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 - Brain 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.”

Deaf Awareness Month | September 2025No child should be left behind, including deaf and hard-of-hearing children.If your...
05/09/2025

Deaf Awareness Month | September 2025
No child should be left behind, including deaf and hard-of-hearing children.

If your child is D/deaf, hard of hearing, or uses South African Sign Language (SASL), know that you are not alone, and support is out there.

Too often, D/deaf children are excluded, isolated, or misunderstood. They are also at greater risk of abuse or harm, especially when they can’t access services in their first language or when others don’t know how to communicate with them.

What can you do as a parent or caregiver?
✔️ Learn SASL, your child’s first language matters
✔️ Speak to your school or clinic about inclusive services
✔️ Connect with organisations like Childline SA, DeafSA, and SANDA for help
✔️ If your child is in danger or needs to speak to someone, Childline SA has trained SASL counsellors ready to help
✔️ Advocate for their rights. D/deaf children deserve the same access, care, and protection as every child

September is a time to celebrate Deaf culture, raise awareness of South African Sign Language, and push for inclusion, safety and dignity for all D/deaf children.

Together, we can make sure every child is heard in the language they understand.

Need support? Visit childlinesa.org.za or speak to a trained counsellor via their Online Counselling Service.

Here are some great books available in South African Sign Language: https://bookdash.org/languages/sgn/

Sore or cracked ni***es while breastfeeding? You’re not alone, and there’s help.Here’s what can ease the pain and help y...
04/09/2025

Sore or cracked ni***es while breastfeeding? You’re not alone, and there’s help.

Here’s what can ease the pain and help you heal:
You don’t have to do this alone; speak to your nearest clinic for help.
- Use a warm compress
- Rinse gently with salty water
- Change nursing pads often
- Check your baby’s latch
- Try different positions and start on the less painful side
- Feed more often for shorter periods
- See your clinic if you have breast pain, thrush (Candida), or think baby may have tongue tie

You don’t have to do this alone, speak to your nearest clinic for help.

What helped you through sore ni***es? Share below 👇

Buckle Up, Baby!Whether you’re in your own car or travelling by taxi, your baby or toddler must be safely strapped in — ...
03/09/2025

Buckle Up, Baby!
Whether you’re in your own car or travelling by taxi, your baby or toddler must be safely strapped in — every trip, every time.

Here are some tips for safer travel:
- Use a car seat that’s the right size for your child’s age and weight
- If your child has a physical disability and needs a larger or adapted seat, speak to an occupational therapist about the right solution
- Make sure the car seat is properly fitted and installed
- Never let a child ride on your lap — not even for a quick trip
- In taxis, ask to install your own car seat or choose one that allows for safe seatbelt use
- A wheelchair is not a safe substitute for a car seat during travel

- A car seat isn’t a luxury, it’s a lifesaver.
It protects your child’s small body in case of sudden stops or accidents. Holding your baby in your arms is not safe, even for short distances.

Your child’s safety starts with you. Every trip. Every time.

🧸 Play is not just fun, it’s how your baby learns!When you play with your baby, you're doing so much more than keeping t...
02/09/2025

🧸 Play is not just fun, it’s how your baby learns!
When you play with your baby, you're doing so much more than keeping them entertained. You’re helping their brain grow, building your bond, and shaping how they learn, move, talk, and connect with others.

🧠 All children learn through play, whether they’re developing typically or have a disability. Every game is a learning opportunity.

Simple activities like peek-a-boo, singing, or gently bouncing your baby on your lap teach them about communication, safety, and the world around them. You might need to adjust the game to your child's needs.

💛 Play helps with:
✔ Brain development
✔ Motor skills
✔ Emotional bonding
✔ Language and listening

It’s one of the most powerful and free tools you have as a parent or caregiver. Just a few minutes of play each day makes a big difference.

🎗️ September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 💛Childhood cancer is rare but rising. Around 1 in 408 children worldwid...
01/09/2025

🎗️ September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month 💛

Childhood cancer is rare but rising. Around 1 in 408 children worldwide will be diagnosed before age 15, but with early detection and proper treatment, up to 80% can survive.

In South Africa, too many children are diagnosed late, often because early signs are missed. That’s why awareness matters.

Look out for early warning signs:

- Unusual lumps or swelling
- Unexplained weight loss
- Ongoing fever
- Headaches with vomiting
- Bone pain or limping
- Fatigue or pale skin

💛 Cancer in children is treatable, even in low-resource settings.

If you’re concerned, speak to your clinic or health worker. Don’t wait.

Play is how children learn about their bodies, their emotions, their world, and other people. And did you know there are...
01/09/2025

Play is how children learn about their bodies, their emotions, their world, and other people. And did you know there are different kinds and stages of play, each one important for your child’s growth?

From wiggling arms and legs as a newborn to imaginary games and building towers, play boosts your child’s brain, body, confidence, and social skills.

This week on Side-by-Side, we chat with an expert about:
✅ The 6 stages of play and what they look like
✅ Why pretend play builds emotional smarts
✅ How physical play helps your child’s body grow strong
✅ Easy ideas to encourage healthy play at home — no toys needed!

💛 Every child learns through play, including those with disabilities or developmental delays, and every kind of play matters.

Got questions about your child’s development or behaviour during play? Drop them in the comments or message us, we’re here to help you every step of the way!

Catch the episode on your local SABC radio station or listen to previous episodes on our Omny Channel here: https://omny.fm/shows/side-by-side-season-4

National Department of Health (South Africa) SABC Education

Psst… we have a secret to share with you… Are you ready? Ok, here you go: There’s NO SUCH THING as a perfect parent.It’s...
29/08/2025

Psst… we have a secret to share with you…
Are you ready?
Ok, here you go: There’s NO SUCH THING as a perfect parent.
It’s true – really! It is okay to make mistakes.
Parenting isn’t about being perfect. We all make mistakes. What matters is learning from them.
If you're unsure about something, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your Road to Health book has loads of useful tips. Chat to other mums around you, and remember, your clinic is there for you too.
You can even ask us right here on social media. We're all learning, Side by Side.

💡What’s one parenting tip you wish you knew earlier?

You’re not alone on this journey. We’re walking this road Side by Side. 💛

Know the danger signs – Act fast! Your baby can’t always tell you what’s wrong — but their body will show signs. If your...
28/08/2025

Know the danger signs – Act fast!

Your baby can’t always tell you what’s wrong — but their body will show signs. If your child shows any of these, go to the clinic immediately:

⚠️ Fast breathing
⚠️ Not feeding
⚠️ Vomiting everything
⚠️ Diarrhoea with sunken eyes
⚠️ Shaking (convulsions)
⚠️ Very sleepy or hard to wake
⚠️ Swollen feet or signs of malnutrition

⛑️ Young babies can become very sick very fast. Don’t wait. Trust your instincts and get help.

Use your Road to Health book to track symptoms and visit your nearest clinic if you're worried about your child’s health.

Safe sleep = Sweet dreams Your baby spends a lot of time sleeping — and their sleep space needs to be safe.- No pillows,...
27/08/2025

Safe sleep = Sweet dreams

Your baby spends a lot of time sleeping — and their sleep space needs to be safe.

- No pillows, toys, or heavy blankets in the cot
- No co-sleeping with newborns, it's safer for baby to sleep in their own cot next to your bed
✅ Always lay your baby on their back to sleep
✅ Use a firm mattress and tuck blankets below shoulder height

These small steps can prevent suffocation and other sleep dangers. Safe sleep saves lives.

Dancing with your toddler? It’s learning in disguise! Turn up the music and dance with your little one, it’s a joyful wa...
26/08/2025

Dancing with your toddler? It’s learning in disguise!

Turn up the music and dance with your little one, it’s a joyful way to build brain power, balance, and bonding, all at once!

Toddlers love to copy movements, hear rhythms, and feel the beat. Even gentle bouncing or swaying with your baby in your arms supports their sensory and emotional development.

- If your child has a physical disability and isn’t yet sitting or standing on their own, you can hold them and help move their arms or clap along to the music.

- Deaf or hard of hearing children may still enjoy the feel of music, they might sense the vibrations of the beat, even if they can’t hear the whole song.

Let them lead the way! Clapping, stomping, and spinning in circles are all part of the fun, and the learning.

Ready for first foods? Try Mashed Pumpkin and Lentils! This soft, creamy combo is perfect for babies 6 months and older....
25/08/2025

Ready for first foods? Try Mashed Pumpkin and Lentils!
This soft, creamy combo is perfect for babies 6 months and older.

🎃 Pumpkin is gentle on little tummies and full of Vitamin A
Save our recipe card below and share it with a friend who's just starting their solids journey!

✅ Start with 1–2 teaspoons after breastfeeding
✅ Mash until smooth and thin with breastmilk or cooled boiled water
✅ Store leftovers safely in the fridge or freezer

💛 Don’t forget: Breastmilk is still your baby’s main source of nutrition, even after solids begin.

Save our recipe card below and share with a friend who's just starting their solids journey!

Don’t miss this week’s Side-by-Side radio episode!Episode 39 dives into a big question on every parent’s mind: “What sho...
25/08/2025

Don’t miss this week’s Side-by-Side radio episode!

Episode 39 dives into a big question on every parent’s mind: “What should my baby be doing in their first year?” From rolling over and crawling to babbling and bonding, our experts explore the key developmental milestones to look out for in your baby’s first 12 months.

You’ll also get practical tips on how to support your baby’s growth at home, and when to speak to a clinic or healthcare worker, because not all babies reach milestones at the same time, and some need extra support to move, learn, and communicate.

💛 Every child is different — but knowing what to look for helps you feel more confident and prepared.

Have questions about your baby’s development? Drop them in the comments or send us a message on Facebook, we’re in this together!



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

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