For 3 Month Baby Toys

In her first months, before she learns to grasp objects or sit up, your baby will most appreciate things she can look at and listen to. Her vision will be fuzzy at first and she'll fix on things that are about eight to 15 inches from her eyes, though in the first month she'll only be able to see clearly to about 12 inches. She's drawn to the human face — and can recognize yours at about 1 month — but she will also enjoy large pictures of faces.

High-contrast patterns and bright colors captivate her because they're the easiest for her to see. She's already learned to appreciate sounds and soft music. (Find out the lyrics to all your favorite lullabies.) Objects that move slowly and produce a gentle sound are far more interesting to her than those that are fixed and silent.

Hand-held toys: Her nearsightedness makes her appreciate anything you can move into her line of sight. She won't be able to hold toys for a while, but she'll demonstrate her preferences by batting at the ones she likes.

MP3 player or music box: Music is one of the best ways to entertain and soothe your infant. Play a variety of music — nothing too raucous — and see how she responds. For more ideas, see our musical recommendations for this age group.

Mobile: A mobile can add a new dimension to a baby's horizontal view of life. Look for ones with high-contrast colors and patterns. Many babies are particularly fond of mobiles that play music. For safety's sake, keep the mobile out of your baby's reach. Mobiles are a strangulation hazard, so don't attach one to or hang one directly over her crib. Instead, hang the mobile from the ceiling just within your baby's line of sight.

Unbreakable mirror: Although they won't realize it's themselves they're seeing at this stage, babies find their own reflection fascinating. And by 3 months old, yours may have struck up a relationship with hers, and begun smiling at it. Look for a mirror you can hang near a changing table or stand up in front of your baby during tummy time.

Soft books with high-contrast patterns: Soft books with easy-to-see patterns or decorations are designed just for babies. Lie down next to her so she can watch you turn the pages as you read aloud to her — even at this age it pays off. For more ideas, see our recommended books for newborns.

Sensory toys: A soft toy that trills or tweets when pressed will please a baby for months to come. The accidental squeaks will also help her become aware of what her hand is doing.

Sock and wrist rattles: Attach a soft rattle to your baby's wrist or ankle, or warm her feet with socks that have built-in rattles to provide long moments of entertainment as she experiments with new sounds she can make herself.

Wind chimes: Babies love soft music, so hang a set of these in a place where she can watch it move and listen to the sound. If the chime is near her crib, your baby may fall into the habit of watching it for a few minutes before drifting to sleep. Hold her up once in a while so she can sound the chimes herself, too.

Introducing solid food

When should I introduce solid food to my baby?

You can introduce solids any time between 4 and 6 months if your baby is ready. Until then, breast milk or formula provides all the calories and nourishment your baby needs and can handle. His digestive system simply isn't ready for solids until he nears his half-birthday. 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies be breastfed exclusively for at least six months – though parents will attest that some babies are eager and ready to eat solids earlier.

How will I know when my baby's ready?

Your baby will give you clear signs when he's ready to move beyond liquid-only nourishment. Cues to look for include:

• Head control. Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
• Losing the "extrusion reflex." To keep solid food in his mouth and then swallow it, your baby needs to stop using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.
• Sitting well when supported. Even if he's not quite ready for a highchair, your baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well.
• Chewing motions. Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow. As he learns to swallow efficiently, you may notice less drooling – though if your baby's teething, you might still see a lot of drool.
• Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old.
• Growing appetite. He seems hungry – even with eight to ten feedings of breast milk or formula a day.

Curiosity about what you're eating. Your baby may begin eyeing your bowl of rice or reaching for a forkful of fettuccine as it travels from your plate to your mouth.

How should I introduce solid food?

For most infants, you can start with any pureed solid food. While it's traditional to start your baby on solids with a single-grain cereal, there's no medical evidence to show that introducing solid foods in a particular order will benefit your baby. Good foods to start with include pureed sweet potatoes, squash, applesauce, bananas, peaches, and pears.

First, nurse or bottle-feed your baby. Then give him one or two teaspoons of pureed solid food. If you decide to start with cereal, mix it with enough formula or breast milk to make a semi-liquid. Use a soft-tipped plastic spoon when you feed your baby, to avoid injuring his gums. Start with just a small amount of food on the tip of the spoon.

If your baby doesn't seem very interested in eating off the spoon, let him smell and taste the food or wait until he warms up to the idea of eating something solid. Don't add cereal to your baby's bottle or he may not make the connection that food is to be eaten sitting up and from a spoon.

Begin with a once-a-day feeding, whenever it's convenient for you and your baby, but not at a time when your baby seems tired or cranky. Your baby may not eat much in the beginning, but give him time to get used to the experience. Some babies need practice keeping food in their mouths and swallowing.

Once he gets used to his new diet, he'll be ready for a few tablespoons of food a day. If he's eating cereal, gradually thicken the consistency by adding less liquid. As the amount your baby eats increases, add another feeding.

How will I know when my baby's full?

Your baby's appetite will vary from one feeding to the next, so a strict accounting of the amount he's eaten isn't a reliable way to tell when he's had enough. If your baby leans back in his chair, turns his head away from food, starts playing with the spoon, or refuses to open up for the next bite, he has probably had enough. (Sometimes a baby will keep his mouth closed because he hasn't yet finished with the first mouthful, so be sure to give him time to swallow.)

Do I still need to give my baby breast milk or formula?

Yes, your baby will need breast milk or formula until he's a year old. Both provide important vitamins, iron, and protein in an easy-to-digest form. Solid food can't replace all the nutrients that breast milk or formula provides during that first year. See how much breast milk or formula babies need after starting solids.

How should I introduce new food?

Introduce other solids gradually, one at a time, waiting at least three days after each new food. This way you'll get a heads-up if your baby has an allergic reaction to one of them (signs of an allergy may include diarrhea, vomiting, a swollen face, wheezing, or a rash). If there's a family history of allergies, or your baby develops an allergic reaction during this process, start waiting up to a week between new foods. 

Talk to your baby's doctor about which solids to introduce and when. To play it safe, the doctor may recommend that you hold off on feeding your baby more allergenic foods like soy, dairy, eggs, wheat, fish, and nuts.

Even though it's a good idea to get your baby accustomed to eating a wide variety of foods, it'll take time for him to get used to each new taste and texture. Each baby will have unique food preferences, but the transition should go something like this:

1. Pureed or semi-liquid food

2. Strained or mashed food

3. Small pieces of finger foods

If your baby is transitioning from cereal, offer a few tablespoons of vegetables or fruit in the same meal as a cereal feeding. All food should be very mushy – at this stage your baby will press the food against the top of his mouth and then swallow.

If you're feeding your baby from ready-to-eat jars of baby food, scoop some into a little dish and feed him from that. If you dip his feeding spoon into the jar, you won't be able to save the leftovers because you'll have introduced bacteria from his mouth into the jar. Also, throw away any baby food jars within a day or two of opening them.

Some parents may tell you to start with vegetables instead of fruits so your infant won't develop a taste for sweets. But babies are born with a preference for sweets, so you don't have to worry about introducing food in any particular order. Also, don't leave any food off his menu simply because you don't like it. And stay away from foods that might cause him to choke.

If your baby turns away from a particular food, don't push. Try again in a week or so. He may never like sweet potatoes, or he may change his mind several times and end up loving them.

Don't be surprised if your baby's stools change color and odor when you add solids to his diet. If your baby has been exclusively breastfed up to this point, you'll probably notice a strong odor to his formerly sweet-smelling stools as soon as he starts eating even tiny amounts of solids. 

This is normal. If his stools seem too firm (rice cereal, bananas, and applesauce can contribute to constipation), switch to other fruits and vegetables and oatmeal or barley cereal.

At about this time, you can also introduce your baby to water, which may help keep constipation at bay (although your baby will get all the hydration he needs from breast milk or formula). You can offer 2 to 4 ounces of water per day in a sippy cup.

How many times a day should my baby be eating solid food?

At first he'll eat solid food just once a day. By around 6 to 7 months, two meals a day is the norm. By around 8 months he should be eating solid food three times a day. A typical day's diet at 8 months might include a combination of:

• Breast milk or iron-fortified formula
• Iron-fortified cereal
• Yellow, orange, and green vegetables
• Fruit
• Small amounts of protein such as poultry, lentils, tofu, and meat

There are certain foods that you shouldn't give your baby yet. Honey, for example, can cause botulism in babies under a year old. For more details, see "Foods That Can Be Unsafe for Your Baby."

Do I need any special equipment?

It's helpful to have a highchair, plastic spoons to protect your baby's sensitive gums, bibs, and plastic dishes and bowls. A splat mat on the floor can help keep messes to a minimum. You may also want to introduce your baby to a sippy cup soon after you start solids.

If you're making your own baby food, you'll need a tool to puree the food, like a blender, food processor, or baby food grinder. You'll also want to have storage containers for refrigerating and freezing extra portions. (Some parents use ice-cube trays – or similar devices made just for baby food – to store and freeze individual portions.)

Where should I feed my baby?

You'll want a sturdy, stable, comfy place for him to sit, at a convenient height for you. To start out, that might be a bouncy seat or even a car seat. (Just make sure that he's upright enough to swallow well.) Once he can sit up by himself, though, a highchair at the table is your best bet. Your baby will be able to participate in family meals, and you'll be able to eat your own meal and feed him at the same time. It'll also be easier to clean up after he chows down.

How can I help my child develop healthy eating habits?

• Don't feel you have to stick to bland, boring baby foods. Instead, offer your child more adventurous options.
• Make your own baby food – or if you're buying jarred food, check the labels. The fewer ingredients, the better.
• See our new rules for feeding your baby and the old guidelines that still apply.

How to bathe your baby

Be sure to read our article on safe bathing before you get started. The most important safety tip is never to leave your baby alone in the bath – not even for a minute.

How often should I bathe my baby?

Although some parents bathe their babies every day, until yours is crawling around and getting into messes, a bath isn't really necessary more than a few times a week. Just wash his face frequently, clean anywhere there are skin folds, and thoroughly clean his genital area after each diaper change.

When you do bathe him, you may find it a little scary to handle your wiggly little one when he's all soapy and slippery, so keep a good grip.

Where should I bathe my baby?

It makes sense to use the kitchen sink or a small plastic baby tub. A standard bathtub requires you to kneel or lean awkwardly over your baby and gives you less control over his movements.

What's the best way to give my baby a bath?

Here's how to do it and what you'll need to make baby-bathing easy. With any luck, bath time will become one of the most enjoyable parts of your days together:

1. Gather all necessary bath supplies, and lay out a towel, a clean diaper, and clothes. Make sure the room is comfortably warm so your baby doesn't get chilled.

2. Fill the tub with about 3 inches of water that feelswarm but not hot, to the inside of your wrist – about 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32 degrees Celsius) or a few degrees warmer.

3. Bring your baby to the bath area and undress her completely. 

4. Gradually slip your baby into the tub feet first, using one hand to support her neck and head. Pour cupfuls of bath water over her regularly during the bath so she doesn't get too cold.

5. Use mild soap sparingly (too much dries out your baby's skin). Wash her with your hand or a washcloth from top to bottom, front and back. Start by washing her scalp with a wet, soapy cloth. Rinse the soap from the cloth and use it to gently clean her eyes and face. If dried mucus has collected in the corner of your baby's nostrils or eyes, dab it several times with a small section of a moistened washcloth to soften it before you wipe it out. As for your baby's genitals, a routine washing is all that's needed.

6. Rinse your baby thoroughly with cupfuls of clean water, and wipe her with a clean washcloth.

7. Wrap your baby in a hooded towel and pat her dry. If her skin is dry, or if she has a bit ofdiaper rash, you may want to apply a mild lotion after her bath.

Seven keys to creating a successful baby sleep, feeding, and play schedule.

Getting into a regular schedule for sleep, feeding, and activities can make life easier for you and your baby. But how to start? Below, find seven great guidelines for establishing a routine that works.

Get your baby used to a bedtime routine early on

Once you have a consistent bedtime worked out, a daytime routine will fall into place, says Tanya Remer Altmann, a pediatrician and editor-in-chief of The Wonder Years: Helping Your Baby and Young Child Successfully Negotiate the Major Developmental Milestones.

And the easiest way to establish a regular bedtime is to start a bedtime routine that you and your baby can depend on night after night.

"The bedtime routine is the most important thing to consider when establishing a schedule," says Altmann. "You can't force it in the first few months, but you can start practicing at around 2 months."

Altmann says to keep it simple: a warm bath, jammies, a feeding, then lights-out. It's fine if feeding lulls your baby to sleep in the early months, Altmann says, but by 3 or 4 months you may want to try putting him down awake so he'll learn to fall asleep on his own

Teach your baby the difference between night and day

Many babies mix up their days and nights at first, sleeping long stretches during the day only to perk up once the sun goes down. Helping your baby learn to tell day from night is a key first step to getting into a workable routine.

Amy Shelley, mom to 8-month-old Alex, offers these tips: "During the day, keep the house bright. Do the exact opposite at night: Keep the house dim and quiet. Don't talk to your baby much during night feedings. Let him learn that night is for sleeping and daytime is for socialization and playtime."

Learn to read your baby's cues

Websites, books, your baby's doctor, and other parents can all help as you figure out an appropriate schedule for your baby. But your child will be an important guide, and he'll tell you what he needs – if you learn to read his cues.

"When parents take the time to be with their baby, the information they receive gets sifted through their own experience. 'Instincts' come from learning about your baby's temperament and what works for him," says pediatrician Daniel Levy, president of the Maryland chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics and clinical assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland.

Mom Liana Scott says paying close attention to 9-month-old Keaton has helped her anticipate his needs, which makes life easier and more fun for both of them.

"Now I'm able to feed him before he's really hungry and put him to bed before he's overtired and fussy," says Scott.

Learning what your baby needs when takes time and patience. But you'll see patterns emerge over time. And if you log your baby's naps, feedings, playtime, and so on in a notebook or on the computer, you can use this record to come up with a timetable for doing things.

When starting out, put your baby's schedule first

If you're encouraging your baby to follow a schedule or observing his patterns to figure out a routine that works, make this process a top priority for at least the first couple of weeks. Avoid deviating from the routine with vacations, meals on the go, outings that push naptime back, and so on.

Once you establish a pattern for your baby's sleeping, awake, and feeding times, changing things for an afternoon isn't likely to undo his habits. But it's best to keep your baby's schedule as consistent as possible while he's getting used to it.

Expect changes during growth spurts and milestones

Your child accomplishes so much in the first year. He'll nearly triple his weight and achieve some major feats like sitting up, crawling, even walking.

During periods of growth or when he's working to achieve a new milestone, don't be surprised if your baby diverges from his usual routine. He may be hungrier than usual, need more sleep, or return to waking up several times a night. Hang in there – your baby may be back on schedule shortly, or this may be a sign that you need to adjust your routine.

Adjust your baby's schedule to suit his age

It may feel like just when you've gotten into a predictable groove with your little one, it's time to change it again. As your baby gets older, he'll need fewer daytime naps and moreplaytime and stimulation. He'll also need to eat solid foods – first just once a day, but eventually several times a day.

As these developmental shifts happen, your child's schedule will shift as well. Reading up on these milestones and checking out our sample schedules for babies of all ages can help you know what to expect.

Don't expect perfection

Some parent-led schedules set the expectation that your baby's routine will always run like clockwork. And though babies do like consistency, you can expect changes from day to day and as your baby grows.

Sometimes, for whatever reason, your baby will want to skip a nap, have an extra snack, wake up before dawn, and so on. And life happens as well – vacations, older siblings, plans with friends and family, errands you need to take care of, and other factors will all come into play in your daily life with your baby. Variation is okay, as long as your baby is getting the sleep, play, food, care, and love he needs to thrive.

10 Baby Care Tips

Congratulations! A baby is sure to light up any home, but knowing how best to accommodate your new son or daughter is key to a happy transition. Sure, your child is a little person, but don't expect Junior to pull up a beanbag and nosh on nachos with dad at all hours of the night. Not only will you need to put some thought into your child's feeding and sleeping routines, you've also got to make sure any siblings are ready to step up their game as well. And, oh yeah, did we mention the diapers? Well, hold on 

1:Travel 

Babies thrive on schedules. Even when traveling, do your best to stick to the regular routine and schedule to keep your little one in the best mood possible.

2:Sleep

Sleep begets sleep. First-time parents don't believe it, but a healthy nap-time routine makes for a better night's sleep. Overtired babies have a hard time falling asleep and wake more often in the nighttime. Begin establishing a healthy, sleeping pattern as early as two weeks. Your newborn might not be ready for a schedule, but keeping the routine demonstrates early on what you expect in terms of adequate baby rest.

3: Skin Care

Sunscreen isn't recommended for children under 6 months of age. Keep them in the shade until you can safely protect theirskin.

4: Siblings

Accentuate the positive. A new baby means a lot of changes for the family. Praise your older children for their help, patience and understanding, and they will adjust to the new family member with ease.

5: Play

There is nothing wrong with the basics: patty-cake and peekaboo are games that have been used for years to entertain babies, while helping their brains grow. Your child will respond to the stimulation and enjoy the interaction.

6: Pets

The family pet needs to adjust to the new family member. Bringing home a blanket or outfit the baby has worn is always helpful, but also keep Fido to his normal routines. Skipping the long morning walk is fine for a day or two, but lack of exercise and attention will only make the animal resentful. Find a routine that works and stick with it.

7: Feeding

Consider starting your child off with a vegetable rather than a sweet fruit. Introduce vegetables as soon as you start solid foods to get your child's nutrition off on the right foot.

8: Diapers

Most babies experience diaper rash in their lifetime. Whether it is caused by a new food, wet diaper or side effect from medicine, the red, chapped skin is painful to baby and worrisome for Mom and Dad. The best treatment? A dry bottom. Make sure your child is completely dry after a diaper change, even if it means going naked for a few extra minutes. Change diapers more frequently, and use one of the many over-the-counter products to soothe and calm the skin.

9: Crying

Babies cry. It's no secret. It's their only method of communication. After you check all the basics of hunger, diaper and noise, remind yourself that your child has been in a quiet safe womb for a long 40 weeks. Swaddle him or her in a blanket, hold them snugly and rock softly. Recreating that little nest will help calm a fussy newborn and hopefully, provide some much-needed sleep.

10: Bathing

You might need a daily shower to wake up, but baby needs a gentle bath every other day or so. Skip the soap, and use a gentle made-for-baby cleanser to protect baby's sensitive skin.

Back pain during pregnancy: 7 tips for relief

Back pain during pregnancy isn't surprising, but it still deserves attention. Consider seven ways to relieve back pain during pregnancy — from good posture and physical activity to complementary therapies.

Back pain during pregnancy is a common complaint — and it's no wonder. You're gaining weight, your center of gravity changes and your hormones are relaxing the ligaments in your pelvis. Often, however, you can prevent or ease back pain during pregnancy. Consider seven ways to give pregnancy back pain the boot.

No. 1: Practice good posture

As your baby grows, your center of gravity shifts forward. To avoid falling forward, you might compensate by leaning back — which can strain the muscles in your lower back and contribute to back pain during pregnancy. Keep these principles of good posture in mind:

• Stand up straight and tall.
• Hold your chest high.
• Keep your shoulders back and relaxed.
• Don't lock your knees.

When you stand, use a comfortably wide stance for the best support. If you must stand for long periods of time, rest one foot on a low step stool — and take time for frequent breaks.

Good posture also means sitting with care. Choose a chair that supports your back, or place a small pillow behind your lower back. Consider propping your feet on a low stool.

No. 2: Get the right gear

Wear low-heeled — not flat — shoes with good arch support.

You might also consider wearing a maternity support belt. Although research on the effectiveness of maternity support belts is limited, some women find the additional support helpful.

No. 3: Lift properly

When lifting a small object, squat down and lift with your legs. Don't bend at the waist or lift with your back. It's also important to know your limits. Ask for help if you need it.

No. 4: Sleep on your side

Sleep on your side, not your back. Keep one or both knees bent. Consider using pregnancy or support pillows between your bent knees, under your abdomen and behind your back.

No. 5: Try heat, cold or massage

Use a heating pad to apply heat to your back, or try ice packs. Rubbing your back also might help.

No. 6: Include physical activity in your daily routine

Regular physical activity can keep your back strong and might actually relieve back pain during pregnancy. With your health care provider's OK, try gentle activities — such as walking or water exercise.

You might also stretch your lower back. Rest on your hands and knees with your head in line with your back. Pull in your stomach, rounding your back slightly. Hold for several seconds, then relax your stomach and back — keeping your back as flat as possible. Gradually work up to 10 repetitions. Ask your health care provider about other stretching exercises, too.

No. 7: Consider complementary therapies

Some research suggests that acupuncture can help relieve back pain during pregnancy. Chiropractic treatment seems to provide comfort for some women as well. If you're considering a complementary therapy, discuss the options with your health care provider.

Know when to consult your health care provider

If you have severe back pain during pregnancy or back pain that lasts more than two weeks, talk to your health care provider. He or she might recommend medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or other treatments.

Keep in mind that back pain during pregnancy might be a sign of preterm labor. Also, back pain during pregnancy that's accompanied by vaginal bleeding, fever or burning during urination could be a sign of an underlying problem that needs prompt attention. If you're concerned about your back pain, contact your health care provider right away.

Weight gain during pregnancy

Being pregnant inevitably means you will gain weight. However, how much weight you gain varies from woman to woman. Whilst it often becomes a source of concern for many pregnant women many caregivers have become less inclined to regularly weigh expectant mums as part of their routine care. Frequent weighing can often only create anxiety for women about 'not putting on enough' or 'putting on too much' weight.

It is fairly common for caregivers to ask you to weigh yourself as part of yourfirst pregnancy visit. This is aimed at having a 'baseline' weight in case the doctor needs to prescribe drug dosages calculated on your average weight at some stage. However, beyond this weighing during pregnancy becomes a little irrelevant. Even so, some caregivers still continue to weigh women as part of their routine antenatal visits.

About weight gain:

Whatever your weight was before your pregnancy, and regardless of how much weight you are (or are not) putting on, it is important to have a well-balanced diet with plenty of carbohydrates, protein and fresh fruits and vegetables, with not too many fatty and sugary foods. Pregnancy is not an appropriate time to diet, nor is it an excuse to 'eat for two'! If you have a special diet, or any health conditions that require diet modification (such asdiabetes), you should consult with a dietician about planning your weekly meals.

Many information sources and pregnancy books will try to provide guides about the 'recommended weight gain' during pregnancy. These are usually along the lines of 'putting on 2- 3 kg in the first 20 weeks, then ½ a kilo per week until the baby is due, averaging 12-14 kg in total. While this may be true for some in women, in practise this is rarely the case.

Many women will put on most of their pregnancy weight gain during the first 20 weeks, or only gain a few kilograms up until 12 to 16 weeks of the pregnancy, then experience a large 'growth spurt' during the middle of their pregnancy up until about 32 weeks, slowing down their weight gain over the next 4 to 6 weeks and then losing 1 to 2 kg just prior to going into labour. A woman's overall weight gain when carrying a single baby may be as little as 8 kg, or as much as 20 kg.

NOTE: For conversion, 1 kg = approx. 2.2 lbs. To convert pounds into kilograms you divide the number of pounds by 2.2 (for example, 22 lbs ÷ 2.2 = 10 kg).

The 'average' weight gain of around 12 to14 kg can be physically attributed to:

baby = 3 to 4 kg

placenta = 0.5 kg

amniotic fluid = 1 kg

uterus = 1 kg

blood volume = 1.5 kg

breasts = 0.5 kg

Fat stores for breastfeeding = 3.5 kg

Fluid retention = 1.5 kg

Individual differences:

Each woman's body responds differently to their pregnancy and there are many reasons why individual women will put on more or less weight, at various stages of their pregnancy and yet still be classified as being 'normal' for pregnancy. This is particularly the case for women who were not within their 'ideal weight range' before they conceived. You can read about the concept of ideal weight ranges here.

While it can be difficult to generalise for each woman, the following are a few suggestions that may explain why you are gaining weight the way you are:

• Women who were relatively 'underweight' for their height before they conceived often find that their body naturally 'adjusts' by putting on more weight during pregnancy. This is because necessary fat stores are being laid down by the body to maintain the pregnancy and support breastfeeding after the birth. If this is the case, the woman's weight will increase by a certain amount (to be more in line with her 'ideal weight range' for her height), as well as her expected pregnancy weight gain. Even though the woman does not really look overweight, she has put on quite a few more kilograms than expected.

• Women who were relatively 'overweight' for their height before they conceived often find that they put on very little weight during pregnancy (or perhaps even naturally lose some weight at different stages). This is because the existing fat stores become depleted by the increased physical needs of the pregnancy and an increased metabolism. This is normal and regarded as being safe if you continue to eat a well-balanced diet.

• If you are excessively sick during the earlier months of pregnancy, you may find you do not put on any weight for a while (or possibly even lose weight). Usually when the nausea and/or vomiting settles, your appetite returns and you have a 'growth spurt' for a few weeks, as your body 'catches up'. Of course if your vomiting gets to the point where you are becoming dehydrated, it may be necessary to see your caregiver and be admitted to the hospital for a drip in the vein, and/or medications to help stop the vomiting. You can read more in morning sickness.

• Some women retain more fluid than others. Fluid retention and swelling (or oedema) affects about 65% of healthy pregnant women with a normal blood pressure, usually after about 20 weeks of the pregnancy.
• Most women carrying twins, triplets or more will put on more weight, however it is not 'double' or 'triple' the expected amount. Many women carrying multiples find that their weight gain is not that much different from women having a single baby. As a guide for twins you may put on up to 15 to 20 kgs (or more) and for triplets it may be up to 20 to 25 kgs (or more). Be aware that with triplets or quads, your babies will probably be born premature (less than 37 weeks) and therefore your weight gain will generally be put on early and more quickly.

Our thoughts...

Unfortunately, many pregnant women spend a lot of time and energy worrying about their weight gain. This is no doubt a reflection of our society's obsession with weight and how we look. An obstetrician we know once said, "The worst thing you can give a pregnant woman is a set of scales!" and we tend to agree with him.

8 Early Signs of Pregnancy

Wondering if you're pregnant? A pregnancy test is the way to know for sure. But what if it's too soon for accurate results? You may notice some subtle signs of pregnancy -- fatigue, nausea, frequent urination, and breast tenderness. Here's some expert advice on how to respond to these symptoms if you're trying to get pregnant.

1. Fatigue

"Extreme, unexplainable fatigue is probably the most common sign of early pregnancy," says Gil Gross, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

"Don't treat fatigue with excessive caffeine if there is a chance you may be pregnant." Instead, "listen to your body, take it easy, and try to keep well-rested," says Donnica Moore, MD, a women's health expert in Far Hills, N.J.

2. Food Aversions

If opening the refrigerator makes you wince and you can't even walk past the local Chinese restaurant without gagging, you could be pregnant. Many women report that such intense food aversions are one of the first signs of early pregnancy. These can be caused by rising levels of beta-hCG hormone, Moore says. The best thing you can do to help yourself through this is to steer clear of triggers.

3. Sensitivity to Smells

Scents that were never pleasant (like cigarette smoke) and even ones that were pleasing (like your partner's cologne) can make you queasy during pregnancy's early stages. "For some women, this can be a tip-off that they are expecting," Moore says. This is likely a result of rising hormone levels. Unfortunately, "there is really nothing you can do except avoid them when you can," she says, "especially cigarette smoke, which is not good for you or the baby."

4. Nausea and Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting can be some of the first indications that you're pregnant. Blame it on rising hormones levels in early pregnancy.

One of the things that can help expectant moms get through their first trimester is the reassurance that the nausea and vomiting will likely pass by 19 weeks. "It also helps to know that morning sickness can be a good thing," Moore says, because rising levels of the beta-HCG hormone, which may cause morning sickness, indicate a growing pregnancy.

When you eat may make a difference, too. "The key is not to let your stomach get too empty," Moore says. "Keep crackers by your bedside and have them before you get out of bed in the morning."  It is also a good idea to eat small, more frequent meals throughout the day and a snack just before bed.  Lemon and peppermint flavored candies can also ease queasiness.

Prenatal vitamins can also trigger nausea for some expectant moms. "Don't take your vitamins on an empty stomach," Moore says. "A lot of women feel better if they take them at nighttime or with dinner."

If you are vomiting often, speak with your doctor about medication options.

5. Breast Swelling and Tenderness

Breast changes may be another early sign of pregnancy. "The best thing to do about breast tenderness is to get a better bra," Gross says.  A sports bra, for instance, can give you more support.

6. Frequent Urination

"In early pregnancy, the uterus grows and pushes on the bladder, triggering the urge to urinate more often," says Xavier Pombar, DO, an obstetrician at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago

There is no way to avoid this, but going to the bathroom right before bed may allow you to get a little more sleep. "You will probably still have to get up at least once in the night to use the bathroom," Pombar says.

7. Shortness of Breath

Some women feel mildly short of breath when they first become pregnant and sometimes throughout pregnancy. "This is because you need extra oxygen due to the growing embryo," Pombar says. "The further along you are, the worse this gets. Still, don't just brush this off as a 'normal' sign of pregnancy." Talk to your doctor if you are concerned or if any of the following are true for you:

These can be signs of something more serious.

-->You have a sudden onset of shortness of breath that is not associated with exercise.

-->Breathing is at all painful.

-->The breathless feeling is worse when you are lying down.

8. Physical Changes

If you think that you may be pregnant because you've been sexually active without contraception, make an appointment with your doctor. There are changes in the vagina's color and the softness of the cervix that an experienced clinician can identify during a pelvic exam, Pombar says.

"Remember that while these are early signs of pregnancy, these are also the symptoms of other things, including premenstrual syndrome (PMS)," Moore says. "The most reliable early sign of pregnancy is your first missed period if you have regular periods."

Check your baby breathing

How often should I check my baby's breathing?

As often as you feel you need to. If your baby is premature, has a chronic lung disease, or another condition such as central sleep apnea, it may help to monitor your baby's breathing. But even if your baby doesn't have a medical problem, you may worry that he could develop one, such as sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).If you feel compelled to check your baby's breathing all the time, you're not alone.

It may help to keep in mind that babies have various stages of slumber – sometimes deep and still, sometimes active, sometimes noisy and snuffly. Your comfort level should grow with your experience as a parent, but it's okay if you continue to make nightly forays into your child's bedroom, just to check on his breathing, for years to come.

Danielle Buckley-Werner remembers feeling panic-stricken every time she put her son to bed during his first months of life.

"I was sure that if I wasn't there to hear him breathe, then he couldn't take a breath," she says. "I was so tired all the time because when he slept, I would watch him. I finally collapsed on the floor of the nursery one afternoon and realized that something had to give if I was going to have the energy to be a good mom."

Buckley-Werner started using a baby monitor when she couldn't be with her son. For the first three months, she and her husband, Daniel, kept the crib in their room so they could easily respond to any coughs, cries, or breathing emergencies – which, thankfully, never arose.

"I can't tell new parents that they shouldn't worry and that constantly checking breathing is insane," says Buckley-Werner. "But depriving yourself of rest and waking your baby up all the time will exhaust everyone. For me, keeping my baby close helped me overcome my fears that he'd stop breathing."

SIDS Consideration 

Newborns and young babies normally have 'periodic breathing' patterns. They also breathe differently when in various stages of sleep. For example, sometimes being still when in a deep sleep, sometimes active and noticeable breathing and sometimes noisy and snuffly. The various stages of sleep are explained in class 11.

A normal breathing pattern for a young baby is to:

-->Breathe for a short period that is fast and deep, then

-->Breathe slower and shallower for a while, then

-->Pause for up to 5 seconds or so, before starting again with progressively fast, deep breaths.

This breathing cycle is normal and changes into more adult like breathing patterns (with occasional sighs), as they mature in the first few months.

Many new parents have concerns about SIDS, often checking their baby's breathing regularly in the early weeks and months. How often you check your baby's breathing is very personal and often comes down to whatever makes you feel comfortable. Try and remember that SIDS is rare and that 1,999 out 2,000 babies will not die from SIDS, with the risks dramatically decreasing after 6 months of age. If you are feeling anxious, take the recommended steps to reduce the risks and perhaps consider learning infant CPR.

If you do feel compelled to check your baby's breathing all the time, this is normal and your comfort level should increase as your child grows. If you suspect your baby has stopped breathing, or simply want to reassure yourself that they are still breathing, you can:

-->Listen, by putting your ear next to your baby's mouth and nose to hear breath sounds.

-->Look at your baby's chest and watch for up and down movements.

-->Feel your baby's chest, by gently placing the palm of your hand on their chest to feel the up and down movements.

-->Feel your baby's breath on your cheek by placing your face close to your baby's mouth and nose (this may be difficult to detect).

If after 5 seconds or so you can't detect any signs of breathing and your baby is limp and unable to be roused or woken (their skin and lips may also look a dusky grey or purple-blue colour, especially if they are fair-skinned), you will need to call an ambulance (dial 000 in Australia) and commence CPR (if you know how to perform CPR).

NOTE: Reading about how to perform infant CPR is not enough to teach you how to do it correctly. The following information is guide only. You should attend an approved course to learn CPR. For example, through St. John's Ambulance, their website is:

This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.

When will my baby be ready to shower instead of bath?

When your child can stand in a shower stall and tolerate the feeling of water hitting his body from above, he can start taking showers. But most young children would rather sit and play in a tub than stand and scrub in the shower. Wait until he shows an interest. When he does, I would encourage you to get him used to the process first.

To get your child used to showering, start by holding him in your arms. The security you offer will help make the transition smoother. You can also get him used to the feeling in steps. Start by having him stand in the shower without the water running. For extra security, your child can sit on a plastic chair or a mat. When he feels comfortable there, have him stand outside the shower with the water on to get used to the sound. Then, allow him to watch a parent or older sibling taking a shower. This will help him put it together and understand the process. Also, it can be hard — even for adults — to stand in a wet bathtub without slipping. A non-slip mat will make it easier for your little one to stay upright.

It may take a while for your child to enjoy taking a shower; don't be surprised if the noise and spray are too much for him at first. If he doesn't like it, go back to the bath. In time he will desire showers, but until then, let him be a kid. Around age 6, your child can shower alone, as long as you are nearby in case he needs help. Until then, make sure you keep an eye on him when he is in the shower.