All4Baby » PREG_28 https://all4baby.co.za From Pregnancy to birth to baby and beyond. The place to find, chat, and share. Tue, 15 Jul 2014 14:19:53 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=161 Follow this checklist when buying your baby’s first set of wheels https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/planning-for-baby/339/follow-checklist-buying-babys-first-set-wheels/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=follow-checklist-buying-babys-first-set-wheels https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/planning-for-baby/339/follow-checklist-buying-babys-first-set-wheels/#comments Fri, 11 Apr 2014 08:12:22 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=339 There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a pram for the first time. We've out together a checklist to assist parents-to-be with their pram shopping.

The post Follow this checklist when buying your baby’s first set of wheels appeared first on All4Baby.

]]>
The purchase of a pram is often compared to the purchase of a car – although even that is sometimes  a less confusing choice to make.

There are a number of factors to consider when purchasing a pram for the first time and below is a comprehensive checklist to help you choose your baby’s new set of wheels!

Safety

The main priority for all parent’s-to-be is the safety of their child. When purchasing a pram, make sure of the following:

  • Has the pram been awarded safety certification from a recognised International body?
  • Does the pram have a solid brake and wheel locking system that will ensure that it remains stationary if necessary
  • Does the pram have a bumper bar – a key safety feature for the younger child
  • Are the materials non-toxic
  • Is there a 5 point safety harness

Longevity

You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where you purchase a pram that is perfect for a baby, but way too small for a toddler.

Look for a pram that is versatile and comfortable  for your child from newborn up to four years of age. One that is compatible with both the infant car seat and toddler stroller seat will ensure that you only have to buy once.

Quality

You need to remember that the pram you choose now will probably be used for a second and maybe even third child. The initial investment that you make in purchasing a top quality pram will be worth it when you are using it over the duration of five or more years.

Look out for the following:

  • Puncture free rubberised wheels
  • The fabric on the pram is so important – it needs to be durable and easy to clean
  • A corrosion resistant material used for the construction of the pram frame

Practicality

At the end of the day, you need to purchase a pram that makes your life easier when out and about with your baby – not harder!

These are key points to think about:

  • Is the pram lightweight and easy to carry?
  • Does it fit into your car boot?
  • How easy is it to collapse and unfold?
  • Does the pram free-stand when folded
  • Is it easy to push and manoeuvre?
  • Does the pram canopy offer adequate sun shade?
  • Does the stroller seat offer rearward and forward facing seat modes?
  • What are the recline positions like?
  • Is there a decent sized shopping basket and is it easy to access?
  • Is the pram comfortable for your baby or toddler?
  • If you are not always going to be travelling on a completely smooth surface, are the wheels a decent size to accommodate bumpier terrain and is there any suspension?

It is a good idea to have a few ‘non-negotiable’ requirements that you have listed prior to comparing the different pram options, as this will help you eliminate certain models straight away and hopefully make your choice easier.

Last tip – never buy a pram without physically putting it into the car boot! You may be doing this a few times a day (sometimes with a screaming baby on your hip!) and you want to be 100% sure it fits.

About the Author: Double Trouble is a Cape Town based company that specialises in baby products for Twins and Singletons. For more information, visit www.double-trouble.co.za.

The post Follow this checklist when buying your baby’s first set of wheels appeared first on All4Baby.

]]>
https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/planning-for-baby/339/follow-checklist-buying-babys-first-set-wheels/feed/ 0
8 creative baby shower gift ideas to spoil your mom-to-be https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/baby-shower/225/8-creative-baby-shower-gift-ideas-spoil-mom/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=8-creative-baby-shower-gift-ideas-spoil-mom https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/baby-shower/225/8-creative-baby-shower-gift-ideas-spoil-mom/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2014 09:32:10 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=225 Let’s face it – nappies, baby grows and goodie hampers are our go-to gifts when it comes to baby showers, but there’s no reason why you can’t get creative!

The post 8 creative baby shower gift ideas to spoil your mom-to-be appeared first on All4Baby.

]]>
Baby showers once meant triangular sandwiches and awkward ‘What’s in the nappy?’ games. But today’s showers are being planned and hosted on a whole new wedding-scale level. From high teas at snazzy hotels, to lavish lunches at proper venues, gone are the days where Grandma hosted the mom-to-be’s party in her backyard.

Matching a gift to this new-age baby shower can be difficult, as our usual gifts of nappies and baby grows just don’t seem to fit the occasion. But that doesn’t mean that you need to go out and spend thousands on an impractical gift that might not even be used.

Here are eight tips to putting a creative spin on our usual go-to-gifts:

  1. Throw the whole gift thing on its head and aim it at the inexperienced yet practical dad-to-be – whether it be a trendy nappy bag or a changing kit with instructions.
  2. Instead of a traditional hamper, create a tiered baby shower ‘cake’ display out of towels, diapers and other baby goodies. You can even roll small baby clothes and hand towels into roses or pop one inside a cupcake holder for an extra cute display.
  3. Make a compilation disk of baby-friendly music that will soothe the little one to sleep, and get mom a little treat like chocolates or bubble bath which she can enjoy in peace.
  4. If it’s going to be a girl, keep a lookout for girlie baby accessories and put together a fashion kit filled with goodies like felt headbands, baby-safe brooches and adorable booties.
  5. If you’re going the baby powder and petroleum jelly route, make the packaging interesting – for instance, fill a big jar, cookie tin or pretty handbag with everyday baby goodies.
  6. Get creative with a simple DIY project – for instance, make a felt doll, a baby bib, growing chart or pretty baby-room bunting.
  7. Put together a winter kit for baby, complete with cute little hat, booties and snuggly blanket, plus hot chocolate and slippers for mom.
  8. Surprise the mom-to-be with a scrapbook kit, so that she can start collecting those memories bright and early!

About the Author: Momtrepreneur connects multitasking supermoms. For more, visit http://www.momtrepreneur.co.za.

The post 8 creative baby shower gift ideas to spoil your mom-to-be appeared first on All4Baby.

]]>
https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/baby-shower/225/8-creative-baby-shower-gift-ideas-spoil-mom/feed/ 0
Pre-term labour – what you should know https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/second-trimester/216/pre-term-labour-know/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=pre-term-labour-know https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/second-trimester/216/pre-term-labour-know/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2014 08:59:12 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=216 If you start to have regular contractions that cause the cervix to to dilate or thin out before 37 weeks, you’re in pre-term labour.

The post Pre-term labour – what you should know appeared first on All4Baby.

]]>
When it comes to pre-term labour, the greatest worry is that a baby born before its estimated due date may not be sufficiently developed to survive outside the womb.

Causes of pre-term labour

The British Medical Association says that 50% of premature deliveries occur for no known reason.

Other causes for going into early labour include;

  • pre-eclampsia
  • hypertension
  • diabetes
  • existing kidney disease
  • heart disease
  • infections
  • multiple babies

Complications for the baby

The major complication for a pre-term baby is respiratory distress syndrome, where the lungs are not yet properly developed. Extra care should also be taken over the baby’s immunity, and his or her ability to suck.

Signs of pre-term labour

  • vaginal bleeding or spotting
  • leaking of amniotic fluid
  • pelvic pressure (a feeling that the baby is pushing down)
  • abdominal pain
  • contractions or abdominal tightening
  • dull backache
  • vomiting or diarrhoea

Depending on the circumstances, pre-term delivery can sometimes be averted once labour has begun. Certain medications can be used to prevent contractions and relax the womb, helping to delay birth.

Lower your risk

Pre-term birth can’t always be prevented, but there are some things that you can do to lower the risk.

  1. Catch any symptoms early so as to avoid actual delivery. If you are experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, contact your gynaecologist.
  2. Be consistent with your prenatal appointments throughout your pregnancy. Attending monthly appointments will allow your gynaecologist to keep up-to-date with any developing conditions.
  3. Maintain your health. Contact your doctor at the start of any illness and infection.
  4. Manage your stress levels.

While it can be frightening to go into early labour, modern medicine ensures babies have the best chances of survival, even as early as 24 weeks’ gestation. Many premature babies catch up with their full-term playmates, in terms of development, within the first year or two.

About the Author: Dr Noluthando Nematswerani is a Discovery Health Clinical Specialist. For more information on Discovery, visit www.discovery.co.za.

The post Pre-term labour – what you should know appeared first on All4Baby.

]]>
https://all4baby.co.za/pregnancy/second-trimester/216/pre-term-labour-know/feed/ 0
Why healthcare cover is important in pregnancy https://all4baby.co.za/birth/types-of-birth/186/healthcare-cover-important-pregnancy/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=healthcare-cover-important-pregnancy https://all4baby.co.za/birth/types-of-birth/186/healthcare-cover-important-pregnancy/#comments Wed, 09 Apr 2014 07:30:18 +0000 https://all4baby.co.za/?p=186 Healthcare cover during pregnancy is a necessity to ensure that you and your unborn baby are covered.

The post Why healthcare cover is important in pregnancy appeared first on All4Baby.

]]>
Ensuring that you are covered during your pregnancy is one of the most important decisions you can make for your health and the health of your unborn baby.

Healthcare insurance during pregnancy and afterwards helps to give you peace of mind that, in the event of a medical emergency, you and baby are covered, and that your baby will have the best chance at life.

Your health matters

As soon as you find out that you are pregnant, schedule your first pre-natal appointment. You should go for your first pregnancy checkup as early as seven to eight weeks for a risk assessment, and continue to go regularly throughout your pregnancy.

These checkups are important, as an initial risk assessment allows your gynaecologist to provide you with a personalised care approach and identify any potential problems early to allow for the best care possible for both you and your baby.

These checkups include routine tests such as blood tests and ultrasound scans.

Your doctor will also provide you with dietary guidelines, as good nutrition is critical during pregnancy. It is important to note that you should be eating twice as well during your pregnancy, and not for two people.

Protect your growing baby’s health

To protect your baby’s developing health; you should stop smoking, and avoid alcohol to prevent your baby from being born with Foetal Alcohol Syndrome.

Exercise regularly and ensure you get enough rest for your body and mind.

You should also ensure that the food you eat is hygienic and well prepared and cooked to prevent any illnesses caused by food from affecting your baby.

Healthcare cover for you and your baby

The type of cover you will receive depends on what kind of health plan you have. It is important to check that your preferred doctor and hospital are included within your healthcare’s network to avoid co-payments.

Decide where your baby will be born

Deciding where your baby will be born is an important part of your pregnancy. While natural birth is generally covered in full, a caesarean is generally only covered if it is a medical necessity. You would also need to check if your healthcare covers a home or water birth.

For more information on Discovery, visit www.discovery.co.za

The post Why healthcare cover is important in pregnancy appeared first on All4Baby.

]]>
https://all4baby.co.za/birth/types-of-birth/186/healthcare-cover-important-pregnancy/feed/ 0