child picking up on a weakness in alignment between their caregivers and playing them off against each another in a goodcop/bad-cop drama. It is essential to first ensure that the two of you have the same goals when it comes to home life and children. Moving into alignment may be a process, but it is invaluable. GOOD COMMUNICATION It's important to remember your relationship is that of employeremployee. However, a parent-nanny relationship can be more complicated and difficult because it's personal and in a home setting. It's normal for parents and their nanny to grow close over time due to the personal nature of the work. If they…

LEIGH-ANN SILBER REGISTERED DIETITIAN When you fall pregnant, your immune system changes, so that it can protect both you and your developing baby. Some parts of your immune system are enhanced, while others are suppressed. This creates a balance that can protect your growing baby from infections and keep you healthy at the same time. However, this puts you at greater risk of contracting food-borne illnesses. For example, pregnant women are 20 times more likely than other healthy adults to develop listeriosis. The developing baby is at great risk when you contract a food-borne illness, even if it appears to be mild. It can have a detrimental effect on you and your baby and deprive your baby of nourishment. “PREGNANT WOMEN ARE 20 times MORE LIKELY THAN OTHER HEALTHY ADULTS…

I'm 24 weeks pregnant with my second baby. I have a sore throat that I think has been caused by a tooth infection. I should probably have my tooth extracted, but my mother says pulling a tooth is off limits while pregnant. Is she onto something? TINA SAYS: Good dental health during pregnancy is more important than you think. If you have an infected tooth that's affecting your tonsils it has to be dealt with and indeed may have to be extracted. Oral hygienists urge mothersto-be to visit with a hygienist at least twice in pregnancy. If pain continues despite the care you are taking, consult with your dentist as soon as possible so that a course of action can be decided upon. Due to the action and influence of…

Your pregnancy guide says you should gain about 12kg while you're with child, and you're starting to get really worried because the needle on the scale is edging on 15kg… Don't worry unnecessarily, says Dr Liza Fowler, a gynaecologist at the Louis Leipoldt Medi-Clinic in Cape Town. It's not about how many kilograms you gain, but what you weighed before falling pregnant. Ideally, you should not gain more than 17 to 20 percent of your prepregnancy weight. So, it's about percentages rather than a set number of kilograms, Dr Fowler says. You can predict roughly how many kilos you'll pick up per trimester. Most of the weight is put on in the second and third trimester (about 300 to 450g per week), and the biggest jump in weight gain is…

Where your baby sleeps isn't something that you're going to figure out overnight. And though you probably had a preference since before your baby was born, once he's home, the chances of your family playing musical beds in those first crazy weeks are pretty high. When it comes to co-sleeping or cot sleeping, there's no right or wrong. Just know the risks and benefits of both. good buy Johnson's Bedtime Baby Bath Wash (R84,99 for 500ml) is as gentle to your baby's eyes as pure water. Gently massage Johnson's Bedtime Baby Oil (R64,99 for 200ml) into your baby's skin or add it to warm water at bathtime to keep their skin moisturised, soft and smooth. Enriched with NaturalCalm essences, clinically proven to help your baby sleep better. CO-SLEEPING: THE ARGUMENT…

The moment your children are born, you watch them. And the second they start to crawl, you watch them some more. When they start to walk, you pick up the pace along with them. By the time they're running and jumping off rocks, so are you. But no matter how much you watch your children – which at the end of the day is the best way to keep them out of harm's way – there will be times when you don't have eyes in the back of your head. It's in these instances that you need your home to be safe. Because while you can't foresee every accident, there are certainly ones that you can avoid (or at least lessen the severity of) by baby proofing your home and…

“CRAWLING PROVIDES IMPORTANT FOUNDATIONS FOR OTHER AREAS OF DEVELOPMENT, SUCH AS SENSORY STIMULATION, HAND-EYE COORDINATION AND EVEN LATER READING AND WRITING.” Crawling is a hot topic among parents because there is such a wide range of what is normal in the timing and methods. Around the time that a baby develops a strong attachment to his primary caregiver, when he can hardly bear to be separated from them, he's already beginning to leave them. The conflict between security and dependence, exploration and independence is being played out. In order to investigate interesting objects, he cuts the ties with you and goes off to explore new worlds. In the majority of babies, this is an innate, self-starting, self-perpetuating process. But what if your one-year-old is still happy to view the world…

Q & A Nine months is usually the time to give your baby finger foods because he's developed the coordination for it, and if you want to explore your own ideas, go for it! Go through this checklist to make sure it's suitable: CAN IT BE GUMMED? Remember, baby has little or no teeth, so food should be soft enough to chew on with his gums. Cook hard foods to ensure this. IS IT NATUR ALLY SOFT? Some cheese and fruits are perfect to be gummed because of their texture but are still solid enough to be held. IS IT CRUMBLY? Go for crackers or breads that flake easily or melt in the mouth to avoid choking. IS IT SMALL ENOUGH? Cut food into small enough pieces to fit into…

Most parents who've been through the process of night-time potty training with their children will tell you that this can be a messy and frustrating ordeal. The reason why achieving dry nights can be such tricky business is because night-time dryness is not something that can be trained but instead is a process that depends on each child's developmental maturity. The good news is that most children will achieve dry nights sooner or later, and understanding the ins and outs of this developmental stage will make navigating the process a lot easier. WHEN IS A GOOD TIME TO START? “Every child achieves dryness at night in an individual way based on a developmental maturity that is specific to that child,” explains Dr Errol Gottlich, a paediatric nephrologist at Morningside Clinic…

You can go ahead and say what you want, but sweet is simply delicious! Having a fondness for sweet treats is not something you have to teach your little ones; it's one of those things that just happens naturally. Babies are actually born with a preference for sweet tastes, and it's precisely that which helps them survive. But like anything – there is definitely such a thing as too much. Almost all convenience foods on the store shelves contain a lot of sugar, and consuming too much of it contributes to the global obesity problem. As a result, many people turn to artificial sweeteners that provide less energy in an attempt to keep the extra pounds at bay. How do you decide what is right for your family? THE COST…

Party tables don't have to be overflowing with sweets to be enjoyable. Teach your children that parties are about fun, not just treats. Make (or buy) a special cake and keep the rest of the snacks interesting and healthy. Focus on enjoyable activities from beginning to end, such as treasure hunts, hideandseek and tag. Set up a water slide or rent a bouncy castle. If you're looking for ideas for healthy party food and activities for the children, visit family1stnutrition.com. So what is the verdict: sugar or artificial sweeteners for those sweet toothers? Artificial sweeteners can be used in moderation, especially by children who need to lose weight or have diabetes. But the best option for your child's health is to limit both sugar and artificial sweeteners as much as…

BUY NOW, KEEP FOR LATER This one is for older children, but there's no harm in starting to stock up that home library for the future. Dino J. Martins is an artist, naturalist and writer who is widely known as East Africa's “dudu man” (dudu is the Swahili word for insect). As a scientist, he has lived most of his life out in the bush. His stories are based on many years of closely watching and learning from wildlife and the wilderness. In Raven and Rover, he tells a heartwarming tale that explores the interconnected lives of diverse animals, through the eyes of a curious wild dog puppy. R170, Penguin Random House. SIMPLY GORGEOUS The illustrations in this book bowled us over, they are just that cool! And a story…

FISH (tuna, salmon, sardines) contains high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids for mental health. Serve as fish cakes or in pasta for kid-friendly options. YOGHURT (without added sugar) contains probiotics, which are essential for intestinal health, to keep stomach upsets at bay, improve overall immunity and help reduce the reaction to food or other allergens. OATS is a low GI, high soluble fibre breakfast that has no preservatives and is low in sodium. It will keep your kids fuller for longer and help improve concentration and learning. Add cinnamon instead of sugar for extra flavour. GUAVAS have the highest vitamin C content of any fruit. They are rich in fibre and are a kid-pleaser in smoothies. Vitamin C boosts immunity and aids the absorption of iron in foods. SWEET POTATO…

Welcome to the world of parenting. Once you hold your new baby in your arms, nothing will ever be the same again. From this day forward, every decision you make will be geared towards putting your baby first. That is the reason this little booklet exists – to help you through the first few weeks. A bit of practical preparation can go a long way toward easing yourself into motherhood. It takes a little time to tap into your mother's instinct, and it takes another while for you to begin to trust it. In the meantime, please take all non-expert advice – especially from parenting groups online – with a good pinch of salt. Many a wellmeaning friend or relative will tell you to pop your new baby onto his…

Dresses and mini-me outfits are cute, but they aren't always the most practical of baby buys. Neither are those hip hi top sneakers. Not only are they often difficult to get onto a newborn, but dresses ride up and it's months, even years, before baby needs trainers. Also, new babies tend to be wrapped up most of the time, hiding designer outfits anyway. So resist the cute stuff, and spend your money on the core things you need. Like what? Well, read on … ESSENTIALS ■ Wet wipes and containers ■ Baby-friendly cotton buds ■ Mozzie net ■ Cotton wool ■ Nappy bag ■ Baby nail clippers or grooming set ■ Medicine dispenser ■ Sterilising hand wash and nursery surface spray ■ Nappies ■ Towelling nappies. Even if using disposable…

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…

PICKING UP YOUR NEWBORN Holding your newborn baby for the first time can make you feel quite apprehensive, but you'll get the hang of it very easily with these simple tips. 1. The most important thing to remember is to support your baby's head and neck for the first few months. Don't make any sudden movements that may startle him. 2. Once you have his head and neck firmly in your hands, pick him up gently and lift him towards your body, holding him close to your chest. 3. You may also want to cradle your baby. Do this by transferring him to the crook of your elbow. Make sure he is well supported at all times. CHANGING NAPPIES Follow these easy guidelines, and nappy changing will soon be second…

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…

TAKE NOTE Tell the emergency services that you are doing CPR. If your baby is unresponsive and has stopped breathing, every second counts. If there's someone with you, get them to call emergency services for assistance while you start CPR on the baby. Try to keep calm and remember the letters ABC: they stand for Awake, Breathing and Compressions. A IS FOR AWARE Your first and most crucial task is to check if the patient is awake. Tap the baby and call out loudly to see if she responds to you. B IS FOR BREATHING Your next task is to check if the baby is breathing. Look at the baby's chest for movement and listen for sounds of breathing. If there is no breathing, then start chest compressions. Make sure…

EXPECTATIONS TO MANAGE It can take up to six weeks for you and your baby to get the hang of breastfeeding and for breastfeeding to become established. The best way to do this is to let your baby lead the way – it's called baby-led feeding or demand feeding. A mother and her baby are a finely tuned team, and as feeds increase, mom's body responds to the cues that her baby is giving by producing exactly the right amount of milk. Using a dummy to delay feeds at this time will slow the production of milk and may cause problems for both mother and baby. Supply needs to meet demand, and the only way to do that is to let baby feed as often as she needs. Demand feeding…

First, make sure you are in fact dealing with colic and not something else, so rule out that your baby is ill. A temperature, vomiting or listlessness are not symptoms of colic. Be sure to see the doctor before you selfdiagnose colic. As a general rule of thumb, the younger your baby, the sooner you should seek medical help. If Baby is otherwise healthy, the rule of threes can be your starting point. This is how it goes: babies with colic cry for more than three hours a day, for more than three days a week, for more than three weeks. It typically starts a few weeks after birth and can last until the age of four months. Scientists don't all agree on the cause, so you might have to…

Having a baby isn't just an exciting time for you and your partner, but also for your friends and family. It may seem normal to have hordes of visitors coming to congratulate you and see the new addition to your world. However, what people don't realise (until they've had a baby) is that often the good intentions of others isn't what is best for you, or your newborn. GERMS One of the biggest obstacles in having an array of people around your newborn is that they tend to come with their own set of germs, which could be harmful. Protocol should be for visitors to wash their hands before touching the baby, and to stay away completely if they have so much as a slight cold. And if people call…

The closing date for newborns (0-3 months) is 30 April 2024. We need two winners in this category. One winner will appear on our June & July cover, and the other on the next cover of our sister magazine, Baba & Kleuter. The new born can be of any sex. The category for girls up to 48 months old opens later in the year. A huge thank you to our sponsors: Reuterina, Epi-Max, Panado and Safeway Babies. All six winners receive prizes worth more than R5 500 from the sponsors. Turn to pages 8 & 9 to see what you can win and to the back of this magazine for the rules and full terms and conditions. Use #CoverStarSearch on social media, so you stay up to date on competition…

WIN A DIS-CHEM BABY CITY VOUCHER VALUED AT R380 Send a clear, good-quality, high-resolution photo to sharing@ypbmagazine.com. Each photo published receives a R380 Dis-Chem Baby City Voucher.…

Fourteen thousand babies are delivered every year at the Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital in Johannesburg. It is the only mother and child hospital in South Africa, although Africa's biggest hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, delivers more babies. Recently, 400 moms got very lucky at Rahima Moosa when Babies RUs dropped off 400 mom care bags! No wonder they're our favourite baby store! This initiative forms part of the annual Babies R Us Preemie Heart Campaign, which allows customers to buy a purple preemie heart at all Toys R Us and Babies R Us stores in support of World Prematurity Day, observed annually in November. In addition to the mom care bags, last year, the Babies R Us team handed over a neo-natal intensive care (NICU) incubator to the…

TIP Use washi tape to stick pictures to the wall. They are fun, colourful and easy to remove.…

Holly Tyrer is a lucky girl. Just like a child in a storybook, this 2-yearold has a fairy godmother, and her name is Anja. “We didn't really want to appoint formal godparents,” says her mother, Desiré. “This just makes it a bit more fun. I thought it would be nice to have somebody special like that, especially in a girl's life, to spoil them.” Anja is Desiré's best friend from university. “As Holly grows up, I will encourage them to build a friendship of their own, so that Anja can also be a mentor to her in life.” Right now, there's no confusion about her role. A fairy godmother grants wishes, of course, waves her wand (aka credit card) and delivers splendid gifts, such as a pretty fairy dress, with…

OUR EXPERT I'm 37 weeks pregnant, and it is my first. I have been experiencing shortness of breath more frequently of late. I do not have to do anything, it just happens even when I am sleeping, as I usually wake up needing air. I do not know how to describe it. I feel it in-between my breasts. Even when I am already breathing, I somehow have to take quick breaths for a few minutes. Should I be really worried? TINA SAYS: Many women complain about breath lessness in pregnancy. Rest assured – this is not about being unfit, it's about breathing for two! You now need to inhale more oxygen and exhale more carbon dioxide than you did before you were pregnant. At the same time, your growing baby…

PILES Have you ever been warned not to sit on a cold or wet floor as it causes piles? Well, your chance of developing these during pregnancy increases by 100 percent! Piles – also known as haemorrhoids – are enlarged blood vessels in the anal canal. Lots of people get them, but they usually only create discomfort when they prolapse from the anus. Piles are mostly caused by straining when you're making a poo and have constipation (another common niggle discussed here) and pass hard stools. They damage the lining of the anal canal and the protective layer of the blood vessels. Weak blood circulation around this area is another cause and the reason why piles often occur during pregnancy. Your baby's weight (and your uterus that's filled with amniotic…

COLETTE DU PLESSIS, DURBANVILLE I gained 8kg during my first pregnancy. I was very nauseous at the beginning and probably actually ate less. I also think cutting out wine made a big difference! I gained most between weeks eight and 10, and again about five weeks before Matthys’ birth. So, my weight was not a problem; maybe because I breastfed and started walking every evening from about two weeks after the birth. Three to four months later, I was back at my old weight – perhaps skinnier, but that was because of the lack of sleep! “I'M CONVINCED BREASTFEEDING HELPED WITH LOSING THE WATER AS WELL AS THE WEIGHT.” NALEDI NKOSI, CAPE TOWN Fortunately, my gynae did not weigh me even once during my pregnancy. He told me I should…

“BIRTH IS IMPORTANT TO EACH OF US, AS EACH OF US LIVED INSIDE A WOMAN'S BODY, AND EACH OF US WAS BORN THROUGH A WOMAN'S BODY.” Birth is your life amplified, and you, I am sure, have had experiences that didn't go according to plan. Maybe you studied after school and realised that what you graduated in was not well suited to you. May be you have been in a relationship that you thought would work a certain way, and it has not. We have all had different variations of life not working the way we wanted, imagined or planned. We can compare life with sport. You can practise and practise with your team and train your body to have endurance and be agile. You can train your mind to…

OUR EXPERT Skin-to-skin snuggles My baby was premature and after a very traumatic birth I went to see her in the newborn intensive care unit (NICU). The nurses asked me to put her on my naked chest. I was so surprised and not really ready for it. What's this all about? I saw other people also doing it. Even dads! Isn't it unhygienic or dangerous for the baby? ALINÉ ANSWERS: The premature birth of a baby is often unexpected and can be traumatic, with the developing foetus removed early from your womb where they have been safely growing and developing. But sometimes the womb is no longer the safest place, and a premature birth is essential to improve the outcome of the baby or mother. This pre-term baby is born…

The first few weeks after your baby is born is an exciting time but can also leave you with little time to eat healthily or plan your meals – after all, you barely have time between nappy changes. However, eating correctly is essential to keep the quantity and quality of your milk production up, as well as to ensure that you don't have dips in your blood sugar and energy levels. Plus, it can help you keep your eating in check and lose those post-baby kilos. good buy In a recent independent study by the University of Minho, Portugal, scientists investigated the effects of different teat shapes on the development of the teeth, jaw and palate. The NUK shape tested best with the least amount of pressure on the jaw…

THE LOUNGE While the kitchen is the heart of the home, it's also where terrible accidents can happen. Make no mistake about it: hot stoves, hot food, electrical appliances, detergents and sharp knives all pose a serious threat to your child. So what can you do about these things? ■ Sand down sharp corners. Your furniture won't look pretty, but it's a lot prettier than getting your child stitched up in the emergency room or under general anaesthetic. ■ Don't polish wooden floors. It makes them more slippery. ■ Never let your children run in the lounge or run/walk in socks. ■ Secure loose rugs and carpets. Secure bookshelves to the wall, as children can pull these onto themselves. ■ Tie away the loops of blind cords. These can cause…

“DON'T BE WORRIED IF YOUR LITTLE ONE HASN'T CUT A TOOTH BY 1 YEAR. THE TEETH WILL COME WHEN THEY'RE READY.” Teething is a major milestone – and one that is somewhat trying for all concerned. Many a parent has complained about their normally placid baby turning into a fidgety, niggly child whenever she teethes. This is normal. Your baby may also have other symptoms, like drooling. By knowing what to expect, and what to do, you can ease her discomfort and make your life a bit easier. IT'S A TIME BOMB, BABE Teething can start anywhere from 3 months, and you can see symptoms of teething long before any teeth erupt. “Most children have a tooth by nine months of age, but I have seen teething delayed to 15…

YOUR TODDLER Attending birthday parties with a child wrapped around your legs who is clearly terrified by the noisy group of children on the jumping castle is no fun, especially when the other children are shrieking with delight. You may even begin to feel resentful when you find yourself spending most of the afternoon at the bottom of the garden, picking flowers, smelling roses or searching for ants in an attempt to avoid the potential meltdowns that have in the past been associated with the Happy Birthday song. What you really had in mind was a long catch-up with the other parents over a hot cup of tea. What is it about your sensitive little soul who happily chats away to his fluffy friends at home in a familiar environment,…

A WORD FROM OUR EXPERT Q My son is generally a happy, easygoing child. However, a month ago, we noticed that when he was throwing a tantrum, he'd work himself up so much that he would vomit. This has progressed to him vomiting before bed every night. What's going on? A DR PAUL SINCLAIR RESPONDS: Bedtime vomiting is a common problem as kids get older and in my experience can be split into two broad groups: pathological and psychological. Pathological causes of vomiting like this include a post-nasal drip and milk consumption before lying down. The combination of mucus and milk, with nasal/adenoidal upper airway obstruction, triggers coughing and gagging, and this can lead to vomiting. There is often evidence of mucus in the vomit, and this may be allergic…

Did you know? Children who consume too much sugar almost always become adults who consume too much sugar. Sugar's reputation has certainly tanked. It has become such a scary no-no for so many people that manufacturers of convenience foods are increasingly using artificial sweeteners as a replacement. This granulated sugar substitute is no longer just used in special diabetic or weight-loss products. Take a look at the ingredient list of some potato chips, powdered drinks, sauces and chewing gum. The question is: If a product is filled with artificial sweeteners, is it still safe? Won't all these sweeteners eventually lead to a host of health problems that may be even worse than those caused by regular sugar? Here's more info about a few of the most wellknown granulated sugar substitutes.…

It's easier said than done: How do you get your sweet-toothed toddler to consume less sugar? Implementing sudden rules of no treats during the week can create a war in your child's heart. When you're not around, the treats will slide into her mouth like bullets, and when she returns from a party, it looks as if a candy bomb exploded. The tactic you should use instead is small, subtle changes. ■ The change that will have the greatest impact is gradually eliminating soda from your home. Reserve it for special occasions and start drinking water instead, both adults and children, at home and at preschool. ■ Buy healthier cereals such as oatmeal or bran flakes, and reduce the number of packaged, bottled and canned foods. ■ Teach yourself and…

Gross motor skills provide the foundation of skills, such as reading, writing and doing sums. If your child's large muscles have not developed enough and don't work properly, the small muscles also can not function properly. When your child rides a bike, climbs a tree, plays with a ball or runs, he develops spatial skills and visual perception, which in turn are necessary for all kinds of other skills he has to master. If you set aside a little time every day to engage in such exercises in a fun way, you will ensure that your toddler develops all the necessary skills to make his first year at school a success. WHAT ARE GROSS MOTOR SKILLS? Gross motor development allows your child to use his large muscles in order to…

Us Terhoevens arrived in Auckland, New Zealand at the end of August last year. First, more about us: my husband, Rick, and I both work in the actuarial field in the insurance industry. Our three boys are Roald (18 months), Nicholas (4) and Christopher (6). We decided to start the emigration process in early 2023 and, after months of uncertainty, with 12 large bags, three car seats and a pram, we said teary goodbyes to our family. We decided on New Zealand because we would enjoy the outdoor lifestyle here together with the friendly residents as well as a large South African community. It also helps that my sister, her husband and their three little girls have lived here for three years. Kiwiland stood out to us as a place…

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…

1. RUB HER CARES AWAY Massage is an incredibly comforting tool across all ages, and your newborn is no different. Because she loves being touched, this could just do the trick to banish those tears. 2. GONE WITH THE WIND Your baby could be in a bit of pain caused by a wind. Try bicycling her legs while she's lying on her back, or lay her on her stomach across your knees and gently rub her back. 3. MAKE A MOVE A change of scenery and a bit of movement could make a world of difference. Pop your baby in her car seat and go for a drive – the constant movement and soothing white noise of the engine provide a calming effect. Gentle bouncing on a ball also works…

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…

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 WIN A HAMPER FROM BRAMLEY WORTH R2 500! Bramley's Magnolia range of body care products is exactly what you need to make your skin the best it can be. Enriched with Bramley's signature Bio-Pharm oil and Vitamin E oil which provides protection and nourishment for your skin. You can always trust Bramley to deliver beyond expectation at affordable prices. The prize includes: Bramley shopper bag, Bramley hand towel, Magnolia 100ml Tissue oil, Magnolia 250ml Tissue oil, Magnolia body butter, Magnolia hand & nail, Magnolia body lotion, Magnolia body wash, Magnolia talc, Magnolia wipes. Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube: @bramleycosmetics Visit bramleycosmetics.com “Said on social” A few parenting truths that made us giggle There is no bigger medical emergency than a…

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. KUTE FROM KIMBERLEY “They say it takes a village to raise a child. Well my village stepped in during my pregnancy already,” says Mischka Alexander-Lalla from Kimberley in the Northern Cape. “My husband works in the army, and he was sent away with work for the majority of my first pregnancy. Sadly, this time around he was also sent away. He left home a month after we found out I was pregnant, and his deployment only ended one month after our baby was…

SCAN THIS QR CODE TO SWOT UP ON THE SIGNS OF CHILDHOOD CANCER Early detection leads to better outcomes and more effective management of childhood cancer. S Seek medical help early for ongoinng symptoms. I White spot in the eye, new squint, sudden blindness or bulging eyeball. L Lump on the stomach, pelvis, head, arms, legs, testicles or glands. U Unexpplained fever present for over two weeks, weight loss, fatigue, pale appeearance, easy bruising & bleeding. A Aching bones, joints, back and easy fractures. N Neuroological signs, a change in walk, bbalance or speech, regression, continuous headaches with/without vomiting and enlarged head.…

For every child a woman has, her income decreases by 4% while men's income increases by 6% when they become fathers. Claudia Goldin, a Harvard economist who won the Nobel prize in economics last year looked at 134 countries for her study on mothers’ workforce participation. On average, 24% of women leave the workforce in the first year after giving birth. Five years later, 17% still haven't returned. When they are working, mothers are perceived to be less committed to their jobs, less dependable and less authoritative, while fathers are perceived to be more committed to their work than men who don't have children.…

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One part sperm, one part egg; mix together and bake for nine months, and – hey presto! – one perfect baby. Now add love, education, values and decorate with a whole lot of success. Sounds simple, right? For many parents, raising a successful, happy child is the holy grail of parenting, but how you do this all depends on how you and your child define success. WHAT IS SUCCESS? There is not a simple, concrete definition of success: we each develop our own very personal definition based on the values we aspire to. “Most people have their own idea of success, based on their individual value systems,” says Johannesburg clinical psychologist Emma-Kate McCormack. “For some, it is material – accumulating a certain amount in their bank account, earning a particular…

Having a conversation with your partner about your needs is essential before you start interviewing. Don't leave the process to the last minute either. Get the ball rolling at least four to six weeks before the nanny's ideal starting date. Ask yourselves the following questions: What is it that our family needs? What are our family values? What flexibility do each of us have in our work? Who is more flexible, for example, who works from home or who has to be in the workplace for eight hours a day? How much housekeeping do we want the nanny to complete in a day? What kinds of cleaning tasks? Do we want a nanny to live in or live out? 1. PLACE AN ADVERT Posting on a community group or page…

Imagine that every time you go to the loo, your urine burns like fire, and you struggle to squeeze out a few drops. You feel feverish, your lower back and sides ache, and your bladder feels like it's bursting. Don't actually need to imagine it? That isn't surprising, as it's estimated that up to 80 percent of women have had, or will have, at least one bladder infection in their lifetime. And having a baby on board increases the risk – and the discomfort. But why should this be? More importantly, what can you do about it? UTI 101 A UTI (urinary tract infection) is a bacterial infection in the urinary tract: the system comprising the kidneys, ureters (tubes leading from kidneys to bladder), bladder and the urethra (tubes leading…

Most foods are safe. But there are some food and drinks that should rather be avoided during pregnancy. Seafood can be a great source of protein, and the omega-3 fatty acids in many fish can promote your baby's brain development. Avoid raw, undercooked or contaminated seafood. Some fish and shellfish contain potentially dangerous levels of mercury that could damage your baby's developing nervous system. The bigger and older the fish, the more mercury it's likely to contain. Avoid: Swordfish Tilefish King mackerel Shark UNPASTEURISED FOOD Many low-fat dairy products, such as skim milk, mozzarella cheese and cottage cheese can be a healthy part of yourdiet. Anything containing unpasteurised milk, however, is a no-no. SOFT CHEESES These may contain listeria. Avoid soft cheeses such as brie, camembert, roquefort, feta, gorgonzola and…

I am 30 years old, and am having my second baby. I am 16 weeks pregnant but am very paranoid as I have had two miscarriages before now. I am suffering from extreme migraines, which cause me to feel sick, but I never had this in my first pregnancy. The doctor said that my main concern would be my blood pressure, which is currently stable. Should I panic, or am I just being paranoid? TINA SAYS: It is always a good idea to checkout any preggie concerns, especially with your history. Some migraine sufferers experience relief during pregnancy while migraines may suddenly start for other moms-to-be. TRY THE FOLLOWING TIPS An ice pack applied to your head and neck will give tremendous relief. Do not apply moist or dry heat…

Muscle fibres that are exercised become more elastic with careful and repeated contraction and relaxation. It is important that the pelvic floor has a good muscle tone and elasticity. The pelvic floor will stretch and recover more easily after birth if it is strong. By doing pelvic floor exercises, you will strengthen these muscles. Strengthening the pelvic floor is important, but the ability to release these muscles is just as important, especially during the pushing stage of birth. A tense pelvic floor can slow down the birth of your baby. During delivery, the pelvic floor should relax and stretch to thin out. There are many extra folds of skin inside the vagina, called rugae, which allow the extra stretching that will take place during delivery (rather like a concertina file).…

During a natural labour, free from fear and mistrust, you produce a cocktail of hormones that include prostaglandins, adrenaline, catecholamines, endorphins, oxytocin and cortisol. These hormones regulate uterine contractions and trigger emotions and responses. However, some of these hormones (oxytocin and endorphins) can easily be blocked (by cortisol, catecholamines and adrenalin), which causes you to feel more discomfort than you need to. They all have a role to play, and the timing of the release of these hormones is critical for a smooth labour process. Fear may trigger the adrenaline hormone to show up too soon, causing labour to stall and drawing it out. But when you feel safe, nurtured and supported, oxytocin is released, which aids in blocking pain receptors and keeps the contractions going efficiently and effectively. This…

Conscious Birth: Inner Wisdom for Modern Mothers by Theoni Papoutsis – a seasoned Joburg-based doula and hypnobirthing teacher, neuro-linguistic programming practitioner and coach – blends the wisdom of mind-body synergy with a no-nonsense approach, providing you with a solid foundation of knowledge to empower you through pregnancy and birth. You'll develop the ability to make in formed choices that align with your unique circumstances. It also offers practical tips for the early post-partum days, complete with handy checklists. Enhanced with illustrations, additional resources and recommendations for further research, this practical guide nurtures your self-trust, ensuring you enter motherhood with confidence. R360, consciousbirth.co.za.…

It's all incredibly exciting, finally having met your baby after all these months of pregnancy and knowing that you can get him home to start your new life as a family. But that's the thing, isn't it? You suddenly realise taking your baby home means you're responsible for absolutely everything to do with that tiny newborn, and it can be a scary and overwhelming situation. These new-mom fears are all part and parcel of having a baby. “It's a normal reaction to be nervous when presented with a new situation. Being a parent for the first time can be nerveracking and intimidating. You don't want to make mistakes, and that can cause a lot of anxiety,” explains Joburg-based registered counsellor Emma Shabangu. The best way to face these fears, she…

OILY FISH These are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are vital for your baby's brain development. Choose pilchards, yellowtail, snoek, trout and anchovies, which are high in omega 3s while being low in mercury. WATER Drinking enough liquids is essential during breastfeeding to keep yourself well hydrated and to meet the increased fluid needs of producing breast milk. A VARIETY OF FRESH FRUITS & VEGETABLES Eating your five a day will help your baby get used to these tastes and make them more receptive to fruit and veg when they're a bit older. DAIRY PRODUCTS Your calcium needs increase during breastfeeding. Therefore, make sure that you have ideally about three servings of dairy per day. One serving is one glass of milk, 30g of cheese, or a small tub…

It's really easy to make fresh food for your baby at home. You don't need any fancy equipment and you don't need much time. You can make everything with just a small pot, sieve and spoon. All the recipes here can be made in half an hour or less. What's more, you know exactly what your baby is eating if you make the food. Start with tiny tastes of single vegetable and fruit purees – just a teaspoon or two at lunch. Then, once your baby gets the hang of “chewing” and swallowing, you can start mixing and matching. Starter Purees EASY FRUIT OR VEG INGREDIENTS ■ 1 cup fruit or vegetables of your choice, peeled and cut into small pieces (apple, pear, carrots, butternut, beans, peas – choose any…

1. Never make up rules on the spur of the moment, and don't punish your child for not knowing and not following that rule. 2. Don't punish your child with no warning – unless they're doing something to endanger themselves or others. Always give two warnings before sending your child to time-out. 3. Don't take away special bonding time from your child as punishment – like a bedtime story. Rather take away luxuries like TV or ice cream. 4. Don't smack flippantly and impulsively with emotion, for every single thing. It loses its impact completely. If parents hit with emotion, it's abuse and is no longer about the behaviour of the child, but about the parents’ emotions. 5. Don't negotiate or try to reason with your toddler. Give commands. 6.…

OUR EXPERT Q My 18-month-old has started throwing the worst tantrums. Every time she doesn't get what she wants, she throws herself down on the floor and screams bloody murder. What's going on? I thought tantrums only started at 2? A CARA BLACKIE RESPONDS: Often, temper tantrums can start before the “terrible 2s” and, as a result, what you are experiencing with your daughter is fairly normal. The difficulty with children around this age is that they become very frustrated by what they can and cannot do. At 18 months, toddlers want to explore and do many things, but they are unable to communicate effectively in terms of expressing their feelings and what may be upsetting or annoying them. So toddlers, even very young ones, often throw a tantrum to…

A house without something sweet doesn't exist – so what do you choose when you can choose one sweet thing? ■ UNPROCESSED HONEY is probably the best choice. This natural sweetener has various medicinal properties, and although it provides the same amount of energy as regular sugar and should also fit within your child's quota, it does have a few good things in it. ■ MOLASSES is the by-product of sugar production, is also rich in antioxidants and is a better alternative, especially for baking. ■ TABLE SUGAR is a refined carbohydrate that only provides energy and no nutrients. Sugar is one of the few foods where brown is not healthier than white. ■ FRUCTOSE is an alternative to sugar because it has a low glycaemic index. However, studies have…

We already know that play is the way children learn and develop. Young children learn in an integrated way, meaning that when they're playing with blocks, they're also coming to grips with concepts like spatial integration, balance, shape and distance. They learn to problem solve, they develop fine and gross motor skills, they develop cognitive concepts and social skills through learning to cooperate, negotiate and take turns. Whether it's in a more structured environment like nursery school or simply some time on the carpet at home, playtime is invaluable for small children. And if the advertising messages we're given are to be believed, there's nothing more integral to the educational value of playtime than the toys we buy for our kids. EDUCATIONAL HOW? Children can learn from any toy, but…

FOOD ADDITIVES Most convenience foods are packed with food additives. MSG (monosodium glutamate) is used to enhance the flavour and can cause allergic or sensitive reactions. It has also been linked to neurological problems, type two diabetes and obesity. The best option is to avoid these, but a rushed lifestyle may force you to use products like processed meats, instant mash, instant noodles, microwave mini pizzas, frozen microwave meals and cold drinks. TIP Freshly homeprepared meals are free from all additives, so try to serve these as much as possible. Also read labels to find MSG-free foods. HIGH GI The glycaemic index (GI) measures how fast or how slow food is digested and absorbed into the body and made available as energy. High GI foods are digested quickly, give a…

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…

Mom Engelien receives a whopping R15 000 loaded onto her Clicks Baby Club Card! Wow – just imagine what you can buy with that! Eckhart might look peaceful on the cover picture, but he surprised his parents with his birth last year! “My c-section was booked for 6 June at Wilgers Hospital in Pretoria, but in the early morning hours of 30 May Eckhart clearly decided that he'd had enough of being cramped up in my tummy,” says Engelien. “It was time for him to see the world!” “At ten to two in the morning my waters broke and we had to drive all the way to Pretoria, because that's where my gynae is. I had contractions all the way and I'm not going to lie – they really hurt!…

Once you've given birth, you will be put into the recovery room, which is usually attached to the labour ward. You and your baby will be closely monitored for about an hour. Vital signs such as pulse, temperature, blood pressure and vaginal bleeding are checked. Pain management depends on the type of delivery you have had. You may feel a bit weak and even nauseous. If you have had a caesarean section or an epidural, you will still be numb from the waist down. However your baby was delivered, your body is also totally flooded with hormones. It's an emotional time – you might feel absolute elation or deep love, you might cry, you might feel shock and disbelief at having your baby in your arms at last. This is…

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,…

THE SENSES WHAT YOUR BABY CAN SEE ■ Your baby's sight develops gradually, and although he can see at birth, it's a little fuzzy. ■ At birth, he can only see objects that are about 20cm to 30.5cm away, like your face when you're holding him. ■ He's not sure how to use his eyes together at first, so they may seem to wander randomly. ■ Your baby may enjoy seeing bright colours or high-contrast items such as black and white pictures and toys. ■ By around four to six weeks he'll have learnt to focus and track you as you move around. WHAT YOUR BABY CAN HEAR ■ Your baby will recognise your voice the minute he's born. ■ Look for changes in your baby's body movements or facial…

Babies need to learn good sleep habits, and it takes patience and consistency on your part to get them into a routine. You may find your baby sleeps much better – or worse – than someone else's. Babies are individuals with different personalities and needs. So the more you learn about sleep the better prepared you'll be. Remember not to listen to everyone's advice. What our mothers and grandmothers did to get us to sleep may be quite different from what experts recommend today. However, do consult with a parenting expert or medical professional to get the best possible advice. HOW BABY SLEEP WORKS Your baby goes through these states of alertness several times during a 24-hour period: ■ AWAKE STATE Your baby's eyes are open, and she is physically…

1 ANAPHYLAXIS (AN ALLERGIC REACTION) Anaphylactic shock is a severe whole body allergic reaction to a substance such as some foods (peanuts), stings or drugs. Anaphylaxis happens immediately after exposure to the allergen. It is severe and involves the whole body. It's terrifying and action must be taken immediately. Causes ■ Food Peanuts are a common allergy culprit in children, and even a trace of peanut can bring on anaphylaxis in an allergy sufferer. Other common food instigators are fish, shellfish and fruit, as well as certain spices, food colourants and additives. ■ Stings Bees, wasps and jellyfish. ■ Drugs Particularly medicines like penicillin, anaesthetics and painkillers. Signs and symptoms Symptoms develop quickly (often within seconds) and may include the following: ■ Anxiety. ■ Abdominal pain. ■ Abnormal (high-pitched) breathing…

When a newborn baby has jaundice, his skin takes on a yellow tinge. This is because he has an oversupply of red blood cells. When these cells are broken down, the waste product is a yellow liquid called bilirubin. The body gets rid of this bilirubin through the bowel and also through the skin, hence the yellowish colour of a jaundiced baby's skin. Fifty percent of newborns get baby jaundice. Fewer get a pathological jaundice that is caused by infections, blood group incompatibility or liver problems. Pathological jaundice can be serious; it begins within the first 24 hours after birth and needs treatment. Breastmilk jaundice can begin as late as two weeks after birth. It is a mild jaundice that is not problematic, nor does it need treatment and mothers…