(Lets face it kids are full of honesty, they say it as they see it. This is a new column written from the ‘HONEST’ observations from our children. It touches on all aspects of the process of growing up and how we as parents can improve ourselves from a child’s point of view).
So since Mum’s had the cold last week, Dad- the martyr, phisssh, has taken upon himself to give me a bath. If you call being squirted a couple of times with a shower spray a bath then I really question your hygiene standards.
Since the cardinal rule is that ‘MUM’s don’t get sick’, no cold or not, Mum could only be sick for 24 hours and was back on duty the next day. Thank goodness, when Dad’s looking after me it’s like I’m being looked after by a puppy, he takes more naps than I do.
Now that a proper adult is back on the job I can snooze off a bit. Anyways I knew I wouldn’t be able to escape Dad’s clutches unscathed, he’s forgotten to wipe the wetness from all my baby fat folds and NOW there’s stuff in there that Mum’s seen and can’t unseen. What are they Mum, am I a victim of an alien inhabitation. What? what?..if they come for me I know who I’m going to name as their first human sacrifice!!!! A certain Mr I did all the housework and I’m so great!!!
I think Mum wants to turn me into the hulk or something for at five months she’s decided to give me my first solid food. Great I think to myself as she straps me into my high chair and places me in front of the dining room table.
The whole family is seated around and Dad’s even got his camera, WOW look at what we are having roast chicken, soft buttery mash, piping hot gravy and loads of lovely vegetables. I’m salivating or maybe just dribbling, I forget the difference sometimes. I think I’ll skip on the greens mum, but give me a little of everything else.
Wait Mums got some stuff in a bowl, she keeps adding water to it and stirring, looks like she making glue. Alright Mum, let’s eat first and we’ll do arts and crafts later, c’mon eat now woman, the gravy’s getting cold. Wait a minute, Mum’s bringing her homemade glue towards me..c’mon people, they are going to feed me glue..does no one know about the human torture I have to endure at the hands of these people.
Dad’s even filming it, sheesh I knew he would enjoy this mockery of baby abuse. Mum says open wide dear, to what GLUE!!!...okay I humor them I put some in and let it conveniently dribble down my face.
My so called parents now laugh hilariously at me….for heaven sake people…why do this to your child!!!!Just wait till you turn old, I’ll get my revenge!!! Anyways, the glue turned out to be my first food, it wasn’t glue, some rice thingy, have to have it pureed since I haven’t got any teeth yet.
I dribble on my homemade glue, while the rest of the family tuck in to the glorious piles of food. Life’s hard when you’re just five months.Sniff.
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Expert Advice
Bath time can be fun for both you and your baby. It’s a great opportunity to bond and interact with each other. Your baby will enjoy your gentle touch and a chance to splash and play.
Babies do not need to be bathed every day. Bathing too often can cause your baby’s skin to dry out. In between baths, clean your baby’s face after each feeding, and clean the diaper area after every changing.
When wiping your baby after a bath, be mindful to wipe any residual moisture from the fat folds in the baby’s neck, thighs, arms and behind ears. If not done, rashes can appear and will be very uncomfortable for the newborn.
Expert Advice
You can introduce solids any time between 4 and 6 months if your baby is ready.
Head control. Your baby needs to be able to keep his head in a steady, upright position.
Losing the "extrusion reflex." To keep solid food in his mouth and then swallow it, your baby needs to stop using his tongue to push food out of his mouth.
Sitting well when supported. Even if he's not quite ready for a highchair, your baby needs to be able to sit upright to swallow well.
Chewing motions. Your baby's mouth and tongue develop in sync with his digestive system. To start solids, he should be able to move food to the back of his mouth and swallow. As he learns to swallow efficiently, you may notice less drooling – though if your baby's teething, you might still see a lot of drool.
Significant weight gain. Most babies are ready to eat solids when they've doubled their birth weight (or weigh about 15 pounds) and are at least 4 months old.
Growing appetite. He seems hungry – even with eight to ten feedings of breast milk or formula a day.
By Mayuri Jayashinge
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