Webchat on Monday, 30th June 2014 (11.00 am) - Parenting A Newborn (with Vickie from The Baby Academy)

[LocalEditorMerton]

Expectant parents are often so focused on pregnancy and childbirth, that practical and emotional aspects of looking after their baby can be overlooked and come as a challenge, particularly for those without previous experience of parenthood or the support network to help them adjust and give them confidence.

If you need some tips on bringing your baby home and settling them in, you may like to join us on Monday, 30th June for a live webchat (at 11.00 am) with Maternity Consultant Vickie Bowles who launched her website The Baby Academy last year.

Vickie offers parents help and advice, giving them the confidence and skills to build a happy home with their new arrival. Her career as a Maternity Consultant has spanned 18 years. Her insights into the needs of babies, give parents peace of mind from the start!

Vickie will be here to answer your questions on bringing your baby home - the first few weeks. If you are unable to make it on the day, you are most welcome to post your questions (in advance) below.

Exactly you should never leave your baby alone with a pet

How do I know if my baby is overheated or not? I do not want her to be too cold or too hot in this changing weather these days. I can't go out from fear she will be too hot or too cold

I would recommend layers that can either be added or removed easily. Babies need just one more layer than us as a guide and when ever possible should be cotton. always protect from direct sunlight even through windows and regularly touch the back of your baby's neck to check if you think that she is too hot!

I had my second baby after 5 years and realised I forgot it all!

I do not remember if my 1st one fed constantly during the night but this one does. Is that normal? Do I have to teach my 4week old to feed more during the day, so that we both can get a better sleep? Or is it too early? The baby feeds for quite a long time too. And would only sleep in my arms, when I try to put the baby to Moses basket wakes up and all over again...

I always find that if you feed every 3 hours during the day even if you have to wake your baby then it can help them sleep longer periods during the night. Also getting the right balance of sleep and play time during the day will help. baby gyms and bouncy chairs are perfect for play time after feeds.

Co-sleeping seems to be a topic of great debate amongst health professionals. What are your views?

SIL is just about to have a baby and has no experience of colic and the nightmare that causes for most parents (and babies) during the first three months or so. What do you think colic is and how do you advise parents to deal with it - grin and bear it, or is there a way to work thro' this time with baby kept as calm as possible?

Colic is a word that is used a lot again it usually happens early evening and can cause a lot of distress for you and your baby. Many people find that infacol helps but it must be given before every feed in order for it to work. I have used a little cooled boiled water which can help? but again I revert back to good burping after each feed. walking up and down a flight of stairs can also help? try to keep your baby calm and sooth with your voice...

Hi Vickie

I'm aware that our hour is up. Perhaps you would like to answer one more question 'live' and then answer any still-to-be-answered ones in your own time?

I am not really a fan of co-sleeping. It is very easy when you are so tired and if you happen to feed in bed its all too easy to have a cuddle and keep her with you especially as you know that by being next to you she will sleep. So when asked that is my personal opinion but many parents enjoy and want to co-sleep with their baby and I can understand that.

Yes of course very happy to answer a couple more.

Thank you, Vickie and Mumsnetters, for joining us this morning. Vickie will answer any queries not yet addressed in due course.

Enjoy the rest of your day.

My baby isn't technically a newborn anymore as is 15 weeks but I thought I would still ask for your expert advice!
My little one was sleeping through beautifully from 7.30-5 but the past few nights wakes up at about 9pm screaming and crying and just wants to be comforted by me and she sobs back off to sleep eventually at about 10.30. I've read about night terrors or sleep regression so could this be it and is there anything I can do?

Could your baby be teething? Have you noticed a slight sore bottom or lots of drooling and the desire to put everything in her mouth? teething can begin as soon as 12 weeks. Of course pain is always worse at night time I have heard of sleep regression but I think night terrors are usually older children. a cuddle and some reassurance is always a good idea.

Hi Vickie, Do you have any tips on introducing a new baby to older children who will be aged 2 and 3 when the baby arrives. Any other tips/miracles gratefully received. Thanks I'm off for BP check but will be back later

Always a good idea to include siblings when you have a new baby. Bath time is a lovely way to involve them and under supervision they can assist in nappy changes and choosing the baby clothes in the morning. Its really hard when new babies look so fragile and you want to protect them, but try to encourage the odd kiss on the head or a tickle on the toes.

As a PS to this webchat, on the subjects of baby slings and co-sleeping (both of which generated questions), Mumsnet HQ, in a most timely fashion, has come up with reviews on the former and clinical guidelines on the latter:

Baby slings

Co-sleeping