Is Babywearing for You?

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To answer this question, let’s go through this mini checklist:

1. Do you know about the benefits of babywearing?
2. If you want to babywear, do you know what are ergonomic baby carriers?
3. Do you know the different ergonomic baby carrier categories suitable for your baby’s age and size?
4. Do you know the rules for safe babywearing?

Let’s go through one by one and then you can make your decision to babywear or not to babywear. 🙂

Benefits of babywearing

1. Strengthens the bond between parent and baby
2. Baby is generally calmer due to the closeness to her parent and her primal/survival needs are met
3. Decreases risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
4. Eases breastfeeding on the go
5. Allows parent to be “hands-free” to do other things while taking care of baby
6. Baby can “explore” the world within the safety and comfort of her parent’s body
7. Fosters a close bond until toddlerhood

Ergonomic baby carriers

Ergonomic means the baby carrier should:

• Provide proper support, i.e. natural seating position (M-shape), the recommended position for healthy hip development. Improper support can lead to hip issues, see diagram below:

• Does not put strain on your baby’s developing hips and spine

In summary, non-ergonomic carriers are crotch carriers, narrow-based carriers, and hipseat carriers.

Ergonomic baby carriers categories

The diagram below explains six main recommended categories: woven wrap (WW), stretchy wrap (SW), ring sling (RS), pouch (P), soft-structured carrier (SSC) and Mei Tai (MT).

What is safe babywearing?

Malaysian Babywearers International Babywearing Week 2016 event

If you want to explore more about babywearing, come join the Malaysian Babywearers International Babywearing Week 2016 event happening this Saturday, 5 November at West Garden Boulevard, OneCity Mall starting 9:30AM.

See you there and do come and say “Hi!” to us. 🙂

Potty training made easy

Photo credit: http://childcareisfun.co.uk

Three tips

First of all, don’t make potty training a military regime. It can be fun, rewarding, and hopefully, stress-free to both toddler and parents. Really!

Secondly, understand that toddlers who have shown a general trend toward independence and an understanding of what it means to go to the bathroom like a grown-up are more likely to be go through the transition without too much struggle. This usually happens by 2-1/2 to 3 years old.

Thirdly, there are many potty training practices out there. We suggest that as parents, you should choose an approach that suits your toddler’s personality and your day-to-day routine without putting too much stress on both toddler and parents.

Signs of potty training readiness

Before starting on any approach, it’s recommended to look out for signs that your toddler is ready to take on potty training.

The signs below are from babycenter.com:

Physical signs

• Is coordinated enough to walk, and even run, steadily
• Urinates a fair amount at one time
• Has regular, well-formed bowel movements at relatively predictable times
• Has “dry” periods of at least two hours or during naps, which shows that his bladder muscles are developed enough to hold urine

Behavioral signs

• Can sit down quietly in one position for two to five minutes
• Can pull his pants up and down
• Dislikes the feeling of wearing a wet or dirty diaper
• Shows interest in others’ bathroom habits (wants to watch you go to the bathroom or wear underwear)
• Gives a physical or verbal sign when he’s having a bowel movement such as grunting, squatting, or telling you
• Demonstrates a desire for independence
• Takes pride in his accomplishments
• Isn’t resistant to learning to use the toilet
• Is in a generally cooperative stage, not a negative or contrary one

Cognitive signs

• Understands the physical signals that mean he has to go and can tell you before it happens or even hold it until he has time to get to the potty
• Can follow simple instructions, such as “go get the toy”
• Understands the value of putting things where they belong
• Has words for urine and stool

Need help? Find out what we have in store for fuss-free potty training!

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October Favorites: 9 Travel Essentials for Parents

Check out our October Favorites! We have handpicked nine travel essentials for parents.

1. Babyzen: YOYO+ Stroller
2. JJ Cole Collections: Reversible Body Support (for Car Seat / Stroller)
3. 3 Sprouts: Stroller Organizer
4. Mommy’s Helper: Cushie Traveler™ Folding Padded Potty Seat
5. The Mommy Hook®: Stroller Assistant
6. Naforye: Keeper Bag with Strap
7. Mommy’s Helper: Inflatable Bath Tub
8. Double Monkeys: Compact Changing Mat
9. JJ Cole Collections: Diapers & Wipes Caddy

Let’s take a look at them one by one.

1. Babyzen: YOYO+ Stroller

The coolest compact baby stroller in town is definitely the latest BABYZEN YOYO+ stroller. This stroller converts in a flash, folds up to hand luggage dimensions, can be carried like a bag, is machine-washable, and will fit just about anywhere other strollers don’t! You need to have one.

Check out our collection on our website – https://www.babydash.com.my/gear/brands/babyzen.html

2. JJ Cole Collections: Reversible Body Support (for Car Seat / Stroller)

One of the most stylish body supports for car seat / stroller in the market, the reversible infant Body Support from JJ Cole Collections provides exceptional comfort and safety. Its shape is designed to protect and fit snugly around infants of all sizes and preemie babies. It features soft velour and breathable embroidered knit fabrics for added comfort and style.

Check out our collection on our website – https://www.babydash.com.my/gear/brands/jj-cole-collections.html

3. 3 Sprouts: Stroller Organizer

This 3 Sprouts Stroller Organizer keeps all your essentials organized and within reach when you are out for a walk with your tot. It is completely wipeable and has two insulated drink holders, perfect for a sippy cup or bottle. The discreet back pocket with velcro closure offers a safe place for your cell phone or keys. Its collapsible design does not interfere with the stroller fold too!

Check out our collection on our website – https://www.babydash.com.my/gear/brands/3-sprouts.html

4. Mommy’s Helper: Cushie Traveler™ Folding Padded Potty Seat

This Cushie Traveler™ Folding Padded Potty Seat is a comfortably padded folding potty seat to take with you on short or long trips. It is compact enough to carry in your diaper bag yet still provides the comfort and familiarity of the seat that your toddler uses at home. It is also designed so that it is easy to clean with a wet wipe and features a washable carry bag.

Check out Cushie Traveler™ here – https://www.babydash.com.my/mommy-s-helper-cushie-travelertm-folding-padded-potty-seat.html

5. The Mommy Hook®: Stroller Assistant

 

The Mommy Hook® stroller assistant fits virtually any stroller or shopping cart handle, and is made from durable, heavy-duty aluminum. It will not break like cheap plastic hangers. Its rubber foam grip keeps it from slipping or sliding. Just snap it on and you’re ready to roll! The Mommy Hook is even handy for taking bags from your car to your home.

Check out The Mommy Hook® on our website – https://www.babydash.com.my/gear/brands/the-mommy-hook/the-mommy-hook-stroller-assistant-black-silver.html

6. Naforye: Keeper Bag with Strap

Naforye Keeper Bag with Strap is your toddler’s own bag where he can keep all his essentials, i.e. snacks, toys or juice box. This promotes a sense of responsibility and accountability for his things. The easy safety strap allows for parents to keep their child within arm’s length, especially when in crowds and public places. When you no longer need the strap, just put it back into the bag.

Check out our collection on our website – https://www.babydash.com.my/gear/brands/naforye.html

7. Mommy’s Helper: Inflatable Bath Tub

The Inflatable Bath Tub from the “Froggie Collection” by Mommy’s Helper keeps your baby / toddler from sliding around in the tub while providing a soft, padded seat with a saddle horn to prevent slipping.

Check out Mommy’s Helper on our website – https://www.babydash.com.my/mommy-s-helper-inflatable-bath-tub.html

8. Double Monkeys: Compact Changing Mat

Made from water resistant materials, this compact changing mat by Double Monkeys is lightweight and folds out to a full size changing mat.

Check out our collection on our website – https://www.babydash.com.my/gear/brands/double-monkeys.html

9. JJ Cole Collections: Diapers & Wipes Caddy

This diapers & wipes caddy by JJ Cole Collections provides space to keep all the necessary changing supplies (diapers, wipes, lotion, cotton ball, balms, etc) in one easy-to-access place. It comes with a coordinating changing pad too. Simply grab this caddy and change in any room!

Check out the caddy on our website – https://www.babydash.com.my/gear/brands/jj-cole-collections/jj-cole-collections-diapers-wipes-caddy-blue.html

Starting Solids for Babies

After attending the Starting Solids for Babies talk organized by Columbia Asia Hospital Petaling Jaya on 9 October, we’d like to share with you important and interesting tips presented by the speakers.

There were three topics by three speakers:

1. How to Win at Weaning by Dr. Sharifah Aida Alhabshi, Consultant Pediatrician
2. Feeding Fussy Eaters by Dr. Shalini Shanmugam, Consultant Pediatrician
3. Fun & Yummy Healthy Meals by Ms. Ng Yee Voon, Registered Dietitian

 

Here are the notes. We do hope they will be helpful for you!

I. How to Win at Weaning

What is weaning?

Weaning is transitioning from exclusive breastfeeding / milk feeds to complementary solid food and finally into family food. This happens after six months old right up to 24 months.

The rules of weaning

1. Appropriate timing – look out for signs of readiness
   • Baby can sit up
   • Baby shows interest in food
   • Baby opens his mouth when food is offered
   • Baby can turn head away from spoon when he’s full
   • Baby can pick up pieces of food for self-feeding
2. Provide adequate amount of energy for optimal growth
   • Give energy-rich food from grains (rice) and tubers (potatoes, sweet potatoes)
   • Can add butter / margarine for adequate fat content
3. Provide adequate nutrition
   • Give a variety of nutrient-rich food from meat, fruits and vegetables
   • Introduce one type of food at a time for 3-4 days and watch out for any symptoms, especially if there’s history of food allergies in your family
   • Provide enough fluid and fiber intake
4. Increase frequency of solid food by age
   • At 6-8 months: 2-3 main meals + 1-2 snacks (if needed) – start with 1/2 teaspoon, can dilute with breastmilk / milk for familiar taste
   • At 9-11 months: 3-4 main meals + 1-2 snacks (if needed)
   • Above 12 months: 3-4 main meals + 2 snacks
   • Do not replace / reduce breastfeeding / milk feeds with main meals
5. Increase food consistency by age
   • > 6 months – pureed, smooth
   • 7-8 months – mashed
   • > 8 months – chopped
   • By 12 months – family food

 

II. Feeding Fussy Eaters

Who are fussy eaters?

They are usually older babies or toddlers from one to two years old:

• Eats very slowly
• Eats a limited variety of food
• Only eats small meals
• Don’t like fruits and vegetables
• Isn’t interested in food
• Only eats what he / she likes
• Won’t try new foods

How to make meal times work for fussy eaters?

1. Environment
   • Minimize distractions by turning off TV and other devices (zero screen time) during meal times
   • Eat at the dining table
   • Eat together as a family and everyone eats the same meal
   • Let your child make a mess! Be patient, set rules but be flexible (authoritative parenting)
   • Stick to a routine, don’t skip or keep on changing it
2. Food
   • Color – make colorful meals with shapes and decorations (e.g. food art)
   • Texture – increase food texture gradually to avoid boredom
   • Taste – use natural sweetness from fruits and flavorings from cheese, onion, garlic
   • Let your child eat food that he least likes first, followed by food that he likes
   • Don’t resort to food rewards, i.e. if you eat your rice, I’ll let you eat some cake
   • Make healthy choices for snacks, e.g. give fruits instead of chocolate
   • Go grocery/food shopping with your child and let him choose what he wants to eat
   • Let your child take part in food preparation
3. Mood
   • Make sure that your child is sufficiently hungry and NO snacks before a main meal
   • As a parent, don’t show negative emotions such as anger and disappointment, be patient, be mindful of the food portion that you’re asking your child to eat, and finally, try and try again!

It is known that it can take up to 15 or more exposures for the baby to accept a new taste.

How to tackle sweet cravings?

1. Serve a small treat with your child’s meal (e.g. one cookie / small muffin)
   • Rationale: He may eat it first or only that. Over time, he learns that he will get hungry for other food if he only eats sweet things first
2. Serve a small treat at the end of the meal regardless of how much your child has eaten
   • Rationale: He will learn that sweet stuff, when eaten in moderate servings, have their place. This also takes away the power of dessert being a big, special reward. In fact, when you avoid negotiating (“if you eat this, you get that”), you eliminate a big power struggle
3. Best is, eliminate sweets altogether. Instead, try offering fresh fruits or cheese to end the meal

How to feed a fussy eater during illness?

1. They need extra fluid and soft food in small but frequent portions
2. Add hydration with oral rehydration salts (ORS), water, juices, and coconut water
3. Continue breastfeeding if you are breastfeeding
4. Offer cold foods (yogurt, ice cream, fruits) if your child has ulcers in their mouth

About baby-led weaning

This method of weaning allows babies to control  their consumption / portions of solids by “self-feeding”.  The theory behind this method is that baby will choose foods which he/she is lacking in nutrients, guided by taste.

Advantages:

1. Improves hand-eye coordination, chewing
2. Independence
3. Less stressful for parents

Disadvantages:

1. Takes time
2. Baby must be able to sit up
3. At the start, baby is allowed to reject food but it may be offered again at a later date
4. Not encouraged if baby is less well developed

 

III. Fun & Yummy Healthy Meals

Recommendation: Introduce nutritionally-adequate and safe complementary (solid) foods at six months together with continued breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond.

Registered Dietitian, Ms. Ng Yee Voon, prepared some baby food recipes for tasting.

Check out our website for organic baby food and snacks, lunch boxes, thermal food jars, feeding spoons, plates, water bottles, etc. Click on the links below to view the brands and items we have in store.

• Organix & Organix Goodies
• Bellamy’s & Happy Baby
• Topfer Organic
• Lunch boxes, storage & bags
• Sippy cups & water bottles
• Food grinders & processors
• Dishes & utensils
• High chairs & boosters

7 Most Important Sleep Tips

Precious Sleep Talk | Samantha Yong Photography

This is Ho Wing Yan, a certified Sleep Sense Consultant. Last Saturday, Wing Yan met up with a small group of our customers who were all struggling with getting a good night’s sleep. She shared her story about how she went in search of help when her own little girl was waking up through the night.

We found it inspiring that not only did Wing Yan find help in the Sleep Sense methodology, but in addition to her full-time management consultancy job (and did we mention she is 8 months pregnant!), she helps others who face the same problems. Today, her 2 year old daughter sleeps well and through the night and I am sure the next baby will too!

Here are some of the tips we learnt :

• Babies need to learn to fall asleep on their own without any external props

  An external prop can be anything from “rocking” or “singing” or “patting” – anything which your child needs someone else to do for them. So your child needs to learn the strategies to journey to sleep on their own.

• Keep an early bedtime

This is all about making sure your baby sleeps before he/she gets over tired. The best time for them to go to sleep is between 7pm -8pm.

• Start a good bedtime routine

This helps to cue the baby’s body and mind and tell them to prepare for sleep. Length should be around 20-30 min and parents should take turns so that either one can put baby to sleep.

• Set a good naptime routine

Just like bedtime, even during the day…there needs to be a routine to cue the baby so he/she knows that it’s time to prepare for sleep.

• Do not skip naps or push bedtime too late

Nap is a priority when trying to establish a good sleep habit. It is also untrue that if you put your baby to sleep during the day, your baby will sleep better at night. It will just end up making the child overtired!

• Keep your child awake during night feeds

Prevent your child from falling asleep during night feeds. Keep a close watch and tickle his toes, talk to him…leave a dim light on. Make sure your baby does not start to fall asleep while nursing or they will always need to nurse to sleep. Put him back to bed awake once you know he’s satisfied from the feed. He should then be able to fall asleep himself.

• Be consistent

Stay consistent while implementing all the tips above. Kids thrive on consistency and predictability. Bonus tip: put your child to bed/nap in the same place every time! Having a familiar sleeping place reduces anxiety.

Precious Sleep Talk | Samantha Yong Photography

Precious Sleep Talk | Samantha Yong Photography

The best part of the session was when parents could just ask Wing Yan what to do in their own situation. Many had not had more than 2 hours stretch of sleep in months!! It was good to see that Wing Yan approaches each situation as unique and understands what the key problems are first. She then helps the family work through a very structured plan to help them achieve their sleep goals!

If you are having trouble putting your little ones to sleep, contact Wing Yan for a FREE 15 minutes consultation today! It can be done over Skype or Facetime and this could really help you to a better and less stressful life!

She can be reached on +6012-3542010 or wingyan@precioussleep.my

Oh and if you need a good blanket, massage oil, tummy rub balm, sleeping bag or night light to cue the bed/nap time, check out our sleep related products on http://www.babydash.com.my!

Precious Sleep Talk | Samantha Yong Photography

And last but not least…a big thank you to EspressoLab for providing the venue and some excellent coffee as usual!

Precious Sleep Talk | Samantha Yong Photography

All photos were by Samantha Yong who also does family and baby photography so do check out her work at: (www.facebook.com/samanthayongphotography)