Your toddler at 16 months: You're now really starting to see what sort of character your toddler is developing. At sixteen months, he has his own ideas about what he would like to be doing, eating and playing with, and he never hesitates to communicate his opinions. Unfortunately for him and his parents, he doesn't yet have the words with which to do so, and this is extremely frustrating. He shares his thoughts and feelings by babbling, pointing, throwing things and finally screaming, while you struggle to figure out what it is he is trying to tell you. It's a tricky time for everyone, but don't despair. It won't be long before his language really takes off and he can be more precise ...

Following this diet can better the chances of a normal birth weight, improve foetal brain development and reduce risk of certain birth defects. It also increases the chances of a safe and comfortable pregnancy. Nine principles ...

TOO BUSY TO EAT Toddlers are notoriously fussy eaters. Eating is simply not on the fun agenda of the average one-year-old. You may be surprised that your up-to-now good eater suddenly loses interest in food, will not sit still long enough to take in more than two mouthfuls, and seems to be consuming only a fraction of his previous daily intake. Don't worry. This is normal toddler behaviour. The drive to master the arts of walking and talking is all-consuming right now, and your little one simply doesn't want to give up any of his precious time for the boring task of eating. His growth rate is slowing down, and with it his appetite, and ...

WHERE TO START The first step in establishing a calm and settled bedtime routine is to identify the objects and habits that help to soothe your baby. Does he have favourite music, a special blanket or an interesting mobile that have a calming effect on him? Does he like to hear voices as he drifts off, or is he happier in a quieter environment? Organise yourself and decide on a structure that should begin with bath time, progress to some quiet time and a feed, and end with putting your baby down, still awake, in his bed. Remember to encourage your baby to fall asleep on his own, as he needs to develop this ability in order to be able to eventually manage the night ...

IT'S NOTHING PERSONAL Don't take it personally if your baby says "Dada" before "Mama" - it's only natural. "Mama" will come in time, so don't try to push him. The second year is full of challenging behaviour such as temper tantrums and refusals. Your child is testing your limits: "How far can I go to get what I want now". At this age your child finds it hard to understand that some things cannot be had immediately. Do take note of how he communicates, and be reassured if he gestures effectively and understands simple, single requests like "Go and get your shoe." Listen to what he says when he is alone in his cot: Children practise language and review their exciting experiences through "cot speech." ...

STEPPING OUT ALONE Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, your toddler is always keen to go and explore his surroundings. Like a little wind-up toy, as soon as his feet touch the ground, he's off! At this age, children are constantly testing their abilities, climbing onto furniture, opening doors and cupboards, squeezing themselves into corners and getting stuck. At home, keep a regular check on your little one's whereabouts, especially when all goes suspiciously quiet! This usually indicates that baby's found something new and fascinating to do, and it could lead to trouble, or in the very least result in a big mess! When ...

Silent birth Silent Birth refers to a method preferred by some members of the Church of Scientology. A silent birth involves delivering a baby in a completely silent, calm environment, without the help of pain relieving drugs. During a silent birth, all sounds are kept at an absolute minimum — speaking, whispering, and even playing music is discouraged, and anesthetic drugs are avoided. This silence is maintained for a period of seven days. Hydro birth Water birth entails a method of delivery where a mother gives birth to her child in a bathtub or pool full of warm water. Water is a muscle relaxant. It aids the passage of the baby through the birth canal. It provides greater comfort and mobility. The mother has more ease ...

My baby is Aquarius.

Q: When to start? A: For most babies, milk or infant milk provides all the nourishment needed up to the age of 6 months, but if you think your baby needs solids before this time, ask your health professional for advice. Q: What foods should I offer to start with? A: Baby rice, fruit (e.g. banana, apple, pear, mango) or vegetable (e.g. carrot, parsnip, potato, yam) purees mixed with your baby’s usual milk make good first weaning foods. These first tastes should be bland-tasting, smooth and gluten free. Q: How much should I give and when? A: One or two teaspoons of food offered before, during or after one of your baby’s usual milk feeds is all that you’ll need to give to start with. Gradually you will be able ...

Two little babies were sitting in their cribs, when one baby shouted to the other, "Are you a little girl or a little boy?" "I don't know," replied the other baby giggling. "What do you mean, you don't know?" said the first baby. "I mean I don't know how to tell the difference," was the reply. "Well, I do," said the first baby chuckling, "I'll climb into your crib and find out." He carefully manoeuvred himself into the other baby's crib, then quickly disappeared beneath the blankets. After a couple of minutes, he resurfaced with a big grin on his face. "You're a little girl, and I'm a little boy," he said proudly. "You're ever so clever," cooed the baby girl, "but how can you tell?" "It's quite easy really," replied the baby boy, "you've got pink socks and ...