Some babies are born with a head full of hair while others are bald as a cue ball. Even if your baby was born with a lot of hair, don’t be surprised if it starts to fall out. Some babies have hair loss the first few months after they are born. But don’t worry. Newborn hair loss is usually considered normal.

If your baby arrived with a full mane and it starts to fall out, it may be due to a drop in hormones. Hormones play a role in how our hair grows and falls out. Remember, hair goes through a growth and resting cycle. When it’s in the resting stage, some hair sheds daily. But pregnancy hormones helped prevent normal hair loss. So your hair may have become thicker during pregnancy. Those same hormones affected your baby’s hair growth.

But after your little one was born, his hormone levels dropped, which means your baby’s hair may have stopped growing as fast. Plus, the hair that is in the resting phase may fall out. This phase is referred to as telogen, and it’s only temporary.

You might also notice bald spots on the back of your baby’s head. Babies often spend a lot of their time lying on their back, which may contribute to bald patches. While you still want to put your baby to sleep on her back for safety, make sure she gets plenty of tummy time, so your baby’s head is in a different position. Plus, tummy time is good for her overall development.

If your baby’s hair has fallen out or thinned, it usually grows back by about nine months to a year. But since hair growth patterns can vary, it could take a bit longer in some cases. If your baby’s scalp is soft and looks healthy with no redness or oozing, it’s probably just a matter of time before her locks grow back. Talk to your doctor if your baby’s hair has not started to grow by about a year or is still very sparse at two years.

Keep in mind, your baby’s hair may grow back a different color or texture. So don’t be surprised if your little one was blond and by his first birthday is sporting a different hair color.

Remember, your baby’s hair is very delicate, which is why it feels so soft. Although it’s fine to wash and comb your little one’s locks, use a mild shampoo and soft brush.

If you’re wondering what you can do about baby hair loss, the answer is not much. Attempting a baby comb-over probably won’t work. The good news is your baby’s locks will grow back and eventually she’ll have a full head of hair. In the meantime, enjoy the easy maintenance of her no-fuss do.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

Already, you have probably noticed that your baby gravitates towards you. You are the face, voice, and scent that he or she recognizes the most. You’re also the one who gets the most smiles and giggles, not to mention, the very best cuddles.

Welcome to parenthood!

But the work of developing a secure connection isn’t over yet, and helping your baby to feel loved is one of the best ways you can help him or her to continue feeling secure in your attachment. So how do you go about doing that?

Well, it starts with being there to hold and cuddle with your little one as often as possible. You’ve probably heard that you can’t spoil a baby, and at this age, that sentiment is absolutely true. Your little one just wants to be held close, and providing that can do wonders for helping them to feel safe and loved.

Of course, you only have two arms, and there are probably other things you need to get done throughout the day as well. This is where infant carriers can come in especially handy—wraps and backpack-looking contraptions that will allow you to hold your baby close and still keep your hands free in the process. Wearing your baby in such a way also provides a great opportunity for you to make lots of eye contact, to gently kiss their head regularly, and to narrate the things you are doing while you carry him or her around.

Which, by the way, is another great way to show your affection! Talking to your baby regularly, pointing out the different things you see, and making eye contact as you engage can help your little one to feel even more connected to you. This narration of your life will also help your baby to develop language skills and an understanding of the world they are living in.

But let’s not forget one of the most obvious ways to help your baby feel secure and loved; by meeting his or her needs! Changing diapers, providing feedings, picking your baby up when he or she cries out; these are all great ways to ensure your baby feels safe and loved.

Finally, skin-to-skin contact continues to be comforting at this age. Your little one loves being nestled against you, hearing your heartbeat and feeling your skin against theirs. You may find that if your baby is having a rough night, engaging in skin-to-skin, perhaps in a warm bath, can do wonders for helping them to calm down and relax into your arms; the place where they feel the safest and most loved!

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

According to experts, breastmilk is all your baby needs for the first six months of life. From age 6 months to age 12 months, solids should be an experiment in taste and texture, while breastmilk remains the main source of baby’s calories.

Is my baby ready for solids?

You baby may be ready for solids if:

• He can sit on his own
• He has lost the tongue thrust reflex (he doesn’t immediately push food out of his mouth with his tongue)
• He has developed the “pincer grasp” (the ability to pick up small object with his thumb and forefinger)
• He is no longer satisfied even with more frequent breastfeeding

You may notice that your baby watches food move from your plate to your mouth, and he may reach for food anytime you have a meal or snack. You might even see him making chewing motions in imitation of you eating!

Many healthcare providers recommend starting with baby cereal and moving on to fruits and vegetables, then finally adding meat. But, there’s no reason to go in this order, especially if your baby is 6 months or older when starting solids.

When you start solids, offer them one or two times a day, while continuing to breastfeed on demand. Nurse your baby before feeding solids so that you can keep up your milk supply. You can slowly increase the amount of solids your baby gets over the next few months, but breastfeeding should still remain the main source of nourishment.

Feed only one type of food for several days, watching for any type of allergic reaction. If baby does fine with that food, add another. If your baby refuses the foods you’re trying to feed him, consider finger foods instead. If he’s still not interested, wait a week or so and try again.

Does my baby need water?

Exclusively breastfed babies don’t need extra water, even when it’s hot outside. Once your baby is no longer exclusively breastfeeding, though, you may want to give him a few sips of expressed breastmilk or water with solids to keep his digestive system working well. Most babies who continue to breastfeed on demand while solids are being introduced do not need extra fluids.

When can I start a sippy cup?

Around age 6 months, you can start teaching baby to use a cup. Give only few sips of water a couple of times a day (no more than 2 ounces in 24 hours). Don’t expect him to gulp down full glasses of fluids, or to be very neat about it. It’s mainly an experience in learning how to manipulate a cup. Sometimes older babies and toddlers prefer a straw to a cup. Many babies aren’t interested in a cup until closer to 12 months old.

Written by Michelle, childbirth instructor, lactation consultant, and mother to 4 busy kids

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice.  All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

From the time you first announced your pregnancy, you’ve received more new baby advice than you know what to do with. Unfortunately, the vast majority of that baby advice conflicts with other things you’ve been told.

There are a lot of myths out there about raising a baby, and most of them have developed because of how many different parenting philosophies exist today. But here are a few baby myths we can happily help you debunk:

1. The Love Will Be Instant: New mothers talk all the time about how they felt an instant connection with their baby, but the truth is, not every new mother (or new parent) will feel that bond right away. Some will, and if you do, that’s great! But if you don’t, don’t be too hard on yourself. Sometimes it can take a little while for that bond to develop. In the meantime, keep caring for your baby and yourself. The love will come.
2. You Need This Toy/Video/Book to Make Your Baby Smart: The reality is, there is nothing you need to buy to promote development. Your baby is going to develop in his or her own time, and the best thing you can do to promote that is to interact with your little one and provide a lot of opportunities for stimulation. That isn’t so much about things, as it is about the environment you are raising your little one in.
3. Breastfeeding is Easy: For some reason, women have gotten it in their heads that breastfeeding should just happen seamlessly. The truth is, it is sometimes a whole lot harder than that. If you’re still struggling with breastfeeding today, don’t be too hard on yourself. Instead, schedule an appointment with a lactation consultant and see if there is something they can do to help.
4. Holding Your Baby Too Much Will Spoil Him/Her: Somewhere along the line, someone decided that children could be spoiled in infancy—but nothing could be further from the truth. Your baby is still in a stage of needing to feel safe and connected, so holding him or her and responding to their cries will absolutely not spoil them. If anything, being there provides a stronger attachment so that they can be more independent and secure in the future.
5. There is a Right and Wrong Way to Do Everything: Cloth or disposable diapers? Attachment vs. Authoritarian parenting. Co-sleeping vs. getting your newborn in a crib right away. No matter who you talk to, they will have their opinions on the right and wrong ways to parent an infant. But only you know what is right for your family. There is no set rulebook you should be abiding by.
6. Babies Just Eat and Sleep: Sure, they eat and sleep plenty. But as you’re coming to realize, that’s not all they do. With each passing week, your baby is becoming more alert and interactive. Plus, there is always the crying to contend with.
7. Developmental Milestones Happen in Order: Developmental milestone guidelines are just that… guidelines. Every baby develops in different areas at different rates. Some may walk before they crawl, or be slow with their words, even as their problem solving abilities seem to be advanced. If you are ever truly concerned, don’t be afraid to consult with your pediatrician. But in general, most babies are just following their own timelines.

Written by Leah Campbell, infertility advocate, adoptive mama, writer and editor. Find me @sifinalaska on Twitter.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general informational basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

The fontanel is the name given to the soft spots on your baby’s head. The bones of your baby’s skull have not yet closed, leaving soft spots on the top of the head. The bones are open during birth to allow the baby being born. They remain open for a few months after the birth to allow for rapid brain growth. The soft spot at the back of the skull is the first to close, usually be the time your baby is eight weeks old. The anterior fontanel (the soft spot nearer the front of the skull) should close by the time your baby is around 18 months old though it could happen as early as nine months.

Parents often worry about injury to the soft spot, but, in fact, it is quite tough. Though it is called the soft spot, it is actually quite firm. Your healthcare provider will check your baby’s fontanel at each visit. A healthy baby’s fontanel should curve inwards very slightly. Keeping a close eye on your baby’s soft spot is important because it can provide clues to your baby’s health.

Sunken Fontanel

If your baby’s fontanel appears sunken, this could be a sign of dehydration. Babies are at an increased risk of dehydration so it’s important to recognize the symptoms of this condition. A sunken fontanel, reduction in wet diapers, dark urine and lethargy are other symptoms of dehydration in babies. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. If your doctor diagnoses dehydration, your baby may be offered IV fluids as treatment. To reduce the risk of dehydration, you should ensure your baby has enough to drink on warmer days. For formula fed babies, you can offer cooled water in a bottle between feeds. Breastfed babies usually do not need any water though you may notice that they breastfeed more frequently on hot days.

Malnutrition, also known as ‘failure to thrive’, can also be a cause of sunken fontanel. An inability to absorb the nutrients from milk can be caused by feeding problems, food intolerances and genetic conditions. If your doctor thinks ‘failure to thrive’ is the cause of the sunken fontanel, you may be offered breastfeeding support.

Bulging Fontanel

A bulging fontanel can be a sign that something is wrong with your baby. A bulging fontanel can be a symptom of meningitis and a number of other serious conditions, so it’s important you seek emergency medical help immediately if your baby’s fontanel is bulging.

If you have any concerns about your baby’s fontanel, speak to your baby’s doctor. If the fontanel is bulging, don’t wait for a doctor’s appointment, instead seek emergency medical assistance straight away.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

When it comes to baby care, you might get a lot of conflicting information. For example, you may have heard both sides of the pacifier debate. Keep in mind, like many things in life, there are pros and cons to using a binky.

You probably know babies have a natural need to suck and a pacifier may soothe your little one in-between feedings. If your baby is still fussy after nursing, burping and cuddling, a pacifier may help him settle down.

The same thing does for thumb sucking. Similar to a pacifier, thumb sucking can comfort your baby. Some parents prefer to substitute a pacifier for thumb sucking since it gives them a little more control. For example, with a pacifier, you can take it away when you’re trying to wean your child from using one. If your baby sucks his thumb, it’s always right there, which gives you less control when you are trying to break your little one of the habit.

One benefit of using a pacifier is the possible decreased risk of SIDS. The exact reason pacifier use appears to reduce SIDS is not clear. But since studies do show a link between pacifier use and decreased rates of SIDS, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends babies use a binky through the first year of life when they are sleeping. Keep in mind, if your baby does not want to take a pacifier, don’t force the issue.

Cons of Using a Pacifier

Research is mixed on whether introducing a pacifier too early interferes with breastfeeding. But it makes sense to wait until your baby gets the hang of nursing and you have good milk flow before using a pacifier.

Another possible negative to using a pacifier is your baby could become dependent on one. If your baby’s binky falls out at 2 a.m., it may mean you’re running into her room to put it back.

If you are concerned thumb sucking or using a pacifier may damage permanent teeth, talk to your pediatrician to make sure it won’t interfere with dental health. In most cases, if you break your baby of the binky habit by about age two, you probably don’t have anything to worry about.

Some studies also indicate pacifier use may increase the risk of middle ear infections. The risk of infections is lower in young infants. So giving your baby a binky until he is about six months old and then weaning him may be an option.

Pacifier Use Tips

If you do decide to use a binky, moderation is key. It may be best to avoid giving the pacifier after every whimper. Your baby can become overly dependent on it and you may have a battle on your hands when it comes time to give up the binky.

Also, never tie a pacifier around your baby’s neck with a ribbon or string. The string can become wrapped around her neck.

Don’t substitute a pacifier for parent provided comfort. Of course, there will be times when you need a few minutes before you can tend to your baby, such as when you’re driving or need to use the bathroom. Using a binky to buy a few minutes in those instances can be helpful.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.