Starting Out
Starting Out
Your precious new baby has finally arrived, and you are experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions getting to know this new little person....
This is where the steep learning curve really begins, and we hope we can support you on your way!
Contact our friendly team of experts for more personalised advice.
- 01 September 2017
Six signs baby is ready for solid food
If your baby is ‘not sleeping well’ or ‘seems hungry’ after breastfeeding or a bottle, you shouldn't necessarily take it to mean she is ready for solids. In fact, those are two common reasons given by mums who have introduced their babies to solid foods too early.
Part of the reason why mums may be moving to solid foods too soon is that they’re misinterpreting the cues about their baby's readiness for solids. For example, parents will often complain around three to four months that their baby is getting hungrier. However, this most likely due to a growth spurt that happens around three months (one that can be managed with an increase in the baby’s liquid diet).
New Zealand Paediatric Dietitian and Director of Kidz Nutrition in Tauranga, Rebecca Bruce (NZRD), says it is important to watch for cues like good head control, but it’s just as important to listen to what your baby’s behaviour tells you.
“Solids should be introduced around six months of age, depending on developmental cues but not before four months.
“Watch for clues like when your baby begins to show an interest in what others are eating, or starts putting his hand or other objects to his mouth.
“Once your baby is ready for solids it is important to get on to iron-rich foods, like meat and iron fortified cereals, fairly soon. Many parents start with fruit and vegetables but bear in mind that your baby’s iron stores from birth will be running out around six months and breastmilk isn’t going to provide enough alone.”
Read More - 06 November 2016
Keeping your little one hydrated this summer
Warm summer weather means it’s easier for babies to become dehydrated.
Read More - 06 November 2016
Getting some shut eye: sleep tips for Mum and baby
Newborns sleep around 16 hours in every 24 hours, but sleep patterns can vary a lot. They usually sleep for 2-3 hours at a time, day and night and wake frequently to feed, as they have small tummies. So it’s normal for your newborn baby to need fed 8-12 times a day, so getting a decent sleep is hard and it’s normal to feel exhausted.
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Always put baby in their own safe space to sleep. Here are a few tips to help get baby into a good sleep pattern and also help you get much needed rest:
Sleep when your baby sleeps: Small regular sleeps can be amazingly recharging and help you cope better with the first exhausting month or two.
Work towards a routine: Although you'll need to be flexible with this to start with, it can help to work towards getting baby into a feeding and sleeping routine. Talk to other parents, a trusted health professional, or read some of the great baby books out there to work out a realistic plan.
Self-settling: Let your baby learn to settle them self. You can do this by putting them down in their bassinet or cot when they’re drowsy, but not asleep.
Ignore the racket: It can be a good idea to let your baby to get used to sleeping through noise. The house doesn’t need to be completely silent when they are asleep.
Around 3 months of age, and as your baby grows they start to learn day and night differences and may start to sleep for longer stretches at night, but will still wake for night feeds. As baby gets older and grows, they will stay awake and alert for longer periods during the day. Ongoing developmental changes such as teething, can impact sleep and may upset babies sleeping routines again.
Remember as a parent you will be getting advice 'left, right and centre' on sleep and other baby topics! At the end of the day, you choose to do what will work best for you and baby. Every family is different, and what has worked well for others, may not be the ideal advice for you. Always speak to a trusted health professional if you have questions or concerns.
The materials published on this website are of a general nature and have been provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your medical practitioner or a qualified health provider for any further advice in relation to the topics discussed.
Read More -
- 09 July 2014
Keeping weight gain on track when you’re pregnant
“When you’re pregnant, you need to eat for two!” You’ve probably heard this old wives tale more times than you can count. Most likely, this was common advice in years gone by encouraging women to relax and eat freely when they were pregnant.
Unfortunately by ‘eating for two’ many pregnant women in NZ are gaining unhealthy amounts of weight, putting their baby and themselves at risk of health complications.
Read More - 09 July 2014
Holiday tips for travelling with babies & littlies
However you’re travelling from A to B, these tips can help you prepare for a more comfortable journey with littlies:
Read More - 09 July 2014
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is the best way to feed your baby. Breastmilk provides the ideal nutrition for your baby, and it's recommended you breast feed until around six months and your baby is ready for foods. When your baby is ready, introduce him or her to appropriate complementary foods and continue to breastfeed until they are at least one year of age or beyond. If you're having trouble and need some breast-feeding help, talk to your midwife, well child or Plunket nurse, or lactation consultant.Looking after your own eating habits is also really important so you'll have the energy to look after your new baby, as well as your own health and well being.Read More - 09 July 2014
Newborn Advice and Information
Common-sense advice and practical tips go a long way to helping you deal with day-to-day life with your baby...Read More
Tips for Fussy Eating for Toddlers
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Disclaimer
The materials published on this website are of a general nature and have been provided for informational purposes only. Always consult your medical practitioner or a qualified health provider for any further advice in relation to the topics discussed.
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