Expert panel: Baby care

Looking after a new baby can be daunting, especially if this is your first time. Many of our readers ask for tips to care for their babies and strategies to overcome their exhaustion. If you have a question about caring for you young baby, take a look at our previously answered baby care questions. Or, if you can't find the answer there, why not submit your own question to be answered and shared with other readers.

Please note questions are not answered live. If you are at all concerned about your health or your bubs contact your doctor immediately.

Questions about Baby care

Avatar Liznc...
Jane ...
Answer:

Hi, Nipple shields can be useful, there' no doubt about that. But the issue with them is that they can potentially create problems with supply as t...

Answered: 11 Nov 2012
Avatar Tammy...
Jane ...
Answer:

This is a common question. If you're sure she needs it and you've spoken with the paed about this, then it seems you have little choice. I can't ac...

Answered: 05 Nov 2012
Avatar laris...
Jane ...
Answer:

Hi, Cow's milk as a drink is not recommended in babies under one year. It's too hard to digest, too low in iron and really not suitable. It's alrig...

Answered: 28 Oct 2012
Avatar Tracy...
Jane ...
Answer:

This really depends on the make and model of the individual car seat you are buying or have bought. Each has it's own unique features and I urge yo...

Answered: 28 Oct 2012
Avatar Abeer...
Jane ...
Answer:

I'm not sure I understand the second part of your question, "sleeping one way till the morning", do you mean to sleep through until the morning? At...

Answered: 28 Oct 2012
Avatar Abeer...
Jane ...
Answer:

If he's growing well and gaining weight and having at least 4-5 bottles during the rest of the day/evening, then he may be ready to stop the overni...

Answered: 05 Nov 2012
Avatar E_J_A...
Jane ...
Answer:

I'm not sure if product samples are routinely sent out to new mums. The best thing to do is for you to try a few different brands and make up your ...

Answered: 28 Oct 2012
Avatar Thest...
Jane ...
Answer:

This does sound like your breasts are producing colostrum, which is entirely normal for this stage of your pregnancy. The difference in the consist...

Answered: 28 Oct 2012
Avatar Carhay
Jane ...
Answer:

Hi, According to the percentile charts currently in use in Australia, he is betwen the 75th and 90th percentiles for his length, and for his weight...

Answered: 28 Oct 2012
Avatar Carhay
Jane ...
Answer:

For his weight he is over the 97th percentile and for his length he is under the 90th so yes, he is a big boy. But there are so many factors which ...

Answered: 18 Nov 2012
Avatar Knlax...
Jane ...
Answer:

Hi without knowing how your baby is feeding I can only offer you limited information. Constipation is uncommon in fully breastfed babies who are th...

Answered: 14 Oct 2012
Avatar Taylo...
Jane ...
Answer:

It really depends on their size and weight. You will probably find the premmie nappies will suit them better for a few weeks at least until they g...

Answered: 12 Oct 2012
Avatar Jessi...
Jane ...
Answer:

Protein and iron based foods are ideal. So red meat, chicken and some dairy foods will help. But milk still needs to be a major part of her diet, s...

Answered: 12 Oct 2012
Avatar Jessi...
Jane ...
Answer:

Any foods which are high in protein and iron will be good. So meat, chicken and dairy foods (in moderation) should be fine. She also needs plenty o...

Answered: 18 Oct 2012
Avatar Erynw...
Jane ...
Answer:

If she is breastfeeding and getting plenty of milk, gaining weight and tracking along her percentile charts then don't be concerned. Breastfed babi...

Answered: 12 Oct 2012
Avatar babyf...
Jane ...
Answer:

If you've sought the advice of all of these other health professionals I'm not sure I will be able to offer you any further insights. But I'm prett...

Answered: 12 Oct 2012
Avatar Catma...
Jane ...
Answer:

He may be protesting because of the restraints, the movement, not being held or he just needs to become accoustomed to it. Make sure you're address...

Answered: 06 Oct 2012
Avatar Zoe_H...
Jane ...
Answer:

It may be, lots of babies reflux and this is a very normal, age appropriate condition for most babies. As long as he is thriving and gaining weight...

Answered: 06 Oct 2012
Avatar Rubya...
Jane ...
Answer:

The best time to massage is when you have the time to do it in a relaxed and calm way and not rush it. We used to think a massage should always occ...

Answered: 06 Oct 2012
Avatar Kirchney
Jane ...
Answer:

I can't actually recommend one formula as being more superior than the other - you will need to make your own decision on this. As health professio...

Answered: 30 Sep 2012
Avatar Kate_...
Jane ...
Answer:

This is a good point, once babies are rolling freely they should be out of their wraps/swaddles to go to sleep. He will need to go through a trans...

Answered: 30 Sep 2012
Avatar Patchy
Jane ...
Answer:

At 10 months he still needs 3-4 milk feeds each day and three solid serves. Some babies of this age also like a snack at am or pm tea. Make sure yo...

Answered: 22 Sep 2012
Avatar Kathu...
Jane ...
Answer:

It could be that she's incubating an illness, is extra tired after a couple of big days or is just catching up on some sleep. Most babies go throug...

Answered: 22 Sep 2012
Avatar happy...
RISA Inc
Answer:

Hi, I know your question was directed at the child health nurse, but while you're waiting for a response from her, I thought I'd just jump in quick...

Answered: 21 Sep 2012
Avatar Annie...
Jane ...
Answer:

This is not an unusual situation, the baby practices the wonderful new sounds they can make and in the process, seem to strain their little vocal c...

Answered: 22 Sep 2012
Avatar Ross-565
Jane ...
Answer:

If you are breastfeeding, and your baby is back to their birth weight, having plenty of breastfeeds and is wetting at least 6 o r more nappies each...

Answered: 22 Sep 2012
Avatar CS1AF4
Jane ...
Answer:

It's no unuusal for the poos to become firmer after having formula, this is pretty common. As long as you are preparing the formula exactly as dire...

Answered: 22 Sep 2012
Avatar Aylah...
Jane ...
Answer:

Please check out this site which summarises the best evidence to date http://dermnetnz.org/vascular/haemangioma.html Strawberry birthmarks are re...

Answered: 16 Sep 2012
Avatar Franc...
Jane ...
Answer:

Hi, I'm not sure but Catherine Jackson product manager @ Kimberly Clark should be able to help you. Her email address is Catherine.jackson@kcc.com...

Answered: 16 Sep 2012