Articles

In this article I'm taking a look at flat spots, torticolis and abnormally shaped heads.

Flat spots on a babies head are on the rise. How do they become so misshapen and what can we do to avoid or reverse the damage once it has occurred?  These are some of the questions I would like to look at in brief in this article.

When a baby is born it has a very soft, pliable skull which enables them to pass through the birth canal.  This soft skull can and is easily moulded by its surroundings as with a baby who was constricted within the womb such as a breech baby whose head is wedged under the mother’s ribs.   These babies are often born with a very abnormally shaped head.

Some of these babies may also have torticollis, a tight muscle on one side of their neck causing a pulling to one side. These babies tend to favour looking and lying with their head on one side. Other babies may just choose to favour one side or lie with their head straight, looking up. All these babies, due to their still developing soft skills, are at risk of developing a flat spot on their heads.

These days a flat head may be a combination of one or more of the above mentioned problems and not enough time off their backs. Many babies sleep, play, sit and travel on their backs this can causes or exacerbate the problem.  When a baby continues to lie in the same position over several weeks’ even months the pressure on the soft skull causes it to flatten out.

Prevention and assistance in correcting the problem:

Encourage Tummy Time
To help prevent a baby from developing a flat spot. Alternate which side his head rests when sleeping but more importantly give your baby lots of supervised time on his tummy. When he is awake and after the feed time put him on his tummy not on his back. If this is done from birth you will find baby will not resist. If your child is older and complains about the length of time he spends on his tummy then start with small sessions and work up to longer sessions so that eventually he will have from 60-80% of his awake time, when not feeding, no his tummy.

If your baby has a flat spot or is showing signs of torticollis, encourage baby to turn away from the direction they favour by attracting their attention to the other side with toys, sounds, movement or by sitting on the opposite side which will encourage them try to turn to look at you. (see Articles on play and learning - How Important is Tummy Time for Your Baby?)

During Sleep Time

To prevent a baby favouring holding his head on one side, alternate which side his head rests. To help him, turn his head either to the left or right. With an older baby who is aware of their surroundings you can assist baby by alternating which end of the cot your baby sleeps. Babies tend to look towards the direction from which their caregiver comes. They will look towards the door where you enter. Therefore changing his cot position from one end of the cot to the other will help him to turn his head from one side to the other.

Things to avoid
Avoid tea-tree mattresses as they form a hollow into which baby's head rest this may cause flatness on one side.
Avoid putting baby into a rocker, bouncinette or Frazer chair where they are lying on their backs. It is also advisable no to leave your child, for long periods, in the car capsule or pram for the same reason.

Although sitting upright will keep your baby off their backs it is not wise to leave a child sitting for long periods of time as it is not beneficial for their development and may cause stress on their developing backs. Limit unsupported sitting until baby is able to put himself into and out of a sitting position himself.  This includes equipment such as jumping or sitting rings where baby needs to sit. A child who has limited tummy time often doesn't learn to crawl. Tummy time is the best exercise to develop all the muscles for rolling, crawling, sitting, standing and walking. It also helps develop special awareness and coordination.

Signs to look for are:

• Baby is holding his head tilted to one side.
• A flat spot on the back or side of baby's head.
• Baby is unable to turn their head or favours looking in one direction.
• Very round face with flattened back of the head.
• Non-symmetrical head, eyes or ears differing in size. 
• If you notice any of these signs I suggest you contact your Early Childhood Nurse or Doctor.

If you are concerned

If there is no improvement or if you child has had this problem for some time you will need to see a physiotherapist who will be able to show you some exercises to help stretch tightened neck muscles.

Also read our article on Flat Spots on Baby's Head by Alti Vogel, who is an Orthotist at the Children's Hospital Sydney.

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips. Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy can help you with other health concerns for children from birth to five years old. Call and see how Cradle 2 Kindy's can assist you with your concerns.

Cradle 2 Kindy 1300 786 101

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Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

General practitioners, midwives and early childhood centre advisors encouraged us at every turn to put the baby back on the breast, to seek therapy and counselling to put the baby back on the breast, at times even trying to scare and intimidate us into putting our baby back on the breast with stories about stunted mental and physical development.

Little to no effort was made to discuss how best to manage the bottle-feeding process. Those who eventually did offered advice that was inconsistent and largely illogical.

Beyond medical practice, I have also learned that women have openly ridiculed, bullied and otherwise judged my wife in public, as though our decision was made on a whim. This kind of schoolyard behaviour frankly beggars belief.

My experiences have me convinced that, whether deliberate or not, there is a culture in Australia and its medical profession that is specifically geared against bottle-feeding. I am heartened to know that my suspicions are resonated in a study published in the July 2009 edition of Archives of Disease in Childhood from the British Medical Journal, which found that:  

“While mothers recognise the benefits of breastfeeding, those who bottle-feed with infant formula do not receive adequate information and support from their healthcare providers and, thus, ultimately put their baby’s health at risk.”

It goes further to quote a pediatrician of 30 years’ experience: "While breastfeeding should be encouraged, it is not the only safe and nutritious infant feeding option available. Healthcare providers should counsel new moms with information on all infant feeding options in order to ensure the health of their babies as well as support mothers in their decision."

Most poignantly, it notes: “mothers who bottle-fed their infants were riddled with negative feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and failure.” Based on my experiences, I can assure you this is through no doing of their own.

In the months that have passed since switching to the bottle, we have done extensive reading and research of our own; we have fortified our resolve and our baby has thrived. I hope the people who’ve seen fit to pass judgement on us fare as well when their time arrives. “Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” – Matthew 7.

Kevin Cheung, Editor
Popular Science Magazine
www.popsci.com.au

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

For more information on similar parenting topics you may like take a look at our e-books Publications on this link.

All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Basic equipment needed for bottle feeding

We advocate breastfeeding and suggest that if you are having problems or doubts about breastfeeding it would be best to talk to your parenting coach about your concerns.  If on the other hand you choose to bottle feed possibly because of a bad experience or there is some other reason you can’t, or you have just chosen not to breastfeed this chapter will help you with the next best thing.  Bottle feeding.   If you are expressing and giving breast milk in a bottle this chapter can help you understand such things as sterilising, choosing the right bottle and teats.

Formula

There are many different formulas on the market no brand is better than another but some babies may react to certain formulas.  Their reaction may be seen as a rash, diarrhoea, constipation, unsettled irritable baby.   Some babies may have lactose intolerance or a cow’s milk intolerance.  Some of the ‘Gold’ formulas are renowned for causing constipation.  If your baby begins to shows any of these signs it may be wise to change formula within the brand or to a different brand all together. 

Teats and Bottles

Again there are a variety of types of teats and bottles available.  The most popular brand are not always the best.  The long thin bottles or the wide bottles are suitable but make sure they have clear measurements.  If you are going to exclusively bottle feed I suggest you invest in six large bottle.  Look for teats that are long and straight or slightly cone shaped.  Avoid short or irregular shaped teat and those that bulge at the neck.  These may cause baby to slurp and are not assisting in the development of the correct muscles for speech.  For this reason I don’t recommend buying orthodontic or anti colic bottles or teats.  When feeding, if baby is heard to be slurping the teat is not fitting snugly in her mouth.  Baby’s lips should flange out while drinking and not role in.  Some teats are interchangeable with other brands of bottles so I suggest you try a few before purchasing the type that suits your baby best.  The most recommended brand (at the publication of this book) is Pigeon Peristaltic slow flow for newborns and ‘Y’ teat for three months and older. 

Preparation of formula

Before starting make sure you have all the necessary equipment – formula, sterilised bottles and teats.  There are several ways to store your bottles ready for use two of which are as follows:

1. Make up bottles of formula and keep them ready-to-go in the fridge.  With this method you will need to warm the milk either in a bottle warmer or boil a kettle and pour the water into a cup or container into which the bottle of milk is immersed.   Takes 5-8 minutes.  Never microwave milk as some of the nutrition is destroyed.
2. Keep bottles of measured cooled boiled water in the fridge and add the formula when needed.  Take off the teat and cap before warming the bottled of water in the microwave for 20 -30 seconds then add the formula and shake thoroughly.  This disperses the hot-spots while dissolving the formula.

Always test the temperature of the milk on the inside of your writs before offering it to baby – it should be luke warm.
 
Once you have decided on the method you will be using both will require the following instructions:

• Always wash your hands before handling food and in particular baby’s food and formula.
• All equipment should be thoroughly washed with hot soapy water and sterilised.
• Prepare your boiled water (5 mins of rapid boiling) and allow it to cool slightly before measuring it into the bottles.  Never use bottled water as many have high sodium and mineral contents which may be harmful to baby.  Bottle water is not sterilised.
• Read the instructions on the formula label and make up to the exact proportions of water to powder.   Always measure the water first then add the powder.   * Never add more water to a formula as this will dilute the calories and nutrition, too much powder can cause constipation or dehydration.  
• If you would like to give your baby additional cooled boiled water it is advisable to offer it a short time after she has finished her formula feed or twenty minutes before bed.  This insures she has had her quota of nutrition and gives some time for the milk to go down.
• Always use the ladle provided.  This ladle should not be packed down or knocked against the side of the tin to compact the powder.  Scoop the ladle into the powder to fill it and level it flat with the back edge of a sterile knife.  Tap the bottom of the ladle with the knife to empty the powder into the bottle.  If the water is too hot the steam will cause the powder to stick to the ladle.   Seal and shake thoroughly.
• When making up the bottle the powder will always increase the quantity in the bottle.  Only give the amount necessary for baby’s weight don’t force her to take the whole bottle just because there is some left.  It is better to decant the excess before offering it to her and keeping it in the fridge to be added to then next feed if need be.
• Store pre-prepared bottles in the fridge with their caps over the teats.
• Formula or sterile water stored in the fridge will last 24 hours.  Discard any remaining bottles, wash and sterilise before reusing.
• Never reheat milk.  Always discard used milk after one hour of warming.  Bacteria breeds quickly in warm milk.

Tips on bottle feeding

Baby should take fifteen to twenty minutes to take a bottle feed.  If your baby drinks her bottle quicker than this then the teat is to fast and may cause discomfort and possibly vomiting.  Try a slower teat.  If baby is taking longer than this there may be several reasons.  Is she sleeping on the bottle?  Is she feeding more than four hourly from the beginning of one feed to the beginning of the next?  Is she getting the correct quota for her weight?  Is the teat too slow?  Is the teat on to tightly and baby is finding it difficult to suck out.  Some bottle fed babies don’t know when to stop and can be over fed.  Avoid overfeeding by only feeding three and a half (for premature or small babies) and four hourly for term babies.  All healthy babies should be on four hourly feeds by three weeks. 
Something to be aware of is not to over tighten the collar of the teat.  When attaching the teat to the bottle tighten just till you feel it catching.  Loose enough to allow bubbles to be seen rising in the milk. But not to loose as the milk will leak out.  You can then adjust the flow of the milk by tightening or loosing the collar making sure you can see the bubbles rising.  This allows the air to flow freely into the bottle through the collar releasing the vacuum which allows a steady flow of milk.  If there are no bubbles rising the vacuum will prevent the milk from flowing and eventually baby will need to break her seal to allow the air to enter the bottle through the hole of the teat.  If it is a cross cut or ‘Y’ teat the teat may invert into the bottle.
  
Watch when you are feeding as the bottle should always be inline with her nose and parallel to her lips not angled to high or to low.   You may like to support your arm while feeding baby.   Rest her in the crook of your arm tilted back at an angle that will allow the milk to always be in the teat which means she is being satisfied.  To dispel a myth - sucking on air does not cause wind.   Allow her to drink as much as she wants, she will generally show you when she needs a break.  Sit her upright holding her under her chin with two fingers under her arm and the palm of your hand against her chest.  The other hand, firmly support her back with your fingers supporting her head.   This straight upright or slightly backward leaning position will allow the wind to rise without obstruction.  It is not necessary to pat her back.  Sitting upright will also help her to stay awake and eventually take an interest in her surroundings whereas resting over your shoulder will very often put baby off to sleep.
 
Never prop baby up with a bottle or leave them alone with a bottle, this is very dangerous as baby may choke.   This includes putting a baby to bed with a bottle when they are older. 
If need be change the nappy towards the end of the feed to wake her up.  When she becomes more alert leave the nappy change till just before bed so that you know she is clean for bed.  Because bottle feeding is quicker than breastfeed you will have a longer play time so encourage lots of tummy time.  

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright any use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Irritable babies

As a mothercraft nurse I visit many homes with unsettled babies.  Parents pacing the floor, pulling their hair out having tried every remedy and potions family and friends have suggested with little or no improvement.  The nightmare some families go through with their babies often results in shattered confidence, mental and physical exhaustion which can lead to postnatal depression, family feuds and marital breakdowns.

So why are these babies so unsettled?  

There may be several reasons why a baby is unsettled one of which may be what is commonly called 'colic'.  So what is 'colic' any way?  Good question.  The pharmacies shelves have been filled with remedies for colic, special bottles and teats and liquids.  So is it colic or something else that is causing so many babies to be unsettled?  And if it is colic why aren't these remedies working as well as they should?  Someone said it may be reflux but my baby doesn't vomit. 

What is the difference between colic and reflux?

'Colic' is an unsettled baby with lots of wind.  Reflux babies also have a lot of abdominal wind.  If you look at the symptoms of colic they are similar if not the same as those of a baby with reflux.  So what is the difference between reflux and 'colic'?   I, and many health professionals will agree with me, believe that colic as it was commonly known is today known as 'silent reflux'. 

A word from a Paediatric Gastroenterologist

Dr Bryan Vartabedian in his book Colic Solved says”..colic has evolved into one of our culture’s greatest urban legends – a mythical explanation meant to explain the seemingly unexplainable.”  He goes on to say “I’m always amazed at the number of paediatricians who approach me after my presentation and comment, ‘I didn’t know that some of these symptoms pointed to reflux. For years we’ve been calling this colic.’...They’re well-trained practitioners who were never taught that inconsolable screaming, arcing, and pulling from the nipple where symptoms of anything other than colic.  Like the babies suffering with this condition and the parents who try to console them, they’re victims as much as anyone else, trying to catch up with the advances in medicine that are now giving us explanations and answers.”

In otherwords Colic is now known to be Reflux.

What is reflux?

Reflux occurs when the acid content of the stomach rises into the oesophagus causing discomfort and burning. This understandably causes a baby to be very irritable.  Babies may be seen to raise their legs, back arch and/or to cry inconsolably.  Gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) is common in babies but often goes undiagnosed as many think it is colic.  If untreated reflux can cause complications such as increased risk of SIDS, ear and respiratory infections, ulcerated oesophagus.

There are two types of reflux -

1. Frank reflux  - where a baby will regurgitate frequently sometimes in large amounts.
2. Silent reflux - when a baby rarely regurgitates but is very unsettled. This type of reflux is rarely picked up and often goes undiagnosed.  It may start from birth or it may develop later from three weeks or three months. 

What to look for:

When visiting a family I look for things to determine whether a baby has a sleeping, feeding or a physical problem. 

1. Does your baby snack or cliuster feed? (often falling asleep at a feed or have frequent short feeds, feeding under 3 hrs)
2. Is your baby hungry due to your low supply? Do you need to incurease your supply or tip baby up after a feed?
3. Is your baby difficult to settle or has an unsettled period during the day or night?
4. Is your baby able to self settle after the initial 30-45 mins cat nap?
5. Are you over handling your baby?
6. How long is your baby awake and how long do they sleep is it according to their age appropriate needs? (See our FAQ Questions relating to Sleep)
7. Does your baby have an infection - urinary, ear or chest infection?

Depending on your answers you may have a baby who suffers from reflux, hunger or one who just need to be taught how to sleep and how to self settle.  Many babies have a degree of reflux.  Not all babies suffer from acid reflux, some vomit frequently but are not bothered by it other babies don't vomit at all but are in terrible pain. 

An irritable, unsettled baby if encouraged to sleep well between feeds and not cat nap may quickly become a more settled baby but if their irritable periods continue and they refuse to sleep they may be suffering from acid reflux.  If you suspect your baby has reflux take a look at questions listed below. 

How does one detect reflux

1. Firstly look at your family tree.  Ask your parents on both sides if you or any of your siblings has 'colic' or were very unsettled or vomity babies. These are typical signs of reflux.  If the answer is yes or maybe it is more likely that your child may also have reflux.
2. Is your baby very unsettled at a certain time of the day more than any other? Often in the 'witching' or 'arsenic' hour between 2 pm and 9 pm. Take into consideration whether they are over tired, over handled or possibly just hungry. 
3. Is your baby often unsettled from one feed to the next? Dozing between bouts of uncontrollable crying? 
4. Does you baby prefer sleeping in a rocker, over your shoulder,in a pouch or in an upright position?
5. When asleep are their periods where he/she wakes suddenly and cries out seemingly in distress? or is grunting in squirming in their sleep?
6. Does you baby back arch, pull their legs up, fight their wrap and generally look uncomfortable?
7. Do you use a dummy to help pacify your baby during these unsettled periods?

If you have a family history of unsettled babies and you answered yes to most of the above then read on to see if your baby has any other symptoms of reflux.

Some symptoms that can indicate reflux including silent reflux are:

• irritability and pain
• poor sleep habits typically with frequent waking
• grunting, squirming and wriggling during sleep
• arching their necks and back during or after eating or at sleep time
• gulping, coughing or re swallowing hours after a feed
• teary eyes when gulping
• mouth filling with saliva, spit, frothing, excessive drooling
• frequent hiccups
• sinus congestion
• rattle wheezy chest
• reoccurring unexplained croup
• food/oral aversions
• constantly needing to suck
• swallowing problems, gagging, choking, coughing
• gagging themselves with their fingers or fist (sign of oesophagus)
• bad or acid breath
• flatulence
• running or blocked nose
• sneezing
• hoarseness
• frequent red, sore throat without infection present
• neck arching (Sandifer's Syndrome)
• vomiting or projectile vomiting (seldom in silent reflux)
• irregular, infrequent, watery or firm stool
• pulling legs up as if in pain

If reflux is untreated it may lead to:

• refusing food or accepting only small amounts despite being hungry or the exact opposite requiring constant small meals or liquid
• poor weight gain, weight loss, failure to thrive
• respiratory problems—pneumonia, bronchitis, wheezing, asthma, night-time cough, aspiration
• anaemia
• frequent ear infection
• chronic hoarse voice
• erosion of dental enamel
• sinus infections
• ulcerated esophagus

Tips: Reflux babies are often happier when held upright and therefore sleep well on your shoulder or in a pouch this is not encouraged as long term sleeping problems usually follow. 

Remember:  Many reflux babies are unsettled only at certain time ‘the arsenic hours’ and sleep well after this time but if left untreated they may become unsettled all day which may eventually become all night as well.  

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy coaches are trained to recognise signs of reflux and have many tips that will help you through this difficult time.  Give us a call now to book a visit so that we can assist you with all your concerns.  

Cradle 2 Kindy 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles on Health

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright any the use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

If you are a client of Cradle 2 kindy you will know how we stress ‘tummy time’.  Tummy time is time on tummy.  Due to SIDS stressing that you should not sleep your baby prone most parents are nervous about putting their baby tummy down.  Because babies these days generally sleep, play, and are in the car or pram on their backs their development of back, shoulder and neck muscles is hampered.  There can also contribute to misshapen heads and torticollis (taut neck muscles causing babies to favour looking one way).  To avoid these problems it is advisable to give your baby plenty of tummy time when awake.  In fact most of the awake time, other than feed time, should be on their tummy.  Your baby is never too young to spend his awake time prone but babies under nine months should be supervised.  I recommend at least 60% to 80% of their up time on their tummy. Up time is the time they are out of bed and involved in activities such as feeding, bathing, playing.

The benefits of tummy time:

Tummy time helps to strengthen baby’s back, shoulder, neck, arms and legs in preparation to roll, crawl, sit and stand. It helps baby to develop eye to hand co-ordination.   It gives baby the opportunity to explore their surroundings by reaching out to feel and touch, to use their gross motor skills in movement and balance.

How to encourage tummy time:

Begin early.  Supervise your newborn on their tummy during their up time and extend this time as their need requires.  If you haven’t given your baby lengthy periods of tummy time they will most likely protest loudly.  Start with short periods of two to three minutes or until their protests become loud.  Then turn them onto their side till they calm down.  Once they are calm turn them back onto their tummy. You may need to rub or massage their back and shoulders to encourage them to stay longer on their tummy.  You many need to do this several times during their up time and repeat it during every up time during the day.  As you persist in lengthening the period they spend on their tummy they will begin to enjoy it.  Tummy time should be continued till they are old enough to be able to push themselves up to a sitting position by themselves.

Tips: Start tummy time from birth.  I recommend at least 60% to 80% of baby’s up time, apart from feeding, on their tummy. Up time is the time they are out of bed and involved in activities such as feeding, bathing, playing.

Remember:  The younger your baby starts and the more tummy time they have the more they will enjoy it.

If you would like more information on this and other similar topics our E-books are packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load an E-Book specifically related to your child's age group through Publications at Our Shop.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy can equip you with skills for all your newborn and baby’s needs to parent confidently. 

One of our parenting coaches will come to your home and assist you with what concerns you may have.  

Call now and book your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on 1300 786 101

Also see: What happens at a Coaching session?

More Articles about Play and Learning

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

I thought parents should be aware of research that shows SIDS may not be a medical condition but is caused by toxic gases within mattresses.  The gases are caused by fungus breeding within the mattress and is especially prevalent with re-used mattresses.   

These deadly gases deactivate an enzyme within the body which assists with the transmitting nerve impulse from the brain to vital organs such as the lungs.  Over time the impulse is weakened breathing stops the heart ceases to function resulting in death.   Babies poisoned by these toxic gases show no physical symptoms of illness. 

Prevention:

To prevent these gases affecting a baby, the mattress should be covered with a non gas generating, gas-impermeable fabric.  The chemicals known to cause these toxic gases are phosphorus, arsenic and antimony.  It has been suggested to avoid moisture-resistant mattress protectors, sheepskin or woolen underlays, any bedding containing polyester or acrylic, pillows, sleeping bags, quilts or duvets.

For more information go to:  http://www.cotlife2000.com/

Tips:

At Cradle 2 Kindy we recommend always buying a new mattress and if you are concerned about the gases affecting your baby, purchase a mattress cover.  Other parents have recommended using untreated firm rubber cut to size.

Remember:

Our homes are often a source of toxic gasses, sprays and dust from common household products.  It is wise to read labels carefully and keeping all harmful products out of children's reach in a locked cupboard.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy has a service to help you set up your baby's nursery which is especially designed to help parents avoid the trap of buying some of the unnecessary items. See Nursery Preparations

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More Articles about Newborns

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Many mothers have commented to me that they were given masses of information and preparation for labour, which was over in a relatively short time, but almost no preparation for what to expect after the baby was born.  Unlike a profession or trade where we have a period of training to equip us for the job, with parenthood we are often just thrown in booties and all!  We learn on the run and often without expert advice. 

Bringing a child home from hospital has its challenges.  You no longer have the security of the nurses being at hand, although I realize not everyone has a good experience during their stay in hospital.  Many first time parents have no idea what to expect.  Some have never handled a small baby let alone a newborn and feel awkward and clumsy.  Many parents have no family support, while others would rather not have the unsolicited advice from family or friends. 

I compare parenthood with a job interview where the employer asks: what training or experience do you have, what skills do you bring to this job, do you have qualifications in this field?  With parenting you could well ask similar questions and find yourself lacking.  Nobody can really prepare you for what to expect once you leave the hospital after the birth!  Babies don’t come with instruction books?  Because of this parents can become overwhelmed with the responsibilities, uncertainties and difficulties of parenthood.

The majority of my home calls are from sleep-deprived parents whose babies are ‘catnapping’. Those babies have not learnt to sleep for long periods of time between feeds—either during the day or night, or both.  This obviously affects not only the baby but the whole household - especially mothers.  A tired parent may be tense, impatient and frustrated.  They may then take this distress out on their partner, their older children and even their young baby.  The quality of life for the family with a grizzly, sleep-deprived baby is far from optimal.  Your baby, who was initially the joy of your lives, has now taken over the routine of the house and demands constant attention and pacifying. 

Research indicates that twenty to thirty percent of babies, toddlers and their families are affected by sleep problems of one sort or another.  Sleep problems often occur when there is a confusion of signs given by a tired baby.  Babies may appear to be wide awake when they are actually overtired.  Over a period of time, the baby develops a habit of not wanting to settle when put to bed, or not wanting to resettle when awoken after a 45 minute catnap.

Tips: Skills taught to parents when their children are still young can help prevent and over come common behavioural problems.    

Remember: Wanting to know more about how to care for your children doesn’t make you a ‘poor’ parent.  It may just indicate a further need for knowledge and understanding about your child’s needs. 

If you would like more information on this and other topics related to newborn care our E-book 'The Cradle Will Rock' is packed full of practical parenting tips.  Down load this and other Publications through Our Shop.

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The experienced professional advice Cradle 2 Kindy coaches bring is an excellent option and a life changing experience.  Our educators are up to date with current research and bring advice on parenting that is not only holistic but is also specific to your particular family. 

Call now and book your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on 1300 786 101or read more about our Newborn Care visit.

More Articles about Newborns

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

All articles on this website have a copyright. The use of any material must have permission from Cradle 2 Kindy Parenting Solutions.

Having a baby is an exciting time but it can also be quite confusing when it comes to choosing products for your child or their nursery. 

Some things to start think about:

• What items of clothing and how many does your baby need or not need. 
• Are there any accessories needed for the season your baby is expected to arrive.
• What to put on your gift list.
• What nursery furniture and equipment will best suit you and your baby.    
• What kind of bath, pram, feeding needs or toys are appropriate.
• Where do pets come in and how to prepare your pet for the arrival of your baby? 
• Take some time to learn about the Australian Consumer Safety Specifications and the Australian Standards for Safety for various items such as cots and prams. 
• Check what items are not recommended by the SIDS foundation?
• What medical needs you will need to have on hand for mother and baby.
• What do I need to take with me to hospital when I go.

Tips: Avoid spending hundreds of dollars on items that you may only need once or not at all and save money to spend on more essential items.  Our gift voucher  'Setting up the Nursery' is an excellent gift for a baby shower and covers these and more topics to help parents prepare for the home coming of their baby.

Remember: You need to provide a safe environment in the home.   Check if your home is a safe environment for your child.

How Cradle 2 Kindy Can Help

Cradle 2 Kindy has a service to help you set up your baby's nursery which is especially designed to help parents avoid the trap of buying some of the unnecessary items. See Nursery Preparations

Call now and book your personal Cradle 2 Kindy coach on 1300 786 101

More Articles about Newborns

Disclaimer: Article on our website are for education purposes only.  Please consult with your doctor to make sure this information is right for your child.

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