Parenting information
Parenting Q&A
Should babies not watch TV?
Q: Babies are often captivated by the television, watching for an hour at a time. But with its bright colours and frequent scene changes, is TV really suitable for babies?
It's unavoidable that babies will enjoy watching television, and mothers can allow them to do so with appropriate supervision. In terms of time, it's best to keep it to half an hour per session to avoid prolonged exposure. This is because, firstly, it can affect concentration, and secondly, it can damage their eyes, increasing the risk of myopia. Current television programming is diverse, with various types of shows. Mothers should pay attention to selecting content suitable for babies, with an emphasis on educational and instructive programmes. At the same time, mothers can use this to encourage good behaviour. For example, they could agree with the baby that if they drink their milk obediently, they can watch television for longer. Conversely, if the baby misbehaves or doesn't listen, their television time can be reduced, using television as a tool for discipline.
How to deal with a baby who doesn't like to drink milk?
Q: My baby recently stops drinking after just a couple of sips during feeds and refuses even when coaxed, even pushing away the bottle. Why is this happening?
Some babies experience a picky eating phase around 3 months old, as they begin to become curious about the outside world. Even ordinary things can capture their attention, such as the sounds before a news broadcast on television. Because they want to explore external stimuli, babies forget their physiological needs and will resist when their mother or other caregiver tries to feed them, reducing their milk intake. Therefore, mothers can choose to feed their babies in a quiet room to reduce external distractions. Additionally, feeding them when they are half-asleep can prevent them from refusing to drink milk out of curiosity, which can improve the baby's milk refusal situation. In reality, as long as you pay close attention to the baby's weight gain and if it is in line with the growth curve, mothers do not need to worry too much.
Why is my baby's tummy often bloated?
A: It is normal for a baby's tummy to feel a bit bloated and make a slight gurgling sound when tapped. This is usually due to trapped air in their digestive system.
Many babies experience bloating, which is mostly due to colic. This can also lead to unexplained crying spells. As babies' bodies are still developing, their digestive systems are immature, leading to the production of gas during digestion, commonly referred to as "wind". While wind isn't a disease in itself, mothers should still monitor for other symptoms when their baby is bloated, such as vomiting, which could signal an acute illness. In such cases, a doctor should be consulted to check for issues like intestinal blockages. To help alleviate bloating, mothers can try to breastfeed as much as possible, as breast milk is easier to digest. If formula feeding, it's advisable to choose hydrolysed, soluble formulas that contain probiotics, which are also easier to digest. If a baby's bloating persists, you may also want to follow your doctor's advice regarding medication to help with gas.
Do breastfed babies need to drink water?
Q: I often hear people say that babies only need breast milk and don't need water. Is this true?
The composition of breast milk already contains sufficient water, so mothers really do not need to give their breastfed babies extra water. While water is important for the human body, consuming excessive amounts of water can be harmful and unhelpful to a baby. Therefore, mothers do not need to worry that a baby relying solely on breast milk will become dehydrated. However, if a baby experiences constipation, mothers can give the baby a small amount of water to help improve the condition. It's important to note that the quantity should not be too large, otherwise it may backfire and cause the baby to fall ill.
Source: Baby World
