Today’s Motherhood

BenBat Travel Friends Headrest 10% Discount Pre-order Promotional Sales!* (*valid till 21st Sep 2010) by Cuties Juniors

Managing Eczema the holistic “Cherub Rubs Way”

Eczema is a common skin problem in babies and children. The cause is unclear, but it appears that individuals with atopic dermatitis seem to have sensitive immune systems that are more likely to react to irritants and allergens. Topical steroids eg. hydrocortisone are the most common and effective treatment for atopic dermatitis. However their use must be under strict medical supervision as the potential side effects of long term use of steroids is always a concern.

Cherub Rubs products are certified organic, free of petro-chemicals, synthetic colours, fragrances and preservatives, using high quality raw materials which are sourced from Australia.

Cherub Rubs provides concerned parents one of the most natural skin care ranges in the world as an alternative to steroid-based treatments for eczema and other dry skin conditions.

1. Keeping the skin healthy

Doctors usually recommend a mild non-soap cleanser instead of strong soaps. Soaps can have a drying effect to the skin, and that may cause the skin to itch, resulting in scratching, that would further aggravate the eczema.

We recommend: Cherub Rubs Baby Safe Hair and Body Wash to replace alkaline soap. It uses a blend of tea-tree and lemon essential oils, and contains no chemicals that may dry or irritate skin.

2. Healing the skin and preventing flares

After taking a bath, it is recommended to moisturize the skin by applying a moisturizer or lubricant within a few minutes after drying off, as this allows moisturizers to be easily absorbed. Lubrication will restore the skin’s moisture, increase the rate of healing, and also acts as a barrier to prevent further drying and irritation. Creams and ointments work better at healing the skin compared to lotions as the latter evaporates quickly.

We recommend: Cherub Rubs Skin Balm to nourish and moisturize skin. Made with ingredients such as organic sandalwood, calendula and chamomile oils to soothe dry skin, other ingredients found in the product, such as organic butters and oils further help replenish and nourish dry skin.

3. Treating symptoms when they do occur

The most common symptom in eczema is itch, as people with eczema tend to have dry skin that itches. With persistent scratching, this can lead to skin infection as there is an increased risk of spreading germs from the patient’s fingernails onto the open wounds.

It is important when protecting and restoring the skin to take steps to prevent repeated skin infections. Early recognition of the signs of skin infections, including tiny pustules, appearance of oozing areas, or crusty yellow blisters and seeking medical treatment by a doctor are necessary.

We recommend: Cherub Rubs Skin Soothe to soothe and stop itch, reducing the spread of germs. A cooling gel that is effective for relieving itch from skin infections and insect bites, it contains certified organic ingredients such as aloe vera gel, centella, carrot and calendula oils help to revitalise the skin, whilst witch-hazel takes the sting out of scrapes and bites.

Print out this article and bring to Pharmaplus to redeem free sachets from the Cherub Rubs range.

Camden Medical Centre
1 Orchard Blvd #01-04 Singapore 248649
Tel: (65) 6887 3456
Fax: (65) 6887 3923

More info on Cherub Rubs can be found at www.cherubrubs.com.sg

We have heard that “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy”

As parents, we all agree that children today are weighed down with stress, over scheduled days, high fat and high sugar diets, sedentary activities like playing the computer and watching TV. This is why it is very challenging for parents to search for activities that can be beneficial to our kids.

While it’s understandable for most parents to academically equip them to prepare them for the “future”, it’s also equally important for us parents, to encourage our children to be physically active not only to reap the benefits of exercise and encourage them to develop a healthy and balanced lifestyle, it will also develop their expressive skills, build confidence, prevent obesity, increase muscle tone, build discipline, become more focused and improves memory.

Dancing in particular, is a good way to encourage the children to keep fit. It does not have to be competitive, children can participate in dance activities just to enjoy and have fun while reaping the benefits of being physical activity. As dancing enables the children to move into the tune of the music, a fast paced music makes them jump into the air, leap, hop and turn and develop their sense of rhythm and enjoyment on the dance floor.

Dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing participants to engage in a social activity. Not only does the physical aspect of dancing increase blood flow to the brain, but also the social aspect of the activity leads to less stress, depression and loneliness. Further, dancing requires memorizing steps which provide mental challenges that are crucial for brain health.

A balanced lifestyle is key for well rounded and happy children. Give our children the gift of staying healthy, keeping fit and having FUN!

Children’s Day Promotion

(Registration is CLOSED due to overwhelming response - 13 Sep 10 Thank you)
D’ Sweat Shop’s Free Hip Hop Trial Class for children between 3 to 10 years old.

Venue: 11B Bukit Pasoh Rd (Outram Park MRT exit H from North East Line)
Date of Event: Sept 26, 2010 (Sunday)
Time: 330-430pm

Conditions:

• Valid for 1st time clients only （The registration is closed due to overwhelming response - 13 Sep 10).
• By appointment only. Register your child at info@dsweatshop.com or call 96926899. Limited students per class only. Register early!
• Please quote ‘Today’s Motherhood’ when booking an appointment.
• Participants with pre-existing medical condition must seek physician’s advice before engaging in a fitness regime.
• Duration of workout: 1 hour
• Attire: any comfortable sports outfit and sports shoes

SKIP*HOP Activity Gym, Animal Chime Ball and Funny Face Mirror Promotional Sales!* (*valid till 21st Sep 2010) by Cuties Juniors

SKIP*HOP Duo Deluxe Diaper Bag, Zoo Pack & Zoo Lunchies! Promotional Discount from Cuties Juniors now. Till 21 Sep 2010

Baby Loves Disco made the first appearance in Singapore!

Post Event Write-up:

Excuse me? Who say dancing is only for grown-ups and hippy youngsters?

Baby Loves Disco is here to change that old thinking and mindset! It is thinking of transforming the hippest places into child proof discos as toddlers, preschoolers and parents looking for a break from the routine playground circuit, can come together and dance to their heart’s content.

Baby Loves Disco originated in Philly in 2005 and has traveled halfway around the globe to reach Singapore on Saturday Noon, 28th August 2010. It was located at DXO besides Esplanade Mall.

How great was the whole event?

What we would like to say is that, it was indeed something unique and out of the norm!

At Baby Loves Disco Singapore’s event, it was not only fun but there’s something for everyone – parents get to dance and mingle around; kids had a great time at the dance floor and chill-out place; balloon sculptor from BBOL that processed your special balloon request; finger food, good music to get the little booties grooving  and free flow of juices!

There were also professional photographers from Colorful Photography dashing across the dance floor trying to capture that beautiful moment of your child grooving to the music.

That’s not all, parents and kids get to learn and enjoy special dance moves choreographed and taught by the dance instructors from Studio Wu. No doubt, It really got those LITTLE and BIG hands, legs and booties shaking.

Towards the end, as a wrap up to the whole event, there was a magic show performance by BBOL to brighten up these little kids’ faces.

Oh! Did we mention that we simply love the bubble machine? It simply brought a smile on every little faces there.

No doubt this event has brought kids and parents together for a great time!

What’s up next? Baby Loves Disco Singapore promises something bigger and special! Perhaps, a Halloween Party awaits? Stay tuned to Today’s Motherhood for updates!

For more information, visit Baby Loves Disco

*Colorful Photography September Double Promotion* Exclusive for Today’s Motherhood Members

STUDIO
Visit this url for our exclusive brochure on Prefect Studio:

Our Studio package for 1 person comes with

• 1 hour studio session
• 2x S8R print (Include additional S8R print worth $35 for this promotion)
• 5x 5R prints
• Full Color Grading & Photo-retouching
• High-res digital copies of selected images

Session Fee: $128
Additional Pax: $0 ($15 each)
Weekend Charges: $20

Total Investment: $128 (for weekday)

OUTDOOR
Visit this url for our exclusive brochure on Prefect Color36:

Our Perfect Color36 package for family comes with

• 1 hour professional session
• 1 location of choice
• 36x High-res digital copies
• Basic editing of photographs

Total Investment: $298 (UP$318)

September booking started, make your bookings now!

Unlike buying electrical appliances which come with an instructional manual that guides you on how to handle them, newborn babies do not arrive with a manual. No first-time parent will ever be fully prepared to deal with a cranky baby.

This is where infant massage comes in useful! Find out more about how to massage an infant

What is Infant Massage?

It is a parenting skill parents need to know on how to touch their child in a manner that conveys love, trust, respect and nurturance. A nurturing touch (or the lack of it) can influence the way we think, feel and relate to others. Massage is a shared experience between parent and baby which allows the child to release tension and encourage visual and kinesthetic learning.

“Studies have shown that children become calmer, concentrate better, have more confidence and are able to respond sociably when massage is incorporated into their daily routine.”

What are the Benefits of Infant Massage?

• Helps parents understand baby’s non-verbal communication and physical needs
• Baby feels nurtured, secured and loved, and thereby develops a sense of well-being
• Baby sleeps more soundly, so will Mummy!
• Helps baby relieve stress and tension
• Gives baby a sense of belonging in the family unit
• Provides an opportune time for relaxation and fun!

Every parent can learn how to give an excellent massage by learning the right techniques. Besides being a wonderful gift that a parent can give to her child, it is a satisfying handicraft, a vehicle for teaching relaxation, trust, respect and nurturance.

Basically, we recommend massage for babies from as young as two weeks old. The pressure of the touch should be as gentle as you would press your eyeballs with your finger. The duration of massage should not exceed ten minutes for infants less than one month. The baby’s cues must also be observed. If baby looks stressed and cries, you should not continue with the massage.

Massage Oil

Use cold pressed vegetable oil and not baby oil that has “mineral oil” is stated on the label. Commercially-produced mineral oils dry the skin and clog up pores. A good and cheap massage oil would be grapeseed oil. Oil is needed to avoid friction with the delicate baby skin. It is not necessary to use oil for massaging the face unless the skin is very dry.

Do a test patch on the baby’s arm about half an hour before the massage to check if there is any allergy. If a rash develops, your baby could be sensitive to the chosen oil, so you should switch to something else such as safflower or avocado oil.

Preparation for Infant Massage

To prepare for the massage, mummy has to

1. remove jewellery from her hands and arms
2. have nails trimmed short and hands cleaned
3. clean baby’s skin
4. find a comfortable place with back support and relax
5. preferably use a clean mattress on the floor
6. have a bottle of oil within reach
7. switch house phone and handphone off
8. ensure that there is no interruption from anyone
9. avoid having pets or other people in the room
10. preferably use the same room and music every time

It is important to note that before the massage, the mummy must be totally relaxed and free from stress. Take deep breaths and affirm

“I release all other thoughts and focus on my baby”. Place baby in a position where you can have eye contact, talk and sing to the baby during massage. To the baby, Mummy has the most beautiful voice in the world!

Always ask permission first – “Darling, may I massage you please?” and watch for his reaction and cues. As you massage different partS of the body, name the part that you are massaging, for instance, “Mummy is now massaging your right leg” and baby will learn which is his right leg and add “right leg” to his “little vocabulary list” and so on.

The (International Association of Infant Massage) IAIM massage techniques comprise the following:

Indian Technique – movement outwards to release tension
Swedish Technique – movement upwards for circulation towards the heart
Reflexology Technique – foot massage on the sole of the feet
Yoga Technique – relieve tummy discomfort

Lastly, before massaging your baby, parents should consult baby’s doctor or pediatrician if baby has

• unstable joints, brittle bones or fractures
• has had a vaccination within the seven days or is still suffering from the effects
• is taking any form of medication that causes drowsiness
• has any skin rashes or cuts
• has any contagious or infectious conditions
• suffers from acute, unstable or advance conditions of the heart, kidney or liver
• has an unhealed umbilicus
• runs a temperature of more than 37.5°C

Hope that you find this article on How to Massage an Infant useful :)

Written by: Gloria Wong
Website: http://www.tenderlovingtouch.com.sg

This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Oct 09 issue Page 16

Toys World is having the following promotion in the month of Sep 2010

Every purchaser of the My Dream House doll house, is entitled to a 40% discount on the add-on Modern Family or Happy Family doll set, whilst stocks last.

My Dream House comes complete with 4 dolls and 20 pieces of furnitures. With the additional 6 dolls from Modern Family or Happy Family, children are now able to host a small party and invite relatives and friends over.

City Square Mall will attempt to set the record in the Singapore Book of Records for the largest lantern made from 2,000 origami bunnies in celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Families are invited to participate in the record-breaking event and enjoy the Mid-Autumn Eco Lantern Tour to learn about the moon fairy story and ecology related facts.

Children can also learn how to make their own lantern from recycled materials at the Kids’ Eco-lantern Workshop.

Date – Saturday 18th September 2010

Time – 7pm to 10pm

Venue – City Square Mall, Fountain Square Basement 1, 180 Kitchener Road, Singapore 208539

Admission/Tickets - Free

Enquiries - www.citysquaremall.com.sg