SidebySide

SidebySide Side-by-Side is an early childhood education campaign led by the National Department of Health. What is Side-by-Side? It starts with breastfeeding.

Side-by-Side is a national Department of Health campaign working to ensure that all children under 5 receive the nurturing care they need to develop to the best of their abilities. It relies on all stakeholders caring for caregivers and pregnant women to work alongside each other. Side-by-Side rests on 5 pillars:

NUTRITION - Good nutrition is important for mothers’ and children’s health. LOVE - B

rain development is spurred by responsive care and love, play, and talk. PROTECTION - Children can be protected from childhood disease and injury by getting immunized, and safety in the home. HEALTH CARE - Children need care when they are sick or injured
EXTRA CARE - Some children may need special care or support. Caregivers should know what to do and where to go.

“Together, we can ensure that South Africa’s youngest children receive the care they need to survive and thrive.”

How to safely handle pesticides in your home, to ensure children do not come into contact with or fall sick from exposur...
29/04/2026

How to safely handle pesticides in your home, to ensure children do not come into contact with or fall sick from exposure?

Domestic products, such as insect sprays and pest control treatments, contain pesticides. While they can help control pests, they can also pose serious risks to young children if not used safely.

👶 Why children are more vulnerable:

• Their bodies and brains are still developing.
• They crawl, play on floors, and put their hands or objects in their mouths.

💡 What you can do to protect your child:

🟥 Always follow instructions on pesticide labels
🟥Store chemicals out of reach and out of sight
🟥Keep children and their toys away from treated areas
🟥Avoid spraying near food, baby items, or sleeping areas.
🟥Wash hands with soap and clean water for at least 40 seconds, wipe surfaces, and toys regularly.
🟥Do not use illegal pesticides

🫂 Remember: Even small exposures over time can affect a child’s health and development — prevention is key.

💙 Let’s create safer homes for our little ones.

Dads play a powerful role in a child’s life.Being a father is about so much more than providing it’s about showing up, b...
28/04/2026

Dads play a powerful role in a child’s life.

Being a father is about so much more than providing it’s about showing up, being present, and building a meaningful bond 🫂

🫂Why dads matter:

• Children with involved fathers are more likely to thrive emotionally, socially, and academically.

• A father’s love, support, and guidance helps build confidence and resilience.

• Active father figures can help protect children from risks like violence, substance abuse, and poor outcomes later in life.

👨🏾‍👧‍👦 What children need most:

A dad who is present, loving, encouraging, and involved in their everyday life not just a provider, but a protector, role model, and guide.

🫂 And remember, fatherhood isn’t limited to biology. Uncles, grandfathers, teachers, and community members can also step in as positive role models 💙

To all dads and father figures, your presence matters.

✨👶 The “Golden Hour” matters more than you thinkBreastfeeding within the first hour after birth, known as the golden hou...
27/04/2026

✨👶 The “Golden Hour” matters more than you think

Breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, known as the golden hour — is one of the best starts you can give your baby 💛

🤱 Why it’s so important:

• Helps establish your milk supply.
• Provides your baby with colostrum — their first natural vaccine.
• Increases your baby’s chances of survival.

Another important thing to practise with your newborn baby is increased skin-to-skin contact, as this helps to regulate your baby’s temperature, supports bonding and comfort 🫂 and also boosts your baby’s immune system 🌟

🌸 Remember: Give your baby ONLY breast milk for the first 6 months, no water, formula, or other foods needed. Only give your baby medicines they receive from the clinic or hospital, not traditional medicines or home remedies.

If your baby is not picking up weight or struggling to breastfeed, get help and support from your clinic.

You’re giving your baby the best possible start in life by breastfeeding them💕

🚨 Malaria cases are rising after heavy rains across southern Africa.👶 Parents & caregivers stay alert: Malaria can becom...
26/04/2026

🚨 Malaria cases are rising after heavy rains across southern Africa.

👶 Parents & caregivers stay alert: Malaria can become serious very quickly, especially in young children.

⚠️ Check for symptoms:
• Fever
• Chills
• Headache
• Body aches
• Fatigue

🚑 Act immediately: If your child has any of these symptoms, especially after travel take them to the nearest clinic right away and ask for a malaria test.

🛑 Early testing and treatment can save your child’s life. Don’t wait.

🚨 Malaria cases are increasing across southern Africa after heavy rains and flooding. ⚠️ Important to know: Malaria is p...
24/04/2026

🚨 Malaria cases are increasing across southern Africa after heavy rains and flooding.

⚠️ Important to know:

Malaria is preventable and treatable, but can become severe very quickly especially in young children.

👨‍👩‍👧 Protect your family:

• Use mosquito repellent, and nets to cover up when sleeping at night.
• Take malaria prevention medication if visiting high-risk areas.
• Be extra cautious during and after the rainy season, empty water buckets and make sure water is not collecting into puddles in your yard.

🚑 Know the symptoms:

Fever, chills, headache, body aches, and fatigue.

👉 If your child shows these symptoms after travel, go to a clinic immediately and ask for a malaria test.

🛑 Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives. Don't delay.

National Department of Health (South Africa) Gauteng Health Department

📘Your Road to Health Booklet (clinic card) is your child’s first health guide. Your baby’s Road to Health Booklet (clini...
24/04/2026

📘Your Road to Health Booklet (clinic card) is your child’s first health guide. Your baby’s Road to Health Booklet (clinic card) is more than just a record; it’s a tool to help you track your child’s growth and development.

👀 It helps you know what to look out for as your baby grows:

• Growth milestones.
• Feeding and nutrition.
• Immunisations.
• Developmental milestones.

💡 You don’t have to wait for nurses or doctors to spot concerns.
This booklet is designed to empower you to notice changes early and take action 🫂

👩🏾‍⚕️ At every clinic visit, you should be able to ask questions and share any concerns with the nurses or doctors.

Speaking up helps your child get the right care, at the right time, giving them the best chance to grow healthy and strong.

✨ You are your child’s first advocate. Trust yourself. Use your booklet.

💡 Did you know?💊 Taking PrEP together with condoms and contraceptives can help prevent unplanned and unintended pregnanc...
23/04/2026

💡 Did you know?💊 Taking PrEP together with condoms and contraceptives can help prevent unplanned and unintended pregnancy, HIV and other s*xually transmitted infections (STIs). giving you extra protection and peace of mind.

📍 Good news: PrEP is now available at all primary health care clinics. Visit your nearest clinic to learn more and see if it’s right for you 🏥💙

💊 PrEP is given to people who test HIV-negative, and the testing should be repeated every 3 months. when taken daily, oral PrEP can reduce the risk of HIV infection by more than 90% 🙌

🫂 Let’s protect one another and practice safe s*x even during pregnancy

Learn more here: www.myprep.co.za

📚Reading to your baby is one of the most powerful gifts you can giveFrom the very beginning, babies learn through listen...
23/04/2026

📚Reading to your baby is one of the most powerful gifts you can give

From the very beginning, babies learn through listening, connection, and stories. When you read and talk to your child, you’re helping build language, confidence, and a love for learning 💙✨

🫂 Even before they understand the words, babies are learning from your voice and your presence.

💬 Your home language matters. Reading stories with all children is important - for children with visual impairments, explain the pictures to them so they can understand what you are looking at. For Deaf children, make sure you use sign language or help them lip-read so they can follow the stories too.

Reading and telling stories in the language your child knows best helps them understand, feel confident, and stay connected to their culture 🌍💛
There is no need to buy new books all the time — you can download free children’s stories straight to your phone 📱

🌍 Explore the PRAESA Story Library and enjoy reading together at home: https://www.praesa.org.za/story-library/

✨ You don’t need much, just your voice, your time, and your love.

How are you celebrating ? Let us know in the comments.

Today is Protection Wednesday and we are talking about water safety. 🚿 Bath time safety tips every parent should know:• ...
22/04/2026

Today is Protection Wednesday and we are talking about water safety.

🚿 Bath time safety tips every parent should know:

• Never leave your child alone in the bath — not even for a second.
• Always keep your child within arm’s reach.
• Have everything ready before bath time so you don’t step away.
• Empty the bath, buckets, and basins immediately after use.
• Don’t rely on older siblings to supervise.

A child can drown in as little as 5 cm of water, and it can happen quickly and silently. Always be careful with bath water:

⚠️ Always test the water before putting your baby in.
⚠️The ideal temperature is around 37–38°C (body temperature).
⚠️ Make sure you pour cold water first, then add warm water to avoid burns.

Taking care of your little one means keeping their environment safe from any items that can harm them.
Gauteng Health Department

🎨🐾 DIY Toy: Make Your Own Pet Animal from Toilet RollsPillar 2 of the Road to Health Booklet speaks about stimulating yo...
21/04/2026

🎨🐾 DIY Toy: Make Your Own Pet Animal from Toilet Rolls

Pillar 2 of the Road to Health Booklet speaks about stimulating your child's brain. Every Tuesday we share fun ways to engage in fun, stimulating activities with your little one. Here's a step-by-step guide on creating DIY toys:

🧻 Step 1:
Take empty toilet roll tubes and carefully make small holes in them. Thread pipe cleaners or small sticks through the holes to create your pet’s body and legs 🐛

📏 Step 2:
Decide how big you want your pet to be! Join multiple rolls together using tape to make a longer or bigger animal 🐍

🌈 Step 3:
Now the fun part — decorate your pet! Use crayons, paint, or any craft materials you have to make it bright, colourful, and unique 🎨✨

🫂 Let your child lead the creativity and imagination — there’s no right or wrong way to play!
Department of Basic EducationNational Department of Health (South Africa)

🚫 There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can seriously harm you...
21/04/2026

🚫 There is no safe amount of alcohol to drink during pregnancy. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy can seriously harm your unborn baby even small amounts can affect their growth and development 💔

Alcohol passes directly to your baby and can lead to:

⚠️Miscarriage, premature birth, or stillbirth
⚠️Low birth weight and poor development
⚠️Lifelong conditions like Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD), affecting the brain, behaviour, and learning 🧠

💡 These effects are permanent and preventable — there is no cure for FASD, but it can be avoided by not drinking during pregnancy.

🫂 The safest choice for you and your baby is no alcohol at all during pregnancy. If you need support, speak to a healthcare provider you don’t have to go through it alone 💙

Every healthy choice you make helps give your baby the best possible start in life.

Bringing your baby home is a beautiful and sometimes overwhelming journey. This episode of the Side-by-Side radio series...
20/04/2026

Bringing your baby home is a beautiful and sometimes overwhelming journey. This episode of the Side-by-Side radio series shares practical guidance to help parents and caregivers navigate those early months with confidence.

💡 What you’ll learn:

❌ Myth: You must have everything figured out from day one.
✅ Truth: Learning your baby’s needs takes time be patient with yourself.

❌Myth: Babies only need feeding and sleeping.
✅ Truth: They also need love, bonding, and responsive care.

❌ Myth: Asking for help means you’re not coping.
✅ Truth: Support is essential for both parent and baby.

❌ Myth: There’s only one “right” way to care for a baby.
✅ Truth: Every baby is different — trust your instincts.

🫂 Those first few months are about connection, care, and learning together, one day at a time.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here:
https://omny.fm/shows/side-by-side-season-4/sa-fm-episode-44-babys-first-few-months-at-home?in_playlist=podcast

✨ You’re not alone on this journey. Support is just a listen away.

Address

Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Road, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR
Pretoria
0187

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

Website

https://www.youtube.com/@SideBySide_za, https://www.instagram.com

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