Baby Health

We have many tools to help raise our babies in our modern lifestyles. Some toys and equipment help their physical development, but others can get in the way. Plus, what about mum and dad being baby's favourite toy? Guiding us through this minefield is Nicole Pates, spokesperson for the Australian Physiotherapy Association. Are there particular ways for moving babies from A to B, whether it's your arms, a carrier or a stroller, that are better for their development? Babies'

Allergic diseases are on the rise. For instance, around one in ten babies have a food allergy, and one in five have eczema. The effects of allergies can range from distressing to deadly. We know from research that some factors reduce the likelihood of allergies. If early allergy prevention could be as easy as visiting farms or owning/spending time with pets, it’s probably worth the effort. Breastfeeding, mixed feeding, vaginal birth and eating well in pregnancy are other factors

When baby wipes first appeared on the market in the late 1970's they were renowned as something akin to a modern miracle. Rather than wet washers that had to be washed and could house bacteria, here was a disposable version that was portable, already moist and smelled delightful. While relatively expensive within the currency of the day, by the 1990's the market had been flooded by innumerable versions of the baby wipe used by parents using both cloth and

It’s no secret that physical activity and good health go hand in hand – even for newborns. Tummy time is how babies learn to use and strengthen their muscles and look at the world from a different perspective. There are several specific benefits for your little one’s development. Tummy time in a recent review of the research found that across 16 studies, advantages included: Stronger gross motor development (large muscle skills) Greater overall development Better ability to move while

We have compiled Baby Food recipes you can make at home. Commercially-sold baby food first emerged on supermarket shelves in 1920, and by 1950, 90% of parents were feeding their infants' store-bought purees. In the last decade, however, baby food sales have been declining as parents return to a more holistic and hands-on approach to feeding their children. Making your own baby food has several advantages over choosing store-bought jars. Homemade baby food gives you the peace of mind

At birth you will be asked whether or not you would like your baby to have Vitamin K. The human body requires Vitamin K in order to make blood clot. When babies are born, their level of Vitamin K is low in comparison to adult levels. Regardless, this level of Vitamin K is usually enough to stop bleeding in most babies. How is Vitamin K administered? Vitamin K can be administered either by a single injection at birth, or by

Newborn bloodspot screening is offered to all newborn babies born in Australia. This screen involves pricking your baby’s heel between 48 and 72 hours following birth and putting this blood on a little white card made of special filter paper. Tests are carried out on the blood sample. The newborn bloodspot screening test can detect a number of serious genetic disorders. Phenylketonuria, Primary Congenital Hypothyroidism, Cystic Fibrosis, Galactosaemia and 30 other rare metabolic disorders are tested for. Early diagnosis

Approximately 2 in every 1000 babies born will have what is termed a moderate, severe or profound hearing loss. It is an unfortunate fact that only around 25% of children born with hearing impairments are diagnosed by the age of 12 months. When hearing loss remains unmanaged it can lead to poor language development in early childhood and lower educational achievements and employment opportunities later on in life. We are aware from overseas reports that newborn hearing screening programs

It is such an exciting time when your infant begins to learn to talk. It all begins with unrecognisable sounds and you’re quickly jumping up and down certain you heard the word Mum or Dad come out of your baby’s mouth. As children grow past this stage often parents start to worry about how their child is comparing to other children in their language development. Without encouragement children’s language development can be delayed leading to other difficulties in expressing

We have known for sometime now that smoking during pregnancy can increase the risk of miscarriage, infertility, some pregnancy problems, premature birth, low birth weight babies, more babies dying before and after birth, increased respiratory problems and the risk of cot death. What has not been known until now is how smoking increases the risk of cot death by more than three times. Scientists have now discovered not only how smoking is directly linked to cot death but that

Baby health checks, sometimes called well-baby examinations, are an important way to monitor your baby’s growth and development and promptly identify any issues or areas of concern. Routine checks also provide an opportunity to have questions about your baby’s health and development answered, and help your practitioner develop a rapport with you and your baby. Baby checks can help you make informed choices about parenting issues and your baby’s health care. If your baby was born in a hospital,

Even babies who are very healthy generally see a doctor, midwife or child health nurse a lot in their first two years of life. This is because the first two years are a crucial time for your baby’s growth and development. If born in a hospital your baby will have their first check-up. They can have it with a doctor or a midwife within 24 hours of birth. If your baby is born at home your midwife may recommend

In Australia today circumcision of baby boys is rare. The uncut penis is the normal thing among young people. But, many parents are still anxious about the subject. Because Australia has a past history of widespread circumcision. They may be unfamiliar with the normal penis and worried that they will not know how to look after it. They may also have been alarmed by reports in the media about the risks to health supposedly caused by the foreskin. Another,

I had always thought that if I had a son I would not circumcise him. I felt the need to challenge this Jewish tradition. But when I found out we were going to have a baby boy, the sudden emotional desire to have him circumcised was immediate and very strong. My partner and I are both Jewish, and non-religious, but we culturally identify to differing degrees. I feel a very strong Jewish cultural identity. From the age of 16,

Creating A Lifetime of Good Health Childbirth is a journey like no other. For mother and father, it is one of wonder, excitement and the unknown. For the child, it can hold all the rewards and risks that a new life offers. Thankfully, for babies and children today, there is a gentle form of therapeutic touch that can help them enjoy a lifetime of good health. It is called CranioSacral Therapy, and it can help your child overcome congenital

Naphthalene, the active substance in moth balls, is used to deter moths and silverfish from eating fabrics. It is also commonly used in toilet deodorant cakes. While highly effective in preventing insects from destroying stored clothing and eliminating toilet odours, If breathed of consumed naphthalene can be dangerous to both pets and humans, especially infants. The following information from NSW Health is intended to guide consumers in the safe use of products containing naphthalene. What is Naphthalene? Some moth