Happy Days

We asked paediatric dietician, Kath Megaw for her advice on Picky Eaters. Picky eating is such a broad term and something that may mean different things for different people. So what actually is a picky eater? • A picky eater is a child who will have a decreased range of foods but still eat quite a variety. • Foods are eaten for a while and then lost due to ‘burn out’ and then often regained after a break from that food. • Picky eaters are often able to tolerate new foods on their plates even if they won’t eat them but will be selective about what they choose to taste...

No one tells you even half the story when you are pregnant! No one mentions what it’s like to hold an inconsolable baby - not knowing why she is crying. No one mentions sleep deprivation or if they do you have no idea how tearful it can make you. And no one mentions maternal guilt – the overwhelming feeling that you are failing your baby and the turmoil you go through to make the ‘right decision’ all the time. The old adage -  “Maternal guilt, it comes with the placenta” is completely true. Being an expectant mom is an overwhelming experience and as a mom of a...

The start of a new year is a time for making changes and new starts. As parents we often look for ways to do things better and improve on our parenting skills. The pressure is immense to be a great parent. As a full mom of three and part time baby scientist, I regularly consider what should be prioritised as key elements to ensure a baby’s optimal development. Now, before I tell you what I think the top 5 fundamentals are, I want to preface my ideas by focusing on what makes for healthy emotional development in infants. Firstly, enhancing optimal development involves specific interactions or...

Having a baby is a beautiful and wonderful thing, but it can sometimes feel traumatic, depressing and frightening. A woman I know, who has 3 grown up children and a grandchild on the way, said to me, “everyone is so excited and happy when a 1st pregnancy is announced, but I just want to say, ‘oh shame, you poor thing…you have no idea what you’re in for…but of course I don’t say that…I just say, ‘congratulations’ and pretend to be delighted as well. Lots of people will own up to the ‘best kept secret’ that babies are sometimes hard and...

QUESTION I have a 3 week old baby boy, who has now become colicky. Everything he drinks, like water and breast milk doesn't seem to stay down. He is always bringing it up after a feed and especially after a burp. Is that a problem, and how can it be prevented? ANSWER Many babies do burp up some milk and this usually doesn't cause discomfort. If the milk curds burn his oesophagus it may be painful. To help your little one: Firstly, do not feed any water. Exclusively breastfed babies do not need water in addition to milk. Secondly, if he is gaining weight nicely, try not to feed more frequently...

Question: My one year old has a very nasty habit of biting especially when she is excited or frustrated. This weekend she bit an older child and I'm really concerned as to how I can stop this. When she does it to me I say NO firmly and distract to something else ? Any tips ? Answer: It is such a difficult situation when your baby is the culprit. You must feel really sad and concerned. Firstly, you do need to analyze why your little one is biting - maybe she has been expected to 'play' with another little one for too long or with a child who she is out of her depth with. Overstimulation and...