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Hip Dysplasia: The Facts
Dysplasia of the hip in babies is relatively common, especially in girls. It is more likely in babies who are breech births, in twins, or ones who have a reduced volume of amniotic fluid in the womb. It also runs in families. Medical staff dealing with babies are always fanatically careful about testing babies to make sure their hips are stable after they are born. Most of the babies with dysplasia are picked up in the first few weeks using a routine clinical test where, with the baby on her back and legs flexed at the hip, the examiner attempts to [...]
Not all Baby Carriers are Created Equal.
Q: "A question re carriers and hip dysplasia-my 2 week old daughter has been in a von Rosen splint since day 2 for left hip dysplasia and I am hoping she is in it for no more than 6-12 weeks. When she comes out do you have any thoughts re whether any particular baby carriers are best-I currently have a Baby Bjorn which I didn't use much for my first two children but had been thinking I might use it more for my third...I know there is talk that Baby Bjorns aren't good for hips but is this actually true? Thanks [...]
Baby Lead Weaning: To Spoon or Not to Spoon: That is the question!
I gave a talk at a conference a while ago, and the subject was the introduction of spoon and solid foods to babies. It went pretty well and there were a lot of questions in the Q & A session afterwards. Interestingly, most of them about baby-lead ...
Constipation after Spoon Foods: Act Fast!
“My 7 mo has constipation. She's breastfed and on solid. She eats lots of vegetables, fish, fruits and a little meat. I've given her pear puree and prune puree but they don’t seem to work. I recently had to apply a vaseline covered cotton bud to the inside of her rectum to help with things, and even then she cried and strained a lot. Her stool looks like it has blood and is hard.” If If your baby's getting true constipation (that is, hard, pebbly, rabbit-pellet stools, not just infrequent ones) after solids have been introduced, [...]
Swaddling: Mostly Pros, Few Cons.
Many thanks for looking after our baby Hayden in Hospital and he will be seeing you again around 6 weeks. A question about swaddling, Hayden really likes to be swaddled, he will be 1 month old tomorrow. How long should we continue to swaddle him? I have read about some concerns after 1 month with interfering with mobility and development? What is your advice? D Done properly, swaddling is a useful and safe practice for young babies. It quite definitely helps to calm them and improves their sleeping pattern for a couple of reasons: The swaddled [...]
Don’t Look Back!
What would you say to people who regret some decisions they made with babies in years gone past? There is so much emphasis in getting these early years of parenting right. Is the '1000 days ' theory of any merit? We all learn so much through this parenting game, it's easy to find oneself looking backwards and saying ' I wish I could have my time again.'" A As they say “It is, what it is”. We all wish we could re-run our children’s early years to be more in line with modern thought. For instance, My [...]
Is it Reflux?… or Not.
Hi Dr Chilton, My 8 week old daughter is very unsettled and I believe she has reflux. I also have a 2yo and 4yo so know that all babies cry and they are all different. After a number of weeks of closely observing my baby (who is in the bed with me at night) I am sure she is in pain after feeds and being woken up by pain. My GP is very supportive and we have started her on Losec. I saw our paediatrician today (who I will never see again) and he said she has reflux (based on crusty milk [...]
A message about sugar
MMy 10-month baby goes to childcare and I have realised they give him jam sandwiches. I dont give him any sugar at home (apart from natural fruit...) so I was a bit shocked. What are your thoughts on the whole sugar issue? NNot everyone has received the news about sugar and considering that just about every comfort food we have is loaded with it, it’s going to be a while before the low-sugar story becomes mainstream, I’m afraid. Nevertheless I think you should have a quiet word with the childcare, and perhaps send him with his own food. Jam [...]
New Office Opening
I also consult at Bangalow, Northern Rivers. Babies up to 24 months. Available fortnightly for the moment. You need GP referral. At: Bangalow Consulting Centre, 44 Granuaille Road, BANGALOW NSW 2479 Appointments: Phone Tamara on: 0497 643 273 Fax: (02) 9650 4908 hchilton@babydoc.com.au
