Innholdsfortegnelse for June - July 2024 i Your Pregnancy & Baby

I'm definitely not saying you should live through your children or force your unfulfilled dreams on them. They're their own person after all. However, becoming a parent does give you a highly enjoyable opportunity to relive some highlights of your own childhood as well as the chance to change some things you didn't like about your own growing up journey. You're in a powerful position to shape your children's world. Proceed with awareness, and talk, talk, talk with your partner about your shared intentions for your family. This isn't about setting rules but rather about the kind of atmosphere you want to create in your home and the tone of your daily life. What were the rituals you loved when you were little? Is there space for them in your…

WIN A HAMPER FROM VITAL BABY WORTH R2 380! Vital Baby Protect Contactless Thermometer is an infra-red thermometer that detects the temperature in two seconds and gives the result on its large feveralert digital display. Vital Baby Nourish Growing Up Kit is packed with everything your toddler needs for mealtimes without the mess. The set includes transitional cups, soft-tipped cutlery, a suction bowl and stackable formula dispenser. Vital Baby Splash Alphabet & Numbers Set sticks to bath tiles when wet for endless fun and learning. Entice your child to splash, spell and count. It includes uppercase letters and numbers 0-9 in lots of bright colours. The special soft foam is lightweight and floats but is also durable and built to last. BPA, latex and phthalate free.…

It's official – I am hooked on Your Pregnancy & Baby magazine. With my son being 13 months old, I could not walk away when I spotted your latest copy on shelf. I didn't think I'd read the whole magazine – time constraints being the major issue – but I read it from cover to cover in one weekend. Nothing anyone says, or any advice given, can prepare you for becoming a new parent, but I have to say that I have loved it and treasure every moment with my son. He is becoming more of a little person every day, with his own personality. Not a day goes by without a good laugh. Thank you for a wonderful magazine! You have another loyal reader.…

To enter, send a good quality photo to us at sharing@ypbmagazine.com WIN 1 OF 8 FLORA BABY HAMPERS WORTH R850 EACH! Breastfeeding is best for babies. But when it leads to dry, cracked and sore nipples, it'snot comfortable for moms. FloraBABY Nipple Balm is an all-natural, plant-based solution to restore comfort, allowing you to immerse yourself in this precious time as you nurse your baby. The range of unique combinations relies on botanicals to provide natural solutions for sore, cracked nipples, baby bottoms and to improve your skin's suppleness and elasticity. Included in the gift hampers are the floraBABY balms and oil, plus a feeding pillow, breast pads and a bib. floraforce.co.za MORE INFO…

Clubfoot is the most common musculoskeletal birth defect, affecting millions of people worldwide. Steps is a non-profit organisation working across South Africa and neighbouring countries to support families accessing treatment for clubfoot. “We operate on the basis that two out of every 1000 children will be born with clubfoot. Early intervention can avoid costly surgical treatments, ensure that children can thrive and prevent lifelong disability,” explains Karen Moss, Steps founder and CEO. WHAT IS CLUBFOOT? Clubfoot, or congenital talipes equinovarus, is a treatable birth defect. Children with clubfoot are born with one or both feet twisted inward and pointed downward. The foot is rigid and cannot be pushed back into the correct position. Most children born with clubfoot are not missing any bones, muscles or connective tissue. It is a…

Everything from baby milestones to introducing solids, navigating relationships to car safety, postnatal depression, sex after birth and securing your baby's financial future are combined in an entertaining morning full of spoils, a fabulous goodie bag, delicious lunch, stunning venues, and opportunities to engage with both brand and baby experts. Tickets are on sale via the Babies R Us website. Each R250 ticket includes: a goodie bag packed with mom and baby essentials, an opportunity to engage with baby and brand experts, a free lunch, and a chance at winning one of many exciting prizes. For more information and tickets visit: babiesrus.co.za/mama-club or on social media @BabiesRUs_za #RealMamaClub JUNE Gauteng/Menlyn (7 June) JULY Gauteng/Sandton (5 July) AUGUST KZN/Gateway (2 August) SEPTEMBER Gauteng/Hyde Park (6 Septemb OCTOBER Western Cape/Waterfront (4 October)…

Tip Make double and freeze the extra for another day. ONE-POT CHICKEN & RICE SERVES 4 INGREDIENTS ■ 4 chicken breast fillets, cubed ■ 2t garlic powder ■ 2t smoked paprika ■ 2t dried coriander leaves ■ salt and pepper to taste ■ 2t olive oil ■ 2 cups uncooked basmati rice ■ 1 × 400g can chopped tomatoes ■ 2T tomato paste ■ 2t dried origanum ■ 1t sugar ■ 1t smoked chilli flakes (optional) ■ 400ml chicken stock ■ 2 cups baby spinach ■ 150g cherry tomatoes, halved ■ 100g sundried tomatoes, chopped METHOD 1. Season the cubed chicken with garlic powder, smoked paprika, coriander leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook,…

The Snuggletime Zip & Go fleece blanket is versatile, luxuriously warm and soft. It zips up to create a warm sleeping bag but allows freedom for Baby's hands to play and self soothe. Available in pink, blue or ivory, 0 to 6 months, R225, snuggletimebaby.co.za and leading baby retailers. The plush Snuggletime swaddle wrap is made from super soft bubble fleece that calms and relaxes Baby by recreating the reassuring hug of the womb. Velcro tabs allow you to adjust the fit. The shaped bottom pouch also has generous legroom. Available in white or grey, 0 to 3 months, R215, snuggletimebaby.co.za and leading baby retailers. This warm, cosy Sherpa fleece babygrow from Ackermans has fold-over mittens, non-slip soles and zip protector, for ages 0 to 18 months. Deal: Buy any…

1. LEARN TO ASK FOR HELP The way you ask determines the outcome. If you use an accusatory or critical tone, your partner will be forced to help out of resentment, which isn't good for anyone. 2. INVOLVE HIM Yes, you can do it better, but trust that he cares and will look after the kids in his own way – it will probably not be the same way you look after them, but remember that this is the best way he knows how. Allow him to engage with the kids in the way he knows best. Fathers love being playful. If it causes you anxiety, explain to him why you don't want to excite the kids before bedtime. 3. COMMUNICATE WITH CARE Don't be too careful and walk on…

Start here Have you been having regular unprotected sex for a year without pregnancy resulting? NO If you are both still quite young (under 30), keep trying. “To maximise your natural fertility, switch from Y-fronts to boxers to let your testes hang as loose as possible – this will help them drop their temperature to slightly below body temperature, which is ideal for sperm production,” says urologist Dr Sean Doherty. Have sex every three days. “We think that the best quality of sperm is achieved by ejaculating every three days. This means your body should be full of sperm cells that are neither too mature nor immature.” So get busy, but after 12 months, you should start involving medical personnel in your fertility journey. YES Consult your doctor – a…

The only food that registered nurse Tracy-Ann Alexander could stomach during her first trimester of pregnancy? Burger King! “It was my saving grace,” she says. “Everything smelled and tasted raw or odd in the first trimester – apart from Burger King.” So what's the cause for your sudden aversion to your fave food, the lingering rancid or metallic taste in your mouth or the overnight development of a seemingly super-hero-like sense of smell? “The widely accepted theory is that it's probably due to the spike in a hormone called human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), which is produced by what ultimately becomes the placenta,” TracyAnn explains. Once egg meets sperm, hCG amps up the production of oestrogen and progesterone, according to Dr Davinia Masimila, a specialist obstetrician gynaecologist at the national Department…

Quick stats ONLY 2–5% OF PREGNANT WOMEN DEVELOP diabetes DURING PREGNANCY. Obesity CAN RAISE INFANTS’ RISK OF HEART PROBLEMS AT BIRTH BY 15%. MORE THAN 50% OF ALLL twins AND AS MANY AS 93% OF triplets ARE BORN AT FEWER THAN 37 WEEKS’ GESTATION. “Pregnancy is a natural event for which your body is perfectly designed,” says Dr Dalene Barnard, an obstetrician and gynaecologist at Kloof Mediclinic in Pretoria. “However, high-risk pregnancies are when a woman or her baby has a characteristic condition that has been recognised by medical research to increase the chance of an adverse outcome for the mother and/or the baby.” Some of the most common of these are for women at the extremes of their reproductive life (in their teens or over 35), those who are…

A romatherapy is the use of highly concentrated oils distilled from plants to calm the mind and dissipate discomfort. Inhalation of essential oils for the purpose of improving psychological and physiological symptoms is known as aromatherapy. These essential oils can be used on the skin, as an inhalant, and can also be used in the bath or in a burner. If used for massage, they are usually diluted in a base or carrier oil. Oils can be combined and rubbed onto the body or inhaled from a drop placed on a tissue. No matter what the mode of application, it has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety, stress and perception of pain, and purify the air. There is evidence that essential oils have been used in daily life…

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 Q I've just been diagnosed with post-partum thyroiditis – first time I've even heard of it! It's a relief to get a diagnosis after the blood test because I was feeling so poorly, and nothing I did seemed to help. Please explain to me what I can expect. POST-PARTUM THYROIDITIS AFFECTS ABOUT THREE IN 100 WOMEN. IT MAY INVOLVE MILD PAIN IN THE NECK AND DISCOMFORT WHEN SWALLOWING. ADR APFFELSTAEDT ANSWERS: To start, one must understand the essential functionality of the thyroid. The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck…

Cradle cap, as the name implies, happens to young babies (although in severe cases it may continue up to the age of 3) and starts on the head. When a baby's head sweats her skin produces more sebum (or oil) from the sebaceous glands. An infection of the skin may result, which is cradle cap. Medically speaking, cradle cap is called seborrhoeic dermatitis. If your baby has cradle cap, you'll first notice dandruff-like flakes on their head. These are shed skin cells and are quite normal. Seeing this may make you worry that you're not washing your baby's hair properly and so you may rub the scalp vigorously with the next wash, but by doing this, you're only making the problem worse. “CRADLE CAP IS NOT CAUSED BY NEGLECT OR…

OUR EXPERTS Q My two-week-old baby just doesn't stop crying. My mom says she has colic, but I don't even know what this is. What do you think? A DR PAUL SINCLAIR ANSWERS: Newborn babies cry a lot because that is their only way of communicating their needs. Babies cry because they are hungry or lonely, or because of discomfort or pain. In my view, colic describes a symptom of a crying baby, and not a pathologic process, which needs to be diagnosed by a doctor. It is important through careful history taking, examination and limited investigation to establish why this baby is crying excessively. The doctor needs to look at how baby is being fed, breast or otherwise. This is critical. When baby cries, how baby sleeps and in…

Sniffs, sneezes and coughs are the bane of the winter season, and all the way from daycare, crèche or even the park, your little ones bring all sorts of nasty bugs home. These nasty bugs don't have to make a home with your family though, and here's why. A STRONG SYSTEM If you want to survive cold and flu season, the best place to start is with a healthy immune system. There are several ways to do this. We know you have heard this all before, but how exactly do you achieve this? ■ EATING WELL A sound nutritional regime boosts your immune system, notes registered homoeopath Dr Cornelia Botha, who is based in Randburg, Gauteng. Most of us don't eat enough fruit and vegetables, so make it a goal…

BREAKFAST PARFAIT INGREDIENTS ■ 1 cup Greek yoghurt ■ ¼ cup strawberries, chopped ■ ¼ cup raspberries, chopped ■ muesli for the grown-ups METHOD 1. Mix the strawberries and raspberries (you can add a spoonful of honey if the fruit is not sweet enough – for babies over a year old). 2. Spoon a layer of yoghurt into each glass, then add a layer of fruit, another layer of yoghurt and end with fruit. 3. You can chill these overnight or serve mmediately. 4. If you want to use muesli, layer yoghurt, muesli and fruit. BLUEBERRY FLAPJACKS (SUITABLE FROM 12 MONTHS) INGREDIENTS ■ 1 cup self-raising flour ■ 1 egg ■ 2 cups buttermilk ■ ½ cup blueberries ■ butter METHOD 1. Sift the flour into a large bowl, make a…

1. CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM Don't expect too much. Your kid has been talking of nothing but his new friend at school, but when it comes to your first tentative playdate with the new friend and his mom, your boy doesn't want to share his toys, the other kid comes over all shy, and before long, two little bodies are standing in front of their mothers in tears, demanding either to go home or – worse – to send their friend home. Awkies! If you take any human being out of familiar territory, their anxiety will sky-rocket: that's what's happening to the children. It's normal for first forays into socialisation to have a wobbly start. If you and the other parent can smile, sigh, raise your eyebrows at each other, and…

My husband, Daniel, is from Wellington, and I'm from Worcester, both very small towns in the Western Cape. We've had such a whirlwind journey. Our happily ever after started back in 2019. After struggling with infertility for five years, I found out I was pregnant just when we came back from a business trip to China. We love travelling. I had a medical skincare business that required quite a bit of travel. That same year, Daniel said he would like to look at Canada as a new place for us to raise our newborn and start a new life for our family. At first, I was taken aback a little, because one, I was two months pregnant, and two, it's not that easy to just emigrate to a First World…

How to handle his emotional world as he grows, is a skill your child learns from you. 0 TO 2 YEARS Your tiny baby first expresses emotion by crying and later by smiling and laughing. By the age of three months, he has already mastered a range of facial expressions and he will start demanding your attention and making use of his communication skills. Your reactions to your baby's feelings are the foundation to his later capacity for empathy and building relationships. Be sure to make plenty of eye contact with your baby and respond to him warmly. Acknowledge his attempts to develop new skills, spend time together and have fun. From the age of about six months, focus on echoing and validating your baby's feelings to help furnish him…

GROSS MOTOR SKILLS If a child's gross motor skills are inadequately developed, a vicious cycle can occur: Because he feels he's not good at a skill required for a certain activity, he may avoid that activity specifically because it requires use of that skill. But the more he refuses to use, say, the jungle gym, the more his gross motor skills in this field remain underdeveloped. This affects his fine motor skills too, which may mean that he could struggle at school with writing, and could lead to his being isolated on the playing field. Take note of what activities your child avoids and which he likes; this can yield valuable information about his motor skills.…

Being your baby's best friend can get really old, really quickly when you're desperate for a cup of tea or a shower. If only he could learn to play independently for a bit, it would be good for you, for him, and for your relationship. But it's easier said than done, because a tot under two can easily suck up all mom and dad's energy and attention – and then some. It's totally normal that he prefers your company above anyone else's, and his interactions with you remain the key to a world of learning and development. But as your toddler nears his second birthday, you can start guiding him to play by himself once in a while. Solitary play develops his selfconfidence, independence, creativity and language abilities. To learn…

The closing date for girls (up to 48 months) is 31 August 2024. We need two winners in this category. One winner will appear on our October & November cover, and the other on the next cover of our sister magazine, Baba & Kleuter. A huge thank you to our sponsors: Reuterina, Epi-Max, Panado and Safeway Babies. All six winners over the course of the year 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 news.…

My name is Claudia Pope. I am a nursery school teacher and have four nieces and nephews. Being around small children and pregnant women has been my norm for many years. Women would often talk about pregnancy being “the most wonderful experience of their life”. When I fell pregnant, I was so sick that the thought of taking a pregnancy test didn't cross my mind. I thought there was no possible way pregnancy could make a woman feel so sick. I was vomiting the whole day and night for weeks but, subsequently, my yearly appointment with my endocrinologist was coming up. I went to see him, and he put me on all sorts of strong meds after taking bloods because my hormones were so “off balance”. Weeks after being on…

WIN A GIFT HAMPER FROM CARRIWELL WORTH R2 200! The soft, comfortable Carriwell Adjustable Maternity & Nursing Bra moulds to your changing body shape. The one-handed clasps expose the entire breast during nursing, maximising skin-to-skin contact between you and Baby. Available in black, white or nude at Dis-Chem Baby City, Babies R Us, takealot.com, loot.co.za, Woolworths, Clicks, Checkers Little Me and leading baby and maternity stores for R499,99. winner…

#crib notes 15,7 is the average amount of books read by American women, while 9,5 is the average amount of books read by American men per year. Reading fiction is related to higher levels of empathy. People who read 30 minutes per day live an average of 2 years longer than the non-readers. Reading for 6 minutes can reduce stress by 68%. HOW BABY INFLUENCES OUR BUYING BEHAVIOUR SA's birth rate remains steady, with about 1 million new births recorded each year, shows research conducted by Dis-Chem Baby City. Over the last 24 months, there has been a marked increase in the buying of “private” labels, also known as generic or no name brands of groceries and baby essentials, as they are often cheaper. Especially nappies are affected, says Ronald…

CLOTHING WE Create a capsule collection for your baby this winter by shopping for versatile, high-quality pieces in neutral colours that allow you to layer for any weather, and dress Baby for any occasion. Of course, Woolies Babes clothing is made with premium sustainably sourced materials and designed to ensure the ultimate in comfort. The garments all go through multiple tests to ensure safety. SKIN CARE WE The newly launched Baby Beauty range includes the finest vegan and dermatologist-tested and approved ingredients, including shea butter, rooibos and chamomile extracts. The new range extends to a beauty range for moms, offering products such as belly balm, massage oil, and leg and feet cooling gel.…

MAKE EVERY CENT COUNT TOWARDS YOUR HEALTH PLAN YOUR MEALS Planning in advance will help you make sure you have all the necessary ingredients, avoid impulse buys, and stay within your budget. Look at simple, cost-effective meals by adopting small habits like avoiding pre-packed portions or doing a weekly scan of supermarket savings to further stretch your rand. A written list makes it easier to analyse your food intake and will help you avoid food and financial waste. Instead of wasting food, find ways to re-purpose and use leftovers. For example, leftover vegetables can be turned into a stir-fry or soup, and leftover meat can be added to salads or sandwiches. KEEP IT HOMEGROWN ■ Local markets and street vendors often offer fresh produce at lower prices compared to supermarkets.…

ORGANIC DAD HOW TO SPOT HIM With a toothy grin on his face, he'soften dressed in weekend gear and more of an outdoor dad than any of the others. You're bound to find him at the local market with a craft beer, or wherever there's promising fresh produce and gluten-free crunchies. CATCHPHRASE “The rice cereal is single grain and won't cause allergies.” PROS It's all about mom's breastfeeding and baby-led weaning – his baby is the healthiest bean on the block. CONS Baby may spit up the green mulch spoonfed to him. Organic Dad puts his life view a bit before his child's, which ends up costing them both. There's no room for playing in group sandpits nor munching on pre-made anything. HOW TO GET THE MOST OUT OF HIM…

During pregnancy, we're looking after the health and well-being of two people – that of ourselves, and of our growing babies. So, what do we do to ensure we're giving that baby-to-be everything it needs to grow healthy and strong? We eat healthily, we take prenatal vitamins, and we see our midwives and doctors for scans and regular checks. In short, we do everything within our power to create a healthy environment for the foetus to grow in. But this health doesn't begin and end with our physical bodies – mental health is just as important when you're pregnant, and especially if you have experienced anxiety, depression or another mental illness. WHEN YOU'RE DEPRESSED AND ANXIOUS “More than 20 percent of women develop a mental health problem (when referring to…

While it's impossible to avoid all scents that drive you crazy, there are a few simple tricks you can try… KEEP CLEAN Need your partner to take that extra shower? So be it. Wash clothes and switch to unscented cleaners, deodorants and other products. Brush your tongue every time you brush your teeth, and rinse your mouth with a salt or bicarbonate of soda solution, or mouthwash. COMMUNICATION Ask your co-workers, partner, family and friends to refrain from wearing strong perfumes, smoking – or microwaving their fish lunches – in your presence (as politely as possible, of course). AIR OUT THE HOUSE Leave windows open, where possible, to get rid of cooking or musty odours. FIND WHAT WORKS Some moms are soothed by smells like mint, lemon, cinnamon or ginger…

Asecure partnership is your strongest asset through pregnancy and birth. Yet for many of us, the journey to motherhood can feel lonely. After all, how much can your partner truly understand about this tiny life growing inside you, the changes your body's going through – and your imminent birth experience? And what is the role of a partner through these experiences? Quite simply, “Your partner's role is to support you physically, emotionally and spiritually,” says Dr Heather Allan-Gould, a gynaecologist based in Sandton, Gauteng. YOUR PARTNER'S ROLE IS TO SUPPORT YOU PHYSICALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND SPIRITUALLY. That is easier said than done. Your birth partner might not be sure how to get involved without being intrusive, and help without getting in the way. And, most of all, they probably don't know…

No woman knows for sure how long her labour will be, and anything from six to 24 hours is considered the norm. What many women don't understand is that although a labour may have lasted 16 hours, it is not 16 hours of bent-over, doubled-up pain. Labour starts quietly and slowly in most cases and should give you time to warm up, and get to a place of safety. Early labour is all about getting your attention and getting you focused before the real intensity starts. Many things influence how you'll labour on the day. Your baby has a lot to do with what happens and what the outcome will be. It is important to keep an open mind, as nothing about labour and birth is predictable, and things can…

Did you know? Between 10 % and 30 % of all mothers, in all circumstances, suffer from a middle-range depression or anxiety. Hana's second child, Helen, was born unexpectedly early via an emergency c-section. The procedure was rushed, stressful and caused her incredible anxiety. “During our stay in hospital, I felt very detached from her and kept longing for my son, who was at home with his dad. I never really had an opportunity to say goodbye to him as we rushed to hospital, to spend some special time with him before we turned his world upside down by giving him a sister. I felt guilty for being away from him; the idea of loving another baby as much as him suddenly seemed impossible. “Of course I then felt guilty…

YOUR NEWBORN After the exhausting task of carrying your baby for nine months and delivering her safely into the world, it would be wonderful to be able to meet the enormous demands of motherhood in a calm and well-rested state. Sadly, your newborn may have a very different idea – keeping you awake and on your toes all night, while resting peacefully during the day when you are trying to get things done. WHAT'S GOING ON? The reason your baby has her day and night reversed is that in the final weeks of pregnancy she got used to being rocked and lulled to sleep while you walked around during the day and so became more wakeful at night, while you slept. Unfortunately, after birth, many babies keep this habit up…

Home remedies are certainly useful for short term relief and are certainly worth an initial try if your tot is showing signs of discomfort but is not obviously ill just yet. Homoeopath Dr Cornelia Botha recommends this treatment at the onset of any kind of earache: Crush a clove of garlic and steep it in a tot measure of olive or sunflower oil. Heat the oil and garlic mixture gently -you don't want to colour the garlic, you just want to release all the garlic compounds into the oil. Let it cool to room temperature and then, at bedtime, put one drop into the affected ear. Now soak a small piece of cotton wool (small enough to fit comfortably in the ear) in the oil and put it into the…

No matter how much we dream of children who love each other and are each other's best friends, siblings fight – a lot. Any people who share living space will rub one another up, but most parents find siblings argue roughly 200 million times more often than your standard couples, housemates or prison inmates. Whether or not they have a natural fondness for each other, siblings share their parents, a home life and the closest possible genetic bond, and because so much is the same for siblings, much about their relationship is about learning to separate. “The British psychoanalyst Juliet Mitchell suggested the idea of being displaced by a sibling was in the mind of every child,” says Johannesburg counselling psychologist Jade Paterson. “Siblings can be rivals for the love…

OUR EXPERT Q Since I returned to work after maternity leave, a nanny has been looking after my daughter at home. Now that she is 2, I know she needs to be around other children, so I've started sending her to a playschool for two mornings a week. I'm worried that it's too little time, and that time spent between her “school days” is doing more harm than good. What do you think? A EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST CARA BLACKIE ANSWERS: It sounds like you are struggling with the uncertainty of whether two days a week is enough for your daughter or if the constant change between at home with the nanny and at the playschool is causing some harm. Firstly, it's important for you to look closely at your child and…

What a delight it is to witness your child reach a milestone, especially the cute ones like the first smile, grabbing a rattle, waving ‘tata’ or a wobbly step on chubby feet. All these developmental progress markers assure us that Baby is on track, and that Mom and Dad are doing something right. So take lots of pictures and video and by all means brag on social media if that's your thing! But please be aware of the flip side of all the sharing … the inevitable comparing, that can really rob you of your joy. Not all babies are the same, just as all adults aren't the same either. The milestones you will find in this guide represent an average. It is not better or worse for a child…

6 TO 8 MONTHS As your baby's memory and attention span develop, you'll see more and more signs that he's not only absorbing information, but also applying this newfound knowledge. His greater mobility allows him to experience more things. He starts actively manipulating objects around him. He realises that he can transfer an object from one hand to another and is starting to form a sense of events and displacement (items being moved). He is starting to understand patterns of behaviour and he can add up individual occurrences into a coherent series of events, over which he even has some measure of control! By endlessly experimenting with this exciting new concept, he starts to develop a sense of self that is separate from you, and that the external world is…

The human body's five senses are the tools your child uses to investigate, handle and understand the world and, closer to home, his immediate surroundings. You can help your little one develop his senses to their fullest potential and have fun while doing it. DID YOU KNOW? Humans can distinguish between 10 000 different sounds. HEARING The ability to listen closely is a skill that will make going to school one day a whole lot easier for your child, since much of the information he needs to learn is transmitted verbally, especially in the early years. Because it's so closely linked with communication, hearing plays an important role in the development of your child's personality as well as his behaviour. ACTIVITY 1 Play different sounds, like animal sounds, or noises…

Picking up a toy or bringing a piece of banana to the mouth may look simple to an observer, but it's actually a complicated task for your little one. He needs his eyes to see, his brain to process, interpret and understand what he's seen, and using that information, he must plan his next action. And on top of that his muscles must then work smoothly enough to be able to execute elegantly coordinated motor activities. Just think how many times a day your eyes and hands have to work together and you'll understand why you'd want your child to master this skill as well as possible. Hand-eye coordination is linked to fine motor control. This refers to the body's ability to control the tiny muscles in the hands, fingers…

BY WHAT AGE SHOULD MY BABY BE CRAWLING? Every baby is unique and develops at his or her own pace. Genes and personality play a role and that's why it is important to avoid comparisons. Having said that, babies are generally expected to start to crawl between six and nine months of age. If by 10 months your baby has not yet started doing so, consult a physio- or occupational therapist with a neurodevelopmental therapy (NDT) qualification. She will be able to evaluate your child and prescribe exercises to be done either at home or by a therapist. WHY IS CRAWLING SO IMPORTANT? ■Each developmental stage through which a baby passes lays foundations for the next one. Crawling is the precursor of standing up while holding onto furniture, cruising, and…

6 TO 12 MONTHS Your little baby has transformed into an explorer with an intense interest in the world around her. She loves playing with toys that can open and close, with buttons to press and bits to pull – and that have a reaction for her every action. She is refining her hand motor skills now too. Invest in toys that encourage her to make different movements. ■ Floating bath toys. Perceptual ability, fine motor skills, problem solving. ■ Shape sorters. Perceptual ability, fine motor skills, problem solving, object permanence. ■ Stacking bowls. Hand-eye coordination, colour recognition. ■ Stuffed toys and dolls. Touch, emotional security. ■ Wooden building blocks. Fine motor skills. ■ Shatterproof mirror. Self-awareness and social development. ■ Cloth, cardboard or plastic books. Social and language development,…

1 Make a blanket fort. Simply throw a blanket or two over a couple of chairs or tables. Your child will love her “house”. 2 Fill a bucket with water and add bubble bath and plastic toys. Just add your toddler – but it's a good idea to dress him in his swimming costume because he'll be soaked by the time he's done. Never leave your child near water unattended as this is a drowning risk. 3 Punch or cut differently-sized holes in an old shoe box. Now let your little one throw or squeeze a variety of small objects through the holes. 4 Make a collage for your child's playroom. Use different textures such as sandpaper, rice kernels, sponges, smooth paper, sweet wrappers and crinkle paper. Your child can…

RELEBOGILE WAS PREMATURE, RIGHT? When my waters broke on 31 December at only 26 weeks pregnant, I didn't think our little baby boy would make it. I had a very complicated pregnancy, and he has been a fighter from the day he was conceived. His little lungs needed to be boosted with steroids before the emergency c-section, and he was born on 2 January. WHAT HAPPENED THEN? He was in the neonatal ward for only 2 months, but it felt like a lifetime. He was so small, my husband's wedding ring could fit over his arm. His birth weight was 873g, but you would never say that now, as his current nickname is Chubby Cheeks! HOW DID YOU CHOOSE HIS NAMES? When we came out of the operating theatre, I…

A very big thank you to Clicks for the cashback my baby won for being the cover star of the Newborn Guide bagged with the previous issue! I can't believe that Your Pregnancy & Baby magazine chose my dear little son, Eckhart. We are super excited to use the cashback. You guys are awesome! WE'RE ONLINE! Social media Follow us on social media for regular updates. Said on social A few parenting truths that made us giggle. Told my 3-year-old he was my most favourite craft because I made him myself. Then he had a tantrum because I didn't add wheels to him and make him red. @stayathomies While leaving the grocery store, my toddler smelled food from the steakhouse next door and said, “That smells like it needs to…

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.…

Bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast (BRAT) were once recommended as a gentle diet for a child with diarrhoea, but now there is a new recommendation in town: CRAM. It stands for cereal, rice, apple sauce and milk and is a short-term dietary treatment for diarrhoea and gastroenteritis. It is considered to be nutritionally superior to the BRAT diet. Now you know! THE BLESSED BABIES OF BALI When Balinese babies are 105 days old, there is a sacred ceremony called Tiga Bulan, meaning three moons. Only after this ceremony will the baby's feet be allowed to touch the earth. Until that point, the baby is considered to be “of the heavens” and is always held in someone's arms. After the ceremony, the baby is “of the earth” and can be…

Give me the child until he is 7, and I will give you the man, the Catholic missionary Francis Xavier said in the 1500s, suggesting a belief that broadly remains with us to this day: that we play a crucial role in helping shape our children's world view, but that our influence tapers off as the years advance. Modern psychologists agree with the missionary in that they think that children under 7 accept the moral teaching of their parents, meaning that whatever they experience at home during that time is “normal” to them. Somewhere after that, they develop distance and the ability to reason morally for themselves. The Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget, who categorised the stages of childhood cognitive development, argued children can start internalising values between 7 and 12…

The human brain is a wonder of complexity: while awake, our brains generate enough energy to power a light bulb and are capable of processing information at a rate of 430kph. It's no wonder the brain is one of the very first organs to develop in the foetus – after all, it's the super computer that controls and coordinates every thought and action, for the rest of your life. IN THE BEGINNING A few weeks into your pregnancy, your baby's brain is already growing at an astonishing rate. At the peak of its development, an embryo's brain grows by 250 000 neurons a minute. Neurons are the specialised nerve cells that are found in our nervous system, and in our brains. They form what is also called grey matter. Although…

New moms tell us how their senses of smell and/or taste have changed while pregnant… “I used to love my fiancé's sweaty smell – I absolutely loved it when he'd come back from a workout. But then all of a sudden I hated it; his armpits or anyone's armpits – it was nauseating. And I could smell paint or petrol at the office before anyone else. It didn't make me vomit, just infinitely more aware of my surroundings.” JECEL AUSTRIA, ARCHITECT, MOM OF ONE BOY “I've always had a strong sense of smell, but one of the first clues I might be pregnant was that everything was strong smelling. I had to run to the bathroom on quite a few occasions. Once I even got sick in the sink while…

OUR EXPERT Q I am being sent for an MRI as my gynaecologist referred me to a foetal medicine specialist, who picked up that there is something wrong with my baby's brain. I'm so scared and worried that the scan can be harmful to my baby. ADR RAUBENHEIMER ANSWERS: When a couple discovers the baby that they carry has an abnormality, the impact is enormous and can be life changing. With a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the timing and route of delivery, as well as the neonatal care that will be required, can be planned in advance. Nothing is better than confirming a minor abnormality, with a good prognosis and giving parents some reassurance. An MRI can be done to confirm the abnormality, as well as to assess for abnormalities…

OUR EXPERT QI'm only seven weeks pregnant, but I'm already so very, very tired. I can barely keep my eyes open after lunch, and I have absolutely no pep whatsoever. If it goes on like this, I think I'll lose my job, and my relationship too, as I don't think I'll ever feel like sex again. This tiredness makes me very nervous about what's to come, as I can just imagine how tired I'm going to be when I have a big bump to lug around. ATINA SAYS: Fatigue is a natural and normal aspect of pregnancy. The fatigue of pregnancy serves to remind you exactly what a miracle your body is performing, and it's important to follow your body's cues and take heed. If you stop and consider what…

THE FEELS DOWN THERE If you have had a vaginal birth, with or without an episiotomy, you'll be feeling a little tender down there. This may last for a few days or perhaps a few weeks after the birth. This is understandable if you think about what has happened to the vaginal and perineal tissues as they stretched over your baby's head. If you tore slightly, or if you were cut, then the stitches can feel uncomfortable. Remember, the vagina is a muscle, and muscles stretch and can bounce back. Continue to do your Kegel exercises. After a vaginal birth, the thought of having a bowel movement is enough to cause immediate constipation. You're not sure if you want to sit on the bidet the entire day or to lie…

THE PROGRAMME Check with your doctor before beginning this or any other postnatal exercise programme. Wait at least six weeks after delivery, and longer if you had a caesarean section. Do all six moves in the order shown (one naturally leads into the next) every other day. Start by doing each exercise three to four times, and build up to 10 times, resting as needed. If you had ac-section, follow the special instructions in each caption until your incision has healed. Remember to have blankets and pillows handy for any modifications, as well as to prop up your baby for comfort. Stop, rest and nurse, or just hold your baby whenever you feel it's necessary. Have blankets or pillows handy for the moves and for any needed modifications, and to…

Fevers are completely healthy and normal, despite the depths of panic they send you into when your baby's thermometer reading is “sky high”. Simply put, fevers are a way of your baby's body telling you that something is going on. So the key in breaking fever is to treat what is actually causing it in the first place. The body's response differs from individual to individual, and the response to infection is no different. Depending on your baby's age, immunity, what's infecting her and other environmental issues, a fever is simply a rise in core body temperature in response to all these factors. WHAT DO FEVERS DO? The benefit of this rise in body temperature is two-fold: ■ Viruses, bacteria and other “nasties” – just like their hosts (you and…

We live in a world where we demand brilliance. As a parent, it is hard not to become caught up in the pressure to make sure you are doing, and being, everything you can for your baby and more. Moms and friends often ask me which toys are the best to buy, which apps they should download on their smartphones, and what they should be doing all day to entertain their babies and toddlers. The answer is always the same – keep it simple, and use what you have in your environment to play with your baby in order to develop his abilities. Not only is this a lot cheaper than fancy products, but it can be a lot more fun for both of you. Using household items as toys…

1. HAVE GROUND RULES Insist that fights will not be physical, or that certain toys need not be shared, or that both sides will be heard when children want to tattle tales. 2. ELIMINATE CHANCES FOR FIGHTING Even if this means buying items all of the same colour so they are identical. And when dividing treats, one child dishes up, the other one chooses. 3. SECRETLY ENCOURAGE COOPERATION Let your children take turns choosing an activity/TV programme, but let them know that they either all agree to it or the activity is cancelled for everyone. 4. REWARD POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR especially unexpectedly. “Wow, you guys shared that water slide so well. That's put me in such a good mood, I think we should go out to celebrate.”…

Friendships are one of the primary social anchors your child will have, and having strong social competency skills will help your child navigate the choppy waters of childhood friendships and way beyond. IT STARTS EARLIER THAN YOU THINK “When it comes to friendships, the initial attachments the child forms as a baby are very important,” says clinical psychologist Vanessa Hemp of the Child and Family Centre in Johannesburg. “The first three years of life build the capacity to connect and attach to others. A securely attached child will have the capacity to form secure relationships and get pleasure from those relationships,” she explains. The securely attached child has a caregiver who is tuned into him and able to give him what he needs by responding to his primary needs, including…

It's so tricky though, because once you've told your child that her pet is dead, you then need to explain what that actually means. And explaining what death is can be quite a daunting task when you're dealing with a little person. “Again, you have to just tell the truth. Give them the basic facts. Tell your child that her pet doesn't breathe anymore, that she's never going to see it again, and that it's never coming back,” stresses Jodi. Even if you don't believe in “doggy heaven”, it might be a good idea to tell your child that her pet has gone to heaven. It really does depend on your spirituality and beliefs. “While a toddler won't grasp concepts such as the afterlife, children need closure, and a happy…

6 MONTHS Your baby is starting to sit on his own. He can lift his head, chest and shoulders off the floor and is starting to look like he wants to crawl. He actively rolls around. He can move an object from one hand to the other and is even trying to feed himself. When you're feeding him, he'll probably start grabbing at the jar or spoon. 7 MONTHS At month seven, your baby is busy moving his one knee ever closer to his tummy – a precursor to crawling. He can roll like a boss and can bring his foot to his mouth. He's beginning to play with his toys more intentionally by shaking them or banging them together. He can pull toys and he's dropping them less and…

Becoming a parent means that you have access to an unlimited number of hugs every day. You get to cradle your newborn gently in your arms or grab your busy toddler for a big bear hug. Have you ever wondered about the impact this has on your little one? The benefits of human contact have been well researched and the effects of regular, caring touch are not just physical; they are psychological too. Touch can even help build a good immune system, decrease the risk of heart disease, and decrease levels of stress, for parents and babies. Without nurturing touch, a baby's brain will not develop optimally. Children need to feel safe and experience trust. So cuddle and bond, and build a loving foundation for learning. DID YOU KNOW? Of…

Achild's gross motor skills development entails learning to use the muscles that control the head, shoulders, arms, back and legs in such a way that he can execute movements accurately and with exact timing. When your child is acquiring these skills, his muscles learn to cooperate with his brain and nervous system to make his body do what he wants it to do. Gross motor skills include balance, eye-hand and eye-foot coordination, integrating his left and right side, strong muscles that can resist pressure, and an awareness of where his body parts are in relation to himself (and space) even when he can't see them. These key skills are what help your baby make sense of his world and how to move around in it. And as much as we…

CHILDREN WHO WALK EARLY Early walkers are those who learn this skill before their first birthday. Some even walk as early as nine months, probably for inherited or genetic reasons. The part of the brain that controls walking matures faster in early walkers than in other children. Early walkers are usually also fearless and determined. Interestingly enough, girls usually start walking earlier than boys, although nobody really knows why. Remember that it's not necessarily an advantage to walk very early. If a child is already walking at nine months, it's likely he spent only a short time crawling. This can become a problem if your baby did not get a chance to develop good shoulder stability. By the age of six years you could see the knock-on effect in his…

IN AND AROUND THE HOUSE ■ Cover exposed wall plugs so that baby's fingers don't end up in the small holes. ■ Install baby gates at the top of stairs or at balconies where a baby might fall. Ensure the bars are not so wide apart that baby might squeeze through. ■ Keep dustbins out of baby's reach and invest in tightly fitting dustbin lids. ■ For now, take tall lamps out of your lounge. It's not worth baby pulling the stand over and injuring himself, or breaking a window. ■ Remember that many common South African plants are poisonous when ingested, and others pose a choking hazard. Screen your potplants. ■ Keep all electrical cords and cables (from your landline, computer, lamps, stereos and other devices) well out of…

RULE #1 Never leave your baby alone in the bath! CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME Some parents prefer to bath their babies in the late afternoon, because then it'sticked off the to-do list early and you have the rest of the evening available to do other stuff. Other parents prefer first to complete the day's chore list, feed and then bath their precious. Fit the activity into your day as you wish, depending on the unique needs of your family. Some babies and toddlers are so tired by the time they've had their supper that they need to go to sleep immediately afterwards – and hungry children are also not happy children! So you'll need to fit bathing in to suit your child's supper time and schedule. RULE #2 Always first…