Friday 10 February 2012

Tips for Parenting

Tips For Parenting

Gold Coast PCYC has a number of programs for tiny tots and we have some helpful hints for you.

* Nappies:  Most babies that are fed using the PDF method usually need a diaper change at each feeding time.  This means that your baby will need about 6-8 nappies a day or more.  Many new parents time the nappy changes with the after dinner bowel movement, but if you miss it, you will just have a few more nappies to change during the day.


* Nappy rash:  Sensitive skin is a common problem for some babies and they may get a nappy rash due to a food allergy, yeast infection, sitting too long in a wet or messy nappy, or teething.  If you notice your baby beginning to get a nappy rash, talk to your paediatrician about which nappy rash medicine will work for your baby.

* Growth spurts:  Growth spurts can start as early as 10 days after your baby's birth.  Growth spurts usually are preceded by a sleepy, lethargic day and a big jump in appetite.  Growth spurts may happen again at 3, 6, and 12 weeks and again at 4 and 6 months.  If you begin to notice that your child is not as satisfied with the amount that you have been feeding her previously, then she may be beginning a growth spurt period.  If you are breastfeeding, you may want to add a feeding or two to satiate your baby's appetite and to help increase milk production.

* Immunizations:  With all of the conflicting reports on immunizations, you may be unsure about whether or not you want your child to receive immunizations.  I think that there are simply too many fatal diseases that can be prevented by immunizing your baby to take the chance.  If you are unsure, then you need to talk with your paediatrician, but understand that the reason that the infant mortality rate is so low in this country is because immunizations are routinely done.



* Pacifiers & thumb sucking:  If you breastfeed, do not allow your child to use you as their pacifier.  If your baby seems to have a need to suck beyond eating, then you need to give them a pacifier.  There is no nipple confusion between a breast nipple and a pacifier as they are very different in feel and taste.  Babies will know the difference between the two.  Some children do not want a pacifier but will suck on their thumb.  If you don't have a problem with it, then let them.

* Spitting up:  It is very common for babies to spit up, but some babies do it more than others.  If your baby is growing normally, then there is no need to worry about it.  Projectile throwing up is not the same as spitting up.  Projectile throwing up is a violent reaction to reject the contents of the stomach and not just burping up a little milk.  If your baby does this frequently, consult your paediatrician.

I hope these helpful hits are useful. If you would like to meet other mums, come to our Playtime from 9am until midday every Monday except school holidays.

Check our website for other Tiny Tot classes.  www.goldcoastpcyc.com

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