Baby Chat 27

Send your questions to: babylove@integral-advisory.co.ke

Answers are provided jointly by our team of doctors

Our Team of Experts

Dr. Blasio Omuga, Lecturer, School of Nursing Sciences,
University of Nairobi
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Based at Doctors’ Plaza. Clinic No. 18, Kenyatta National Hospital

Dr. David Kiragu
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Based at KAM Health Services
IPS Building, 1st Floor, Kimathi Street. Nairobi

Dr. Njoki Fernandes
Resident Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Based at Kenyatta National Hospital

Our two year old child seems to be left handed. Her father has been making her use her right hand to ‘correct’ the situation. Is it okay for her to grow up as a left handed child?

Despite most functional items and equipment being made for the right handed, people who are naturally left handed still cope well with life. If your child can acquire competency in use of the right hand, it is alright. However, being left handed will not unduly compromise his life. In the process of training, do not strain the child.

My baby is ten months old and I have just discovered that she has bad breath especially in the morning. What causes this and how do I get rid of that?

Bad breath may be due to oral infection or unhygienic state of the mouth. It may also be due to any infection along the respiratory tract. If this bad breath persists, the best is to take the baby for evaluation by a paediatrician to establish the exact cause and modes of managing it.

When should I introduce my child to the fluoride toothpaste?

Every child’s growth milestones are different and unique from the others. So no hard set rules can be laid on the age at which you should switch to adult toothpaste. However, on average, a seven year old is able to imitate a parent’s way of brushing teeth. It is recommended that they be supervised until they are ten years old so that they do not swallow.

How do I discipline my 10 month old baby?

A ten month old baby behaves in line with natural expectation. You need to know your baby’s psychology, understand your baby a bit more and learn how to cope with his or her behavior. You can also try training your baby using acceptable skills. Do not cause conflicts with your child as this may tamper with the normal psychological growth and development of your baby.

My baby is four months old and she has hardly gained weight. What would be the reason? The other thing is my breasts are not full of milk though I eat a lot. Is there a reason why this is happening? How can I correct it?

There are several causes for your baby not gaining weight. They include: congenital and metabolic defects, poor feeding habits, infections, among others. You need to consult a paediatrician to find the specific reason so that management starts.

Breast milk production is stimulated by proper suckling by the baby. This stimulates the let down reflex. For milk production take plenty of fluids especially porridge. Then encourage breastfeeding ! as much as possible. The more this happens the more milk will be produced.

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