Bright Ideas | Practical Stuff

Did you know that Echinaforce is available in tablet form for ages 2 and up and it actually tastes quite okay. It’s a great, natural way of preventing colds and flu’s, especially if your child is attending a preschool or a play group where a snotty nose is as natural as a nappy change.

It's winter and that means colds, tissues and snollies. Lots of it. Rubbing vaseline on your child's nose (nostrils, to be exact) will prevent it from turning raw, red and crusty. Yup, mother talk!

Pack away some of your child's toys and leave only a few toys out. Besides it being better for them to concentrate on one game at a time, their old toys will feel like brand new ones when you rotate them after a while.

Think of your own comfort when buying a nappy bag. This is not for baby - you are the one that has to carry it around and make it work for you. Don't just go for style and fashion; think comfort and practicality. A good combination will be a pretty (you do have to live with it!) backpack which will leave your hands/arms free.

Is morning sickness getting you down? Try taking your prenatal vitamins last thing at night.  They get absorbed overnight which means all side effects will be gone come morning.

All the well-meant advice you'll receive can lead to information overload and leave you confused. Find a routine or child care method that makes sense to you, something you believe in and stick to it, no matter what advice you receive from your aunt, mother or best friend!

Infants prefer looking at highly contrasted patterns and shapes. Make your own  mobile decorated with large geometrical black and white patterns. You can use a paper plate: Paint the centre black and white and hang dangly little black and white objects from it. Easy to make and just as easy to change.

If your baby or toddler won't eat vegetables, you may have to resort to playing "Hide the Veggies". Make a dish with layers such as cottage pie or lasagna and hide the finely chopped veggies between the layers. Blend the carrots (or any other veggies) and mix it with the mash. No mess, no fuss!

Add about 200ml of pure fruit juice (no sugar added) to 1L of weak rooibos tea and keep it in your fridge. This is a easy and healthy way of making your own iced tea and your older baby and toddler will love this refreshing drink!

If your baby is crying frequently and seem to be in digestive discomfort most of the day, try Sister Lilian's Chamomilla D6 remedy. Not only will it calm and soothe your baby, but it treats colic-like symptoms as well as teething/ear pain.