Question 1

Does a newborn need extra water?

Accepted Answer

No. Breast milk and formula are over 80% water. Before 6 months, extra water fills the stomach, reduces milk intake, and in quantity can cause low blood sodium.

Question 2

Can we start solids at four months?

Accepted Answer

WHO and most national guidelines say six months. In specific circumstances, never before 17 weeks, and only if the baby can sit supported, holds their head steady, has lost the tongue-thrust reflex, and shows interest in food. Ask your paediatrician first.

Question 3

What exactly should the first food be?

Accepted Answer

Iron-fortified infant cereal, mixed with milk or water to a consistency that clings to the spoon but still moves. The reason is iron, not digestibility.

Question 4

Should we add salt? The food seems bland.

Accepted Answer

No salt before age 1. Infant kidneys handle sodium poorly, and taste preferences form in exactly this year — salt now means only strong flavours will do later. "Bland" is your palate, not theirs.

Question 5

Will finger food make them choke?

Accepted Answer

Gagging is not choking. Gagging is protective: the face is red, there is noise, and they push the food out themselves — do not slap their back. Real choking is silent and the face goes blue, and needs immediate first aid. Everyone who cares for the baby should learn infant choking first aid.

Question 6

They eat so much less than before. Is that normal?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Weight triples in the first year, then rises only 2-3kg over the whole second year, so relative energy needs drop. If they are on their own growth curve and in good spirits, no intervention is needed.

Question 7

When should toilet training start?

Accepted Answer

By signals, not by age. Dry for two hours, interested in the toilet, able to say they need to go, able to pull their own trousers down. Wait for that cluster and it goes much faster. Starting early usually just makes the campaign longer.

Question 8

Should they be learning phonics and arithmetic at five?

Accepted Answer

What actually matters for the transition to school is three things: sitting and following multi-step instructions, expressing their own needs clearly, and managing their bag and the toilet. Get those right and school will teach the content. It does not work the other way round.

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this page tells you what to do.