Breast milk is best for your baby

The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.

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Childhood Development

Milestones ahead

From the first moments after the birth of your child, you know your life will never be the same. Your child will change from week to week-even from day to day-as he begins to notice the world around him, and to interact with it. Get a head start, and know what to expect as your baby matures.

Brushing Up

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By age 4 your child should be able to brush her teeth on her own, although supervision is still recommended.

It is also recommended that you:

  • Use fluoride-free toothpaste until your child is able to spit into the sink
  • Switch to a pea-size amount of fluoridated toothpaste when your child is ready
  • Help your child floss at around age 4, or whenever his back molars are touching

Between the ages of 5 and 7, adult teeth begin to come in

The general rule is that the earlier your child's teeth come in, the sooner they fall out. If teething began early, the first tooth or two could be lost before kindergarten.
A few tips to keep in mind:

  • It's okay to wiggle a loose tooth with their tongue, but they should never pull at it (or tie a string around it)
  • Have your child bite down on gauze or a clean washcloth to stop any bleeding as soon as the tooth comes out and place the tooth in a plastic bag for safekeeping