Your Baby at Weleda

YOUR BABY

At last, your baby is here safe and sound. Whatever kind of birth you had it was undoubtedly a powerful experience and one that you both need to recover from but you’re also immediately on call 24/7 as a new mum!

0-3 months old

3-6 months old

6-9 months old

9-12 months old

Back to Baby & You

0-3 months old

This can be a tricky time, as you try to juggle all the demands on your time. Getting to know a whole new person, possibly looking after older children as well as running the house, cooking cleaning etc. Of course juggling is an essential skill of a mother - but you must know your limits.

It’s vital to look after yourself now by eating a healthy, fibre-rich diet with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables to keep your energy levels up and to help you produce breast milk if you are breastfeeding.

• Breastfeeding your baby

This is an incredibly rewarding experience that helps forge a unique bond between you and your baby as well as providing loads of invaluable antibodies and perfectly balanced nutrition. There are no hard and fast rules but constant support, consistent advice and ongoing encouragement are vital to success. Our expert midwife Sharon Trotter has bags of experience here so read on to discover her words of wisdom.

Breastfeeding mothers should take extra care to avoid strong perfumes in personal care products. It is known that a baby can recognise their own mother by the scent of their skin and her milk so to mask this with unnecessary perfumes has the potential to disrupt the initiation and establishment of successful breastfeeding.

“I want to share with all new mums and mums to be, the following product. I was given Calendolon Ointment on the birth of my first daughter. It was a fantastic ointment for breastfeeding, it was great that I could leave it on my nipples unlike other branded creams, and sore nipples healed so quickly, with it I successfully breastfed for nine months. It has now become an ointment that is always in my change bag, ready to be used for all those little scrapes and cuts. Although is has been renamed to ‘fairy cream’ and in a way it is for it instantly soothes both the cut and my daughter”.

E. Frost, Ramsgate

• You may be feeling really tired

And is it any wonder, especially after all the euphoria has worn off and you try to get some pattern into your days (and nights) although bear in mind that your newborn is adjusting to a whole new life too so don’t get too anxious if early days and nights drift into one.

Products that may help:

Blackthorn Elixir – invigorating and strengthening, its natural action will help you keep up with this demanding time. Dilute with hot or cold water for a fortifying drink.

Find out more about sleep >

• Your baby may get tummy cramps or colic

Your baby has had the most enormous shock, not only of the birth that has thrust it into a bright noisy world, but also of having to feed in a completely new way so a little tummy pain is unsurprising in the first few months. If your baby seems to suffer colicky pains try and avoid foods such as cabbage, onions, leeks and pulses that are known to cause wind, when first breastfeeding.

Products that may help:

Chamomilla 3x Granules – soothing relief of colic in your baby.

• You’ll be changing the first of many nappies

As your baby’s skin is so delicate it’s easily irritated, so if your baby’s bottom is red looking (this will happen many times over the coming years especially when your baby is teething) try and let them spend some time every day without a nappy to let dry air at their delicate folds and creases and use a soothing cream when you change them.

Products that may help:

Calendula Nappy Change Cream – will immediately get to work calming sensitive skin with healing calendula extract and soothing chamomile as well as sesame oil, beeswax and zinc oxide that form a natural protective layer on the skin.

• You’ll be washing your hands a lot more

With the heightened awareness of extra hygiene that comes with a new baby, frequent hand washing can quickly make your hands dry. Choose a gentle natural soap or cleanser and a nourishing cream.

Products that may help:

Sea Buckthorn Handcream – is rich in natural vitamins and essential fatty acids for immediate relief of parched, dry skin. Quickly absorbed deep down it restores moisture to leave skin soft, smooth and supple once more.

Calendula Soap – to cleanse even the most sensitive skin.

Calendula Shampoo & Bodywash – if you prefer the convenience of a handwash.

Products you may need for your baby:

Calendula Oil or Calendula Body Lotion, for the gentlest daily care and baby massage, with warming sesame and soothing chamomile.

Calendula Cream Bath – protect from the drying effects of bathing with calendula, beeswax, lanolin and soothing chamomile.

Calendula Moisturising Body Cream – soothes and moisturises dry patches, even on sensitive newborn skin.

something just for mum

Your rest is vital to how well you can meet the challenges of your new baby, so let the housework slide a little and sleep (or at least relax) when your baby sleeps. And try to make the time to gently massage Calendula Oil into your tummy and breasts a couple of times a day, as the precious oils will help restore vitality and tone to stretched skin.

3-6 months old

By now you and your baby may have developed more of a routine. Of course something new inevitably comes along to change it but in general you’ll probably begin to find a rhythm that works for you and your new family.

Every baby is an individual and so their development will be wholly unique but there are some things that often happen during this period as your baby becomes more physically and mentally aware.

Around now, they will begin to recognise your face and voice and turn towards it. They will soon be able to follow a moving object and start to explore things with their fingers so, toys of different textures are great now. They will stretch and kick their legs, too, be able to push their head up when on their tummy and soon sit with support. And of course, your heart will melt with their first of many smiles!

• You’ll be making a splash at bathtime

In the beginning there’ll be so many demands on your time that you may not have time to give your baby a bath every day. Anyway, they generally don’t get that dirty, except for their bottom, so a daily top and tail wash is often enough. Plus lots of washing can affect the natural balance of oils in their skin. Now as things settle down a bit, make the time for one or two baths a week of warm water 36.5-37°C is ideal (a bath thermometer is handy to check).

Products that may help:

Calendula Cream Bath – added to the bath water will gently cleanse the skin and hair if necessary in the first few months.

Calendula Shampoo and Body Wash – use when your baby gets a bit older and more hair, with a little on a flannel to gently wipe over your baby’s head to freshen and clean before rinsing with water.

• You may be out and about a bit more

Even though there’ll be some days when you can’t seem to get out of your nightie or even wash your face (don’t worry it won’t last!), a simple walk can do wonders for both you and your baby. It may seem to take an age to actually get out of the front door, but you’ll invariably both come back feeling better.

”Carrying your baby in a sling could make all the difference (let dad have a go too) so you don’t even need to take a pram. The gentle movement as you walk will rock your baby to sleep and being so close to you will make them feel more secure so they will be less likely to cry.” Sharon Trotter, midwife and founder of TIPS limited.

Products that may help:

Calendula Weather Protection Cream is made specially to protect your baby’s delicate skin from harsh rain, wind and cold. Smooth onto hands, face, ears and lips before going out and the gentle oils will form a natural barrier on the skin while still allowing it to breathe.

• Your baby may have a sore bottom

Try Calendula Nappy Change Cream

• You may be beyond tired

A peaceful night’s sleep may seem like a distant memory - and probably the single most challenging thing that new parents struggle with - yet there are lot’s of different things you can try to soothe both you and your baby to sleep – and improve the quality of what little sleep you may have. See our special Sleep section

Useful medicines to keep on hand:

Arnica Ointment - for the treatment of bruises

Calendula Ointment - to treat minor scratches and grazes

Rhinodoron Nasal Spray - to clear the nose during colds

something just for mum

Because being a new mum is incredibly demanding, taking the time to treat yourself even in the smallest way is vital to your well-being and ultimately to how well you can do your job. Why not arrange for someone to look after your baby while you have a long soak, without having to listen for a little cry. Pine Reviving Bath Milk will fill your bathroom with the invigorating scent of pine forest, help restore your inner harmony and strengthen both body and mind.

6-9 months old

By now your baby is becoming increasingly aware of his or her world. However, there are no hard and fast rules about development, so don’t fret if your child does things at a different pace, the following milestones are merely a guide.

Your baby will probably start to want to do things for themselves like hold onto things, clap, sit more and ‘babble’ too. They will be more and more stable when sitting, although stay close in case they pitch forward or back.

They may start trying to crawl too – although some children never crawl, going straight to standing and walking instead a little later – either way anticipate dangers around your home and start to baby-proof potential hazards like sharp corners, sockets, stairs etc.

• You’ll probably enter the messy world of weaning

As your baby grows, they will be ready for something more than just milk around now. Your health visitor will have plenty of information on introducing your baby to solid food, but be prepared for inevitable mayhem.

Products that may help:

Calendula Baby Lotion is invaluable for gentle yet thorough clean-ups. It will sweep away food and stains from around the mouth (as well as hands, ears and hair) and with organically grown calendula and chamomile it will nourish and protect skin. A great alternative to harsh and drying wipes.

Find out more about weaning >

• Your baby may start teething

As teeth move in the gums for many months before they finally break through, your baby may dribble and frantically chew on everything they can get into their mouth, from their fist to your nipples. The first tooth is a painful but momentous event yet subsequent teeth should be gradually less troublesome.

“Tooth decay is caused by bacteria called streptococcus mutans which produce high levels of acid which in turn destroys tooth enamel. Good dental hygiene and visits to the dentist are important as soon as a baby’s first teeth appear. Unlike sugary drinks and formula, breast milk cannot damage tooth enamel.” Sharon Trotter, midwife and founder of TIPS limited.

Products that may help:

Chamomilla 3X Granules for teething and colic

Children’s Tooth Gel with biodynamic calendula this gentle gel will soothe sore gums and when the first tooth appears, natural silica will cleanse and protect. And because it’s free from fluoride, synthetic flavours, colours, preservatives and sweeteners as well as detergents and whiteners, it doesn’t matter if your child swallows some.

“I recommend Weleda’s Children’s Tooth Gel because it is very effective and yet totally natural.

As soon as your baby’s teeth start to come through, gently brush their teeth and gums twice a day using a pea size amount of tooth gel.

As soon as your baby has some teeth, take them to see your dentist. By the time your child is two and a half years old all of their milk teeth should be present.”

Dr Philip Wander BDS MGDSRCS FFHom, Homeopathic Dentist

• Your baby may have a sore bottom

Even if your baby is lucky enough not to have had nappy rash up until now, teething usually brings with it a sore bottom - which seems doubly unfair as they then have to cope with pain at both ends!

Try Calendula Nappy Change Cream

• You may be really beginning to feel the effects of broken night’s sleep

something just for mum

Buff, smooth and renew your body with gently exfoliating Birch Body Scrub. Natural plant wax pearls massage the skin and promote cell renewal while organic birch leaf extract purifies and detoxes.

9-12 months old

As your baby nears his or her first birthday they really start to find their feet– literally. As well as exploring objects by banging, shaking and throwing, they will start responding to simple words, repeating sounds and gestures and then - they will start to try and walk!

This is a new era and while some children may be walking before their first birthday others may be happy to crawl for longer. Whatever your child does, ensure they are safe as they pull themselves up and take their first wobbly steps but also be prepared for inevitable bumps and bruises.

Everyday scrapes and illnesses are part and parcel of growing up so, while you should always ensure your child is fundamentally safe you must also recognise that you can’t protect them 24 hours a day. Accepting this fact is a little easier if you have some simple remedies close to hand so you can confidently tackle minor problems.

• Your baby should now be used to regular tooth brushing

Although he or she won’t be able to brush their own teeth properly until they’re about three or four years old you need to establish daily brushing as soon as their teeth appear. Read what Dr Phil Wander says >

Products that may help:

Children’s Tooth Gel removes plaque and protects teeth against decay. The natural mineral silica gently cleanses teeth while biodynamic calendula works to soothe and keep gums healthy. And because it’s free from fluoride, synthetic flavours, colours, preservatives and sweeteners as well as detergents and whiteners, it doesn’t matter if your child swallows some.

something just for mum

With a little more time on your hands why not turn your attention to a pampering treat for your skin. After nearly a year of motherhood, it may be dry and out of condition. So why not make the time for a weekly facial in the comfort of your own home with our Iris Intensive Treatment Masque. With biodynamic extracts of iris root, cucumber and birch with jojoba oil and witch hazel it works to hydrate skin deep down with soothing moisture that will restore vitality, tone and impart an inner glow.