05_BT_May2017

Available pack size: 10 x 5’s , 60’s
Contains bovine gelatin
KidsBiomune
- A mango flavoured bear shape gummy
- Each gummy contains 50mg of
, yeast beta-glucan.
- clinically proven to enhance
your child’s body immunity naturally*
For further information, please contact:
Germax Sdn.Bhd.
10, Jalan PJU 3/48, Sunway Damansara Technology Park, 47810 Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
email : info@germax.com.my
website : www.germax.com.my
Tel : (603) 6151 6629
Fax : (603) 6151 6639

contents May 2017
Regulars
06 Cute Snaps:
Smile, cutie pie!
07 Ask Our Experts:
Our panel of experts answer some interesting
questions this month
09 BT Buzz:
Pregnancy and baby health news from around
the world
Bump to Birth
13 Being Mum:
What you shouldn’t worry about when
you’re pregnant
15 9 Months:
My back hurts!
21 Feature:
Are you stocked up for baby’s arrival?
Baby & Toddler
34 Special Feature:
Snack on this, my child!
38 Baby Play:
Play with your food!
40 Nutrition:
Baby grub — Why make your own
42 World Digestive Day Special:
Three ways to beat digestive issues in toddlers
43 Health & Medical Diary:
Newborn health & well-being screening tests
46 wonders of childhood:
The first year milestones
29 BT Guide
Baby Nursery
nds, wants and me
24 Mother’s Day
Special Feature:
Parenting — Then and Now
CAT
A B
Life & Style
48 Feature:
Water safety and your little one
50 Home Proud:
Clean your entire home quickly and efficiently
53 Babynomics:
Baby Stuff — What would you splurge on?
55 Shopping:
Functional Toys
57 Out and About:
What’s new in town
59 Subscription:
Subscribe to BabyTalk and never miss
another issue
21
46

Our Experts
Dietitian
Celeste Lau Wai Hong
A member of Malaysian Dietitians’ Association
(MDA) as well as Parenteral and Enteral
Nutrition Society of Malaysia (PENSMA),
Celeste received her credential in dietetics
from Australia. She is currently the head of
department in dietetics and nutrition services
at Sunway Medical Centre, where she leads
both clinical and community-based nutritional
wellness. She conducts talks and workshops,
and is an active contributor in several health
magazines. Her special interests are in
children’s health and critical care. Celeste is a
mother of two.
Developmental Education
& Learning Consultant
Rosh Vettiveloo
Expert in learning support, concentration,
memory, dyslexia, dyspraxia, hyperlexia,
general reading acquisition difficulties, AD/
HD, homeschooling learners with learning
difficulties in Malaysia and early intervention
procedures in multilingual environments.
Trained in mild to moderate learning difficulties
and qualified Specialist in Teaching Learners
with Specific Learning Difficulties (UK) and
Educational Assessor (UK). 20 years practical
experience in the field of special education.
Holistic Care & Wellbeing
Gaia Chinniah
Gaia is a Malaysian born entrepreneur who has
lived in New Zealand for over 30 years. She is
the CEO of Ruby Face Sdn Bhd who exclusively
distributes ethical products including World
Organics from New Zealand. She holds a
Master in Management Studies and a career of
over 10 years in Marketing of big brands and as
a Television presenter. Gaia has a passion for
empowering people and some of her hobbies
are pastel art, reiki, yoga and staying healthy.
More about Gaia can be read here:
www.worldorganics.com.my &
www.rubyface.com.
CONSULTANT PAEDIATRICIAN
AND NEONATOLOGIST
Dr. Khoo Boo Aik
Dr Khoo is a consultant paediatrician and
neonatologist at Sunway Medical Centre. He
completed his medical degree from National
University of Malaysia (MD-UKM) in 1997.
He obtained his paediatric postgraduate
membership from royal college of paediatric
and child health (MRCPCH) in Glasgow, UK in
2003. He continued his neonatal subspecialty
fellowship training in 2005 at Liverpool
Hospital and the Royal Hospital for Women
(RHW), Sydney, NSW, Australia. In 2009, he
was accredited as consultant paediatrician and
neonatologist under the National Specialist
Register (NSR), Malaysia. Currently, he also
holds a part time lecturer post at Jeffrey Cheah
School of Medicine and Health Sciences,
Monash University, Sunway Campus. He is a
father of 3 energetic boys aged 13, 11 and 7.
Child Psychology
Jessie Foo Xiang Yi
A trained clinical psychologist and a member
of Malaysian Society of Clinical Psychology.
Jessie graduated with a Masters in Clinical
Psychology from HELP University, Malaysia
and conducts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT) to enhance adolescents’ and adults’
ability to cope with psychological distress
and live a meaningful and hopeful life. She
uses play and art techniques to engage
with children. Jessie performs psychological
assessments on children to diagnose and
determine psychological, social, behavioral and
educational functioning.
Dietitian
Verona Lee
Verona received her credential in dietetics from
National University of Malaysia (UKM). Her
passion for nutrition began after witnessing
some of her family members suffer from
diet-related chronic diseases, which made
her realise how important diet and a active
lifestyle is to everyone’s health. She has
practiced in all areas of nutrition with a special
interest in child nutrition.
Fertility & Conception
Dr Agilan Arjunan
Dr Agilan Arjunan, a Gynaecologist and Fertility
Specialist, graduated from University of Malaya
and obtained his specialist degree from Royal
College of Obstetrician and Gynaecologist,
London. Armed with his passion for
laparoscopic (keyhole) surgery, he pursues his
dream in helping couples to conceive and build
their families through the latest technology of
reproductive techniques. He is also passionate
in disseminating knowledge in the field of
fertility and hopes readers can differentiate
facts from myths.
Early Childhood Education
Daisy Ng
Daisy is a mother of two and Founder of Trinity
Kids Malaysia. A dedicated practitioner in early
childhood education, she has been featured
on BFM, The Edge, NTV7, The Star and given
talks on related topics. As a certified Dr Sears
Health Coach in children/family nutrition and
ante-natal wellness, Daisy actively promotes
a wholesome and non-processed diet in
Malaysia’s schools. An avid reader and writer
from a young age, she now writes about
topics in early childhood education, child
development and nutrition.
4 BabyTalk | May 2017

Published by:
Hello...
Editor’s Note
Here we are and it’s the time of the year again to celebrate mothers young and
old the world over! As a mother myself, I must say that I am downright guilty of
expecting my kids to remember this very special day, (and if they wish to treat me
like a queen for the day, I’m all for it!). In fact, this day means more to me that
my birthday, and I’m pretty sure there are moms out there who feel the same.
Let that not be misunderstood, though, for I would still rather take this time
to reflect on how happy I am to be a mom. Yes, it is quite special that society
has seen it fit to spare us a day, in which they prompt offspring of the world to
take note of our contributions (and sacrifices) in bringing them up. At the same
time, we have to be careful not to make it a mere materialistic celebration of
expensive presents and gifts. Gifts are nice, of course, and everybody loves and
appreciates them, but a mother’s true love unfortunately cannot, and should
not, be bought.
After all, shouldn’t it be that every mom is special, even those who are not at
the receiving end of luxury Mother’s Day gifts?
Here at BabyTalk, it’s (kind of) Mother’s Day all year around, for our focus after
all, is pregnancy, childbirth and babycare. In this issue we quizzed a few young
moms and their own mothers on parenting styles and the difference between
the ways of this generation and the one gone by.
Apart from that, we have loads more interesting stuff put together just for you,
and among them are suggestions on nursery needs and wants; water safety and
also how to clean your entire home quickly and efficiently. You’ll find them all
and more between the pages of this issue of BabyTalk, so grab your copy now
and happy reading!
Till we meet again next month.
Cindy
AcePremier.com Sdn Bhd (829271-K)
N-2-6, Plaza Damas,
60, Jalan Sri Hartamas 1,
Sri Hartamas,
50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tel: +60 3 6203 2522
Fax: +60 3 6203 4522
Email: info@acepremier.com
Publisher
John Lim
Editor
Cindy Antoinette Fernandez
Creative Team
Jeannie Chen
Marketing & Sales
Fiona Lim
Adeline Chin
Theresa Pok
Printer
Times Offset (M) Sdn Bhd
Bangunan Times Publishing
Lot 46 Subang Hi-Tech,
Industrial Park, Batu Tiga,
40000 Shah Alam Selangor
Distributor
Pansing Marketing Sdn Bhd
With thanks to
Celeste Lau, Dr Khoo Boo Aik, Gaia Chinniah,
Jessie Foo Xiang Yi, Rosh Vettiveloo, Daisy Ng
Verona Lee and Dr Agilan Arjunan.
Articles and photographs are welcome, but we
cannot be responsible for their safe return.
BABYTALK encourages its readers’ feedback.
Please email to info@acepremier.com
BabyTalk magazine is published 12 times a year by
AcePremier.com Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer
Editorial material herein is provided for information
only. Reader are cautioned not to use this information
as a substitute for regular professional health care
and consultation. Although great care has been taken
in compiling and checking the information given in
this publication, the publisher, authors, advisors and
agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for
continued currency of the information or for any errors,
omissions or inaccuracies in this publication whether
arising from negligence or otherwise howsoever, or for
any consequences arising there from. The inclusion
or exclusion of any product does not mean that the
publisher advocates or rejects its use either generally or
in particular field or fields.
Advertisements are subject to editorial acceptance and
have no influence on editorial content or presentation.
the publishers, authors, advisors and agents do not
guarantee, directly or indirectly, the quality or efficacy of
any product or service described in the advertisements or
other material which is commercial in nature.
For all business and partnership matters please contact
our Director John Lim at info@acepremier.com
or +603 6203 2522.
All Rights Reserved
Copyright © 2017. AcePremier.com Sdn Bhd
Available at

Cute Snaps
little
Stars
Winner
Tay Hui En,
9 months, Johor.
Do you have a little star
aged between 1 month to 36
months who would light up
this page? Send your photo to
babytalkmalaysia@gmail.com
with name, location and age.
Please state email subject as
“Cute Snaps – Little Stars”.
Chantelle Tan Ying Xuan,
5 months, Sabah.
Muhammad Benjamin,
7 months, Selangor.
Chaney Tan Ting Xuan,
24 months, Sabah.
Snap & Win
A surprise gift!
Mohamaf Wafiy Naufal bin
Mohamad Widal,
5 months, Kuala Lumpur.
6 BabyTalk | May 2017

Ask Our Experts
Gaia Chinniah
Holistic Care & Wellbeing
}
When it comes to safety and pureness of a
product, I have heard some people say that if you
can't eat a product, it's still not safe enough to use.
Is that true? ~
Your skin is your largest organ and significant percentage of
what you put on it gets absorbed by your body. If you stop to
think about this, you may start to think differently about what
is safe and what is not safe to put on your body.
Many of your skin care and cosmetic companies are creating
products for the surface of your skin but not considering the
long-term impact on your body and health. When ethical
companies look at this area it adds another layer of cost
which most companies are not willing to take as it will eat
into their margins. There is an abundance of products on the
market which are very effective and perhaps even fast acting
but what ingredients are being used to create the effects?
When you think about food — you'll not likely choose to eat
ingredients such as petrochemicals, fragrances, parabens or
sulfates but most of us wouldn’t bat an eyelid to rub them on
our body. We should think about the outside of our body the
way we think about the inside in terms of what we choose to
put on it.
The absorption of chemicals is about 60% from your skin
care into your bloodstream and they accumulate in your vital
organs. It might be alright if we only used them once a year,
but we apply multiple products often several times a day. This
increases the risk of the absorption of unnecessary chemicals
and what that may do to our health.
As more and more information is becoming available
consumers are becoming aware of what’s is in their products.
Consumers no longer want to be guinea pigs with chemical
exposure but want to ensure that what they are using and
eating is truly the best for their health and body, to have the
best quality life.
Marketing, advertising and packaging are fundamental
aspects a company will look at when selling a cosmetic or
skincare product with little or no consideration to testing
ingredients used in their products for the long-term impacts
on the body.
New Straits Times recently released very frightening
information about killer cosmetics and how many ingredients
used are causing great damage to those who are using
them. Malaysia is now coming down hard on companies
selling products which are linked to health issues but the
consumer must also be responsible for their own decisions on
purchasing them.
Certified organic — with over 70% organic, 99.3% natural
and food grade certification is necessary for you to be sure
that what you are putting on your skin isn’t going to cause
long term health effects. Of course, there are still some
people who may be allergic to organic ingredients as some
people are allergic to certain foods but for most in terms of
absorption into the body, it is proven that the body accepts
natural ingredients better than synthetic ones, as when you
eat an organic apple versus a processed bag of crisps.
Cancers, ADHD and even infertility are some of the issues
relating back to skincare and cosmetics. The issues are very
real and very serious and research is linking some of the
contributing factors back to food and products used on
the body.
The issue is also in the lack of testing which the shelf products
go through. There are a number of ingredients used in the
manufacturing process of skin care that are not tested as
there is no governing body regulating the cosmetics industry.
Therefore, a good rule of thumb is that if you wouldn’t eat
your skin care and body care then you shouldn’t be rubbing
it on your body. You are what you eat and what you absorb
from the products you use.
BabyTalk | May 2017 7

Jessie Foo Xiang Yi
Child Psychology
}
My toddlers seems to kick up a fuss each
time I pick her up from the daycare center. I am a
single parent, by the way, and it's just the two of
us at home. Could she be just lonely and is there
anything I can do so that she'll be happy at home
as she is at the daycare center? ~
Verona Lee
Dietitian
}
Is there such a thing as giving a child too
much water? My mom-in-law insists that all her
grandchildren drink a large flask of water (1.5 liter)
each day. I feel that my three year old son should
just drink when he's thirsty. May I have your
opinion on this? ~
How much water a child needs depends on his/ her age, body
weight, gender and activity levels. Giving young children too
much water may cause a decrease in appetite due to their
small stomach volume. This could lead to low energy due to
inadequate nutrient intake and it may affect their growth.
The chart below can help you to identify how much of water
your child needs each day. This recommendation takes into
account water consumption as well as other beverages
including milk. However, your mom-in-law has her point
where your child can become dehydrated easily because
children can ignore their thirst when caught up in play.
Offering them water from time to time and keeping water
in a flask available all the time are good practices to ensure
that they are always well hydrated. You may also offer more
water when he is outdoors or when he is sick. The best way
to tell if your child is getting enough of water is to check his
urine. If he is getting enough, his urine will be light-coloured
or colourless.
Young children often have difficulties making any kind of
transition and dealing with separation. However, in your case,
it is likely that your daughter's behavior is related to her ability
to deal with transitions rather than her attachment to you.
Ask your childcare provider to help your daughter make the
transition everyday by creating a predictable end-of-the-day
routine to ease the transition, such as doing a quiet activity,
putting belongings into her bag, looking out the window for
mummy. If this doesn't help, acknowledge your daughter's
negative feelings instead of focusing on her behavior. Say
"You seemed angry and sad. Can I give you a hug?"
At home, spend quality time with your daughter regularly, for
even if it's only 30 to 60 minutes a day, quality is still better
than quantity. Give her your 100% attention during these
quality times, without texting, answering calls, and watching
television. Eating together, playing games and bedtime stories
are some ideas for spending quality time with each other.
Glasses *
Recommended
water and beverage
intake(ml/day)
4 1000 3 years
Age
5 1300 4 to 6 years
7 1800 7 to 9 years (Boy)
6 1600 7 to 9 years (Girls)
9 2200 10 to 12 years (Boys)
8 2000 10 to 12 years (Girls)
11 2700 13 to 15 years (Boys)
9 2200 13 to 15 years (Girls)
11 2800 16 to 18 years (Boys)
9 2200 16 to 18 years (Girls)
*250ml per glass
8 BabyTalk | May 2017

BT Buzz
Infection protection from
gut bacteria
Hundreds of thousands of babies worldwide die every year
from infections that ravage their digestive systems. A new
research using mice offers evidence that the difference in
survival may come from certain bacteria in their guts, called
Clostridia, which appear to provide key protection against
infection, in addition to helping digest food.
It was revealed that some of those bacteria — called
Clostridia — provide key protection against infection, in
addition to helping digest food. But it also shows that the
youngest newborn mice don’t have Clostridia yet, making
them the most vulnerable to invading bacteria similar to the
pathogens that sicken so many human babies.
The findings, made at the University of Michigan Medical
School and published in Science, could point the way to new
approaches to protect human babies.
“Any parent knows that newborns are very susceptible to
infections in the first year of life, including enteric, or gut,
infections,” says Gabriel Nunez, M.D., the study’s senior
author and a U-M pathology professor. “This work suggests
that the lack of protective bacteria in the gut microbiota is a
mechanism for that susceptibility, perhaps more than the age
of the immune system.”
Liver issues? Maybe mom’s
to blame!
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a serious and growing
problem. Previously linked with obesity, a new study also
connects it to maternal obesity — meaning that what
your mother ate during pregnancy may affect your future
liver health. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is
characterized by a buildup of fat within the cells of the
liver. Although having fat in the liver is normal, if there
is an excessive amount, it can lead to liver scarring and
cirrhosis. Cirrhosis describes a process during which liver cells
are gradually replaced by scar tissue, hindering the liver’s
capacity to work effectively.
The latest research comes from a team headed up by Dr.
Michael Thompson, Ph.D., a pediatric endocrinology fellow
at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio. The results are
presented today at the Experimental Biology 2017 meeting,
held in Chicago, IL.
Using a mouse model, the research explores the effect, if any,
of a maternal high-fat diet on the offspring’s liver health.
Dr. Thompson explains the reasons for his decision to
embark on the current project: “Complications of obesity
are a significant cost burden for the medical system,
especially given the prevalence of obesity. Understanding
how maternal exposures impact obesity-related disease such
as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease will allow us to develop
lower-cost preventative therapies to utilize up front rather
than awaiting complications down the road.”
Could a HIV generation
be possible?
It’s hard to imagine, but every 90 seconds, a baby is born
with HIV in the world. According to UNICEF, one-third of
those infants will die before their first birthday and half
before their second if they do not receive appropriate, timely
treatment. In the meantime, the U.N. agency has made it a
mission to achieve a generation free of HIV and AIDS, stating
that the key to eliminating HIV in infants lies in preventing
transmission of the virus from mother to child in the womb
— when a mother has access to antiretroviral therapy, the
likelihood of HIV transmission is virtually zero!
The sad part about this is, most people in the world who
are living with HIV or who are at risk of contracting it do not
have access to any methods of prevention, care or treatment.
In fact, 15% of mothers are not able to afford delivery in
a hospital or other facility even, and 95% of HIV-positive
mothers must travel more than six miles for any type of
maternity care. Ninety-seven percent of all people living with
the virus reside in low- and middle-income countries.
If you care to know more, or even reach out to help, If
you’d like to help, you can read more about the MEERA
Foundation’s project at its Chime for Change here: www.
unicefusa.org/mission/survival/hiv-aids/mother-childtransmission,
or donate to UNICEF’s Global Fight Against
AIDS through the same website.
Pets & childhood allergies
New research highlights the benefits of having pets around
the house during childhood, after finding that early-life
exposure to furry animals may reduce the risk of developing
allergies and obesity. Led by researchers from the University
of Alberta in Canada, the study found that children exposed
to dogs, cats, and other furry pets in early life — before birth
and up to three months after — experienced significant
increases in two beneficial gut bacteria: Ruminococcus
and Oscillospira.
Previous studies have linked Ruminococcus to a reduced
risk of childhood allergies, while Oscillospira has been
associated with a decreased obesity risk. Study co-author
Anita Kozyrskyj, of the Department of Pediatrics at Alberta,
and colleagues recently reported their findings in the
journal Microbiome.
According to The Humane Society of the United States,
around 79.7 million households in the U.S. own at least
one animal, with dogs taking the top spot as most popular
pet. Our four-legged friends undoubtedly bring us joy and
companionship, but studies have shown that their benefits
do not end there, particularly for children.
One study reported by Medical News Today last year, for
example, found that dog exposure in the first year of a child’s
life was associated with a 13 percent decreased asthma risk
in later childhood.
BabyTalk | May 2017 9

BT Buzz
Long-term positive effects
of birth control pills
When it comes to oral contraceptives, women often hear
about the increased cancer risk they pose. A new study,
however, finds that the using birth control pills may protect
against certain cancers for at least 30 years. From an analysis
of more than 46,000 women, researchers from the University
of Aberdeen in the United Kingdom found that women who
had ever used oral contraceptive pills were at lower risk of
colorectal, ovarian, and endometrial cancers, compared with
women who had never used the pill.
Furthermore, the study found no link between the use of
oral contraceptives during reproductive years and increased
risk of new cancers in later life.
The study was led by Dr. Lisa Iversen, of the Institute of
Applied Health Sciences at Aberdeen, and the findings were
recently published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and
Gynaecology. — www.medicalnewstoday.com
Having children may
increase lifespan
According to a new study, having children could add years to
a parent’s lifespan. The research team — including Dr. Karin
Modig of the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden — found that
people who had children may live up to two years longer
than those who are childless.
The authors recently published their findings in the Journal
of Epidemiology & Community Health.
According to Dr. Modig and colleagues, previous studies
have indicated that parents may live longer than those
without children. However, the researchers note that the
reasons behind this link have been unclear, and little research
has been conducted on how this association changes
throughout a lifetime.
With the aim of addressing these research gaps, the team
used national registry data to gather information on 704,481
men and 725,290 women who were born between 1911
and 1925, and who were living in Sweden.
The team assessed the marital status of each person, the
number of children they had, and the sex of each child. The
researchers then calculated how parenthood influenced the
lifespan of each person from the age of 60 onward.
Say No To DEET
NOW
IN NEW
PACKAGING
The biggest setback of most insect repellents in the market
is that they include DEET as an active ingredient. In recent
years, concerns have surfaced about the use of DEET for
there have been marked neurotoxic effects reported in
children. DEET is rapidly absorbed through the skin, causing
health issues especially in young children. This is not the
case though, with Mosi-guard ® Natural — Your safest,
smartest defense against insect bites. Mosi-guard ® Natural
uses Citriodiol ® as its active ingredient. Unlike DEET which
is a synthetic chemical active, Citriodiol ® is plant based, also
known as Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus. It is not only easy and
pleasant to use, it is also among the best performing plant
based insect repellent products you can find in the market.
Available in spray, stick and roll-on forms.
The importance of loving
touches for preemies
Making sure that preterm babies receive positive, supportive
touch such as skin-to-skin care by parents is essential to help
their brains respond to gentle touch in ways similar to what
babies experience inside their mother’s womb,” says Nathalie
Maitre of Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Vanderbilt
University Medical Center. “When parents cannot do this,
hospitals may want to consider occupational and physical
therapists to provide a carefully planned touch experience,
sometimes missing from a hospital setting.
— www.sciencedaily.com
10 BabyTalk | May 2017

BT Buzz
KidsBiomune
— For a boost in your child’s immunity
Childhood is the
time for growth,
discovery and
learning. As young
children continue to
grow and develop,
many tend to
run into bumps
along the way,
and some of these
are in the form of
illnesses due to
infections and poor
immunity. There
are a number of ways to strengthen a child’s immune system
and these include proper diet, exercise and lots of fresh air
and sunshine. Modern, savvy parents have also found it
important to supplement their kids’ diets with Kidsbiomune,
which are tasty mango flavored gummies suitable for
children who can chew. It contains Wellmune ® , a yeast beta
glucan derived from the cell wall of a proprietary strain of
yeast. Kidsbiomune is said to help children ward off common
childhood illnesses such as colds and flu so that they’ll able
to enjoy a more fulfilling and enjoyable childhood.
03-61516629 or email: info@germax.com.my
Introducing Novamil
for supported growth
and development
Introducing the latest in early nutrition to hit the market
— Novamil 1+, Novamil DHA & Novamil IT, which are high
quality formulated milk products of the European Union
for children 1–3 years old. Novamil provides a wholesome
mix of essential nutrients for young, growing bodies, which
include 26 vitamins and minerals that support growth and
immunity while promoting better bone health. They also
provide Omega 3 & Omega 6 which are the building blocks
for brain and visual development, as well as all-important
carbohydrates, proteins and fats for well-supported physical
growth. Novamil It has the added benefit of promoting
easier bowel movements for children too. The products are
now available at pharmacies, Chinese medical hall, baby
shops nationwide and soon in supermarkets too.
7 3 4 8
Sudoku
6 9 2 4
9 4 1 5
6 1 4 8 9 7
2 8 7 3 5 4
3 9 2 8
8 2 9 7
2 1 5 9
Solutions:
1 2 7 3 5 4 8 6 9
8 5 6 9 1 2 4 7 3
9 4 3 8 7 6 2 1 5
6 1 5 4 2 8 3 9 7
7 3 4 5 9 1 6 8 2
2 8 9 7 6 3 1 5 4
3 9 1 6 4 7 5 2 8
5 6 8 2 3 9 7 4 1
4 7 2 1 8 5 9 3 6
BabyTalk | May 2017 11

Advertorial
FAQs & Tips
on Family Planning
To experience motherhood may be the birthright of women, but
it does not necessarily mean that every woman can successfully
conceive without problems. For many women, conception may
be tricky due to a number of reasons. Here are some FAQs and
tips on family planning that may be helpful to you.
Q: Does my diet matter if I’m trying to conceive?
A: It does indeed, so be sure to include enough protein, iron,
zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin D in your diet. Deficiencies in these
important nutrients have been known to have negative effects on
menstrual and ovulation cycles.
Q: Could stress be stopping me from getting pregnant?
A: Yes, for not only is it the main cause of many dangerous
illnesses, it is also capable of interfering with one’s ability to get
pregnant and have a healthy pregnancy. Hence, it’s crucial to keep
yourself as stress-free as possible if you’re planning to get pregnant.
Q: My husband and I are both healthy but I’m still
unable to conceive. What could I be doing wrong?
A: Your timing could be a problem and here’s why: Every
woman has her own fertile period and you could be missing
out on yours. Each month, fluctuating Luteinising Hormone
(LH) levels trigger the release of a single egg from either of your
ovaries to make its way down the Fallopian tubes, marking your
ovulation period, or most fertile period. Sexual intercourse during
this timeframe will more likely result in a pregnancy compared to
other times.
Tip: Help it along!
Your ovulation period lasts for about 18 to 24 hours while your
partner’s sperm can live for 72 hours inside your body. Make
good use of this window of time if you plan to get pregnant! A
simple ovulation test by a trusted name, Clearblue, can make a
big difference in optimizing your chances of conception.
Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test
The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test is to date the most
efficient method of monitoring a woman’s ovulation period.
It measures the change in Luteinising Hormone (LH) levels
in her body, which peaks approximately 24 to 36 hours
preceding ovulation.
Clearblue Digital Ovulation Test identifies your unique
threshold level, which may differ from other women's’ and
measures the changes in the LH level from this baseline. Just
prepare and use the test stick as per directions, and results will
be delivered in approximately three minutes, indicating an (◦) for
‘no LH Surge’ or () for a ‘positive LH surge’ result.
Are you pregnant? Take a
pregnancy test and find out
However, do ensure to use a good, reputable pregnancy test kit
that will save you a whole lot of frustration! Women the world
over have always turned to Clearblue for fast, accurate results.
Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test with
Conception Indicator
Clearblue has always been a trusted brand that offers the
clearest results, accurately and conveniently. As such, the
Clearblue Digital Pregnancy Test kit is equipped with
a Conception Indicator for double confirmation of
pregnancy results.
The unique kit features a Smart Dual Sensor lets you know:
33Whether you’re pregnant or not, in words
33How far along you are
There you have it — No more guessing and waiting! If you’re
planning to get pregnant, remember to get better, clearer test
results with Clearblue.
For more information, please contact us at: Email: info@germax.com.my Careline: 03-61516629

Bump to Birth
Being Mum
As a pregnant mom, it’s perfectly
understandable that you’d like for
everything to go well during your
special nine months, but don’t let
that make you into a worry-wart!
What you shouldn’t
worry about
when you’re pregnant
BabyTalk | May 2017 13

Bump to Birth
Being Mum
Keeping your health and your baby’s wellbeing
in mind while you’re pregnant is commendable,
but there is a fine line between being responsibly
concerned and having a tendency to worry about
every single thing that’s going on inside, outside and around
you. Here, we help you sort out some stuff that you really
need not worry about.
Your appearance
As long as you’re comfortable and presentable, it really does
not matter what you look like. No one expects you to be in
high heels and full make up 24/7. You’re free to look and
feel as chilled out as you want! Note: If you’ve been looking
to the stars (read: celebrities) for inspiration on how to
look like during your pregnancy, you might want to reset
those thoughts.
Your seemingly insatiable appetite
The increased need for energy to support your growing fetus
is bound to make you hungry, so don’t feel guilty if you have
to eat more than usual to feel contented. The best you can
do is to try making the healthiest food choices you can.
Your increasing weight
Remind yourself that your body is busy performing a miracle
and that gaining some weight is part and parcel of pregnancy,
for everyone, not just you. This is no time to be watching
your figure, mama!
How your baby’s getting on
Let the doctor take care of that! If there is anything to be
concerned about, your doctor will advise you on what to
do. In the meantime, you take care of yourself, for a healthy,
happy mother is what your baby needs.
Your mood swings
Mood swings during pregnancy are brought about by
fluctuating hormones and hence, they’re inevitable. So, why
spend the rest of the time worrying about them when you
can be going shopping, catching up with friends, or even
spending some quality time with hubby?
Unsolicited advice
While we can’t possibly tell you to ignore family members
who seem to derive pleasure from annoying you with
unsolicited advice, nonsensical superstitions and old wives
tales, we can however remind you that you have the option
of not taking what they say seriously or even politely excusing
yourself from their presence and moving on.
What should and should not be eaten
You can generally eat whatever you want as long as your
doctor does not advise against it. The main thing here is
to have a bit of control when it comes to sugary snacks or
foods with too much saturated fats. Think wholesome fruits,
vegetables, meats, fish, etc. As for your cravings, go ahead
and indulge in them moderately and you’ll have nothing to
worry about.
About being a good mom
We’re not going to lie to you and say that motherhood is a
piece of cake. It is, nevertheless, a joyous experience and if
you’re fortunate enough to be on the way to experience it,
take in all in your stride and look forward to it. Remember,
many others would give anything to be in your shoes
but can’t!
14 BabyTalk | May 2017

Bump to Birth
9 Months
My Back Hurts!
Back pain is a common issue among pregnant women and it usually
occurs around mid-pregnancy onwards. This annoying condition
affects more than half of all pregnant women. Read on to learn more…
BabyTalk | May 2017 15

Bump to Birth
9 Months
What causes back pains
during pregnancy?
Back pain can begin as early as when your belly begins
to show and pushes out of the pelvic area. If you already
have existing back pain, pregnancy is likely to make it more
pronounced. There are six main causes of back ache during
pregnancy and they are:
Hormonal changes
A hormone called relaxin is released during pregnancy to
help soften the ligaments in your pelvis. This hormone also
helps to make your joints more flexible than usual, but they
consequently place some extra strain on your back.
Your altered posture
As your pregnancy progresses, your lower back will begin
to curve inwards and your centre of gravity also alters to
accommodate this weight. This happens so gradually that you
will hardly notice it, but unfortunately, the aches and pain
these changes cause to your back might not go unnoticed!
The position of your baby
Depending on how your growing baby is positioned, there is
a likeliness that certain nerves can be pinched or compressed,
causing mild to severe backaches.
Weighted pressure
While your spine can handle the extra weight from your
growing baby, it may still place pressure on nerves and blood
vessels, and may also cause muscles to feel tight and feel
strained. This may be felt as dull aches on your lower back
and hips.
16 BabyTalk | May 2017

Bump to Birth
9 Months
Your baby’s weight
As your baby gains more and more weight in your womb,
your lower back might sway as your centre of gravity moves
forward, causing back muscles to feel tight and painful.
Abdominal separation (diastasis recti)
During pregnancy as your belly grows bigger, two lines of
muscle running down your abdominals begin to separate
to accommodate your uterus as it pushes forward. This
separation, called diastasis recti, may cause varying degrees of
back aches and pains.
Safe treatments for normal
back pains
If your doctor has ruled out any danger signs, you may have
to put up with your back ache right up till you give birth. It
doesn’t mean that you have to endure it though, for there are
some safe methods to alleviate them.
Warm baths or showers. Having a warm bath or standing
under a warm shower may help soothe tight, aching muscles
and alleviate some of the pains in your back.
Positioning and support. During nap times or when you’re
sleeping, lay on your side with a support pillow between
your knees. This has been shown to take some pressure off
your back.
A good massage. A good, prenatal massage might help to
relax your body and relieve back pain. Be certain though that
your therapist is trained in proper massage techniques for
pregnant women.
Watch your posture. A good posture may help, so don’t
slouch! You can improve your posture by standing tall, with
shoulders back, and tucking your pelvis under. Use back
support when sitting to keep your spine straight.
Avoid high heels. They cause unnecessary strain throughout
your back and spine, amplifying any existing aches. Choose
instead shoes that are comfy and ones that provide support.
Mind those movements. Squat or kneel to lower yourself
to the floor or to pick up objects from the ground. Better still,
get someone else to do it and avoid the risk of back injuries.
Rest! Try to make sure you get enough rest every day, for it
helps to heal and sooth any nagging aches caused by weak,
tired muscles.
Medications. Make sure these are recommended by your
doctor though.
When to see your doctor
While most incidences of back pains can be quite annoying
yet harmless, there are however, times when back pain can
be a sign things are not quite right and you may need to see
your doctor. The following are some symptoms that should
not be ignored:
Back pains accompanied by vaginal bleeding. Back pains
that come and go, accompanied by bleeding and sensations
like uterine tightening or contractions may be indicators of
premature labour or placental problems.
Sudden pain. Any kind of severe pain without any apparent
cause should be checked out. Also, if you happened to have
experienced any kind of trauma, such as a car accident or a
fall, the pain that follows may be indicating a serious injury
and needs immediate attention.
Fever and back pain. Fevers should not be taken lightly
during pregnancy. They may be caused by bladder or kidney
infections which in turn can cause serious complications, such
as preterm labour if left untreated.
Loss of feeling. Pains in the back may be normal, but if you
also experience loss of sensation in one or both of your legs,
or if you are unexplainably weak and not coordinated, you
should contact your doctor immediately.
BabyTalk | May 2017 17

Interview
Be treated like a queen
@ Esther Postpartum Care
There are many ways to take
care of a woman who has just
given birth. In Asia, tradition
and culture plays a big part in
postpartum care among new moms,
but as time goes by and modern ways
take over, new moms do not have to
necessarily undergo their confinement
period at home.
Still quite a new concept in Malaysia,
confinement care centers are beginning
to find favour among many new moms
and their families. One place worth
checking out is the Esther Postpartum
Care, which opened its doors to new
moms late last year. This center is led by
Taiwan Dun Nan True Love Group, and
it introduces the concept of traditional
and scientific confinement experience
to Malaysians. This exclusive, 5-stars
environment and facilities with 24 hours
security management ensure a best
stay-in experience for a new mother
and her baby.
In Taiwan, the group has been in
operations since 2008, serving over ten
thousand families, with 25 branches
in Taiwan and China. Now, Malaysians
will get to experience this top-notch
treatment which incidentally believes in
treating new mothers like a queen!
Esther Postpartum Care is strategically
located in Jalan U-Thant, nearby to a
number of popular hospitals. Pregnant
moms can pre-book the package of
their choice according to their budgets
or specific needs. All packages however,
are inclusive of various postpartum
care essentials which include electric
breast pumps, baby diapers, wet
wipes, nursing pillow, glass feeding
bottles, pure cotton nursing clothing,
baby cotton clothing, toiletries for
new moms, baby skincare, treatments,
remedies and much more.
Sophistication,
hygiene and safety
Upon entering the center, one can’t
help but be awed by the sheer
sophistication of its environment. In
fact, the whole feel of the center is akin
to a luxurious hotel, to say the least.
However, safety and confidentiality
are paramount here as noted from its
strict visitation and registration rules
with particular attention to children
admission control, disinfection upon
entry, temperature monitoring and
infection monitoring and control.
Hygiene in particular is taken seriously
for the best interest of new moms
and their babies. Visitors need to
wear a face mask, have their body
temperatures checked, disinfect their
hands and also change their shoes
before entering to visit a new mom.
On top of that, they may only see a
newborn through the center’s nursery
window.
These practices provide a safe, private
and hygienic environment for the
delicate confinement period of its
esteemed clients.

Run by professional
Esther Postpartum Care was founded
by Amy Chen, a mother and baby
care specialist who has worked with
the Department of Health Taiwan in
accessing confinement care standards.
The in-house Gynaecologist is Dr
Ahmad Pauzi bin Abu, who is also the
director of Sultanah Fatimah Specialist
Hospital, Muar. Dr Ahmad Pauzi has
over 30 years experience in the field of
Gynaecology and Obstetrics.
The center’s Chief Nurse, Ms Lee, is
a graduate of nursing care in Taiwan
and has more than 20 years experience
in childcare. She has served many
well-known hospitals in Taiwan as
CNO. In the meantime, the nursing
staff, which is an integral part of the
center’s services, are all qualified and
licensed for the delicate job of caring
for new moms. For the highest quality
in care, the ratio of nurses to moms are
maintained at 1:3 to 1:6. They work in
three shifts along with the professional
medical team, further ensuring that they
themselves are well-rested and that the
service they provide is always up to par.
Queenly treatment
for new moms
It seems that here, at Esther Postpartum
care, nothing is too good for a new
mom as she rests and prepares herself
for motherhood. In between regular
visits by the Chief Nurse, Gynecologist
and Traditional Chinese Medicine
practitioners, a new mom will be cared
for both physically and emotionally
by professionals.
Special postpartum classes are also
offered to them. These classes are held
by professionals and they help them
care and connect well with their baby,
help them to successfully establish
breastfeeding and equip them with all
the relevant know-hows of baby care
and self-care as a new mom.
Postpartum nutrition
Taiwan Dun Nan True Love Group is the
only confinement center received the
Award of Excellence in Food Safety and
Hygiene for five years consecutively by
the Department of Health Taiwan. Its
postpartum meals are also certified with
International HACCP and ISO 22000.
Meals for new moms are designed by
a professional dietitian and chef, and
they consist of wholesome foods ideal
for confinement period, which include
nutritious herbal soups. Confinement
meals are prepared with less oil, less
salt, high fiber and include lots of
beneficial protein. They are specifically
designed with the wisdom of tradition
and the advancements in modern
knowledge to help new moms produce
breast milk and regain their prepregnancy
figures.
Exclusive herbal teas and tonic soups
from Taiwan are given in line with the
different postpartum stages a new
mom goes through, to ensure sufficient
breast milk without excessive intake of
calories and fat. They are said to help
in detoxification and lochia elimination;
recovery and healing from the rigours
of childbirth; regaining vitality and for
the much needed boosts of energy.
They also help strengthen a new mom’s
bones and aid in proper kidney function
while reducing swellings.
Beneficial
postpartum teas
Interview
Dehydration during pregnancy and extra
water loss for breastfeeding mothers
are common, but on the other hand,
drinking excessive water or fluids causes
water retention and swelling.To counter
this situation, Esther Postpartum Care
serves six types of special teas to keep
new moms hydrated and to help
improve kidney functions. The teas are:
Lactation tea, Liver tonic tea, Eucommia
tea, Sheng Hua Tang, Antiseptic tea and
Lactation suppression tea.
Newborn care service
The newborn baby rooms at Esther
Postpartum Care are equipped with
24-hour video surveillance, making
it possible for families to view their
precious newborns via the TV or phone
app. Apart from that, there is also
around-the-clock nurse security so that
new moms are assured that their babies
are safe.
Newborns here are meticulously cared
for as they lay blissfully in custommade
cribs for ultimate comfort. Every
baby room is equipped with medical
grade UV lamps for indoor disinfection.
Amidst regular checks by paediatricians
and nurses, they will also be monitored
for early brain development progress,
jaundice, have their body temperatures
checked for detection of possible
health issues, and if needed, they will
be quarantined for treatment. They
will also have their weight and overall
health monitored as well.
The top-notch newborn care and
services provided here at Esther
Postpartum Care aims at developing
good eating habits, healthy sleeping
habits as well as kick-start a healthy
growth pattern for newborns.
Simply said, things can’t get any better
for new moms and their babies at
Esther Postpartum Care!
For more information, go to www.estherpostpartumcare.com or call 603-2181 5995

Sponsored Article
Confinement care meals
Chinese yam, also called cinnamon-vine, has earned its place
among the revered ingredients used in confinement meals
among the Chinese. This particular tuber is often used in
the preparation of tonic or herbal soups and remedies. Also
known as huai shan or shan yao, it can be used fresh or in
its dried form. Chinese yam has a mildly sweet taste and a
starchy, potato-like texture.
Physicians practising traditional Chinese medicine prescribe
this to replenish qi and yin in the kidneys. In Chinese
households, it is well known as a beneficial food to consume
to help digestion, relieve stomach pain, alleviate diarrhoea,
improve recovery after an illness, repair muscle tissue and
promote muscle growth. The following is a recipe for a
confinement dish using fresh Chinese yam.
Ingredients:
• 300g chicken meat, skinned, cut into large chunks
• 120g fresh Chinese yam
• Preferred seasoning and sea salt, to taste
Method:
1. Peel and cut the yam into bite-size chunks. Steamed and
keep aside.
2. Place the skinned, cut chicken meat in boiling water and
scald for a minute or so to remove impurities.
3. Next, boil the chicken pieces till medium done.
4. Add in remaining ingredients including the yam and stew
over low heat for 30 minutes.
5. Add seasoning and sea salt to taste. Serve hot.
Fresh Chinese Yam Chicken Soup
(for 2 servings)
Chinese confinement care meals aim to warm up a new mom’s body while delivering beneficial nutrients to her system.
The following is another example of a confinement care meal.
Chinese sauce fried meat
(for 3 servings)
Ingredients:
• 100g chicken meat slices
• 1/4 onion, sliced
• Salad oil
Seasoning:
• 1/3 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce
• Crystal sugar to taste
• Black vinegar to taste
• White pepper to taste
Method:
1. In a bowl, combine the oyster sauce, crystal sugar, black
vinegar and white pepper.
2. Heat a pan over high heat and add the salad oil.
3. Tip in the chicken slices and onions add water.
4. Mix in all seasoning sauce and stir fry for two minutes.
5. Serve.
Recipes courtesy of Esther Postpartum Care

Bump to Birth
Feature
Are you stocked up
for baby’s arrival?
As a mom-to-be, one of the preparations you’ll have to see to is stocking
up on all the essential supplies that you’ll be needing for baby and you.
Believe us, you really don’t want to be scampering around for newborn
diapers, baby wipes or even breast pads at the very last minute.
BabyTalk | May 2017 21

Bump to Birth
Feature
However, with so many other
things to take care of, we
don’t blame you if you’ve
been putting off shopping for
essential items for baby and you. We
figured too, that a checklist of some of
the most essential items may help. So,
here’s what you’ll need to have at your
disposal before your baby gets here.
Clothes
You’ve probably been advised against
getting too many newborn clothes
as infants outgrow them pretty fast.
That’s good advice indeed, but a
newborn will still be needing to change
outfits multiple times a day due to the
inevitable mess from spit-ups, pee and
poop. The number of pieces you really
need will depend on the kind of daily
laundry you’re willing to take up.
In any case, here’s an idea of what you
should have at hand for your baby:
• Bodysuits (4 to 6)
• Short sleeve onesies (4 to 6)
• T-shirts (4 to 6)
• Short pants (2 to 4 pairs)
• Long pants (2 to 4 pairs)
• Caps (1 to 2)
• Socks or booties (4 to 6 pairs)
Mom’s needs
Nursing bras: Have at least three
comfortable, well-fitting ones
on standby.
Nursing wear: Choose nursing clothes
that are flexible, comfortable and have
easy-to-manage openings for stressfree
nursing.
Nursing pads: These underrated
items are handy when dealing with
leaky breasts.
Sanitary pads and panty liners: There
are various types of sanitary pads in the
market, as well as maternity pads to
choose from.
Confinement sets: Confinement sets
are nutritional supplement for new
moms which are mostly traditional in
nature. There are also modern postnatal
supplements in the market that
help in the same way, to nourish and
rejuvenate new moms.
Feeding essentials
Nursing pillow: Have at least one of
these ready to help you comfortably
support your baby during feedings.
A few bibs: To catch baby drool and
spit-ups.
A dozen burp cloths: Take these
everywhere with you to mop up the
inevitable baby spit-up and other
liquid spills.
Nipple cream: Also known as nursing
creams, they help ease dryness, heal
cracked skin, and soothe soreness.
Nursing cover or poncho: For more
discreet feedings at public places.
Breast pump: Important to every
nursing mom, especially if another
caregiver is to take on some of
the feedings.
Formula: If you can’t or don’t plan to
breastfeed, there are numerous infant
formula options to choose from — Talk
to your doctor about this.
6 – 10 Bottles and nipples: Even if
you breastfeed exclusively, you’ll want
to have bottles and newborn nipples
at home if you plan to pump your
breast milk.
22 BabyTalk | May 2017

Bump to Birth
Feature
Nice-to-have extras
• Swaddling blankets
• Baby monitor
• Pacifiers
• Infant swing
• Baby bouncer
• White-noise machine
• Crib mobile toys
• Nightlight
• Nursing chair
Diapering needs
Diapers: Decide which kind of diapers
you’ll be using and stock up ahead of
time. Be prepared for the possibility of
going through ten to 12 diapers each
day during the first few weeks.
Diaper wipes: For cleaning your baby’s
bottom during changings.
Diaper cream: Choose a good one
to protect your little one’s tender skin
against diaper rash.
A diaper pail with lid: This is a handy,
effective way to store used diapers until
you’re ready to take it out with the
household trash.
Changing table
A stand-alone changing
table generally comes
with nice extras like
safety railings and lots of
storage space.
Diaper bag: To take along everything
necessary for your baby’s need, such
as diaper changes, when you’re up
and about. Pick a bag that suits you
in terms of comfort as well as looks,
because it’ll be part of your outfit for
months to come. At the same time,
choose a practical one that comes with
a changing pad, a waterproof lining,
compartments and/or pockets to stash
your keys, wallet, phone, etc.
Sleep & rest
Crib & mattress: Even if your newborn
sleeps with you, a baby cot or crib will
eventually be needed. To make your
purchase go further, you can consider
a convertible cot which can transform
into a kiddy bed in the future.
Crib bedding: Have two or three sets
of crib sheets. One to use, one in the
wash and one on standby.
Baby sleeping bags: These help to
keep a baby as snug as a bug and
are available in a variety of attractive
designs. Consider the temperature
of your baby’s room before making a
purchase — Thicker material for colder
temperatures and thinner ones for
warmer rooms.
Bath time
Baby bathtub: There are now myriads
of baby bath tubs to choose from, so
pick one to suit your needs. There are
even bath tubs that come with their
own bath stand.
Hooded terrycloth towels: To keep
baby warm and dry after a bath.
Baby toiletries which include:
• A gentle wash
• Baby shampoo
• Baby lotion
• Diaper cream
• Baby oil/baby massage oil
Health & grooming
Bulb syringe and saline drops:
Important to have for clearing your
baby’s stuffy nose. You can find them at
pharmacies as well as baby stores.
Baby nail scissors or clippers: These
help you trim your baby’s nails safely.
Baby hair brush: Choose one with soft
bristles that won’t over-stimulate baby’s
delicate scalp.
Emergency
must-have
A complete first aid kit,
available at pharmacies
For getting around
Baby sling carrier: Keeps your
newborn close to you for comfort. It
also helps to keep your hands free to
get about your chores if you need to.
Stroller: For a newborn, you’ll want a
stroller that reclines to almost flat. It will
be a plus if it doubles up as an infant
car seat. (Check out the various types of
travel systems available in the market.)
Infant car seat: Look for a reliable one
and install it before baby arrives.
BabyTalk | May 2017 23

Mother's Day Special Feature
Parenting
Then and Now
We’re not exaggerating when we say that everybody — from your next door neighbour to
your in-laws to your second cousin’s housemate — seem to have an opinion on how your
child should be raised. Some opinions however, such as the ones from your own mom for
instance, may be more worthy than others. We’re just saying…
As a parent, whether you’re conscious about it or
not, you are already displaying traits of a certain
type of parenting style, which will then determine
how your child thinks, behaves and performs in
adulthood. Instinctively, you’d be doing whatever it takes to
raise a well-mannered, charming and independent child.
Parents have always been known to be concerned, if not
obsessed with analyzing the latest parenting techniques
or theories because of the very strong correlation between
parenting styles and school competence, behavior, physical
and emotional well being, self-perception and of course,
future success. The type of discipline method you practice at
home for instance, is crucial to your child's development and
can literally affect his or her future.
We asked four moms (and their moms) to share with us
their parenting styles and what they’ve learned during their
parenting journey. Let’s see what they had to share.
24 BabyTalk | May 2017

Mother's Day Special Feature
Daughter: Nur Adriany Surya Binti Yahaya, 36.
Children: Mior Danish Bin Mior Danial,10 and Mior Darwish Bin Mior Danial, 3.
Husband: Mior Danial Bin Mior Yahaya, 41.
I feel truly blessed to be a mother to my two young boys. I
feel it has brought out the best in me for I have since evolved
into a more patient individual who cares for others more
than I do for myself. Like other mothers out there, I dedicate
most of my time and focus on my children’s development.
As a working mom, I find managing my time to be the most
challenging task at hand, but with guidance and advice from
my own mom, I am now able to arrange my time accordingly
for my kids, my family, my parents and also myself.
My mother has taught me so much about parenting. She
is my mentor that I refer to her advice and wisdom. Apart
from that, I did take up parenting class and read a lot of
books and magazines as well, to equip myself with parenting
know-how. However, none of that could beat the wisdom
and knowledge which I’ve acquired from mom. From her,
I’ve learned to be
helpful, loving and
kind. In many ways,
this has also got to
do with the way she
brought me up, which
is to be grateful and
content with what I
have and to live within
my income. My mom
has always guided
me to live my live in
ways that will make
me happy without the
need to worry about
what others think of
me and those are some
of the values that
make my life more
meaningful as a
parent, wife and
daughter.
I am also grateful
for the fact that
we live nearby
each other, which
means that I get to
spend more time
with her.
MOther: Asiah Binti Mohd Yusoff, 62.
I am happy to see how Adriany has turned out as a wife and
mom and am glad to have been a good influence on her,
although I do realise that we can’t possibly be identical in our
parenting styles and ways. I suppose too, that the early years
of motherhood are not in the same era for the both of us.
There are some differences though in our respective parenting
techniques. For example, I strongly encourage an active
lifestyle for little kids as opposed to extended periods of
inactivity which is quite common these days among young
children — as in watching too much TV, connecting with
gadgets, etc. I also feel the need to get kids more involved
with housework and chores around the house. Reading to
kids before bedtime was also something I would consider
important compared to Adriany.
To this day, I firmly believe that some of our old ways, such
as eating together should be practised throughout, for those
are the precious family times together for talking, checking
on their progress, etc. I also believe that as parents, we must
always listen when our children have something to say, for if
we don’t take the trouble to listen to little things, they won’t
tell you the bigger, more serious things when they’re older!
There are aspects of parenting which we have a lot in
common, such as keeping healthy through exemplary
lifestyles and nutrition as well as focusing on the academic
development of the kids. On the whole, I am happy for my
daughter, for the woman she has become and her qualities as
a loving, generous mom.
BabyTalk | May 2017 25

Mother's Day Special Feature
Daughter: Roselind Kang Nguk Hsia, 40.
Son: Daniel Chang Yi Zheng 3.
Husband: Tony Chang Kok Fei, 42.
My husband and
I read books on
parenting before
our son was born as
preparation for his
arrival. Mostly, they
were from the 'What
to expect' series
— these books are
really thick but very
detailed. I for one,
was on leave, so I had all the time in the world for reading!
It was important for me to know how to raise a healthy child
and how to trust your instincts so I’ll not fully depend on
medications from doctors. I liked to look up natural home
remedies and so on. I also read Asian Parenting, especially
when I need quick answers to situations.
Being a mom has taught me to adapt to new ways of doing
things, which include paying a whole lot of attention to my
baby and scheduling all my activities around his needs. My
hubby and I tend to think twice about eating out too, for
there are too many uncertainties on the wholesomeness of
outside food nowadays. I’d rather cook at home to ensure my
son gets the nutrients he needs to be healthy.
Of course, with all that, nothing quite matched up with the
challenges of having to discipline my son. My hubby and I
had to be firm with him, especially when he threw tantrums.
Some of the methods used were placing him on his ‘thinking
chair’ for some time out, using the wooden spoon, etc.
Currently, it’s a blessing to watch my son grow and develop
into a lovely young child. He seems to be a good influence
to his friends too. For someone so young, he’s always helpful
and does his part in clearing away his toys after use. Daniel
has no issues now in following instructions and is hardly
a complainer.
I’m blessed in a way too that my relationship with my own
mother is a good one, even though we are not physically
close to each other — she lives in Kuching, Sarawak. I meet
her on several occasions a year, including Chinese New Year.
I cherish her in every way for the strong, determined woman
that she is. When my siblings and I were young, mom ran
a noodle shop. It was not easy and yet we were never in
want or need of anything due to her unstinting efforts and
dedication to give us the best.
She taught me to
persevere, to never
give up and to
never waste money
on unnecessary
things. She also
advises me to
find solutions to
problems instead of
complaining.
MOther: Cecilia Lau Ngo King, 73.
Things certainly have changed from the time I myself was
bringing up my children. During those days, for instance,
babies used to sleep with their parents on the same bed and
not separately in a cot. There was no such thing as organic
or goat’s milk and we used cloth diapers not disposable
ones. Even the way we discipline our young are not the
same — these days, spanking seems to be the last resort after
warnings were not heeded, where else during our time, we
spanked first, then only explained!
I can’t help but observe that many modern households seem
to be unable to cope without a helper or maid. We never had
such needs back then. Everyone had a duty in a household,
no exceptions. When I ran a noodle shop back in the day,
one of my children would be in charge of the dishes, another
in getting the ingredients and yet another helped with the
serving and the handling of cash. This way, I made sure my
kids knew the value of hard-earned money.
Also, once a baby is fed, he or she will be left with some toys
or with an older sibling while we mothers continued with the
household chores. That way, they’ll learn ways to entertain
themselves and won’t be in constant need of attention. I
can’t help but notice that many young kids today seem to get
too much attention so much so that they appear to be the
commander of their household!
However, I’m glad and proud to find that like me, my
daughter places her offspring above all else, especially
herself. She seems to be well-adjusted as a working mom
and everything at home seems to be well taken care of. I
am proud of the way she and her siblings have turned out.
They are close and hardly fight, which to me, is something to
appreciate greatly as their mother.
I hope to see my daughter and her family flourish in good
health, prosperity and unity and in turn get to see her son
grow up to be a good man.
26 BabyTalk | May 2017

Mother's Day Special Feature
Daughter: Azah binti Kamarudin, 33.
Children: Hannah Nur Humaira binti Mohd Nor Ariff, 6; Haziq Hadiff bin Mohd Nor
Arif, 4 and Harraz Alhaddad bin Mohd Nor Ariff, 1. Husband: Mohd Nor Arif, 33.
I manage to get lots of guidance from online parenting sites,
but when in dire need of advice, I look to my mom, whose
advice stems from the Muslim way of handling matters. I’m most
comfortable referring towards the Islamic way of parenting and for
me, motherhood involves a process of learning which never stops.
I don’t think anyone can be fully prepared for what motherhood
brings. Experiences such as sleepless nights and having to deal
with our little ones’ tantrums are situations which we all have to
find ways to deal with as they happen. In fact we have different
issues to face at each stage of their development.
It can get pretty stressful at
times, for instance, when
I come home to a messy
home after a long, tiring day
at work — It can get to me
sometimes, but what’s even
more challenging is when all
my kids fall ill at the same
time or one after another. It’s
during these times that I tend
to take a deep breath and
remind myself that I am still luckier than other parents, especially
those whose kids are suffering from more serious illnesses. By
being grateful for everything, I am able to get back on track.
My sleep cycles seems permanently altered too, but for the love
of my kids, it does not bother me. To me, it’s part of the mark of
motherhood. I'm not a perfect mother, sometimes I get angry and
helpless when a child of mine is being difficult. I feel torn when
I need to raise my voice and heartbroken when I hear their cries.
Still, I feel proud when I see improvement
and am reminded that I must be doing
something right! I’m also happy when
I see how much they love their dad. It’s
heartwarming to tell them how much I
love them.
When I think of my mom and how she
raised 11 children, I am humbled. She
cooked for us all, and that’s not an easy
feat even in those days. During festive
seasons, she is capable of cooking up a
feast for the entire family and extended
family as well! She’s my idol, not only
because of her super-mom parenting
ways but because of everything she is
to our family.
My mom and me meet each other every
day. As my daughter schools near her place,
I’ll drop by every morning before work and in the evenings after
work too. We also spend a fair amount of time cooking, shopping
and gardening together. I never fail to thank her for everything
she does for me each time I meet her, but sometimes I feel that
my ‘thank yous’ are more akin to cheap displays of gratitude,
compared to what I’d really want to do, that is, to shower her with
diamonds, because that’s what she’s worth to me.
There are times when we get to bring my mother along on
vacations with us. I am always overjoyed at the opportunity to
bring her along with me on a holiday.
MOther: Puziah binti Arshad, 64.
I feel that the biggest difference in my daughter’s parenting style
compared to my own when she was a child is the time we spend
with our kids. As a full time housewife, almost all my time was
spent with my children. As my daughter works from 8am to 5pm
on weekdays, she has less time to spend with her kids compared
to me back then. There are times she may even be held back at
work and may arrive home later.
Another challenge I observe in modern day parents is the time
spent on social media and with their hand-held gadgets for I feel
that the current trend of facebook and such tends to eat into time
with their kids.
For my part, I always remind my children that if they want their
kids to grow up as responsible, compassionate adults, they’ll have
to instill important values into them as early as possible. Educate
their hearts and monitor their behaviour, I always say.
It goes without saying that at times, kids have to be a little fearful,
so to speak, of their parents, and I mean fearful in the sense
of respect. During my time, we place a lot of value on a child’s
upbringing and the last thing any parent wanted is to be accused
of not bringing up their kids properly. I can’t help but feel that
generally, there seemed to be more respect back then among
children towards the older generation, not just their parents or
family members, but everyone who is older to them. It’s sad to
read in the news these days of all sorts of incidents stemming from
lack of respect among young children. I really do feel that there is
an urgent need to address this issue quickly before it’s too late.
As parents, I’m sure my children want the best for their children
as well, but I hope today’s younger generation of parents realise
that some of the ways they ‘love’ their children is slowly going
to spoil them. There is a fine line between trusting your child
and giving in to their whims and fancies. There is also a big
difference between standing up for your child and defending their
wrongdoing. Parents have to realise these troubling parenting
trends and rectify them at once so that their children can have a
more fulfilling future ahead.
I love my kids and my grandchildren to bits and my prayers are
always with every one of them. I hope they will always live a
blessed, easy life.
BabyTalk | May 2017 27

Mother's Day Special Feature
Daughter: Doris Cheong, 35.
I managed to get some
basic parenting knowledge
and advice from my
parents and I also asked
advice from the people
around me who I saw as
model parents. Still, no
matter how much advice
I got, I still found some
aspects of motherhood
quite challenging.
Even breastfeeding was
a challenge for me at
first, but I managed to
cope and successfully
breastfed my daughter for
almost two years. I also
found it difficult initially
to take care of my baby
on my own when my
husband was away and
no family members were around to help me. Fastforward
to today, motherhood has changed me to become a strong
and confident person — I am able to multitask in household
matters and also prioritise my daughter and family in terms of
decision making. In this matter, I’ve also learned a lot about
sacrifice and what it means to place my daughter ahead
of myself.
I just love my role as a mother — Being able to spend time and
cook the best foods for daughter makes me a happy mom!
My mom and me may not have the exact same way of
getting things done for our respective households, but I am
nevertheless happy that I get to meet her a few times a year. I
make the most of that time with her to take her shopping or
for high tea.
Daughter: Arielle Gynin Siau, 2.
Husband: Dominic Siau Tjuantze, 36.
MOther: Chen Fooi Choo, 55
My parenting technique is more conservative and over
protective at times, whereas, I realise my daughter's
generation prefer to use more independent parenting
techniques, such as allowing their children to express
themselves more and also make mistakes for they believe this
is part of growing the child's confidence.
However, I am thankful that she sees the importance
of teaching her child to honour and respect the older
generation, for greeting or addressing them first was always
the culture in the family.
Many things have changed from the days when I myself was
a young a parent, but as this world will have it, change is
inevitable. I still do reminisce about the times when we used
to go for family picnics and also when I used to design and
sew clothes for my children!
I am happy to see the woman my daughter has become and
I hope she will succeed in her life and be able to manage her
household like a pro.
28 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby Nursery
nds, wants and me
CAT
A B C
Getting your baby's nursery together can be quite an
arduous affair, for there seems to be so many things that
appeal to you as a new parent! Of course, there is no harm
in buying lots of nice stuff, but first, let’s take a look at some
absolute must-haves for a functionable nursery.
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Baby Nursery
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Crib Mattress and bedding
A mattress should not only be comfortable, but it should
also support your child’s growing body and promote good,
restful sleep.
Ensure that the crib mattress you choose is specifically made
for babies. — It should not be too soft or it may pose a
suffocation risk. Additionally, ensure that the mattress is
well-fitted for the crib. You should not even be able to fit two
fingers between the mattress and the sides of the crib.
You will also need a waterproof mattress pad for it’s cooler
and more comfortable than plastic or rubber covers. This is,
of course, to protect the mattress from bed-wetting. Cover
the pad with cotton fitted sheets and make sure that the
sheets fit snugly around the mattress and will not come loose
while your child is sleeping.
Baby Crib
A cot or crib will be your baby’s bed until he is two or three
years of age. It should be strong and sturdy with no cracks,
broken slats or jagged edges. If you are buying a new cot,
ensure that it is deep enough to be safe and that the bars are
the correct distance apart.
Baby cots should not feature any fancy cut-outs. Neither
should they have steps. Regardless if it’s a new or secondhand
one, make sure that the distance between each bar
is no less than one inch or no more than two and a half
inches apart. Tip: You should not be able to fit a soft-drink
can between the slats. This prevents your baby’s head from
squeezing or slipping through the bars.
Most cots have drop sides and an adjustable base height
to make it easier to lift babies in and out as they grow. It is
always a good idea to lower the base when babies are old
enough to pull themselves up. This will prevent them from
trying to climb out. Look out too for models that feature a
teething rail, which is a protective plastic coating around the
edges, to prevent chances of splinters from chewing.
Nice to have
Changing Table
You will be changing a whole lot of diapers
before your baby’s first birthday. Some
parents don’t mind doing this on the floor
or anywhere else. Others may find that
a changing table in the nursery is a good
investment. Many changing tables come
with their own storage space or shelves.
There are many practical and attractive
choices available in the market and you’re
sure to find one that suits your needs or
lifestyle. Many parents use changing tables
well into their child’s second year. If you
buy a convertible changing table, it can be
transformed into a dresser, etc, and your
child can still use it for even longer.
Note: Ensure there are protective guardrails
at least two inches high on all sides
and that the table is sturdy
– try shaking it with your hands.
30 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby Nursery
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Diapering Supplies
If you purchase a changing table, it will give you ample
storage space for diapering supplies. Stock up on either
cloth or disposable diapers and have at least a dozen at an
arm’s reach so you’ll never have to take your eyes off baby at
anytime while changing those diapers. Other supplies would
include nappy rash cream, wet wipes, cotton balls, etc.
Nursing gear
Breast pads, breast pumps, nursing pillows and nursing
covers are all the essential breastfeeding gear you need when
nursing. Keep all these things in the nursery as you will find
yourself constantly returning to feed your baby a few times a
day. Keep them all in one place for easy access!
For your consideration:
Nursing Chair
A nursing chair may be deemed a luxury item
to some, but the fact is, it will make feeding
an infant a whole lot more comfortable. Many
models available are able to recline into
different positions to support a nursing mom’s
back with others having a rocking feature to help
soothe a nursing baby.
Baby Monitor
A baby monitor is an invaluable addition to your nursery as
you will be able to keep tabs on your little one even if you
are not in the same room. The baby monitor has the ability
to transmit sound and sometimes video, from one room to
another. These monitors have two parts — a transmitter
and receiver — and are useful for parents who sleep in
separate rooms to wake up at night for feeding, changing
or comforting.
Most monitors work best from about ten feet from a baby’s
crib so that parents can pick up every sigh, gurgle and wail.
Parents can carry the receiver around the house or leave it
plugged by their bed.
Baby closet or cupboard
As a parent, you will be flabbergasted at how many clothes
your growing child can go through throughout their
childhood. A closet or cupboard is a must-have addition to
any nursery and if you choose your item well, it will serve its
purpose for years to come.
Storage baskets and hampers
As your child grows, so will his collection of toys and babyrelated
knick knacks. If you don’t want them all lying around
in a mess, then a good storage plan will come in handy.
You’ll find that storage baskets, hampers or containers with
lids and labels will come in handy. Use as many as you need
to keep the nursery clean, comfortable and neat and reduce
the chances of accidents from tripping or stepping on a toy.
Diaper pail with lid
When choosing a diaper pail, remember that your baby will
go through quite a number of dirty diapers, so a generously
sized pail would be good. Going for larger sized bins will
offer the convenience of only emptying the pail once a day,
but do choose one with a lid to keep those unwanted odours
from wafting through your home.
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Baby Nursery
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Laundry basket
This is another must-have in any nursery because babies can
dirty their clothes as they do their diapers. With spit-ups,
vomit, pee, poop and spilled food, you might find yourself
changing those tiny garments multiple times a day. With
a laundry basket, you can conveniently chuck those soiled
outfits into the hamper to be dealt with later.
Baby playgyms
A baby playgym is a small playmat with an
arch or two above it. There are usually small
toys suspended from it like baby mobiles.
These playgyms come in different colours,
textures and sounds to stimulate your little one.
As infants get older, it will be a great place for
tummy time as they will get to explore different
textures or toys placed in front of them.
Most baby gyms are
suitable to be used
from birth.
Curtains or blinds
Having curtains and blinds will help your child
sleep or nap better by blocking out any daylight.
Of course, they also work wonders to improve
the ambiance of your baby’s nursery.
Baby mobiles
Because infants will spend most of their time
on their backs, having a baby mobile will
be quite entertaining for a little one. Choose
mobiles that have the ability to move, sway
and jiggle to catch baby’s attention. Baby
mobiles come in hundreds of designs and
colours and some even play soothing music.
Burp cloths/hankies
The reason this handy necessity is on the list is because your
baby will be spitting up, vomiting and playing with his or her
food nearly every day and you will need these to catch, wipe
and mop up all the goo. In fact, you will probably need them
morning, noon and night so buy a stack of them and keep
these invaluable handkerchiefs nearby.
Night light
A night light in the nursery will provide babies and even
toddlers the comfort of being able to understand where they
are. On the other hand, night lights could also be great for
parents as it reduces the chances of tripping while preparing
midnight feeds or while changing their baby’s diaper.
Music player
Parents can’t possibly be by their little one’s side all day
long, so keep little ones entertained with music and nursery
rhymes. Apart from entertainment, sounds will make your
child feel more at ease and aid in sleep as comforting songs
lull your child to dreamland.
32 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby Nursery
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Hand-me-downs and
pre-loved items
If saving money is your priority, consider going for handme-downs
or pre-loved baby items. You can start the ball
rolling by informing your friends and relatives that you would
appreciate some hand-me-down items if they have any to
give or loan to you. Don’t be surprised if you start receiving
lots of stuff. Remember, there are a lot of baby stuff that
don’t really wear out because they don't have the opportunity
to. Babies tend to grow at a quick pace, and they outgrow
their clothes, cribs, etc, really fast. However, there are baby
items that have been recalled from the market because these
products have been found out to be a potential hazard for
the baby. So make sure to check if these items have been
categorized as one of those. You can browse the internet and
get a list of recalled baby items.
Some mothers would prefer hand-me-downs rather than
buying new baby clothes since most baby clothes these days
are chemically treated. The chemical used on these clothes
might be absorbed into the baby's sensitive skin, and besides
we don't have any idea how this would affect our little ones.
Toys
When it comes to toys, make sure to get
the simple ones that stimulate the baby's
imagination. More often than not, these kinds of
toys are the ones that are least expensive. If you
have old toys back when you were still a kid, you
may bring them out, clean it and give it to your
baby. Toys don't have to be flashy or high end,
sometimes all you need is a few good toys and
some space where the baby can be entertained
with his or her surroundings.
A little Babynomics
There are so many expensive baby items that are sold in
department stores but if you take the time to look closer,
many of these are not even necessary. There are people in
many parts of the world who were able to raise their baby
well without the use of things like walkers — which are not
advised by pediatricians, baby bouncers, and many others.
In other words, think carefully about what you really need
before making a purchase.
BabyTalk | May 2017 33

Baby & Toddler
Special Feature
Snack on this,
My Child!
Parents of toddlers know all too well that when the hunger pangs strike, there
had better be some snacks at hand or a meltdown is what you might get! It’s
natural for little ones to get all cranky and hungry in between mealtimes, and this
is when some healthy, wholesome munch-ables would do nicely! Here, we share
six such recipes that are guaranteed to please your little one’s tastebuds!
34 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby & Toddler
Special Feature
Let’s have Pudding!
Everyone loves a good pudding, but moms naturally detest
the amount of artificial ingredients that go into conventional
store-bought puddings, even the types meant for little ones!
Well, here’s a recipe that uses nothing but the good stuff. It
tastes so yummy, you might want to whip up a little extra for
yourself or you’ll be drooling over your bub’s share!
Ingredients:
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 3 egg yolks
• 1/2 cup real maple syrup or organic honey
• 4 tbsp arrowroot powder (or organic corn starch)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp vanilla
Method:
1. In a medium saucepan, whisk together milk, egg yolks,
maple syrup, arrowroot powder and salt.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until pudding
begins to thicken.
3. Stir over the heat for about 15 more seconds. Remove
immediately from the heat, and continue to stir until
pudding is creamy.
4. Add butter and vanilla and continue to stir until mixed.
5. Pour into serving dishes or cleaned-out egg shells and serve
warm, or chill for two hours and serve cold.
Apple chips
Well, well… There’s store-bought chips laced with salt,
MSG and the works… and then there’s healthy, yummy
apple chips with the apple, the whole apple, and nothing
but the apple! These are so easy to make too.
Ingredients:
• 2 apples
• A pinch of cinnamon powder
Method:
1. Remove apple core.
2. Thinly slice the entire apple.
3. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper and place
apple slices on it.
4. Sprinkle with cinnamon.
5. Bake at 275°F for two hours. At the end of hour one
flip them over so they bake evenly.
6. Serve warm!
BabyTalk | May 2017 35

Baby & Toddler
Special Feature
Whole wheat pretzels
Delicious and satisfying, this pretzel recipe is decidedly easy to
follow, plus, you can store some for future munching too!
Ingredients:
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 cup milk
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 3 cups bread flour
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp yeast
• 8 cups water
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• coarse salt
• melted butter and
cinnamon sugar
Method:
1. Bread machine method: In the pan of a bread machine,
assemble the 1/2 cup water, milk, sugar, flours, salt, and
yeast. Set the machine on dough. When the cycle ends,
remove the dough to a lightly oiled surface.
2. Manual method: Warm the water and milk slightly and
combine it with the sugar and yeast. Let that rest for 5
minutes. Then add the flours and salt. Stir until you have a
sticky dough but all the flour is incorporated. Turn it onto
a floured surface and knead until the dough becomes
elastic. Set into a greased bowl and allow to rise until
doubled in bulk, about an hour.
3. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Line two large cookie sheets
with parchment paper.
4. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each
portion into a long snake, about 18 inches long. Shape
your pretzels.
5. Meanwhile, bring the 8 cups water to a boil in a large
stockpot. Add the baking soda and continue to boil. Drop
the formed pretzels, one at a time into the soda bath.
Boil for about 30 seconds and remove to the prepared
parchment. Sprinkle with coarse salt, if desired.
6. Bake for 9 to 10 minutes or until golden. Remove them to
a rack to cool.
7. If you prefer sweet pretzels, brush the baked pretzels with
melted butter and sprinkle them with cinnamon sugar
before serving.
8. Freezing instructions: Place the cooled pretzels
(unbuttered) in a ziptop freezer bag and store in the
freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw, wrapped, on the
countertop at room temperature. You can reheat them in a
warm oven for five minutes to freshen them.
Gluten-free
chocolate chip cookies
When the cookie cravings come around, it’s time to bake a
batch of these!
Ingredients:
• 1 cup gluten-free flour
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 8 tbsp unsalted butter (*substitute a trans-fat-free nondairy
margarine if there is a dairy allergy)
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup canned chickpeas (rinsed and pureed)
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
(*use non-dairy chocolate chips if dairy allergy)
Method:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove butter from refrigerator to
let soften.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and
salt. Set aside.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat butter and both
sugars until creamy. Beat in egg yolks, vanilla, and
chickpea puree. Add dry ingredients and mix on low
speed. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Make small cookies by dropping heaping teaspoonfuls,
spaced about an inch apart, onto nonstick or parchmentlined
baking sheets. Spray tops of cookies lightly with oil
and flatten with the back of a spatula.
5. Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool
on a metal rack.
6. Store cookies in airtight container at room temperature.
36 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby & Toddler
Special Feature
Watermelon popsicles
In hot, sweltering weathers, what
could possibly be more gratifying and
enjoyable to kids than a juicy, fruity
popsicle! If it’s homemade with fresh
fruit such as this one, moms will be
smiling too!
Ingredients:
• 3 cups fresh chopped
watermelon flesh
• 1/2 cup honey or agave syrup
• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Method:
1. In a food processor, or blender
combine the watermelon, honey and
lemon juice.
2. Process until smooth.
3. Pour puree into molds and freeze
until solid, at least 4 hours.
4. Enjoy!
Yogurt with
fruits at the bottom
If your kiddo loves yogurt, he or she is going to love
this one!
Ingredients:
• 250g fruit (1/2 lb), peeled and chopped
• 2 tbsp honey
• pinch salt
• 1 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tbsp cold water
• 1 3/4 cups plain yogurt, sweetened with 1 tbsp honey,
or to taste.
Method:
1. To make compote, place fruit, honey and salt in a
medium sized saucepan. Bring to a simmer, stirring
frequently. Stir together cornstarch and water until
cornstarch is dissolved. Pour into fruit mixture. Simmer
5 minutes, stirring often, until thickened and no longer
cloudy. Allow to cool.
2. Add two tablespoons fruit compote to a sealable jar or
plastic container. Top with 1/4 cup yogurt. Serve.
3. Can be stored refrigerated up to five days.
BabyTalk | May 2017 37

Baby & Toddler
Baby Play
Play with your food!
~ Homemade art supplies
Tired of purchasing endless art supplies for your little one?
Well, there are ways around that, mama!
38 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby & Toddler
Baby Play
Had enough of dealing with
all the empty packages of
store bought play dough and
paint? Fed up of having to
constantly remind your toddler to NOT
pop his art projects into his mouth for a
taste? Consider making your own then,
with ingredients from your kitchen. Try
these simple, (sometimes delectable)
recipes for arts and crafts use.
Peanut Butter
Play Dough
The name says it all, although oversampling
is discouraged or junior might
spoil his appetite for dinner!
Ingredients
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup honey
Basic play dough
This play dough can be made in about
15 minutes or so and is easy to store
too. Plus, if it gets a little tough to work
with, adding a bit of water will set it
just right again!
Ingredients
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 cup of water
• 2 tsp cream of tartar
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• food coloring
Method:
1. Combine the flour and cream of
tartar in a saucepan. Then add
the water and vegetable oil. Turn
the heat to medium/low and stir
constantly for a minute or two
until it is relatively smooth and the
ingredients are combined.
2. Next, add food coloring until you
achieve the desired color and tone,
and continue to stir as the dough
thickens.
3. The dough will begin to clump
around the spoon and form into a
big lump. Remove it from the pan,
and allow it to cool on waxed paper.
After it has cooled, knead it to
eliminate lumps.
4. Your home-made play dough is now
ready for use and can be stored in
airtight containers for using again.
Method:
1. Mix all ingredients together until
well-combined. Your toddler can
help with rolling and shaping the
dough. This version is also easily
stored in any air-tight container.
(Please discourage your toddler from
sampling stored play dough, for fear
of contamination).
Watercolor paint
This watercolor paint is a really cheap
alternative to store-bought varieties
and you can make virtually any color or
scent your child likes.
Ingredients
• Water
• Food colouring
• Scented food flavouring
Method:
1. Place 1 few tablespoons each of
food colouring and food flavouring
in a bowl and add a small amount
of water at a time until you get
the right tone of color you wish to
create. Mix and match the flavours
for the color and scents you prefer.
The art pieces created with these
paints will keep their scents even
after they have dried.
Finger Paint 1
Ingredients
• 2 cups white flour
• 2 cups cold water
• Food coloring
Method:
1. Pour cold water into a large bowl.
Slowly stir the flour into the bowl.
After it is mixed well, divide it into
smaller bowls and add food coloring
as desired. Your homemade finger
paint is ready for use!
Finger Paint 2
This variation of edible finger paint
allows little ones to ‘play with their
food’, so to speak! It’s really fun for
toddlers who are keen on exploring
textures and are into putting stuff
into their mouths. They can have fun
painting with their hands and fingers,
or, if they prefer, with little paint
brushes. Wipes of easily after use!
Ingredients
• plain yogurt or vanilla pudding
• food coloring
Method:
1. Add the desired amount of yogurt or
pudding to containers and mix in the
desired food coloring. For a specific
scented paint, you can add in desired
food flavouring.
BabyTalk | May 2017 39

Baby & Toddler
Nutrition
Baby Grub
Why you should make your own
Would you feed your baby some food that was probably made a year ago or more?
If the idea of that puts you off, then you’d probably want to give
commercial baby foods a miss and start making your own!
40 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby & Toddler
Nutrition
Canned and jarred foodstuff is not a new thing.
In fact, most of us have been fed commercial
baby food and we turned out just fine. As with
everything else in life, we have a choice. Here
however, we’ll look into the winning points of homemade
baby food for your little one.
Simply more nutritious
Think fresh, nutrient-dense meat, fish, legumes, vegetables
and fruit. From vitamins to proteins and fibre, homemade
baby food is able to deliver the best nutrition to your
little one’s plate. A little effort in planning and preparing
homemade meals will ensure that your little one will be
getting the wholesome goodness he or she deserves without
all the unhealthy extras that may be present in commercial
baby foods, such as preservatives and coloring.
Controlling what goes in it
Salt, sugar, artificial flavoring and coloring should not be in
a baby’s diet and if you make your little one’s food yourself,
you’ll be able to leave those out! Making your own baby food
gives you the assurance that only the good stuff is fed to your
child. You can gradually start using herbs and spices to add
flavour your baby’s food and get him or her accustomed to
the natural tastes of wholesome foods.
Saves you quite a bit
Baby food bought from stores are not cheap, especially if
you are depending on them day after day. With homemade
food however, you’ll be able to shop for fresh ingredients
and make several batches of tasty, wholesome food. Planning
what you want to make will help you keep from over-buying
and in the long run, saves you money too. All you need to
invest in are the tools or equipment you need such as a good
blender and food steamer.
Satisfaction
There is always a sense of gratification knowing you’re giving
your baby the best in terms of nutrition, something that is not
quite possible with commercial baby foods. It’ll be time well
spent too, when you make an effort to prepare a full week's
meals in a single afternoon to store in your freezer. Then,
simply pop out a perfectly sized portion to warm up in no
time at all.
More flavours to explore
What would your baby like today? The possibilities are
endless with homemade baby food because you really can
include anything you see fit. The possible combinations and
flavours are only limited to your imagination (and baby’s
personal preference).
Making your own baby foods allows you to explore all the
possibilities and try out the endless recipes you can find
online. You can tweak them to your (baby’s) taste and
experiment with ingredients, texture, flavors, etc. In other
words, you can keep it interesting and exciting for both baby
and you.
A 2010 study published in the Cambridge Journals revealed
that children who were given home-cooked fruit or vegetables
(FV) more often at 6 months were more likely to be eating a
higher proportion of FV at 7 years, than those who were given
home-cooked FV less often. 1
Reference:
1. Cambridge Journals – Public Health Nutrition (2010), 13: 2044-2051
BabyTalk | May 2017 41

Baby & Toddler
World Digestive Day Special
Three ways to
beat digestive problems
in toddlers
Children of all ages now, even babies and toddlers, seem to be more susceptible to digestive
issues such as constipation, diarrhea, gas, irritable bowel syndrome, etc. It is important to
note that when one’s digestion is impaired, it points to the fact that the food taken in is not
being broken down the way it should. Here are some ways to remedy any digestive issues,
where most of the time, the underlying causes are inappropriate eating habits.
Discourage overeating
Overeating puts a lot of unnecessary pressure on a digestive
system, especially a child’s. When too much food is eaten,
the body’s ability to break them down is effected, hence
assimilation of nutrients are also compromised. Over eating
can occur easily, anytime. In restaurants, for example, when
your child is having his favourite meal — Most restaurants
serve generous portions of food for consumer appeal and of
course, for your money’s worth, but unfortunately it may not
be the best thing for your child’s digestive health.
No matter how your child likes a certain food, make it a point
to serve smaller portions and add more food only if he is
still hungry, e.g. if he asks for more. In restaurants, likewise,
either ask that the portions be smaller, or ask for an empty
plate to serve your child’s controlled portion on.
Less or no drinks with a meal
Liquids dilute the body’s digestive juices, rendering the
system less effective in digesting a meal. For a young child’s
body, this could lead to digestive issues such as constipation,
nausea, gas, etc. While drinking water is a good habit for
young children, when it comes to mealtimes and beating
digestive issues, timing can help. One good way is to ensure
your child only has a drink about 15 minutes prior to a meal
or half an hour after a meal.
Avoid serving heavy meals
Foods such as meat and dairy products are more difficult for
young bodies to digest compared to lighter foods such as
fruits and vegetables, but they cannot be eliminated from
a toddler’s diet though.(refer to the food pyramid shown*)
Instead, it can be moderated to help his digestive system keep
up with the hard work. One way to do this is to have one or
two vegetarian days a week, where meals are made up of
vegetables instead of meat.
This article is in conjunction with World Digestive Health Day, which is observed on the 29th of May.
42 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby & Toddler
Health & Medical Diary
Newborn Health
& Well-Being
Screening Tests
When a baby is born,
there will be a string of
tests carried out by a paediatrician
or trained midwife to
determine if there are any health
or medical issues that warrant
immediate attention. If you know
beforehand what these tests are
about, it might put your mind
at ease when they’re being
carried out…
BabyTalk | May 2017 43

Baby & Toddler
Health & Medical Diary
APGAR
Your baby will have several checks and examinations in
the first few hours of his life. You may or may not be
present during these examinations. The examiner may
ask you questions about your family's medical history
and it's a good idea to mention any childhood problems
within your family.
The first is the APGAR test, which is given at one
minute, and again at five minutes after birth. This test
checks whether your baby has any immediate problems
that need medical support. Most babies will check out
fine in this test. Where intervention is needed, it is often
just involves providing more oxygen or clearing out the
airways to help the infant breathe.
The heel-prick test
In some cases, the Guthrie Test', also known as the heelprick
test is carried out before the baby is a week old.
In this test, a tiny amount of blood is taken from the
infant’s heel and tested for Inborn Errors of Metabolism,
which can be enzyme deficiencies (phenylketonuria),
thyroid deficiencies or cystic fibrosis. These disorders
are actually rare in Asians and this heel-prick test is
not routinely carried out in Malaysia unless one of the
parent is of European descent.
Lungs
It goes without saying that examining a newborn’s
lungs is extremely important to determine any serious
breathing problems. This will be carried out using a
stethoscope. The examiner will be listening for clear,
equal air entry into both lungs.
Hips
A newborn infant’s hips will be manipulated to check
the stability of those tiny hip joints. The movements
include opening the legs wide and then bending and
unbending them. If the examiner detects any instability,
or clicky hips, further test will have to be carried out.
Skin
Your baby's skin will be checked for birthmarks. These
include stork marks (reddish or purple V-shaped marks
on the back of the neck); strawberry marks (raised red
areas) and Mongolian spots (a bluish patch of darker
pigment, most commonly over the buttocks).
Genitals & Anus
Your baby's genitals may appear swollen due to being
exposed to maternal hormones before birth. These same
hormones may also cause your baby to have engorged
breasts, regardless of the sex of the little one and for
girls to have a clear, white, or slightly bloody vaginal
discharge for the first few weeks.
In boys, the scrotum is checked to see if the testes
have descended fully. The penis will be checked to
ensure the opening is at the tip of the penis, and not
on the underside. The examiner will check your baby's
anus to ensure it is normal and will probably ask you
if your baby has passed urine and the first stool,
called meconium.
Spine
A newborn’s spine will be assessed for straightness. It
is quite common for babies to have a tiny dimple at the
base of the spine called a sacral dimple. In most cases
this will cause no problems but in some cases, a deep
sacral dimple may indicate a problem with the lower
part of the spinal cord. This could affect nerve function
in this area so if a deep sacral dimple is detected, the
infant will be checked for other symptoms such as leg
weakness, cold and blue feet, and urinary incontinence.
44 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby & Toddler
Health & Medical Diary
Hands and feet
An infant’s limbs will be checked for abnormalities.
Fingers and toes will be counted and examined for
any webbing.
Baby’s palms will be checked for two palmar creases.
Single palmar creases are less common. This is
sometimes associated with Down's syndrome but not
necessarily so.
The examiner will observe the resting position of the
newborn’s feet and ankles, to check for talipes, or
club foot, where the front half of the foot turns in and
down. Many cases of talipes will already have been
detected before birth via ultrasound scans.
Mouth
The doctor will put a finger in your baby's mouth to
check for the condition called cleft palate, which is
a gap in the palate. Such a condition would require
correctional surgery. The infant’s tongue will also be
checked for the condition known as tongue-tie, where
the tongue remains more anchored to the bottom of
the mouth than it should be, restricting movement
and making feeding troublesome. A minor surgical
procedure will quickly remedy tongue tie.
Eyes and ears
A newborn’s eyes will be examined to check for any
optical issues. During the medical examination a light
from an ophthalmoscope will be shone into the baby's
eyes to look for a red reflex and check for cataracts.
Hearing test are also carried out at some hospitals
before the infant and new mum is discharged.
Head examination
The shape of a newborn baby's head will have to
be observed. Issues are uncommon, but, if there are
problems, the examiner will explain them to the parents.
Bruises on the head due to the use of forceps are
normal and should clear up within 48 hours. So will the
appearance of a slightly misshapen head brought about
by the tight squeeze out of the birth canal.
Reflexes
Your newborn baby has several reflexes such as sucking,
rooting and grasping. The most commonly tested reflex
during the examination is the Moro reflex. This reflex is
elicited by gently allowing your baby's head to safely fall
a short distance. Your baby will respond by flinging out
both arms with his fingers spread and stretching out his
legs. He may also cry a little.
Heart
A newborn baby’s heart will be examined with a
stethoscope to exclude abnormalities such as extra heart
beats or heart murmurs. These are not uncommon in
the first few days as your baby's pattern of circulation
undergoes a major change at birth.
In the womb, the two sides of the heart beat together.
When a newborn breathes for the first time, the two
sides begin to function separately. Heart murmurs may
require a second opinion and further investigation or
they may be checked at future examinations but they
will probably disappear on their own.
A further test for a heart condition is to feel for
the presence of a pulse in your baby's groin (the
femoral pulse).
What happens after
these tests?
If any issues are detected, further tests and
investigations might be in order before determining
the next course of action. Most babies pass their
newborn examinations with flying colours and most
problems found tend to resolve themselves without
any treatment at all.
However, if you as a parent have any concerns about
your baby, then you should not hesitate to mention
them to your doctor as soon as possible.
BabyTalk | May 2017 45

Baby & Toddler
Wonders Of Childhood
The first year
developmental milestones
Your baby’s growth and development during the first 12 months is a
joy to witness for so much happens within that short period of time!
As a parent, you’ll want to know if something is amiss.
46 BabyTalk | May 2017

Baby & Toddler
Wonders Of Childhood
Babies all grow and develop at
very different rates and it’s hard
to say what will happen next.
They might be developing as
expected, or be way ahead of others or
even lagging behind. As long as your
little one eats and sleeps well, has an
interest in his or her environment and
is keen on trying to move about, all
should be going well.
Basic developmental
milestones
Developmental achievements are called
‘milestones’. The basic growth and
development milestones below are a
useful guide for tracking your baby’s
development, but they aren’t something
to get too worried about.
Developmental milestones are grouped
under headings according to the parts
of the body they refer to:
• Large body movements (gross motor
skills) involve the coordination and
control of large muscles, and skills like
walking, sitting and running.
• Small body movements (fine motor
skills) involve the coordination and
control of small muscles, and skills
like holding a rattle, picking up
crumbs and scribbling with a pencil.
• Vision is the ability to see near
and far.
• Hearing is the ability to hear, listen to
and interpret sounds.
• Speech is the ability to produce
sounds that form words.
• Social behaviour and understanding is
the ability to learn and interact with
others. It includes skills for play and
connecting and communicating.
Developmental delay
Some babies have delays in their
development. These delays might
be short term or permanent, but
permanent delays don’t happen often.
Premature birth and illness are two
things that might cause temporary
delays. Some disabilities however can
cause permanent delay.
Babies' development can also be
affected by their environment and the
people around them. For example,
they don’t have warm relationships
with their primary carers, or if there are
no predictable routines to help them
feel safe, or if their parents practice
substance abuse — all these can affect
a little one’s development.
Signs to watch
out for
If you notice any of the following in
your baby, mention it to your doctor.
Physical
Your baby:
• has white or cloudy pupils, or there’s
something about his eyes that
bothers you
• doesn’t move or use both arms and/
or legs
• can’t hold his head up by the time
he’s reached 3–4 months
• isn’t sitting well by 10 months
• doesn’t want to bear his own weight
by 12 months
Behaviour
Your baby:
• doesn’t consistently respond to
sounds
• is persistently crying for more than
three hours a day, especially after 3–4
months (it’s normal for babies to cry
for about two hours a day, with cries
peaking at 6–8 weeks)
• has a high pitched squeal instead of a
normal cry
Social, emotional
and communication
Your baby:
• doesn’t look at you
• isn’t interested in what’s going on
around him
• isn’t babbling by 9 months or is using
fewer than 5 words at 18 months
If however, your baby seems slow to
do some things compared to other
babies, it’s probably not something to
worry about. Try to resist the temptation
to compare your baby with others,
because this can cause you to worry
when you don’t need to. Comparing
your baby to others can even have a
negative impact on your relationship
with your child on the long run too.
BabyTalk | May 2017 47

Life & Style
Feature
Water safety
and your little one
Sometimes, it may seem that bath times are
the only times when little children don’t
seem to like water. When left unattended
though, they’re almost drawn to it. Hence,
parents of toddlers, especially, should
be particularly aware of water safety to
prevent any untoward incidents.
48 BabyTalk | May 2017

Life & Style
Feature
Wherever
there’s water
It’s important to keep a close watch
on your toddler if there is any water
nearby, no matter how shallow it is.
Babies and toddlers are top-heavy,
which makes it easy for them to just
topple over. If a toddler falls into even
shallow water, it may not be easy for
the little one to lift himself out in time
whilst trying not to drown.
Constant supervision
By supervision, we do not mean an
occasional glance while you nap, read
or chat while your toddler is enjoying
himself at the kiddie pool or even the
tiny inflatable pool at your porch or
driveway. We certainly don’t mean
watching your little one playing outside
while you’re inside either. Lastly,
supervising should be done by an adult
and not an older child who might be
too busy playing in the water to notice
if anything happens to the younger one.
When it comes to water safety, an
adult’s full attention is needed so that
a small child can be kept safe and
drowning can be prevented.
Water safety at home
Bathrooms can turn out to be a
dangerous place for a toddler to
venture into unnoticed. As mentioned
earlier, their top-heavy bodies may
work against them even if they were to
peek into a bucket of water meant for
mopping the house, a bathtub that’s
being filled or even the toilet. Drowning
usually happens quickly and silently, as
many unfortunate families have found
out in the past.
Latch all bathroom doors when not in
use and remind older family members
to do the same. Ensure too that the
bathtub is always drained after use as
an added safety precaution.
Water around
your property
If you live on a landed property, it would
be good to note and be especially
Reminder
Always empty the baby
bath as soon as you’re
finished with it so older
siblings can’t climb
in. Empty sinks, tubs,
buckets and paddling
pools too when you’re
finished with them.
aware if there are any drains, ponds or
other bodies of water nearby. Take extra
precaution to ensure that your children
do not have access to these places.
In public
swimming pools
Parents generally have no qualms about
letting their toddlers frolick at public
swimming pools. It’s a good way to
make friends too, and have some fun
splashing around. Do not make the
mistake however, in assuming that since
there are many adults at the kiddie
pool, all children using it including
yours are safe. Little children drowning
in public pools while playing with
others are not uncommon, especially
when parents take it for granted that
someone will watch their child. Always
keep physically close to your child to
prevent any tragic incidents.
Water safety is just as important as
any other safety aspect when it comes
to parenting. Paying close attention to
your little ones’ whereabouts together
with close supervision during play
times are crucial in preventing
devastating incidents.
BabyTalk | May 2017 49

Life & Style
Home Proud
Clean your entire home
quickly and efficiently!
No one can blame you if you’re all worn out running after your little one all day, but it’s still
no excuse for keeping a dirty home. A few tricks up your sleeve will come in handy and
you’ll have your home spick and span in no time!
50 BabyTalk | May 2017

Life & Style
Home Proud
Firstly, make a commitment to be
consistent. That means cleaning
the house in the same order each
time, starting and finishing at the
same spot. That way, you’ll establish a
cleaning routine and won’t be wasting
time darting back and forth.
Routines lead to better results and
you’ll soon gain some speed through
consistency and repetition instead of
hurrying along aimlessly.
Have everything you
need at hand
It’s always good to have all your
cleaning stuff in one designated area of
your home, like under the kitchen sink
or in a cupboard. Come cleaning time
however, it’s best to have your tools
with you, in your apron for example.
Your cleaning products and other
tools that can’t fit in your apron can
be placed in a pail which can be easily
be transported to various areas of the
house. If your cleaning products are
currently in large bottles, pour them
into smaller ones or spray bottles.
Just like a carpenter who has his tools
with him in a tool belt, having all your
supplies at hand means you need not
keep going back and forth for them
when you’re cleaning various areas of
your house.
For
sparkling
windows
Place a few drops of
dishwashing liquid into
a small bucket of water.
Dip a clean rag into this
solution and ‘wash’ your
windows with it. Finish
off by squeegeeing it clean.
Always clean from
top to bottom
Don’t make the mistake of mopping
your floors till their spotless only to see
them get dirty again after you’ve dusted
the bookshelves or coffee tables. Dust
or wipe the highest spots and gradually
proceed to the last, which is the floor.
Likewise, for the sake of consistency,
sweep and mop from left to right
to avoid cleaning the same places
again and unintentionally leaving out
some spots.
Get the best results
from your vacuuming
Effective vacuuming is truly an art and
the secret to effective and efficient
vacuuming is to do the entire length of
the room in a straight row, then turn
around and vacuum in the opposite
direction. Place the cord over your
shoulder if it gets in the way.
You may have to switch power outlets a
few times but soon you’ll be so efficient
with this method that your vacuuming
will be done in minimal time.
Presentable
bathrooms
One tip to remember when you’re
about to tackle bathroom-cleaning duty
is to do all the bathrooms in your home
at a go.
Spray down all hard surfaces in your
bathroom with surface cleaner. That
means the bathtub, shower stall,
sink, toilet.
Put toilet cleaner in the bowl, scrub
down with a toilet brush, and wash
or wipe everything else off. Flush the
toilet, and place the brush back in its
bowl filled with bleach or dissolved
toilet cleaner for quick, emergency
clean-ups.
Next, wipe down your shower stall/
bathtub, empty the bathroom trash and
re-line the bathroom trash can.
BabyTalk | May 2017 51

Life & Style
Home Proud
Next, you can initiate steps to ensure
that your bathroom is always clean and
presentable. Here are some of them:
• Keep a mini squeegee and cloth
handy to dry off tiles, walls and
shower doors to keep mold away.
Do this every time you take a bath
or shower, and encourage others at
home to do the same.
• Regularly check on bathroom
products and throw away empty
toothpaste tubes, shampoo
bottles, etc.
• Have a waste bin lined with a bin
bag in a corner for used cotton buds,
tissues, etc and empty it regularly.
• Place rugs at wet-prone areas and
replace them often with clean ones.
• Keep toilet bowl wipes handy for
quick, emergency clean-ups.
Microwave saver
Take a look inside your microwave. Chances are, there are food stains and
what nots stuck all over it. If those stains are set, it can be tough removing
them. One trick you can use is to place a microwavable cup filled with water
in the microwave and heat it up till it boils over. This will create an ideal
combination of heat and moisture that will help loosen up anything on the top,
sides, or bottom of the microwave that can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
Keep a grease-free
kitchen
Grease has got to be a kitchen’s
biggest enemy and it builds up quickly.
It inevitably ends up on kitchen
cabinets, especially those above or
next to the stove.
One way to beat the build-up of
unsightly grease is to clean up
immediately after cooking. Use a
grease-cutting kitchen cleaner or even
a solution of dishwashing liquid and
water for the job.
If you’ve been neglecting your cleaning
duties in the kitchen, you’re bound to
have tough stains or buildup that won't
come off easily. Try mixing baking soda
with water and lemon juice. Spray the
solution onto the problem areas and go
over them first with a wet cloth, then a
dry one.
Make those
faucets shine!
Mineral deposits make faucets
look unsightly. Some white
vinegar on a rough cloth will
help for wiping those the faucets
clean till they shine.
Easy maintenance
of stainless steel
surfaces
Stainless steel surfaces such as sinks and
kitchen counters can look unsightly with
visible smudges, stains, etc. Did you
know that you can use mineral oil to
keep them spotless?
Just pour some onto a cloth and
wipe them down. Mineral oil helps
to repel water and keeps substances
like toothpaste from sticking to the
sink’s surface. This makes it easier to
keep clean.
52 BabyTalk | May 2017

Life & Style
Babynomics
Baby stuff
~ What would you splurge on?
If you happen to not be in any financial constraints, e.g. have loads of money to spend
after settling your overheads, saving for your kid’s future and also for your retirement,
plus, you easily meet your basic obligations, then you may be in a position to splurge away
on luxurious baby stuff. However, if spending on baby precludes you from a financially
comfortable life down the road, you might want to control the habit from now on.
BabyTalk | May 2017 53

Life & Style
Babynomics
Remember too that if your child is brought up with
only expensive tastes, it'll lead to financial strains and
possibly even family feuds in the future.
Here are some areas you might want to consider more
carefully before going overboard.
A fancy baby nursery
It's hard to not get bowled over by beautifully-made baby
furniture, alluring wall-papers, nursery walls decorations, toys
and high-end fixtures. Still, the fact is, your little one doesn’t
really care for those things and it'll be some years before they
even learn to appreciate a well-decorated room!
Instead, get practical and skip the fancy nursery in favor of a
comfortable, safe place for baby to sleep. If you happen to
have a spare room, a coat of cheerful yet calming shade of
non-toxic paint and some basic furniture will do nicely for a
nursery. You can add on other nice things as baby grows and
as the need arises.
Does your baby need loads
of clothes?
Definitely not, for babies tend to outgrow stuff very quickly.
There is absolutely no point of burning holes in your wallet
for a cupboard full of designer baby outfits (and yes, they
can be unnecessarily expensive!). A few comfortable pieces
of clothing will do nicely. You actually only need enough
clothing to get through a week, less if you do a load of baby
laundry mid-week.
Baby footwear
Baby shoes are quite in a league of their own and can be
ridiculously expensive, even though they’re adorable to look
at! The fact is, babies who haven't begun walking yet don't
have any real need for shoes, but it can be fun to have a pair
for special occasions. When your little one begins to cruise,
protect his or her delicate feet with affordable, sock-like
shoes with flexible, grippy soles.
Intricate and
expensive furnishings
Those miniature bedroom furniture sets for babies generally
come with not-no-miniature price-tags! Many parents have
been known to go overboard on baby’s crib and bedding
only to find that their little ones have outgrown them all
too quickly.
A baby changing table is nice to have if you can afford one,
but if you’d rather not spend on buying one, any comfortable
surface, like your bed, for instance, is good enough for
nappy changes and the likes. Consider buying one only if
you’re absolutely sure that you’ll be making full use of it. For
example, do you intend to make your way to the nursery
every time your baby needs a change? If your baby’s nursery
is upstairs, for instance, you'll probably end up changing your
baby’s diapers where ever that's most convenient.
Useful or wasteful?
There are dozens of redundant baby items available
nowadays, most of them marketed to play on the sentiments
of loving parents, especially new parents. — Diaper disposal
systems, wipe warmers and baby bath thermometers are just
a few examples of probably
helpful but completely
unnecessary items. The
trick is to ask yourself
before making a
purchase: Is this useful
or wasteful?
54 BabyTalk | May 2017

Life & Style
Shopping
Functional Toys
For Infants And Babies
An infant will begin to grasp random objects
involuntarily at first, and on purpose later
on. Infants will also enjoy gazing at objects,
and will fix at anything that is about eight
to 15 inches from their sight. They’ll also be
drawn to objects that are moving slowly.
Infants will initially have fuzzy vision and
are fascinated by the human face, where
they will start to recognize a parent’s face at
about a month old. High-contrast patterns
and bright colors will be most captivating
to them and they will also most likely
appreciate sounds and soft music, especially
if it’s been used to sooth them from day one.
Infants’ nearsightedness makes them appreciate anything
within their sight though they won’t be able to hold toys
for a while. Still, they seem to demonstrate and express
their appreciation by peering excitedly and batting at the
ones they fancy.
Crib mobiles
A mobile with high-contrast colors and patterns can keep
a baby entertained and happy. Some babies are particularly
fond of mobiles that play music while others are content to
just gaze at the colourful patterns. When hanging one on the
crib, ensure that it’s way out of their reach, for they can be a
strangulation hazard. Alternatively, you can hang the mobile
from the ceiling just within your baby’s line of sight.
Fun with mirrors
Babies always find their own reflection fascinating, although
they have no idea it’s themselves they’re cooing at! By the
age of three months, babies would seem to love quite
moments looking at their reflections, smiling and gurgling
with contentment. Try placing one nearby (but out of reach)
for baby to peer at during tummy time.
Soft baby books
Soft books with easy-to-see high-contrast patterns or
decorations are designed to hold a baby’s attention. Let baby
watch you turn the pages as you read aloud, for although it
seems pointless at first, but the benefits are great for babies
observe more than you think do!
Sensory toys
A soft, colourful and cuddly toy that squeaks or tweets
when pressed will please a baby for months to come. Those
accidental squeaks will also help babies become aware of
their motor abilities and what hands can do.
Body rattles
Attach a soft rattle to your baby’s wrist or ankle and watch
the fun as the little one ‘experiments’ with all the sounds he
or she can make by moving their limbs!
BabyTalk | May 2017 55

Life & Style
Shopping
What’s in the market:
Lamaze Wrist Rattle
What we like about it:
• Helps to development baby’s hand-eye coordination
• Baby will eventually figure out that shaking it
creates sounds
• High contrast colors and patterns stimulate
baby’s vision
• Attractive patterns add to its visual appeal
• Affordable and cost-effective
Fisher Price Baby-Dimensional
Cloth Book
What we like about it:
• Made with soft, non-toxic material
• Easy for little fingers to grasp
• Attractive, with bright, eye-catching colours
and patterns
• Safe for babies of all ages
• Durable and long-lasting
Anakku Baby Bear
Rock’n Roll Mirror
What we like about it:
• Suitable for babies three months and above
(parental supervision is advised)
• Designed with little hands in mind, making it easy to
hold and shake
• Bright fun colours encourage babies to grasp
and reach
• Improve baby’s sense of hearing and vision
• Boost baby’s coordination skill
Skip Hop Alphabet Zoo
Musical Crib Mobile
What we like about it:
• Plays the soothing, classic nursery rhyme
“Twinkle-Twinkle Little Star”
• Exclusive, attractive pattern featuring cute,
adorable animals
• Slow-rotating arms promote tracking and helps build
sharper vision
• Can be used as a bedtime routine for babies to fall
asleep with
56 BabyTalk | May 2017

Life & Style
Out & About
Digestion key to building a
child’s immunity
Not all nutritious
food are created
equal. Some are
harder to digest
due to overheating
during processing.
To ensure that
children can easily digest food especially milk and absorb
the nutrients in it, Friso Gold has improved its formula
with the latest LocNutri technology.
LocNutri is a manufacturing innovation that ensures the
nutrient in milk is not overheated during processing. Thus,
it is preserved in its natural, easily-digestible structures.
In a speech during the launch of the newly improved Friso
Gold formulated milk powder last October, Saw Chooi
Lee, Managing Director of Dutch Lady Malaysia pointed
out the company’s commitment in rolling out this new
formulation with cutting-edge processing technology.
“We are committed to strengthen children from inside so
that they can keep learning through experiences,” Chooi
Lee emphasized. “Friso Gold’s LocNutri is a technology
that uses mild heat treatment during milk processing. This
preserves the native structure of the nutrient, which is
easily digested and help children grow stronger from the
inside,” she said.
According to consultant dietitian Indra Balaratnam,
the level of heat used in food processing can affect
digestibility. “Food cooked at the right temperature
is easier to digest. This applies to formula milk too.
Milk is typically processed with high heat, but this
actually damages the original structure of the nutrient.
“Damaged nutrients are not easily absorbed by children’s
intestines. Worse, it may lead to indigestion and stomach
discomfort, such as colic, constipation or hard stools,”
explained Balaratnam.
Friso Gold formulated milk powder for children with
LocNutri technology is now available at stores
nationwide. For more information about the newly
improved formula, visit www.frisogold.com.my.
Consume fish more conveniently
with Ayam Brand Sardines and
Mackerel Range
Ayam Brand
Sardines and
Mackerel combine
the great taste of
fish with benefits
of Omega-3 that
complement
the needs of active individuals who need ready-to-eat,
convenient, versatile and nutritious snacks and meal options
that are high in nutrition.
Ayam Brand obtains its sardines and mackerel from cold
seas, retaining a higher content of healthy oils such as Omega
3 in its tasty and juicy flesh before being canned using the
brand’s innovative and proprietary vacuum technology.
As with all Ayam Brand products, these are free from
preservatives, with no added monosodium glutamate (MSG),
allowing only the natural flavor of quality sardines and
mackerel to be savored.
Marketing Manager, Mr. Nicholas Nyeow said, “Ayam
Brand Sardines and Mackerel are staples of many Malaysian
households and are popular with college students and young
adults who appreciate the great taste, and the healthy
goodness of fish.
Ayam Brand has an amazing selection of sardine and
mackerel recipes to try. Please visit www.ayambrand.com.my/
recipe for more tips to on how to enjoy sardines and mackerel
in a variety of styles.
Stimulating creativity with
the new 3-in-1 silky smooth
Watercolour Soft Pastels by
Faber Castell
Faber-Castell recently
introduced its latest
innovation in colouring
tools with the new
Watercolour Soft Pastels.
The Watercolour Soft Pastels
is able to provide different
finishing to the users —
they are able to use it as it is
which gives a silky smooth
and pigmented crayon, to an oil pastel finishing or add an
additional step by lightly brushing it with water to achieve
a watercolour effect. What’s more, there is no sharpening
required on the Watercolour Soft Pastels, making it a very
convenient colouring tool for school-going children!
The pigmented Watercolour Soft Pastels are ideal for
young children and beginners as they have a good grip
that easily glides across paper. It also excellent for any
surfaces from paper, glass to mirrors and the colours are
vibrant on dark or light surfaces.
BabyTalk | May 2017 57

Life & Style
Out & About
NANKID ® OPTIPRO ® HA 3 Conveys Benefits of protein
There is a reason why proteins are called the building blocks of life. Protein
is responsible for multiple functions within the body, including the building,
maintaining and repairing of body tissues 1 . Research has shown that protein
contributes to optimal growth and development 2 and supports the immune system
by producing antibodies 3 .
NANKID ® OPTIPRO ® HA 3 held a grand reveal recently at the TCE Baby Expo 2017
to introduce OPTIPRO ® , Nestlé’s Most Advanced Protein. During the launch,
NANKID ® OPTIPRO ® HA 3 introduced their new ambassadors. Fondly known as
the OPTIPRO ® , the OPTIPROGRESSOR, OPTIPROTECTOR and OPTIPROFESSOR have
been tasked to help communicate the benefits of protein.
Speaking at the launch, Mr Xavier Payrard, Business Executive Officer, Nestlé
Nutrition, Nestlé Malaysia Bhd, remarked, “The role of protein in a child’s
development has never truly been felt until today. As the structural component of all cells, protein plays a fundamental role in overall
growth and development. However, not all proteins are made up the same way - too much protein, especially during early childhood,
can lead to obesity during later life, while too little protein may result in poor growth 4 .” Mr Xavier also shared, “Every parent wants
a great start in life for their child. Building on this aspiration, Nestlé is taking parents on a journey of discovery to learn about Nestlé’s
Most Advanced Protein, and how proteins are quintessential to building strong foundations for their child.”
Nestlé’s Most Advanced Protein, uses a patented process which breaks down regular milk protein into smaller pieces through a
hydrolysis technology within Nestlé, making it easier to digest and absorb.
For more information, please log onto www.startwell.nestle.com.my
References
1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United States. Human nutrition in the developing world. Available at: http://www.fao.org/docrep/w0073e/w0073e04.htm. Accessed October 2014
2. Guoyao Wu. Dietary protein intake and human health. Food Funct., 2016,7, 1251-1265. Retrieved 17 March 2017 from http://pubs.rsc.org/en/Content/ArticleLanding/2016/FO/
C5FO01530H#!divCitation
3. Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. Garland Science; 2002
4. Luque, Veronica et al. “Early Programming by Protein Intake: The Effect of Protein on Adiposity Development and the Growth and Functionality of Vital Organs.” Nutrition and Metabolic
Insights 8.Suppl 1 (2015): 49–56. PMC. Web. 15 Mar. 2017. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4803318/
Ready, Steady, Boost!
Chewies Immunolicious Enters
Malaysia Book of Records
11 March – Close to 2,000 primary school pupils aged between 5
and 12 in the Klang Valley gained recognition this March from the
Malaysia Book of Records (MBOR) for the largest participation in
an immune-boosting gummies consuming session here. They set
the record by consuming more than 4,500 Chewies Immunolicious
gummies simultaneously! It was the first of such a feat for the
MBOR and it was pulled off successfully at Sunway Amphitheatre.
AJ Research and Pharma (AJRP) Sdn Bhd chief executive officer,
Mr Javed Ghulam Muhammad said the company wanted to take
the initiative to increase health-awareness among the community,
particularly among teachers, parents and children, with the
message that regular intake of vitamin-enriched gummies can help
boost a person’s immune system. Easier to eat and more appealing
to children, the delicious candy like gummies are clinically proven to
safely enhance the immune system and reduce cold and flu.
This feat is apparently only the beginning, as the company plans
to extend the event to other states to spread this message of
health further! Josephine Cheah, AJRP consumer health product
manager, explained that one of the main ingredients used to make
the gummies is Wellmune, which is a natural ingredient derived
from highly purified proprietary yeast. “The product is certified
halal,” she stated further. The participants and their parents as well
as teachers present at the event got to sample the goodness of
Chewies Immunolicious gummies as they were each handed a pack
of four of the yummy gummies.
58 BabyTalk | May 2017

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