babies and children
Dyslexia: what you need to know about it
Dyslexia is a language based learning disorder, characterised by poor word reading and poor spelling activities, as well as deficits in awareness of sounds in words and manipulation of sounds to spell words.It is important to remember that dyslexia is not du...read more
Etiology of stuttering
Although the etiology of stuttering is not fully understood, there is strong evidence to suggest that it emerges from a combination of constitutional and environmental factors. Geneticists have found indications that a susceptibility to stuttering may be inh...read more
Experience the effect of aromatherapy
Aromatherapy, as the name implies, is therapy through smell or scent, or to be more precise, aroma. But the therapy known as Aromatherapy, does not use each and every aroma that exists, but only the fragrance of essential oilsread more
Explaining asthma to younger children
For young children, asthma is a frightening experience and for parents it can be difficult to explain what’s going on. It is hoped that through this website that you may be in a better position to explain to your child, what is happening to him or her.It is best to tal...read more
Eye tests for children
It is recommended that children have regular eye tests from the age of 6 months - or even before if there is a family history of sight problems such as squints or ‘lazy eyes'. While parents may think that their infants can spot things a long way off, o...read more
Facts on stuttering
What is stuttering? Stuttering is a communication disorder in which the flow of speech is broken by repetitions (li-li-like this), prolongations (lllllike this), or abnormal stoppages (no sound) of sounds and syllables. There may also be unusual facial and ...read more
Fertility background
One of the difficult things you may face is all the questions the doctor may ask you when you present yourself for medical investigation. The information here may help you prepare for the questions your doctor may ask.If you find that you have a low sperm count you will need...read more
Frequently asked questions about formula feeding
How often should I feed my baby? Experts suggest that you let your baby choose his own routine - how often and how much. As a general guideline between birth and six months your baby will need an average of 2 to 2.5 ounces of formula per pound per day. So, if your baby ...read more
General asthma tips for parents
Do I need to take extra care of my child? Can my child play sport? Will she be safe sleeping at a friend’s house? It is natural for parents to worry about their child’s asthma and it is stressful watching your child have difficulty breathing. The whole family may have many distu...read more
General information about breastfeeding
How can I tell my baby is getting enough milk? Signs to look out for are: Frequent wet/dirty nappies Taking regular feeds - (average 8-12 feeds in 24hrs) Baby is active, alert has a good colour and firm skin The charts in the red book are based on the...read more
Growing feet
At birth your baby's feet are totally different to yours. They have fewer bones and they are much softer and malleable. They will continue to change until your child is around 18 years old. At this time the bones in the feet are finally fused together. Until...read more
How do you know when your child is seriously ill?
At what point do any of us feel confident regarding assessment of child illness? There is no hard and fast rule that will flash a light when a baby or infant is changing from unwell to "really sick". There is a gradation and sometimes it can pass relatively unnotic...read more
How do you treat asthma in children?
Children usually use the same medication as adults.The amount and type of medication will depend on the severity of the asthma. The approach to treatment in children (as in adults) is to "Hit Early, Hit Hard - Then Step Down".In mild cases (read more
How reiki works
Reiki is a simple hands-on art of energy renewal. The results of Reiki include an all-pervading sense of inner calm and relief from stress and fatigue. There are reports of Reiki in the healing of wounds including cuts, burns and bruis...read more
How sick is my child?
Having difficulty with breathing is one of the most common reasons why children and babies visit Accident and Emergency.Breathing problems are more obvious in young children because being smaller they have smaller airways and it only takes a relatively small change in the si...read more
How to cope with postnatal depression
Being depressed is not easy, it is distressing and you may have mixed feelings. It must be remembered that it is an illness and that it is in no way, shape or form your fault that you are suffering it. You are not hopeless and weak and 1 in 6 mothers are in the same boat a...read more
How to massage your baby?
The importance of touch in pregnancy, childbirth and infancy is undeniably, the most enjoyable way to improve the development, health and well being of your baby. Massage makes use of the mother and father’s desire to touch and caress their child using soothing, healin...read more
How to react when speking with someone who stutters
Stuttering may look like an easy problem that can be solved with some simple advice, but for many adults, it can be a chronic life-long disorder. Here are some ways that you, the listener, can help. Refrain from making remarks like: "Slow down,&q...read more
Infant screening for deafness
In the vast majority of cases (90%) children are born deaf to hearing parents with no family history of deafness.Current screening for deafness takes the form of one-to-one distraction tests carried out by health visitors. This method fails to detect by the ...read more
Infectious animal faces
Children love pets and animals are great for helping children form attachments and improve their social skills. But you should follow a few simple health and safety guidelines to keep everyone happy. Hygiene Toxoplasmosis and salmonella ar...read more
Infertility treatments for men
If you are reading this page you have probably been told that you have a low sperm count. If so the first thing you must remember is that sperm count is a poor test in terms of predicting whether you will actually be fertile or not. So, unless you have almost zero sperm coun...read more
Is your child disruptive or aggressive?
They may have a deficiency of zinc or vitamin B. Children and adolescents with behavioural disorders and aggressive behaviour are frequently malnourished. Those with certain nutritional deficiencies, such as those for zinc, iron, B vitamins and protein exhi...read more
Keep babies out of the sun
Sun Protection Can sunscreens be used on babies and young children? We have no evidence to suggest that sunscreens are harmful to young children when used in small amounts on the face and hands. Their skin, however, is more likely than an adult's to absorb...read more
Key nutrients
Protein What children primarily require is sufficient food energy i.e. calories rather than protein per se. With adequate calories an individual will be in positive nitrogen balance and will thrive on a diet in which protein is available from a mix of plant...read more
Key points for feeding vegan children
Infants need plenty of energy. Home-prepared cereals should be made as a thick porridge and not as a thin gruel. Add a little vegetable oil to the cooked grains to increase their calorie content, and improve palatability by making them less glutinous as they cool. ...read more
