Baby Steps Wellness

Baby Steps Wellness Antenatal classes for expecting parents.

Clinic appointments and home visits where Sister Desiree can support mom's on a variety of topics regarding the care of their baby.

Babies and swimmingPart 2 of 2First aidIt’s a good idea to learn resuscitation for babies before you take them swimming....
08/02/2024

Babies and swimming
Part 2 of 2

First aid
It’s a good idea to learn resuscitation for babies before you take them swimming. You can learn this by doing a first aid course.

It’s a good idea to update your first aid skills every 3 years and your resuscitation skills every year.

When should my baby start swimming lessons?
Many swim schools offer lessons to babies from 6 months of age. These lessons offer a chance for you to bond with your baby. They also get your baby used to being in the pool.

There’s not a lot of research to tell us when your baby should start swim lessons. But studies suggest that children only start to become confident in the water and master basic water skills at about 4 years of age.

What happens in a baby swim lesson?
Baby swimming lessons generally start at around 6 months.

Usually, lessons involve a small group of parents and babies who learn through fun activities and play. Parents and carers always need to be with babies in the water.

Baby swim classes are designed to teach your baby:

to get used to and have fun in the water
basic water safety skills, such as floating and holding on to the pool edge
What should I take to the swimming pool?
It’s a good idea to take a bag with everything you need for the swimming pool.

You will need:

🩱 towels
🩱 a swimsuit — for you and your baby
🩱 a swim nappy
🩱 your nappy bag
🩱 change mat
🩱 clothes to change into afterwards
🩱 snack or bottle for afterwards

Swim nappies
Public swimming pools often require babies to wear a swim nappy. A swim nappy is needed to make sure your baby’s faeces (poo) does not end up in the water. If faeces gets into the swimming pool, it will need to be closed immediately for cleaning.

Swim nappies have snug-fitting legs and waistbands to hold your baby’s faeces. Swim nappies are not designed to hold urine (wee).

There are 2 main types of swim nappies:

disposable swim nappies — like a normal disposable nappy but they won’t swell up in the water
reusable swim nappies — made from stretchy bathing suit material, which allows water to run out, but holds any faeces.

Article taken from:
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/babies-and-swimming

Thank you for your support.

Best wishes
Sister Des

Babies and swimmingPart 1 of 2Taking your baby swimming can be lots of fun and will help get them used to water. Even yo...
06/02/2024

Babies and swimming
Part 1 of 2

Taking your baby swimming can be lots of fun and will help get them used to water. Even young babies can go in the pool, but make sure you follow these tips when you take them swimming.

When can I take my baby swimming?

Newborn babies can’t swim — they have to learn, just like they learn to walk. Most babies like being in water and their reflexes mean they will be able to do primitive swimming strokes.

It’s best to first get your baby used to the water at home in the bath. Just let them enjoy floating (while you hold them) and feeling the water on their skin. You don’t have to put them under the water.

You can take them into a heated pool. If they start to shiver, take them out and wrap them in a towel. Babies can’t regulate their temperature like adults, so it’s very important to make sure they don’t get cold.

When can I go swimming?
New mothers shouldn’t go swimming until at least 6 weeks after the birth, or when you have stopped bleeding. This is to avoid getting an infection.

Swimming in rivers, lakes and the ocean
It’s OK to take your baby into a river, lake, or the ocean. Like the swimming pool, it’s very important to make sure they don’t get cold.

Choose a spot where the water is warm and clean. Babies can get sick from bacteria or viruses in water that hasn't been treated. Watch out for currents that stop you from holding them properly. And don’t let your baby drink the water.

How do I keep my baby safe in swimming pools?
Water safety
Babies can drown in just 5cm of water. To keep your baby safe, never leave them unattended near water — this includes the bath.

If you have a pool or spa, it’s important to make sure it is fenced according to the Australian Standard.

Sun safety
If you are swimming outside, make sure your baby is protected from the sun.

Dress them in swim clothing that blocks out ultraviolet (UV) light.
Use recommended sunscreen for babies that is water resistant and SPF30+.
Use a broad-brimmed hat.
Go swimming in the early morning or late afternoon, when the UV radiation level is lower than in the middle of the day.

Pool toys — floaties and pool noodles
It’s also important to be careful when using flotation devices like floaties. They can give you a false sense of your child’s ability in water.

When buying floaties, you should check the recommended age and weight range is correct for your baby.

Never leave pool toys in your swimming pool when they’re not in use. Pool toys never replace the need for adult supervision of children.

First aid
It’s a good idea to learn resuscitation for babies before you take them swimming. You can learn this by doing a first aid course.

It’s a good idea to update your first aid skills every 3 years and your resuscitation skills every year.

More to follow on Thursday.

💜 It's with mixed emotions that I bid farewell to Baby Steps Wellness. Over the past couple of years, I've had the privi...
02/02/2024

💜
It's with mixed emotions that I bid farewell to Baby Steps Wellness. Over the past couple of years, I've had the privilege of supporting countless families on their journey through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. From those first precious kicks to the joyful cries of newborns, I've cherished every moment shared with you.

As I close this chapter, I want to express our deepest gratitude to each and every one of you who have been part of the Baby Steps Wellness family. Your trust and support have meant the world to me. While our paths may diverge, the memories and connections we've made will always be cherished.

Though Baby Steps Wellness may be saying goodbye, the impact of our time together will live on in the lives of the families we've served. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your journey. Wishing you all health, happiness, and many more beautiful moments ahead.

With love and gratitude,
Sister Des

Sr Ayanda Pretorius will begin working at The Royal Buffalo Hospital from 5 February 2024, she can be contacted on 072 104 8820.

In South Africa, new vaccines have made a significant impact on children's health, protecting them from diseases like he...
01/02/2024

In South Africa, new vaccines have made a significant impact on children's health, protecting them from diseases like hepatitis B and rotavirus. If you're a parent, the booklet linked below provides essential information and tools to track your child's vaccination schedule. Let's keep our kids healthy and safe with vaccines!

https://www.nicd.ac.za/assets/files/NICD_Vaccine_Booklet_D132_FINAL.pdf

Vaccines have been a game-changer in medicine, saving countless lives from diseases like measles and smallpox. While we'...
30/01/2024

Vaccines have been a game-changer in medicine, saving countless lives from diseases like measles and smallpox. While we've made great progress, it's crucial to stay vigilant and ensure everyone has access to these life-saving tools. Let's work together to make vaccine-preventable diseases a thing of the past!

For further reading on our vaccine schedule in South Africa have a look at:
https://www.nicd.ac.za/assets/files/NICD_Vaccine_Booklet_D132_FINAL.pdf

Tips for a healthy pre-pregnancy dietIf you’re planning to get pregnant, eating a healthy, balanced diet will help you s...
11/01/2024

Tips for a healthy pre-pregnancy diet

If you’re planning to get pregnant, eating a healthy, balanced diet will help you stay well throughout pregnancy and be good for your baby’s health.

Have a look at this informative article for more info:
https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/planning-a-pregnancy/are-you-ready-to-conceive/tips-healthy-pre-pregnancy-diet

If you have any questions, concerns or just require some advice and guidance please book an appointment with Sister Des on 082 823 0908 or email info@babystepswellness.co.za.

🌟 Let's make 2024 a year of health and happiness! 🌟 Join us at Baby Steps Wellness as we step into the new year with exc...
01/01/2024

🌟 Let's make 2024 a year of health and happiness! 🌟

Join us at Baby Steps Wellness as we step into the new year with excitement and hope.

Together, let's take small, meaningful steps towards a healthier and happier life. Here's to a bright future filled with positive changes and wellness! ✨

Wishing you joy and wellness in 2024 from Sister Des at Baby Steps Wellness. Cheers to new beginnings and fulfilling resolutions! 👌🤩

Wishing all the friends and followers of Baby Steps Wellness happy holidays! May this festive season bring you peace, jo...
27/12/2023

Wishing all the friends and followers of Baby Steps Wellness happy holidays! May this festive season bring you peace, joy, and a well-deserved restful break. 🎄✨

❤️ Please note Sister Des will be taking a well deserved break from 20 December 2023 to 3rd of January 2024. If you have any questions, concerns or just require some advice and guidance please book an appointment with Sister Des via email info@babystepswellness.co.za which will be attended to in the New Year. 💚

🎄 Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all the amazing clients, friends, and followers of Baby Steps Wellness! May your hol...
24/12/2023

🎄 Wishing a very Merry Christmas to all the amazing clients, friends, and followers of Baby Steps Wellness! May your holidays be filled with joy, love, and precious moments with your loved ones. 🎅🎁

❤️Please note Sister Des will be taking a well deserved break from 20 December 2023 to 3rd of January 2024. If you have any questions, concerns or just require some advice and guidance please book an appointment with Sister Des via email info@babystepswellness.co.za which will be attended to in the New Year.💚

Water safety for babies and childrenPart 2 of 2How do I prevent drowning at home?You should never leave your baby or chi...
21/12/2023

Water safety for babies and children
Part 2 of 2

How do I prevent drowning at home?
You should never leave your baby or child alone when they’re in or around water, even for a moment.

💧 Never leave a young child alone near water or in the bathtub even for a moment.
💧 Keep your child within arm’s reach at all times.
💧 Never leave your baby in the care of other children, only responsible adults.
💧 If you are bathing a baby or small child and the telephone or doorbell rings, wrap the child in a towel and carry them with you if you can’t ignore it.
💧 Empty the bath as soon as you take your child out of it.
💧 Be aware of small bodies of water that might attract your child's attention. Keep toilet lids closed or lock bathroom doors.
💧 Cover ponds, birdbaths and water features with wire mesh, or leave them empty until your child is at least 5 years old.

How do I prevent drowning in and around pools?
Around the pool
👀 Constantly watch small children when they are near water.
👀 Enforce pool safety rules such as no running near the pool and no pushing others underwater.
👀 Use only approved pool safety covers. Some covers can fill with water and children can be trapped underneath.
👀 Do not store toys in or near pools. A child trying to get the toy may drown.

In the pool
🩳 Teach your children to swim. Babies can start swimming lessons from about 6 months old.
🩳 Never allow kids of any age to swim alone. Supervision means constant visual contact with your child. Children under 5 years should be kept within arm’s reach at all times, even if they are using an inflatable floatation device (such as a ‘floatie’).
🩳 Learn CPR.

How do I prevent drowning at beaches, lakes and rivers?
🩱 Make sure children always wear an approved life jacket when swimming in deep water or riding in a boat.
🩱 At the beach, lake or river, always stay with your child while they’re playing in or near the water.
🩱 Only take your child to patrolled beaches where there are surf lifesavers, and only swim between the flags.
🩱 For school-aged children, teach them what to do if they need help. Stay calm, float and raise an arm to signal to a lifeguard.

What do I need to be aware of once my baby’s crawling?
Babies are inquisitive, and once they’re mobile they can cover a surprisingly big area in a short space of time. Water bowls for dogs, open toilets, sinks, laundry buckets with soaking clothes and even large pot plant saucers all hold enough water to cause a small child to drown.

Article taken from:
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/water-safety-for-babies

If you have any questions, concerns or just require some advice and guidance please book an appointment with Sister Des on 082 823 0908 or email info@babystepswellness.co.za.

Water safety for babies and childrenPart 1 of 2What is drowning?Drowning is when liquid (usually water) is inhaled into ...
19/12/2023

Water safety for babies and children
Part 1 of 2

What is drowning?
Drowning is when liquid (usually water) is inhaled into the lungs and prevents a person from breathing. Drowning can either be fatal (drowning resulting in death) or non-fatal, when the person survives.
Anyone who has non-fatal drowning should be seen by a healthcare professional for a medical assessment.

What can I do to help prevent children drowning?
Constant and close adult supervision is key to keeping children safe in and around water to prevent them from drowning. Supervision means keeping constant visual contact with your child, and keeping them within arm’s reach at all times.

Never assume someone will watch children when they are in and around water at parties and other gatherings. Always make sure there is a responsible and sober adult supervising children at events.

Drowning is silent — your child won’t scream if they are drowning. Drowning is quick and you don’t have much time to react.

Babies who fall into water are very quiet. They don’t have the awareness to call out for help when they’re at risk of drowning. If they’re in a pool or large body of water, they sink to the bottom quickly and their lungs fill with water.

Toddlers have much of their weight in their head and upper body and if they fall head first into water, they may not have the strength to right themselves.

Where can drowning happen?
Drowning is the leading cause of death for toddlers between the age of 1 and 3 years, and it can occur anywhere.

Most infant drownings happen in the bathtub. Most toddler drownings occur in home swimming pools.

Rivers and dams are all common sites of drownings, as well as buckets, toilets and garden ponds. Babies can drown in as little as 5cm of water.

While young babies are not as much at risk of drowning as toddlers, it’s good practice for parents of newborns to start safe water habits in preparation for when their child becomes more mobile.

Most child drownings occur because of a lack of adult supervision.

What should I do if my baby swallows water?
Most babies swallow some water when they’re having a bath or going for a swim. They’re generally fine, as long as the water goes into their stomach and not their lungs. It’s important for parents to limit the amount of water they swallow.

If you think your baby may have inhaled water into their lungs, sit them upright. Monitor them for any breathing changes and call an ambulance immediately if they are not breathing and/or their colour changes.

What should I do if my child has a drowning incident?
If your child has a drowning incident, you should watch for any of the following symptoms and take them to a doctor, hospital or call an ambulance:

👉🏻 persistent cough
👉🏻 difficulty breathing
👉🏻 tiredness
👉🏻 lethargy or decreased activity
👉🏻 confusion
👉🏻 blue colour on their skin and lips
👉🏻 loss of consciousness
👉🏻 loss of bowel or bladder control

Anyone who has been resuscitated after drowning needs to be closely monitored in case they get worse. This can happen in minutes or hours after being resuscitated. This can be due to lung damage or injury to the heart from not having enough oxygen.

More to follow this week...

Please note Sister Des will be taking a well deserved break from 20 December 2023 to 3rd of January 2024. If you have any questions, concerns or just require some advice and guidance please book an appointment with Sister Des via email info@babystepswellness.co.za which will be attended to in the New Year.

Babies in hot weatherPart 2 of 2How do I know if my baby is getting enough to drink?A good sign that your baby is gettin...
06/12/2023

Babies in hot weather
Part 2 of 2

How do I know if my baby is getting enough to drink?

A good sign that your baby is getting enough to drink is if they've had 6 to 8 pale wet nappies in the last 24 hours.

Take your baby to a doctor if you think they may be dehydrated.

Heat rash (prickly heat)

Babies often develop heat rash (prickly heat) because they can't control their temperature as well as adults and older children.

The symptoms of heat rash are:

💔 small, raised spots on the skin
💔 mild swelling of the skin
💔 It can appear anywhere on the body.

Try to keep your baby's skin cool by:

👌 dressing them in loose cotton clothing
👌 using lightweight bedding
👌 giving them cool baths or showers
👌 giving them plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration

See your doctor if you're worried about your baby's rash.

What are the signs of heat stress?

Signs of heat stress are:

👎 listlessness (looking tired) or irritable
👎 pale and clammy skin which becomes hot and flushed
👎 increased sweating
👎 The amount of sweating decreases as heat stress progresses towards heatstroke.

Try cooling your baby with frequent lukewarm baths or sponge your baby with a cool face washer. NEVER use cold water.

See a doctor if there is no improvement or if you are worried.

How can I protect my baby when we're outside?

Babies and young children can easily get sunburnt, even on cooler or overcast days.

Try to stay indoors with your baby during the hottest part of the day and plan outings which are inside.

If you do need to go outside, it's important to follow sun protection guidelines.

1️⃣ Slip on loose-fitting clothing that covers as much of your baby's skin as possible.
2️⃣ Slap on a broad-brimmed bucket or legionnaire-style hat to protect your baby's face, neck and ears.
3️⃣ Seek shade. Stay in the shade as much as possible. Remember, you still need sun protection in the shade, because UV radiation can be reflected off surfaces and reach your baby.
4️⃣ Slop on SPF30+ or higher, broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed skin.
5️⃣ Slide on some sunglasses. You can find sunglasses for babies with soft elastic to keep them in place. Look for sunglasses labelled 2, 3 or 4. Don't use toy sunglasses, as these won't protect your baby's eyes from UV radiation.

The Cancer Council recommends using physical barriers to protect your baby's skin such as:

👉 clothing
👉 hats
👉 using shade

In a baby capsule or a pram

An enclosed baby capsule or pram can get very hot. Make sure that air can flow around your baby when they're in their baby capsule or pram.

Covering your baby capsule or pram with a cloth to keep the sun off your baby is not recommended. This is because it can increase the temperature in the baby capsule or pram.

It also makes it harder for you to see if your baby is suffering from heat stress.

When you're out and about with your baby, make sure that you regularly look to see how they are.

In the car

When driving in the car, you can use sunshades on the windows to protect your baby.

Never leave babies or children unattended in a car.

Article taken from:
https://www.pregnancybirthbaby.org.au/babies-hot-in-weather

If you have any questions, concerns or just require some advice and guidance please book an appointment with Sister Des on 082 823 0908 or email info@babystepswellness.co.za.

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