My Kids Spot ~ Care & Share your joy of your baby

Making of Cupcakes

2009-02-05T14:46:00.021+08:00

It's been a while since I last updated this blog. I was looking through some photos taken with my nieces and newphew sometime back. And found these cupcakes making session photos very cute!
Check out their fun time below.

My Masterpiece!!

Livia Ionce, 44, Gives Birth To 18th Child

2008-09-03T16:32:00.003+08:00

Livia Ionce, 44, second left, holds her newborn daughter, Abigail Ionce, who was born Tuesday, as she and her husband, Alexandru, 51, pose for a photograph with 13 of their 18 children at their home in Abbotsford, Canada on Saturday July 26, 2008. Their oldest child is 23-years-old. The couple immigrated to Canada from Romania in 1990.

ABBOTSFORD, British Columbia - A Romanian immigrant has given birth to her 18th child in British Columbia, making her the province's most prolific mother in 20 years.
Proud dad Alexandru Ionce said Saturday that his 44-year-old wife, Livia, gave birth on Tuesday. Their daughter Abigail weighed in at seven pounds, 12 ounces.
"We never planned how many children to have. We just let God guide our lives, you know, because we strongly believe life comes from God and that's the reason we did not stop the life," said Alexandru Ionce.
The couple immigrated to Canada from Romania in 1990 and now live in Abbotsford, British Columbia. Their 17 other children range in age from 20 months to 23 years old.
Ionce said he did not know if the couple would have more children. The family now has 10 girls and eight boys.
"We would have liked a boy to be even," he said. "We thank God all of them are healthy and happy."
Ionce said the family has received calls from Germany, Romania and England, as well as from media outlets across Canada

Twins born to mixed-race couple have different skin tones

2008-09-03T16:26:00.003+08:00

Twin baby boys Ryan (L) and Leo Gerth rest in a Berlin hospital July 18, 2008. The twin boys, who have radically differing skin colours, were born on July 11 by Caesarean section to German mixed race couple Stephan and Florence Gerth.

PAPI'S BIRTHDAY!!

2008-09-03T16:12:00.005+08:00

Yesterday, 2 Sep 2008, is my Dad's Birthday!!!
I've decided to bake a cake for him. And with the help of my 2 little nieces, Rachel and Regine...
Here's our creation, nice? :P Heehee....

Recipe

Ingredients:
4 Eggs, 5oz castor sugar & 6oz of plain flour

1) First crack your eggs into a large bowl, whisk them for a few seconds just lightly. Add your caster sugar only and whisk until your mixture thickens and turns almost white in colour.

2) Add in the sift flour and mix them well.

3) Pour your sponge cake mixture into a greased and floured round tin. Place in a pre-heated oven at 180C for approx 20-30 minutes (depending on your oven).

----------------------------------------------------
My sisters, brother and I share to buy him a nice shirt and matching tie from Raoul..I find it very nice too! And my mum also cook yummy dinner for him, esp his favourite DIY Yong Dao Foo...!! *slurp!*

Panfu, the virtual world for kids!

2008-05-13T10:49:00.003+08:00

Panfu is a friendly, virtual world, in which kids can play online games, have fun & learn spanish easily & make new friends!

Check out this new fun website with your kids together and have fun!

http://www.panfu.com/

Billy's Vanilla Cupcakes!!

2008-05-13T10:19:00.005+08:00

My niece's , Rachel, has just finished her exams last week. So I've planned to make some cupcakes together with her and my sis, Angela yesterday. Not too bad for our first attempt!

Here's our masterpiece:

I've search through the sites for a nice receipe. And I found this. It's easy and nice to eat.

Billy's Vanilla, Vanilla Cupcakes
Makes about 30 cupcakes
1 3/4 cups cake flour, not self-rising
1 1/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
3/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes
4 large eggs
1 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 325°. Line cupcake pans with paper liners; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine flours, sugar, baking powder, and salt; mix on low speed until combined. Add butter, mixing until just coated with flour.

2. In a large glass measuring cup, whisk together eggs, milk, and vanilla. With mixer on medium speed, add wet ingredients in 3 parts, scraping down sides of bowl before each addition; beat until ingredients are incorporated but do not overbeat.

3. Divide batter evenly among liners, filling about two-thirds full. Bake, rotating pan halfway through, until a cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean, 17 to 20 minutes.

4. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Repeat process with remaining batter. Once cupcakes have cooled, use a small offset spatula to frost tops of each cupcake. Decorate with sprinkles, if desired. Serve at room temperature.

Billy's Vanilla Buttercream
Colored sprinkles, for decorating (optional)
Makes enough for 30 cupcakes1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
6 to 8 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add 6 cups sugar, milk, and vanilla; mix until light and fluffy. If necessary, gradually add remaining 2 cups sugar to reach desired consistency.

Chocolate may reduce pregnancy complication risk

2008-05-04T09:23:00.003+08:00

A box of chocolates. A daily snack of quality dark chocolate is healthy for pregnant women and protects them from possible high blood pressure problems, a medical study said Monday.

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Indulging in chocolate during pregnancy could help ward off a serious complication known as preeclampsia, new research suggests.

Chocolate, especially dark chocolate, is rich in a chemical called theobromine, which stimulates the heart, relaxes smooth muscle and dilates blood vessels, and has been used to treat chest pain, high blood pressure, and hardening of the arteries, Dr. Elizabeth W. Triche of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut and colleagues write.

Preeclampsia, in which blood pressure spikes during pregnancy while excess protein is released into the urine, has many features in common with heart disease, the researchers add.
To investigate whether chocolate's possible cardiovascular benefits also might help prevent preeclampsia, the researchers looked at 2,291 women who delivered a single infant, and asked them about how much chocolate they consumed in their first and third trimesters. The researchers also tested levels of theobromine in infants' umbilical cord blood.

Women who consumed the most chocolate and those whose infants had the highest concentration of theobromine in their cord blood were the least likely to develop preeclampsia. Women in the highest quarter for cord blood theobromine were 69 percent less likely to develop the complication than those in the lowest quarter.

Women who ate five or more servings of chocolate each week in their third trimester of pregnancy were 40 percent less likely to develop preeclampsia than those who ate chocolate less than once a week.

A similar, but weaker, relationship between chocolate consumption and preeclampsia risk was seen in the first trimester, with women eating five or more servings of chocolate each week at 19 percent lower risk than those who ate chocolate less than once a week.

Theobromine could improve circulation within the placenta while blocking oxidative stress, or it could also be a stand-in for other beneficial chemicals found in chocolate, Triche and her team note in the May issue of Epidemiology.

"Our results raise the possibility that chocolate consumption by pregnant women may reduce the occurrence of preeclampsia," they write. "Because of the importance of preeclampsia as a major complication of pregnancy, replication of these results in other large prospective studies with a detailed assessment of chocolate consumption is warranted."

Small school buses may need to install safety belt system

2008-04-29T21:39:00.002+08:00

SINGAPORE: Road safety has taken centrestage in the past few days, especially on the issue of safety belts for young children.

Over the past three years, the Traffic Police had issued an average of 4,000 summonses a year for seat—belt offences.

Out of these summonses, about 30 were issued per year for child—restraint related offences.
8—year—old Russell Koh was killed when he was flung out of a school bus last Thursday. His family members said his death could have been prevented if there was a safety belt system on the bus.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) said it is in consultations with the motor industry on an affordable and effective safety belt and anchoring system for small school buses.
Industry players said such additional features would mean buses would have to take in fewer children, which could lead to an increase in bus fees by some 50 percent.
One of them said: "I don’t think it is practical to make every young kid wear the safety belt because of their size, and there are kids of different sizes, so it’s quite difficult for any manufacturer to install such seats."

"It has a lot to do with education. The kids have to know that for their own safety, they have to put on a safety belt," another said.
LTA is expected to come up with recommendations on this issue later this year.
Besides safety belts, there are also concerns about general safety on the roads. Some said the "kiasu" attitude of some Singaporean drivers, coupled with the stress of always rushing around, affects road safety.

Traffic Police statistics have shown that while the number of fatalities is down for the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year, the numbers for other types of injuries are up.

Mother's diet can help determine sex of child: study

2008-04-27T11:59:00.003+08:00

PARIS (AFP) - - Oysters may excite the libido, but there is nothing like a hearty breakfast laced with sugar to boost a woman's chances of conceiving a son, according to a study released Wednesday.

Likewise, a low-energy diet that skimps on calories, minerals and nutrients is more likely to yield a female of the human species, says the study, published in Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, Britain's de facto academy of sciences.

Fiona Mathews of the University of Exeter in Britain and colleagues wanted to find out if a woman's diet has an impact on the sex of her offspring.

So they asked 740 first-time mothers who did not know if their unborn foetuses were male or female to provide detailed records of eating habits before and after they became pregnant. The women were split into three groups according to the number calories they consumed per day around the time of conception.

Fifty-six percent of the women in the group with the highest energy intake had sons, compared to 45 percent in the least-well fed cohort.

Beside racking up a higher calorie count, the group who produced more males were also more likely to have eaten a wider range of nutrients, including potassium, calcium and vitamins C, E and B12.

The odds of an XY, or male outcome to a pregnancy also went up sharply "for women who consumed at least one bowl of breakfast cereal daily compared with those who ate less than or equal to one bowl of week," the study reported.

These surprising findings are consistent with a very gradual shift in favor of girls over the last four decades in the sex ratio of newborns, according to the researchers.
Previous research has shown -- despite the rising epidemic in obesity -- a reduction in the average energy uptake in advanced economies. The number of adults who skip breakfast has also increased substantially.

"This research may help to explain why in developed countries, where many young women choose low calorie diets, the proportion of boys is falling," Mathews said.
The study's findings, she added, could point to a "natural mechanism" for gender selection.
The link between a rich diet and male children may have an evolutionary explanation.
For most species, the number of offspring a male can father exceeds the number a female can give birth to. But only if conditions are favorable -- poor quality male specimens may fail to breed at all, whereas females reproduce more consistently.

"If a mother has plentiful resources, then it can make sense to invest in producing a son because he is likely to produce more grandchildren than would a daughter," thus contributing to the survival of the species, explains Mathews.
"However, in leaner times having a daughter is a safer bet."

While the mechanism is not yet understood, it is known from in vitro fertilisation research that higher levels of glucose, or sugar, encourage the growth and development of male embryos while inhibiting female embryos.

Barney's Let's Imagine Live!

2008-04-25T15:11:00.003+08:00

Barney's Let's Imagine Live!

DATE: 5-8 Jun 2008 Thur & Fri, 3.30pm & 7.30pmSat & Sun, 11.30, 3.30pm & 7pm

DURATION:
Approx 1 hr 25 minsINTERVALApprox 20 mins

VENUE:
Suntec Int'l Convention & Exhibition Hall

TICKET PRICE (Exclude Booking Fee)Standard - S$68, S$48, S$38, S$28

Barney! BJ! And Baby Bop are back! It’s Barney’s 20th Anniversary and they are having a Party!Following two successful Asian tours, Barney is back this time with a world premier, live-action stage show featuring BJ, Baby Bop and making his stage debut, Barney’s cousin Riff! With a production with full multimedia imagery, 12 live actors and giant, colourful inflatable props and many favourite Barney songs, the stage is set for a rocking good time for the kids! With the help of the Magic Ideas Factory, our cast of twelve will learn about team work, healthy eating and exercise as they join together and plan the perfect party. Riff discovers an entire marching band in the machine. Baby Bop sings and dances to her favourite songs. BJ gets to fly in his airplane. In fact, the Ideas Factory contains lots of surprises that burst at exactly the right moments! Educational and entertaining, Barney is 65 minutes of super-duper fun!

Defeat AUTISM Conference(12-13 July 2008)

2008-04-25T12:30:00.003+08:00

Many of you may have watched Larry King on CNN interviewing parents and doctors on Autism early this month to commemorate International Autism Day.
There was a letter in the Straits Times commenting that there was little coverage on Autism Day in the media. What say you?

This is a great opportunity for those interested to attend the following conference, the first of its kind in Singapore.

DEFEAT AUTISM
A Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM)
Approach to Addressing Autism
Your Child Can Now Be On The Road To Recovery
This 2-day intensive conference will cover Complimentary and Alternative Therapies
that can assist in your child's recovery of Autism. Listen to what the experts in the field of CAM have to say about the most up to date research and development on how the following CAM modalities can contribute to those challenged with Autism, their development and recovery.
The conference will address:
* Food and Nutrition (including supplements)
* Homeopathy
* Bioresonancy Energy Medicine
* Neurofeedback
* Osteopathy
* Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
* Herbs and Essential Oils
* Craniosacral Therapy
* Ayurveda
* Hypnotherapy
* Kineosology
* Psychology

Presenters will be :
1. Dr Sundardas - Functional Medicine
2. Dr Joseph Guan - Neurofeedback
3. Dr Kenneth Kwek - Neurofeedback
4. John Yeo ( Nutrition & Supplements )
5. Dr Ishak Ismail ( Nutrition - President of M'sia CAM and Consultant to M'sian Government on CAM)
6. Marcio Ribeiro - Body Talk
7. June Webb - Auditory Integrative Therapy
8. Zoran ( Visual Therapy )
9. Linda Crawford - Bioresonance Therapy-/ Energy Medicine (Homeopath & Bioresonance
Practitioner from U.K
10. David Dixon - Parent talk
11. Dermot McGrath - Hypnotherapy
12. Mr Sanjay - Occupational Therapist
13. Dr Choo Lad Sim - TCM Practitioner, President of Acupuncture Association of Singapore
and more who have not confirmed yet ....

There will be many booths displaying products. Be sure to visit the Total Wellness Home booth and discover how people with autistic challenges can improve their health with the support of magnetic technology, far infrared technology, PiMag water technology all incorporated simply in a Wellness Home. We'll have a short DVD presentation from a couple from USA who shares their autistic child's improvement using these natural technologies.

Dates: Saturday 12 July & Sunday 13 July 2008
Time: 10.00am - 5.30pm (both days)
Venue: The Grassroots Club,
190 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8,
Singapore 568046
Next to Yio Chu Kang MRT Station

Fees: S$280 per person for two days.
S$240 per person for one day
Group Discount (minimum 4 persons) @ S$240.00 for 2 days
@ $200 for one day
* Earlybird discount: $240 (for two days). S$200 (for one day).
* Applies for bookings and full payment by 30 April '08.

Fees include all conference materials, two tea breaks and buffet lunch per day.
Organized by Complimentary Therapy

Complete the registration form in the attachment. If you can't access it, give me a call at 67332544 / 67332728 / 67376900

If you would like to get a copy of Complementary Therapy, May & June issue @ S$5.90 give me a call.
It should be out the first week of May.

I look forward to seeing you at the Defeat Autism Conference on 12 & 13 July 2008.

Warmest wishes
Jacqueline Seow

Omegapoint Seminars
Bringing You the Best Life Enrichment Programs and Opportunities (since 1982)
Ph: (65) 67332544 / 67376900 / 67332728
VBox 881654
Singapore 919191--

How Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy's Son Recovered From Autism

2008-04-25T12:22:00.000+08:00

In this CNN op-ed piece, actors Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy reflect on their son’s recovery from autism in light of the recent federal court decision which conceded that vaccines could have contributed to another child’s autistic condition.
Carrey and McCarthy’s son, Evan, has been healed thanks to breakthroughs that may not be scientifically proven, but have definitely helped, such as a gluten-free, casein-free diet, vitamin supplementation, detox of metals, and anti-fungals for the yeast overgrowths that plagued his intestines. Once his neurological function was recovered through these medical treatments, speech therapy and applied behavior analysis helped him learn the skills he could not learn while he was frozen in autism.
When Evan was re-evaluated after these treatments, state workers were amazed by his improvement. But although Evan is now 5, not a single member of the CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or any other health authority has asked to evaluate and understand how Evan recovered from autism. Instead, they simply posit that he was misdiagnosed and never had autism to begin with.
Carrey and McCarthy believe that autism is an environmental illness, and that while vaccines are not the only environmental trigger, they do play a major role. Even if the CDC is not convinced of a link between vaccines and autism, changing the vaccine schedule should be seriously considered as a precautionary measure.

Diagnosis: Autism

2008-04-25T11:33:00.003+08:00

The government now reports that autism occurs in about one of every 150 American children. Behavioral scientists are trying to identify the early symptoms so that a diagnosis can be made as early as possible. Researchers at the Mind Institute at the University of California at Davis believe that if they can catch it early, they can change the way a child's brain develops.

What is Autism?

Autism causes kids to experience the world differently from the way most other kids do. It's hard for kids with autism to talk with other people and express themselves using words. Kids who have autism usually keep to themselves and many can't communicate without special help.
They also may react to what's going on around them in unusual ways. Normal sounds may really bother someone with autism — so much so that the person covers his or her ears. Being touched, even in a gentle way, may feel uncomfortable.
Kids with autism often can't make connections that other kids make easily. For example, when someone smiles, you know the smiling person is happy or being friendly. But a kid with autism may have trouble connecting that smile with the person's happy feelings.
A kid who has autism also has trouble linking words to their meanings. Imagine trying to understand what your mom is saying if you didn't know what her words really mean. It is doubly frustrating then if a kid can't come up with the right words to express his or her own thoughts.
Autism causes kids to act in unusual ways. They might flap their hands, say certain words over and over, have temper tantrums, or play only with one particular toy. Most kids with autism don't like changes in routines. They like to stay on a schedule that is always the same. They also may insist that their toys or other objects be arranged a certain way and get upset if these items are moved or disturbed.
If someone has autism, his or her brain has trouble with an important job: making sense of the world. Every day, your brain interprets the sights, sounds, smells, and other sensations that you experience. If your brain couldn't help you understand these things, you would have trouble functioning, talking, going to school, and doing other everyday stuff. Kids can be mildly affected by autism, so that they only have a little trouble in life, or they can be very affected, so that they need a lot of help.

Here's a video by Psychologist Sally Rogers of the Mind Institute defines autism:
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=7532368&ch=4227541&src=news

Detecting Autism Test I
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=7532287&ch=4227541&src=news

Detecting Autism Test II
http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/?rn=3906861&cl=7532416&ch=4227541&src=news

US alleges baby-selling in Vietnam

2008-04-25T11:11:00.002+08:00

Five-month-old baby girls, are held by workers at an orphanage in Bac Ninh province, near Hanoi,Vietnam, Wednesday, April 23, 2008. Vietnam has failed to police its adoption system, allowing corruption, fraud, and baby-selling to flourish, according to a new report from the U.S. Embassy

HANOI, Vietnam - Vietnam has failed to police its adoption system, allowing corruption, fraud and baby-selling to flourish, the U.S. Embassy says in a new report obtained by The Associated Press.
The nine-page document describes brokers scouring villages for babies, hospitals selling infants whose mothers cannot pay their bills, and a grandmother giving away her grandchild — without telling the child's mother.
"I'm shocked and deeply troubled by the worst of the worst cases," said Jonathan Aloisi, deputy chief of mission at the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi.
Vietnam's top adoption official called the concerns "groundless." Bribery of orphanage officials may occur, but serious offenses such as baby-selling or kidnapping are not a problem, said Vu Duc Long, director of the Department of International Adoptions.
The dispute comes amid a boom in adoptions from Vietnam. Americans — including actress Angelina Jolie — adopted more than 1,200 Vietnamese children over the 18 months ending March 31. In 2007, adoptions surged more than 400 percent from a year earlier, with 828 Vietnamese children adopted by American families.
While China remains the most popular overseas country for adoptions, a growing number of Americans are looking to Vietnam, which has fewer restrictions. The wait for adoption approval has also gotten longer in China after authorities there tightened rules.
U.S. adoption agencies active in Vietnam said that despite some cases of wrongdoing, most adoptions in the country are ethical.
"Our experience has been a good one," said Susan Cox, vice president of public policy with Holt International Children's Services, based in Eugene, Ore., which has operated in Vietnam since the 1970s. "We are concerned about any unethical practices, but I would not agree that these cases are indicative of adoptions in Vietnam."
Another adoption agency, Families Thru International Adoption, of Evansville, Ind., said that corruption exists everywhere and it is up to the adoption agencies to screen who they work with in Vietnam and other countries.
"There's always somebody that is trying to do something under the table, and when there are children involved, the results are even more horrific," said program director Salome Lamarche. "As an agency, we have a responsibility to be very careful who we work with in a country and to only work with organizations that work in a morally responsible manner."
She said her group has recently stopped taking applications for families who want Vietnamese children — but not because of concerns about corruption.
"We stopped because our waiting list is getting long and we thought it wasn't ethical to accept applications from families when we didn't know if we could match them with children," Lamarche said.
The U.S. suspended all adoptions from Vietnam in 2003 over concerns about corruption. Adoptions resumed in 2006 under a bilateral agreement intended to ensure they were above board.
That agreement expires Sept. 1, and many adoption agency officials believe the Vietnam program will be suspended again, at least temporarily.
"I can't see any possible way that this agreement is going to continue," said Tad Kincaid of Orphans Overseas in Portland, Ore. "There's certainly going to be a lapse."
The U.S. Embassy report is based on a review of hundreds of adoptions since they resumed in Vietnam in 2006.
Already, the U.S. Embassy concerns have left scores of Vietnamese adoptions in limbo, as American families wait for U.S. permission to bring the babies home.
Victoria Krebs of Chapel Hill, N.C., said that she and her husband have been waiting more than four months to find out if U.S. visas will be approved for the two girls they plan to adopt. They have pictures of the children and feel like they are already part of the family.
"They don't reply to my e-mails," Krebs said of U.S. immigration officials. "I don't have any specific information about my case."
A suspension in Vietnamese adoptions would not only put families on hold, but also threaten humanitarian work in Vietnam that is largely funded by American adoption agencies, such as foster care and programs that help keep families together, Cox said.
That occurred when the U.S. suspended Vietnamese adoptions in 2003, Cox said. "Since there were no adoptions, the groups didn't have the means to stay and help," she said.
Many people involved in Vietnamese adoptions strictly adhere to adoption laws, U.S. officials say.
But others have been flooding the system with cash to get babies for American parents, who pay up to $25,000 for an adoption.
With 42 U.S. adoption agencies licensed in Vietnam, the competition for babies is intense.
Some agencies have been paying orphanage directors $10,000 per referral, the report says, and some have taken orphanage directors on shopping sprees and junkets to the United States in return for a steady flow of babies.
"Adoption service providers have reported that cash and in-kind donations have been diverted by orphanage officials and used to finance personal property, private cars, jewelry, and in one case, a commercial real estate development," the report says.
Aloisi gave the AP a list of 10 particularly egregious cases, including the grandmother who gave away her grandchild.
The mother, working in another province for several weeks, had left the baby with her mother-in-law. She returned to discover the baby had been given up for adoption. Eventually, she got the baby back after U.S. officials uncovered the ruse during investigations as part of the U.S, visa approval process.
In another case, a baby was allegedly taken by hospital officials and turned over for adoption because the mother couldn't afford to pay her $750 hospital bill.
Hospital officials had inflated the bill, claiming the child had serious health problems. U.S. Embassy officials say they discovered the child was healthy. Again, the child was returned to its birth mother.
The report also says some orphanages have pressured birth mothers to give up their babies in return for about $450 — nearly a year's salary for many.
The problems have prompted U.S. officials to seek revisions before renewing the adoption agreement, including DNA tests for birth mothers and permission to conduct surprise investigations in provinces arranging U.S. adoptions.
Both of those conditions are unacceptable, said Long, the Vietnamese official.
Vietnamese law requires that Vietnamese officials approve and participate in any investigations, he said. And requiring DNA tests is impractical in a country where adoption is considered a private matter.
"The American side is trying to make it seem like this agreement is ending because of violations by the Vietnamese side," Long said. "It's not fair for them to blame us."
U.S. Embassy officials began raising questions last year, after their routine investigations turned up widespread inconsistencies in adoption paperwork.
They also noticed a suspicious surge in the number of babies listed as abandoned on adoption papers. That makes it impossible to confirm the infants were genuine orphans, or that their parents had knowingly put them up for adoption, as required by U.S. law.
In adoptions before 2003, 20 percent were abandoned babies. Since they resumed under tighter rules, that has risen to 85 percent, the embassy report says.
U.S. officials believe paperwork problems and reports of abandoned infants have risen in part because corrupt adoption workers are trying to cover up baby-selling.
They say their efforts to investigate have been blocked in six provinces, holding up adoptions for about 70 American families who have been matched with babies.

HFMD cases

2008-04-17T13:20:00.003+08:00

HFMD cases up 12% last week

SINGAPORE : The number of children who came down with Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) jumped 12% last week ending April 12 to hit 1,000 cases, up from 892 cases in the previous week

This brings the total number of HFMD cases reported to the Ministry of Health (MOH) from January to 6,315.

13 kids or 1.3% of the infected children had to be hospitalised last week, mainly because they were not eating well.

MOH said there is a higher circulation of the Enterovirus 71 (EV71). So far, 16% of the samples tested positive for EV71 virus this year.

The ministry added that HFMD is endemic in Singapore and there will be seasonal outbreaks. The continued rise in reported cases is expected as part of the epidemic uptrend.

MOH said increased public awareness is another reason why more cases are reported now.

HFMD tends to be a self—limiting childhood disease. To minimise the risk of HFMD, the ministry said it is crucial for children to adopt good hygiene practices.

Parents should consult a doctor early if their child has a fever, mouth ulcers and rashes on the palms, soles or buttocks. Children with HFMD should also stay at home until all the blisters have dried up.

During this period, contact with other children should be avoided until the child recovers. The child should not be brought to any public or crowded places.

At home, proper hygiene should also be practised so as to prevent other family members from getting infected.

Some cool videos to share

2008-01-06T14:01:00.000+08:00

I've found some cool songs and videos, so thought of sharing it here.
Hope your kids will like it! Enjoy!!

Alvin and the chipmunks - Get Munk'd

High School Musical 2 - Everyday

High School Musical - Start of Something New

Baby Comics

2008-01-05T12:19:00.001+08:00

Enjoy this baby comic!! Heeheee....Just for laugh! :)

Can You Be Too Clean?

2008-01-04T17:52:00.000+08:00

If you're feeling guilty about leaving your baby in germ-ridden daycare, letting the dog slobber all over her, and not keeping your house spotlessly clean all the time, you can stop worrying. Though your little one may have a few more colds now than her less hygiene-compromised peers, she may be less likely to suffer chronic problems with asthma and allergies later, according to the latest research.

In this century, there has been a huge increase in the numbers of children with asthma and allergies worldwide, particularly in developed countries. In the United States, asthma is now the most common chronic disease of childhood, affecting nearly 5 million children and adolescents. Reports show a 75 percent increase in asthma prevalence from 1980 to 1994, with an astounding 160 percent rise in children under the age of four, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In 1989, an epidemiologist writing in the British Medical Journal suggested that the rise in allergies may be due to declining family sizes and higher standards of cleanliness that provide young children with less exposure to germs. This, in turn, is thought to give their still-developing immune systems less practice fighting off intruders. The result, as the theory goes, is that the under-challenged immune system wants to be used, so it's primed to see harmless substances like dust and pollen as dangerous invaders, leading to allergies and asthma.

Recent studies show that there may be some truth to this idea, which has come to be known in medical circles as the "hygiene hypothesis." In 1997 a study of almost 12,000 families in England and Scotland found that the more children a family had, the less the incidence of asthma. A May 2000 study in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reported that among almost 1,200 teenagers in Canada, those who grew up on farms were 40 percent less likely to have asthma than their urban and suburban counterparts.

And in a more comprehensive study in the August 24, 2000 New England Journal of Medicine, scientists at the University of Arizona followed a group of 1,035 children from infancy until they were as old as 13. They found that among babies under six months, those who had older siblings or were in daycare were more likely to have asthma symptoms such as wheezing. But after the age of six, these same children were 40 percent less likely to be suffering from asthma.

"What do siblings, animals, and daycare have in common?" asks Dr. Thomas M. Ball, assistant professor of Clinical Pediatrics at the University of Arizona and one of the authors of the study. It sounds inelegant, but the answer is probably contact with trace amounts of feces. Ball speculates that what actually causes that decrease in asthma later isn't actually the number of infections a baby has, but rather the amount of contact she has with endotoxins, which are substances that are given off by bacteria when they die. Feces are loaded with them.

But the important thing to note from Ball's study is that the window of opportunity for affecting the developing immune system seems to occur during the first year of life. Research has shown that a baby's immune system begins preparing for microbial onslaught even before birth, with the placenta acting as a filter that lets through small amounts of innocuous allergens and microbes. Babies, it seems, are born ready to have their immune systems challenged. So don't stress too much about the various bugs your baby may be encountering at daycare or from the family pet. They may be the best thing for her in the long run.

2007 December Holidays Fav Performance

2008-01-04T17:38:00.000+08:00

Here's some photos captured during the performance of some children's favoutite character in Singapore 2007.
Enjoy!!

WINX CLUB, Barbie Island Princess...etc

Nursing Mothers may be giving their infants food allergies.

2007-11-14T10:50:00.000+08:00

Nursing Mother's with a history of asthma or eczema may need to be more cautious about foods they consume. A study being done in Canada has found that nursing mothers may pass peanut proteins in breast milk to their infants. Such early exposure to these kind of allergens could put babies at risk, developing potentially fatal allergies.

A recent Food and Drug Administration study also found that many food manufacturers fail to list highly allergenic ingredients such as peanuts, eggs and milk that are in their products. About 7 million Americans who suffer from food allergies rely on ingredient labels to tell them which processed foods are safe. Some food allergies, particularly peanut allergies, can be fatal -- they cause about 150 deaths each year.

Mothers who breast-feed their children may be able to prevent them from developing such allergies by monitoring their diets, according to a Canadian study. Researchers said babies with one or both parents with a history of asthma, eczema or other allergy-based diseases are at risk of peanut allergy, because those children can be identified at birth, nursing mothers could avoid exposing them to the allergen by not consuming peanut products while nursing.

Researchers at St. Michael's Hospital, University of Toronto, Ontario, said breast milk had been suspected as a hidden route by which children became sensitized to peanuts. Avoiding exposure through breast milk does not guarantee that children can avoid peanut allergy when they are exposed to the food at a later age. It is now believed the allergy is often triggered by exposure early in a child's development. Doctors generally recommend that parents not feed children peanut products until age 3.

Choosing the correct breast pump

2007-11-14T10:31:00.000+08:00

What Type of Breast Pump Is Right For U?

Manual or electric, single or double-alternating pump, buy or rent? With the number of options available choosing the most suitable breast pump for your pumping needs can be tricky. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all breast pump; what worked well for your mother or best friend may not work well for you. Choosing your ideal breast pump is a decision best made after considering your needs and weighing all of the options. There are several factors that can help determine your ideal breast pump.

The following sections provide a brief outline of points to consider when choosing a pump. If you are having difficulty choosing a pump, a qualified healthcare professional can help guide your decision based on the following factors:

1) How do you plan to use the pump?

Are you using a pump in addition to breastfeeding?
Do you plan to pump and store several containers of milk?
Are you returning to work?
Will you be away from your baby for several days?

2) How much time will it take you to pump?
The amount of time it takes to pump varies, but certain types of breast pumps may be easier to use and extract milk faster.
If you plan to pump at work or do not have a lot of time to pump, you may want to consider a battery or electrically powered breast pump. Double and double-alternating pumps may also decrease the amount of time it takes to pump because both breasts can be emptied at the same time.

3) Are the pump's instructions easy for you to understand?
Review the instructions included with several different pumps and choose a pump that is easy for you to assemble, use, clean, and take apart. If you are shopping for a pump in a store, ask a salesperson if the store has display breast pumps so you can practice assembling and taking apart several different pumps before you buy one.
Keep in mind that for health reasons most stores will not allow you to return a breast pump.

4) Where will you be using a pump?
Manual and battery-powered pumps can be easy to transport and use in small spaces, while an electric pump will require an outlet to power the pump and may be difficult to transport.
It is important that women who use a powered breast pump are prepared for emergency situations when electricity or extra batteries may not be available. Having extra supplies for pumping and a back-up method, such as a manual breast pump, may help a woman maintain her breast pumping schedule during an emergency.

5) Do you need a pump that is easy to transport?
If you travel frequently, or plan to pump at work consider buying a light-weight pump that transports easily in a carrying case that holds the pump and your pumping supplies.
If you plan to pump in the same place every time, you may not need to worry about how easy it is to transport.

6) Will the breast-shields fit you?
Make sure that the breast-shield opening is the correct size for you. You should be able to comfortably center your nipple inside the breast-shield. Many pumps are sold with one size of breast-shield. If the included breast-shields make your nipples sore or are otherwise uncomfortable, make sure you can replace them with a different size or texture that is comfortable for you and will work with your pump.

Education Programmes For All Ages @ the Zoo!

2007-10-14T11:09:00.000+08:00

There's some educational programmes organized by the zoo. This is really interesting. Some programmes are catered for different age groups. The one I'm introducing here is one which suits all ages. You can bring your kids along to zoo one of these days. I'm sure you'll enjoy your day there.

Animals fascinate children. At the Singapore Zoo, we use this fascination as a platform to reach out to children and make learning an enthralling journey for the little ones. The journey engages them with sight, sounds, touch, smell and taste.

The Tamed Ones (Suspend until further notice)

Enjoy an intimate encounter with a friendly ferret, a funny bunny, a cuddly chinchilla or a Red-Eared Slider. Our knowledgeable Zoo staff talks to your students about the interesting characteristics of these animals that they have the privilege to meet. Note : The animals featured in this programme are subject to availability.

Domestic Animals (Held at Animal Land)

Set in Animal Land, this lesson brings the children up close and personal with the various animals that are associated with humans since 9000 B.C. Understand how domestication of animals began and the benefits that humans have reaped as a result. Your students get to do what most Zoo visitors enjoy tremendously - an opportunity to feed the animals.

Horsing Around (Held at Animal Land)

Prance around and find out the various breeds of horses we have in Zoo, from the standard thoroughbred to the world’s smallest horse - the Falabella.
Insects and other Invertebrates Insects and invertebrates are unlike us in that they do not have backbones. Come face to face with some of these fascinating creatures that wear their skeletons on the outside and unearth interesting facts about them. Get to know the Creepy Crawlies, pat a stick insect, a hissing cockroach or a giant millipede if you dare!

Animals and What They Eat

Discover the variety of supplements that we provide for all our animals to keep them in the pink. Feast your eyes on the supplements, which include cod liver oil, powdered milk, eggs, rice, vitamins, biscuits, etc, etc. You will be surprised at the huge quantity of food that our animals consume each day. Different animals eat different things and they have special mouthparts or teeth adapted for the diet. Your students get a chance to touch and feel animal teeth that are used for different functions.

Mad About Elephants

Big, big, big! Go totally mad over the world’s largest living land animals and be overwhelmed by their size, intelligence and agility. Find out how big the skull of an elephant is, and the weight of its molar tooth and tusk. Students learn the concept of size and weight, and make comparison. So, it’s not just mad about elephants, it’s also math about elephants.
Cool Cats Be awed and fascinated by the beauty of the tigers, leopards, lions and other cats. Run your fingers over their pelts, hold their paws and discover the secret behind the texture of their rough tongue.

Under the Sea!

Suspend until further notice(Held at Manatee, Sea lion and the Penguin Enclosure)Come discover the amazing facts of the marine animals that the Zoo has! Learn about the food chain of the marine habitat. Touch a polar bear’s foot and hold a sea turtle specimen in your arms. See how different the penguins’ feathers are from the other birds. Also catch a glimpse of the ‘mermaid’ swimming gracefully underwater.

Body Coverings

In this programme, your students learn to appreciate the importance of different body coverings. They can feel the scaly skin of a reptile, the feathers of a bird, the fur of a mammal and the quill of a pangolin. By using a magnifying glass, they are able to observe the details on a pangolin’s `scale’, which is actually a plate of modified hairs.

Primate Personalities

Get down to monkey business and be a primatologist for a day. Apes and monkeys have are intriguingly human-like in their mannerism. Their expressive eyes and facial expressions keep us enthralled. Find out the many fascinating facets of primates personalities at the Singapore Zoo, which houses the world’s largest collection of primates.

Animals Babies

What is childhood like for animals? Come and find out just how much we share in common. Learn why some animal babies need to know how to run even before they have learnt to crawl, and how some others have unique ways of darting to safety. Find out why some young animals look nothing like their parents and how it helps them survive.Come and discover the miracles of birth and the wonders of being young at the Singapore Zoo. Let your children be enchanted by the great splendors of Nature—babies!

Target Age Group:
All ages

Duration:
30 mins per session

Cost:
$3.60 per pax (excludes admission) Minimum 30 paxN.B. - For every 10 students, 1 adult admits free

Venue:
Auditorium (Learning Centre) unless stated otherwise.

Booking Procedure:
Note: All the programmes are available on a first-come-first served basis.

Pregnancy Loss - Dealing with Miscarriage and Other Forms of Loss

2007-10-13T16:46:00.000+08:00

How to cope with grief and every day living after the loss of your pregnancy or baby due to miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, preterm labor, stillbirth or neonatal death.

Here's some brief information for your knowledge. Most importantly, Take good care of yourself.

Pregnancy Loss: Pregnancy loss is defined as the loss of a pregnancy at any point before birth. It can be at a very early point in the first trimester due to miscarriage or near the end of pregnancy as a stillbirth. Each type of pregnancy loss is different and is experienced differently for each family suffering the grief of that loss.

Miscarriage: Miscarriage is usually defined as the loss of a pregnancy before 20 weeks gestation, about the half way point, before your baby can survive outside of the uterus. The vast majority of miscarriages occur in the first trimester. Sometimes they are caused by a blighted ovum, or egg that failed to develop.

Tubal Pregnancy: Tubal pregnancy is also know as an ectopic pregnancy. This is a pregnancy that grows outside of the uterus, most frequently in the fallopian tube. Since other structures are not capable of carrying a growing baby, the pregnancy is doomed. This can be a very serious and often life threatening situation for the woman.

Preterm Labor: Preterm labor does not always lead to preterm birth, but when it does, there is a greater chance of neonatal death. When a baby is born early, it is unable to survive as well and faces extra challenges from the premature birth. Even with vast amounts of technology we cannot always save these early babies.

Stillbirth: After the midpoint of pregnancy, around 20 weeks, if your baby dies for any reason before birth, it is said to be still born. The stillbirth rate is about 1% of all pregnancies. Birth is usually induced right away, though not always.

Grief: After a pregnancy loss you may feel very numb and not know what to do. Seek help from a group of parents in similar situations, your hospital should be able to help point you in the right direction. There are other ways such as memorial services and grief counseling that work well. Others find that individual counseling is helpful. Doing what is best for your family will be what you need.

Family Issues: If someone you know has had a pregnancy loss, you may not know what to say or do. You may worry about how to act around them or be unsure of what they want you to to help them. The best advice is to always ask what you can do to help.

Having Another Baby: Many families go on to try again. Having a pregnancy after any type of pregnancy loss is often very scary for you and your family. You may need to have extra visits with your doctor or midwives to help you emotionally deal with being pregnant again. Be calm and patient with yourself and each other.

Barbie Girls Lastest Cool Toys

2007-10-11T12:00:00.000+08:00

I got to know this new cool toy of BarbieGirls from my niece. I think it's pretty cool too! It's a MP3 of barbiegirls.

Not sure if it's selling in Singapore. Here's some photos of the new toy and the barbie girls website screen shots!

http://www.barbiegirls.com/home.html

Sorry, you didn't have cancer

2007-10-11T11:21:00.000+08:00

It is the news no woman wants to hear: You have breast cancer.

That was the diagnosis for Darrie Eason, a 35-year old single mother from Long Island, New York.

Eason had both of her breasts surgically removed, only to hear the unthinkable: She never had cancer.

"All the things that I had gone through with my family, my child...it was unnecessary," said Ms Eason.

According to the New York Health Department, Eason's misdiagnosis was the result of a laboratory error.

The state says the technician who handled her biopsy cut corners and mixed up two specimens.
Eason's lawyer, Steve Pegalis, says his client was told she had cancer, while another woman was told she did not.

"This other young woman has to live with the idea that she has breast cancer and hers was not diagnosed at the earliest possible time," said Mr Pegalis.

Now, Eason is suing the laboratory. "Something should have been done to tell me that there wasn't anything wrong with me before I had a radical double mastectomy," she said.
For years, women have been urged to seek second opinions and to have their lab results rechecked. But that is little comfort for Eason, who now has to live the rest of her life with an irreversible mistake.

Eat fish while pregnant

2007-10-11T11:11:00.000+08:00

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Women who want to become pregnant, are pregnant or breast-feeding should eat at least 12 ounces (about 341 g) of fatty fish such as tuna every week to help themselves and their babies, experts will recommend later on Thursday.

Fish including mackerel, sardines, light tuna and salmon are rich in omega-3 fatty acids -- components of fat known to help brain development. Walnuts, flaxseed oil and leafy green vegetables also contain the compounds.

Women need the nutrients to prevent postpartum depression and babies need them for brain and motor skill development, the National Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies coalition says.
The coalition, which includes the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says "90 percent of women are consuming less than the recommended amount of fish."

But these fish can also carry high levels of mercury, which is a brain and nerve toxin.
Because of this, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Environmental Protection Agency issued consumer advisories in 2001 and 2004 advising women who were pregnant, breast-feeding or trying to become pregnant, as well as young children, to eat no more than 12 ounces weekly of certain types of fish.

Estimates on the dangers posed by mercury come from people exposed in chemical spills. No major studies have shown evidence mercury from food or vaccines has caused brain damage to mothers or children.

Michael Bender, director of The Mercury Policy Project, an advocacy group that believes mercury exposure has damaged children, said women should choose fish not likely to be contaminated with mercury.

"While it's recognized that fish is an important source of protein, especially for pregnant women, this new emphasis on eating more than 12 ounces of fish per week, without mention of the need to avoid mercury contaminated fish, appears to throw the baby out with the bath water," he said in a statement.

The FDA and EPA "recognized that there is enough mercury in certain fish to pose health risks, especially for heavy and moderate fish consumers, women of child-bearing age and children.
Mercury is released mainly in industrial and power-plant emissions. It settles into lakes and oceans and builds up in the flesh of fish and the animals that eat the fish.

Carnivores such as tuna and sharks thus carry high levels of mercury in their flesh.

Sleep trouble not an inevitable part of pregnancy

2007-10-11T11:03:00.000+08:00

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Pregnancy doesn't have to mean nine months of sleep deprivation, a noted sleep expert says.

Myriad factors can disturb sleep throughout pregnancy, from getting up at night to urinate to trying to accommodate a giant belly comfortably, Dr. Jodi A. Mindell, associate director of the Sleep Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, told Reuters Health. However, she added, "almost all of those things you can manage at some level."

And getting enough sleep is important for an expectant mother's health, as well as that of her fetus, added Mindell, whose book "Sleep Deprived No More: From Pregnancy to Early Motherhood," will be published November 15.

She points to a study that found women who got less than 6 hours of sleep a night for their last month of pregnancy had longer labors (29 hours vs. 18 hours) and a greater risk of having a C-section compared to women who logged at least 7 hours of sleep nightly.

Mindell is a spokesperson for the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, which is seeking to increase awareness of the importance of sleep for pregnant woman as part of its National Campaign for Healthier Babies Month this October.

She offers several tips for pregnant women to help battle sleep troubles:
* Get daily fluid requirements before dinner to prevent frequent nighttime bathroom trips.
* Eat a snack before bedtime to stave off nighttime hunger and nausea.
* Use plenty of pillows to get comfortable in bed; a pillow to support the belly and another between the legs to support the hips can help.
* Stay away from caffeine after lunchtime
* Use good sleep hygiene -- have a soothing pre-bedtime ritual, make the bedroom a comfortable haven for sleep, and try to keep a consistent sleep schedule.

One in four women will develop restless legs syndrome during pregnancy, noted Mindell, which is "a very uncomfortable, creepy crawly feeling in the legs" that can only be alleviated by moving them around. The syndrome can be related to iron deficiency, which becomes increasingly common after 20 weeks of pregnancy, so women who are experiencing it should get their iron levels checked, she advised.

Getting enough sleep after baby is born is essential, too, but more difficult, especially in the first six weeks of an infant's life, says Mindell. New moms should follow the time-honored advice to sleep when their baby does, and should get all the help they can, she adds. Being sure to get outdoors into bright light, especially in the morning, can also help new moms sleep better, according to Mindell.

"You've got to make sleep a priority -- you really need to put aside those visions you have of being the perfect new mom with the perfectly clean house and gourmet meals on the table," she said.

Airplane travel with your baby

2007-09-27T18:15:00.000+08:00

Even if you racked up your share of frequent flyer miles before your baby was born, forget what you know of travel so far. Flying with a little one is a whole different story.

You can travel with your little ones and enjoy the process. Forethought and preparation are the keys.

Planning the trip

The details of your trip often can mean the difference between success and disaster. Keep these ideas in mind as you plan:

1) Examine all aspects of the journey when you book your flights. Aim for direct flights so that you can avoid changing planes. If you have to make a change, avoid short layovers that give you too little time to get from gate to gate, and conversely avoid long layovers that require lots of idle time in airports.

2) When you make your reservations, give the agent the ages of all passengers. You may learn some important rules such as:

- FAA regulations allow only one lap-child per adult. If you are traveling with two children, and only one adult, one child will require a seat of his own. (Not that you would want to travel with two children on your lap!)
- Some airlines do not allow newborns to fly, check on age requirements.
- Some airlines offer discounted prices for children’s tickets.
- Most airplanes have only one extra oxygen mask in each row, which means you can only seat one lap-child in each row. If two adults are traveling with two children, consider sitting across the aisle from each other, or two behind two.
- Some airlines count carseats or strollers as extra baggage.

3) If your child falls asleep easily and stays asleep, try scheduling travel for during your child’s nap or sleep times. If you have a finicky sleeper, on the other hand, avoid traveling during usual sleep times, as your baby may just stay fussy and awake.

4) Reserve your seats in advance to be sure your entire party sits together.
- If you have an infant, ask for the bulkhead (front row) and request a bassinet.
- Contrary to popular advice, I think it’s best to avoid the bulkhead with older babies and toddlers, because these seats offer neither under-seat space nor seat pocket, so you'll have to store all your toys and supplies in the overhead compartment. Also, in the bulkhead, the food tray pops up from the armrest, effectively trapping you in your seat when your table is laden with food.
- Don’t put your child in the aisle seat, as the food cart and passengers carrying luggage could injure your child.

Yummy Bacon Buddies Recipe

2007-09-27T17:53:00.000+08:00

Have fun with your kids preparing this burger delight!

Ingredients

700g top ground sirloin or any choice lean beef
200g bacon, minced
1 egg, lightly beaten
4 tbsp breadcrumbs
3 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tbsp Dijon mustard (preferably with mustard seeds)
4 wholegrain burger buns or muffins, split and toasted
4 slices mozzarella
4 eggs, fried (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
Iceberg or baby lettuce and sliced tomatoes to serve

Method

1. Combine beef, bacon, broth, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, mustard, salt and pepper in a medium bowl to mix well. Divide mixture equally and shape into ¾-inch thick patties. Refrigerate for about an hour to set.

2. Grill patties over medium coal or toast on a heavy skillet, oiled with a little butter or olive oil (over medium heat) for about two minutes on each side.

3. Place in a pre-heated oven (150 deg C) to cook for about six minutes for medium rare or up to 10 minutes for well-done.

4. Complete process by grilling on open coal or a skillet for another two minutes, placing the cheese slices on top of the last flip.

5. Serve immediately, dressed with salad, relish, and your choice of mayonnaise or a light cream dressing.

Smoking while breastfeeding affects babies' sleep

2007-09-27T17:36:00.000+08:00

Babies whose mothers smoke cigarettes before breastfeeding sleep less and not as well, according to study.

"Infants spent less time sleeping overall and woke up from naps sooner when their mothers smoked prior to breastfeeding...."

Fifteen nursing mothers and their babies were monitored on days when the mothers smoked and on days when they did not. On smoking days, the women were allowed 20 minutes to smoke in another room just before breastfeeding. Some had just one cigarette while others had two or three.

The level of sleep disruption was directly related to the dose of nicotine infants received from their mothers' milk, consistent with a role for nicotine in causing the sleep disruptions.

The findings, published in the journal Pediatrics, raise new questions regarding whether nicotine exposure through breast milk affects infant development.

While many women quit or cut down on smoking while pregnant, they often relapse following the birth of the baby. Mennella comments, "Because nicotine is not contraindicated during lactation, mothers may believe that smoking while breastfeeding will not harm their child as long as the child is not exposed to passive smoke. However, there has been very little research on either short- or long-term effects of nicotine delivered through breast milk."

What women really eat in pregnancy?

2007-09-21T14:46:00.000+08:00

We all know we're meant to have a healthy diet when pregnant, but what if our pregnancy cravings are for cream cakes instead of black chicken soup?

Between the food we're supposed to eat every day and the foods we shouldn't touch with a barge pole, is it any wonder we're confused about our antenatal diet?

Eating during pregnancy can be a minefield. We're bombarded with nutritional advice, and food-safety guidelines seem to change every five minutes. If you're a busy pregnant woman, cooking a nutritionally balanced meal every night can be an added stress. And if you're pregnancy cravings see you eating salt-and-vinegar crisps every hour on the hour, what's a girl to do?

Despite having access to a wealth of healthy-eating information 67% of mums-to-be still think they should double their food intake during pregnancy. In fact, an extra 300 calories a day is plenty. The resilience of this old wives' tale shows just how confused we are.

'Eating well during pregnancy can be quite straightforward,. 'There's no such thing as unhealthy food, only an unhealthy diet. Don't worry about the odd treat, as long as your overall nutrition is balanced.

'If you accidentally eat something you're advised not to, such as soft cheese or shellfish, don't panic. These carry a higher risk of food poisoning, but they're not guaranteed to harm you or your baby, especially if just a one-off. If you can't resist food such as prawns, store and cook them properly and they'll be safe.'

Expert advice on pregnancy nutrition

This list of foods you can tuck into any time from 0 to 40 weeks...

· Eat as much organic fruit and vegetables as you like, the more colours the better. They're packed with essential vitamins and minerals.

· If you really do crave something 'naughty', then some organic dark chocolate or a health-food-shop cereal bar every now and again is the best option.

· Hearty soups containing pulses (lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, flageolet beans) are great comfort food, and an excellent source of vegetable protein. Plus they're low in fat and high in fibre and essential B-vitamins.

· Natural organic yogurt provides friendly bacteria – good for the digestive system. Add your own fruit for a tasty treat.

· Mixed fresh nuts (Brazil, almonds, cashews, pecans, hazelnuts) are ideal snacks, as are pumpkin and sunflower seeds. Good sources of protein and essential fats.

· Cheese oatcakes are a super snack. They balance blood-sugar levels and sustain energy.

How to Buy Infants’ Best Educational Toys?

2007-09-20T17:21:00.000+08:00

Buying educational toys for infants can be difficult, because infants seem to do so little that educating them right after birth might strike you as a bit rushed. However, the fact is that your baby is learning at a great speed, taking in everything that is around, and picking up habits, information and words.

Research shows that many disabilities and learning disorders in young children can be avoided by providing them with appropriate cognitive stimulation as early as possible. By giving your infant the right stimulation, you can ward off such problems and groom your baby for pre-school and the challenges that follow.

Every parent wants the best of everything for their child, but sometimes it is hard to know what is best when there are so many choices and opinions. Choosing toys for your child can be stressful because of the sheer number of factors you have to consider before making a buy, and the staggering variety of options you have. However, selecting good educational toys plays a very significant role in your child's development, and as such cannot be disregarded or treated casually.

Here are some tips you need to know to understand more about your infants’ best educational toys.

Guideline for Your Toyshop
Remember these guidelines as you toyshop for your baby:
1. The visual perception of infants is limited, so make sure to buy toys in bright, contrasting colors.

2. Activity centers and crib mobiles fascinate newborns. Some mobiles come with an adjustable height option so that you can make sure the mobile is in your baby’s visual range.

3. Babies up to six months old have very limited motor skills and love high-pitched sounds. Chimes, rattles, teething rings, colorful pictures and soft blocks will stimulate your baby at this age.

4. For babies between six to nine months old, you can buy building blocks, activity boxes and cubes, stacking ring cones, and bath toys. Try to vary the textures of the toys.

5. Between the age of nine months and a year, babies are old enough to enjoy and learn from toys such as nesting cups, push and pull toys, large crayons, spades, and stacking blocks.

6. It always helps to keep in mind that you do not need fancy and expensive toys to stimulate your infant. You might bring home a very trendy toy for your baby only to find that baby finds the packaging far more interesting. Your young child just needs stimulation and a way to express their creativity, and this can be done with homemade toys as well.

Bathing your Newborn Baby

2007-09-20T17:08:00.000+08:00

If you're not sure how to bath your baby, this article will help give you step-by-step instructions how to give your baby a nice, safe, clean bath!

First, you should ensure that you have a suitable baby bathtub for the job. Preferable, use a bathtub that has a sloped base, and line the base with a non-slip mat. Fill the tub with lukewarm water, testing the temperature with the corner of your elbow.

If may be much easier on your back if you use a changing station. Many of the stations sold in our local department stores come with concealed bath-tubs, hidden under the changing mat. The best thing about these stations is that they are usually the "perfect" height, so that you won't have to bend whilst bathing your little one. Believe me, the bending is back-breaking! Also, many stations have useful compartments and shelves for you to neatly store your soaps, creams, powders, diapers and other baby stuff!

*Make sure that all fans and airconditioners are turned off - you wouldn't want baby to catch a chill!

Step by Step:

The first thing you need to do is to wash your baby's hair, behind the ears and neck. You can do this before placing baby into the water, and you can keep his cloths on until after you've washed his head. Don't wash his face - that will probably only make him struggle! You can use sterilized cotton dipped in cool sterilized water to wipe his face before or after his bath.

To bath baby, place him gently in the bathtub whilst supporting his head, making sure that he doesn't hit his head if he should kick or push himself upwards! Use a soft sponge (I recommend Mothercare sponges) to scrub him gently. Splash the water all over his body for a good wash, avoiding his face and ears. Most importantly, don't miss any crevices.

How do I hold my baby when he's taking his bath?
Well, you should ensure that you support his neck with your forearm. With the same hand, grip around his armpit securely. This will ensure that baby doesn't slip from your grip and injure himself. Use your free hand to lather and scrub your baby.Talk to him in a gentle, reassuring tone to help him enjoy the bath!

Once you're done bathing baby, lift him out of the tub making sure you maintain your grip around shoulder and with your other hand support his bottom. Transfer him onto a towel, wrap it around him and dry him off. Apply some nappy cream, put on his cutest baby outfit and you're good to go!

Toddlers are smarter than apes

2007-09-19T18:26:00.000+08:00

I came across this interesting article. Think most of us will find this really interesting.

So thought of sharing this with all of you.

"A unique study comparing the abilities of human toddlers to chimpanzees and orangutans found that 2 year old children have social learning skills superior to the apes, researchers said..."

European scientists gave a battery of cognitive tests lasting three to five hours separately to 105 children aged 2, 106 chimpanzees and 32 orangutans over two weeks.

In one social learning test, a researcher showed the children and apes how to pop open a plastic tube to get food or a toy contained inside. The children observed and imitated the solution. Chimpanzees and orangutans, however, tried to smash open the tube or yank out the contents with their teeth.

The researchers believe their findings provide insight into the evolution of human cognition. People's brains are three times larger than those of the closest primate relatives.

The researchers found that the children were far more advanced than the chimps and orangutans in understanding nonverbal communications, copying another person's solution to a problem and understanding the intentions of others.

The apes - who performed the tests in animal sanctuaries in Africa and Indonesia - were closer to the toddlers in some other tests like those measuring "physical cognitive skills" involving things like quantities and causality, the researchers found.

How food affects your kids behaviour

2007-09-19T16:46:00.000+08:00

This articles reveals what foods have positive effects, and which foods you should avoid.

Scientists agree that certain foods do affect children's temperaments and ability to concentrate. Meals containing lots of carbohydrates, such as potatoes or pasta, tend to be more calming than high-protein food, and caffeine acts as a stimulant. Hunger and lack of energy also makes children irritable and unable to concentrate as well as they usually might.

A healthy diet will have beneficial effects on how your child feels and behaves. It can help ward off colds and constipation, and can also boost energy levels, concentration and general wellbeing, leaving him more positive and cheerful

Hyperactivity: Food additives

The evidence linking additives to hyperactivity is growing. In study, 3 year olds who had a fruit drink with artificial colourings and benzoate preservatives were more hyperactive than those who had a placebo. New research from has just confirmed artificial colours and a preservative used widely in children's foods can affect children's behaviour. After eating foods that contained these additives, children experienced temper tantrums, poor concentration and hyperactivity.

Omega 3s: do they really boost child's brainpower?

Of the many fish-oil studies, only five have made it into scientific journals. They all involved children with learning difficulties such as ADHD (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder) and DCD (developmental co-ordination disorder). Some found improvements in academic performance and behaviour. But not all reached the same conclusion. And some had no placebo group, so there's no way of knowing if the children flourished because of the supplements or the extra attention they received during the trial. It is possible that omega-3 supplements may benefit all children, but there's no scientific proof that they do.

5 tips for feeding your children

· Avoid dehydration. Children are more easily affected by a lack of fluid than adults, and even mild dehydration can result in headaches and irritability.

· Eating breakfast can improve school performance and reduce symptoms of depression and hyperactivity.

· Give regular meals and snacks. Children become more whingey and easily upset when they're hungry.

· Provide plenty of iron-rich foods (meat, fish and fortified breakfast cereals). Low iron levels can lead to lethargy, irritability and depression.

· Avoid processed foods. Instead make meals and snacks from fresh, wholesome food whenever possible and include plenty of fruit and vegetables.

Summer Sand-Sation @ White Sasnd

2007-09-16T10:57:00.000+08:00

Come soak in the FUN at the new-look White Sands!

Check out the Families BIKE_IN Community ride!

16 Sep, Flag off @10.30am

Hope on a bike and go coastung around Pasir Ris with your family! Pls register at the customer service onounter, level2.

Wheel-y Cool Carnival

16 Sep, open field 11am-6pm

Enjoy a day of carnival delights!

http://www.whitesands.com.sg/whats_happening.php

8.4- Magnitude Sumatra Earthquake Affected Singapore!

2007-09-13T11:33:00.000+08:00

Check out this video clip taken at my parents house at Eunos to see the impact of the tremor!

The above video clip is taken by my dad this morning, 13 Sep 2007, when tremor is again felt.

SINGAPORE : Singapore buildings swayed after an earthquake hit Indonesia on Wednesday, 12 Sep 2007, evening and this morning, 13 Sep 2007, around 8am.

Residents in various parts of the island felt the quake and people in some buildings, including in the central business district, were evacuated as a safety precaution.

Areas in Singapore which felt the tremors included Novena, Paris Ris, Raffles Place, Potong Pasir, Marsiling, Toa Payoh and Thomson Road.

Singapore’s Meteorological Services said the earthquake measured 8.5 on the Richter Scale. The preliminary reading was 7.9.

The earthquake struck out at sea at 7.10pm. Its epicentre was 120 kilometres south—west of the Sumatran town of Bengkulu, at a depth of 15 kilometres.

This is some 670 kilometres from Singapore.

The Power of Epsom Salt

2007-09-12T14:07:00.000+08:00

Useful Tips for Tired Mummies and Daddies...

How can Epsom Salt helps and what are it's benefits (eg. ease stress, lower blood pressure, create happy and relax feeling, raise energy level...etc)

Check out more information below...

Have you heard of Epsom Salt?

It's a natural remedy to help relieve muscles and joint aches. You can dissolved it in warm/hot bath and soak inside. It can help to calm the body and promote restful sleep. Have a DIY Spa @ home..

You can get them easily in Singapore from any pharmacies. Quite cheap :)

Information of Epsom Salt

Magnesium, which is a major component of Epsom Salt, is the second-most abundant element in human cells and the fourth-most important positively charged ion in the body. Magnesium also helps to regulate the activity of more than 325 enzymes and performs a vital role in orchestrating many bodily functions, from muscle control and electrical impulses to energy production and the elimination of harmful toxins.

Researchers and physicians report that raising magnesium levels may:

Improve heart and circulatory health, reducing irregular heartbeats, preventing hardening of the arteries, reducing blood clots and lowering blood pressure.

Improve the body's ability to use insulin, reducing the incidence or severity of diabetes.

Flush toxins and heavy metals from the cells, easing muscle pain and helping the body to eliminate harmful substances.

Improve nerve function by regulating electrolytes. Also, calcium is the main conductor for electrical current in the body, and magnesium is necessary to maintain proper calcium levels in the blood.

Relieve stress. Excess adrenaline and stress are believed to drain magnesium, a natural stress reliever, from the body. Magnesium is necessary for the body to bind adequate amounts of serotonin, a mood-elevating chemical within the brain that creates a feeling of well being and relaxation.

Rash of Sore Eyes

2007-09-12T12:05:00.000+08:00

There's alot of cases on rash of sore eyes recently, especially on kids. Take action now to protect your little ones.

Clinics see an average of 1,100 conjunctivities cases in a week!!

And there have been 27,710 cases of conjunctivities here so far this year!

Read out more about the news to understand some of the basic symptons and what should be done if infected by it.

Symptons

Sudden onset of red, itchy eyes. There may also be fever, headache, running nose, sore throat and muscle aches…

What should you do if you child gets infected?

Avoid rubbing their eyets and should wash their hands after touching their eyes. Eye drops and eye wash should not be shared…

Read more on this article to find out more....

By MediaCorp.

NATAS FAIR 2007!

2007-09-10T14:53:00.000+08:00

Yeah! NATAS FAIR 2007 is here! :)

Take this chance to check out any nice place for a trip with your family or love ones.

Date : September 14 - 16

Venue : Singapore Expo Halls 4B & 5

Expect a full-force of globetrotters on the lookout for the best travel experiences from laidback retreats and romantic getaways to adventure-filled explorations at the consumer travel fair. NATAS Holidays 2007 puts all travelers under one roof for the ultimate offers. Exhibitors include NATAS travel agencies, national tourist organisations, hotels & resorts, attractions, airlines, cruises, car rental, travel insurance, winter clothings and travel luggage & accessories.

For more information, please contact the events department at events@natas.travel
or call 6534-0187.

Visit Holidays 2007 @ http://www.natastravelfair.travel

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Hospital Charges

2007-09-09T12:54:00.000+08:00

Here's a list of hospital charges for your reference.

KK Women's & Children's Hospital

100 Bukit Timah RoadSingapore 229899
Tel: 62934044

Daily Ward Fees Daily Nursery Fees

Class A(single bed) $297.00 $63.70

Class A(2-bedded) $217.10 $63.70

Class B1(4-bedded) $171.70 $63.70

Class B2+(5-bedded) $110.00 $41.00

Class B2(6-bedded) $43.00 $41.00

Class C(open ward) $22.00 $41.00

East Shore Hospital

321 Joo Chiat PlaceSingapore 427990

Tel: 63447588

Daily Room Rates
Single deluxe room $430.50
Single room $362.25
2-bedded room $210.00
4-bedded room $141.75
Lodger (extra bed) with meals $59.85

Mount Alvernia Hospital

820 Thomson RoadSingapore 574623

Tel: 63476688

Fixed Priced Maternity Packages
Single room Double room 4-bedded room
Normal delivery
- 2 days $1,764.00 $1,050.00 $934.50
- 3 days $2,168.25 $1,349.25 $1,176.00
Normal delivery (with epidural)
- 2 days $2,084.25 $1,370.25 $1,254.75
- 3 days $2,488.50 $1,669.50 $1,496.250
Assisted delivery
- 2 days $1,853.25 $1,139.25 $1,023.75
- 3 days $2,257.50 $1,438.50 $1,265.25
Assisted delivery (with epidural)
- 2 days $2,173.50 $1,459.50 $1,344.00
- 3 days $2,577.75 $1,758.75 $1,585.50
Caesarean section (with GA)
- 3 days $2,919.00 $1,858.50 $1,685.25
- 4 days $3,323.25 $2,157.75 $1,926.75
Caesarean section (with epidural)
- 3 days $2,793.00 $1,732.50 $1,559.25
- 4 days $3,197.25 $2,031.75 $1,800.75

Gleneagles Hospital

6A Napier RoadSingapore 258500

Tel: 64737222

Daily Room Rates
Gleneagles suite $3,684.45
Tanglin suite $3,159.45
Napier/Nassim suite $1,584.45
Executive suite $765.45
Deluxe (maternity) room $525.00
Single room $407.40
2-bedded room $241.50
4-bedded room $178.50
Other Charges

Nursery (before mum's discharge) $57.75 per day
Nursery (after mum's discharge) $89.25 per day

Mount Elizabeth Hospital

3 Mount ElizabethSingapore 228510

Tel: 67372666

Daily Room Rates
Single deluxe room $661.50
Single room $407.40
2-bedded room $241.50
4-bedded room $178.50
VIP room (with attached lounge) $2,625.00
Lodger (extra bed) with meals $78.75
Other Charges
Nursery $52.50 per day

Singapore General Hospital

Outram RoadSingapore 169608

Tel: 62223322

Daily Room Rates
Class A1+ (upgraded ward) $280.00
Class A1 (1-bedded) $250.00
Class B1 (4-bedded) $150.00
Class B2 (6-bedded) $50.00

Thomson Medical Centre

339 Thomson RoadSingapore 307677

Tel: 62502222

Daily Room Rates
VIP suite $764.40
Super deluxe single $512.40
Single-bedded room $367.50
2-bedded room $216.30
4-bedded room $168.00
Other Charges
Nursery-cot bed $100.00 per day
Companion Accommodation
VIP suite $100.00 daily
Super deluxe single $85.00 daily
Single-bedded room $75.00 daily

National University Hospital

5 Lower Kent Ridge RoadSingapore 119074

Tel: 6779 5555
Daily Room Rates Treatment Fee Nursery
Single room $262.50 $63.00 $31.50
4-bedded room $168.00 $52.50 $31.50
6-bedded room $50.00 $16.00 $15.00

Fussy Eaters

2007-09-08T14:58:00.000+08:00

Take heart if you're struggling to get your child to eat properly, because you're certainly not alone: fussy eating isn't just common, it's normal!

Problems arise when your baby is around 12 months old as they become more aware of the world, their natural instincts may make them suspicious of new foods. Experts agree that the earlier you introduce particular types of food – preferably within the first year – the more likely they are to be accepted by your children, but there are no guarantees.

Sharing mealtimes is definitely a good idea, even if you just have a sandwich while feeding your child. 'If children are fed on their own and all the attention is focused on them and their eating, they may see it as the perfect way to hold your attention and prolong meals by playing rather than eating.

Fussy eating and your toddler

A common time for problems to arise is during the 'terrible 2s'. Having lulled you into a false sense of security, your toddler will wake one morning with dietary requirements that would make a Michelin-starred restaurant struggle.

Dealing with a child refusing to eat

There's a great deal of difference between asking a child firmly to eat his meal and making him sit in front of a plateful of congealing food for hours. If children refuse to eat and you know that there's no underlying reason, explain that they'll be hungry later and there won't be anything else on offer until the next meal.

One important golden rule is to stay calm and never make an issue out of a refusal to eat. But that's easier said than done when your 2 year old has thrown her meal on the floor because it wasn't quite to her liking, or your 3 year old won't even come to the table. And there's nothing more frustrating than having your offerings rejected by a toddler who has spent the morning stuffing everything inedible he can find in his mouth

Encouraging your child to try new foods

Apparently, 40% of mums resort to arranging food into shapes or patterns in an attempt to get their children to eat. If it works and you have the time, go for it, but it can backfire.

The key must be to find a balance. Nourishing, healthy food doesn't have to mean slaving away on some culinary masterpiece – don't forget there's as much sustenance in a slice of ham, a carrot stick and bowl of pasta as there is in a labour-intensive home-made casserole, and it's much easier to live with a rejected carrot stick than a dish that's taken hours to prepare.

Food tricks and mealtime tricks for fussy eaters

. Tempt them with healthy, easy-to-eat finger food, such as cubes of cheese, hard-boiled eggs, baby new potatoes and raisins.

· If you're worried your kids aren't getting enough protein, make pancakes and add an extra egg.
· Don't forget that carrots are still carrots, even if they're baked in a cake – a sneaky way to increase their vegetable intake.

· If they have a nugget fetish, make your own by crumbing chicken or fish fillets.

· Make your own smoothies by blending together fresh fruit and natural yogurt.

· Raw food can be more appealing because of its texture. Try broccoli and runner beans as well as carrots and grapes.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Kiddie Treats!

2007-09-08T11:43:00.000+08:00

Check out the series of Fun & Interesting events & activities for children brought to you by Suntec City!

At the Happy Kidz' Mid-Autumn Lantern of Magical Wonders, located on the 3rd floor, children can pose for photos alongside fanciful lanterns. There're also workshops where they can learn to make colorful lanterns & ballons & even baking of the snow skin mooncakes!! :)

Date : 22 Sep 07 (mooncake-making at Happy Kidz)

23 Sep 07 (lantern-making at Happy Kidz)

Time : 2:30pm-4:30pm (22 & 23 Sep)

*Admission is FREE!

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Iweeks @ S'pore Discovery Centre

2007-09-08T11:19:00.000+08:00

Check out the New Shows available from Singapore Discovery Centre!
Giving you the luxury of a 5-Storey Giant Screen!

So why wait? Bring your whole family out for a fun and enjoyable momemt! :)

ShowTimes:

Ratatouille* : 12pm, 6pm
For SDC Corporate /Family card members & Admission Plus tickets holders only.

Remy is a rat, constantly risking life in an expensive French restaurant because of his love of good food, as well as a desire to become a chef. Yet, obviously, this is a rather tough dream for a rat. But opportunity knocks...

Everest (2D) : 9:15am, 11am, 3pm & 5pm

An inspirational and spell-binding ascent with a daring team of climbers who found hope, beauty and triumph.....

Robots of Mars (3D) : 10:15am, 2:15pm & 4pm

Set in a wacky robot world, Robots of Mars - 3D Adventure is a zany comedy that follows the hilarious misadventures of Sparky the Robot and his gang of wacky mechanical pals.

**Free Seating. First-come-first-served. Showtimes subject to change. Free Parking.
Closed on Monday (except School & Pulic Holidays)

Venue : 510 Upper Jurong Rd
Tel : 67926888

How to go?
PIE Exit No. 40 or AYE Exit No. 20

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Breastfeeding vital within first hour of birth

2007-09-06T22:53:00.000+08:00

MORE than one million babies could be saved worldwide if mothers were to start breastfeeding within the first hour of birth.

Mother and child bonding:Mothers participating in a minute-long global synchronised breastfeeding project in Penang.

That was the message the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) sent out in conjunction with World Breastfeeding Week 2007.

A global synchronised breastfeeding event was held in the Penang Caring Society Complex where 60 mothers joined their counterparts in over 21 countries to breastfeed simultaneously for one minute.

A total 128 mothers in Kuala Lumpur also participated in the breastfeeding.

“Exclusive breastfeeding (where all nutrients are naturally pro- vided from the mother) is crucial for the first six months of a baby’s life.

“Not only does this save lives, but it also reduces the risk of deve-lop-ing allergies later in life,” said Susan Siew, the Co-Director of WABA.

Deputy Director Liew Mun Tip said after birth, babies were normally whisked away for weighing and cleaning.

“These procedures can be delayed to give priority on feeding, which in the long run, is more important,” he said.

A surprising number of fathers were also present for the event.

Pong Yong How, a first-time father, said it was important for fathers to encourage breastfeed- ing.

“Breastfeeding is not an easy job. Newborns have to be fed over 10 times a day, ” he said.
WABA has also set up a Men’s Initiative to promote holistic family involvement.

WABA coordinator Julianna Lim Abdullah said mothers and fathers were a team when it came to raising children.

“During breastfeeding, many mothers sometimes experience anxiety and feel very alone when things don’t go smoothly.

“We find that their husbands are especially good at helping their wives relax in such situation,” she said.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Lantern Extravaganza 2007(Mid-Autumn Festival)

2007-09-06T11:07:00.000+08:00

Where to go this weekend? Why not check out Chinese Garden for the amazing lanterns? I'm sure your kids will love them!

(Photos from last yr lanterns in Chinese Garden)

Gaze at more than 5,000 handmade lanterns with a marine theme at this Lantern Extravaganza, which includes a lantern that measures 100m called Ocean Party, vying for entry into the Singapore Book of Records!

Venue : Singapore Chinese Garden, Jurong
Opening Hours : 9am-midnight (Festive Decoration starts on 5-30 Sep 07)
Fee : $12(adults), $8(child)
Tel : 6445-5828
*Free lanterns for all & Free mooncakes for the 1st 500 visitors!

How to go:
Nearest MRT station, Jurong East

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Stemcord Seminar

2007-09-06T10:27:00.000+08:00

For All Expectant Parents! This is a good chance to learn more about pre- and post-natal care, blood cord banking and protecting your baby's health.

Date : 22 September 2007, Saturday
Time : 2-5pm
Venue : Meritus Mandarin, Mandarin Ballroom, 6th floor, 333 Orchard Rd
Fee : $15 per person/$25 per couple (Inclusive of refreshments and a FREE door gift)

Call 6471 2002 to register now!

*Closing date: 19 Sep 2007

* Special Highlights:
- "Ask-A-Doc" - One to one consultation on specific medical questions on cord blood banking
- Fit to Deliver Exercise Demonstration.
- Breastfeeding Consultation.

Topics covered:
- Essential Pregnancy Tests For A Healthy Baby
Learn more about the essential pre-natal tests that you can take to find out the condition of your unborn child.
- Preparation For A Safe Delivery & Pain Management
Ease your fears as ou understand what to expect during delivery and the types of pain relief you can take.

- Storing Your Baby's Cord Blood
Ponder on the benefits of cord blood banking and seize this once in a life time chance to store your baby's cord blood.

- Handling Common Childhood Ailments In The First Year
Prepare for how to cope with common ailments that newborns may pexperience including jaundice, rashes, fever..etc.

Stemcord Seminar is brought to you by Stemcord & ParkwayHealth.
(www.stemcord.com)

If you wished to read up more about blood cord information, you may check out the "Saving Life with Newborn's Cord Blood" under the Baby's Health Section in the blog.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Caring For Baby Teeth

2007-09-05T14:56:00.000+08:00

The baby's first teeth appear, on average, about six months after birth. Parents may notice excessive salivation and the child may become irritable while these first teeth are coming in.

When teeth appear, use a cotton swab daily to gently wipe the teeth and remove plaque. If your child has not grown up tolerating you "meddling in their mouth" you may have a much tougher problem. If your child is two years of age and their teeth have not been brushed and inspected by you, in all probability, plaque has not been sufficiently removed.

A common question asked by new parents is:

Why should I worry about cavities in baby’s teeth when these teeth will fall out anyway?

There are several reasons why baby teeth should be taken care of from the moment they break through the gums.

1. Baby teeth hold a place and serve as spacers for the permanent teeth. Decay and early loss of these baby teeth can cause loss of space for the permanent teeth, which leads to the permanent teeth shifting and thus leads to orthodontic problems for your child.
2. Healthy baby teeth are important in helping your baby speak clearly and properly.
3. Nice looking teeth are important for your baby’s self-confidence. Missing teeth, decaying teeth or bad breath can lead to your child getting teased by other children.
4. Your baby will need these baby teeth for biting and chewing. Without these teeth, your child might not get the proper nutrition.

Each year a large number of infants and young children experience tooth decay from milk, juices and other liquids being given to them in a bottle at bedtime. This decay from milk and juice is called “Baby Bottle Tooth Decay” or “Baby Bottle Mouth”.

When a baby falls asleep, the production of saliva decreases significantly. If a baby is given milk, juice or other sugary liquid and is then put to bed without brushing, the sugar in these liquids along with the bacteria that is naturally present in a baby’s mouth join together to form an acid, which starts attacking and decaying the teeth.

It’s best to get into a routine early and not let your baby fall asleep in the crib with a bottle of milk, juice or other sugary liquid. Prevention is the key to prevent baby bottle tooth decay.

Preventative steps:

* Don’t put your baby to bed for the night with a bottle of milk or juice. Most juices contain natural sugars, while milk contains sugar called lactose, which bacteria can also use to create acid, thus causing the decay.
* Don’t let your baby use a bottle of milk or juice as a pacifier. Lying around all day sucking at will on the bottle can be as harmful to teeth as putting a baby to bed at night with a bottle.
* Don’t give your baby a pacifier that has been dipped in a sugary substance. While this is tempting to parents to try and calm a fussy baby with a sugary pacifier, it can cause a lot of damage.
* Give your baby his or her bottle of milk a little before bedtime. This leaves you time to brush your baby’s teeth before you put him or her down for the night.
* Try to make the last thing your baby drinks at night before bed be plain water.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Imposed 175 centimeter waistline pregnant lady in China

2007-09-05T13:39:00.000+08:00

Qiao Yubo, an ordinary woman in Ningjiang District of Songyuan city, northeast China's Jilin Province, has been put into the spotlight since Jilin News' report on her quintuplets and 175-centimeter waistline earlier this week.

However, when a hospital in the capital city of Changchun offered a free medical check-up, the woman and her husband taken flee from a window, thus unfolding the true story behind, reported Jinlin News.

When the doctors finally found her in a washing room in her sister's house, Qiao knelt down, cried out, and told them she was not carrying quintuplets, Mr Li, chief of the hospital, told the newspaper.

Calming down, Qiao pulled out the staff she had been cramming into her belly, including three bed quilts, a dozen sweaters, shirt, cushions, hats and so on, Li said.

Qiao had been pregnant twice before, once with twins and the other with multiples, but had miscarriages both times. Fearing the second miscarriage might be a hard blow to her husband, Qiao hold back the truth.

Qiao became pregnant again a month after her second miscarriage, which gave her an idea -- to make up a belly with clothes and other staff before the belly got really big so that her husband would get the truth. She then filled something inside every day, and her belly grew accordingly, Li was told by Qiao.

She has been pregnant for three months in fact, Li said.

Surprisingly enough, even Qiao's husband had no idea Qiao was having a fake belly until the arrival of the hospital staff, and he was the first to inform of media of the quintuplets.

"I was thinking I could not afford five babies, so I hoped the media exposure would arouse the society's attention and some people might give a helping hand." the paper quoted her husband as saying.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Trimming Baby Nails

2007-09-05T12:54:00.000+08:00

Many babies, when they are first born, have long nails, and some parents worry that their baby will scratch his face. However, resist trimming your baby's nails this early, as the nail goes below the quick and can bleed.
Instead, use special mittens, put socks on his hands, or keep him wrapped up so his hands aren't near his face. When the nails have hardened a little, you can trim them, though it must be done very carefully. Little fingernails actually grow so quickly that you may have to cut them more than once a week; toenails require less frequent attention.

The easiest way to trim your baby's nails may be to just peel the ends off with your fingers. They're so soft that the surplus will easily come away. Or you can buy a pair of baby scissors or nail clippers with specially rounded ends. The nail-cutting may be easier if there are two adults involved: one of you can hold the baby and keep him from wriggling too much while the other does the job. (You may also want to try it while your feeding or sleeping so that he'll be calmer.) Press the finger pad away from the nail to avoid nicking the skin, and keep a firm hold on your child's hand as you cut or clip.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Kid of the Day! (5 Sep 07)

2007-09-05T11:41:00.000+08:00

Looks like cutie little lukas is checking out on something? :P
He's enjoying himself at Sentosa for his 5 yrs old birthday party with his friends...

He's the darling of Andrew and Cynthia.
He's name is Lukas.
Age: 5 years old

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Scrambled Eggs with Cheese

2007-09-04T16:11:00.000+08:00

For babies 10 to 12 months or older.

Ingredients:
2 eggs* (for babies under 12 months use only the egg yolks)
2 tablespoons formula or milk
2 tablespoons shredded mild Cheddar or American cheese
1/2 teaspoon butter

Steps:
Whip the eggs and milk until foamy. Add cheese. Put the butter into a small frying pan and allow to melt and cover the bottom of pan.

Cook the mixture in pan over medium heat for about 4 minutes.

Stir constantly to keep the eggs moist and not crispy. Cool to warm, then serve.

* Ask your pediatrician if your baby is ready for eggs. Babies can have egg yolks from 10 months, but they can’t fully digest the whites, so leave these out until your baby is a year old. For your baby’s first feedings, give a very small portion to make sure allergies won’t develop.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Bad body odour for kids

2007-09-03T17:02:00.000+08:00

There's cases on kids(one of them is just 5 yrs old girl) to have body odour and parents are worrying about it. Here's some information/advice given by some doctors. Hope this helps.

It is certainly a little unusual for kids to have a noticeable body odour problem. At such young age, the glands within the skin, which produce the secretions that are then broken down by bacteria to cause the odour, have not yet significantly been stimulated by secondary sex hormones.

Changes at puberty, however, which include hair growth under the arms and the increased activity of secretary glands within the skin, do bring about a stronger odour. The kid may be undergoing a precocious puberty but there are other explanations too.There is for example one rare condition commonly known as fish odour syndrome where the person concerned secretes a particular chemical known as methylmercaptopurine, which results from the relative deficiency of the enzyme necessary in the body to break down certain ingredients of normal foodstuffs. Without these enzymes this chemical accumulates in the body only to be excreted through the glands in the skin producing this noticeable odour.

The good news is that avoiding certain food can solve the problem. Another possible explanation is that certain synthetic materials in clothing can react with sweat and cause an odour in their own right.

Furthermore, some people, including children, are simply born with more sweat glands in a certain area than others and they need to take extra precaution in masking the resulting odour.There is a treatment called Anhydrol forte, which contains aluminium chloride in a roll-on bottle that reduces sweating in the armpits, hands and feet when applied at night and washed off in the morning.

Advice would be to try thoroughly washing her clothes in hot water first to eliminate any residual smell, then using Anhydrol forte and if this fails, ask your family doctor about arranging a referral to a dietician in order to be able to avoid the foodstuffs responsible - if fish odour syndrome is the cause.

Gestational Diabetes in Pregnancy

2007-09-03T15:33:00.000+08:00

It is common for pregnant women to develop some loss of glucose tolerance during pregnancy. With the increase in circulating blood volume and metabolites, often the pancreas has a difficult time with the increased demands to supply insulin to help maintain proper blood sugar levels. Therefore, it is not uncommon for sugar levels to rise during pregnancy.

In about 10 to 20 percent of cases, a women will develop a condition know as gestational diabetes, in which blood sugar levels are too high. This condition requires careful medical monitoring and diet control. If it is not properly controlled, it can lead to problems for the mother or her baby.
Although you have not been classified as having gestational diabetes, it is a good idea for you to keep blood sugar levels within a safe range. Proper diet and daily exercise are important.

What is gestational diabetes?
Gestational diabetes develops in women during pregnancy because the mother's body is not able to produce enough insulin. Insulin is a hormone that enables the body to break down sugar (glucose) to be used as energy. Without sufficient insulin the amount of sugar in the blood rises.

Here are some suggestions to help you maintain this goal:
Avoid sugar and foods high in sugar.During pregnancy, sugar is rapidly absorbed into the blood and requires a larger release of insulin to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Sugar comes in many forms, and you should become familiar with how to identify it on a packaging label ingredient panel. If any of the forms appear near the top of the list, you should avoid that product. Eat unsweetened breakfast cereals and breads without added sugars. Avoid pies, cakes, cookies, sweetened yogurt, fruit drinks, sodas, candy, ice cream, syrup and any sugars such as honey, brown sugar, corn syrup, maple syrup, turbinado sugar, high fructose corn syrup and molasses.
It may be a good idea to drink vegetable juices such as tomato juice. Whole fruit is a better choice than fruit juice, because it contains fiber, which will help slow the absorption of sugar. Be sure to avoid fruit in syrup. Vegetables are a wonderful snack. They are very low in sugar.

Additional Self-help Tips
The most important part of treatment is to control blood sugar levels. Besides that, regular testing of blood sugar (glucose) levels, a carefully planned diet and regular exercise is also important.
A doctor or dietician can give advice about what and how much to eat. A meal plan will probably consist of a variety of foods including plenty of starchy fillers such as bread, pasta, rice and potatoes, and at least five portions of fruit and vegetables each day.
It's important to limit consumption of sugary foods like cakes, biscuits and soft drinks. A diet that is low in fat is also desirable. This can be acheived by avoiding full-fat dairy products such as butter and cream, and limiting fatty meat, pies, sausages and burgers. Grilling, steaming or microwaving food rather than frying or roasting means less fat is added during cooking.
Gentle, regular exercise such as walking can help reduce blood sugar levels and promote a sense of well-being. A doctor or midwife can advise about suitable exercise during pregnancy.
Medicines
Despite making the above lifestyle changes, a few women's blood sugar levels remain too high, and they may need daily injections of insulin. The extra insulin will not cross the placenta and will not affect the baby. Any woman who needs to take insulin will be taught how to take it by her doctor or nurse.
It is possible to have too much insulin and this can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Common symptoms of this are weakness, shaking, hunger and sweating. For people taking insulin, it is a good idea to keep a snack handy at all times in case low blood sugar develops.

Prevention
To help reduce the risk of getting gestational diabetes, women should make healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, taking regular exercise and maintaining the correct weight for their height.

Below is an example of a healthy daily diet that can help keep your blood sugars within a reasonable range:

Breakfast:1/2 cup orange juice, 3/4 cup oatmeal with 1/2 cup skim milk, 1 slice whole-wheat toast with 1 tsp. margarine

Morning snack:Yogurt smoothie made with 1 cup plain yogurt and 1/2 banana
Lunch:1 cup skim milk, salad with 1 cup fresh spinach, 1/2 cup garbanzo beans, 1/2 fresh tomato, 2 oz. water-packed tuna and 2 tbs. low-calorie Italian dressing, 1 bran muffin, 1/2 cup cantaloupe chunks

Afternoon snack:6 whole-grain crackers with 1 tbsp. peanut butter, 1/2 sliced apple

Dinner:1 cup tossed salad with 1 tbsp. low-fat dressing, 3 oz. skinless chicken breast, 1 baked potato, 1/2 cup cooked broccoli, 1 piece corn bread, 1 cup skim milk, 1 fresh peach

Bedtime snack:Fresh carrot sticks, 2 cups plain popcorn, 1 oz. low-fat cheese

175 centimeters waistline pregnant lady in china

2007-09-03T11:36:00.000+08:00

Qian Yubo, a pregnant woman in Ningjiang District of Songyuan city, northeast China's Jilin Province, has her phenomenally big belly measured by her husband on June 11, 2006.

Five months after her pregnancy, she was told to have five babies in her belly, and her waistline has grown to 175 centimeters, eight more than her height of 167 centimeters. Since she is expecting so many babies, Qiao now has to eat seven meals a day. According to her husband, Qiao's waistline has been growing nine centimeters per day over the past 15 days.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

New Study Finds that a Baby’s Conception and Birth Can Influence Dream Content in New Moms

2007-09-03T10:58:00.000+08:00

The conception and birth of a child are emotional events that influence the dreams of most new mothers. In a surprisingly high number of cases, this influence reflects negative aspects of maternal responsibility, depicting the new infant in dreamed situations of danger and provoking anxiety in the mother that often spills over into wakefulness. Furthermore, these kinds of dreams are also accompanied by complex behaviors by new moms such as motor activity, speaking and expressing emotion, according to a study published in the September 1 issue of the journal SLEEP.

The study in Canada , focused on 273 women, who were divided into three groups: postpartum, pregnant, and null gravida. The subjects completed questionnaires about pregnancy and birth factors, personality and sleep, and participated in interviews concerning the prevalence of recent infant dreams and nightmares, associated behaviors, anxiety, depression and other psychopathologic factors.

The following summarizes the results:

The percentage of women in all groups who recalled dreams ranged from 88-91 percent.
Postpartum and pregnant women recalled infant dreams and nightmares with equal prevalence, but more postpartum women reported they contained anxiety (75 percent) and the infant in danger (73 percent) than did pregnant women (59 percent).
Motor activity was present in twice as many postpartum (57 percent) as pregnant (24 percent) or null gravida (25 percent) women.
Expressing emotion was more prevalent among null gravida (56 percent) than postpartum women (27 percent), but was not different from pregnant women (37 percent).
Speaking was equally prevalent among the three groups (12-19 percent).
Behaviors were associated with nightmares, dream anxiety and, among postpartum women, post-awakening anxiety (41 percent), confusion (51 percent), and a need to check on the infant (60 percent).

“The research has uncovered a new dream phenomenon that affects a surprisingly large number of new mothers (and some fathers) and that therefore broadens our understanding of REM sleep parasomnias in the healthy population,” said Dr. Nielsen. “Hallucinatory baby-in-bed nightmares and other vivid dreams of the baby in peril appear to arise normally in response to the acute maternal responsibilities and sleep fragmentation that are endured by new mothers.

The unique experiences constitute a window through which cognitive and emotional processes underlying the earliest steps of mother-infant attachment may be observed.”
A woman’s body goes through drastic changes during and after pregnancy. These changes can be physical, hormonal and emotional. All of these changes can affect a woman’s sleep. Most pregnant women experience daytime fatigue even though they may get more sleep. This is because the quality of their sleep tends to be worse. Physical discomfort and awakenings are common. The third trimester tends to be the time when it is hardest to sleep well.

Studies show that snoring often increases during pregnancy. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) also may develop as the pregnancy progresses. Warning signs for OSA may become more evident. These include gasping, choking sounds and pauses in breathing. OSA is more likely to develop if a woman had a high body mass index prior to the pregnancy.

Two other sleep disorders that are more common during pregnancy are restless legs syndrome (RLS) and sleep related leg cramps. RLS affects nearly 25 percent of pregnant women. RLS may be related to low iron. Therefore, women who must take iron supplements during pregnancy may have a lower risk of RLS. Leg cramps occur in about 40 percent of pregnant women. They tend to go away after delivery.

Experts recommend that pregnant and postpartum women, as well as other adults, get seven-to-eight hours of sleep each night for good health and optimum performance.

Those who suspect that they might be suffering from a sleep disorder are encouraged to discuss their problem with their primary care physician or a sleep specialist.

Join in the Fun at the Kids Party!!

2007-09-01T20:02:00.000+08:00

Don't missed out the Fun Kids Party tomorrow, 2 Sep 07, from 4pm-6:30pm at Bishan Park!!

It's going to be so cool & definately alot of fun!

Click on the picture below to see more details.

Baby of the Day! (31 Aug 07)

2007-08-31T16:48:00.000+08:00

Hey! Looks like little Ray is learning chinese KungFu, now training on his "Zha Ma Gong". ;)
So cute isn't he?

He's the youngest darling of Mr and Mrs Pang Tee How.
His name is Ray Pang.
Age: 15 mths

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Headache during Pregnancy

2007-08-31T16:32:00.000+08:00

One of the common phases people, especially of women, is headache during pregnancy in the results of hormonal changes, fatigue, tension, hunger or physical and emotional stress. Considered as a common complaint during pregnancy, specifically during the first and third trimesters, doctors say it is rarely a signal of a serious problem.

The headaches you experience can get BETTER in pregnancy, because the progesterone causes the blood vessels to relax and not spasm, which is often a cause of bad headaches. If you do suffer from increased headaches during pregnancy, you may be particularly sensitive to your hormones or have had headache problems before your pregnancy.

Potential Ways to Treat Your Headaches

* Some headaches are triggered by low blood sugar. You can prevent any bouts of decreased blood sugar by not missing meals and carrying high-energy snacks with you.
* Drink plenty of water - dehydration can cause headaches.
* Whenever possible, avoid loud music, noisy restaurants, packed parties and crowded department stores.
* Ensure your environment is healthy. An overheated, smoke-filled unventilated room can trigger some people's headaches.
* Try going out for a brisk walk.
* Rest (but not too much, sometimes too much rest can worsen your overall symptoms)!
* Meditation and yoga are two ways to help you relax and decrease the effects of tension headaches.
* Try lying down in a dark quiet room with your feet up for ten to 15 minutes.
* Acupuncture, biofeedback and massage have been show to bring some relief from a headache.
* Alternating hot and cold compresses to the aching area for ten minutes can alleviate some of your pain.
* Cut a lemon into wedges and suck the juice out of the wedges.
* It's a good idea to avoid taking any kind of drugs while pregnant. However, if your practitioner recommends it, a paracetemol is OK but limit the number you take.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Baby Heat Rash

2007-08-31T16:09:00.000+08:00

In order to treat your baby's heat rash, you need to understand what causes heat rash.

Heat rash is an eruption of little bumps on the skin that can show up when your baby overheats. Babies are most susceptible to heat rash. Most babies get a heat rash during the summer months. You will probably notice is on their face or neck first.

Causes of heat rash

Heat rash often occurs when the sweat glands are very active, so it's easier for them to become clogged with sweat, causing the rash. But done worry heat rash is not a serious condition.

Heat rash or prickly heat is caused by the blockage of the pores that lead to the sweat glands. It is most common in very young children but can occur at any age, particularly in hot and humid weather. An infant does not sweat. The sweat is held within the skin and forms little red bumps or occasionally small blisters.

Hot, humid weather is prime time for heat rash, but you might see it in winter, too, if your baby is wearing too many layers of clothing or is running a fever. Sometimes a baby will get heat rash after a cough ointment is rubbed on his chest.

How can you treat baby heat rash?

Heat rash or prickly heat is best treated by providing a cooler and less humid environment for the child.

Start by cooling your baby off. Loosen or remove his clothing, and move him into an airy room or a shady spot.

You might place him on a cotton towel, which can help absorb his sweat. Apply cool, wet washcloths to the areas affected by the rash. A lukewarm bath with a little baking soda — 2 teaspoons per gallon — can also help.

If it's hot at night, use an air conditioner or a fan in your baby's room. Direct the fan near your baby but not directly on him. Or place it far enough away so that only a gentle breeze reaches him. You want your baby to be comfortable, not chilled.

Powders are unlikely to help treat heat rash and should be stored out of reach of the infant to prevent accidental inhalation. Avoid ointments and creams because they tend to keep the skin warmer and block the pores.

Is heat rash painful for my baby?

No, it isn't usually painful, but it can be itchy. Some of the bumps may be tender to the touch.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Asthma VS Pregnancy

2007-08-30T15:32:00.000+08:00

When someone who is asthmatic gets pregnant, its useful to think firstly of how the pregnancy might affect the asthma and also how the asthma might affect your pregnancy.

Will my asthma affect my baby?

No, not if it's kept under control. But because your baby needs a good oxygen supply, you need to control your asthma so that the supply doesn't become restricted.

What if I have an asthma attack in labour?

This is extremely unlikely to happen, because while you're in labour your body naturally produces hormones (adrenaline and a steroid) that work in the same way as your medication and will keep your asthma in check.

Some, but not all doctors recommend delivering your baby with forceps if you have asthma. This speeds things up and minimises the effort involved in pushing the baby out. If you'd prefer to avoid this, discuss it with your doctor.

How can pregnancy affect my asthma?

Pregnancy can cause asthma to get better or worse. However, it is important that you do not change or reduce your asthma medication without speaking to the doctor or nurse who is caring for your asthma. Poorly treated asthma is usually more dangerous to the baby than any possible risk associated with an asthma medication.

Can I breastfeed my baby?

There's no evidence that any of the drugs taken for asthma are harmful to your baby, so it's quite safe for you to breastfeed.

Will my baby have asthma too?

Because asthma runs in families, there's a chance that your baby will develop it, especially if your partner has it too. Breastfeeding may provide some protection against it, but unfortunately this is not guaranteed.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Baby of the Day! (30th Aug 07)

2007-08-30T13:16:00.000+08:00

Hey! Nice pose little Claudia!
Sweetie little girl smiling at the camera, with this little red checked dress.

Precious darling of Chen ZongXing & Ai Li.
Her name is Claudia Chen.
Age: 15 mths old

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Chicken Pox

2007-08-29T19:17:00.000+08:00

Many parents have concern of your baby/kid get infected by chicken pox. This can be prevented by vaccination now. Read up more to understand it, so you can protect your baby in the early stage.

What Is Chickenpox?

Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. People who get the virus often develop a rash of spots that look like blisters all over their bodies. The blisters are small and sit on an area of red skin that can be anywhere from the size of a pencil eraser to the size of a dime.
The illness also may come along with a runny nose and cough. But the good news is that chickenpox is a common illness for kids and most people get better by just resting like you do with a cold or the flu. And the really good news is that, thanks to the chickenpox vaccine, lots of kids don't get chickenpox at all. Kids who do get it, if they got the shot, often get less severe cases, which means they get better quicker.

How to prevent it?

If your child is not yet vaccinated, it is best to keep him away from sufferers of chicken pox – whether at home or in school. If he contracts chicken pox, ask your doctor about the effective and fast-acting anti-viral tablets that can ease the discomfort of your child. It helps to reduce the duration and severity of the chickenpox infection, accelerate healing and potentially diminish long-term scarring.

What to Do When Your Child Has Chicken Pox?

Chicken pox - memories of being itchy and uncomfortable pop up with just the mention of the name. In most cases, chicken pox is a mild illness. It is very contagious because the virus particles that cause it actually get into the air we breathe.
Symptoms of chicken pox usually start with a fever and rash. The rash often looks like bug bites. After a day or so, each "bite" turns into a tiny clear blister on a red patch. From blisters, these spots turn into scabs. A person with chicken pox stays contagious until all of the blisters have scabs.
A child who has chicken pox can be very irritable, uncomfortable and itchy.

There are many things you can do to soothe a child with chicken pox:

* Control the fever with acetaminophen (children's Tylenol). Do not give aspirin. It is associated with chicken pox and a dangerous disease called Reye's syndrome.
* Keep the child in loose fitting clothes that will not rub the already irritated skin.
* Cool baths sometimes are helpful. An oatmeal bath (AveenoBath) is good for the irritated skin and reduces the itching for a while. (You can buy this special oatmeal at drug stores.)
* Apply Calamine Lotion or a cool cloth to soothe the skin.
* Give your child an antihistamine such as Benedryl Elixir to help control the itching. Follow the instructions for the age and size of your child.

Q&A

Q. My daughter was one in April and contracted chicken pox. She was quite literally covered from head to toe apart from two small patches on her shoulder and calf which were the only places we could hold her. Two months on and her torso and bottom in particular still bear many purple spots - they look like faded port-wine birthmark stains. Will these ever fade or will her skin be permanently marked?

A. The amount of scarring that is left after a severe attack of chickenpox depends on the severity of each individual pox spot, and whether it became infected. If it is only skin discolouration it is extremely likely that this discolouration will disappear, but if there has been a severe secondary infection it may lead to the well known characteristic pox pitting. These become pale with time and don't usually show. It is unusual to have more than one or two of these left as a relic of an attack of chickenpox.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Ferber Method

2007-08-29T14:58:00.000+08:00

Have problem getting your baby to sleep? Why not try out the Ferber Method?
Below are some information about it to share with you. Hope it helps.

The Ferber Method shows parents how to teach their child to soothe himself to sleep from the age of 5 or 6 months. The method has proven controversial, mainly because it has been misunderstood as a harsh system of letting the baby cry it out until he falls asleep. As the outline below shows, there is considerably more parental involvement in the Ferber method than many people have been led to believe

Process
The first night you attempt the Ferber method, put your child to bed as you normally do. Your baby should be tired but still awake when you put him to bed, so that he is left to fall asleep on his own. After you leave the room, the baby will inevitably start crying. Allow him to cry for about 5 minutes, then re-enter the room to console him. It's important that you stay in the room for only a short time - even if he is still crying - and that you don't pick him up or rock him. This second time you leave the room, wait 10 minutes before returning in the same manner. The third time wait 15 minutes, and set this as a maximum wait time for the rest of the night.

Every time thereafter, enter the room briefly and then allow your child to cry for 15 minutes. Eventually, he will fall asleep on his own during one of the 15 minute intervals in which you are out of the room. The second night, you should begin with a 10 minute wait before re-entering the room, followed by 15 and then 20 minutes. In a similar fashion, increase your initial and subsequent wait times by 5 minutes each night.

Using this method your child will soon learn to go to sleep on his own. Although it can be difficult to listen to your baby cry, understand that the Ferber method is a safe and effective way of getting your baby to learn to sleep on his own.

Benefits
Supporters of the Ferber Method believe that the process of teaching a child to sleep on his own encourages independence. It has also proven to be highly effective in reducing nighttime wakefulness in babies, resulting in better sleep for everyone.
Ferber’s method was designed to avoid unnecessary crying and to provide comfort to the baby.

What age is suitable
The Ferber method is meant for children aged 6 months or older, when our culture has decided that most babies are capable of sleeping through the night (yet many parents will tell you that their babies feel otherwise!). Some babies are able to sleep through the night at 3 months old, but under the age of 6 months (and sometimes later than that), most children will need to be fed during the night hours.
The Ferber Method is NOT to be applied during the first 4 months because truthfully, a newborn or young infant's wants and needs are *one in the same* and should not be ignored or second-guessed, just simply attended to! If your newborn or infant is unable to sleep on his/her own, that is very typical in the early months.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Kid of the Day! (29 Aug 07)

2007-08-29T11:59:00.000+08:00

Hey! Check out this cutie little Minnie Mouse Girl in the car!
Enjoying herself so much in HongKong Disneyland :)

She's the younger little darling of Mr Edwin Tan and YokeMun.

Her name is Regine Tan.
Age : 5 yrs old

She enjoys alot yummy food such as rice, fish ball, vanilla ice cream, chicken rice...
One of your favourite cartoon character is Stella from the Winx Club!
Got her this picture, hope she likes it!

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Homemade Glutinous Rice

2007-08-29T11:25:00.000+08:00

I love to eat glutinous rice since I'm a kid. It's so yummy, and I think it really goes well with roasted peanuts! So I finally got the recipe from my mum and started to make one myself! This is my 2nd attempt! Looks and taste quite nice..heehee....:)

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Baby Teething and How to ease their Distress

2007-08-29T10:10:00.000+08:00

There's no fixed time for teething, but on average, most babies sprout their first teeth between four and seven months of age.
Some may get their first white cap as early as three months, while others may have to wait until they are a year or older.
While teething, baby will be in discomfort and cranky.

How can parents help to ease their distress?
Here's some tips to share. Hope this helps.

To ease his discomfort, give your child something to chew on, such as a firm teething rings, water filled, chilled rubber teething toys or a cold washcloth.
If your baby is old enough for solid foods, he may also get some relief from eating cold foods like chilled applesauce, yogurt and pureed peaches as they will looked more appealing to your baby and also more nutritious than a chilled teething ring. The cold may numb the pain temporarily.
Offering your baby a cold bottle of water can also help. If sucking on the bottle bothers your child, offer a cold cup of water. The water can also help replenish your baby’s fluid if they’re drooling a lot or have loose bowel movements.
Giving your baby a hard, unsweetened teething cracker such as zwieback to gnaw on is another way to help relieve his pain.

*Avoid carrots or lollipops, as they can be a choking hazard. Try to ensure that your baby is getting the sleep he needs to during this uncomfortable time. Keep a consistent nighttime routine to help your baby sleep better.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

Potty/Toilet Training For Your Baby

2007-08-28T22:24:00.001+08:00

Alot parents have the worries of when should you potty trained your baby.
Here's some tips for sharing. Hope it helps.

What is the best time to start?
The average age a toddler will potty train is 2½. If you use cloth diapers you can expect your toddler to potty train 5 months to 1 year earlier. Girls tend to potty train faster than boys.

Signs your child may be ready:

Your child is staying dry for longer periods of time (often two hours or more). This indicates that her bladder capacity is increasing.

Your child recognizes when she is in the process of urinating or voiding. If you try to potty train before this time, you'll likely run into trouble, since your child isn't really aware of what she's doing and so is unable to control something she can't understand.

Your child is able to easily pull her pants up and down.

Your child is able to sit and engage in an activity for several minutes without becoming distracted or irritable.

Your child is walking and running well. Because the urge to potty is often sudden in toddlers, and because a potty isn't always steps away, it's important for your child to be able to make it to the toilet before an accident occurs.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, your child shows interest and desire. Interest in keeping dry or clean. Interest in wearing "big kid" underwear. Interest in what you're doing when you go potty and a desire to do what you're doing.

Remember, age is not the most important factor. Potty training will be best accomplished when your child's physical and emotional development are taken into account as well.

Once your toddler and you are ready for potty training go out of diapers completely. Doing away with diapers will reinforce potty training.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.

Yummy Recipes for your baby!

2007-08-28T20:27:00.000+08:00

Headache of what to prepare for your baby?

Here's some interesting yummy & healthy recipes to share with you. Hope it helps with your problem.

(Freshly prepared dinner)
(1) Eastern Rice with Baby Veg
- Thinly slice the mange-tout, baby carrots, baby corn into even-size pieces to make sure that they can cook evenly.
- Put the rice, water, cardaman pods and cinnnamon stick into a saucepan, stir well, then cover and bring up to simmering point. Simmer for 11 mins without removing the lid.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Throw the sliced vegetables on top of the rice and quickly replace the lid, then cook for another 14 mins.
- Remoev the cardamon and cinnamon stick. Add lime juice, toss everything together and scatter in a little fresh coriander. Mash it if necessary.

Ingredients:
3 mange-tout
3 baby carrots
3 baby corn
200g basmati rice
400ml water
4 cadamon pods
1 cinnamon stick
squeeze lime juice

(Quickly prepared dinner)
Fish baked in orange juice
- Put the fish into a baking dish with the orange juice. Cover with foil and bake in an oven at 180 degree Celsius until cooked throughout(approximately 5-10 mins).
- Finely chop or lightly mash before serving with a piece of bread and unsalted butter or mash potato.
Ingredients:
75g piece raw white fish, skinned and boned
4tbsp fresh orange juice
bread & butter or mashed potato, to serve

There's alot more healthy, yummy and easy prepared meals for your baby...do come back for more...;)
I'll featured yummy breakfast & lunch as well...

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.)

New Disney Cartoon - Ratatouille Dinner Affair

2007-08-28T19:08:00.000+08:00

YEAH!!
The new DISNEY cartoon is in TOWN!!

Ratatouille Dinner Affair
Release Date: 30th August 2007
Language: English
Running Time: 111 mins
Genre: Animated / Comedy / Action
Starring: Brad Garrett, John Ratzenberger, Patton Oswalt

Movie Plot
"Ratatouille" is about a lovable rat - Remy - who constantly risks his life in an expensive French restaurant because of his love for good food, as well as a burning desire to become a gourmet chef. Obviously, this is rather far-fetched for a rat but opportunity knocks when a young boy, who desperately needs to keep his job at the restaurant despite not being able to cook to save his life, makes Remy a partner. The two of them learn to avoid the insane head chef, bring the rest of Remy's family up to his culinary standards, win the boy a girlfriend, and of course, produce the finest ratatouille in all of France!

Autism in Kids

2007-08-28T18:05:00.000+08:00

Autism can be a very serious problem if you do not handle it properly. You can see them in kids and this should be taken care while they're young. Because the earlier the treatment, the better it is.
Parents play a very important role in understanding them and bring them for appropriate therapy if necessary.

Here's some information about Autism to share with you:

What is Autism?

Autism causes kids to experience the world differently from the way most other kids do. It's hard for kids with autism to talk with other people and express themselves using words. Kids who have autism usually keep to themselves and many can't communicate without special help.

They also may react to what's going on around them in unusual ways. Normal sounds may really bother someone with autism — so much so that the person covers his or her ears. Being touched, even in a gentle way, may feel uncomfortable.

Some symptoms you may find if you kid has autism:

Kids with autism often can't make connections that other kids make easily. For example, when someone smiles, you know the smiling person is happy or being friendly. But a kid with autism may have trouble connecting that smile with the person's happy feelings.

A kid who has autism also has trouble linking words with their meanings. Imagine trying to understand what your mom is saying if you didn't know what her words really mean. It is doubly frustrating then if a kid can't come up with the right words to express his or her own thoughts.

Autism causes kids to act in unusual ways. They might flap their hands, say certain words over and over, have temper tantrums, or play only with one particular toy. Most kids with autism don't like changes in routines. They like to stay on a schedule that is always the same. They also may insist that their toys or other objects be arranged a certain way and get upset if these items are moved or disturbed.

What causes Autism?

The bottom line is, no one really knows for sure what causes autism. Most experts will say that autism is probably caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Even those experts, though, do not have a definite answer. For many people, this uncertainty is terribly frustrating. On the plus side, interest in and funding for autism research is on the rise, so new and better information should be forthcoming in the next months and years.

How is Autism treated?

There is no cure for autism, but doctors, therapists, and special teachers can help kids with autism overcome or adjust to many difficulties. The earlier a kid starts treatment for autism, the better.

Different kids need different kinds of help, but learning how to communicate is always an important first step. Spoken language can be hard for kids with autism to learn. Most understand words better by seeing them, so therapists teach them how to communicate by pointing or using pictures or sign language. That makes learning other things easier, and eventually, many kids with autism learn to talk.

Therapists also help kids learn social skills, such as how to greet people, wait for a turn, and follow directions. Some kids need special help with living skills (like brushing teeth or making a bed). Others have trouble sitting still or controlling their tempers and need therapy to help them control their behavior. Some kids take medications to help their moods and behavior, but there's no medicine for autism.

Students with mild autism sometimes can go to regular school. But most kids with autism need calmer, more orderly surroundings. They also need teachers trained to understand the problems they have with communicating and learning. They may learn at home or in special classes at public or private schools.

To read more about true live cases of Autism, you may find it in this link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7006980/

Understand Autism. There's a Autism Association setup in Singapore, to seek help. You may approached help:
http://web.singnet.com.sg/~autism/contact.htm

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.

Kid of the Day! (27 Aug 07)

2007-08-27T13:54:00.000+08:00

Nice shot taken in the studio!
This little princess is so sweet looking...a very gentle little girl...

She's the elder daughter of Mr Edwin Tan and YokeMun. She started to click here and there since she's a little girl...she enjoys playing online games, one of her favourite site is barbiegirls.com.

Her name is Rachel Tan.

Age: 6 yrs old.

Her favourite cartoon character is Flora from the Winx Club! I've put her photo here as well. Hope she likes it! ;)

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.

Online Girly Games

2007-08-24T16:32:00.000+08:00

Here's some online games which I find them rather interesting. I'm guess little girl will enjoy playing those dolly dress up games! Just like those paper dolls games which I used to play when I'm small.

Quite cool actually, so check it out yourself!

http://www.dressupfairy.net/dress-up-fairy-beverley.html
http://www.tygirlz.com/demo/freeGames.cfm
http://www.tygirlz.com/index.cfm
http://www.onlydressupgames.com/game.php?linkid=251

There's more to share with you...will update again...if you come across any nice games, do let me know too! Thanks! (",)

Christmas Tree Shortbread

2007-08-24T13:27:00.000+08:00

It's the last quarter of the year and our favourite festive season is coming!!
YEAH!! Christmas!!!

To get ourselves prepared, you might want to try some these Christmas shortbread recipe?
It's wonderful and take this opportunity to ask your kids to join in the fun together, I'm sure they'll love it!

Christmas tree Shortbread cookies
(Can make about 40 shortbread)

Ingredients:
Shortbread cookies: 1 ¼ cups plain flour, ¾ cup almond meal, 125g butter softened, chopped, 1/3 cup icing sugar, 1 egg, 1 tbsp milk
Icing: 1 eggwhite, 1 ½ cups icing sugar, food colouring- green

Steps:
To make cookies: process the flour, almond meal, butter, icing sugar, egg and milk until well combined. Then knead the dough into a ball on a lightly floured surface. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.

Roll the dough out between two sheets of baking paper until a 5 mm thickness. Cut Christmas tree shapes from the dough using a cookie cutter and place on a baking tray lined with baking paper, 3 cm apart.

Bake in a moderate oven, 180 degrees Celsius for 8-10 minutes. Leave to cool on wire racks. Spread biscuits with icing when cold

To make icing: beat 1 egg white in a small bowl with electric mixer until just frothy then gradually add sifted icing sugar until mixture forms stiff peaks. Tint the icing with 3-4 drops of green food dye, then spread the icing onto the cooled biscuits.

*Tips: You can sprinkle some colorful sugar strands/ nuts/ chocolate chips...etc to further decorate the cookies!
Be creative and have fun with your kids!

Saving Life With Newborn's Cord Blood

2007-08-24T12:50:00.000+08:00

Newborn's cord blood can save life...
Many of you might not be awared of its benefits. It can potential treat diabetes, stroke, heart and Alzshiemer's diseases...so find out more about how saving your baby's cord blood can benefits your baby and family.

Here's some information to share, hope it'll helps to give you a better understanding:

What is Cord Blood?
The blood that remains in your baby's umbilical cord after it has been cut is called cord blood and is rich in stem cells. Stem cells are one of the most promising areas of medical treatment for a number of common illnesses such as heart disease and Alzheimer's. They're the body's "master" cells and can regenerate into the cells that form all other tissues, organs, and systems in the body.

Donate blood cord
Before your baby is born, the umbilical cord is a lifeline. After birth, that lifeline can provide hope to patients with leukemia, lymphoma or other diseases.
After delivery, the umbilical cord and placenta are no longer needed and are often discarded. But the blood remaining in the umbilical cord and placenta is rich with blood-forming cells. These healthy blood-forming cells can be collected and stored so they can be used by a patient who needs them.

Cord Blood Is Changing Lives Today
The umbilical cord is a lifeline: before birth, it provides the nutrients and oxygen necessary for your baby’s growth. After birth, your baby no longer needs that lifeline. But it could help someone else. You can donate cord blood to give hope to someone in need.

Real Life Story
New life can bring new hope through umbilical cord blood
Chicago Sun-Times, Jun 6, 2005 by Jim Ritter

Newborn Sofia Hogue was just a few minutes old when she performed her first good deed:
With her mother's permission, Sofia donated her umbilical cord blood, which some day might save a life.
Donated cord blood is used in stem cell transplants for patients with leukemia, immune system disorders and other life-threatening diseases.

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed and sent to the Senate legislation to add 150,000 units to the nation's cord blood banks, which now store about 40,000 units. The vote was 431-1. Each unit contains cord blood from one newborn. The more units in the nation's cord blood banks, the greater the chance a patient will find a match.

A relatively new source of stem cells is cord blood, which offers certain medical advantages. However, an umbilical cord holds only three to five ounces of blood. Consequently, cord blood transplants are used more often in children and small adults, who need fewer cells.

There have been about 1,000 cord blood transplants to date, with a potential for thousands more.

When a mother decides to donate her baby's cord blood, she calls the cord blood bank during her pregnancy. About a month before the due date, the blood bank sends a collection kit, which the mother brings to the hospital.

Painless, poses no risk
After the baby is born, the umbilical cord is clamped. Blood remaining in the cord and placenta is drained from the mother's side and sent to the cord blood bank, where it's stored at minus 320 degrees. The collection is free and painless and poses no risk to the mother or baby. If not collected, cord blood is discarded as part of the afterbirth.

It's possible a baby donor could later get sick and receive a perfectly matching cord blood transplant from his or her own stored blood. But there's no guarantee the cord blood would still be available, since it would be donated to the first matching patient who needs it.

Hi-5 Show in Singapore!

2007-08-24T11:03:00.000+08:00

YES! Razzle Dazzle with Hi-5 is here in Singapore! Bringing them the CIRCUS to TOWN!

"The CIRCUS StageShow"
31 Aug - 09 Sep 2007

Venue:
Singapore Expo

Details on Date and Time:
31 Aug - 7 Sep 07 : 4pm & 7pm
8 - 9 Sep 07 : 1pm & 4pm
* No show on 5 Sep 07.

*For more details and booking of tickets, pls visit :www.sistic.com.sg!

Kid of the Day! (23 Aug 07)

2007-08-23T19:30:00.001+08:00

Hey! Looks who's this sweetie little pie? Big round eyes with a sweet sweet smile...:)
She's just like a little big sister now, taking care of her parents and grandparents...and her little brother who is on the way soon...(year end)

Darling of Moe and Christina...
Her name is Cheyenne Isabella.
Age: 6 yrs old

Just like other little girls, she loves all the Walt Disney stories, especially those princesses....
One of her favourite cartoon/toy is Winx Club! Which I've also posted it here..
Hope she'll likes it! :)

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.

Baby IQ

2007-08-23T18:26:00.000+08:00

There's alot of interesting IQ Quiz which gives you an estimated/prediction about your baby's IQ. This quiz will help you better understand your baby based on the prediction, but if you baby don't falls under the category you wish them to be, don't be too worried. Just give him/her some time and I'm sure they'll be a fine lady/man in the future...

I've came across this & find it rather interesting, so thought of sharing it here with you:

The Fisher-Price IQ test for babies 6- to 12-months of age:
Each question has a choice of a, b, or c. Choose the one that best fits your child's behavior. Do not pick any answer if your child does not do the activities listed.
a=1 point
b=2 points
c=3 points

1. Does your child:
a. Turn his/her head away when he doesn't want food.
b. Lift his/her harms to be picked up.
c. Play pat-a-cake or wave goodbye.

2. Can your child:
a. Grab a toy you hand him.
b. Drop a toy on purpose.
c. Stack two cups or two bricks.

3. When playing with a toy that includes doors or flaps, does your child:
a. Find opening the door/flap too difficult.
b. Use his/her hand or finger to push the door/flap open.
c. Is able to both open and close a door/flap with ease.

4. When your child is being fed, does he/she:
a. Need you to feed him/her.
b. Use his/her whole hand to try to pick up small food items like peas.
c. Use his/her finger and thumb to pick up small food items like peas.

5. Does your child:
a. Enjoy songs like: "This little piggy" or "Ride a cock horse."
b. Move his hand and/or foot in readiness for "This little piggy."
c. Do the action for one song like "Pat-a-cake."

6. Does your child:
a. Ignore his/her toy teddy he drops.
b. Look for his/her toy teddy he drops.
c. Intentionally drops his/her toy teddy and watches where it goes.

7. Can your child:
a. Have a babble conversation with you.
b. Look where you look.
c. Imitate an action such as pretending to drink from a toy cup.

8. When playing with his toy phone, does your child:
a. Treat it in the same way as all other toys.
b. Show an interest in what the toy phone can do.
c. Do what is expected: press buttons, put to his/her ear, etc.

9. Does your child:
a. Look away and take no notice when you hide a toy under a cloth.
b. Look under the cloth to see where the toy is if part of it is peeping out.
c. Lift the cloth to find the hidden toy.

10. When you call your child's name, does he:
a. Ignore his/her name being called.
b. Turn to you when you call his/her name.
c. Know his/her name and recognize Mommy and Daddy when asked "Where's Mommy/Daddy?"

===> Results:
Average 6-month-old: 8-9 points
Average 9-month-old: 13-15 points
Average 12-month-old: 24-26 points

Dengue Fever

2007-08-23T17:47:00.001+08:00

Dengue Fever is one of the most common diseases. To keep our baby and kids safe from this, here's some information I'll like to share with you.

How is Dengue spread?
Dengue fever is spread by the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It cannot be spread from one person to another.

What are the symptons if someone got dengue?

High, prolonged fever (usually lasts for 5 to 7 days)
Rashes
Severe headache
Pain behind the eyes
Muscle and joint pains
Nausea
Vomiting
Loss of appetite
Fatigue
Diarrhoea

The rash develops on the feet or legs 3 to 4 days after the beginning of the fever. You may also experienced disorders in blood clotting that can result in internal bleeding. DHF is more severe and associated with loss of appetite, vomiting, high fever, headache and abdominal pain. Shock and circulatory failure may occur. Untreated hemorrhagic dengue results in death in up to 50 percent of cases.

How to prevent Dengue?
To prevent dengue fever, you must prevent the breeding of its carrier. A puddle of water about the size and depth of 20-cent coin is sufficient for an Aedes mosquito to breed in.

For for detailed areas that you can take note of as a preventive measures:

Every other day

Change water in flower vases.
Remove water in plant pot plates.
Clear fallen leaves and stagnant water in drains and garden. Some leaves can collect water.

Once a month

Add prescribed amounts of sand granular insecticide into containers, vases, gully traps and roof gutters, even if they are dry.
Sand granular insecticide can be purchased from plant nurseries and DIY stores. (Caution: Do not add the chemical into drinking water. Keep out of reach of children.)
Clear away leaves in roof gutters and apron drains. Remove roof gutters wherever feasible.

At all times

Turn pails and watering cans over and store them under shelter. Place/ store all articles that can collect rain water under shelter at all times.
Cover bamboo pole holders when they are not in use.
Cover rarely used gully traps. If possible, replace gully trap covers with non-perforated ones and install anti-mosquito valves.
Do not block the flow of water in scupper drains along common corridors in HDB estates. Do not place potted plants and other paraphernalia over the drains.
Do not litter. Paper cups and water bottles thrown indiscriminately into drains, grass verges, roadside, vacant lands and other public places can collect rainwater and breed mosquitoes.

If you are vacating your home or away on long holiday

Cover the toilet bowls.
Seal off the overflow pipe of the flushing cistern.
Cover all gully and floor traps.

Hope these information helps you have a better understand on dengue. A good start on the knowledge, helps in protecting your kids too.

Pulpotomy (Infected tooth)

2007-08-23T11:34:00.000+08:00

The word Pulpotomy may be unfamiliar to you, but knowing and understanding it will definately gives you a better position should this happen to your kid and anyone around you..

I got some information and will like to share this with you:

When the nerve of the primary tooth becomes infected, Pulpotomy is necessary in relieving pain and discomfort by removing the nerve tissue (called pulp ) located in the center of a primary ( baby ) tooth.

During a pulpotomy the infected part of the nerve is removed and a sedative medication is placed inside the tooth to prevent sensitivity and to promote healing
Treatment involves drilling through the biting surface of the tooth to expose the diseased pulp, which is removed and treated. Medications are used to sterilize the interior of the tooth to prevent further infection.

After the diseased portion of the pulp has been removed and treated the resulting cavity is sealed with cement and a restoration such as a crown or filling is placed. In most cases this treatment can be completed in one visit however, if additional visits are required, it is essential to return promptly to have that treatment completed.

• Pain, soreness, and infection: Usually there is minimal pain, soreness, or infection after this treatment, however if the tooth was badly infected there may be some residual discomfort. Sometimes an antibiotic is prescribed to clear any residual infection. Slight discomfort is usually treated with an over-the-counter pain reliever such as Tylenol or Advil.

• Perforation: Occasionally the decay, infection, or treatment results in a hole through the tooth into the bone. If this is seen during the treatment the tooth is usually removed, however if the abscess does not heal after treatment it is usually assumed that a perforation is present and the patient is scheduled to have the tooth removed.

• Overfill: Sometimes the cement filling material is forced out though the tip of the roots into the surrounding bone and tissue. This usually causes little or no problem, however if there seems to be discomfort or incomplete healing after the treatment an X-ray can identify if this is the problem and the excess material can be removed.

• Cracking or fracture: Teeth that have had pulpotomies become more brittle and more prone to cracking or breaking. To protect from fracture and further infection, a crown is almost always placed on a tooth that has had a pulpotomy. If the treated tooth has had a filling only, there is a chance that it might fracture and require further treatment.

• Loss of bone support: A severe or longstanding infection can destroy bone around the tooth causing the tooth to be loose. Usually this will heal after pulpotomy treatment however; sometimes it is too advanced. If it does not heal after treatment, the tooth may need to be removed.

Kid of the Day! (22 Aug 07)

2007-08-22T16:48:00.001+08:00

Look! Who's this pinky little sweetie pie? :) Posing with Star Cruise as the backdrop...
Just like other girls, she likes toys, dolls, bears....etc...so I got her one of your favourite, Winne the Pooh below!

She's the darling of Mr and Mrs Pang Tee How.
Her name is Clover Pang.
Age: 3 yrs old

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.

Baby Alive Is Back!

2007-08-22T16:36:00.000+08:00

It's one of the most hip toy now! It's Baby Alive!! You can find them at major toy department stores. This is one of the most popular toy from Hashbro.

This cute Baby Alive toy still "eats" and "poops", and now she's more “life-like” than ever. Best of all, your little girl is sure to love playing "mommy” to this special doll as much as you did years ago.

So get them now! Teach your kids how to handle babies with care. This will also comes in useful if you're planning a little baby brother or sister for your kid. (",)

My Kidz Spot

2007-08-22T13:27:00.000+08:00

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to MyKidzSpot.blogspot.com!
I've been posting a number of posts for since the birth of my Blog. But have not introduced myself so far. Well...if you noticed..there's a short write up about me at the right side of the blog.

If you ask me why I uses the name mykidzspot as my blog name, mykidzspot.blogspot.com, guess what....I'm not sure too, that's the funny part. These words just pop to my mind when I'm thinking of setting a blog on baby/kids. The part I know very well is I used the word mykidzspot.blogspot.com instead of mykidsspot.blogspot.com. Simply I think double ss don't looks so nice, but the word kidz are more funky and cute..:)

If you want to share anything regarding this blog or anything about baby/kids related topics, do you feel free to just drop me a mail, okie?!

For any enquiries, you may contact me via the following:

~ Brenda ~

Email / Messenger :
mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg

Blog :
http://mykidzspot.blogspot.com

Protect your Kids from Internet Risk

2007-08-22T11:05:00.000+08:00

With the increase on the number of kids getting on to the Internet, parents should be responsible to teach and protect them from the Internet danger if it's being misused.

With the recent cases of illegal downloader case of this 9 yrs old kid, there's much more areas that parents should be wary of before things happen. Such as kids interacting with strangers in chatroom, leading leaking of information of themselves, strangers asking them out...etc. Therefore, parents played a very important role in giving them a positive education on Internet.

There's ways to protect your kids, here's some tips to share:
- Positive Education
Educate your kids on the advantages and pitfalls of the cyber world. Explain and code them examples of the consequences of risky online behavior and the precautions to be taken when interacting with others online.

- Point him to the right direction
Recommend your kids websites and search engines that are safe for them. Such as www.yahooligans.com, www.cybersmartkids.com.au, kids.msn.com, mykidzspot.blogspot.com....etc.

- Personal Information & chatroom checks
Explain to your kids in the danger of releasing their personal information in the chatrooms/blog. Monitor their activities closely, especially their conversations in chatrooms, discussion groups..etc. You can encourage them to have their own "buddy list" to limit their contacts with strangers.

- Be in Control
Keep all online accounts, passwords, including email accounts, in your name. And warn them the danger of opening email attachment from strangers .

Your Kid First Visit to Dentist

2007-08-21T21:02:00.001+08:00

Most of the kids do not like or may even fear of going to dentist. But you may not know that kids fear is not instinctive. That's why parents play a very important role when introducing dental care to your kids, this will help in leading them to a more easygoing way in the future.

There might be some things that you might be still unware of, will like to share and hope the following will help to give you a better understanding.

- Ideally a child's first visit should be as early as 1 year- old and not later than two and a half years when all milk teeth have grown.

- It's always good to bring your kids to dentist early to check on their teeth. Immediate treatment is always better then correcting them in the future.

- Children can have developmental dental problems like crooked teeth or a bad bite. The sooner these are discovered, the better the chances of successful treatment.

- Strong teeth, fresh breath and healthy gums can be with your kids for life if they are started early with good dental habits and practices.

Fun at the Beach!

2007-08-21T16:11:00.000+08:00

Beach! That's the word that most of the kids will love and enjoy going.
In Singapore, some of the popular beaches are East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Park, Sentosa...etc..

What can you do at the beach?

1. Picnic
Get your kids involved in preparing for the picnic. This not only helps to build up the bonding with your kids, it's also a chance to have fun together!
Get ready and prepared:
- Go supermarket and buy things together with your kids. Get them involved and let them feel the excitement of it.
- Plan together with your kids on me"menu" for the picnic. Such as sandwiches, what drinks, snacks...etc.
- On the actual day, get them to prepare the drinks and put them in a cooler box if you got one.
- Remember to bring along a mat, towels and all other necessity. Not forgetting the most important tool! The kid's beach toys!

2. Beach Fun
- Some of the interesting beach toys are : Beach balls, sandcastle tools such as pail, spade..etc...Simple yet fun toys are something that shouldn't be missed. Kids enjoy digging hole in in the sand and making castle out from the sand.

3. Swimming
- Swimwear, so they can get some splashing fun in the water. Just be careful and take note especially for the younger kids..

Kid of the Day! (21 Aug 07)

2007-08-21T15:47:00.002+08:00

This is the 1st Kid of the Day so far as the rest are mostly babies....So start off with this handsome little boy! :)

His name is Trevor Chan.
Age: 4 yrs old

He likes playing with these brick toys and loves going to the Zoo! Where most of the kids will enjoy there! He's in the playgroup class now where he got his first experience in the Zoo.
It's just so cute of him to point and shouted "ZOO!!" so excitedly whenever he passes by that place...Kids are just kids...just so true about their feelings...

One of his favourite character, ELMO!

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.

Baby Of The Day! (20 Aug 07)

2007-08-20T13:24:00.000+08:00

This cutie little boy boy is one of my nephew. This photo is taken in the studio, cool isn't it?

His name is Titus Chan.
Age: 15 mths

He's the youngest baby at home...so we all call him "Di Di"...:)

I'll feature his elder brother another day. So you can see if they looks alike..

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.

How to be a Good StoryTeller

2007-08-20T10:51:00.000+08:00

Storytelling is really a fun and great way to bond with your kids! You can teach them new words and reveal fantastic worlds. Let them fully exercise their imagination and creativity on the wonderful stories and they'll be sure to look forward to bedtime with such activity.

Here's some useful tips on how to be a Good StoryTeller:
See Eye to Eye
Eye contacts are very important in storytelling. Use your facial expressions to illuminate the stories.
Jump Right In
Kids doesn't have the patience for lengthy descriptions, so you need to start off your stories with lively depictions of the characters and scene.
Voice It Out
Witches, giants, mermaid, monsters...are characters that will hold your kid's attention. So make them more exicited and amused by giving them different voices, such as giving giant and loud and low growl, while witches can get an evil cackle.

Find New Ideas
Try to recall fun things you did as a child and turn these special memories into funny tales. It'll be fun!
Create a nice ending
A good story has a conclusion, a point or moral behind it. But refrain from making it a teaching lessons, in fact tell your stories with love and let it convey its valuable message.

Odex Case On Kids

2007-08-19T20:11:00.000+08:00

There's alot of news recently regarding Odex and it's action against illegally downloading of anime online...etc..
Illegal downloaders caught will received letters of legal threat from Odex and subsequently pursuing out-of-court settlements for at least S$3,000 (US$2,000) per person.
Concern was raised and brought attention to parents when the case of a 9 years old kid was caught and received official letter from Odex. The parents of the kid was so shocked to receive such letter because they're not aware what their kids are doing...

From what I think, this actually boils down to the problems on how much parents understand and knows about what their kids are actually doing. When such problems of illegal act by the kids are surfaced, does parents need to hold responsibity for such act? What can be done as a preventive measures for such problems?

Share with us your comments and thoughts on this...Can things be done to prevent such problems in the future...etc?

Favourite Kids Website

2007-08-19T18:11:00.000+08:00

There's alot of kids websites out there, here's some interesting website which I believe your kids would love it. You can find different types of interesting activities on these websites, there's coloring, drawing, music, games..etc..so many more!

Some of the websites are so interesting, even adults too enjoy it. So start improving your bonding and join in the fun with them!

http://pbskids.org/barney/

http://www.barney.com

http://www.bratz.com/

http://www.winxclub.com/

www.hi5.com.au
http://www.cartoonnetwork.com

http://www.sanrio.co.jp/english/multimedia/s_gallery/kr_demo.html
http://www.sanrio.com/activities/

There's much more interesting websites, I'll update on my blog again. So do come back and check out more!...

Baby of the Day! (18 Aug 2007)

2007-08-18T15:29:00.001+08:00

Hey! Guess who's this cute little baby? Having fun lying on his bed and playing around with his teddy bears.. :) He's the first precious little "BAO BEI" for Mr Yee Kok Hai and Angeline

His name is Yee Kai Wen.
Age: About 8 mths old
Weight: About 9kg
Birthday: 27th November 2006

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog.

Strawberry Mashmallow cake

2007-08-18T14:49:00.000+08:00

I got to know this recipe, Strawberry Mashmallow cake, from my sister and it looks really yummy from the photo! Well..it doesn't seems to be that difficult from the recipe. I'm going to try it out! :) You may want to try it out too?

Base:

200 gm digestive biscuits

80 gm melted butter

Crushed digestive biscuits and mix well with melted butter. Press into a 8” or 9" square or round cake ring. Refrigerate for later use.

Marshmallow filling:

250 gm of marshmallow

150 ml of UHT milk (full cream milk)

300 ml of whip cream (diary whip cream) - I used Millac brand from PH

2 tsp of gelatine powder

Put all the ingredients into a pot. Doubleboil over small fire until gelatine is dissolved.

Jello topping:

1 pkt of raspberry Jello

400 ml of water

2 tsp of gelatine powder

Boil all ingredients until dissolved.

Assembling the cake:

Pour marshmallow filling into the prepared baking tin with biscuit base. Put in freezer until slightly harden but not totally frozen. Take it out and arrange sliced fresh strawberries. Put it back to freezer to harden a little. When slightly harden take it out and pour the slightly cool Jello on it. Put in fridge to chilled. Cut into small pieces to serve.

Optional: You can also arrange some sliced fresh strawberries on the biscuit base just before pouring in the marshmallow.

(Send in your baby/kids photo to mykidzspot@yahoo.com.sg for a FREE write up in this blog! More details, check out the "Baby/Kid Write up" Section in the blog)