Make Your baby Thrive

You don’t need to be a childcare expert to ensure your baby has the best start in life. Some things will come naturally to you but, to be confident you are fulfilling their needs and that they have the best possible opportunity to reach their full potential just follow the steps below;

Love

Children need to be loved. Good care and support will give your child the secure base they need to begin exploring the world. Love, attention and support in the early years of a child’s life can have a measurable impact on that child’s physical, mental and emotional growth. Show your love whenever you get the opportunity. Cuddle, smile, encourage and play with your baby whenever you can. You won’t “spoil” your baby by responding too quickly to their cries. Experts have shown that if you respond quickly when your baby is upset it will help develop the trust and, create a strong emotional bond between you.

Basic needs.

Your baby needs to be in good health and have plenty of energy to help them grow. Make sure you attend baby clinic regularly to keep track of your baby’s growth and get the immunisations your baby needs.

Breastmilk or formula will provide all the nutrients your baby needs for the first six months of life and, a large part of what they need up to their first birthday. Breastmilk is best. Studies have shown that it helps minimise the risk of your baby picking up certain illnesses. However, formula milk fed babies should thrive even if they don’t get the extra benefits attached to breastmilk.

Sleep is an important part of a baby’s life. It’s when you baby’s brain makes important connections. These connections form the basis of the pathways within the brain which will enable your baby to understand and interact with the world around them.

Tend to your babies physical needs promptly. If you take care of the basics your baby’s brain can concentrate on the more challenging things which are happening around them.

Speak to your baby

The best thing you can do to help stimulate your baby’s brain is, speak to them. Speaking to your baby makes them good communicators which, is a great stepping stone to doing well at school.

Talk to your child whenever you are together. They will respond if they know the words are directed at them, so try to maintain eye contact whilst you are speaking. You can ramble on about anything but, try to keep it relevant to what you are doing. Things such as “mummy’s putting you a clean nappy on” or “mummy’s going to give you a nice warm bath” are fine. You don’t have to try to be educational all the time.

Read to your baby

Reading out loud to your baby is one of the most important things you can do to help develop your child’s vocabulary and language development. It’s also the perfect time for you to have a cuddle and help develop your baby’s social skills.

Stimulate their senses

For a young child to learn about the world around them they need to be exposed to it. Every new interaction is a learning process. A child can be over-stimulated so you don’t want to engage your baby in activities 24 hours a day but, when they are interested in playing make sure that your provide a variety of toys and objects. Choose items which are different in shape, weight, texture and colour as well as items which can make a noise. You can play simple interactive games such as peek-a-boo and pat-a-cake. Go on walks and trips where your baby will meet other people. The simplest activities help brain development.

Make sure your child has plenty of room to play in. It will help them develop strong muscles, balance and good motor skills. They will need room to crawl initially, then cruise and walk as they develop. They will need room to explore without the need for too much negative interaction from you, so make the room as safe and childproof as possible.

Encourage new things

Don’t frustrate your child by giving them toys which are intended for much older children. We all learn the simple things first and it’s better to get good at them before moving on to more demanding things. However, if something stretches your baby’s capabilities that can only be a good thing. If something doesn’t come easy it will help your baby to develop if they have to think more about what they are doing. Problem solving will help their brain development. For example, if your baby is trying to put shapes through the correct hole and they are struggling, let them try for a while before you help. Then show how it’s done. Then let them try again themselves.

Look after yourself

The single most important thing in helping your baby to develop is you. So, if you are not feeling well make sure you seek professional advice immediately. Illnesses are easy to spot but, if you are finding it difficult to respond quickly and with empathy to your baby’s needs you may be depressed. Depression can effect a parent’s ability to interact with their child which can have a negative effect on the child’s development. If you think you may be depressed speak to your doctor or health visitor immediately.

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Get your baby to sleep through the night

Here are some tips to help you achieve the holy grail of getting your new-born to sleep through the night.

Create a consistent routine

Try to get yourself into a stable routine and stick too it. Putting your baby down at the same time each night (perhaps after a feed) and getting them up at the same time each morning will go a long way towards promoting a good night time sleep. A good routine might consist of;

• A bath
• A play
• Some time in a rocking chair
• A feed
• A cuddle to help them relax
• Bed

Have Realistic Expectations

Your child is unlikely to sleep through what we would consider to be the night until they are at least 6 months old. New-borns can sleep for up to 19 hours a day but they will do it in 3-4 hour stints. Their stomachs are small and they will become hungry during the night. You can however use your routine to your advantage. Say for example that you go through the routine above so that you get your baby into bed by about 7pm. It is likely that they will then wake up and want another feed at around 10pm. You could do this and then go to bed yourself. If you are lucky you may then only have to get up once (at most twice) during the 7-8 hour period which you will be in bed yourself. OK, so you will probably be up at 5 or 6 feeding again but, as your baby’s stomach grows this time will extend.

Make sure you give plenty of feeds during the day.

The more you can get your baby to feed during the day, the less they will want to feed during the night. This is especially true if your baby’s day time feeds are usually short.

Make sure they relax before bedtime.

Your night-time routine should allow for your baby to relax and unwind before you put them down for the night. If they have been passed around doting visitors for a few hours prior to bed they are unlikely to settle when you put them down. Before bedtime keep noise and activity down to a minimum and try to develop some comforting rituals such as reading, or singing quietly.

Don’t rush

The first 15-20 minutes of a babies sleep are quite light so if you put them down as soon as they “drop off” in your arms they are likely to wake up. If they fall asleep in your arms give them some time to make sure they are soundly asleep before putting them to bed.

Be aware of variations in your baby’s sleeping pattern.

There will be times when your baby wakes up during the night more often. It might be a “growth spurt” where they have a need for additional feeding or it could be the first signs of an oncoming illness.

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Why Dads are Important

Some people seem to think that a Dad only becomes important when his son needs taking to football practice or his daughter needs chauffeuring to ballet lessons. However, there are hundreds of published research papers that prove beyond any doubt that Dad is indispensable.

Dads matter because….

1. Children raised with their dads have better social skills when at nursery age and will do better at examinations when they are sixteen.
2. Being a good dad helps keep your child mentally stable. A close father-child relationship is a good predictor of good long-term mental health.
3. Children brought up in a happy two parent family environment have higher self esteem and form better relationships themselves.
4. Being a good Dad means that when your child grows up they are more likely to be a good parent themselves.
5. Good fathering means your son will be less likely to get a criminal record.
6. Successful professional women all tend to have at least one thing in common, fathers who respect and encourage them

You are Important to your partner too.

If you help with your baby from the start breastfeeding is more successful and she is less likely to suffer with postnatal depression.

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Breast feeding in Public

Although you may feel uncomfortable when you breastfeed in front of other people it is perfectly acceptable to do so. Mums have the legal right to breastfeed in public during the first six months of their baby’s life.

Some tops are designed to help you feed discreetly. If you have to unbutton your blouse it will only make you feel more uncomfortable and exposed whilst you are feeding. Also, buttons are a hindrance you can do without. Stretchy tops, which you can just, lift up work well. If it helps you feel more relaxed consider covering yourself by draping a scarf or lightweight blanket over your shoulder and chest area whilst you feed your baby. This will help with privacy. Remember to make sure your baby can breath easily whilst they are covered though.

Some large shops have mother and baby facilities where you can feed comfortably amongst other mums. Some councils also produce leaflets on where facilities are provided.

Remember that feeding your baby when they are hungry is your first priority and you shouldn’t feel self-conscious about doing what’s best for them. When you become more familiar with breastfeeding, you won’t think twice about doing it in public.

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Reasons babies cry and what you should do

Even the happiest of babies will cry for up to three hours per day. As they are unable to do anything for themselves they rely on you to provide them with all the food, warmth and comfort they need. Crying is the only way they have of communicating those needs. With experience you will learn to interpret what your baby is trying to tell you but, initially this crying can be upsetting. Don’t worry, you will soon learn to recognise your baby’s different crying patterns and will be able to anticipate their needs.

Also as your baby grows they will learn to communicate with you in other ways which will reduce the need for crying. They will learn to make eye contact, smile or make other noises which, thankfully, all reduce the need for crying. The most common reasons babies cry are listed below. If you are finding your baby difficult to soothe, try working through the list. By doing this, you will at least re-assure your self that you have done all you can to meet their needs.

Feed me!

Hunger is the most common reason that new babies cry. The younger the baby is, the more likely that they are crying because they are hungry. The exception to this being the first day or two after birth when some babies feed very little. Young babies stomachs are very small so they will initially take very small amounts very frequently. If your baby is crying because they are hungry they will settle when their stomach starts to fill.

I’m not comfortable!

Babies will protest if they have a soiled nappy or their clothes are too tight and you’re not addressing the problem. Some babies don’t seem to mind if their nappy is full, it’s warm and comforting, but others will cry to be changed immediately, especially if they have a skin irritation. If your baby is crying, checking the nappy should be close to the top of the list of things you should be doing. Check that the other clothing isn’t too tight or, for any reason uncomfortable at the same time.

I’m too hot! (or cold)

Make sure that your baby is dressed according to the conditions they are in. They don’t want to be too hot or too cold. A simple rule to follow is that your baby probably needs to wear one more layer of clothing than you do to be comfortable.

When they are sleeping. Try to use sheets and blankets rather than a duvet. It’s easier to add and remove layers to get the temperature right. The room temp should be about 18 degrees C or 64 degrees F. Put them down on their back so that their feet are near the bottom of the cot. That way they won’t wriggle further down under the blankets and get too hot.

I need a cuddle

Some babies need a lot of cuddling and reassurance. Whilst older babies may feel settled by just hearing your voice or seeing you in the room new babies often need close physical contact. If your baby has already been fed and you’ve checked the nappy it might just be that they now crave a cuddle. Don’t worry that you will “spoil” your baby by holding them for too long during the first few months of their life.

I need a sleep

We always assume that babies fall asleep whenever they need too, simply because many of them always appear to be sleeping. However, if your baby has been getting a lot of attention, maybe you’ve had lots of visitors, your baby may have been unable to rest to the degree that is required. Newborns find it difficult to cope with too much stimulation and, it may unsettle them and make it difficult for them to rest. Many parents find that their baby cries more than normal when relatives come to stay, or visit. If there seems to be no other reason for your baby to cry then, the crying may just be their way of telling you that they have had enough. If that’s the case, take them somewhere quite and withdraw them from the stimulating environment. They may continue to cry for a while but will eventually settle.

I’m poorly

If you’ve tried everything else and your baby continues to cry you may start to wonder if they are ill or in pain. New parents can find it difficult to tell if their baby is crying because they are finding it difficult to adjust to being in the outside world or whether there is something genuinely wrong. An ill baby often cries with a different tone to their usual cry. It might appear to be more urgent or high pitched. (Also, if your baby usually cries often and they suddenly seem to stop. This may also be a sign that something is wrong.) If you think something is wrong with your baby seek help from a health professional immediately. Remember, nobody knows your baby as well as you do.

Colic

Colic is uncontrollable crying in a baby for prolonged periods. It’s not known what causes it and there is not much you can do about it. It is usually a short-term issue which your baby will probably grow out of over the next three months or so. The most difficult part of colic is the stress and anxiety it can cause parents. Try not to let it get on top of you and take a break if someone offers to help.

What can I do when my baby cries?

If you have attended to your babies needs and they are still crying there are things you can do to try and comfort them They don’t all work for all babies so you need to try them and find what works for you.

Wrap them up and hold them tight

New-borns definitely have a preference for felling snug and secure so you might try wrapping you baby firmly in a blanket to see if they like it. They also often seem to respond well to being held, especially if they can feel/hear your heartbeat. Other babies may find this too restrictive and may respond better to being rocked or sung too.

Find a predictable rhythm

In the womb babies can hear your heartbeat. It’s probably why they like to be held as new-borns. However, any repetitive noise can have the same effect. Try playing gentle music. Some parents even find that the steady rhythm of the washing machine can have a calming effect. Don’t put your baby on top of the machine but, consider letting them being near to it.

Rock-a-bye

Most babies love to be gently rocked. You can do this yourself or consider investing in a rocking chair.

Massage

Consider giving your baby a gentle massage. Gently rubbing their back and stomach can have a calming effect. If your baby seems to have a problem with wind try holing them in an upright position against your shoulder and gently rubbing their back. Babies who appear to have colic often respond well to having their stomach massaged.

Let them suck on something

In some new-borns the need to suck on something is very strong. Sucking a dummy or a finger or thumb can be very relaxing. It can steady a baby’s heart rate, relax their stomach and help the settle.

A baby that cries often will not do themselves any lasting harm but it can cause much distress for the parents. If you are doing everything you can to meet your baby’s needs don’t blame yourself if they continue to cry. Its time to start looking after yourself to make sure you don’t become overwhelmed by the situation. Make sure you get a rest and take some time out to relax yourself every now and again. If a friend or relative offers to help, let them, and make sure you are fighting fit to continue looking after your baby when the time comes.

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Nappy rash

What does nappy rash look like?

If your baby has nappy rash you will spot it immediately. Some of the skin which has been covered by the nappy, probably the genital area, the buttocks and, folds of skin where legs and buttocks meet will be red and inflamed. The area can be either dry or moist and sometimes will appear to be pimply.

If you spot these signs you should treat them immediately as, untreated it can develop into something worse such as a yeast or bacterial infection. Yeast infections are more common in babies who are taking antibiotics. The drugs will have killed the “good” bacteria which normally keep the yeast under control as well as the infection they were intended to treat. Yeast infections normally begin as small red spots, which multiply and grow into solid red blotches. Bacterial infections, which are often accompanied by a fever, can cause oozing yellow patches or pus-filled pimples.

Why has my baby got nappy rash?

The major cause of nappy rash is dampness. New-borns urinate often and will have several loose bowel movements over any 24-hour period. Diarrhoea can also lead to nappy rash. It is almost impossible for you to keep your baby dry all the time. You may notice bowel movements quite quickly but you won’t spot every time your baby urinates. Even the best nappy will leave some moisture in contact with the skin. You must make every effort to change your babies nappy regularly to minimise the risk of nappy rash. However, if your baby has particularly sensitive skin they may be prone to nappy rash even if you change the nappy regularly.

How can I treat nappy rash?

Prevention is better than cure so make every effort to keep your baby clean and dry. If your baby is not yet mobile let them have time without wearing a nappy to allow the air to dry of the infected area. This will speed up the healing process. Make sure the room is warm and dry and let the baby lay on a towel, which you can wash as required. If your baby is mobile you may not want to try this unless you have an area which can be easily cleaned.

If your baby’s rash is allergy based use clean warm water and cotton wool to clean the infected area. Try switching to a super absorbent nappy to minimise moisture on the skin.

A normal nappy rash should clear up after three or four days of treatment at home. If the rash persists, spreads, or worsens whilst you are home treating you should visit your doctor. He may prescribe a hydrocortisone or anti-bacterial cream.

How can I prevent nappy rash?

• Change your baby’s nappy as soon as possible after you notice it has become wet or soiled.
• Clean the nappy area thoroughly everytime you change a nappy. Allow the skin to dry before you put a clean nappy back onto your baby.
• Coat the nappy area with a protective cream during each nappy change.
• Don’t fasten nappies too tightly. Allow room for air to circulate around the nappy.

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Your baby's development (7-9 Months)

7 Months

By the time your baby is seven months old most will be able to sit upright without support. They will reach for items with a sweeping motion and they are likely to have started imitating speech sounds. (Babbling). About half will start to make word-like sounds and will begin crawling or lunging forwards. The more advanced may stand whilst holding onto something and have started waving goodbye.

8 Months

Most will say "mama" or "dada" but, not necessarily to the correct parent. They will have begun to crawl and will start pass items from hand-to-hand. About half will now be standing with support, will crawl well and, will point to objects. The more advanced may have started to walk whilst holding onto furniture for support and will be pointing at objects they want. They will be picking up items with finger and thumb "pincer" movements.

9 Months

By nine months most will now be making word-like sounds and will be standing whilst holding onto something. About half will be using the "pincer" grasp to pick up items and, will be walking with the support of furniture, as well as banging objects together. The more advanced will play "patta cake" and will say "mama" or "dada" to the correct parent.

Remember, don't worry if your baby doesn't do everything along this time-scale, it's just a guide and everyone is different.

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