SidebySide

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SidebySide Side-by-Side is an early childhood education campaign led by the National Department of Health. What is Side-by-Side? It starts with breastfeeding.

Side-by-Side is a national Department of Health campaign working to ensure that all children under 5 receive the nurturing care they need to develop to the best of their abilities. It relies on all stakeholders caring for caregivers and pregnant women to work alongside each other. Side-by-Side rests on 5 pillars:

NUTRITION - Good nutrition is important for mothers’ and children’s health. LOVE - Brain development is spurred by responsive care and love, play, and talk. PROTECTION - Children can be protected from childhood disease and injury by getting immunized, and safety in the home. HEALTH CARE - Children need care when they are sick or injured
EXTRA CARE - Some children may need special care or support. Caregivers should know what to do and where to go.

“Together, we can ensure that South Africa’s youngest children receive the care they need to survive and thrive.”

Raising a child with a does not have to be a journey you walk alone; you can join a group near you or connect with o...
16/10/2026

Raising a child with a does not have to be a journey you walk alone; you can join a group near you or connect with other parents online.

Caring for a child with additional needs can be tiring. Don't be afraid to ask professionals for advice, resources or support.

Remember to be patient, gentle and understanding. Every child develops differently. If your child is struggling, help and support them in the best way you can.

For extra support in your time of need, call these numbers below:
📞South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG): 011 234 4837
📞SADAG ADHD helpline: 0800 55 44 33
📞Shonaquip parent support network: 071 371 910

You've got this mama!
National Department of Health (South Africa)

📢Bazali, I-MomConnect ingakusiza uhlale ukhumbula izinsuku ezibalulekile zokugoma ingane, ngokukuthumelela umlayezo, uku...
15/10/2026

📢Bazali, I-MomConnect ingakusiza uhlale ukhumbula izinsuku ezibalulekile zokugoma ingane, ngokukuthumelela umlayezo, ukuze ungadingi ukukhumbula zonke izinsuku zokugoma wedwa.

📱Ukuze ubhalise, cela unurse emtholampilo wakho akunike ikhodi yesikhungo enezinombolo eziyisi-6, bese ushaya u-*134*550*2 # noma uthumele igama elithi "Join" ku-WhatsApp ku-079 631 2456.

Isiqalo esinempilo siqala ngokuhlala uhambisana neshejuli yokugomela ungaphuthelwa, mzali!

Ukwazi kwabanzi vakashela la: https://www.health.gov.za/momconnect-technical-solution/
National Department of Health (South Africa)

🤰🏽💛 You don’t have to go through pregnancy and childbirth alone.Having someone you trust by your side can help you feel ...
15/10/2026

🤰🏽💛 You don’t have to go through pregnancy and childbirth alone.
Having someone you trust by your side can help you feel supported, informed and more comfortable during pregnancy, labour and birth.

👩🏽‍❤️‍👨🏽 Your birth companion can be: your husband, partner, mother or sister, a friend or a trusted family member or a trained doula.

The choice of who supports you is yours. 🌸

Once you have decided who your birth companion is, find out from the or facility you will be giving birth at when your companion is allowed in the delivery, as some hospitals do not allow birth companions because of a lack of space.

If a birth companion is allowed, they can help you in so many ways while you deliver your baby. They can comfort you, encourage you and help you feel less alone.

Having a trusted person beside you can make a big difference. Choose someone who makes you feel safe, respected and supported. 💛

National Department of Health (South Africa)

🦸🏾‍♀️🧼 Be a handwashing hero!Today we observe and celebrate a simple habit that can help protect you, your family and ...
15/10/2026

🦸🏾‍♀️🧼 Be a handwashing hero!Today we observe and celebrate a simple habit that can help protect you, your family and your community: washing your hands with soap and clean water for at least 40 seconds. 🫧💧

You don’t need superpowers to be a hero. Sometimes, being a hero is as simple as washing your hands at the right time. ❤️

👐🏾 Clean hands can help prevent the spread of germs and illnesses. Make handwashing part of your everyday routine, especially:

🧼 Before preparing or eating food.
🧼 Before feeding your baby or child.
🧼 After using the toilet or helping your child use the toilet.
🧼 After changing a nappy.
🧼 After coughing, sneezing or blowing your nose.
🧼 After touching animals or handling waste.
🧼 When your hands are visibly dirty.

👶🏾 Teaching children to wash their hands from an early age helps them develop healthy habits that can protect them and those around them.

🌍 Everyone can be a handwashing hero. Wash your hands properly, remind others to do the same, and make clean hands a shared responsibility.

National Department of Health (South Africa) Department of Social Development KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health Department of Basic Education

👶🏾When your baby has a runny nose or mild cough, they can still be taken to the clinic for their immunisations. The nurs...
14/10/2026

👶🏾When your baby has a runny nose or mild cough, they can still be taken to the clinic for their immunisations. The nurse will check your baby and let you know if they can receive their immunisations.

🤒It is only when their symptoms are bad that they can miss their immunisation schedule; however, after getting them checked by a nurse or doctor, they should let you know how soon your child can get their scheduled immunisation.

📳Register on to be reminded about your baby’s immunisation schedule. Please also check page 27 of your Road to Health Booklet to see which immunisations your baby has not received so you can take them to the clinic.

Do not forget your Road to Health Booklet every time you go to the clinic.

National Department of Health (South Africa)

What does your child mean to you? Please tell us how you stimulate your child?
13/10/2026

What does your child mean to you?

Please tell us how you stimulate your child?

🧼 BE A HANDWASHING HERO! is happening from 12–16 October 2026, and we’re taking the message of good handwashing practic...
13/10/2026

🧼 BE A HANDWASHING HERO!
is happening from 12–16 October 2026, and we’re taking the message of good handwashing practices into communities!

As part of the School Health Week interventions, KwaZulu-Natal’s Harry Gwala District will host activities across various Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres and schools in the area.

These interventions will include important health screenings and support for children, including physical screenings, weight and height measurements, BMI, speech, eyes and ears, dental observations and more. 🩺
Together, let’s help children, caregivers, educators and communities understand the importance of clean hands in preventing illness and keeping our children healthy.

👏🏾💧 Wash your hands. Protect your health. Be a Handwashing Hero!
National Department of Health (South Africa) KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health

🚸 with your child as they grow older includes involving them in your daily activities. During this time, you can sing t...
13/10/2026

🚸 with your child as they grow older includes involving them in your daily activities. During this time, you can sing together or tell stories.

This can be done together when:
✅Both of you are helping each other fold clothes.
✅Arranging and packing away their toys or school items.
✅During dinnertime, as the family prepares to eat together, your child can help put some items on the dinner table. Remember to supervise them so they do not hurt themselves when handling household items.

When children are helping around the home, this gives them a sense of belonging and responsibility. So bond with your child while also involving them in everyday small tasks.

What other ways do you bond with your child as they grow older?
Department of Basic Education South Africa

From pregnancy until your child turns (2) years old, their little body and brain are growing and developing quickly. T...
13/10/2026

From pregnancy until your child turns (2) years old, their little body and brain are growing and developing quickly. The care, food, love and protection they receive during this time can help give them a strong start in life.

🌱 You can support your baby by:
🤱🏽 Giving them healthy food as they grow.
❤️ Showing them love by talking, singing and playing with them.
😴 Making sure they get enough sleep.
🏥 Taking them for regular health check-ups.
🛡️ Keeping them safe from harm and illness by taking them for all their life-course immunisations.

Every family is different, and every child is unique. Whether you are a parent, grandparent or caregiver, the everyday care you give your child helps them grow, learn and thrive.

💛 Small moments of care today can help build a healthier future for your child.
National Department of Health (South Africa)

Recipe time! How to make pumpkin and chicken purée.Need a that is easy to make for your baby to try the first time the...
12/10/2026

Recipe time! How to make pumpkin and chicken purée.

Need a that is easy to make for your baby to try the first time they start solids? Try this recipe suitable for babies who are 6 months and older.

All you need is half a pumpkin, with seeds removed, a cup of boneless, skinless chicken breast, a cup of water and some expressed breastmilk.

How to make the purée:
-Preheat the oven to 180°C.
-Place the chicken in an ovenproof dish and cover with foil. Place the pumpkin on a baking tray.
-Bake for about 30–40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the pumpkin is soft.
-Allow the food to cool.
-Remove the pumpkin skin and cut the pumpkin and chicken into smaller pieces.
-Place the pumpkin and chicken in a blender or food processor.
-Add a small amount of water and some breastmilk and blend until smooth. Add more liquid as needed to reach a texture that is suitable for your baby.

For babies ready for thicker textures, make the purée less smooth as they become more comfortable with different textures.

💡 When you start preparing solids for your baby, remember to make sure:
Make sure the chicken is fully cooked, with no pink meat or raw areas. Do not add salt, stock cubes, sugar or other seasonings.

Always check the temperature before feeding your baby. Store leftovers in a clean, airtight container in the fridge and use within 24 hours days.

What was your baby's first meal, and how did you make it special for them?
National Department of Health (South Africa)

Address

Dr AB Xuma Building, 1112 Voortrekker Road, Pretoria Townlands 351-JR
Pretoria
0187

Opening Hours

Monday 08:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 08:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 08:00 - 17:00
Thursday 08:00 - 17:00
Friday 08:00 - 17:00

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