Health and food tips

Health

Know if you're stressed
If you're overtired, irritable or suffering headaches, accept that these are warning signs to sort out what's bothering you.

Accept that some stress is inevitable
Don't look for solutions which aren't actually there - this will only make the stress harder to cope with.

Look after your health
Babycare is exhausting and you won't cope if you neglect yourself. So eat a balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids and avoid junk food and caffeine.

Exercise!
It boosts your energy and stimulates the production of feel-good hormones - so go for a daily walk with your baby.

Sleep whenever you can
Catch up on lost sleep by napping when your baby sleeps - the washing or mopping can wait.

Learn to cope with crying
It's how your baby communicates. If you feel you can't cope, put him safely in his cot and leave the room. If you're concerned about your baby's health, call your doctor.

Stock up on ear-plugs
If you're spending time walking the floor with a screaming, colicky baby right next to your left ear, wearing an ear-plug will help retain some sanity.

Food

Make mealtimes easier with a menu planned for the week, to avoid last-minute shopping and cooking.

Avoid food fights
Don't nag or bribe your child to eat. If he/she misses one meal, the child will definitely be hungry enough for dinner.

Buy your groceries online
It can be hell restraining a screaming child at the checkout.

Make mornings mayhem-free
Do as much as you can the night before - lay out breakfast dishes and put your child's cereal in an airtight container to reduce the rushing so you can fit in a story before you leave for work. An older child can help pack the things he might need at the nursery or the childminder's.

Share the load
Get your partner to help with some of the night feeds so you can recharge your batteries.