Johnson's Baby Giving Bath Time at Virlanie

Did you know that more than just starting the day fresh, and then washing off the day's dirt and grime,  your kids' bath time can be so much more? 

Studies have shown that sensorial stimulation is critical to a child's happy, healthy development. Of course, bath time is one ritual where all sensory activities come into play. 

They hear us as we talk and sing to them, and as gushing water from the tap collects around them.

They take in the scent of their shampoo and body wash, as they gleefully splash around in the tub.

They try to catch and pop bubbles as you shampoo their hair to a lather. Getting moisturized after, and being buffed and puffed with powder before getting dressed, it's the stuff childhood memories are made of. 

But more than fun stuff, what we do during bath time also happen to impact many aspects of our children's lives - from their mood and alertness to body weight and bone mass, and even how they will learn and fare in school as well as socialize with others.

Given this, imagine how much more kids who grow up in orphanages need all the hugs, massages, and multi-sensorial bathing experiences they can get.

So when Johnson's Baby invited my mommy friends and I to join them in a Virlanie home in Makati, for a bath time tutorial with the caregivers, of course I said yes!

Virlanie Foundation which runs the home we went to, was established in 1992 by Dominique Lemay, a French social worker, with the help of his Filipino friends.  

Virlanie cares for children in need of special protection - those who are among the poorest of the poor, the abandoned, abused, exploited, neglected, and orphaned.  

Through its various programs and services such as housing, education, health and family reunification/adoption/independent living among many, the children are given a chance for a better future, by "giving back their smiles". 

I would like to think that in our own little ways, the moms and the good folks from Johnson's Baby brought smiles to the kids, and their caregivers that day.

Ate Myrna and company taught the caregivers of Virlanie how to bathe their alagas

We were joined by three midwives from the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines (IMAP), headed by Ate Myrna, to teach the caregivers how to bathe their newborn, baby and a toddler wards. Watch these newborn, infant and toddler bathing videos, so you can learn too!

To recap, here are some highlights I've learned from watching the midwives demonstrate how to bathe a newborn, infant and toddler:

Newborn:

- Bath time helps calm baby and give him a sense of security, thanks to swaddle bathing! I didn't know that newborns can be swaddled while bathing too.  Apparently, swaddle bathing helps the baby feel more secure in the water. They stay warmer, with less risk of sudden drops in temperature, and promotes a calm and stress-free experience for them. Kind of like still being in a uterine environment.

- Before immersing baby, make sure to swirl the water so there are no hotspots.

- Gently cleanse around your baby's eyes with a cotton pad dampened with clean, warm water. Use a new cotton pad for each eye and always wipe from the inside corner of the eye outward. Then, using a soft washcloth, wipe around your baby's mouth, nose and whole face, working from the middle outward. Wipe the creases in her neck and don't forget behind her ears! 

- For younger babies, wet a baby washcloth with warm water and use a gentle cleanser formulated for babies, like JOHNSON'S® baby HEAD-TO-TOE® wash. If your baby has more hair, you might try a gentle shampoo, like JOHNSON'S® baby shampoo. 

- Wash the diaper area last and always wash from front to back. 

- Let your baby take a few moments in the bath to enjoy the warm water. Pour cupfuls of water over her body to keep her warm.

- After drying baby, seal moisture with lotion and then pat with powder.

Infant:

- Bath time is more than just cleaning, it's also a way to excite his senses. 

- Baby graduates from using cotton pads on the face, to washing face using cloth. 

Toddler:

- They can finally use Johnson's Baby Cologne after patting on powder!

Meanwhile, us moms did our bit, by sharing our ideas on how the caregivers can connect with kids. Conci Navarro demonstrated a Hi-5 dance, Michelle Aventajado taught them some yoga moves that they can do with the bigger kids, Jen Chua Caedo Tan taught them how to use a baby sling and highlighted how it can help them care for multiple kids at once, while I shared with them the benefits of reading to children, and finished off by reading an excerpt from one of my all time favorite books, Aesop's Fables.

We spent our entire morning and lunch time at Virlanie, talking to the caregivers, listening to their stories, playing with the kids, and just giving them little ones as many hugs and attention as they wanted. 

While our hearts were bleeding for these tiny beings who have already gone through difficulties early in life, and deserve so much more, we left their home secure in the knowledge that they are cared for and loved by their caregivers as if they were their own. They have found a safe place in Virlanie, and that in itself is something to celebrate and not be sad about.

I would say, we went to Virlanie thinking we were going to teach and share something of ourselves, but instead, we left learning so much from them. Two lessons stood out for me:

1)  Happiness in simple things. Their home was devoid of the comforts we are all accustomed to, their meals and snacks are basic at best, we did not come bearing lavish gifts, but the children and their caregivers were happy to see us, greeted us with curiosity, if not shy smiles, or beaming faces. One does not need a lot to be happy. To live in a home where one is cared for and treated with kindness is in itself a blessing.

2) The power of touch. The children of Virlanie are lucky to be raised in an environment where they are looked after by women who are caring and good natured. It was obvious to us that they were truly concerned about the children and did not hold back in showering them with hugs and affection. They didn't mind having the kids climbing all over them, two or three at a time.

And maybe this is why most of the children at Virlanie are outgoing, sociable and yes, happy and healthy. 

Touch is #SoMuchMore
For the most touch-deprived Filipino babies, every touch means #SoMuchMore. Watch the story of how the caregivers in Virlanie Foundation become mothers with every touch.

For more about Virlanie Foundation, visit www.virlanie.org and Like the Virlanie Facebook page.

For more on Johnson's Baby visit www.johnsonsbaby.com.ph and Like the Johnson's Baby Philippines Facebook page.

Play for Real with Johnson's Baby

With my friends Cai, Jackie, Didi and Pam at the Johnson's Play for Real event

Can you tell which of the moms above are guilty of iPad parenting? Ok fine, it may just be me. Ahihihi. 

But sometimes, it's just too easy. I make them sit down, tinker about with an educational app, watch a toy review on YouTube, or play a game, and they're so quiet right away. How can I not? Especially when there's a ton of things I have to do, handing over my phone or iPad always seems like a good idea. Yes, even if I know it's not the best thing keep them preoccupied. Woe is me.

I do let them play for real of course. I have noticed in fact that they don't need expensive toys and gadgets to keep them happy. Hand over some empty bottles and boxes, and they'll figure out creative ways to play with them. Xavi gets a box and turns it into a house. Berry converts my discarded eye serum bottle with a dropper into a doll's feeding bottle.

Berry and Xavi found this box at S&R and pretended it was their house 

And this is the sort of "playing" that Johnson's Baby advocates. 

My UP Econ schoolmate Trina Tanlapco, who is now the Associate Marketing Director for Johnson's Baby, spearheaded the Play for Real campaign, because they want to remind parents that playtime is a time for learning, and that what seems like an ordinary activity, can actually mean so much more for our kids.

discarded bottles can turn into squirt guns, rocket ships, a coin bank, and more, with just a little bit of imagination

And when Johnson's Baby says, "Play!", we're talking the full sensory experience - because children learn more when their sense of sight, touch, smell, hearing and taste are activated and enhanced. 

Apparently, when the different senses get stimulated in activities during play, the neurons and brain connections are formed better, making kids more receptive to learning. They develop their fine motor, language, cognitive and social skills. It fosters creativity, while learning different concepts and preparing them for bigger challenges. There's a lot going on, in what may seem like regular playing.

Sight: When was the last time your kid played with leaves and twigs? I remember playing with leaves and twigs as a kid, mixing it with water in an toy clay pot my Lola bought for me.

Taste: How do unpopped corn kernels taste like? I wouldn't be surprised if at least one curious kid popped a kernel in his mouth, heehee

Smell: Coffee grounds! Like soil, but smells so much better!

Feel: slipper, bubbly, soapy ducks!

Hearing: Can you hear the sound of dripping water? Gushing water? Water coming from 6 different faucets?

Just take a look at the pleased look on Xavi's face when he managed to unearth a coin using a magnet...

Priceless! I've never seen him do that while playing on the iPad!

In fact, the entire time our kids were immersed in sensory play, I've never had them come up to me asking for my phone, or complaining that they were bored!

They had a grand time scooping corn kernels.

Getting wet with a garden hose.

Filling up empty plastic bottles of Johnson's Baby top to toe wash and gleefully splashing it onto their friends.

Making colorful artwork using not just paint brushes, but also sponges, and even their bare hands and feet.

In fact, just as we were about to leave, Berry made one last request to go inside a giant bubble.

I've forgotten how playing the old-fashioned way can be so much fun! It was amazing how my kids and their friends spent a good 3 hours outdoors, tirelessly playing under the sun, without any complaints. I really should give them more time outside, getting sweaty and dirty, playing with sticks, stones, leaves and mud, running through the garden hose, and scribbling with chalk on the driveway, like the kids of my generation used to.  

For more on Johnson's Baby and the Play for Real campaign,  visit the Johnson's Baby Facebook page. Now watch what real play can do for our kids:

Tangled, Troubled Hair? CYNOS Morocco Argan Oil to the Rescue!

Argan Oil, which is said to have restorative and age-defying effects, has become one of the latest miracle ingredients in the beauty industry. Silvertree series are formulated on the basis of argan oil, enriching your hair with essential linoleic acids which fight against loss of moisture and elasticity.

If there is such a thing as combination hair, that would be my hair type.

My scalp and roots get oily, my hair is pretty much dry, and the tips? Parched. 

I wash my scalp everyday, because seriously, you might as well call me Crisco if I don't do that. I sometimes use dry shampoo, but well, washed hair feels so much cleaner.

I know I should be using conditioner more often, but sometimes I just don't have the time to luxuriate in letting the conditioner work its way into my hair. Especially when Xavi is crying and waiting, no make that demanding, that I step out of the shower ahora mismo.

So it was love, love, love when Tenylle Ang of CYNOS Argan Oil sent me some products from their line. I was totally in love with their multi-purpose Argan Oil especially:

aka "Liquid Gold"

It doesn't feel like oil, its more like oil in gel form. None of that greasy, messiness associated with oil based products. It smells so good too! Plus, because it is made from argan oil, it is deeply moisturizing.

This is because argan oil is rich in Vitamin E and fatty acids. Vitamin E, Omega 3, and Omega 9 in argan oil help restore vitality and strength of damaged hair.

It works not just for the hair, but for the face and body as well.

I like using it solely for my hair though. Since I don't get to use conditioner as much as I would like to, I use it to work through tangles. Before I'd cringe a little when I'd forcefully comb through tangled hiar and see like a hundred strands fall off. With Argan Oil, I would just work a small amount into wet hair to undo tangles, with much less hair fall. They're great for nourishing the tips too!

On days when my hair feels extra dry, I use CYNOS Argan Oil Moisture Vitality Shampoo. It gently cleanses the hair without stripping color. Sometimes I follow it up with Cynos Argan Oil Moisture Vitality Conditioner thairapy, both are safe for color and chemically treated hair. Plus, like the oil version, both smell oh so good! Hair also feels much more tame, healthier and a whole lot silkier.

CYNOS Argan Oil products are available at Nail-A-Holics, Studio Fix by Alex Carbonell, Tinette & Co, Louis Phillip Kee, Jimmy Lu Salon Salon, G2 Elevation Salon, Emphasis Salon, Freshaire Going Straight Salon, Face 2 Face Lucky Chinatown Mall 3 Annex B and online at Taste Central.

MFO's Verdict On: ioECO Monotheme Artichoke Shower Gel

The Product: ioECO Monotheme Artichoke Shower Gel

The Promise: ioECO Monotheme is an innovative line characterized by active ingredients that are  more than 98% vegetable in origin. It is the result of an in-depth scientific research  that has produced a complete line of body care products that are naturally based and respectful of nature due to the low impact level on the environment of their production cycle.

- No SLES/SLS
- No Parabens
- No Artificial colourings
- No petroleum derivatives
- Dermatologically tested

Put to the Test: First thing I noticed about the ioECO Artichoke shower gel (for oily skin) is that it leaves a silky feel to the touch. After you towel off, skin definitely feels moisturized. While it does not smell as good as most shower gels, it has a pleasant scent that my husband likes. I guess that's the trade off given that the product is said to be 98% made from vegetables - yes, NO fruits or flowers. Tell me, is there a vegetable that smells good? Oh my gulay! If you don't like harsh or strong scents, this is the product for you.

A huge plus, given that I have sensitive skin is that I never had a reaction with this product. I use this in conjunction with a hypoallergenic shampoo and I do like the fact that I've never had bouts with zits on my back at all (I am prone to getting zits on my back when I use products not compatible to my skin).

Passing the Verdict: While there are many shower gels out there, there are limited choices when it comes to products that are made solely from vegetable ingredients and do not contain parabens, SLES/SLS and artificial colourings. If you are extra picky with the products you use and are on the lookout for something that is more natural than most, this is a safe bet.

Practical Tip: The ioECO Monotheme line comes in three vegetable variants

- Carrot: ideal for dry skin and hair, with nourishing vitamins

- Cucumber: ideal for sensitive skin, purifying and refreshing

- Artichoke: ideal for oily skin and hair, purifying and antioxidant action.

Because the line is natural and vegetable based, I would think these products are especially great not only for those who are into the green/eco-chic movement but also for pregnant women who want to take extra care in minimizing their exposure to harmful chemicals. 

Price: Prices range from Php325 for the Cucumber facial cleansing gel to Php395 for the full range of shampoos and shower gels. The most expensive product tops at Php445 for the Cucumber body lotion.

Point of Sale: Rustan's Beauty Source

MFO's Verdict On: VMV Essence Skin-Saving Clark Wash

The Product: VMV Hypoallergenics Essence Skin-Saving Clark Wash hair+body "big softie" shampoo

The Promise: An ultra-gentle, non-drying, irritation, flaking and acne-preventing alternative for hair, scalp+body cleansing with super results. Skincredibly mild, light, supple, soothing, hydrating + non-pore clogging. Safe for cleansing sensitive areas. Safe for children as well as adults who shower frequently and even those with highly-sensitive, medically managed conditions.

100% All Types of Fragrance Free

100% Dye, Phthalate, Paraben + Preservative-Free

100% SLS, SLES + Allergenic-Surfuctant-Free

Usage+Patch Tested

Non-Drying

Non-Comedogenic 

For Men, Women, Teens + Children 2 and up

Put to the Test: While it's called a shampoo, it's really a shampoo and body wash in one. I have been on this for almost 2 months now and use it for my hair alone. Practically every single day. I started using VMV because after I gave birth to Xavi, my hair started falling. It had gotten so bad that my hair thinned out and I could practically see my scalp. I decided I needed something mild to use, and thankfully I had VMV's "big softie" shampoo in my stash of toiletries (I actually have VMV to thank for sending this to me, along with a host of other goodies for Xavi and Berry!). 

I like that it has a mild smell, and that hair feels squeaky clean after. 

Passing the Verdict: True enough, it drastically reduced hair fall, that I did not have to massage coconut oil on my scalp before taking a shower every day. You know how it is, you have to keep the oil on your scalp for hours before washing it off. If you don't like the feel of greasy, then it can be a hassle, if you know what I mean.

Oooh here's a tip when you can't stand seeing not so pretty packaging (hehe). Transfer the contents to a better looking container!

Another bonus was that I never have to contend with "b-acne" aka zits on my back. 

One thing I especially like about this product is the fact that I don't get hair fatigue after using it for days on end. You know how sometimes you have to switch shampoos because the product you've been using makes your hair limp or weighs it down after using it non-stop? Well, I get none of that with this one.  

Practical Tip: Because VMV's Essence Skin-Saving Clark Wash has anti-oxidizing, anti-acne properties, if you are especially prone to zits on your forehead or back, or if you have an extreme skin condition, this could be especially helpful.

This is also great for those who are conscious about the presence of parabens, dyes and allergens in their toiletries and beauty products. Nothing beats VMV Hypoallergenics when it comes to ensuring their products contain none of that!

Price: About $30 online, and about Php1000 in The Philippines

Point of Sale: VMV counters and VMV Skin-specialist Boutiques, for the full list, see HERE

P.S. Incidentally, since October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, check out what VMV has in store  for you until October 31, 2012 when you purchase any of their "PINK" products: