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Why does s/he do it????
[27 January 2011] -This is the most difficult part to get used to it as a brand new mom and dad. Yes, I’m talking about crying. Babies cry. This is a fact. We need to learn to figure out what’s wrong with our beautiful, healthy baby. It is so hard, because we need to learn to listen. Listen to our baby’s cue and listen to our instinct.
Read more »Do corporates have a social conscience?
[20 October 2010] -As a parent you want to do the best for your baby. As new parents you hear lots of advise from many different people. We trust brands that have been around for ages to provide our babies with the best our money can buy. Yet are they actually coming to the party?
Read more »Organic
[20 October 2010] -Is this just another “new age” idea or what is organic all about?
In most instances you will do well to think that organic is just another label that is slapped on your food to ensure that can be charged more. This is actually not the case.
Baby-wearing
[18 May 2010] - Baby-wearing is a mind-set.You need to get ready to wear your baby. You need to get ready physically but most importantly you need to get ready emotionally.
You need to have an open mind to understand that wearing your baby is a hard work but it is something you do for your baby and it has long-term benefits. Read more »
Creative Cape Town Moms
[28 October 2009] -I received the following via email. I neither know the mom's who compiled this document, but I do know that they just show how well things come together if a couple of mothers put their heads together and try and come up with a parenting resource.
Read more »Sixth children’s story series by former teacher
[12 October 2009] -Seven years after noticing a need in the market for quality story products for South African children, Anna Emm left her teaching job and registered a production company. Since then Anna Emm Productions has produced more than 500 original children’s stories on CD and 13 children’s theatre productions! The “Story Club” is the latest series of children’s story-CDs created by this former primary school teacher.
Read more »Jungle gyms
[21 September 2009] -We live in a society where occupational therapy has become a way of life. As our world change our children seem to become less active, and as that require assistance in achieving milestones which they would have achieved through active play.
Read more »Great Expectations - August 2009
[07 August 2009] - Great Expectations is doing a 1 September SPRING BABY and ECO BABY show and we’re looking for guests. Anyone keen? Read more »Solving Naptime Problems
[06 August 2009] - Napping is an important element of your child’s healthy mental and physical growth. A daily nap refreshes a child so that she can maintain her energy, focus, and ability to learn for the rest of the day. Some studies even show that children who nap every day are more flexible and adaptable, have longer attention spans and are less fussy than those who don’t nap. Read more »Choosing Toys for Babies
[06 August 2009] - You may not be sure what kind of toys, or how many, you baby should have. It’s likely that you hear conflicting advice that runs from one extreme to another! It’s either: “Don’t give your baby toys he’ll be spoiled,” to “Give your baby lots of toys they develop his brain.” So…which is it? Read more »Sleeping Through the Night?
[06 August 2009] - Here’s something that may really surprise you: As much as we may want our babies to sleep through the night, our own subconscious emotions sometimes hold us back from encouraging change in our babies’ sleeping habits. You yourself may be the very obstacle preventing a change in a routine that disrupts your life. So let’s figure out if anything is standing in your way. Read more »Cat-Naps -- Making Short Naps Longer
[06 August 2009] - Author of The No-Cry Nap SolutionIs your child a cat-napper? Does your baby fall asleep being fed, while in a car seat, sling, rocker, or someone’s arms? When transferred to bed, does your baby then sleep 30 to 50 minutes? That’s the exact length of one sleep cycle. These factors combined define the main cause of mini-naps: an inability to fall asleep or stay asleep without aid – your baby wakes fully at the end of the first sleep cycle, resulting in a too-short nap. I refer to this problem as One-Cycle Sleep Syndrome (OCSS). This leads us to understand the reason that many babies are cat-nappers and also directs us to potential solutions. Read more »
The breastmilk brand
[05 August 2009] -The breastmilk brand: promotion of child survival in the face of formula-milk marketing
- Anna Coutsoudis, Hoosen M Coovadia, Judith King
The prevailing catastrophe caused by mothers in China unwittingly feeding their babies formula milk that was contaminated by a potentially toxic chemical, melamine, shows just how fragile the barriers protecting children from danger are.
www.thelancet.com Vol 374 August 1, 2009 425
Baby tantrums
[05 August 2009] - A baby’s first tantrum can take you by surprise. Your baby can really shock you by shrieking, stamping, hitting, or making his whole body go stiff. But don’t take it personally; baby tantrums aren’t about anything you’ve done wrong, and they aren’t really about temper, either – your baby isn’t old enough for that. The ways you’ll respond to your baby’s behavior when he is older are different than how you should respond now. Read more »How to calm your crying baby
[05 August 2009] - When we’re pregnant or awaiting adoption, we dream about our baby-to-be, we always envision those beautiful Hallmark card scenes: charming baby smiling up at peaceful mother’s face. We read books in advance of the big day about how care for a newborn how to bathe, feed and dress her and then we feel somewhat prepared. However, a crying baby was never part of that idyllic vision, so this takes us by surprise. But the fact is, all babies cry at one time or another. Some babies cry more than others, but they all do cry. Understanding why babies cry can help you get through this phase and respond effectively to your crying baby so can the list of ideas that follows. Read more »Car Seat Crying
[05 August 2009] - Some babies fall asleep almost before you’re out of the driveway, but others won’t spend five happy minutes in their car seats. Usually, this is because your baby is used to more freedom of movement and more physical attention than you can provide when she’s belted into her seat. Read more »Choosing a baby carrier
[05 August 2009] - Most parents find a baby carrier to be invaluable during the first year of their baby’s life. There are many types and styles to choose from. The different types of baby carriers fall into three main categories: slings, front packs and backpacks. Read more »Colic
[05 August 2009] -Does Your Baby Have it?
What Can You Do About It?
You may have heard the term colic applied to any baby who cries a great deal. Not all crying babies have colic, but all colicky babies cry and they cry hard. They may stiffen their little bodies, or curl up as if in pain. They may cry so hard that they don’t seem like they even know you are there. When babies cry like this, they take in a lot of air, which creates gas and more pain, which makes them cry even more.
Stop the Diaper Changing Battles
[05 August 2009] - Babies are little bundles of energy! They don’t want to lie still to have their diapers changed. They cry, fuss, or even crawl away. A simple issue can turn into a major tug-of-war. Read more »Eight sleep tips for every child
[05 August 2009] - Up to 70% of children under age five have sleep problems. Sleep issues are complicated and have many causes. They’re hard to deal with because when children aren’t sleeping, parents aren’t sleeping, and that lack of sleep affects every minute of every day for every person in the family because lack of sleep isn’t just about being tired. Sleep has a role in everything -- dawdling, temper tantrums, hyperactivity, growth, health, and even learning to tie his shoes and recite the ABCs. Sleep affects everything. Read more »Going Visiting With Your Baby
[05 August 2009] - Babies love new places! There’s so much to investigate and new things to touch. But many people aren’t too happy to have your little one crawling or toddling freely about the house exploring everything in sight. While you think its adorable that Baby found the Tupperware, your host may not think it’s cute that her tidy cabinet has been rearranged by sticky baby hands. If your host has a big heart she’ll let you know that your baby’s exploring is okay. But even then, you run the risk of your baby breaking or losing something. Read more »My journey so far
[30 July 2009] -My son is 8 months old now and boy has it been a huge learning experience. The first thing I have learned is to lower my expectations.
Read more »Everything you need to know to prepare for your baby
[23 July 2009] - For the sixth year running and with over 7 000 parents having attended to date, the Baby Sense Seminars will once again be bringing together leading experts in the field of birthing and parenting, with advice that makes exceptionally good sense for parents and expectant moms. Read more »Where should my baby sleep?
[24 June 2009] - Parenting 101Module: Sleep Environment
Facilitator: Erica Neser
Assignment 1:
a) Study Figure 1 carefully, paying special attention to the positions of Mum, Dad, Ann and Ben.
b) Now take a pair of scissors and cut along the dotted line around figure 1 as indicated. Place the diagram in a large file. This file should be used for storing any information starting with the words “You should always …”, “By now your baby should be …”, “My child will never be allowed …”, “I will never …”, “In our day, we always/never …” et cetera. Read more »
Woolies Cookie Recipe
[23 June 2009] -The internet is a powerful tool and as easy as it is to find information and demystify the world; it is to spread miss-information, viscous rumours and lies. As with most Internet folklore and myths nothing is ever new and even hoax emails are often dusted off and recycled as it the case with the Woolies cookie recipe...
Read more »Co-sleeping in the modern context
[22 June 2009] - Erica Neser is the author of Sleep Guide for Babies and Toddlers (Protea Books, 2006)"Nature, if she be not interrupted, will do the whole business perfectly well; and there seems to be nothing left for a Nurse [or parent] to do, but to keep the child sweet and clean, and to tumble and toss it about a good deal, and keep it in good Humour." (William Cadogan, Essay on the Nursing and Management of Children, 1748)1 Read more »
And then you blink...
[16 June 2009] -I was amazed that my sister's daughter had her matrix farewell last week. It feels like yesterday when we rushed to hospital so see her the first time. A time not too distant when she was a toddler and just too cute for words. Not too long ago when she asked me about boys; and then young men... I think in being faced with the reality that next year she will be exactly where I was when she was born just shows how fast it is all over...
Read more »Reading milestones
[17 April 2009] - I always wonder about readers and non-readers, I mean I look at my husband as an example, he loves books, he is always buying book, he loves everything about books, yet he does not read... Read more »Parenting choices
[25 March 2009] -I don't know about you but I think that most if not all parents have only their child's best interest at heart. I also think that we spend too much time worrying about the issues, options and choices as oppose to enjoying our children.
Read more »Toy safety
[05 December 2008] - Toys are as invaluable to a growing child as food and clothing is. There are however always the possibility of issues arising with toys and the scare in the cases were toys are recalled. How do then ensure safe toys? Here are some guidelines. Read more »Gift ideas: 0-6 months
[18 November 2008] -Well nothing worse than trying to find the perfect gift and having to keep an eye on the budget.
When looking at 0-6 months it is important to note that babies at this age are sensory driven, and likes to see and hear therefore toys for this age group are:
- Baby mobiles,
- Sucking and holding toys,
- Soft toys and balls,
- A baby mirror, photos,
- Rattles, bells and tweeters
It is important that you remember that at this stage your baby's is still working on her grasp as well as focussing her eyes, so it is important that toys are properly sized for them.
Read more »Gift ideas: 1 year
[18 November 2008] -This age group is definitely mobile and loves to imitate. As baby gets older they would like more challenging toys to play with and test their ability. Books and stories play a great role in your child's development.
Read more »Gift ideas: 2 year
[18 November 2008] -This age group is more independent. Their language and motor skills have improved dramatically and thus they wish to show off their new skills, they like to be challenged.
Read more »Gift ideas: 3 year
[18 November 2008] -You child likes to be challenged at this age, and toys requiring greater skill is perfect for this age. As they also like to dress-up and use their imagination your options are vast.
Read more »Gift ideas: 8-12 year
[18 November 2008] -A child of this age will most probable have a clear idea of what they would like we are therefore providing you with some boardgame ideas that would be suitable for the whole family to enjoy.
Read more »Holidays
[18 November 2008] -The idea of holidays seem to be daunting when you have children. How to keep them busy, and yourself sane seems to be one of the biggest questions that parents deal with.
The Internet offers vast options in this category, and as that maybe creates even further havoc on you planning. I am sure that you have already sorted out your holiday plans for this year and thus will only be looking for moral support for the next school holiday, in the interim here are some tips to keep your holidays relaxing.
Gift ideas: 6-12 months
[18 November 2008] -In this age group you deal with babies able to sit, crawl and in some cases even walk, it is important to bear in mind the personality of the child as well as the child's development stage. The following toys should however satisfy this age group:
- Books, with big bold picture made from different materials
- Stand up rattles
- Balls
- Little cars
- Big, soft building blocks
- Soft toys
- Bath toys
Gift ideas: 6-8 year
[18 November 2008] -You child becomes more and more sociable and likes to interact with children and friends. A keen sense of curiosity and wanting to know how things works outlines your child's focus.
Read more »On buying toys: 0-1 year old
[18 November 2008] - With so many toys available on the market nowadays, looking for an ideal toy for a specific child can be a daunting task. Read more »On buying toys: 2-3 year old
[18 November 2008] - It is a wonderful feeling to find that perfect gift which is a mixture of a whole lot of elements such as appropriateness, value for money, durability, and of course the "fun" factor. Read more »On buying toys: 1-2 year old
[18 November 2008] - There are a lot of values encompassing the ritual of gift giving and receiving such as learning about appreciation and thoughtfulness. Read more »On buying toys: 3-6 year old
[18 November 2008] - It is also important for children to understand being respectful to the gift giver if the gift isn’t always the desired one. Read more »Prima Toys
[18 November 2008] - We wish to thank Prima Toys for their assistance in compiling our November 2008 Newsletter. Read more »Gift ideas: 4-6 year
[18 November 2008] -Your child's technique and ability is improving daily, it is important to diversify in the games played as this will allow all areas of your child's development equal enhancement. Books, music and simple board games as well as simple crafts is suited for this group.
Read more »On buying toys
[18 November 2008] - With so many toys available on the market nowadays, looking for an ideal toy for a specific child can be a daunting task. Children’s needs and tastes vary considerably and so, what’s good for the goose, may not necessarily be good for the gander. The favourite birthday or Christmas toy also needn’t be an expensive one. I’m sure you have all laughed as one year old children often find the wrapping or box more fascinating than the gift Read more »The dummy debate
[16 September 2008] -The first "public outrage" regarding pacifiers, were noted in 1909 when someone complained about what she called "the persistent, and, among poorer classes, the universal sucking of a rubber nipple sold as a 'pacifier'."; this would not be the last of the complaints.
So everyone has an opinion about dummies or pacifiers whether you have a child, had a child or is childless, where they should be used, and when you should get rid of them.
I must have been adopted.
[11 September 2008] -I can still very much remember how I felt when I was pre-teen. I was sure that I was adopted and that my family just not had the heart to tell me. I was tearful and upset, I did not feel like I belonged.
Read more »The Start
[23 August 2008] - I saw a client today that was just over 4 months pregnant, she was looking radiant. I am talking glowing...You know one of those women that you look at and you think wow! SHE obviously is having a great pregnancy. Her mother, (this is a family business), said she is most probable having another girl because she looked just as good the first time she was pregnant. Read more »Toys 3-5 years
[23 August 2008] - We all want the best for our childrens and as that we want to make sure that we are able to provide them with a stimulating environment Read more »Toys 12-18 months
[23 August 2008] - We all want the best for our childrens and as that we want to make sure that we are able to provide them with a stimulating environment. Read more »Toys 18-24 months
[23 August 2008] - We all want the best for our childrens and as that we want to make sure that we are able to provide them with a stimulating environment. Read more »Toys 24-30 months
[23 August 2008] - We all want the best for our childrens and as that we want to make sure that we are able to provide them with a stimulating environment. Read more »Toys 30-36 months
[23 August 2008] - We all want the best for our childrens and as that we want to make sure that we are able to provide them with a stimulating environment Read more »Toys 36-42 months
[23 August 2008] - We all want the best for our childrens and as that we want to make sure that we are able to provide them with a stimulating environment Read more »Toys 5-7 years
[23 August 2008] - We all want the best for our childrens and as that we want to make sure that we are able to provide them with a stimulating environment Read more »Dejunk your life
[10 January 2008] - We've become slaves to stuff. Liberate yourself by dumping the junk. Read more »Tell us your story
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