Tips for you and your baby

You and your baby

Trust your own instincts when it comes to your baby
You'll be bombarded with advice by your mum, friends, health visitor, magazines and books - but what suits one baby may not suit another!

Devote 10 minutes to your child when you get home
So he knows how special he is to you. Then you can leave him to play or watch a video while you get on with making dinner.

Let your child help with any chores
He can strip the beds, load the washing machine or unload the tumble drier - it's time spent together!

Baby-proof your home
Install stair-gates and child locks on cupboards as soon as your baby becomes newly mobile. Look around your home and remove anything that might cause harm.

Bathe with your baby
It's an opportunity to unwind together after a busy day - and also means you won't be dragging yourself into the tub at midnight.

Breastfeed your baby
It's better for baby and makes things easier for you, helping avert all that messing about with mixing feeds and sterilising bottles - a blessing when it comes to night feeds.

Adapt to your baby's age and stage
Children act and respond differently at different ages, so keep up - and make sure you're not expecting too much from a toddler in the way of good behaviour.

Banish bedtime battles
It's natural for a young child to fuss about going to bed and easy to lose patience with them if you're tired yourself.

Make outings as safe as possible
Check pushchair and car seat harnesses regularly for wear and tear. Always strap your baby in and use a safety harness for walks.

Tackle tantrums positively
If your child is driving you around the bend, find out why he's misbehaving - this should help you to sort it out.

Organise your child's day into a series of routines
He'll be happier if he knows what's coming next during the day.

Find great childcare!
Combining a job with parenting will be much easier if you know your baby is getting the best possible care.