How Does Picky Eating Affect My Child's Growth?

Is your child demanding nuggets for breakfast, lunch and dinner? Does he or she refuse anything besides eggs? Don’t worry, picky eating in children is common.

But your child may or may not grow out of it – however, that’s not something you should wait around for. Studies have revealed that children become established picky eaters when their diets become very controlled
1
.

But controlling your child’s nutrition is nothing to be ashamed of because as parents, we just want the best for them. Plus, if we didn’t have a bit of control, they would probably end up eating everything they could get their hands on!

However, picky eating can have major consequences when it comes to your child’s growth and development, so it can be a cause for concern.

So, what are the root causes of picky eating?

Credit: iStock

There are various causes of picky eating such as early feeding difficulties, pressure to eat and food choosiness
2
.

Additionally, studies on children between the ages of one and five revealed that unrealistic expectations from parents cause unnecessary concern, while threats or punishments may cause a child’s refusal to eat
3
. What this means is that setting overly high standards on your child’s diet might fuel their dislike towards a certain food or limit them from experiencing other cuisines.

Also, many parents give in to their child’s food desires or stick with what they are used to eating – this may be an
easier way to get your child to eat, but it can leave their taste buds stuck to the same flavours, leading them to refuse trying anything new.

 In addition to that, your child may not get adequate nutrition especially if they only consume from specific food groups. In fact, they may suffer from short-term or long-term nutrient deficiencies in cases where the child is extremely selective
4
.

So, how does picky eating affect your child’s growth?

When your child pushes away their veggies or turns away new foods, giving in to what they want to eat is a simpler option.

 However, studies have shown that picky eating leads to a higher risk of being underweight, poor growth or even, lead them to becoming overweight – this could be driven by poor diet variety, especially the rejection of vegetables, which are crucial as a nutritional source for vitamins and minerals
5
.

For example, a child who does not eat enough vegetables may result in lack of dietary fibre which is linked to constipation in picky eaters
6
  – a much more serious consequence of poor vegetable intake puts them at greater risk of developing heart disease or even, bowel cancer in their later stages of life
7
.

Moreover, lack of such food groups or an overall, balanced diet could result in nutrient deficiency which means your child may not be getting enough vitamins, minerals or fibre. Fruits and vegetables are also a good source of Vitamin C, which the body needs to fight infection, heal wounds and absorb iron
8
.

In addition to that, it was found that other issues such as fear of unfamiliar places, poor physical activity, constipation and medical illnesses were more prevalent in picky eating children, according to data provided on children aged between two and four in Taiwan
9
.

This could be attributed to the fact that they lack exposure to diet varieties where they may not be open to new experiences, while medical issues can stem from them not getting enough nutritional content because they are so adamant on specific foods.

In brief, picky eating hampers their bodies from getting balanced nutrition that is crucial to their overall growth and development.

Credit: iStock

Nevertheless, it has been stated that with early identification and intervention of picky eating in children, as well growth surveillance is a way that you can possibly curb these issues
10
.

But if you have already discovered your child is a picky eater, it’s best to change their eating habits within their early years. As we mentioned, lack of variety in your child’s diet can lead to a distortion of nutrient intakes.

 In fact, studies have found that there is a link between picky eating and growth as there was a prevalence of thinness in picky eaters
11
. So, it’s best to act and intervene early when you notice your child’s picky eating habits!

So, here are some three quick tips on how you can curb picky eating for your child to get those nutrients in

Involve your child in grocery shopping & meal planning:
 Getting your child to the grocery shop with you allows them to engage with the food products and gets them excited to eat. You can explain items on the list as a fun, delicious food and narrate them in a desirable way.
Following that, allowing them to plan their own meals is also a great way to curb a picky eater – however, make sure you tell them they can only pick a meal from the food items you put in front of them. This also allows them to be creative!

Keep mealtimes intimate:
As tempting as it may be to put a screen in front of them during mealtimes, try taking away the distractions. Turn off the television, put away your phone and engage with your child during meal times. Have a conversation or eat the same meal with him or her – they are more likely to focus on their food.

Get creative:
Children love fun and colourful things – that’s why toys are so popular! So, why not try modelling their food creatively? You can shape the rice into cute, fun animals and plate their fruits or vegetables as a forest area, or into other creative shapes. If you get them to join in, they might be more willing to eat it later too!

Balance, variety and moderation in terms of nutrition are the keys for your child to reach their full growth and development potential, which is why picky eating is met with many issues – they’re just not getting enough nutrients.

However, at times, all efforts to turn your child’s habits in order for them to get the right nutrients in their vulnerable bodies might fail, which is why turning to a nutritional source such as Milnutri Sure might be the right way.

Introducing MILNUTRI SURE, the new catch-up growth formula for your child

Milnutri Sure is especially formulated to support your child’s ‘catch-up growth’ – it is a formula dietary food that helps provide complete and balanced nutrition for your child.

It is specially formulated with 100% of the Recommended Nutrient Intake for Malaysia (2017) with selected nutrients*** that contribute to a child’s growth and development. It also contains IcFOS and inulin, which are prebiotics that support a good intestinal environment for your child.

 This is crucial for your child’s body to be able to absorb nutrients properly and support crucial bodily functions – the bodily functions include warding off infectious bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as supporting brain health.

Meanwhile, Milnutri Sure also contains these key nutritional components:

Lysine:
 This is an essential amino acid that needs to be provided in daily diets of children.

Calcium and Vitamin D, Arginine:
 Calcium supports strong bones and teeth, while Vitamin D is important for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus. Meanwhile, Arginine is an amino acid required by synthesis of protein.

Highest DHA 88mg/100g** & OMEGA 3,6,9
: These are found abundantly in the brain

To top it off, Milnutri Sure tastes great and has zero sucrose* to encourage healthy eating.

With a balanced diet and Milnutri Sure (an energy-dense formula at 1kcal/ml) as a supplement, you can notice visible growth in 4 weeks
^#
!

So, are you ready to give Milnutri Sure a try?
Request for a free sample now
!

And for more information, check out Milnutri  Sure’s
website
 or
Facebook page
.

*** Selected nutrients according to age group, based on Recommended Nutrient Intake (RNI) for Malaysia 2017:

1 – 3 years: ≥ 100% RNI for vitamin E, K, B2, C and iodine;

4 – 6 years: ≥ 100% RNI for protein, Vitamin E, K, B2, C and iodine; and

7 – 9 years: ≥ 100% RNI for vitamin E, K, B2, C and  iodine.

** Milnutri Sure DHA (88mg/100gm) content is based on other Formula Dietary Food for children aged 1-10 in similar Recommended Consumer Price within range of RM90-110/kg basis as of May 2020.100g.

* No sucrose were added during production nor detected in final product.

^
Body weight improvement of 0.5kg in children aged 3 to 6 years with weight for height z- score between -1 to -3 in 28 days. Reference: Devaera, Yoga, et al. “Comparing Compliance and Efficacy of Isocaloric Oral Nutritional Supplementation Using 1.5 kcal/mL or 1 kcal/mL Sip Feeds in Mildly to Moderately Malnourished Indonesian Children: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition 21.4 (2018): 315-320.

#
Follow recommended intake per day (2 glasses for 1-3 years old, 3 glasses for 4- 6 years old, 4 glasses for ≥ 7 years old) and used as supplement on top of a normal dietary intake of children.

Reference

 (2020, May 26). Study: Children May Not Always Grow Out of Being Picky Eaters. Retrieved April 2, 2021, from
https://labblog.uofmhealth.org/rounds/study-children-may-not-always-grow-out-of-being-picky-eaters

(n.d.). Picky eating in children: causes and consequences – PubMed. Retrieved April 2, 2021, from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30392488/

 (n.d.). The ‘picky eater’: The toddler or preschooler who does not eat. Retrieved April 2, 2021, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3474391/

 (2018, February 10). What makes kids picky eaters — and what may help them get over it. Retrieved April 26, 2021, from
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/what-makes-kids-picky-eaters-what-helps-them-get-over-ncna846386

 (2018, July 11). Growth and body composition in children who are picky … – Nature. Retrieved April 2, 2021, from
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-018-0250-7

 (n.d.). Picky eating in children: causes and consequences – PubMed. Retrieved April 26, 2021, from
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30392488/

(n.d.). Kids Health Information : Nutrition – school-age to adolescence. Retrieved April 26, 2021, from
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Nutrition_older_children/

(n.d.). Kids Health Information : Nutrition – school-age to adolescence. Retrieved April 26, 2021, from
https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/Nutrition_older_children/

 (2018, February 12). Association of Picky Eating with Growth, Nutritional Status …. Retrieved April 2, 2021, from
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5816267/

 (2018, July 11). Growth and body composition in children who are picky … – Nature. Retrieved April 2, 2021, from
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-018-0250-7

 (n.d.). Growth and body composition in children who are picky eaters: a …. Retrieved April 15, 2021, from
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41430-018-0250-7

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theAsianparent Malaysia website
.

ALSO READ
:
Do’s and Don’ts To Raise A Mindful Eater

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Dyson Expands Retail Footprint With Two New Dyson Demo Stores in Kuala Lumpur

Today, two new Dyson Demo stores open at Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and IOI City Mall, Putrajaya

in Malaysia. The immersive Demo spaces form a part of Dyson’s global drive to grow its direct-to-consumer retail ambitions.

The new spaces in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and IOI City Mall Putrajaya are now a part of a group of ten direct store locations and will be home to Dyson’s full portfolio of key technologies, helping customers discover, explore, and better understand how Dyson technology works.

The new Dyson Demo stores spotlight the technology inside Dyson’s machines, with demonstration zones and interactive displays to show the designs at work. From exhibiting the effectiveness of Dyson
vacuum cleaners
 on different floor surfaces with various types of dust and debris, to air quality demonstrations that show live air quality data, and styling stations where shoppers can have their hair styled with the latest Dyson technology, the Demo stores offer owners a seamless hands-on experience.

Healthy hair styling and timeline, technology walls

Dyson Demo store (Pavilion Kuala Lumpur) has a dedicated space for in-house
hair care
, equipped with two styling stations. Dyson Experts are available on-site to provide advice and a personalised styling service using Dyson hair care technology, based on hair type and styling needs.

Complimentary in-store styling is also available to all shoppers at the styling stations. Unique to Dyson Demo store (Pavilion Kuala Lumpur) is a timeline wall showcasing the history of Dyson’s problem-solving technologies, marking the milestone successes – and failures – along the way. Shoppers are invited to explore Dyson’s story and learn about the inner workings of the machines displayed on walls alongside. Dyson experts on their next visit to the store.

Like its capital counterpart, Dyson Demo store (IOI City Mall, Putrajaya) represents a strategic location to reach out to more Malaysians with more emphasis on healthier space solutions, including floorcare and air purification technologies.

Also exclusive to all Dyson Demo stores, located behind the Personalisation Bar is a first-ever display wall of Dyson’s full range of hair care offerings, including the recently launched Dyson Airwrap multi-styler.

Dyson Direct Exclusive Offerings

When buying direct from Dyson, customers can access exclusive technologies and limited-edition colourways. At the Personalisation Bar, they will also enjoy complimentary case debossing for their Dyson SupersonicTM hair dryer, Dyson AirwrapTM multi-styler and Dyson CorraleTM straightener presentation cases with a selection of colours for the foil initials and gift-wrapping services.

From 4th to 9th April 2023, Dyson will be hosting an Experiential Event at IOI City Mall Putrajaya (Ground Floor, East Wing), to celebrate the official opening of the new Dyson Demo store. Exclusive deals include a complimentary RM150 instant-rebate voucher (while stocks last) will be available at the event only, so this is an opportunity for new and existing Dyson owners to invest in the latest technologies for their home and wellbeing in mind.

Dyson Demo

The new Dyson Demo store (Pavilion Kuala Lumpur) opens officially to the public at 10:00am on 4 April 2022 and is located at Lot 4.17.00, Level 4, Pavilion Kuala Lumpur, 168, Jalan Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The new Dyson Demo store (IOI City Mall, Putrajaya) open officially to the public at 10:00am on 4 April 2022 and is located at No. L1-232, First Floor, 101 City Mall 2, Lebuh IRC, IOI Resort City, 62502 Putrajaya, Sepang Selangor, Malaysia.

It will be open daily from 10:00 – 22:00.

The health and well-being of our people, shoppers and any person visiting our stores is paramount. We have introduced several measures to make the shopping experience as hygienic and safe as possible. They include:

o Alcohol-based hand sanitiser or hand wipes are readily available on plinths around the store.

o Dyson experts routinely wipe down each machine on display, before and after demonstrations.

o All surfaces that are frequently touched, such as plinths, door handles, and handrails are cleaned at least daily.

Risks assessments have been conducted in each location and Dyson Experts have been trained on the various hygiene measures we have in place.

Dyson’s portfolio of key technologies will be on display:

Dyson Airwrap multi-styler:
 Dyson’s best-performing and most-efficient Airwrap is a fully customisable styling tool to deliver a range of styles for different hair types, without extreme heat. Its next generation styling barrels featuring a rotating cool tip, make achieving curls and waves faster and easier – with no heat damage. Re-engineered brush attachments deliver precision shaping with enhanced Coanda performance, alongside an all-new dual-purpose Coanda smoothing dryer. Combining two attachments in one, the Coanda smoothing dryer hides flyaways in a single pass and transforms into a powerful dryer with the flick of a switch.

Dyson CorraleTM straightener:
 The only straightener to use flexing plates that shape to gather hair, this extra control enables styling with less heat and damage. It incorporates an intelligent sensor system to regulate and adjust the temperature of its plates 100 times per second, ensuring constant power and heat for enhanced styling.

Dyson V12 DetectTM:
 A new generation of cord-free vacuum cleaners which features a precisely angled laser beam that reveals hidden dust, while an acoustic piezo sensor measures and records the dust and debris that has been sucked up displaying the data on a screen in real-time. People will be able to see the Singapore-made Dyson HyperdymiumTM motor and five-layers of filtration close-up and try the machine on four different floor surfaces with a variety of dust and debris.

Dyson Purifier CoolTM Formaldehyde air purifier:
 Latest generation of purification machines with new solid-state formaldehyde sensing technology, designed to capture ultrafine dust and allergens, even destroying potentially dangerous VOCs including formaldehyde. Dyson experts are on hand to explain the way in Dyson’s air purifier technology sense, captures and projects clean air for home air treatment.

DYSON.COM

No matter where you are in the world, you can experience the science and engineering behind Dyson’s technologies by coming to Dyson directly at Dyson.my. Bringing the experience of physical retail to shoppers in their own homes, Dyson experts are available for live video demonstration of exclusive Dyson machines.

Whether it be cleaning demos, air purification guidance or styling tips, owners can get support directly from Dyson Experts. Live chat functionality also allows people to ask questions to ensure they get the right Dyson for their home environment, with free next-day delivery once the decision is made. Dyson’s Direct channels offer exclusive technology and the opportunity to personalise both the tool itself and its accompanying accessories.

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

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The Ultimate Kuala Lumpur Mooncake Guide

The Mid-Autumn Festival is upon us again, which means shopping for mooncakes, from timeless classics like baked lotus paste mooncakes to snow-skin mooncakes and everything in between!

Here are our top picks of the most unique mooncakes around the Klang Valley, including selections from Pavilion KL’s Moonlit Mid Autumn Mooncake Bazaar, the biggest selection of mooncakes at one location in Bukit Bintang, as well as the unique offerings at Intermark Mall and Da Men USJ!

Pavilion KL’s Moonlit Mid Autumn Mooncake Bazaar Highlights!

Enchanting Pavilion

Pavilion Hotel’s Moonlight Garden Mooncake Collection

Adorn your home with a stunning Jade Pavilion rechargeable lantern that accompanies
Pavilion Hotel
’s Moonlight Garden Mooncake Collection.

 Each artfully crafted lantern contains four pieces of traditionally baked mooncakes – choose from their classic flavours of Lotus, White Lotus and Red Bean, as well as favourites such as Pandan, Yam and Sweet Corn. Illuminate your Mid-Autumn celebration with this perfect gift for family and friends.

To the Moon!

A Thousand Words by The Fame’s Limited Edition Celestial Lab Mooncake Gift Set

Looking for an out-of-this-world gift this Mid-Autumn? Check out
A Thousand Words by The Fame’s (ATW by The Fame)
 Limited Edition Celestial Lab Mooncake Gift Set featuring four delicious mooncakes inspired by the moon.

Check out their unique Dragonfruit and Cranberry, Red Bean Matcha, Lava Black Sesame, and Lava Tiramisu mooncakes that incorporate the latest AR technology and immersive packaging design to bring you a highly experiential treat!

Chocolate Surprise

Awfully Chocolate’s Classic Baked Mooncakes and Chocolate Truffle Mooncakes

Chocolate lovers have to taste
Awfully Chocolate
’s specialty Chocolate Mooncakes! Try their signature Original Chocolate Mooncake with an all-chocolate mooncake filled with rich dark chocolate lotus with a divine dark chocolate filling. Other flavours include Tiramisu Mooncake, Hazelnut Custard Double Yolk, and Chocolate Brownie Sea Salt Caramel.

Awfully Chocolate is also bringing back its  Chocolate Truffle Mooncakes, and they’re bigger and better! Coming in a larger size, the specially curated collection comes in Dark Chocolate Passion Fruit, Cookies and Cream Dark Milk, Chocolate Hazelnut Feuilletine and Caramel Creme Brulee.

Durian Delight

Durian mooncake set by First Class Durian

Attention, durian lovers! Looking for a mooncake that will not only mark the Mid-Autumn festivities but also fulfil all your durian cravings?

Look no further than
First Class Durian
’s durian mooncake sets featuring snow skin mooncakes with Musang King, Black Thorn, Pandan Musang King and Chocolate Musang King fillings.

So Macha Love

EQ’s handcrafted Nerikiri Wagashi mooncakes

Try
EQ Hotel
’s Japanese-inspired handcrafted Nerikiri Wagashi mooncakes available in Citrus Adzuki, Matcha Pistachio, and Yuzu Passion Fruit flavours.

 These delicate round mooncakes are beautifully decorated with characters reflecting the Mid-Autumn Festival, including white rabbits and lanterns and Chinese symbols representing luck and longevity. Do make sure to order these mooncakes early as order slots are limited.

A Taste of Malaysia

Mizicor Malaysia mooncakes

Enveloped in soft Japanese Mochi,
Mizicor
 offers a host of unique flavours inspired by Malaysian and international flavours.
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Mizicor’s Mooncake flavours include Cempedak, Berry Strawberry, Mango Passion, Uji Matcha, Musang King, and Belgium Chocolate. Best of all, these mooncakes have no added sugars and are preservative-free!

Travel The World

(From left) Le Meridien’s Destination Inspired Mooncakes and the Trieste Mooncake

Take a trip around the world when you bite into
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur
’s innovative destination-inspired snow skin mooncakes!

Travel to Trieste and taste a delectable espresso illy coffee and cashew nuts mooncake; Kyoto features a genuine Japanese matcha tea with lychee mooncake; Brussels stars a show-stopping dark Belgian chocolate mooncake with dehydrated raspberries; and Melaka features a blue pea flower, yuzu and cranberries.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a hit of alcohol, try Shanghai for lychee infused with Peddlers Shanghai crafted gin mooncake; New York City for Le Meridien’s take on a Manhattan Cocktail in the form of a mooncake; or perhaps try Vera Cruz for Kahlua Coffee Liqueur, vodka and illy Espresso Martini.

Sweet and Savoury

Grand Imperial’s Snow Skin Custard and Chicken Floss mooncake

In collaboration with renowned dried meat brand Oloiya,
Grand Imperial
 handcrafted a unique Snow Skin Custard and Chicken Floss Mooncake that achieves the perfect balance of sweet and savoury enveloped in a stunning pale blue snow skin. This mooncake promises a burst of flavours and textures that will invigorate the senses.

Majestic Flavours

Casahana’s Royal Osmanthus Mooncake and Thousand Miles Mooncake Gift Box

Indulge in a variety of mooncakes in stunning gift packaging at
Casahana
. Notable flavours include German Black Forest, Coffee Lotus, Mocha Lava, Matcha Red Bean Omochi, Musang King Lava and Royal Osmanthus.

Award-Winning Delicacies

Oriental Restaurant’s Shanghai Style and Single Egg Yolk & Yam Paste in Teochew Style Mooncake

Sometimes old school is best! For a taste of traditional Chinese-style mooncakes, check out
Oriental Restaurant
’s award-winning Shanghai Style Mooncake and Single Egg Yolk and Yam Paste in Teochew Style Mooncake.

Other chef-recommended mooncakes include the Creamy Lava Traditional Mooncake and Single Egg Yolk and White Lotus Paste Traditional Mooncake.

Location:
 Ground Floor, Intermark Mall

Timeless Classics

Grand Harbour’s VIP Premium Box

On top of stocking the classic baked mooncake flavours like White Lotus Paste and Red Bean Paste,
Grand Harbour
 has a series of Snow Skin Mooncakes that are filled with high-quality ingredients with flavours ranging from White Lotus, Yam Paste and Red Bean.

Location:
Level 4, Da Men USJ; Level 5, Pavilion Bukit Jalil; Lower Ground Two, Fahrenheit 88

Aim for the Stars

(from left) Starbucks’ Caramel Macchiato Mooncake and Matcha Adzuki Mooncake

Craving mooncakes with a
Starbucks
 twist? Inspired by its signature beverages, Starbucks’ mooncake flavours include Caramel Macchiato, a coffee lotus mooncake with soft caramel lava; Matcha Adzuki, a green tea lotus mooncake with adzuki (red bean) lava; Chocolate Hazelnut Praline, a chocolate lotus mooncake with hazelnut lava; and Golden Lotus Salted Egg, a classic lotus mooncake with an indulgent salted egg lava filling.

Location:
Level 3 / Level 6, Pavilion KL; Ground Floor, Intermark Mall; Ground Floor, Da Men USJ; Level 3 Pavilion Bukit Jalil

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

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A Natural And Effective Cough Remedy - Steamed Orange With Salt

Like most of you, we find ourselves at home and want to make sure the health of ourselves and our family is not compromised during these times. As many of you know, we’ve been proponents of natural herbs, ingredients and DIYs for a long time now, and today is no different.

We’d like to take our love for simple powerful ingredients and DIY – to the next level! At this level, we turn what’s available in our homes that’s natural and safe into remedies, concoctions and tonics that really help you with common ailments like the cough, flu, constipation, as well as help to boost immunity.

Credit: freepik.com

Because although antibiotics could be used as a fast cure option, there’s more damage than good done in the long term. Today, we’ll be sharing with you our Co-Founder Stephanie’s very own effective cough remedy – Steamed Orange With Salt.

It’s proven to work like a charm  – putting her and her family to sleep through the night, where they wake up feeling less congested (the citrus worked like an expectorant), their throats eased up and within 2-3 days they were back to good shape. The best thing is arguably the taste – for both parents and the kids.

So what are some common ailments & health-related concerns you have now? Is it immunity? Or an eternally running cold? Instead of quick-fixing them, how about looking at the natural route to see if there is a safe alternative for you – that’s currently sitting in your kitchen.

Effective Cough Remedy Using Home-Based Ingredients

Now that we’re all home anyway, let’s give it a try with this Steamed Orange. It’s pretty easy, here are the steps and ingredients needed.

Recipe: Steamed Orange With Salt

Ingredients:

1 orange per person

Himalayan salt

Method:

Soak the orange in salt water for 20 minutes.

Slice the top of the orange (about 2 cm from the top) to resemble a cap or cover.

Poke a fork through to make multiple holes in the top of the orange.

Sprinkle about ½ to 1 teaspoon of salt over and allow it to dissolve and seep into the orange.

Cover the orange with its top. Put the orange into an empty bowl.

Place it in a steamer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve warm – peel the orange (the skin will come off easily), eat the flesh and drink the juice that collects in the bowl.

Credit: freepik.com

Who would have known that a juicy vitamin-C filled orange could actually turn into something that helps with cough right? We have a ton other remedies that you can whip up straight from the comforts of your kitchen and home.

So if you’d like to find out more remedies you can easily whip up – for immunity,  fevers, the flu, constipation, etc. check out
Natural Home Pharmacy
 – it’s an online program created by leading Naturopath Amanda Teh that’s got 30 simple videos that shares 30 remedies for you to put together – to transform your health in a safe and natural way.

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB
.

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Post partum Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) in new mothers

After having a baby, one of the last things you want is to get post partum UTI

As a woman, you might have suffered from a Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) before and may recall that it definitely was not fun.

A UTI occurs when there is a significant number of bacteria present in your urinary tract.

In Singapore,
20% of women
 aged between 20 – 65 years suffer at least one attack per year and around 50% of women will experience UTI at least once in their lives.

theAsianparent spoke to Dr Sam Peh Oon Hui, a Urologist from the
PanAsia Surgery Group
 for more information about post partum UTI and what new mothers can do to avoid it:

1. What are the causes of post partum UTI?

The incidence of post partum UTI is about 2.8% overall including caesarean sections and normal vaginal deliveries.

It is higher after
caesarean section
 possibly due to catheterization.

Use of sanitary pads post partum also may contribute the higher incidence of UTI.

2. Why UTI is the most common type of infection which plaques women?

Women are at an anatomical disadvantage due to the short urethra which enables bacteria to gain access to the bladder more easily.

The perineum is always populated by gut bacteria and it proximity to the vagina and therefore the urethra further contributes to the high incidence of UTI in women.

3. Why is UTI the most common type of infection post partum women faces?

Women who had caesarean usually have a
urinary catheter
 inserted and this increases the risk of infection.

Post partum women also have pads put on and these also increase the risk of UTI.

Change your sanitary pads often to avoid getting a UTI

4. What are some tips and tricks new mothers should adopt to avoid contracting UTI?

The urinary catheter, if present, should be removed as early as possible.

Sanitary pads (if required) should be changed regularly.

Finally, early mobilization will reduce the risk of UTI.

More tips
 on how to prevent UTI include:

After going to the toilet, always wipe from front to back

Avoid vaginal deodorants, vaginal douching agents and bubble baths

Practice good personal hygiene (especially before and after sexual intercourse)

Empty your bladder fully

Drink lots of water

5. What is the recurrence rate in post partum women?

The recurrence rate is the same as the rest of the population unless the women have an underlying problem.

6. What are the signs and symptoms?

Painful urination, urinary frequency, urgency, blood in the urine and fever are the symptoms of UTI.

Other symptoms
 include:

Any pain in your back or lower abdomen

Cloudy or dark urine that has a strange smell

Feeling tired or shaky

Fever or chills (this is only if the UTI has already reached your kidneys)

7. What are the health complications that can arise from having UTI?

Most of the time UTI have no long term health complications.

Quite often UTI causes undue stress to the women who suffer from it, more so if it is a recurrent UTI.

In individuals whose immune system is compromised for example poorly controlled
diabetics
 or patients on chemotherapy it may lead to severe infections where the bacterial goes into the blood — this then becomes a life threatening situation.

Eating dried cranberries, or craisins, can help prevent UTI

8. What are some natural ways to prevent this?

There are a few things women can do to reduce the incidence of UTI. One of the ways is to
consume cranberries
 on a daily basis.

The general guideline is to drink half a cup of pure cranberry juice with high concentration of cranberries or a quarter cup of dried cranberries (craisins).

Cranberries are an exceptional fruit that provide one-of- a-kind
health benefits
 as it contains a unique combination of compounds including Type-A PACs (or proanthocyanidins), that prevent bacteria from sticking and causing infection.

New studies also discovered a class of compounds, xyloglucan oligosaccharides, which have similar anti-bacterial properties against E. coli as PACs which are also found within cranberries.

This means there are multiple, unique elements within cranberries which will rejuvenate the body from within.

Take care of yourself

You may have your hands full taking care of your new little bundle of joy, but it is also important that you take good care of yourself.
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Should you be feeling any pain or suspect that you may have post partum UTI, it is recommended that you seek immediate medical help to get the treatment you require.

Although UTI is a common occurrence in women, you should always watch out for the signs and symptoms and get appropriate medical treatment to prevent any possible complications down the road.

Have you ever suffered from a UTI?  Share your story with us below

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"Is my baby's weight normal?": A guide to newborn weight loss and gain

When your baby is still in your womb, you wait for your ultrasound scan days so you can find out just how well your baby is doing.

But after you give birth, your full attention is now on his weight and which percentile he is in, as markers of his good health and wellbeing.

It’s all too easy to fret about your baby’s weight — including loss of it and not gaining enough (in your eyes).

However, by familiarising yourself with the information presented in this article* about newborn baby weight gain and loss, you can spare yourself of this worry — and also know when worry is warranted.

It’s normal for newborn babies to lose some weight initially

Baby weight: loss and gain

Your baby’s weight at birth

Genetics as well as your health and nutrition during pregnancy will determine your baby’s birth weight.

According to the Health Promotion Board of Singapore (HPB), the average Singaporean baby (at 40 weeks) weighs 3.2kg, with most healthy newborns weighing anywhere between 2.5 to 4.5kg.

However, it’s not how much your baby weighs at birth that’s important — it’s the rate of his weight gain and growth pattern over the next few months that is.

The first 14 days

All babies will lose a few ounces from their birth weight within the first few days after birth.

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, “a 5% weight loss is considered normal for a formula-fed newborn and a 7-10% loss is considered normal for breastfed babies.” This is reiterated by the Australian Breastfeeding Association who say a maximum weight loss of 7-10% is considered normal in breastfed babies.

In fact,
according to a study
 published in
Pediatrics,
exclusively breastfed newborns (in the study cohort) lost as much 10% or more of their birth weight in the first few days post-birth.

The same study noticed a slight difference in weight loss among vaginally- and C-section-born babies — with 5% of the former losing at least 10% of their birth weight and 10% of the latter losing the same amount of weight.

This immediate weight loss in your newborn is generally no cause for concern, because babies are born with extra weight to sustain them until you get breastfeeding going.

Dr. Jennifer Shu, paediatrician and co-author of
Heading Home With Your Newborn
,
also reassures new mums by pointing out that the
colostrum
 your breasts produce immediately after delivery, has everything your baby needs at this point.

Two to five days after birth, your breastmilk should come in. Following this, you should notice a gradual climb in your baby’s weight — and he should re-gain his birth weight when he’s around 14 days old.

During this time, neonatal experts say you should document a weight gain in your baby of at least half an ounce a day.

A baby weight and height chart will help you monitor your baby’s growth.

Making sense of your baby’s growth chart

From the day your baby is born,
 his weight
 will be assessed and recorded in a weight-for-age growth chart. The most common chart (and the one that is used in Singapore) is a percentile chart, based on World Health Organisation growth standards.

Importantly, the World Health Organization growth standards are based on healthy, exclusively breastfed babies from six countries across five continents, and can be used whether your baby is breastfed or formula-fed.

They more accurately show how a healthy baby should grow in comparison to older versions based on information gathered from only formula-fed infants.

You can find the World Health Organization child growth standards percentile charts and tables here:

Charts:
girls
;
boys

Tables:

girls
;
boys

Children will grow along their own ‘curve’, and as long as your baby follows his curve consistently, there is no cause for concern. For example, a baby who is in the 5th percentile and has always been in the 5th percentile is less of a concern than a baby in the 50th percentile who suddenly starts to drop.

“If we see an infant falling significantly on the chart, say from the 60th to the 10th, we’ll have the baby come in for more frequent weight checks and try to feed her more,” says Dr. Shu. “If she’s eating well but still not gaining, we’ll run tests to rule out an underlying cause, like a food allergy.”

Newborn weight: Keep these points in mind

Breastfed babies vs. formula-fed babies

Babies on formula will have much less trouble gaining weight than breastfed babies. In fact, formula-fed babies may even gain too much weight because formula is more concentrated than breastmilk and often, parents want their baby to finish the whole bottle.

Dr Jack Newman, who is an internationally reputed breastfeeding expert and paediatrician, says that too much weight gain is less of a concern for breastfed babies.

This is because breastfeeding babies stop when they’re done (rather than when the bottle is empty) and therefore, are able to self-regulate the amount of milk they drink.
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“I wouldn’t worry about rapid growth in a breastfed baby who is content and healthy,” says Dr Newman.

How full or dry your infant’s diaper is, is a good indication of if he’s getting enough to eat or not.

Monitor those early diapers

In the first three days post-birth, your little one will pass dark stools, or meconium. By day three or four, his stools should be soft and yellow (if breastfed) or darker and firmer (formula-fed).

If your baby’s stools are not changing in this manner, then experts advise that he may not be getting enough milk.

Another indication that he may not be getting enough milk is if he is not producing enough wet diapers a day. In general, a newborn baby aged two days old will have two to three wet diapers a day. But this should ideally increase to six to eight by the time he is a week old.

If you feel your baby isn’t producing enough wet diapers, or you notice something odd with his stools, please contact your paediatrician without delay.

Average weight gain in the first year

While the general understanding is that a baby should gain, on average, between 140 to 201 grams (five to 7 1/2 ounces) per week, in the first three months, Dr. Newman advises parents not to get too obsessed with monitoring these averages.

Instead, Dr. Newman suggests you should keep in mind that:

“A baby who is following the 95th percentile on the growth chart will be gaining significantly more.

A baby following the third percentile gains significantly less than that. That’s one reason growth curves are a better way to judge how the baby is growing.”

Keep in mind that between three and six months of age, your baby’s average rate of growth will slow down to between 105 and 147 grams per week. And between six and 12 months, it further slows down to 70 to 91 grams per week.

In general, babies will double their birth weight by around five months, and triple it by a year.

If your baby is not latching on properly, this could interfere with his weight gain.

When your baby is not gaining enough weight

There may be several reasons for inadequate weight gain** in an infant (or failure to thrive), including the following:

1. Your baby is not latching on properly

It may look simple enough, but helping your baby to latch on properly takes practice for both mummy and baby. If you think your baby is not getting enough breastmilk, Dr Newman says the first step is to improve your little one’s latch.

“It’s important that the mother know when the baby is getting milk rather than just ‘nibbling’ at the breast. When the baby is not drinking much, using compression can help,” he advises.

Breast compression means squeezing your breast while the baby is sucking, but not drinking. It’s like hand-expressing milk into the baby’s mouth.

If you are struggling with getting your baby to latch on, please consult your paediatrician, or a lactation consultant/nurse without delay, as they can guide you with the correct techniques.

Tongue tie. Image from
LLLI/Pinterest

2. Your baby may have tongue tie

Some babies have tongue tie, meaning the lingual frenulum — the piece of skin that attaches the tongue to the bottom of the mouth — is too thick or too short. This interferes with the movement of the tongue, making it hard for baby to breastfeed.

A clue to watch out for that may indicate he has this condition is if the tip of his tongue curls under when he cries with his mouth open.

If you suspect your baby has tongue-tie, mention this to your paediatrician or lactation consultant, who can check. The remedy for this condition is a quick clipping of the frenulum by a doctor.

Tongue-tie is more of a problem for breastfed babies rather than bottle-fed ones, as the latter use their tongue less to get milk from the bottle.

Is your baby too sleepy to nurse?

3. Your baby is not nursing often enough

Newborns should be nursing around every two and a half hours, or, according to
La Leche League International
 (LLLI), about eight to 12 times in 24 hours.

Dr. Shu says that some little ones can tend to be really sleepy, and therefore, forego some feeds. But at this stage, the need to be feeding him at regular interval overtakes your need for a nice, long stretch of sleep — at least until your paediatrician says you can reduce the frequency of feeding.

When your little one doesn’t nurse frequently especially at the initial stages, your body doesn’t get enough stimulation to make more milk, meaning your baby may not be getting enough nourishment. This in turn can make him too tired to nurse.

If you find your baby is drifting off at your breast, do your best to rouse your little sleepy head by rubbing his feet or stroking his cheek. If these methods fail, take him off the breast to wake him up, then re-latch,
suggest
 lactation experts.

Prevent supply issues from occurring by making you you get plenty of breastfeeding support at the outset

4. You have supply issues

While it’s difficult to tell if your baby is getting enough breastmilk, as long as he is producing the recommended amount of wet diapers and pooing frequently, you’re doing a great job.

However, to keep up your supply you don’t just need your baby to latch-on frequently — you also need loads of support.

Most often, supply issues develop when new mums don’t have enough support initially, which can have a negative impact on establishing their full supply.

Talk to a lactation consultant, other breastfeeding mothers or a doctor early on, and frequently.

Always mix your baby’s formula following instructions precisely.

5. You aren’t mixing formula properly

Dr Shu explains that some parents add extra water to formula to save money or because they think formula is constipating their baby.

Stick to the correct measurements — too much water and not enough nutrients can be fatal to a newborn, if, for whatever reasons, you are giving him formula and not breastmilk***.

Parents, we hope you found this information useful. Remember not to compare your baby and his size or weight to that of other babies.

Each little one is unique and will gain weight at a different rate.

*Please keep in mind that this is a general guide. You should be discussing any matters related to your baby’s health with a medical specialist.

**
Seek medical help without delay if your infant’s weight gain has slowed or stopped.

***
Medical professionals around the world recommend that breastmilk is the best source of nourishment for a newborn baby. They advise at least six months of exclusive breastfeeding.

References

American Pregnancy Association

La Leche League International

Australian Breastfeeding Association

Parents

Medscape

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Myth Busters - Autism Spectrum Disorder

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that has been attracting more and more attention in recent years. This spectrum is characterised by deficits in two major areas. Firstly, social communication, and secondly, restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. Even with the abundance of information available on this complex spectrum, it can still be a confusing matter for families, educators and caregivers.

As the title suggests, ASD is a
spectrum disorder
 whereby there is great variance in abilities and characteristics of individuals across the spectrum. It is said that if you have seen 10 children with autism, you have seen 10 different cases of autism. No two cases are alike.

Common Misconceptions About People with Autism

1. People with ASD do not like to socialise with others

Individuals with autism tend to exhibit difficulties with social skills, for example the inability to make or sustain eye contact. Sometimes, their lack of social skills may make them appear shy or even unfriendly, however, it is more likely anxiety and the inability to communicate their desire to connect that is causing their behaviour. For many, socialisation and attempts to socialise needs to be broken down into simple concrete steps and requires the support from family and teachers in a step by step manner.

2. People with ASD do not have speech

One of the common red flags of ASD is a lack or delay of speech in children. However, with early intervention and regular speech therapy, many individuals with ASD progress to have fluent age-appropriate speech. Others can learn to use different modes of communication such as gestures or pictures, for example “Picture Exchange Communication System” or PECS.

3. ASD only affects children

To fulfil the criteria for an ASD diagnosis, symptoms must be present from the early developmental stages, so in many cases, ASD is diagnosed in childhood. Children diagnosed with ASD will grow up to become teenagers and then adults with ASD. However, milder forms of ASD may not be diagnosed until later in life when social demands begin to exceed abilities. It is important to note that the presentation of symptoms will manifest differently as individuals progress through different stages of life – hence the importance of tailoring support for different age groups.

4. ASD is caused by vaccination

There is no specific cause of ASD, or rather, no one factor has been identified as the cause of ASD. Current research highlights that some of the risk factors for ASD are both genetic and environmental factors. Genetically, research has shown that autism tends to run in families. Some environmental factors include parental age and pregnancy or birth complications.

5. Autism can be cured

There is no known cure for ASD, however, children with ASD can benefit from structured early intervention including speech and occupational therapy, with intervention tailored to the individual needs of the child. This can lead to a reduction in symptoms and the severity of symptoms.

6. ASD only affects boys

ASD does seem to be more prevalent in boys than girls, with the ratio of about 4:1. There is no exact reason for this difference however it is believed that autism is harder to detect in girls due to behavioural differences in the two genders at the early stages of life. As a result, studies have shown that girls with ASD tend to be diagnosed later in life when different life challenges arise.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123

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How To Start Eating Healthy This Year

The New Year is a great time for making new resolutions to live a healthier lifestyle or even to start eating healthy. But this year, with Chinese New Year coming so fast after the end of year festivities, it may feel like we’re just going from indulging in Christmas treats to feast on Chinese New Year snacks.

But the reality is that most Malaysians really should pay more attention to what
 we eat.
 Granted that Malaysian food is delicious, but recent
reports
show that we are increasingly becoming
sicker
as a result of unhealthy diets. Moreover, it is a parents responsibility to show a good example to their children in all things, including healthy eating habits and getting enough exercise.

Credit: Shutterstock

How to start eating healthy

So maybe we should start taking those resolutions seriously. To help out, here are 6 tips on how to start eating healthy this year.

1# Eat out less

Yes, we know as busy as we are it is not easy to prepare a home-cooked meal every single day. Eating out is not only easy, but good food can be found anywhere. Unfortunately food prepared outside tends to be oily and salty and you can’t control what goes into each dish. It’s also not cheap. With prices on the rise, why not make a commitment to eat home say 4 out of 7 days in a week? You don’t have to make anything fancy, just Google or YouTube a simple stir-fry recipe including meat and
vegetables!

2# Cooking style counts

Credit: Shutterstock

When you’re eating out, consider the food on your table – how many dishes are deep-fried? Simply opting for grilled or steamed meats can make a meal healthier and always make sure you order some vegetables too. And if you’re already full, you can skip the dessert, or simply share.

3# Consider your drinks

Carbonated drinks, packet juices, even coffee and tea at your local
mamak
 can contain lots of sugar. And too much sugar contributes to diabetes. If you’re thinking of cutting down on the sugar, then reduce the amount of sugary drinks you take per week. Opt for juice without sugar, black coffee or
simply plain water.

4# Don’t get distracted

Ever finished one whole bag of chips while sitting in front of the TV? You are more likely to overeat when you’re distracted so dedicate a certain time to meals and cut all distractions. Yes, including your phone.

5# Start with breakfast

Credit: Unsplash

It’s really important for kids to start the day with breakfast (adults too!) as breakfast replenishes energy, puts you in a better mood and helps you focus and be more productive. This is a good habit to inculcate- wholemeal peanut butter and jelly sandwich with a cup of MILO (no sugar) can go a long way.

6# Snack wise

Everyone loves a snack whether sweet or salty. The key is to snack healthy. Opt for nuts instead of chips and fruits instead of sweets. Or if you really must have cake, chocolate and ice-cream, try reducing the amount you eat.

Every journey has its ups and downs. Even if you fall off the wagon today, you can always start again tomorrow. Good luck!

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Develop Healthy Habits By Playing

Still racking your brain over in planning for the future of your newborn babies? Are you intending to fill up your child’s childhood memories with a variety of talent classes, in the hope to groom them into SUPER KIDS? If you are about to do so, please hold on and stick your eyes to this article first, as it might WOW you with some better, easier ways to groom your child better. You may wonder: is this for real?

Indeed- and it is called P-L-A-Y!

How to Develop Healthy Habits By Playing

Credit: Freepik

Playing-through physical activities or games-which is previously perceived to be unproductive to learning, have been shown to assist children in establishing healthy habits and behaviours, especially the ones aged between 0-5.

Besides, the benefits of these healthy habits and play can extend well beyond physical health, developing children’s motor coordination, the state of psychologically and socially well-being, and cognitive skills. To put it simpler, physical activities set the stage for wholesome development in children.

Giving children early exposure to physical activities, indeed, works the best for their overall development; parents, however, must only allow children to do the age-appropriated activities.

Based upon different needs in each developmental stage, these activities can well vary from light intensity activities namely role-play, messy play, and painting, to moderate-to-vigorous activities such as running, jumping and even ball games.

Besides, recent research findings even attest to the significance of unstructured physical activities-or more commonly known as free play- to children’s development in the early years.

So, how are we supposed to go about it?

Credit: Freepik

Let’s understand children’s physical activity patterns in different developmental stages:

For
infant (0-12 months)
, their motor skill develops during the transition from involuntary reflexes to voluntary control over body movements throughout this period. Reacting to stimulus, together with active buildup of muscle mass, they learn to sit up, roll over, crawl, stand, and reach objects. Therefore, promoting physical activity opportunities will give rise to a stimulating environment, which is critical to establish the foundation for future physical activity behaviours.

Toddlers

(1-3 years old)
generally start walking- and this gives them more learning opportunities. At the age between 2 to 3, they develop locomotor skills (for example running, skipping, galloping and etc.) and manipulative skills (for instance pushing, kicking, bouncing, catching and etc.)

Preschoolers (3-5 years old)
are characterized by further development in balance, locomotor skills and manipulative skills.

Now, here comes the question: how intense, or how much time should children play for optimal development in early childhood? Much as there isn’t much finding that provides the precise measurement, still, there are some suggestions on engaging them more in physical activities of different intensity, instead of in the sedentary activities which result in their inactivity.

Activities to Try to Develop Healthy Habits in Your Child

Below are some specific activities based on different age groups:

Age Groups

Physical Activities

Sedentary

Infants

(0-1 year)

Gross motor skills training activities should be emphasized so as to develop their limbs, neck and back muscles.

i.)
0-3 months
: Infants are drawn to things that they can look at and listen to. Encourage them to move their limbs and grasp objects with toys such as sensory toys, rattles, bright-coloured hand-held toys and etc.

ii.)
3- 6 months
: Lay dangling toys and rattles around infants (especially on the infants’ tummies) to encourage them to strengthen their neck, back and arm muscles. Hold their hands and help them to stand or bounce up and down.

iii.)
6- 9 months:
Infants’ movements become more precise, as they start developing fine motor skills. Allow them to play hide-and-seek with objects- and encourage them to crawl by crawling after them, create a maze of pillows or let them explore their world by crawling under chairs. These will develop their sensory processing.

 iv.)
9-12 months:
Infants generally can crawl and do cruising; their problem-solving skills are improving as well. Give them push toys to exercise their walking skills, and shape sorters to challenge their problem-solving skills. Provide them with balls for bouncing.  Teach them dumping and filling through bathing or outings, for example park.

Try to engage them more in the activities that promote brain development instead of TV or electronic media. Some suggestions are:

Reading:

Reading at any stage will pay off. It helps infants to develop an ear for the cadence of language. Voice variety will make reading appealing to them.

Singing

Talking (make eye contact with infants)

Toddlers

(1-3 years)

Generally there should be at least 30 minutes spent on structured activities (adult-led) and 60 minutes to several hours for unstructured activities (free play) in daily.

Examples of structured activities are:

Card games and board games

Solving puzzles

Kicking ball back and forth

Walking like different animals

Playing catch

Riding tricycle

Examples of unstructured activities are:

Playing with blocks

Random arts (coloring, drawing or painting)

Free running in park

Dancing

Swimming

Some basic skills that should be achieved through the activities are:

i.
Early Toddler (12-24 months)

walks independently

pulls/carries toys while walking

stoops and gets back up

begins to run

kicks a ball

holds railing going up/down stairs

walks backward

ii.
Older Toddler Skills (24-36 months)

balances 1 to 2 seconds on one foot

climbs well

bends over easily without falling

runs well

kicks ball forward

both feet on step going upstairs/downstairs

starts to pedal tricycle

throws ball over head

Sedentary activities shouldn’t take up more than consecutively 1 hour of toddlers’ time (except sleeping).

For toddlers (0-2 years old), avoid spending time on TV and electronic media. For toddlers (2-3 years old), limit their media time to no more than 1- 2 hours every day.

Always encourage activities like reading, hobbies and creative play instead of watching TV and electronic media.

Preschoolers (3-5 years)

At least 60 minutes should be spent on cumulative structured activities, and 60 minutes to several hours for unstructured activities in daily.

Some examples of activities are:

Catching and trapping (balloons and scarves can be used for them to catch)

Throwing, kicking, and striking (accompanied with rhymes)

Running, jumping and skipping

Balancing (for instance, place a rope on the floor and encourage them to balance.

Encourage them to:

Move their body parts to help them aware of their body and how it moves.

Understand space and how to move within it- high, medium, low, forward, backward, curve, side-to-side, small and big.

Aware of others in their space. (for example, ask them to slow down or stop when they approach another person)

Limit their media time to no more than 1- 2 hours every day.

Always encourage activities like reading, hobbies and creative play instead of watching TV and electronic media.

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*The amount of daily activity is based on the guidelines provided by National Association for Sports and Physical Education (NASPE).

Credit: Freepik

Last but not least, don’t do the mistake by thinking that children will learn if we kick them out to play. We have to help children to acquire better motor skills by spending quality playing time with them actively, offering positive and constructive feedback (for example, “You’ve done a great job to reach the ball!” or “You are almost there! Hang on there!”)

So, having understood the importance of play in children’s all-rounded development and their healthy habits, you won’t try so hard to fill up the childhood of your little darlings with all sorts of talent classes, will you?

It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t send children for any talent class, but they should obtain a fair share of development via physical activities alongside, too.

As what famous philosopher, Rousseau preached, “Let all the lessons of young children take the form of doing rather than talking, let them learn nothing from books that they can learn from experience”.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123.

Read more:

Why you should spend more one-on-one time with your kids

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5 Ways to Help Boost Your Child’s Learning Potential

Dear mummy and daddy,

Are you looking for ways to support your child’s higher IQ and help them reach their full potential? As a parent, you want the best for your children and evidently, you also have the ability to unlock your child’s learning potential and higher IQ with the right guidance, support, and right nutrition.

Given that the home environment forms the foundation of a child’s education, parents play a vital role in their children’s learning and development. Here are some ways you can help your child enhance their learning foundation for higher IQ.

5 ways to help boost your child’s learning foundation to support higher IQ

#1. Improve thinking speed

Thinking speed is important as the first step to learning. It allows a child to process and analyse information quickly and effectively, which is essential for acquiring new knowledge and skills. Each child is unique and has their own individual capacity for learning, and it’s important to keep this in mind. To support your child’s growth, it is essential to understand their learning capabilities and what they can achieve. By gaining this knowledge, you can customise your approach to meet your child’s learning needs.

By enhancing a child’s thinking speed, they can improve their ability to understand complex concepts, solve problems, and learn new skills which are important to help develop a child’s learning potential and therefore, higher IQ.
1
Regular exercise and mindfulness practices are some of the ways that can help enhance a child’s thinking speed.

#2. Introduce them to new learning resources that can broaden their knowledge and skills

Learning should be a fun and enjoyable experience for kids, and it shouldn’t be limited to a strict learning environment with limited resources. Children tend to learn and thrive better in an engaging and interactive environment.

Using tools and relevant learning resources can help support your child’s learning journey. These resources can come in different forms, such as textbooks, workbooks, videos, and other materials that can aid in their development. It is also an ideal time for parents to introduce multimedia tools and technology such as online courses, educational websites, or apps to their children to expose them to different types of media that can benefit them in this digital era.

Parents can play a vital role in supporting their child’s learning by introducing new tools that can supplement their learning to stimulate their critical thinking skills and sharpen their spatial visual skills, hand and eye coordination, problem-solving skills and etc. Additionally, they can provide guidance and ensure that their child uses the resources effectively. It is essential to choose
2
the right learning tools to help your child expand their skills, and knowledge effectively and therefore support higher IQ.

#3. Encourage kids to prioritise goal setting as a means of self-improvement

3
Setting a learning goal at an early stage can create a positive learning environment for your child and also foster their willingness to learn. In addition, goal setting will also help your child to have a clear direction on what they need to achieve.

Without a clear learning goal, your child may struggle to stay motivated and engaged in their learning. However, setting specific goals can help instil motivation and drive for your child to learn, as well as develop crucial life skills such as time management and self-discipline.

As a parent, you can play an effective role in supporting your child’s learning by helping them set realistic goals and breaking them down into achievable steps. This approach can help your child develop independence in achieving their goals and take ownership of their learning. You can also offer incentives to your child when they have completed their goal as a reward to boost their happiness.

#4. Encourage your child to read for knowledge

Incorporating reading into a child’s learning journey from an early age is crucial as it is a powerful tool that enables us to explore and understand the world around us. It is an essential skill that will be used throughout their lives. Reading helps children to be creative by stimulating their imagination and enhancing their cognitive and emotional development.

Parents can play a significant role in cultivating a love for reading in their children by providing a variety of reading materials. These materials can range from educational books, storybooks, alphabet books, to comic books that cater to their child’s interests and age group. By providing such materials, parents can nurture their child’s interest in reading and encourage them to develop a passion for it.

Furthermore, reading aloud to children can help to increase their vocabulary and comprehension skills, according to
4
Merga (2019). Parents can make reading sessions more interactive and engaging by using different voices and asking their children questions about the story.

#5. Incorporate brain development food in their diet

The right food can help enhance your child’s learning and to support their well-being. As the saying goes, you are what you eat. Parents can help support their child’s health by introducing nutritional and well-balanced food that supports child’s development and brain growth.

Give your kids the
5
best brain foods to support their cognitive function. Include eggs, whole grain foods, leafy greens, oats and beans in your child’s diet. To support your child’s learning and development, you can also consider introducing Similac Gold Gain Plus®, an growing milk designed to provide 5 key brain nutrients like Gangliosides, 2′-FL + nucleotides, Lutein , DHA and NVE to support healthy growth and development in children and 5G thinking speed. Good nutrition is important to enhance your child’s learning potential and promote a stronger immune system. Good immune function support more learning opportunities.

Similac Gold Gain Plus
®
 can provide the right balance of nutrients to support cognitive function, allowing for faster learning to support higher IQ. Additionally, it contains a special blend of 2’-FL, nucleotides, and antioxidants that can provide 76% better body defense
6
, thus promoting a strong immune system and less infections.

If you’re looking for a reliable and nutritious milk formula  to support your child’s higher IQ
7
 with 5 key brain nutrients, try
Similac Gold Gain Plus ®
 today!

Purchase on
Shopee
 or
Lazada
 today!

Reference:

1 Angelina Tala (2018)

Exercise Benefits Children Physically and Mentally
www.healthline.com/health-news/exercise-benefits-children-physically-and-mentally

2 Miriam FisherHow (2020)

How parents can support children’s learning at home

How parents can support children’s learning at home

3 The importance of goal setting

British Council Malaysia

www.britishcouncil.my/english/courses-children/resources/importance-goal-setting

4 Margaret Kristin Merga (2019)

The Conversation

Read aloud to your children to boost their vocabulary

theconversation.com/read-aloud-to-your-children-to-boost-their-vocabulary-111427

5 Louisa Richards (2021)

What brain foods should kids eat?

Medicalnewstoday

www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/brain-food-for-kids#healthy-brain-foods

6 Greater antibody production in response to HiB vaccination. Pickering LK, et al. Pediatrics. 1998;101(2):242-249

7 Tan S, et al. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2020, 29, 584-592

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

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STUDY: Children with better relationships with fathers less likely to have behavioural problems

Research has found that the closer a child is to their father, the less likely they are to have behavioural problems in the future,
Independent
 reports.

After examining data from parents of 10,440 children, the researchers found that fathers who were emotionally involved with their child and who felt confident in their role as a parent had kids who were 28% less likely to suffer behavioural problems.

The researchers concluded that the psychological and emotional aspects of fatherhood are more powerful in influencing child behavior—not the amount of time fathers help in childcare or domestic tasks.

Photo: Pixabay

Why are hands-on fathers so important?

 “Positive parenting by fathers may contribute to good outcomes in children in a number of way,” the researchers said, before enumerating the possible reasons why hands-on fathers are so instrumental:

By being a source of support to mothers, hands-on fathers allow their partners to provide better care to their children.

Hands-on fathers can alleviate the impact of factors like maternal depression.

Hands-on fathers lead to a happier and more cohesive family.

As we know how crucial they are to the development of their children, fathers should never take their role as parents for granted. Here are some tips from FamilyShare on how fathers can strengthen their relationships with their kids.

1. Constant communication

Take some time every day to talk to your child, even if it’s just for a few moments. Make them feel like they can talk to you about anything and everything.

2. Share a hobby

Having a common interest gives you more opportunities to spend time together. You can share one of your passions with your child, or ask her what she’s interested in exploring, and take up the new hobby with her.

Photo: Pixabay

3. Don’t miss important moments

Whether it’s a school play, an awards ceremony, or a sports event, do everything you can to be present. Knowing that her parents care enough to witness these big moments will mean the world to your child.

4. Affirm them

Instead of focusing on correcting your child’s mistakes, affirm them for what they’re doing right. This builds up their self-esteem and helps them feel closer to you as well.

5. Share knowledge

One of the biggest roles that come with being a parent is that of a teacher. Whether it’s teaching your child how to ride a bike or passing down a secret family recipe, passing down knowledge will not only help your child build his skills, but also give you great memories.

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Your Children Are Getting Bored At Home? Try These 10 Fun Scientific Experiments For An Engaging Afternoon!

Science is a really fascinating subject and in fact, some scientific experiments can be done in your own home! Imagine teaching your child chemical reactions using an erupting “volcano” in the comfort of your own home.

Some children find science to be a little intimidating
 because let’s face it, it can make your head spin. But there are plenty of easy and fun experiments that children of all ages (adults even!) can try themselves using items they can find at home.

10 Fun Scientific Experiments Children Can Try At Home

Credit: Enlighted Hand Learning Hub

Ready to get started? Here are some fun and engaging activities you can try with your children. Be careful though, some might just explode to your face so keep an eye on them all the time!

1# Erupting Volcano

What You Need:

1 empty mineral bottle

Plasticine

Warm water

6 drops of Detergent

2 tablespoons of Baking Soda

Vinegar

How:

Model the plasticine around the mineral bottle and shape it so that it looks like a volcano. Make sure that the mineral bottle is in the middle of the “volcano”.

Fill ¾ of the bottle with warm water.

Add 6 drops of detergent to the bottle contents. The detergent helps trap the bubbles produced by the reaction so you get better lava.

Add 2 tablespoons baking soda to the liquid.

Slowly pour vinegar into the bottle.

Eruption time!

2# Scientific experiments children can try: Magic Mud

“Magic Mud” is a non Newtonian “mud” made from potato starch that remains hard when handled and turns into liquid when not in use. However, parents have to beware that it can get messy! But it’s pretty cool because it’s
glow in the dark!

What You Need:

A bag of normal potatoes (washed, cleaned and chopped to tiny bits)

1 bottle of tonic water that contains quinine

How:

Put the chopped potatoes into a large
mixing bowl.

Cover your tiny potato bits with hot water.

Stir for a few minutes until the water turns red/muddy.

Strain the potatoes out of the potato water. Into another large bowl.

Leave it for about 10 minutes OR until you see a white layer at the bottom of the bowl.

Remove the dirty water. The white layer won’t move.

To “clean” the white layer, mix it with some water and pour it into a glass jar.

Shake it and let it rest for about 10 minutes again.

You will see the layers again and throw the water away.

Leave the white layer for 2 days until it turns into powder.

Put 3 tablespoons of the white powder into the bowl.

Mix in some tonic water.

You can play with it now!

3# Pasta Hybrid Rocket Engine

For those budding rocket scientist, you can make a “hybrid engine” using only pasta, yeast and hydrogen peroxide which you can get at most pharmacists. It is also a chemical reaction experiment like the erupting volcano.

What You Need:

A canning jar with a ring lid. Punch a hole on the lid. DO NOT USE THE SCREW ON RING.

Hydrogen Peroxide

Yeast

Pasta with a hole in the centre.

How:

Fill the jar with Hydrogen Peroxide.

Stir in a teaspoon of yeast.

Put the lid in place and the pasta over the hole.

Light the end of the pasta.

Did you know that some of the most advanced rocket engines share the same concept?

4#
Scientific experiments children can try:
Freezing Water

For those children who loves Elsa’s freezing power or Frozone’s freezing power from The Incredibles, this is for you. You can now make instant slushies of your favourite soft drinks! Plus, it’s super easy!

What you Need:

500ml Room temperature soda (Shake it until it foams)

How:

Put the shaken bottle of soda into the freezer for approx. 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Do not open the shaken bottle.

Now, twist the cap (but do not open), tighten the cap back, turn the bottle upside down and you have a soda slushie in 3 seconds.

5# Clouds in a bottle

Create your own clouds in a bottle. Perfect to teach your child about temperature and the formation of clouds.

What You Need:

Large glass jar (one gallon size) with lid

Aerosol (hairspray or air freshener)

Flashlight or lamp

Water

Dark-colored paper and flashlight

How:

Pour boiling water into a glass jar.

Swirl the water around so that the jar heats up.

The jar will be very hot. Be sure to use oven mitts to hold the jar.

Place 2 ice cube in jar lid.

Spray aerosol into the jar.

Place a dark-colored piece of paper behind the jar.

You can also use a flashlight to shine into the jar.

Enjoy your little cloud!

6#
Scientific experiments children can try:
Lava Lamp

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A lava lamp that can be made with ingredients from your kitchen! Trust me, you’ll be the coolest parent around!

What You Need:

Plastic soda bottle with cap (big)

Vegetable oil

Food colouring

Effervescent tablet (Shortcut for parents: You can use those Vitamin C tablets and orange colouring)

Optional:

Sequins

Glitter

Salt

Flashlight

How:

Pour vegetable oil into a clean soda bottle till ¾ full.

Fill the rest of the bottle with water.

Add 3-5 drops of the food colouring.

Optional: Add in your glitter/sequins.

Break the effervescent tablet into small pieces.

Drop it into the mixture.

No effervescent tablet? Use salt instead!

Put the cap back on.

Slowly move the bottle back and forth.

Enjoy the show!

7# Colourful Carnations

Turn white flowers into colourful flowers! This experiment is important to illustrate the diagram of a flower.

What You Need:

4 glasses

4 white carnations

4 types of food colouring

Chopping board

Sharp knife

How:

Fill ½ of the glasses with water.

Add in the food colouring until you get a nice, strong colour.

Cut the stem of your flowers with the knife.

Cut it slanting.

Put one flower in each glass of water.

Place them in a bright, sunny spot.

Keep it there for 4-6 hours.

Keep checking as they change colours!

8#
Scientific experiments children can try:
Rainbow In A Jar

Who doesn’t love rainbows? Better yet, your own rainbow in a jar!

What You Need:

1 jar

1/2 cup blue dishwashing liquid

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup rubbing alcohol

1/2 cup light corn syrup

Food coloring

5 spoons

5 bowls for mixing

How:

Make your purple layer by mixing 1/2 cup of the light corn syrup with 1 drop of blue and 1 drop of red food coloring.

Carefully pour it into the bottom of your jar.

Carefully pour the blue dish soap down the side of the jar.

Mix 1/2 cup of water with 2 drops of green food coloring.

Carefully pour in your green water down the side of the jar.

Gently pour 1/2 cup olive oil down the side of your jar.

Mix 1/2 cup of rubbing alcohol with 2 drops of red food coloring.

Carefully pour the red rubbing alcohol down the inside of your jar.

Being careful not to disturb your liquids, set your jar down on the table and enjoy your rainbow!

9# Crazy Slime

Perfect for sensory play and also, makes you feel like the Professor in Flubber.

What You Need:

White wood glue

Borax powder (can be bought from most Chinese Medicine halls)

Food colouring (any colour of your preference)

Water

Measuring spoon

Two containers

Airtight container where you can store your slime

How:

In one container, put one tablespoon of glue in it and mix it with another tablespoon of water and a tiny drop of the food colouring.

Stir it with a stick or another spoon.

In another container, put one teaspoon of borax powder and mix it with one tablespoon of water.

Stir the mixture until the borax powder dissolves, creating a borax solution.

Pour the borax solution into the other container, and mix it with your coloured glue mixture.

Mix the two solutions together. You can do this using your hands.

Less than 10 minutes, you have your very own slime!

10# Naked Egg

This is a fascinating experiment to strip the egg off it’s shell!

What You Need:

Egg

Vinegar

How:

Place the egg in a tall glass or jar and cover the egg with vinegar.

Leave the egg in the vinegar for a full 24 hours.

Change the vinegar on the second day.

Carefully pour the old vinegar down the drain and cover the egg with fresh vinegar.

Place the glass with the vinegar and egg in a safe place for a week

These scientific experiments sound exactly what you needed at the moment with your children stuck at home doing online learning. Good luck parents! We know you really need it.

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 Babies Benefit From Sensory Experiences

Read more:

Forget Homework, Do These Things Instead!

Read more:

A Parent’s Toolkit: 40 Online Resources for FREE Printables, Virtual Tours, Audio Storybooks & More

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This is what happens to you when you have sex every day for a year

Having sex every day is not uncommon among newlyweds or couples in the early stages of their relationship. You just can’t get enough of each other and you have all the time in the world
for
each other. So, sex is a natural, highly enjoyable consequence.

But as time passes, you fall into a rut. Work usually gets in the way of sex first. Then you have kids, the biggest little co%&-blockers around! Or sometimes you’re just TOO tired to
have sex
 after a long day of chores.

Sometimes, this is okay and you catch up on weekends or holidays. But other times, it can take a toll on your marriage when you lack intimacy with your partner.

So, US author and mum of three Brittany Gibbons decided to try a little experiment of sorts, by having
sex with her husband
 every night
for a whole year
.

And this is what she learnt from it.

3 Things that Happen to Your Body and Mind When You Have Sex Every Day

1. It boosts your confidence

If you do something long enough, it becomes a habit. But you don’t
want sex
 to get too boring. So you have to work at it to make it interesting. After a while, guess what, it boosts your confidence too!

Brittany explains that
after her third child
, she didn’t feel comfortable being naked. “I kept the lights off during sex, hid my stomach and boobs inside a camisole, and I waited for my husband to leave the bedroom before barrelling from the shower to my closet to get dressed,” she says.

After speaking to a friend, she decided to have sex every day for a year to force herself into “into facing her body”.

She got used to the feeling of being naked and being touched by her husband that a few months into the experiment, she didn’t find herself having to hide her body anymore.

2. You start looking forward to it

Source: Pexels

Mummies, you might be able to relate to what Brittany is saying about not being comfortable with her body. Many women feel insecure about the way they look. In turn, this affects their sex lives.

But if you have sex every day, you will start looking forward to having sex again.

3. It changes the dynamics of your relationship

Source: Pixabay

Having sex every day
will
 change the dynamics of your relationship. After a few months of
having sex with her husband
 every day, Brittany said that the frequent intimacy began showing outside the bedroom.

“We were more romantic with each other, touching arms as we passed, kissing longer before work and not just the cold familiar peck. Our relationship was stronger and better when our intimacy was flourishing.”

Is this something every couple should do?

According to therapists, yes. For couples who have drifted apart, having sex every day is a chance to reconnect,
rebuild intimacy
, prioritise time together as a couple.

Not to mention, it can also improve confidence, increase a sense of security and also boost your immunity!

It’s a great stress reliever and can also help you sleep better. We say, why not give it a shot? If not for 365 days in a row, then at least a few times a week!
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Source:
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Woman gives birth to her baby in the Red Sea

In one of the most unusual birth stories we’ve heard so far, a Russian mum delivered her little one in the Red Sea by the resort town of Dahab in Egypt. Beautiful images of the mum and newborn are now emerging, leaving netizens totally mesmerised.

Unusual birth stories: Russian tourist delivered her baby in the ocean

According to some reports, the mum is a Russian tourist and had travelled all the way to this resort town to give birth in the special waters of the Red Sea.

The mum-to-be was accompanied by her husband and her doctor, who specialises in water births. Before labour started, the Russian woman had gone for a swim. But it looks like her labour started just then. Her partner and doctor followed her and helped in delivering the baby.

Unusual birth stories: Placenta put in the bowl | Image:
Facebook

Reportedly, the placenta was put in a bowl after the birth. The baby was then carried out while the umbilical cord was still attached. Apparently, it was a seamless delivery.

Mohamed El Said, the owner of the hotel Dar Dahab, took these incredible pictures from one of the hotel balconies. Hadia Hosny El Said, his niece, shared the beautiful pictures on her Facebook page and since then, they have been breaking the internet.

Unusual birth stories: Father bringing the newborn out | Image:
Facebook

The images show the father coming out of the water with the newborn. Other pictures show the mum coming out after a post-delivery swim. She can also be seen greeting her other child on the beach.

Unusual birth stories: What do you need to know about water birth?

Unusual birth stories: Baby was delivered in the Red Sea. | Image:
Facebook

Giving birth in water has both benefits and risks. While mums can choose to deliver in a warm water tub (which is a controlled environment), having a baby in an uncontrolled body of water, like the Red Sea, may have risks.

Benefits of a water birth

Unusual birth stories: Mum comes out after a swim | Image:
Facebook

The warm water is soothing to the mother in pain.

The water can be instrumental in increasing the woman’s energy at the later stages of labour.

The buoyancy helps in reducing the body weight of the mother and allows free movement and new positions. It also promotes better uterine contractions.

It helps in improving the blood circulation. This in turn results in better oxygenation of the uterine muscles, reduced pain for the mum and increased oxygen for the baby.

It also helps in lowering blood pressure, which can shoot up due to anxiety.

The stress-related hormones also get reduced. This further allows the mum’s body to produce endorphins that work as pain-inhibitors.

The perineum also becomes more elastic and relaxed because of the water. As a result it helps in reduced incidences or severity of tearing. This also brings down the need for episiotomy and stitching.

Physical relaxation helps in mental relaxation and the mum can focus on the process of birthing.

For the baby, it feels similar to being in the amniotic sac, which reassures the baby and builds a sense of security.

Unusual birth stories: risks involved in a water birth

Although water birth has some really amazing benefits, it does have its flip-side too. Especially when choosing an ocean to give birth instead of a controlled labour room environment, you may need to consult your doctors beforehand.

The water can be rough or turbulent.

From a hygiene perspective, it may not be safe.

Doctors may not be in control of the situation.

Doctors may not be well-prepared for an emergency.

It may lead to other water birth related complications such as
water embolism or water aspiration
.

Unusual birth stories: Here are a few situations when water birth may not be advised

Unusual birth stories: Russian woman who gave birth in Red Sea | Image:
Facebook

If the mum has herpes, as it can be easily transferred through water

When the baby is breech

In case of excessive bleeding or maternal infection, avoid water birth

If you have multiples

If you have toxemia or preeclampsia

So mums, while it is okay to get adventurous about your baby’s birth, do keep the risk factors in mind. Consult your doctors about how you would like to deliver and do follow their advice.

Sources:
Fox News
,

American Pregnancy

Image source:
Facebook

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Mebiesnuggle Malaysia: Premium Organic Lounger For Infants And Toddlers

Here’s something I noticed about being a parent right off the bat: you’re going to have to buy a million and one things for the little one. You’re going to deplete whatever savings you have buying a crib, diapers, baby clothes, formula milk or breast pumps and the list goes on forever.

There are many things that are essential and those that aren’t. So how do you weed out what you actually need and what you don’t?

For me, I learnt the hard way that a lot of things I bought turned out to be really redundant. One of the things I donated immediately to an orphanage after realising I don’t need it was 2oz milk storage bottles as I was producing more than 3oz of milk per pump by day 4 of my baby’s life.

Then there were things I really needed but didn’t have. One of those things was an infant lounger.

Now, when we say lounger, you might think of it as a non-essential item that a baby uses only during the day. But the Mebiesnuggle infant lounger is essential for your baby’s daytime usage for many reasons. And I can attest that this is one item I use EVERYDAY.

Here are 5 reasons why I find the Mebiesnuggle to be an essential item:

1. It keeps baby snug

When babies come out of the womb, they’re exposed to the world for the first time and this can be scary for them. That is why newborns cry so often and need to be held for long periods. But the Mebiesnuggle is able to mimic a hug so babies feel comforted. Even now at almost 4 months old, my baby sleeps peacefully in the Mebiesnuggle during daytime naps.

2. It is made of premium organic cotton

Unlike many pillows and infant sleep positioners, the cloth covering the Mebiesnuggle is incredibly soft as it is made of organic cotton. Not only is it perfectly plush to the touch, it is also customisable and comes in gorgeous colours. I got mine in grey, with additional covers in rusty and moss (some of their best selling colours).

It’s always good to get extra covers because babies will make a mess!

3. It’s particularly useful for tummy time

Looking back, I can’t believe I actually just put a thin mat on a cold hard floor for my 2 week old baby to learn how to do tummy time! What an uncomfortable experience that must have been for him. I wish I got the Mebiesnuggle earlier so I would have spared him that experience.

Now he enjoys tummy time every day using the Mebiesnuggle. And bonus points, it’s a great prop for you to capture your baby with their heads lifted up!

4. It is ergonomic for baby

The way the lounger is designed, the baby’s neck is supported with a nice groove whenever they’re awake and just lounging in the Mebiesnuggle. It also provides good armrests at the side for baby’s arms to relax.

5. It’s extremely portable

The Mebiesnuggle is light and easy to pack. The infant size easily fits in a medium-sized luggage or an IKEA bag if you’re taking it on the go. The larger toddler-sized ones can fit in a large suitcase if you plan to take it for a road trip.

Mebiesnuggle is available on Instagram @mebiesnuggle.my. DM them for orders now.

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12-year-old boy dragged bruised and naked through the streets by his dad

In the past, methods of disciplining children in many cultures were harsh to say the least. Thankfully now, more and more parents are realising that harsh discipline methods traumatise rather than teach. But some parents still turn to extreme means of punishment, with horrifying results.

A shocking video has surfaced of a man dragging his son naked and bruised through the streets in China. The 12-year-old boy was stripped naked, shivering in the rain, and his hands tied with a rope to a motorcycle by his own father.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzd7q8HTO9s

In the video, the little boy is visibly covered with bruises and cane marks. Furious passers-by are captured confronting the father, asking if the boy is his biological son.

When the father says yes, the good Samaritans demand why he beat his own flesh and blood so badly.

Caught stealing

Authorities say in the video above that the little boy was caught stealing money, speculating that the father could not control his son. The dad regularly beats his son for being “frequently naughty”, Yunnan.c
reports
.

The boy’s situation is a pitiful one: he comes from a poor family and his mother earns a little money as a vegetable seller, the report claims.

The child found some money from under the bed — 100 yuan or a little over S$20,
according to
 the South China Morning Post. He took it, and ran away from home for a few days.

The father’s harsh beating and shaming of his young son was an extreme punishment for his misdeeds. In the video, horrified passers-by can be seen demanding that the dad give his shivering son his jacket.

However, the little boy pushes the jacket back, frantically telling the crowd not to say any more. The father then drove away.

Local police are still in the midst of investigations.

Whether or not this father was well-intentioned in disciplining his son, the fact remains that his brutal actions are inexcusable.

This little boy will likely have psychological scars that will linger throughout his life. It’s truly heartrending to think of this young child’s fear and humiliation at being beaten and stripped — all by the very man who is supposed to protect him.

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