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.”

Children learn through play, stories, and interaction - and it doesn’t take expensive toys! Every day moments help littl...
28/10/2025

Children learn through play, stories, and interaction - and it doesn’t take expensive toys! Every day moments help little minds grow.

✅ Encourage play – Give your child safe space to explore and play with household objects.
📚 Read and tell stories – Let them ask questions and share their own stories.
👀 Make learning fun – Turn bath time, dressing, and mealtimes into talking moments.

The more they play, the more they learn! 💡 What’s your child’s favourite way to play? Share below! 👇

IRON = POWER 💪From 6 months, your baby needs more iron than breastmilk alone can give.Iron helps your baby’s body make h...
27/10/2025

IRON = POWER 💪

From 6 months, your baby needs more iron than breastmilk alone can give.
Iron helps your baby’s body make healthy blood and supports brain development, energy, and learning.

👶 That’s why we always recommend adding iron-rich foods when you start solids, even just a little at a time.

💛 Tip: Pair iron-rich foods with Vitamin C (like mashed fruit or tomato) to help baby’s body absorb it better.

Let’s help our babies grow strong and smart, one spoon at a time!

Side by Side – Episode 48: Your Baby’s Brain is Developing FastDid you know that by the time your child turns 3, their b...
27/10/2025

Side by Side – Episode 48: Your Baby’s Brain is Developing Fast

Did you know that by the time your child turns 3, their brain is already about 80% of its adult size? 🤯

In the early years, your baby’s brain makes millions of connections every second. These connections shape how they learn, grow, and relate to the world around them.

💡 In this episode, we talk about:
✨ How fast your baby’s brain develops in the first years of life.
✨ Why love, play, and everyday experiences are so important.
✨ Simple things you can do – like talking, singing, reading, and playing – to give your child’s brain the best start.
✨ How healthy food, safe spaces, and consistent routines support growth.

Every smile, cuddle, and word you share helps your baby’s brain develop! 💛

Tune in to Side by Side Season 4, Episode 48 on your local public radio station.

Some situations make parenting harder, and that’s okay to talk about 💛Your child’s health and development depend not onl...
24/10/2025

Some situations make parenting harder, and that’s okay to talk about 💛
Your child’s health and development depend not only on food, love, and clinic visits, but also on what’s happening at home. Sometimes life circumstances can make it more difficult to care for and protect your child, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of.

You may need extra support if:

- You’re a teen parent or a grandparent raising a young child
- You’re experiencing violence or abuse at home
- You or your partner uses alcohol or drugs
- You’re feeling overwhelmed, very stressed, or sad all the time
- Your baby has a chronic illness or has been in hospital many times
- Your baby has a disability and needs specialised care

💛 You are not alone. Telling your nurse, clinic worker, or community health worker can be the first step to getting help and protecting both you and your child.

📘 Check your Road to Health book and speak to your nearest clinic for support, care, and referrals.

🎀 Early detection saves lives 🎀Breast cancer is easier to treat when it’s found early. That’s why it’s important to chec...
23/10/2025

🎀 Early detection saves lives 🎀

Breast cancer is easier to treat when it’s found early. That’s why it’s important to check your breasts regularly, you know your body best.

👋🏽 How to check your breasts:

- Look in the mirror for changes in shape, size, or skin.
- Feel your breasts with your fingers. Do this lying down or in the shower.

Check for:
- Lumps
- Changes in skin (dimpling or rash)
- Ni**le discharge or pulling inward
- Pain that doesn’t go away

You are not alone. Speak to a nurse, ask questions, and get help early.

If you notice anything different, go to your clinic. PLEASE DO NOT WAIT.

Living with HIV? You and your baby can still thrive.With the right care, love, and treatment, babies born to moms living...
22/10/2025

Living with HIV? You and your baby can still thrive.
With the right care, love, and treatment, babies born to moms living with HIV can grow up strong and healthy.

Here’s how to protect your little one:
- Take your ARVs every day and keep your viral load low; it keeps you healthy and makes breastfeeding safe.
- Exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months is safe and highly recommended; breastmilk gives your baby the best start.
- Make sure your baby receives their HIV prevention meds as prescribed, and attend all testing appointments at birth, 10 weeks, and 6 months.
- If your baby ever tests positive, they’ll need extra treatment like cotrimoxazole, but you are not alone.

Your clinic is there to help — ask for advice, support, and answers.
Every child deserves protection, and every mother deserves care.

Check your Road to Health book and visit your nearest clinic if you have questions.

🍽️ Let them play with their food!Yes, it’s messy! Yes, it ends up everywhere! But for your baby, playing with food is a ...
21/10/2025

🍽️ Let them play with their food!
Yes, it’s messy! Yes, it ends up everywhere! But for your baby, playing with food is a big part of learning! 👶✨

Squishing, smearing, and even dropping food helps your little one:
🖐️ Explore textures and shapes
👃 Smell and taste new things
🧠 Build coordination and curiosity
🧡 Develop confidence around eating
If your child cannot reach or grasp by themselves, bring the food closer to them and guide them with your hand over theirs, to explore the food they are eating.
So next mealtime, take a deep breath, put down a cloth, and let them make a joyful mess. It’s all part of growing up strong and smart!

What’s your baby’s favourite food to squish? Tell us below! 👇

National Down Syndrome Awareness DayOn this special day, officially declared by our late President Nelson Mandela, we ce...
20/10/2025

National Down Syndrome Awareness Day

On this special day, officially declared by our late President Nelson Mandela, we celebrate the lives, abilities, and accomplishments of individuals with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome is the most common genetic condition, caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21 (Trisomy 21). While it may affect development, it does not define the dreams, talents, and potential of those living with it.

Did you know?
- Down syndrome is not caused by age, race, religion, or background.
- Children with Down syndrome can thrive in regular schools and benefit from inclusive education.
- With the right care, people with Down syndrome can live long, fulfilling lives.

This day is about acceptance, inclusion, and dignity. It’s also a chance to challenge stereotypes and build a society where every child can grow, learn, and play without limits.

💛 Let’s stand together with Down Syndrome South Africa (DSSA) and families everywhere to create a future where every person is valued and included.

Episode 47: Spotting Physical Delays EarlyIs your little one rolling, crawling, sitting, or walking later than other chi...
20/10/2025

Episode 47: Spotting Physical Delays Early

Is your little one rolling, crawling, sitting, or walking later than other children their age?

This week on Side by Side, we’re talking about how to spot physical developmental delays and why early support matters. From muscle tone to movement, posture to play, our experts explain what to look out for and how parents can help.

We also talk about hearing development, signs of hearing problems, and simple ways to protect your child’s ears from harm. 👂

💡 Remember: Every child develops at their own pace. But if you’re concerned about delays in movement or hearing, don’t wait. Speak to your local clinic. Help is available.

What milestone are you most proud of your child achieving? Tell us in the comments below! 👶💬

National Department of Health (South Africa) SABC Education

Every child grows at their own pace, but some babies need a little more support.If your baby isn’t moving, playing, or t...
17/10/2025

Every child grows at their own pace, but some babies need a little more support.

If your baby isn’t moving, playing, or talking like others their age, it’s okay to ask for help.

- Watch how your baby sees, hears, and reacts
- Look out for missed milestones like rolling, sitting, or babbling
- Talk to your nurse, doctor, or therapist if something doesn’t feel right

Early support makes a big difference. You are doing your best, and help is available.

16/10/2025

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.

Babies can get sick quickly — don’t wait to get help.As a parent or caregiver, knowing the warning signs can save your b...
16/10/2025

Babies can get sick quickly — don’t wait to get help.
As a parent or caregiver, knowing the warning signs can save your baby’s life.

⚠️ If your little one shows unusual symptoms, seek care immediately.

Watch this video to learn what danger signs to look out for: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S3h6grO4KM&t=5s

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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