Baby

If you have mastitis, a condition that makes your breasts inflamed and painful, see your GP straight away. Symptoms include feeling feverish, a swollen, hot or painful breast, a lump, hard area or red patch on your breast.

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When you’re breastfeeding, it’s best to keep your caffeine intake fairly low (don’t worry, you can still have your daily cuppa). Also stick to no more than two portions of oily fish per week.

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The most common cause of sore nipples is your baby not latching on properly when they feed.

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Newborns love your attention, especially when you sing songs or read to them - they won’t mind if you make up the words either!

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Going to local playgroups is a great way for your baby to play with new toys, and for you to meet other parents. Babies also love being in the water, see if your local pool offers parent and baby sessions.

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You can start tummy time from birth by lying your baby on your tummy (only when you are wide awake).

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Your baby will need vaccinations when they’re eight weeks, 12 weeks, 16 weeks and one year old. They’ll be vaccinated against 11 things including measles and rubella.

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Your baby will need their first injection when they’re eight weeks old. They’ll get the 6-in-1 vaccine, the Pneumococcal vaccine, the Rotavirus vaccine and the Meningitis B vaccine.

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The red book is also known as a Personal Child Health Record. Your baby’s weight and height will be recorded in here, as well as any vaccinations they’ve had. It’s a useful way to keep track of your child’s health.

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Breastfed babies should have a daily vitamin D supplement. When they’re six months old, they should also have vitamin A and C daily.

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If your baby is having more than 500mls of formula a day they shouldn’t need a vitamin D, A or C supplement.

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If you’re under 18 or on benefits you might be able to get free Healthy Start vitamin drops. In some areas all families are entitled to Healthy Start vitamins.

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A first foods plan shows you exactly what foods you should be feeding your baby at each stage in the weaning process. This includes when they’re ready for slightly chunkier foods.

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Start introducing solids by offering your baby small amounts of smooth, or blended food. You’ll gradually increase the amount and variety of food your baby eats.

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Complementary feeding or ‘weaning’ is when you start to introduce your baby to solid foods and gradually breastfeed less and less. It’s best to start introducing solids when your baby is six months old.

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