5 questions new parents always ask ... A quick fire Q and A!

New parents have so many questions running through their minds...it can be a daunting time when you're pregnant and about to embark on this crazy adventure! Let us help!

In our blog this week we will share with you our answers to five of the most common questions new parents ask us about newborn baby development. 

1. Do I need to teach my baby to play?

No, babies already know HOW to play. Play is the way they learn and interact with the world around them. To support your baby's play and learning give them variety. Try different carrying positions, slowly move them through transitions like rolling, try baby massage and position them in ways to support their independent exploration of hands, face, mouth and feet.

Watch your baby carefully to see what they enjoy and engage with them in that activity. You don't need fancy toys or to set up elaborate sensory play experiences - there is so much in their natural environments for them to discover and this in itself is a huge sensory experience for young babies. Remember, the best toy for a young baby is YOU. 

2. What do I talk to my baby about?

Your baby loves to hear your voice. Talk about the things happening to them and around them. Keep it simple, pause between your sentences to allow a chance for your baby to take their turn in the conversation. They will start making cooing sounds at about 6-8 weeks and they can definitely join in the conversation with these beautiful sounds! 

On our social media we have a chat challenge Friday post with lots of different ideas of exactly how to find time to talk with your baby. We really strongly believe playing with your baby shouldn't be an extra "to do" on the list but embedded in all the activities you are already doing with your baby. 

3. How much Tummy time is enough? 

Long stretches of tummy time are hard for young babies so keep it enjoyable by starting with regular tiny chunks throughout the day then slowly make the chunks of time longer... it’s like interval training for babies! There's no perfect length of tummy time but aiming for most play time to be on the tummy by 7 months is a good goal.

The latest guidelines from the World Health Organisation published in 2019 state infants should " Be physically active several times a day in a variety of ways, particularly through interactive floor-based play; more is better"." For those not yet mobile, this includes at least 30 minutes in prone position (tummy time) spread throughout the day while awake".

We have SO many posts on our social media to help support you to make tummy time stress free and fun! Join our FREE Facebook group or follow us on facebook and instagram to see our Tummy Time Tuesday Tip each week. 

4. How much baby equipment do I need? And how do I choose?

Baby shops can be VERY overwhelming! There is SO much stuff and you really could spend a fortune... but what do you really need? ... Ok jump on our mailing list now because we have blogs coming on baby equipment for newborns and baby sitting equipment ...but for this quick fire round. Consider these things when choosing equipment:

👶 Supporting your baby's hips correctly is an important consideration when buying equipment. It is also one of the reasons we never recommend baby standers, jolly jumpers or baby walkers. Hip safe swaddling advice and Hip safe baby carrier advice will help you choose.

👶 Less is more. Being free to move and play is very important for your newborn's development. The current guidelines from the World Health Organisation suggest you baby should "not be restrained for more than 1 hour at a time (e.g. prams/strollers, high chairs, or strapped on a caregiver’s back)". Car seats and prams are obviously necessary for transporting your baby but it is not necessary to spend loads of money on equipment for playtime. 

👶 Did you know there are safe sleep guidelines? While instagram is full of super cute photos of babies sleeping, they are not always following these guidelines. There is really clear information available online from Red Nose Organisation on equipment for safe sleep that can help guide your sleep equipment purchasing. 

5. When can babies support their own heads and what do I do until then? 

 Most babies can hold their heads by 3 months old. Until then you do need to support their head very carefully. This is actually less scary than it sounds. You very quickly get used to handling your own baby as you pick them up and carry them so much every day! It is really all about watching your baby's movement and adjusting your support accordingly. You will get to notice when your baby's head is more wobbly, maybe when tired or upset, and craddle it closely. At other times your baby might be able to hold their own head for short periods and this is great for developing their neck strength. 

Don't panic but did you know there is one more important thing to think about for your baby's head? Preventing a flat spot developing. We have a whole blog for you on that Are all heads round and what on earth are plagiocephaly and torticollis? but in a nutshell...

👶 Change your baby’s position frequently for sleep, on back but looking left and right

👶 Tummy and side play are really important 

👶 Think about your own preferences and try and carry your baby in a range of ways to encourage them to sometimes look left others right

👶 Check carefully to see your baby’s head is round 

👶 Check that your baby can turn evenly to both sides

👶 Go and see your local paediatric physio if you notice flatness,  or any restrictions in your baby’s movement.

That’s it from us – please join our walky talky community with the links below and let us know if you have any questions or comments to share on this topic.

Embedding opportunities for supporting your baby’s development into every day is what Walky Talky Baby is ALL ABOUT so if you want MORE

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