It’s natural for new parents to be concerned that their baby is growing and developing at the right speed, and that he is getting the right amount of milk for his needs. Rest assured that within the first few weeks, your new baby will let you know exactly what he needs, and you’ll soon become … Read more

Q: Can I get breast-feeding advice before the birth and will I get help in the hospital? A: If you are planning to breast-feed, ask your midwife or doctor about specific breast-feeding support or classes available in your area prior to the birth, since having additional information beforehand is extremely useful and will help you … Read more

Benefits of breast-feeding Giving your baby the healthiest start in life There are several unique advantages to breast-feeding, the main one being that breast milk arrives on demand as the perfect food for your baby. Other benefits of breast milk include the following: Breast milk protects babies from infection. It reduces the risk of some … Read more

Structure of breasts Comfortable feeding positions Lying down: Some mothers find that breast-feeding lying down is the best position for them, particularly if they have had a cesarean delivery. Keep your baby’s body tucked in close to you and her head level with your breast so that she doesn’t have to pull on your nipple. … Read more

Illness in a new baby can be a daunting and worrying time, and little ones can lose weight quickly when they are unwell. The most important thing is not to panic, and to follow your instincts. Your pediatrician will be a source of practical, reassuring advice, so be sure to talk to him or her … Read more

The first months of your baby’s life may fly by, and as the gaps between feeds lengthen, and he becomes more alert and expends more energy, you may find that he is showing signs of being ready for solid food. Let your baby take the lead. Q: My four-month-old seems hungry all the time—could she … Read more

Q: My child studies for hours on end. Should I put a limit on this and make her do something else? A: Achieving at school is clearly important to your daughter, and her motivation should be encouraged. However, her enthusiastic approach to studying is not necessarily the most effective. Pushing herself too hard may backfire … Read more

Q: Is it too early for my son to be dating? A: Your son’s first date probably won’t seem like one to you. At this age, dating often means just being around each other, usually with other friends in a group. This works well as a means for your child to enter the world of … Read more

What to expect during puberty Physical changes As puberty begins, your child’s body undergoes the physical changes necessary to take her from childhood to adulthood. It is the hormone testosterone, produced by the testes, that kicks off puberty for boys, and for girls it is estrogen, produced by the ovaries, that gets things going. These … Read more

At this age, your toddler is not being deliberately naughty and does not know how to manipulate. He is simply attention-seeking and exploring, with no capacity for common sense and little memory or reasoning ability. He simply can’t understand the world from someone else’s perspective. “The phrase that I repeat to parents constantly is ‘Praise … Read more

You and your baby will have a deep instinct for closeness and bonding which is driven by your need to nurture and his to survive. “Attachment” is a child’s overwhelming need to be near to a particular person who represents safety and comfort—this is usually, but not always, a parent. “Learning to ‘let go’ is … Read more

What we’re going to look at here is how to make sure that you schedule your plans for smooth results—no all-night cleaning marathons, no last-minute runs to the gas station for bags of ice, and no short tempers. Things You’ll Need  A calendar Your lists of important family dates—birthdays, anniversaries, and so on Your family’s … Read more

Holidays are great occasions to take a break from the normal routine, relax, and catch up with family and friends. Unfortunately, for many people whose lives are already too hectic, holidays become just another stressor to add to the list. Now that you’re organizing your family’s schedule, holidays can return to being the happily anticipated … Read more

Q: I don’t want to breast-feed—can you tell me what to do? A: If you do not want to breast-feed, you can either bottle-feed your baby expressed breast milk or formula. There are many women who do not breast-feed because they receive a lack of support and find that the advice available is insufficient. However, … Read more

Bottles and nipples Getting ready to bottle-feed your baby There are a variety of bottles and nipples available in different styles. You will need between four and six bottles and nipples. As well as larger bottles measuring 8fl oz (250ml), you may also want a couple of smaller bottles of 4 fl oz (125 ml). … Read more

Q: My daughter just wants to spend time with her friends. Doesn’t she need me any more? A: As your daughter moves further into adolescence, her peer group will play an important role in helping her to become an independent, free-thinking young person in preparation for college and career. Learning to stand on her own … Read more

Q: My daughter sees her father every other weekend, but wants to keep photos of him all over the house. I would rather she did not. A: Your daughter has come up with a way to keep her father present in her everyday life. Maintaining a strong relationship with both of you is known to … Read more

Your baby’s first spoonfuls are exciting milestone for both you and your baby. It’s only natural to approach weaning with some anxiety—there are lots of things to consider as your baby begins his journey on the road to independence, but it’s a process you’ll both enjoy. Q: How do I know if my baby is … Read more

This time is an important transition for you and your baby. Whether she’s a slow starter or instant foodie, you’ll both take pleasure in the process of mastering self-feeding, introducing new tastes, and enjoying the world of food. Q: Can I wait longer than six months to introduce first foods? A: It may be tempting … Read more

Q: I hate the thought of being in the hospital—how soon can I go home with my baby? A: In most maternity units, there is a degree of flexibility as to how long you remain in the hospital after the birth. If you want to stay for as brief a period as possible, talk to … Read more