Settling techniques: newborn to 12 months

Image by www.ashfordstudio.com.au

Babies need to learn how to put themselves to sleep. Like most skills, it takes time and occurs at an individual rate. In the early months of life a baby has a need to be physically connected to their mother and other significant family members. If this closeness is provided the baby learns to separate more easily from their parents as they can trust that in times of need the parent or other significant adult will come to their assistance.

Settling techniques: 12 months to toddlers

A consistent routine is important to help your child recognise and establish good sleep patterns. Developing a bedtime ritual will also help signal to your child that it is time for sleep, this may include saying goodnight to family members, cleaning their teeth, reading a bedtime story and saying goodnight to their soft toys.

Developmental milestones: 0 to 12 months

Most parents want to know if their baby or toddler is developing ‘normally’. The following is a basic guide as to what you might expect for the first three years of life (often called developmental milestones). Each heading gives an idea about what a baby or child will usually do at that age. There will be individual differences, and the differences in the way you care for your child can sometimes have an effect on what your child does.

If you are worried that your child seems ‘out of step’ with others of the same age, talk with a child health nurse or a doctor. Another opinion will help to either reassure you or enable you to get help early. 

Developmental milestones: 1 to 2 years

Most parents want to know if their baby or toddler is developing ‘normally’. The following is a basic guide as to what you might expect for the first three years of life (often called developmental milestones). Each heading gives an idea about what a baby or child will usually do at that age. There will be individual differences, and the differences in the way you care for your child can sometimes have an effect on what your child does.

If you are worried that your child seems ‘out of step’ with others of the same age, talk with a child health nurse or a doctor. Another opinion will help to either reassure you or enable you to get help early. 

Developmental milestones: 2 to 3 years

Image by www.lifeworksphotography.com.au

Most parents want to know if their baby or toddler is developing ‘normally’. The following is a basic guide as to what you might expect for the first three years of life (often called developmental milestones). Each heading gives an idea about what a baby or child will usually do at that age. There will be individual differences, and the differences in the way you care for your child can sometimes have an effect on what your child does.

If you are worried that your child seems ‘out of step’ with others of the same age, talk with a child health nurse or a doctor. Another opinion will help to either reassure you or enable you to get help early.

When do children get their teeth?

Teething refers to the eruption of the deciduous and permanent teeth. It is a natural occurrence and can happen without any problems. However, some children may feel discomfort before their first tooth erupts (at about six months) and may continue to experience this discomfort with every one of their 20 baby teeth.

Information on immunisation

Years ago, pertussis (whooping cough), diphtheria and tetanus were amongst the killer diseases of childhood. Today, we have vaccines available to protect children against these and a number of other diseases.

What makes babies tick?

These days many parents have not had a lot of experience with babies until their first baby comes along. If you are one of these parents you will probably find you have many questions about this new person who has come into your life. It can be overwhelming and scary when you realise your baby is so dependent on you for everything, especially if you feel you don’t know a lot about babies. Understanding what babies are like may help to make it easier to care for your baby.

Managing your child's eczema

Eczema (atopic dermatitis) is a recurring, non-infectious, inflammatory skin condition affecting one in three Australasians at some stage throughout their lives. The condition is most common in people with a family history of an atopic disorder, including asthma or hay fever.

Infant massage

Infant massage is an ancient art first practised in China and India several centuries ago. It is rapidly gaining popularity across the western world, and it’s not surprising when you read the list of benefits. Not only has infant massage been shown to increase your confidence in handling your baby, it also helps your baby respond to touch and activates your maternal hormones. It helps to settle your baby, promotes good circulation, eliminates toxins, strengthens the immune system and can relieve physical discomforts such as colic and teething.