Breastmilk is the best for babies. The World Health Organisation recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Unnecessary introduction of bottle feeding or other food and drinks will have a negative impact on breastfeeding. After six months of age, infants should receive age-appropriate foods while breastfeeding continues for up to two years of age or beyond. Consult your doctor before deciding to use infant formula or if you have difficulty breastfeeding.​

Supporting Your Baby’s Emotional Development

Between 6 to 12 months your baby may start to express discomfort or display emotions such as anger and fear. During this time, they will look to you for security especially in times of uncertainty. That's why it is critical during this period to establish a strong bond with your little one and build a safe, secure and positive environment so that he can grow healthily.

 

Establish rules on behaviour

  • Reinforce good behaviour by clapping your hands, smiling at him and praising his actions
  • Discourage negative behaviour by using a firm tone and expression and ignore him for a while before reassuring him that you still love him
  • Tell your little one what he should do and model that behaviour so that he can copy it

Build a happy and supportive environment

  • Maintain a positive and supportive relationship among family members to promote positive emotions
  • Avoid conflicts in front of your baby
  • Encourage members of the family to engage and play with your baby to help him create happy memories and build self-confidence.
  • Manage negative emotions and calm yourself down before you tend to your baby

Always remember that as your child grows and develops, he will also become more sensitive to his surroundings. That's why it's essential to help make him feel safe, loved and secured by maintaining a positive home environment, so he can grow up to be a well rounded individual.

 

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