Harry still enjoys his hanging door bouncer, and can now turn himself around with his foot. This clearly gives him great pleasure.
He continues to watch his big sister with interest, blinking rapidly as she rushes past him, and when she is being loud. He focuses intently when concentrating on the black and white designs in his baby books, and loves to follow the animals on his mobile.
Although Harry sleeps well on his back at night, he does not seem to settle so easily during the day, often preferring to sleep on his tummy in his raised play pen. This enables his parents to keep a close eye on him.
Together with his regular breast feeds, Harry continues to be offered a bottle of formula each evening. This seems to satisfy his needs, but he does not always take it readily. Harry is quite a 'sicky' baby who regurgitates mouthfuls of milk continuously, particularly when being winded.
Questions
1 Why are parents advised to place young infants on their back to sleep?
2 Harry's eyes are well co-ordinated, but some infants have a squint or a pseudo-squint. What is the difference between these terms?
3 What is the term used to describe the regular regurgitation of milk?
Answers to part 4 questions (17 June)
1 Mixing formula feeding with breastfeeding can help supplement a mother's milk supply, keeping an infant fully satisfied. At times, though, the infant may reject the breast, as feeding from a teat is often easier for them.
2 Most babies enjoy a massage. It is a tactile experience which involves close contact with their carer as they focus on each other and make eye contact. This enhances the process of bonding.
3 The DTP immunisation protects against diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough). The Hib (Haemophilus influenzae Type B) protects against one form of meningitis. Most infants have the meningitis C immunisation too.
By Sandy Green, an early years consultant and freelance trainer. She is also Harry's grandmother.