babyonline.co.za

2011-09-29T23:50:00.000-07:00

My 2 year old has eczema... it is a nightmare to watch him suffer. What can I do?
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) is the most common skin condition in children under 5. It’s an itchy rash that gets worse when scratched or rubbed. The majority of cases develop during the first year and most often affects children with a family history of allergies. Medical help is essential and treatment usually includes antibiotics and steroid creams for inflammation as well as antihistamines for itching which helps with sleeping at night. If a food allergy is suspected then food testing and an elimination diet is recommended. Dairy and eggs are often the most common food culprits but not always; followed by soy, wheat, peanuts and fish. A recent study shows that vitamin C can be helpful, but check with your doctor. In the meantime here are some things you can do to alleviate your toddler’s symptoms.
1. Prevent scratching by clipping your toddler’s nails very short.
2. Reduce baths to no more than 5 minutes; avoid very hot baths. Don’t use soap on the affected area. Try using a mild cleanser (Dove or Neutrogena). Long baths causes the skin to dehydrate and prune, which disturbs the moisture layer of the skin. Avoid rubbing the skin and pat dry. Apply a doctor recommended moisturiser after the bath. (Do not use vegetable fats or oils).
3. Add a soothing colloidal oatmeal bath product to the bath water or make your own, see below.
4. During a flare-up apply cool compresses, and then moisturise.
5. Choose cotton organic clothes for softness and breathability, rather than wool or synthetics.
6. Be scrupulously hygienic to avoid the open sores from becoming infected. Ensure that any caregiver at school or otherwise is advised of the extra need for hygiene.
7. Wash clothes with a soap based product ie a non bio detergent.
8. Use a humidifier to moisturise the air in the room where he sleeps. Reduce situations which cause sweating.
Make your own oatmeal bath. For toddlers use 1 cup oatmeal (any oats, quick or slow). For babies 1/3 cup.
Blend the oats on the highest setting in a food blender until powder fine. To test whether fine enough, stir 1 tablespoon of the fine oats into a glass of warm water. The oats should readily absorb into the water which then becomes milky and feels silky. If not, continue blending.
Sprinkle the oatmeal into the bath while the tap is still running and swirl around with your hand. Break up any clumps. Note; the oatmeal colloid will make the bath slippery, so support your child so that he doesn’t slip. Bath for 5 minutes. Pat dry with a soft towel.

2011-08-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

Nappy Changing Etiquette:

You may think that changing your baby's nappy while out in public is no big deal, but many people are not happy to witness this baby custom.

That's why it's very important to ask yourself, "Who might be offended if I change my baby's nappy right here, right now?" This may seem like a common sense thing to you, but you'd be surprised at how many parents are discourteous of others when it comes to changing their baby's nappies while away from home. You should also consider the health implications for both your baby and those of others.

Parents have been seen changing their baby’s nappies on mall benches, park benches, library floors and other very inappropriate places. Nappies are germy and that's why you should always change your baby in the bathroom wherever possible when you're away from home. Baby changing stations aren't always sanitary, so it’s important to remember your changing mats, like Cherubs Care Mats – they are disposable changing mats which provide a clean, hygienic surface for care-free nappy changes. Give your baby a toy or something to hold onto to so that they don’t touch the wall but also always remember to wash your and your baby’s hands after every nappy change.

If you're at a friend or family member’s house, they probably won't mind if you change your baby's nappy on the floor or bed (as long as you have a change mat) but always ask first.
There will undoubtedly be times where you will have to make do in a less than ideal situation. Use your best judgment and be sanitary. If you're in a pinch or if there is not a bathroom around, go to your car to change your baby or another safe well lit area away from large groups of people. Always carry disposable hand wipes in case there is nowhere that you can wash your hands – we suggest Cherubs Kiddies Wipes, affectionately known as ‘Sticky Fingers’, they are alcohol free and moisturised for gentle yet thorough cleansing.

What to do with the dirty nappy… Well, obviously if your baby wears cloth nappies you’ll need to contain the wet nappy in a plastic bag to take home. Disposables should first be placed in a nappy sack before being thrown in the garbage bin. Nappy sacks are a hygienic and fragrant way to dispose of soiled nappies. Try Cherubs Perfumed Nappy Sacks – they seal in wetness and bacteria, neutralise odours and makes visiting or travelling with baby a pleasure.Why practice nappy etiquette? The bulk of germs are hiding where you least suspect - playground equipment, the phone receiver, ATMs, and elevator buttons. People have a false sense of security when it comes to germs. 80% of infections are spread by hand. The solution is proper hand hygiene. In public places, playground equipment, escalator handrails, shopping trolley handles, picnic tables, and Port-A-Potties are top germ carriers.

Practicing nappy etiquette is just common courtesy. It assures that you won't offend others and most importantly that you don't spread germs!

For further information please contact sales@unsgaard.co.zaOr visit our website at www.cherubs.co.za

2011-06-30T05:20:00.000-07:00

Work – The downside of working from home:

I have been lucky enough to be able to carry on with my job from home. But I am finding it really hard to keep my self esteem up. I miss the office banter, and oddly enough, the office politics. When I find myself at lunch time and I am still in my pyjamas, and the shoulders are full of baby throw-up, I just feel disgusted with myself. I feel annoyed that I am so ungrateful because I do realise how lucky I am to be able to work from home. Any suggestions?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. It is hard to remember who you are when you haven’t slept well and you are trying to be everything to everyone. There is no doubt that working from home is not easy. There is no clear cut division between work and home, and so you find yourself torn between the work you are completing and the washing which is waiting to be hung out!
Perhaps what you need is to schedule regular work meetings, say once or twice a week. Find a suitable carer for your child for a couple of hours, and go to the office. It will help to get some routine into your day and motivate you to actually brush your hair!

Other than that you have to be a bit firmer with yourself. You will look back at this time and long for the days when you could still be in your pyjamas at lunch time. But if it makes you feel horrible, then you will have to get your routine a bit tighter and include shower time for the mommy, so that you are dressed and at the computer like a normal working person.

Walking- Helping the process

2011-06-02T02:06:00.000-07:00

The first thing you can do is stop putting pressure on baby. The baby will walk when he is ready, and if you try to speed that process up you can actually end us making baby anxious, and then he will take longer to walk as he will have to recover his confidence. This is especially the case if you try and speed him up and he has a nasty fall.

The speed at which you baby takes to walking is related to his genetics, his build and his personality. A plump and quiet little chap is unlikely to walk before a lively bouncy handful of a baby with a thin build. Some babies are willing to explore and risk more easily than others. The other interesting thing is that babies who are accomplished crawlers can take longer to learn to walk, as they may be perfectly content to crawl as it gets them around so well. There are babies that never really enjoy crawling or don’t quite master it. For these babies, the urge to walk may be stronger.

What you can do is make sure that baby has all the opportunities he needs to progress at his own pace. Make your home safe for crawling and for cruising – the furniture walking that babies love so much. Loose rugs, wobbly or delicate furniture and breakables will all have to be put away temporarily. Make your home as easy as possible for baby to thrive in. Let baby go barefoot as much as possible – it helps him to grip and balance without slippery socks or chunky shoes to hinder him. Have study furniture for him to hold onto, and have some pieces of furniture close enough together that he can move across the gaps easily. This is an aid to balance skills.
Sometimes parents rely on things like play pens and walking rings too much, without realising that this can interfere with baby’s progress. Make sure that you baby does not spend more than a little time in each of these every day.

If you baby isn’t walking by the time he is eighteen months old, it is worth having him checked out. The fact is, many babies do not walk till they are close to two, but for your own peace of mind it is a good idea. If there is a problem, picking it early can be a bonus in addressing it.

Causes of headaches during pregnancy

2010-05-26T07:14:00.000-07:00

Headaches are, as most as other sensations in pregnancy, caused by hormones. But in addition there could be reasons like low blood sugar, dehydration, caffeine withdrawal and stress, especially related to insomnia. Nevertheless it is not unusual to get headaches in pregnancy and mostly it improves as the pregnancy progresses.

First Birthday!

2010-04-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

The ideal party for a one year old includes a few select guests who are familiar to the party person. Keep décor simple, and make sure that the food is suitable for tiny guests. This means that the adults will have to forgo the salted peanuts and other snacks that could cause choking. Do not be tempted to get in entertainers such as clowns – there will be plenty of time for that in the years to come, and your one year old is just as likely to be terrified by a clown as thrilled by it. Try not to put too much pressure on baby to perform for the crowd. Let baby be himself and enjoy the things he wants to do – even if that is just to play with the discarded wrapping paper. It’s baby’s day – so make it an easy one for him to enjoy!

Advantages of Bottle Feeding

2010-04-06T02:13:00.000-07:00

For some women there are feelings or circumstances which make bottle feeding preferable. Formulas have become increasingly sophisticated and are highly nutritious. Babies who are bottle fed take longer to digest their food due to its inherent nature… so the four hour gap between feeds can be a blessing to both mother and baby. Night feeds can be carefully scheduled and helpers can be employed to deal with some of the feeds. In addition you will be able to keep close track of exactly how much formula your baby has drunk – which can be enormously reassuring to a new mother.

Hypospadias

2010-03-04T02:41:00.000-08:00

Every now and again, something goes a little wrong during thr prenatal development of the urethra (tube that carried urine and semen) and the penis. This condition is called hypospadias and affects approximately 1 in 200 newborn boys.

First degree hypospadias, in which the urethral opening is at the end of the penis but not exactely in the right place, is considered a minor defect and requires no treatment. Second degree hypospadias, in whuch the opening is along the underside of the shaft of the penis, and third degree hypospadias, in which the opening is near the scrotum, can be corrected with reconstructive surgery.

Because the foreskin may be used for the reconstruction, circumcision, even ritual circumcision, is not performed on a baby with hypospadias. Sometimes, a girl is born with hypospadias, with the urethra opening into the vagina. This too, is usually correctable with surgery.

For more of your baby concerns answered, visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

To smack or not to smack

2010-02-19T03:12:00.000-08:00

Although the act of smacking has been passed along from generation to generation, many experts agree that it is not an effective way to discipline a child. Children that are smacked may refrain from repeating a bad act rather than risk getting another smack, but they obey only as long as the risk is present.

Research shows that the short-term benefit of smacking - instant obedience is outweighed by the potential long-term risks. Smacking has shown to promote violence, aggression and other antisocial behaviour, for another, smacking teaches that the best way to solve a problem is with force, and prevents them from learning more constructive ways to deal with frustration and anger.

For more advice on discipline visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Choosing a name for baby

2010-02-03T01:45:00.000-08:00

Many are unhappy with their own name, but how can we be sure our baby won't be unhappy with the name we choose?

To a newborn baby a name doesn't mean much, but once friends begin to play a bigger role in your child's life usually during primary school negative feelings to the name you selected may emerge. Though there really is no way to ensure baby will love for a lifetime the name you choose, great thought when selecting a name might help lessen negativity later on.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing a name for your baby:

make sure both you and your spouse like the name

select a meaningful name

select a name that fits e.g. Melanie for example, which means "dark" would be fitting for a dark-haired girl

how will the name sound to others? are there any possible hidden meanings or soundalike words that might someday embarass your child?

include a middle name so that if your child turns out to be unhappy with his first name, the middle name can be used

consider choosing a name that's easy to say and spell

avoid the trendy or the political names

use a real name instead of a diminutive e.g Robert not Bob

if you don't want your child to be one of five John's in the class, avoid picking a name from the year's "top ten "

consider family feelings, but don't let them dominate
be sure the name or names are euphonic with the last name and with each other

For more baby name tips visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Swollen Scrotum

2010-01-26T23:01:00.000-08:00

Are you a little worried about your son's huge scromtum?

...well the good news is that there is nothing to be concerned about. A boy's testicles are encased in a protective pouch called the scrotum, which is filled with a bit of fluid to cushion them. Sometimes a child is born with an excessive amount of fluid in the scrotal sac, making it appear swollen. This condition is called hydrocele and gradually resolves during the first year mostly without any treatment.

Remember to point the swelling to your doctor to ensure what you see isn't a inguinal hernia (more likely if there is also tenderness, redness and discolouration), which can appear similar to hydrocele.

For more of your baby concerns answered visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Rare birth disorders: Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome

2010-01-26T00:18:00.000-08:00

What is RTS?
Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome (RTS) is a genetic multi-system disorder characterised by facial abnormalities, broad thumbs and great toes, and mental retardation.
In many cases, RTS is caused by a deletion or mutation in the short arm (p) of chromosome 16. RTS is found equally in both males and females and is considered to be a rare syndrome, occurring in 1 out of every 100,000 to 300,000 live births.

Features and characteristics
There are many characteristics associated with RTS. Not every individual has all the characteristics, however, the following is a list of traits that have been reported:

Broad thumbs and/or toes (sometimes angulated)
Mental retardation (from mild to severe)
Beaked nose
Short stature (delayed bone age)
Broad nasal bridge
Malformed ears
High arched palate
Widely spaced eyes
Downward slant of eyes
Extra fold of skin on either side of the nose
Strabismus
Droopy eyelids
Heavy or highly arched eyebrows
Small head (microcephaly)
Small lower jaw
Flat red birthmark on forehead
Hyperextensible joints
Small tilted pelvis
Hairiness
Undescended testicles in males
Feeding difficulties
Respiratory infections
Eye infections
Cardiac anomalies
Vertebral abnormalities
Gastroesophageal reflux and vomiting
Kidney abnormalities
Orthopedic problems

Diagnosis
The diagnosis of RTS can be made following a complete clinical exam (including X-rays of the hands and feet for bone malformations, a CT-scan or MRI for characteristic brain malformations, an EEG for electrical activities of the brain, and an EKG or echocardiogram for congenital heart defects). RTS may also be confirmed by FISH studies, which could possibly detect a deletion or mutation in chromosome 16p. While some children with more severe characteristics can be diagnosed at birth, others who are more mildly affected (lacking severe medical problems, extreme physical characteristics, or moderate to severe mental retardation) may not be diagnosed until adolescence.

Treatment
Most children with RTS will benefit from an early intervention programme with an emphasis on speech therapy, as speech is typically an area of slower development. Additionally, some children with RTS will not be able to speak verbally and may need to learn sign language as an alternative form of communication. Some children with skeletal abnormalities may also benefit from physical and occupational therapy.

What to expect
Individuals with RTS are usually happy, social people. Children with RTS love to touch anything and enjoy manipulating objects. They typically enjoy books, water, people, and music. Children with RTS usually will learn to crawl between 1 and 2 years of age and walk between 2 to 4 years of age. Their receptive skills are typically much higher than expressive skills (they can understand most of what is said to them but may not be able to express themselves).

Most children with RTS will need to be in a special education programme and will need assistance with feeding and dressing.

For more info on common birth defects visit www.babyonline.co.za

Is leaking milk from breasts normal?

2010-01-25T02:01:00.000-08:00

The first few weeks of nursing are almost always very damp ones, with milk leaking, dripping or even spraying frequently. The leaks spring anytime, anywhere, and normally without warning!

Because leaking is a physical process that has a strong mind connection, you're most likely to leak when you're thinking about baby, talking about your baby, or hearing your baby cry. A warm shower may sometimes stimulate the drip, too. But you may also find yoursefl springing leaks at very randon times, even when baby is not on your mind. Milk may also drip when you're late for a feeding.

Living with leaking breasts isn't fun nor comfortable but this is a common side-effect of breastfeeding.

Here are 6 tips to try to help deal with leaking breasts:

1. keep a stash of nursing pads on you
2. If you find you drip alot at night, line your bra with extra nursing pads before going to bed

3. Opt for prints especially dark ones, these camouflage the milk stains best

4. Don't pump to prevent leaking, it will stimulate more milk.

5. Apply pressure - you can try stem the leak when you feel it starting by pressuring your nipples or folding your arms tightly across your breasts.

For more handy tips to deal with the side-effects of breastfeeding visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

The most common birth disorders: Autism

2010-01-13T23:02:00.000-08:00

What is it?
An inablity, which dates from birth or develops within the first two and half years of life, to develop normal humna relationships, even with parents.

There are great differences among children with autism. Some who are midly affected may exhibit only slight language delays and greater challenges with social interactions. Others who are more severely affected don't smile or respond to parents or anyone else in any way and dislike being picked up or touched. Often there are extreme problems with speaking, stange positions and mannerisms, erratic and inappropriate behaviour and, sometimes self destructiveness. The child may have normal intelligence but appear to be retarded or deaf.

How common is it?
There are an estimated 2 - 6 cases per 1000 babies

What causes it?
Autism has no single cause. Researches have identified a number of genes that play a role in the disorder. In some children environmental factors (including maternal smoking while pregnant) may also play a role. Autiem may also be cuased by a combination of biological factors, including exposure to a virus before birth, a problem with immune system or genetics.

Treatment
At present there is no cure, but some children have been helped with behaviour modification therapy, stimulation, special training and sometimes drugs.

Visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/for more common birth disorders

The return visit of Aunty Flo!

2009-12-09T01:15:00.000-08:00

There aren't any set formulas for determining when a nursing mother will resume her periods.

Some women produce enough oestrogen to begin menstruating again even before they've weaned their babies, sometimes as early as 6 weeks - 3 months postnatal. But others, particularly those who have breastfed for a long time, nursed exclusively or had irregular menstrual periods before pregnancy, will have a break from menstruation until 7 months after they've weaned. Be sure, however, that you're eating enough and haven't been losing weight too quickly; as strenuous dieting especially when combined with strenuous exercising can temporarily hold off the return of the menstrual cycle.

Keep in mind that just because you're not getting your period doesn't mean you can't get pregnant again!

For more of your post-pregnancy concerns answered visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

How long to feed?

2009-12-02T04:27:00.000-08:00

Many believe that keeping initial feedings short (5 minutes on each breast) can prevent sore nipples by allowing them to toughen up slowly.

Would you believe that sore nipples actually result from incorrect positioning of the baby on the breast, than length of feeding. So as long as your positioning is correct, there is no need to reduce the time your baby spends on the breast. Instead, follow your babies own nursing pattern.

Be warned, some newborns an take up to 45 minutes to complete a feeding (average time is 20 - 30 minutes). So don't stop baby from feeding after 15 minutes on breast one, rather wait until he seems ready to quit and then offer the second breast.

Ideally, at least one breast should be emptied at each feeding. A good tip is to fasten a safety pin to your nursing bra on the side you started with at the previous feeding, or you can tuck a nursing pad in your bra cup on that side.

For more breastfeeding tips visit htto://www.babyonline.co.za/

Baby Pimples

2009-12-02T01:11:00.000-08:00

No need to grab the Clearasil after spotting a few whiteheads on baby's face.

These blemishes are temporary and not a sign of future complexion trouble. The best treatment for these milia, which are caused by clogging of the newborns immature oil glands, is no treatment at all - avoid the temptation to squeeze, scrub or treat. They'll disappear spontaneously, usually within a few weeks.

For more useful baby info visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Morning Sickness linked to higher child IQ

2009-10-22T05:26:00.000-07:00

Researchers have found that among 121 children between the ages of 3 and 7, those whose mothers had suffered morning sickness scored higher on average, on certain IQ tests, memory and language skills.

The findings also suggest that nausea and vomiting in pregnancy is not harmful and in fact may enhance children's long-term mental development.

Nausea and vomiting during pregnancy is quite common, especially during the first trimester as it is related to changes in particular hormones that are needed for the placenta's development.

Past studies have also linked morning sickness to lower rates of miscarriage, stillbirth and preterm delivery.

For more of your pregnancy concerns answered visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

What to avoid when breastfeeding

2009-10-06T04:37:00.000-07:00

While breastfeeding there are a number of substances that are smart to avoid, or at least cut-back on.

Nicotine: many of the toxic substances in tobacco enter the bloodstream and eventually your milk. Heavy smoking decreases milk production and can cause vomiting, diarrhoea, rapid heart rate and restlessness in babies. Secondhand smoke from parents can also cause a variety of health problems in offspring including, colic, respiratory infections and an increase in the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Alcohol: Alcohol does find its way into your breast milk in lesser amounts than you drink. While it's okay to have a few drinks a week, you should try to limit your consumption of alcohol while nursing. In large amounts, alcohol can make baby sleepy, sluggish and unresponsive. In excessive amounts it can even affect breathing.

Caffeine: One or two cups of coffee, tea or coca cola a day won't affect your baby or you. More than that could make one or both of you jittery, irritable and sleepless. caffeine has also been linked to reflux in some babies.

Herbs: Although natural, herbs aren't always safe especially when breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedy and think twice before drinking herbal teas.

Chemicals: As a general rule, avoid processed foods that contain long lists of additives, and try the following safe eating tips:

Sweeten safely. Aspartame is probably better than saccharin (only a tiny amount of aspartame pass into breast milk), but because long-term health affects aren't know, excess is definitely a "no". However Sucralose, made from sugar is a better option out of the two.

Go organic. Try to avoid incidental pesticides by choosing organic fruit and veg.

Stay low-fat. Not only does a low-fat diet help you loose your pregnancy weight, but pesticides and other chemicals ingested by animals are stored in their fat.

Fish selectively.To minimize your and your baby's exposure to mercury avoid eating shark, swordfish, marlin, ling mackerel and tile fish, and limit your consumption to 340g per week of salmon, sea bass, flounder, sole, haddock, halibut, ocean perch, pollack, cod and farm-raised trout. The FSA also advises that you don't eat more than 280g of canned tuna, or one fresh tuna steak per week.

For more healthy eating tips while breastfeeding visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Jealous Pooch & Baby

2009-09-24T00:01:00.000-07:00

Sharing the love and intention between an intensely jealous pooch and that tiny but threatening new human you'll soon be bringing home from the hospital is worrisome.

Though a little initial moping around my be unavoidable, you'll have to do whatever is necessary to avoid excessive jealousy and more seriously any aggressive reactions. Here's how:

If you dog isn't already trained, invest in an obedience training programme.
Get your dog use to babies now

Get your dog used to life with a baby in the house - play baby with a doll

Get your dog used to sleeping alone

Take your dog for a complete medical checkup. Be sure your dog is flea, tick and worm-free

If you dog's feeding station is one your baby will later be able to easily get to, move it to the garage or any other suitable place that doesn't attract the curious roamer.

After delivery, but while you're still in hospital have your spouse bring home an unwashed piece of clothing your newborn has worn so that your pet can get used to your baby's scent.

Be attentive to your baby, but don't act overprotective around your dog. This will only make your pet more jealous and insecure.

If despite your efforts to prepare her, your dog is still hostile towards the new arrival keep her tied up and away from the baby. Just because your dog hasn't bitten before doesn't mean she's not capable of it.

To ease more of your baby related concerns visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Baby's First Recipes - Carrots & Apples

2009-09-15T05:25:00.000-07:00

Carrots and Apple
Suitable for babies 6 months and up; yields 32 tablespoons

Ingredients:
1 bag peeled baby carrots
½ Golden Delicious peeled and diced
1 pinch ground ginger (optional)

Directions:
1. Place carrots in a pan with a steamer basket. Add enough water so that it just comes to the bottom of the basket. Bring to a slow boil, cover and steam for 5 minutes.
2. Add diced apple and steam for 10 minutes more. Transfer to a blender and reserve the steaming liquid.
3. Add ginger (optional) and 1/2 cup of reserved liquid; puree until smooth and desired consistency. Add more liquid if necessary.
4. Cool to room temperature. Divide into ice cube trays, cover with plastic wrap and freeze.

For more easy recipes visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Baby's First Recipes - Stewed Fruit

2009-09-08T05:17:00.000-07:00

Stewed Fruit

Suitable for babies 4-8 months old.
Makes 1-2 cups, depending on the fruit used.

Ingredients:

2 fresh apples, pears, peaches or plums, or 3-5 apricots, well scrubbed, peeled, cored or pitted and cut into medium-size chunks.
Water, apple or white grape juice, breast milk or formula (optional)

Method:

Pour water to a depth of 2.5cm into a medium-size saucepan and bring to the boil over a high heat.

Place the fruit of choice in the pan, cover, lower the heat to a simmer and cook the fruit until tender, 7-10 minutes.

Note:

Most fruits are naturally sweet. If a fruit puree you are serving tastes a little bitter, add a dash of apple or grape juice. But remember, babies haven't developed a sweet tooth yet and it's best to keep it that way for as long as you can, by keeping fruits not too sweet.

For more on baby, visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Dieting and Pregnancy...is it good for you?

2009-08-31T03:28:00.000-07:00

Almost all medical expert condemn dieting during pregnancy for the simple reason that dieting can affect the quality of nutrition a baby receives.

Normal-Weight Women

Women who are not obese are not encouraged to go on a pregnancy diet, as a lack of nutrition may have a a negative impact on baby. Research has found that children of women who had the lowest calories intake had thicker arteries, regardless of their mother's weight, health, whether she smoked or exercised during pregnancy. Birth defects have also been linked to pregnancy diets. dieting during pregnancy increases the risk of neutral tube defects, in which the spinal cord and brain don't fully develop.

Obese Women

In the past, obese women were often advised to either lose weight during pregnancy or to maintain their pregnancy weight, even though they tend not to gain as much weight during pregnancy as smaller women. however, obese pregnant women are more likely to experience complications during pregnancy such as, hypertension, gestational diabetes and more likely to require a C-section. while some doctors encourage weight lose, most feel this could be dangerous. Undernourished babies are more likely to be born prematurely. Pregnancy diets also increase risk of infant mortality.

Lifestyle Diets
Most doctors agree that lifestyle or fad diets e.g the Atkins, Zone or South Beach Diet should not be followed while pregnant.

Eating a well-balanced meal is key to staying healthy during pregnancy and ensuring your baby develops properly. Vitamins such as a prenatal multivitamin, plus a daily mineral supplement are encouraged. Folic acid supplements are also important.

For more pregnancy info visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Parental Nudity

2009-08-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

Worried about getting dressed in front of your baby? Wondering how long should I let him see me naked?

Experts agree that up until the preschool years, parental nudity won't affect a child in any way i.e beyond the age of 3 or 4. At that point, many believe, it may not be healthy for children to see parents of the opposite sex fully naked.

An infant under a year is too young to remember year's later what he has seen and is unlikely to notice anything special about mom's birthday suit!

If your baby is curious about what he sees, and wants to touch your public hair or pull your nipples, feel free to end any exploration that bothers you. His interest in the private parts of your body is, after all, just as innocent as being interested in your belly button or ears.

For more of your baby concerns answered visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Baldy Baby

2009-08-17T05:44:00.000-07:00

Tired of hearing "what a cute little boy" whenever you're out with your cute little girl? If your daughter was born bald and still has little more than peach fuzz...don't worry the days of pretty bows, pig-tails and plaits will soon come.

Like toothlessness, hairlessness at an early age is normal and not permanent. Hairlessness is most common among fair babies with light hair and is not a forecast of scarce hair later in life.
In no time hair strands will sprout with most of them arriving as late as 2 years old in some cases.

In the meantime just be grateful you don't have to wrestle to comb or wash a tangled headful of hair!

For more of your baby concerns answered visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Is Your Baby a Chubby Checker?

2009-08-04T02:34:00.000-07:00

With dimples on knees and elbows, a Buddha belly, double chin and puffy cheeks, she is a picture of absolute cuteness, but could this be the way to becoming a fat child and an obese adult?

One study has found that babies who put on weight fast in their first 4 months may be at an increased risk of obesity later on in life. The baby who is too heavy to move may become victim to a vicious cycle of inactivity and overweight. The more chubbier baby is, the less she moves and the more chubbier she will get. Her inability to move will make her frustrated and irritable, which may lead to parents overfeeding her to keep her happy.

The prescription for a chubby baby is not usually a diet, but rather slowing down the rate of weight gain. Here are a few tips to help with this:

Use feeding only to satisfy hunger and not other needs.

Make dietary adjustments if necessary e.g. switch to low calorie formula or use skimmed milk.

Try water for a overweight older baby who wants to keep sucking after her appetite has been satisfied, or who is thirsty rather than hungry.

Don't give solids prematurely as a way to encourage sleeping through the night - it doesn't work and may lead to overweight.

Evaluate your baby's diet. If you've already started your baby on solids and she's taking more than just a few spoonfuls of cereal, reduce the milk intake. Cut back on solids if you have started them prematurely (most experts recommend not starting solids until 6 months). If baby is taking juices (which shouldn't be before the age of 6 months) dilute them. and don't put thin cereal in a bottle for feeding.

Get your baby moving e.g. let your "stand" on your lap and bounce

For more tips on how to keep baby healthy and happy visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Baby on the Way? ...Get Ready for a Lifestyle Change!

2009-07-28T05:06:00.000-07:00

After much procrastination, a friend of mine has finally decided to start trying for a baby. Being a person accustomed to a certain lifestyle, I wondered does she really know how much her life is going to be turned upside down?

They say change is as good as a holiday, but when baby arrives it's anything but a holiday!
Many women I feel are still disillusioned and believe life will carry on as always, but the reality is that nappies aren't the only things that will be changing around your house when baby arrives.

Almost everything of your lifestyle - from your priorities to your attitudes, from your sleeping patterns to your eating patterns, from the way you spend yours nights and weekends, from romance to finance -will change, to some degree. Dinner outs may still happen, but fewer of them will be at the latest trendy social spots and more of them at family-style restaurants with high chairs and play areas. Late nights in are likely to replace the late nights out and spontaneous lovemaking is less likely than scheduled "time slots" around baby's nap.

Yes, little babies make a big difference in how you live your life. But while every couple finds that their lifestyle changes somewhat once they become parents, just how much yours will change will depend on you, your spouse, and your baby (some babies are more adaptable than others).

So it's a good idea to emotionally prepare yourself for these lifestyle changes, although it's difficult to exactly predict how hard parenthood will hit you until your little bundle of joy arrives. Remember change is not only challenging but exciting too! Though your life will be different, it will also be in many ways more fulfilling...ask any parent.

Have more baby related questions? Visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Pink or Blue?

2009-07-23T03:16:00.000-07:00

Are you expecting? Can't wait to find out what you are having? Good news, you only have to wait in anticipation for 8 weeks.

A safe, non-invasive test that can determine a baby's gender at a mere 8 weeks into pregnancy, has been made available in South Africa by local firm, DNAlysis Biotechnology. The new Pink or Blue test determines the baby's sex by characterising minute quantities of foetal cellular material which is released into the maternal bloodstream as part of normal foetal developement. A small sample of blood is drawn for this purpose.

The advantage of the Pink or Blue test is that not only is it available earlier than any of the other methods, but it is more accurate than ultrasound, which depends largely on the position of the baby at that particular time. The Pink or Blue results are available within 4 - 5 working days and is accurate 95% of the time.

For parents who are carriers of sex-linked disorders, such as muscular dystrophy, early gender identification of the foetus is invaluable.

For more info, visit http://www.dnalysis.co.za/

Why Buy Expensive Toys for Kids?

2009-07-21T02:43:00.000-07:00

A friend sent me this video clip, it's just too cute not to share :)
Why buy expensive toys for kids when the simplest things amuse them.
Why Buy Expensive Toys for Kids?

Feeding Bottles - Picking the Right One

2009-07-20T01:38:00.000-07:00

Never did I imagine that buying a baby feeding bottle would be such a daunting task.

With the wide array of brands out there all promising to be "THE" bottle it's easy to feel completely clueless as to which one is best for baby.

Recently a friend introduced me to Dr Brown's Natural Flow baby bottle. Your probably thinking not another glorified feeding bottle, cutely packaged, doing the same thing as all the others.
Well here's why I think this particular brand is so great:

The Dr. Brown's Natural Flow baby bottle is the first baby bottle to feature an internal vent system that eliminates the vacuum, air bubbles and negative pressure associated with conventional bottle feeding. This unique design gives moms the only fully vented bottle option that creates positive pressure or Natural Flow, that actually mimics breastfeeding - it is the only bottle that works in this way.

Some of the health benefits include:

1. postive-pressure feeding
2. helps reduce colic

3. prevents oxidation of nutrients (Vitamin C, A & E) found in formula or breastmilk

4. bottles are made of BPA-free polypropylene plastic or BPA-free borosilicate glass

To view available accessories, or for more info on Dr Brown's Natural Flow baby bottle visit http://www.handi-craft.com/home.html

Forgetfulness

2009-07-14T04:08:00.000-07:00

Wondering why can’t your child remember when you ask him to do something? And when you ask him what he did at playschool, he cannot remember.

Although a toddler (unlike young babies) can store information, they often have problems in retrieving that information from their memory banks. Until their concentration increases they often forget what you've just told them. eg. don't walk on the floor, it's wet. Getting distracted is easy… he wants to get to the toy on the other side of the wet floor. So repeat instructions regularly and try to be tolerant. Limit your instructions to one or two at a time and keep them simple; please pick up your toy and put it in the box.

Retelling information, ie. what he did at school, will also improve as he gets older. In fact, expect the time soon when he will tell you countless, long, long stories.

It is important not to show irritation when your child cannot remember. As he grows so will his powers of remembering. If you'd like to help, the more exercise a memory gets, the better it becomes. Here are four ideas of memory games you can play:

1. Kim's game: line three objects up in a row, ask your toddler to take a good look. Then cover them up and ask what was there.

2. Remember together: After a visit to the park sit down together and remember what you saw and did. If he can't remember, say, do you remember the squirrel? And what else did you see?

3. Magic moments: At supper time routinely ask family members to share a special event in the day.

4. Use reminder notes: Ref the wet floor, put a drawing down on the floor eg. a picture of a bright red line across a pair of footsteps."

For more useful toddler info visit: http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Super Baby Not Little Einstein

2009-07-07T23:35:00.000-07:00

Following from my previous blog on "creating little Einstein", I thought it would be worthwhile to go through the first year "course load" of babyhood.

During these 12 months, babies learn have to form attachments to others, to trust, to grasp the fact that when daddy hides behind the chair, he's still there eventhough I don't see him.

They need to learn to use their bodies (to sit, crawl, walk), their hands (to pick up dropped items), and their minds (how to get that toy off the table). They'll need to learn the meaning of loads of words, and eventually how to reproduce them. And they'll need to learn something about who they are (what makes me happy or sad).

With so much lined up to learn, further academic extras may overload baby and even result in neglecting some of the fundamental learning areas. The best way forward is not to try and create a whizz kid but a wonderful child - one who reaches his or her full potential when suitable to him or her. This doesn't mean signing-up baby for classes or surrounding him or her with heaps of educational toys, but rather standing by to offer encouragement as baby accomplishes normal baby tasks, exposing him or her to many stimuli (stores, parks, beaches, zoos), nuturing baby's natural curosity, explaining how things work or what they are used for .

Providing your baby with an environment which is filled with songs, books, talking will boost language skills immediately.

Know you know how to put the super in baby!

For more baby & learning info visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Creating Little Einstein

2009-07-06T03:12:00.000-07:00

So you've heard about the latest educational toys guarenteed to boost your baby's mental development and send those fine motor skills soaring off the charts? From Mozart CD's to DVD's that promise to reach a reading age of ten by your little ones second birthday.

Maybe you are wondering how parents could buy into these Einstein generating products and programmes - how they can force this on their little ones. Maybe you are considering doing the same with yours. Before you rush off to sign up for the latest baby genius class, take a minute and read on.

Though it is possible to teach an infant a wide range of skills long before they are normally learned, the majority of experts agree that there is no evidence that intense early learning actually provides a long-term advantage over more traditional learning patterns.

In a nutshell, your baby should spend his or her first year being a baby!

For more baby related info visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

What's Happening To My Lady Lumps?

2009-06-29T02:39:00.000-07:00

Many women feel like their breasts don't belong to them since becoming pregnant...they change so much! So what's happening to "the girls "?

The changes that a woman’s breasts undergo are to prepare them for their new function and are caused by hormones. Some women’s breasts grow fast right from the start – up to 3 cup sizes – while others notice little change. Breasts may be sore or tender because of their expansion. In addition the nipples and the areola (the area around the nipples) may grow and become darker. Some women feel little bumps under their skin. These are sweat glands and disappear after the pregnancy.

For more pregnancy questions answered visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Coffee Fix and Pregnancy

2009-06-24T01:59:00.000-07:00

If coffee is your lifeline to get you through the day, you might be feeling a little uneasy about drinking it while pregnant.

The fact of the matter is that coffee does get through to your baby. So while there are no definitive studies that show that coffee is harmful to your foetus, you know in your heart that it can’t be good. Your baby’s system takes longer than yours to process chemicals, which means that the caffeine also stays in the baby’s system for longer than it does in yours.

If you are unable to quit drinking coffee you should cut down as much as possible – ideally to one or two cups per day. There seems to be a link between heavy coffee consumption (around 6 cups per day) and increased risk of miscarriage. Perhaps it would be helpful to try a lighter brand, since the caffeine content of different coffees varies dramatically. Since your already consuming considerable quantities of caffeine, be sure to check the labels of the foods you choose because a surprising number of foods such as chocolate and soft drinks also contain caffeine.

There are a couple of other aspects you need to be aware of. The first is that the diuretic effect of coffee can deplete your calcium stores, and also leach water from your system. In addition to making you run to the toilet even more than normal, this can be unhealthy for the foetus. Also be aware that you may be taking in more empty calories than you realize, what with the sugar and milk or cream.

Visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/ for all your pregnancy & baby questions answered.

You're Invited!

2009-06-23T02:18:00.000-07:00

The new baby has arrived and then begin the various celebrations...birth announcements, christenings and many birthday parties. We to start you wonder? First things first, you need a "wow" invitation to invite those near and dear to the momentous occassion.

Project Flair, a CPT based events and stationery company provides the full spectrum of services from event planning to exclusive stationery design, planning the perfect day for your special bundle is easy.

For further info or to request contact details, email marketing@babyonline.co.za

To view more invite designs visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/babyshop/devinedesign/divinedesign.htm

Walking - The Right Age

2009-06-22T02:59:00.000-07:00

Your baby's first birthday is next week and a few people have expressed surprise that she isn't walking yet - should you be concerned!

Absolutely not!

Your baby will walk when she is ready. That's the trusth. So some babies are walking well by their first birthday, while others take months more. Actually, the majority of babies walk after their first birthday. Whatever anyone says to you, the fact is that walking age is not an indicator of intelligence or physical ability.

For more of your baby concerns answered visit http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Babies Get Flashy... Bling Dummies!

2009-06-19T05:11:00.000-07:00

While American rappers such as Jay Z and P Diddy brag about their bling in most of their music videos, South African babies are set to give them a run for their money.

Bling dummies have become a must-have accessory among moms who want their children to be cooler than Hollywood A-listers. Known as Elli Belli Bling Dummies, the colourful pacifiers come with a price tag of R350 each.

Bling dummies may be new in SA, but local celebs and fashionista parents have long been paying top dollar for stylish baby accessories. These trendy Swarovski crystal enrusted dummies are not only super cute, but completely safe and make the perfect gift.

To view the full range of Elli Belli Bling Dummies and/or place an order visit: http://www.babyonline.co.za/babyshop/ellibelli/ellibelli.htm

Terrible Two's & Tantrums

2009-06-17T23:25:00.000-07:00

I'm a godmother to a beautiful girl who has just turned two - the terrilbe two's! As sweet as she can be, a little monster emerges when she throws one of her not-so-little tantrums. It begins with high pitch screaming, then kicking, followed by flung toys and eventually mommy becomes a punching bag.

When toddlers throw there toys-out-the-cot it's very easy to give into their demands just to keep the peace. However this defeats the purpose of actually teaching your tot what appropriate behaviour is. Sadly so, there is no parenting technique that magically makes tantrums disappear. The good news is that your toddler’s tantrums are a childhood behaviour that she will outgrow.

It is not possible to get rid of your toddler’s tantrums completely, however it is possible to minimize them.

Stay calm and speak softly because your screaming over her screaming will only encourage your toddler to scream louder....ear plugs prove to be ineffective!

Express understanding; say “I know it’s hard when you can’t have that. Sometimes mommy also gets angry when I can’t get what I want.

Get down to her level. Sitting on the floor may help to even out the frustrating size difference between you and her.

Ignore the demand, continue to go about your business, try humming to make it clear that you are not paying attention to the tantrum. In the beginning this might make it worst however eventually she will work it out that she is not being taken note of. If you can’t ignore the tantrum because you at a shopping mall, call it a time-out.

If you unable to stop a tantrum don’t worry just let it run its course however try not to give into demands or else she will always use her tantrums to get her way.

....easier said than done, right moms? Time to show a little tough love!

Antenatal Classes - How To Choose?

2009-06-17T06:39:00.000-07:00

You've just found out you've got a bun-in-the-oven and then suddenly a fload of questions flog your mind...what am I going to tell the family? when will I start showing? how do I prepare for the arrival of my baby? and is there a difference between all these fancy antenatal classes?

In todays time and age, moms and dads-to-be are really spoiled for choice.
Many couples attend classes at the hospital, which they have chosen for delivery. Those are mostly free. But there are other options. Midwives also provide childbirth education, occasionally for free. A more expensive form is an aqua natal class, which can be more fun. Otherwise you can choose if you want to go in a ‘Mothers Only’ class, or in a “Couples” class. If this is not your first delivery you can go to a refresher course. Which ever you choose, book ASAP and ensure that the teacher knows what she is doing....being comfortable and getting the most out of classes is what counts.

For more top baby and parenting tips and advice visit
http://www.babyonline.co.za/

Arrival of the babyonline blog!

2009-06-17T05:38:00.000-07:00

Now that http://www.babyonline.co.za/ is all grown-up with a very active facebook group, naturally we decided that the next step would be to start a blog. Like a first time mom this is all very new to us! We're being to crawl around, explore the new gadgets and hopefully in time help walk mom's through the highs and lows of parenting....and we're going to have fun doing it!

Let’s embrace the full spectrum of parenthood, from cravings, to raging hormones, to the “awh cute” moments, to stylish nursery ideas, fashion, beauty and plain old baby talk.

Hope you enjoy the blog :)