My 18-month-old daughter still isn't walking and just shuffles around on her bottom.She's never crawled and I'm worried she won't develop the strength she needs in her legs.Should I see a specialist?
A:Babies walk on average at around 13 months old,but there is a big range - some babies walk at 9 months and 98% walk by 18 months.Lots of babies shuffle on their bottoms and never crawl,then just pulling themselves up to "cruise" (using furniture as a support when taking their first steps) and can bear their weight on their legs in the usual way.Chances are that your daughter will just walk a little late,but 18 months is the perfect time to get her checked.Ask your doctor to refer her to your local Child Development Team and they will do a full check.If your daughter favors one arm on one leg when she moves,this is worth mentioning as she might have better strength or coordination on one side.
In the meantime ,there are things you can do to help her develop strength and balance.Play games where your daughter is on her tummy,such as reaching for toys or swimming with you.Hold her hands and encourage her to practise walking,as this stimulates the development of the part of the brain that controls balance and coordination.Baby Yoga is great - babies and toddlers learn so much in a group class and each yoga movement is designed to promote strength,coordination and balance.
Wednesday 25 September 2013
Q:She needs a feed to fall asleep
My daughter is 6 months and is breastfed.She slept well until she was 4 months old,but since then has woken every couple of hours,needing frequent short feeds or rocking to get back to sleep.I don't think she's hungry during the night as she eats so well in the day.I feel she is using me as a source of comfort.I'm exhausted,but don't know what to do.
A:Your daughter needs to fall asleep by herself without associating sleep with feeding.You can help teach her before starting her bedtime routine.Offer her milk as you would any daytime feed.Then give her a short,quiet winding-down bath.Go into a dimly lit room to prepare her for bed and then cuddle her to sleep.Initially,it will take longer to settle your daughter to sleep as she learns a new way,but with time and consistency,this will gradually decrease and she will settle without a feed.For the first three nights,you could offer a short top-up feed after the bath,just to ease her into the new schedule.Over the next few weeks,you then need to move on from cuddling to settling her in the cot using patting or stroking,gradually doing less and less until she can fall asleep by herself.You can also use this same approach to stop the feeds and rocking during the night.
A:Your daughter needs to fall asleep by herself without associating sleep with feeding.You can help teach her before starting her bedtime routine.Offer her milk as you would any daytime feed.Then give her a short,quiet winding-down bath.Go into a dimly lit room to prepare her for bed and then cuddle her to sleep.Initially,it will take longer to settle your daughter to sleep as she learns a new way,but with time and consistency,this will gradually decrease and she will settle without a feed.For the first three nights,you could offer a short top-up feed after the bath,just to ease her into the new schedule.Over the next few weeks,you then need to move on from cuddling to settling her in the cot using patting or stroking,gradually doing less and less until she can fall asleep by herself.You can also use this same approach to stop the feeds and rocking during the night.
Q:Will I be able to conceive?
I came off the Pill a year ago and have only had two periods since.I'm worried that I won't be able to get pregnant.
A: As you've had two periods since stopping the Pill,it means the problem isn't likely to be related to the Pill,but rather something called oligomenorrhoea (infrequent periods),which can be due to a hormone imbalance.It can happen if a woman is very underweight,is very overweight or stressed.It can make ovulation infrequent,so conception is less likely to happen.Or it could be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that can cause irregural periods.An ultrasound scan and a blood test will diagnose this.Your upcoming hospital tests should shed some light on things.
A: As you've had two periods since stopping the Pill,it means the problem isn't likely to be related to the Pill,but rather something called oligomenorrhoea (infrequent periods),which can be due to a hormone imbalance.It can happen if a woman is very underweight,is very overweight or stressed.It can make ovulation infrequent,so conception is less likely to happen.Or it could be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) that can cause irregural periods.An ultrasound scan and a blood test will diagnose this.Your upcoming hospital tests should shed some light on things.
Q:Are his sleep troubles just attention-seeking?
My baby is 5 months old and since he was 2 months,he has gone to bed at around 6pm and slept through.For the past couple of weeks,however,he's cried for over an hour before dropping off.Is he just trying it on,hoping to get a cuddle?
A: A sudden change in sleeping routine at this age is common.The most likely culprit is pain from teething.Look out for other telltale symptoms such as increased dribbling,runny poo and flushed cheeks.
You could try giving him teething powders or gel to ease the pain.Or give him some baby paracetamol 20 minutes before bedtime.But to try to put him down before he falls asleep completely,otherwise he'll associate cuddles with falling asleep and it will be more difficult for him to self-settle.You can always stay near him for a little while if he's clingy.
A: A sudden change in sleeping routine at this age is common.The most likely culprit is pain from teething.Look out for other telltale symptoms such as increased dribbling,runny poo and flushed cheeks.
You could try giving him teething powders or gel to ease the pain.Or give him some baby paracetamol 20 minutes before bedtime.But to try to put him down before he falls asleep completely,otherwise he'll associate cuddles with falling asleep and it will be more difficult for him to self-settle.You can always stay near him for a little while if he's clingy.
Q:Mealtimes are a nightmare
My toddler is so picky about food.Her dad thinks we should bribe her to eat with rewards of TV or sweets but I don't agree.As she gets worse,we're now arguing about how to deal with it.
A:Toddlers are notorius for being picky about food and it's perfectly normal at this age.Bear in mind that if being fussy about food gets attention then your toddler has a good reason for behaving like that.
Even the fussiest toddlers will usualy eat enough to meet their needs,so try to avoid getting into rows over how to coax her to eat more.What's important is that you both respond consistently to her fussy eating.
Aim to keep mealtimes relaxed.Sit down and eat together as a family whenever you can and set a good example by letting your child see you enjoying mealtimes.Let her eat as much as she wants and remove her plate without comment at the end of the meal.That way she'll learn that being fussy doesn't get attention.Avoid using bribes to coax your child to eat,otherwise she'll expect something in return every time she finishes a meal - this is bad habit to get into.Reward your toddler by praising her and giving her a cuddle when she eats well.
A:Toddlers are notorius for being picky about food and it's perfectly normal at this age.Bear in mind that if being fussy about food gets attention then your toddler has a good reason for behaving like that.
Even the fussiest toddlers will usualy eat enough to meet their needs,so try to avoid getting into rows over how to coax her to eat more.What's important is that you both respond consistently to her fussy eating.
Aim to keep mealtimes relaxed.Sit down and eat together as a family whenever you can and set a good example by letting your child see you enjoying mealtimes.Let her eat as much as she wants and remove her plate without comment at the end of the meal.That way she'll learn that being fussy doesn't get attention.Avoid using bribes to coax your child to eat,otherwise she'll expect something in return every time she finishes a meal - this is bad habit to get into.Reward your toddler by praising her and giving her a cuddle when she eats well.
Q:How can I stop feeling so sick?
I'm nine weeks pregnant and feel so queasy.I have heard that exercise can help,but even the thought of it makes me feel even worse.Please help!
A:Poor you!Blame those raging hormones - they can make you feel sick,cause vomiting,loss of appetite and have an adverse effect on your bowel movements.Exercise can help,however.Regular exercisers find that nausea is absent during exercise,and although it may resume afterwards,it is usually less intense.Small,frequent meals may help,as will light,aerobic exercise such as brisk walking,stationary cycling,or swimming and weight training - using light weights with many repetitions.If you're feeling particularly poorly,a walk in the fresh air while concentrating on your breathing and posture may ease nausea.Small regular sips of water can also help,and will allow you to exercise for longer.
Remember,even though you may be suffering,your baby is protected and will be coping far better than you.If you experience extreme nausea and vomiting,see your midwife or doctor.
A:Poor you!Blame those raging hormones - they can make you feel sick,cause vomiting,loss of appetite and have an adverse effect on your bowel movements.Exercise can help,however.Regular exercisers find that nausea is absent during exercise,and although it may resume afterwards,it is usually less intense.Small,frequent meals may help,as will light,aerobic exercise such as brisk walking,stationary cycling,or swimming and weight training - using light weights with many repetitions.If you're feeling particularly poorly,a walk in the fresh air while concentrating on your breathing and posture may ease nausea.Small regular sips of water can also help,and will allow you to exercise for longer.
Remember,even though you may be suffering,your baby is protected and will be coping far better than you.If you experience extreme nausea and vomiting,see your midwife or doctor.
Q:I can't potty train my little girl
I'm finding it hard to potty train my 3-year-old daughter.I've tried reward charts and bribery,but she just doesn't seem to "get it".I've even tried taking her nappy off completely but then she refuses to poo and wets herself.Help!
A:Regardless of your child's age,they have to be ready to start toilet training and show an interest.
The first stage is when they are able to tell you that they are doing a poo or wee in their nappy after event.
The second stage is when they can tell you that they are doing a poo or wee,and the third stage is when they can tell you that they are about to do a poo or wee.
On reaching the third stage,a child needs to understand what the toilet or potty is for.They learn this most effectively by watching you,so consider taking your little girl into the bathroom with you.I'd suggest you take a brake for a few weeks and start afresh using the tips here.Be patient,stay upbeat and your little girl will soon get the hang of it.
A:Regardless of your child's age,they have to be ready to start toilet training and show an interest.
The first stage is when they are able to tell you that they are doing a poo or wee in their nappy after event.
The second stage is when they can tell you that they are doing a poo or wee,and the third stage is when they can tell you that they are about to do a poo or wee.
On reaching the third stage,a child needs to understand what the toilet or potty is for.They learn this most effectively by watching you,so consider taking your little girl into the bathroom with you.I'd suggest you take a brake for a few weeks and start afresh using the tips here.Be patient,stay upbeat and your little girl will soon get the hang of it.
Q:Will my body ever be the same?
I'm 36 weeks pregnant.Recently I've been worrying about my vagina being stretched and disfigured after giving birth.Will it ever go back to normal?
A:This is a very common concern.After a vagina delivery,some women feel as though they will never regain their pre-pregnancy tone and shape in this area.However,your vagina will gradually regain much of its former tone,and the pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the area in preparation for birth - your midwife will advise on how to do them.
You should be feeling more like your old self by about six months after the birth - your body does need time to recover though,so be patient and don't put too much pressure on yourself.
A:This is a very common concern.After a vagina delivery,some women feel as though they will never regain their pre-pregnancy tone and shape in this area.However,your vagina will gradually regain much of its former tone,and the pelvic floor exercises to help strengthen the area in preparation for birth - your midwife will advise on how to do them.
You should be feeling more like your old self by about six months after the birth - your body does need time to recover though,so be patient and don't put too much pressure on yourself.
Q:He doesn't want daytime naps
My 4-month-old baby used to nap really well when I took him out in the pushchair,but he now only catnaps for about 20 minutes and then is grumpy for the rest of the day - just like me!
A:Usually around 4 months,your baby is becoming much more aware of his surroundings and doesn't want to miss out on everything!The best solution is to use a good blackout shade for the pushchair when you're out and about so he can't see what's going on,which will encourage him to sleep.
Alternatively,consider putting him down in his cot at home at a set time for his nap.That way,at least he'll be having one fairly long nap during the day - and you get to put your feet up!
A:Usually around 4 months,your baby is becoming much more aware of his surroundings and doesn't want to miss out on everything!The best solution is to use a good blackout shade for the pushchair when you're out and about so he can't see what's going on,which will encourage him to sleep.
Alternatively,consider putting him down in his cot at home at a set time for his nap.That way,at least he'll be having one fairly long nap during the day - and you get to put your feet up!
Q:We are planning a house move with our six-month-old baby.How can we make settling into a new area as stress-free as possible?
A: Any big change is going to be stressful,no matter how positive.But you can make the experience less painful with a bit of planning.Start by making a list of everything that needs to be done.Work out which jobs are priority,which can be delegated,and how long each task will take.Then transfer the list to your diary to give you a timescale and plan.
You should also factor in time to research the area you're moving to.Find five things you could attend,such as local baby and toddler groups,then but the details in your diary - including directions.This can help you get integrated when you arrive.Also make sure you register for your new doctor's surgery in advance,so your baby doesn't miss health visitor appointments and check-ups.
On the day of the move,try and keep your baby's routine the same to avoid disruption.Pack a separate suitcase that travels with you and contains all the items you'll need for the first few days,such as feeding kit,toys,cot sheets and clothes.This will help you feel in control and your baby will be comfortable,meaning you can get on with the move.Once you arrive in your new home,help her feel at ease by introducing her to her new bedroom and setting up her cot in the same way as before,so she recognises it and is able to settle in more aesily.
A: Any big change is going to be stressful,no matter how positive.But you can make the experience less painful with a bit of planning.Start by making a list of everything that needs to be done.Work out which jobs are priority,which can be delegated,and how long each task will take.Then transfer the list to your diary to give you a timescale and plan.
You should also factor in time to research the area you're moving to.Find five things you could attend,such as local baby and toddler groups,then but the details in your diary - including directions.This can help you get integrated when you arrive.Also make sure you register for your new doctor's surgery in advance,so your baby doesn't miss health visitor appointments and check-ups.
On the day of the move,try and keep your baby's routine the same to avoid disruption.Pack a separate suitcase that travels with you and contains all the items you'll need for the first few days,such as feeding kit,toys,cot sheets and clothes.This will help you feel in control and your baby will be comfortable,meaning you can get on with the move.Once you arrive in your new home,help her feel at ease by introducing her to her new bedroom and setting up her cot in the same way as before,so she recognises it and is able to settle in more aesily.
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