Pampers 5 Star Expert Panel

As a first time mother or maybe just as a mother I often feel like I have no idea what I am doing, actually let me correct that, most of the time I feel that way. I have bookshelf's lined with baby books that are filled with chapters and chapters of info and I get through a few lines and think Holy Crap I really do suck at this. It's so textbook, so far from reality, that's why I always try find my knowledge else where, some where honest. I loved these Top Tips from Pampers 5 Star Expert Panel. Have a look see, tell me what you think, thought I'd share some useful information and go here www.pampers.co.za to Pampers World it's will make you smile today, I promise.

TOP TIPS FROM THE

PAMPERS 5 STAR EXPERT PANEL

Parenting expert, Sister Lilian shares her 5 top tips for moms wishing to provide the best of the best skin protection for baby from birth:

·        Your skin reflects what you eat, Mom and so does baby skin, from the time in the womb when he shares your meals to when you breastfeed him that special meal derived from your diet! Go slow on allergenic foods, processed products and unhealthy treats

·        Get skincare off to the best start by treating infant skin gently from Day 1, by topping and tailing rather than bathing in the first  week or two, not using too many cosmetic products and always using those tested as most natural and safe for babies

·        Help protect baby’s skin, especially if there are allergies in close family members, by breastfeeding for a prolonged time or using special substitute milks developed for those with allergy tendencies, not forgetting that skin rashes is one of the major symptoms of sensitivity to dietary intake

·        Mother Nature invented Rooibos, fresh air and sun in South Africa! Ensure that baby’s buttocks are exposed to fresh air for a while after each change and a few minutes of non-midday sun each day for glowing, healthy skin. Rooibos’ skin soothing properties are beneficial for babies of all ages – add a pot to bathwater to help relieve itching, dab on insect bites to soothe stings and place a cooled teabag on inflamed patches of buttock or other rash to aid healing

·        Do all you can to keep baby’s skin soft, smooth and dry – which is different from itchy and cracked dry! Achieve this in the nappy area (where babies are most prone to moisture and acid rashes) by choosing nappies that draw away fluid and soft poo, are made from fabric as soft as their own skin, allow skin to breathe through the fabric and fit like a second skin without disrupting movement or circulation

Paediatrician and father of two, Dr Hetan Hari shares his top 5 tips on how babies experience their worlds more intensely than adults when it comes to skin development:

·        As your baby grows and her nervous system develops, you will need to constantly find new, rewarding and challenging ways to keep her engaged

·        Encourage your baby to explore the world around them, this will allow them to experience various positive sensations, which are vital for development

·        Make sure that there is no dermatitis in the nappy area as this can be a negative sensation. Negative sensations can be distressing and distract baby from positive stimulations. To prevent nappy discomfort, these are my recommendations:

o   change nappies regularly to minimise irritant effects of urine and stools on skin

o   gentle wiping of nappy area with cotton wool/wipes when changing nappies

o   keep skin in nappy area as dry as possible

o   identify and treat nappy dermatitis as early as possible with barrier creams/pastes

o   secondary fungal infections may need special ointments to treat appropriately

·        When your baby is able to grip objects, provide a selection of textures for her to touch. Items like fluffy towels,  and bumpy toys will help develop fine motor skills

·        Encourage your baby to explores their world by crawling, touching, smelling, seeing and hearing, which brings them into contact with new sensory experiences that directly shape the way in which their brain and nervous system grow and develop

Dermatologist, Dr Pholile Mpofo shares her top 5 tips on how parents can best protect baby’s skin to meet their very specific demands:

·        It is essential to keep the baby’s skin as dry as possible as hyperhydration is a trigger for chafing and inflammation

·        Strong harsh cleansers should be avoided.  Neutral cleansers like emulsifying ointment are gentle to the skin, moisturizing the skin in addition to cleansing it

·        Well researched superabsorbent nappies are preferred as it is almost impossible for mothers to change baby’s nappies ten to twelve times per day as recommended by researchers

·        Occlusive clothing like plastic water-proof pants should be avoided to limit the possibility of retention of fluid that leads to irritating hyperhydration

·        Diapers should not be too tight and occlusive but must be the correct size and have stretchy sides to prevent chafing and to provide greater absorbing capacity

Parenting blogger on mom of two, Natasha Clark shares her top 5 parenting trends on what moms are doing to offer their babies the best of the best care:

·        Parents are becoming more aware of foods and nutrition, opting for organic and free range foods. I see kids being offered fruit at birthday parties, frozen yoghurt replacing ice cream and parents making fresh juices instead of buying concentrated ones. I see a lot of parents making their own purees and meals instead of purchasing unhealthy meals

·        Parents are more environmentally aware. They're lathering on the sunblock, recycling, using solar power, power-saving light bulbs. I love that the kids are seeing us behave like more responsible, eco-friendly human beings

·        I see a lot of parents stepping away from television as a family. I see more board games, more DIY projects, puzzles, outings and more outdoor life amongst families. I know a lot of parents that don't put televisions in the living room at all anymore

·        Moms love Pinterest! They use it to figure out what to cook for dinner, how to decorate the next kids party, hundreds of uses for old stubby crayons or even empty formula tins. It's a great lifestyle resource and the mommies make a huge appearance on there. There are some awesome crafts ideas and nice things that you can do with your little ones

·        I see dads becoming SO MUCH more involved in parenting. I see dads pushing prams, scurrying off to change diapers and sterilizing bottles. I see dads bathing babies, cooking dinner and making more time for their families. We are fast losing the old household model of "Man works / woman raises children" as most moms work full time now too, I would say that men are fast catching up in the constant-parenting role, and being super great at it

Award-winning TV presenter and mom, Leanne Manas shares her top 5 tips on how she gives the best of the best care to her baby:

·        There is a little saying that goes - "mother knows best". It's the most amazing thing - because most of the time you know exactly what is needed for your child. Everybody is an expert when it comes to raising children but my advice is rather Trust yourself - It's an internal instinct that exists inside you as a mother. Obviously you don't know everything, and that's what doctors are there for. When in doubt seek professional advice - you can never be too careful early on in your Childs life.

·        It's very difficult to find the balance between being a working woman and the perfect mom - whether one likes to believe it or not something will always suffer. The only advice I can give is that when you are with your child give your everything. Focus entirely on them and you will find that it's the quality of time that you spend with them that's important rather than the quantity.

·        There must always be bonding time between you and your child. Being a mother is an absolute privilege. When your child looks at you with absolute love and trust and puts you on that pedestal - embrace it and indulge in it! Shower them with attention and give them all the love and security that they need from you - remember you are their everything!

·        You can't be everything to everyone! Don't forget that you are also still a living breathing human being that has needs! In and amongst the chaos look after yourself and accept help from those around you.

Don't forget who you were before you had your baby and look after that person with some much need pampering. Never lose your identity. You need to be happy and well looked after so you can do the best for your family.

·        Right from the start, let Dad do as much as possible. Avoid the tendency to feel that you are the only one who can look after your child. Aside from breastfeeding, there is nothing that he can't do.

Mothers need to give fathers the confidence that they can contribute as much as Mom. It's important to start early and in the end, Dad gets to bond with Baby on his own, Baby feels that s/he can be comforted by either parent, and Mom feels less stressed!