Hello there dear readers and welcome to this June edition of Tiny Tots Corner. A very big congratulations to our three adorable winners. Choosing the top three was no easy task, as our mailbox was filled with so many heartwarming entries. To the proud parents of our winners, thank you for sharing these special moments with us. We also extend sincere appreciation to all parents who took time to send in photographs of their little bundles of joy. Your continued support helps make this feature one of our reader’s favorite monthly highlights. Parents, if you would like to see your little cherub feature in one of our next editions, be sure to send us a good-quality photo, together with the required details, as outlined in the “Competition Rules “box below. We look forward to receiving many more wonderful entries in the months ahead. Good luck.
Competition Rules
- The Editor’s decision is final
- This competition is open to all babies, between the ages of six and 24 months, who live in the Laudium Sun main distribution area
- Closing Date: Tuesday, July 21
- Entries must include a recent, clear photo of your baby, accompanied by the full name and age of infant, and also parents’ names and addresses… as well as contact numbers.
- All entries must be hand-delivered to the Laudium Sun office in Laudium or e-mailed to: info@laudiumsun.co.za or posted to: PO Box 786, Pretoria, 0001, and are to reach us before the closing date
Getting to know your baby – Part 4
Sharing Books
– It is never too early to start sharing a book with baby for a few minutes each day.
– Looking at bright pictures & hearing words can be a special time for closeness, safety, seeing, hearing and learning about sounds and what they mean.
– Babies learn that books, reading and stories are enjoyable.
Playing
Playing is how babies learn. Give them lots of chances to be curious and explore. They might enjoy:
– a variety of different things to look at and touch
– a walk outside to look at leaves or grass moving
– things they can hit or push that make a noise
– mimicking games – baby pokes their tongue out and you do it back. Leave plenty of time for baby to take their turn
– simple songs and rhymes while you rock or gently jiggle baby on your knee
It is important for baby to have some tummy time on the floor each day from birth. It helps them develop muscles for crawling and head control. Never leave them alone on their tummy.
Don’t play rough games such as throwing baby up in the air, lifting or pulling them by an arm. These actions can harm babies.
Be sensitive to your baby – don’t overwhelm them. If they yawn or look away they may be saying they need a rest. Too much activity when they don’t want it is as unhelpful as too little activity.
Sleep:
Managing sleep is one of the common concerns for parents. It can help to know that:
– each baby’s sleep is different even in the same family and their sleep needs change quickly
– babies in the first weeks sleep much of the day and night. Most wake every 2 or3 hours around the clock needing a feed and attention. Many sleep 14-20 hours a day
– by three months many babies are awake longer during the day and may sleep longer at night. Most babies of this age still need one or two night feeds
– When a baby sleeps about five hours straight, this is considered ‘sleeping through the night’
Baby Safety:
– Use a rear-facing baby capsule in the car and make sure you have the correct restraint as they grow. It is against the law to smoke in a car with children under 16 years
– Never leave baby alone on change tables or other surfaces – they can easily fall
– Protect baby from pets – put up barriers if you need to. Never leave them alone together
– Protect baby from being frightened. Don’t shout, play loud music near them or make sudden loud noises
– Never leave baby alone in the bath – they can drown in only a few centimetres of water. Keep them away from pools, ponds, dams, troughs and buckets of water such as those left out for pets
– Check your house for safety. Keep babies away from power points, curtain cords, things that could fall on them and poisons such as cigarettes, medicines or cleaning products.
– Never shake a baby. This can cause brain damage and some children die. If you feel upset or angry, take a short break until you calm down. Make sure baby is safe first
Your feelings matter:
When you are a parent it is normal to have lots of different feelings or to feel overwhelmed at times. It can help to:
– talk to other parents, family, friends, your doctor or child health nurse
– find out about babies so you know what to expect
– take time to enjoy special moments with baby
– make time to spend with your partner or do other special things you enjoy
– notice and feel proud of what you achieve each day – even small things.
If you feel upset or low much of the time talk with your doctor or nurse. Have a look at post-natal depression.
Getting support:
All parents need help at times.
Don’t be afraid to ask trusted family or friends to lend a hand. Even washing the dishes can help.
* If in any doubt, please consult with your healthcare provider.