Parenting 101: 23 November 2012

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. This week she talks about bonding and keeping records, among other things. 

* It’s important to remember that when you are with a child they never stop learning from everything you say and do. Every deed, every action is a lesson to them. ‘You sow what you reap’ is a huge responsibility for any parent.

* If you live away from your grandchildren a lovely way to stay in contact is by old fashioned snail-mail. A small package every few weeks with stickers and a letter and a photo of something in your life will strengthen this important bond and be received with excitement. Keep all communication in a special treasure box.

* When you’re 5 months pregnant your baby’s vision is forming inside the womb. The way this happens is that that millions of optic nerves find the exact partner of a million - and when that occurs your unborn baby can see. Skin initially completely covers the eye but that skin separates and your baby gets eyelids.

* Three interesting facts today: A newborn baby will probably lose all of its hair in those early months - and by 6 months of age could have a completely different hair colour. Nearly 50% of babies are born with birthmarks - some fade over time. And finally, babies only cry real tears from 1-3months of age.

* If you’re a working mum a common frustration is not knowing how your baby’s day went. How much did he/she eat? Length and times of sleep. How many poo’s? Was it a happy day for your little one? Ask your care-giver to fill in a daily record it will keep you informed and reassured.

* Catch Jenni on-air every day just after 10am with her tip of the day.

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 private nurse practitioner.

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.