Latest news with #LizethKruger
News24
18-06-2025
- Health
- News24
3 reasons why you should trade screen-time for cuddles with your little one
In the fast paced world of modern day parenting, screens can feel like a lifeline, especially when baby is fussy, restless, or wide-eyed at 3 am. But stepping away from scrolling has surprising benefits for both you and your little one. Your voice, your expressions, and your undivided attention are powerful tools that shape your baby's brain, helping them feel safe, seen, and ready to learn. Lizeth Kruger, Clinic Executive at Dis-Chem Baby City, shares into three major developmental concerns linked to screen time, how it affects your baby, and why it isn't a substitute for engagement. Speech delay When babies spend too much time in front of screens, whether it's cartoons or nursery rhymes, they miss out on essential face-to-face interactions that are crucial for language development. Babies learn to speak by hearing real voices, watching lips move, and receiving immediate feedback when they mimic or try to form words, something a screen simply can't provide. Talking to your baby, even if they can't talk back yet, lays the foundation for communication. Narrating your day, singing songs, reading books, and using eye contact, gestures, and facial expressions all play a vital role in helping your baby learn language. These interactions not only support their language skills but also strengthen your bond. It also helps you better understand your baby's cues, laying the groundwork for a deeper emotional connection. Every conversation, no matter how small, supports your baby's development and deepens your connection. Overstimulation Screen content is designed to grab attention - flashing lights, rapid scene changes, loud music and bright colours. For a baby's developing nervous system, that kind of stimulation can easily become overwhelming. In contrast, real-world play moves at a slower, more natural pace. Soft toys, blocks and exploring textures allow your baby to engage on their own terms. This helps them learn to focus and regulate emotions, leading to fewer meltdowns and a more predictable, peaceful daily rhythm. For mums, that means less stress and more space to enjoy the quiet, meaningful moments of everyday life. Read more | Winter care tips for your child's braided crown Poor social skills When babies spend too much time in front of screens, they miss out on essential opportunities for social learning, such as observing facial expressions, hearing tone of voice, and experiencing the natural back-and-forth of real-life interactions, all of which are crucial for developing emotional intelligence and forming social bonds. In addition according to a UNICEF article Babies need humans not screens article, young children need their dose of boredom. It teaches them how to cope with frustration and control their impulses. If young children are constantly being stimulated by screens, they forget how to rely on themselves or others for entertainment. Spending time with people, whether it's mum, siblings or other children helps build empathy and confidence. Simple games like peekaboo, pulling faces and responding to their cues teach your baby how relationships work. These moments also bring a lot of joy. Watching your baby smile, respond to your voice or reach out for a cuddle is not only developmentally important, but emotionally rewarding too. I would add a para about reading books and using educational toys to boost cognitive and emotional development 'Your presence, expressions and engagement are more powerful than any screen,' says Kruger. 'Just as your love shapes their early world, so does the care you provide by staying informed and proactive about their cognitive, emotional and social development, which are critical skills that every child needs in order to thrive at home and at school.'
IOL News
16-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Don't ignore these 5 pregnancy red flags: your baby's safety depends on it
Recognising the warning signs and knowing when to seek help can be critical for both mother and baby Image: Pixabay/pexels Pregnancy is often described as a beautiful journey, a time of joy, hope, and anticipation. But it's also a time when expectant mothers must be extra vigilant about their health. While some discomforts are normal, certain symptoms can signal serious complications that require immediate medical attention. 'Some discomfort is normal in pregnancy, but certain symptoms may signal something serious. Recognising the warning signs and knowing when to seek help can be critical for both mother and baby,' explains Lizeth Kruger, clinic executive at Dis-Chem Baby City. As Kruger highlights, here are five key warning signs to watch for to help you stay attuned to your health during this life-changing journey. 1. Vaginal bleeding, amniotic discharge, or severe abdominal pain While light spotting can be common in the early stages of pregnancy, heavier bleeding or severe abdominal pain is a red flag. These symptoms could indicate a miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy, or placental issues such as placental abruption, a condition where the placenta separates from the uterus prematurely. Similarly, amniotic fluid leakage, which may feel like a sudden gush or a slow trickle, could be a sign of preterm labour. If these symptoms are accompanied by dizziness or weakness, it may indicate a medical emergency. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. 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Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Miscarriages occur in approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies, and early detection can sometimes prevent complications. Image: João Paulo de Souza Oliveira/pexels Why it matters: Miscarriages occur in approximately 10-20% of known pregnancies, and early detection can sometimes prevent complications. Placental abruption, though rare (affecting about 1 in 100 pregnancies), can pose significant risks for both mother and baby. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms. Regular antenatal check-ups are essential to identify potential risks and ensure both you and your baby are healthy. 2. Severe headaches and blurred vision Headaches are common during pregnancy due to hormonal changes, dehydration, or stress. However, when paired with blurred vision, they can signal pre-eclampsia, a condition characterised by high blood pressure that can lead to severe complications, including organ damage, seizures, or premature delivery. Pre-eclampsia facts: Globally, pre-eclampsia affects 2-8% of pregnancies, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). If untreated, it can result in stroke, organ failure, or complications for the baby, such as restricted growth or low birth weight. What to do: Monitor for additional symptoms like swelling in the hands and feet or sudden weight gain. If you notice these signs, contact your healthcare provider immediately for blood pressure monitoring and further evaluation. 3. Any falls during pregnancy Accidental falls can happen to anyone, but during pregnancy, they require extra caution. While the amniotic sac cushions the baby, a significant fall could harm the placenta, cervix, or even trigger preterm labour. Pregnant women are more prone to falls due to a shifted balance and changes in joint stability, particularly in the second and third trimesters. After any fall, watch for signs like bleeding, cramping, or reduced fetal movement. Even if you feel fine, consult your doctor to rule out any internal injuries or risks to the baby. 4. Difficulty breathing or rapid breathing It's normal to feel slightly short of breath during pregnancy as your growing uterus presses against your diaphragm. However, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing that doesn't improve with rest could signal serious conditions like pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs), anaemia, or gestational diabetes. Pulmonary embolism is rare but life-threatening, occurring in about 1 in 1,000 pregnancies, according to studies published in the Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, or rapid breathing, seek emergency medical care immediately. Timely treatment can prevent complications such as respiratory failure or fetal distress. 5. Fever and weakness A fever during pregnancy is never something to ignore. It could be a sign of an infection, such as a urinary tract infection (UTI), flu, or even more severe conditions like sepsis. UTIs are common during pregnancy, affecting about 8% of expectant mothers, and untreated infections can lead to preterm labour or low birth weight. Paying attention to warning signs and seeking help when something feels off can save lives, yours and your baby's. Image: Анастасия Триббиани/pexels Fevers can also signal dehydration, which increases risks for both the baby and the mother. Watch for accompanying symptoms like chills, body aches, or fatigue. If you suspect an infection, consult your healthcare provider immediately for diagnosis and treatment. Pregnancy is a time of immense change, and it's normal to feel unsure about what's serious and what's not. However, staying proactive about your health can make all the difference. As Kruger emphasises, 'Your well-being and your baby's health are always worth the extra care. If you're ever in doubt, check in with a healthcare provider. Regular check-ups during and after pregnancy help catch potential issues early and ensure continued support for both mother and baby.' Every pregnancy is unique, and only you truly know how your body feels. Paying attention to warning signs and seeking help when something feels off can save lives, yours and your baby's.
