Diagnosing MS in kids HEALTH Childhood allergies on the
One lucky reader stands a chance to win a Mama & Baby Care Package from SOiL Organic Aromatherapy, because calm, comfort and, ultimately, better sleep should be the goal of every family’s bedtime routine.
The hamper comprises Baby Blended Oil, Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser, Sleep Essential Oil Blend and a De-Stress Remedy Roller, valued at R1 000!
To enter, scan the QR code with your phone and complete the entry form online at www.babysandbeyond.co.za/competitions/
Closing date: 30 November 2025. T&Cs apply
The Organic Aromatherapy range SOiL
SOiL is South Africa’s first certified organic aromatherapy brand, offering pure, unadulterated plant-based wellness. Ethically made, vegan-friendly, and certified by Ecocert, Fair for Life, Beauty Without Cruelty, and the South African Vegan Society.
Available at www.soil.co.za, Wellness Warehouse, Faithful to Nature, Dis-Chem, Takealot.com, and Amazon.co.za.
Calling all book-loving families! JB Kids are giving away a magical hamper packed with stories that
and
To
Closing date: 30 November 2025. T&Cs apply.
– worth R1
Just when I thought winter would never end, the mornings are finally warming up. But with spring, comes the sniffles – my son and I are both bracing for allergy season. Naturally, we dived into the world of allergies and more in this issue.
We also unpack growing pains (page 22), investigate the rise in childhood allergies (page 24) and asthma (page 28), explore when to worry about fevers (page 34), talk about MS in kids (page 38), and offer some emergency skin relief from eczema for mom and baby (page 40).
Speaking of breaking news… GoodHope FM’s Mishka Loesch has the scoop for us… She’s introducing her baby boy Daxon to the world! Though she’s off-air at the moment, she’s happy to let us know that she’ll be back on the mic in October (we’re marking our calendars); read all about it on page 18.
Then, we meet the supermoms who fought cancer, won, and are now telling their stories (page 76). They’re a message to others… early screening saves lives.
Plus, this Heritage Day, get the kids cooking with Jan Braai Junior, learn how to protect your pets from parasites; the differences between IEB CAPS and Cambridge International and what’s best for your child. We’ve also got tips on buying your first stroller, budgeting for baby, choosing the right beauty mask, and the essentials you need to add to your spring maternity wardrobe.
So grab your sunscreen and antihistamines – there’s plenty to keep you informed, inspired, and entertained!
SCAN ME
roar, giggle,
inspire
530! What’s in the hamper? How to Be a Viking by Cressida Cowell; Find & Follow: Bizzy Bear At the Dinosaur Park by Benji Davies; Oi Dinosaurs! by Kes Gray; Push, Pull, Slide! Dinosaurs by Bobbie Brooks; The Lion Inside (10th Anniversary Edition) by Rachel Bright; I Hate Everything by Sophy Henn and Ten Little Kittens by Lucy Rowland.
Water birthing facility
3 labour wards & obstetric theatre
Vaginal births after caesarean section (VBAC)
Neonatal ICU
Private room with double bed to accommodate birthing partner
Gynaecologist & Obstetricians:
Dr Ilana Johnson
Dr Linda Murray
Dr Kate Richardson
Dr Amaal Schroeder
Dr Jacky Searle
Dr Latiefa Vinoos
PAEDIATRIC WARD & INTENSIVE CARE UNIT
Our team of Paeditricians and specialised nursing sta will do their utmost to ensure the comfort of your child in a safe, peaceful environment.
our specialised paediatric specialists
General Paediatricians
Dr Leon Jedeikin
Dr Carl Wicht
specialised paediatricians
Paediatrician and Nephrologist
Dr Paul Sinclair
Paediatrician and Allergologists
Prof Claudia Gray
Paediatrician and Neonatologist
Dr Lize Boshoff Coyles
Paediatrician and Pulmonologist
Dr Aruna Lakhan
Paediatrician and Gastroenterologist
Dr Lesego Ndhlovu
specialists who provide paediatric services
Paediatric Dermatologist
Prof Carol Hlele
Paediatric Surgeons
Prof Rob Brown
Dr Babalwa Nondela
Dr Shamaman Harilal
Paediatric Orthopaedic Surgeon
Dr Stewert Dix-peek
Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeons (ENTS)
Dr Azgher Karjieker
Dr Eve Samson
Dr Martin Vanlierde
Dr Michele Long
Dr Paul Crosland
Paediatric Dietician
Susan Cooley-Maree
Orthopaedic, oncology, joint and Reconstructive surgeon
Dr Thomas Hilton
Dr Keith Hosking
Plastic & reconstructive surgeons
Dr Clare Neser
Dr Conrad Pienaar
Dr Gareth September
Dr Dehan Strüwig
Urologists:
Dr Larry Jee
Dr Karlheinz Jehle
Dr Allison Moore
In a medical emergency, call 0860 123 367 for our FREE advanced life support paramedic response car service. For more information about our service o erings please contact our units: Maternity: 021 506 5165 or Paediatric Ward and ICU: 021 506 5136/5137
Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital Alexandra Road, Pinelands, Cape Town, 7405
www.lifehealthcare.co.za
PUBLISHER: Elroy van Heerden-Mays elroy@mediaxpose.co.za
DIGITAL MARKETING MANAGER Juhi Rampersad juhi@mediaxpose.co.za
SOCIAL MEDIA Kyla van Heerden
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AIRPORT DISTRIBUTION: Media
PICTURE
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publisher or its agents. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information published, the publisher does not accept responsibility for any error or omission contained herein. Consequently, no person connected with the publication of this journal will be liable for any loss or damage sustained by any reader as a result of action following statements or opinions expressed herein. The publisher will give consideration to all material submitted, but does not take responsibility for damage or its safe return.
CharisDear
Winter? What wint e
SEND YOUR LETTER TO editor@babysandbeyond.co.za by 8 November 2025!
WINNING LETTER
Prize includes:
During my pregnancy, I developed an unexpected obsession… with fresh air. In the middle of winter, I would insist on sleeping with the windows and doors wide open. I couldn’t stand the heat or the smell of spices in the house whenever we cooked! Curries, spices and even soup… everything made me feel nauseous and overwhelmed. I just wanted cold, crisp air and zero scent.
My poor husband was utterly confused (and freezing!). He’d wake up bundled in blankets, while I was snoozing happily in my short sleeves, basking in the winter breeze. Let’s just say he considered sleeping in another room more than once!
Pregnancy really turned me into a “walking contradiction” but I’d do it all again to hold my precious baby in my arms.
Warm (or happily cool?) regards, Tumelo Rammala
ICE, ICE BABY!
When I was pregnant with my son, I craved ice… not crushed ice, not ice cubes… full-on blocks of frozen water. I’d stand at the freezer with a hammer, breaking them into chunks and happily crunching away. My dentist still looks at me suspiciously.
Staying chilled, Melissa Daniels
Be sure to grab the magazine when it hits shelves to see if you’re our next winner. Let’s make this spring a celebration of the weird, wonderful world of parenting!
Tumelo, you’ve won our Spring into Storytelling, Mamas! Competition – and an amazing Vital Baby prize pack worth R1 180!
TikTok
MADE ME DO IT
I just HAD to share this hilarious (and slightly terrifying) pregnancy story with you all. So, there I was, 32 weeks pregnant, feeling a bit adventurous after watching a few TikTok videos. I decided I wanted to deworm myself naturally because – why not? Naturally, I settled on pawpaw (papaya) seeds, which I’d heard might do the trick.
That evening, I ate three tablespoons of pawpaw seeds. The next morning, I took two more tablespoons. Two hours later, my tummy started cramping. I thought, “Okay, maybe this is normal.” But then, the cramps stopped... only to start again about 45 minutes later.
Suddenly, I was on Dr Google, frantically researching the dangers of eating pawpaw seeds during pregnancy. Turns out, it’s not exactly recommended!
Next thing I knew, I was in a hospital bed. After three days of observation, I was discharged. All’s well now, thank goodness! But I can’t believe I almost ended up in labour because of a “natural remedy” gone a little too wild.
Moral of the story? Sometimes, the best remedy is to just stick with the tried-and-true, and maybe leave the pawpaw seeds in the compost bin.
With laughter and love, Samantha Ohlson
Vital Baby Weaning Kit Kids Sipper Cup Mixed 360 Edge Cup Little Sipper
SOFT LIPS
Magic Colour
METARELAX
Support your wellness
MetaRelax features a blend of magnesium, vitamins B6, B12, D3, folate, and taurine designed to help support general wellbeing during times of stress. Magnesium and vitamin D work together to promote muscular relaxation, while folate and vitamin B6 may contribute to maintaining normal psychological function. This comprehensive formula aims to support energy levels and overall health.
Available at leading pharmacies and wellness retailers.
This innovative balm features pH-activated technology that reacts to your lips’ natural chemistry, creating a custom tint tailored just for you. No two shades are ever exactly the same! Packed with nourishing ingredients, it delivers deep hydration, leaving your lips soft, smooth, and radiant. The sleek, pocket-sized design makes it perfect for on-the-go selfcare. Discover the magic of personalised lip care!
Softlips Magic Colour is available exclusively at Dis-Chem stores nationwide.
All Over Print
Nap Mat
The Stephen Joseph All Over Print Nap Mat is the ultimate naptime companion! Available in a cool shark as well as a princess theme, this cozy mat features a large, one-piece design with an attached pillow and blanket for maximum comfort. Adjustable hook-and-loop straps make it easy to roll up, while the durable polyester exterior and machine-washable construction ensure hassle-free cleaning. Perfect for daycare, camping, and sleepovers, it even includes a handy front pocket and a convenient shoulder strap for easy carrying.
Shop now at timelesstoys.co.za!
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STEPHEN JOSEPH
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SCAN ME
"The
perfect companion for your toast, pancakes, and waffles, drizzle it over yogurt, stir it into tea, or enjoy it straight from the spoon!"
Cranberry Crush Protein Water
Gloot’s new Cranberry Crush Protein Water is a deliciously refreshing way to hydrate and nourish your body. With a bold burst of tart cranberry flavour, this clean, high-performance drink packs 14g of whey protein isolate, zero sugar, zero fat, and added B-vitamins and Vitamin C. Perfect for post-workout, mid-afternoon pick-me-ups, or as a smart alternative to sugary fruit juices, Cranberry Crush helps you stay on top of your hydration and protein goals.
Available now from leading retailers and online at www.glootnu.com.
CARMIEN
Nursing Tea gift set
The Carmién Nursing Tea Tin and Envelopes combo (R170) is the perfect gift for breastfeeding moms. It includes 50 individually wrapped Nursing Rooibos Tea envelopes in a beautiful keepsake tin. This specially formulated blend combines Rooibos, fenugreek, fennel, and aniseed to help stimulate and increase milk production. Naturally caffeine-free, sugar-free, and lowkilojoule, it’s a nourishing choice that also supports digestion and weight loss. With its smooth vanilla and subtle liquorice flavour, you can enjoy 4 – 6 cups daily, hot or cold. (Not suitable during pregnancy.)
Buy online at www.carmientea.co.za
Nursing cups: Heal, soothe, and protect SILVER MAMA
Discover SILVER MAMA Nursing Cups, handmade in Italy from 925 Sterling Silver. These discreet cups soothe sore nipples, prevent cracks, and protect sensitive skin during breastfeeding. Silver’s antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties provide fast relief. Safe for your baby, invisible under clothing, and reusable, SILVER MAMA offers a natural solution for a comfortable breastfeeding experience. Protect, heal, and breastfeed with confidence – naturally. Get 10% OFF with code SAVE10 at checkout.
Available at www.silvermama.co.za, Faithful to Nature, Takealot, and Amazon.
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right on your doorstep Quality healthcare services,
At Life Kingsbury Hospital caring for our patients is more than just healing them – it’s about doctors and nurses, building a connection of support that embodies life, health and care.
We offer the following disciplines & services:
24 hour Emergency Unit
Bariatric clinic (weight management)
Hepatobiliary surgery
Internal medicine (physician)
Paediatric surgery
Plastic and reconstructive surgery
Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories (Cath Lab) NEW
Cardiology
Cardiac Catheterisation Laboratories (Cath Lab) NEW
Is your baby’s skin feeling dry, itchy, or just looking a little cranky? Mustela Stelatopia Lipid-Replenishing Cream is here to help! Fragrance-free and crafted with organic sunflower oleodistillate, it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin – yours and your little one’s. With a silky texture that absorbs quickly, it soothes, hydrates, and restores the skin’s protective barrier. Developed alongside over 200 families, this vegan formula calms redness and irritation, providing lasting comfort. Stelatopia+ is a caring, cuddle-friendly companion from day one.
Shop it now at Dermastore, Dis-Chem, Clicks and online at LeBeautyClub.co.za!
Tutoring is no longer just for struggling students. South African parents now turn to private tutoring for proactive support – helping children stay on track, excel, and build vital life skills. Tutor Doctor South Africa offers personalised, in-home and online tutoring tailored to each child’s unique learning style, fostering confidence, focus, and academic independence. From managing time and minimising distractions to easing school-related anxiety, one-to-one tutoring provides a calm, supportive space for learning. Whether for foundation skills or exam prep, Tutor Doctor offers flexible, stress-free solutions for busy families.
Find at www.tutordoctor.co.za
METAGENICS
MamaPlus
MamaPlus is a scientifically formulated supplement designed to support women from pre-conception through pregnancy and breastfeeding. With just one convenient capsule a day, it delivers essential nutrients like Omega-3 DHA, folic acid, iron, vitamins D3 and B12, and iodine – all chosen for their high bioavailability and gentle absorption. MamaPlus supports fertility, healthy foetal development and immune function, and helps reduce fatigue in moms. Trusted by healthcare practitioners, MamaPlus is your daily companion on the journey to and through motherhood, giving both mom and baby the best possible nutritional support at every stage. Formulated by science. Made for motherhood.
