Many parents have ideas and 'principles' about dummies (pacifiers, soothers) and thumb-sucking and what they want for their baby.

You may feel like you're never going to dare go to the toilet shortly after giving birth, especially if you have sutures. But bear in mind that many women have been there before you and got through it, and we have all kinds of tips and help for you.

A baby carrier on your front or a baby sling are wonderful for carrying your baby in the first few months. Your baby gets to be close to you while you can move around more freely.

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.

Babies and infants are comforted by closeness and by suckling. Some babies are contented after a feed, while others want to suckle almost non-stop. Children differ and have different needs.

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.

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.

Coming home with a newborn baby and a row of stitches across your tummy is a huge adjustment. It probably hurts and you need to look after yourself so you heal properly. Here's some good advice on how to manage at home after a Caesarean.

Putting your baby on the breast sounds like the easiest thing in the world, but first-time breastfeeding mums can benefit from a little guidance on correct suckling technique and a comfortable breastfeeding position.

If you or anyone in your family smokes, your baby will be a passive smoker. Passive smoking is bad for babies in several ways.

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), or cot death, is rare, but apparently healthy babies are still found lifeless in bed, with no warning at all.

Whoops! I'm leaking milk. It's inconvenient and your breasts feel taut. Here are a few ideas on what you can do if you're producing too much milk.