baby health Archives - ABC Magazine

Nov 18

Why toilet training a year earlier is an urgent issue

By Iain Boyle baby health, Childcare and Nannying, children's health, Health, special educational needs, Wellbeing

Toilet training children a year earlier could solve a host of issues in the education and health service and improve children’s overall health and wellbeing – so why aren’t policymakers pushing forward measures to support families doing it sooner?

ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity, with support from Kindred Squared and Jodie Gosling MP, recently hosted a Parliamentary roundtable discussion bringing together key stakeholders in early years, education and children’s health and social care, to discuss the huge impact delayed toilet training is having on children’s lives. The discussion centered around the significant opportunities that exist to improve children’s health, social care, education and wellbeing by toilet training earlier.

The charity is pushing for clear guidance around toilet training, greater benchmarking of children’s progress, and standardised training for professionals supporting families in early years (including health visitors and early years practitioners).

Over the last two generations, the average age that children are being toilet trained in the UK has risen from 12-18 months, to an average of around three or even four years today. Later toilet training increases the risk of developing wetting and soiling issues later and also prevents the early identification of bladder and bowel problems.

The impact is profound across education, health and social care:
• A staggering 1 in 4 children start school still not toilet trained.
• 90% of teachers have at least one child in their class who is not fully toilet trained.
• On average 2.4 hours of teacher time is lost every day supporting children who are not school ready to catch up – directly affecting educational outcomes for all children in the class and hampering the Government’s mission to ensure children start school ready to learn.
• Hospital admissions for childhood constipation (which can be exacerbated by delayed toilet training) have increased by 60% over the past decade (over 44,000 children last year).

The charity argues that if children were toilet trained a year earlier, it would improve outcomes for children, save children’s health and education services time and money, and reduce the environmental impact of nappies going to landfill. The potential positive impacts are significant:
• Reduce the social and emotional impact of delayed toilet training on the child: Two thirds of teachers (65%) and 58% of parents agree that not being ready for school when starting Reception could have long term impacts on a child’s success in later life. Ensuring they are toilet trained well in advance of starting school means they’re less likely to feel embarrassed or be ostracized from their peers, which can have a profound effect on their early days in school.
• Better education: If they didn’t have to deal with children who weren’t toilet trained, teachers could save up to 456 hours – that’s around 10 days of extra teaching time they could spend focusing on improving children’s education over the academic year.
• Better health: There is a link between delayed toilet training and childhood constipation. Currently 1 in 3 children suffer from constipation. In a single year, the NHS spent £168 million treating constipation.
By preventing a number of children from suffering from this, it could also save the NHS a significant amount. The cost of treating constipation is equivalent to funding 7304 newly qualified nurses for a year.
• Better for the environment: It’s estimated that the average child uses between 4,000 and 6,000 disposable nappies before they are toilet trained, and the UK disposes of around 3bn disposable nappies annually. If every child was toilet trained one year earlier, we could save between 5.3bn – 7.1bn nappies from going to landfill.
• Cost savings for parents: Parents in the UK can expect to spend approximately £1,000 on disposable nappies per child from birth to toilet training. This translates to about £400 per year for disposable nappies. So by toilet training earlier, they could save themselves up to £400 – that’s equivalent to about two weeks of nursery fees in some parts of the country, or perhaps a UK family holiday.

Siân Wicks, CEO of ERIC, The Children’s Bowel & Bladder Charity said: “ERIC calls for children to be toilet trained a year earlier. We have reviewed the evidence base, examined the impact on the child and family that delayed toilet training has. It is time to reduce the stigma. It is essential that we raise the profile of this debate. We are calling for clear national guidance, both for families and professionals, particularly for those who support children in early years.There has been clear guidance on issues like breastfeeding and sleep, but not on toilet training; yet, as we’ve seen, this is causing a host of issues that are costing families, society and the government dearly. There needs to be a greater sense of collective responsibility for children’s bowel and bladder health, and all stakeholders across government, children’s health, education and social care need to work together to support families to reach this milestone sooner.”

Felicity Gillespie, Director of Kindred Squared said: “Our research shows that parents are keen for clear, simple and evidence-backed advice. That’s why we’ve worked with the early years sector to produce startingreception.co.uk. The medical evidence is clear; unless there is a diagnosed medical need, children are best served by being out of nappies between 18 and 30 months. We welcome Eric’s efforts to spread this information as widely as possible!”

Jodie Gosling, MP, said: “Too many children are starting school feeling anxious, isolated, or even ashamed – simply because they haven’t been supported to reach a basic developmental milestone: being toilet trained. The removal of Sure Start provision has left families without the necessary infrastructure to learn and thrive. This isn’t just about nappies. It’s about dignity. It’s about confidence. And it’s about giving every child the best possible start in life. We’ve heard today how delayed toilet training is affecting not just individual children, but their families, entire classrooms, our NHS, and our environment. The evidence is clear – and the cost of inaction is too high. This is an issue that requires urgent, coordinated action. We need clear national guidance, better training for early years professionals, and a shared commitment across government to support families in reaching this milestone sooner. Because when we help children thrive from the very beginning, we all benefit.”

Alison Morton, CEO of Institute of Health Visiting, said: “Gaining mastery of your own bladder and bowel function is an important milestone in a child’s development. However, toileting practices and advice have changed over the years, and are heavily impacted by marketing tactics to delay toileting and prolong the use of nappies under the guise of ‘waiting until children are ready’. This has a human, financial and environmental cost. I encourage all professionals to maintain high expectations for the ability of all children, including those with disabilities, to achieve the skills for toileting. Unnecessary delays and low expectations are limiting children’s life chances and can have lifelong consequences. Getting this right is not really a choice, it is fundamental for children’s dignity, safety and quality of life”.

For further information please visit www.eric.org.uk

Nov 18

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The silent sugar surge – and how parents can help their children eat smarter

By Iain Boyle baby health, Education, Exercise, family, Food & Eating

by Monica Price
Nutritional Therapist

Being a parent can be full of challenges – especially when you have to start navigating food for your children. When you step into any supermarket you’ll be surrounded by brightly packaged snacks, ‘low sugar’ yogurts, cartoon-covered cereal boxes, and juice pouches that claim to be ‘healthy’ or ‘natural’. But behind the clever marketing lies a harsh truth because many of these convenience foods are packed with hidden sugars and they’re contributing to a worrying trend of the rise in childhood obesity and early years health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and even liver problems.

Sugar isn’t just in sweets. It hides in cereals, granola bars, yogurt, flavoured water and juice, pasta sauces, ketchup, snack packs and shop bought ready-made meals.

Many of these foods are marketed to look like the healthy choice – but even a ‘no added sugar’ fruit snack can have as much sugar as a small chocolate bar.

The UK NHS recommends no more than 19g (about five teaspoons) of free sugars per day for children aged four to six. Some popular children’s yogurts contain more than that in one pot.

So what can you do?
Making healthy food choices for your child doesn’t have to mean cutting out all treats or spending hours in the kitchen.

It’s about education, awareness of food and making small changes to their diet that make a big difference over time.

My top five tips are:
1. Learn to read food labels together
Turn your shopping trip into a mini scavenger hunt – teach your child to spot sugar on labels. It hides under many names, including:
• Glucose
• Fructose
• Corn syrup
• Honey
• Fruit juice concentrate

Aim for foods with less than 5g of sugar per 100g for everyday choices.

Top Tip: If sugar is listed in the first three ingredients – it’s a red flag so avoid it.

2. Reduce sugary snacks
Total sugar bans can lead to obsession or secret snacking for a child so instead:
• Save sugary treats for special occasions, like birthdays or weekends
• Offer fruits, nuts, cheese, or oatcakes as after-school snacks
• Use words to explain to your child so they can understand.

Children learn by repetition and routine. The more you offer better options, the more likely they’ll get used to them.

3. Cook together and talk about food
Children are far more likely to try something if they have helped make it.
• Get them to wash vegetables, stir sauces, or choose toppings
• Talk about where food comes from – what grows in the ground, what animals produce and how it ends up on their plate
• Try growing herbs, tomatoes or lettuce at home or in a pot on a windowsill

This helps them connect food with health and gives them ownership over their choices.

4. Offer variety without pressure
We often fall into the habit of rotating the same four or five meals and snacks our children claim they like, but start to introduce different foods to encourage a healthy gut, stronger immunity and lower sugar cravings.

Don’t stress if your child doesn’t take to a new food right away. It can sometimes take up to 10 -15 tries before a child accepts something new.

Top Tip: Put new foods next to familiar ones instead of replacing them. A few slices of raw pepper beside their usual sandwich for example.

5. Choose water first
Juice, squash and fizzy drinks are the biggest sources of unnecessary sugar for children.

Even 100% fruit juice, while natural, is high in sugar and lacks the fibre whole fruit offers.
• Make water the default drink
• Try adding fresh fruit, cucumber, or mint for natural flavour
• Save juices and fizzy drinks for occasional treats – not as a daily habit.

Remember you are not alone – it’s OK if your child doesn’t eat kale or quinoa – what matters is that you are teaching them to understand what healthy food is, to empower them as they grow older to make informed choices.

You are then setting the stage for life long healthy eating habits – and that is one of the greatest gifts you can give to your child.

Monica Price is a qualified Nutritional Therapist, Writer and Broadcaster. She is the go-to expert for health and wellbeing on national television and radio stations across the UK.

www.monica-price.co.uk

Aug 08

Love0

Summer safe sleep tips

By Iain Boyle baby health, Childcare and Nannying, Health, Safety, sleep

by Isabel Kaye
Norland Nanny

As temperatures rise in the summer, parents need to take extra steps to keep their babies safe and comfortable during sleep. Overheating is a significant risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), and young babies cannot regulate their body temperature as efficiently as adults. Here, we provide essential tips on ensuring your baby sleeps safely and comfortably in the warmer months, covering everything from room temperature to sleepwear choices.

1. Keep the room at an optimal temperature
Maintaining the right room temperature is one of the most important steps for safe sleep. Experts recommend that a baby’s sleep environment be kept between 68-72°F (20-22°C). This range helps prevent overheating, which is linked to a higher risk of SIDS.

Here are some ways to keep the nursery cool:
• Use fans or air conditioners: To keep the air circulating, a fan or air conditioner can be a helpful addition. Ensure that the fan is not blowing directly on the baby, but is angled to create a general breeze around the room. If using an air conditioner, be careful not to make the room too cold.
• Open windows for natural ventilation: If the weather allows, open a window to let in a cool breeze. However, make sure that the crib is away from any open windows, and that the baby cannot reach blinds or curtains.
• Monitor temperature with a thermometer: Use a room thermometer to ensure that the temperature remains in the safe range, especially at night when it may fluctuate.

2. Dress the baby in lightweight, breathable clothing
The choice of sleepwear is crucial for keeping a baby comfortable. Overdressing or bundling a baby too tightly can lead to overheating, so it’s best to keep clothing light and breathable:
• Choose natural fabrics: Natural, breathable materials like cotton or bamboo are ideal for baby sleepwear. These materials are soft on the skin and allow air to flow, which helps with temperature regulation.
• Avoid over-bundling: In warmer months, a single-layer cotton onesie or a light sleep sack designed for summer may be all a baby needs. Avoid heavy pyjamas or fleece, as these materials can trap heat.
• Consider a sleeveless sleep sack: If your baby uses a sleep sack, consider switching to a sleeveless, lightweight one for summer. This provides some coverage without causing overheating.

3. Skip all blankets and pillows
The American Academy of Paediatrics(AAP) recommends keeping the crib as bare as possible for safety reasons, especially during warmer months. Blankets, pillows, and stuffed animals can not only contribute to overheating but also increase the risk of suffocation and SIDS. Here’s how to make the crib as safe as possible:
• Use a light crib sheet: Choose a fitted crib sheet made from breathable fabric, like cotton. Avoid using heavy or quilted mattress protectors, which can trap heat.
• Avoid loose blankets: Instead of a blanket, use a sleep sack if your baby needs a little extra warmth. This will keep them safely covered without the risk of becoming entangled or covering their face.
• Skip pillows and bumpers: Pillows, crib bumpers and stuffed animals are not recommended, as they pose both suffocation and overheating risks.

4. Always place your baby on their back
Regardless of the season, placing a baby on their back to sleep is one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of SIDS. This position helps keep the baby’s airway clear and reduces the likelihood of breathing difficulties. To maintain this position:
• Lay baby flat on their back: Always start sleep time with the baby lying flat on their back on a firm mattress. Avoid placing your baby on their stomach or side, as these positions increase the risk of accidental suffocation.
• Use a firm mattress: Make sure the crib mattress is firm and covered only by a fitted sheet. Soft mattresses, bedding, or materials in the crib can create air pockets and raise the risk of overheating.

5. Monitor for signs of overheating
Babies can overheat quickly in warm environments, so it’s essential to watch for signs that they’re too warm. Common signs of overheating include:
• Sweat on the neck or forehead: If you notice dampness on your baby’s neck or forehead, it could be a sign that they’re too warm. Try removing a layer of clothing or adjusting the room temperature.
• Red or flushed cheeks: Red cheeks and damp hair can also indicate overheating. Adjust the baby’s sleep environment by removing excess blankets, using a fan to circulate air or dressing them in lighter sleepwear.

6. When your baby is overheating, there are certain things you should avoid to ensure their safety and comfort
• Do not use ice packs or cold compresses: Applying something very cold to your baby’s skin can cause shock and be too intense for them. Instead, focus on gradually cooling them down by removing layers or moving to a cooler area.
• Avoid cold water baths: A sudden drop in temperature could cause discomfort or even hypothermia. If needed, use lukewarm water for a gentle cooling effect.
• Do not overdress: Adding more layers or heavy blankets can worsen overheating. Stick to lightweight, breathable clothing and minimal layers until they cool down.
• Avoid direct sunlight: Do not keep your baby in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours, as this can quickly lead to overheating. Use shaded areas or protective covers if you’re outside.
• Do not ignore symptoms: Overheating can be serious. If your baby shows persistent symptoms or seems excessively drowsy, lethargic, or difficult to wake, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional immediately.
• Avoid overusing fans or air conditioning: While airflow is helpful, blasting cold air directly at your baby can be too harsh. Instead, ensure that the room is comfortably cool without exposing them to strong drafts.

Taking these precautions can help you cool your baby down safely if they’re too warm.

Isabel Kaye is an experienced nanny sharing daily tips, activities and child development insights on Instagram. Please reach out if you’re looking for parental advice and she’ll be happy to help Instagram name – tiny.team.adventures

Mar 04

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The importance of early years nutrition in nurseries

By Iain Boyle baby health, children's health, Food & Eating

by Ben Murray
Dukes Education Group Ltd

A key factor in healthier living amidst the cost of living crisis

As families across the globe grapple with the rising costs of living, including soaring food prices, the importance of healthy nutrition for young children has never been more crucial. For parents seeking a nursery place for their little ones, it’s easy to focus on factors like location, fees or availability of educational activities. However, one of the most vital components of early childhood development that often goes overlooked is nutrition.

Good nutrition in the early years sets the foundation for lifelong health, cognitive development and emotional wellbeing. This makes it essential for parents to prioritise nurseries that provide high-quality, nutritious meals and snacks for the children in their care. Not only does this support their children’s physical health, but it also lays the groundwork for long-term benefits that extend far beyond the nursery years. In the context of an ongoing cost of living crisis, where every household decision can feel like a balancing act, ensuring that children receive proper nourishment during these formative years is a wise investment.

Early years nutrition – the foundation of health
Nutrition plays an incredibly important role in the development of a child’s brain and body, particularly during the first five years. This is a period of rapid growth, when the brain forms billions of new neural connections that will shape a child’s abilities, learning and behaviour for years to come. Good nutrition can enhance cognitive function, improve memory and increase the ability to focus – skills that will benefit children throughout their academic lives. On the other hand, poor nutrition during this critical window can lead to developmental delays, behavioural issues and long-term health problems.

For young children, a balanced diet is especially crucial. The right mix of carbohydrates, proteins, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals helps fuel their growing bodies and minds. Studies have shown that poor early nutrition can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and other chronic conditions later in life. Additionally, a lack of certain key nutrients – such as iron, calcium or omega-3 fatty acids – can affect everything from the immune system to bone health, all of which are essential for a child’s development.

Nurseries as gatekeepers to healthy eating
For many families, nurseries are the primary place where children receive most of their meals. In fact, nurseries provide a valuable opportunity to expose children to healthy food choices early in life. However, not all nurseries are created equal when it comes to food offerings, and with the pressure of a cost of living crisis weighing heavily on many households, the need for nurseries to prioritise nutrition has never been more urgent.

Parents may not always have the time or resources to prepare fresh, balanced meals at home every day, especially when juggling work, household duties and other responsibilities. When looking for a nursery, it’s essential for parents to ask about the food provided, how it is prepared and whether it meets recommended guidelines for nutrition. High-quality nurseries should adhere to nutritional standards that promote children’s health and wellbeing and many will have policies in place to ensure that meals are balanced, varied and age-appropriate.

In fact, several organisations, including the NHS and Public Health England, have established guidelines for nursery meal planning, outlining appropriate portion sizes, the inclusion of food groups and the importance of variety. A nursery committed to early years nutrition should be transparent about how it meets these standards. This means offering fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy options while limiting processed foods, sugary snacks and foods high in salt and unhealthy fats.

Nutritious food and cost efficiency
Amidst the ongoing cost of living crisis, many families are looking for ways to reduce household expenditures without compromising the health of their children. The food provided by nurseries can be a hidden blessing in this regard. By offering nutritious meals on-site, nurseries can relieve the financial burden of having to provide and prepare healthy food every day. This is particularly important for parents who may be struggling to afford fresh produce, lean proteins or other staples of a balanced diet.

In many cases, nurseries that prioritise nutrition are able to source food in bulk, which can bring down the cost of meals. Additionally, well-run nurseries may even work with local food cooperatives or farms to secure fresh, seasonal produce at reduced prices. The result is that children can receive nourishing, locally sourced meals at a fraction of what parents might spend if they were preparing the same meals at home.

Moreover, good nutrition is often linked with fewer health issues. Children who eat balanced meals are less likely to miss time from nursery due to illness, which can further reduce the financial strain on families. Investing in high-quality early years nutrition may seem like a luxury, but it can actually save money in the long run by promoting better health outcomes and reducing the need for sick days or medical appointments.

Social and emotional benefits of nutritious meals
Nutrition also plays a significant role in a child’s social and emotional development. Children who eat well are more likely to have stable moods and energy levels throughout the day, which is vital for learning, play and interaction with peers. A balanced diet can help stabilise blood sugar levels, prevent mood swings and enhance emotional regulation.

For children in nursery settings, sharing mealtimes with peers is also a valuable opportunity to learn social skills. Nurseries that provide nutritious meals often foster a positive eating environment where children learn to enjoy a variety of foods, develop good table manners and experience the joy of eating together. This experience can create lasting memories and encourage lifelong healthy eating habits.

A wise investment for the future
As parents seek the best nursery options for their children, the importance of early years nutrition cannot be overstated. In a world where economic pressures are rising and every household decision carries weight, ensuring that children receive nourishing, balanced meals is a crucial step toward fostering healthier, happier lives. Nurseries that prioritise good nutrition not only promote physical health and cognitive development but also provide emotional and social benefits that will serve children well into adulthood.

By taking the time to evaluate the quality of food offered by nurseries and asking the right questions, parents can make an informed decision that ensures their child’s nutritional needs are met. In the context of the ongoing cost of living crisis, choosing a nursery that provides nutritious, cost-effective meals could be one of the most impactful decisions a parent makes for their child’s future. Ultimately, investing in early years nutrition is an investment in a child’s long-term health, development and happiness.

Dukes Education Group run both Hove Village and Reflections Nursery and Forest School in Sussex. To discuss opportunities at Hove Village please call 01273 037449 or visit www.hovevillage.com To discuss opportunities at Reflections Nursery please call 01903 251518 or visit www.reflectionsnurseries.co.uk

Dukes Education Group run both Riverside Nursery Schools and The Kindergartens in Surrey/London. To discuss opportunities at Riverside Nursery Schools please call 020 3475 0455 or visit www.riversidenurseryschools.com To discuss opportunities at The Kindergartens please call 020 7326 8765 or visit www.thekindergartens.com

Nov 06

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Doulas – what are they and what benefits do they bring?

By Iain Boyle baby health, Childcare and Nannying, Early Years, family

by Jo Slade
Birth and postnatal doula

Imagine being able to look forward to your birth without fear. Or enter motherhood and family life feeling calm and supported. This is exactly what a doula can help you with! In a time where it is so important to seek your own education around pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care, a doula can be beside you every step of the way.

A birth doula
A birth doula is a non-medical professional, trained to provide support to women and families throughout pregnancy and birth. They will get to know you during your pregnancy, and can provide evidence-based information and antenatal education about what to expect from labour and birth, as well as being on-call to join you when you give birth – whether at home, in hospital or at a birth centre – to provide non-judgemental, practical, and emotional support.

They can be instead of, or in addition to, a birth partner. Someone who is there for you (both), who knows you and what’s important to you, and can give you the confidence to look forward to, plan, and advocate for the birth you want – whether you are aiming for a completely natural experience, a planned caesarean, or something in between!

Studies show that the continuity of care and support that doulas provide can lead to:
• Decreased likelihood of a caesarean or instrumental delivery.
• Increased likelihood of a shorter labour.
• Decrease in use of pain medication.
• Increased likelihood of feeling positive about your experience.
• Decreased likelihood of feeding issues.

A doula can be a great choice for first time mothers and parents – helping to settle nerves and talk about the unknown, but also for subsequent parents, who maybe didn’t have the best experience of birth or the postnatal period the first time around and want to feel more informed and supported going forward.

The average price of a birth doula ranges from £500 to £2000. This depends on your area, the different services offered and the level of experience of the doula.

A postnatal doula
A postnatal doula is professionally trained to provide support to women and families following the birth of their baby. The postnatal period should be a time to slow things down, take time to recover and enjoy your new baby, and although wonderful, it can sometimes feel overwhelming, as it’s all so new!

A doula will visit you at home, support you with adjustment to life with a new baby and give you the confidence to find your own way of mothering and parenting. They can help with:
• Breastfeeding and feeding.
• Holding your newborn so you can rest or have a bath.
• Hearing and chatting about your birth story.
• Light housework.
• Preparing nourishing meals.
• Entertaining older siblings.
• Walking the dog!

The importance of feeling supported and cared for in what is sometimes known as the fourth trimester should never be underestimated – it can have a substantial impact on your health and happiness going forward.

A postnatal doula usually charges by the hour, with a minimum number of hours booked. Hourly rates can range between £15 and £30.

There are birth and postnatal doulas, and many that provide both services. Most doulas offer an initial meeting, either in person or via Zoom, to see whether you are suited to each other, and they will expect you to be meeting with other doulas before you make your decision.

Some reputable online directories you can visit to find a trained doula in your area are:
• The Doula Directory
• Doula UK
• Find My Doula

Investing – time, energy and money – into one of the most important days of your life, and the months following, is a powerful acknowledgement that you are worthy of support.

However, if cost is a prohibitive factor, there may be some funds available. For example, the Doula UK access fund and Doulas Without Borders.

Jo Slade is a birth and postnatal doula. She lives in Brighton and provides doula support to families in many locations across East and West Sussex. For enquiries or to find out more, you can visit her website www.thedoulajoslade.co.uk email: jo@thedoulajoslade.co.uk or call her on 07779 457640

Nov 03

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Food for thought

By Iain Boyle baby health, Food & Eating

by Sally-Ann Makin
Potter’s Houses Nursery settings and Makin Connections – Family Consultancy

Growing up I had a very tricky relationship with food. It still isn’t great now but I’m aware of it and I know my mind and body well enough to know when I’m making poor choices. I grew up in the midst of “There are starving children around the world” and a wooden spoon punishment if you didn’t finish your dinner. Many people my age had the exact same consequences to not eating. Sadly, it was the norm.

We know better now but I find many parents and practitioners that I meet through the nursery still use threats and negative language at mealtimes with children and I’m curious as to why I can’t seem to find any training on the adverse affects of the ‘sandwiches first’ attitude. Speaking to another parent Jamie-Leigh Nicholls, a child nutrition enthusiast, confirmed there was very little coverage on this – so here we are.

My relationship with food was something I never even acknowledged was a problem until I started a job as a nanny for a wonderful family and my employer just happened to be Dr Anna from ITV’s This Morning. At that time she wasn’t yet doing TV but she was still very much a Clinical Psychologist, primarily for children with eating disorders. I’d never even considered children would suffer from eating disorders but sadly it’s happening all around the world and some of the causes and issues stem from the language and attitude parents have towards food. Anna taught me to think differently when addressing my eating habits and slowly I began to find other coping mechanisms for anxiety than controlling myself with food.

I contact Anna for all manner of advice and regardless of how busy she is, she consistently makes time to support me because she is so incredibly passionate about children accessing a naturally healthy lifestyle. Some things I have learned from Dr Anna are: Children need to SEE us eating healthily and HEAR us speaking positively about food, they need to have access to a wide range of options and they need to be involved with preparing meals and see that cooking and eating can be so much fun. They need us to model healthy eating habits – children naturally mimic what they see us do and say, so showing them that you make good choices with food will encourage them to do the same. “Inconvenient truth” says Anna on her platform, “You can’t make your kids eat. You can’t force them to love fruit and vegetables and relish fruit. All you can do is model a good relationship with food, create an environment where food and eating are stress free, and meals are times of happiness, connection and bonding. The rest will come.”

Anna speaks about the deprivation effect on her Instagram – the deprivation effect is one of the main causes of cravings leading to eating disorders. Because you want what you can’t have, removing certain foods from your diet or your child’s diet has the opposite affect and instead of disallowing ‘bad’ foods, it encourages impulsive eating. An example of this is saying ‘no more sweets’ to yourself and to them.

Using food as a reward can be really detrimental to a child’s thoughts surrounding food and choices. Rewarding them with sweet treats for good behaviour, even rewarding ourselves with a glass of something at the end of a hard day, gives food moral value and makes us use food and drink to manage our emotions which was my issue and can be quite harmful. Children who grow up linking food with behaviour become adults who reward or punish themselves with food.

I think what we need to really be thinking about is our language towards food during family mealtimes. There is no such thing as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ food and labelling foods as ‘negative’ or ‘positive’ can give children a complex about their behaviour if they eat it.

In educational settings, hearing staff tell children to eat sandwiches first because they need the ‘good’ food before they are allowed to eat the ‘bad’ food can confuse children and cause them to question why their parent would give them ‘bad’ food. Allowing children a variety of foods to choose from and empowering them to make good choices promotes a healthier lifestyle for them and also inspire them to take a deeper interest in food and cooking. When this is then passed on through the generations, it can only be a wonderful thing. Surely better than passing the wooden spoon baton, right?

Jamie-Leigh says “We have an opportunity to create a generation of children and young people who have an amazing relationship with food.” She’s right; it is our duty as parents and practitioners to educate ourselves on the psychology behind how our thoughts and feelings towards food develop and not pass on the poor habits from our own upbringing.

If this has given you food for thought, do the research online, follow Dr Anna Colton on Instagram, talk to your friends and your parents and give some time to learning about the connection between our brain and our body and how we can support our children to be as healthy as possible.

Sally-Ann runs Makin Connections, Garden of Eden Preschool, Potters House Preschool and Blossom and Bloom Day Nursery.
For more information please contact her at sallyann@makinconnections.co.uk or call 07939 620934

Jul 02

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Why think homeopathy for your family?

By Iain Boyle baby health, children's health, Health, Wellbeing

by Ann Grain SDSH, R.Hom.Int.
Registered Homeopath

Being a parent can be the most rewarding and also the most worrying experience, especially when it comes to your children’s health and wellbeing. No parent wants to see their child in pain or suffering. But instead of automatically contacting your GP surgery, how about also considering an alternative?

Homeopathy is an alternative – it is a holistic system of medicine that uses highly diluted substances found in nature to trigger the body’s own healing abilities. As a medical system, it can provide useful support throughout the many stages of childhood.

Why choose homeopathy
There are many reasons why parents across the world choose this medicine for their family, including:
1. It’s safe
Remedies are highly diluted and therefore considered safe, making them suitable for youngsters who may be more sensitive to the potential side effects of conventional medicine.
2. It’s gentle
Homeopathy takes a gentle approach to healing. Babies often respond quickly to homeopathic treatment and these are easy to administer as drops.
3. It’s holistic
It treats the whole person rather than an organ or label.
4. It can be taken alongside conventional medication or as an alternative.

How does homeopathy work?
Homeopathy is highly individualised and as a functional medicine it comprehensively considers all aspects of your child’s health. It also seeks to focus on identifying and addressing the root cause of disease.

The homeopath’s task is to select a remedy/medicine which matches not only their physical symptoms, but also their emotional and mental characteristics. Each symptom may be one of many contributing to their complaint.

The remedy chosen by the practitioner is determined individually for each child in their specific situation; it is therefore not possible to say that a particular condition will always respond to a specific remedy.

Homeopathy is effective in dealing with a number of complaints – from symptoms of colic, teething, allergies, childhood infections, skin conditions to behavioural issues, tantrums – the list is endless.

A case study
A mother contacted me about her three year old son; he had now had a paroxysmal cough for more than four weeks – he couldn’t stop coughing at particular times of day and night. He was wheezing and he sounded breathless. The cough was keeping him awake and was causing him to vomit repeatedly. He was congested, couldn’t breathe through his nose. The medical advice was to take Paracetamol.

His specific symptoms and also his response to his specific symptoms (what made his symptoms better or worse) led me to one remedy. I gave him two doses and the message from his mother came back loud and clear – her son was no longer coughing at night, he sounded much better, no wheezing – “He was fine”.

What to expect
When you go to a homeopath, he or she will take your child’s case and will, from that, establish what the susceptibilities are, what stresses are most likely to bring about illnesses and what parts of your child’s body are weakest.

This better understanding of your children through homeopathy should further enhance your relationship with them and help you understand their vulnerabilities and how best to support them through difficult times.

The homeopath may also advise you to seek help from your GP if symptoms require further investigation, whilst continuing to provide complementary support with homeopathy.

As a parent, you want to provide your family with the foundation for a healthy and happy life. Homeopathy can play an instrumental part in supporting their growth and development – why not give it a go?

A brief history of homeopathy
The first known use of homeopathy-like treatment was by the Father of Medicine, Hippocrates, in the 5th century. The approach was then discovered by a German doctor, Dr Samuel Hahnemann, in the 1790s who was looking for a way to reduce the damaging side effects associated with the medical treatment of his day. In its present form homeopathy has been used worldwide for over 200 years.

Ann Grain SDSH, R.Hom.Int. is a registered Homeopath based in Horsham, West Sussex. www.thinkhomeopathy.co.uk
Email: ann@thinkhomeopathy.co.uk or call 07861 376 844.

Mar 24

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Data reveals over 200,000 Year 6 children are classed as overweight or obese

By Iain Boyle baby health, children's health, Food & Eating

Public Health England has recently revealed that tackling obesity is one of the greatest long-term health challenges currently facing England, as one in three children leaving primary school are overweight or living with obesity and one in five are obese.

According to these figures, a staggering 227,314 children aged 10-11 were classified as overweight or obese in 2021/22, a figure that has risen by 30% since the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2019/20, 172,831 Year 6 children were classed as overweight or obese before records were skewed during the 2020/21 Covid-crisis.

According to eating disorder experts at UKAT, (the UK Addiction Treatment Group) the number of children overweight or obese in 2021/22 was the highest count of overweight or obese children age 10-11 ever recorded, with figures going back as far as 2006/07.

Analysis of the new data by UKAT also reveals that the number of children in reception, those aged just four to five years old, classed as overweight and including obese rose from 91,723 in 2019/20 to 126,701 in 2021/22, a 38% rise since the pandemic. Those in Year 6 who are classed solely as ‘severely obese’ has risen drastically too. In 2019/20, 22,885 children age 10-11 were classed as severely obese. This rose to 34,818 in 2021/22 – a 52% rise.

There is concern about the rise of childhood obesity and the implications of obesity persisting into adulthood. The risk of obesity in adulthood and risk of future obesity-related ill health are greater as children get older. Around two-thirds (63%) of adults are above a healthy weight, and of these half are living with obesity.

Obesity prevalence is highest amongst the most deprived groups in society. Children resident in the most deprived parts of the country are more than twice as likely to be living with obesity than those in the least deprived areas.

Nuno Albuquerque, Head of Treatment for the UKAT Group comments; “Our concern is for the physical and mental wellbeing of children who are overweight or living with obesity. The health consequences of childhood obesity include type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and exacerbation of conditions like asthma, to name a few. But the psychological problems that come with obesity at such a young age include social isolation, low self-esteem and bullying, all factors that go hand in hand with the development of an eating disorder. We treat people aged 16 and over for eating disorders, and the vast majority of those began their unhealthy relationship with food during their childhood. For some, over-eating is not a choice, it is a progressive illness that worsens over time and can be extremely dangerous. These figures clearly show that children’s eating habits worsened during the global pandemic and as a society, we need to tackle this head on as a priority.”

For population monitoring purposes, children are classified as overweight (including obesity) if their body mass index (BMI) is on or above the 85th centile of the British 1990 growth reference (UK90) according to age and sex. For population monitoring purposes children are classified as living with severe obesity if their body mass index (BMI) is on or above the 99.6th centile of the British 1990 growth reference (UK90) according to age and sex.

For further information and 24/7 confidential help and support with understanding eating disorders please visit www.ukat.co.uk

Mar 14

Love0

Your guide to overcoming separation anxiety: Leaving your baby for the first time

By Iain Boyle baby health, Childcare and Nannying, family, Relationships

Baby separation anxiety is a real struggle for many parents. When the moment comes to leave your baby for the first time, your parental instinct kicks in. “Would my baby be safe?”, “What if something happens, and I’m not there?”, “Is my baby sad right now?” are only some of the questions that start spiralling in your head when you close the door and leave your baby behind, even if it’s just for one hour.

Although your baby is in safe hands, you can’t help but feel like your heart is breaking into tiny pieces, because you don’t know what’s happening with your baby every minute. Nevertheless, leaving your baby for the first time and getting over the separation anxiety is beneficial for both you and your baby. Baby brand, Nuby, explores how to cope with separation anxiety and make sure that your baby is safe and happy.

The earlier you overcome it, the better
Separation anxiety is normal and usually affects young children between the ages of six months and three years. It usually fades after that, but if the symptoms persist, it can have a long-term impact on your child.

The earlier you start practising leaving them, the easier it will be for them to get used to it and overcome any potential separation anxiety.

As a parent, you also might be suffering from some form of separation anxiety, so it’s important to take the right steps to leaving your baby for the first time.

Do it gradually
You don’t have to jet off on holiday the first time you leave your baby – this will cause turmoil to both of you.

Instead, practise being separate gradually. At first, you might dedicate a two-hour slot where you leave them in your house with their grandparents. It’s advisable that the first times you leave them, it’s with someone they know and in a familiar setting to ease the shock of separation. Later, you can start trusting a nanny or a childminder to take care of your baby while you’re away.

After the first trial, you can slowly start extending the time you’re away from them and even leave them at their grandparents’ and nanny’s house for a night or two. The more often you do it, the easier it will get.

Don’t hold onto the guilt
It’s normal to feel guilty when you first leave your baby. But just like in many other life situations, guilt is not a healthy feeling to experience. Even though it’s totally valid, try not to fall into the trap of self-agonising over the fact that you’ve left your child in the hands of someone else.

It’s something that you need to overcome, as it will help develop a healthy relationship between the two of you and not a co-dependent one. You’re teaching your baby to trust you but not rely on you for everything. Retrospectively, you’re learning that your child is its own person and will eventually grow and separate from you for much longer than an hour-long coffee break. So, the earlier you start the process, the better.

Give clear instructions
Babies have their own individual routines. Whether they like to have a snack right before bed to help them nod off or be read their favourite bedtime story, this is what they’re used to.

Your babysitter’s approach might not match that, so it’s important to communicate your baby’s precise routine with them. This will help your baby to settle and will ensure that there is no additional unfamiliarity and stress.

Pack a comforter
Before you leave, pack a bag of newborn essentials that will be at hand for your babysitter, and make sure to include a comforter.

While their main source of comfort, you, might be away, your babysitter can resort to their physical comforts. Perhaps your baby has a specific toy they like to cuddle or play with, or, for a newborn, they love being tucked in their cosy sleeping bag.

Prepare these items in advance, so that your baby can feel secure in an unfamiliar situation if needed.

Don’t sneak away
Easing your baby into the temporary separation is crucial. This applies to the moment your babysitter arrives and the moment you leave the house.

Dedicate some time to help your baby get used to their babysitter, whether that’s a childminder, a nanny or their grandparents, while you’re still there.

When you’re leaving, don’t just sneak away. Rather, kiss your baby and say a happy goodbye, after which your babysitter will immediately engage their attention and hopefully stop them from crying.

It’s also advisable that your babysitter picks up the baby right away, so that they feel secure in their hands and build a positive relationship.

Leaving your baby for the first time can be frightening, but it’s an essential part of the growing up process. Practising healthy separation from early on will ensure your child becomes its own individual and is able to be on its own.

For further information please see www.nuby-uk.com

May 30

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First aid for parents

By Iain Boyle baby health, children's health, Education, Safety

by Feola McCandlish
Daisy First Aid

Would you know what to do if your child choked, swallowed something they shouldn’t have, hit their head, was burned, had a seizure or fell unconscious? Would you know how to recognise the early stages of meningitis or a severe allergic reaction?

No parent wants to think about their child being harmed; but unfortunately accidents do happen and learning essential first aid skills can make all the difference in an emergency situation.

What is first aid?
First aid is the immediate treatment given to a person before medical help arrives. Your first actions while you wait for an ambulance can make all the difference and can sometimes even mean the difference between life and death.

There is so much to think about when you have a baby and it’s understandable that first aid might not be at the top of your list – especially when you are sleep-deprived and trying to figure out how to keep your tiny human alive.

Learning first aid can be scary, particularly when it is our own children we are talking about, but it doesn’t have to be. Learning first aid with like-minded people in a relaxed and informal environment can actually be a lot of fun.

Perfect for pregnancy
Did you know you can do a first aid class when you are expecting? It’s safe to do during pregnancy and it’s something you can tick off that ever-growing list of things to do! Learn with your antenatal group, friends and family.

Choking
Lots of parents, understandably, worry about choking when they are beginning to wean their baby. Did you know that babies have extremely sensitive gag reflexes, which are there to help keep your baby safe from choking?

When a baby is weaning it’s completely normal to experience a lot of coughing, gagging and going red in the face. A common misconception is that you will hear a person choking but you won’t; severe choking is usually completely silent. Knowing the difference between gagging and severe choking is really important, particularly when you are about to wean your baby. If they’re coughing and going red in the face that’s a great sign, we can usually let them work it out themselves; if they’re silent and turning blue they need our help.

Doing a first aid class can put your mind at ease when it comes to weaning your baby so you can relax and enjoy the process (and focus on cleaning the mess!) and feel confident that you know what steps to take if your baby does choke.

Not just for babies
It’s not just babies who sometimes require first aid. Once your child is mobile, a whole new world will open up to them; it’s an exciting time for them and you! Young children love putting things in their mouths. Did you know this is for sensory reasons? They have more nerve endings in their mouths than they do in their fingers so they find out more about an object if they put it in their mouth! But this obviously poses a choking risk.

Once your child is walking, running and climbing it’s normal for blows to the head to become a fairly regular occurrence (at least, they are in our house!) Would you know how to treat a head injury? And would you know what signs to look out for in a serious head injury?

Learning vital first aid skills gives confidence to parents and other child carers so that they would know what to do in an emergency involving their baby or child. All it takes is two hours.

Daisy First Aid teaches award-winning courses to parents, expectant parents and children all over Sussex in homes and public venues. They also provide OFSTED compliant courses for teachers and childcare professionals in local venues and private settings. For more information visit www.daisyfirstaid.com

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Why toilet training a year earlier is an urgent issue

Toilet training children a year earlier could solve a host of issues in the education and health service and improve children’s overall health and wellbeing – so why aren’t policymakers pushing forward measures to support families doing it sooner?