shaunag

Dried fruit good too.oat milk is low calorie, but high in calcium.not ideal from calories perspective, but if lo piling in otherwise should be fine.my lo loves it (even though she is tiny,it's better than spooning a supplement into her).you can get liquid calcium on prescription-my dietitian wrote to gp asking for them to prescribe-worth a call to lo's dietitian-they also have all kinds of helpful leaflets with calcium sources.good luck.

More recent research suggests earlier (from 4 months) weaning may even be better for baby,but the broadly available advice has not yet caught up. A paediatric gastroenterologist told me to follow my babies lead.ultimately as the parent you are the one that knows your baby best.the advice does seem to fluctuate lots though!i tried from 4 months, but lo only really got into food much later on...

Madmum thank you for making me laugh...lots! My God they are adorable. Make sure you write these things down somewhere for your lo to laugh at when they grow up! Have it ahead of me - mines just turned one...

Loads of good ideas above - my lo is a year and still not a spoon fan, other than in her own hand. She is managing to get the odd bit in her mouth but obviously not enough. Other tips I can think of are making whatever you normally make and rolling it into little balls that your lo can pick up. You can also make fritters from fairly mushy food by crushing cornflakes, rolling them in it and frying them in olive oil (my lo has weight issues so told to use lots of oil), but no harm for any baby provided its not all the time. Fish fingers are great and very nutritious. Baked beans, peas and sweetcorn all a favourite for my lo. You can also make tuna (in spring water or oil), mayonnaise, sweetcorn and baby pasta - sticks together so easy enough to pick up. Also, sticky rices such as thai jasmine mixed with other things stick together quite well. Scrambled egg is also easy to pick up if you make it with oil. Also, any eating out where there are other babies being fed with spoons helps get the odd spoon in! The other thing my lo always took throughout was the godsend that is ellas pouches - she has always sucked them straight from the packet (from about 7 months) and feels in control so a good (non messy!) thing for out and about if your lo likes it. Its so frustrating for Mum and Dad though, just coming out the other side of it now. Good luck! ps for your sanity learn to accept the total carnage that is left after meal times. One wear per item of clothing tops!

Thanks everyone - its really helpful to get some other perspectives on it as Im definately not being objective. Jennyh she is due to be a fulltimer - Im still wrangling with whether I can go back 4 days or not. LO drank a few ounces of milk today and refused her lunch but had a soldier of two of bread and a little banana at tea time so Im hoping its baby steps towards getting into eating there. I brought her lunch home and to my surprise she had 7 spoons at dinner time, and ate all around her for me! I cant fault the nursery - they have been trying incredibly hard with her, all the staff from all the rooms (and the cooks) know her and make massive efforts with her. They have tried to get her down for a morning nap, but as you say Monkey, if there is anything going on she just will not sleep. I spoke with her key person and the manager today and they are both confident that she is improving every day, with less crying and more smiles so I suppose we just need to persevere and fingers crossed I havent done any long-term psychological damage by sending her to nursery (always knew Mums felt guilty about things but never appreciated quite how stomach twistingly much). I never in a million years would have thought that I would want to be a stay at home mum, but reality means I need to work. Maybe in a few years if Im very lucky...

My lo has just started at nursery and its going about as badly as it can go. She has just turned one, and owing to her various food intolerances I had been breastfeeding her up until the beginning of December to prepare her for going to nursery. I stopped day time feeds but have kept up her night feeds (she still feeds through the night but I have a lot less milk so I think its for comfort more than anything else). Her feeding then started to go badly and I got her to eat fish fingers and scrambled egg and the odd tuna/sweetcorn mayonnaise, as well as ellas organics and bread, but that was pretty much it. She started settling in at nursery on 3 January, and as she was so hysterically upset I have had to take 2 weeks off work to try to settle her gradually (upping her hours little by little). However, we have only managed to build it up to 5 and a 1/2 hours, during which time she refuses to eat anything for them and drinks only tiny sips of water. I really need to get back to work next week, but obviously I cant if she is still not eating for them. She then eats ok at home, but she is missing out as I can only get so much into her before nursery and in the few hours after she gets home but before bed. To make things worse her molars have been coming since early December, though they have not yet appeared, but Im sure this is not helping her eating. She is having a nap after lunch time with all of the other babies but is not having her morning nap at nursery as the other babies dont nap then. Has anyone else been through this? Im starting to panic massively and it would really help to hear if anyone else has come out the other side of this...

I would suggest going to a breastfeeding cafe and trying out whatever they have and seeing which one suits you. I know Townley Road clinic had a breastfeeding cafe on a Monday morning at 10:30, and used to have a few different cushions, but my lo is a year old now, so maybe others can advise if its still on and/or other cafes that might let you try some out? I went for a my breast friend. Loved it. Hope you get one that works for you. Good luck.

Hi hellosailor There are also Merino wool grobags you can get - they are pretty pricey but apparently you dont need to wash them as often and as they are more breathable they should help prevent your LO getting so sweaty. Ive had my LO in one my sis gave me for the last few nights (as still cant get my head around the drop in temperature to move to the 2.5 tog ones!) and she has been sleeping well in that (and her vest and babygro) - she doesnt like to get too hot either. I also have a plug in radiator to try to keep the temp a bit more constant in the room. Good luck!

Hi HollieES Dont want to confuse things but eczema can be a sign of allergy to something in the diet. Im just flagging it because it took 3.5 months to diagnose my baby's dairy intolerance and 3 weeks to diagnose a soy allergy - she had other symptoms but was kicking myself I didnt get to the bottom of it sooner with the doctors - maybe worth querying when you next see your paediatrician. I know wheeziness is another allergy symptom...

Ever since my little one learnt to roll she immediately started rolling onto her front if I put her on her back, even if asleep (or if fast asleep would do so within minutes). As it just seemed to stir her and was obviously uncomfortable for her I now just put her down on her front all the time. I dont worry about it as she is comfortable that way and moves herself if I dont put her down that way - better to let them sleep!

Hi Alice My little one is on a wheat, soya, eggs and dairy free diet. Would you mind forwarding on any recipes you come across as we are up against the same issue. I sympathise completely! Many thanks ps my LO developed a soy intolerance when I switched to soy after being told to give up dairy (she is still bf) - if you are using a lot of soy/tofu just watch out for it in your little one (I was mistakenly told my baby had gastroenteritis repeatedly when it was actually a soy allergy)

Hiya I tried 2 sessions for my LO who also has reflux - have to say I had high hopes, but baby just got incredibly upset both times and for the whole day afterwards and with no improvement whatsoever so decided not to go back for a third session (they suggested 2-3 sessions would be needed to see any improvement). Have spoken o quite a few mums with babies with reflux and my sisters babies have it too. Ive been disappointed with what Ive heard about GPs from refusing to do anything to prescribing incorrect dosage. In fairness they cant be expected to know everything, but they are not supposed to prescribe ranitidine or omeprazole for under 1s as it is not licensed - they are supposed to refer you to see a specialist (which is what I did and is annoying because of the wait but the guy I saw really knew his stuff). The paediatric gastroenterologist told me to try giving up dairy which I did (as baby was exclusively breastfed at the time) and within 2 weeks her vomiting had stopped. She has since developed a soy intolerance so I have given that up too. It might be worth trying a dairy free diet if baby is breastfed and seeing how you get on (formula is cows milk too so gets a bit trickier). I would ask the gp for a referral to see a paediatrician. Luckily I had insurance through work so went to a paediatric gastroenterologist that specialises in reflux at Chelsea and Westminster. Oh, ranitidine went down really badly with baby and so she is on omeprazole. To be honest you wouldnt know she had reflux (she is now 6 months) that is how effective the meds have been. Oh, and it peaks between 4-6 months so be prepared. If you want to chat about it feel free to pm me. Good luck S x

Hi ladies we can make it today too. See you at 3! x

Hi ladies I have not been along since Chloe was born but can actually make it tomorrow. Will tag along and meet all the little ones if thats ok? Have been trying to come for ages! See you tomorrow. Shauna and Chloe

Hi Vickster Think I met you at winter babies club. My little one was the exact same and she has reflux - it is exhausting. She only started demonstrating pain symptoms at about 14 weeks. Will you be meeting up tomorrow, in which case will chat about it, otherwise pm me and can meet up anytime. xx

Hi SG Hope things have improved with you. C had a fantastic 30 minute feed last night and kept it down. Think we are starting to turn the corner as her breathing is much improved, but she threw up her last feed (which was expressed so upright feed) and followed it by a 3 min feed so we are still not yet out of the woods. I am looking forward to having a congestion free baby. Neither of us will be able to stand this for much longer...C is already on infacol with every feed for colic so in her case its not gas. I also took her back to the gp yesterday and again was told she needs to get through it but to have a low tolerance in bringing her back if there are any changes - so we are right to be concerned about them... Hope your little man is breathing clear v soon. Shauna

Oh Dear. Hope your little one is ok too. I had a total panic yesterday as C has not been feeding particularly well either - she then had an amazing feed at around 6 and then proceeded to throw up the entire thing in spectacularly dramatic fashion (5 or 6 projectile vomits full of mucous) (of course all over me, the freshly changed bed sheets, duvet etc.) She was then totally starving but I was empty so had to resort to her first formula top up. This went down a treat as she could have it mostly upright so no throwing up after. I have since been trying to breastfeed her semi upright and although awkward she at least seems to be keeping what she does take down. If this continues much more I may just have to express and try a little on the breast but mostly bottle feed. Maybe you could try formula top up Supergolden not ideal I know but I was amazed at how quickly C picked this up and it was total peace of mind to see 3oz of fluid go into her... Let me know how you get on with the GP - like I said I have been to the GP twice over this - they have not been overly concerned and told me a week isn't very long for her to have a cold. Joy. I was mostly concerned on whether it was more serious than a cold or if it had spread to her ears (it had not). I mentioned re feeding being affected and they just said to feed her little and often. If they offer you any wisdom/new things to try I would be very keen to know what they say. Im just going to molly coddle her until this goes away. Will be thinking of you and your little one. Shauna

Hi ladies and little ones Chloe has a v bad cold so we wont be able to make it today - have a lovely time! Fingers crossed for next week...Hope all are well and will be thinking of the ladies that are due around now. Best wishes Shauna and Chloe

Supergolden I am right there with you - my little one is only 3 weeks old and she has had nasal congestion on and off from birth. Apparently she now has a cold - we have been to the doctor twice and have been assured that she will get through it but it will take time. I got a humidifier yesterday and have spent the whole day today in the bedroom with the humidifier on - I took her downstairs for 30 mins and her breathing got really bad again so we are going to stay in the bedroom until the situation improves. Poor little thing. I know exactly how you feel it is totally heartbreaking like nothing else watching and listening to them struggle for breath. My little one also has green mucus - we were assured that this is from her cold. I hope your little one improves soon - we cant use many of the vapour-type products as she is too young. The only one we can use are the Calpol saline nasal spray which is nice and gentle but doesnt do a great deal (it was great when there was much less mucus). I have found lying her on her side helps a lot - maybe you could try this? You need to put a pillow behind her and then roll up a cellular blanket to put under her arm at the front so she doesnt roll over. You will also need to make sure to swap sides throughout the night so her arm doesnt get sore. I also have a wedge pillow under her mattress in her moses basket - she tolerates this for a little while too. Hope this helps and hope both babies are better soon...

HI ladies Sorry I missed it too. Chloe is a bit mucosy and vomiting up a lot of her feeds today - thought it best not to risk the other little ones catching whatever it is. Penny Chloe was 1 day early by the date they gave me after my scan, but by my dates she was almost 3 weeks late! The MW that delivered her said she was at least a week overdue, and my mum (mother of 8) reckons she was about 2 weeks overdue, so her actual due date is a bit of a mystery, but somewhere between 18 Dec and 7 Jan! Best of luck to those due in the next few weeks - will be thinking of you! Will do my best to make the next one - could really have done with some grown up conversation today (have not left the house for 2 days - cabin fever is not the word!) Shauna x

Hi all My little one arrived on 6 January - hence the no-show on the 8th! We have named her Chloe. We hope to make it along tomorrow at 3 to see everyone too. Hope all are well...Looking forward to meeting the little people! Shauna x

Hi all I can make this Sat too. Due on Friday though so count me as a tentative! Debbie and Emma congratulations on the arrival of your little ones - hope you are keeping really well. Green and Blue good for me. Does 10:30 suit people? Looking forward to catching up. Shauna x ps on maternity leave now so around during the week too!

Hope everyone is keeping well. I cant make it on Sat as I have my NCT class all day on Sat. Have a lovely time everyone and hope to make the next one! Shauna

I will be a bit late, but will pop in to say hello. Toddlers are not allowed upstairs at Le Chandelier, but we could go downstairs or change venue? Hope everyone is well. Shauna

December 6th - Uptime (first) - Surpise December 11th - cazbee - Blue! December 15th GP - don't know what flavour ! December 20th - Vanessa3 (no 2) - Surprise January 5th - Emma CC no.2 - surprise January 7th - Shaunag - Pink! January 15th Candj (no.3!) - Blue January 15th - Lou (no 2) - Surprise January 17th - Littlebelka (no 2) - pink January 22nd Fmay (no.2) - Pink January 24th Penny - Don't know. January 25th sylviamaria - don't know January 26th Vickster (no. 2) - Pink January 26th CLH (no. 2!) - Pink February 5th - Kirsten - Blue February 18th KathG - Blue I can do this Sat - see you at 10:30 at Le Chandelier!