Today’s Motherhood

This the season to be jolly! Bring BIG smiles to a precious child today with our new Peek-A-Boo gift card!

Available in 5, 10 and 20 play sessions with picture and personal message customization!

Stop fretting over Christmas gifts and birthday gifts for the lil ones and email us at info@peekaboo.com.sg or visit www.peekaboo.com.sg to find out more today!

Get those shopping bags ready!

Nime Shop is having another sale this coming December 17 Fri!

Venue : Suntec Convention Centre Level 3 Room 303/304
Time : 2 to 9pm
Date : 17 Dec 2010 (Fri)

Expect Lots of NEW Arrivals and Design at the SALE!

Come Early to Avoid Disappointment!!!

Check out their website, www.nimeshop.com for more details.

Sweeten your Christmas celebrations at Central as you revel in a Candyland of performances, candy treats and shopping rewards!

1. KAYLA’S ADVENTURES IN CANDYLAND (26 Nov – 26 Dec 2010)

A dazzling musical featuring a kaleidoscope of quirky multi-hued costumes and original music compositions, this is an open performance where Central shoppers can watch for free at scheduled timeslots.

All performances are held within the sprawling Candyland made up of life-size 3-dimensional props such as a 5m tall customised life-size Tree House and a 4.5m tall customised life-size Giant Mushroom. Shoppers will also get to meet the cast after each performance.

Event Details
Show title: Kayla’s Adventures in Candyland
Date: 26 Nov – 26 Dec 2010
Time: Tue – Fri, 8pm (1 show) / Sat – Sun, 3pm and 8pm (2 shows)
Venue: Central – The Gallery, 1F
Duration: 30 min per show (Free seating)

2. CANDY FOREST (5 Nov 2010 – 2 Jan 2011)

Partake in the fun-filled activities at the Candy Forest such as the secrets of candy making by STICKY, live ice‑cream making by Marble Slab Creamery, bear making workshops and exhibitions by A Bear Place and sweet wine sampling by World of Wines.

3. SHOPPER REWARDS (5 Nov 2010 – 2 Jan 2011)

Stand a chance to win up to 20 times your expenditure when you shop at Central from 5 Nov 2010 to 2 Jan 2011. Other shopper treats include Christmas wrappers and gift tags, balloon and candy giveaways, as well as Christmas exclusives for ALWAYSCentral members and UOB Cardmembers.

For more info, log on to http://www.thecentral.com.sg/home/index.aspx?key=home

Child motor development is a vivid sign of milestones and failures in the physical growth of a child. Parents are the best people in position to detect any problems which the child is facing regarding his physical attributes.

Toddlers are definitely set into predictable sequence of motor skills from crawling to walking and running to jumping on both feet. Usually, they are made to face two kinds of problems which include the quantitative and qualitative problems.

The quantitative disorder may involve a physical activity but the timing is not proper. For instance, the child may crawl but the absence of walking signs may indicate a problem. On the other hand, qualitative disorder includes the severe stiffness of the legs which could be present at any age.

To help you parents detect the early signs of child motor development disorders, here are some clear indications:

• Fisting is normal to babies but persistence of fisting at 3 months may indicate limb with motor impairment.
• Disproportionate width, muscle mass and limb size of the thumb nail.
• Regression of motor skills
• Stiffness of the limbs which prevents the child from performing motor tasks accurately.
• Favoring of one hand or any other side of the boy. This means that child is inclined to utilize one hand most of the time.
• Constant movement
• Difficulty in grasping and manipulating objects. Children are more inclined to holding on to mother’s clothes and hands.
• Clumsiness. This could involve frequent stumbling and falling off from a position.
• Drooling and eating difficulty.
• Spitting up or the so-called gastro esophageal reflux
• Sleep disorders
• Behavior problems
• Weak and brittle bones

If these signs are vividly exhibited by your child, you might as well seek for the help of a pediatrician or any healthcare provider who might help you out diagnose more severe complications other than what you have observed. Cerebral Palsy has always been associated with failure in the normal motor development of a child. Identifying such disorders in the child motor development skills will help you acquire proper interventions which will aid in the early detections of worse motor conditions.

For more than seven months, my son, Vee, had a huge reddish eczema patch covering his cheek and chin. It itched so much that the poor boy rubbed his face against his pillow during sleep and often woke up with a blood-stained pillow. Kissing his face was a luxury I could not enjoy as a mother. After much trial and error, his condition is finally well-managed. Here are 29 tips to fight your baby’s eczema:

Cause
1. Find out the root cause: Although eczema could be inherited, it may also be triggered by external irritants such as soaps, detergents and food. The most common foods which trigger eczema symptoms in some people include: cow’s milk, eggs, soya, wheat, fish and nuts.

2. Eliminate the irritant(s): After finding the irritant, eliminate it from your baby’s environment, wherever possible. (Since I am breastfeeding Vee, I had to stop eating soy too.)

Diet
3. Prepare your own baby food: If you suspect that food is causing flare-ups, preparing homemade baby food allows you to control every ingredient. Introduce one new ingredient at a time, especially allergenic foods, to single out any irritant. (During one dinner, Vee’s new food was steamed beancurd. A rash broke out around his mouth almost immediately. That was how we found the root cause.)

4. Read the labels: If you are offering baby processed food (e.g. biscuits, jarred food), scrutinise the label to ensure that it does not contain potential triggers for your baby’s eczema.

Environment
5. Clean carpets and change bedsheets & mats often: Some babies have eczema triggered by dust mites. If this is the case, you would need to vacuum the carpets, and change bedsheets and floor mats often. Wash beddings in hot water.

6. Clean soft toys and fabric books often: If dust mite is the trigger, choose soft toys and fabric books that are washable. Alternatively, use a steam cleaner to sanitise the toys and books.

Cleaning and Bathing
7. Keep skin clean: Perspiration causes eczema flare-ups in some children. Moreover, many babies and toddlers love playing until they are dripping with sweat. If so, wipe her with a smooth and damp handkerchief after she perspires.

8. Use cloth wipes with water: Commercial wet wipes contain chemicals (such as artificial fragrance) that could trigger your baby’s eczema. To be on the safe side, use cloth wipes with water. Otherwise, rinse the wet wipe with water before wiping your baby.

9. Use a gentle bath soap and shampoo with no SLS, fragrance and colouring: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) is a common surfactant in commercial bath foams and shampoos, to make them foamy. However, it tends to dry out the skin and worsen some babies’ eczema. Artificial fragrance and colouring are also potential irritants. Read the ingredients label carefully before buying. Consider using a bath oil.

10. Short, brief baths: Limiting bath-time prevents the skin from drying out. If you are using a bath oil instead of soap, then it is fine for baby to stay longer in the bath.

11. Shower after swimming: If chlorinated pool water worsens baby’s eczema, then shower her after a swim.

12. Lukewarm bath water: Water that is too hot could increase the itch, so use lukewarm water instead.

13. Pat skin dry after bath: Avoid rubbing your baby’s skin dry with a towel; pat her dry instead.

Skincare
14. Choose skincare products carefully: Besides SLS, fragrance and colouring, also avoid skincare products containing a long list of confusing ingredients. This introduces less potential irritants to your baby’s skin and makes it easier to identify triggers for flare-ups.

15. Moisturise skin: Dry skin is more prone to flare-ups, so use a hypoallergenic moisturiser on the dry patches on baby’s skin after patting her dry from a bath.

16. Protect skin: After moisturising, protect her eczema-prone areas with a layer of barrier cream such as sterile paraffin wax. This prevents irritants from causing flare-ups.

Clothings and Fabrics
17. Dress lightly: When your baby is too warm, she may be more prone to flare-ups. In our year-round tropical climate, dress her in light and breathable clothings.

18. Choose cotton and bamboo fabrics: Cotton and bamboo fabrics are gentle on baby’s skin, so use them for her apparels, bedsheets and blankets.

19. Avoid wool and scratchy fabrics: Scratchy fabrics could rub against baby’s eczema patches. Before buying clothes for baby, check the inside of clothes to make sure it feels smooth. Ideally, caregivers should also avoid wearing scratchy fabrics.

20. Use diapers with no irritants: When using cloth diapers and baby’s skin is sensitive to wetness, choose those with a stay-dry layer or add a stay-dry liner. When using disposable diapers, choose those that do not contain artificial fragrances and potential irritants. (Again, read the packaging label.)

21. Change diaper often: Whether using cloth or disposable diapers, change baby every 2 to 3 hours to keep her diaper area clean and dry.

Laundry
22. Wash new clothings, cloth diapers and bedsheets before initial use: New apparels may contain chemical additives such as formaldehyde that could trigger eczema in your baby. Therefore, always pre-wash fabrics before wearing them.

23. Use detergent with no irritants: Additives in detergent such as fabric softener could cause eczema flare-ups, so choose one that suits your baby’s skin. If a particular detergent is suitable for your baby, then caregivers’ clothes should be washed using it too.

24. Rinse laundry thoroughly to remove residue: Build-up of detergent residue could trigger flare-ups, so ensure that laundry is rinsed thoroughly. Clothes should smell clean (not fragrant) after washing.

Handling Scratching
25. Wear mittens when sleeping: Eczema is well-known for its itch and scratching would worsen it. For a young baby, put mittens on her during bedtime.

26. Trim and file fingernails: Keep baby’s fingernails short and smooth to prevent her from opening up the skin when scratching.

27. Distract baby: For an older baby, distract her when she is trying to scratch. For instance, show her an interesting toy while making exaggerated sounds and movements.

Medical Help
28. Seek professional help: If symptoms persist, consult a pediatrician or pediatric dermatologist for advice as baby may need prescription-based creams and/or medication.

29. Start treatment once flare-up begins: When the first sign of rash begins, start
treatment based on doctor’s advice. Don’t wait. The rash may worsen and take even longer to heal.

After our long battle with eczema, I can finally kiss my boy’s beautiful face. May your baby stay beautiful too!

About the Writer
MieVee is a Stay-At-Home-Mum with a 19-month old son, Vee. She supports breastfeeding, cloth-diapering, babywearing and green living. Her website, MummysReviews.com, aims to help parents make smart purchases and organises regular giveaways.

This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Oct / Nov 2010 issue Page 10

Congratulations to the winners of Today’s Motherhood Lumi Dots Pinhole Eye Masks Giveaway. They have won themselves a Lumi Dots Pinhole Eye Masks worth $28.

Below are the Today’s Motherhood forum IDs of the winners:

1. agnes
2. cor_ng
3. esther
4. hay
5. imelda18

Remember to read this article for Taking care of your children’s eyesight

**Winners will be notified by email individually.

** Terms and Conditions apply.

The prizes are sponsored by Lumi Dots and Today’s Motherhood.

The first thing that strikes you as you step into the new premises of ChildFirst Pre-school at Mountbatten, is the sheer size and decor of their Speech and Drama room.

Fully equipped with props and costumes, the room is delineated into different places found in a community. For example, a clinic, café, a construction site, a theatre and a supermarket. “An important use of this room is for “purposeful-play”, where children apply conversational mandarin that they learned to real life situation, such as ordering food in a restaurant.” Cynthia, the Principal, explains.

As we move along the corridor to the classroom, Cynthia explains to us the three unique characteristics of ChildFirst Pre-school. “Besides our spacious environment, what really makes us special is our curriculum.”

• Strong Bilingual Program
Everyday, lessons during the first half of the day are conducted in English, while the second half of the day will all be conducted in Mandarin (or vice versa). This is to provide sufficient exposure time for children to be effectively bilingual.

• Multiple Intelligences
The school curriculum is developed based on Harvard University Professor Howard Gardner’s theory of Multiple Intelligences recognising that each child is smart in their own way. And that they also learn differently and have different interests.

• Technology Immersion
In today’s world, technology literacy is a must. At ChildFirst, the computer room, which is called the “Cyber Zoo”, comes equipped with the latest touchscreen computers. Each classroom also has a computer learning corner in the form of a cute robot-looking “Ed-D” with touchscreens on its tummy. Cynthia explains that “This generation of digital native children will use technology to be independent and self-confident learners. They also will use age-appropriate software to express themselves by creating their own multimedia blogs, which parents can view by logging into their accounts and can even view them on their smart phones.”

Teachers also use interactive whiteboards in the classrooms to make lessons come alive. Cynthia adds, “For example, in the occupation theme, children will see a real ultrasound scan of a baby in the womb to understand some of the things doctors do.”

• Tapping On External Resources
In collaboration with the National Library Board, ChildFirst will receive 500 books from the library every month. These books are all on loan and will be placed in each of the classroom’s library corner. When the month is up, a new set of 500 books will be sent over while the previous batch will be returned to the library.

• Inclusive Education
If you have a keen eye, you would have noticed that the 8 ChildFirst mascots (representing the 8 intelligences) have different skin colours, with one of them in a wheelchair. Ms Cynthia adds, “We accept children from all race, religion and abilities. Here, we place a strong emphasis on a people-first. We at ChildFirst respect all children.”

The school is already all geared up, ready to start operations by January 2011. “All we lack now are the children’s laughter!” Cynthia exclaims, followed by a hearty laugh.

For more information, preview of the school or to register for our Saturdays’ Open House, you may reach Cynthia or Lillian, at 6440 4466. You may email them at contactus@childfirst.com.sg

For additional information, log on to www.childfirst.com.sg
229 Mountbatten Road
#01-32 Mountbatten Square
Singapore 398007

Breast Milk

Contents of breast milk changes over time. These changes naturally occur to provide your baby with the proper amounts of nutrients. Essentially, there are three types of breast milk.

• Colostrum is the first breast milk that will be produced after you give birth. This yellowish substance is produced within the first couple of days of your baby’s birth. Colostrum provides nutrients and antibodies that are crucial to a newborn baby. It also works as a laxative, for your baby, helping them to pass their first stool (meconium).
• Foremilk is the actual milk drawn, during feeding time – 3-4 days after child birth. This milk, like colostrum, is full of nutrients that your baby needs. Foremilk is a thin substance that is low in fat and natural for your baby to digest.
• Hindmilk follows the foremilk. This milk is much higher in fat content and calories. It is much creamier milk, which provides substance for your baby. Hindmilk is imperative to your baby’s health and continual growth.

Milk Flow

The initial flow of milk may or may not come naturally. The natural feeding pattern of a baby actually helps breast milk to begin flowing. In the beginning, babies need to eat – breastfeed – frequently throughout the day. Depending on your baby’s size this may vary anywhere from 8 to 12 times a day.

Even though breast milk does not typically come in until the 3rd or 4th day, it is necessary to begin this natural feeding technique from day one. The natural sucking motion from your baby’s mouth encourages breast milk production.

Your breasts will start to feel full – also known as engorgement. Engorgement is when breast milk comes in, the switch from colostrum to foremilk. The only way to release the milk is through a breast pump or feeding. The sucking motion of your baby’s mouth stimulates what is known as “let down” reflex. Once this happens, your milk will begin flowing freely.

Benefits for Mum

Breast-feeding causes your uterus to contract, forcing it to shrink quickly. This is a great way to lose pregnancy weight, although should not be the only reason for breast-feeding. Say goodbye to baby flab quickly!

Breast-feeding is a natural birth control. It is not as effective as the pill or other birth control methods, but it does stop your body from ovulating. If your body is not ovulating, you are much less likely to get pregnant. It also lessens your overall chance of breast or ovarian cancer.

Breast-feeding is an economically smart approach to raising a baby. Even if you have to purchase bottles for pumped breast milk, you are not purchasing cases of formula on a weekly basis.

Benefits for Baby

The nutritional value that breast milk provides to babies is phenomenal! Breast milk is an immune booster as it contains numerous antibodies and health enzymes. These nutrients also help to prevent against allergies and eczema.

Babies that are breast-fed are much less prone to diarrhea and stomach upset. Babies digest breast milk much more naturally. It has also been proven to help prevent obesity, later in life.

The bond between mother and baby is unbreakable. However, this bond is much stronger when a child is breast-fed. You also no longer have to stress over the right temperature or amount as it is always perfect for your baby.

Breastfeeding Positions

There are many different ways to breast feed a baby. Below we will discuss four of the most common, comfortable breastfeeding positions

• Cradle position: Lay your baby on his or her side, facing your breast, while cradling him or her in your arms.
• Cross cradle: With this position, you will hold your baby in the same manner as the cradle position. However, one arm will support their back, with that hand on their head and your other hand on your breast.
• Clutch or football hold: Lay the baby under your arm with their head near your breast and their feet at your back. Wrap your arm around the baby so that your forearm is supporting their back and head.
• Side-lying position: Lie on either side and lay your baby next to you. Position your baby’s head right next to your breast for the perfect feeding position.

Breast Feeding for Working Mums

Working mums must first make preparations for pumping and storing milk for their baby. You will need a breast pump. There are two types of breast pumps, manual and electric. Manual (hand) pumps are cheaper and more portable, whereas electric pumps are more efficient. Pick a breast pump that you are most comfortable with.

• You will need to start by pumping your milk about a month before going back to work. This helps to get you in the habit of pumping.
• You will also need to find a caregiver that supports your desire to breastfeed your baby.
• Determine where you can privately pump your breast milk at work.
• Drink a lot of water and eat nutritional meals.
• Consult a lactation consultant if you feel at all stressed with the return to work.

You will need to store your milk at work and after you get home. Breast milk is good for about 4-6 hours after it has been pumped without being stored in a refrigerator or freezer. After this time, or before, it should be in a refrigerator. However, refrigerated milk is only good for 48 hours. Freezing breast milk is another option, and it can be stored for up to 2 months. Once thawed it should be used within 24 hours.

This article was first published in Today’s Motherhood Magazine Mar 09 issue Page 12

Updated 28 Dec 10
The photos have been uploaded into facebook, please click this link www.facebook.com/todaysmotherhoodfans

Updated 14 Dec 10. Due to overwhelming response & over-booking, Kids Cover Looks Christmas Kids Babies Model Search will be stopped. Thank you for your great support

You can email enquires@kidscoverlooks.com with age of kids/babies and contact numbers for the waiting list, subject to slot available or sign up Today’s Motherhood free mailing list (on the right of our home page) to be informed of future contests.

Today’s Motherhood and Kids Cover Looks are happy to bring you some cheers for this Christmas in our Christmas Kids Babies Model Search and stand a chance to win more than $3000 worth of prizes.

Prizes will be awarded to top 3 winners and 20 consolation prizes + Highest Rated Hit/Like photo in Today’s Motherhood Facebook Fans Page (see details below )

Top Prize :
Cash $200
Family Photo / Kids portfolio session worth $350
Mary Chia voucher for parents worth $350

Today’s Motherhood Facebook Highest Rated Hit/Like Photo Prize
Cash $100
Family Photo / Kids portfolio session worth $300
Mary Chia voucher for parents worth $350

To take part, simply call for an advance booking and present this page for your kid’s photo session at Kids Cover Looks. Photo taking starts now and ends on 23 Dec 2010.

Address : 545 Orchard Road #05-13 Far East Shopping Centre Singapore 238882
Tel : +65-6235 4993

Details of Facebook Highest Rated Hit/Like Photo

1. Photos will be uploaded onto Today’s Motherhood Fans page
2. Voting starts on 26 Dec 2010 and ends 8 Jan 2011*
3. The photo with the most number of “Likes” on 8 Jan 2011* wins
4. The management reserves the right to replace the winner on our sole discretion. The management’s decision will be final and no corresponding shall be entertained.
5. No canvassing for votes on Kids Cover Looks and Today’s Motherhood fans page are allowed
6. Phantom votes will be disregarded i.e. accounts created for voting purposes only

* Dates may be subjected to changes. More details will be published on Today’s Motherhood portal and fans page later

Terms and Conditions apply

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Stand a chance to win “Momsinmind Baby Carrier Pouches” worth $42. Total 5 Baby Carrier pouches to be won.

Momsinmind Baby Carrier Pouches can carry baby/toddler up to 15kg in 5 different positions.

Simply answer a simple question below

Contest ends 31 December 2010.

The above contest is proudly brought to you by The Birth Shop

Terms and Conditions Apply.