8 Things You Must Absolutely Avoid Exposing Your Newborn To

Zakwan Shah
April 05, 2025
4 min
Welcoming a newborn into the world is an exciting and joyous time for parents.

As caregivers, it's crucial to create a safe and healthy environment for your little one.

Newborns are delicate and sensitive creatures. They have sensitive skin and their immune systems are still developing.

They need all the care and protection of their mummies and daddies if they are to make it to childhood.

But the world isn't always a nice place and there are many things in the environment that can threaten your baby's health, wellbeing and safety.

To protect your newborn's wellbeing, here are eight things you must absolutely avoid exposing them to.

8 Dangerous Things to Keep Away from Your Newborn

Tobacco Smoke

If secondhand smoke is dangerous to an adult, imagine what it could do to a baby.

Cigarettes and other types of tobacco and nicotine products like vapes and shishas (or hookah) also fall into this category and they are extremely detrimental for a newborn’s health.

Exposure to tobacco smoke increases the risk of respiratory infections, asthma, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and other respiratory problems. Ensure your home is a smoke-free environment and avoid exposing your baby to smoke-filled environments.

This can be difficult when going outside to restaurants. But checking beforehand is a good place to start.

Do a quick Internet search or ask the owner before taking your baby to these places.

Strong Chemicals

Newborns have sensitive skin and respiratory systems.

So, it's important to limit their exposure to harsh chemicals.

Avoid using strong cleaning products, pesticides, and air fresheners that contain harmful toxins.

Opt for natural, baby-safe alternatives instead.

This goes the same for their products.

Some baby lotions, oils and creams say they are hypoallergenic, paraben free, etc, but one look at the ingredients list and all the ugly truth is revealed.

If you want to ensure if a baby skincare product is totally safe to use, look them up on websites like CosDNA. It will tell you if there are any hidden ingredients that may pose a threat to your newborn.

Extreme Temperatures

Newborns struggle to regulate their body temperature.

Keep your baby away from extreme heat or cold, as it can lead to overheating or hypothermia. Ensure your baby is dressed appropriately and maintain a comfortable room temperature.

You have probably heard plenty of news both in the country and internationally of parents accidentally leaving their babies in hot cars. Some may survive but others unfortunately don't.

This is an important thing to remember, that even in an air-conditioned car, your baby can still overheat.

So, be very careful, especially with heat waves and rising global temperatures making things much more unbearable.

Illness-Causing Germs

Newborns have weak immune systems and are highly susceptible to infections.

So, minimise their exposure to sick individuals, crowded places, and environments with poor hygiene.

Additionally, encourage visitors to wash their hands thoroughly before handling the baby and avoid close contact if they're feeling unwell.

With so many viruses and germs out and about recently, it's all the more important to sanitise, disinfect and sterilise your home from any pathogens - especially their toys and food items so that they don't contract any illnesses that may endanger their lives.

Allergenic Foods

When your baby has reached their first 6 months of life or even a year, you may want to already start introducing them to solid foods.

Or rather semi-solid or soft foods, considering babies typically don’t have many teeth yet.

Introduce new foods to your baby's diet gradually and cautiously and avoid highly allergenic foods that can trigger unpleasant physical reactions like rashes and swelling.

Certain foods, such as peanuts, shellfish, and eggs, are common allergens and can cause severe reactions in some infants.

Consult with your paediatrician about when and how to introduce allergenic foods safely.

Harsh Sunlight

Sunlight is important for helping the produce lots of essential nutrients like vitamin D.

But direct UV exposure can be dangerous for newborns.

This is due to their delicate and sensitive skin that is highly susceptible to sunburn and sun damage.

Moreover, too much sunlight exposure at a young age can make them more prone to brown spots, age lines and wrinkles when they’re older.

So, avoid direct exposure to sunlight, especially during peak hours.

If you need to take your baby outside, dress them in protective clothing and use a baby-safe sunscreen on exposed areas.

Stressful Environments

Newborns thrive in calm and nurturing environments.

Exposing them to excessive stress, loud arguments, or chaotic surroundings can negatively impact their emotional wellbeing.

Create a peaceful and soothing atmosphere for your baby, providing them with a sense of security and comfort.

This also includes loud noises. Newborns have sensitive hearing, and exposure to loud noises can be distressing and harmful.

Avoid exposing your baby to excessive noise levels, such as blaring music, loud machinery, or crowded environments.

Protect their ears with noise-cancelling headphones or by keeping them in a quiet, peaceful setting.

Keep Your Newborn Safe

Remember, your newborn relies on you for their health and safety.

By avoiding these eight harmful exposures, you can significantly reduce the risk of health complications and ensure your baby's welbeing.

Always consult with your paediatrician for personalised advice and guidelines to protect your newborn from potential dangers.

With your love, care and attention, you'll create a nurturing environment where your baby can thrive and grow.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Thumb-Sucking Dangers: Effects That Persist Over Time

Zakwan Shah
April 08, 2025
3 min
Thumb-sucking is a common habit among infants and young children typically between 2 to 4 years old.

Babies have a natural tendency to do it before they even experience breastfeeding.

It's also often not limited to thumbs but toys, blankets, clothes and, of course, pacifiers.

In these cases, it’s called non-nutritive sucking where they child continues to look for things to put into their mouths even when not feeding.

Scientists say that the action provides comfort and a sense of security. As a way of self-soothing.

But what many parents may not realise is that thumb-sucking can have long-lasting effects on oral health and development.

This is especially true when they fail to outgrow the habit after their reach the age of 4 years old.

While it may seem harmless, prolonged thumb-sucking can lead to a variety of dental and orthodontic problems that persist over time.

Here are some negative side-effects that prolonged thumb-sucking can have on a child.

Negative Effects of Prolonged Thumb-sucking

Teeth Alignment

One of the primary concerns associated with thumb-sucking is the impact it can have on the alignment of the teeth.

Prolonged and vigourous thumb-sucking can exert pressure on the developing teeth, causing them to shift out of their natural position.

This can result in a misaligned bite, commonly known as malocclusion.

Malocclusion can lead to difficulties in biting, chewing, and speaking properly, and it may require orthodontic treatment such as braces to correct.

Mouth Shape

Another danger of thumb-sucking is the effect it can have on the roof of the mouth and the shape of the dental arches.

The constant pressure and suction can cause the roof of the mouth to become abnormally narrow, leading to a high palate.

This can create a crowded environment for the emerging permanent teeth, increasing the likelihood of dental crowding and the need for orthodontic intervention in the future.

Facial Structure

Thumb-sucking can also affect the development of the muscles in the face and mouth.

The repetitive motion of sucking on the thumb can cause certain muscles to become overdeveloped while others remain underdeveloped.

This muscular imbalance can lead to problems with speech, swallowing, and even facial aesthetics.

The result is usually a longer, narrower and flatted face shape.

Social Issues

In addition to dental and orthodontic issues, thumb-sucking can also have social and emotional implications.

As children grow older, persistent thumb-sucking can make them the target of teasing or bullying by their peers. Especially once they’re old enough for schooling.

It may also interfere with the development of self-soothing techniques and independent coping skills.

Breaking the habit can be challenging, and some children may require additional support and guidance from parents or professionals to overcome it.

In which case you should already be trying to help your child kick the habit at least one year before they enter the school system. If they’re still thumb-sucking.

How to Stop Thumb-sucking

To help children break the thumb-sucking habit, it's essential for parents to provide a supportive and understanding environment.

Instead of punishing or scolding the child, parents should focus on positive reinforcement and gentle reminders.

Encouraging alternative activities such as offering a comfort toy or engaging in other soothing activities can help redirect the child's attention away from thumb-sucking.

Some healthy self-soothing habits that you can help your child foster is playing, such as with dolls and toys, writing in a journal, reading a storybook, painting a picture, watching educational programs, or playing sports.

It helps if they can interact with other people such as a parent, friend or older sibling.

For older children who are struggling to break the habit, use a thumb guard or bitter-tasting nail polish. These can be used to discourage thumb-sucking.

In severe cases where the habit persists despite efforts to intervene, a dentist or orthodontist may recommend a dental appliance. These can be a crib or palatal bar, to prevent the child from sucking their thumb.

If all else fails, then the next step is simply to take them to a child psychiatrist.

This is so that you can get a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

This is, of course, the nuclear option and should only be employed if you have the means to do so.

Say ‘No’ to Thumb-sucking

Thumb-sucking may appear harmless at first.

But its effects can persist over time and have a significant impact on a child's oral health and development.

Parents should be aware of the potential dangers associated with prolonged thumb-sucking.

And they must take proactive steps to help their children break the habit.

Early intervention and guidance from dental and orthodontic professionals is important.

Not only to prevent future complications but also ensure a healthy smile for years to come.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Daddy Talks: Steering Clear of the Favouritism Trap

Reginald Chan
September 23, 2023
3 min
In the vast seas of parenting, favouritism is a sly current that can sneak up on you, often unnoticed.

As a father, I've always asked myself–am I unwittingly showing favouritism among my children?

This question, common among parents, troubled me enough to prompt an introspective exploration.

Through this journey, I've developed an approach that helped me to navigate these choppy waters, and I'm eager to share it with you.

I hope my experience can guide fellow Malaysian parents, mothers, fathers, and even sons and daughters, who might grapple with similar issues.

Unmasking Favouritism: The Hidden Adversary

Before we set sail, let's first understand our adversary.

What is favouritism?

It's an inclination to give preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another.

Within the family structure, it translates into a persistent bias where one child is favoured over the others.

The effects of favouritism, often subtle, can be long-lasting and deeply impact a child's self-esteem and overall family dynamics.

Tip #1: Charting the Course with Equal Time and Attention

To avoid favouritism, the initial and perhaps most crucial step is dedicating equal time and attention to each child.

This doesn't involve merely splitting your time like portions of a pie but also emphasising the quality of the time spent.

Every moment, whether helping with homework, engaging in play, or simply chatting about their day, should be filled with your full presence and focus.

This conscious effort ensures that each child feels equally heard, valued, and cherished.

Tip #2: Honouring the Voyage of Individuality

In the parenting journey, we often sail alongside a fleet–our children, each on their voyage.

They each have unique strengths, weaknesses, and interests, a distinct vessel that they command.

Rather than comparing their journeys, we should honour and celebrate their individuality.

This attitude promotes self-confidence, discourages unhealthy competition, and prevents the emergence of a hierarchy based on perceived value.

Tip #3: Navigating Fairness with Consistent Rules and Consequences

The compass guiding us towards equitable parenting is consistency, particularly in enforcing rules and consequences.

If one child faces discipline for a specific action, the same discipline should apply if another child steers the same course.

This consistent enforcement establishes a fair, predictable environment and prevents one child from feeling singled out or unfairly treated.

Tip #4: The Beacon of Open Communication

Open communication is the beacon that illuminates our path towards fair parenting.

Regularly 'dock' at the ports of your children's emotions, encouraging them to express their feelings and thoughts.

If the fog of favouritism starts clouding their emotional landscape, these 'dockings' or check-ins can help you notice and address these feelings before they become a significant issue.

Tip #5: Learning to Steer Amidst the Storms

As a father, I've learned that steering the parenting ship amidst the storms of favouritism is not about perfection but growth.

We're human, and it's okay to drift off course occasionally as long as we learn from these detours.

Recognise that if you're veering towards favouritism, acknowledge it, and make a conscious effort to recalibrate your course.

Tip #6: Balancing Praise and Criticism

A key aspect often overlooked in our bid to avoid favouritism is the balance between praise and criticism.

It's vital to offer each child a balanced mix of both.

Praise their achievements and improvements and constructively address areas where they need to improve.

This balance helps to ensure that no child feels overly criticised or, conversely, feels they need to excel to earn your attention constantly.

Tip #7: Understanding and Responding to Each Child’s Needs

Every child is unique, not just in their personality but also in their needs.

Some children might need more assistance or reassurance, while others might value more independence.

Responding to these individual needs is important without making other children feel less important.

Understanding and meeting each child's needs according to their individuality is vital in avoiding favouritism.

Tip #8: Providing Equal Opportunities

Providing equal opportunities to your children, whether in terms of education, hobbies or family chores, is another crucial aspect to consider.

This doesn’t mean all children should do the same activities but have the same opportunity to explore their interests and contribute to family responsibilities.

Solving Favouritism: It’s a Continuous Voyage

Solving favouritism isn't about reaching a destination; it's about maintaining consistent effort and self-awareness.

Armed with these parenting tips, we can create a more equitable and loving environment for our children.

Let us remember that parenting is not about striving for perfection but about anchoring our children with equal and unconditional love.

Our goal is to love our children equally and value them for their unique selves.

As we navigate the treacherous yet rewarding seas of parenthood, let's strive to avoid the undercurrent of favouritism because our children deserve a calm and fair voyage.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

Reversing Gender Roles: How You Can Raise Your Children without Stigma

Zakwan Shah
April 07, 2025
4 min
We all know by now how harmful gender stereotypes can be.

And not just for women but men as well.

From education to work to family, society has always put unfair expectations on both men and women.

For those who choose not to conform to any gender identities at all, this reality is compounded.

We see this play out all the time in the real world.

For example when it comes to parenthood, we experience what is known as the ‘motherhood penalty’. Women who are pregnant, TTC or have children tend to be passed off for promotions.

Only recently are we seeing a ‘fatherhood penalty’ as well where the same kind of workplace discrimination is being experienced by men.



This is not to mention the judgement we see a lot from family and friends towards the ‘working mum, stay-at-home dad’ arrangement that many couples enjoy.

In order to end this vicious cycle, we have to start from the bottom - with our kids.

If you’re looking to pave the way for a more equal and fair world, it’s time to teach your children a few things about breaking gender roles.

Raising children without gender role stigma can help foster a more inclusive and equal society and that is a win for everyone - man, woman and every gender in between.

Here are some tips on how to reverse gender roles and raise your children without stigma.

7 Ways to Reverse Gender Roles

Support Their Interests

Probably the best way to break gender norms is to avoid judging or discouraging your child’s interests. Especially if they enjoy doing things that are not typically the norm for their gender.

If your son loves fashion designing or your daughter loves aggressive sports, allow them explore those interests.

Encourage your kids to pursue activities and hobbies based on their passions, rather than societal expectations.

Whether it's sports, arts, science, or any other field, provide them with the resources and support to explore and develop their talents.

Lead by Example

The most direct way you can break gender norms in the home is to practice it in your marriage.

This is not a problem if you and your spouse naturally take over each other’s responsibilities.

Show your children that household chores, caregiving responsibilities, and decision-making are not limited to one gender.

Share household tasks equally with your partner and involve your children in age-appropriate chores to teach them that responsibilities are not based on gender but on contributing as part of a team.

This goes for self-expression too, not just duties or chores.

For example, the colours you wear, the books you read, or the music you listen to. These are all various expressions of gender that you can break and reverse.

Promote Gender-neutral Toys and Activities

We all see so many gendered kids things from books to bags to clothes.

Boys are expected to play with footballs and girls should only play with dolls.

But is this really the kind of backward idea we're still perpetuating?

Encourage your children to explore a wide range of toys and activities without restricting them based on gender stereotypes.

Provide them with a variety of options, such as blocks, puzzles, art supplies, sports equipment, and dolls, so they can choose based on their interests rather than societal expectations.

Avoid Perpetuating Gender Norms

You’d be surprised at all the gender stereotyped objects and ideas that surround us on a daily basis. Sometimes, even as adults we can fall into the same trap.

So, to foster a gender-neutral environment, be mindful of the language you use.

This is especially true when referring to occupations, activities, and characteristics.

Use gender-neutral terms whenever possible to convey that anyone can pursue any career or engage in any activity regardless of their gender.

This even goes for things like colours, clothes, forms of entertainment, personal belongings and even nicknames.

Encourage Open Conversations

Children are naturally curious.

They have questions about all sorts of things including body parts, sex, and of course, gender. They’re never too young to learn about these things in a safe, inclusive way.

Create a safe space where your children can freely express themselves and ask questions about gender roles, stereotypes, and societal expectations.

Engage in open discussions, listen actively, and provide age-appropriate answers that promote equality and understanding.

Be Mindful of Media Influence

Monitor the media your children consume and encourage critical thinking about gender representation.

Discuss and challenge stereotypes and biases they may encounter in books, TV shows, movies, and advertisements.

Possibly one of the earliest forms of gender norms that your child will experience is fairy tales.

While there have been many such storybooks rewritten from a feminist perspective, try out these other books instead.

Shatter those Gender Norms

But most importantly, you should also be okay if they are more comfortable doing things within their traditionally assigned gender roles.

The purpose of fostering a gender-neutral, inclusive home is not necessarily to raise gender-neutral kids.

It’s to allow your child to explore and experiment gender various roles in a safe and conducive way. And to respect and normalise them to gender reversals in other people

Remember, reversing gender roles is an ongoing process that requires consistent effort and awareness.

By creating an environment that challenges stereotypes and promotes equality, you can help your children grow into individuals who value diversity, respect others, and pursue their dreams without limitations.

You've got this, my fellow parents!

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!

20 Unique Father's Day Cake Ideas to Delight Your Dad

Reginald Chan
June 13, 2023
5 min
Looking for the perfect Father's Day gift? Why not whip up something truly special and delicious?

Show appreciation with a homemade cake that will satisfy your father's sweet tooth and create lasting memories.

Here are 20 unique Father's Day cake ideas you won't find elsewhere, ranging from the classic chocolate cake to an extraordinary ice cream cake.

1. The Classic Carrot Cake

With its rich cream cheese frosting, a carrot cake is an exquisite blend of wholesome goodness and indulgent delight.

It's a cake that whispers rather than shouts but remains a firm favourite for many dads.

2. The Luxurious Chocolate Cake

Every chocolate-loving father will enjoy a good old-fashioned chocolate cake.

Enhance it with a layer of whipped cream between each sponge to give it a light, fluffy texture that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.

3. The Chilled Ice Cream Cake

An ice cream cake offers a refreshing change from the norm.

For a creative twist, try using a base of crumbled graham crackers mixed with butter for a crunchy contrast to the smooth ice cream.

4. The Hearty Peanut Butter Pound Cake

A peanut butter pound cake is the answer for fathers who adore peanut butter.

It's a dense, moist cake that beautifully showcases the robust flavours of peanut butter.

5. The Showstopper Layer Cake

Nothing says 'I love you, Dad' quite like a homemade layer cake.

You can experiment with different flavours and colours, perhaps even matching them to your father's favourites.

6. The Zesty Lemon Pound Cake

A lemon pound cake balances sweet and tangy flavours, perfect for fathers with a fondness for citrus.

A glaze of lemon-infused sugar icing gives this cake a sweet, tangy kick.

7. The Exotic Coconut Cream Cake

This cake is layered with rich coconut cream and sprinkled with shredded coconut.

A tropical delight for any dad who dreams of sandy beaches and sunny skies.

8. The Decadent Red Velvet Cake

Treat your dad to a slice of this luxurious classic.

The cream cheese frosting beautifully complements the smooth, chocolatey red velvet.

9. The Delightful Strawberry Shortcake

Fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a fluffy biscuit base make this cake a surefire hit.

It's a Father's Day gift that's as sweet as refreshing.

10. The Rustic Apple Spice Cake

This hearty cake features cinnamon, nutmeg, and fresh apples for dads who love the flavours of autumn-feel desserts.

A dollop of whipped cream on top makes it even more indulgent.

11. The Wholesome Banana Nut Cake

This cake is a delicious way to use ripe bananas.

Add chopped nuts for a crunchy contrast, and top with cream cheese frosting for extra richness.

12. The Luscious Caramel Layer Cake

Layers of moist cake and creamy caramel make for a mouthwatering dessert.

Sprinkle some sea salt on top for a delicious salty-sweet combination.

13. The Comforting Cinnamon Roll Cake

Inspired by the beloved breakfast pastry, this cake is a swirl of sweet, cinnamon-infused dough topped with a rich cream cheese glaze.

14. The Indulgent Chocolate Mousse Cake

This cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers.

A layer of creamy chocolate mousse is sandwiched between rich chocolate cake, making it a decadent dessert.

15. The Creamy New York Cheesecake

A classic that never disappoints.

This rich, creamy cheesecake with a graham cracker crust is a testament to the beauty of simplicity.

16. The Tasty Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This retro dessert features caramelised pineapple slices atop a moist, buttery cake.

It's sure to bring a smile to your dad's face.

17. The Exciting Surprise Inside Cake

This cake has a fun surprise hidden inside.

Whether it's a different-coloured sponge or fun sprinkles, it will surely delight your dad when he cuts into it.

18. The Nutty Pecan Pie Cake

This cake takes the flavours of a classic pecan pie and transforms them into a delicious cake.

It's a unique treat that your dad will love.

19. The Dark and Rich Black Forest Cake

This cake is A classic German dessert layered with chocolate sponge, whipped cream, and cherries.

It's a sophisticated choice for the discerning father.

20. The Delicate French Opera Cake

This elegant dessert consists of thin layers of almond sponge soaked in coffee syrup, layered with ganache and buttercream.

It's a refined treat for a dad with a sophisticated palate.

Summary

As you navigate these twenty unique cake ideas, remember that the most memorable Father's Day gift is a cake baked straight from the heart.

Each ingredient you mix, each layer you assemble, and each decoration you adorn is a testament to your appreciation for your dad.

Choosing the right recipe is just the beginning. As you roll up your sleeves and dive into the process, let your love and gratitude for your father guide you.

This will undoubtedly shine through in your creation, whether it's a classic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting or an adventurous ice cream cake with a crunchy graham cracker base.

When you present your Father's Day cake, it's not just about satisfying your dad's sweet tooth.

It's also about creating shared memories that you both can cherish.

Every bite your father takes will remind him of your thoughtful effort, making his day unforgettable.

So, embark on this exciting baking journey and remember that the secret ingredient is always love.

Here's to a fantastic Father's Day filled with sweetness, joy, and scrumptious cake.

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For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!