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Many parents are surprised or even alarmed at the sight of their newborn. It is important to understand that the effects of birth are usually temporary and the baby’s looks improve rapidly.

Physiological jaundice

Hello, world!

Your baby will smile deliberately, especially for his parents. He can hold his head up momentarily, and focus on and follow moving objects.

By 2 months, he can lift his head when on his tummy and hold his head up when held at his shoulder.

Your baby lifts his head up when lying on his tummy. His hands can grasp a small rattle, and he has started laughing.

Baby is growing and getting excited about, well, just about everything. Especially playtime and all the things hands can touch. Hands are so fascinating!

He starts to roll over from his tummy onto his back.

At this stage, baby’s development is on ‘fast-forward’. It’s an ideal time for sitting up and looking around. So, what’s the most interesting thing for baby right now? Baby’s mouth!

What signs and symptoms during pregnancy to be aware about.

Babies all have individual temperaments, which will affect their sleep patterns. Some are sleepy and others more alert and wakeful.

Use your hospital stay to learn how to bath your baby. Babies usually have their first bath about an hour after birth.

Routines are difficult to establish with a new baby. You may feel as if your life revolves around the insatiable needs of your baby.

Foetal movement counts (after 28 weeks)
Be aware of your baby’s pattern of movements on a daily basis by counting four foetal movements in the hour after a meal every day.

A new baby cries a great deal of the time. It is her only way of communicating. It is difficult at first to know why she cries, but your ability to interpret her cries will improve with time.

The normal temperature of a healthy infant varies between 36–37°C. A slight rise in temperature may be due to a cold or a mild digestive upset.

Ultrasound

A baby’s bowels usually work within the first 24 hours after birth. The first stool, meconium, is blackish-green and sticky, with no smell.

A young baby’s skin passes through many phases, from clear to spotty (rash), to peach-like. This may be due to the transition from a protected environment in the womb to the outside world.

Possetting

First teeth! Consult your dentist about fluoride for your child’s teeth. Until a child learns to brush his teeth, the mother must clean them for him.

Discuss questions or concerns you or your partner may have with your caregiver at any stage of your pregnancy.

Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.

The aim of immunisation is to prevent disease. It protects the community as well as individuals.

Clinics and primary health services are freely available in most countries in Southern Africa. Locate your closest clinic and the telephone number from your local authority or hospital.

About halfway through the first year of life, babies begin to outgrow their liquid diet, which no longer supply them with enough nutrients to support their rate of growth.

The adult’s role is to provide children with nutritious foods. Adults are responsible for what and when their children are fed.

Birth to six months

It is too early to introduce solids if your baby:

There is an increased risk of allergy when solids are introduced too early, i.e. before

Here are a few tips for getting your baby ready to take that first spoonful of baby food.

THE WEANING GUIDE: INTRODUCING SOLIDS

Not all sugars are created equal and therefore not all sugars are bad. The main role of food is to provide energy and nutrients for growth and development.