Sleep. Settle. Nourish. Nurture.

Are you struggling at home with your newborn baby or your challenging toddler?

Do you need some help or just some professional advice?

Stepbystep Parenting Pty Ltd answer your questions;

Q. I have a 2 year old son, Brodie and I am due to give birth in 8 weeks time. I would like to have Brodie toilet trained by then, is it alright to start now?  (Simone, Menai).

A. Generally it is suggested toilet training be commenced once a child is showing signs of readiness, to avoid problems and undue stress to both child and parents.

A child will reach the stage in its development were they are able to actually be able to control these bodily functions, this usually occurs between the ages 2-3 years and boys can be a little later than girls.

The signs of readiness can include: showing interest in others when they go to the toilet, verbalizing the need to do a wee or poo or that they have just done a wee or poo, pulling at wet/dirty nappy or telling you he doesn’t want to wear a nappy anymore. Once a child is showing signs the commitment to toilet training can begin.

Q. Our son Mitchell (3 years) is waking at night a few hours after falling asleep, he is in a state of panic screaming and thrashing around, he has no memory of waking in the morning, what should we do? (Nick and Andrea, Engadine)

A. Mitchell is having a night terror, around 1-6% of children experience night terrors usually between the age of 18 months and 6 years. The good news is although these night terrors are scary to you they will not harm Mitchell.

Avoid waking Mitchell during the night terror he will only become confused and disorientated wait for the thrashing to subside and guide him back to his bed he will settle quickly. It is not unusual for a night terror to last up to 40 minutes. These night terrors will disappear as Mitchell develops more mature forms of deep sleep. In the mean time just be there for him.

Q. My daughter Chelsi is 3months old, I am breastfeeding, she is gaining about 180gms a week and has 5-6 wet nappies a day, for the past few days Chelsi has been feeding frequently do I need to give her formula?(Alison, Sylvania)

A. Firstly Alison, well done for breastfeeding your daughter Chelsi and 3 months is a wonderful age, your little girl is growing she is more aware of her surroundings and loves to interact with you.

Alison at around 3 months babies have a growth spurt, you may remember Chelsi had frequent feeding at 6 weeks this is also when babies have a growth spurt.

Chelsi will feed more frequently for 24-48hours then return to a regular feeding pattern. If you find Chelsi is distracted during feeding you may want to feed in a quietened area where she can focus on feeding and not be distracted by her busy world.

So be assured Alison you have an adequate milk supply and there is no need to supplement with formula this frequent feeding will pass. Enjoy your baby.  

Q. I have returned to work three days a week, our four year old is in care on these days. We struggle in the mornings and do not have any routine in place. Do you have any tips to help us? ( Sarah Loftus)

A.  You can have smooth sailing Sarah if you have a predictable routine in place. Remember children thrive when they have boundaries and routines.

       1 Pack the school bag the night before
       2 Have clothes organised the night before
       3 Pack the school lunch the night before
       4 Avoid distractions such as television and electronic games.
       5 Get up early so you have some quiet time for yourself
       6 Introduce a star chart or rewards system
       7 Positive praise, praise, praise.

Remember Sarah this is great practise for your four year old, as he will be preparing for big school the following year.

If you have a question for Stepbystep Parenting Pty Ltd that you would like answered, please send your email to info@justjuniors.com.au

For further information contact Stepbystep Parenting Pty Ltd
Catherine Conyngham - Mobile 0400 048 345
Karin Abood - Mobile 0458 536 136
Stacy Hahn - Mobile 0458 536 137