Search

The eyes of white-skinned newborns are blue-grey or slate blue. Darker-skinned babies often have dark eyes at birth. The eyes usually adopt their permanent colour at about 3 months old but may change up to 1 year. Newborns usually cry without tears, which appear at 1 or 2 months.

Your baby has a delicate neck, but should be able to turn it sideways easily. If he has trouble moving it and it seems to hurt, he may have a stiff neck. If the stiffness persists, get advice from a health professional.

In girls the labia minora are swollen for 2 or 3 days after birth. There may be a whitish deposit between the lips of the vulva. Don’t clean it off – it is excellent protection against bacteria. In full-term boys, the testicles have usually descended into the scrotum, which is purplish red. If they haven’t, tell the doctor.

Both boy and girl babies may have swollen breasts, which may even produce a little milk. Do not try to release any milk. Everything will take care of itself in a few days.

The newborn may have small red spots between the eyes, on the eyelids or along the back edge of the scalp. They turn white when touched under slight pressure, and become more visible when your baby cries. They will disappear during the first year. Babies sometimes have bluish spots on the buttocks or back, which should be gone by the age of 3. Other marks are permanent.

The structure you provide for your child includes creating a routine and setting limits. Every child needs structure. Create a routine and set limits that you feel are appropriate for his age and needs.

Here are a few tips to help guide you on the great adventure of being a parent. They offer guidelines on your child’s growth and give you some ideas for ways to have fun with him. Remember that the ages we use are only approximate. Children grow at their own individual pace and may learn new skills sooner or later.

Toilet training usually begins at about 2 years old. Most children are fully toilet trained through the day between 2 and 4 years old. Toilet training usually takes from 3 to 6 months. We recommend that you do not set a timetable. There is no use forcing a child who isn’t ready.

Now that your child has learned to handle books, he’s beginning to discover the written word. Long before he goes to school, you can use everyday events to help him take the first steps toward reading.

This section provides essential information on feeding your child, covering milk, breastfeeding, bottle feeding, water, introducing food and common feeding problems.