The first time your child tastes food, even if it's only a tiny bit, be ready with the camera! You'll probably be treated to funny faces you've never seen before. Up to now, the only food your baby has tasted is sweet breast milk or baby formula. A new chapter in life is starting!

One of the best contributions you can make as a partner – both for yourself and your woman – is to be present and be prepared. To help you, we have put together a three-step plan for supporting your partner during labour.

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.

12 tips and recipes for finger painting and play-doh for creative kids who love making things.

This is a guide to travelling with young children – one of the greatest adventures of your life! From planning to departure, packing to sightseeing, expectations to reality:

It's best to childproof your home before your infant starts crawling or standing up. Go through the check list below to reduce the risk of accidents.

A newborn baby eats and sleeps, and then eats and sleeps again for the first few months. Establishing sleep routines may help all of you adjust in this early phase.

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.

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

Bonding simply means a strong emotional tie between two people who trust each other. According to psychologists, every baby needs to establish a strong bond with at least one person while growing up.

Heartburn can be an annoying problem as the baby grows and increasingly presses on your stomach. Here are some useful tips.

Whether you join a pregnancy fitness group or continue going to the gym, exercise won't only make you feel better right now, but will also help you during labour. Almost all exercise is good, but there are some things to bear in mind or avoid.

What does a paediatric centre do and what illnesses are covered by the Swedish child vaccination programme?

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.

Here you can find useful tips and advice on caring for your newborn baby's nails, navel, hair and skin

There's a school of thought that says we should separate twins, keep them in different classes, or otherwise create distance between them. But no research clearly shows that this approach is better for the children.

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

Home again, but with a little bundle in your arms. Huge congratulations and welcome home! There's a lot that probably isn't what you had expected at the beginning, but you'll soon get used to it.

Tips for involving your partner in the pregnancy – when you're the one that's pregnant

Early babyhood is a good time for travelling, as your baby will be sleeping a lot of the time. Make the most of your baby's chilled outlook on life and book a relaxing first holiday for your new little family. This will be a nice break for everyone and help to build the family bond.

If the mother and child are doing well after a hospital birth, they can usually go home after six to eight hours, although many have the option of staying one or two days. Before leaving a hospital or clinic, your baby should be checked by a paediatrician. You may be able to come back for the paediatrician's exam next day.

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 useful to have a bag ready packed, or at least a list of what you want to bring to hospital. When the time comes, things tend to happen very quickly.

When it comes to young children, you may already have the best toys lying around in your cupboards and drawers. Baking trays, wooden spoons and plastic tools can be treasures to a curious baby. But you need to know that the plastic is free of toxins and that there's no risk of anything being swallowed or resulting in choking – just as with the toys you buy or are given.

You are expected to put on weight during pregnancy. It is common to gain ten to fifteen kilos. But a few kilos more or less is also completely normal, provided you are well and the baby is developing normally. If you lose a lot of weight due to nausea, get help – it's not good for either you or the baby.

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.

It is completely normal for baby's poo to be greenish black, yellow or green.

Ouch! Your nipples can really hurt during those first few days of breastfeeding. It does get gradually easier, and the pain will go away. Here's some advice that may help.

You're pregnant – congratulations! This time there are at least three of you expecting a baby. But one of you might not be so convinced it's a good idea. Here are some tips for preparing the older sibling.

Some couples quickly start having sex again, but for others it takes time. Here you can read about changes in the mother's body that can affect her libido and ability to have sex after giving birth.

As a partner or father, there are various ways that you can take part in the pregnancy and get to know the baby before you get to hold the little bundle in your arms.

As a new dad or co-parent, you have a key role to play in breastfeeding. Your help and support will be vital in making breastfeeding work out for mother and baby.

You may have bought clothes and other things for your baby before it was born. Or friends and relatives may have offered to buy some well-needed clothes. Remember not only to choose clothes in the smallest size, since your baby will grow out of them in a couple of weeks.

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.

There is no reason to stop making love during pregnancy. There is no evidence that sex can harm the baby in a normal pregnancy.

If you see a smile on your newborn baby's face, it might be an infantile reflex. Not that it matters much, the important thing is that you smile back.

What should I do about discharge and stitches? How do I pee if it hurts? What happens in the follow-up? Why am I crying, even though I'm happy? Well, a lot happens after a pregnancy and childbirth. Here are some answers to a few questions.

Learning to help out as a child isn't just a matter of sharing in the housework. Learning early on to say “In our family we work together and help each other out” is a good start for something considerably more important – the child's self-worth.

Breastfeeding should be calm and comfy. But how long should it last, and how often does your baby need to feed? It's a good idea to listen to your baby instead of checking your watch.

Periodically a child will need to sleep with its parents. It's reassuring to feel the warmth and hear their mummy or daddy's heartbeat. It also makes it easier for the person breastfeeding or feeding the child, and it is simpler and warmer to stay in bed.

If you're a vegetarian, you may want your child to follow the same diet. This is absolutely fine, but often requires a bit of planning to make sure that your child gets all the important nutrients they need.

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

A sunny summer's day is best enjoyed by your little one in the shade. Sunshine and babies is not a good combination. Sunlight can cause burns and can seriously damage your baby's delicate skin.

Assisted reproductive treatment is used to treat Swedish couples with all types of involuntary infertility. Almost two thirds of them have a baby after three attempts.

One in six couples who want children have problems with involuntary infertility. This may be caused by reduced fertility in one or both partners. A fertility assessment may explain the reason for the infertility.

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.

"Both the pregnant mother and her partner may worry that it's wrong to have fears about the labour and birth. But when it comes to feelings, there's no right or wrong." – An interview with child psychologist Ingrid Svensson

By four o'clock, most people are tired. It's been a long day and they're worn out. The hours between now and dinnertime can be tough.

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?

Pregnancy can affect your skin in various ways. Your skin may become dryer than usual. Or you might get breakouts, stretch marks, pigment changes or varicose veins.

Is it difficult to get your baby to sleep? This can be caused by various factors. First, try reducing its activities during the day; maybe a calmer life would suit your infant better. Babies are individuals right from the start.

Desserts are good for kids - provides they're healthy Fruit and berries are ideal, but avoid chocolate pudding and ice cream. And small children shouldn't eat salty snacks like crisps.

Time for nursery school? A new chapter of life starts now. But what's the right choice for you? Sibling groups, special teaching methods, private or municipal nursery? This is an important decision that can be difficult. Below are a few questions that could help you make the right choice.

The key to learning to read is often closely linked to being curious about reading. Many parents want to teach their children to read quickly, because they know how much fun it is, and that reading opens the door to an enormous world of knowledge and imagination.

Really dangerous infections are very rare during pregnancy, and most bacteria and viruses cannot harm your child. If you become ill, there is usually no risk to the baby. However, there are exceptions.

"My mother has visited me once a month since Liv-Juli was born. Creating an emotional bond early on is really important to her." Parent: Frida Children: Liv-Juli, 2 1/2 years and Indi, 4 months

You're holding the pregnancy test in your hand and have just found out you're pregnant. Congratulations! This is the start of a long, exciting, fun, challenging and wonderful journey. It's already time to book an appointment with a midwife.

Women with a less common Rh-negative blood group are monitored extra carefully during pregnancy. If the foetus has Rh-positive blood , the mother risks developing antibodies against the baby's blood. This known as Rhesus isoimmunisation.

Round half of pregnant women experience nausea during pregnancy, primarily in the morning. The nausea usually starts after about a month. It usually stops after about three months, although a small percentage of women experience nausea and vomiting throughout the whole pregnancy.

One in 20 babies are born prematurely, which means before the 37th week of gestation. Most of these babies develop normally without any problems. But the earlier the baby is born, the more care it will need.

My waters have broken! In films, labour starts when the waters break. In reality, the waters do not always break before you go into labour. In fact, it is usually the opposite.

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.

After childbirth, you are offered a follow-up with your midwife at the post-natal clinic. A suitable time is usually 8-12 weeks after you gave birth. If yours was a complicated delivery or a Caesarean, you'll usually see a doctor too.

Turn bathing and hair-washing into a special time. When your child is little, lukewarm water is all you need. When their hair eventually needs a proper shampoo, bring out the swimming goggles! See below for more tips on simple hair-washing.

Tips for involving your partner in the pregnancy – when you're not the one that's pregnant

Do the days leading up to your due date seem to be passing very slowly? Bear in mind that it's completely normal for the baby to arrive from two weeks before to two weeks after your expected due date. In fact, only about 4 percent of births happen on the actual estimated due date. So hang in there.

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.

Is baby upset, restless and not filling his nappy so much? Are his bowel movements irregular and very firm? Then he has constipation. A good rule of thumb is to keep your child hydrated with plenty of fluids and make sure he is physically active. Here are some tips and advice for relieving baby's constipation.

If your baby is in breech position (bottom first), you are likely to be offered an attempt to turn the baby around.

Do you suspect your child is sick? Has their snot turned from clear to greenish yellow? Does your child feel hot and feverish? Here is some advice on what to do if your young child has a temperature.

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

Pregnant vegetarians should be especially careful to eat enough iron and vitamin D, as well as the right types of fat.

Has your child's hand slipped out of the mitten, so their fingers are ice cold? Is the tip of their nose white, or do their cheeks have pale patches? Read up, so you know how to deal with frostbite and hypothermia properly should an accident happen.

The midwife's two main tasks are to monitor the pregnancy and provide support to the expecting mother.

Miscarriage is usually a very traumatic experience for everyone concerned, at whatever stage of the pregnancy it occurs. It takes its toll both physically and psychologically. How people deal with the loss is highly individual, and it can be difficult for those around them to understand their pain. The grieving process takes time.

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.

Crawling, walking, gripping, standing... there's no point trying to speed up a baby's development. Each child is unique, and even siblings differ from each other. If your baby is healthy, it will develop in its own time.

Do you feel a few drops of urine when you strain or sneeze? If so it's time to do pelvic floor exercises! Your pelvic floor has taken a lot of extra strain during pregnancy.

When your child starts preschool, it marks the start of a new chapter in all of your lives. Allow plenty of time for the induction process to get your child off to a good start.

Luckily, it's fine to travel when pregnant and you can travel by plane until around week 36 if the pregnancy is normal. Try to always wear support stockings on long trips, arrange for insurance and vaccination and bring a first aid kit.

Welcome back to the world where little things mean a lot and you don't always get enough sleep. The difference for you this time is that you know what to expect. For your older child, it's all new and might be a bit of a challenge.

It is important to exercise and eat a healthy diet during pregnancy to stay strong and replenish lost energy. But you should also practise relaxation and breathing exercises. Consider taking a yoga or birth preparation course.

Are all the toys driving you mad? Are you tripping over them everywhere? Here are some words of wisdom from other Libero parents on how to get the mayhem under control.

Adult contact, lunches, work meetings – does it feel odd to be back at work after becoming a parent? While it's great to meet your work colleagues and get started again, you may be missing a certain little person. It can be tough. Sometimes it can also feel really depressing.

Some babies love having a bath, while others don't enjoy it at all. If your baby seems not to like the water at all, wait a few days before trying again.

Alcohol passes through the placenta and can harm the unborn baby. Among other things, alcohol can negatively affect the baby's growth and brain development. It is recommended to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy.

It's hard to tell if your child has a speech disorder. Speech and language development varies greatly between children when they are little. Just trust your instinct and contact your paediatric clinic if you're worried about anything at all.

It is entirely normal for infants to bring up a bit of milk after a feed. You may want to have a wash cloth or kitchen roll handy during feeds. However, if your baby seems to be vomiting, rather than just bringing up milk, and has fever or diarrhoea, it may mean your baby is poorly.

Forget all your ideas about frumpy maternity clothes. These days there are plenty of maternity clothes to choose from

Fish is packed with nutrients essential to you and your baby. Fish contains fatty acids that are crucial to the development of your baby's brain. But some fish may contain environmental toxins, so choose carefully.

Welcome to the table! Eating together and seeing how other people eat helps your child to learn what to do. But what should they eat?

Are you feeling nervous? Or are you absolutely terrified at the prospect of giving birth? There's nothing strange or unusual about fear of pregnancy. Writing a birth plan is one of many ways of dealing with it.

Do you like changing into comfortable indoor trousers when you get home from work or the gym? This is probably how your baby will feel about wearing Libero's soft Up&Go pull-up diaper, which offers optimal freedom of movement.

When children are about a year and half old, they start testing the boundaries. And their mood can flip from happy to hysterical in a second. This is a natural part of their development, but it can really test a parent's patience.

There are some foods you should avoid during pregnancy. Certain cheeses, meat and fish can contain listeria bacteria, the toxoplasmosis parasite or high concentrations of environmental toxins.

Noise and stimulation in the fresh air are often the best cure for naughtiness. But there are several good reasons to let your child play outdoors.

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.

A doula, or labour coach, provides support, help and advice during labour. This type of female figure has existed throughout history. Modern doulas provide support for the whole family during labour, and often before the birth as well.

It's important to have a comfortable and practical nursing bra. This is partly to protect and support your breasts and partly to facilitate breastfeeding. And perhaps most important of all, a good nursing bra helps prevent complications during breastfeeding.

There is no end to the things you can buy for a newborn baby. But bear in mind that all your baby cares about is eating enough and being safe and dry.

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 could happen any week now! But how can you tell when labour starts? There's one reliable indicator: regular contractions.

Nine months of waiting is over. Childbirth is over. Like a miracle, all of the pains are gone and resting in your arms is your child. You are probably full of emotions like happiness, gratitude, joy, shock, exhaustion - or perhaps a combination of all of them.

Your baby's first tiny movements may feel light a slight tickle and may be quite an emotional experience for you.

Here are some inspiring ideas for fun indoor games.

Suddenly your baby sticks out a little white tongue instead of a pink one. Thrush is a fungal infection of the mouth which many small babies get.

Here some tips on good apps and computer games, board games and party games for kids aged three and above.

The most common symptoms of pre-eclampsia are high blood pressure and protein in the urine. These symptoms are likely to go unnoticed until your check-up at the maternity clinic.

All children are different and so they should be – but a normal bedtime for a child aged two and a half is between seven and eight at night. It's also normal for a child aged two and a half to lie awake for a while in the evening, talking and playing alone, and then to wake between five and six in the morning.

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.

“She started it; it wasn't my fault!” It's normal for siblings to fight, and squabbling and arguments are more or less part of family life. Here are some tips on keeping the peace around the house.

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

The bond between parent and child is an important psychological connection that is deeply rooted in the human psyche. This bond is crucial to a baby's survival.

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.

All babies learn to control their muscles in the same order: first the face and neck, followed by arms, trunk and finally legs and feet. Babies learn to balance their head before they are able to sit, stand or walk.

Each child is unique and develops individually depending on his or her abilities and needs.

Sledging, oranges and hot chocolate. Children's laughter and rosy cheeks. With the right clothes and fun games, children and adults can play about and have fun together in the winter.

For children, potty training is about training both the nervous system and the muscles around the bladder and intestines when it's time to learn how to stay dry. For you as a parent, it's about learning to read your child's signals and allowing your child to take as long as they need to learn.

Do you have pain in your back or pelvis? Many women get pain in their lower back and pelvis during pregnancy. Here are some useful tips.

On an infant swimming course, you swim with your baby under the supervision of a qualified infant swimming instructor. The general aim of infant swimming is to build water confidence and teach infants to enjoy the water in a respectful way.

"It's common not to feel a strong bond with the unborn baby straight away." – An interview with midwife Carolina Gäbel

Sometimes a couple fails to conceive even though they long for a child, stop using contraception and have intercourse during every ovulation. Usually in this situation they are advised to have intercourse during every ovulation, to continue their normal life – and to be patient.

Do you feel like you've read the same story, sung the same song and put teddy on the right side of the pillow a million times? That's good. Kids love it when things are predictable – it makes them feel safe. This is why your child likes it when things are familiar and stay the same as they've always been.

Suddenly a toy flies through the air or your child is shoved by another one. Almost all children end up fighting or hitting their playmates at some point. It may help to know that this is not unusual. Find out why the children are fighting, help them, and stop it happening again.

Nobody knows exactly what it feels like for a baby to be born, but we know it's a tough journey. We have all been through it, but because of our limited memory, we can only imagine what it is like to squeeze through the narrow birth canal and come out into the vast and comparatively cold world.

Your child probably experiments constantly with new sounds and words, including bad words... Children listen and learn, sucking in new things like a sponge. If you want to help their language development even more, read and sing a lot to your baby!

Sudden spots, fever or tummy ache. Sometimes it may be a well-known childhood illness, other times an unknown virus. Here we tell you about some of the commonest illnesses affecting young children.

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.

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.

Is your baby teething? When the baby's first teeth start appearing, it can cause painful, itching gums and general discomfort.

You need more nutrition than normal when you're breastfeeding - both for yourself and for your little baby. Here are some ideas on what can be good to eat a bit more of.

Small children mostly breathe through their nose, which is why getting a cold is tough for them. Colds can also lead to long-term symptoms like an ear infection, asthma or croup. Here is some advice on how to help a baby with a cold and what you should keep an eye on.

A lot of newborns swallow air while they're feeding. So they burp or vomit afterwards, otherwise they would get tummy ache. Here are a few tips on how to help your baby burp.

Children who feel seen and accepted have a good chance of developing good self-esteem and becoming a confident person. But this isn't always enough. Here are a few specific tips on important day-to-day psychology.

As a rule, it's too early to expect your two-year-old to have friends in the way that older children or adults do. But at three years of age, children start to play nicely together.

Both parents are likely to get upset if baby favours one parent for a time. This means that one of you always has to be around, rarely gets a break or rest, while the other of you feels rejected.

"There's a big difference between being the partner who's pregnant and the partner who isn't. Neither is better or worse, they're just different. We can attest to that because we've both given birth." Parents: Sanna and Lisa Children: Adrian, 3 years and Ines, 6 months

All examinations and tests available to women during pregnancy are voluntary. Of course it is reassuring to find out that the pregnancy is progressing normally. But there is also a risk of having to make difficult decisions if the examination detects chromosome abnormalities or deformities.

After the first stage when the cervix starts dilating, which is typically quite long drawn-out, the contractions become more powerful and frequent and you feel an urge to push, which results in the baby being expelled. In the third and final stage, the placenta is expelled.

Children don't just play for the fun of it - play is essential for their development.

Despite the many benefits of breast milk, some mothers are either unable or unwilling to breastfeed. The alternative is to bottle feed your baby with infant formula. Formula provides all the nutrition the baby needs, so you don't need to feel guilty or worried about not breastfeeding your infant.

All of a baby's senses are wide open, and their earliest experiences lay the foundations for the baby's ongoing development. Babies are affected by every impression, including sleep and diet.

If you become ill during pregnancy, you may need to take medicine. But remember that some medicines must not be taken during pregnancy, including some non-prescription drugs and herbal remedies.

Would you like to give birth at home with the assistance of a midwife? It is possible to have a planned home birth in most places in Sweden, but there are a few things you should know.

The sound of a little child sleeping soundly is a wonderful thing. Your child is growing and can now go for longer without eating. Hopefully, this means your child will sleep better at night. Here are a few tips.

It's important to take care of yourself at this time. But even if you eat a healthy, varied diet, it can be hard to get enough folic acid, iron, vitamin D and calcium.

Should you change nappies in the middle of the night? Do you need to use water to cleanse baby's bottom if the nappy is only wet not soiled? When and how to change a nappy is an art and science to some, but here are a few tips.

A C-section may either be planned, or may be performed as emergency surgery if complications arise during labour.

To work or not to work It is normally fine to continue working throughout the whole pregnancy. However, in some cases you might need to either change your work duties or stay home from work.

In your arms you're holding a tiny baby, who is wrinkly, red and fragile. It might be good to know this about your newborn baby.

Do you want to give birth using natural pain relief such as massage, acupuncture and sterile water injections as much as possible? Or do you know already that you are prepared to have maximum pain relief if necessary, e.g. an epidural? Don't feel you have to be a hero and go without pain relief. Ask for the help you feel you need.

Some children have difficulty entertaining themselves and getting going with fun games on their own. And who most wants a young child as a playmate? Well, you, obviously.

If you easily conceived your first child, you may expect the second time to be just as easy. Actually, it is not unusual for it to take longer the second time round.

If you treat one another calmly and with respect at home, you probably won't have to think too much about the phrase “well-mannered”.

Being woken over and over at night and getting up to breastfeed baby can be draining. Many breastfeeding mothers prefer to keep baby close at night. But babies and toddlers should have their own bedspace if you sleep in the same bed.

Sitting there, holding that newborn baby in your arms is probably one of the happiest moments of your life. But at the same time you can feel vulnerable, sad or anxious for a while after childbirth.

Lots of people have loaded feelings and opinions about dummies – even adults who have no connection with your child. Figure out what works for you while focusing on your child's wellbeing.

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.

There are many advantages of giving birth in an upright position, but what's most important is to change between different positions to help the child pass through the birth canal.

Pregnancy isn't always a bed of roses. A myriad of discomforts from heartburn to itching and nausea can actually make it quite a challenging time. Here is a list of pains and discomforts commonly encountered during pregnancy.

It's painful to see and hear a baby cry. It's also part of the baby's first opportunity to communicate that something is wrong, or that they need something. Many parents learn to read the cry and know whether it's a matter of hunger, tiredness or frustration.

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.

Are you concerned about your blood sugar levels? All pregnant women have their blood sugar tested several times at the maternity clinic.

Here are some practical tips about infants, food and eating habits.

Are you tired? Short of breath? About 20 weeks into your pregnancy? Chances are you've got anaemia.

Although you are now eating for two, you shouldn't eat twice as much. Instead, you should eat larger amounts of certain foods while pregnant.

Milk and eggs are common allergens affecting young children. In most cases, the problem goes away within a few years, but other allergies may turn up instead.

Most young children have “ants in their pants” and find it hard to sit still. Some are quiet and introverted. This may be part of their personality or simply a phase in their development. When do you start worrying that abnormal behaviour is a sign of ADHD or autism?

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.

You've probably heard that giving birth is painful. This is enough to make most people worried. One way to manage your worry is to read up on the subject and prepare as well as you can.

Two-in-one pram and pushchair, convertible pram, twin pram/pushchair, 3-wheeler, 4-wheeler, fixed wheels or swivel wheels... a pram or pushchair should meet your specific needs and be safe and practical. Buying a pram is a bit like buying a car: your choice should be based on your individual needs and requirements as well as hard facts.

Shyness is a matter of personality. Your child may be careful and take their time in trusting new people. Never reject your child's feelings; they are by definition not silly. Here are some tips for helping your child if he or she is shy.

Almost all children love playing with water, and that's good. Let your child play and experience the water: that's the first step towards wanting to learn to swim. And getting used to the water.

Just peas or just rice? And then just sausages? What do you do if your child will only eat one thing, or doesn't want to eat anything at all? The best advice is to take it easy, wait and see, or carry on offering little tasters.

Some children develop cradle cap on their scalps. It looks like greyish-white scaly patches and is caused by dead skin cells and sebum from the sebaceous glands. Cradle cap, the medical name for which is seborrhoeic dermatitis, is completely harmless.

It can be difficult leaving your child with a babysitter for the first time. It's important not to do it too early, both for the child's and your own sake. However, you may feel a strong need to relax and do adult activities. Weight up the pros and cons and do what you feel is best.

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.

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.

It's finally happening! Grab your bags, grab each other and leave for the hospital. After all those months of waiting, it's finally time.

Adopting a child is a way of having a family if you are unable to get pregnant. Some people choose to adopt instead of having biological children. Adopting a child creates a radical change in the adoptive parents' lives. It is most common to adopt a child from abroad. The international adoption process consists of various stages and usually takes several years.

The ability to stay dry is hormone-related and develops over time. There's no need to try and get your child to practise not weeing at night if their body isn't ready yet.

Here you can read about different types of contractions. You will also find links to articles about pain relief, the stages of labour, how to prepare for labour, what happens when your waters break and other useful topics.

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.

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.

Being pregnant is a good reason to give up smoking – perhaps the best one you'll ever have. Smoking is harmful to the baby in the womb, during breastfeeding and if it inhales the smoke.

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).

If you considering getting pregnant, there are various things you can both do to optimise your bodies for making a baby.

A C-section may either be planned, or may be performed as emergency surgery if complications arise during labour. Whatever the reason for the C-section, the procedure and the results are often the same. You'll have a scar on your lower abdomen, but you'll be holding your newborn in your arms.

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.

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.

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.

All babies need their nappies changed. And if you plan it as well as possible for everyone, taking into consideration matters such as safety, your working position and function, it can be a special time. If you are calm and make sure everything's nice and comfortable, your baby will often reward you with a smile and deep eye contact.

Most parents have no idea they are expecting twins until their first ultrasound scan. The news usually comes as a complete surprise. You might experience a variety of feelings such as joy, anxiety, excitement and surprise before the news fully sinks in. It's natural to feel a little shell-shocked to be expecting more than one baby.

Erik, Åke, Lovisa, Hedda… choosing a name for a baby is exciting, challenging and sometimes almost impossible.

It's common for children to accidentally wet themselves at night. When they're little they rarely see it as a problem, but as they get older they may start to find it annoying, just as parents do. We only really start to call it bedwetting, or nocturnal enuresis, once the child turns five.

At this age, your child needs to move about a lot. They investigate their surroundings with great interest, their motor skills develop and coordination is refined.