No matter the care you take, it's hard to avoid the skin on your baby's bottom getting red and sore now and then. Nappy/diaper rash, which in rare cases results in nappy thrush and weeping sores, stings and causes pain.

Lumps or knotty areas in the breast are not uncommon when breastfeeding, but if left untreated can progress to a painful condition in which the milk ducts became blocked or plugged; also known as 'caked breast'. Here are a few tips.

Do you have twins? Try breastfeeding your twins in different ways before leaving the hospital. Ask your midwife and the nurses for advice before leaving the hospital.

All babies cry; it's an important way for them to communicate. During the first year, crying is your baby's most important way of communicating and being close to you. If your baby is full, dry and comfortable, they may just want to be safe in your lap for a little while.

At this age, you can't leave the room without your child becoming anxious. It's time to start playing peekaboo.

We're often reminded about the importance of a varied and balanced diet for both children and adults. But what does that actually mean? Here are some tips about the nutrients, vitamins and minerals needed as your child grows.

It can be hard to find time for exercise when you still haven't got to grips with breastfeeding, sleep and a workable daily routine. But just as when you were pregnant, a tiny bit of exercise is better than nothing. To start with, pushchair walks and pelvic floor exercises are plenty.

Young children babble, make sounds and enjoy listening to the family talking. At around six months, your child will start using their own conscious sounds and at about a year old, they could say their very first words. When this happens it's usually a big event in the family.

If you are a single parent, a large, active social network is the best support you can have. It needn't be difficult to build up this network. Start here.

It is your baby that starts off the breastfeeding process with its appetite. Babies have a strong sucking reflex for the first few days, particularly on the second and third day after birth. Then your milk starts flowing. Your breasts feel engorged and the milk may overflow. But don't worry; your milk production will soon stabilise.

Suddenly your baby may be feeding constantly and not want to be anywhere but at your breast. Ironically, if baby suckles more than usual, to the point of bringing up the milk his tummy can't take, he will actually be increasing your milk production.

There is no universal method to get babies to sleep through the night without waking, but if baby's basic needs are met, you'll be well on the way to unbroken nights.