How Should You Treat Your Children?

An online post by a prominent blogger, Dan Pearce, has shined the spotlight on his opinion about the relationship of fathers and kids and how to treat children. His
post
 has since drawn more than half a million shares on Facebook and over a thousand shares on Twitter.

“Treat your children with respect” was the underlying message that Dan hoped to deliver to all fathers. Despite the relative simplicity of his message, it makes one wonder what exactly did he say that resonated with so many people, making it go viral online?

How to treat children with respect

In the post, Dan explains how witnessing a
father ignoring his young son
 and reprimanding him in public provoked himself to write such a heated post on how to treat children with respect. Dan begged fathers to appreciate their fortune and emphasises the notion that fathers should all treat children with respect.

So how exactly do you treat your children with respect? The main points of the three page long post can be summarised as follows:

Parents should always encourage and support their children as this would greatly affect their self-esteem.

Always show your child affection. Physical contact such as a hug or a kiss can go a long way in building a strong bond with your child.

Never vent your anger or frustration on your children. If you treat your children with respect, they won’t fear you.

Don’t crush your child’s dreams.

Nobody is immune to making mistakes and your child is certainly no exception. Do not reprimand your children when they do something wrong, as doing so could crush their spirits. Children often become whatever parents keep telling them they will become.

No matter how busy you are, try to find time to play with your children.

Constantly show your children how much you love them.

Respect for children

Dan certainly raised some very strong points with regards to parenting and the majority of the comments published seem to agree with his stand. However, what caught my attention was the arrogance of the post and how Dan believes that his method was the only correct way to care for a child. This can best be exemplified by how Dan states that:

“If one child has a better life because something in my words stirred their father to step up their game, then it was worth every ounce of begging and pleading with you to share this with others, of which I am inevitably going to be guilty.”

Asian cultures generally place emphasis on children treating their parents with respect, but Dan’s message seem to be the direct opposite. While showering your children with love and support can reap some benefits, it may backfire in a number of ways as well. The saying “spare the rod, spoil the child” certainly comes to mind here.

Dan’s abhorrence to punishments may result in his young son growing up to become spoilt due to a lack of boundaries and discipline from a young age. Furthermore, while you should not put your children down for no reason, sometimes criticism is needed. Children are often unrealistic and naive and it is quite common for them to harbour unrealistic aspirations. For example, if your child has no talent at singing but insists on pursuing a singing career and thus neglects his studies, do you still continue to encourage him?

So, do you agree with Dan’s parenting tips? Share your in the comments!

On another note, watch this funny video that tries to make a point on how not to treat your children.

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Couple caught on video having sex on board a flight

Imagine you and the family are on your first ever plane ride together. You, hubby and the kids are buckled in and are about to take a groufie before takeoff to immortalise this milestone. So you pull out your smartphone, aim, but — wait — your screen captures some strange activity several rows behind you.

So you take a discreet glance to check. Is that… a couple having sex on the plane?! “Let’s take the groufie later,” you quickly tell your family (while you make bug eyes at your hubby and keep your kids’ heads facing forward).

You might think this will never happen to you on the plane — but it is exactly the type of in-flight entertainment a couple travelling to Mexico watched onboard Silver Airways!

Couple Caught Having Sex on a Plane

Instead of getting an uneventful and peaceful flight to Mexico, the parents of Twitter user Kiley Tully got more than they bargained for.

“My mom and dad were just trying to have a peaceful trip to Mexico and then they sent me this…”
posted Kiley Tully
 on Sunday.

My mom and dad were just trying to have a peaceful trip to Mexico and then they sent me this……..
pic.twitter.com/QxE6JskzuE

— Kiley Tully (@KileyTully)
June 17, 2018

I’m guessing Tully’s mum and dad were about to snap a wefie to mark the start of their vacay to Mexico when they noticed some “frisky action” two rows behind them. The couple were too busy engaging in passionate sex (quietly, I hope?) to notice they had been caught having sex on a plane.

Amused Parents Continue to Film the Deed

Amused, Tully’s mum continued to film on her phone. She even sneaked in a quick view of the rest of the cabin where passengers sat none the wiser about what was going on in the back row. Not knowing they had been caught having sex on a plane, the couple wrapped up their little stint and the video ended abruptly.

The airline has confirmed that the video was, indeed, taken on one of their flights and is currently investigating the matter.

Although the video proves the couple was caught having sex on a plane, their faces were not visible throughout the entire video. Their anonymity remains safe for now. Imagine having your face in the throes of passion plastered all over the internet.

Sex in Public Is Illegal in Malaysia

Although the video clearly shows the couple has been caught having sex on a plane, their faces are not visible, keeping their anonymity safe for now.

But what if you get caught having sex on a plane or in any public area, for that matter? In fact, sex in public in Malaysia can get you in trouble. As long as the act is visible to the public, in the plane or not, you
can be prosecuted for indecency
.

You might think it is okay if other adults saw you, but what if children catch you doing the dirty? How would you explain yourself then? How about the long-term damage to children?

Effects on Children When Exposed to Sex Acts at a Young Age

When children are exposed to sex before they can fully comprehend what it is, this can create a myriad of emotions.

Confusion, shock, fear, panic, disgust, curiosity, fascination, and guilt. It is a lot to take in at once. In the long run, it might even make them treat people like they are objects for gratification instead of admiring them for who they really are. Other long-term damages include:

#1 – Early Sex

Studies have found that the earlier children are exposed to sexual content, the earlier they engage in sex acts and get involved in casual,
unprotected sex
.

#2 – High-Risk Sex

Following this, the child may also engage in high-risk sex like being sexually active by the age of 13. They are also more likely to have multiple sexual partners, engage in frequent intercourse, have unprotected sex and even use
drugs
or
alcohol
 before sex.

# 3 Sex, Love and Relationship Addictions

Although not every child will struggle with addictions after being exposed to sexual content, research shows that early exposure to
porn
 is a risk factor
for sex addiction
 and other
intimacy
 disorders.

Introduction to sex should be gradual and in-line with your children’s developmental stage. It is not something you want to slap in their face at such a tender age.

So remember this: Even if doing it in public knocks your socks off, think about your actions. Think about what this might mean to young children. So for goodness’ sake, do not get caught having sex on a plane. In fact, don’t get caught doing it anywhere in public!
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Sources:
Fox News
,
Psychology Today
,
Practo

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Married teacher has sex with 15-year-old

Find out the signs that your child has a dangerous crush.

An affair with a married man

The Seduction

The teacher confessed to his student that he was desperately unhappy with his marriage, before getting her to replace his wife in bed.

They shared a first kiss in the classroom, part of the preparatory seduction lesson that led to his marriage home and bed.

In her own words, “I remember after not feeling guilty or that I had done anything wrong. We used contraception every single time. Obviously it was a big thing for me. It should probably have been bigger, but I was not that affected by it.”

Related:
Warn your kids about sexual predators!

The Discovery

Police started sniffing around after a tip led them to the girl’s phone, where they discovered text messages between her and Jeremy.

Jeremy and his lover took a ferry where Jeremy threw his phone into the sea. They dumped their car in Paris, and spent the next few days moving round there.

Meanwhile, they had become big news in Britain, but they had no idea. They finally saw their story online, and even though they tried to hide, French police found them and they were sent back to Britain for Jeremy to face trial.

Related:
Website to be developed for child protection

When a student has a dangerous crush…

How would you know if your own child is being seduced by a teacher, or has developed a dangerous crush on one? What are the indicators to look for? How do you react?

The teacher is being inappropriately physical with the student

This may involve intimate hugs, touching, or even having “extra lessons”. The schools counselor and authorities should be brought into the picture immediately so discreet inquiries can be conducted immediately that will search out the truth in ways that will not damage the reputations or minds of the student or the teacher. Sometimes, real teacher concern and worry can be misconstrued as sexual intentions.

The teacher gives better grades than the student deserves

This is a classic tell-tale sign that sets the stage for the student to “like” the teacher and become psychologically dependent. Parents should be on the watch for this, and not just think, “My child deserves the grade.” Contact the principal and show the work that received an unfair higher grade, and ask for an opinion.

Flirtatious contact through social media

In Malaysia, it seems to be common practice to have a teacher as a friend on social networks. Monitor conversations and virtual items that your child sends to the teacher. It will be quite obvious when it is a genuine appreciative gift and when it becomes something romantic or flirtatious.

Talking about a teacher a little TOO much

Your child talks about a teacher a little too much or refers to the teacher in relation to things that happen outside school. For instance, “My teacher loves this too,” when having dinner at home. If it becomes overwhelming, a meeting with the school might be in order.

Related:
How to keep your children safe

Resources

Our classroom kiss, the moment teacher said ‘I love you,’ and the first time we had sex

Schoolgirl describes how she fell in love with Jeremy Forrest

Teacher ‘seduced girl, 15, while wife was away’

When students develop crushes

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No, A Tampon Will Not Break Your Virginity - Putting An End to Period Myths

Call it Aunt Flo, Sharks Week,
datang bulan
(The Time of The Month),
dai yi ma
(Big Aunty) and so on, women have been oppressed and fed with inaccurate and misleading information on menstruation for far too long! Menstruation is a normal and natural body process that most women experience. Despite it being common, there are still numerous ludicrous misconceptions surrounding menstruation to this day and age.

According to a report by the World Bank Group
, at least 500 million women and girls globally are facing period poverty and do not have proper access to adequate facilities for menstrual hygiene management. With the lack of access to sanitary products comes limited awareness and understanding of the best way to manage menstrual hygiene.

In conjunction with Aurelius Healthcare’s Menstrual Awareness Month, Dr. Azizah binti Rusly, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Aurelius Hospital Nilai is here to debunk some myths surrounding menstruation, which you may have heard or experienced.

Dr. Azizah binti Rusly, Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist at Aurelius Hospital Nilai

#1 “My mum said I need to wash my pad because blood is dirty, and it will attract devils!”

Period blood is similar to other blood from our body and is not dirty. It is made up of blood, uterus membrane, mucus lining, and bacteria. While it can sometimes appear to be clotted or darker, such occurrences are completely normal.

Disposable pads should be appropriately wrapped and thrown after a single use. However, if you are using reusable pads or menstrual cups, soak them with cold water and wash using normal detergent, baking soda, or vinegar. It is also important to keep them dry! Doing so can avoid infections.

#2 “I was told that sticking a washed pad to my face gives me clear skin.”

It is unhygienic as menstrual waste or products should be disposed of properly.

The methods for getting clear skin will vary depending on a person’s skin type. A healthy and balanced diet can help you be the best version of yourself. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, drink an adequate amount of water and exercise at least three times a week!

#3 “A tampon will break my hymen.”

Credit: Freepik

Tampons may cause some stretch or tear of the hymen, but this could also happen when you engage in vigorous activities.

Some women may experience discomfort when inserting a tampon the first few times. However, it will eventually get better!

#4 “I should avoid cold foods/beverages as it will give me heavier flow and period cramps”

There are no studies to prove or disprove the effects of cold drinks or food on menstrual cramps. Menstruation is connected to the reproductive system, whereas eating or drinking is linked to the digestive system. These systems function separately and do not affect one another.

However, some women are sensitive to cold food or drinks, which might increase or induce cramps. At the end of the day, you should know what your body is used to and act accordingly.

#5 “I used to hide my sanitary products as it is inappropriate and disrespectful to be shown in public”.

Credit: Freepik

Sanitary products are everyday lifestyle items just like tissue and toothpaste, which support and help women feel more comfortable during menstruation. Every woman should have the freedom to purchase sanitary products without feeling embarrassed about a monthly natural occurrence.

For more information about the importance of menstrual hygiene, check out Aurelius Healthcare’s #RespectMyCycle campaign on
Facebook
,
Instagram
, and
LinkedIn
.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

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How to Know if Someone Likes You: 7 Signs

Ah, the age-old question of does he or she like me. Although this question has been asked many times, people keep on asking so as to find new answers to this question that will hopefully shed a light on their current or prospective relationships. And so here we’ve prepared several key points for contemplation that with any luck will help you to discern whether the man, woman, boy or girl in your life has the hots for you.

1. They Listen

Everyone has the ability to listen without a doubt but do they really listen? If someone likes you, they’ll pay attention to what you said. They won’t disregard your opinions and will always respond to your words.

2. They remember

Following the previous point, if they’re interested in you, they’ll remember everything you said. Even the most inane or random thing will be remembered. From your hobbies, likes, dislikes to personal matters about your family as well as work-related matters.

3. They’re Helpful

When we say they’re helpful we don’t mean in the basic sense of opening the door for you. We mean that they’re always willing to lend a helping hand to you no matter the situation and won’t hesitate to help in any way possible. Even if they don’t gain anything from it.

4. They Make the First Move

When someone’s interested in you, they’ll take the initiative to approach you first. Initiating a conversation once or twice doesn’t count but if it happens too often to be a coincidence then chances are they’ve taken a liking to you.

5. They Check Up on You

Not like a stalker or anything (maybe a little bit) but liking someone usually means wanting to get to know everything about the other person. They might follow your social media accounts, ask about your plans or how your day is going. Small talk like that only comes about when one is interested.

6. They Defend/Protect You

From harm from slander, you name it. If you mean nothing to them they wouldn’t meddle in your affairs and leave you to sort out your own life. But if they take your side in arguments and protect you from even the smallest of things like bugs, then just maybe it means something more.

7. They’re Always by Your Side

Liking someone means wanting to be by their side and wanting to spend time with them. So, if he or she can be found hanging around you more often than not even after work or during the weekends then their interest in you is certainly high.

These are just some of the signs you can consider looking at to know whether he or she likes you as a friend or more. But if the person you like hasn’t made the first move it isn’t wrong for you to do so. You can do it by gifting them with a
lovely personalized birthday gift
 and see where it goes from there.

This article has been republished with permission from
Printcious.

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Reasons Why Parents Don’t Vaccinate - And Why They Should

Today, there are still parents who do not wish to vaccinate their children. Their reluctance towards vaccination is worrying as it may cause vaccine-preventable diseases to resurface among children.

In a journal report titled “Exploring the Reasons Behind Parental Refusal of Vaccines”,  there are 4 main reasons why parents are refusing vaccines for their kids
1
.

The 4 reasons are:

Religion

Personal beliefs or philosophies

Worry about its safety

The need to get more information from healthcare providers

Parental concerns about vaccines in each category led to different responses: from parents who completely rejected all vaccines to those who delayed vaccinations.

But since a lack of information was one of the reasons cited by parents for them to be able to make responsible immunisation decisions for their children, that is something we hope to address with this article.

Image for representation purpose only

Here’s what you need to know about vaccine-preventable diseases
2

Firstly, parents should know that there are diseases that are preventable with certain precautionary measures, and if the child were to still contract, would likely be less severe. These are the diseases that have vaccines available for parents to consider protecting their kids against:

Tuberculosis (TB) – This disease can cause serious infections such as meningitis and spread to other organs
3
.

Diphtheria – Toxins released by bacteria may lead to blocked airways
4
.

Pertussis (whooping cough) – Can cause whooping cough and lack of oxygen to the brain
5
.

Tetanus – Bacterial poisoning that can cause cramps in the muscles of the body and affects the ability to open the jaw
6
.

Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) – This bacterium can cause infections of the lungs (pneumonia), respiratory tract and neuritis (meningitis)
2
.

Hepatitis B – This virus can cause severe damage to the liver and increases the risk of the individual getting liver cancer in the future
2
.

Polio – This virus can cause paralysis and even death
2
.

Measles – This virus can cause fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, infections of the brain (encephalitis) and lungs (pneumonia)
7
.

Mumps – This virus can cause viral meningitis and infection of testicles (orchitis)
8
.

Rubella – This virus can cause fever, rash, nausea and mild conjunctivitis
9
.

Pneumococcus – This bacteria can cause severe diseases like meningitis or milder infections like sinusitis or ear infections
2
.

Rotavirus – This virus can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration
2
.

Human Papillomavirus – This virus can cause cervical cancer and genital warts
2
.

Varicella (Chickenpox) – This virus can cause a blister like rash and fever, which can also cause shingles later as adults if the virus reactivates
10
.

Influenza  – Influenza A can cause epidemics of flu diseases or flu season
11
.

Meningococcal – This bacteria can cause deadly infections of the lining of the brain, spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream
12
.

Hepatitis A – This virus can cause short term infection of the liver
13
.

Image for representation purpose only

The Benefits and Importance of Vaccines That Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that vaccination has greatly reduced the effects of infectious diseases
14
 and this is something that cannot be ignored.

Yes, vaccines are getting more public attention in recent times and specifically in regards to its efficacy and effectiveness.

That is why parents must consider the benefits of getting their children vaccinated over the 4 reasons that were cited in the aforementioned study.

Vaccines Can Help Avoid Disease Complications
15

A vaccine is effective in helping to protect an individual if it is given prior to exposure. It works by imitating an infection which helps teach our immune system how to fight off future infections
15
.

The main purpose of immunisation is to help prevent disease and to help protect against complications arising from the infection.

Along the lines of wanting to know more knowledge about vaccines, we’re here to talk about the different types of vaccines available so parents can further understand what they are and what they do.

The Different Types of Vaccines
15

Image for representation purpose only

#1: Live attenuated vaccine

Live vaccines are made from bacteria or viruses that are weakened, but can still trigger the body to create immune-building reactions similar to natural infections
15
.

#2: Inactivated vaccine (Killed vaccine)

Vaccines made from the disease-carrying bacteria or virus that is inactivated or killed during the process of creating the vaccine
15
.

#3: Toxoid vaccine

Vaccines made from weakened toxins which are called toxoids. Our bodies will learn how to fight off the natural toxins after being exposed to the vaccine containing the toxoid
15
.

#4: Subunit Vaccines

Vaccines are made from specific parts of a virus or bacterium called subunits, using only essential antigens and not the entire germ
15
.

#5: mRNA Vaccine

Vaccines that use laboratory-created mRNA to teach our cells how to produce spike proteins. It triggers an immune response when our body recognizes that this spike protein does not belong in the body and therefore produces antibodies to fight off the infection
16
.

If the reason on your mind for not getting your child vaccinated was because of lack of information, we hope this article was able to shed more light on the topic. Another thing to help you along with understanding vaccines better is to ask your paediatrician about it at your next visit.

MY-ROT-00231 Aug/2022

REFERENCES

Mckee C, Bohannon K. Exploring the Reasons Behind Parental Refusal of Vaccines. The Journal of Pediatric Pharmacology and Therapeutics. U.S. National Library of Medicine; 2016;21(2).

UNICEF. Vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Available From:
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/vaccines-and-diseases-they-prevent
. Last Accessed 24 August 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Tuberculosis. Available From:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351250
. Last Accessed 20 August 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Diphtheria. Available From:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diphtheria/symptoms-causes/syc-20351897
.
 Last Accessed 20 August 2022.

National Health Service Inform. Whooping cough. Available From:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/whooping-cough
. Last Accessed 24 August 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Tetanus. Available From:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tetanus/symptoms-causes/syc-20351625
. Last Accessed 20 August 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Measles. Available From:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles/symptoms-causes/syc-20374857
. Last Accessed 20 August 2022.

National Health Services. Mumps – Complications. Available From:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mumps/complications/
. Last Accessed 24 August 2022.

World Health Organization. Rubella. Available From:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rubella
. Last Accessed 20 August 2022.

PORTAL MyHEALTH. Chickenpox. Available From:
https://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/chickenpox/
.   Last Accessed 20 August 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Types of Influenza Viruses. Available From
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm
. Last Accessed 21 August 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Meningococcal Disease. Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html
. Last Accessed 24 August 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What is hepatitis A – FAQ. Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm#overview
. Last Accessed 22 August 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common Questions About Vaccines. Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/FAQs.html
.
 Last Accessed 24 August 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding How Vaccines Work. Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/understanding-vacc-work.html
. Last Accessed 22 August 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Understanding mRNA COVID-19 Vaccines. Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/different-vaccines/mrna.html
. Last Accessed 20 August 2022.

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Virtual Learning: How It's Different Now and Its Effects on Young Kids

Online learning has changed quite a bit since the pandemic hit. Back in March, when the MCO first hit, schools and parents were scrambling everywhere, trying to adjust to a drastic switch to virtual classes. Fast forward a few months, and we were under another CMCO. Now we’re back on MCO. The question is, how does the current virtual learning reality compare to its infant stages earlier this year? And also, what has this whole experience done to our kids?

Virtual Learning Insights

For this article, we interviewed Colin Haddow, Head of Primary of Beaconhouse Newlands International School, for his expert insight on this timely topic.

What It was Like the First Time

When the government first ordered the closure of schools, teachers had to rush to prepare for online lessons with very short notice.

“It was a very steep learning curve for everybody involved. This was a new way for our teachers to teach. We never had any training for this kind of thing at all”,
– says Colin.

The technology was the first hurdle at that time.

Colin recalls that some teachers struggled to find devices that were fit for purpose. Many teachers who worked with PCs in the school environment were now at home with gadgets that weren’t particularly efficient.

“Connectivity to the internet was a real problem for teachers as well. Some of our teachers did not have any kind of contract with a network provider, so we’re using things like hotspots from phones.”

Similar issues came up for students as well. Parents were struggling to find appropriate devices for their kids’ online classes. For example, some households would only have one or two tablets but several school-age children (and working parents) who needed them at the same time.

On top of this, teachers had to independently figure out how to effectively use the technology at hand. They would often discover the limitations of software only through trial and error.

As for students, reactions to virtual learning varied from child to child. Some seemed confused about the sudden shift and needed more motivation, while others did not see online classes as proper school classes.

How Virtual Learning Is Different Now

We are now in early 2021, and it seems there have been a number of positive changes. Technology is no longer an issue, as teachers and parents have procured the necessary devices for teaching and learning. Teachers also now know what a good virtual lesson looks like.

Some schools, like Beaconhouse Newlands International School, initially delivered the curriculum based on the normal school timetable. This means that there was no rollback in any learning at all. However, after noticing that kids (especially younger ones) were struggling with focus issues, the school decided to have breaks between each lesson. This eventually led to better outcomes as kids seemed more thoughtful about their learning.

“
I think when they come to school they don’t reflect as often or as much as they should. Now with online learning, they seem to be more focused and can recall what they were doing in a subject a day ago”,
– says Colin.

When online classes first began, it was challenging for teachers to discipline children through a screen. Kids did not know the etiquette of engaging on an online platform. Now, teachers are better able to set down rules for online classes and enforce them.

“We noticed that children are less problematic in terms of behaviour. They’ve come to accept the norms in terms of this unusual situation we’re in.”

The Role that Parents Play

The success of virtual learning during school closures rely greatly on parental support. Schools knew they had to collaborate with and reach out to parents right from the start.

Parents were deeply involved throughout, especially for younger children who need more guidance. Many parents had to physically be near their child during a lesson, acting as an assistant to the teacher.

The Impact on Kids

Could there possibly be some upsides from this extraordinary period?

Interestingly, there could be. Here are some positive observations from Colin’s own experience with students:

Students have learnt to become more adaptable and resilient. This comes with the level of independence that schools have to give many of the students.

Kids’ communication skills seem to be a lot better. Children who are generally quieter in class appear to be more vocal now, especially for primary school level.

There are more collaboration and cooperation from all parties.

Children’s digital literacy has improved.

There is more self-sufficiency among students, as they rely less on parents. This helps with critical thinking and problem solving.

In terms of more negative consequences, Colin suspects that the lack of physical social interaction (especially among peers) could greatly affect kids if this continues for long periods. There’s no way of knowing yet what the effects will look like, but time will surely tell

The Best Practices for Online Learning

After months of practice, Colin and his team have found what works well for them so far—when it comes to virtual schooling. Here are the key takeaways:

Sticking to the regular school timetable (in terms of what subjects are taught and how often) helps to ensure more effective learning.

Planning for virtual lessons that challenge different abilities is important.

It’s necessary to find ways to assess and evaluate student progress and understanding.

Lessons should be as fun and interactive as possible. Use lots of audio and visuals for younger kids, to keep them engaged.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123

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Asianparent Malaysia

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Travelling with Your Kids in the New Norm: Where Should You Go?

A family holiday is the highlight to many people as this is the time for them to finally spend quality time with their loved ones while enjoying themselves with
 fun-filled activities
. Before going to a holiday and travelling with kids, you would spend countless hours
planning out the details
, arranging the place to stay or activities to fill out your time and even pack the perfect outfit for it.

The pandemic however has changed how we normally operate on a day-to-day basis. We have now entered the era of uncertainty where the new normal has gradually become a major part of our existence.
Travelling oversea
 however is still prohibited but if you have caught the travel bug, planning for a family holiday in the new norm now requires extra precautions.

Regular temperature screening, wearing
face masks
 and frequent use of hand sanitisers or washing your hands are all part of the new norm. For families travelling with kids, bring extra face masks and a mini bottle of sanitiser wherever you go. Complying with the g
uidelines set by the
Ministry of Health
 is a must to ensure that you and your family stay safe and healthy.

When Travelling with Kids, Planning Is The Key!

Credit: Freepik

It is normal for you to feel cautious when planning your family holiday during this time. It will take even more patience in finding the perfect family holiday destination. Good news, here are some tips that will help you feel at ease.

1# Look for a less crowded destination

Choose your family holiday destination wisely. Epidemiologists stated
risk factors
 for coronavirus transmission are in terms of “
time, space, people, place
”. In another word, the least amount of risk involves the small number of people in the largest possible place.

Meanwhile occupation health expert, Dr Shawludin Hussin stated that any destinations
under the Standard Operating Procedures can only allow a certain number of customers into their premises at any one time.
 Hence, when looking out for a family destination, it is advisable to head to an area with less crowded space so each family can have their own space. Not only you adhere to social distancing, but you also get to spend quality time with your loved ones in a private setting.

2# Check for hotel safety precautions undertaken

Credit: Freepik

Many hotels are offering endless discounts rates, however, it is important to make sure that the hotel of your choice adheres to the Standard Operating Procedures that are aligned with the government’s directive to keep the public safe. Safety measures include security and temperature checks within the hotel area must be conducted constantly.

Daily sanitation and outdoor precautions for all of their activities must be taken into account. Ultimately, you should only book accommodation to where you trust all the necessary measurement have been taken in advance of your arrival. You can always email the hotel before the booking and ask for a list of safety measures that have been put in place so you can arrange your family activities accordingly.

3# Review the road to getting there

Experts generally suggest
 short-distance road trip
 compared to taking flights or public transportation as you will have more control over your surroundings and you are not breathing the same air as strangers.

With that in mind, when choosing a holiday destination, a road trip is a safer option. Not only you are able to social distance yourself from strangers, but you also get to explore all kinds of new areas while heading to your destination! Don’t forget to pack enough snacks and drinks so you don’t have to make a pit stop ever so often.

Head to Desaru Coast for your next family holiday!

Desaru Coast located at the eastern tip of Peninsular Malaysia, is only a four-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur via the North-South Expressway. Perfect as a fun and exciting road trip for your kids, Desaru Coast also offers four resorts – Hard Rock Hotel Desaru Coast, Tthe Westin Desaru Coast Resort, Anantara Desaru Coast Resort & Villas and One&Only Desaru Coast. With these endless choices, social distancing can be done at ease.

Besides, all of these resorts are close to the beaches that are known for its white sand and clear blue water. The 17-kilometre stretch of palm-fringed beaches offers families a space away from the crowd. Not only your kids get to build sandcastles happily, but you also get to unwind and relax. Less crowded beach means families are able to practice social distancing.

At Desaru Coast, endless attractions await that will make your trip worthwhile including Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast and golfing at The ELS Club Desaru Coast. The Adventure Waterpark Desaru Coast for example offers kids thrilling experiences and houses one of the biggest wave pools in the world. They’re equipped with age-appropriate water lay and a 350 meter lazy river, among other attractions.

Remember to bring your own travel bag with essentials such as wipes, face masks and hand sanitisers. Don’t forget your sunscreen for that extra sun protection!

So, are you ready to plan your next family holiday and to start travelling with kids again?
 Visit
desarucoast.com
 for more information and to book your stay!

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website
.

Read more:

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5 Healthy Kid Friendly Recipes For Your Little Ones, They Will Definitely Want More!

There is nothing like home-cooked food now, is there? It is not only healthy, but also nutritious and yummy and most importantly, the perfect kid friendly recipes for the little ones!

But of course, not all of us young parents know how to ace it in the kitchen. That’s why have prepared a list of three easy home-cooked food that your kids will love.

3 Kid Friendly Recipes, Home Cooked Made With Love

If you are looking for kid friendly recipe, look no further! So what’s the wait? Let’s take a look at each of these home cooked food recipes.

#1 Healthy Mini Chicken Wanton (Potstickers)

Why it’s healthy
: These lightly pan-fried wantons are full of veggies and packed with protein. They also require minimum effort so you can just whip it up within minutes while your child is having a nap. The best thing is that you can include any kind of veggie you like them to have as stuffing. Trust me, your little ones won’t notice!

How to make
: Cook ground chicken until completely done. Drain off any fat. Return chicken to pan and add broccoli slaw. Cook over medium heat for 3 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened. Add garlic, ginger and soy sauce, cook for 1 more minute.

#2 Alphabet Soto Ayam (Chicken Noodle Soup)

Why it’s healthy:
Instead of giving your child the typical mee soto dish with yellow noodles, try changing it up with a twist – add alphabet pastas instead! You can also cut down on the amount of oil and salt in the broth!

How to make:
C
lick here for soto ayam recipe!

#3 Stir Fried Beef With Green Beans And Broccoli

Why it’s healthy:
This is a great way to trick your toddler into eating his veggies! Make sure to soften the beef and cut it into suitable bite-sized pieces before serving it up to him.

How to make:
Marinate beef strips in Tamari sauce for at least an hour, or overnight. If you don’t have time, don’t worry- just let it marinate while you cut up the veggies and it will still have added flavour.

For this Singaporean home-cooked food, heat your oil in a wok or big based fry pan and then add the meat. Brown it lightly cooking for 1 – 2 minutes. Add veggies and garlic and stir through before adding the oyster sauce. Cook for about 3 minutes and you’re done!

#4 Beehoon Soup Mix

Why it’s healthy
: Who doesn’t love a warm beehoon soup? It’s boiled, so it’s guaranteed a healthier choice for your baby. And the ingredients are fairly easy to find at your nearby mama shop. Careful though, this soul food will leave your little one yelling for more.

How to make
: Boil chicken bones and meat, carrots and onions to create a soup, then add seaweed, fishcake, tau pok, egg yolk and shrimp wonton. Top off with sesame oil/ seeds for an enhanced flavour, and yes add some salt too. If you’re lazy but want good-flavoured soup, use ready-made chicken stock in the soup.

#5 Sugar-Free Green Tea Coconut Ice Cream

Why it’s healthy
: Your tots will love this one. The best thing about it is that it’s sugar free! What’s not healthy about that? With only a few ingredients, you’ll get to make this amazingly simple healthy dessert every mum will swear by.

How to make
: Into a blender container, pour coconut milk. Add pitted dates, matcha green tea powder, and salt. Turn the blender on for 2 minutes. Make sure that the dates are fully dissolved into the coconut milk.

Pour the coconut mixture into a bowl, and place the bowl in the fridge for 1 hour to cool. Pour the cooled coconut mixture into an ice cream churn, and churn until the ice cream is the consistency of soft serve ice cream. The churning process will take about 30 minutes.

If you don’t have an ice cream churner, use a wooden spoon and stir every few alternate hours in between the freezing time.

Store the ice cream in a sealed container in the freezer. When you are ready to eat the ice cream, just thaw it on the counter for 15 minutes. Scoop it up into a cone instead of serving it in a bowl – kids love that!
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There you go! Try these kid friendly recipes for your little ones and tell us what they think about it!

Any other recipes to share? We would love to hear from you!

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I’m Sorry, Your Daughter Has 18 Months To Live

My daughter, Eva was diagnosed to have a hole in the heart when she was 4.
 It is called an atrial septal defect. Hole in the heart’ is a layperson’s term to describe a congenital abnormality of the heart – congenital meaning present at the time of birth. The term is used to describe an actual hole in the walls separating the heart chambers.

Eva went for a regular check-up in January of 2015, and the doctors heard an extra unusual sound during a heartbeat. After a third trip to the doctor, our fears were confirmed and that was when the devastating diagnoses became known.

The position of her hole did not allow us to go through a surgery to close the hole. Her heart weakened by the day and doctors told us that her failing heart was not a good sign. Yes, there were times that this defect is not fatal, but in Eva’s case, her heart was not working as well.

“I’m sorry but the best you can expect her to live is between twelve to eighteen months.” The worst thing a parent can hear. But that’s exactly what the doctors told us. Time stood still. I was in denial, and my husband took a long time to even digest this piece of news.

Dealing with it

We had to be prepared for the worst. A year and a half at most? How does one even think about their child dying in a year? What do we do? Do we distant ourselves from her now so that the pain will lessen? But how will it? There’s nothing that can prepare you for the death of your child.

We were heartbroken and shattered. Why can’t this happen to me instead? I questioned God and my faith was tested. I tried finding solace in prayers and wishing for a miracle to happen. But at the back of my mind, I knew that there was no fighting from Eva being taken away from us. Real soon.

Eva was an energetic, sweet-natured and extremely loving girl. If you were to ask anyone what her most special quality was, it would be that she possessed such a big heart. The irony of it all. That big heart, which was defective, was the reason to why she wouldn’t live for very much longer.

The battle with time

Eva believed in fairies and angels, always telling me that one day she would fly up into the clouds and “look for those pretty little things”. “They make me happy. Maybe I will find Carebears there too.” I kept her dream alive, telling her to keep a watch out for them as they were finding a partner to hang out with. A strong and beautiful little girl.

We were battling with time. Every moment with her became even more precious. Every activity we did as a family, more amplified in its meaning. I kept a mental memory of everything between the three of us. Every time she said she wanted to eat something, go somewhere to play, do something new, my husband and I would make sure we made it happen. Every wish she had was fulfilled. All because of our race with time.

Eva was our only child, and we were already feeling the emptiness just knowing she’s going to be gone soon. That is a feeling that is indescribable.

Eva was also wise beyond her years and could be described as an old soul. She was very aware that she was sick and had limited time with her family and friends. We tried hiding it from her, but she could tell something was wrong.

Her strength and positivity was what kept me and David (my husband) going. It was unbelievable seeing a little girl so strong, so confident and fighting for her life till her very last day. In her strength, we found ours.

Eva’s health

I remember the day she was too ill to even get out of bed (her health deteriorated very quickly in that one year). Eva was supposed to attend her best friend Mia’s birthday party. It was at Universal Studios and we knew it was a party that Eva couldn’t have fun at because she wasn’t able to go on the rides or do anything that caused strain to her body.

She had made a ‘friendship band’ for Mia as a gift. And along with it, a small card. The words my daughter wrote to her in the note still plays in my mind till today. It said: “Mia, my very best friend and my angel. I will miss playing with you and dressing up our dolls. But don’t be sad when I’ve left the world. I will be watching over you and playing with you from above. All my toys are yours. Never forget me because I never will forget you.”

How does a mother cope when knowing her child is just counting down the days to her death? It felt like we had a time bomb over our heads. But what Eva taught us was that nobody can fight death. It comes to you when it’s your time. And to keep yourself happy no matter how bad the situation is. Our little baby, teaching us life lessons. Who would have known?

Eva’s passing

Eva live a whole and full life of happiness and love. We made sure her last days were filled with laughter, joy and prayers.

Our daughter never made it to 18 months – she lived about a year after the diagnosis. The day she left us, it was raining very heavily. David and I looked up into the sky and visualised our baby playing with her fairies, angels and Carebears in the clouds. We could hear her laughter, imagine her beautiful smile and her sparkling eyes filled with delight and excitement on meeting her new friends.

It’s been 6 months since Eva passed away, and we miss her terribly but we are sure she is happy where she is, and most importantly, out of pain. She doesn’t have to make endless trips to the hospitals, go in and out of numerous surgeries, and be injected a few times a day. She’s in our prayers every single day and I wait for the day she and I reunite in the heavens above.

Till then, the wait continues….

(Story as told to Pavin Chopra)

Mummies and daddies, drop your well wishes to the family of little Eva.

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Best Stage 1 Milk Formulas For Newborns & Infants

When looking for the best baby milk formula for babies, it's definitely common for new parents to be confused about what exactly they should be buying.

There are many stages of milk formula that one can buy in stores or online, these include Stage 1, 2, 3 and 4 milk formulas, which represent different baby age ranges as they each contain differing levels of nutrients.

Selecting the right milk formula is extremely important as babies aged 0-6 years old rely 100% on milk, with no other supplements.

While the first and second stage milk formulas have the same amount of nutrition, they differ in the type of protein they contain, where the first stage contains whey protein and the latter contains more casein protein.

While breastfeeding is usually regarded as the primary and optimal source of nutrition for babies who are 6-12 months old, it may not be the most suitable and convenient option for all families.

 This is as some mothers may not be able to breastfeed all the time.

Contents of Breast Milk

What makes breast milk so good and nutritious for babies? Breast milk is the best natural food given to babies as it contains a unique composition of nutrients needed to initiate growth and development and boost the immune system.

It contains the following basic compounds and nutrients:

Water

Breast milk contains around 87-90% water

Protein

Milk contains approximately 60% whey and 40% casein protein. Both of these proteins are easily digestible by babies.

Fat

Breast milk is rich in long healthy fatty acid chains. Fat is essential for the brain and the construction of a healthy nervous system and vision.

It is also needed for good absorption of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K. Fat is also a major calorie source for babies.

Carbohydrates

The main carbohydrate source present in breast milk is lactose, which makes up almost 40% of the total calories it provides.

Lactose helps to promote a healthy balance of good bacteria in the intestinal system and increases the absorption of nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Breast milk is also rich in oligosaccharides and complex sugars that feed healthy gut bacteria and prevent infection.

Vitamins and minerals

While many micronutrients are influenced by a mother’s diet, breast milk often contains enough vitamins and minerals to support a baby’s normal growth, with the exception of vitamins D and K.

Anti-infection compounds

These include a wide range of enzymes, growth factors, antibodies, and hormones. Some examples include Lactoferrin, Secretory IgA, Lysozyme, and Bifidus factor, which all have unique purposes in the baby’s gastrointestinal tract.

They help to protect against microbes that can cause infections such as E. Coli, Salmonella and coliform. It can also help to protect against the construction of some allergies and promote the growth of Lactobacillus bacteria which is protective.

As you can see, breast milk is rich in nutrients that are critically important for infants. In the case where mothers are unable to produce sufficient breast milk for their babies, it would be important to ensure that the milk formulas that you choose contain such important ingredients as well.

Fortunately, there are many alternatives from breast milk that are readily available to choose from that will help ensure that babies get the nutrients they need for proper growth.

Infant formula has been created to mimic the consistency and contain nutrients naturally available in breast milk, thus moms can rely on it if they require an alternative.

Choosing a Good and Suitable Stage 1 Milk Formula

It is no doubt a challenge when new parents first venture out to buy their young ones milk formula. There are many things that parents worry about as this would be a very new experience for the baby and as the risk for the baby to develop any allergies is still high.

There are also children who suffer from constipation or diarrhoea due to consuming incompatible milk that is not appropriate for the baby.

Not to mention, some babies with special conditions such as low weight, may need to consume a special type of milk.
Listed below are some of the factors to consider before buying milk formula:

Type of milk:
 Cow’s milk, soy, lactose-free, etc

Sugar Content:
 low

Nutrients that the baby needs

Probiotics and prebiotics

Essential Nutrients in Stage 1 Milk Formula

The list of contents in infant formula milk can vary, however, there are some components that are always present.
Milk formula is designed to achieve the highest appropriate amount of natural complexes that the baby needs.

As breast milk is the optimal source of infant nutrition, infant formula milk exists to mimic its composition as well as its physical and nutritional content.
This is why it is neither safe nor recommended to substitute breast milk with regular drinking milk, regardless of whether it is animal or plant-based.

Drinking milk usually does not have the caloric density, nutrient composition, or components that are safe to support the growth of a baby.

Thus, it would be dangerous to use as a substitute.
Here is a list of ingredients that are essential to be used in the production of Stage 1 formula milk.

Protein

Fat

Linoleic acid

Fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E, K

B Vitamins: B6, B12, Niacin, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Pantothenic Acid, Folic Acid

Vitamin C

Calcium

Phosphorus

Magnesium

Iron

Zinc

Manganese

Copper

Iodine

Selenium

Sodium

Potassium

Chloride

Biotin, Choline, Inositol (Only for non-dairy based formulas)

10 of the Best Stage 1 Milk Formula in Malaysia

#1 NAN PRO Infant Formula Step 1

NAN PRO Infant Formula Step 1 is a cow’s milk that is formulated to mimic mother’s milk to be appropriate for babies from birth up until 12 months of age. It provides babies with nutrients for growth and development.

This product also contains Bifidobacterium lactis, a probiotic that helps improve the beneficial intestinal microflora and reduces the chances of diarrhoea.

Advantages:

Coupled with nucleotides

Bifidobacterium lactis helps improve the beneficial intestinal microflora and reduces the chances of diarrhoea

Contains long-chain double unsaturated fatty acids - Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) and Arachidonic Acid (ARA)

 NAN PRO Infant Formula Step 1
Buy From Shopee

#2 Similac Neosure

When babies are born premature, the hospital will usually provide parents will special milk is given to tackle the babies low weight.

Once out of the ward, parents can get Similac Neosure milk which is specially formulated for premature babies.

This is especially as the content of this formula milk contains certain additional nutrients that are beneficial to the baby.

Advantages:

Specially made for premature babies

More protein, vitamins, and minerals as compared to other baby formulas

Rich in calcium and phosphorus for your baby’s bone growth

Contains more calories than others

Helps to increase weight, length and head circumference for premature babies as compared to other regular baby formulas

Contains OptiGRO to support the development of the baby’s brain and eyes

 Similac Neosure
Buy From Shopee

#3 ISOMIL Special Formula

ISOMIL is soy-based formula milk that is a good alternative to normal breast milk. This product is formulated for babies with Cow’s Milk Protein (CMPA) allergies.

If your child is allergic to lactose, this soy-based product would be ideal. However, parents are advised to seek the advice of a paediatrician first as babies are not commonly born with lactose intolerance.

Advantages:

Special formulation to accommodate babies with allergies

100% lactose-free

100% cow’s milk

Plus with EyeQ Plus

Higher lutein and DHA to help the brain and eye development

 ISOMIL Soy Milk
Buy From Shopee

#4 Similac GOLD Lactose Free

Similac GOLD is made for babies with food allergies, colic, and lactose intolerance. It is hypoallergenic and can reduce colic and stomach discomfort.

Similac is one of the more affordable brands available on the market today. However, it should be noted that it contains less DHA than other brands.

Advantages:

Equipped with a 2’-FL to encourage a strong and good immune system

Eye-Q system that contains a blend of unique vegetable oils for better DHA absorption

Contains natural lutein and Vitamin E - protects DHA from oxidation and nutrient combination - which allows for more brain cell connections

 Similac GOLD Lactose Free
Buy From Shopee

#5 Enfalac A+ Step 1

Enfalac is a well-known milk formula that is easily available on the Malaysian market. Enfalac A+ Step 1 is suitable for newborns up until the age of 12 months.

It is the closest formula to breast milk and contains clinically proven levels of DHA and a blend of 2 dietary fibres, GOS and polydextrose, that can soften stool well.

This product is not only patented in Malaysia but also in the US, Europe, Singapore and Hing Kong.

Advantages:

Contains DHA and ARA for baby’s visual development

Formulated with a mixture containing GOS and PDX, which are both prebiotic in nature

 Enfalac A+ Step 1
Buy From Shopee

#6 S-26 Gold SMA

S-26 Gold SMA Infant Formula Milk Powder is a soft formula that helps to ensure balanced nutrition for a healthy baby.

It is a premium formula for babies with alpha-lactalbumin and enriched with whey-dominant protein. It is appropriate for babies from the ages of 1 to 12 months.

Advantages:

Contains over 3 times the Lutein, AA & DHA, alpha protein, 5 nucleotides and iron

Lutein is the dominant macular pigment on the retina of the eyes that is able to filter out blur rays and protect the eye

Contains more Oligofructose (OF), a prebiotic that supports gut health and promotes soft stool production

Contains alpha protein, a type of whey protein, that is easily digested, absorbed and assimilated by the body

Contains nucleotides that are the building blocks of good health

 S-26 Gold SMA
Buy From Shopee

#7 Anmum Infacare Step 1

Anmum Infacare Step 1 contains vitamins and minerals that your baby needs for growth and development, such as Nucleotides, Calcium, Zinc, Vitamins A, C, D3, Iron and Iodine. It is appropriate for babies from the ages of 1 to 12 months.

Advantages:

Infant formula complete with essential fatty acids (EFAs: Omega-3, DHA, Gangliosides and Sialic Acid (SA))

SA is an important component of brain tissue

Bifidobacterium lactis (DR10) helps improve the goodness of intestinal microflora in the gut and can help to reduce chances of diarrhoea

 Anmum Infacare Step 1
Buy From Shopee

#8 Dumex Mamex - Step 1

This product is suitable for babies from birth to 12 months old. This formula, however, is said to have less iron and zinc as compared to other brands.

Advantages:

Contains a helpful GOS/IcFOS Oligosaccharide Mixture (9:1)

Increases bifidobacteria in the gastrointestinal tract

Maintains a healthy intestinal environment

Improves the baby’s intestinal immune system

Key nutrients include DHA, AA, Prebiotics GOS/IcFos (9:1), Omega 3 & 6, Nucleotides, Taurine

 Dumex Mamex - Step 1
Buy From Shopee

#9 Nestle NAN HA Stage 1 Hypoallergenic

NAN HA formula milk is recommended for babies that are at risk of allergies. It is a premium Switzerland brand that is designed for babies from the ages of 0 to 12 months old.

This milk powder may taste slightly different from others due to the hydrolysis process.

Advantages:

Provides essential nutrients for the growth and development of the baby

It is also the best choice for babies who may have allergies or sensitive skin as it is hypoallergenic and easy for babies to digest

Contains a portion of a mixture of hydrolyzed proteins, which helps to break down a cow’s milk protein into smaller fragments for easier absorption

Contains probiotics (Bifidobacterium lactis) to improve the intestinal microflora which discourages diarrhoea

Also contains nucleotides and long chains of unsaturated fatty acids (DHA & ARA)

 Nestle NAN HA Stage 1 Hypoallergenic
Buy From Shopee

#10 Bellamy’s Organic Equifina Infant Formula

Bellamy’s Organic Equifina Infant Formula is suitable for babies from birth to 12 months old. It is made from approved organic cow’s milk and blended with essential fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

 You can rest assured when serving it to your baby as it is recommended by the Australian Food’s World Class Guidelines.

Advantages:

This formula is whey protein-based, which is easy for babies to digest and perfectly balanced to give babies the nutrition they need

100% organic milk, which is most effective when taken during the first few months after birth

Made with approved organic ingredients

EQUIFINA Organic Infant Formula is a new and improved recipe that contains DHA, ARA and GOS

Australian product that has organic certification by NASAA and ACO BPA

 Bellamy’s Organic Equifina Infant Formula
Buy From Shopee

Tips for Using and Storing Milk Formula

A prepared formula can spoil if it is left at room temperature. Do ensure that you use your formula within 2 hours after its preparation and within 1 hour from the start of breastfeeding. If you do not use the formula that has been made within the first 2 hours, do make sure to immediately refrigerate the bottle and use it within 24 hours.

Discard any formula residue left in the bottle after a breastfeeding session. The combination of formula milk and baby saliva can cause bacteria to multiply. Be sure to wash and disinfect the bottle before the next use.

Do store unopened formula containers in a cool and dry indoor area (Avoid vehicles, car garages and outdoor areas)

Once opened, store milk formula in a cool and dry place with the lid tightly closed. Do note the date that the jar was first opened.

Do not continue to use the formula after the ‘Use Before’ date on the container.

We hope this article on the best baby milk formula would be useful for new parents out there. Happy parenting!

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

Read more
:
6 Best Baby Diaper Bags On The Market That Suit Both Moms & Dads!


5 Simple & Easy Ways to Take Care of Your Skin: A Lazy Person’s Guide

Did you know that one of the first things a person notices about another is their skin? Well, the skin on their face to be exact. This is because when you look at someone’s face, you can’t avoid looking at their features and since the skin is the largest organ on the human body it’ll definitely get the most attention.

That is why it is important to make sure that your skin is as healthy as it can be. However, the skincare process isn’t something that is enjoyed by all as it can be time-consuming and overall bothersome to do. Therefore, we’ve scoured the internet for the best ways to keep your skin healthy without having to go through so many complicated beauty processes.

1. Sleep

When we stated in the title that it’d be a lazy person’s guide to skincare we weren’t kidding for as you can see the first thing we recommend you do is to get some sleep. A restful sleep alone can do wonders for your skin. Try it out for yourself and see how radiant and rejuvenated you look after waking up from a good night’s sleep as opposed to a fitful one. Make sure that you’re also wearing a
comfortable sleep t-shirt
 as it’ll help you to sleep soundly.

2. Drink Water

Another easy task is to just drink water. Over the course of a day, you do get thirsty anyway so this certainly isn’t a chore to do. Besides quenching the thirst in your throat, the consumption of water also quenches your skin’s thirst as it feeds it from within. Skin that’s been well-fed looks soft and supple instead of dry and cracked.

3. Sweat

If you’re the type to sweat easily even while doing nothing then you won’t need to exercise at all. But if you aren’t that won’t matter much since Malaysia is a hot country and no one can escape from the scorching heat. The great thing about sweating is that it helps to purge dirt, grime, bacteria, and impurities from your skin, making it look much healthier in the long run.

4. Avoid Polluted Surroundings

Overall, pollution isn’t only bad for your skin but also for your health. So, make sure to avoid it as best as you can. If a certain location is polluted with smoke be it from vehicles, cigarettes or any type of smoke for that matter, get out of there and protect your precious skin. While avoiding such situations, you might even sweat a little which as mentioned before is good for you.

5. Moisturiser & Lotion

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If the previous four points had nothing to do with skincare products this last one will. But you don’t have to worry as these two products are easy to apply and won’t take up any time at all. All you need to do is to slap on some moisturiser once or twice a day and also some lotion on top. The moisturiser will help to keep your skin moist (in a good way) and hydrated while the lotion will protect your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.

This article has been republished with permission from
Printcious
.

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Celebrate A Very LEGO® Christmas At Home With The Family

It’s been a really long year indeed but it is finally the festive season. For parents, this also means it’s time to start buying Christmas presents for the kids.

This magical holiday is made even more special when you can spend time as a family bonding. One of our favourite ways of bonding as a family is to play with LEGO® sets!

So here’s a roundup of LEGO® sets to get this Christmas that can be fun for the whole family:

1. LEGO
®
 Elf Club House

The LEGO Elf Club House includes all the trappings of a wonderful Christmas, including a waffle machine to re-fuel the elves after a long day of toy making! There is even a brick-built repositionable chimney and even a ‘sleighport’ to park the elf’s sleigh in, ready to load up with presents for
adults and children.

Don’t forget to put up the LEGO® Elf Clubhouse Christmas Tree, which is brimming with colourful baubles. Building this set with the family won’t just be for fun, it will also make a beautiful centrepiece for your home decorations.

Measuring 22cm high and 13cm deep, this set even comes with a light brick to illuminate the festive scene!

2. LEGO® Harry Potter™ Advent Calendar

Advent calendars are always fun, counting down the days to Christmas! It’s made even more magical when it’s Harry Potter themed! There are 24 doors in this set, to mark each day in December counting down to Christmas.

The calendar also contains
minifigures – including Harry Potter, Hermione Granger™, Ron Weasley™, Padma Patil, Parvati Patil and Cho Chang – as well as buildable models such as a miniature Beauxbaton’s carriage and a dining table with ice-castle centerpiece.

3. LEGO® Star Wars™ Advent Calendar

This features 6 LEGO minifigures and 6 LEGO figures such as Darth Vader with Christmas sweater decoration and Tauntaun with a red nose. 12 mini build toys, including Anakin’s Podracer, a Republic Cruiser and Darth Vader’s Castle

3.
LEGO®
Adventures with Mario Starter Course

During this festive season,
Adventures with Mario Starter Course
 will be available at a 20% discount at all retailers. The Starter Course is key to unlocking the entire gameplay, being the only set to feature the interactive LEGO Mario figure that collects coins in game levels created with LEGO bricks. LEGO Super Mario brings new interactivity and gameplay to the traditional LEGO brick experience, while reinventing the way people interact with Super Mario in the physical world.

4.
LEGO®
DUPLO Modular Playhouse

Toddlers will love the LEGO® DUPLO Modular Playhouse which teaches them about everyday life such as cooking, mealtime and bedtime routines. The 3-in-1 dollhouse playset can also be rebuilt and transformed into a tower house or a residential house.

5. LEGO
®
Disney Belle’s Castle Winter Celebration

Send your kids on a magical journey as they join Belle and the Beast in the colourful castle with multiple rooms and buildable accessories.

6.
LEGO® City Police Station

If your kids love real-life superheroes (thank you, frontliners!), then they will love playing with this set LEGO light-brick searchlights and cool police vehicles with roof lights and siren for realistic car chases (or in our case, police blocks!).

7. LEGO® Friends Summer Fun Water Park

We may not be able to go out to the water parks right now, but there is no reason why we cannot bring the water parks home to our kids. Comprising cool water slides and a cute Unicorn float as well as an ice-cream truck, this set will keep the kids entertained for hours as we patiently wait for the day we can hit those water parks again.

8. LEGO® Ninjago Empire Temple of Madness

Arm your kids with the tools to fight alongside their ninja heroes against forces of evil, a sure favourite among older boys who love the Ninjago series.

9. LEGO® Monkie Kid Monkey King Warrior Mech

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Finally, complete your Monkie Kid collection this set, with a Golden Staff, and character minifigures atop the Cloud and Flower Fruit Mountain builds to defeat Bull Clones at Pigsy’s noodle shop.

It’s a really fun time of the year because these toys that we buy for our children also prove to have a lot of entertainment value to us adults!

He is itching to open his Christmas present already. Perhaps next year we will have to wrap it up a little more discreetly. Happy holidays and happy shopping, parents!

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Woman Almost Dies From Bacterial Infection After Eating Watermelon Left in Fridge Overnight

Don’t want to waste excess rice cooked from dinner? Thinking of saving the plate of cut fruits for later? Off they go into the fridge for the next lunch, dinner, or whenever the occasion calls for it.

Keeping leftover food overnight in the fridge has become second nature in many households. While some, if not many of us remain relatively fine, certain people could experience discomfort, food poisoning or in extreme cases, even death.

For a 50-year-old woman in Wuhan City, it was a severe case of bacterial infection that almost claimed her life.

Consumed Overnight Watermelon after 2 Days

According to a
Sin Chew Daily report
 on 18 June, the woman previously bought a watermelon and consumed half of it. She then placed the remaining half into the fridge for storage overnight.

The next time she took it out for consumption was two days later.

Photo: iStock

Experienced a Bout of Illness

While no further details were given, on whether the woman stored the watermelon incorrectly, or if the watermelon had been contaminated even before she placed it in the fridge, it led to severe consequences.

The woman first started displaying symptoms such as chills and fever after consuming the overnight watermelon.

According to Sin Chew, her condition worsened the next day. She experienced blurry vision, weakness in both legs, as well as her body trembling all over.

She was rushed to the hospital immediately for emergency treatment.

Facing Life-threatening Situation

After hospitalisation, it was revealed that the woman developed “shock blood pressure”.

It pointed towards a severe bacterial infection where the bacteria count in her body was thousands of times higher than normal.

According to Sin Chew, the bacteria entering the bloodstream from the intestine could potentially cause sepsis and septic shock, placing her in a life-threatening situation.

Fortunately for the woman, her condition stabilised after doctors fought to rescue her.

As to what could have caused the bacterial growth, an Associate professor from the China Agricultural University attributed it to two factors: an unclean fridge or overly high temperature within the fridge.

Similar Incident in 2018

This is not the first time where such an incident have taken place.

In 2018, a man was
diagnosed with necrotising enterocolitis (NEC)
, a medical condition where a portion of the bowel rots and dies, after eating overnight watermelon.

Image source: Apple TV screengrab

Doctors also attributed the cause to a bacterial infection. The 70-year-old also had 70cm of his small intestines removed.

It is noted that
necrotising enterocolitis
 is a severe condition that often affects babies, particularly those born prematurely. It leads us to think twice about our own food handling practices to protect loved ones at home.

Improper Food Handling has Consequences

While both were fortunate to have escaped from the clutches of death, the lesson here remains: improper food handling can lead to consequences.

It is even more worrisome for certain groups of people more susceptible to developing foodborne illnesses. They include:

Infants and young children

Pregnant women and their fetuses

Older adults

People with weak immune systems

It leads us to think about how the contamination could have occurred and if it could have been prevented. Whether it is watermelon or other food items, consider:

Was it stored near raw meat?

Was it sealed and stored correctly?

Had it been left in the open for too long before storage in the fridge?

How was its condition before purchase?

Was it placed on a dirty surface?

Was the food left in the fridge for far too long?

And above all else, it is important to note that food safety starts from the moment you choose to make a purchase.

Here are some tips to keep in mind to keep the entire family safe.

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Store overnight watermelon properly to avoid the risk of contamination. | Photo: iStock

–

Tips for Storing Watermelon Safely

The
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
 recommends storing watermelons at a temperature of around
4ºC
 (40 degrees Fahrenheit) and below.

If watermelon pieces sit out at room temperature for longer than two hours, be sure to discard them.

Here are other safety considerations:

When buying pre-cut or packaged watermelon, choose only those refrigerated or surrounded by ice

For whole watermelons

Run cold water over watermelon. Wipe the outside to remove any dirt or residue and pat with a clean, dry towel or paper towels

Store in the fridge for no more than one week

Store at room temperature for one to two weeks

For cut watermelons

If removing seeds, use the tip of a knife instead of hands

Wrap tightly in plastic, or in an airtight container and refrigerate

To be eaten within three to five days (the sooner you eat it, the better!)

Other Tips to Keep Your Food Safe at Home

Do not dismiss basic hygiene practices such as
washing your hands
properly
 before handling any kind of food.

Store fresh fruits (except bananas) and vegetables in the refrigerator.

Store fruits and vegetables in
separate compartments.
 When fruits ripen, they can cause green vegetables to turn yellow.

Keep fresh produce
separate
 from raw meat, poultry, and seafood products.

Ensure that your fridge is cold enough, typically
between 0ºC and 4ºC.
 This increases shelf life and decreases bacterial growth.

Protect your food from
pathogens
. Always READ the label for storage instructions.

Store cut fruits and vegetables in
sealed plastic bags or clean and properly-covered containers
 in the refrigerator. This helps to prevent cross-contamination.

Store hardy root vegetables (e.g potatoes, but discard them if they’re green) and fresh fruits that need ripening, at
room temperature.

Always ensure you have
clean hands
 when handling fruits or vegetables for raw consumption (e.g. salads or garnishes). Ensure that anyone else in your home who handles food (e.g. your helper), follows the same rule.

Use
separate chopping boards
 and utensils when handling other kinds of raw foods such as meat products.

Lead image via iStock. For illustration purposes only.

This article was first published on
theAsianparent
, and was
republished
 with permission on theAsianparent Malaysia.

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Celebrate This Chinese New Year With Purpose!

Chinese New Year is around the corner! This year is the year of the Tiger which symbolizes strength, power, and prosperity.

Batik Boutique values and celebrates different cultures and creates products for you and your loved ones with love.

Celebrate the year of Tiger with Batik Boutique’s “
CNY 2022 Collection
” by buying meaningful gifts for your family, friends, and loved ones that gives back to the community.

 Hari Hari Mau Celebrate Gift Set

Batik Boutique’s “
Hari Hari Mau Celebrate Gift Set
” set is designed to celebrate the year of the tiger with your friends, family, and loved ones. It comes with a crimson nasi lemak zip pouch, a crimson nasi lemak face mask, a jar of homemade cookies from “Sugar and I”, and a pack of eight CNY tiger-themed ang pao’s.

 Hari Hari Mau Bake Gift Set

Bake in style with Batik Boutique’s “
Hari Hari Mau Bake Gift Set
“. This gift set comes with an apron, a whisk, two jars of homemade cookies from “Sugar and I”, and a pack of eight CNY tiger-themed ang pao’s.

 Hari Hari Mau Gather Gift Set

Wondering what gift to give to your loved ones this CNY? Get Batik Boutique’s “
Hari Hari Mau Gather Gift Set
” that’s created to celebrate the reunion with your friends, families, and loved one’s house with its bold and elegant design.

This set comes with a batik reversible pillow cover (with embroidered symbols for “home” in Mandarin), a set of two tea towels (with embroidered symbols for “reunion” in Mandarin), a set of four coasters, two jars of homemade cookies from “Sugar and I”, and a pack of eight CNY tiger-themed ang pao’s.

 Homeware Gift Set (Reversible) – Crimson Tiger

These reversible
placemats and coasters
 are perfect for brightening up your reunion dinner. Make a statement with Batik Boutique bold, unique, and vibrant printed reversible placemats and coasters. This set comes with four reversible batik placemats, four reversible batik coasters, and a brown kraft gift box with a colourful sticker ready for gifting.

 Hari Hari Mau DIY Batik Painting Kit

This collection also includes a DIY batik painting kit, which allows you to experience and learn and paint your very own
Hari Hari Mau batik print
 at home. Get the family together and unleash everyone’s inner Picasso. We have a guide on how you can
use your batik kit therapeutically
.

 Crimson Arrow Collection – Women’s Apparel

This bold and beautiful collection for women is not just stylish but it’s unique and premium quality. Batik Boutique’s
crimson arrow collection
 is designed to give your style and comfort.

They are comfortable enough to wear for any occasion such as around town, to the office, or a night out, this camisole is made using 100% natural fibre (cotton).

The camisole can be paired with batik shorts or a batik skirt making it a versatile addition to your sustainable wardrobe.

 Crimson Nasi Lemak – Men’s Batik Shirt

Gift the man in your life this bold, stylish, unique, and premium quality batik shirt. Bring good luck this year with this
red shirt
. They are comfortable enough to wear for any occasion. They are made using 100% natural fibre (cotton), feature a chest pocket, and have a straight-fit design.

Batik Boxer Shorts

Finding the right gift for men could be challenging, and Batik Boutique knows that. Gift the man in your life a batik boxer that he will surely love. Batik Boutique’s
boxers
 are hand-printed 100% cotton batik boxers with an elastic waistband and a button closure, a metal shave brush, and shave cream made in Italy all packaged in a handsome gift box.

Shop with purpose and every item purchased from this collection
 directly impacts the artisans involved.
 Each product tells a meaningful story behind Malaysian handmade pieces that will last you a lifetime. Shop online and in-store at
Batik Boutique
 and let’s do good together.

Disclaimer: You are not allowed to share this article on any other website or on Facebook without providing proper credit and the original article link on
theAsianparent Malaysia website

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Symptoms of Dengue Parents Might Miss Out

My 14-month old son has this bad habit of scratching himself and when I check his skin, there often is nothing. But that is his way of communicating in a non-verbal way that a spot itches.

In fact, most children are not able to string full, coherent sentences together until they are out of diapers. Some children can say a few words here and there but usually not enough to vocalise what is going on.

So as parents, we always have to read into their non-verbal cues to know what is going on with them.

Besides observation, like noting that a spot itches, parents should also identify other telltale signs of something more serious by knowing what these various spots and markings mean.

Especially with dengue season around the corner again, there is concern that parents might not know if their kids are experiencing symptoms because some kids may not be able to tell their kids when something is wrong at such a young age.

In that case, it’s also good to know the symptoms off the top of your head so you might be able to identify it easily if you spot them.

A symptom of dengue parents might miss out

1. Rashes

At this young age, many children still suffer from sporadic skin outbreaks, so one of the most common symptoms of dengue that parents might miss out is rashes.

Rashes are a clear indication that something is wrong with your child – whether it is an allergy or something deeper like dengue, rashes is a symptom of dengue parents tend to miss out on sometimes, thinking it might just be contact dermatitis.

This is a symptom often missed out or disregarded if a child doesn’t present with a fever in the beginnings.

2. Fever

Credit: iStock

True to its name, dengue fever tends to come with high recorded body temperature. Most often, children who suffer from dengue fever will have temperatures as high as 40 degrees celsius.

3. A severe headache

If your child looks like they are in pain and they are clutching their head and crying, they might be experiencing a headache. This is one of the common symptoms of dengue.

4. Severe aches and pains

Dengue fever, unfortunately, also causes really bad aches and pains in the body. Children will typically display a loss of appetite, loss of mood and a general lethargic outlook because of this.

This pain can even happen around or behind the eyes, which is really uncomfortable for the child.

5. Mild bleeding from the gums or nose

It is possible for a child who is suffering from dengue fever to also experience this symptom.

6. Bruising easily

This symptom is also another hard one to identify because children, especially toddlers, tend to fall down and bruise a lot. But if you find that your child has more bruises than normal and they are not banging into things or falling down anymore, then it might be a symptom of dengue fever.

7. Dehydration

If dengue fever is left untreated professionally fast enough, it is possible that the child might also experience dehydration. It is best not to even let it get to this point as dengue can be life-threatening.

A symptom of dengue can start anywhere from the fourth day of being infected all the way up to 2 weeks, and the effects usually typically last up to a week.

If you suspect your child is having dengue fever, it would be best to take them to see a doctor immediately.

Credit: iStock

Can you prevent dengue fever?

Despite there being a wide range of vaccines available in the market, there is yet to be one for dengue fever.

Though it is easily treatable, many parents would rather not have their children contract the virus in the first place.

Since there is no surefire way to prevent dengue fever, the best practice for parents is to keep their children away from mosquito-ridden areas.

That is why you often see many accessories to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house, such as mosquito nets, installed in homes. Besides that, some parents also buy mosquito coils to burn or spray the house with mosquito repellent.

However, the smell and particles in the air can be quite strong and may end up being more harmful to a young child’s developing lungs.

World’s first anti-mosquito diaper

To address this increasingly common problem that parents face, Mamypoko has introduced their new MamyPoko Extra Dry Protect diaper which comes with Japanese patented technology, integrating the natural mosquito repellent – lemongrass – into their diapers.

The lemongrass extract is cleverly stored in microcapsules at the tapes, which is released when you rub the tape, so it never comes into contact with your child’s skin.

This diaper has been tested and proven to keep mosquitoes away from your little ones and to test its effectiveness, we got a packet to try out and here’s what we found.

MamyPoko Extra Dry Protect diaper review

Having just turned 14 months old, my baby LOVES going out. We have taken him to parks, to the beach, to the zoo and to many more outdoor places.

But my main concern when taking him to these places is of course, mosquitos. Being quite the mosquito-bait myself (thanks to my O-positive blood type!), I never wanted my son to experience the awful discomfort of being bitten mosquitos every time he goes out.

So I did what any overly-concerned parent would do – I bought mosquito repellent patches for him and wrapped his stroller up in mosquito nets. He would tear off the patches and swat away the mosquito nets almost instantly and he would be left vulnerable to those bloodsucking predators!

Then I noticed that he would come home with one or two bites on him and he would claw at the itchy spots all night, which is absolutely heartbreaking for any mum to see.

Since we tried the MamyPoko Extra Dry Protect anti-mosquito diapers, we noticed that his outings have been a lot less worrisome, for one. And secondly, he would come home without a single bite.

We started using it at home and at night too, especially on those nights we choose not to have the air-conditioner on and we crack open his room door for ventilation.

I also don’t have to turn on the noisy mosquito killer machine which tends to disturb his sleep.

Besides just repelling mosquitos, the MamyPoko Extra Dry Protect diaper also promises a good night sleep to the little ones and I noticed that wearing this diaper, my son slept easily through the night and woke up still feeling fresh.

One point to note as well here is that despite being an effective mosquito repelling diaper, the lemongrass smell is not overpowering at all and is actually quite pleasant. Even after rubbing the tape part of the diaper, my fingers don’t have any lingering smell of lemongrass on it.

All in all, it is quite the all-rounder diaper that is very functional even as it offers extra advantages like being anti-mosquito.

It is something I would recommend to parents living in this tropical climate who want to ease their worries.

For more information on MamyPoko Extra Dry Protect, visit the MamyPoko website
here
 or get a packet from
Shopee
 or
Lazada
 now.

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
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Intermittent Fasting and Pregnancy

If you have ever struggled to control your weight, you may have given intermittent fasting a try. Many adherents of the practice swear it can help you manage your weight and even stave off conditions such as Type 2 diabetes.  However, is it safe for pregnant women?

Growing babies need a ton of nutrition and a stable environment in which to thrive. While intermittent fasting does offer some health benefits, do they outweigh the risks to the fetus?

What Is Intermittent Fasting, and Why Do People Practice It?

Intermittent fasting (IF) refers to restricting your eating to specified hours of the day or days of the week. Two basic variations exist.

The first form of IF resembles the natural fast many people experience when they sleep. However,
 dieters restrict their intake
 for more than the typical eight-hour period. They may eat normally between the hours of noon to 8 p.m., for example. Then, they fast for 16 hours.

The second form entails eating normally on some days of the week but restricting caloric intake to 20% of the typical amount consumed on other days.

Fasting on just juice for a period — you may have heard this referred to as “juicing” or “juice cleansing” — is another popular method of intermittent fasting. Supporters of this method claim juicing eliminates toxins from the body, though
 no solid evidence currently exists
 to support such claims.

Adherents of IF claim they experience more energy and significant health benefits. Research shows that this method of weight control
 does reduce insulin levels
 substantially, which can potentially help counteract Type 2 diabetes. It could also help supercharge the paring-down efforts of those who find shedding unwanted pounds challenging due to insulin resistance. In addition, it may help remove waste from cells more quickly and speed cellular repair.

Is IF Safe for Pregnant Women?

As beneficial as IF is for many individuals, pregnant women shouldn’t engage in the practice for multiple reasons. IF may prove dangerous for pregnant women due to blood sugar levels. If you have ever gotten extremely hungry, you’re familiar with how you can grow dizzy and lightheaded from a lack of food. This sensation can cause pregnant women to pass out and fall, potentially hurting their fetus — or themselves. Expectant mothers have a higher tendency to develop joint disorders already, and a fall could cause painful injury.

Another reason pregnant women should avoid intermittent fasting has to do with their recommended caloric intake. Women need
 an additional 300 calories per day
 while expecting, and it can prove challenging to meet this need, particularly if she participates in the every-other-day fast.

This increased need for energy and nutrients is why doctors advise women with a baby on board to hit pause on their weight loss efforts until after childbirth. They recommend that even
 obese women gain 11-20 pounds
 throughout their pregnancy.

Suggested Methods of Weight Control During Pregnancy

If doctors don’t recommend IF for pregnant women, what can moms-to-be with concerns about their weight do? For starters, they should follow their OB-GYN’s recommendations for how much to consume and gain.

In general, it is
 safe for pregnant women to exercise
 unless they have an underlying health concern. You should avoid high-intensity or contact sports, however. Swimming and walking are ideal choices, as is riding a stationary bike or elliptical machine. Working out helps control your weight and might assist you with shedding excess pounds once you give birth.

While you do need extra calories, you don’t want to get them all from high-fat, processed foods. Strive to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into your diet to ensure you and your baby get all the phytonutrients you need to thrive. If you experience morning sickness, keeping whole-grain crackers by your bedside can help curb nausea that sometimes arises from blood sugar fluctuations.

Hitting Pause on Intermittent Fasting During Pregnancy

While IF can offer a host of health benefits pregnant women should give it a pass. Expectant mothers need to focus on keeping their blood sugar stable and feeding their unborn child. They can always use the technique to shed the baby weight once childbirth and breastfeeding conclude.

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB.

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