You gave life…. But do you know how to save it? Parents often joke that they are allowed to leave the hospital with their precious bundle and no certificate of training. We are taught how to feed, bathe and change nappies, and books will guide us on the growing changes and stimulating ideas for their ...
There have been many reports over the last few years about the negative aspects of children watching TV. Indeed, a recent study from Michigan and Montreal universities found negative effects on older children rose with every hour of toddler TV. But is TV always such a bad idea? Toddlers and TV The study, part of ...
There are some words that parents of small children long to hear. They listen, ears ever-alert for those first throaty gurglings that might, with a little artistic licence, be interpreted as a passable ‘Mama’ or ‘Dada’. There may be other words, though, in those early, slightly chaotic, years which are less welcome. Like when your ...
Words by Sarah Franklin When my first son was born, on the West Coast of the US, our friends came to visit in hospital, as friends are wont to do. They brought traditional baby gifts; teeny-tiny clothing; the obligatory stuffed animal with treacherous detachable parts, and … a full work-up of our hours-old infant’s astrological ...
Oh s**t! Most mums and dads will, at one time or another, have been there. There you are, entertaining at home, everyone sitting around passing the tea and muffins. All lovely, lovely. Then little Jenny drops her toy on her toe. Instead of the usual wailing – and probably in an attempt to seem unruffled ...
There’s nothing like giving your child a head start in early learning. With all of the DVDs, books and classes available, there’s a wealth of resources that you can tap into to jump-start your child’s education. Little sponges So you’ve made it through ‘babyhood’. Through the minefield of nappies, sleepless nights and weaning. Well, here’s ...
What makes a wheely good pram? When it was first introduced in the Victorian era, the pram (short for perambulator) was quite an innovative idea. Over the years, the simple design has evolved and the pram is now available in various versions; from the traditional Victorian-based design, to the more versatile pushchair version. When it ...
We all know how beautiful a newborn baby’s skin is, but, whether we like it or not, a newborn can experience a variety of skin irritations during its first year. Modern Mum looks at the most common complaints. Minor irritations It’s important to remember that newborn babies are prone to many completely benign spots, blemishes ...
Guilt will always be a part of the mothering landscape, but it doesn’t have to dominate it. (Julie Ann Barnhill) Talk to any young mother today and one word is bound to come up – guilt. The guilt trip for many women often begins the moment that their pregnancy is confirmed. But what is behind ...
In recent years baby massage has become recognised as a potential remedy for curing a baby’s colic. Experience is now teaching that alternative therapies and medicine aren’t just for adults; children can also benefit from them. We look at how nature can provide complementary remedies for children, which can be beneficial and safe. Nature’s little ...
