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What you need to know about baby monitors
Keep your eye on bubs while they're fast asleep Becoming a parent is a rollercoaster of emotions and new experiences. You’ve spent nine months with your baby tucked safely in your belly, and now that they've made it Earth-side, you can’t wait to bring them home. When it comes to sleeping, you may have your mini-me in your room or nursery. At some point they will move into their own bedroom, and it’s quite natural to feel anxious about leaving your tiny human alone. That’s where baby monitors allow you to keep an eye and ear on your little one from anywhere in the house (outside too!). Baby monitors provide peace of mind for parents who worry that they might not wake when baby stirs or cries, signaling it’s time for a feed – or perhaps just stretching. In today’s tech-driven world, baby monitors are almost a given, and these days they come with lots of features. Here’s what you need to know when buying a baby monitor: Types of baby monitors Audio Sound-only monitors are essentially like a walkie-talkie – they’ll let you listen to your baby as they sleep. They focus on minimising background noise so you can hear cries and coos from the crib. Many audio monitors will light-up when your baby stirs, glowing brighter as their cries get louder. Video and audio Watch your baby – as well as hear them! These monitors work through a small camera mounted on the nursery wall or a flat surface beside baby’s crib. Night vision provides a clearer image when the lights are off, and touch-screen features let you zoom in or tilt the camera. Some can feed a live stream to multiple cameras, helping you keep an eye out from any room in the house. Wireless network Most monitors use radio-frequency transmission, but these digital monitors connect to your home Wi-Fi or mobile network. For example, the Owlet Cam lets you stream audio and high-definition video of your baby directly to your smartphone via the Owlet app. Some will send your device notifications when there has been a change in movement or sound. Key baby monitor features Like many technology-based products, baby monitors have advanced in leaps and bounds. Some have amazing add-ons which certainly make life easier, but there are some essential features you should consider: Rechargeable batteries . Pick a model that can recharge or be plugged in instead of relying on batteries.= Low-battery indicator . You can visually see when power is running low. Multiple and portable receivers . You may want a receiver that can move around the home with you. An extra handset is handy for when the other one is charging. Night vision. Unless you can see in the dark, a monitor with night vision will make it easier to see your sleeping baby – no matter what time of day or night it is. Light-up sound indicator . Look for a baby monitor with a light-up sound indicator, so if you’re on the phone, in a noisy room or don’t want to wake another sleeping family member, you can visually monitor your little one’s noise level. Sound and video interference filters . Background noises can make it difficult to hear your baby – and they’re not pleasant when amplified by a baby monitor. A sound activation feature will filter out white noise – and turn on when it detects your baby crying. DECT technology . Baby monitors that use common radio frequencies will pick up signals and interferences from all over the neighbourhood – not ideal. Digital enhanced cordless telecommunication devices (DECT) are more private because the frequency is less common than in other devices. Movement and room temperature sensors . This feature sounds an alarm when there has been no movement after a certain length of time, and when the room temperature goes above or below the range it has been set at. Talk-to-baby feature . Essentially like an intercom – this lets you soothe your baby from another room or communicate with your husband or wife when they’re with your little one. Lullaby and night light . Some monitors will play a tune to help your baby get to sleep. Some will also give off a soft glow which babies can find comforting in a dark room. Camera angle and mount . For monitors with video capabilities, consider where you want to place the camera (on a flat surface, in a clamp, on the wall) and whether you can remotely control the viewing angle. Multiple camera support . Set up multiple rooms with cameras that you can turn on or off as needed. Get a good night’s rest – sort of Being a parent can be stressful enough without running back and forth to check on your sleeping baby – especially at two AM! For some, a baby monitor might not be necessary – if your home is small for example – but parents looking for peace of mind should consider using one. There are models available that offer a combination of features, like Oricom’s Smart HD Dual Camera Baby Monitor . The smart baby monitor features dual lenses for standard and wide-angle viewing. Simply pair the camera to the FREE HubbleClub for Partners app, and you can view both feeds simultaneously on your smart device. Lull your little one to sleep with pre-loaded nature sounds, lullabies & audiobooks, soothe them with your familiar voice using Two-Way Talk, and even track nursery room temperatures with the touch of a button to ensure your newborn is always comfortable. The Oricom HD Dual Camera shoots in 1080p HD and with pristine infrared night vision, this baby monitor provides crystal clear monitoring, even in total darkness. The OBHDUAL is the reliable friend that makes bedtime easier for the whole family, with the camera feed viewable on your Smart Device at home (not included).
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Choosing the right baby carrier
Here’s everything you need to know about baby carriers Becoming a new parent comes with an overwhelming number of unanswered questions – one of which is how to choose the right baby carrier. Keeping your little bundle of joy close to you while running errands, visiting the grandparents or doing chores around the house might seem like a far-fetched idea at first, but with a baby carrier, you don’t have to choose between doing one or the other. There is a huge selection of baby carriers to choose from – everything from smaller models best suited to newborn babies through to adaptable carriers which can be used even into the toddler years. With so many options, it can make deciding on which one to buy a little daunting – especially if you’re a first-time parent. Let’s take a look at different styles of carriers, as well as a few tips for how to pick the right one for you and your baby. Types of baby carriers Ring slings Ring slings are a well-known and versatile style of baby carrier. They’re made from a length of fabric threaded through two rings. Ring slings are worn on one shoulder, spreading widely across your back to create a pouch for baby to sit in. With some models, extra shoulder padding can be added for long-term wearing. Because a ring sling offers a variety of different carrying positions, it can be used from newborn through to toddlerhood. For young babies, it supports the ‘C-shape’ curve they’re born with. Once the sling has been adjusted to fit you and bubs, it’s a simple matter of popping baby in and out. Ring slings are a great introductory carrier for new parents because they’re easy to use and can be stored in your nappy bag. Soft-structured carriers This style of carrier is a favourite with parents because of how easy it is to use and adjust. The basic design is a front panel where baby will be ‘seated’, a waist strap and two padded shoulder straps – all of which can be adjusted and secured with buckles to achieve a comfortable fit. Soft-structured carriers can be used for front, hip and back carrying, from newborns to toddlers. They carry your baby in an ergonomic upright position (rather than a hammock or cradle position), evenly distributing his weight over both your shoulders. Many have additional head support for younger babies or integrated infant boosters which can be easily removed as your baby grows – like this Nuna Cudl Carrier. They’re not quite as snuggly as wraps and can take time to work out the most comfortable position, but they’re super-quick to pop on and provide fantastic support for long-term wearing. Wrap slings or carriers A wrap – like this Aura Baby Wrap – is one of the most comfortable baby carriers to wear. For young babies, the swaddle-like design mimics the feel of the womb. The design consists of a long piece of specially-woven fabric that is wrapped, tied and moulded to your body and baby. You can use it in lots of different styles – front, side or back, on one shoulder or two. Some wrap snugly around your chest to distribute weight and others are more like a backpack. Most will fit all sizes, shapes and ages of babes. You’ll need to learn how to wrap, but with a little practice and patience, you’ll have it mastered in no time. Tips for choosing a baby carrier Baby carriers come in a wide variety of styles and features. Whatever carrier you choose, follow the usage instructions and safety advice in the manual, and always monitor baby when in the carrier to ensure proper airflow is maintained. When shopping for a baby carrier, here are some things you should consider: Longevity As your baby grows, your carrier will need changing features. Newborns like to snuggle in close with their head on your chest; toddlers want to see the world! Most carriers come with generous age and size ranges but it's essential to choose a carrier designed to fit your baby's size and age. Some parents opt for two carriers and others look for an alternative that can adjust to different ages. Fit and comfort One of the most important factors of a baby carrier is how well it fits. You want one that fits your newborn well and supports her safely. This means you’ll need to factor in weight, height, physiology and build. It should also be comfortable for both you and your baby. The seat of any carrier should allow your baby’s legs to be in the hip-healthy ‘M’ position. For you, think about how much back and shoulder support you’ll need for long-term wearing comfort. Most carriers are one-size-fits-most, can be easily adjusted and shared between parents. Other options come in different size ranges. Ease of use Regardless of what type of carrier you buy, it may take a little practice before using one becomes second nature. Some carriers require a multi-step process to get set up but can be easily stored in a nappy bag. Others may be easier to use but bulkier to transport. Easy to clean If you didn’t already know – babies are messy! Not all carriers can be machine-washed for easy cleaning – some need to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned. Be sure to check labels for washing instructions. Climate While physical contact is great for a boost of oxytocin (the love hormone) and bonding, all carriers will add heat. For warmer climates, lightweight and breathable fabrics are essential. For colder climates, heavier materials and padding are more appropriate. Organic and eco-friendly For those parents and babies with sensitive skin, or anyone looking for an eco-friendly carrier option, consider carriers with organic fabrics, colour grown cotton, unbleached fabrics, recycled materials, and non-toxic dyeing processes. Pick what’s right for you and your family Baby carriers are a great alternative to lugging a stroller in and out of your boot and navigating crowds. They’ve been shown to help promote bonding, improve postpartum depression and anxiety, and reduce crying. But ultimately, the perfect carrier for you and your bouncing baby is the style that you both find most comfortable. All carriers provide exactly what your baby is looking for – being close to you. Look at your budget, lifestyle, and who will be using the carrier to help you decide which styles to consider.
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Teething Baby? Your go to Survival Guide
The teething baby survival guide Long before you spot the pearly white poking out of your little one’s gum, you’ll typically be warned of its arrival by a grizzly babe. Teething can happen anywhere from three to twelve months and some babies are even born with teeth. The signs of teething vary hugely – mountains of dribble, ear-pulling, strange rashes, increased night-waking or general grumpiness. Whatever your baby starts to do, it helps to have some tricks up your sleeve. Chewy toys That’s right – dogs and teething babies love them equally. That’s because counter pressure on sore gums can help provide relief. Save the railings of the cot (and anything else they can get their gums around) by having some teething toys on hand. Textured flexible teethers that can be popped in the fridge like the Haakaa Rabbit Teether have the added benefit of cooling and slightly numbing the gums. Gnaw-friendly foods Some babies love having a big piece of something hard to chew on, like chilled cucumber, carrot, celery or a hard rusk. Special teething rusks can usually be picked up at the supermarket or you can try making your own. As with any hard foods, make sure you keep a close eye on your little one as pieces can break off and become a choking hazard. Keep it cool Pop frozen fruit or veg in a teething feeder, like this one from Haakaa, to soothe sensitive gums. Make sure they’ll be soft once they melt – try bananas, ripe pears or stone fruit, and well-steamed veggies. Sometimes teething can affect your little one’s appetite too, so these are a great way to help get extra nourishment in when mealtimes are tough. The magic necklace Amber teething necklaces have been around for hundreds of years, and many parents swear by them! The theory is that succinic acid, a component of amber, is absorbed into your baby’s skin to soothe teething woes by reducing inflammation and promoting healing. While the jury is still out on whether they deliver on the magic promised, it’s worth a try! If nothing else, your babe gets a cute necklace out of it. Be sure to look for necklaces with individually knotted beads (for extra safety if broken). Teething and toothbrushing How about a teething aid that helps little ones get the hang of brushing their teeth at the same time? A teething toothbrush like this cute toothbrush will gently massage painful gums while cleaning any little teeth with its soft silicone bristles. Cuddles and comfort Sometimes all the teething aids in the world just won’t cut it and your baby just needs some extra cuddles and comfort. While it might seem like teething pains ramp up at night, it’s more likely that extra night-waking can just make it feel worse – to you! In the meantime, try and relish those extra snuggles (hard to do at 3 am, we know!) The last line of defence If chewing, rubbing and gnawing cool foods don't do the trick, it might be time to break out the liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always check with your GP or Plunket Nurse before administering any medicine, but a mild form of pain relief or anti-inflammatory can sometimes make all the difference. If you’re not quite ready to go down the medication route just yet, a natural alternative like Teething Tamer can provide natural, organic pain relief, which is easily applied externally (making it extra easy for little ones) and can be used from three months onwards.
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Healthy Eating - Kids in the kitchen
Kids in the kitchen – building a foundation of health I am hugely passionate about building a strong foundation of health for children, so that they don’t spend a large chunk of their lives attempting to undo bad habits or with chronic health conditions. One really impactful way to do this is to teach them how to cook nutritious home cooked meals from scratch. This builds confidence in the kitchen and is an incredibly valuable life skill to have so that when they eventually leave home they know how to cook and won’t need to rely on takeaways and nutritionally poor foods. It is also a really nice way to mindfully spend time with your children in a way that is really fun for the whole family. There is continually more emphasis being placed on the importance of teaching children to eat healthy nutritious foods, due to the prevalence of childhood obesity, the behavior and learning implications of nutritional deficiencies and obesity related health issues. Did you know that one in nine of our New Zealand children are classified as being obese? Our childhood obesity rates really highlight the importance of education for children about nutrition and how to cook homemade meals. As a parent it is often a battle to get children to eat healthy foods, they are inundated with advertising and clever marketing that promotes and encourages less than ideal foods, such as sugar laden cereals and juices with their favorite cartoon characters, or sports heroes on the packaging. It is everywhere you look, and in our busy modern society takeaways have become the norm and not just a treat anymore. As a busy mum of four myself I have felt plenty of mum guilt at times for looking for easy meal options that aren’t as nutritious as I would like out of time constraints and food preferences of my children. Thankfully now I have a far less idealistic view on nutrition for my family and realise that there is no such thing as being the perfect Mum and that it is perfectly healthy for families to also have treat foods, and to enjoy them occasionally without guilt while ensuring majority of the time they are eating well. Teaching my own children, and others at a local primary school how to cook different meals has been a really rewarding experience. Children love to learn through ‘doing’ and are far more receptive to trying new foods when they are involved in the cooking process. One of my favorite things to do it to write a list of their favorite foods, this is very predictable with kids and generally consists of pizza, burgers and fries then discuss how we can make these foods at home and what we can do to add in extra nutrients. For example, Pita pizzas with different herbs, vegetables and homemade pizza sauce, burger patties with mince and grated vegetables, hand cut and oven baked kumara fries etc. You can make this really fun by making a recipe together, formulating a shopping list and letting them help find the ingredients, my three-year-old loves this! There are so many great cookbooks and websites that offer great ideas and tips these days. Some of my favorites include. A great resource for all things vegetables including nutritional information, preparation tips, and educational resources https://www.vegetables.co.nz/ A great resource of recipes & children’s goal setting charts for healthy eating https://www.healthykids.org.nz/ A personal favourite for lots of delicious kid friendly nutritious recipes would have to be Nadia Lim’s Kid section on her website https://nadialim.com/?sfid=974&_sft_meals_courses=kid-friendly For my older boys one activity that they really loved from around the age of five was picking a country, then looking for one of their traditional dishes and cooking it. The most loved one that was often repeated was Mexican fiesta night with tacos, pepitas and guacamole. This is a really fun way to get children in the kitchen and trying new foods. I have also found meal subscriptions like HelloFresh great for the older kids as everything they need including a simple recipe card is all included. They get really excited when they are making dinner themselves and it creates a huge feeling of accomplishment in them and also as a mum! Other skills that are strengthened when it comes to cooking with children include basic maths in younger children through counting and measuring. This also builds communication and language skills by discussing ingredients and recipes. Pre-schoolers are well known for being fussy eaters, encouraging them to explore different foods and textures by involving them in meal time preparation can really help to broaden their palate. You can also talk about how healthy foods help us to grow and the differences between different foods such fruits and vegetables, or for older children carbohydrates, protein and fats. This can also be a great time to explore mindful eating by engaging the difference senses during food preparation. Exploring the different appearances, textures, smells, tastes and sounds of food, exploring this is a wonderful way to be engaged for children and parents Most importantly have fun with it, you’re teaching your children an incredibly important life skill that will benefit them for years to come, instilling independence and not to mention eventually some time out from cooking yourself – win,win! Kylie Stowe @melawholefoods Pita Pizza Serves 4 This is a firm favorite amongst my children and was also one of the most loved in my kids cooking & nutrition classes. It is really fun to head to your local farmers market on the weekend and let the kids pick some different ingredients to try, it is also a great way to learn about the different seasons when different produce is available. The recipe below is for a basic pita pizza as a guide but have fun with this and let the kids build their own and try new things. Ingredients - 4 wholemeal pita - 4 tbsp of tomato paste - 2 handfuls of basil leaves - 16 cherry tomatoes - 1 sliced smoked chicken breast - 1 sliced capsicum - 1c of mozzarella cheese Method 1. Preheat the oven to 180c fan bake, and line a baking tray with baking paper. 2. Place the pita bread on the tray, top with tomato paste, then basil. Equally arrange the other ingredients on the pita. Top with cheese. 3. Bake for 10 minutes, or until golden. Enjoy! These are really nice served with salad.
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Motherhood: Beyond the Fourth Trimester
Beyond The Fourth Trimester - A Sustainable Approach To Health Once the first few months with your new baby have passed you might be feeling like the haze of those early weeks has passed. You also might not be there just yet, just as each baby is different so is each pregnancy and the subsequent postpartum period. This is why it is important to be mindful of not judging how well you are doing based on other mothers who might appear to be completely back to normal with a baby who sleeps all night. If you are still breastfeeding, many mothers report a drop in milk supply at this point often saying that they no longer feel like their breasts are as full. This is something I experienced with my first baby and thought it meant I was losing my milk supply. It is normal for the initial fullness and engorgement to diminish as your milk supply is more established at this point, and your body has adjusted to supplying what your baby needs. If you do ever feel concerned by this your Plunket nurse, local lactation consultant or the La Leche league are a wonderful source of support & encouragement. Once those exhausting early months have passed many of the mothers I work with are keen to start focusing on reclaiming their pre-pregnancy bodies and to start dieting and exercising. Focusing on good nutrition and consistent exercise is hugely beneficial and has many positive health impacts such as increased energy, better sleep, improved mood and changes in body composition. What is really important to be mindful of, is that changes in diet and physical activity are best to be done with an incremental approach to minimise the chances of under-fuelling yourself, drops in milk supply, injuries and adding too much pressure on yourself. It also allows you to build sustainable health habits that you are more likely to maintain long term. I always recommend an appointment with a postpartum trained physiotherapist. They can assess your posture for diastasis recti (tummy muscle separation) and guidance on pelvic floor exercises. Women who have had caesareans often think because they haven't had a natural birth they don't need to worry about pelvic floor exercises - this isn't the case, pregnancy still takes its toll on the body so re-strengthening the pelvic floor after carrying a baby is important for all mothers. Working with a personal trainer that specialises in postpartum exercise is a great idea. They can ensure your exercise technique is correct to avoid injury and set an exercise program that is suitable for your current fitness level that will be mindful of the changes that need to be made to a fitness program based on your requirements postpartum. When looking at dieting I always encourage my Mum’s take a non-diet approach to focus on improving health not through restriction but with healthy nutritional choices that improve their health status not diminish it. To achieve this we focus on a nutritional approach that has a strong focus on nutrient repletion to help the body to replete nutrients that were preferentially supplied to their growing baby. Focusing on a diet full of whole unprocessed foods is the foundation for this. Most women find that this approach is very empowering, it leads to better satiety and self-regulation of eating over restriction then binge eating. When it comes to improving your diet always aim for progress, not perfection, and most importantly enjoy your meals! Adequate protein intake is essential for tissue repair and rebuilding especially when exercising. Sources of protein include meat, chicken, seafood, eggs, legumes nuts and seeds. Protein also helps to keep you feeling full for longer. I use and recommend Clean Lean Protein powder for smoothies as it is perfectly safe for breastfeeding mums. You can use the discount code ‘mela’ to save 15% at nuzest.co.nz . Eating plenty of colourful vegetables and some fruits (eat the rainbow!) is important to supply essential vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, fibre and carbohydrate. I aim to have three fist-sized servings of vegetables with lunch and dinner. It is important to supply yourself with some complex carbohydrate for energy and to assist with glycogen repletion after exercising. Some good sources are pumpkin, yams, kumara, and whole grains such as brown rice and quinoa. Don't forget to incorporate healthy fats with each meal. Fats have been demonised and avoided for so long that many people are not aware of how important adequate fat intake is for health. Dietary fat is essential for the absorption of many nutrients, production of certain hormones, the supply of energy and support of cell growth. Good sources of healthy fats include oily fish such as salmon, extra virgin olive oil, hemp seed oil, avocado, nuts and seeds. Lastly don't forget to drink your water! Aim for two glasses on rising then another 2 litres throughout the day and more when exercising. If you are a breastfeeding mum aiming to have a glass of water with each feed I find keeping a water bottle close by during the day and for those night feeds is a great idea - it’s thirsty work! Kylie Stowe @melawholefoods Postpartum Nourish Bowl Serves 1 Ingredients 120-150 grams of cooked sliced meat (or vegetarian alternative) 2 cups of salad greens 1 cup of an assortment of diced colourful vegetables 1 palm-sized serve of cooked complex carbohydrate (pumpkin, yams, brown rice, quinoa, kumara) ¼ - ½ of an avocado or 40 grams of Feta 1 tbsp of hummus 1tbsp toasted pumpkin & sunflower seeds 2 tbsp of dressing of your choice. Method Arrange all of the ingredients in a bowl, season, drizzle with dressing and enjoy! My favourite dressing is made with extra virgin olive oil, apple cider vinegar & wholegrain mustard. To change up the flavours you can coat your protein in different herbs and spices the one pictured is Moroccan chicken.
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IT’S A WINNER BABY!
Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair wins Red Dot: Best of the Best In one of the world’s most prestigious design competitions, Stokke once again proved its excellence with the latest addition to our innovative line of seating, the Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair. Winning over the expert jury for the Red Dot Award, Product Design 2020, the Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair stood out amongst the 6,500 product entries and has been awarded the coveted Red Dot: Best of the Best for the highest quality and ground-breaking design. True to the motto “In search of good design and innovation”, only 1.2% of the objects entered received a Red Dot: Best of the Best. When asked what sets the Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair apart, lead designer Anders August Kittilsen commented, “The goal was to give families what they really need. The Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair is streamlined to provide exactly what you need when your child is about to learn how to sit on their own and start eating solid foods. We´ve removed all the features you don’t find necessary during the typical feeding period from about 6 to 36 months and focused on simulating babies’ development while offering convenience to the parents.” About the Red Dot Design Award With more than 18,000 entries, the Red Dot Award is one of the world’s largest design competitions. The international jury comprises experienced experts from different disciplines and has been convening for around 65 years in order to select the year’s best designs. The adjudication process lasts several days and is based on two essential criteria: The jurors test all the entries in order to assess not just the aesthetic but also the materials selected, the level of craftsmanship, the surface structure, ergonomics and functionality. Mealtime made easy We asked the real experts, parents, what they expect us to deliver upon in a new high chair. The feedback was unanimous, and we heard the pain points loud and clear. Combining parents’ input with our know-how, we’ve designed a high chair that answers the day-to-day needs of modern families during the typical feeding period. The result - the all-in-one, easy to assemble and easy to clean high chair that takes away the typical fuss of mealtime! Sleek, contemporary design, without any nooks or crannies means no more scrubbing and digging out leftovers. Simply wipe clean and pop the tray into the dishwasher. Three, simple to adapt, configurations offer optimal back and leg support for comfort and ergonomics at each age between 6 to 36 months. The deliberately minimalistic design offers the best balance of space and safety. The Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair allows for proper upright seating, encouraging natural movement and supports exploration as babies learn and develop at the family dining table. Stokke® Clikk™ High Chair – At A Glance Assembles in 1 minute, tool-free! Can be used from 6 months up to 3 years Adjustable footrest for comfort at each age Easy to wipe clean, dishwasher safe tray Includes everything - high chair, tray & harness Check it out on our site here
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Car Safety for Littlies
Car seats and safety tips for parents When you become a parent, keeping your child safe is your most important job, and safety in the car is particularly important. Most of us drive so regularly that we forget how dangerous cars can be – but car crashes are one of the most common causes of injury and death for children. Car seats are now more sophisticated and high-tech than ever before, which is good news when it comes to keeping your children safe. But as seats have changed, so have the rules and guidelines about installation and use. This is where it gets confusing – many parents are not sure about car restraint laws or best practices. You have to choose from a huge range of car seats, install them properly, then work out how to get your brand-new baby strapped in safely. It can be a minefield, so it’s a good idea to work out what you’re doing well ahead of time – you don’t want to be googling info on the way to the hospital. Here’s our guide to car safety for young kids in NZ. Car seat law in New Zealand Children are far smaller than adults, and they’re built differently as well. That’s why car seats are essential – they protect delicate bodies in case of an accident. Seat belts are designed to sit in the right place on adult bodies, but not on lighter, shorter children. They can actually cause damage to children’s organs in a crash. That’s why the law says that children in New Zealand must travel in an approved, appropriate car seat up to the age of seven . The seat must be installed correctly, and the child must be secured properly. After seven, she should use a booster seat until she is tall enough for safety belts to fit correctly. Safety tips for little ones Car seats are key, but there are other car safety considerations as well, especially as your child gets older. It’s important to never leave your baby or child in the car alone – even if you’re only leaving for a few minutes. Here’s what to remember: Install baby and child seats in the back seat, as this is the safest place – front airbags can be deadly to small children in a crash. Put your child in his seat and secure the straps every single time – even a short journey could be dangerous. Never leave children in the car alone, even for a short time – babies and small children can overheat and dehydrate very quickly if left in a car. In warm weather, make sure your car is air-conditioned, or keep a window open to provide airflow. As your child gets older, teach him to get out of the car on the footpath side if possible – if not, make sure he waits for an adult to get him out of the car. If you’re taking multiple children out of the car, teach them to keep a hand on the side of the vehicle while they wait. Don’t let children play with car doors or controls unsupervised. Activate child safety locks while driving if your car has them. The right car seat at any age When you look at the huge range of options, car seats can seem overwhelming. What’s right at each age? How do you install them correctly? How do you know when your child is ready for the next type of seat? The good news is, there’s actually a fairly simple progression of seat types for different ages – from 0-2 most babies should be in a rear-facing car seat, from two to around four or five they should be in a front-facing restraint, and after that, they should stay in a booster seat until they’re 148cm tall. Read our full guide to car seats here Rear-facing restraints Rear-facing child restraints are the safest option for small babies and toddlers. Because small children have large heads in proportion to their body size, a crash in a forward-facing seat can cause devastating damage to the neck and spine – so try to keep your child rear-facing for as long as possible. Experts recommend facing your baby backwards until she’s at least two, so if she outgrows her seat before then, you could think about buying a rear-facing seat with a higher height or weight limit. You can choose to use a rear-facing capsule-style seat for your new-born, or go straight to a convertible seat that takes you from infant to pre-school – or further. Rear-facing tips: Buy or rent an appropriate seat well before your baby is born – hospitals won’t let you leave without a car seat for your newborn. Read the instructions carefully and install the seat correctly – many retailers will help with installation or check to make sure your seat is properly fitted. Put the car seat in the back seat of the car if possible – front seat airbags can be seriously dangerous to babies and small children. If your vehicle doesn’t have a back seat, a rear-facing seat can be installed in the front passenger seat – but ask your mechanic to deactivate the airbag or move the seat back as far as you can. Don’t let small babies sleep in their car seats if you’re not driving, as the upright position can cause breathing difficulties in some cases. Always use a seat that’s appropriate to the weight and height of your baby – if you start with a capsule, you’ll probably need to switch to another rear-facing seat when your child is around six months old. Forward-facing car seats When your child outgrows his rear-facing position, you need to turn his seat around. You can tell he’s ready for the switch when the top of his head reaches the top of the car seat or the marked height limit, or when your baby’s weight reaches the limit for your particular seat. Forward-facing tips: Install the seat properly – don’t forget to use the tether strap if the seat needs one. Put the car seat in the back seat of the car unless there’s absolutely no other option – front seat airbags can be seriously dangerous to babies and small children. Always secure your child in the seat correctly – straps should sit flat and tight, and the central clip should be pulled up to sit in the centre of the child’s chest. Booster seats Unlike car seats, boosters don’t have a harness to hold the child in place – they just lift her into the right position to use the car’s seat belt. Your child is ready for a booster when her eye level reaches the top of her car seat, or when she reaches the recommended weight for your model of the seat. If your child grows out of her seat and you still want the safety of a child restraint, you can look for a seat with a higher maximum weight. Children should use a booster until they’re tall enough to use the car’s safety belts on their own – the belt should cross over the shoulder, rather than the neck, their legs should bend over the edge of the seat while their back reaches the seat, and the lap belt should cross their pelvis and thighs. Most children can stop using a booster at around 12 – or 148cm tall. Booster tips: Look for a booster seat with a belt guide to help position the seat belt on your child’s shoulder, rather than close to the neck Only use a booster seat with a full seat belt – lap belts will not hold them safely. Keeping your babies safe It may sound like a lot to learn, but keeping your children safe in the car is pretty straightforward once you get started. Just remember – try to keep them rear-facing and in a five-point harness for as long as you can. And if you’re confused about choosing the right car seat or installing it properly, talk to our expert team – we’re always happy to help.
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Help from our Experts
The COVID-19 Lockdown can be a difficult and stressful time for any new parent. Website information can be confusing and it is hard to know exactly what product would be best for you and your baby. To make things a little bit easier and to ensure our customers get all the information and advice they need we are offering one on one consultations with an experienced team member. Our team members Charlotte and Rebecca have been working at the Dimples Store for over 8 years and have extensive knowledge of all of our products and brands. They will be able to compare products for you and be able to help you find the best product to suit you and your baby. They both are registered car seat restraint technicians, which means they know how to correctly and safely install car seats and can offer advice for installation and sale of car seats to ensure you get the correct seat for your car and child. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please find out how to book your consultation below: How to book a consultation: • Email shop@dimples.co.nz with the products you are wanting further advice on or any enquiries you may have. • Our team member will then organise a date and time with you to be able to go through your enquiry. • If you do not want a zoom consultation they can answer your enquiry through email exchange or arrange a phone consultation with you.
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Reduce the Risk of SIDS
How to help keep your baby safe Entering the world of parenthood comes with its fair share of anxiety, from wondering how different your new life will be, to the worry of being responsible for a new little person. Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), previously known as ‘cot death’, is the unexplained death (typically during sleep) of a seemingly healthy baby. While SIDS is a very real threat, with a little knowledge you can reduce many known contributing factors. Back to sleep You’ll no doubt hear this on repeat from midwives and Plunket nurses as soon as your little babe comes along and for very good reason. Babies who sleep on their stomachs are much more at risk of SIDS. While it’s not 100% understood exactly why experts believe it could be about re-inhaling stale air. Once your baby can happily roll over by themself, you don’t need to worry about sleeping positions any more. Make it a strictly smoke-free zone Smoking (and exposure to second-hand smoke) during pregnancy not only puts your baby at risk of health issues but increases the risk of SIDS too. It’s thought that nicotine can wreak havoc on a mechanism in their brain which senses a lack of oxygen and triggers breathing to start (called auto-resuscitation). So make sure it’s strictly a smoke-free zone when you’re pregnant and when your little one arrives, and that your family and friends are on board too. Welcome your new (temporary) roommate It’s widely recommended that your new babe bunks in with you (in their own safe sleeping space) for at least the first four to six months. This isn’t always practical for light sleepers, in which case a good breathing movement monitor set up in their nursery will give you peace of mind. A safe spot for slumber While room-sharing is recommended, bed-sharing isn’t. It can be so tempting to savour that extra time snuggled up in bed with your new babe, but bulky duvets, pillows and even an adult rolling can spell danger for little ones. Setting your baby up with their own safe space (like a portable Moses basket ) within arm’s reach is your best option. Be prepared to be suddenly jolted awake and find yourself sitting up in bed or a nursing chair with your baby in your arms – sleep deprivation can really grab hold of you in the early days. Sleeping with a baby on a chair or sofa is very dangerous, so to avoid this as much as possible, use the middle-of-the-night feeds as opportunities to clear out and edit that day’s photos on your phone (no doubt there will be plenty!) Your phone’s blue light will help keep you alert. Baby, it’s cold outside It’s important to make sure the room where your baby is sleeping is at a comfortable temperature. Bundling up babies at all times is an outdated theory – overheating is another substantial SIDS risk. Higher temperatures can put babies into a deeper slumber, making it difficult for them to wake if their breathing is obstructed. The recommended room temperature for a baby is 16 to 20 degrees, with around 18 degrees being ideal. To check your baby’s temperature, feel his back or tummy – it should feel warm. A great way to check the temperature of their nursery is with a combined nightlight/temperature sensor like the Moon Nightlight . Blankets (and everything else) be gone All those cute blankets, animal-shaped pillows and snuggly little toys that create a cosy-looking cot will need to stay in storage until your baby’s first birthday. Until then, all you need is a fitted sheet and wearable bedding like a Merino Sleep Pod to keep them warm. The key is to avoid anything that may cover their face and restrict breathing. Breastfeed if possible Experts aren’t sure why, but breastfeeding can significantly lower the risk of SIDS. The theory is that breastfeeding promotes the sucking and swallowing action, which develops muscles that keep the airway open while boosting brain development. Breastfed babies are generally lighter sleepers, too. This might not sound like a benefit at 2 am, but anything that helps reduce SIDS is a big plus. A big tick for pacifiers There tends to be negativity around using pacifiers, but they can not only be life-saving for unsettled babies during car trips, but also literally life-saving. Once again, it’s a bit of an unknown how pacifiers help, but there is a clear link – babies who use pacifiers are at lower risk of SIDS. As with breastfeeding, this could be due to more developed sucking and swallowing muscles that help keep airways open. If you’re breastfeeding, wait until this is well established (at least 4-6 weeks) before introducing a good quality silicone pacifier . Do what you can to reduce the risk While there are still a lot of unknowns with SIDS, being armed with what you can do to reduce as many risks as possible should put your mind at ease. Keep in mind that the risk of SIDS decreases after six months and is pretty rare after a baby’s first birthday.
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