12_BT_December2019

Editor’s Note

Hello lovelies!

Pregnancy can be such a joy if we let it, know what I mean? Cut off competing with other

moms (or celebrity moms) and just do what’s best for you, and you’ll find that you’ll be much

happier and contented with your lot, come what may. Of course we’re not going to deny that

once the baby is here, you’ll probably discover that parenting is filled with little challenges.

These are natural - they make life interesting. If it makes you feel any better, there is literally

no family on this planet that has not had its share of challenges, no matter how much happier

they seem to be compared to you, or what kind of lifestyle they seem to have.

Parenting, at the end of the day, takes love and patience. Love alone will not cut it, please

believe us. Many parents wrongfully assume that whatever they do for their children, they

do it out of love, but in fact, many parents act out of impatience, frustration and the need

to impress others.. So, while we do need you to trust your natural parenting instincts and

do what you feel is right by your books, check yourself though, that all you do is truly for

the good of your child, and not merely to keep up with others’ expectations of you.

Alright, so now that I’ve safely got that message across, it’s time to deviate to the more

obvious. It seems to be that bittersweet time of the year again - we’re getting ready to bid

goodbye to the year that’s almost reaching its end, and gear up for a new one! If you’re a

new parent, or are expecting a baby, we wish you a joyful journey filled with blessings. And

as for moms and dads, remember to give your best and the best should make its way back

to you.

See you next year!

Much love,

Cindy

contents December 2019

Regulars

06 Cute Snaps:

Smile Baby. You’re On Camera!

11 BT Buzz:

Pregnancy and baby health news

14 Ask Our Experts:

Check out this month’s questions for

our Experts

Bump to Birth

18 9 Months:

The nesting instinct: What every

pregnant woman should know

20 Special Feature:

Why you should not be dieting when

you’re pregnant

21 FEATURE

Prenatal migraines

22 Giving Birth:

Why there’s nothing ‘false’ about

false labour

BT Guide

25 Is your child headed towards obesity?

Available at

Baby & Toddler

30 Feature:

Help, my baby won’t stop crying!

33 NUTRITION:

What every parent should know by now

about fast foods

36 Health & medical diary:

How to keep non-food allergies at bay

39 SPECIAL FEATURE:

Consequences of uninvolved parenting

Bright Kids

42 Early education and

development:

Is your child all set for Kindergarten

Life & Style

44 FEATURE:

The influences of modern media

on children

47 FEATURE:

Intimate care: What every mom

should know

50 Out & About:

Happenings about town and new

product releases

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Editor

Cindy Antoinette Fernandez

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With thanks to

Dr Eg Kah Peng, Dr Herbet Low, Dr Margaret

Kannimmel, Rosh Vettiveloo, Daisy Ng,

Rozanna M. Rosly and Dr Agilan Arjunan.

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Cute Snaps

Little

Stars

WINNER

Mak Shin Hui

4 months, Kuala Lumpur.

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”.

Ellie Lau Yu Xi

5 months, Johor

Alif Farhan bin Shahrir

7 months, Selangor.

Oong Leo

8 months, Penang.

Snap & Win

A surprise gift!

Asfa Nawfal Bin Afiq

17 months, Selangor.

Elzandra Sierra

15 months, Selangor.

6 BabyTalk | December 2019

Our Experts

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.

Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Pulmonologist Dr Eg Kah Peng

Dr Eg Kah Peng is a consultant paediatrician and paediatric pulmonologist in the University of Malaya

Medical Centre (UMMC) and University of Malaya Specialist Centre (UMSC). She is also a lecturer of

University of Malaya. She obtained her basic medical degree from International Medical University and

postgraduate qualification from University of Malaya, her sub-speciality training in paediatric respiratory

and sleep medicine in UMMC since year 2013, and her Diploma in Paediatric Respiratory Medicine from

the European Respiratory Society and Paediatric Respiratory Specialist from the Asian Pacific Pulmonology

Society in year 2016. She also spent a year working as an honourary research fellow in paediatric

respiratory medicine in Australia.

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.

consultant dietitian Rozanna M. Rosly

Rozanna M. Rosly started her career in 2000 beginning at Roche Pharmaceutical for two years. She

then joined Health Scan Malaysia as a consultant dietitian from 2004 until 2006 before being hired

as a senior dietitian at Jerudong Park Medical Centre, Brunei Darussalam in June 2006. She was

promoted to Chief Dietitian and Head of Dietetics and Food and Beverage Department in July 2009. In

November 2012, she joined UMSC as the Head of Dietetic Services.

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.

Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist Dr Herbert Low

Dr Herbert Low graduated from University of West Indies (MBBS) and University Malaya (Master O&G),

and is a Council Member of Obstetrical & Gynecological Society of Malaysia (OGSM). He is also a

member of the National Specialist Registry and specialises in General Gynae and Obstetrics; Breast

Feeding; Women Wellness & Screening Including Pre-invasive Disease Management; Fetal Maternal

and 3-4D Scan as well as Minimal Invasive Surgery at Columbia Asia Hospital-Setapak.

Consultant Pediatrician Dr Margaret Kannimmel

Dr Margaret is a graduate of University Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia and MRCP (United Kingdom).

She is a subspecialists in Oncology & hematology. Dr Margaret is a member of the Malaysia Pediatric

Association amd has 26 years of experience as a Medical Doctor and 21 years as a Pediatrician. She

currently serves at Columbia Asia Hospital-Setapak


Advertorial

IGS English:

The power of

emotional learning

The importance of communication isn’t

limited merely on the ability to speak or

understand a language, but to be able to

engage in meaningful conversation,

capture the attention as well as the

interest of the listener, and speak

confidently anywhere, for any kind of

audience. As parents know by now, the

English language is the language of

communication the world over. It is used

everywhere, whereby a good command

of it will help bring children further, and

help build a more quality future for them

as well.

No one feels more strongly about this as

Ms Florence Tee, the Founder and Principal

of IGS English. As an educator herself,

she has seen first hand how Malaysian

kids are being left behind when it comes

to quality English education at schools.

The conventional school syllabus just

doesn’t cut it in terms of what children

need to gain a better command of the

English language. This is why she has

made it her mission to ensure that her

students at IGS get the exposure to high

quality English Language programmes

that develop their knowledge of the

language from the heart - there is, after

all, a big difference between learning

because you need to and learning

because you love the lesson!

At IGS, attention is always given to

attaining brilliant skills in

communicating in English.

There will be no run-ofthe-mill

lessons here, or

gentle marking

systems that give false

praise to students who

in reality need to make

more effort in the

acquisition of the

language. There

doesn't need to be any of these either,

for the programmes provided here are

designed to spark an authentic desire of

children to learn how to read, write and

speak well in the English language. And

it doesn’t stop there, as IGS also

emphasises the importance of engaging

human emotions in the art of

communicating through public speaking,

drama, etc.

Before anything else can take place in a

child’s journey of learning the English

language, he or she will first need to build

up enough confidence to use the language

in their everyday lives. This is why students

of IGS are taught to write well in English,

and to elaborately express their thoughts

on paper. To be a good communicator, a

student has to know how to connect

emotionally with their words, as they will

have to do with their audience in the

future, and this too is stressed upon at

IGS. Students learn to use words correctly

to form amiable sentences from the heart,

with feelings and emotions to boot.

Take the centre’s Public Speaking

Programme for example - you’ll never find

a finer, more engaging programme for

children which is designed to bring life to

words, in both their writing and in their

speech. The programme uses interesting

and engaging ways to help kids build their

confidence while having loads of fun as

they take on story-telling, presentations

and public speaking - skills that are

invaluable in good communication.

Parents will be able to see the difference

in their children’s daily conversation using

proper English as they acquire deeper

knowledge of words and how to use them

in conversations.

The lauded programme encourages kids

to debate on topics, prompting them to

think and speak clearly. Kids also get to

enhance their drama skills through

expressions, intonations, proper

pronunciations, etc, in fun-filled,

meaningful ways. The programme also

highly emphasises on important elements

of public speaking, such as eye contact

when speaking, voice projection to be

well-heard, engaging gestures as well as

how to gauge their audience’s interests.

As Ms Florence put it, learning should

come from the heart, and it all boils down

to this brilliant concept - children should

not only have a profound knowledge of

words, but they have to know their

meaning, and know how to communicate

them well so that their speech will always

stand out. Having said that, IGS English

has a host of other English Language

programmes as well, all designed to suit

the needs of different students in different

learning stages. They are: Starter’s English,

Reading Programme, Creative Writing,

Leadership English, IGCSE English as well

as the acclaimed Oxford English course.

If you are a parent and haven’t yet signed

your child up at IGS English, there’s no

better time than now to do so!

Protect your baby and your family from

pesky bites!

We live in a tropical country, whereby the weather here is a

haven for insects such as mosquitoes to thrive in. So, what

actions are you taking to ensure that your little one isn’t

exposed to insect bites?

Insect bites can be quite painful and itchy too. There are

also certain insects that can endanger your family’s health,

such as the Aedes mosquito which is known to bring about

dangerous diseases such as dengue or even the dreaded

Zika virus.

There are some useful steps that parents can take to ward

off insect bites, and this includes keeping their family indoors

in the early mornings and evenings, or making sure they

‘re covered up with no skin exposed. There is however an

even better step to take, and that is to use a reliable insect

repellent to keep biting insects and bugs away!

The safe & most effective way to repel

mosquitoes and other insects

The biggest issue in insect repellents found the

market is that they include DEET, which is a popular

synthetic chemical, as an active ingredient. This is

despite growing concerns about the harmful side

effects of this dangerous ingredient. In more recent

years, there have also been reports of mosquito

resistance to DEET.

So, what can concerned parents turn to today, to

keep mosquito bites away?

OMMEY Baby Protection Spray – The

smart parent’s choice

By now, you may have already heard or read of

the OMMEY range of safe and effective products

created especially for babies and those with

sensitive skin. Likewise, the OMMEY Baby Protection

Spray, a game changer in its category, is suitable for

the entire family to keep those insects away.

Unlike most other insect repellants in the market

today, OMMEY omits the use of DEET in this special

insect repellant spray and replaces it with precious

essential oils of Citronella, Neem and Vanilla. These

plant-based ingredients work in synergy to ward off

biting insects including the potentially dangerous

Aedes mosquito, and what’s more, it’s convenient to

use too – just spray and rub in.

With OMMEY Baby Protection Spray, parents

can rest assured that their baby and other family

members can be protected from insect bites safely

and effectively!

BT Buzz

OMMEY Baby Protection Spray: Safe, DEET-free protection

Many insect repellents found in the market today, even the ones meant for babies and children, have a

chemical called DEET included as their active ingredients, despite growing concerns about the harmful

side effects it can cause. Lately, there have also been reports of mosquito resistance to DEET! This is why

knowledgeable parents today turn to OMMEY Baby Protection Spray to keep mosquitoes and bugs away.

Unlike most other insect repellants available today, OMMEY omits the use of DEET in this special insect

repellant spray. Instead, it uses safe and effective essential oils of Citronella, Neem and Vanilla. These plantbased

ingredients work in synergy to ward off biting insects including the potentially dangerous Aedes

mosquito. It’s no hassle to use too - just spray and rub. By keeping a bottle of OMMEY Baby Protection

Spray at home, in the car and in the handbag, parents can rest assured that their baby and other family

members can be protected from insect bites safely and effectively, without the side-effects of DEET.

Folic acid may lower risk of being

obese or overweight

Children born to women who have high blood levels of

lead are more likely be overweight or obese, compared to

those whose mothers have low levels of lead in their blood,

according to a study funded by the National Institutes of

Health and Health Resources and Services Administration.

Researchers analyzed data on 1,442 mother-child pairs from

the Boston Birth Cohort, a large observational study that

aims to determine the causes of preterm birth. Mothers’

blood samples were analyzed for lead exposure 24 to 72

hours after they gave birth. Children had their weight

assessed periodically throughout childhood. At an average

age of 8.1 years, children born to mothers with high lead

levels were more than four times as likely to be overweight

or obese than children born to mothers with low lead

levels. Among women who had high lead levels, the risk

of their children being obese or overweight decreased if

the women had adequate levels of folate 24 to 72 hours

after giving birth. The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force

recommends that all women of reproductive age consume

400 micrograms of folic acid (the synthetic form of folate)

each day to help prevent neural tube defects, a class of birth

defects affecting the brain and spine.

Effects of mothers’ pregnancyrelated

anxiety

A study has shown a potential link between pregnancyrelated

anxiety and how a baby’s brains respond to sad

speech. Researchers at Aalto University and the University

of Turku in Finland showed that mothers with high anxiety

scores at 24 weeks of pregnancy gave birth to babies who

had reduced brain responses to sad-sounding speech. The

effect was significantly smaller at 34 weeks of pregnancy,

suggesting the effects of pregnancy-related anxiety may

be transferred more easily to the unborn baby in midrather

than late pregnancy. “Areas of the baby’s brain

that deal with emotion and speech were less active when

listening to sad speech if the baby’s mothers had reported

high pregnancy-related anxiety” said Dr Ilkka Nissilä,

a research fellow at Aalto University who is one of the

authors of the study.

BabyTalk | December 2019 11

BT Buzz

Young moms more likely to have kids with ADHD

Young mothers have a greater chance of having a child with attention deficit hyperactivity

disorder (ADHD) according to new research from the University of South Australia. Published

in Nature’s Scientific Reports, the research explored the genetic relationship between female

reproductive traits and key psychiatric disorders, finding that the genetic risk of ADHD

in children was strongly associated with early maternal age at first birth, particular for

women younger than 20. In Australia, ADHD affects one in 20 people. ADHD is a complex

neurodevelopmental disorder which impacts a person’s ability to exert age-appropriate selfcontrol.

Characterised by persistent patterns of inattentive, impulsive, and sometimes hyperactive

behaviour, individuals find it hard to focus, concentrate, and regulate their emotions.

Late talkers twice as likely to

have severe, frequent temper

tantrums

Toddler speech delays and temper tantrums have long been

assumed to go hand in hand, but no large-scale research

had successfully backed up that assumption with data.

That is, until now. A new, 2,000-participant study from

Northwestern University found that toddlers with fewer

spoken words have more frequent and severe temper

tantrums than their peers with typical language skills. It is the

first study to link toddlers’ delayed vocabulary with severe

temper tantrums, including children as young as 12 months

old, which is much younger than many clinicians typically

believe problematic behavior can be identified. “We totally

expect toddlers to have temper tantrums if they’re tired or

frustrated, and most parents know a tantrum when they

see it,” said co-principal investigator Elizabeth Norton, an

assistant professor in the department of communication

sciences and disorders at Northwestern. “But not many

parents know that certain kinds of frequent or severe

tantrums can indicate risk for later mental health problems,

such as anxiety, depression ADHD and behavior problems.”

Parental alienation harms

families

In one particular form of family violence, a parent tries to

damage a child’s relationship with the other parent. The

outcome of these behaviors is called parental alienation,

and it can result in a child’s ultimate rejection of a parent for

untrue, illogical or exaggerated reasons. Jennifer Harman,

a Colorado State University social psychologist who studies

parental alienation and its consequences, has published

new research showing that mothers and fathers use

slightly different tactics when engaging in these destructive

behaviors. Harman’s latest analysis, published in the Journal

of Family Violence, examined gender differences in many

types of alienating behaviors. She and co-authors found

that mothers used significantly more alienating strategies

the researchers label as “indirect,” while fathers used

similar levels of both “indirect” and “direct” strategies. A

substantial portion of parents in the researchers’ samples -

13.79% of fathers, and 19.61% of mothers - used nearly

equal amounts of both forms of aggression.

Source: sciencedaily.com

Culturing primate embryos

to learn more about human

development

Little is known about the molecular and cellular events

that occur during early embryonic development in primate

species. Now, a team of scientists in China and the United

States has created a method to allow primate embryos to

grow in the laboratory longer than ever before, enabling the

researchers to obtain molecular details of key developmental

processes for the first time. This research, while done in

nonhuman primate cells, can have direct implications for

early human development. The findings, published in Science

on October 31, 2019, provide valuable insight into early

embryonic development and potentially can help inform

approaches to advance regenerative medicine in humans.


BT Buzz

Brains of girls and boys are similar, producing

equal math ability

In 1992, Teen Talk Barbie was released with the controversial voice fragment,

“Math class is hard.” While the toy’s release met with public backlash, this

underlying assumption persists, propagating the myth that women do not thrive in

science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields due to biological

deficiencies in math aptitude. Jessica Cantlon at Carnegie Mellon University led a

research team that comprehensively examined the brain development of young

boys and girls. Their research shows no gender difference in brain function or math

ability. The results of this research are available online in the November 8 issue of

the journal Science of Learning.

Complementary and alternative

therapies to treat colic in babies

Colic can be distressing for both babies and parents, but it’s

not clear what causes it. This makes treating it difficult, and

many parents resort to complementary and alternative (CAM)

therapies because of this lack of conventional treatments.

A review of the evidence on the use of complementary and

alternative (CAM) therapies to treat babies with colic has

shown some that some treatments - including probiotics,

fennel extract and spinal manipulation - do appear to help,

but that overall the evidence on the use of these therapies is

limited so should be treated with caution.

Sudoku

7 5 1 2

2

6 4 3 9

2 8 9

5 9 6 2

8 6 3

7 2 8 4

5

3 4 2 1

Solutions:

3 7 5 8 1 2 4 9 6

2 9 4 5 7 6 1 8 3

6 8 1 4 3 9 5 2 7

7 1 2 6 5 3 8 4 9

5 3 9 1 8 4 6 7 2

8 4 6 2 9 7 3 5 1

1 5 3 7 2 8 9 6 4

4 2 8 9 6 1 7 3 5

9 6 7 3 4 5 2 1 8


Ask Our Experts

Rozanna M. Rosly

consultant dietitian

}

What kind of role should a preschool play in

help my two year old son seems to experience bouts

of constipation quite often, at least once a week. As

much as I don't want to, I always end up giving him

laxatives for it. What are the possible causes for his

constant constipation and should I be worried? Also,

what do I do? ~

The best will be to get a from a pediatric gastro to rule out

other causes of constipation. He needs to drink enough water

and fluids (milk, soups) at least 1400mls, adequate fibre

(fibrous chewing fruits/dates, vegetables, wholegrain cereals/

oats), move more/be active and try probiotics from natural

yoghurt. Of course adequate sleep at night. Avoid processed

foods, sugary snacks/drinks. It will also help if the mother

can look at the cleanliness of the daycare/nursery toilets

sometimes children are not keen. Also if the child can have

a habit of sitting on the toilet bowl every night at the same

time, will help train the bowels.

Dr Eg Kah Peng

Consultant Paediatrician and

Paediatric PulmonologisT

}

I have always worried about the consequences of

childhood vaccination and the possible side effects as

seen in TV. I’ll be delivering my first child in January.

Can you please explain why my child needs them, or

can he go without them? ~

Infants and young children have a higher risk of getting

infections that can cause serious complications such as

paralysis, hearing loss, brain damage, and even death.

Millions of children still die each year from vaccinepreventable

diseases such as whooping cough, diphtheria and

measles worldwide. Vaccination is a simple and effective way

to protect your child against these harmful diseases, before

your child comes into contact with them.

Vaccines contain a limited dose of weakened or dead germs,

which can induce the body to mount an immune response

and produce protective antibodies against the germs without

causing illness. When your child is vaccinated and is later

exposed to these germs, his or her body can quickly produce

enough antibodies to kill the germs without getting sick. Thus

it is far safer to vaccinate your child so that he or she does

not need to experience the natural disease and run the risk of

its serious and sometimes deadly complications.

Vaccines do not just protect your child but also yourself as

a caretaker, your other family members, friends and other

people in the community. If your child is vaccinated, he or she

will not spread the disease to others, especially other children

who are too young for vaccination or people with weakened

immune systems who cannot be vaccinated. The more people

get vaccinated, the less chance for a disease to spread.

Vaccination is safe. All vaccines undergo careful and long

term review by scientists, doctors and federal governments to

ensure their safety. Side effects from the vaccine are usually

minor and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever. More

serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare. Your child

is much more likely to be harmed by serious infections than

by the vaccines. Hence, the benefits of vaccination greatly

outweigh the risks.


Choose

Gentle,

and Feel the Love!

Tender moments shared between parents and their newborns are always cherished. These moments, called baby

bonding, not only bring babies and their parents closer, but also reap great benefits for the little ones’ development.

Newborns feel safe, secure and loved when they receive loving skin-to-skin contact with their parents. Lately,

Malaysian parents have been discovering how a new range of products from world-renowned brand JOHNSON’S ® is

able to bring a special new meaning to these precious moments in life.

Holding a newborn brings about a kind of tender feeling like

no other. There is an overwhelming urge to care, protect and

love unconditionally, whereby these feelings are the natural

instincts in all loving parents. As for babies, it’s already a known

fact throughout the generations that the more they receive

loving, comforting touches, the better it is for them in their

overall development and growth. So, is there any way that

parents can maximise these moments and make them really

count, emotionally and physically?

Yes, there is, and the opportunity to hold, touch and massage

a baby from head to toe is most likely to take place during and

after a bath, while communicating and playing with your baby.

It’s when perfect bonding moments can be created! Also, this

is where a reputable name in baby skin care products come into

the picture, and that name is JOHNSON’S ® .

Committed to gentleness

Being a long-standing brand of skin and hair care products for

babies and children, JOHNSON’S ® has always placed priority in

products that make a difference in the lives of families. The

brand is hand in hand with scientists and researchers in concluding

that rich and beneficial multisensory experience in the first few

years of life of children can have a profound impact on their

happy, healthy development. Benefits of touch, such as the ones

that take place in the aforementioned bonding moments, can

also extend into a baby’s physical and cognitive development

throughout childhood.

Earlier this year, JOHNSON’S ® , which happens to be the top choice

of Malaysian mothers, released their new ranges of products with

Ultra Gentle formulas that contain no added parabens, phthalates,

sulfates and dyes, and are designed to be irritation free for the

delicate, developing skin of babies and toddlers. Among the latest

range that were created using the brand's 125 years of profound

experience in the industry is the CottonTouch range. Ultra gentle,

they can be used from as early as day one, to protect a baby's

skin from dryness. This is crucial, for a newborn’s skin not only

loses moisture twice as fast compared to an adult's, but is also

more prone to itchiness and other skin discomforts. Hence gentle,

loving care is the only way to go.

The New JOHNSON’S ® CottonTouch also takes into account

that skin-to-skin contact, or touch, during the first few years of

life, is the foundation to a newborn’s sensory development and

has a profound impact on a baby’s health and happiness. Blended

with natural cotton, CottonTouch is ultra-gentle on the skin,

and is clinically proven to be mild and safe from the first day of

life. Using the latest in newborn care innovation, the result of

CottonTouch is a light, hypoallergenic, formulation designed

to promote touch and positive engagement between parents

and babies.

The new packaging is a welcome change too - both the wash

and lotion come in user-friendly bottles so that parents need not

take their attention away from their babies. They are easy-to-rinse

and lightweight with no sticky residue. Parents who use them

also report having a better grip on their little ones and more

confidence to touch and connect with them while giving them

a bath or while moisturising and massaging them.

Plus, with its light, allergen-free fragrance reminiscent of the

famed JOHNSON’S ® scent we all love, the new CottonTouch

range makes your bundle of joy irresistibly huggable!

Nesting:

What every mom-tobe

should know

What exactly is the nesting instinct? We do know that animals have them, but hey,

pregnant women have them too. The nesting instinct sets in before the end of the

pregnancy and gets moms-to-be in a cleaning, organising, and even planning mode.

Let’s see what else we need to know about the natural phenomena.


Precautions during the

nesting period:

What is the nesting instinct?

The nesting instinct is something women develop naturally

during pregnancy. It can even be labeled as a pregnancy

symptom, like food cravings or morning sickness. During

the last month of pregnancy, pregnant women may feel an

uncontrollable urge to clean the house, organise the pantry,

etc. It is an expectant mother's biological or emotional

instinct to ensure that everything goes smoothly after she

gives birth. Pregnant moms are known to start rearranging

the cupboards, cleaning the kitchen, cleaning the car, and

keeping the house neat and tidy for the arrival of the baby.

Most women don't even know that such an instinct or

symptom exists, even though they may be going through it!.

Here is a list of activities which pregnant women might get

busy with, as a result of the nesting instinct.

√√

Preparing and putting in all the final touches to the

baby nursery

√√

Washing and cleaning the car, in readiness for transporting

herself to the hospital (and bringing the new baby home)

√√

Purchasing new clothes for herself and for her baby

√√

Packing the hospital bag (and probably repacking it several

times too)

√√

Getting rid of old sheets and towels and replacing them

with new ones

√√

Washing, ironing, folding clothes and rearranging the

wardrobes

√√

Sorting the baby's clothes again and again

√√

Cleaning the toilets, bathtubs as well as disinfecting the

house, especially the kitchen and bathrooms

√√

Mopping and/or scrubbing the floor

√√

Rearranging some of the furniture in the room, and even

in the hall

√√

Throwing or giving away unwanted things in the house

√√

Cooking more than usual

√√

Cleaning the kitchen cabinets and stocking the kitchen

with food

You can mark the difference between a

normal woman performing the above

tasks from a pregnant woman

doing the same. A pregnant woman

performs them more meticulously and

persistently than usual.

Usually, the nesting instinct sets in around the fifth

month of pregnancy. Sometimes, the moms-to-be may

unintentionally perform tasks that might hamper their

health. Here are some points that they should take care of:

nn

Avoid painting the baby's nursery.

nn

If you are exercising, only perform pregnancy

exercises suggested by the doctor regularly.

nn

Check the safety of chemicals while disinfecting the

house. Do not expose yourself to strong fumes.

nn

Wear rubber gloves while cleaning the cat litter box

to avoid infection, or let someone else do it.

nn

Avoid contact with pet's feces

nn

Avoid yard work or gardening.

nn

Dispose off outdated food and restock the fridge

with fresh food.

Tips for the nesting mom!

√√

Keep your clothes, sheets, and towels ready.

√√

Make a 'whom to call' list.

√√

See to the hospital registration formalities in advance.

Pre-registration will save your time when you arrive for the

delivery.

√√

Arrange for a sitter if you have older children at home.

√√

Buy and install the infant car seat.

√√

Check that you have your insurance card, a photo ID,

credit card, and ATM card in your wallet.

√√

Ensure that baby clothes, diapers, and diaper rash

ointment are all ready.

√√

Restock your pantry with healthy food items

√√

During the last two-three weeks, cook in large quantities

and store the food in the fridge. This will help you

consume healthy and homemade food after returning

from the hospital.

In some cases, nesting can be experienced for a few weeks or

even a day prior to the onset of labor. Nesting occurring close

to 40 weeks of pregnancy can be a sign of the onset of labor.

It is quite possible that some women may not experience it.

If the mother-to-be takes proper precautions while doing

the activities and enjoys them as well, nesting can be a safe

process for her and the baby.

Dads-to-be may have this instinct too!

Many dads-to-be also feel the urge to clean and

organize. Some might start looking for a new job - for

more income, less stress, etc. They too may feel the

urge to clean up the house garden, car, etc.

Bump to Birth

Special Feature

Why you shouldn’t

be dieting

during pregnancy

Some pregnant women may attempt to diet, as in limiting the amount of food they eat

despite needing more calories for their pregnancy needs. They do this for the sake of not

gaining too much weight during pregnancy. There are dangers of not eating properly

when you’re expecting. Read on...

Contrary to older practice, a woman need not eat for two;

during pregnancy. All she is required to do is to eat to her

heart’s fill and avoid overeating. Doctors throughout the

world have been advising women to eat as much as they

can and not to go overboard with excessive nourishment.

The main objective is to have a healthy mother deliver a

healthy baby.

Having said that, women who gain too much weight during

their pregnancy do make themselves vulnerable to conditions

such as diabetes and hypertension. It also leads to increased

incidences of gestational diabetes. Their babies too may be

overweight at birth, and vulnerable to health conditions such

as juvenile diabetes, heart problems, depression, etc.

The fact is that pregnancy is not a permanent state of being,

and therefore weight gain being a natural byproduct of this

phenomenon, must be accepted gracefully.

Being overweight while pregnant

Many women tend to restrict their diet during pregnancy

due to the fear of gaining too much weight, which they fear

would be difficult to lose after giving birth. They may even

worry about jeopardizing their sexual relationships with their

partner. Some women feel a loss of sex appeal due to being

overly ‘heavy’ during pregnancy.

Women who are already overweight or obese before

pregnancy are often advised to lose weight during

pregnancy so that they can maintain their original weight

during and after the pregnancy. However, here’s the fact:

They should consider losing weight at least six months

before they decide to conceive, so that their health would

not be adversely affected.

Overweight women tend to be more susceptible to developing

type 2 diabetes, heart problems, gestational diabetes and

cholesterol either during or after their pregnancy.

Why it’s best that pregnant women do

not diet

• Lack of nourishment for the growing fetus can lead to

miscarriage.

• Premature and weak babies with lower life expectancy or

mortality rate.

• Physical deformities at birth such as blindness, malformed

limbs and other body parts.

• Dangerously underweight and thin babies.

• Dysfunctional internal organs such as heart, brain, liver, etc.

• Thicker arteries among these babies from birth onwards

which would cause several health problems over the years.

• May cause NDT or neural tube defects, while in the womb,

which results in the malformation of the baby’s brain and

spinal cord.

• May increase the chances of developing diabetes and low

blood pressure.

Diet pills during pregnancy?

As the end results are detrimental for

the child, all to be mothers should

completely stay away from ingesting

diet pills during pregnancy. The

medication from these pills can transfer

through the milk into the baby’s system.

The safest option would be to exercise regularly before,

during, and after the pregnancy. Remember, the effects of

diet pills are short-lived and stop showing results as soon as

the individual stops taking them. The weight

gained soon after stopping the pills is rapid

and in some cases harmful and excessive.

If that is the case, then it would be

more logical to consider these pills

soon after the baby has been weaned

from the mother’s milk.


Bump to Birth

Feature

Migraines

during

pregnancy?

Here’s what

to do

Having headaches during pregnancy

is intolerable enough, what more

migraines. Migraines can last for hours

and they may even result in sensitivity

to light, and even nausea in some really

bad cases. A bad migraine is not just

painful, but it can leave you feeling

weak and lifeless too.

Sometimes, pregnancy may make migraines worse, or may

alleviate the symptoms. If you’re one of the former, here are

some ways to deal with it, safely.

Firstly, avoid triggers at all costs!

Stress, fatigue, loud noises, tobacco smoke, blazing lights,

excess heat or cold, and certain foods, like chocolate, caffeine

and even artificial sweeteners are known to trigger migraine

for many people. Even if you have never had migraines

before, pregnancy may cause migraines in some pregnant

women. So, to be safe, whether or not you’re a typical

migraine sufferer, avoiding all known migraine triggers will

help, keep them away!

Use a cold compress

Migraine during pregnancy can be bad, but it

doesn’t help if you’re feeling tired too. Stop

whatever you’re doing and lay down

for a while. While you’re resting, hold

a cold compress on your forehead or

neck. It’s a cooling, soothing way to get

rid of that throbbing migraine. In fact,

Migraine medications

Doctors may recommend to stay off medications

during pregnancy unless they are really necessary.

Paracetamol has been considered safe during

pregnancy and breastfeeding, but do talk to your

doctor if you think you need to take medication.

don’t wait for a migraine to get bad before doing this. As

soon as you feel a migraine is surfacing, lie down at once and

do this.

Have a routine

For some women, following a daily routine helps. This is

because, in many cases, factors such as sleep disturbances, or

going hungry because of having skipped a meal, are known

to trigger migraines in pregnant women. Eat at regular

intervals and avoid skipping meals. Keep everything that you

do at certain times of the day going on at that same time,

each day.

Exercise may help!

There are evidence pointing out that physical workout can

reduce the severity and frequency of migraines. It helps

reduce stress. Stress, as everyone knows, is one of the many

triggers of migraine. If you are prone to migraines, start

exercising slowly, and gently. Avoid sudden activities, for that

may actually cause a headache!

Walking is a great way to begin exercising, especially if

you’ve never exercised before. However, do not attempt

to exercise when you’re already having a migraine, for

that will only worsen the situation. Try a cold compress as

mentioned earlier to help the migraine subside before you

begin your exercise.

Always talk to your doctor before taking any drug therapy

or treatment, be it natural or herbal. Also, be absolutely

sure and double-check with your obstetrician or certified

midwife about the safety of any kind of medications during

pregnancy. Migraine pain may be agonizing; however, using

the above ways can help relieve them during this new and

wonderful phase of your life.


Bump to Birth

Giving Birth

there’s nothing

‘false’ about

false labour

The period prior to actual labour pains is probably the one most filled with

misconceptions, what with terms such as false labour and all. Prodromal labor is a more

concise term to use, for it refers to the collective occurrence of several physical changes

in a woman’s body prior to the actual process of going into labor. All these changes, after

all, play a part in the overall process of childbirth. Read on…


Bump to Birth

Giving Birth

either by performing mild exercises

or by eating something. If the

contractions die down or the labor pain

symptoms completely disappear then it

is a part of prodromal labor.

Prodromal labour is a term is used

to describe the period before labor

in which certain physical and bodily

changes that resemble actual labor,

take place in a woman’s body. Even

though these changes indicate labor,

it doesn’t necessarily mean that labour

will begin soon for the mom-to-be, and

for some women, this period might

involve a lot of waiting. Why does this

labor take place before childbirth and

what are some of the changes that it

brings with it?

Prodromal labour is a more accurate

term to use instead of false labour, for

it happens for a reason, and that is,

to prepare the mom for actual labour.

Labour, can prove to be demanding on

the body and mind, and this period of

prodromal labour can help prepare the

mom for it, by helping her body get

accustomed to certain changes.

The experience of prodromal labour is

hardly ever the same for each woman.

The symptoms and the time that it

lasts will differ from one pregnant

woman to another. For some, it might

be a few hours, while for others, it

could last for days. The time period of

prodormal labour will depend on when

the symptoms first appear. If a woman

experiences them early, then prodromal

labor will last longer and if they occur

very late or towards the end of her

pregnancy, then the experience will be

for a shorter time period.

The signs and symptoms can be

confused with actual labour signs,

for they are often similar. Hence, the

popular term ‘false labour’. Here are

the symptoms to look out for:

Swellings

Swelling on different parts of the

body, such as the feet, hands, arms,

face, etc is a sign of prodromal labour.

This happens as the body prepares for

labour by increasing its blood content.

The tissues around the body carry

more blood during this time, thus

contributing the generally swollen look.

Non-labour contractions

Contractions that are experienced

during this labor are irregular and

start and stop unlike real contractions

which make way at regular intervals.

Along with that, they do not increase

in strength and intensity like regular

contractions do, but remain mild. The

contractions are usually experienced in

the abdominal region unlike the real

ones that make way from the back to

the front.

A good way of distinguishing between

the real contractions and those that

are produced by this form of labor is

to formulate a change in the routine

Secretion of colostrums

The body also prepares the motherto-be

for nursing by secreting a

white liquid from the breasts. This

liquid is called colustrums, and it’s a

highly nutritious food for your baby.

Colustrums will provide your newborn

with the kind of nutrition needed for

building a strong immunity for warding

off diseases during the first few days

after being born.

Frequent passing of motion or

mild diarrhea

As the time draws nearer, the body will

start preparing and clearing itself of

all unwanted wastes, by purging them

out of the body. During this time, you’ll

feed a bigger urge to pass motion, and

more frequently too. Some women

may also experience mild bouts of

diarrhea for this purpose.


Bump to Birth

Giving Birth

What you can do to

ease the symptoms

The symptoms of prodromal labor

may be mild enough to ignore, or,

they could be strong enough to cause

anxiety and uneasiness in a mom-tobe.

Besides that, the wait for the real

thing could also take a toll on some

women who are going through this

phase of pregnancy. Here are some tips

you can try to ease the situation.

Find ways to relax and de-stress

through it all

Listening to music or taking a walk or

simply finding ways to rest will ease

the pain and calm the mind. The same

methods of natural pain relief during

labor can be applied to prodromal labor

as well, such as your Lamaze Breathing

technique, your TENS machine, your

yoga ball light bouncing technique or

even a loving massage

from your partner!

Any of these

may help, as

they will during

the upcoming

real thing.

Take the weight off with a warm

water soak

Fill your bath tub with warm (the warmest

that’s comfortable for you) and soak

for a bit. It will help give you a sense of

weightlessness, and will help ease some

of the uncomfortable sensations.

Watch your

sleeping position

During the prodromal labour

period, pay attention towards

your sleeping position, for it

can either help ease some of

the pains, or make it worse.

Switch your sleeping position

around till you find the most

comfortable one, e.g. one that

places the least amount of

pressure on your belly.

Eat well and stay hydrated

Nutrition has been important to your

body from day one, and it remains even

now. You’ll need to be in great shape,

with ample energy to go through

labour. So, during this prodromal

labour period, treat your body well

with nutritious food and stay hydrated,

so that you’ll be in your best condition

to give birth.

In conclusion

Prodromal labor is something

that most pregnant women will

experience in the last stages of

their pregnancy. The symptoms

vary from woman to woman,

for some may have milder

experiences, while others may

feel it in full force. Whichever

side of the scale you find

yourself in, remember that your

body knows what’s best for you,

so keep calm and let it prepare

you for giving birth!


We all love our kids. When they want something, especially if it’s a

food or drink, we tend to oblige, sometimes even when we know that

what they want isn’t good for them. Cake, ice-cream, sodas - how can

we deny them all these delicious goodies, right? The fact is, it’s really

easy for a child to head towards obesity in this commercialised world

of fast foods and heavily processed edible products. Sugar and bad

fats are routinely added into processed foods, even children’s cereals

and snacks, to make them addictively tasty. Read on...


puberty, where children are going through a phase of

rapid growth. If your child measures a high BMI-for-age

measurement, your doctor may need to run other tests to

determine if excess fat is the problem.

Why is my child overweight?

Understanding how children become obese or overweight in

the first place is an important step toward breaking the cycle.

Most cases of childhood obesity are caused by eating too

much and exercising too little. Children need enough food

to support healthy growth and development. But when they

take in more calories than they burn throughout the day, the

result is weight gain.

Some parents still feel, till today, that chubby kids are a

picture of health. They may even assume that thinner children

are underfed, or even malnourished. Here’s a fact: Did you

know that a really chubby kid may be more malnourished

than a thinner, leaner child? It all depends on the kind of

food they eat. A thinner child who eats a diet of mainly good

carbohydrates, fresh fruits and vegetables may be far more

healthy compared to a chubby one who indulges in foods

that contain little or no proper nutrition.

Obesity in children

The percentage of overweight kids is growing at an alarming

rate with one in every three kids being obese in some

countries! Many kids these days spend most of their time

in front of the television, computer or playing video games

instead of spending their free time playing outdoors. Plus,

parents’ busy schedules are an addition to the unhealthy

lifestyle their kids live – everyone is looking for quick and easy

ways to get by, which more than often leads to processed

foods during mealtimes.

Preventing your child from becoming overweight means

adapting they way you and your partner eat and exercise,

and how you spend your family time together. Helping your

child lead a healthy lifestyle first starts with you setting a

good example.

Is my child overweight?

Children grow at different rates and different times, so it is

not very easy to determine if your child is overweight. Body

Mass Index (BMI) uses weight and height measurements to

estimate how much body fat a child has and can be used to

check for weight and obesity problems from the age of two.

While BMI is a good indicator, it usually is not a perfect

measurement of body fat as it can be misleading during

Many factors contribute to the growing imbalance between

calories in and calories out. Here are some of them:

__

Busy families are cooking less, and eating out more.

__

Easy access to high-calorie fast food and junk food.

__

Food portions are bigger than they used to be; in

restaurants and at home.

__

Kids are consuming large amounts of sugar from sodas

and an array of food.

__

Kids spend more time watching TV or playing video games

instead of playing actively outdoors.

__

Many schools don’t take physical education classes seriously.

What can obesity lead to?

Obesity does not just mean being overweight. Being obese

can lead to several other health conditions, including:

__

High cholesterol

__

High blood pressure

__

Early heart disease

__

Diabetes

__

Bone problem

__

Skin conditions, such as heat rash, fungal infections and acne


Dealing with obesity – 5 useful tips!

Healthy habits start at home. The best way to fight or prevent childhood obesity and weight problems is to get the whole family

on a healthier track. Making better food choices and becoming more active will benefit everyone, regardless of weight. And

with the whole family involved, it will be much easier for your overweight child to make lasting changes.

Get the whole

family involved

nnWhat you eat: Tell your child about what you are eating,

provided it is healthy and offer him some.

nnWhen you cook: Cook healthy food at home. Better yet, give

him an age appropriate job in the kitchen – explain to him

what you are making and why it is good for his body.

nnHow you move: Exercise in some way, everyday. Do it in front of your child and invite him to

join in.

nnYour free time: Avoid turning on the TV and watching it all day. Try doing something fun

outdoors with your child and your husband.

Encourage healthy

eating habits

nnEat the rainbow: encourage consumption of a wide variety

of fruits and vegetables. This should include red (beets,

tomatoes), orange (carrots, squash), yellow (potatoes, bananas),

green (lettuce, broccoli) and so on—just like eating a rainbow.

nnMake breakfast a priority: Children who eat breakfast are less

likely to be overweight or obese than those who skip the first meal of the day. It’s important to

focus on healthy choices, though, like oatmeal, fresh fruit, whole grain cereal high in fiber and

low in sugar, and low-fat milk.

nnCut back on fat: Really cut back on fast food, junk food, and sweets.

nnLook for hidden sugar: Your body gets all it needs from sugar naturally occurring in food—so

added sugars amounts to nothing but a lot of empty calories. Check labels and opt for low

sugar products and use fresh or frozen ingredients instead of canned goods.

nnRegular meal times: Children enjoy routine. So, if your child is used to getting meals only at a

certain time – he is most likely to eat exactly what he gets.

nnLimit dining out: Once in a while is completely fine, but even then try to go to restaurants

that offer healthy options on their menu.


Get your kid moving

nnPlay active indoor games: Spending time indoors does not

always mean watching TV and playing video games. Put

away the remote and play a game of tag with your child

indoors.

nnGet outside with your child: Take a walk together, cycle

around your neighbourhood, visit a playground and if your child goes to school nearby –

walk him to school every morning.

nnDo chores together: This is not anyone’s cup of tea, but get him to do household chores like taking

out trash, mopping and sweeping the floor, wiping the windows and washing the car. These

activities surprisingly help you burn a lot of calories.

Reduce screen time

Get involved

nnLimit daily screen time: Studies show

that obesity is linked with screen time.

So, limit your child’s screen time to no

more than two hours per day.

nnAvoid eating in front of the TV: Children

who eat while watching TV, tend to snack

on more junk food which eventually leads

to being overweight. Set your rules and tell

your child that your family will do all the

eating at the dining table.

nnPick a different reward or punishment:

Instead of rewarding your child with

more screen time, try rewarding him

with an outdoor activity that would keep

him active.

nnTalk to your child: Ask your child how his

day went. Listen to him carefully and take

note of any concerns that seems worrying.

nnBe in touch with his teachers: Keep

track on how your child is doing in

school. Find out if he is active and eats all

his vegetables and fruits.

nnDefy busy schedules: You may feel like

neither you nor your child has time for

long chats about the day. This may be the

toughest lifestyle change to make, due

to busy schedules, but it can be done. If

you need to, get involved like another

appointment or meeting in your day.

nnSpend time with him: You don’t have to

spend all your time having heart-to-hearts

talks. Playing, reading, cooking, or any other

activity, when done together, can supply

your child with the self-esteem boost he

may need to make positive changes.


When to seek professional help?

If you have changed your family’s eating and physical activity

habits and your child has not reached a healthy weight, or if

your doctor determines that your child’s health or emotional

well-being is at risk because of his or her weight, you may

want to consider a weight-control program.

Depending on your child's BMI, age, and health, your

doctor may refer you to a registered dietitian, psychologist,

exercise physiologist or encourage you to get your child’s

heart checked. Check-ups can be done at the National Heart

Institute of Malaysia, or better known as Institut Jantung

Negara (IJN).

Institut Jantung Negara (IJN)

IJN is Malaysia's premier heart centre. IJN

provides cardiology and cardiothoracic

surgery services for both adult and

paediatric cases. As the national referral

centre for cardiovascular, IJN sees new

cases referred from all over the country

and abroad as well as follow-up cases at the

outpatient clinics.

3 Myths & truths about childhood

obesity!

Myth: Childhood obesity is genetic, so there is nothing you

can do about it.

Truth: A person’s genes do influence weight, but are only

one small part of the equation. Most kids can maintain a

healthy weight if they eat right and exercise.

Myth: Children who are obese or overweight should be put

on a diet.

Truth: Unless directed by your child’s doctor otherwise, the

treatment for childhood obesity is not weight loss. The goal

should be to stop weight gain.

Myth: It’s just baby fat. He will outgrow the weight.

Truth: The majority of children who are

overweight at any time during the preschool

or elementary school are still overweight

as they enter their teens. Most kids do not

outgrow the problem.

Reference

• www.helpguide.org

• www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au

• www.webmd.com


Baby & Toddler

Feature

Newborns and babies

will cry - a lot! They’ll

cry when they are

hungry, they’ll cry

when their diaper gets

too uncomfortable

and needs to be

changed, they’ll even

cry because they miss

you and simply want

to be carried! So, how

do you keep calm and

handle this situation,

especially when the

crying gets really loud

and/or inconsolable?

Help, my baby won't

stop crying!


Baby & Toddler

Feature

There are two kinds of

excessive criers: those who are

crying because of colic or some kind

of internal discomfort, and those who

are just not sleeping well. Colicky

babies tend to cry every few hours,

every day, for weeks. Often these

episodes occur late in the day and are

accompanied by babies scrunching up

their faces and pulling their knees to

their chests. There is no set cause or

treatment for colic.

There are some babies who cry more

than others, and their wailing sounds

may signal colic or some other underlying

medical condition. Some babies,

especially newborns, may also take a

longer time adjusting to a life outside the

comforts of their mother’s womb.

It is important that parents determine

the cause of the baby's distress.

Recent studies show that, with time,

babies will cry less, if their cries are

promptly answered. Colic is a different

matter; this condition will probably

run its course no matter what parents

do. Generally, though, if an infant's

needs are not met, the crying tends

to escalate and the little one becomes

more difficult to console.

Parents need to understand their

child's crying language. The biological

and hormonal changes a mother

experiences when she hears her baby

cry, urge her to pick up and comfort

her baby. It's important to listen to your

own biological cues when your baby

cries, since most parents have natural

instincts for calming their infant.

Why babies have to cry

Crying has two main functions. One,

it's a message to the parents that

something is wrong. A baby's cry

is really designed to be heard. The

second function is a self-regulatory

one. Babies use crying as an adaptive

tool that helps them adjust to different

environments. For example, in an

airplane, an infant's crying is her body's

attempt to deal with the change of

air pressure in the plane. This crying

actually helps balance the pressure in

the inner ear.

Sometimes a change of

formula is helpful

It’s worth a try, for babies can’t

really tell you that they’re feeling

uncomfortable after a feed. Not all

formulas are the same, and if you mix

around with moms and babies long

enough, you’ll hear stories of how one

formula turned out to be much better

for their infant compared to another

formula. In breastfed children, a review

of the mother's diet may be needed.

Certain foods transferred through the

mother's milk may not agree with the

baby's digestive system.

They’ll grow out

of it

During the first few weeks

of life, parents' main

concern is making sure

they are well fed and

cared for, and also, to

ensure that their baby

feels safe, secure and

comforted. But

as months pass,

in addition to all

these parents need

to teach babies to

self-sooth and get used

to being by themselves

from time to time. This

is where parents need

to have a balance, and

resist the urge to mollycoddle. Most

babies will wake up several times

each night and they need to be able

to comfort themselves so they will go

back to sleep. After the third month,

parents should set up a routine with

a regular bedtime. This can be done

by having a set time for dinner, some

rewinding, a warm bath if needed, a

milk feed if needed together with a

story-telling session and/or lullaby, and


Baby & Toddler

Feature

finally, time for bed. Routines such as

the above will help a baby feel secure

and he’ll expect what comes next,

making it easier to accept.

Bedtime tips:

RR

Read the baby a book and

put him to bed while he’s

still awake, but sleepy.

RR

If baby sleeps in his own

room, let him fuss a bit,

after which you can go in

and comfort him. However,

resist picking him up.

RR

Babies who learn to fall

asleep independently

at bedtime will learn

to soothe

themselves at

other times

and will thus,

cut down on

their crying.

Is this crying normal?

Many parents ask, 'What is normal

crying?' Some babies need to cry for

several hours during the day, just as

some babies need to sleep more or eat

more than others. It is time to worry

when babies cry even when they are

full, are fretful, and look like something

is hurting them.

If despite everything you do, your baby

is still crying, bring the infant in for a

physical examination to determine if

the child is ill or has a condition like

reflux. You can always consult your

pediatrician for added suggestions.

Get to know your

baby’s cries

Crying is the quickest way for your

baby to let you know he's tired, hungry,

in pain or just bored The question is,

which cry is which? Here are the three

main types of cries.

Feed me, I’m hungry!

A baby will generally wake up hungry

and crying for food with a short,

low-pitched cry, just over a second

in duration. If you don't respond

quickly, the cry becomes louder and

more intense.

Respond to your baby as quickly as

possible, especially in the first few

months of life. You're not going to

spoil your baby by picking him up and

feeding him right away. Tending to your

baby's hunger immediately teaches him

that you'll always be there to care for

his needs.

The cry of pain/distress

This kind of cry comes on much more

suddenly than a hunger cry. It's about

twice as long, and continuous- that is,

it doesn't rise and fall in pitch. Check

for wet or soiled diaper. If that’s not it,

check to see if baby is feeling too hot

or too cold ( both can be distressing

for a baby). Check your baby over from

head to toe.

Tired and/or very sleepy

Between two and three months,

your baby's cries will become more

varied, and he may develop

a cranky, "tired" cry.

"It may be a softer

variation of pain

cry. If your baby's

been awake for

a couple hours,

it's more than likely

you're hearing a sleepy

cry, so get your little

one to bed by means of

whichever rituals you may

have for this.

In conclusion

Remember, you may think it’s difficult to handle a crying baby, but for the

baby, it’s difficult too, for he is not able to give clear signals of what he wants

or needs. And it doesn't help that you may be bombarded with conflicting

advice on how to deal with the situation. Listening and responding to a

baby's cries are skills that will be perfected as you and baby get to know

each other better. In time, you’ll get the hang of this and will be better able

to decipher the meaning of each cry and act accordingly.


Baby & Toddler

Nutrition

What every parent

should know by

now about

fast foods

Fast foods are what we call meals that are created within

a short period of time. They usually are the products of

fast food outlets that sell foods like burgers, fried chicken,

pizza, etc, and most of these foods are highly processed,

containing little or no real nutrition. Where do you stand

when it comes to your child’s consumption of fast foods?


Baby & Toddler

Nutrition

As a result of increasingly hectic

lifestyles, and of course, time

constraints, fast foods have gained

popularity among countless Malaysian

households. Having little or no time to

cook (or being too tired to cook) has

resulted in the time-consuming 'family

dinners' being confined to weekends,

while the busy weekdays are disposed

of via the likes of pizzas, burgers,

sandwiches, wraps, rolls and the likes

- anything that is quick and easy to

access.

While some fast foods may turn out

to be healthy meals, depending on the

ingenuity and resourcefulness of the

cook, the term has, in recent times,

become almost synonymous with junk

food, which is only appealing to the

palate, but is on the whole, unhealthy.

It’s mostly loaded with calories and

has little or no nutritional value. While

healthy fast foods, such as salads or

soy burgers, are recommended for a

wholesome daily diet, unhealthy fast

foods (junk food), such as commercially

sold burgers, aerated drinks, pastries

and candies are harmful, and should be

consumed in moderation.

Deal with it now

before it’s too late

Children's appetite and

taste buds are notoriously

difficult to control, and can be

severely affected by continual

consumption of all those

‘tasty’ junk foods out there.

Can we blame them?. The

calorie-filled junk foods lead

to obesity, which aids and

abets numerous, more serious

diseases. If you feel that your

child is developing a taste for

such foods, halt it now before

it’s too late. With even a little

bit of time and effort, you can

surely turn things around by

means of wholesome, homecooked

meals.

Effects of fast food on

children

Too much fast food leads to obesity -

that much we already know by now!

Obesity passively promotes a sedentary

lifestyle, since an obese child can't

partake in physical activities as intensely

as a healthy child. Embarrassment at

one's own obesity can also force a child

to become reclusive. The lack of regular

exercise further increases obesity, and

significantly increases the chances of

the onset of type 2 diabetes.

Junk foods and soft drinks such as

sodas, which often accompany

each other in fast food ‘sets’,

lead to increased levels of

blood sugar in children. This

increases the chances of

acquiring type 2 diabetes, i.e.,

the condition of natural bodily

production of insulin being

unable to counter the amount

of blood sugar in the body.

Type 2 diabetes increases

the chances of heart diseases

by up to 4 times and contributes

significantly to damage to the kidneys,

as well as increasing the chances of

other conditions such as dementia.

Most, if not all fast foods contain high

levels of saturated fats, for this and

sugar are the main contributing factors

for their addictive tastes, together

with other chemical additives. These

fats lead to high levels of cholesterol

in the blood as an anti-inflammatory

response. The build-up of cholesterol

in the body is notorious for being the

cause of various heart problems, and

can cause major cardiac disorders.

Junk foods often contain high amounts

of salts. Although they impart a

mouth-watering, addictive flavour. An

excess of sodium or potassium (which

are irreplaceable components of salts,

including sodium chloride -- table salt)

are the prime causes for an increase

in blood pressure. Disorders regarding

blood pressure can have a severe

inhibitory effect on a child’s life as he or

she grows up.

A gateway for

nutritional deficiencies

Fresh fruits and vegetables supply vital

nutrients and energy, which is required

for the developing bodies of children.

Fast foods however, don’t, so do not

be fooled by false advertising! The fact

that most of these foods require high

temperatures to prepare points to the

fact that they can’t be high in important

vitamins. Hence, regular consumption

of fast foods will inevitably rob a child’s

diet of important nutrients needed to

thrive and develop.

The virtually total absence of green

(leafy) vegetables and fresh fruits in

the diet causes a deficiency of macroand

micro-nutrient supplements in the



Baby & Toddler

Nutrition

body. This damages the body's immune

system and leaves children susceptible

to various diseases and ailments.

A deficiency of iron, for example, can

lead to anemia. Anemia, combined with

the overload of complex sugars and

saturated fats found in any sample junk

food, can lead to a weak and habitually

lethargic child.

Deficiency of calcium damages the

teeth, nails and bones, reducing bone

density and increasing the chances of

skeletal damage and tooth decay.

Point to ponder for

pregnant moms

Studies have suggested that

even heavy consumption

of junk food by a pregnant

woman can result in the child

being predisposed to favor

the taste.

What can parents do

As stated earlier, fast food doesn't

necessarily mean junk food. Salads,

fruits (preferably fresh and whole/

sliced, or else in the form of fresh fruit

juice), nuts and non-processed cheese

can make for healthy and tasty quicksnacks.

Including more veggies and

fruits in meals never hurts, although

kids are likely to reject the relatively

bland alternatives in favor of spicier

junk foods, even if the blander options

are the healthier ones.

Habituating children to healthy foods

without introducing junk foods from

a young age is the most reliable and

effective way to keep the kids off junk

food, without having to admonish them.

If you can't get your children off

unhealthy fast foods, you can at least

make healthier choices for them.

nn

Getting a pizza without the usual

extra cheese would go a long

way. Nobody can taste the extra

cheese anyway!

nn

Burgers can be ordered with a single

patty instead of the usual double,

and with extra lettuce (or coleslaw),

tomatoes and onions.

nn

Whole wheat bread contains

much more fiber than the white

counterpart, and thus aids digestion.

Making (or ordering) sandwiches

made from whole wheat bread is a

healthier option.

Alternatives will help decrease adverse

effects, even when resigned to giving

in to your children's clamor for junk

foods. However, it is worth keeping in

mind that the craving for the addictive

tastes is only natural. Going cold

turkey on this matter and banishing

fast foods completely may only serve

to fuel the craving.

While junk foods are harmful if

consumed continually, occasionally

indulging in the sinful pleasure is fine.

When it comes to enjoying things

in moderation, nothing teaches kids

better than following in their parents’

footsteps, so practice what you preach

and lower your own intake of such

foods too.

Make your own

healthier version

Homemade versions of

burgers, nuggets, pizza and

the likes can be prepared

in healthier ways, such as

reducing the amount of

spices, sugar and salts, or by

using low-fat or non- dairy

products. Freshly cooked,

homemade fast foods

are inherently

healthier than their

commercially sold

avatars, for you

are in control of

what goes into

the recipe.


Baby & Toddler

Health & Medical Diary

How to keep

non-food

allergies at bay

Growing up with allergies can

take a toll on a child. There can be

endless sneezing, runny nostrils,

red, watery eyes, and even skin

rashes to endure. That’s not the kind

of life anyone would want for their

children, that’s for sure. Is there

anything parents can do to ensure

that their kids grow up allergy-free?

Well, that remains to be seen, but

one thing’s for sure - there are ways

you can minimise the chances of

your child developing an allergy,

and here are some suggestions.


Baby & Toddler


kids with household pets and parents do not even realise

it! These can cause sniffles even in kids who aren't highly

allergic. What's the difference between an allergy and a

cold? It's a good bet your child is allergic to your pet if he or

she sneezes and has a runny nose for three weeks or more,

and this is according to William Calhoun, M.D., director of

allergy, pulmonary, immunology, critical care and sleep at the

University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

Carpets - a haven for nasty lil’ things

There is something about carpets that gives us that fost,

comfy feeling. It also lends a luxurious feel to a room, doesn’t

it? But did you know that most carpets, unless they happen

to be meticulously cleaned every day, are a haven for dust

mites? If you really want to use one, keep in mind that it

should not be placed in a child’s bedroom, where they spend

lots of time in, including eight-plus hours a night.

Note too, that if it's been installed over concrete, carpeting

can interfere with the evaporation of moisture, which also

contributes to dust mites and mold, according to James

L. Sublett, M.D., chair of the American College of Allergy,

Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Indoor Environment

Committee. These common allergens thrive in high levels of

humidity. If you’re looking to prevent allergies in your child,

it’s best to opt for bare floors or area rugs, which are much

easier to keep clean.

Check your house plants

As much as your indoor plants cheer up the

living room and make it look fresh and

inviting, if your child has symptoms of

allergies, it may be a good idea to put them

outside. That's because houseplants can be

surprisingly irritating. The culprit is mold spores

that live in the warm and wet dirt, according to

Allen Seiden, M.D., professor of otolaryngology

at the University of Cincinnati. If you really must

have some in your home, avoid overwatering them

to keep mold away. Also, watch out for leaves

that seem to be rotting, for it that can be a sign of

overwatering or disease. FYI: Fake or silk plants aren't

good substitutes, for they collect dust like crazy.

Switch on the air conditioner

It may sound counterintuitive, but running your

air conditioner may benefit allergy sufferers by

reducing the humidity in the house - Heather

Solos, author of Home-Ec 101: Skills for

Everyday Living.

Upkeep your bathroom cleanliness

If you don’t already know, that green stuff that forms in your

bathtub gives off spores that get sent into the air. The result:

sneezing, wheezing, and other allergic reactions. Scrubbing

the tub with a combo of one cup of lemon juice and two

tablespoons of baking soda (or use and organic bathroom

cleaners) will remove the mildew. Don't forget to look

elsewhere, too. For example: the bottom of the bathmat you

step on every day when exiting the shower can

be a culprit. Being constantly damp, it can

encourage mildew. After using, hang the

bathmat over the shower rod to let it dry,

and wash it weekly.

Pets and kids should not be sleeping

nearby each other

And by that, we mean in different rooms or areas of the

house. As much as your kids would love to cuddle up with

their furry friend, experts urge to skip it. What your kids

actually are doing is snuggling up with fur, dander—dried

skin, hair, and saliva—which are allergens to so many


Baby & Toddler


What could be hiding in your

upholstery

If allergies plague your household, it might be time to ditch

the upholstered furniture in favor of leather, or even wood.

When you have upholstered furniture, skin cells, animal

dander, and dust can easily get trapped in the

fibers. Cleanup bonus: Leather, wood and vinyl

furniture is easily spiffed up with a quick wiping

using a damp cloth. If replacing your furniture

isn't in the cards, ditch the fluffy throws and

pillows (also dust-mite catchers) and keep

dust-catching knick knacks to a minimum.

No shoes inside the house

Your family’s footwear could be what's tracking pollutants,

allergens, and toxins into your home, says Myron

Wentz, Ph.D., a microbiologist and author of

The Healthy Home. If you can’t leave them

outside, get family members to wipe their

shoes briskly on a mat and then place them

in a closed shoe cupboard. If your kid has a

bad allergy, consider getting him to change

his clothes when he gets back from an outing

- don’t forget to immediately place the used

clothing into a closed laundry bin.

Your vacuum cleaner, your

best friend!

Apparently, not all vacuums are created equal.

Your best bet will be a vacuum with a HEPArated

filter. These filters prevent the vacuum from

spewing the same dust back into the air. Also,

regardless of whether the vacuum has a bag,

it should be emptied well before the full mark,

(obviously by a family member who does not have

allergies!). When in doubt, use a dust mask to

complete this task to avoid a sneezing bout.

Air out new purchases

That new computer or TV you've just bought may emit

chemical fumes that can trigger or worsen allergies, causing

runny noses and itchy eyes. New furnishings, rugs, and

certain paints can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs)

into the air, which end up irritating your airways. "Most of

these irritants will fade over time. However, Victor Gonzalez-

Maertens, a certified indoor environmentalist advice to take

these products out of their packaging and allow them to air

out in a garage or a well-ventilated space before you bring

them into your home.

Those soft toys may need a bath

It's highly likely that your children's teddy bears

(and all of their other "friends") harbor millions

of allergy-producing dust mites. Ditch the mites

by washing your child's stuffed animals weekly

in really hot water.


Baby & Toddler

Special Feature

Consequences of

uninvolved parenting

The four main parenting styles include the following: authoritarian, authoritative,

permissive, and uninvolved. Each is different and they reap different results too. In this

article, we discuss the uninvolved parenting style, which can be just as damaging as

authoritative as well as the permissive parenting.


Baby & Toddler

Special Feature

Children depend on the ones closest to them to be their

first teachers who will help them in everything they do.

Imagine then, a life without this guidance - children will

be lost,. It is akin to neglect, if you think about it. This

happens with many children whose parents are derelict to

give them the time and care that they need. Uninvolved

parenting is such that it is dismissive in nature. It continues

like a chain, as the ignored children grow up into insecure

individuals.

It’s been discovered that many parents resort to uninvolved

parenting because they were brought up that way, or are

so engaged in their life (job/stress) that they seldom find

time for their kids. This leads to an emotional trauma on

the child, and further affects their physical and mental

health, for children need their parents guidance and

support to thrive.

What uninvolved parenting

looks like

Uninvolved parents don’t seem to have any set boundaries

for their kids’ actions, and offer no support to their kids

either. They could be because they’re tied up with other

matters, or simply can’t be bothered to see to their kids’

needs to be supervised and supported. Kids growing up

in a household such as this may end up feeling neglected

and uncared for.

In uninvolved parenting, the parents are often detached

from their children. They also don’t seem to have any

expectations from their child. They may offer lessons on

how to live, but not how to survive. Hence, their children

have basic amenities such as house, food, and clothing,

but they’ll probably have to look after themselves. The

parent-kids relationship is passive to a large extent with

little communication and/or love. Children often feel that

their parents have other priorities over them, whereby

the parents don’t realize the fact that this is not how kids

should be raised.

The effects of uninvolved

parenting on kids

When children grow up being neglected as in the case of

uninvolved parenting, a sense of insecurity will eventually

be felt, leading to serious consequences in their lives. For

one, they may grow up doing the same onto others -

ignoring the people around them and pulling away from

social situations. They may even develop contradictory

behaviors out of confusion or bewilderment, especially to

people they care about in their lives. They find themselves

unable to maintain good relationships with others, due to

not having experienced good relationship themselves.

Children who have uninvolved parents have lower self

confidence and often experience fear, anxiety and even

resentfulness, especially if they realise that other parents

pay more attention to their kids, compared to their own

parents who ignore them.

This constant ignorance from the parents brings about

situations of truancy in the kids. An example of this can be

absenteeism from school, followed with the likelihood of

delinquency, juvenile crimes, drug/alcohol addiction, etc.

Are you an uninvolved parent? Test

yourself now!

nn

When you child comes home from school, is there a good

meal ready for him to enjoy?

nn

Do you regularly help your child in his studies and

extracurricular activities?

nn

If your child fares badly in exams, do you feel concerned?

nn

Does your child get to partake in any recreational activities

with you now and then?

nn

Do you stop what you’re doing and listen if your child

needs to speak to you?

nn

If your child gets into trouble in school, do you make an

effort to get to the bottom of it?

nn

Does your child get to enjoy your company often?

If you answered ‘No’ to two or more of the above questions,

you may be, either suspectingly or unknowingly, an

uninvolved parent.


Baby & Toddler

Special Feature

If you think you may be an

uninvolved parent, address the

situation now.

Here are some points for you to ponder, to help you turn it

around for your child and for you:

nnYour child needs you and you must make some quality

time for him or her, like you make time for work.

nnWorking parents should never try and justify the lack of

attention and time given to their kids due to being busy

at work.

nnAlways make it a point to listen to your kids before

you begin speaking, no matter what the situation is at

hand. In this regard, they should never feel like you’re

their enemy just because they have done wrong, but

rather, you’re a friend who is going to help them be a

better person.

nnWhen a child is distressed, even a hug can be of great

help. Remember, children need love and warmth.

nnUse mealtimes to try and address miscommunication,

disconnections, etc. A hearty meal and tender

conversations help a lot when times are rough between

parent and child.

nnIt takes effort in communication, but it’s important that

your child feel that he or she can trust you. Then only

will they want to share their troubles with you, allowing

you to guide them to the proper path.

nnDuring those times when you are truly too busy to see

to an issue, give your child a reason, for he deserves to

know why. Explain the situation and assure them that

you will be available for him as soon as you possibly

can. And make sure you keep your word!

nnAs a parent, you have to have to keep a sense of balance

between being strict as well as friendly with your child.

Once you realise that you’ve been an uninvolved parent,

resist living in the past, for that doesn’t help your situation.

Instead, work on changing the future. The best way to

start turning things around for your child is by getting

involved with his or her life. This means listening to them,

spending time with them, learning their needs and being

responsive to them.

Even if you’ve been uninvolved in their life for a long

time, every little step you make now to remedy it matters

to make a marked difference in their life and in their

happiness too. If the situation calls for it, apologising for

the past and expressing your desire to make things better

might be a very good step to take. Other steps you can

take is to read parenting books and online articles, and go

for counselling if necessary.

In conclusion

If you were or are being raised by an uninvolved parent,

you may have already experienced some of the negative

effects of this parenting style. Recognizing that uninvolved

parenting may have impacted your behavior and success

in life can be hard, but it's the first step in making positive

changes for yourself and potentially your family. The

important thing is to try not to hold a grudge and blame

your parents for everything. Instead, take control of the

situation for yourself.

Do you know someone who

is an uninvolved parent?

You may personally know an uninvolved parent

- either a friend or a relative. It can be a tough

situation, for it may make you worried for the

wellbeing of their child or children. If you know the

uninvolved parent personally, having a conversation

with them might be one way to go about it. Keep

in mind though that people tend to get defensive

when other people judge their parenting style, so

this is a situation where you'll probably have to

tread lightly and carefully. Be tactful and kind while

broaching the issue.

Will you change if you realise

you’re an uninvolved parent?

It’s evident by now that uninvolved parenting can have

a severe, long-term negative impact on children, which

include delinquency, risky behavior, difficulty with social

interactions, and depression. If you feel you fit into the

category of an uninvolved parent, the first thing you’ll

need to do is to acknowledge it. Only then can you decide

on what you can do about it.

When intervention may

be needed

In some severe cases, it adds up to child neglect,

which is a form of child abuse. In cases like these,

intervention may be needed, either to reduce some

of these risks if it's still early enough or help children

heal and encourage a better family dynamic.


Bright Kids

Early Education And Development

Is your child all set

for Kindergarten?

Find out here!

Attending kindergarten is an exciting time in a child’s life, for it’s the stepping stone for

formal schooling. But when would be the right time for this? It’s important to keep an eye

on your child and decipher their readiness if they're be able to attend kindergarten or not.

Essentially, they should have a certain set of skills, whereby some kids tend to develop these

skills a little later, depending on what they've been exposed to and how fast they can grasp

these things depending on their surroundings.


Bright Kids

Early Education And Development

A child should, firstly, be at least 5 years old when being geared up to enter kindergarten. Next, check the following and see if

your child can, more or less, do what's featured below.

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

Listens to bedtime stories

without interrupting

you midway.

Is able to button/slip on

his/her tee-shirt and put on

their pants unattended?

Asks for help when

needed instead of turning

physically violent.

Respects property and the

feelings of others.

Can differentiate between

colors, shapes, and sizes.

Can construct sentences of

at least 5 - 6 words.

Can identify his/her name

in writing.

Can scribble or

draw objects.

Manages using the

bathroom on his/her own.

Can be away from parents

without throwing a tantrum.

Communicates with

adults well.

Can express ideas for

others to understand.

Can trace basic shapes.

Can identify some letters

from the alphabet.

Can bounce a ball.

Build your child’s kindy readiness skills

If you feel that your child does not show many of the above

signs, it will be good idea to start building them now. A child

needs to be exposed to a lot of factors that will aid him/her

to move forward in their developmental phase. Here's what

you can do to make the most of your child's fast-grasping

abilities. Remember though, the sooner, the better in child

development.

nn

Make sure your child has plenty of learning toys like an

abacus, coloring books, handwriting books, math problem

books, counting books, picture books, and so on. Books

are a building block to get a child interested in reading, as

well as build on their vocabulary.

nn

Building blocks, alphabets, puzzles, and likes are a great

way to get a child to exercise his sense of logic.

nn

Cartoons - don't make it a habit to place your child in

front of the television for hours on end; stick to a schedule

of cartoons based on classics, word games, quizzes and

interactive ones, to let your child learn as well as enjoy

him/herself.

nn

Spend time teaching them about alphabets and numbers,

so that they are used to repeating them everyday. In this

way kindergarten will be easier for them to handle if

exposed to it firsthand by the parent.

nn

Read to them at night or during the day, as a way of

helping them build on thoughts and imagination; entertain

questions and other child-like queries.

A child's initial years are the best times to take advantage of,

because their minds are like big sponges, ready to saturate in

information at a rapid rate. By taking some initiative, you can

ensure that he or she will be ready to take on kindergarten

and have loads of fun while learning new things!


Life & Style

Feature

The influences of

modern media

on children

Have you ever noticed what’s on TV today in terms of children’s viewing suitability?

How about the internet in general? As technology continues to advance, our kids not

only become more and more exposed to modern media, but also become dependent on

communication methods, so much so that hardly a school student nowadays can get by

without the use of a cell-phone. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing, influences are

aplenty due to the exposure to an uncensored world out there..


Life & Style

Feature

Kids today depend on the media and technology for

practically everything from their communication needs to

information and knowledge. Modern media trends have also

introduced lots of machines, portable or hand-held devices

and gadgets such as smartphones, tablets and notebooks.

How a good thing can go bad

One thing about smartphones and all other internet-friendly

devices is that they place the goings-on of the world, both

the good and the bad, in the palm of a kid’s hands, so to

speak! Any child who is able to read may easily stumble upon

websites and material that may contaminate the way they

think or act, such as pornography, violence, profanity, etc.

Studies have shown that certain groups of kids are prone to

act out violently/aggressively because of media influences.

Media’s effects on kids are not to be under-estimated. It

is capable of influencing young minds like a giant remote

control. While it does have its share of pros, parents still need

to approach this issue with caution.

While some children do fall into the unfortunate category of

sexually-abused victims or those who are exposed to domestic

violence, you’d be surprised to find that some seemingly calm

and normal children are more deeply influenced by what

they see and hear on TV than one can imagine. Experts have

warned that such kids are akin to ticking timebombs, for

there’s no telling which is the straw that will break the camel’s

back - or when such kids will be influenced to the point of

experimenting on what they learn from the internet.

Watching too much television or even movies on the

internet also takes children further away from schoolwork

and homework, crippling them academically. Without

supervision or proper screenings, violent acts such as rape,

torture and murder for instance, and also questionable video

games can influence young minds in such ways that may be

difficult to reverse. Things become even worse when they’re

accompanied with profanity which happens to be on the rise

now among young kids.

Children who pass time glued to the television or computer

are also at a higher risk of developing obesity, seeing that

inactivity is a major factor when slumped in front of the TV

or PC.

How advertisements impacts a child’s

behaviour and thinking

Kids are often drawn to commercials and most commercials

are known to plant seeds of thoughts into impressionable

young minds about what they should be buying, using,

eating, etc, as opposed to what they might actually need.

They create trends to follow and superficial images to which

kids are easily drawn to, While the ultimate goal is always to

sell their products, the whole thing often leads to young kids

yearning to ‘fit into the mould’, so to speak. This may even

lead to severe lack of self esteem in many young kids and also

health problems like bulimia / anorexia.

Modern, fashion magazines are also to blame for their glossy

covers and pages showcasing models with so-called “perfect”

bodies that teens idolize and work towards, while of course,

compromising on health.

Kids and cellphones

Cell phones are not just communication tools but

they also play their part in kids’ overall style factor,

with all the fancy accessories, add-ons and whatnots,

either because they really want it or they

happen to feel the pressure of not having what their

peers have.

Dangers of the internet

The internet is rich with useful information, both for the

young and the old. While we want our children to be able to

access it for all their academic needs as well as for general

knowledge, we have to keep in mind though that danger

lurks in the internet!

This world wide web has turned into a haven for criminals

who can easily operate and carry out heinous crimes

undercover, and the ways they go about trapping their

innocent victims are horrifying. What’s even more horrifying

is, parents of the victims in the past never suspected that their

children could be gullible enough to fall for such traps, but

they forget, these are experts!


Life & Style

Feature

The case of a foreign pedophile who was operating from our

country not so long ago is just one such example of dangers

in the internet.

There are many more ways things can go horribly wrong,

such as via intentional or unintentional exposure to explicit

material. The Internet doesn’t have a secure connection

to stop porn viewing, therefore even kids / teens who

unintentionally log online for other purposes, might come

across these accidentally. Parents may not like to know this

but, in most cases, kids develop an interest to go back to

such portals out of sheer curiosity, exposing themselves to the

wrong messages sent out there about sexual behaviours. The

fact that they may be derived to become sexually active at an

early age, or end up disrespecting the idea of commitment

in the future, are just the beginning of their problems if they

have a twisted idea of sexual behaviors.

Know what’ going on

Studies have shown that children who have computers in

their rooms, did academically well seeing that the Internet

served as a way to keep them interested in assignments,

projects and homework. The two main factors to be

concerned here are:

1. Distraction from friends via social media chatting while

using the PC

2. The temptation to divert one’s attention to Youtube,

Facebook, Twitter or worse, forbidden websites!

Close parental monitoring is the secret key here. While no

parent wants to appear like they’re micro - managing their kid,

parents do still need to be fully alert to the goings on at the

study table and conduct impromptu checks besides building

and keeping good communication going with their children.

Social networking sites give teens a

platform to interact with friends

and connect with others in a

risk-free setting, although that

shouldn’t allow Internet time to

be so flexible. Screen your kids’

online friends like you would

their real-life ones. You may also

have to advise them on the kind

of company they keep, online

and offline. Kids these days tend

to be far too advanced on their sexual

development, and most of the time, media

influences (and influencers) are to blame. Being physically and

emotionally close to your growing child will help you keep

tabs of who they’re interested in and if they’re becoming too

obsessed with anyone. There are always ways to handle this,

and if you’re close to your child, it becomes an easier task.

Television too can be an educational tool if used wisely and

when supervised by parents. Educational shows are constantly

streaming on the television, where kids and young adults can

learn a lot from them. Choose documentaries and shows that

feature something the whole family can relate to, like food,

for instance.

Print media is a good way of being well-informed about what

goes on around the world, where it can develop a teen’s

reading skills as well, seeing that it is a dying habit among

the young. Visit book sales as a family and have your children

discuss what they’re currently reading during a dinner-time

banter. Keeping things lively in the family will help deter your

kids from seeking outside distractions for entertainment.

Children need to be constantly nurtured mentally and

spiritually to be kept on the right track. If parents do not wish

to see their kids becoming obsessed with an idea or mentally

deteriorate, then it is important that they maintain good

relationship and communication with their growing kids and

keep tabs on their goings on and checking their behaviors

when needed.


Life & Style

Feature

Intimate care:

What every mom

should know

We care very much for skin, hair, teeth, eyes, etc, but what about our

private region? Believe it or not, without proper care, a woman’s vagina may

be a cause for health concern!


Life & Style

Feature

A healthy vagina is naturally acidic and contains rich

quantities of beneficial bacteria that help fend off infections

and maintain a normal pH level. A vagina is designed to selfcleanse

via the secretion of small amounts of discharge, much

like how saliva cleanses the mouth. Here’s how to maintain

good vaginal health so that there is no interference with

these normal conditions.

Sex should not hurt

Consensual sexual intercourse should not hurt, but it does for

many women. If you’re one of those women, see your doctor.

Don’t be too embarrassed to speak up about this, for if you

do, it’s you who will be suffering in silence! A doctor can help

remedy the situation for you but he or she will have to know

what the problem is first.

Clothe yourself comfortably

A woman’s vagina is meant to be clean, cool and dry.

Clothing can affect that, for certain fabrics and styles of

clothing, when worn close to the genitals, can increase

heat and moisture. This could easily lead to the growth of

‘harmful’ bacteria and paves the way for infections too.

Cool cotton underwear is always the best choice. avoid using

tight panties, or thongs, which can easily transfer bacteria

from your anus to the vagina. Tight-fitting clothing, especially

pants, are not only uncomfortable, but they wreak havoc with

your vaginal health too. Going swimming? Don’t forget to

change out of wet swimsuit as quickly as possible. The same

goes for sweaty gym clothing.

Lub up before love

During intercourse, some women do not produce enough

natural lubricant for comfortable sex. If you’re one of them,

use an artificial lubricant for it will help to reduce friction

and irritation. Avoid petroleum jelly for this purpose, and

other oil-based products, if your partner is using a condom -

they can cause the latex in condoms to break down and also

might cause infection. Remember, keeping well-lubricated is

an important part of intercourse, for without it, your vagina

can become irritated and chafed, leading to other more

serious discomforts.

Eat well for a healthy vagina

It may seem off-beat that a good diet greatly influences

your vaginal health, but it does! A nutritious diet, together

with lots of water, are key to vaginal and reproductive

health. Some foods may even help treat vaginal issues and

discomforts. Cranberry juice is known to aid in treating

urinary tract infections, for instance, while yogurt can

potentially help prevent yeast infections. Soy products, which

contain a weak form of estrogen, is believed to be helpful in

aiding natural lubrication.


Life & Style

Feature

Maintain an ideal vaginal

PH balance

Normally, vaginal pH is about

3.8 to 4.5. When cleaning your

vagina, keep in mind that harsh

soaps or cleansers on the vulva

or inside the vagina can affect a

healthy pH balance. If your vagina has a strong or unpleasant

odor, see your doctor. If you use a douche remember that it

is known to interfere with the healthy pH levels of the vagina

and also, it reduces the acidity levels of the vagina too. Plus, if

you are dealing with unpleasant odours, the douche will only

cover up the smell without getting to the cause of it.

Good hygiene is paramount

You’ve heard this again and again, but just in case, here it is

again: After a bowel movement, wipe from front to back to

avoid bacterial contamination of the vagina and to lower the

risk of bladder infection.

When you’re having your period, don’t go too long without

changing your sanitary pad or tampon. Unless you have very

heavy discharge, minimize the use of panty liners too, for

they tend to keep moisture and heat near your vagina, which

can result in infection.

Note: The amount of vaginal discharge a woman experiences

varies widely. Some normal, healthy women experience loads

of it, while others are bone dry. As long as you are not at risk

of STD’s and you have no itching, burning, or odour, you’re

probably just fine. If in doubt, see your gynecologist.

Have regular gynecological

check up

This is crucial in maintaining the

vaginal health of every woman of

child-bearing age. Gynecologists and

many family physicians are trained

to diagnose diseases and disorders

that can harm the vagina or your

reproductive system as a whole.

Gynecologists also perform Pap smears,

which can detect changes in vaginal cells that might indicate

the presence of cancer.

Beneficial bacteria down there

The vagina contains more bacteria than anywhere else in

the body after the bowel and there are reasons for that. The

good bacteria inside the vagina provide numerical dominance

for they outnumber other potential harmful bacteria that

might enter the vagina. This in turn helps in:

RR

Keeping the vagina’s pH balance of the vagina is

at an even level, which helps keep the balance of

bacteria healthy

RR

Producing bacteriocins (naturally occurring antibiotics) to

reduce or kill other bacteria entering the vagina

RR

Producing a substance that stops any invading bacteria

from sticking to the vagina walls, so that they do not

invade the surrounding tissues

If the balance of bacteria is disturbed, this can lead to

infection and inflammation. Bacteria called lactobacilli help

keep the vagina’s pH balance at its normal low level (less than

pH 4.5), which also prevents the growth of other organisms.

Waxing/shaving of the vagina

Pubic hair does serve a purpose, one

of which is decrease friction during

intercourse. It’s alright to groom your

bikini line, but be aware of the risks,

especially if you’re fond of places

where many others frequent for hairremoval

too. It’s not uncommon for

bacteria or fungi to spread from one

client to another.

Never neglect infections

The vagina is susceptible to three types of vaginal infections

and they are:

Yeast infection: Caused by several types of fungi

Bacterial vaginosis: Caused by bacteria overgrowth in

the vagina

Trichomoniasis: A sexually transmitted infection.

Do not hesitate in seeing a doctor for treatment for any of

the above condition, for they can lead to unpleasant, painful,

and serious reproductive health problems if left untreated. All

three are can be treated with oral or topical medications.

Shaving of the pubic area carries the

risk of cuts and infection, just as it

would on any other part of the body,

while laser treatments can sometimes

cause burns.

In reality, pubic hair was not meant to be

removed, although a lot of people choose to go without it

for vanity reasons. Some may even feel that it’s more hygiene

without hair down there, or at least, with less hair. The point

here is to practice caution and be aware of the risks involved

in removing your pubic hair. Note: One study in 2013 actually

revealed link between the irritation from hair removal and

an increase in vulvarmolluscum contagiosum, a sexually

transmitted virus that causes skin eruptions.


Life & Style

Out & About

Family Fun Workshop @ Dreamworld Playland

As the festive season drew closer, BabyTalk and MamaPapa magazines worked together with 100Comments to organize

their latest Family Fun Workshop. Running from 10am to 1pm, the workshop was held in Dreamworld Playland, located

at Level 2 of the Starling Mall on the 16th of November 2019. Many families came in from as early as 9.30am in order to

register and join in the workshop.

Parents and children had fun exploring all the wonderful toys and activities available in Dreamworld Playland. There were

also several booths set up so that parents could get more info, enjoy exclusive products, or sign up for future events.

Among them was the Aristo booth, set up to provide coffee and tea to attendees throughout the event. The emcee, Ms

Anita, kept the event running and made sure that everyone was entertained while inviting several speakers to have their say

on a number of topics related to their products and services.

The first speaker of the day was Ms. Jaslyn Yap of Canridge Right Brain Development, who provided a quick introduction

of her company, describing how Canridge grew from their humble beginnings to become one of Malaysia’s Top 10

enrichment centers in early childhood education. Moving on, she explained how Canridge’s teachers work to stimulate

right brain development in their students, nurturing not only academic excellence but also many other aspects of life

such as creativity and critical thinking.

Next was Ms. Shalini Argellan from IGS International English PLT, who spoke on the topic of “English for future leaders”.

An English lecturer cum Programme Coordinator from Lincoln University College Malaysia, she highlighted the importance

of learning English from a young age and explained how IGS’s unique curriculum could provide their students with the skills

and self confidence needed to become the leaders of their generation.

Rounding off the talks was Mr. Ken of Alpha Health Malaysia. A pharmacist by trade, Mr. Ken’s spoke on the topic

“Knowing about disinfectants for you and your kids”. He explained the dangers associated with many standard

disinfectants before demonstrating Biocair’s products – a non-toxic, PH neutral, natural, and alcohol-free disinfectant that is

effective enough to kill 99.99% of bacteria.

During and after the talks, attendees and their children were given a chance to have fun in Dreamworld Playland’s exclusive

playground facilities. Designed for toddlers and children up to the age of 12, Dreamworld Playland is a winter-themed

indoor playground where children can play in a fun, healthy, and safe environment. There are slides, secret tunnels, giant

building blocks, and all sorts of other exciting activities for children to enjoy.

The workshop also included a Lucky Draw activity, which generated a lot of excitement as parents eagerly awaited their

chance to walk away with a number of exclusive prizes including a BioCair HFMD Air Purification system, a Hello Natural 3

in One Complete Hair Care Set, and of course the Grand Prize: 4 tickets to Sunway Lagoon worth over RM800. The event

ended at 1pm, with free lunch provided for the attendees and their families. Everyone went home with happy faces, and

aside from the lucky draw prizes, all of the attendees received free goodie bags worth more than RM100.

This November’s Family Fun Workshop was a great success thanks to our clients from IGS, Canridge, Alpha Health, and

most importantly Dreamworld Playland who agreed to sponsor the venue. Special mention also goes to our sponsors

Medella, Carrie Junior, Essilor, and Health Lane for helping to make this event possible. Hope that we can see you again for

our next parenting event!

Event Sponsors:


Life & Style

Out & About

A new storybook encourages

children to love and care for

our rivers

Anak Rimba Books is set to instill love and care for rivers

among children via what they do best; developing a children’s

storybook. The newly developed river awareness storybook

entitled “A River for My Family” tells a compelling story

of a dragonfly, Popi, losing its home and playground – the

river – due to river pollution. Anak Rimba Books aims to

engage children on river care awareness in child-friendly

and memorable ways. So, they collaborated with Global

Environment Centre (GEC) under the National River Care Fund

(NRCF) – Small Grant Programme to develop the storybook

equipped with simple facts and open ended questions to the

kids about rivers at the end of the book. Dr K Kalithasan,

Manager of River Care Programme from GEC said, “We believe

that young children are the seed to building awareness in river

conservation. It is important to instill such awareness among

young children since the early age to promote river care civil

society. Therefore, GEC

awarded Anak Rimba

Books a total of RM10,000

grant under the NRCF

programme to develop

the book.”Abyan Junus-

Nishizawa and Farah

Landemaine, authors of

A River for My Family and

founders of Anak Rimba

Books, both have a shared

interest in promoting

creative content which

focuses on endangered

animals and environmental conservation.

MR TOY celebrtates 10th store

opening @ Toppen Shopping

Centre, Johor

MR TOY — a subsidiary of MR.D.I.Y. Group (M) Berhad,

Malaysia’s largest home improvement retailer — celebrated its

10th store opening at Toppen Shopping Centre, Taman Desa

Tebrau, with exciting promotions and activities for Johoreans

last 23 – 24 November 2019.

Customers enjoyed gifts with purchase, giveaways, RM1

Deal and up to 30 per cent off on selected toys. Kids were

fascinated with the Dinosaur mascot on its walkabout, as well

magic performances, got free balloon sculptures and face

painting sessions from 1pm – 7pm on both days. MR.TOY

is the country’s first home-grown toy store chain and marks

the Group’s first foray into the toy store chain business. With

a product offering spanning nine categories — Vehicles &

Remote Control; Pretend Play & Costumes; Craft & Activities;

Sports & Outdoor Play; Action & Adventure; Building Sets &

Blocks; Learning, Fun & Games; Party Supplies; and Infant &

Dolls — there’s something for everyone, especially for kids

under 15 years old.

KARNIVAL RIA NESTLÉ LACTOGROW ® :

supportING parents in nurturing

children’s happiness

The Karnival Ria NESTLÉ LACTOGROW ® made its third and final

stop in the Klang Valley, following recent events in Ipoh and

Johor. The week-long carnival held at IOI City Mall Putrajaya,

from 31st July to 4th August 2019 provided parents with the

opportunity to learn more on the science behind raising a happy

and healthy child. To communicate this vision, IOI City Mall

Putrajaya was transformed into a wonderland complete with

a ball pit and slide, digital colouring, interactive dance activity,

sampling booths, a 3D photo booth and several activities that

pair parent and child to complete fun tasks. Families were seen

having an enjoyable time, participating in a myriad of physical,

social and mental activities while sampling NESTLÉ LACTOGROW ® ’s formulated milk powder for children containing probiotic

cultures L. reuteri. Mr. Kenny Wong, Business Executive Officer, NESTLÉ Nutrition Malaysia, remarked, “Happiness matters. We

believe that being happy empowers children to be more proficient at learning, which can help them to develop faster. This is

why our Karnival Ria NESTLÉ LACTOGROW ® aims to create greater awareness among parents on the importance of the four

“happiness” pillars in supporting children to grow happy and healthy in facing the ever-evolving world in which we live in, and

they are: Active Happiness, Social Happiness, Intelligent Happiness and Healthy Happiness.


Life & Style

Out & About

Faber-Castell’s Back to School campaign

to nurture the creativity and imagination

of children

SUBANG JAYA, 22 November 2019 – Faber-Castell Malaysia launched its

‘Back to School’ campaign this year with the focus on nurturing the creativity

and imagination of children. The company believes that this will in turn,

stimulate the brain development of young children.

According to Mr. Andrew Woon, Managing Director of A.W Faber-Castell

Malaysia Sdn Bhd, choosing the right stationery products is an important

contributing factor to the brain development of young children. “A good

stationery set will enhance their learning experience and also improve their fine motor skills. Tri-Grip pencils and Grasp Crayon for

example, were invented with practicality and grip comfort in mind so that children would love using them and this will also pique

their learning interest,” said Woon. This year’s Back to School campaign themed Castle Heroes, features a pair of character named

Bernard and Cassandra, to inspire children to use their imagination in conquering obstacles and challenges. Four inspirational

Castle Heroes sets are also introduced. They include an essential school set containing complete stationery items that one would

need, a drawing set coupled with a set of creative drawing cards, a mechanical pencil set and a 3-piece eraser set.

AmLife Donates 200 Blankets To

Seniors (and held Mental Health

workshop)

Sleep specialist, AmLife recently conducted two CSR

campaigns with the aim of bringing better sleep health to

the general public and senior homes. According to AmLife

Founder and President Mr Lew Mun Yee, this would be

the first year AmLife is spearheading a full-fledged CSR

campaign as well as a World Mental Health campaign –

putting the relations between sleep and mental health under

the microscope. “Simply, sleep deprivation affects your

psychological state and mental health. In turn, those with

mental health problems are more likely to have insomnia or

other sleep disorders,” explained Lew. AmLife started the ball

rolling by visiting several homes including the Lovely Nursing

Center and Rumah Victory Homes recently in hopes to bring

warm comfortable night’s sleep for the residents. In addition,

AmLife will buy daily essential and groceries for the seniors. In

conjunction with World Mental Health Day in October, AmLife

also held sleep cum mental health workshops nationwide in

five locations within Malaysia and around the region.

Pantai Hospital Laguna Merbok

Marks The Expansion of Pantai

Hospitals in Malaysia

Pantai Hospital Laguna Merbok has been officially launched

by YAB Dato’ Seri Mukhriz Tun Mahathir, Menteri Besar

of Kedah today, making it the second Pantai Hospital to

operate in Kedah and the 11th Pantai Hospital to operate

in Malaysia. Formerly known as Amanjaya Specialist Centre,

the Hospital was fully acquired by Pantai Hospitals Sdn Bhd

in October last year. Tio Bee Chan, Chief Executive Officer

of Pantai Hospital Laguna Merbok and Pantai Hospital

Sungai Petani, said, “The addition of Pantai Hospital Laguna

Merbok in Kedah and leveraging the 45-year hospital

management expertise of Parkway Pantai. I believe our

team will work closer to meet the healthcare needs of the

community. Since last year, we have been streamlining

the operations and services at the two hospitals to better

serve the community in Kedah.” “Pantai Hospital Laguna

Merbok will continue to provide quality healthcare services

to patients in Kedah alongside its sister hospital, Pantai

Hospital Sungai Petani,” added Ms Tio.

Pantai Hospital Laguna Merbok is also known as the “First

Green Hospital in Malaysia”. The 108-bed multi-specialty

hospital prides itself for being the first purpose-built hospital

in Malaysia to incorporate green technology and design

in its construction and operations, focusing on providing

patient comfort.


12_BT_December2019

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