Author: Vikki Rose

How Can I Develop a Routine with Baby Number Two?

On By Vikki RoseIn All About Second-Timers, All About Sleeping

As an antenatal teacher & sleep consultant, I am frequently asked about how parents can support baby number 2 into a positive sleep routine whilst still being present and meeting their eldest child’s needs. I have answered my most commonly asked questions below.

“I have a 6 week old and a 2.5yr old. When is the best time to work on developing a routine for my baby?”

At this age you don’t need to implement any schedules or routines and your little one doesn’t yet have the ability to form an internal body clock. Go with the flow and let your baby eat and sleep when they want – I highly recommend a sling for this age group which will allow you to care for your baby whilst spending lots of quality time with your toddler as they adjust to life with their new sibling.  

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Positive Sleep Tips for Your Responsively Breastfed Baby

On By Vikki RoseIn All About Sleeping, Daytime Naps, Feeding

I believe in responsive parenting and when it comes to sleep support, learning your baby’s sleep cues and responding to their sleep needs is step one in helping your baby feel happier and better rested.

Many ‘routines’ for infants do not support responsive feeding or parenting. Some suggest sleeping and feeding your baby by the clock which is usually not in-keeping with your baby’s natural sleep and feeding patterns. This can be challenging and may impact on breastfeeding and milk supply. Others suggest separating feeding from sleeping, and again these often don’t work as it is very normal for your baby to want to feed to sleep.

Here are my tips for creating a responsive routine around your babies sleep and feeding rhythms.

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The 4 Month Sleep Regression

On By Vikki RoseIn Uncategorized

What is the “4 Month Sleep Regression?”

This term refers to a common phase in a baby’s life, somewhere between 3-5 months, when their sleep becomes very disturbed. The first thing to understand about the “4 Month Sleep Regression” is that it’s not actually a regression at all. In fact, it’s a very positive step forward and marks major developmental milestones. However, you might not be jumping for joy as this change often causes more frequent night waking and shorter daytime naps too.

Why does this happen?

Actually, there are a number of factors which can contribute to this “regression”. Firstly, they are growing so many babies will start waking up for food more frequently than before. Secondly, they are developing, many babies start to roll around 4 months and find themselves stuck on their tummies and not able to get back on their backs. Thirdly, many start teething around this age and can begin waking more frequently due to pain and discomfort.

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Dummies: The Good, The Bad & The Helpful

On By Vikki RoseIn All About Sleeping, Baby Care, Daytime Naps, Dummies

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Dummies seem to be one baby item which divides the nation – love them or hate them, here is our guide to using and loosing your baby’s pacifier.

THE GOOD

According to the Lullaby Trust, there is some evidence to suggest that dummy use can reduce the risk of SIDS. In addition, there has been significant research to show that sucking can actually help with pain relief. Anecdotally sucking on a dummy may help with pain management for babies with reflux and there are also known benefits for premature babies, where dummies can be used to develop their suck reflex while they are unable to orally feed. Some babies are “suckie babies” – sucking on a dummy calms and relaxes them and can even help them drift off to sleep.

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Tips for Responsive Spoon Feeding

On By Vikki RoseIn All About Weaning, Fussy Eating

Tips for Responsive Spoon Feeding

Allaboutbabies & Feed Eat Speak have teamed up to bring you our top tips for responsive spoon feeding.

We are aware that Baby-Led Weaning isn’t for every parent or every baby so here are our top tips for spoon feeding parents.

1. Follow your baby’s lead. This may sound obvious but often babies take a bit of time to get going with weaning and may not take large volumes of solids. Many parents worry about this. However, milk remains the main source of nutrition for the first year of life. It may gradually decrease your baby gets closer to one year so you have plenty of time to go at the right pace for your baby. Continue reading “Tips for Responsive Spoon Feeding” →

Dr David’s Tips : Common Newborn Ailments

On By Vikki RoseIn Baby Care

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Dr David’s Tips for Nappy Rash, Teething & Sticky Eye

Nappy Rash

Both my babies have had nappy rash, and I see a lot of it in the general practice setting. There’s such a huge spectrum of what you might see when you open your baby’s nappy. Nappy rash can vary from just a bit of redness around the baby’s bottom, to severe, weeping, infected skin which may spread into the creases of the baby’s thighs and up towards the genitals.

Current medical guidelines do not support putting cream on your baby’s bottom daily to prevent nappy rash, but there is no harm in applying cream daily if you feel this helps. Some brands of wipes may irritate the skin, so you may want to consider using cotton wool and water or changing brands.

To treat nappy rash medical evidence is supportive of:

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