Meal times are for meals only
Make meal times for meals only. While it’s tempting to turn the TV on or to feed your child when he or she’s playing, try to avoid this. Your little one no matter how old needs to be aware of meal times, what food is being served, what it tastes like and feels like. It’s a worry when children don’t eat what’s been lovingly prepared or take a few bites of something they normally love and then refuse the rest. Children go through stages of eating very little and this is ok as long as they are healthy and putting on weight. For more advice go to jennisays.com
When you have a 2nd or 3rd child try and arrange that your older child or children are at school or at a family member or friend when you bring the new baby home. This will give you the opportunity to get home, sort out your house to your liking, feed and settle your baby and possibly have a rest before your new busier life begins! Need help with managing it all leave a message for me on jennisays.com
Many new parents think that having a baby will make them feel closer than ever. Sometimes, it does. Many parents also feel like their relationship is being put to the test. It's harder to get along when you are tired. You don't have much time for each other… so.. talk to each other. Share your feelings about being new parents — the good and not-so-good things. Get someone you trust to take care of the baby. Go out. Be good to each other. You both need extra love and attention right now. And don't worry — your love life will get back to normal.
The first week home with a newborn baby can be a scary thought. Here are a few guidelines that I teach the parents in my clinic. The 1st week is a time for you to rest as often as you can in-between caring for your baby. Keep your milk supply up by drinking lots of water. If a baby vomits a tablespoon amount it’s called a posset and is often just a sign of a full tummy. It is normal for your baby to cry for an hour or so one day and then not the next. If in doubt…..feed.
It’s the school holidays. If you are a stay at home parent, the slower mornings and flexibility to do what you want to do is attractive. A few ideas is to invite friends over to make homemade pizzas, have a treasure hunt in the garden, with maps and clues depending on the age of your child. Create a family artwork on a large canvas. If you’re a working parent try and arrange a few days leave over this time as it does relieve the stress of managing holidays and gives you and your children the treat of spending time together. Plan it in advance so it really can be quality, stress free time.
* Catch Jenni on-air every day just after 10am with her tip of the day.
Jenni Johnson, our resident ‘Baby Whisperer’, has been a practicing child-care practitioner for 15 years, and owns a busy ante and post natal clinic in Durban.
At Jenni’s ante and post natal clinic in Durban, parents are taught a system that gives them structure and routine to the baby and childhood years. Jenni has a nursing background. She’s a registered nurse, midwife, psychiatric nurse and a practicing child-care practitioner for the past 15 years. Jenni’s online clinic, can be accessed online via www.jennisays.com. For appointments, e-mail [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter via @JenniSays or on Facebook by 'liking' The Berea Baby Clinic.