A:Around half of children become try at night in their third year,and some will continue to wet at night until they start school.If this is the case with your child,talk to the school nurse at the end of her reception year.In the meantime,keep up with nighttime nappies,as your tot has no control over her bladder at night yet.
If nothing major is going on in the family,this should be a good time ti try without a nappy.Buy a waterproof sheet for the bed,and be prepared for extra washing for a while.If accidents happen,don't make a fuss and avoid negative comments when cleaning up.Keep a night light on,with easy access to the loo if she needs to use it.Get her to drink lots of water during the day,as this will help her bladder function.
Wednesday, 20 November 2013
Q:My son has just started walking and seems to turn his toes in.Should I do something about this?
A:It's fairly common for infants to turn in one or both feet when they start walking,which makes an already wobbly toddler even unsteadier.Give your tot plenty of opportunity to run round barefoot,as this will allow his feet and toes to develop and strengthen without restriction.Make a game of tickling your tot's feet to encourage him to stretch the muscles.
Every six weeks,get his feet measured to ensure his shoes are the right size,as growing bones can be damaged by ill-fitting shoes.Remember to check sock size too,and make sure sleepsuits don't restrict his toes.Next time you're at your doctors get an opinion on your little one's feet.Most children grow out of this by the time they're 5 or 6,so it shouldn't be a worry.
Every six weeks,get his feet measured to ensure his shoes are the right size,as growing bones can be damaged by ill-fitting shoes.Remember to check sock size too,and make sure sleepsuits don't restrict his toes.Next time you're at your doctors get an opinion on your little one's feet.Most children grow out of this by the time they're 5 or 6,so it shouldn't be a worry.
Q:My two sons,aged 2 and 3,constantly argue and bicker.I'm at the end of my tether.Help!
A:It's tough when siblings argue,as soon it feels like it's the only way they communicate.Try and keep things in perspective and notice when things are going well between them,even if it's fleeting.Point out how kind and polite they're being and how much you like it.
Try not to intervene too much by asking who did what - you rarely get the whole picture and often just fuel the row.Instead,try and help them find a solution,or if things get too heated,separate them until emotions cool off.This gives everyone the chance to calm down.Try and spend time with each child separately,so they both get some individual attention.
Avoid encouraging competition - so no races to get ready.Instead,try doing things as a team to encourage cooperation,such as spending five minutes tidying up together.This can be a trying time,so look after you,too.Take time away from the home so you can keep cool when arguments flare.
Try not to intervene too much by asking who did what - you rarely get the whole picture and often just fuel the row.Instead,try and help them find a solution,or if things get too heated,separate them until emotions cool off.This gives everyone the chance to calm down.Try and spend time with each child separately,so they both get some individual attention.
Avoid encouraging competition - so no races to get ready.Instead,try doing things as a team to encourage cooperation,such as spending five minutes tidying up together.This can be a trying time,so look after you,too.Take time away from the home so you can keep cool when arguments flare.
Tuesday, 19 November 2013
Q:My baby is 8 months old and I'm still struggling to feel she's really mine.I feel too guilty to discuss it with anyone.Is this normal?
A:It takes a lot of courage to talk about such difficult emotions,but by doing so you've taken the first step to changing things.Around this time,it's common for symptoms of postnatal depression to surface.Typically,new mums feel isolated,guilty,irritable,fatigued,anxious or lacking in confidence.These feelings can delay you bonding with your baby so the sooner you get help the better.
Talk to those who are close to you,your doctor and health visitor.You'll be surprised to learn that you're not alone in feeling this way.Plus,there are many support groups,as well as activities such as baby massage,that'll help you develop the relationship you want to have with your baby.
Talk to those who are close to you,your doctor and health visitor.You'll be surprised to learn that you're not alone in feeling this way.Plus,there are many support groups,as well as activities such as baby massage,that'll help you develop the relationship you want to have with your baby.
Q:Since switching to formula milk my 7 month old's poo looks different.How di I know what's normal?
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.
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.
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.
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