Food-borne illnesses do not discriminate — anyone can become sick. Raw oysters have earned a reputation as a potentially dangerous food. Also, some groups of people have a [greater risk of serious illness](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-fish-oil-safe-for-children/) than others, including children. Eating raw oysters comes with the risk of being exposed to Vibrio vulnificus, a potentially life-threatening bacteria. Young children, those under 5 years of age, are more susceptible to food-borne illness because their immunity isn’t fully developed. Here are some facts you should know before you give your young child raw oysters: ##### What will happen if my child eats a contaminated oyster? In reality, allowing your [child to eat](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-it-safe-for-toddlers-and-children-to-eat-raw-oysters/) raw oysters might have zero consequences, no matter how many he or she eats. Unlike other bacteria, V. vulnificus cannot be smelled, seen, or tasted. There is no way to determine if the raw oyster is safe to eat. V. vulnificus cannot be killed by a lot of hot sauce, nor are you guaranteed safety by letting your child just try one or two oysters. If your [child eats a raw oyster](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-it-safe-for-toddlers-and-children-to-eat-raw-oysters/) that is contaminated with V. vulnificus, it is important to be familiar with the signs and symptoms of food poisoning. In generally healthy people, V. vulnificus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In some cases, it can become worse and infect the blood (invasive septicemia) resulting in fever, chills, and septic shock. V. vulnificus is a serious cause for concern because about half of people who contract the blood infection die. If you are suspicious of food poisoning and/or your child has symptoms, get in touch with your healthcare provider, or even head to the ER. ##### What should I do? To be safe, you may want to hold off on feeding your child raw oysters for a few years, or at least until he or she is five years of age. If oysters are a staple in your household, or a special treat here and there, make sure to thoroughly cook a few for your little one to try. Cooking (prolonged exposure to high heat) is the only way to kill the bacteria and make sure you and your family will be safe. Get yourself a [coach](https://nabtahealth.com/product/conscious-motherhood-coaching-session/) and learn more. **Sources:** * Food & Drug Administration * Raw Oyster Myths. Powered by Bundoo®
My job at Nabta Health involves me researching a range of [women’s health issues](https://nabtahealth.com/); covering everything from [puberty](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/puberty/) to the [](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/effects-of-menopause-on-the-body/)[menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/), [infertility](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/infertility/) to pregnancy, adapting to becoming a parent and exploring the many challenges that come with the role. As a mum of two in her mid-30s, these topics not only interest me, but many of them are relevant to my day-to-day life. I can fully appreciate the demands and challenges of being a woman, a wife and a mother. I try to write about topics that interest me, in a way that resonates with women today. This article is slightly different; I wanted to step away from presenting the facts and figures and tell a more personal story. This is my account of what, to date, has been one of the biggest challenges I have faced as a parent. **How it Began** ---------------- Emily was our first baby and, as first time parents, we had a tendency to worry, often about the smallest things; was she grumpier than normal and if so could this be a sign of something serious; did she have a temperature, were we keeping her bedroom cool enough; were her legs bending in a peculiar way? I am sure we were not the first parents to have our health visitor (we were in the UK at the time, where it was normal to be assigned a named health visitor after the birth of a baby) on speed dial and we will certainly not be the last. Each of our concerns was soon replaced with something else; until, that is, Emily reached about 18 months of age and we started to notice her doing something strange with her eyes; we called it ‘the eye thing’. Her eyes would flicker backwards and she would lose concentration for seconds at a time. Worryingly, it was happening frequently, perhaps as often as 30 times a day. In contrast to our other concerns, this was not something we rushed to find an answer to. We definitely should have looked into it sooner, but we were scared and desperate to avoid finding out there was genuinely something wrong. Instead, we turned a blind eye, thinking that if we ignored it and if nobody else picked up on it, then it was not really a problem. A month after Emily turned two, we moved from the UK to Dubai. My husband became convinced that we should take her to a doctor, even more so after she fell over inexplicably and bumped her head. He said it happened when her eyes flickered and she lost concentration, I said she was just a clumsy child. Naturally I had googled her symptoms and I could not find a website that gave me an answer I liked. It rapidly became apparent that the most likely explanation was absence seizures, but I was determined to find excuses for why it couldn’t possibly be that. For a start, a lot of websites said that each seizure would last up to 10 seconds; Emily’s lapses in concentration were mere seconds. Furthermore, she was young, only just two, and most children are diagnosed at the age of four, or older. As a couple, my husband and I continued to disagree about what we should do, but with his daughter’s health and wellbeing at stake, my husband was determined we should see someone and it was an argument I was never going to win. Finally, I agreed to see a doctor. We visited a lovely [paediatrician](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/paediatrician/), who suggested we see a child neurologist. She gave us some recommendations and I insisted my husband call to make the appointment. I took her to see the neurologist on a weekday afternoon, just before Christmas 2016. Upon hearing what the symptoms were, the doctor did little to alleviate my fears; an EEG would confirm it, but he suspected childhood epilepsy in the form of absence seizures. I took an instant dislike to him and sobbed in the car on the way home. Suddenly a stranger was telling me that my perfect baby, my greatest achievement, was no longer perfect. In hindsight, I cannot stress enough how wrong it was to think this way; of course she was still perfect. A medical diagnosis should never ever determine the way you see your child. **The Diagnosis** ----------------- An EEG was scheduled. We should have sleep deprived Emily so that they could perform it whilst she slept. Absence seizures are a lot more common during [periods of sleep](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/i-keep-bleeding-between-periods-is-this-normal/), than wakefulness. Plus, I am not sure that many toddlers would tolerate having multiple electrodes stuck to their head and having to sit still for over 45 minutes. This first time we went through the procedure it was not well explained to us. We had not been told to sleep deprive her, so we arrived at the clinic at 9am and were told to make her have a nap. Emily resisted quite vehemently, even after being given a sedative. In the end, I sat rocking her as she screamed herself to sleep, with tears rolling down my own cheeks. I was about 20 weeks pregnant at the time, so probably feeling a little emotionally unstable myself. Once asleep, the technician covered her scalp in electrodes and hooked her up to a monitor. We watched as each wire produced a trace. We didn’t know what we were looking for, but the rapid scribbling of the pen every so often did not fill us with confidence. As she slept, we were googling EEG traces, trying to map the ones Emily was producing to those on the phone screen in front of us. Our attempts to self-diagnose did not go well (although I never learnt my lesson and for each subsequent [EEG](https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/eeg), I would spend a significant proportion of the time trying to determine what a ‘normal’ trace looked like and if it matched the one my daughter was producing. I never did work it out). In the end, the doctor barely needed to look at the traces to present us with his diagnosis. Epilepsy. It was official, not really a surprise and not by any means a tragedy, but upsetting enough. She would need medication to control the seizures. The doctor started her on Depakine, also known as sodium valproate. He told us that the easier we found it to control her seizures, the greater the chance of her outgrowing the condition. The lower doses of the drug did not help; we did see an improvement as the dosage increased, but if she was tired or poorly her eyes would start flickering backwards again. We were seeing the doctor every few weeks in an attempt to optimise the dose. Finally we got to the highest dose, if this failed we would have to start from the beginning with a different drug, but fortunately this was not necessary. Taking the maximum dose the doctor would allow, Emily stopped having visible seizures. Six months later we went for another EEG to see if she was also seizure-free whilst asleep. This time we were better prepared. My husband kept her up until past midnight and I got her up at 4am. We made it an adventure. The benefit to living in Dubai is that the good weather allows for a 5am play at the park. Attempting to make her sleep on demand was still not a great experience, the sedative seemed to have little effect and by this stage I also had a six month old to manage by myself as my husband had work that day. It was the day before my birthday and genuinely the best present I could have got came when the technician told me (off the record) that the traces looked clear to her. The doctor confirmed this and said we continue as we were doing and after two years of being seizure-free we would attempt to wean her off the medication. **The Next Two Years** ---------------------- We were lucky because Emily is a well behaved child and never once objected to taking her medicine. It became as routine as brushing her teeth and life proceeded as normal for the next 18 months, with occasional check-ups and, fortunately, no setbacks. I even started to quite like her doctor. During her routine appointment in early 2019, the doctor said it was time to consider taking her off the medication. Despite his reassurances that over 85% of children with this form of epilepsy outgrow it and despite the fact that I had so desperately not wanted her to be given a label; suddenly when faced with the prospect of taking away the stability of the medication, which had essentially been acting as a comfort blanket, my husband and I were both quite anxious. First though, another EEG to confirm that she really was still seizure-free. To be completely honest, I am not sure what results I was hoping for at this stage. A clear EEG would mean we would have to try weaning her off the medication. This prospect was so unnerving that I really do not think I considered what the alternative would mean. Another night of sleep deprivation; this time we had the technique down to a fine [art](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/art/). A midnight walk around the neighbourhood with torches, followed by some 4am scone making. Never one to be left out, our youngest, by now almost two years old, decided to join us for our baking session! No sedative needed this time, she still cried herself to sleep in my arms, but I remained dry eyed. A week later I visited the doctor for the results. By this time I trusted him implicitly and would not hesitate to recommend him to others. A highly skilled expert in his field, I firmly believe we received the best care we could have done. My animosity from two years previous had long since disappeared. The EEG was clear. We had about 6 weeks before we would reach the vital two year mark, but after that it would be time to start reducing the dose. Grateful for the six week breathing space, it was difficult to know how to feel at this stage. On April 1st we started dropping the dose and after 5 weeks Emily took her medicine for, what was hopefully going to be, the last time. **Today** --------- This brings us to the present day. The doctor has told us that the next six months are critical; this is the time when she is most likely to relapse. If she remains seizure-free until November he will discharge her. The first few weeks were anxiety-ridden for both of us, we obsessed over every little fall she had, and we watched her like hawks. I told her teacher at school, but then dreaded pick up time, in case the teacher had bad news for me. Every week that passes is easier though. My husband is more pragmatic than me; when I sought answers for what we would do if the seizures came back, he said we’d put her back on medication and try again in a year. There is an 85-90% chance she will remain seizure-free. Those are pretty good odds and if the worst does happen, at least we know what the process is now and we know we have controlled her epilepsy before and will do so again. I wanted to write about my own experience, not least because I find writing in itself to be highly therapeutic, but also to reach out to others going through a similar experience. I am exceptionally blessed to have two happy, healthy children and I consider myself truly fortunate that this has been our biggest parenting hurdle to date. Perhaps at times I over thought it, or over-reacted; maybe I should have been tougher and spent more time being grateful that it wasn’t anything more serious. But this is what parenting is; it is wanting to protect your children with every single part of your being, it is feeling like whatever choices you make and however you manage a situation, you are doing it in a way that is wrong; It is crying with your children and for them. It is hard, but my goodness, it is worth it!
Here are 5 diaper (or nappy!) changing questions every parents asks. We know this all seems basic, but if you are preparing for your newborn and you have not had much (if any !) experience changing diapers, then read on! **Do I have to use a diaper changing station every time I change my infant’s diaper?** -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. While a dedicated diaper changing area in your home is nice and limits the potential spread of germs, the reality is that most parents will be changing diapers while on the go, at friend’s homes, in restaurants or the like. What is important is that you have all needed equipment with you: a large pad to spread out, [diapers](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/should-your-child-use-cloth-or-disposable-diapers/), wipes and hand sanitizer for parents. Ideally, you would also have something to wipe down the changing pad if you’ve had to lay it on the floor or on a changing station in a public bathroom. **Are there any off-limits places to change a diaper?** ------------------------------------------------------- Yes. Do not change a diaper on any surface associated with food. That includes tables, kitchen counters, and picnic blankets. Even small amounts of bacteria can be transferred from the diaper, the diaper pad, the baby, or your hands, and bacteria can put others at risk for food borne illnesses. Never take a baby out of a car seat in a moving car to change a diaper. Never leave a baby unattended or out of arm’s reach on any surface off the ground while changing a diaper. When flying, ask the flight attendant where they prefer you to change the diaper. Do the other passengers a favor and do not change the baby in a seat. **Must you wash hands after each diaper change?** ------------------------------------------------- Yes! Even with diapers that are only filled with urine, or wet diapers, we need to wash our hands afterward. Warm water and soap are ideal, but hand sanitizer works in a pinch. Once babies become squirmy toddlers, it’s also a good idea to wash their hands after diaper changes too. Use warm, soapy water, or an alcohol-free hand sanitizer on their little hands. Clean any toys that you used to keep them distracted during the diaper change. **Where do I dispose of a dirty diaper?** ----------------------------------------- It’s a great idea to keep a separate diaper disposal area when you are at home. When out of the house, keep a set of plastic bags that you can use to wrap up any used diaper, then ask where the nearest appropriate place is to put the diaper. For example, many [pediatric](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-is-a-pediatric-hospitalist/) offices have a specific trash bin, located out of the exam room, for dirty diapers. This keeps smell and germs isolated. **Do I need to clean my diaper bag?** ------------------------------------- Yes. It’s a good idea to periodically clean your diaper bag. For most people, diaper bags carry diapers but also snacks, toys, clothes, and other essentials. Cleaning it and the diaper pad that you use keeps germs from touching other surfaces that might wind up in or around your child’s mouth. Powered by Bundoo® — Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and [](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary)[menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/). You can track your menstrual cycle and get [personalised support by using the Nabta app.](https://nabtahealth.com/our-platform/nabta-app/) [Get in touch](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#cce9fefcb5ada0a0ad8ca2adaeb8ada4a9ada0b8a4e2afa3a1) if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you.
 _**Week 1**: Y_ou aren’t officially pregnant yet, but your pregnancy will be dated from the first day of your last menstrual period, making this week 1. Congratulations! You are menstruating (shedding your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) lining and last cycle’s unfertilised egg\] and a new cycle is starting. Now is a good time to start your prenatal vitamins, cut back on alcohol and smoking, and follow a healthy and balanced diet. _**Week 2:**_ You haven’t conceived yet. Your body is preparing to ovulate. You’ll notice your cervical mucus changes in volume, texture, and colour as your fertility increases. Just before [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) your cervical mucus will be thinner and cloudy, or yellowish, and your basal body temperature (BBT) will drop. _**Week 3:**_ You are at your most fertile. During [ovulation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovulation/) your cervical mucus is the colour and consistency of egg whites and your BBT rises. An egg is released from one of your [ovaries](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovaries/) into your [fallopian tubes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/fallopian-tube/) and waits to be fertilised by a [sperm](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/sperm/). Your egg can wait for 12-24 hours for a [sperm](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/sperm/) to successfully push through its outer surface. You’ve conceived! Your fertilised single cell [zygote](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/zygote/) will divide and multiply rapidly over the coming days. This cell cluster, the blastocyst, then travels from your [fallopian tubes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/fallopian-tube/) to your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/). _**Week 4:**_ The blastocyst arrives in your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) and implants in your uterine lining. You may notice some [implantation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/implantation/) spotting or bleeding, no need to worry, this is normal. Now connected to you, the blastocyst divides into the embryo (your baby) and the [placenta](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/placenta/) which will soon take over from the yolk sac to nourish your baby and remove waste. Your pregnancy hormones will start to kick in around now and you may start to feel some hormonal symptoms such as mood swings and tender breasts. Your embryo is the size of a poppy seed this week. _**Week 5:**_ Your period is late and with your hCG levels now high enough to return a positive home pregnancy test things are getting exciting. Your body’s working overtime to establish the [placenta](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/placenta/) and major organs and systems in the embryo, which is now the size of an apple pip. You’ll probably start to feel some fatigue and light nausea this week and you might notice those famous pregnancy food cravings (and aversions) kick in. _**Week 6:**_ Your baby is growing quickly and is the size of a pea, with the look of a tiny tadpole! Organs are continuing to develop and an ultrasound might detect your baby’s heartbeat now. The [neural tube](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/neural-tube/) is closing – the spinal cord and brain will develop from this – and small buds are the start of arms forming. Your pregnancy symptoms are more pronounced. Fatigue, nausea (morning sickness), tender breasts, bloating and indigestion are all common. And with your growing [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) putting pressure on your bladder, you may need to urinate more frequently. _**Week 7:**_ This week your baby is the size of a blueberry. Its brain cells and face start to develop, small leg buds will form, and the little arm buds will lengthen. The pregnancy hormones [oestrogen](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/oestrogen/) and [progesterone](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/progesterone/) are responsible for your sore, swollen breasts. Your food aversions, nausea, [heartburn](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/heartburn/), need to pee and utter exhaustion aren’t going away anytime soon. But you are building a baby! _**Week 8:**_ Your baby is the size of a kidney bean. Fingers and facial features are forming, and retinas are developing (although you won’t know the colour of your baby’s eyes for another 7 months). Your baby’s internal sexual organs also start to grow now. You can add tightening clothes (your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) is the size of a tennis ball right now), vaginal discharge and [constipation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/constipation/) to the list of pregnancy symptoms. Remember to go easy on yourself, you are creating a little human. _**Week 9:**_ Your baby is the size of an olive. Arms lengthen, elbows appear, and toes are forming. The spinal cord ‘tadpole tail’ has almost gone and your baby’s heartbeat is strong enough for your doctor to hear using a doppler device. Extreme pregnancy fatigue takes over. This is normal; your body’s coping with a spike in hormone and [metabolism](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/metabolism/) levels and is working flat out to develop a healthy [placenta](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/placenta/) for your baby. _**Week 10**:_ Your baby is the size of a strawberry. Now officially a foetus, your baby’s head is rounder, eyelids and ears continue to develop, elbows can bend, and fingers and toes are lengthening. What’s more, tooth buds are now forming under the gums. You are probably seeing some roundness in your lower belly now (your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) is the size of a large orange). Nausea, [constipation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/constipation/), and indigestion may be making life uncomfortable, and the fatigue isn’t going anywhere. Remember to keep your fluids up. _**Week 11**:_ Your baby is the size of a fig. Its head is oversized at about half the length of its body; but this will soon catch up. Eyes are wide apart, eyelids are fused shut, and ears are low. Your baby’s external reproductive organs start to grow but it will keep you guessing its gender for now. With your body pumping 50% more blood you may feel hot and dizzy. Morning sickness might ease while your appetite increases. Try to eat delicious and nutritious food and not give into the temptation to eat for two! _**Week 12:**_ Your baby is the size of a plum. The [placenta](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/placenta/) has taken over from the yolk sac and is nourishing your growing baby. Your baby’s internal organs and muscles are now fully formed, skeletal bones are hardening, and nails are forming. Some women will notice their hair and nails growing stronger and shinier, and the arrival of the ‘mask of pregnancy’ (chloasma), triggered by hormonal changes. Your early pregnancy symptoms of nausea, need to pee and indigestion may be lessening now. _**Week 13:**_ Your baby is the size of a lemon. Your baby is swallowing [amniotic fluid](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/amniotic-fluid/), and its kidneys are making and releasing urine. Its head is now a third of its body length, vocal cords are forming, and you might see your baby making jerky movements on an ultrasound. You won’t feel these flutters and kicks for a few more weeks though. You are in your second trimester and it’s all starting to feel more real! Your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) is pushing up and out and you might be thinking about your maternity wardrobe. Headaches, nosebleeds, and bleeding gums sometimes show up around this time; try using a toothbrush for sensitive gums. _**Week 14:**_ Your baby is the size of a nectarine. Hair follicles are forming, and senses of taste and smell are developing. External sex organs are in place. And your baby can suck its thumb and make facial expressions now! You are in the ‘honeymoon’ period of your pregnancy (in theory!). Hopefully you are feeling less tired and nauseous, and more energetic. You may experience a jabbing ‘[round ligament pain](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/round-ligament-pain/)’ in your lower abdomen, caused by your expanding [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) – why not put your feet up and rest a little. _**Week 15:**_ Your baby is the size of a pear. And it might have hiccups! Facial features are moving into position and a scalp pattern is forming. Your baby is growing rapidly and becoming more active. Its developing bones will soon show on an ultrasound. As your bump grows your belly skin might be feeling itchy, try massaging in some unscented lotion. Apart from the common pregnancy symptoms, bleeding gums, nosebleeds, and increased vaginal discharge… you are feeling more energised this week. People may even comment on your pregnancy ‘glow’. _**Week 16:**_ Your baby is the size of an avocado. As your baby’s muscles and bones strengthen, its head straightens in line with its body, and movements become more coordinated. Your baby’s eyes are moving beneath its closed eyelids, skin is thickening, and facial hair is appearing. Be aware that urinary tract and vaginal infections (you’ll have noticed an increase in vaginal discharge) are more common now. You’ll find your weight increases as your baby grows. Remember to eat a healthy diet and stay active. Walking, swimming, pregnancy yoga and Pilates are all ideal for exercise during pregnancy. Ask your doctor if you aren’t sure. _**Week 17:**_ Your baby is the size of a pomegranate. And you might feel your baby move this week! Those little flutters could be kicks, or backflips, or hiccups. You won’t know for sure but isn’t it exciting. Your baby is also developing fat stores for energy and insulation. And it now has its own unique fingerprints. Your bump is getting bigger and is beginning to show. With your organs making space for your growing bump and [placenta](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/placenta/) the indigestion is back. You may also notice an increase in breast size due to hormones and milk-producing glands. _**Week 18:**_ Your baby is the size of a sweet potato. Eyes are moving into position, ears are standing out, and your baby might start hearing muffled sounds this week. Myelin, an insulating substance, now coats and protects the spinal cord and nervous system, helping messages travel along nerve pathways faster. And your baby’s digestive system is working. It’s all going on! Your [linea nigra](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/linea-nigra/) (or pregnancy line) is showing and you have the odd dizzy spell as your centre of gravity shifts and your blood pressure dips mid-pregnancy. Avoid standing for long periods and keep your fluids up. _**Week 19:**_ Your baby is the size of a mango. Arms and legs are in proportion with the body and its little wriggles are still flutters. [Vernix caseosa](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/vernix-caseosa/), a white wax-like coating will soon cover your baby, protecting its delicate skin during its months sitting in [amniotic fluid](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/amniotic-fluid/). [Round ligament pain](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/round-ligament-pain/), dizziness, [constipation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/constipation/), and now maybe backaches and leg cramps. Your appetite is good though (remember to eat healthy amounts of fibre to keep things moving) and you’ll hopefully still be feeling bursts of energy. _**Week 20**:_ Your baby is the size of a bell pepper. Your baby is developing its own sleep-wake cycle and might even wake to the sound of your voice. You can see your baby’s gender on an ultrasound now. If it’s a little girl she already has 6-7 million eggs in her tiny [ovaries](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/ovaries/), imagine that! You’re halfway through your second trimester. Your bump is popping, and your tummy button looks different (is your innie now an outie?) It’s normal to feel breathless at times. This is due to pregnancy hormones and your growing [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) now pushing against your lungs. _**Week 21:**_ Your baby is the size of a banana. And it’s now heavier than the [placenta](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/placenta/). A thin downy layer of hair called [lanugo](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lanugo/) helps bind the vernix to your baby’s skin. Bone marrow begins to take over red blood cell production from the liver and spleen. And you can now hear your baby’s heartbeat with a stethoscope, does it sound like galloping horses? You continue to experience common second trimester symptoms. You may also notice new [stretch marks](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/stretch-marks/), swelling in your feet and ankles, and [varicose veins](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/varicose-veins/) (thanks to your changing hormones and the weight of your growing [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/)). For relief, go for a swim or have a bath, keep your fluids up, and take your weight off your feet when you can. _**Week 22:**_ Your baby is the size of a papaya. Eyebrows and hair are visible. Tear ducts are forming, and although eyes are still shut, they are sensitive to light. Your baby’s sense of touch is developing, it can reach out and grab the [umbilical cord](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/umbilical-cord/). The hormone [relaxin](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/relaxin/) loosens ligaments around your pelvis to prepare for childbirth. This increased mobility can [lead](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lead/) to pelvic, hip, and other joint pain. Avoid heavy lifting or standing for too long. Oh, and your indigestion is off the charts. On the plus side, your hair is lustrous, and everyone says you have that pregnancy bloom. _**Week 23:**_ Your baby is the size of an eggplant. The lungs are learning to breathe, while the [placenta](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/placenta/) still provides all the baby’s oxygen in the [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/). Fat and muscle are building and your baby is more active. You can definitely feel those kicks now. Pay attention and you’ll soon identify your baby’s regular patterns of movement. Your growing bump may be attracting attention. And you’ll find everyone has a theory about your baby’s gender based on the shape of your belly! Leg cramps are more common. Try to stretch and flex your foot to ease the cramping. _**Week 24:**_ Your baby is the size of a rockmelon. Your baby’s taste buds are becoming more sensitive and when your baby swallows [amniotic fluid](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/amniotic-fluid/) it can taste the food and drinks you have been eating! Your baby’s skin is still wrinkled and translucent; the fat it is adding will help smooth the wrinkles and regulate body temperature. The top of your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) reaches just above your tummy button. You might start to feel sporadic [Braxton Hicks](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/braxton-hicks/) ‘practice’ [contractions](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/contraction/) when your bump briefly tightens and relaxes. Your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) is preparing for labour. Now is a good time to start doing gentle pelvic floor exercises. During weeks 24-28 a glucose intolerance test will check for signs of [gestational diabetes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/gestational-diabetes/). _**Week 25:**_ Your baby is the size of a cauliflower. Senses are still evolving, and nostrils are unplugged, ready to smell and breathe fresh air in a few months. Your baby is looking pinker due to capillaries forming under the skin. The brain, lungs, nervous and digestive systems are all developing rapidly. Guess what, your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) is now the size of a football! Unsurprisingly, your growing [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) puts pressure on your stomach and organs, which affects digestion. Your belly size (also known as the fundal height) is measured by the distance between your pubic bone and top of the [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/). _**Week 26:**_ Your baby is the size of an iceberg lettuce. Your baby’s startle reflexes are working, and you might feel a sharp jab in response to sudden loud sounds. Eyelashes are sprouting and your baby’s eyelids will open this week. The retinas are developed but the iris pigmentation, which determines your baby’s eye colour, is still filling in. You might feel tired and uncoordinated as you grapple with pregnancy [insomnia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/insomnia/) and sharing your body with your growing baby. If you seem more forgetful than usual this is normal – ‘baby brain’ really is a thing. Go easy on yourself and if anything doesn’t feel right talk to your doctor. _**Week 27:**_ Your baby is the size of a zucchini. If you are carrying a boy the testicles drop into the scrotum around now. Your baby is gaining fat and weight and is moving around more and changing positions. Get a sense for your baby’s activity and alert your doctor if you notice decreased fetal movement. You are in the final week of the second trimester! Your breasts feel heavier due to the growth of glandular, milk-making, tissue. If you feel bloated drink lots of fluids and eat foods high in fibre, and fresh fruit and veg. And you may find it more comfortable to sleep on your side. _**Week 28:**_ Your baby is the size of an eggplant. Your baby is making more facial expressions and an ultrasound might show your baby sticking out its tongue! Your baby’s nervous system can control breathing movements (fresh air breathing comes later) and regulate temperature. This is also a time of rapid brain growth. You’re in your third trimester. You and your baby still have some growing to do. You may feel more back and pelvic discomfort, and need to pee frequently, as the bump puts pressure on your bladder, pelvis, and lower back. Keep up the light activity and stretching. _**Week 29:**_ Your baby is the size of a butternut squash. Calcium intake is up, bones are strengthening, and your baby is adding fat and weight. This will continue until birth. Your baby is busy in there: kicking, turning, stretching, and grabbing…you may see your tummy forming odd shapes! Your healthcare team might talk to you about a birth plan if you don’t have one. Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is common during the third trimester. If RLS is keeping you up at night (along with the [heartburn](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/heartburn/), need to pee, [insomnia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/insomnia/), and leg cramps…) now is a good time to check your [iron](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/iron/) levels, and continue the gentle daytime exercise. _**Week 30:**_ Your baby is the size of a pomelo. If you feel a repetitive tapping your baby might have hiccups. Don’t worry, they are totally normal. They could even be from the food you ate! Your baby’s skin is thicker now and the downy [lanugo](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lanugo/) covering your baby’s body is falling away. You’re starting to feel tired again and everyone wants to touch your belly. Regular gentle exercise will help you sleep better, manage the aches and pains, and stay strong for labour. Take the pressure off those [varicose veins](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/varicose-veins/) with regular feet-up time. _**Week 31:**_ Your baby is the size of a pineapple. Brain connections are developing, eyes are open and eyelids are blinking (slowly at first). Your baby’s lungs are still maturing and its bones are hardening. You are in the home stretch. Your expanding [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) is now a couple of inches above your belly button. This is putting pressure on your diaphragm and lungs, making it hard for you to catch your breath. You may find your breasts start leaking small amounts of creamy yellowish [colostrum](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/colostrum/). _Week 32:_ Your baby is the size of a small pumpkin. Your baby continues to add weight, making your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/) less roomy by the day. Finger and toenails are growing, they may even need clipping by the time your baby arrives in the world. A lot of babies move into head-down position around now. Some will keep flipping around, others will stay in bottom-down position ([breech](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/breech/)) just before birth. Your face may feel puffy due to water retention. Always mention any puffiness or swelling to your doctor. Your baby’s head-down position is increasing the weight on your bladder, you need to pee little and often! Remember to keep up your pelvic floor exercises. _**Week 33:**_ Your baby is as big as a celery head. All five senses are well-developed now. Your baby can hear and react to your voice, and your baby’s pupils can respond to light changes. While your baby’s bones are hardening, the skull will stay soft and flexible to fit through the birth canal. You are overheating (that’s hormones for you), headachy, out of breath, you need to pee all the time, and you have pelvic pain. Oh, and you aren’t sleeping (and everyone is telling you to sleep while you can)! But you are also nesting and feeling some nervous anticipation. Remember to sign up for antenatal classes. _**Week 34**:_ Your baby is the size of a honeydew melon. The vernix protecting your baby’s skin is coming off in the [amniotic fluid](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/amniotic-fluid/) which reaches its highest volume this week. Wriggling, swallowing, and breathing in the [amniotic fluid](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/amniotic-fluid/) helps your baby’s muscles, bones, digestive system, and lungs mature. To ease your [heartburn](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/heartburn/) try eating regular small meals during the day and avoid rich, spicy foods. Blurry vision and dry eyes can cause discomfort at this stage. Eyedrops help, and if you are a contact lens wearer you may find it more comfortable to wear glasses. _**Week 35:**_ Your baby is the size of a honeydew melon. Your baby’s brain is going through another period of explosive development in neurons and wiring. In fact, your baby’s brain weight increases by a third in the third trimester. The skin has filled out and is plumper. Your baby is putting on around half a pound a week. It’s normal for your baby to feel more wriggly in the last few weeks of pregnancy. It’s a squash in there and you can feel your baby jostling for space. Contact your healthcare team if your baby’s movements seem less regular. Pack your hospital bag and do a dummy hospital run if you haven’t already. _**Week 36:**_ Your baby is the size of coconut. Things are getting cramped in your [uterus](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/uterus/). Your curled up baby has an established sleep-wake cycle and hearing is sharper. Your baby is now considered ‘late preterm’ or ‘near-term’. While still maturing, if born now your baby would need little, if any, assistance after delivery. You will have your group B strep swab this week to check for group B streptococcus. Your midwife will check your baby’s presentation (position). Your baby may engage this week. This is when the head drops into your pelvis and means your baby is in position for labour. Don’t worry if the head doesn’t engage yet, the timing is different for everyone. Your midwife will also go through your birth plan. _**Week 37:**_ Your baby is the size of chard. Although ‘early term’ at 37 weeks, your baby could arrive any day now. In the meantime, your baby is fine-tuning facial expressions, sucking its thumb and swallowing. Lungs, brain and liver are still maturing, and the digestive system will continue to develop during your baby’s first few years of life. Your body is preparing for labour and delivery. If your baby’s head has dropped into your pelvis you’ll notice pressure here and a ‘lightening’ around your diaphragm and lungs. If your baby is still in [breech](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/breech/) position your doctor might talk to you about options to turn your baby. Any painless [Braxton Hicks](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/braxton-hicks/) should ease when you change positions. Contact your healthcare team if you feel regular, increasingly strong [contractions](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/contraction/) that don’t ease when you move. _**Week 38:**_ Your baby is the size of a rhubarb. You are still ‘early term’ and your baby has shed most [lanugo](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lanugo/). Your baby’s grasp is firm, practising by grabbing fingers and the [umbilical cord](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/umbilical-cord/). Your baby is adding weight daily, with head and abdomen now the same circumference. You’ll notice an increase in thin white vaginal discharge. This is normal. Look out for the mucous plug, bloody show and any sign of your waters breaking. Keep rubbing lotion on that tummy to soothe your stretched skin. If you can, take the weight off your swollen feet and ankles. Your nesting instinct is strong; now is a good time to fill your freezer with delicious nutritious meals. _**Week 39:**_ Your baby is the size of a watermelon. Congratulations! You are ‘[full term](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/full-term/)’. Your baby’s entrance into the world may still be a week or two away, but your baby’s lungs and vocal cords are now strong enough to take breaths and cry out in the world. Your baby is still building up essential fat for temperature regulation after birth. With your baby’s head putting pressure at the bottom of your bump you feel you are waddling about! This is a common sensation for this stage of pregnancy. Rest as much as possible, keep your fluids up, and try to sleep on your side. If you notice any signs of [preeclampsia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/preeclampsia/) – headache, swollen face and hands, nausea, changes in vision – contact your healthcare team immediately. _**Week 40:**_ Your baby is the size of a… slightly larger watermelon! Your baby is still putting on around half a pound a week in preparation for life outside the womb. Don’t worry if your baby isn’t quite ready to leave its cosy home, about a third of babies are born after the [due date](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/due-date/).. Keep monitoring fetal movement. There isn’t much room for wriggling, but if you are concerned your baby’s movements have decreased contact your healthcare team straightaway. A good tip is to drink a large glass of cold orange juice and lie down – you should feel at least 10 nudges in an hour. You probably feel like you’ve been pregnant forever. Why not go for a long walk or practise your breathing techniques and some birthing positions while you wait for your baby? The wait is nearly over…
* There are lots of sources of help when you want to learn to breastfeed your newborn. * Learn to breastfeed is often tricky and many mothers find it is a skill that has to be learnt by both the mum and the baby. * Get advice from the start from a qualified nurse, midwife or [](https://nabtahealth.com/product/at-home-lactation-consultation/)[lactation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lactation/) consultant. * Make sure you have the baby at the right height and angle- a pillow can help. #### Who can you ask for help with breastfreeding? After delivery, ask to see whoever provides [breastfeeding counseling](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/who-can-help-me-learn-to-breastfeed/) as soon as possible. Most hospitals have [](https://nabtahealth.com/product/at-home-lactation-consultation/)[lactation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lactation/) consultants on staff that can see you while you are in the hospital and again after you leave for additional visits. They will work with you and your infant to secure a good latch and to problem-solve any issues you might have. They often have supplies on hand to make those first few days easier. They may even set up additional home or hospital visits for you after you go home. You can get plenty of advice from well written guides that are readily available online. You can also get a video consultation online with a trained [](https://nabtahealth.com/product/at-home-lactation-consultation/)[lactation](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/lactation/) consultant. Book one from the comfort of your own home using the [Nabta shop here.](https://nabtahealth.com/product/at-home-lactation-consultation/) #### A quick guide for getting the right latch: * Bring your baby close with their face and tummy facing your chest and at nose level with the nipple. * Tip your baby’s head back so their mouth is opened wide. * Position your baby’s chin into your breast below the nipple and their lip nudging over the top of the nipple, with their head tipped back so that as much of the nipple can go as possible. * Keep the nose away from the nipple. * More of the nipple skin will show above above your baby’s top lip than below. Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and [](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary)[menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/). You can track your menstrual cycle and get [personalised support by using the Nabta app.](https://nabtahealth.com/our-platform/nabta-app/) [Get in touch](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#1035222069717c7c71507e717264717875717c64783e737f7d) if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you.
Dos and Don’ts of Pacifier : Do not force your baby to use a pacifier. If the pacifier falls out at night and your baby doesn’t notice, don’t put it back in * There are some easy dos and don’ts of pacifier (or dummy as they are also referred to) use. * Pacifiers are helpful for soothing a baby at sleep time, offering comfort by working the baby’s sucking reflex. * Breastfeeding mothers may consider establishing their milk supplies before introducing a pacifier. * Orthodontic pacifiers with angled wide tips are recommended to ensure the baby’s jaw is in the correct position. Dos and Don’ts of Pacifier -------------------------- Pacifiers can be great parenting tools to help calm f[ussy babies](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/can-my-baby-be-fussy-because-of-something-i-ate/). The American Academy of Pediatrics even recommends offering a pacifier in the first year of life. But not all pacifiers are created equal. Follow these tips for safe and effective pacifier use. Do provide the pacifier at bedtime and nap times. ------------------------------------------------- Offer it as you put baby down for sleep. If your baby rejects it, don’t force it. If the pacifier falls out during sleep and your baby doesn’t wake up, don’t reinsert it. Make sure the pacifier is clean and in good condition. If it becomes worn or gets sticky, replace it. Tug on the bulb frequently to make sure it’s firmly attached. Replace pacifiers routinely and frequently. Never coat a pacifier in any sweet solution. -------------------------------------------- Don’t use pacifiers to replace or delay meals. If mother is nursing, be sure her milk supply is firmly established before offering a pacifier to a breastfeeding baby. The [American Academy of Pediatrics](https://www.aap.org/) recommends waiting until at least the fourth week of life. A pacifier should have ventilation holes to prevent irritation from saliva and a shield that is wider than the child’s mouth. Avoid decorative features that could fall off and pose a choking hazard. Never tie a pacifier to the crib or around a child’s neck or hand, as this poses a strangulation hazard. To meet current Consumer Product Safety Commission standards, pacifiers can’t be sold with any string or cord attachment. Pacifier clips are recommended instead. Never use a bottle nipple as a pacifier. ---------------------------------------- Orthodontic pacifiers are recommended. They are angled with a wide tip, which means that baby’s top and bottom jaw are in the correct position when he’s sucking on it. Try different brands and sizes until you find one your baby likes. Start with infant pacifiers at birth and then follow manufacturers age recommendations as your baby grows. Check the Consumer Product Safety Commission for product recalls. A number of pacifiers have been recalled because they posed choking or strangulation hazards. **Sources:** American Academy of Pediatrics Oral Health Initiative American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Pacifier Overuse May Harm Speech Skills American Dental Association Thumbsucking Consumer Product Safety Commission. Powered by Bundoo® Nabta is reshaping women’s healthcare. We support women with their personal health journeys, from everyday wellbeing to the uniquely female experiences of fertility, pregnancy, and [](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary)[menopause](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/menopause/). You can track your menstrual cycle and get [personalised support by using the Nabta app.](https://nabtahealth.com/our-platform/nabta-app/) [Get in touch](/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#95b0a7a5ecf4f9f9f4d5fbf4f7e1f4fdf0f4f9e1fdbbf6faf8) if you have any questions about this article or any aspect of women’s health. We’re here for you.
Roseola is a viral infection that can affect children by the time they turn 2 years old. Roseola is caused by infection with the herpes virus 6 or, less commonly, the herpes virus 7. Like other viral illnesses, Roseola spreads through contact with an infected person’s respiratory secretions or saliva. A child with Roseola is contagious even if there is no rash present. Once your child is exposed, it can take up to two weeks to show any signs of illness. **Symptoms of Roseola** ----------------------- Roseola’s two most notable symptoms include a fever followed by a rash. An infected child usually develops a sudden, high fever (often greater than 103 F), with very few other symptoms. Because of the high fever, [febrile](https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/febrile.html) seizures, or fever-related seizures, sometimes occur. Most [Roseola](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-is-roseola/) fevers subside within 3-5 days. If your child’s fever goes beyond five days, contact your [pediatrician](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/when-should-your-pediatrician-send-your-child-to-an-ent/) immediately. After the fever subsides, a rash usually (but not always) appears. The rash consists of many small pink spots or patches that are generally flat, but some may be raised. There may be a white ring around some of the spots. The rash usually starts on the chest, back, and abdomen and then spreads to the neck and arms. Fortunately, the rash, which can last for several days, isn’t itchy or uncomfortable. **Your child might also experience:** * Slight sore throat * Fatigue * Irritability * Mild diarrhea * Runny nose * Cough * Swollen lymph nodes **Treatment for Roseola** ------------------------- Like all viruses, Roseola cannot be treated with antibiotics. Instead, you should focus on treating symptoms while the disease runs its natural course. Most children are better within a week of the onset of symptoms. Aside from over-the-counter medications to reduce fever, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), there is not much else that needs to be done to [treat Roseola](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/what-is-roseola/). **Sources :** * Mayo Clinic. Roseola National Institutes of Health. Roseola American Academy of Pediatrics. Health Issues Powered by Bundoo®
**I’m writing this as a non-Muslim Brit based out of Dubai. This is worth noting because inevitably my observations (although first-hand) will bear the marks of a person who has been raised in an increasingly liberal, sectarian society. Also worth noting is the fact that, compared to other countries in the Middle East, the United Arab Emirates is _extremely_ accommodating of Western practices, largely on account of there being nine foreign residents to every one Emirati.** **That said, I am also the mother of a four-month-old, breastfed baby boy, and I have spent most of the past year in the Middle East. My husband and I moved to Dubai last year shortly after we got married; I spoke at a HealthTech conference in Kuwait when I was five months pregnant; we traveled** together as tourists to Egypt and Oman in my seventh month. Our shared love of Arab culture has taken us to Syria, Morocco, Bahrain, Lebanon, Jordan, Tunisia, **and back.** **And it occurs to me, on the eve of the final day of World Breastfeeding Week 2017, that there are a few things worth mentioning about breastfeeding in the Middle East and North Africa (“MENA”), specifically the differences between “breastfeeding in theory” and “[breastfeeding in practice](https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/nursing-and-health-professions/breastfeeding-practice)”.** **Opinions regarding “breastfeeding in theory” are pretty uniform across the region. The global public health recommendation of breastfeeding a child exclusively for the first six months of its life is widely accepted, on the basis that it provides the child with “optimal nutrition for growth and development together with significant immunological protection”. The dramatic rise in recent years of nutrition-related chronic diseases such as diabetes, obesity and heart disease among the local population has prompted governments across the Middle East – in the UAE, Kuwait, and Lebanon – to call for the active promotion of breast milk over formula. Among Muslims, breastfeeding is an expectation of parents and the Quran recommends that children should be breastfed until the age of two. Indeed, this particular aspect of Quranic teaching was recently enshrined in law in the UAE in 2014.** **“[Breastfeeding in practice](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/is-breastfeeding-overrated/)”, however, is a different story. A recent study of Emirati women found that less than 50% of mothers exclusively breastfeed their children by one month of age. Those unfamiliar with the region could be forgiven for assuming that the main reason for this is the fact that breastfeeding in public (i.e. in front of men) is strictly forbidden according to traditional Islamic teaching, which states that a woman is not allowed to expose any part of her body in public except her head, hands, and feet. Women can breastfeed in front of other women, but even then should do so with modesty and discretion. Surely then, most women who introduce +formula, solids, or other liquids to their child’s diet in the first six months do so for the sake of practicality? So as not to be perpetually harassed or wrong-footed in public?** **In fact, the reasons given as to why most women do not exclusively breastfeed beyond the age of one month relate more to a lack of proper postnatal support and the failure of employers to accommodate breastfeeding mothers in the workplace. Pre-lacteal or “top up” feeds given in hospital around the time of birth, convenience when returning to work or study, and subsequent pregnancies are among the top reasons listed for discarding breastfeeding early on. Interestingly, socio-demographic factors such as the age of the woman at the time of marriage or birth, family size, and domestic help were not found to be particularly influential.** **I have breastfed my son in underground car parks, in public toilets, in the darkened corners of abandoned cafes, and on a speedboat to avoid causing offense in public. On these occasions, my discretion has been more to do with my own personal preference than enforcement by any third party. I have also breastfed openly in malls, restaurants, and on the beach – always using a breastfeeding cover, always with the maximum amount of care and attention to the people moving around me – and only once have I ever encountered a serious objection, and that was on a cramped plane flying from Barcelona to Dubai, where the fact that we were mid-takeoff and the toilets were out-of-action meant discretion wasn’t really an option.** **It is apparent, therefore, that what MENA needs is not a lively campaign to protect women’s right to breastfeed in public, as suggested in some Western media outlets in recent months – for most local women, it is a non-issue, and for ex-pats such as myself, respect for cultural norms should take precedent. Instead, local governments should proactively advertise the medicinal [benefits of breastfeeding](https://nabtahealth.com/articles/benefits-of-breastfeeding-for-the-mother/), for both the mother and the child, and oversee the introduction of proper postnatal support – be it longer maternity leave (in Dubai, maternity leave is still just 55 days, of which 45 are paid), information packs specifically targeting mothers in the postpartum period, the introduction of postnatal home visits, and the obligatory provision of proper breastfeeding facilities in public places, including the workplace.**
Children need sleep. As any parent will tell you, dealing with a grumpy, sleep-deprived infant is no fun. The amount of sleep a child requires changes as they grow older, as demonstrated by these guidelines from the National Sleep Foundation. \[table id=11 /\] Despite these guidelines, it is important to remember that every child is different, so there can be some variation in the number of hours they sleep. #### **Why is sleep so important?** Sleep is the brain’s primary activity in early development. It promotes mental and physical growth. Childhood is a time of very rapid growth and development and without sufficient sleep, children can struggle with maintaining attention and concentration throughout the day. Sleep and body weight are intricately linked across various age groups; shorter sleep duration is associated with a greater risk of obesity and a higher [](https://nabtahealth.com/what-is-body-mass-index-bmi/)[BMI](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/bmi/). Furthermore, there is even the suggestion that children who do not get enough sleep, might be more likely to develop type 2 diabetes, which has significant health implications later in life. #### **What to do if you are worried** Establishing a consistent bedtime routine is key. It can be helpful to work backwards to calculate what an age appropriate bedtime is, particularly if your child needs to wake up for a certain time each day. The Sleep Advisor website provides a very useful chart you can use to do exactly this. It can be accessed [here](https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-much-sleep-do-kids-need/). Sleeping too little or too much can be a sign of an underlying medical problem. If your baby or child is sleeping more than the recommended amount, but is still always tired, they may be suffering from a sleep disorder such as [sleep apnea](https://nabtahealth.com/sleep-apnea-in-kids-recognizing-the-symptoms/), which causes irregular breathing and can prevent them from entering into deep sleep cycles. It is also possible for young children to experience [](https://nabtahealth.com/i-cant-sleep-what-causes-insomnia-and-how-can-you-improve-your-sleep-quality/)[insomnia](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/insomnia/), which is a condition probably more usually associated with adults. Minimising screen time before bed and adopting a calming routine can help, as can [supplements](https://nabtahealth.com/which-dietary-supplements-help-to-combat-insomnia/), but you should always consult a doctor first. For more information on the importance of childhood sleep routines visit the [Sleep Advisor website](https://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-much-sleep-do-kids-need/). **Sources:** * “How Many Hours of Sleep Do Kids Need?” _Sleep Advisor_, 21 Jan. 2021, [www.sleepadvisor.org/how-much-sleep-do-kids-need/](http://www.sleepadvisor.org/how-much-sleep-do-kids-need/). * Ophoff, D., et al. “Sleep Disorders during Childhood: a Practical Review.” _European Journal of Pediatrics_, vol. 177, no. 5, May 2018, pp. 641–648., doi:10.1007/s00431-018-3116-z. * Rudnicka, Alicja R., et al. “Sleep Duration and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes.” _Pediatrics_, vol. 140, no. 3, Sept. 2017, doi:10.1542/peds.2017-0338. * Xiu, Lijuan, et al. “Sleep and Adiposity in Children From 2 to 6 Years of Age.” _Pediatrics_, vol. 145, no. 3, Mar. 2020, doi:10.1542/peds.2019-1420. Powered by Bundoo®
Toilet training can be frustrating, for both you and your child. However, there are steps you can take to make it easier on your whole family (and perhaps even reduce the number of accidents). Be **consistent** in your approach. As with many kinds of learning, it is easier for your child to learn what to expect, particularly if they are encouraged to do things the same way time after time. If you are comfortable with the idea, **show your child how to use a toilet** yourself. Sit on the toilet, show them how to use it correctly and demonstrate what toilet paper is used for; **talk to them** throughout so that they understand what you are doing. For boys, it is usually better to teach them to sit whilst urinating initially; this makes it easier for them when it comes to bowel movements and reduces the likelihood of mess caused by an inaccurate aim. **Read books** featuring positive toilet training experiences. Look for books that show children learning how to use the toilet to demystify the whole process. Be **positive** and use lots of praise; think clapping, cheering and jumping around the room, every time the potty or toilet are used successfully. Toilet training is a skill that takes practice, but your toddler will be motivated by your **enthusiasm and encouragement**. Most children dislike the term “baby” and like being referred to as a “big boy” or a “big girl”, if they associate using the toilet with being more grown up, they will be more keen to make the switch from nappies. Children respond to praise and want to succeed. Try to ensure you **celebrate successes**, rather than highlighting accidents. Remember, an accident is just that, a non-deliberate act. Learning any new skill takes practice and accidents will happen, but by focusing on the positives rather than the negatives, you will make the experience a lot less stressful for your toddler. Using **small rewards**, such as a healthy treat or a sticker may be all the encouragement a child needs to switch from nappy to the potty or toilet. Sticker charts work well as the child can take an active involvement in selecting and placing their stickers each time they are successful. **Teach cues**. Your child might have bowel movements at the same time every day or after eating. Encourage your child to recognise the feeling of a full bladder or impending bowel movement, and then ask, “Is it potty time?” Visiting the bathroom regularly throughout the day can help your child associate the cues for needing the toilet, with the act of using it. Bear in mind that, even if your child says no when you ask if they need to use the toilet, that does not mean they definitely do not need it. It can be difficult for very young children to articulate what they are thinking or feeling, so it may be worth trying them on the potty, or the toilet anyway. If they do then use it, you can celebrate with them and highlight their success, so they are more inclined to remember that positivity and strive for a similar response the next time. Avoid clothes that your child can’t get off without help. Children often have very little warning that they need to use the toilet and it can be very frustrating for them if they are hindered by what they are wearing. Complicated buttons and fastenings can be difficult for small hands to negotiate when placed in a time pressurised situation. Nighttime dryness often occurs some time later than daytime dryness. It may be a good idea for your child to continue wearing a nappy or pull-up at night, whilst they are learning to use the potty or toilet during the day. You will know that your child is ready to lose their bedtime nappy when he or she is consistently dry in the morning. This can happen months, or even years, after successful day time training. Remember, there is **no rush** to potty train and it is not a competition. If your toddler starts to react against toilet training, or does not make progress, step back and take a break. Sometimes a break of only a couple of weeks may be all your child needs to get back on track. Many parents dread potty training, but if you do it when your child is ready, ensuring that they are comfortable and secure, the process can be relatively painless! **Sources:** * “Toilet Training Guidelines: Parents—The Role of the Parents in Toilet Training.” Powered by Bundoo®
Babies who have dummies (known as pacifiers in the US) have an unfortunate habit of dropping them. They also demonstrate a distinct lack of patience if their dummy is not returned to them promptly. This can present a problem because, naturally, most parents or guardians who see a dropped dummy will want to clean it before giving it back to their child. The preferred method for many parents, time permitting, is to use boiled water, or at the very least tap water. However, many of us have been guilty of picking up the dropped dummy, popping it in our own mouth to ‘clean’ it and then giving it back to our child. Time saving? Yes. Hygienic? Possibly not. Beneficial to our child’s immune system? Surprisingly, yes! Those babies who were exposed to their parents’ oral microbiota seemed to be protected from allergy development. Specifically their risk of developing asthma or eczema by 18 months of age was reduced. The ‘hygiene hypothesis’ suggests that young children who are not exposed to [microbes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/microbes/) early on have a greater chance of developing allergies. The oral cavity is rich in [microbes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/microbes/) and, by using their mouth to clean a dropped dummy, parents are inadvertently transferring their own oral [microbes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/microbes/) to their child. This helps to mature the child’s immune system even before they start eating solids. The protective effect was enhanced in those children who were born vaginally, rather than via [caesarean](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/caesarean/) (C-section). Parents in the former category were, in fact, more likely to use their mouth to clean their child’s dummy, than those who had undergone a C-section. Children who were born vaginally and whose parents had this habit, had a 20% chance of developing eczema; in contrast, children born via C-section, whose parents did not use their mouths to clean the dummy, had a 54% chance. There is, therefore, the suggestion that those children born via C-section who are inherently more at risk of developing allergies, may reduce their risk by increasing their exposure to their parents [microbes](https://nabtahealth.com/glossary/microbes/). Taking other simple steps can also help boost your child’s immune system from a young age; these include, spending time outdoors, having regular contact with animals and pets and mixing with friends and family. This will all help with the build-up of healthy bacteria in the mouth and the gut. It is important, however, to also maintain good, basic hygiene and encourage regular hand washing. **Sources:** * Hesselmar, B, et al. “Pacifier Cleaning Practices and Risk of Allergy Development.” Pediatrics, vol. 131, no. 6, June 2013, pp. e1829–1837., doi:10.1542/peds.2012-3345.
When drinking from a sippy cup, children still have to suckle the same way they would a bottle, with the tongue protruding forward. Speech-language pathologists often think that this can contribute to speech issues. That’s not to say that every child who uses a sippy cup will develop a speech problem, but why not try to avoid any potential issues to begin with? Straw cups with a short thin straw are a good alternative because they force the tongue to move backwards rather than forward, ultimately promoting the proper tongue placement for correct speech. Reviewed by Dr. Sara Connolly, December 2018 Powered by Bundoo®
