From the age of about 4 months, your baby can tell the difference between night and day. Now you can all start enjoying more regular sleeping habits. Now is the time to introduce bedtime routines and a teddy bear.

For both women and men, having a baby and becoming a parent is mentally demanding, existentially challenging, and an emotional rollercoaster. Having to cope with the upheaval and all the new thoughts that crop up, can lead to postpartum, or postnatal depression (PND).

Babies who smack their lips in satisfaction at a new flavour make most parents happy. But breast milk or baby formula are the best food for your baby during those first six months.

Both men and women can be affected by post-natal depression. It's not uncommon and it's a heavy burden to bear alone. The sooner you seek help, the better the prognosis.

What does it feel like when you breastfeed? Do your breasts feel taut and tender, are they leaking milk? Or is the opposite the problem - does your baby seem hungry and cranky?

For most parents, this is an intensive time when they fall in love with their baby. There is so much tenderness and intimacy associated with baby that sex may well be postponed for a while. However, any lacking libido, or sex drive, usually returns. Just be patient and keep the closeness between you alive. See the tips in the article below.

Your child's skin is soft and sensitive. So choose comfortable baby clothes, without environmental toxins or rough details. Several layers of clothing means you can regulate their temperature, so they don't get too hot or cold.

Colic is not really harmful. It tends to disappear by the time the child reaches 3-4 months. But taking care of a colicky baby night after night can be extremely frustrating and tiring for new parents.

It is easy to forget that your child's mood and needs will determine how you can spend your time during your parental leave. Any plans to do up your house, catch up with people at work and tend the garden during your leave may not be first priority. But just enjoying life is a very good idea.

Heat stroke and dehydration are potentially life-threatening conditions, particularly for young children. Kids can't control their temperature as well as we can, and so are extra sensitive to heat.

You'll soon be adept at changing nappies, but it's good to consider a few things from the outset.

Does your baby have spots, rash or dry skin? See below for facts and tips about babies' skin.