Ask a Baby Blogger: Common Questions

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

28 Feb 2009 10:38 PM

I thought I would take this time to answer some of the more common questions about babies, toddlers and preschoolers that I have been asked lately. Hopefully you will find answers to your questions here. If not, please ask away. I can be reached through the comments at the end of any of my blog posts, or through private messages. You may also see me hanging around the forums.

I also want to mention that the forums are a great place to get all sorts of advice from other parents and experts.

When can I give my baby water?

Babies of course do need liquid, but infants and young babies should not be given plain water before the age of six months unless it is under a physician's care. Usually though, for illness, your pediatrician will prescribe Pedialyte instead of water. Giving water to an infant can actually be fatal in some cases, and so can watering down formula. Babies of this age get all of their water needs through breast milk or properly mixed formula.

How often should I breast feed my baby?

Personally and professionally I think that feeding a baby breast milk on demand is the best way to go, especially for infants. Although there may be days when you feel as through you are nursing non-stop, nursing on demand ensures that your baby is fed and your breasts are stimulated to make more milk. Growth spurts are often proceeded by extra nursing as your baby's body gears up for the extra growth. As they baby gets older, you may want to consider night weaning, to allow for better sleep for you both. If your baby is a poor nurser or a heavy sleeper, you may want to schedule extra feedings. Talk to your pediatrician or a qualified lactation consultant.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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gmcof05 (116) 09 Mar 2009 02:55 PM

If a pregnant mom get sick, will it affect the babys body? In your opinion, what does Failure to Trive syndrome means?

Mary Ann Romans (26886) 10 Mar 2009 04:22 AM

That is a great question. Look for a new blog post addressing this issue soon.

gmcof05 (116) 13 Mar 2009 01:11 PM

between age 2 to 6, in your opinion what are some Nutritional foods that is good for their body? At what age is it good to start reading children books to your child?

gmcof05 (116) 18 Mar 2009 10:40 AM

hello Mrs. Romans, what does it mean when a pregnant mother have her baby a week later after the due date?

Gerald Cathey