Baby Chat 34

My baby has refused the bottle                                                                                                                                  My 2 month old son has been breastfeeding well and is healthy. The problem is that he has never accepted to take formula from a bottle. I’m going to work soon and my worry is that my baby will not get enough milk. We have tried feeding him from the bottle in my absence, using expressed milk and have also tried using different teats but nothing is working. I’m frustrated. Please help.

You are on the right track having someone else feed your baby from the bottle. Keep offering the bottle using small amounts of milk and avoid forcing him to take it when he rejects it. Coercing him will only cause more stress for you and may worsen the situation. Introducing the bottle gradually will mean he is getting exposed to it and when the time comes to make the switch, it will not be something new. As for the teat, it is best to stick with what he is familiar with. The more the changes, the longer it can take for baby to settle into a routine. You will soon realize that he can quickly adjust once you leave him with the house-help when you go back to work. It is unlikely he will go for very long without feeding.

My toddler has a bad temper
My 3 year old son has an extremely bad temper. He bangs his head on the floor or even on the wall when he doesn’t get his way. It’s gotten so bad that I can’t leave him alone anymore because I fear he will hurt himself. He has now taken to biting and hitting himself. I have to physically hold him to stop him from injuring himself. I thought that he would grow out of it, but he hasn’t as this has gone on for about a year. I am deeply distressed. How can I stop this behaviour?

Temper tantrums are not uncommon in kids this age. More- often-than-not, the child does this to gain your attention. However, in some rare cases, it could represent some deeper anxiety or behavioral problem. Head-banging is an extreme form of temper tantrum and stems from the intense frustration children experience when they find it difficult to express themselves. While your concern is called-for, it is very unusual for head- banging, biting and hitting to cause any lasting harm. The best strategy is to stay firm and consistent and avoid giving in to his demands. Offering your child a reward or bribe will only encourage him to maintain his ways. If your child’s tantrums persist after four years of age, further assessment should be carried out with a psychological specialist.

My daughter often feels weak and faint
My daughter, who is in pre-unit, has been complaining of feeling dizzy and faint. She has even fainted at school. When we took her to the doctor, he found nothing wrong with her and suggested that we put her under close observation, and see if she will get better. She hasn’t. She is still complaining about the same symptoms. Our next appointment is due in two weeks. What can I do to alleviate her suffering in the meantime?

The problem may have something to do with low blood sugar. Therefore, try to keep your daughter’s sugar level as normal as possible. It is advisable that she eats foods that will release their sugar content slowly, causing a slower rise in blood sugar level. Such foods include whole meal bread, pasta, rice, potatoes and so on. Make an appointment with the doctor to rule out anything serious.

END: BL 34/6-7

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