Did Your Child Miss A Vaccine? Here’s What You Need To Know

During the two-year Movement Control Order, it is possible that many parents had to postpone bringing their children to get immunisations according to the National Immunisation Schedule. This did not only happen in Malaysia, as according to the latest data from a joint study by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF, as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, as many as 23 million children worldwide have missed basic immunisation appointments in 2020, the highest number since 2009 and an increase of 3.7 million cases compared to 2019
1
.

The study also found that from this total, it is possible that up to 17 million children did not even get a single dose of vaccine in 2020
1
.
The situation is alarming and the WHO warns that this could lead to serious health problems.

WHO Director-General said that as the world is focusing on the Covid-19 vaccine, other immunisations have been left behind, putting children at high risk of serious but vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles, polio and meningitis
1
.

Image adapted from Info Sihat, December 2020

The Importance of Completing Children’s Immunisations According to Schedule

Children should get their immunisations on time because:

It helps reduce the risk of serious illnesses
3

Completing immunisations according to schedule helps protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases, for example, measles, hepatitis, polio, tuberculosis and diphtheria. Through complete immunisation as well, the risk of facing serious complications due to a disease can be reduced. For example, measles usually results in complications such as diarrhoea, pneumonia, encephalitis and ear infection
4
.

It protects your family members and community
3

When we get sick or infected with a virus, we easily spread the virus to people around us. Chickenpox, for example, is highly contagious and easily spreads through droplets from an infected person. It can cause serious complications to adults and can even be life-threatening to newborn babies
5
.

In addition, pregnant women who are exposed to the chickenpox virus are also at high risk of getting pneumonia, with her baby facing a slight risk of birth defects, known as congenital varicella syndrome
6
.

Completing immunisations on schedule is one way to protect your family and community, especially those who are unable to receive immunisations for specific reasons. You play an important role in ensuring that diseases that have been eradicated do not resurface and threaten our community today.

It can help to provide optimal protection
7,8

Immunisations are given over a set period of time to ensure that the body produces effective protection. The immunisation schedule is set based on how a child’s immune system responds to the vaccine at different ages. The total vaccine dosage and duration of protection of each vaccine vary according to the particular type of vaccine.

What Happens When You Miss An Immunisation Appointment?

We interviewed a paediatrician, Dr. Ng Yi-Ki to provide you with a better understanding on this matter as well as the safety of getting immunised without following the given schedule.

“You will notice that most of the primary vaccinations are done before a baby turns a year old and boosters are given in their second year of life. This is because their immune system has not had the chance to fully develop yet, making them most vulnerable to infections. So, when we miss an immunisation appointment, we are inevitably putting them at (high) risk of contracting dangerous diseases that can be potentially life-threatening.” – Dr Ng Yi-Ki.

Dr Ng Yi-Ki also added that the childhood vaccination schedule in Malaysia is designed to offer a complete, optimal and well-tolerated protection possible.

 “It is important that our baby receives all the required doses according to schedule in order to be fully protected. Opting for an alternative immunisation regime without first discussing with your doctor can jeopardise the child’s protection against vaccine-preventable diseases,” advised Dr Ng Yi-Ki.*

What You Should Do To Catch Up On Your Child’s Missed Immunisation

Image for representation purpose only

Don’t worry if your child has missed a few of their immunisation appointments. If you want to get a new appointment, here’s what you need to do
8
:

Contact your regular paediatrician to get a new appointment.

Bring along your child’s immunisation records. The doctor will advise you accordingly regarding the missed immunisations.

Ensure that your child is ready to receive the immunisation on the day of the appointment.

Get the next appointment date, if there are more immunisations to catch up on.

Keep the immunisation records for any future references.

Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community

There is no doubt that vaccines play an important role in developing immunity against certain diseases.

However, there are still basic practices that we have to apply in our everyday lives in order to help protect ourselves from any kind of infections, for example, maintaining good personal hygiene such as washing hands frequently, wearing a face mask and avoiding crowded spaces when we are unwell, leading a healthy lifestyle, eating well and ensuring that the environment we live in is always kept clean and hygienic.

Before we end this article, here’s Dr. Ng Yi-Ki’s final advice for all parents out there:

“As parents, we want to do everything possible to help protect our children from harm. While we can only take physical precautions to protect them against some diseases like common viral coughs and colds and Hand-Foot-Mouth disease, we have vaccinations which are historically and scientifically proven to help protect them against more dangerous and potentially debilitating and life-threatening conditions. Completing their vaccinations on time is paramount. Let’s not skip or delay them.”*

Image for representation purpose only

If you have questions about ways to prevent diseases in children, immediately seek advice from the doctor. Always make a decision after getting thorough information because what you decide for your child will also have a huge impact on your family and community.

*This information is provided as a professional service by MSD. The views expressed in the publication reflects the experience and opinions of the authors.

MY-VVX-00117 Jun/2022

References:

Unicef. COVID-19 pandemic leads to major backsliding on childhood vaccinations, new WHO, UNICEF data shows. Available From:
https://www.unicef.org/press-releases/covid-19-pandemic-leads-major-backsliding-childhood-vaccinations-new-who-unicef-data
. Last Accessed: 8 Jun 2022.

Info Sihat. Jadual Imunisasi Kebangsaan Terkini. Available From:
https://www.infosihat.gov.my/penerbitan-multimedia/garis-panduan/item/jadual-imunisasi-kebangsaan-terkini.html
. Last Accessed: 8 Jun 2022.

Unicef. 7 consequences and risks of not getting your child routinely vaccinated. Available From:
https://www.unicef.org/indonesia/stories/7-consequences-and-risks-not-getting-your-child-routinely-vaccinated
. Last Accessed: 8 Jun 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Measles – Symptoms and causes. Available From:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles/symptoms-causes/syc-20374857
. Last Accessed: 8 Jun 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Vaccine (Shot) for Chickenpox. Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/diseases/varicella.html
. Last Accessed: 12 Jul 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Chickenpox (Varicella) For Healthcare Professionals. Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/chickenpox/hcp/index.html
. Last Accessed: 8 Jun 2022.

MyHealth. Immunisation: Facts and Myths. Available From:
https://www.myhealth.gov.my/imunisasi-fakta-dan-kemusykilan/
. Last Accessed: 8 Jun 2022.

UCLA Health. How to catch up on your child’s missed vaccinations. Available From:
https://connect.uclahealth.org/2021/05/20/how-to-catch-up-on-your-childs-missed-vaccinations/
. Last Accessed: 8 Jun 2022.

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What Is Lymphatic Drainage Massage & Should You Be Getting It?

The world of wellness is trending and everything health related is more popular than ever, including lymphatic drainage. Initially developed in the 1930s by the Danish physicians Emil and Estrid Vodder, it was mainly for the treatment of lymphedema – a condition caused by the buildup of lymph in the soft tissue of the body. If you’re curious as to what exactly lymph is and why you should drain it then continue reading:

Lymph is a naturally occurring fluid that transports nutrients, white blood cells, and oxygen throughout the body. During its journey through the body, it collects toxins which are then released through the lymph nodes. If you’re hospital prone, a doctor would definitely have inspected your lymph nodes before as the lymph system is part of the immune system meaning it fights infections.

Fun fact: you have around twice as many lymph vessels in your body as compared to blood vessels! A not so fun fact: your blood vessels are pumped around by your heart but unfortunately, the lymph system doesn’t have a pump or anything equivalent to a pump.

So, to maintain a healthy flow of lymph, and in turn a healthy immune system, lymphatic drainage is recommended. Also known as manual lymph drainage, the therapeutic massage treatment revolves around gentle, rhythmic strokes applied onto specific areas of the body. Note that as the treatment is to detox, some may feel exhausted after a lymphatic drainage whereas others may feel rejuvenated.

Regardless of how you feel after, just remember that lymphatic drainage is known for these benefits:

Fights infections and speeds up the recovery period from infections

Reduces water retention

Reduces swelling and even prevents swelling post injury or surgery

Boosts weight loss by improving the metabolic rate

Post-exercise recovery

If you’re intrigued by lymphatic drainage but can’t decide if you need a treatment, then read through these symptoms:

Frequent infections, like allergies or colds

Puffy eyes, face, or limbs

Swollen glands, breasts, or any type of bloating

Constipation, indigestion or diarrhoea

Muscle or joint soreness

Even if the symptoms don’t resonate and you’re just curious as to how it would compare to other types of massages then visit these locations:

In Malaysia

Ozmosis Health & Day Spa
in Bangsar

Be Urban Wellness
 in Damansara Heights

Hammam Spas
 in various locations

In Singapore

LifeSpa
 in various locations

Heal Spa
in various locations

Healing Touch Spa
in various locations

In Hong Kong

The Oriental Spa
 in Central

Ayana Spa
 in Central

Plateau Spa
 in Wan Chai

Lymphatic drainage is not recommended in these cases:

Congestive heart failure

Inflammation or infection of the lymphatic vessels

Increased risk of blood clotting

Skin infection

Post-surgery lymphedema marked by localized swelling

Alternatively, you can boost the functioning of your lymphatic system and detox naturally by:

Staying hydrated and drinking plenty of water to literally flush out the toxins

Staying active physically as movement exerts positive pressure on the lymphatic vessels

Maintaining a healthy diet with fruits and vegetables, like pegaga

Reducing your intake of processed food

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Maid jailed for hurting baby with a knife!

Do the maid horror stories never end? In the most recent case of maid abuse, a married Filipino maid was arrested for horrendously physically abusing her employer’s nine-month-old baby.

Maid Horror Stories: She Tortured a Baby with a KNIFE

According to
Channel NewsAsia
, the Filipino maid – Leslie Ann Belmonte Dieza, 36, – arrived in Singapore in 2016.

She is reportedly married to a man who also works in Singapore. However, they had a rough relationship as Dieza was apparently involved in an affair with another man – Raymond.

On April 11, 2018, Dieza was at her Australian employer’s condominium unit, looking after the baby who was around one year old. However, during this time, Dieza got into an argument with her lover, Raymond, on a video call.

In her fury, the woman decided to record herself abusing the small baby. She wanted to show this to Raymond as proof of what she was capable of when angry, say reports.

The events that occurred next are as horrifying as they are heartbreaking.

Reportedly, the baby was on the bed getting ready for a nap. It was then that Dieza put her mobile phone on the bed, with the camera aimed at the baby, and started to record.

In the 1 minute 34 second long video, the woman is seen holding down the baby’s face into the mattress, smothering him with a pillow, and then shaking him. She also lifted the child by his hair, throwing his back down against a pillow.

The baby boy screamed in pain through it all.

But this was not all.

Later on the same day, Dieza was in the kitchen with the baby when she decided to record herself abusing him again – this time, with a knife.

She grabbed his arm and used the flat side of the knife to hit him on the buttocks. Again, the baby was howling in pain through the 35 second-long video.

Lover and Husband Get Video Clips

After recording, Dieza sent the two videos to Raymond. Disturbed at what he saw, Raymond asked his sister to get in touch with the maid’s husband. The videos were sent to the husband, who later called the police, saying he thought his wife was not fit to look after a baby.

He said: “My wife Leslie Ann is working here as a domestic helper. She is taking care of a kid. With her state of mind, she is not in the right capacity to take care of a kid. I am worried for the safety of the kid and also worried of losing my job here because of her.”

Dieza was arrested that same night, and the baby was taken to hospital for a check. He had a cut on one foot and two old wounds on his back.

Channel NewsAsia
 reports that “District Judge Jasvender Kaur sentenced Dieza to nine months’ jail for two charges of ill-treating a child.”

Fair Punishment?

Is nine months jail punishment enough for a woman who tortured a baby with a knife? This aside, the latest episode in a series of maid horror stories only highlights the intense need for careful screening of all domestic workers for mental health issues.

Yes, the government screens these workers. But you, as employers, also need to look out for red flags in your maid’s behaviour too.

To learn more about these warning signs, please read this article: “
8 warning signs it’s time to let your helper go.”

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Source:
Channel NewsAsia

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TAP Reviews: The Pink Stuff Cleaning Products

Every millennial parent (and non-parent) obsessively (but sometimes secretly) watches cleaning and organising videos online. You can try to deny it, but if it’s a really good cleaning video, there’s just something so addictive about it that we can’t help but to stop and watch the whole thing just to see how satisfyingly clean the end result is. I will be the first to admit that I definitely follow a lot of cleaning accounts online, across all my social media platforms. One of the most popular videos that always pops out is The Pink Stuff.

So having piqued my curiosity to an almost unhealthy level, I added the products to my cart on Shopee and received The Pink Stuff’s The Miracle Cleaning Paste within days to try out. A little background: I just moved out of my apartment into a rented landed house that was unoccupied for the past 5 years. So some of the things in the kitchen needed a really good scrub.

Having used The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste on some old pots and pans and even the exterior of my landlord’s fridge, I was pretty satisfied with the results and when the opportunity arose to review a whole range of their other products, I jumped at it.

The Pink Stuff Cleaning Products Review:

The Miracle Cleaning Paste (RM25.99) – This product is AMAZING in getting out old stains on crockery, utensils, tiles, glass and various other stainless steel products. However, the older or more “gunky” the stains are, the harder they are to clean out. The Miracle Cleaning Paste contains some really tiny abrasive materials, so I really would not recommend using it on ceramic induction cookers or other surfaces that might scratch easily. It is also highly recommended that you wear gloves when you using this product so you don’t damage your own skin. With newer stains, simply applying a thin layer of paste over the stain and using the rough side of a dishwashing sponge to scrub gently, then wiping it off with a cloth, should yield very good results. But with really old grime like on gas stove tops, this might require a lot more scrubbing and quite a lot of The Miracle Cleaning Paste to get the dirt out.

The Miracle Multi-Purpose Cleaner (RM20.22) – I have used this spray on just about everything at this point. I’ve used it to clean my kitchen counter tops, my bathroom mirror, my oily kitchen backsplash, my car dashboard and even spritzed a little on my nylon pants when I accidentally got make up on it. And it has worked on all, producing incredibly clean results and a nice fruity scent afterward that isn’t too overpowering.

The Miracle Bathroom Foam Cleaner (RM23.99) – Remember earlier when I mentioned that I had moved into an uninhabited home? Well, besides the kitchen that had stubborn stains that took me hours of cleaning to get out, the bathrooms were in a dire state too. The shower glass doors were so water-stained and there were too many unidentified stains surrounding the sink that I was a little put off by them. Thankfully, just a few spritzes of the foam cleaner and a quick wipedown of the surfaces with a microfibre cloth made the bathroom fresh and clean again.

The Miracle Laundry Bio Liquid (RM29.99) – We used this liquid detergent to wash our clothes and one of the main indicators of success I was looking for with this trial was whether it would get the smelly odour of my gym clothes out. Having tried so many brands to find one that could remove the odour completely, the Bio liquid did quite a good job at that. Since the smell was mostly gone, I’d say this liquid detergent was about 99% successful in removing that stubborn odour.

The Miracle Laundry Sensitive Non Bio Liquid (RM29.99) – Having a toddler with eczema at home means I am always very cautious about the types of laundry detergent I use to wash his clothes. I tried this laundry detergent to see if it would be suitable for him and thankfully, it was great for him! The clothes also smelled really great and it got every single spaghetti sauce stain out with just one wash.

The Miracle Laundry Oxi Powder Stain Remover (Whites – RM26.09) – If it is one rule I’ve stuck with almost all of my life, it is to avoid wearing white. I am a klutz and I tend to spill food on my clothes all the time. And when I wear white, it seems like Murphy’s Law will strike all the more. So I almost never wear white because once it’s stained, I can’t get the stain out. I did not use it on my own clothes this time, but with my husband’s white work shirt. I think many guys would probably face this same issue where the stains would likely appear around the armpit region and also the neck collar region. So I popped a scoop of this into the washing machine with his white shirts and to my pleasant surprise, the shirts came out a lot newer looking than before! I might start wearing white more often now with this miracle stain removing agent at home!

The Miracle Laundry Oxi Powder Stain Remover (Colours – RM26.09) – In a household where I am also always getting my toddler’s sticky hands wiping down on all of my clothes, I am glad to have this stain remover handy for my laundry loads because I always have stains on my clothes. But since my clothes are usually darker coloured, I can kind of get away with the stains sometimes. But there was once my toddler decided that he would eat cheese sticks and then proceed to wipe his orangey hands all over my favourite black t-shirt and denim shorts… I was pretty horrified because you can’t hide a bright orange stain on a black t-shirt or denim! So I quickly popped it into the washing machine with a scoop of this and by the time the short 30-minute wash cycle was over, I was hanging up stain-free clothes. I have also tried this on period-stained bedsheets and it cleaned it out very nicely.

So all in all, my experience with the entire range of The Pink Stuff’s miracle products has been a good one. I do believe that the hype that these products have created is valid, considering how effective the products are in getting out all kinds of stains in general and they are also very gently scented so it is not overpowering to sensitive noses either.
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If you want to try out this range of products too, visit The Pink Stuff Official Store Malaysia on
Shopee
.

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Man arrested for molesting a girl at a carnival after a video of the lewd act goes viral

A man in Kedah, Malaysia was caught on video molesting a young girl. In the Malaysian viral video, the seven-year-old girl sits on the man’s lap as he kisses and fondles her chest and puts a hand up her skirt.

The video has been widely shared and child’s right advocates have requested social media users to stop sharing it, as in the original video, the girl’s face was not obscured to protect her identity.

Malaysian viral video leads to the arrest of child predator

Image source: Facebook

The man allegedly asked the girl’s mum if he could bring the child out for some food, reports Channel News Asia. Because he was a family friend, the mum obliged. The girl was brought back home two hours later.

After stumbling across the video, the horrified mum recognised her own little girl. Furious, she reported the crime to the police. She then confronted the man, who reportedly apologised and tried to escape.

Authorities caught up with him and he was arrested on the afternoon of 22 January.

The Malaysian viral video sheds light on child sex abuse red flags all mums and dads should always remember!

Image source: File photo

It’s heartbreaking to think that, in some cases, family friends or even our own relatives can’t be trusted with our kids, as proven by the Malaysian viral video. Just two weeks before the incident, a
Malaysian man was caught trying to rape his three-year-old niece
.

In fact,
statistics
 show that a family member or friend is more likely to sexually abuse a child, rather than a complete stranger.

As such, it always pays to be extremely cautious of who you leave your children alone with, even if your child is old enough to speak for themselves.

Abuse disempowers, and with the added stigma of sexual abuse, it is not always easy for victims to speak up about it.

Mums and dads, don’t ever forget to watch out for these
warning signs
 in a family friend or relative, regardless of their gender:

1. A sexual abuser will make every effort to get your child alone

To “groom” a child, a predator must first “gain their trust.” Beware of any relative or family friend who insists on spending time alone with your kid, even if it’s just for just an hour or two.

2. They often question your parenting ability

To assert their place in a child’s life, a sexual predator will often undermine your authority.

This is their own way of pushing you out of your child’s life, to make them feel more “likeable” in the eyes of the child.

3. They shower kids with lavish gifts

Being giving isn’t necessarily a telltale sign. This act becomes suspicious when a normally stingy relative or family friend suddenly buys your kid unreasonably expensive gifts.

Of course, you don’t have to confront them because of this. They could just be feeling extra generous. But it’s important not to allow your kids to be alone with them, just to be safe.

4. They are extremely affectionate, insisting on kissing and touching your child

Yes, some relatives and family friends are just “showy” when it comes to affection. But a potential predator encroaches upon your child’s personal space.

They get “too close for comfort,” as they say. Observe how they look at your kid. Take note of every stray glance when they think no one’s looking. Trust your gut.

5. They take your kid without permission

Even if they just took them to a nearby park, it doesn’t matter. They led your kid out of their home without asking if they’re allowed to do so. This should already arouse suspicion.

Remember: Sexual abusers strategically place themselves in the life of a child he or she is targeting in a way that seems safe and normal.

A predator often wants to isolate a child after they have gained the trust of their family to carry out their horrific plans.

Though these signs don’t always confirm someone is a sexual predator, it always helps to be extra careful, especially if your child is still too young to speak up.

Trust your gut, mums and dads, because your instincts are often correct.

Sources:
Child Lures Prevention
,
CNN
,
Channel News Asia

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Does your toddler really need growing-up milk?

As parents, you want only the best nutrition for your little one’s development. Breast milk is a vital source of nutrition as soon as a baby is born. And even once your baby stops breastfeeding, milk continues to be an essential part of their diet throughout the toddler and school age years. While some parents switch to fresh cow’s milk after their child turns one year or stops nursing, others prefer to buy growing up milk powder.

But is growing up milk really essential for your toddler?

Growing up milk powder: Yes or no?

Growing up milk powder, designed for kids aged one to three, is
fortified with vitamins and minerals
. It also usually has higher levels of iron than other formula milk powders.

There are many toddler milk brands in the market, most of which promise only the best nutrients for growth and development. But is this milk option the best for your toddler? What do the experts say?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that mums continue to breastfeed until their babies reach the age of two or older while introducing other nutritious foods. They maintainthat breast milk is still the best source of nourishment in a growing child’s “progressively diversified diet.”

They also believe “follow-up formula is unsuitable when used as a breast-milk replacement from six months of age onwards.”

Though
not always a required addition
 to a child’s diet, growing up milk powder can
“compensate for nutritional deficiencies”
 that can occur when transitioning babies to certain solid foods.

Some paediatricians will even recommend certain types of growing up milk powder if a child, say,
has to gain weight
.

Why do some think growing up milk powder is unnecessary?

Some parents believe fresh cow’s milk is more nutritious because it contains less sugar than many toddler formula milks. Some types of growing up milk powder may contain up to
7.9 grams of sugar per 100 ml
, while full fat cow’s milk only contains 4.7 grams. But many growing up milk powder manufacturers have since
addressed these concerns
, making sure their sugar content is significantly lessened.

They have also made efforts to provide key nutrients: vitamin D, vitamin A, iodine, iron, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids. These can help compensate for certain nutrition deficiencies in children.

Either way, it’s always good to consult your paediatrician when choosing the best milk for your fast-developing little one. And if possible, breastfeed for as long as you can, as your breast milk will change to accommodate your growing child’s changing nutritional needs.

Do you think growing up milk is good for your little one? Let us know in the comments below.

Sources:

National Center for Biotechnology Information
,
 The Guardian
,

World Health Organisation (WHO),

Times Live

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Open-Ended Toys That Will Make Your Child Put Down the Tablet

How much is too much screen time for children? Well, there’s no one right answer, especially during this ongoing pandemic. You may still want to set limits to the amount of time they spend on their tablets or computers, but they don’t need to be too rigid. You can mix up your child’s screen time routine with other offline options. Open-ended toys are great alternatives, and they are every bit as exciting as the tablet.

What are open-ended toys?

Open-ended toys are toys that can be played in many different ways. They don’t dictate how the child should play.

The same toy could be given to five different children, and each would play with the toy in a different way depending on their imagination, developmental ability and personal interests.

For example, pretend food, wooden building blocks and action figurines. And the same toy can be played with by children of different ages, whether it’s a toddler, a preschooler or beyond.

Benefits of open-ended toys

Open-ended toys are amazing for children’s development. They benefit children in a number of ways, namely:

Creativity and imagination

Since open-ended toys don’t come with a fix set of rules on how to play with them, children are allowed to fully unleash their creativity to its fullest. They are free to express their imaginations and make their own decisions on how they play.

Social-emotional development

Open-ended toys create fantastic opportunities for children to learn courteous social behaviour and how to consider their friends’ emotions during playtime. For instance, children learn how to work with others to create a make-believe scenario with their dolls.

Become open to learn new concepts

Playing with open-ended toys can help children become inquisitive learners. If, for example, they bring their animal figurines to play at the park, it might stimulate their interest to learn about the birds that fly past or the types of flowers they see there.

Types of open-ended toys for all ages

Here are some great open-ended toys and resources to choose from (sorted into different categories of play):

1.
Sensory play

– Pop fidget

– Kinetic sand

– Cloud dough

– Playdough

– Slime

– Dish soap

– Fabric (e.g. felt, silk, muslin)

– Pantry items (e.g. rice, pasta, beans, food dye)

2.
Construction play

– Lego

– Duplo

– Magnetic tiles

– Mobilo

– Wooden blocks
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– Jenga blocks

– Trainset

– GRIMM’s blocks

– Gluckskafer slats

– Bristle blocks

– Rainbow blocks

3.
Pretend play

– Costumes

– Fabrics

– Dolls

– Doll house

– Puppets

– Cardboard

– Pretend food and dinnerware

– Toy cash register

4.
Fine motor play

– Scoops and spoons

– Playdough

– Tweezers

– Threading activities

– Gardening

– Getting dressed with buttons and zippers

– Perler beads

5.
Small world play

– Toy vehicles

– Animal figurines

– Dolls

– Miniature furniture

– Felt playmats

– Natural objects (e.g. shells, pebbles)

6.
Cognitive play

– Puzzles

– Matching games

– Logic games (e.g. Chocolate Fix, Kanoodle, ColorKu)

– MathLink cubes

– Dominoes

– Rainbow Pebbles (a sorting and classifying activity set)

– Magnetic counting chips

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123
.

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

Read more:
7 Things to remember before buying toys for your children

Read more:
Engage Your Kids With Child Brain Development Activities. Here’s How.

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


10 Great Sleep Tips for Working Moms

Being a working mom requires a delicate balance of parenting skills, professional expertise, and sleep. While the first two ingredients are down to you, mostly, the third item on that list – sleep – can be a little out of reach at times, due to a number of circumstances.

No two people’s experience of being a working mom are exactly the same, and there will be a myriad of factors affecting the quality of sleep that you get. These ten tips, however, can contribute to a better night’s sleep in the right circumstances.

Switch off screens at least an hour before bedtime

Screen time just before we try to get to sleep has a detrimental impact on us achieving our ambition. The screen over stimulates our eyes and our brains, and from there it takes a considerable amount of time for us to arrive at a suitable level of relaxation to sleep. Just switch off those screens with plenty of time to spare before you go to sleep, and enjoy another activity such as reading before you shut your eyes.

Develop a bedtime routine

We take care in creating a regular bedtime routine for the kids as this helps in getting them to sleep at a particular time every night, but what about ourselves? Just because we are older it doesn’t mean that we don’t benefit from routines too, so employ regular rituals which get you in the mid-frame for a good night’s rest.

Whose turn?

If you have really young children who you know will wake up in the middle of the night, take it in turns with your partner to take responsibility to wake up. The biggest mistake you can make is to both be woken night after night. One bad night’s sleep will affect you, but not too detrimentally. A couple of bad night’s sleep in a row will really start to make an impact, so have a system whereby at least one of you is getting a proper night’s sleep every night.

Limit stimulants before bed

Caffeine isn’t recommended in the couple of hours leading up to going to bed. In fact, many people don’t consume coffee any time after lunch. Plus, drinking liquids near bedtime will result in you needing to get up in the middle of the night.

If you wake, don’t stress

Waking up in the middle of the night, even if it’s by your own accord, is no reason to get stressed. Lying there and looking at the clock, calculating how many minutes you have until you get up is a detrimental activity too. Accept that you have woken, and try reading to relax your mind. Don’t get stressed.

Go to bed early enough

Seven hours is the minimum amount of sleep recommended to fully rest our bodies and minds. Make sure that you go to bed early enough to guarantee that amount.

Get suitable bedding

Find a mattress, pillow and duvet that maximises your level of comfort. Often, it’s a case of trial and error, but don’t just accept what you have, and seek alternatives.

Set the temperature just right

Different people prefer different temperature levels in the room at night. This may be a cause of some debate with your partner too, who may prefer having a window open. Finding a compromise in such situations is important, and although it’s not recommended over longer periods, sleeping in separate rooms from time to time may help with your quality of sleep, allowing you to set the temperature as you please.

Make sure you get enough exercise

A tired mind but a body that hasn’t received the same levels of stimulation and workout is not a conducive condition to a good night’s sleep. Make sure that you take enough exercise during the day to balance out your tiredness evenly by night-time.

Don’t worry

Laying down to go to sleep with a mind that is full of worries will not bring on sleep. Although saying ‘don’t worry’ is easier said than done, try to help yourself by doing yoga or Pilates, meditating, listening to some soft music, reading or any other number of activities which contribute to a healthier state of mind.

Adding up these factors as necessary should see you start improving the quality of your sleep, as well as the quality. Obviously, with small people in the house, things can get a little unpredictable at night, but help yourself by adding this healthy rituals into your bedtime routine.

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB

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It's Autism Awareness Month! Here’s How You Can Be Part of It!

April is Autism Awareness Month – a month to celebrate, educate and generate awareness of the many spectrums, realities, as well as signs or symptoms of autism.

With that, this marks an important month in our yearly calendars as autism is estimated to occur in one out of 68 newborns, according to the
National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM)
 – this is why education surrounding the many sides of autism is imperative.

Because of this, Sunway Putra Mall is hosting an autism awareness program under their Autsome Initiative throughout April. The mall is also the first Autism Friendly Mall in Malaysia who provides privileges and facilities for their Autsome members. This year’s theme, ‘
Kindness Begins With Me
”, will see various activities and events including a donation-driven bazaar with artworks, cookies and handmade products for sale by autistic entrepreneurs, as well as fun and educational sessions.

So, make some room on your schedule –  here are four activities happening during the mall’s Autsome Program that you and your family can show your support at.

1# View expressions at ‘Art & I’

It’s a known fact that art is a therapeutic form of expression for those with autism – their feelings or experiences are captured through their works, which can give better insight into their thoughts or realities. With that, there will be various artworks by autistic artists on display at the Art & I Gallery throughout the month of April.

The gallery is happening the whole month of April from 11am to 9pm at the Creative Hub on Level 4 in Sunway Putra Mall.

2# Autsome Bazaar

There’s an Autsome Bazaar, Level 4 that is happening from 2 – 4 April where handmade products and merchandises made by autistic entrepreneurs and friends that are available for sale. This includes paintings by DanieaArt, Lukman Hakim, handmade accessories and many more. Respectively, 10% of the sales proceeds and will be channeled to NASOM’s education fund towards the end of the campaign.

For parents who are concerned about their child’s milestone and development, the mall’s initiative partner will also be hosting a FREE autism screening and consultation for toddlers age 16 – 30 months during the 3 days’ event. It is best to identify or screen your children during their early years so you can understand how to nurture their individualistic traits as they grow up.

Credit: iStock

The free screening will be held from 2 to 4 April 2021 at Level 4 in Sunway Putra Mall. Appointment slots will be from 11am to 8pm.

You can book an appointment through these methods:

Online registration:
Register at this link –
Autism Screen Registration

Contact
: RSVP at this
Whatsapp link
 or contact 012 – 2852007

 3#
Go the extra mile by donating for a cause

The bazaar also aims to raise funds for the NASOM’s Education Fund.
So, let’s join hands to support the cause by donating a minimum of RM5! Guess what, you will also receive a handwoven coin pouch sewn by NASOM’s students themselves as a token. Donation is only applicable at the mall’s Concierge Counter located on Ground Floor, happening from 1 to 18 April 2021.

Another way to donate is to shop at the Autsome Bazaar from 2 to 4 April 2021 on Level 4 in Sunway Putra Mall. Here, you can support local autistic entrepreneurs, where 10% of proceeds will be donated to NASOM. The bazaar will be going on from 11am to 8pm.

4# Educate yourself more with ‘Austome Talks
’
 on Facebook Live

A major part of autism awareness is education. This is for the public to understand the disorder through all spectrums such as social interaction, communication and behaviour. To learn more, Sunway Putra Malls is organising several talks with experts that focuses on children, as well as empowering those with autism. These talks will be held as Facebook Live sessions, which you can join on the
Sunway Putra Mall Facebook page
.

Here is the schedule for Sunway Putra’s Autsome Talks:

Week 1 – 3 April, 11am:

‘Getting to know Autism in Children’
 with Dr Cindy Chan Su Huay (Consultant Developmental Paediatrician, Sunway Medical Centre)

Week 2 – 10 April, 11am
:
 ‘School Readiness Skills: Preparing Children for Pre-school Mainstream Education’
 with Chalene Samuel (Director of Autism Behavioral Centre) and Desiree Kaur (Project Haans for Autism Awareness)

Week 3 – 17 April, 11am:
‘Interest vs Skills: What is Important’
 with Grace Liew of NASOM and Mohd Adli Yahya (Founder of Autism Café Project)

Week 4 – 24 April, 11am:

‘Empowering Individuals with Autism’
 with Dr Chee Ann Abdul Ghani

5# Immerse into a musical experience at ‘Move to the Beat’

The mall will host fun sessions with ‘Move to the Beat’ which will feature a drum circle, where you can create simple rhythmic parts on tunes, drums and other musical instruments with a group of people – this will be happening on 10 April and 17 April 2021. Meanwhile, there will also be a Yoga Dance session on 24 April 2021. Moms and dads, don’t worry, the sessions will be held with strict SOP guidelines for everyone’s safety. Remember to put your face mask on at all times!

Both events will be happening from 4pm to 5pm on their respective dates at the Auditorium, MOX Co-Making Space on Level 4 of Sunway Putra Mall. You can lookout for the registration details on Sunway Putra Mall’s website
here
.

With that, we do hope you show your support to a truly important cause!

For more information on
“Autsome”
, follow Sunway Putra Mall’s official Facebook page at (facebook.com/sunwayputramall), Instagram (@Sunwayputramall), visit website at
https://www.sunwayputramall.com/autsome/
 or call 03-2786 9333

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:
 5 Early Signs Of Autism In Toddlers

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 theAsianparent Community
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Men with curvy wives are happier, says study

Though a previous study has found that women with handsome husbands are more at risk for disordered eating, there is some good news. It seems that men with curvy wives have a lot to be happy about.

A new study, conducted by
UNAM’s Department of Psychology
, claims that men who chose to be in relationships with curvy women were found to be 10 times happier than those with partners who were skinny.

Based on their findings, researchers believe that men with curvy wives or full-figured girlfriends solved problems easier because curvy women had better survival skills and can easily adapt to life’s changes. As a result, their partners had a higher chance of living longer.

The study also concluded that a bigger body type makes reproduction and childbirth easier. These women also had a more positive outlook and smiled more often.

It’s important to note that these findings were based on a limited pool of candidates, and should in no way be taken as gospel truth.

Though the finding of this study are heartening, it’s important to remember that true, lasting love knows no size!

Here are some tips on how husbands can inspire body positivity in their wives

1. Express your concerns with sensitivity

Have a talk with your wife and remind her why you find her desirable. Be open to her issues with negating her constantly. Hear her out and reassure when needed.

2. Avoid ‘toxic influences’

Steer clear of dieting, people who keep criticizing her weight, or being too conscious about your own weight. Be sensitive enough not to criticise other people’s appearance or your own in front of her.

3. Exercise for the right reasons

Value your health, and don’t work out to simply look good. Whether you’re looking to gain or lose a few pounds, make sure you’re not driven by aesthetic reasons, but by your overall well-being.

4. Reassure her with patience

Compliment her, but don’t discount her feelings. Her insecurities are valid, so honor that by listening genuinely and patiently reassuring her that you love her no matter what and you want her to be happy!

Sources:
Your Tango
,
Nuevo Diario
,
Yahoo,

The Good Men Project

This article is republished with permission from
theAsianparent Philippines
.

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Baby's fever: Do's and don'ts all parents must know

You know the signs, mums — hot, flushed little bodies, restlessness and over-bright eyes. Your little one’s temperature has risen and now, you are worried about your baby’s fever.

A baby’s fever is a cause for concern for mums around the world. This article provides you with information about this rather common occurrence in your little one, including how you can manage the fever at home without medication and when you should be worried.

What is fever?

A human body’s regular temperature is around 36-37C (98-100F). Normal body temperature
varies
 from person to person. It may also be influenced by activities such as exercise, sleeping, eating and even the time of day. For example, your body temperature generally peaks at around 6pm and is at its lowest around 3am.

According to Dr Ratna Sridjaja
 of SBCC Baby and Child Clinic, Gleneagles Hospital Singapore, “fever occurs when the body’s internal ‘thermostat’ raises the body temperature above its normal level.”

She explains that this thermostat is located in the part of the brain known as the hypothalamus, which is responsible for regulating the body’s temperature and keeping it within the normal range.

When your little one is ill or has an infection, sometimes, the hypothalamus will increase the body’s temperature in response. Dr Sridjaja says that “researchers believe that turning up the heat is the body’s way of fighting the germs that cause infections and making the body less comfortable for them.”

So, when your child’s body temperature rises, it means his immune system is healthy and working hard to fight an infection or illness. And while it your baby’s fever certainly is a worry, do remember that a
mild fever
 (around 37.5-37.7C) in a baby over the age of 6 months is usually no cause for concern and means that his immune system is working just fine.

Remember:
fever itself is
not
an illness; it is a sign of illness/infection.

A digital thermometer is the safest option when taking your baby’s temperature rectally.

How to take your baby’s temperature

The medical experts at
WebMD
 describe a few ways to take a baby’s temperature: rectally (via the rectum); orally (mouth); axillary (armpit); and forehead. You should only use a digital thermometer to take a child’s temperature as mercury thermometers carry the risk of mercury poisoning if they break.

The most accurate temperature reading for babies under the age of one year old can be obtained by using a rectal thermometer.

Here’s how you can take your baby’s rectal temperature using a digital thermometer, according to WebMD:

“First make sure the thermometer is clean. Wash it with soap and water or wipe it off with rubbing alcohol. Lay your baby on the belly or on the back with legs bent toward the chest.

“Apply a little bit of petroleum jelly around the thermometer bulb and gently insert it about 1 inch into the rectal opening. Hold the digital thermometer in place for about two minutes until you hear the ‘beep.’ Then gently remove the thermometer and read the temperature.”

Be sure to clearly label the rectal thermometer so it’s not subsequently used in your baby’s mouth.

For children over the age of one year of age, paediatrician
Dr. Cara Barone
 recommends using either an ear thermometer or an oral digital thermometer.

According to Dr Sridjaja, these are the temperatures that indicate a baby’s fever, depending on the type of thermometer you use:

38 C ( 100.4 F ) measured rectally ( in the bottom )

37.5 C ( 99.5 F ) measured orally ( in the mouth )

37 C ( 99 F ) measured an axillary position ( under the arm )

Common causes of fever

*
The information in this section is adapted from
Seattle Children’s Hospital
.

Almost always, a fever is caused by an infection, with viruses causing 10 times more infections than bacteria.

The following are some of the most common causes of your baby’s fever:

Viral Infections:
Colds, the flu and other common viral infections are the most common causes of fever in babies. In fact, little ones — especially if they are in daycare — may have seven to 11 viral illnesses accompanied with fever per year. Often, fever might be the only symptom you notice in the first 24 hours, followed later by other symptoms such as a runny nose and/or cough.

Bacterial Infections:
These infections are the second most common causes of fever in babies. Look out for bladder infections in girls especially if she has no other symptom other than fever. Unexplained fever is also a symptom of common bacterial infections like strep throat.

Sinus Infection:
A sinus infection is a complication of a cold, with a symptom being the return of fever a few days after your child’s temperature returns to normal (along with sinus pain).

Vaccine Fever:
Many babies develop fever after most vaccines, usually within the first 12 hours. It may last for two to three. This is normal and harmless and means the vaccine is working. However, if your baby’s vaccine-related fever worries you, do see a doctor without delay.

Overheating:
Low grade fever can occur if your child is over-heated. This could be either via overdressing or high environmental temperature. His temperature will return to the normal range once he is moved to a cooler place or the unnecessary layers of clothing are removed. Rest and drinking extra fluids also help in re-establishing a normal temperature.

Even a slight fever in your newborn baby is a cause for worry – do not wait to show him or her to a doctor.

When to be worried about baby’s fever

Newborn fever

If your baby
under the age of three months old
 develops a temperature over 38C (100.4F), you will need to show him to a doctor without delay, says Dr. Barone. It is also a cause for concern if your baby’s temperature drops to less than 35.5C (96F).

Worrying symptoms to look out for

Dr Sridjaja advises that you should see a doctor if
your baby over three months of age has a fever under 39C
,
 but also
:

refuses, or seems too sick to drink enough liquids

has persistent vomiting and/or diarrhea

shows signs of dehydration, such as being less alert/active than usual, crying without tears or urinating less than usual

feels pain when urinating

is suffering from a medical condition such as cancer, kidney or heart disease

has fever for more than 72 hours

also has a rash

Seek
immediate medical attention,
advises Dr Sridjaja, if your baby
 over three months of age has a fever over 39C, along with any of the following symptoms
:

Inconsolable crying and extreme irritability

Lethargy and difficulty walking

Rash or purple spots that look like bruises on the skin ( that were not there before the child got sick)

Stiff neck

Headache

Blue lips, tongue or nails

Seizure

Infant’s soft spot on the head that bulges out or sunken inwards

Difficulty breathing

Learning forward and drooling

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: How to manage your baby’s fever – The Do’s and Don’ts

While fever is a sign of a healthy immune system, it’s still important to know ways of managing your child’s fever, because if it goes too high (over 40-41C) there may be a risk of your little one developing a
febrile fit
.

Here are some do’s and don’ts of managing your baby’s fever:

Do
give paracetamol or ibuprofen based on the package recommendations according to your baby’s weight and age. A syringe is the best way to ensure you are giving your little one the correct dosage. Avoid household teaspoons to measure out the medication, as you run the risk of overdosing or not giving enough of it.

Do NOT
give ibuprofen until you are sure your child’s fever is not caused by the dengue virus.
This is because
 dengue affects the platelets, which are responsible for blood clotting, increasing the likelihood of internal bleeding. Ibuprofen (and aspirin too) has a similar blood-thinning effect, and can aggravate, instead of helping to control the condition.

Do NOT
give aspirin (unless advised by a doctor) due to its association with the potentially fatal
Reye’s Syndrome
.

A syringe is the best way of accurately measuring medication for children.

Do
keep your child well hydrated as fever causes little ones to lose fluids faster. If he is under six months of age, breastfeed him more often. Your breastmilk also contains powerful antibodies that will help him fight the infection more efficiently.

Do NOT
give fever medications (i.e. panadol, ibuprofen) to a baby under two months of age says Dr. Sridjaja, unless advised to do so by a paediatrician.

Do
use a lukewarm compress to help bring your child’s fever down. Apply it under his armpits, on his forehead and on either side of his groin.

Do NOT
immerse your child in cold/icy water. Instead, fill your tub with just a few inches of tepid water and using a washcloth, dribble the water over your little one’s body to help bring his temperature down. Never leave your child unattended in the tub.

Do NOT
use rubbing alcohol as a way of lowering your child’s temperature.

Do NOT
over-medicate on fever medication. Read the label carefully for the recommended interval between dosages and stick to it.

Do NOT
“starve a fever”. Let your child eat what he likes, especially if he is already eating solids. This will give him much-needed energy to help him fight the infection. Don’t worry too much if he refuses solids, as long as he is drinking enough fluids and his urine output is normal.

Do
dress your child in light, cotton clothing and use a light blanket too. Overdressing and using too much bedding can raise his core temperature even more.

Do
encourage your child to rest. Running around can raise his temperature.

Do not
send your child to daycare or school while he has fever. Once your little one has been fever-free for 24 hours, he can go back.

Parents, if you are in doubt about what to do when it comes to your baby’s health — fever or otherwise — please consult your little one’s paediatrician without delay.
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Baby's Movements Through Pregnancy: What's Normal & What's Not?

The excitement of feeling your baby move is a heart-warming milestone all mothers look forward to. However, your baby’s activity can also be a crucial indicator of how well he or she is doing. Although every
pregnancy
 is different, there are common ways to evaluate baby movements in relation to what is normal and what you should be concerned about.

How does it feel?

Fetal movements or ‘kicks’, are often painless and is also known as ‘quickening’ within the early weeks. The feeling itself is often described as “fluttering” which is similar to the nervous warmth we know as “butterflies”.

At times, it is a seemingly subtle movement that you may not even feel or can be mistaken as a tickle, gas bubbles or a hunger pang. Don’t be alarmed if their kicks get a little aggressive because as your baby grows stronger throughout your pregnancy, you may experience hard kicks that can cause discomfort or mild pain.

When do I start feeling baby kicks?

Baby movements can be felt as early as 14 weeks into your pregnancy. First-time mothers may only start feeling baby movements between 18 and 24 weeks when they become more prominent.

There are various
factors that influence
 when you feel your baby’s first kicks. Here are some common ones:

Experience:
 Second-time mothers may feel their kicks much earlier than their first pregnancy as they are already aware of how it feels. New mothers may perceive early baby movements as other body issues such as gas and only realise these kicks once they become more distinctive.

Placenta position:
 Your placenta position is usually determined during your 20-week scan. Women with an
anterior placenta
 may find it trickier to feel baby movements. An anterior placenta is when your placenta is between your baby and your stomach – it is attached to the front wall of your uterus, which provides extra cushioning for your baby and you may not feel his or her early wriggles. So, focus on your sides and lower down as this is where you are likely to feel movement.

Size:
 Weight can play a part in feeling your baby kicks. Mothers who have a higher body mass index may take longer to feel as their abdominal wall is thicker.

What are normal baby movements during your pregnancy trimesters?

As your pregnancy progresses, your baby’s activity will become stronger. In the first trimester, your baby is too small and you may not realise their movements. Thus, your second trimester is normally when your start feeling all the wonderful flutters. Afternoon and evenings are recognised as peak periods of when your baby is most active.

Here are a few common feelings you may experience throughout your pregnancy:

First trimester (Weeks 1 – 12):
 As we mentioned, you may experience little to less baby movement. A scan during your later weeks may show that your baby has been active but you were unable to feel their precious kicks because of their teeny size.  Fret not, you will start feeling these kicks in your later trimesters.

Second trimester ( Weeks 13 – 26):
 As your morning sickness lessens, you bump will grow and you will start to feel their kicks. Nevertheless, your baby is still small in size and although his or her activity may not be as strong as your later weeks, you may feel a fluttering sensation that can start as early as 14 weeks. During the later weeks, you may start experiencing discomfort as your baby’s muscles grow stronger and their movements are much more energetic.

Third trimester (weeks 27 – 40):
 As your baby develops and grows, his or her space gets a little less roomier which means you will undoubtedly feel their movements. Your baby has more energy and you may experience slightly harder kicks that can cause a bit of pain or discomfort. Some babies may even do a full somersault, twitch or hiccup! Don’t be anxious, such activity can act as an indicator that your baby is developing well.

How often should your baby kick?
 Generally, normal and healthy baby activity is defined as
10 or more movements in the span of two hours
. But, bear in mind that babies have sleep cycles where they can be absent in terms of their movements – these sleep cycles can range between 20 and 40 minutes, but at times can prolong up to 90 minutes.

Your baby’s movement will usually
increase up until 32 weeks of pregnancy
 and then their activity pattern should be consistent, while the type of movement may change as you near your due date. Eventually, you will come to understand your baby’s unique movement pattern quite well.

What’s not normal: decreased baby movements

Decreased activity or a big change in your baby’s regular movement pattern may be a
sign that your baby is unwell
. There are various factors that can contribute to experiencing decreased fetal movements – it can be sleep cycles, or generic issues such as obesity that can affect your ability to feel the kicks.

Still, there could be serious underlying issues when there is sudden inactivity or a change in your baby’s activity pattern. Issues such as
lack of amniotic fluid
 could be among the factors that makes it more difficult for your baby to move about. Certain drugs or medication such as pain relief or sedatives can also
affect your baby’s circulation and movements
. Additionally, alcohol or smoking can also have adverse effects on your baby’s pattern of movement.

According to the
Australian Family Physician,
 it can also be attributed to time where women may be too busy to feel the movements. Meanwhile, is it found that women feel fewer movements when standing or sitting. It is advised that mothers should lie on their left side and concentrate on feeling 10 or more kicks within a span of two hours.

If you feel less or little kicks within this time period, it is best to contact your doctor as this can be a sign that your baby could be unwell. Your doctor may check your baby’s heart rate with a non-stress test which measures the baby’s heart rate against their movements.

Monitor your baby’s movements: count your kicks

Counting your kicks and understanding your baby’s movement pattern is crucial for mothers to know if there is a sudden decrease in kicks, inactivity or a change in pattern.

This is especially important during your third trimester where you should be keeping track of your baby’s daily movement. Mothers who track their movements during their pregnancy can detect any possible utero distresses and prevent the risks such as stillbirth. An easy way you can do this is by feeling how long it takes to feel 10 movements, whether a kick, flutter or roll.

A total of
10 movements in the span of two hours is normal
, however, do not panic immediately if you do not feel 10 movements – you baby could be in his or her sleep cycle. You can try eating a snack, drinking juice, or walking around for a few minutes before lying down on your side to feel any movement.

You can also track your baby’s kicks with a kick counter or a chart. Some clinics or hospitals may provide you with one as well. Tracking these kicks will let you understand the time pattern of when your baby is most active, their sleep cycles and how long it takes for your baby to finish 10 movements. Any twist, kick or turn is counted as one movement.

If your baby has not moved a total of 10 times within the span of two hours,
do not be afraid to contact your doctor.

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Annoying Children Behaviours: Is It Normal?

When your child is always misbehaving, shouting at the top of his/her lungs, throwing tantrums, running around like a maniac and downright defiant, it’s frustrating. It’s natural to perceive those as naughty children behaviour and blame yourself for bad parenting, but child development experts say that’s just part of growing up.

Most children below the age of 4 years do not have enough impulse control to resist doing something they are told not to do. They are constantly doing things and observing the results of those actions, like pushing buttons on the remote control to turn the TV on and off or mushing food to see how it feels.

It’s actually a sign that they’re exploring and learning.  Read on to better understand what children behaviour actually mean and how you can deal with them.

Children Behaviour and How to Deal With Them

1.
Asking the same question over and over again

Young children may repeatedly ask “What’s that?” to the same item. If you answer, “Kitchen towel,” they will most likely ask over and over again.

What it means:
Children are innately curious and inquisitive, that’s why they tend to repeat questions. It’s not that they weren’t listening the first time round; they are working on their speech and intellectual development.

Their brains are processing new knowledge while working on other areas of development, so it makes sense to need a little extra time to let everything sink in.

What to do:
Try to engage more with your child’s question instead, not less. If you elaborate your answer, “It’s a kitchen towel. It’s used to clean the countertop when I make a mess as I cook. Can you say kitchen towel?” it helps them understand better and retain their new knowledge.

2.
Throwing tantrums

Children cry, scream, whine, kick or get aggressive as part of a tantrum. They are all equally common in boys and girls and can continue to happen up to early school-age children.

What it means:
This is because young children haven’t learned appropriate words or ways to express and manage their feelings yet. Tantrums are usually how they show that they are upset, frustrated, tired, hungry, uncomfortable.

What to do:
Some ideas that may help prevent tantrums from happening include: tuning in to your child’s feelings; reducing stress to avoid overstimulating children; identifying tantrum triggers; talking to your child about emotions.

If tantrums still happen, no matter what you do, here are some tips to handle tantrums when they happen: be calm in your approach; acknowledge your child’s feelings; provide comfort to the child if needed; distract your child with a different activity; if the tantrum is happening to get attention from you, it’s best to ignore it and wait it out.

What’s the difference between a tantrum and a meltdown? Check it out
here
.

3.
Acting defiant and doesn’t want to listen to you

In the morning, when you are rushing to get everybody ready and out of the house so that both you and your child can be on time for school and work, but they have different plans. They do not want to change into their uniforms, they want to continue being in bed and they throw their breakfast onto the floor. Whatever you say, it’s just a “No!”

What it means:
Children are beginning to realise that they do have some control over their environment, and it’s part of the journey to becoming more independent.

What to do:
Be clear about the rules and what kind of behaviour you expect out of your child. Look for triggers and avoid situations in which your child may be more likely to exhibit defiance. For example, if your child tends to be cranky when s/he is too busy, try not to arrange too many extracurricular activities for him/her.
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It is normal for children to be defiant sometimes. But if the child is defiant almost all the time, with persistent patterns of anger and vindictiveness, he or she may have an oppositional defiant disorder (ODD). Find out more about it
in this article
 and
seek professional consultation
 as soon as possible.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123
.

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
:
 8 Ways To Guide Your Child Into Responsible Behaviour

Read more:

 Using Psychology to Shape Behaviour: Punish, Reward or Remove?

Read more:

Can You Tell the Difference Between a Tantrum and a Meltdown? | Ask an Expert

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4 Reasons Why Some Parents Choose Not to Vaccinate Their Kids

Malaysians are very lucky to have one of the best healthcare systems in the world that provide vaccines to children under the Malaysian National Immunization Program (NIP). In fact, the services and expertise provided by healthcare workers are also of high quality.

Parents only need to bring their children to the clinic or hospital to get vaccinated.

Immunization is one of the ways which can help protect your children from contracting dangerous diseases. So that’s why as a parent, you are advised to consult your doctor about it.

Benefits of Immunization

Vaccines contain a weak or inactive part of certain organisms (antigens) that trigger an immune response in the body. Newer vaccines contain a blueprint for producing antigens.

Regardless of whether the vaccine consists of the antigen itself or a plan of action so that the body will produce the antigen, this weak version will not cause disease in people receiving the vaccine, but it will push their immune system to react as much as possible and will have a reaction similar when it is first exposed to the actual pathogen
1
.

Why Do Parents Need to Vaccinate Their Children During the Early Days?

Image for representation purpose only

It is common knowledge that every individual’s immune system is unique, so it is every parent’s responsibility to help protect their children from the very beginning.

Vaccines for babies are important because babies have weak immune systems
2
. By giving vaccines to babies according to a set schedule, you can protect your baby from deadly diseases such as
3
:

Tuberculosis (TB) – Can cause serious infections such as pneumonia, meningitis and can continue to spread to other organs.

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

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

Tetanus – Bacterial poisoning that causes cramps in the muscles of the body and affects the ability to open the jaw (braces).

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

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

Polio – This virus can cause paralysis and even death.

Measles – This virus can cause fever, diarrhoea, vomiting, infections of the brain (encephalitis) and lungs (pneumonia)
6
.

Mumps – This virus can cause viral meningitis and infection of testicles (orchitis)
7
.

Rubella – The rubella virus can spread among humans, pregnant women, especially during the first three months of pregnancy and can cause miscarriage, fetal death, stillbirth or birth defects (congenital rubella syndrome)
8
.

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

Rotavirus – This virus can cause severe diarrhoea and dehydration.

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

Varicella (Chickenpox) – This virus can cause a blister-like rash and fever, which can also cause shingles later as adults if the virus reactivates
9
.

Influenza  – This virus can cause epidemics of flu diseases or flu season
10

Meningococcal – This bacteria can cause deadly infections of the lining of the brain, spinal cord (meningitis) and bloodstream
11
.

Hepatitis A – This virus can cause short-term infection of the liver
12
.

Nevertheless, there are still a handful of groups in society (parents) who choose not to vaccinate their children.

There are several reasons and factors why some parents have decided so. Let’s find out some of the common concerns and beliefs of those who do not wish to vaccinate their children.

4 Reasons Why Some Parents Don’t Get Their Children Vaccinated

#1: Childhood Vaccines Contain Contaminant

Speaking of contents, these vaccines are in fact formulated with water and parts of certain bacteria or viruses.

There are also a number of other additives such as mercury and aluminium that are intended to preserve and help increase its effectiveness
13
.

But, don’t worry. These additives do not accumulate in the child’s body and the amount is actually very small.

Honestly, the sugar and salt content in the food that your children consume daily is actually more worth your worries compared to this.

#2: Child Vaccines Are Not Halal Because Some Ingredients Derived From Pigs

The rule of law in any religion shouldn’t be blindly taken from casual coffee shop discussions or social sites. These laws should be guided and verified by the religious council.

The Mufti of the Federal Territories, SS Datuk Dr Zulkifli bin Mohamad Al-Bakri has answered this particular question through the Federal Territories Mufti’s Office’s official website.

According to him, vaccines are a necessity in society. Some vaccines contain prohibited contents or are
najis
(impure) originally but have been treated with chemicals that change the name and characteristics of it through the process of
istihalah
 (the process of changing to the permissible) and have beneficial effects
14
. Hence making the vaccine halal to be used.

#3: “My Child Is Healthy, Why Should I Vaccinate My Child?”

Vaccines help to prevent diseases
2
. Treatment is the action that you take after contracting an illness.

Why is disease prevention important?

Some diseases are very difficult to treat. For example, treatment for TB is often lengthy and not always successful. There are also diseases that are difficult to diagnose until complications occur, such as hepatitis B
3
.

Therefore, prevention is one of the best ways to deal with this disease. In fact, it also helps save you a lot of money. You won’t need to be warded and spend on medications and other treatment costs
3
.

#4: Child Vaccines Are A Parent’s Right

You have your rights as parents, and so do your children and all other people around you. Everyone has the right to be free from diseases. If more than 95% of the population is vaccinated, the probability of infection is very low
15
.

There are people that cannot take vaccines due to certain health problems such as a weakened immune system. These high-risk groups of people can be protected if more people take the vaccine
2
.

The Benefits and Importance of Vaccines That Parents Need to Know

Image for representation purpose only

According to a WHO report, vaccination has greatly reduced the implications of infectious diseases
16
.

However, there is no doubt that vaccine safety is getting more public attention compared to its effectiveness.

Modern research and technology have aided researchers with the development of less reactogenic vaccines, such as acellular pertussis vaccine and rabies vaccine produced in cell culture
16
.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), immunisation shots are one of the important ways to help protect a baby’s health. Immunisation can help prevent more than a dozen serious diseases. Failure to vaccinate may mean putting children at risk for serious and sometimes fatal illnesses
17
.

Babies are particularly vulnerable to infections, which is why it is so important to protect them with immunizations. Immunizations help prevent the spread of disease and help protect infants and children from dangerous complications
17
.

The CDC also provides a list of diseases that can be prevented with vaccines, for example, chickenpox, rotavirus, pneumococcal, Pertussis, measles and many more
18
.

Vaccines Can Control Complications
16

A vaccine is effective in helping protect an individual if it is given prior to exposure. It works by imitating an infection which helps teach our immune system how to fight off future infections
19
.

Presently, post-marketing studies have confirmed the high effectiveness of infant vaccination against Hib infection in Germany and pertussis in Sweden.

Hepatitis A vaccine has been shown to be effective against symptomatic disease and asymptomatic infection.

So parents, do think about what’s best for your children’s health and safety, okay?

In conclusion, parents are responsible for the health and well-being of their children, and this includes good nutrition, good hygiene practices and getting them vaccinated against dangerous diseases.

We hope this article is helpful to all parents out there.

MY-ROT-00221 Jul/2022

References:

World Health Organization (WHO).
How do vaccines work. Available From
https://www.who.int/news-room/feature-stories/detail/how-do-vaccines-work?adgroupsurvey={adgroupsurvey}&gclid=Cj0KCQjwmuiTBhDoARIsAPiv6L-HjGLP56i_UwYdxde45nP-FBppShlTPd7LH5LUydJwNdYd5cHDC20aAjOzEALw_wcB
. Last Accessed 12 May 2022.

MyHealth. Immunisation: Facts and Myths. Available From:
https://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/immunisation-facts-myths/
. Last Accessed 02 Jun 2022.

UNICEF. Vaccines and the diseases they prevent. Available From:
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/health/vaccines-and-diseases-they-prevent
. Last Accessed 01 June 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Diphtheria.
Available From:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diphtheria/symptoms-causes/syc-20351897
. Last Accessed 10 June 2022.

National Health Services (NHS). Whooping cough.
Available From:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/whooping-cough
. Last Accessed 10 June 2022.

Mayo Clinic. Measles
. Available From:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/measles/symptoms-causes/syc-20374857
.
Last accessed 09 June 2022.

National Health Services (NHS). Mumps – Complications.
 Available From:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/mumps/complications/
.
Last accessed 09 June 2022.

World Health Organization (WHO). Rubella.
 Available From:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/rubella
.
Last accessed 09 June 2022.

MyHEALTH. Chickenpox.
Available From:
https://www.myhealth.gov.my/en/chickenpox/
. Last Accessed 01 June 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
. Types of Influenza Viruses.
Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/viruses/types.htm
. Last Accessed 17 June 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 Meningococcal Disease.
Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/index.html
. Last Accessed 17 June 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
. What is Hepatitis A.
Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/hav/afaq.htm#overview
. Last Accessed 17 June 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

What’s in Vaccines? Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vac-gen/additives.htm
. Last Accessed 12 May 2022.

Mufti of Federal Territory Office. Bayan Linnas Series 59: Vaccine: According to Fiqh and Maqasid Syariah.
Available From:
https://muftiwp.gov.my/en/perkhidmatan/artikel-soal-jawab/1163-bayan-linnas-series-59-vaccine-according-to-fiqh-and-maqasid-syariah
.
Last Accessed 15 Jun 2022.

World Health Organization (WHO.
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Herd immunity, lockdowns and COVID-19. Available From:
https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/herd-immunity-lockdowns-and-covid-19
.  Last Accessed 12 May 2022.

Andre FE, Booy R, Bock HL, Clemens J, Datta SK, John TJ, Lee BW, Lolekha S, Prltola H, Ruff TA, Santosham M, Schmitt HJ. Vaccination greatly reduces disease, disability, death and inequity worldwide. Bull World Health Organ [Internet]. 2008;86(2).

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 Answers to Your Most Common Questions about Childhood Vaccines.
Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/parents/FAQs.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fvaccines%2Fparents%2Fparent-questions.html
.
Last Accessed 19 June 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
. Vaccines by Disease.
Available From:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/vpd/vaccines-diseases.html
. Last Accessed 10 June 2022.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
. Understanding How Vaccines Work
.
Available from:
https://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/hcp/conversations/understanding-vacc-work.html
.
Last Accessed 01 June 2022.

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Mums: We Want Resilient Children

As the world evolves, the importance of instilling key values within our children grows. A resilient system is among the key factors that can unlock your child’s gateway to success in this ever-changing landscape – it is a lifelong trait that gives them the power to overcome challenges and grow with opportunities.

There are five pillars of resilience, which are traits of Perseverance, Daringness, Self-reliance, Adaptability and Resourcefulness.

Perseverance: To keep trying despite failures – turning a weakness into a strength. To not give up and achieve something as a result of persistence.

Daringness: The bravery and courage to try something new, as well as to experiment with the unknown.

Self-reliance: Making their own decisions and being independent while staying connected to family, as well as friends.

Adaptability: The ability to respond suitably and quickly, while thriving in challenging environments. The capacity to respond when something changes suddenly.

Resourcefulness: Finding quick and clever solutions, while thriving in challenging environments.

Furthermore, it was revealed that 90 percent of mothers want to raise their child to be more resilient, with emphasis on values of Self-reliance, Daringness and Perseverance.

However, children are not born resilient, instead, the characteristics of resilience are developed through positive parenting methods that provide a supportive and healthy environment.

Today, relying on smartness is no longer enough, while being overprotective with methods such as helicopter parenting could negatively affect your child’s abilities.

Thus, raising your kids independently allows them to be self-sufficient – they are able to explore their own personalities, as well as adapt to situations and face challenges.

Nutrition is at the heart of a child’s mental and physical development, but sourcing for a great nutritional composition to nurture your little ones can be a struggle. Three out of four mums stated that immunity was their biggest concern.

Results further uncovered that 91 percent are seeking out milk brands that support immunity and 92 percent want nutrients that foster cognitive functions. Cognitive functions relate to mental abilities such as reasoning, thinking, problem-solving as well as learning.

“Growing up milk”, which is a formula for toddlers and kids, is among the best sources of nutrition for them.

Therefore, choosing the best growing up milk for your child is pertinent in your journey to raising them resilient while ensuring that they get all the essential nutrients that they need, including pre- and probiotics and the highest level of DHA.

Give your child the right choice. Get a
sample
 today.

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Celebrate Your Marriage Before, During, and After in the Best Way Possible

Although getting married to the love of your life is a celebration by itself, it wouldn’t hurt to participate in some festivities as a way of further celebrating your joyous union. Below, we’ve prepared some fun and interesting ideas you can incorporate into your celebration so as to make it an event to remember.

Before the Wedding

Typically, before the wedding occurs, close friends of the bride and groom will organise separate bachelor or bachelorette parties for them. During such parties, anything can happen. They can be as wild as you want them to be with loud music and flexible dancers or as tame as high tea at a classy café.

Since your friends were kind enough to organise a wonderful ‘surprise’ event for you (not really a surprise since you probably knew all about it but you get what we mean right), surprise them in return with a kind gesture such as gifting them with their own custom-printed bachelor party t-shirts or bachelorette party t-shirts. Besides that, other small gifts such as thank you chocolates can also be given.

During the Wedding

As we said before, the wedding itself is a party for that is where individuals from all corners of your life come together to celebrate your special day. So make sure that this long-awaited day is special not just for you but also for them by ensuring that your wedding ceremony is perfected with all the necessary furnishings such as delicious food, entertainment for all ages as well as appreciative gifts for your guests. Nonetheless, all this depends on your budget.

If your budget is tight, don’t splurge unnecessarily as that will put you in a tough predicament in the future. Instead, find budget-friendly options by looking around at what’s available in the market. Compact yet useful gifts such as custom-made keychains for one are a good option to get as lovely wedding party favour gifts. As for your close friends and family members, you can perhaps get them personalised wedding t-shirts.

After the Wedding

You’re finally married, congratulations! You celebrated your union before the wedding and on the day itself, how about after the wedding? Just because you’re already married it doesn’t mean that the party is over and done with. If you play your cards right, every day is a party and is worth celebrating. So shower your better half daily with love and gifts such as a just married t-shirt.

Now, we know that you must be thinking that it’d be too expensive to get them a gift every single day. However, your gift doesn’t need to be of the expensive kind. It can even be as simple as their favourite bar of chocolate or a hand-written love note. What’s important is that through your gift they’ll be able to feel the depth of your love for them.
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How I got my child to stop using diapers completely in just 1 week!

Diapers are part and parcel of a baby’s life and are extremely convenient in the first couple of years – but they can very quickly become a pain for parents as they try to get their toddler to kick the diaper habit. As a mother of a recently turned three year old, I truly empathise with all mums who are at this life stage. I am proud to share that I just completed 1 year without using any diapers for my little girl! While it was crazy difficult, within a week my precious princess was potty trained. Here’s how I got my child to stop using diapers.

What is the right age to stop using diapers?

Before I get into how I managed to ditch the diapers in one week, the first question we should address is “What is the right age to stop using diapers?”

I am sure that like me, you too must have asked around and have been at the receiving end of a confusing medley of answers.

While some believe that it is essential to start early, say just after the baby can sit or maybe even before that depending on the society in which the baby is growing. Others feel that it should not be done until the baby can understand and is ready for the change.

Generally speaking in Singapore, most mums start potty training around 2 years of age. That is also around when I started.

Is your baby ready for potty training?

Now while I started at 2, your child might not be ready to stop using diapers, even at age 2. Instead of sticking to a number, it is more important to check if your child is showing signs of being ready for the potty.

 Ask yourself the following questions:

Can your child understand and follow simple directions?

Does your child tell you and/or complain when they are wet or dirty?

Have they expressed curiosity and interest in using the toilet and wearing underwear?

Can your child pull their pants up and down with little or no help?

Does your child stay dry for at least 3 to 4 hours throughout the day?

If the answer is yes, it’s time to convince your child that they are ready too and they can now stop using diapers!

Yes, you read right!

Don’t attempt to potty train your child until you have spoken to your kid. From my experience trying to force your 2-year-old to do something is going to absolutely back fire and their rebellious nature will make it 100x more challenging to potty train.

One trick is to keep educating your child about the need to use the toilet for all their elimination needs and make it sound as if it were a grown up thing to do. In our home, we started reading our daughter
potty training

books
 about 1 month before we even broached the subject with her.

How to choose the right potty

The next important thing to do is to buy the right type of potty. I advice you to take your child on the potty training shopping trip so they feel involved in the process.

There are two main types of potties: a
stand-alone potty
 and a
seat reducer
(which go on a traditional toilet seat and reduce the ring to a comfortable, kid-friendly size).

Some go for seat reducers as it is cheaper than a stand-alone potty and take up less floor space. It also helps your child gets used to the regular potty, which prevents another transition from stand-alone potty to adult potty, and there is even less mess to clean after use. Plus, seat reducers can be a good fit for copy cat kids.

Other parents swear by stand-alone potties. They prefer stand alone potties as it’s kid-size, so your child can get on and off by himself, and during extended periods of trying to go, your toddler won’t be monopolizing the toilet (this is especially important to consider if you only have 1 bathroom at home).

When looking for a stand-alone potty, consider three important features: safety, fit and simplicity

If your toddler’s bum barely covers the inside rim, she’ll probably feel uncomfortable while using the potty. The right size seat will let your child’s bottom rest comfortably on the seat, with her feet firmly on the floor. Do also look for pottys with handles, as they will help your child balance a little better.

If you’re potty training a boy, it’s best to select a seat with a splash guard to reduce clean up hassles. Choose one that is high enough to help keep the pee in the potty but isn’t so tall that it will be tricky for your little one to sit down on the potty by himself.

The potty should also be simple enough to use and easy to clean up. Check online product reviews to see how many steps are required to empty and clean the pot. Some are a simple one- or two-step process; others require that you disassemble half the potty — every single time.

For us we chose a stand alone potty for our daughter.

Get rid of all diapers!

Once you have bought the potty – the best thing is to make your home diaper free. I know it is difficult to get rid of the “security blanket” but the best way to stop your child from using diapers is to throw away all the diapers at home.

It may result in many accidents and tears for a few days, which may cause more work for you but in the long run, your child would have learnt not to use the diapers.

This means you should also not be using training pants or night diapers. You don’t want to confuse your child. Straight away switch to kids underpants or panties.

Do’s and Don’ts

Potty Training Do’s

1. Watch for tell-tale signs that you child needs to visit the potty. Some common signs include shuffling feet, or fiddling. The best case scenario is if your child is able to alert you before she has an accident.

2. Dress her in comfortable loose clothes. The last thing you want is to struggle with removing her clothes. Shy away from overalls unless your child is adept at removing them and putting them back on.
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3. Praise your child after every successful trip to the potty. Experts say that parental praise is actually one of the tried and true methods to ensure successful and pain-free potty training.

4. Let her play or read when sitting on the potty. It’s a good idea to have a special toy just for the potty.

5. Give your tot a little more control during potty training. This will help the training to go faster and smoother.

Potty Training Don’ts

1. Force her to potty train upon reaching a certain age. Just because your eldest learned proper potty training at the age of two does not mean your toddler is expected to also follow suit.

2. Listen to scolding relatives. Many mums feel unwelcome pressure from their relatives to get their child out of diapers and end up passing on the tension to their own child. If someone remarks, “Isn’t she a little too old for diaper?” Just simply reply that “she’s still wearing them, so obviously not!”

3. End up engaging in power struggles with your child. This can easily increase stress levels and prolong the process in the long run.

4. Use nick names. Some parents believe that giving certain body parts ‘cutesy names’ will help their child. However, this is not the case. Approach potty training in a logical and a matter of fact attitude.

5. Resort to punishing your child when accidents occur. It is not your kid’s fault and punishments will only cause problems to arise and may traumatise your child.

6. Criticise her over the simple potty training process. Criticisms and reprimands will only make the training process take longer than necessary and won’t help your child’s confidence levels.

Patience, my young Padawan

Once you start on the process of potty training, do try to be as patient as possible. Understand that this is a time-consuming process, with many accidents and regressions that can often be frustrating. And sometimes your kid may oppose the idea to stop using diapers.

When these happen it is important that you stay calm and try to understand your child’s plight.

Gently remind your child that pee and poop should go in the potty and not on the floor or the underwear. It is important to establish consistency during the training. But you also need to remember that this is not an easy phase for your kid either.

Potty training is a great challenge and an important milestone in your child’s learning process. Your patience and reassuring presence will greatly help him hurdle this phase easier and with the confidence that you are always there to love him potty trained or not.

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