A:A formula feed takes a little longer to pass through your baby's system,so it's normal for the frequency and consistency of her poo to change.It'll usually be a different colour and more solid than when you where breastfeeding her.She'll poo less often too - every one to three days is fairly typical.
This takes a little getting used to on her part,so keep an eye on her to make sure she's not constipated.If she is,try a warm bath and some gentle massage in a clockwise swirl on her tummy and back to encourage bowel movement.You could join a baby massage class to learn the techniques.A little warm water can also stimulate the bowel,so you could offer her some between feeds,but never add extra water to her formula milk.
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Q:I've breastfed my last two babies without much fuss,but my third baby is slower in gaining weight and seems more unsettled.Any advice?
A:It's frustrating when you're experienced at breastfeeding and still come across difficulties.Get back to basics by focusing on getting your attachment right.Make sure your baby has a wide-open mouth,comes to the breast leading by his chin so his head can tilt back,and takes in the areola,rather than the nipple.
Review how often you're feeding on demand,too.Sometimes when you're juggling other kids you may find you're rushing your baby's feed before he's really finished or making him wait a while.Focus on getting these things right and you should find his feeding will establish itself,which will help him settle better and gain weight at a steady pace.It takes around four weeks to establish a good breastfeeding routine,so use this time to have lots of skin-to-skin contact,as this will really help things along,too.
Review how often you're feeding on demand,too.Sometimes when you're juggling other kids you may find you're rushing your baby's feed before he's really finished or making him wait a while.Focus on getting these things right and you should find his feeding will establish itself,which will help him settle better and gain weight at a steady pace.It takes around four weeks to establish a good breastfeeding routine,so use this time to have lots of skin-to-skin contact,as this will really help things along,too.
Monday, 18 November 2013
Q:A close,elderly relative is terminally ill.How can I prepare my 4 year old?
A:Discussing death can feel like a daunting prospect,but this will help your child enormously in coming to terms with the loss.The death of a pet offers an excellent opportunity to discuss dying,or talk about the death of plants or insects.Explain that death is the end of the life,and try to be factual and truthful.
Avoid fairy tales about death or using the term "going to sleep",it'll only confuse your little one.Your tot may ask blunt questions,so answer him without too much elaboration.Short,accurate answers are best.
Explain how the family will be upset and may cry.It helps make the grieving process part of a healthy reaction to losing someone you all care for.Involving your little one in the process of family grieving will be an important life lesson,and preparing him now will help you all.
Avoid fairy tales about death or using the term "going to sleep",it'll only confuse your little one.Your tot may ask blunt questions,so answer him without too much elaboration.Short,accurate answers are best.
Explain how the family will be upset and may cry.It helps make the grieving process part of a healthy reaction to losing someone you all care for.Involving your little one in the process of family grieving will be an important life lesson,and preparing him now will help you all.
Q:My son is being tested for toddler diarrhoea.What can we do to help him?
A:Toddler diarrhoea is the most common cause of persistent diarrhoea in 1-5 year olds.The poo is often smelly,contains undigested food and can be watery,and children can do up to 10 poos a day.Apart from the inconvenience,diarrhoea is usually harmless and can be improved with diet changes.
Tots with diarrhoea often have a low fat diet.While this is good for adults,children need fat.Try swapping to full fat cow's milk and full fat yogurt and cheese.Stick with the normal amount of vegetables and some fruits,and offer wholemeal bread to boost his fibre intake.Apple juice can be culprit,so cut this out for a while,along with other fruit juices.Avoid fruit squash and fizzy drinks,as the extra sugar won't help.Stick to milk and plenty of water for drinks.
Tots with diarrhoea often have a low fat diet.While this is good for adults,children need fat.Try swapping to full fat cow's milk and full fat yogurt and cheese.Stick with the normal amount of vegetables and some fruits,and offer wholemeal bread to boost his fibre intake.Apple juice can be culprit,so cut this out for a while,along with other fruit juices.Avoid fruit squash and fizzy drinks,as the extra sugar won't help.Stick to milk and plenty of water for drinks.
Q:My child takes his comfort blanket everywhere with him,but he's starting nursery soon.Is it time to wean him off it?
A:Comforters,such as blanket or special toy,are useful tool for babies and toddlers.It allows them to seek comfort and reassurance on their own terms,for as long and as often as they need.Despite your best efforts,mum and dad are not always available to reassure him.
Comfort items are particularly useful when your child has a big challenge coming up,like starting nursery.It will remind him of you and of home in those early days,and will probably allow your little one to relax a little and speed up the settling in process.Have a word with the staff and explain how important the blanket is.They'll be used to looking after such treasures.
When your little one's settled into his new environment,you can work together towards leaving it on the peg for short periods and building up to him managing without it.For the time being it really won't matter.
Comfort items are particularly useful when your child has a big challenge coming up,like starting nursery.It will remind him of you and of home in those early days,and will probably allow your little one to relax a little and speed up the settling in process.Have a word with the staff and explain how important the blanket is.They'll be used to looking after such treasures.
When your little one's settled into his new environment,you can work together towards leaving it on the peg for short periods and building up to him managing without it.For the time being it really won't matter.
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Q:I'm worried as my baby only settles to sleep on her tummy.Any advise?
A:Placing babies on their back to sleep is the safest position in terms of reducing the risk of cot death.Some babies might be happier on their tummies due to tummy pain and wind discomfort.Slight pressure on the tummy area may also give some relief from colic.Help ease wind symptoms by gently massaging the abdomen,lower back and buttocks.
To persist with putting her on her back to sleep,as in time she'll adjust and get used to it.Also remember the other important factors of keeping her in a smoke-free environment,putting her feet to the foot of the cot,not letting her overheat,and finally keeping her cot in your room until she's 6 months old.All these routines will be helpful in reducing the risk of cot death.
To persist with putting her on her back to sleep,as in time she'll adjust and get used to it.Also remember the other important factors of keeping her in a smoke-free environment,putting her feet to the foot of the cot,not letting her overheat,and finally keeping her cot in your room until she's 6 months old.All these routines will be helpful in reducing the risk of cot death.
Q:My 7 month old shows no interest in weaning.He only holds the food before dropping it.Help!
A:Don't worry that your baby's not eating much at this stage.Anytime from 6 months is good for weaning,but not all babies will be ready at 6 months.Weaning is a gradual process of smelling,touching and licking foods so your baby is just experimenting.
Carry on offering him a range of finger foods such as toast,pitta breads,cheese,and cooked carrot sticks.Encourage his examination of food with smiles and positive eye contact,and show him how to move on and actually put foods in his mouth.Again,it may take time for him to chew and eventually swallow,but he'll get there.
From 6 months,babies don't really need calories at night,so swap his milk for water to encourage him to eat more during the day,too.
Carry on offering him a range of finger foods such as toast,pitta breads,cheese,and cooked carrot sticks.Encourage his examination of food with smiles and positive eye contact,and show him how to move on and actually put foods in his mouth.Again,it may take time for him to chew and eventually swallow,but he'll get there.
From 6 months,babies don't really need calories at night,so swap his milk for water to encourage him to eat more during the day,too.
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