Babies

Looking after a baby can be a rollercoaster. With so much to consider – from how they’re sleeping, to weaning and teething, and all the key stages of their development, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Here, we’re sharing our knowledge and guidance for new parents, to help you to feel more confident in understanding your baby and their needs.

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Symptoms

Unlike older children, babies can’t communicate how they’re feeling. However, if your baby seems a little under the weather, there are certain symptoms that might give away why they’re feeling poorly. Learn how to spot a fever, signs of teething, and more here.

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Dosage

Before giving your child any medication, make sure to check what the right dosage is for them.

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Baby sleeping patterns: A guide for new parents

Sleepless nights can be exhausting, as you’ll know if you’ve struggled with trying to get your baby to sleep. It can be a tough time for parents since every baby is unique and adjusts to sleep cycles differently. Be flexible as you’ll need to be prepared to change routines as your baby grows.

Fortunately, there are practical tips we can share, that may help you feel less alone in this “learning- to-sleep” stage. If you're a new parent, you probably have questions like: "What is a healthy sleep pattern for my baby?" "How long do newborns sleep?" and "When do babies sleep through the night?"

Remember that what helps for one baby, may not help for another. It’s important to find what works best for your baby and to discuss the safest sleeping options or routines with your health visitor. Having your baby sleep in the same room as you during the day and night for the first 6 months, reduces the risk of SIDs (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Baby in Blue Sleeping with Plushie

Types of coughs in babies and children

Coughs can be worrying for parents. The good news is that a cough usually isn't something to worry about as long as your child is drinking, feeding, and breathing normally. If your child has a cough and you're worried, speak to your pharmacist, health visitor, or GP for advice.

Cold & Flu in Children
Baby in Bed with Tissue, Coughing

The what, when and how, of baby weaning

Weaning, also known as introducing solids or complementary feeding, is one of the important milestones in your baby’s development. Some parents find weaning daunting, but there are ways to make this stage fun and interactive for you and your baby.

There are also many ways to go about introducing your baby to solids.  Some parents prefer spoon feeding, whilst others like to follow what is called baby-led weaning, and some may do a combination of both. Whatever approach you take, it’s important that your baby gets the right amount of nutrients and that they explore a wide variety of foods.

Smiling baby in highchair with spilled food

Why is my baby crying? How to soothe a crying baby

If you’re a new parent, you’re probably not fluent in “baby” yet and don’t always understand what certain signs and behaviours mean. No parent wants to see their baby crying, and we know all you want is to ease their...
Baby in Blue Sleeping with Plushie

Fever in babies: How to reduce their temperature

It can be worrying when your little one has a fever, but a fever is very common in young children and often goes back to normal without treatment. A fever is the body’s way of fighting infections like colds or the flu. Perhaps you’re wondering, “How can I help my child feel better and how can I treat my baby’s fever?”

Read on, for some helpful tips.

Fever
Baby sleeping with plush toy

How to Give a Baby Liquid Medicine

When can you give your baby liquid medicine, and how should you give it to them? Parents become astounding researchers overnight but always remember to read the instructions on the label before giving your baby any type of medication, and even...
Baby given Medicine

Why do babies cry at night? 7 ways to soothe night time crying

Is your baby crying at night and you don't know the reason? You’ve fed them, changed their nappy, comforted, tried to soothe them, and every other strategy that worked in the past, but your baby is still crying. Why do babies cry at night for no recognisable reason?
Father Interacting with Baby in Crib

What is weaning and the 3 stages

If you’re a parent preparing to start introducing solid foods to your baby, you’re probably excited about this new phase. Perhaps you’re also feeling a little confused about how to start the weaning process. Weaning can be broken down into three...
Baby in Highchair Eating from a Spoon

What are the five facts about fever every parent should know?

Generally, a fever is the body's natural reaction to illness or infection. A fever in a child can generally be described as anything above 38°C. A normal temperature in babies and children is about 36.4°C, but this can vary slightly.

child lying down on the sofa with a thermometer

Baby congestion: why does my baby have a blocked nose?

Is your baby’s blocked nose quite a challenge? Babies get congested when too much mucus builds up in their noses - a blocked nose on its own is usually nothing to worry about if they are otherwise well and feeding normally. If your little one has a stuffy nose, it can sometimes be harder for them to sleep, and sleep comfortably when every moment of shut-eye is precious. So, how can you help your baby when they have a blocked nose? First, let's discover why  they have a blocked nose:

baby sucking her finger

Dehydration in babies: what are the signs and symptoms you need to look out for?

What are the signs of dehydration in babies you need to look out for? And how would you know if your baby is hydrated enough? Sometimes, adults don't even realise they're becoming dehydrated until they already are. We understand it can be even harder to pick...
baby being fed a bottle

Can I give my baby ibuprofen?

When it comes to babies and ibuprofen, new parents often have questions: Can I give my baby ibuprofen? Does baby ibuprofen reduce a fever? It’s natural you’ll want to get clued up, to make sure you’re providing suitable care for...
baby lying down holding blanket

Stage 1 of weaning: A guide to introducing foods

Is your baby ready for the very first stage of weaning? Excitingly, you may reduce the chances of a fussy eater and maybe even end up with a child who loves trying new foods and exploring different tastes and flavours. Like the African proverb suggests, it takes...
toddler holding spoon playing with food

6 Tips to help a teething baby sleep​

Wondering how to help get your teething baby to sleep? A teething, restless baby (especially at night) who’s hard to console and settle can be exhausting. Teething can be a painful and uncomfortable experience for some babies, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep, and often when they struggle to sleep, you do too.

If you want to know how to help a teething baby sleep, the good news is you’re not doomed to endless sleepless nights. Learn how to soothe your teething baby at night and help them sleep. First, let’s get back to basics:

toddler chewing on colourful toy

What are the signs and symptoms of a sore throat in babies and children?

Do you know what signs to look out for if your baby or child has a sore throat? Along the road of hard knocks and parenting trials and errors, it's important to understand sore throat in children and also learn what to do. Here are some helpful tips to help you if your...
young girl with open mouth

Vaccinations: how they work, side-effects and treatment

Carting our little babies off to the clinic to get their vaccinations done can fill many of us with anxiety. Babies cry (whilst we hold back tears), doctors jab, and soon enough, there may be a tiny bump on our little one's arm or leg to show for their bravery.

Child with a toy

What is the baby vaccination schedule in the UK?

Knowing what injections your baby may need can be confusing at times. If you’re not sure which vaccines need to be given and when, here you’ll find a summary of the UK vaccination schedule and an explanation of why it’s important to follow it.
Child with a toy

Illnesses in babies: signs and symptoms your baby is ill

When your little one is unwell, it can be stressful not knowing what's wrong. It’s helpful to know some of the signs and symptoms of common illnesses in babies, such as cradle cap, nappy rash and colic, to understand how to help them feel better or when to act quickly.

Baby being cuddled