The working mum

The need to spend more time with your baby is especially true for the working mother. Quality time with your kid makes you 'feel connected'; make the most of your time with your baby with these suggestions:

• Spend extra time with baby. Get up earlier in the morning so you and baby can cuddle or play. Quality time together before the day begins benefits both of you.

• Learn about baby's routine at the day care. When you are home together do some of the things she does at day care; this helps make baby's transition from home to day care or vice versa, go smoothly.

• When at home, keep your chores like cooking aside for a bit and set time aside to spend time alone with baby. Hold her and talk to her about your day even if she can't talk, or get some toys and play. See this as your time to unwind. Establish the same interactive routine for both parents.

• If possible call your child during the day to say hi (if it doesn't upset her). Listening to your voice, she will feel connected to you.



Coping with your curious Baby


It is natural for your baby to be curious at this age.

It may not thrill you when he takes out your shoes from the cabinet, empties your wallet. To help you keep your cool, just remember he is learning about them when he gets into things. Your focus should be on baby's safety. Try the following tips.



Keep acceptable alternatives at hand.

If you make certain items available that will occupy baby, he may leave other things alone. Provide plastic containers, bowls and boxes. Put lots of interesting objects in them such as balls, measuring spoons, empty plastic jars etc. objects should be large enough so baby doesn't choke on them and will keep them entertained for a while.



Teach him to pick it up.

At this age part of the fun of playing is picking up afterward. It is not too early to teach him this valuable concept. He will probably enjoy helping you keep things back where they belong.



Eliminate dangerous situations wherever possible.

You might not think of the garbage can as a very dangerous place but it is. Take are what you throw away, such as razor blades, glass, egg shells etc. Don't discard them in such a way that baby can have access to them. Dispose such items properly.


Conversations with Baby

Whisper to get baby's attention. When you want your baby to pay attention don't yell at him. Get down to his level or pick him up and speak quietly. A raised voice sounds angry even if that is not your intention. Baby may think he is being disciplined for something he didn't do and may ignore you.

Use correct words. Save baby talk for occasional interactions. He needs you to pronounce words correctly. Use real words for made up words you may have used when he was younger.

Speak clearly and use short sentences. Baby doesn't comprehend long explanations or big words. He may stop listening because he cannot understand you.

Gently correct mispronunciations. It is common for baby to mispronounce words. He has a lot of words to learn! Instead of correcting him all the time, model the correct word for baby. For example, if he says 'googie' for 'cookie', ask 'Would you like a cookie?'

Stay positive. It is not fun to be corrected all the time. Provide baby with positive environment to learn and grow.