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Abbott Mom Sharing Series – Smart

As one of Singapore’s most sought-after TV actresses, Zoe Tay has turned in many memorable appearances. But her most enjoyable, and most challenging, role to date is being a mum, reveals the 39-year-old. Married to a pilot, Zoe is mother to two sons aged 2 1/2 years and one month.

Zoe says she derives great joy from getting to know her children, and understanding and trying to fulfil their needs. "Given my hectic work schedule, the biggest challenge is to find more time to spend with them," she reckons. "But whenever I see their smiling faces or when Brayden gives me a hug, I tell myself that all the hard work is worth it. It may sound like a cliché, but I feel that the satisfaction and fulfilment of motherhood can never be aptly described by words."

The Right Start

Like any mother whose priority is to ensure that her offspring gets only the best nutrition, Zoe took maternal supplements during her pregnancy to ensure that her babies were delivered in the pink. She firmly believes that if her sons get a good and healthy diet, they will grow up to be strong, healthy and smart. So when Brayden switched to formula, she was careful to choose the right one for his needs. Indeed, she decided on Similac Follow-On and Gain formula milk for him only after soliciting advice not just from relatives and friends, but even doctors and nurses. Both Similac and Gain contain nutrients like Taurine, DHA, AA, Choline and omega 3 and 6 to support brain development.

Zoe shares, "Its nutrients help improve mental development and functioning. Good nutrition is important because it helps build a good foundation for development, especially during the brain growth spurt period where the brain cells develop at the fastest rate. Brayden liked Similac Follow-On. So when he turned one, I started him on Gain since it contains the same nutrients. He continues to have formula milk regularly, in addition to fish, which is rich in AA and DHA."

Good Stuff

With all the goodness Brayden is getting, he is a happy and healthy toddler. He enjoys outdoor activities like swimming and is especially fascinated with trains and cars. Zoe is thrilled that her toddler is sturdy and full of energy.

She says, "My son is strong and healthy and very active. I encourage him to play games that are more interactive because I prefer him to use his imagination as much as possible. So I try to read stories to him."

"In fact, he can recite several nursery rhymes and poems by heart and even sing a couple of songs!" this proud mum boasts.

Zoe is looking forward to being a second-time mum, despite delivering two weeks earlier than expected. She prepared Brayden for his baby brother’s arrival by telling him how much fun he would have with a new playmate in the home. She also made sure that ge ge received a present from his brand new sibling.

"I handed it to him when he visited me at the hospital. I think he was happy and appeared quite keen to care for his brother," Zoe chuckles. So how does this hands-on mum plan to juggle a red-hot career with the increasing demands of motherhood?

"I'm taking it one step at a time," she says, "But I must say I’m thankful for having good support. I've been blessed with a capable domestic helper. And of course, my mum and mother-in-law have been a tremendous help in caring for my children!"

The Doctor Says

A baby experiences brain growth spurt from mid-gestation till she is three years, explains Dr Ong Eng Keow, a paediatrician and neonatologist in private practice. So it is important to include nutrients like omega 3 and 6 fatty acids (DHA, AA), amino acids (taurine) and vitamins (choline and iron) in his diet. These are essential building blocks for mental and visual development.

"By the time the child reaches 2^1/2, his brain has doubled its weight, by five, it is 95 per cent of an adult’s brain weight. Some studies have also shown that inadequate levels of nutrients are associated with attention-deficit disorders," Dr Ong notes.

Play On!

Your child picks up important skills during play, such as language, imagination and interaction. She also learns to understand, express and experiment with a variety of emotions. Try these activities to boost her developing skills.

The Pushing Game

Choose a small toy. Count out “One, two, three, push!” and start pushing the toy. Repeat the counting and encourage your child to do the pushing . You can also roll a ball between the two of you. This helps her build confidence and coordination.

Story Time

Start reading to your child as soon as possible. Read with her for as long as she is able to sit still and not be distracted. Storybook pictures help to stimulate her brain visually even as she extends her vocabulary when she listens to your voice. A book with textures helps develop tactile awareness as well.

Essential For Baby with

AA and DHA
Function: Building blocks for brain and eye development
Sources: Breastmilk, fish, egg yolk

TAURINE
Function: Supports overall mental & physical development during the brain growth spurt period
Sources: Breastmilk, poultry, organ meat

ESSENTIAL FATTY ACIDS : LINOLEIC & LINO LENIC ACID
Function: Important component of cell membrane in the brain
Sources: Margarine, vegetable oil, meat, egg yolk

CHOLINE
Function: Supports overall mental functioning
Sources: Egg yolk, brewer’s yeast, fish, milk, cheese, peanuts, liver

For more information on Similac Follow-On, click here. For babies above 6 months.		For more information on Gain, click here. For children 1 year onwards.

Look out for upcoming issues of Mother & Baby, where more mothers will share their own experiences on having smart, healthy, strong and happy children.

If you’re trying Abbott Products for the first time, click here for a free sample.