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      •Add 5 drops of Eucalyptus oil to Baby’s bath water while running in the hot water: the soothing vapours will promote opening of the airways.

      •In cold dry climates run a warm-air humidifier overnight. Add a few drops of Eucalyptus oil. Clean the humidifier thoroughly each morning to prevent bacterial growth.

      •Do not give cereal at this early stage.

      •See the Health section of this guide for tips relating to immunisation.

      BABY GAMES

      •Blow gently on the soles of Baby’s feet.

      •Ride bicycle with Baby’s legs.

      •Grasp Baby’s arms gently and repeatedly cross and unfold them over the midline while making encouraging and friendly sounds.

      Six Weeks to Three Months

      This is an increasingly enjoyable period as Baby responds happily and admiringly to all interaction. Handling is easier and you feel that you are getting to know his or her personality quite well.

      MILESTONES

      •Baby will have better neck control but you will still need to support the head as soon as Baby is not held in the upright position.

      •Baby will increasingly track moving objects, even following over the midline.

      •Notice how he focuses on specific objects for longer periods.

      •She will swipe at objects hanging within arm’s distance.

      •He loves to look at faces drawn on a paper plate, or will make do with yours!

      •When tired or over-stimulated, she will look away and refuse to make eye contact.

      Try these tips to help you spend enjoyable, significant time with your baby during these weeks:

      •Cuddle closely and warmly with your baby often. They love the familiar warmth, aroma and presence of the most important people in their world, Mom and Dad.

      •Feed your baby whenever necessary. Hunger is one of the main reasons for discontent in the early days and appetite varies throughout a baby’s day, so don’t try and stick to a schedule.

      •Rock your baby. Rhythmic motion is mostly a great comforter for small babies: it will remind them of their womb-time, when a rocking motion was always present.

      •Protect your baby from too much involvement with strangers. If every visitor has carte blanche with your baby, you might be left with a distressed infant. Gently but firmly stand up for both the rights of both of you to peace and happiness. At the same time, demonstrate confidence with others so that Baby feels relaxed in company.

      •Talk and sing to your baby from the very beginning. Babies love the sound of their parents’ voices and they love to be included in your conversations – it says to them they are wanted, recognised and loved and what more could any baby want? It doesn’t matter if it’s baby talk or not, just keep talking!

      •Place your baby’s pram or crib under a leafy tree. The instant mobile and the play of light and shadow is fascinating to small babies and can lull them into a restful sleep or simply keep them happy for quite a while.

      •Place twins together in a crib or cot. Not only do they love the familiar closeness of their very first companion, but it is often a comforter in unhappy times or as sleep descends.

      BABY GAMES

      COMMON CONCERNS

      Read more about these elsewhere:

      •Restless sleeping

      •Taking fright at loud noises

      •Apparent squints

      •Stimulating sight

      •Scratches to skin from nails

      •Why breast babies pass so few stools

      •How to express breastmilk

      •Weaning Baby to go back to work

      •Regression and aggression of older siblings.

      •Rub noses with your baby. They love this type of interaction where your face comes ever closer and ends with gentle touching and toing and froing of noses! Expect delighted laughter.

      •Practise funny faces. Even if no one else does, your baby will appreciate your acting efforts and your facial contortions are sure to elicit squeals of pure mirth.

      •Bath with your baby. Longer bathtimes or playing with Baby as you share a bath will be both fun and a learning experience as drops of water splash all over and surprise your little one.

      Months Three and Four

      MILESTONES

      Baby is a really sociable little creature now, very ready with smiles and cooing sounds. His movements are a lot smoother and you see the person he will become unfolding on a daily basis. When you lift Baby holding her around the waist, notice how she kicks her legs out in delight. Breastfeeding will become a lot easier and although you still have to do almost everything for your baby, you do see the silver lining most days. Constant drooling makes many moms think that Baby is about to cut her first teeth but this is unlikely, as most babies start from six months. Baby grasps at close-by objects and explores everything with the mouth and this stimulates copious saliva production. Notice too how fascinating he finds his feet.

      BABY GAMES

      COMMON CONCERNS

      Read more about these elsewhere:

      •Heat rash

      •When do babies roll over?

      •Use of dummies

      •Constipation

      •How to implement routine

      •Should a big baby have cereal?

      •Continued pain in the perineal area

      •Lack of libido.

      •Hang colourful spherical face-shapes with lines for mouth and eyes above Baby’s cot, as he will respond really well to this.

      •Place musical mobiles at slowly increasing focal distances as Baby grows.

      •Sway rattles and other objects from side to side so that she can practise visual tracking.

      Month Five

      MILESTONES

      Baby provides much pleasure at this age, babbling continually and smiling readily. Infectious laughter will light up your days. Baby will probably have mastered the art of rolling from side to side by now and he loves pushing up on his arms when lying on his tummy. Encourage this. She will also love to smile at herself in the mirror. You’re coming close to that big milestone of half a year!

      BABY GAMES

      COMMON CONCERNS

      Read more about these elsewhere:

      •Introduction of solids

      •Recognising and dealing with teething

      •How to recognise illness

      •When to go to the doctor

      •Dealing with fevers

      •Why

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