Most babies are ready to begin those first few mini-mouthfuls of mashed or pureed foods at around six months and will soon progress to a mixed diet of solid foods. By this age, babies need the extra energy, protein, iron and other essential nutrients that are found in solids in order to help them develop and grow. Your baby will also be progressing from sucking to biting and chewing – as many breastfeeding mothers find out!

Remember that every baby has individual needs, so don’t be surprised if your baby seems ready for solids a little earlier or later than other babies of the same age. Don’t feel pressurized by friends with young babies, or helpful relatives. Be guided by your own baby.

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Over the years more research has been coming out about the effects of spanking on the emotional health of children, as well as the consequences on their patterns of behavior. So far, a number of studies have suggested that it is actually counterproductive, and could foster more acting out on the part of the child.

There is a lot of debate over whether or not this is true, but with laws changing in many countries throughout the world (for example, most of Europe has a striking ban), it is important to look at alternatives to spanking, and ways that you can keep yourself from resorting to hitting as a means of teaching.

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We all worry for our kids. Sometimes it seems like there is so much around us that could hurt them that it can be difficult not to lock them in a sanitized bubble in a heavily guarded paddock. While there are some things you have every reason to be concerned about, and there is nothing wrong with a little caution, there are a few concerns that are far fetched enough to put out of your mind.

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