What Effective Contraceptive Method Should You Use?

World Contraception Day was launched 14 years ago on September 26
th
 2007. The initiative was conceived by the European Society of Contraception in an effort to highlight that 85% of teenage pregnancies globally are unplanned and that each year, millions of people are infected with sexually transmitted diseases due to a lack of contraception awareness.

This is a very unfortunate situation as there are many widely available modern contraceptives that are considered safe and effective. With so much misinformation regarding contraception among Malaysian women, many opt for unreliable contraception (e.g., withdrawal method) or use contraceptives incorrectly, thus resulting in unplanned pregnancies.

Some of these women opt to have an abortion, while others go through pregnancy and deliver their babies, only to dump or abandon their newborns shortly after birth.

More than half of these abandoned babies do not survive, and the media carries stories of these cases regularly.

Figures from the Malaysian Maternal Mortality review show that 70% of women who die from pregnancy-related causes in Malaysia have never used contraception.

The maternal mortality rate (death related to pregnancy-related causes) in grand multiparas (women who have delivered five or more babies) is double that in primigravida’s (women in their first pregnancy).

Women should consult their healthcare providers to choose an appropriate contraceptive method that is effective, safe and that would suit their individual lifestyles.

The Oral Contraceptive Pill

The oral contraceptive pill is one of the most effective methods of contraception available, with 99% effectiveness when used correctly. It was first introduced in the early 1960s, and there are now over 100 million women using the pill globally.

The modern-day oral contraceptive pill, when correctly prescribed, is safe and very effective.

The doses of the two hormones within the “combined” pill – oestrogen and progesterone – have been gradually reduced over the years, greatly reducing the incidence of side effects, and increasing safety.

The pill comes in packs of 21 or 28. In the 28-day packs, the last seven pills that coincide with the “period” do not actually contain any active medication. New low-dose pills have recently been introduced (24/4 regimes), where only the last four pills do not contain hormones.

A woman initiating contraception with the pill should start taking the pill on the day her period starts. The pill acts by preventing ovulation (release of an egg); making the mucous in the cervix thick, so that sperm are less likely to enter the uterus; as well as making the lining of the uterus thin, and therefore, less hospitable for implantation of a fertilised egg.

Women should be aware that certain medications like antibiotics and antiepileptic drugs, can reduce the efficacy of the pill. The pill will also not protect against sexually transmitted infection.

Common Concerns

There are a number of concerns that patients have regarding the oral contraceptive pill. The most common concern is weight gain. I usually explain to my patients that less than 10% of patients experience weight gain while on the pill.

The patients on the pill who do experience weight gain do so because of fluid retention caused by the progesterone component of the pill. Pills are now available that have a very low incidence of fluid retention and weight gain.

Other concerns include the risk of the pill causing infertility, as well as breast cancer. The reality is that fertility returns within one to two months of stopping the pill. I have many patients who have been able to become pregnant when they stopped taking the pill.

The latest research indicates that the pill does not increase the risk of getting breast cancer.

The pill is generally a very safe medication, but it does increase the risk of blood clots in the veins (deep venous thrombosis), strokes and heart attacks in some women. Women who are at risk of cardiovascular disease due to multiple risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol, as well as female smokers over 35, should not use the combined oral contraceptive pill.

Side effects like bleeding, breast tenderness, nausea, and headaches, are usually transient and can occur in a small number of patients. If these side effects persist, medical advice should be sought.

Other Benefits

There are many other benefits of the pill. It makes menstrual cycles lighter and regular. The incidence of anaemia is thus decreased in women on the pill. It also decreases period pain in many women and is effective in decreasing the incidence of acne.

Other conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease (infections of the uterus and fallopian tubes) can be reduced by as much as 50% by taking the oral contraceptive pill. There is a 17% decreased risk of fibroids for every five years of oral contraceptive pill use.

Oral contraceptive pills also decrease the incidence of some breast conditions (fibrocystic disease and fibroadenoma), as well as ovarian cysts.

Excess body hair or hirsutism can affect up to 8% of women, understandably causing distress. The contraceptive pill that contains particular progesterone (cyproterone acetate) is particularly effective in treating this condition

In addition, there are pills formulated to treat premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and pre-menstrual dystrophic disorder (the most severe form of PMS, where the women’s physical and emotional symptoms become severe enough to impact her daily life), as well as pills that are very effective treatments for women who have heavy periods.

Women close to menopause (perimenopausal women) sometimes have irregular periods, heavy periods and menopausal symptoms. The pill can help in achieving better menstrual cycle control – reducing heavy periods, as well as reducing menopausal symptoms and mood swings in these women.

The pill also protects against endometrial (womb) and ovarian cancer. Endometrial cancer risk is reduced by 40% with two years of use, and up to 72% with 12 years of use. Ovarian cancer risk is reduced by 50% with five years of use of the pill.
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Other ‘Combined’ Hormonal Methods

There are other hormonal methods of contraception that use different methods of delivery, namely through the skin (patch) and the vaginal lining (vaginal ring). The action, side effects and contraindications are like the oral contraceptive pill.

The Patch

In this method, the hormones are delivered by a skin patch applied to the skin on the buttocks, stomach, back or upper arms. Each patch is used for seven days, and a patch is used each week for three weeks, followed by a week with no patch being used, during which a period will occur.

The patch is less effective in women who are over 90kg in weight.

Vaginal Ring

The vaginal ring is a soft plastic ring (54cm in diameter), which is inserted into the vagina by the woman herself. The ring is held in place by the walls of the vagina and will neither fall out nor be felt during intercourse.

It can be removed for up to three hours at a time per day and still maintain effectiveness as a contraceptive. The ring is placed in the vagina for three weeks and then removed for a week when a period will occur.

Side effects are uncommon. In addition to those generally associated with the pill, vaginal irritation, discharge and discomfort can occur in a small number of patients.

Progesterone-Only Hormonal Contraception

The hormone oestrogen is contraindicated in some women – women who smoke, have severe or uncontrolled hypertension, and migraines, those who are obese (body mass index more than 30kg/m²), and women who are breastfeeding.

It is possible to use hormonal contraception in this group of women by prescribing a “progesterone-only pill”. In addition to pills, it is possible to use progesterone as a contraceptive in other forms, namely progesterone injections (Depo-provera) and progesterone implants. This method of contraception will not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Injectable contraception

Depo-provera is a hormonal method of birth control administered by giving injections in the upper arm or buttock every 12 to 13 weeks. The method works by preventing ovulation (the release of eggs every month).

The benefits are that the woman will only need approximately four injections during the year and does not need to worry about taking pills. Irregular bleeding is common during the first few months of use.

By one year, about 50% of women will stop having periods. Despite popular belief, it is not harmful to stop periods. In fact, this can even be beneficial for women who have heavy or painful periods.

One of the side effects of this method is a decrease in bone density, which is reversible upon stopping this method of contraception. Weight gain is also seen in some women due to increased appetite.

Although it is a reversible method of contraception, it can take up to nine months after the last injection for regular menstrual cycles to return.

Implant

This is a hormonal method similar to the injection. A small rod about the size of a matchstick is inserted in the clinic (after administering a local anaesthetic), using a special applicator, into the upper arm. After insertion, the implant cannot be seen, but it can be felt if the skin over it is pressed.

The implant will last for three years, after which it should be removed (again under local anaesthetic in the clinic), and a new implant inserted, if further contraception is desired.

With the implant, fertility returns soon after removal. The most common side effect is irregular bleeding in the first few months after insertion. Periods can become scanty in many women and may stop completely. Other side effects are weight gain, mood changes, headache, acne, and depression.

Intra-uterine devices

An intrauterine device (IUD) is a small plastic device that is inserted into the uterus in the clinic using an applicator by a healthcare professional.

There are two types of IUDs, the copper-containing IUD, and the progesterone-releasing intra-uterine system (Mirena). IUDs are reversible, and very effective methods of contraception. They can be inserted during the time of the menstrual period, six weeks after delivery, or even after an abortion.

This method is not recommended in women who have not had children and will also not protect against sexually transmitted diseases.

Copper IUD

This method of contraception works by preventing fertilisation of the egg by releasing a small amount of copper within the cavity of the uterus. Depending upon the brand used, they can last for three or five years.

The advantage of this IUD is that once inserted, nothing else is needed to prevent pregnancy. It is not felt by the woman or her partner and does not interfere with daily activities or sexual intercourse.

Side effects include irregular bleeding, usually confined to the first two to three months after insertion. Sometimes, periods may become heavy or painful.

Pelvic infection, manifesting as pelvic pain, fever, or vaginal discharge, can occur infrequently. If this occurs, a healthcare provider should be consulted. Expulsion of the device also rarely occurs. Perforation of the wall of the uterus is a rare complication during insertion (approximately once in 1,000 insertions)

Intra uterine system (Mirena)

The Intrauterine System (IUS) is impregnated with the hormone progesterone instead of copper and lasts for five years, at which time it can be changed. The IUS is a very effective contraceptive, and in addition, it is also an effective method of treating women with heavy periods.

Irregular bleeding, as well as heavier and prolonged bleeding, often occurs in the first three to six months. This usually settles in most women, and the periods will then become very scanty, or even cease completely.

A small number of women may have side effects that are related to the progesterone in the device. These may include headaches, nausea, breast tenderness, and pelvic pain, due to the development of small cysts in the ovaries. The symptoms usually decrease within the first couple of months, and the cysts usually disappear without treatment within two months.

Emergency contraception

Credit: NPR

This is the use of contraception after a woman has had sexual intercourse without birth control, or if the method has failed (e.g., breakage of condom, missed birth control pills). These methods are not as effective as the methods described earlier and should not be used as routine contraception.

However, emergency contraception also called the “morning-after pill”, is better than no contraception, and may be useful for up to five days after unprotected intercourse. They act by stopping ovulation or fertilisation of an egg, or by preventing implantation of a fertilised egg.

They can be used at any time during the menstrual cycle, and even more than once in the cycle. Progesterone called levonorgestrel, which is present as a component of some brands of oral contraceptive pills, is used, either as a single dose of 1,500 micrograms, or two 750 microgram doses 12 hours apart.

If taken within 24 hours of unprotected intercourse, they can prevent about seven out of eight pregnancies that would have otherwise occurred.

Side effects include menstrual irregularity, transient abdominal pain, and nausea.

Another option is to insert a copper-containing IUD within five days of unprotected sex. This method is about 99% effective. It is contraindicated in the presence of pelvic infection or where there is a risk of pelvic infection, and in women who have not had children yet.

Condom

The condom is a single-use latex sheath worn over the erect penis before intercourse. It has the very important additional benefit of helping to prevent sexually transmitted diseases. It is widely available “over the counter”.

Correct use is important, and it must be put on before any contact between the penis and female genitals. The condom-covered penis should also not be allowed to become flaccid while still within the vagina, as leakage of semen may occur. With perfect use, it is 98% effective; and with typical use, it is 85% effective.

Other methods

In addition to the methods described above, there are permanent surgical methods of preventing pregnancy. These include tubal ligation for the female and vasectomy in the male.

Although reversal is possible, these operations are not always successful; therefore, the couple must be very sure that they do not want any more children.

Reversal of tubal ligation is successful in approximately 70 to 80% of women. The success of reversal of vasectomy is related to the duration between the vasectomy and reversal procedure. About 76% of reversals are successful when performed within three years of the vasectomy, but only 30% are successful when the reversal is carried out more than 15 years after the vasectomy.

Following a vasectomy, it is important that some form of contraception is used until the doctor confirms that the patient is sterile. Semen will be collected 12 weeks after surgery and examined under the microscope to ensure that no sperms remain before unprotected sexual intercourse is permitted.

The so-called natural methods of contraception, such as the withdrawal method, fertility awareness and rhythm (calendar) method, are considered less medically reliable than the methods of contraception described earlier. Regardless of the method chosen, it is important to discuss the options with your doctor and discuss any concerns you have until you receive answers to your satisfaction.

Source:
This article is written by Dr. Suresh Kumarasamy, Consultant Gynaecologist/Gynaecological Oncologist of Gleneagles Hospital Penang

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:

It’s All About Contraception

Read more:

Can you have sex with an IUD in? Does it feel good?

Read more:

Do Wives Have Less Reproductive Rights Than Their Husbands?

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How To Build Good Quality Breastmilk

Breastmilk is acknowledged to be the most complete form of nutrition for your baby for at least the first six months of his or her life. Although there are shelves of infant formulas in supermarkets these days, these products cannot compare to the benefits provided by good quality breastmilk, and are inferior (and expensive!) alternatives.

Credit: Shutterstock

7 Ways To Build Good Quality Breastmilk

The best thing you can do for your baby is to breastfeed and the below are some tips to help you produce the best breastmilk possible for your little one.

1. Stay well hydrated

Drink twice the amount of water you would normally consume as you lose a lot of fluids producing breastmilk – 4 litres a day will help produce plenty of milk. You should also reduce or avoid diuretics that can dry up breastmilk such as tea, coffee, chocolate, sugars and alcohol.

2. Keep your immunity high

If your immunity is high, the quality of your breastmilk will also be high and chances are you’ll pass on that high immunity to your baby. How? Let’s start with the gut. Remember that when the digestive system is functioning properly, it serves as a barrier to bacteria, viruses & pathogens. If the digestive system is not functioning at optimal levels, things get out of balance. A safe, natural & effective way to improve gut health is by regular consumption of
Pegaga by PurelyB
– a concoction of traditional Asian superfoods that are backed by science.

Credit: Shutterstock

3. Boost Your Milk Supply Naturally With Tropical  Healing Herbs

Natural supplements and healing herbs can help ensure good quality breastmilk and supply. Pegaga (gotu kola) has been used for centuries in post-natal herbal remedies and it’s combination with papaya leaf, turmeric leaf, Habbatus sauda, green apples and dates in
pegaga by PurelyB” superfood blend

 will help boost your breast milk supply and ensure it remains thick and full of colostrum even after confinement (pantang) period.

It’s also important to take it a step further & keep yourself informed of all the ways you can combine at-home ingredients to create remedies that will boost the body’s gut & immune system. This is possible through the Immunity Boost Bundle, which will keep you informed on how to stay away from ailments like cold, flu, constipation (so you can avoid taking medication while you breastfeed). This bundle also contains a canister of Pegaga by PurelyB!

4. Increase total kilojoule/calorie intake a day

Building breastmilk uses up about 500 calories a day so you need to make sure you eat enough energy food to produce enough breastmilk (this is not the time to go on a diet!). Eat nutritious foods such as raw nuts and seeds, hummus and tahini, wholemeal vegetable muffins, fritata. Make sure you avoid foods that are high in calories but nutritionally void such as junk food, potato chips and chocolate. Insufficient calorie intake will result in reduction of breastmilk production or poor growth patterns in your baby.

Credit: Shutterstock

5. Eat plenty of good quality protein

Eating plenty of good quality protein is necessary for healthy milk production and will ensure your baby gets all the essential amino acids for mental and physical growth. Mothers also need adequate protein for themselves as their bodies need it to heal and revitalise after giving birth. Keep in mind that protein intake requirement during breastfeeding is more than during pregnancy as you lose quite a bit of protein in breastmilk. During breastfeeding, the amount of protein you would need on average is 1.4g/kg of body weight. Good quality protein includes fish, organic meat and chicken, nuts and seeds, legumes, eggs, dairy products.

6. Eat good fats

Breastmilk is rich in the omega 3 essential fatty acid, DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). A baby’s brain continues to grow until it reaches three years of age and healthy brain development is dependent on a good supply of DHA. To ensure your hindmilk (the high-fat creamier milk that follows the foremilk, which is the thinner milk that the baby gets first) is rich in DHA, supplement with essential fatty acids high in DHA and eat cold-water fish that are low in mercury, cold-pressed oils, raw nuts and seeds, avocado and coconut milk/cream.

7. Eat foods high in calcium

A mother’s diet is reflected in the vitamin contents of her breastmilk. Calcium is highly concentrated in breastmilk as it is important for baby’s growth, especially in helping them to develop their muscle, bones and neurological system. Eat plenty of foods that are high in calcium such as seaweed, full fat organic dairy products from cow, goat and sheep, tahini, nuts and seeds, tinned red salmon and tinned sardines. If you don’t get enough calcium from dietary sources, it is recommended that you take calcium supplements – aim to consume 1500mg of calcium a day during breastfeeding.

References:
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Ages & Stages
Discover the Signs and Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance in Children
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Optimum Nutrition for Better Breastfeeding

FAQs – Breast Milk Supply

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB

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 theAsianparent Community
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Still Have Bad Breath Even After Brushing Your Teeth? Here Are the 7 Best Mouthwashes in the Market

A mouthwash is a liquid product that cleanses teeth, gums and mouth. A good mouthwash usually contains an antiseptic to kill harmful bacteria that live between the teeth and on the tongue.

It targets plaque or “invisible" bacteria on the teeth that could harden into tartar. Without
proper dental hygiene
, this could lead to gum disease, gum inflammation, dental bone loss and other periodontal diseases.

Antiseptic ingredients in mouthwashes such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), sodium chloride, menthol, eucalyptol and fluoride all function to fight to kill bad bacteria in the mouth.

Choosing the Best Mouthwash in the Market

Now remember,
oral rinsing should never replace tooth brushing
, and it only works with proper usage. It is important to also understand that different formulas contain different ingredients, in fact, not all mouthwashes are able to strengthen teeth.

When choosing a mouthwash, the first thing you have to do is to find out the issues you are facing, such as:

Bad breath:
If this is your problem, a cosmetic mouthwash is great to give you the confidence you need for your important meeting.

Dry mouth:
If you are taking a medicine, or in a situation that causes your mouth to dry out as a side effect, choose a mouthwash that is formulated to give your mouth long-lasting freshness, without drying it out.

Plaque or gum problems:
Choose a mouthwash that contains fluoride or other active bacteria-busting ingredients.

There are many products with a variety of ingredients that aim to treat certain conditions or overall oral health. Some of the common ingredients in mouthwashes are:

Fluoride
- fights tooth decay and strengthen enamel

Cetylpyridinium chloride -
diminishes bad breath and kills bacteria

Chlorhexidine
 - reduces plaque and controls gum inflammation

Essential oils
- such as menthol (mint), eucalyptus and thyme have antifungal and antibacterial properties

Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide
- whitens teeth

7 Best Mouthwashes in Malaysia

To help you choose the best mouthwash for your needs, we have compiled 7 products that are favoured by us at theAsianparent Malaysia.

#1 Mama’s Choice Natural Mouthwash

Our top choice is Mama’s Choice Natural Mouthwash! Not only it protects your teeth and mouth to stay healthy and fresh, but its natural mint extract formulation helps prevent nausea and morning sickness during pregnancy!

This means that it is perfectly suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding mums.

The best part is this mouthwash uses a combination of natural ingredients such as
chlorophyll, allantoin and mint extract
 that can prevent plaque formation that caused bacteria build-up and soothe inflamed gums. You don’t have to worry because it is perfectly safe for sensitive teeth!

What do we like about it?

Safe for pregnant and breastfeeding mums

100% halal

Made from natural ingredients

Free from alcohol, SLS, fluoride, triclosan and paraben

Prevents nausea and morning sickness

Safe for sensitive teeth

Travel-friendly bottle, easy to carry wherever you go

 Mama’s Choice Natural Mouthwash
dari

Mama's Choice
Buy at Shopee
Buy at Lazada

#2 Listerine Total Care

Listerine is a trusted brand that is used by many in Malaysia. This all-in-one mouthwash provides complete care by cleaning 100% of the mouth.

LISTERINE TOTAL CARE is approved by the Canadian Dental Association to reduce and fight gum inflammation, so it definitely provides a more thorough cleanse compared to just brushing and flossing.

What do we like about it?

6x more effective in cleansing and removing plaque than brushing teeth

A unique formula with 4 types of essential oils

Penetrates deep into plaque to kill bacteria in biofilms

Prevents and reduces gum inflammation

Strengthens teeth enamel

Fights tartar

Helps keep teeth naturally white

 Listerine Total Care
Beli di Shopee
Beli di Lazada

#3 TheraBreath Oral Rinse

This fresh, alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash does not burn or sting, making it perfect for daily use. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse is certified Halal, gluten-free and vegan.

It is also free from dyes, fragrance, cleaning agents and other additives that could dry out and damage your mouth. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse is a great product that is recommended by dentists and pharmacists for more than 20 years.

What do we like about it?

Fights bad breath for 24 hours

No alcohol, dyes or artificial flavours

Helps reduce bad breath especially in the morning

Acknowledged by the American Dental Association

 TheraBreath Oral Rinse
Beli di Shopee
Beli di Lazada

#4 Colgate Phos-Flur Rinse

Phos-Flur Rinse
Ⓡ
 is specially formulated for orthodontic patients to help reduce the appearance of white spots. It is safe, great-tasting, easy to use and clinically proven to provide fluoride protection.

What do we like about it?

Specially formulated for orthodontic patients to help reduce the appearance of white spots

Safe, great-tasting and easy to use

Phos-Flur Rinse
Ⓡ
 is clinically proven to provide fluoride protection

 Colgate Phos-Flur Rinse
Beli di Shopee
Beli di Lazada

#5 Oral B Pro-Health Mouthwash

Oral B Pro-Health Mouthwash contains Cetylpyridinium Chloride that has been clinically proven to prevent the formation of plaque, and fluoride to prevent cavities.

This alcohol-free mouthwash with fresh mint flavour leaves your mouth feeling fresh and clean!

What do we like about it?

Contains fluoride to fight cavities

Helps reduce bacteria that causes plaque

Fresh mint flavour

 Oral-B Pro-Health Mouthwash
Beli di Shopee
Beli di Lazada

#6 Propolinse Oral Mouthwash

Propolinse Mouthwash is a natural oral rinse formulated in Japan that will help you maintain good dental hygiene by removing bacteria, bad breath and plaque, and at the same time brightens your teeth as well as prevents tooth decay.

You can be sure that this mouthwash is working from the protein and particles formed right after you gargle with it! It still works like a charm even if you use it after gargling with another mouthwash!

What do we like about it?

It contains catechin from green tea extract and propolis from honey

Comes in a travel-friendly bottle

Maintains good dental hygiene by removing bacteria, bad breath and plaque

Brightens teeth

 Propolinse Oral Mouthwash
Beli di Shopee
Beli di Lazada

#7 Oxyfresh Zinc Mouth Rinse

This patented Pro Formula Mouthwash is suitable for anyone who has veneers, sensitive teeth and gums. This product is free from alcohol, dyes, artificial sweeteners or any ingredients that could damage the teeth and cosmetic dental work.

Infused with natural essential mint oil, the patented combination of Oxygene
Ⓡ
and zinc helps diminish bad breath, yet is still very gentle on the teeth and gum tissues.

What do we like about it?

Patented zinc mouthrinse

Alcohol-free

No dyes

Contains xylitol

Freshens breath

 Oxyfresh Zinc Mouth Rinse
Beli di Shopee
Beli di Lazada

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:

Hey Mama, Dental Care Is Important During Pregnancy - Try One Of These Pregnancy-Safe Toothpastes!


Parents, Let Us Inspire Kids To Dream Big And Change The World!

It’s a big world out there; fast-paced, ever changing and competitive –
extremely
. And because we are only as big as our dreams, we need to inspire kids to be bold and unapologetically themselves; to dream big because like that Steve Jobs-era Apple ad once said, “
The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.”

We need to teach children not to fear the space between their dreams and reality. If they can dream it, then they can achieve it.

But little ones are plagued with uncertainty and therein lies the problem. From a tender age, how do we inspire kids to see the bigger picture and to understand what dreams are? How do we get them to dream? Here are three easy steps to get them started.

1. Inspire

Dreams don’t come out of a vacuum. They come from the dreamer; they are an embodiment of all that the dreamer stands for. So first off, to inspire kids, you need to fill their bucket. Here’s how:

Travel, allow them to see the world and meet people from all walks of life. Let them understand just how small they are in the grander scheme of things.

Expose them to anything and everything – music, art, science, sports and the list goes on.

Role play, let them be a fish in the pond or a world leader. Allow the power of imagination and for them to believe they can hold the world in the palm of their hand if they’d only just believe they could.

Read. Books have the whole world in them, peace and mayhem, love and war. They will take them to ends of the universe. Make children read. As much as they can, about as much as they can.

Share your dreams, share how you made your dreams come true and inspire kids to build dreams,
together
.

2. Prepare

Now that you’ve taught them how to dream, in no time they will start zeroing in on what they want in life. Your job is to set the stage for your budding dreamers. You can start by giving them the greatest wealth – health.

In order to do that it’s important to know how to increase immunity in your child. Every child needs a strong immune system. Strengthening the body as the first line of defense is always better than treating the illness.

Prevention is better than cure
!

Feed your child lots of immune system booster foods.

Fish, like Salmon, that are high in Omega 3 fatty acids

Chicken soup

Greek yogurt or food with probiotics

Nuts like almonds

Fruits and vegetables – the more colourful the better

These are just a few on the non-exhaustive list. But don’t forget, immune system booster foods also include supplements. Complement your child’s daily routine with an immune system booster like
Chewies Immunolicious gummies
.

Fortified with a patented Wellmune formula, the hero ingredient in Immunolicious is clinically proven to help strengthen the immune system.
Chewies Immunolicious
 comes in three delicious flavours – Orange, Strawberry and Mango. Pick one that tickles your child’s fancy! Children love its fun shape that makes it appealing and less
medicine-ish
. And just two of these gummies a day is sufficient to keep health threats at bay.

These gummies are Halal, non-allergenic and GMO free so you really have nothing to worry about.

In addition to immune system booster foods, your child also needs sufficient sleep, regular exercise, good hygiene practices and a smoke-free home. Remember, a strong immune system means less sick days and more time to inspire kids to build their big dreams!

3. Build the Dream

Making dreams into reality is hard,
incredibly
 and
unimaginably
. Your job isn’t just to inspire kids, you need to support them every step of the way. Start by setting goals. Ensure that their goals are realistic and measurable and take baby steps.

Remember, the road ahead is long and arduous but fulfilling nonetheless. It’s not a sprint but a marathon.

There will be good days and days that can be better and there will be days they feel like giving up. Always ensure them that the only way to go is forward.

So, mums and dads, may you go forth and inspire your kids. Make them dream big and show them that the world is a treasure trove of endless possibilities and opportunities. The world is their oyster; let them find their pearls!

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
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 or
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 now!


Mommies, Here Are Some Essentials You Need For Your Baby Checklist

Mommies, have you prepared the baby checklist?

There is a great deal to consider when
preparing for the arrival of your new baby
. We have therefore compiled a list of essentials you will need for the arrival of your little one.

Preparing for Baby’s Room

Credit: Freepik

Baby’s Cot

Wind-up mobiles/ Merry-go-round

Mattress

Blanket

Bumper

Cot sheets

Mattress protector

Changing table (optional)

Chest of Drawers

Clothes

Pacifiers

Mittens

Bootees

Nappy

Nappy liners

Cotton buds

Blouse/shirts – long and short sleeves

Suits – pants and long shirts

Handkerchief

Safety pins

Face towels

Cotton balls etc.

Nail clippers

Cream to prevent nappy rash

Oil for wind

Ziplock to store soiled pampers or nappies

Gripe Water

 Preparing for Baby Bathing

Credit: Freepik

Wipes

Baby bath tub

Bath mat

Bath towel

Bath sponge (optional)

Baby soap/ bath lotion
 (fragrance-free, talc-free, alcohol-free)

Baby shampoo

Cotton buds

Baby oil

Baby powder with a puff (optional)

Tissue paper

Diapers

 Care of the Umbilical Cord Stump

Sterile swab applicators

Sterile cotton swabs

Sterile container for cord spirit

Cord spirit

 Preparing for Feeding Baby

Credit: Freepik

Milk bottles
 & small sized teats

Bottle scrub brush

Warmer cum carrier bag

Thermometer (to use when baby is unwell)

Large pan/pot (for sterilising)

Tongs (to handle hot bottles)

6-Bottle Electric Steam Steriliser (optional)

Milk containers

 Accessories

Playpen

Walker (optional)

Stairgates

Rubber protectors

Highchair

Bouncer

Stroller

Baby carrier

Pram

Toys & Playstuff

Rattle

Mirror

Baby gym (optional)

 Mummy Care

Credit: Freepik

Maternity Dress/ Pyjamas with front opening for breastfeeding

Nipple cream

Nursing pads

Disposable panties

Sanitary pads

Bedroom slippers

Breast pump

Hair ties

Maternity bra/front hook bra

 Other Optional Items

Electrical Flask

Claypot or double boil claypot for mum’s confinement soup

Did we miss out on anything else in this baby checklist article? Don’t forget to comment on our Facebook page!

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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#tApReviews: Pumpables SuperGenie Review

Recently, I did a
Pumpables Milk Genie Plus review
. In terms of portable breast pumps, it is one of the best ones in the market without a doubt. So I decided to also get around to the Pumpables SuperGenie review, though this is not a comparison review since both pumps are of different categories.

The Pumpables SuperGenie breast pump is a hospital-grade pump and as far as pumping goes, every mummy needs a hospital-grade pump in her breastfeeding journey. The reason for this is because hospital-grade pumps have stronger suction power, which is crucial in clearing the breasts and maintaining yield.

A good hospital-grade pump can save you from a lot of pain from mastitis, which can happen if you don’t clear your breasts properly during each pump.

So let’s get to it!

Pumpables SuperGenie Review

Price

RM999

Suction Power

Up to 330mmHg

Weight

1120grams

Category

Hospital-grade

What we love about it:

1. The all-new liquid shield kit

Unlike any other breast pump in the market, the Pumpables SuperGenie is the first pump to come with a breast shield that actually almost mimics a baby sucking on your breast. The way the shield is designed, the suction doesn’t simply pull on your nipple to drag out the milk, but it almost gently massages and presses down on the nipple with each drag. If you look closely, inside the big plastic flange, there is a smaller silicone insert. This is what gently massages and “latches” onto your nipple.

Out of all the pumps I have tried as an EP mum, this definitely mimics the latch as closely as possible (I did get baby to latch occasionally in the beginning). It is also incredibly gentle and doesn’t hurt your nipples due to how gentle the suction is.

2. It is a smart pump

We’ve got smartphones, smart homes and smart everything nowadays – so why not a smart breast pump too? This revolutionary breast pump comes with Bluetooth so you can connect the pump to an app and control the pump from your phone.

Not only that, you can save your pump settings and select the programme you want to use for your next pump via the app. For new mummies, preset programmes are also available for you to try out so you don’t feel too lost.

3. The design makes it easy to store

Unlike other hospital-grade pumps that might be very large, this one is quite compact considering how powerful it is. It comes with a handle that you can choose to lift or tuck away depending on your preference. A nightlight is attached to the handle for your convenience for middle-of-the-night pump sessions. Other pumps, like the Spectra S1 (pictured above on the right), are awkwardly shaped and might be hard to store away.

4. It comes with many sizes for the breast shield

If it’s one thing Pumpables really understands, it is that every mummy is build different (especially when it comes to breasts!). Women have a pretty wide range of nipple sizes. Pumpables addresses this issue by offering breast shield sizes from 15mm all the way up to 30mm.

However, when purchasing you can only select 21mm, 25mm or 29mm. You can buy the other sizes by ordering them separately.

5. It clears the breast effectively and may even increase your yield

Disclaimer: This may not actually work for all mums, but it is worth a shot. As a hospital-grade pump, the primary function is to clear your breasts. However, for lower supply mums, it is always good to have a breast pump that can also help to increase your yield.

Many mummies have testified to an increased yield due to this breast pump. As an oversupply mum myself, I reached a maximum yield of 450ml or 15oz for both breasts after a month of using the pump. This is the yield that I got from a single pumping session on one side (while collecting milk in a Haakaa on the other side).

The other side of things:

1. The pump takes some getting used to.

You will need to navigate around the settings to get the hang of using this pump. It is not as straightforward as just turning on the machine and adjusting the suction speed. Since it’s a highly customisable pump, you will need to spend time creating a setting profile that is best suited for your pumping style.

2. It is quite heavy.

At 1.2kg, this might not sound like much. And indeed, it is one of the lightest and most compact hospital-grade pumps available in the market. It is just something you will have to be prepared to live with – especially if you will be moving this around a lot. However, since I only use it at home, it stays put in one spot and weight is not an issue for me.

3. There are a lot more parts to wash.

Ahh, one of the most annoying parts of pumping is definitely the washing. You have to wash pump parts, bottles, pacifiers (if you use them), your baby’s toys, clothes, linens and the list goes on. So having extra parts to wash might be a little tedious for busy mummies, but since these parts (like the silicone insert mentioned earlier) clearly contribute to the effectiveness of the pump, I’d say it is worth it.

Want to win a Pumpables Supergenie pump after reading this Pumpables Supergenie review? Download theAsianparent app on the App Store or Google Play Store and join our giveaway contest now!

Or buy your own Pumpables Supergenie pump
here
.

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Alarming Facts About Your Child’s Formula Milk Powder

Have you ever heard your other parent friends discussing the different criteria they look for when choosing a formula milk for their children? Or perhaps it is something you have done yourself – with a spouse or friend.

Often, what is discussed is the price and list of “fortified ingredients” contained in the different brands of formula milk. While these factors are important to a certain extent, what parents should be concerned about is formula milk origins as well.

Formula milk origins: Where does your child’s formula milk come from?

Parents, did you know that most milk brands are actually NOT manufactured in Europe or Western countries like Australia and New Zealand? In fact, many brands manufacture their products right here in Southeast Asia!

The next time you walk down a supermarket aisle looking for a can of milk, we recommend you read the label to find out where the product is manufactured.

Now, you might be wondering, why does this matter so much? Does it really matter if your child’s milk is made in Europe or Asia? How different could it possibly be?

The fact is, when milk is not manufactured in Europe, it may not contain as many natural nutrients as a product that is made from start to end in the country of origin.

This is due to the different manufacturing processes it goes through. A product made in Asia will go through a double manufacturing process while a product imported directly from Europe, Australia and New Zealand, only goes through a single manufacturing process.

Which is better?

Do you know where your child’s milk is being manufactured? Know your child’s formula milk origins by identifying if it goes through a single or double manufacturing process.

The difference between a single and double manufacturing process

A double manufacturing process means that the milk is typically sourced from a Western country before being exported to Asia for brands to add in their “fortified ingredients”.

So, yes, while the milk comes from cows that are reared overseas, they typically source it from a third party since they don’t actually own the farms or cows.

Once the milk is extracted from the cows on the farm, it is then transported to a factory to be made into powder. The powder is then sent to countries like Thailand, Singapore or other Southeast Asians countries for brands to include their own ingredients.

During this process, the milk powder is subjected to multiple heat treatments and it is possible that many natural nutrients can be lost.

In cases like this, brands will then have to put on the can that the product is manufactured outside of Europe.

Cows are able to thrive in an environment that looks out for their wellbeing, therefore producing better quality milk.

Why a single manufacturing process is better

Of course, a single manufacturing process is better simply because the product goes through fewer heat treatments and more natural nutrients can be preserved.

The single manufacturing process means that milk is extracted from cows in the original country, converted into powder using mild heat treatment and then directly packaged and exported to be sold here in Malaysia.

Typically, this single manufacturing process means that a single company is behind the whole process, eliminating any need for third party involvement.

This means that the brand that owns the farm is able to control the environment in which the cows are reared to ensure a thriving atmosphere. Then when the milk is transported, it is done so at the right temperature.

Before the milk is converted into powder, it is carefully tested for the right colour and scent to ensure that it is of the highest quality.

As parents, we aspire to give the best to our children. It is only when we know better that we do better. Thus, choose your child’s milk formula brand wisely by checking where it truly comes from.

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Shop These 6 Best LEGO Sets for Your Kids

LEGO sets are an all-time classic when it comes to building blocks - they are good quality and are pretty much indestructible no matter how many times you hurt yourself stepping on these bricks - yes, we have all been there. But, kids love it and so do adults.

What started in a woodworking shop of Ole Kirk Christiansen in 1932 has turned into a worldwide phenomenon now with various sets based on movies, celebrities and even, famous sporting teams.

However, these building blocks or bricks are also powerful learning tools for your kids, even during their first toddler year - it helps develop fine motor skills while exercising their imagination as they are able to stack them, or create buildings and other construction play.

So, if you are looking for an educational and fun toy to keep your kids occupied at home, LEGOs are a great option - some sets may be pricey but consider it as an investment as they can last for years! Here are some of our top LEGO picks for your child based on their age.

1. Ages 1+: LEGO DUPLO Classic Creative animals (175 Pieces)
Buy LEGO DUPLO Creative Animals (LazMall LEGO Official Store)
2. Age 1+: LEGO DUPLO Classic Heart Box - 10909 (80 Pieces)
Buy LEGO Classic Heart Box (LazMall LEGO Official Store)
3. Ages 2+: Frozen Ice Castle
Buy Frozen Ice Castle (LazMall LEGO Official Store)
4. Ages 4+: LEGO Classic Creative Suitcase 10713 (213 Pieces)
Buy LEGO Classic Creative Suitcase (LazMall LEGO Official Store)
5. Ages 4+ : LEGO Classic Creative Brick Box (790 pieces)
Buy LEGO Classic Box (LazMall LEGO Official Store)
6. Ages 5+: LEGO City Police Patrol Car 60239 (92 Pieces)
Buy LEGO City Police Patrol Car (LazMall LEGO Official Store)

Here are five LEGO sets ideas

If you have the classic LEGO set, your child can build anything and everything as you won't be limited by design. These are some cool ideas created by LEGO's play agents!

So, get building these LEGO sets with your little ones and have some fun!

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
:
How to choose the right toys


It’s Crucial Now To Keep Your House Virus Free! Here Are 5 Sanitation Solutions For You

Do not wait till one of your family members gets exposed to start sanitizing your home. It is essential to maintain a
virus free environment
 at home especially during this time of MCO.

Since most of us still require to go outside to work, get groceries and perform other daily tasks.

Keep in mind that every trip risks the household to exposure of COVID-19. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain a sanitary home especially in areas that we touch with our hands such as door handles, carpets and even the walls are all common places that we regularly have skin contact with.

Keys Points on Home Sanitation

What parents need to keep in mind when sanitizing your home:

Use reusable or disposable gloves when cleaning and/or disinfecting.

Clean surfaces first with water and soap, then apply a layer of disinfectant.

Follow manufacturers’ recommendations when cleaning specific items so as to not damage them.

Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Allocate a separate bedroom and bathroom for household members that are sick/infected where possible.

Apply anti-virus paints like Nippon Paint VirusGuard!

Image: iStock

As a parent, we’re almost guaranteed to leave the house to purchase groceries and other essentials. It is therefore advisable to have a pair of re-usable/disposable gloves handy especially when using a shopping cart or even going to the ATM. However the best way to protect yourself and your family when returning home is to first wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds and/or use sanitizer gel with at least 60% alcohol content.

Cleaning

Cleaning, the first step is sanitizing your home. So what are the tools and products that parents need to prepare? Just follow these simple steps below:

Prepare re-usable or disposable gloves to avoid direct contact when cleaning.

Follow a 2 step cleaning process, by first cleaning the desired surface with soap and water and then applying a thin layer of disinfectant. The first step helps to remove surface level bacteria and overall dirt whereas the second step helps with deep cleansing on the surface by eliminating the remaining bacteria/viruses.

Practice a regular cleaning routine for frequently touched surfaces. Some examples include desks, door handles, light switches, refrigerator handles, phones, keyboards, toilets, sinks, etc.

Disinfecting

Disinfectants ,as earlier introduced as a step in cleaning, have the capability to kill viruses such as: SARs and COVID-19.

However, do practice caution when using and follow instructions on the label to ensure not only your safety but your family’s as well.

Also ensure that the surface remains wet after a few minutes of spraying the disinfectant.

We recommend the following when sanitizing your home:

Ensure the room that is being disinfected has good ventilation.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to protect the skin and use a ‘face shield’ for eye protection from splashes of harmful chemicals.

Label solutions and store them appropriately.

Make sure that they are out of reach from children and pets.

Refrain from direct contact with disinfectants through touching, smelling or ingestion as it may cause serious injury.

Avoid using disinfectants on pets unless clearly specified that is ok for pet-use.

Family members that have asthma should not be present during the sanitation process as it will affect them negatively and worsen the symptoms of asthma. Similarly, pregnant women should also avoid performing this type of cleaning and not be present as well.

Disinfecting the household with Bleach

Understandably, most mothers often try to be cost savvy and use what is readily available at home. However, bleach should only be used on appropriate surfaces not as an all solution for disinfecting.

Furthermore, mothers should take note to use only bleach that contains 5.25–8.25 percent sodium hypochlorite. If the percentage does not fall within this range or is not specified, usage should be avoided.

The most important thing to remember for parents; never mix household bleach with ammonia or other cleaners. This can cause a very toxic smoke to be produced which could be inhaled.

4 Ways to sanitizing your home

# 1. Clothes, sheets & plushies for children

Clothes, towels, linens and other fabrics that are used by your children should be washed using the hot water and completely dried either by using a dryer or sun-dried.

Also keep in mind that when washing clothes worn out of the house, parents can immediately dump them into their washing machines to keep them separate from other dirty laundry. This helps to keep laundry worn in and out of the house separate.

#2. Other Fabrics

For other fabrics such as mats, carpets and curtains you can clean the surface with soap and water or with a suitable cleaner to use on this surface.

If you have children who are prone to allergies, avoid direct spraying of disinfectant on the carpet where they often lie down or play. Where possible, they should be dried in the sun first.

If you have been previously washing your fabrics in cold water, here’s a tip for you when washing with hot water. If possible dry them in warm temperatures or the dryers. Lastly, vacuum your fabrics after washing for a perfectly soft texture.

Image: iStock

#3. Electronic devices

For electronic devices such as tablets, smartphones, keyboards and remote controls you can still use disinfectant as usual. Although when using disinfectants on smartphones it is recommended to have a screen protector to protect the screen. Also do make sure you spray the disinfectants on a cloth and not directly onto your electronic devices. You may also want to look at the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your electronic devices in case the cleaning process varies from your other electronic devices.

#4. Paint your walls with Nippon Paint VirusGuard for perfect wall sanitation!

Image: Nippon Paint

Safety for the whole family with a single step.

Often overlooked, did you know that viruses or bacteria can also live on the walls of your house? So, it is important that you make sure the walls of the house are always safe to touch by repainting the walls of your home, especially the bedroom! As they say prevention is better than the cure. Take time this MCO to ensure your house is virus free and get a fresh look while you are at it.

Nippon Paint VirusGuard is the first anti-virus paint produced and proven to be effective against Human Coronavirus, H1N1 and HFMD (hand, foot and mouth disease).

By using Silver Ion technology which is the world’s oldest antimicrobial agent, it is able to inhibit the spread of micro-organisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi and fungus. In fact, it is also safe for children and pets.

Don’t miss out!

Stand a chance to get a Nippon Paint Care Mask if you make a purchase of Nippon Paint VirusGuard now.
Click here
 to buy Nippon Paint VirusGuard today and get to know more about Nippon Paint VirusGuard
click here
.

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theAsianparent Malaysia

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18 fabulous and easy to make rice cooker meals (desserts included)

Did you know that you can use a rice cooker to make something other than rice? From dishes such as mac and cheese, risotto, stir-fried veggies, to even cheesecakes, the options are endless! If you’re in need of a quick meal or perhaps to satisfy those random hunger pangs, the rice cooker meal option could be great. If you don’t know how, well now you can, because we’ll be sharing some very fabulous and simple rice cooker recipes!

It could be nice to switch things up a little!

Do It All With A Trusty Rice Cooker

If you haven’t got a rice cooker, you can get a good quality rice cooker at shops such as Best Denki, Harvey Norman or Giant.

Even if you want to keep things affordable, go for a trusted brand such as Philips, Panasonic, Sharp or Tefal.

When choosing a rice cooker, do keep in mind how many people you are cooking for, plus how easy it is to clean it.

Once you’ve made your choice and your rice cooker is ready to be used, the next step is to try out these fabulous and simple rice cooker recipes we’ve lined up for you!

Simple Rice Cooker Recipes For Everyone

1.
Mac and Cheese

We all love a one-pot dish, where the mess and cleaning up is kept to a minimum. One of the super simple rice cooker recipes, surely!

That’s why
this creamy mac and cheese recipe
 is a must-try. It’s sure to be a hit with the kids, too!

2.
Steamed asparagus and tofu

Here’s a super healthy
veggie-loaded dish
 you’ve got to try. It is simple and nutritious, too.

3. Easy chicken curry

You probably had never thought of making chicken curry in your rice cooker before.

Well, all that will change now because you’ve got to try
this no-fuss curry dish
 that is perfect for a weeknight dinner (or maybe even lunch or breakfast!).

4. Fried rice

Fried rice is a common favourite among Singaporeans. It is so versatile — you can mix any kind of vegetable into it and the kids will still like it.

That’s why you have got to try
this easy fried rice recipe
 — everything comes together nicely in the rice cooker!

5. Oatmeal

Oatmeal, although very nutritious and wholesome, can be a bit of a hassle to prepare over the stove… but not in the rice cooker!

In fact, it’s one of the most simple rice cooker recipes you can find!

That’s why you must give
this rice cooker recipe
 a try — I’m sure you’ll love it!

6. Scrambled eggs

Here’s
a quick and extremely easy recipe for scrambled eggs
 which can be made in the rice cooker. The result — perfectly luscious and creamy scrambled eggs!

7. Lemon risotto

I love risotto, but I’ve never attempted making it at home because it is so fiddly to make.

However, I will definitely give
this super easy rice cooker version of risotto
 a try, and so should you!

8. Chicken biriyani

This recipe
 which appeared in
The New York Times
 is amazingly delicious and can be made from start to finish in the rice cooker. You must try it!

9. Vegetable frittata

This
 is a great way to include healthy veggies in your (and your kid’s) diet. There’s nothing better than a super simple and quick-to-make meal that is healthy, too!

10. Stir-fried veggies

Stir-fried vegetables such as those prepared using
 this recipe
 are great for a quick and healthy lunch.

For variety, you can try using other vegetables.

11. Healthy quinoa salad

Via

Quinoa is extremely healthy and nutritious, and is packed with vitamins and fibre. In fact, it can be classified as a ‘super food’.
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That’s why this fresh and simple
pomengranate and quinoa salad
 is a definite must-try, especially if you are looking to eat healthy.

12. Chocolate lava cake

Do you fancy a sweet, decadent, warm, gooey chocolate cake for dessert? Here’s a wonderful recipe for a molten hot lava cake that can be made in your rice cooker!

Ingredients:

– 1 box of Betty Crocker Devil’s Food Chocolate Cake mix (mix all necessary ingredients together following the box instructions)

– 1 can of Betty Crocker milk chocolate frosting, divided

– (optional) cooking spray

Directions:

1. Spray your rice cooker bowl with cooking spray if it is not made of non-stick material.

2. Place all cake mix ingredients together in the rice cooker bowl.

3. Spoon half of the chocolate frosting in the middle of the cake batter.

4. Place the bowl in the rice cooker and push the cook button.

The cooking time may vary according to different rice cookers — so when your rice cooker indicator shows that it’s done, and you open the rice cooker and it’s still liquid, just push the “cook” button again and wait.

5. You may have to repeat this process a couple of times. Remember, the cake will be very moist and worth the wait — just plan ahead!

6. When the cake is fully cooked, place the bowl upside down on a flat plate. Remove the bowl so that the cake stays on the plate.

7. Heat the rest of the frosting in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. Pour the frosting over the cake.

8. Serve the cake warm and enjoy!

Source of recipe: allmoneyblog.blogspot.com

13. Poached pomegranate spiced pears

Here’s
 a sophisticated dessert that can even be served to guests at a dinner party.

14. Banana bread

Banana bread is a yummy tea-time (or breakfast-time, snack-time, or actually anytime!) treat. Try
this super simple recipe
 for the perfect banana bread made in your rice cooker.

1
5. Ricecooker Tatin cake

Via

Here’s
 another sweet treat that can be made entirely in the rice cooker. You must give this one a try!

Note: You need to scroll down on the linked page to view the recipe.

16
. Oh-so-deli rice cooker pancakes

Introduced by Japan, Rice cooker pancakes are now an internet sensation.

So extremely fluffy and scrumptious! And all you need to do is pour in the batter and let your rice cooker do the work — it’s almost like magic!

Top ’em off with some refreshing fruits and drizzle with maple syrup or chocolate sauce and you’re good to go!

Scroll down the page
here
 for instructions. Even we can’t help but bookmark this page!

17
. Moist cheesecakes!

Who would’ve thought that you could bake cheesecakes out of rice cookers? We didn’t either!

And it’ll all be ready in no time, in the comfort of your home.

Check out this
fun guide
 that is a recipe that was originally by Dingo Food.

Bonus: or check out the video before if you’d like!

18
. Scalloped Potatoes

Via

Perfect as a side dish for a get together with friends and family. These extremely yummy scalloped potatoes will definitely get your kids excited and wishing they could tuck in sooner!

Although this requires an extra step in this
recipe
 — to cook the butter garlic and onion in a skillet first — it’s well worth it.

If you don’t have a stove, you can cook it in your rice cooker on the sauté option (if your model has one).

We hope that these delectable and simple rice cooker recipes will give you more ideas when it comes to meal times with your little ones! Rope them in to help — you can look forward to fun times without all the hassle in preparations.

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download
 theAsianparent Community
 on
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 or
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Build Your Child's Immunity To Fight Infections

One lesson parents have to learn the hard way is that their children are going to get hurt. No matter how much we do to keep them protected, children are going to be children.

Any child will experience falling down, nicking their skin without realising it, scraping their knee on the ground or any minor injury similar to that. Or maybe your child might have unknowingly eaten something that was contaminated.

Not only that, they are susceptible to all kinds of infections and catching germs as they grow up and explore the world.

These situations are all pretty inevitable.

The difference between a child with a strong immune system and a child with a weak immune system is how their body reacts to these little accidents.

The immune system is our body’s defense system, that kicks in to fight potential infections, to help heal the body and to prevent the body from getting attacked further.

You just need to know how to identify whether your child has a strong immune system or not, and how to further strengthen it, to keep these defenses up!

Does Your Child Have A Strong Immune System?

Everyone is born with an immune system. This is what is known as the innate immune system. Then, there is the adaptive immune system, which is acquired and learned through a person’s life.

While there is not much we can do to alter our innate immune system, there is much to be done with the adaptive immune system
1
.

The adaptive immune system is something that needs nurturing over time. There are many ways to strengthen a child’s immune system that parents need to start practicing from as young as possible to avoid a weakened immune system for a prolonged period.

Here are some of the telltale signs of a weakened immune system:

1. Your child falls sick often

Children who have weakened immune systems will find themselves falling sick very easily. If your child is constantly exposed to the outside world and is unable to fight the germs they bring back home, they tend to fall sick often.

2. Your child takes a long time to recover

This applies to illnesses like the common cold and if you also notice your child’s scrapes and cuts are taking a long time to heal, it is a sign that they have a weakened immune system.

3. Your child gets the same infections over and over again

Generally, when we are exposed to a sickness, the body builds up immunity towards that sickness. However, if your child is not able to build up immunity towards these on their own and falls sick again with the same illness, it might hint at a weak immune system.

4. Your child seems more fatigued than his or her peers

If your child constantly complains how tired they are, and you notice that he or she seems to have an overall low energy level, this is also an indicator that their immune system might not be very strong.

5. Your child’s lymph nodes swell up easily

Our lymph nodes are small glands in the neck, groin, armpits, and behind the knees. They are responsible for catching germs and filtering them out as part of our immune system
2
. When they are swollen, this is a sign that the body is fighting an infection. If this happens very frequently, your child’s immune system might be compromised.

6. C-section birth might play a role

To no fault of the mother’s, research has shown the immunity of children born via c-section might possibly be affected due to the lack of exposure to the bacteria that would occur during the standard birthing process
3
. If your child was delivered via c-section, his or her immunity might just need a little boost.

How To Strengthen Your Child’s Immune System

There are many ways you can help your child boost their immune system. There is no one size fits all solution to this, but parents should try to give their kids the best shot at building immunity by practicing as many good health habits such as these:

1. Get sufficient sleep

Sleep plays not only a crucial role in strengthening a child’s immune system, but also to ensure their development is not hindered. A child needs a minimum of 11 hours of sleep a night. In addition, if they require a day time nap, be sure to let them have it.

2. Keep them active

Of course, with all of that sleep, kids will also have a lot of energy to burn when they are awake! Use this opportunity to keep them active by exercising with them, taking them out to the park or playgrounds to burn off all of that excess energy.

This is a good time to instill healthy lifestyle habits that will stay with the child all of their life.

3. Have a balanced diet

This is one of the most important factors for maintaining a good immune system. They say you are what you eat. So, whatever is going into your child’s body is sure to play a role in their overall health and immunity.

It is vital that you provide them with a balanced diet and foods that meet their nutritional intake requirements.

Another important factor that plays a role in maintaining a good immune system is the addition of pre- and probiotics in a child’s intake.

Why Pre- and Probiotics Are So Important

Pre- and probiotics ensures the child’s gut health is well-taken care of by balancing the growth of beneficial bacteria. The inclusion of pre- and probiotics in your child’s diet will ultimately result in better digestive health and immune system.

What are prebiotics and what are probiotics?

These are two buzzwords that parents will often hear thrown around by other parents, by experts and doctors and nutritionists, too.

In simple terms, prebiotics are compounds that are found in food that will feed the good bacteria in our bodies. While probiotics, on the other hand, are live bacteria found in our food or supplements that provide our bodies with numerous health benefits.

So, one brings the good bacteria into our bodies, and the other feeds it.

Why do we need these two compounds in our bodies? Well, firstly, the good bacteria will help to protect us from harmful bacteria. And secondly, they act as little signals to our immune system to help regulate inflammation and infections
4,5
.

Now that we know the importance (and difference) between pre- and probiotics, how do we then get our children to consume them?

Prebiotics are often found in foods such as legumes, peas, beans and oats. Probiotics, on the other hand, are found in yogurt, kefir, tempeh or miso, for example. But it would be impossible to feed children these foods on a daily basis to ensure their nutritional needs are met.

That is why we often give them supplements. Parents, we all know, however that kids might resist taking supplements when you force feed it to them in pill form. So if there is a way we can feed our children both pre- and probiotics as conveniently as possible, why not try it, right?

The Malaysian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents (2013) has recommended 2 to 3 servings of milk and milk products every day for toddlers to meet their nutritional needs
6
. We can make sure our children get their pre- and probiotics through their daily milk intake. At the same time, we can be smart about it by killing two birds with one stone and ensuring their milk also contains the highest level of DHA, knowing how important that is for our children’s development.

AptaGro™ is formulated with a combination of ActiveDuoBio+™ and important nutrients that help support body and learning development. ActiveDuoBio+ is an internationally patented combination of Prebiotics GOS/lcFOS (9:1) and Probiotic B. Breve M-16V to boost the army of good bacteria in children’s body. AptaGro also contains the highest DHA level
7
, helping to meet international expert recommendation
8
.

Stay resilient with a strong body defense. Get a free sample
here
!

References:

1
Boraschi, D. (2014). How Innate and Adaptive Immunity Work. Nanoparticles and the Immune System, 1–7. doi: 10.1016/b978-0-12-408085-0.00001-7

2
How Your Immune System Fights Infection. (2020). Retrieved from
www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/immune-system-fight-infection

3
Altered microbiome after caesarean section impacts baby’s immune system. (2018, November 30). Retrieved May 12, 2020, from
www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/11/181130094328.htm

4
Yan, F., & Polk, D. B. (2011, October). Probiotics and immune health. Retrieved from
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4006993/

5
Vieira, Thomaz, A., Teixeira, Martins, M., Martins, & Santos, F. dos. (2013, November 26). The Role of Probiotics and Prebiotics in Inducing Gut Immunity. Retrieved from
www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2013.00445/full

6
National Coordinating Committee on Food and Nutrition Ministry of Health Malaysia (2013). Malaysian Dietary Guidelines for Children and Adolescents (Key Message 9)

7
Compared to other cow’s milk based growing up milk brands per 100g basis in the market as of Dec 2019. AptaGro contains 89.7mg/100g of DHA.

8
Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (2010). Fats and fatty acids in human nutrition: Report of an expert consultation. FAO Food and Nutrition Paper 91. Rome.

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Starting Your Child on Solids: Is Organic Baby Food Better?

Are you finally starting your
little one on solids
? That’s great – another milestone to mark down!

Now, you can
introduce him or her to a variety of
nutritious foods
 such as cereals, fruits, vegetables, yoghurt, cheese, poultry, eggs and many more!

But what food do you start with? There are mums who make their own homemade purees, but if you are strapped for time or want the easier route, go for the supermarket shelves. Of course, there are many variations out on the shelves that you can pick from and you will start noticing products with the word “organic”.

So, what is organic food and is it the way to go for your child? To answer that, it is best you understand what it is.

What is the difference between organic farmed food & conventional farming?

Credit: iStock

Generally, it is very common that you find baby food products such as instant cereals, juice, and purees made from grains, fruits, vegetables and meat.
 However, the quality of these products lies in the way these ingredients are farmed, which is usually either one of two farming methods – organic or conventional farming.

Organic and conventional farming differs vastly in their agricultural system as the products and methods used by these farmers are very specific. Particularly, organic farming abides by strict laws in order
to be certified
 as organic produce.

Organic farming

Organic produce is farmed in the most natural way possible – this means the fruits and vegetables do not use chemical pesticides, while livestock is nurtured naturally, without use of antibiotics or growth hormones
.

The main rule of organic farming is giving up the use of agrochemicals such as synthetic mineral fertilisers, as well as chemical plant protection products
 – organic farming mostly relies on natural principles such as biodiversity and composting
. Meanwhile, farmers also utilise natural fertilisers and pesticides such as bone meal
.

There are many reasons on why organic farming is preferred which include:

To avoid genetically modified food (GMOs):
 GMOs are when plants, animals or any microorganisms are genetically altered to help farmers prevent crop loss
. GMO crops are generally more resistant to insect damage and plant viruses, as well as tolerate herbicides. However, the safety of GMOs
is
 still debatable and unknown, which is why many stay away from GMOs all together and opt for organically farmed crops instead
.

For better food taste:
 Plants that are organically farmed without chemical interference are known to have enhanced flavours in fruits and vegetables. This is because these plants are able to produce more of its own natural compounds known as antioxidants. Studies have shown that plants with higher antioxidant levels positively affect the taste, aroma and mouthfeel of the food’s flavours
.

To prevent of chemical contamination:
 Reports have stated that pesticides are often consumed from poultry, meat, eggs, fish, and dairy products due to the conventional ways of farming which utilise chemicals or growth hormones. With organic farming, farmers use methods such as crop rotation, organic manures, as well as a larger environment to rear and breed livestock
. This essentially means that the animals are free to roam around, which is also known as “free-range”
.

Environmentally friendly:
 Because organic farming does not permit the use of chemicals, it is generally more environmentally friendly than conventional farming as its natural practices promote biodiversity, long-term soil fertility, while encouraging insects that are beneficial to crops and the environment. It also keeps hazardous chemicals out of the groundwater
.

Additionally, organic farming has strict guidelines to adhere to which is dependent on the law. In the United States, to be ‘Organic Certified’, the U.S Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires farmers to submit an application where they will go through stringent checks, including onsite assessments and inspections to ensure they comply to organic farming methods
. In fact, there are baby food brands that are imported into Malaysia, such as Gerber
®
 Organic that are USDA certified, which means the source of their products are truly organic.

Conventional farming

Conventional farming relies on chemical products, such as pesticides to ward off pests, weeds and provide plant nutrition
. Additionally, pesticides are used to prevent the produce from factors such as molding
.

One of the main reasons conventional farming methods are used is simply because it increases efficiency and productivity as this allows farmers to grow larger amounts of food, with less land and less manual labour
.

However, these practices could negatively affect the environment, ecological system and human health
. Furthermore, these farming methods have been heavily criticised for causing biodiversity loss, soil erosion and increased water pollution because of the high usage of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides
.

Additionally, conventional farming may use methods that are very much frowned upon such as animal crowding, where animals are crowded together within an area and are fed by complex machinery. At times, they may be injected with medication to prevent diseases
.

Is organic safer for your child?

Credit: iStock

As we have talked about above – organically produced food does not rely on any synthetic enhancers during production. This means there is less pesticide residue on the produce, such as vegetables and fruits, compared to conventional farming methods
.

There is always a risk when the human body is exposed to pesticide – low doses of pesticides absorbed into the body over a long term period can cause highly toxic effects
. This is even more risky to children as your child’s body is more vulnerable than yours, especially within their early years.

Because of this, organic produce or food is known to be a safer alternative as they avoid any potential effects of such residues and as a bonus, give parents a peace-of-mind. But there are parents who go for organic food as it simply tastes better too, while also being environmentally friendly
.

Which organic baby food brand should you try?

Now that you are more well-versed with organic baby foods, you have probably reached a point where you are keen to jump on the organic food bandwagon. In a nutshell, we know that the produce in organic baby food is farmed naturally, free of any nasty chemicals, environmentally friendly and taste better too.

So, it is time to zero in on which brand to go for. Choosing a brand for your little one, especially if it is the first time he or she is starting on solids, might be a head-scratcher especially as a first-time parent. Sure, you can read up on
the various brands that offer organic alternatives but let us introduce to you one of the most popular choices among parents – Gerber
®
.

But why Gerber
®?
 Not only is Gerber
®
 one of the more well-known brands for children, they have their own organic line known as Gerber
®
 Organic. As we have mentioned above, their entire organic range is USDA Certified Organic,
which means they abide by the strict USDA Organic Standards
that ensures food or other agricultural product uses approved methods in terms of crop, livestock, poultry and handling standards
.

Gerber
®

Organic
 produces organic and high-quality food for your little one

The brand also has its own farming methods whereby Gerber
®
 Organic uses fruits and vegetables that are grown with Clean Field Farming practices. This practice engages agricultural experts and selected farmers to grow their crops to ensure they are harvested according to the strict requirements.

Meanwhile, all of
Gerber
®
’s baby foods are non-GM
O verified (non-GMO is when there is no genetically modified organism during their food production), while their products are also free of artificial flavours or colours, with no added starch or artificial sweeteners. In addition to that, their food range is also left unsalted and unsweetened.

To top it off, the Gerber
®
 Organic line offers a large range of product varieties that keep your little one’s food journey exciting as they explore a multitude of flavours and textures – Gerber
®
 Organic has many different products
including baby cereals, pouches, teethers, nutritious snacks and even, a range of supplements. T
his way you can introduce your child to a variety of baby foods and snacks!

However, remember, when starting solids, start slowly – this is all very new to your little one. It is crucial you let your child lead the way for you to understand his or her likes and dislikes. Also, do not be worried if his or her eating pattern is erratic – it’s actually normal!

So, are you ready to introduce your child to Gerber
®
 Organic? Check out
their
product range
 now!

Reference:

1 (n.d.). Understanding Food Safety: Pesticides, Hormones, and …. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/safer-food-healthier-you

2 (2011, September 12). Pesticide Residues in the Organically Produced Food …. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from
https://www.intechopen.com/books/pesticides-in-the-modern-world-effects-of-pesticides-exposure/pesticide-residues-in-the-organically-produced-food

3 (n.d.). Organic vs Conventional – Rodale Institute. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from
https://rodaleinstitute.org/why-organic/organic-basics/organic-vs-conventional/

4 (2018, November 14). (PDF) Organic versus Conventional Farming—A … – ResearchGate. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329139239_Organic_versus_Conventional_Farming-A_Paradigm_for_the_Sustainable_Development_of_the_European_Countries

5 (2020, September 28). How GMO Crops Impact Our World | FDA. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://www.fda.gov/food/agricultural-biotechnology/how-gmo-crops-impact-our-world

6 (n.d.). GMO Facts – The Non-GMO Project. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://www.nongmoproject.org/gmo-facts/

7 (2014, July 14). Organic Foods Are Tastier and Healthier, Study Finds. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/food/the-plate/2014/07/14/organic-foods-are-tastier-and-healthier-study-finds/

8 (n.d.). What is Organic Farming – Conserve Energy Future. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/organic-farming-benefits.php

9 (n.d.). The Organic Choice | Organic Foods | Articles | Gerber Medical. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from
https://medical.gerber.com/nutrition-health-topics/healthy-eating-habits/articles/the-organic-choice

10
(2020, June 13). Make the Earth-Friendly Choice! Buy Organic | Down to Earth …. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://www.downtoearth.org/environment/organic-vs-conventional-farming/make-earth-friendly-choice-buy-organic

11 (n.d.). FAQ: Becoming a Certifying Agent | Agricultural Marketing Service. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/organic-certification/faq-becoming-certifying-agent

12 (n.d.). Organic vs Conventional – Rodale Institute. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from
https://rodaleinstitute.org/why-organic/organic-basics/organic-vs-conventional/

13 (n.d.). Organic baby food: Better for baby? – Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/organic-baby-food/faq-20058008

14 (2018, November 14). (PDF) Organic versus Conventional Farming—A … – ResearchGate. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329139239_Organic_versus_Conventional_Farming-A_Paradigm_for_the_Sustainable_Development_of_the_European_Countries

15 (2018, November 14). (PDF) Organic versus Conventional Farming—A … – ResearchGate. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/329139239_Organic_versus_Conventional_Farming-A_Paradigm_for_the_Sustainable_Development_of_the_European_Countries

16 (2019, October 22). Is Organic Food Really Better for the Environment? – Sustainable …. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://blogs.ei.columbia.edu/2019/10/22/organic-food-better-environment/

17 (n.d.). Conventional Vs Organic Farming – TNAU Agritech Portal. Retrieved February 11, 2021, from
https://agritech.tnau.ac.in/org_farm/orgfarm_of%20vs%20con%20fasrming.html

18 (n.d.). Organic baby food: Better for baby? – Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/organic-baby-food/faq-20058008

19 (2011, September 12). Pesticide Residues in the Organically Produced Food …. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from
https://www.intechopen.com/books/pesticides-in-the-modern-world-effects-of-pesticides-exposure/pesticide-residues-in-the-organically-produced-food

20 (n.d.). Organic baby food: Better for baby? – Mayo Clinic. Retrieved January 22, 2021, from
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/organic-baby-food/faq-20058008

21 (n.d.). USDA Organic Standards – Agricultural Marketing Service. Retrieved February 5, 2021, from
https://www.ams.usda.gov/grades-standards/organic-standards

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Read more:

“Help! My child stores food in her mouth without swallowing… what do I do?”

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Growing up in KidZania Kuala Lumpur: a safe space for your child to learn

As a parent, I often get anxious about preparing my child for the real world. There’s a limit to what they can learn in school and at home. And even when they’re not at school, children’s learning must go on. But isn’t it my responsibility too?

I was looking for somewhere other than school as a safe space for my child to learn. And that was when I discovered
KidZania Kuala Lumpur.

First Visit to KidZania Kuala Lumpur

My child was only four years old when we started going to KidZania Kuala Lumpur. At the start, it was all about having fun and being entertained. My child finally got to pilot an AirAsia plane just like in the cartoons he used to watch and he became a hero by putting out fires as a fireman.

We came home from our first visit to KidZania Kuala Lumpur all happy and tired. But we were already planning our next trip as there were so many other roles my child had not experienced yet.

The Early Years: Real-Life Experience

By our second trip, my child had started to realise that these activities were not just stuff from his cartoons. These were real jobs that real people have in real life. The surroundings and the whole experience were realistic, and this enabled him to grasp what was going on right away.

He learned how responsible you have to be when you are at work. He discovered how when you are a pilot, you are responsible for the safety of your passengers, and when you are a police officer, you are responsible for keeping the peace in your local area.

7 Years Old and Up: Understanding the Importance of Jobs in the Community

As young as seven years old, my child quickly understood that there are all kinds of jobs in the world, and how each job plays a huge part in the community. Often, even adults forget this truth, but my child had understood this at an early age and placed value on all kinds of jobs.

As he performed as a milk processing operator at the Vitagen Milk Factory, he experienced firsthand how to produce the milk he drinks every night. This helped him to develop an appreciation for all kinds of jobs. For example, he understands he would not have slippers to wear without a slipper maker, and we would not have safe highways without a maintenance crew.

My child also realised the importance of working as a team as we went on further visits. He would make mistakes as an individual in some jobs, but he soon realised that it was always better to work as a team. For example, when he performed as a field investigator at a crime scene investigation, he quickly approached the forensic scientist to share the information he had so that they could solve the case faster.

Beyond Jobs: Expressions of Creativity

Every child is born with the capacity to be creative. So it should have come as no surprise that my child would be creative when he performed as an actor in the theatre setting, when he was a magician in the magic shop or when he was the announcer at a radio station.

However, seeing his creativity take flight filled my heart with pride. Little did I expect he would create all sorts of situations in his roles; making conversations with passengers as part of the cabin crew or asking random questions as a tourist in the tourist information centre.

It awed me that this tiny human of mine was his own person.

Taking Learning Home: Lessons from Being a Customer

KidZania Kuala Lumpur’s surroundings are so realistic that kids get to perform the role of a customer too – an experience with unexpected positive lessons! When my child played the role of a customer, I saw how careful he was when he interacted with the mobile shop seller, cashier and insurance agent.

He developed a level of patience and understanding which he brought back home in his interactions with me. He is more patient now when I am not able to cater to him immediately or when he can’t catch my attention right away. Being a good customer is as important as being a good worker, and I am happy he has learnt this in KidZania Kuala Lumpur.

Grasping the Value of Money: Earning, Not Spending

During our first KidZania Kuala Lumpur visit, my child was given 50 kidZos to spend within the KidZania Nation. Suffice to say, those 50 kidZos were spent really quickly.

My child was then given the chance to earn more kidZos while working at any of the establishments. And once he earned the kidZos by his own effort, he was more careful in spending it.

These days, he decides to save most of his kidZos in the Central Bank of KidZania, just like a mature adult. I tried my very best not to laugh when he was withdrawing his kidZos from the ATM – it was too cute!

Priceless for Parenting

Looking back, I am glad KidZania Kuala Lumpur has been the safe space my child needed – a place where he can make as many mistakes as he wants and learn valuable lessons. It had also been such a huge part of our family’s growth and learning experience.

Without KidZania Kuala Lumpur, it would have been harder for me to instill all these different values in my child. But perhaps the best part is he was able to learn it all by himself.

In collaboration with KidZania Kuala Lumpur, TheAsianParent Malaysia would like to offer our readers and subscribers a 25% discount on entry tickets on
www.kidzania.com.my
!

Promo Code:
TAP025

Valid till 30 December 2019

KidZania Kuala Lumpur is an award-winning indoor family edutainment centre that offers interactive learning and role play experiences for kids.

The first of its kind in providing edutainment fun, KidZania Kuala Lumpur empowers and inspires kids to pursue their life’s dreams. It provides them an avenue to explore what it’s like to live and work in a real functioning city.

KidZania Kuala Lumpur’s kid-sized city experience is for kids aged between 4 and 14 years. It allows them to choose from over 100 job-related role-playing experiences spread across 60 city establishments. If you’re looking for kids activities Malaysia has to offer, you can’t go wrong with KidZania Kuala Lumpur!

Kids Activities Malaysia: Kidzania Kuala Lumpur Activities All Year Round

1. Variable Programme: Science & Space  (25 May-16 June)

2. Variable Programme: History & Archeology (10-18 Aug)

3. Variable Programme: Be A Star (23 Nov-31 Dec)

Be sure to check out Kidzania Kuala Lumpur’s official website and Facebook page for more information on these exciting new variable programmes!

KidZania Kuala Lumpur Operating Hours:

Sunday to Friday

*Except during Malaysia school holidays, and National and Selangor public holidays.

One Session: 10:00 am–5:00 pm

Saturday, Malaysia school and public holiday: 10:00 am–7:00 pm

Monday

*Except during Malaysia school holidays, National and Selangor public and replacement holidays: Closed

Address

Curve NX, No. 18, Jalan PJU7/5,

Mutiara Damansara, 47810

Petaling Jaya, Selangor

Website

www.kidzania.com.my

Facebook

www.facebook.com/KidZaniaKualaLumpur

Instagram

KidZania Kuala Lumpur @KidZaniaKL

Youtube

https://youtube.com/KidZaniaKualaLumpur

CareLine

1 300 13 KIDZ (5439)

9.00 am–6.00 pm (Monday to Saturday)

Something for the Adults Too!

KidZania Kuala Lumpur, the city made for kids, has created a special programme where adults could partake in the role-playing activities in the city. Due to popular demand, After Hours was designed for those 16-years-old and above to experience KidZania  in a whole different way.

After Hours is usually organised on Fridays and Saturdays, from 6pm-11pm. So do check out
KidZania Kuala Lumpur
 official Facebook page for their 1st After Hours event!

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 theAsianparent Community
 on
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What to Expect in The First Year of Life? | Baby Milestones

There’s so much to look forward to in the first year of a baby’s life. Most people may think of the first head lift, step, or word –but there’s a list of other developmental milestones awaiting!

Without much further ado, let’s explore the milestones from birth to 12 months.

1 Month

Lifts head while on tummy, for short periods

If something touches baby’s palm, his fingers will clench it (grasp reflex)

Responds to loud sounds

Focuses on human faces

Will turn head and eyes towards light

2 Months

Smiles

Makes cooing and gurgling sounds

Follows objects with eyes

Sleeps longer (typically 15-16 hours a day, sporadically)

Movements are less jerky

3 Months

May suck thumbs or fingers (more aware of his hands)

Recognizes faces of caregivers and close family members

Shows preferences for certain textures or touch

Lifts head and chest when on tummy

Kicks and straightens legs when lying on back

Starts to imitate sounds

Pushes legs down when in a “standing” position

4 Months

Rolls over (usually from tummy to back)

Sits with support

Responds with coos when talked to

Reaches for things with one hand

Cries to express different feelings (such as discomfort, hunger, pain, etc.)

Mimics facial expressions (e.g., smiling or frowning)

5 Months

Can focus on small objects

Explores the concept of cause and effect (baby notices that actions have consequences, such as when he drops things onto the floor)

Starts teething

Enjoys playing with his own hands and feet

6 Months

Rolls over from front to back, and the other way around

Sits without support (or minimal support)

Attempts crawling

Able to try solid foods

Drinks from cup, with support

Sees across a room (vision is getting closer to that of an adult)

Puts together two-syllable sounds

7 Months

Reaches for things with a sweeping motion

Enjoys looking in a mirror

Plays peekaboo

Tries to imitate speech sounds

Self-feeds some finger foods

Recognizes emotion in different tones of voice

8 Months

Responds to name

May show “separation anxiety” when separated from primary caregiver

Will turn head away if finished eating

Can get into crawling position (on arms and knees)

Moves objects from one hand to another

Says “mama” and “baba” (said to both parents; isn’t specific)

9 Months

Crawls on floor

Pulls himself up (using furniture) to standing position

Waves “bye-bye”

Points or reaches for things he wants

Displays curiosity

10 Months

Picks things up with thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp)

Able to stack things (e.g, cups)

Crawls well

11 Months

Says “mama” and “baba” to the right parent

Knows what “no” means

Can clap hands

12 Months

Can shake head to say “no”

Walks with help of adult

Bangs two cubes together

“Dances” to music

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123
.

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