Mum supports teacher who scolded her daughter

Working as a teacher has to be one of the toughest jobs in the world. What makes it harder is when some parents think they can teach their own child better. Or don’t take it well when a teacher disciplines their child. Nowadays, a teacher scolding student would often more than not attract harsh criticism from parents.

However, one Singaporean mum whose child got “scolded” by her teacher, was able to see the other side of the story and look at things from the teacher’s perspective.

Mum uploads heartwarming post about teacher scolding student

Childcare in Singapore is a Facebook group whose mem
bers are parents of kids aged one to six.

This online community of parents does many things. One of them is reviewing child care centres, kindergartens and other institutions within the group.

It’s only to be expected that some posts are accompanied with a rant or complaint about a “bad” teacher scolding student.

However, one mum — Jacklyn Kong — recently uploaded a different kind of post. Her daughter had been pulled up by her teacher. But instead of going on a rant, Jacklyn explained why she fully supported the teacher’s actions.

Teacher scolding student: Ms Kong’s daughter was told off sternly by her child care teacher. {Image Illustration purposes only). | Image Source: Stock Photo

At first, the teacher was telling off the girl…

Jacklyn had accompanied both her daughters to a new childcare centre. One day, as she was bringing both their respective classrooms, the younger sister began crying.

She then handed her daughter over to the teacher, telling her that she’d return after taking her older daughter to class.

However, when she came back, her younger daughter was still crying. The teacher was now scolding her. Instead of intervening, Jacklyn chose to watch the scenario unfold.

Before long, the teacher noticed her presence, and Jacklyn entered her class. The teacher then began saying how sorry she was for telling off her daughter. Apparently, Jacklyn’s daughter had spat on her classmate when he was comforting her.

The teacher  nervously explained what happened, as she waited for Jacklyn’s response.

…but, she didn’t fault the teacher

However, Jacklyn didn’t criticise the teacher for her actions, instead supporting her decision. She says that if her child was wrong, the teacher had no need to apologise for disciplining her.

Upon hearing this, the teacher cried “tears of relief”.

However, looking back, Jacklyn asks this question:

“What have we as a society done, such that Teachers have to be afraid to do their jobs?”

Raising a child is everyone’s responsibility

Jacklyn’s perspective might have been influenced by the fact that she’s a secondary school teacher herself.

She explains that she, too, encountered parents who only think teachers should teach — and yet fault teachers if the child misbehaves at home.

That is why she highlights the significance of bringing up a child as a society, instead of viewing it
 as
a

parent’s responsibility alone.

She then deduces that parents who truly love their kids should not stop other members of society from teaching children how to grow up and become better people.

Jacklyn then says that teachers shouldn’t be fearful of disciplining children so that they grow up behaving better. She also says that parents should support teachers who dedicate their lives in educating the children of today.

Here’s her full
Facebook post
:

An under-valued profession

It takes a lot of resources and people to raise a child, and it is our responsibility people who have more experience than a child — such as their teachers — guide them on the right path.

A teacher disciplining your child shouldn’t always be taken as a personal attack. Part of their role is to help mentor your kids become better adults.

Of course, there’s a fine line between emotional abuse and disciplining children. A teacher physically disciplining students over trivial matters should raise a parent’s concern. However, a teacher pulling up a student in order to teach what’s right should not be met with a parent’s complaints.
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After all, teachers are there to do what we might not always have the time for as parents: to educate our kids on what life is about and help the next generation of people build a better society.

Let’s take the time to appreciate teachers’ commitment to our children.

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6 Ways to Prepare Your Growing Up Child for The New Normal

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way the world lives, play and interact with each  other. It has forced upon societies, distancing requirement and consciousness like never  before. As such, the changes we need to quickly adapt to, be it physical, mental or emotional,  becomes even more real with the impending reopening of schools, kindergartens, preschools  and nurseries for children above 1 year old. This fast approaching milestone has triggered a  rise in parental concern on keeping their children healthy and safe.

The utmost priority is in protecting our own health and that of our loved ones. Therefore,  taking the necessary precautions can keep your family protected and healthy during this uncertain time has become the main priority for most. Here are some of the precautionary  measures that parents can practice and teach their children, so they will be as prepared as  possible!

1. Communication is key
1
,
2

Start a conversation with your child. It is difficult for children to comprehend the  situation i.e. why they cannot play with their friends at the public playground, go  swimming, or sit together at breaktime, and it is tempting to try to want to shield  children from frightening things.

However, being open and honest with your child and presenting them the facts in a  neutral manner will aid their comprehension of the new normal. Acknowledge and  address their fears and worries as well as reassure them that the adults around them  will take care of them and that doctors are working hard to find out how best to help.

2. Wash your hands and wear a mask

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends washing your hands regularly  with soap and water to reduce the spread of germs
3
. Encourage your child to sing  the ‘Happy Birthday’ song twice while lathering and scrubbing both their hands with  soap for approximately 15-20 seconds
4
.

Alternatively, you can pack an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if there is no water readily  available. However, it is important to monitor the usage and application of hand  sanitiser of your child. Always follow the instructions on the product label
3,4
.

WHO recommends children who are in general good health can wear a non-medical  or fabric mask, however children aged 5 years and under should not be required to  wear masks [5].

Children also learn quickly and will mimic adult behaviour. It is worthwhile explaining  the benefits of handwashing and wearing a mask to your child. So, practice what you  preach and be consistent!

3. Avoid bringing your children to crowded areas unnecessarily and stay home where possible
6
.

Children may not be used to being cooped at home for long hours. especially if they  are used to playing outdoors or going to the park. It is acceptable to bring them to a  less crowded park or any open spaces with few people around.

Whilst home, keep them occupied with a mixture of activities, such as pretend play, arts and craft and reading picture books.

Balanced the day with the use technology to allow your kids to connect with their  friends and family through virtual video calls.

4. Boost your child’s immunity through:

Stay hydrated with plenty of water and have adequate sleep.

Nourish your child’s body from within by ensuring they continue eating a balanced  and nutritious daily diet which incorporates immunity nourishing nutrients.

Where do I find immunity-nourishing nutrients?

Milk
continues to be recognised as one of the main sources of immunity boosting nutrients  by parents. It is a good source of energy, contains high quality protein, calcium and vitamin D  to support optimal growth, bone health and immunity [7]. Naturally present in milk, there is  a nutrient dense component called
Milk Fat Globule Membrane (MFGM)
and it also a  component found in our brain. However, most of MFGM components are lost during  commercial dairy processing. Recent advances in technology has allowed for MFGM to be  added in concentrated form into growing up milk formulas, making this a
major breakthrough
in children nutrition.

Why is MFGM important for my child?

A key component in a child’s overall health is having the
right nutrition
to build their child’s  immune health, which in turn will support their physical and mental development. 70-80% of  the immune cells are found in the gut where immunity can be further supported by specific  nutrients. MFGM helps build your child’s immunity and development through its dual  function in
activating and modulating
the function of immune cells and developing your  child’s emotional and behavioral regulation at the same time
8
.

How does MFGM work?

 MFGM
activates and modulates
the immune system to defend against bacteria and  viruses. Consumption of MFGM enriched milk by young children was shown to have
protective effect
against gastrointestinal infections, producing a significant decrease in  days of fever symptoms.

 In addition, MFGM helps brain cells to connect which leads to improved mental  development, particularly
emotional and behavioral regulation
which is a core quality in
emotional intelligence (EQ)
in young children. Preschool children who consumed milk  formula that is enriched with MFGM for 4 months were evaluated by their parents and  were found to have better behavioural and emotional regulation compared to children who  drank standard formula
8
.

 MFGM
works synergistically
with other key ingredients such as DHA, prebiotic dietary  fibre like PDX-GOS and Yeast Beta-Glucan to support the dual role in protecting your  child’s immunity and supporting mental development. Research has shown that enriched  milk with DHA, PDX-GOS and Yeast Beta-Glucan has led to fewer episodes and shorter  duration of acute respiratory illnesses and less antibiotic use
9
.

Now more than ever, it is important for children to have a strong immune system. Build and  strengthen your child’s immunity within with the right nutrients like MFGM Complex, DHA,  PDX/GOS & Yeast Beta Glucan, for a strong immunity is the start of building a smarter  tomorrow.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and communication purposes only and  it should not be construed as personal medical advice, nor for medical diagnosis or treatment.  At all times, please ensure you seek the advice of your healthcare professional when you  require medical advice and do so immediately in cases where there is an emergency.

This article was republished with permission from Enfagrow A+.

References:
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1.COVID-19 Parenting – Talking about COVID-19. Retrieved from:
www.who.int/publications/m/item/covid-19-parenting-talking-about-covid-19

2. #HealthyAtHome. (n.d.). WHO | World Health Organization. Retrieved from:
www.who.int/campaigns/connecting-the-world-to-combat
coronavirus/healthyathome/healthyathome—healthy-parenting

3. Hand Hygiene: Why, How & When. Retrieved from:
www.who.int/gpsc/5may/Hand_Hygiene_Why_How_and_When_Brochure.pdf

4.Reduce the spread of new coronavirus: Wash your hands. Retrieved from:
www.munsonhealthcare.org/blog/reduce-the-spread-of-coronavirus-wash-your
 hands

5.Q&A: Children and masks related to COVID-19. Retrieved from:
www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-children-and-masks-related-to-covid
 19

6. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public. Retrieved from:
www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public

7. National Coordinating Committee on Food and Nutrition. Malaysian Dietary Guidelines  for Children and Adolescents 2013. Retrieved from:
nutrition.moh.gov.my/wp
 content/uploads/penerbitan/buku/MDG_Children_adolescent_2014.pdf.

8. Veereman-Wauters G et al. Milk fat globule membrane (INPULSE) enriched formula milk  decreases febrile episodes and may improve behavioral regulation in young children.  Nutrition. 2012;28:749-752. Retrieved from:
www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0899900711003741?via%3Dihu

b

9. Li F, Jin X, Liu B, Zhuang W, Scalabrin D. Follow-up Formula consumption in 3- to 4-Year Olds and Respiratory Infections: An RCT. Pediatrics 2014;133:e1533-1540. Retrieved from:
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24843061

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How to Improve the Appearance of a C-Section Scar Quickly

Congratulations, you are now a mother! Whether or not you opted in for a c-section or it was an emergency surgery, you have done a wonderful job of bringing your baby into the world.  But as any mother who has gone through a c-section surgery would know, the recovery period is a long journey and one that often comes with a lot of pain. When it comes to c-section scar treatment, it is one of the most important things for mums to do during this recovery phase.

Firstly mummies, just remember, you have just gone through major life-altering surgery and unlike other surgeries, this one also resulted in you becoming a parent.

You should view having the c-section scar as a badge of honour and a testament to your bravery. So many women are also on this same journey that you are.

While many mummies have gone through a c-section, what you need to know is that not all c-section incisions are the same.

Types of C-Section Incisions

Credit: Shutterstock

During your surgery, your doctor makes two incisions. The first is through the skin of your lower abdomen, about an inch above your pubic hair while the second is into the uterus, where your doctor will then reach in to deliver the baby
1
.

The incision of your abdomen will be either:

Horizontal
: A low-transverse incision that is used in most caesarean surgery. It is done across the lowest part of the uterus because it bleeds less and is also less likely to split if you choose to have a vaginal birth in the future.

Vertical:
The incision is down in the middle of the uterus and is only done by doctors for an emergency delivery. It is slightly more painful and requires a longer time to heal.

Which one did your doctor do for you?

Types of C-Section Closures

No matter which direction your doctor decided to make the cut, the closure will play a big role in how the scar heals.

During the Cesarean surgery, you will receive two incisions – one in your abdomen and another on your uterus.

The incision on your uterus is always closed with dissolvable stitches. These stitches are made from materials that the body can break down, so they will dissolve gradually as the incision heals
2
.

However, the incision on your abdomen will be closed with these three ways. They are:

Staples
 – It’s the most popular choice because it’s the easiest and quickest option.

Stitches
 – This method takes more time, but some research suggests that women who chose stitches may be significantly less likely to develop wound complications
3
.

Glue
 – Surgical glue seals the skin and is then topped with a transparent dressing. Some experts stated that glue heals faster and leaves the least visible scar. However, the doctor can only use the glue method depending on how the c-section went.

The C-section Scar

Once the wound closes and the skin heals, that is when the scar starts to form.
Hypertrophic or raised scars developed in 41% of women 12 weeks post caesarean delivery
4
.
 Therefore this is the critical period to treat scars so that they can heal optimally.

These scars are known as:

Keloid
 – A keloid scar occurs when scar tissue extends beyond the original boundaries of the wound, resulting in lumps of scar tissue around the incision
5
.

Hypertrophic scar
 – The scar is thicker, firmer and more raised than a normal scar. It stays within the borders of its original incision line, unlike a keloid
6
.

C-Section Scar Treatment

Credit: iStock

Surgical wounds can take months to heal, however, the earlier you begin to manage your c-section scar, the faster and better it will recover.

Despite having to adjust to a new and very busy schedule, there are no shortcuts to reducing the visibility of your scar. Healing takes time and effort.

Here is what you
SHOULD NOT
 do, to begin with:

Put toothpaste on the scar

Some ingredients in toothpaste include fluoride, glycerol, sorbitol, calcium carbonate and sodium lauryl sulfate.

These ingredients can be harsh on the skin and even induce irritation and burning sensation. Some people applied it over their acne to shrink its size.
7

But this method must never be used as c-section scar treatment. In fact, doing so might make your incision heal slower than you expect it to be!

Using citrus fruit like oranges

Citrus fruit is a popular ingredient in skincare as it contains high levels of antioxidants. However, it is not the best c-section scar treatment because fruit juice can be highly acidic which can burn and irritate the skin.

On the other hand, never use citrus oil undiluted on your skin because they are highly active oils with astringent properties and photosensitivity that activates under direct sunlight.

This may cause chemical burns on your skin
8
. It is important to instead look for a product that contains the same ingredients without all the harmful side effects.

Rubbing alcohol

It is commonly used for a number of skin-related purposes such as fighting acne, cleaning wounds, etc. In this instance, you absolutely do not want to rub alcohol on your c-section scar.

Rubbing alcohol is a harsh substance that can damage and burn skin while removing the skin’s natural oils that contribute to the skin’s pH balance
9
.

Try This Instead

The best way to reduce c-section scar is by using scar reduction products, that can certainly help in lightening and flattening the c-section scar.

Silicone gel is the first-line therapy recommended by experts worldwide for the management of scars
10
.

At the Asianparent, we recommend Dermatix UltraⓇ, a clinically proven scar formulation to lighten, soften and flatten c-section scars.

It is a gentle, non-oily
gel-based formulation with unique CPX silicone technology and vitamin C ester to help improve the appearance of surgical scars.

CPX, a unique silicone technology aids in scar improvement by maintaining skin’s optimal hydration, while Vitamin C Ester helps to enhance the lightening of the scar (similarly to how Vitamin C products for our face also helps to lighten acne scars).

The combination of these two key ingredients makes it ideal to use on hypertrophic scars and keloids.

Ideally, you should start scar treatment with Dermatix Ultra
Ⓡ
 as early as 10-14 days after c-section surgery or once the surgical wound has dried and closed, to achieve the most optimal results.

Dermatix Ultra
Ⓡ
 also supports your body’s natural recovery process by protecting your scar and regulating collagen production to minimise scar formation. It has an over 85 per cent success rate in softening and diminishing hypertrophic and keloid scars
11,12
.

The best part about it is that it is suitable for daily use. For best results, apply Dermatix Ultra twice daily for
2-3 months for normal scars; 6 months or more for deeper and longer scars such as surgical scars, or until you experience the full benefit of scar treatment.

So take good care of your c-section scar. Avoid applying products that have not been recommended, and treat your c-section scar healing process with tender loving care by purchasing your tube of Dermatix Ultra
here
today!

Reference:

 (n.d.)
C-Section Scars: Care Basics During and After Healing, Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from
www.whattoexpect.com/pregnancy/c-section-scars

 (n.d.)
C-Section Scars: What to Expect During and After Healing. Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from
www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-scar

 (n.d.)
C-Section Scars: What to Expect During and After Healing. Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from
www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-scar

(n.d.) Brown BC, et al. The Hidden Cost of Skin Scars: Quality of Life after Skin Scarring. J Plast Recontr Aesthet Surg 2008;61:1049-58

(n.d.)
C-Section Scars: What to Expect During and After Healing. Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from
www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-scar

(n.d.)
C-Section Scars: What to Expect During and After Healing. Retrieved on 2nd July 2021, from
www.healthline.com/health/pregnancy/c-section-scar

(n.d.) What’s in your toothpaste? A look at 5 common ingredients. Retrieved on 5 July 2021, from
www.deltadentalins.com/oral_health/whats-in-your-toothpaste.html

 (n.d.)
6 Rules for Using Citrus on Skin. Retrieved on 5 July 2021, from
www.100percentpure.com/blogs/feed/6-rules-for-using-citrus-on-skin

 (n.d) Isopropyl Alcohol (Surecomfort). Retrieved on 5 July 2021, from
www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/isopropyl-alcohol-topical

Kim S, et al. Update on scar management: guidelines for treating Asian patients. Plast Reconstr Surg 2013; 132(6): 1580-9

Fulton JE. Silicone gel sheeting for the prevention and management of evolving hypertrophic and keloid scars. Dermatol Surg 1995;21:947-951

Mercer NSG. Silicone gel in the treatment of keloid scars. Br J Plastic Surg. 1989;42:83-87

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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Dad’s Not Okay—Postpartum Depression in Men

Postpartum depression (PPD) (also known as prenatal depression) is a mood disorder usually associated with mothers after childbirth. It is characterised by symptoms such as pervasive sadness and a sense of disconnect from the baby.

Although PPD is talked about more in regards to women, about 4 to 25% of men are affected by the disorder as well.

There is need for greater awareness regarding this serious mental health issue; a problem that impacts both father and family.

Signs to look out for

PPD is different from the ‘baby blues’ which manifests in anxiety, trouble sleeping and feeling overwhelmed after labour. The baby blues are normal, as childbirth brings about a flux of hormonal change and shifts in parents’ daily routine.

PPD is not normal.

While symptoms of baby blues can last up to about 2 weeks, PPD’s effects go on for much longer. For some, it continues for months, and for others—years.

Here are some signs and symptoms to look out for:

Severe mood swings

Heightened irritability

Withdrawal from friends and family

Problems bonding with the baby

Insomnia or excessive sleep

Feelings of shame or worthlessness

Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby

Severe anxiety

What causes it?

It might surprise you to know that fathers also go through hormonal change after pregnancy.

New dads experience a dip in testosterone, which can lead to chronic fatigue and irritability.

This factor—along with other lifestyle adjustments associated with having a new baby—could possibly contribute to the triggering of PPD in men.

In addition, men with partners who are already suffering from postpartum depression are much more likely to get it themselves. One
study
 suggests that dads are 2.5 times more likely to get it if their partners have symptoms too.

Here are some other risk factors that may up a man’s chance of having PPD:

Being a young father

Marital or relationship issues

Financial difficulty

A history of anxiety or depression

An unplanned pregnancy

Lack of social and emotional support

Feelings of exclusion from mother-child bond

Why it’s important to get help

PPD isn’t a walk in the park.

It’s highly difficult for the sufferer and its effects seep into all areas of life. If it isn’t managed, the severity of symptoms may escalate.

While PPD is a disorder that an individual can be diagnosed with, everyone around the sufferer can feel its negative effects. Particularly, children and partners – those who have to live with and are close to the affected party.

Children need their fathers to be emotionally present and engaging in order to develop healthily. Mothers need their partners’ support to raise a child. As PPD casts its shadow upon new dads, the entire family unit might struggle to cope with daily life.

How to get help

Talk to someone you trust, a mental health professional, or medical care provider if you are displaying symptoms.

If someone you love might have it, try talking to him and help him seek professional treatment.

For those expecting a child, you may wish to look into confinement centres around Malaysia, such as
Mommy Mansion
 in Klang. They offer a safe place and support to both mothers and fathers post-childbirth. This might make transition into postpartum life easier.

At home, you can start small by making sure you take breaks in your day to rest, and finding time to connect with people you care about.

Having PPD is not an indication of being a poor or weak dad, nor is it something you have to resign to. It isn’t your ‘fault’.

Self-care is important and there is no shame in asking for help and acknowledging your struggles—that’s how we get better.

This article has been republished with permission from
Kiddy123
.

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Hospital bag checklist on what to pack: New mum guide

My friend, Debby is excited about the birth of her first baby a month from now. Since she knew I already had 3 pregnancies and childbirth experiences, she had lots of questions for me about the hospital bag checklist.

Basically, this is what a mum-to-be needs to bring to hospital when her labour begins.

Hospital bag checklist: Basic tips

Have your hospital bag checklist ready in advance. Prepare your hospital bag
at least TWO weeks
 before your expected date of delivery (EDD). This is because there are instances when labour may occur before the 36
th
 week of pregnancy.

You should be packed (according to your hospital bag checklist) and ready so that whenever labour starts you are prepared.

Prepare at least two bags – one for labour  and the other, after your delivery when you are in the hospital room.

This postpartum bag should include items for your baby and husband, and can be brought to the hospital by your husband after you have given birth.

So what goes into the labour bag and what essential things do you need while you are in the hospital?

Be prepared for the birth of your little one by having a comprehensive hospital bag checklist ready.

Hospital Bag Checklist: Here’s what to include

Here’s a list of things to include in your
labour bag, based on a comprehensive hospital bag checklist:

Documents
 such as your doctor’s admission orders, prenatal record book, health insurance papers and others that you need to take care of financial concerns.

A copy of your
birth plan
 should be prepared ahead of time to inform your health care providers about your preferences in childbirth.

Relaxation items
that will help you relax while you are on labour such as a radio, CD player, mp3 player or iPod to play relaxing music.

Camera or Video Camera
, charger or extra batteries to capture those moments especially during and after childbirth.

Socks and sweater
 to keep you warm in case you feel cold while in the labour room.

Snacks
 to give you energy while on labour and after childbirth when you need to regain your strength. You may wish to prepare your own as food in the hospital cafeteria may be expensive or they do not have what you wish to eat.

Here’s a list of things you need in your
postpartum hospital bag checklist:

For you:

Mobile phone
 and charger to enable you to call important people and let them know that the baby has arrived.

Favorite
pillow
 from home so you can sleep comfortably.

Lip balm
 to soothe dry and chapped lips.

Nursing bra and breast pads
 for breastfeeding your baby.

Bathrobe
 that you can slip into when you take a shower or just wanted to get out of your room.

Night dress
 in case you don’t like the robe the hospital provides.

Underwear
 to keep you feeling fresh (if you have a C-section); the hospital generally supplies the maternity underwear if you gave birth the natural way.

Sanitary napkins or maternity pads
 for the blood discharge after childbirth.

Slippers
 to use when you want to walk around or outside your room.

Toiletries
 such as soap, shampoo, toothpaste, cleanser, etc for daily hygiene

Towel
 to use after shower.

Hairbrush, Toothbrush
 and other accessories

Going-home attire
 to use when you are ready to be discharged from the hospital.

Cosmetics
such as powder and lipstick and other stuff to make you look good when meeting friends who visit you and the baby or when you go home.

Change of clothes
 for your husband

Laptop
 which you can use to download pictures if you can’t wait to update friends of your childbirth but this can be optional.

For baby:

Receiving blankets
 to wrap around your baby to keep him or her warm.

Baby clothes
 such as shirts, pajamas, mittens, bib, cap, socks or booties. Make sure you bring enough for the number of days of your stay in the hospital.

Diapers
for your newborn.

Baby wipes
 to clean your baby.

Baby bath or baby wash
for your baby’s first bath by the hospital nurse.

Baby’s towel
 to be used right after his or her first bath.

Feeding bottles and formula milk
can be used whenever your breast milk won’t come out yet but this is optional.

Baby Book or Journal
 to record your baby’s information.

Car seat
 which you need to bring your baby home.

Good luck with the baby and the delivery!

Copyright (c)
123RF Stock Photos

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Henti Merokok Demi Kesihatan Kandungan! Ini Antara Bantuan Yang Anda Boleh Dapati

Selepas penat bekerja dan menguruskan rumah seharian, anda mungkin sudah terbiasa dengan memberi ganjaran kepada diri anda sepuntung rokok. Dan tahu-tahu dari sepuntung rokok terus habis sekotak. Jadi bagaimana boleh berhenti merokok?

Apabila mengetahui bahawa anda sedang mengandung, tabiat buruk itu harus dihentikan serta merta jika anda ingin mengalami kehamilan yang sihat. Dan sekiranya anda tidak mampu untuk disiplin  berhenti merokok dengan sendiri, jangan risau ada talian bantuan yang anda boleh minta pertolongan.

Merokok telah mengakibatkan lebih 90% kanser paru-paru dan ia juga menjadi punca kepada 14 jenis kanser lain. Kesan kepada perokok kedua yang tidak merokok juga kepada keluarga mereka adalah lebih teruk. Ia memudaratkan lebih-lebih lagi kepada kanak-kanak.

Malah ibu yang sedang hamil juga berisiko untuk melahirkan anak
pramatang
, kehamilan
 ektopik
 juga keguguran. Disebabkan itu pasangan yang merancang untuk membina keluarga akan bersungguh-sungguh untuk berhenti merokok.

Walaupun ketagihan sudah berkurangan namun ia merupakan satu tabiat kronik yang memang sukar untuk dibuang begitu sahaja. Jadi untuk keluarga yang ingin membina gaya hidup yang lebih sihat untuk keluarganya di masa hadapan, anda tidak terlewat untuk mendapatkan pertolongan.

 Sekiranya anda sudah nekad untuk berhenti demi keluarga tersayang ini antara talian sokongan dan program untuk berhenti merokok di Malaysia yang anda boleh sertai.

Khidmat
Infoline
 Berhenti Merokok

Beroperasi setiap hari bekerja dari Isnin hingga Jumaat dari jam 8.00 pagi hingga 5.00 petang. Talian
03-8883 4400
 menjadi saluran kepada perokok dan ahli keluarga untuk mendapatkan maklumat dan tips berhenti merokok yang boleh dilakukan oleh perokok dengan sokongan ahli keluarga dan rakan-rakan.

Skop Perkhidmatan
Infoline
 Berhenti Merokok adalah mengendalikan panggilan masuk dan pesanan suara
(voicemail);

Daripada orang awam yang ingin mengetahui tentang khidmat yang ditawarkan oleh KKM.

Menerangkan tentang Khidmat Berhenti Merokok (KBM) yang disediakan di klinik kesihatan dan hospital di seluruh negara.

Memberikan tips kepada pemanggil yang ingin berhenti merokok.

Mengesyorkan klinik kesihatan dan hospital yang paling hampir dengan tempat tinggal pemanggil. Contoh: Jika pemanggil tinggal di Puchong, pengendali boleh mengesyorkan pemanggil untuk mengunjungi Hospital Serdang atau Hospital Putrajaya untuk khidmat ini.

Menghantar kit berhenti merokok (risalah dan panduan berhenti merokok) kepada pemanggil jika diminta.

Setiap panggilan yang diterima akan melalui proses yang telah diprogramkan seperti berikut :

Panggilan masuk.

Panggilan dijawab oleh petugas. Jika petugas sedang menjawab panggilan lain, panggilan itu akan dihantar ke sistem pesanan suara yang memaklumkan talian sedang sibuk.

Dalam tempoh 8 saat, panggilan akan dijawab sekiranya petugas telah menamatkan panggilan pertamanya.

Sekiranya panggilan tersebut tidak dijawab dalam masa 8 saat, panggilan akan dihalakan ke sistem pesanan suara di mana pemanggil boleh memilih untuk meninggalkan pesanan.

Semua panggilan di luar waktu bekerja (8 pagi – 5 petang) akan terus dihalakan ke sistem pesanan suara.

Pemanggil boleh memilih untuk meninggalkan pesanan di mana petugas akan menghubunginya semula dalam tempoh 24 jam masa bekerja. Sekiranya panggilan dibuat pada hari cuti am atau hari cuti umum, petugas akan menghubungi semula pada hari bekerja berikutnya.

MQuit USM Tobacco Quitline

Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) menggunakan kepakarannya dalam bidang kawalan tembakau dan asap rokok dengan kerjasama Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia (KKM) menerusi penyediaan talian ‘MQuit USM Tobacco Quitline’ bagi membantu perokok di seluruh negara untuk berhenti daripada tabiat buruk itu.

Talian ini membolehkan perokok mendapatkan bimbingan dan sokongan moral melalui telefon secara berkala semasa dalam proses henti tabiat merokok.

Ia dilaksanakan dengan kerjasama Akademi Farmasi Malaysia dan sebuah syarikat pengeluaran produk henti merokok menerusi Memorandum Persetujuan yang ditandatangani pada 1 Julai 2016 dengan matlamat menyediakan perkhidmatan kepada perokok untuk mendapatkan maklumat dan tip berhenti merokok.

Mereka yang mendaftar ditawarkan perkhidmatan berhenti secara bersemuka di Klinik Berhenti Merokok di seluruh negara yang dikendalikan pengamal perubatan.

Perokok boleh mendapatkan khidmat nasihat lebih lanjut menerusi telefon yang dikendalikan sepenuhnya oleh USM ini selain mendapatkan sokongan bimbingan di kedai farmasi, klinik dan hospital swasta berdaftar dengan program berkenaan.

Kelebihan menggunakan perkhidmatan talian ini adalah masa fleksibel, sesi kaunseling dibuat dengan lebih telus dan tertutup, menjimatkan masa selain boleh mendaftar walaupun sudah atau sedang mendapatkan rawatan di klinik.

Hubungi talian 04-6535999 pada waktu pejabat setiap hari bekerja dan selepas waktu itu, semua panggilan akan direkodkan ke dalam sistem pesanan suara dan pemanggil akan dihubungi semula.

Untuk mengetahui lebih lanjut mengenai tahap kesihatan anda dan bantuan berhenti merokok klik di sini
Malaysia Council For Tobacco Control (MCTC).

Peringatan: Anda tidak dibenarkan menyiar artikel ini di mana-mana laman web atau status Facebook yang lain, tanpa pemberian kredit dan pautan yang tepat lagi berfungsi pada artikel asal di laman
The AsianParent Malaysia

Sumber:
Harian Metro
,
MyHealth

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When to stop extracurricular activities for kids?

“My daughter is in 2nd grade and already so busy. She goes to school in the morning and comes back in the afternoon. Once she has napped for a while, she gets ready for the piano class and then dance class. Twice a week she also attends sports practice in school. I feel extracurricular activities for kids are essential.”

How often do you hear about busy schedules of small kids from parents around you? Chances are, even your own child may be participating in a variety of extracurricular activities for kids, to sharpen their intellect or improve their personality.

Extracurricular activities for kids. Image: File Image

In many households it’s a common scenario that children keep shuttling between activity classes after school and on weekends. But what happens when your child refuses to take part in these activities? Have you ever wondered about when to stop your child from going for more activities?

Extracurricular activities for kids: Push them too hard and they will crack under pressure!

Psychologist Justin Coulson shares that nowadays parents want to provide their kids with opportunities to learn. They encourage their kids to excel and settle only for the best. But at the same time, you also need to keep in mind that pushing your child too hard can make them crack under the pressure.

Avoid pushing them too much. Image: File Image

He further shares that parents contact him and say that their child is not keen on participating in after school activities. They feel that the child lacks resilience. Most importantly, they ask Dr Coulson about how to help their child keep at it.

Dr Coulson says, “The easy response is,
if it matters more to you than your child, then you probably need to stop.
 It’s not across the board but certainly there is increased expectation on kids today than there was 20 or 30 years ago.We just want our kids to have every advantage and opportunity so they can have wonderful lives — but it’s not always going to be to their advantage.”

Here is what Dr Coulson advises parents

1. Allow your kids to quit when they want to stop

Give them the freedom to quit. Image: File Image

Dr Coulson says that making your little girl practice that one dance step till the time she gets it right is not going to help her enjoy that activity. Instead parents need to help their child find out what is it that they love and then provide opportunities for them to take it up. But he also understands that when kids don’t know what they want to do or give up on activities midway, it can be difficult for parents.

2. They are not totally immune to everything that comes their way

Respect their choices. Image: File Image

Citing an example from his own life, Dr Coulson shares that one of his kids found an interest in cycling. The family arranged for a bike for her. But four weeks later when she had actually practiced with other kids for a while, she realised that she was not in the same league as others. They explained to her about persistence, practice and training and she continued for some more time. But eight or ten weeks later she just said that she didn’t like it.

The child later on found what she loved but according to Dr Coulson, even when kids find something that’s interesting for them, parents should resist pushing them to perform.

He says: “Let’s tap into their strengths and into their loves and give them opportunities to do things that are going to enlarge their childhood and their experience of joy in childhood.”

Source:
ABC News
,
ABC Radio Perth

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Importance Of Day Care Center Exposure For Children

Sending children to daycare is not a decision parents make lightly. Are you a
mum currently
feeling anxious because you’re thinking about sending your little one to a daycare center? We’re here to tell you not to be so worried. Here’s what you should know about the importance of day care center exposure for your little one’s development.

Importance Of Day Care Center Exposure And Activities

Credit: Freepik

First things first, Mummy. While daycare for kids can have lots of benefits for
you
, in your heart, your baby always comes first, and so you feel guilty. But daycare can be marvellous for your little one, and we’re not just saying this to make you feel better.

Here are a few ways sending your child to daycare can help
them.
 This is linked to the importance of day care center “education” for little ones.

1. Helps in managing their emotions and behaviour better

A recent study published in the journal
JAMA Psychiatry
 states that children in daycare are less prone to emotional problems,
separation anxiety
 and social withdrawal symptoms. They are better behaved in these ways, compared to kids staying with their parents or caregivers all day.

Socialisation helps your child to learn how to share, solve problems and be team players. Dr Francine Lederer works as a clinical psychologist in Los Angeles. She shares that when kids are under the influence of teachers with a
good educational
 background, they learn how to solve conflicts.

Learning how to control emotions can be especially useful to your kids as they approach those famous tantrum years.

2. Boosts their communication skills and language development

Credit: Freepik

According to Psychology Today, a huge benefit of high-quality daycare exposure on your child, is better
development of speech and vocabulary
.

Hara Marano, writing for Psychology Today, explains that this effect is likely due to early exposure to adult conversation.

Other experts also add to this, saying “children who hear more words on a consistent basis during their first three years have a more expansive vocabulary as they age and develop.”

But mums and dads, this is where the importance of day care center selection comes into play. If q
uality words are constantly and consistently used
 by daycare workers, then there’s no doubt this learning will rub off on your little one. Importance of day care center

3. Helps in their personal growth and development

Daycare centres that provide quality programmes related to appropriately handling
behavioural issues
, giving ample learning and providing socialisation opportunities, stimulation and love, help your child’s personal growth.

Dr Lederer shares that kids sent to daycare at an early age have
 higher intellectual
 abilities. This happens mainly because at daycare kids get more opportunities to observe, engage in parallel play and socialise.

3. Helps in improving physical health later on

A study published in the journal
JAMA Pediatrics
 states that children in large daycare centres below the age of 2 and ½ years suffered more respiratory and
 ear infections
. But by the time these kids went on to elementary school, they fell sick less often as compared to kids who stayed at home.

That’s not all, Mum! Here’s how sending your child to daycare can help you

Credit: Freepik

 Whether you’re a working mum or a stay-at-home mum, sending your child to a daycare helps you get organised in your own life.

 If you want, you can start working again, thanks to daycare. That means more
financial independence
 for yourself and better support for your family. What’s more, working can help you find your own identity.

 If you can manage your schedule well, you can get free time for yourself. So no more putting off that parlour appointment or the romantic lunch date you’ve been dying to go on with your husband!

So mums, if daycare for your child is something you’ve been thinking of, but just cannot commit to because of mum-guilt, stop. Daycare is good for both you and your child!

Source:
JAMA Psychiatry
,
Livestrong

This article has been republished with permission from
theAsianparent Singapore
.

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:

Just Stay at Home! 6 Edutainment Apps & Services to Keep Your Kids Learning

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COVID-19 Vaccines Progress

With more people receiving their COVID-19 vaccines, some might noticed that the vaccines cause very mild side effects. It is a normal sign that your body is building protection.

Dr Chieng Jin Yu, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Pantai Hospital Ampang (PHA) here to answer some questions that might linger in our mind.

1# Why do the COVID-19 vaccines cause side effects?

Credit: iStock

Like all medicines, vaccines may cause side effects in some people. Why do the vaccines sometimes cause these unpleasant effects, and should we concern about it? It might be counterintuitive, but side effects are a sign the vaccine is ‘working’.

Everybody is different. Therefore, the exact same vaccine can leave one person feeling sick and another person feeling perfectly fine.

Most side effects are mild and last no more than a couple of days and you will recover without any problems.
In the clinical trials, side effects were reported in every 1/10 to 1/100 people. These include:

pain or swelling or redness at the injection site

feeling tired

headache

muscle pain

joint pain

fever

chills

nausea

vomiting

 Uncommon side effects were reported in every 1/100 to 1/1,000 people. These include:

swollen lymph nodes
(typically manifests as a lump in your armpit or above your collarbone)

feeling unwell

insomnia

Bell’s palsy or temporary one-sided facial drooping

Serious allergic reactions are very rare
 (
around two to five per million
)
, and they usually show within half an hour after you’ve had your shot. That’s why people are typically monitored for at least 15 minutes after the shot. These include:

Shortness of breath

Severe anaphylaxis or angioedema

2# How is the first dose different than the second?

Credit: Shutterstock

Side effects can be a sign that our immune system able to detect and destroy the virus. It could be much common or stronger among youngers if compared with the elders.

And, in vaccines that require two shots, side effects could much common or worse after the second dose, because the T-cells remember the previous encounter with the spike protein.

Without hesitation, the recipient’s immune system quickly responds to destroy it. But this also means a better immune response after the second shot.

This could be the same in those who have previous COVID 19 infections.

3# Should I be concerned about long term side effects?

COVID19 vaccines clinical trials only started in middle of year 2020, it’s not yet clear if these vaccines will have long-term side effects. However, vaccines are reported rarely cause long-term side effects according to recent available data.

4# Should I still get vaccinated even though side effects are common?

Credit: The Star

First at all, I would like to emphasize that the serious side effects are extreme rare. You are encouraged to go for vaccination. A COVID -19 vaccine can:

Prevent you from getting COVID19 or from becoming seriously ill or dying due to COVID-19

Prevent you from spreading the COVID-19 virus to your relatives or friends.

The risk of serious side effects of the vaccine itself especially blood clots is still much lower than the dangers of COVID-19 which can cause blood clots itself. And we know that COVID- 19 can lead to long term complications.

We can have muscle aches after exercise. Are you going to stop exercise?

We can have road traffic accidents if we are driving a car or taking a bus on a road. Are you going to stay at home, and not go to the road forever?
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There are just many aspects of our lives where we need to be willing to make the trade-off of some degree of discomfort for a longer-term gain.
The risks from the vaccine were much smaller than the risks of COVID-19 infection.
Let us take our vaccine and be safe!

Source:
This article is written by
Dr Chieng Jin Yu, Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology and Hepatology of Pantai Hospital Ampang (PHA)

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:

Why It Is Important to Wear Your Mask, Even After You Have Been Vaccinated?

Read more:
 Pregnancy and COVID-19 Vaccine

Read more:
How Parents and Caregivers Can Help Kids Manage with Increased Stressors with Covid-19

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Secure Your Child’s Immunity Now, Starting With Probiotics and Prebiotics

Do you see a vision of your children accomplishing great things? That
 one day they’ll
live an amazing life, blessing everyone that crosses their path, and constantly surrounded by love and gratitude? To unlock this achievement, there are several conditions parents must realise.

The first prerequisite is a child whose body is strong enough to reject illness. Because with a healthy body comes a vibrant mind – one that constantly inquisitive and always learning new lessons. And the greatest teacher of all is life itself. Going out into the world gives your
children
 a chance to discover purpose, passion, and progression. All of which come in equal measure with disappointment, frustration and trauma
i
.

How do you get your child in the right frame of mind to negotiate life’s chal
lenges? This is where you need to understand the importance
of the immune system.

Understanding
The
 Immune System

What is it?

The immune system is the body’s defensive network against harmful substances like viruses, bacteria and other toxins. It is made up of different organs, cells and proteins, and is known as the body’s most complex system.

How does it work?

Pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites or germs) can infect the body and cause illnesses. Antigens are parts of the pathogen that warn the immune system when the body is being attacked.

When this happens, the immune system responds by getting white-blood cells to produce antibodies and other mechanisms to get rid of the infection. The antibodies would then remain in the body so should the immune system gets another attack from the same antigen, they could easily fight it off
i
i
.

The symptoms we get during an infection such as headaches, fever and rashes are signs that our immune system is working to fight the infection.

When does a child’s immune system start to mature?

A
child
’s immune system
begins
 to mature
during the early years of childhood
.
They
 produce their own antibodies each time they’re exposed to germs and viruses.

What are the signs of a weak immune system?

We usually don’t take notice of our immune system until something
 goes wrong. The list below is
 only a crude guide, but some signs of a weakened immune system may include:

Bowel movement problems – either
diarrhoea
 that lasts for more than two to four weeks, or constipation

Eye discomfort – dry, pain, blurry vision, redness, stringy discharge or a sandy feeling in your eyes

Fatigue

Mild fever

Headache

Rash

Joints ache

Repeated infectio
n

Sun sensitivity

Unexplained weight loss

White patches of skin on body

Yellowing of skin and eyes

The Immune System and Mental Health

Think of our immune system as a th
ermostat. Low temperatures mean
 the body is doing just fine. But if infection sets in, that thermostat turns up the heat. Due to any number of reasons (such as an improper diet, stressful living conditions, or even a lack of parental affection) some people have thermostats that fluctuate more than others. While clinical studies are not conclusive, scientists have discovered individuals with immune systems that are constantly being stressed, to be at a higher risk of developing depression and psychosis.

While we are only beginning to understand the complicated relationship between mental and physical health, researchers have found tons of evidence that an enhanced immune system contributes to positive emotions
i
i
i
.

Healthy Body, Strong Mind, Better Future

Now we know mental health is a crucial part of any child’s overall makeup. A great way to support your child’s healthy growth is by providing wholesome and healthy foods from day one. Eating well affects children’s overall health and helps them perform well in their daily activities too.

Here are some of our top picks for kid-friendly immune-boosting foods:

Probiotic foods such as yogurt, tempeh, miso, sourdough bread
and cottage cheese with live cultures

Prebiotic fruits such as bananas, watermelon and custard apple

Salmon and tuna for Omega 3 fatty acids

Oats and barley for soluble fibre

Broccoli, oranges, carrots and strawberries for a good dose of vitamin C

A child with a physically healthy body and a strong mind is more likely to ace through childhood with flying colours. Growing up active with lots of play and exploration provides your child with a variety of experiences that are essential for their developing personalities. With a happy and invigorating childhood, your
child
 is most likely to mature into adulthood with a resilience that few can match.

Supplementary Formula Packed With Pre- and Probiotics

If you’re considering a milk formula that specifically aims to boost pre- and probiotics in young child
ren,
AptaGro™
 is one such option.
As the no. 1 company
*
 in formula milk for children in Europe
**
,
AptaGro™
’s

philosophy is based on a simple but crucial principle: children must be exposed to the world to help build their resilience.

Driven by the objective of building resilient children,
AptaGro™
 has a track record of over 40 years of pioneering research. This has
led
 to formula milk containing a patented combination of prebiotics and probiotics. On top of this, there are many important nutrients that help support children’s bodies and their learning
development,
 so you can let them build their resilience by experiencing the world.

Reference:

i
. Simon, A. K., Hollander, G. A., & Mcmichael, A. (2015). Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 282(1821), 20143085. doi: 10.1098/rspb.2014.3085

i
i
. Kids and the Immune System – CHOC Children’s.”
https://www.choc.org/health-topics/kids-immune-system/
. Accessed 4 Dec. 2019.

i
i
i
. Immune system and mental health are connected.” 15 Aug. 2019,
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2019-08-immune-mental-health.html
. Accessed 4 Dec. 2019.

*Danone Dumex is part of Danone Nutricia Early Life Nutrition

**Danone Nutricia Early Life Nutrition calculation based in part on information reported by Nielsen through its Scan Track, MarketTrack and Retail Index Services for the Children nutrition milk formula for children aged between 12 and 36 months segment (client defined) in the Children nutrition milk formula category (client defined) for the 52-week period December 2017, for the total grocery channel in Belgium, Czech, Estonia, France, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovak Republic, and Switzerland. (Copyright © 2017 The Nielsen Company.)

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Foods and Breast Milk-Boosting Recipes

When it comes to breastfeeding, one topic of concern is low milk supply which leads mothers to search for tips on how to boost their supply.

There are certain foods that have been known to help. These foods are called galactagogues, which have milk-enhancing ingredients. Although the milk-boosting effects haven’t been scientifically proven for all, several mothers swear that these foods help boost milk supply.

This summary gives you an overview of some foods that have been used for generations to increase milk supply naturally. We’ve also included a few delicious breast milk boosting recipes at the end. Most of the recipes only take 5 to 10 minutes to prepare – ideal for your busy schedule!

Let’s start.

Foods To Boost Breast Milk Supply

1# Oatmeal

Credit: Freepik

According to informal reports, oatmeal is one of the top foods for boosting the milk supply. It is also a great source of nutrients that are important for breastfeeding mums and babies.

2# Chickpeas

Women have been eating chickpeas to boost breast milk supply since ancient Egyptian times. They contain plant estrogens, which may be responsible for their use as a galactagogue. Whether they have that effect on you, chickpeas are healthy, nutritious food high in protein.

3# Dark leafy greens

Full of nutrients, like calcium. Dark leafy greens also contain phytoestrogens that may have a positive effect on breast milk supply.

4# Nuts and seeds

Nuts can give your milk production a boost. Packed with healthy fats and antioxidants,  cashew, almonds, and pistachios are all great alternatives.

5# Papaya

Credit: Any Lane/Pexels

Green or unripe papaya increases the production of oxytocin, which can boost breastmilk production. Papaya leaves also contain quercetin, which can activate the hormone prolactin and help boost breastmilk supply.

6# Brewer’s yeast

Naturally rich in B vitamins, minerals, and proteins. Widely recognised as traditional food, Brewer’s yeast can help boost your energy levels and breast milk production, promote metabolism, and help in weight loss.

7# Fennel

Some small studies suggest that fennel may increase levels of prolactin, the main hormone responsible for stimulating milk production, and it might increase milk volume and infant weight gain.

8# Fenugreek

Smaller studies have shown that Fenugreek has contributed to boosting milk supply significantly. Researchers aren’t quite sure why it works. It could be due to the phytoestrogens (plant chemicals similar to estrogen) that fenugreek contains.

9# Moringa

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Credit: Discover Magazine

Native to Asia and Africa, the moringa tree (often called ‘The Miracle Tree’) has been praised for its medicinal properties. It has been used to improve nutrition in infants and breastfeeding mothers for generations.

10# Nettle

While there are many species of nettle, stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is one of the most well-known. It has been used to stimulate milk production and increase the supply of breast milk for generations. It is also believed to help treat a variety of health problems.

11# Pegaga

Consisting of nature’s most powerful healing herbs used for centuries in Asia, boosting breastmilk supply & quality is one of the many health benefits of our star product Pegaga. This scientifically proven blend of 100% natural, plant-based superfoods has been used for centuries in Asia for its extraordinary health benefits.

12# Blessed thistle

Credit: Verywell Family

People use the flowering plant’s leaves, blossoms, and stems to increase breast milk supply as well as to improve indigestion.

13# Ginger

Ginger is believed to help mothers heal from childbirth, and to stimulate milk production. While there’s evidence that supports this, more research is needed to determine if and how effective ginger is in boosting milk supply.

14# Lecithin

A natural emulsifier. It is good for your brain, promotes fat burning, helps ease lactation, and seems to help some mothers prevent the blockage of milk ducts.

Breast Milk-Boosting Recipes

Here are some easy recipes to include in your diet. If they don’t directly increase your supply, they will benefit you in other ways with their high nutritional content.

Recipe: Milk Booster Smoothie

Here’s a smoothie that you can start your day with or have any time of the day. It contains almond milk, like almonds, in particular, which seem to be the most beneficial for boosting milk supply out of all the nuts. You can also substitute with other non-dairy milk.

Ingredients

1.5 cups almond milk

1 banana

½ cup oats

1 tbsp nut butter

1 tbsp flaxseeds (ground)

*optional to add 1 tbsp cocoa powder if you want a chocolatey drink

Method

Simply add all ingredients to a blender and blend till smooth. If the consistency is too thick, add more milk or water

Oat & Ginger Cookies

These cookies are delicious and comforting to have around. Not only you’ll love them, so will anyone else in your house. And don’t worry, they are perfectly safe to be eaten by those that aren’t breastfeeding!

Ingredients

1 cup all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 cup brown sugar

½ cup softened butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 large eggs

3 cups oats

½ cup crystallized ginger

2 tbsp brewers yeast

Method

Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Line a baking tray with baking paper.

In a bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and brewer’s yeast.

Using a mixer, beat brown sugar and butter until creamy. Add in the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time. Once all mixed, add in the flour mixture. Switch off the mixer once all ingredients are well combined.

Using a spoon, fold in the oats and ginger.

Take a heaped teaspoon of the mixture and place it on the baking tray. Keep the cookies about 2 inches apart.

Bake for about 10-12 minutes or until the tops are golden. Remove from oven and allow to cool before removing from the tray.

Keep the cookies in an airtight container.

Herbal Tea

It’s best to minimize the caffeine whilst breastfeeding, and although this tea may not give you that caffeine buzz, it just may give you that milk boosts you are looking for.

Ingredients

½ tsp fenugreek

½ tsp fennel

1-inch grated ginger

*optional honey

Method

Break dried chillies and remove seeds. Soak in hot water for 30 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

Blend together softened dried chilies, red chilies, and shallots in a food processor until fine.

Heat oil over medium heat in a saucepan. Add in chili paste, season with salt and coconut sugar. Stir for 10-15 minutes until sugar has dissolved and sauce has thickened.

Spoon out fried chili sauce and set aside.

Energy & Breakfast Milk Boosting Breakfast

Only natural ingredients are used in this breakfast, topped with Brewer’s yeast, lecithin, and flaxseed powder which are great as lactation boosting foods.

At the same time, they give you a sense of satiety, and also give your energy levels a quick boost. As an extra plus, flaxseed powder is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for skin and brain development.

Ingredients A

1 cup non-dairy milk (Options: Soybeans, Oats, Rice or Almond Milk)

1.5 cups oats soak in the milk for about 5 minutes to soften

1 medium banana

1 tsp Brewer’s yeast

2 tsp lecithin

1 tsp flaxseed powder

Ingredients B

½ cup flaxseed powder

2 types of fruit (such as banana, mango, blueberries)

Mixed nuts and seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds)

Chia seeds (as much as needed)

Method

Mix all the ingredients (A) in a blender.

Pour the paste-like mixture into a bowl.

Finally, add your favorite ingredients (B) to add texture.

A well-balanced diet will support the health of both you and your baby

Choosing what you consume wisely will not only help in the production of good quality breast milk but also in maintaining the health of breastfeeding mums.

Whilst these foods may help your supply, ensure that you drink plenty of water, eat a well-balanced diet, get enough sleep, and the more your baby latches on, the more milk you will supply. If you are still having trouble, seek help from a lactation specialist.

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB
.

Credit image: Savoring Today

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:

 14 tips on how to increase your breast milk supply

Read more:

 Power pumping: An alternative way to increase milk supply (Infographic)

Read more:

 5 Common breast pumping mistakes that could be affecting your milk supply

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Mommies, Here's How You Bond With Your Newborn

It was a wondrous moment! I looked in awe at my baby the very first moment she came out of my womb and into this world.

The terrible pain that I experienced from labour was incomparable to the overflowing joy I felt when I saw my baby.

Tears welled up in my eyes as she was placed in my abdomen. I felt the strong urge to nurture and care for my baby. How happy I was!

I can never forget the time when I gave birth to my first baby. Yes, it was painful but the joy of knowing that life had formed in my womb was overwhelming. And the attachment I felt for my baby deepened.

I cannot explain it but it is the kind of closeness that is more than what I felt for my parents, my siblings, my friends or my husband. Probably this is what they call the special bond between mother and child.

However, I believe that this special bond, between mother and child, takes time to form and strengthen. So, Moms, how to bond with newborn you ask? Here are the answers.

How to Bond with Newborn During Pregnancy

Credit: iStock

Bonding actually starts while the unborn baby is still in the mother’s tummy. The changes that are taking place in the mother’s body indicate that another life is growing inside.

So as these changes are taking place, how to bond with newborn is by talking to him or her. Your baby can already hear and recognize your voice even at four months old.

And as the baby grows, he or she will respond to your voice when you talk to him or her.

How to Bond with Newborn After Birth

Credit: UNICEF

Mother and child bonding which starts in the womb can continue right after the baby is born in the hospital. Arrange for your doctor and the attendants for your baby to be placed on your abdomen and chest before routine procedures are done.

If it is possible and if you are not too exhausted, breastfeed your baby right after birth. But if it’s not possible, try to make sure that your baby stays with you throughout your stay in the hospital.

When you go home from the hospital, bond with your baby through these activities:

Have constant physical contact with your baby

Holding and carrying your baby makes him or her feel comforted since it is the earliest way of communication for him or her. Likewise, touching your baby’s skin is said to have a therapeutic value on your baby.

Breastfeeding is also a form of physical contact which strengthens the bond you have with your baby. Massaging your baby at least once a day is another form of physical contact and can also be beneficial to your baby’s health.

Look into your baby’s eyes

Credit: iStock

Your baby can communicate and connect with you through eye-to-eye contact. Keep your baby close within a distance of 8 to 10 inches so he or she can see you. When you talk to her, look at those beautiful eyes and you will learn how your baby responds to you.

Talk to your baby

If your baby can already recognize your voice even while he or she was inside your womb, then the more he or she will recognize your voice outside of it. Aside from that, babies love to listen to voices. So speak constantly to your baby.

Talk to him or her when doing something such as taking a bath, changing diapers, and a lot more. You can even read stories or sing songs to him or her. In this way, your baby can learn sounds to help in his or her language skills development.

Bonding can take even with the slightest actions – a little cuddle, a tickle.  Don’t fret if you don’t feel any bond. It takes time so keep with the hugging and interaction!
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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:

Here’s how to get your child to bond with daddy

Read more:

Great songs to share with your baby

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Woman allegedly tried to kidnap boy at Toys 'R' Us Shop!

Police are investigating an alleged kidnapping attempt incident apparently happened at Toys ‘R’ Us.

Childcare centre warns about alleged kidnapping attempt

You might have already seen this letter from Josiah childcare centre circulating on social media and WhatsApp.

SOURCE: WHATSAPP FORWARD

The letter is dated 21 November, and is signed by the Vice Principal of the centre.

It says, “There was an incident that took place at Toys ‘R’ Us store this evening involving a Josiah child and a suspicious person.”

Apparently, after school that day, the child (who is in K1), and his father had gone to Toys ‘R’ Us. There, a lady in her mid-40s, who had short length hair (and seemed to be local), approached them and claimed that the boy was her son.

She ran away when she realised that the child’s father was near him.

She returned again, and tried to lure the child using toys. The boy’s father confronted her and asked her to stay away.

The child’s parents have lodged a police report, and requested Toys ‘R’ Us for video footage of the lady, so that the mall can be alerted about her.

The letter also warns parents to be extra-cautious this festive season as the malls are going to be really crowded.

“It is important to always have your child in sight, and reiterate to children about stranger danger.”

According to The Straits Times, police are now investigating the case, and the boy’s parents and the childcare centre are assisting them.

Police have assured that that they treat such incidents seriously. They have urged members of the public not to speculate or spread unsubstantiated information which may generate unnecessary public alarm.

Teaching Children About Stranger Danger

Here are some tips to empower our children against stranger danger:

Teach children the difference between ‘good’ strangers and ‘bad’ strangers

 This is the trickiest part. Unfortunately, ‘bad’ people may not ‘look’ evil; nothing like the villains you see in the movies and cartoons.

People with bad intentions can pretend to be nice and friendly as well. So do advise your kids never to walk off or get into houses and vehicles with people they don’t know.

Also, teach your kids about ‘safe’ strangers.

These are the people the child can approach for help, in times of crisis. They include policemen and perhaps, mummies with kids?

Do not respond to strangers

If strangers ask questions, it is best to ignore them and walk away. Inform a trusted adult as soon as possible.

Children should avoid secluded places when going to or coming back from school

They should also be alert and vigilant at all times.

A confident attitude will put off many criminals who mostly prey on confused, lost or distracted children. Body language is a good indicator of a child’s personality, and inattentive people usually make easy targets.

Don’t fall for some common tricks.

Trick #1:

The stranger may pretend to be from the Police.

The child should ask for the Police Officer’s Warrant Card to verify his identity before obeying his instructions.

Trick #2:

The stranger may ask for the child’s help

The stranger could ask for directions, or pretend to need help with carrying his groceries. Children should be suspicious of any stranger who asks for their help.

Truth is, when adults really need help, they usually turn to other adults and not kids.
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Trick #3: The stranger tries to bribes the child with gifts and promises

It could be a
promise to buy ice cream
. Or it could be toys (like in this case) or other gifts.

A person with dubious intentions usually resorts to such methods to convince the child that he is a friend and a good person. His/her hidden agenda might be to persuade the child to go somewhere alone with him.

Trick #4: “Your mummy is in hospital, come with me”

One of the most commonly cooked up stories is about an emergency at home. An imposter-abductor might claim that one of the parents has met with an accident and the child needs to go to the hospital with him.

Or it could be “your mummy sent me to pick you up.” Small children should be taught to never believe such lies.

Some parents teach their kids an “emergency password”, which they can use in case they really need to pass a message to their children.

So if a stranger accosts them with such stories, the kids can ask for the “password”. If the person does not know it, the child should get away from him as soon as possible.

(Source:
 The Straits Times
,
Channel NewsAsia
)

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6-Year-Old Boy Suffers Facial Seizures After Excessive Screen Time

Everywhere we go, we often see this familiar sight among young families: children bent over their tablets and phones. Absorbed and cut-off, these children are very much lost in their own digital world. But sadly, this phenomenon is becoming a disease. Even young children are starting to show gaming addiction signs.

A six-year-old Filipino boy has recently developed persistent facial seizures after playing
 video games for almost nine hours a day
. While most of us would find nine hours of video games truly excessive, this is the norm for John Nathan Lising – who was suddenly hit with uncontrollable facial tics on 23 July 2018.

His parents rushed him to the nearest hospital, but according to CT scan results, John’s brain is surprisingly healthy.

There was no real way to medically prove that John’s facial seizures are linked to gaming addiction signs, however, doctors did advise his parents to stow away all gadgets and keep them away from their son.

Doctors also mentioned that the symptoms were similar to a disorder named “Focal Seizure”, which affects only one half of the brain. Currently, they are unable to properly diagnose John’s actual condition due to lack of evidence. But it would be wise for us parents to heed the doctor’s initial advice: reduce the amount of screen time even if our children are not showing gaming addiction signs.

Video of Six-Year-Old Boy Having Facial Seizures

How to Spot Gaming Addiction Signs

A couple of red flags that parents should note when looking for gaming addiction signs include:

unsuccessful control
 – when it becomes hard for the child to stop using screen media

loss of interest in everything else
 – when screen time is all that motivates your child

lack of social interaction/disengagement
 – when your child is preoccupied to the point where it interferes with family activities

withdrawal
 – when they become irritable when you cut down on their gaming or screen time

tolerance
 – playing for increasing amounts of time

lying
 – to conceal gaming or sneak in extra screen time

Preventing Gaming and Screen Addiction in Children

Be firm with the boundaries you’ve set. And be prepared to be unpopular. While other parents lug gadgets, power banks and earphones, you need to start bringing colour pencils, books, small portable toys, and stickers.

Find out what is the recommended limit for screen time per age group and stick to those limits. This includes the use of TV, computers and mobile devices. Here are new guidelines from the
American Academy of Pediatrics
.

Make the effort to go offline yourself and spend time doing fun physical activities with your children.

No TVs and electronic gadgets in your child’s bedroom. Set certain places as “tech-free” zones.

Set “tech-free” times during meals, homework time and bedtime.

Start early by teaching your children about the importance of moderation. Praise them when they follow your set boundaries.

Keep logs and monitor your child’s screen time.

Even if there is no medical proof to link gaming addiction signs to facial seizures,
WebMD
 says that stress and
sleep deprivation
 seem to play a role in both the occurrence and severity of motor tics.

Just imagine if your child spends hours and hours staring at the screen. Think about how this can affect their stress levels due to
overexposure of blue light in the eyes
 and also strain in the
neck
.

There is no actual way to measure stress levels in a person. So stow away your gadgets and focus on physically bonding with your children. They might protest now, but soon they will find that spending quality time with their own folks can be pretty fun too.

Source:
Edgar Lising
,
WebMD
,
World of Buzz

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10 Simple Tips to Balance Your Hormones Naturally—And Why It’s Important to Keep Them in Check

Feeling a little “off” lately? Your hormones could be to blame. While most people think hormones are those pesky, naturally-occurring chemicals that cause mood swings, they actually go far beyond that.

Hormones are a complex system, but it’s important to know they are responsible for many functions throughout the body—metabolism, sleep, skin health, mental health, sex drive and more. And when they’re out of whack, that can mean major consequences for your health, including weight gain, low libido, hair thinning, depression, anxiety and leaky gut, along with a host of other conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothyroidism and diabetes.

Here are 10 ways you can naturally balance your hormones through simple dietary and lifestyle changes.

10 Simple Tips to Keep Your Hormones Balanced Naturally

Try Adaptogenic Herbs

You’ve likely herb of
adaptogenic herbs
 by now. Used for centuries in herbal medicine, adaptogens are a unique group of healing herbs that help protect and defend the body against ailments or disease, specifically those related to stress. This class of herbs provides strength, energy, stamina, endurance, and can also improve mental clarity in additional to hormone support. Here are a few we recommend:

Ashwagandha
 – most commonly used to help fight and reduce stress and anxiety within the body.

Licorice
 – a natural adrenal restorative agent, licorice also helps to protect the gut and help with inflammation.

Pegaga (Gotu Kola)
 – touted as the “miracle elixir of life,” Pegaga (Gotu Kola) is another adaptogen known to help ease stress and anxiety, amongst many other health benefits. It is also said to aid in the stimulation of the pituitary and thyroid glands.

Remember, it’s always important to check with your healthcare provider before starting a new regimen to see which additions are right for you.

Supplement with Supplements

While it’s ideal to get all our nutrients from the foods we eat, our water intake and the sun, it’s not always realistic. Which is where supplements come in! Here are a few supplements that are beneficial to the hormone balancing process:

Magnesium
 – sometimes referred to as the “master” mineral, Magnesium helps with hundreds of functions within the human body. It has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of PMS.

Vitamin D
 – this nutrient is especially helpful for fertility. Research shows women dealing with infertility are often deficient in vitamin D3.

B-Complex
 – an especially important supplement that helps counteract the overproduction of estrogen (which is the leading cause of hormonal dysfunction) by increasing progesterone in the body.

Probiotics
 – essential for maintaining healthy gut bacteria, which in return helps to manage many hormonal conditions, including the metabolization of estrogen.

Remember, it’s always important to check with your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement regimen to see which additions are right for you.

Don’t Fear the Fats

Eating a variety of foods that provide quality, healthy fats (Omega-3s) is essential to keeping your hormones balanced. Studies show incorporating medium and long-chain fatty acids into your diet helps to balance the hormones that moderate appetite while also stimulating the healthy digestion of fat and protein. Some healthy fats to start incorporating into your diet include avocados, coconut oil, grass-fed butter and meats, and wild-caught fatty fish, such as salmon.

Adequate Protein at Every Meal

Similar to healthy fats, protein helps to regulate the release of hormones related to appetite control and hunger. Research even shows that a protein-rich meal decreases the “hunger hormone” called ghrelin. Not to mention, protein provides you with the essential amino acids your body needs – but can’t produce on its own – to maintain muscle and bone health.

Avoid Sugar & Refined Carbs

A constant barrage of sugar and refined carbs wrecks havoc on your body. When you consume sugar and simple carbohydrates on a consistent basis, your body’s working overtime to balance your blood sugar, overproducing insulin to help. With time, this excess of insulin can result in your body become insulin resistant, which can play a large part in hormonal imbalances in the body. Instead, replace your simple carbs (white bread, pasta, crackers) with a balance of complex carbohydrates (whole grains, beans, legumes, starchy vegetables), protein, fiber and healthy fats.

Load Up on Cruciferous Veggies

Not only do these vegetables – broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower – serve as a great source of fiber and keep you feeling full longer, they also help to bind to excess estrogen in the gut and flush it all out.

Prioritise Sleep

This is a non-negotiable! Your body needs at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night to adequately rebalance and replenish your hormones. One of the most beneficial hormones (HGH, the human growth hormone or sometimes referred to as the “magic youth hormone”) is released during your stage-3 sleep, so it ultra important to get good shuteye every night. Having trouble winding down at night? There are a few things that help, like limiting caffeine intake, avoiding exercise late in the evening, keeping a consistent bedtime, or even meditating before bed.

Get Your Exercise On

Much like sleep, regular physical activity is important to maintaining hormonal health. Exercise benefits your body in many ways, but in terms of hormones, it helps balance insulin as well as muscle-maintaining hormones like testosterone, DHEA and growth hormone. However, it’s important to note that if you suffer from a hormone imbalance already, prolonged intense exercise may not be for you. Gyms around the world are starting to address this issue with a new form of interval training called LISS, or low-intensity interval training.

Manage Your Stress

No one likes stress. Especially not your hormones! Cortisol and adrenaline, the two major hormones affected by stress, can do quite a number on your body when elevated. Over time, consistent, increased levels of cortisol are linked with excessive calorie intake, obesity and increased belly fat. And consistent increased adrenaline can lead to high blood pressure and anxiety. Try to be more mindful about how you handle stress, and dedicate time each day to stress-reducing activities like exercise, meditation or yoga.

Turn Your Beauty Routine Green

If you haven’t already made the switch to a green beauty routine, now is the time! Not only are you doing good for the planet, ditching those nasty chemicals, like parabens, found in many cosmetics, shampoos and personal care products means one less thing to throw off your hormones.

Switch to Glass Containers

If possible, ditch the BPA-containing plastics. Studies show the BPA found in many plastic containers and bottles can mimic estrogen, thus throwing off your hormones. Make the switch to glass instead, especially if you’re planning on reheating leftovers!

This article has been republished with permission from
PurelyB

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Sibling Bonding and Double the Fun with Bugaboo Donkey 5

Bugaboo, the Dutch parental company that creates ingenious solutions for modern parents, launches the Bugaboo Donkey 5. The Donkey 5 is the future-ready stroller designed to meet the needs of growing families who want to stay connected wherever they go with one or two kids.

In just three clicks, the Donkey 5 can go from mono to a duo or twin configuration, allowing siblings to be side-by-side from birth to toddler. Both configurations feature an adjustable full-coverage canopy for protection from sun and wind with Bugaboo’s signature peek-a-boo and breezy window for ventilation while enjoying the best views.

Whether they’re twins exploring the world together or toddlers just learning to interact with their newborn sibling, the Donkey5 allows them to connect and have double the fun together!

The Bugaboo Donkey5 Stroller is available nationwide in new exciting colours at Baby Parenting, Bebehaus, Happikiddo and Mothercare Malaysia. For more information, please visit bugaboo.com.

Grows with your family

Future-proof – Featuring three unique configurations, the Bugaboo Donkey 5 is ready from the very first stroll to the very first step. It’s the ideal future-proof stroller for growing families.

Ultimate versatility – The Bugaboo Donkey 5 is designed to accommodate your growing family, whether your little pilot is flying solo or with their wingman.

Adventure for two – Go from mono to duo mode in only three clicks, so your little explorers can chart new paths together as they discover life side by side.

Maximum connection – The reversible seat lets your siblings face each other, face you or face the world. This promotes maximum connection at every age and stage.

Built for bonding

Shared experiences – The Bugaboo Donkey 5’s duo and twin modes are all about shared experiences. Your siblings can ride side by side from day one, sharing experiences and toys and funny faces.

Three configurations – With three different configurations, the seats can be arranged to face you, face each other or face the world.

Closer than ever before – The higher seating position on the Donkey 5 brings your baby closer than ever before. They’ll always be nearby, and they can listen to your voice everywhere they go

Follow the science – Connection isn’t just about having fun, it’s also about personal growth. Early interaction is critical for a child’s development, improving their self-esteem and giving them confidence.

Styled by you

Get creative – With the Bugaboo Donkey 5, you can choose from a sea of accessories and sleek colours that are guaranteed to turn heads

Colour your adventures – Choose from seven different trendsetting colours to match your stroller to your style. From vibrant tonals to muted neutrals, we have a colour for every adventure

Accessorize your look – The Bugaboo Donkey 5 offers trendy accessories for every season and reason. Choose from newborn essentials like footmuffs and inlays or on-the-go musts like the changing clutch and click-on cupholder.

Key Features

One hand, that’s it – All you need is one hand to start exploring. Whether you’re heading over curbs or handing out snacks on the go, you can steer with a single hand while the other rummages through a bag or waves to your little mischief-makers.

Fits through standard doorways – Don’t let the side-by-side design fool you. The Bugaboo Donkey 5 easily fits through standard doorways, letting you confidently navigate tight hallways, crowded sidewalks or the obstacle course of grocery stores.

Store it with ease – When you’re back home between your adventures, the stroller folds down into one self-standing piece for easy storage.

Always in kissing distance – We’ve designed the Bugaboo Donkey 5 with a higher seat and bassinet so your children have a bird’s eye view of the world as you push them around on their comfy perches.

Quick-click harness – The Bugaboo Donkey 5 comes with a new quick-click harness with extra soft shoulder pads, making it one of the safest seats in town. Strap it closed in seconds and you and your little co-pilot are clear for takeoff.

Storage galore – The Bugaboo Donkey 5 comes with 20 kg of storage so you can bring all the snacks and toys you’ll need for family adventures.

Luxurious fabrics – The Bugaboo Donkey 5’s fabrics are nearly as soft as your baby’s own skin. They’re also water repellent so you’ll never have to worry about surprise spills or accidental splashes while making mischief in the rain.

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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