2020-04-01_Mother_&_Baby

HEALTH

Q

My eight-

month-old

is chunky and

people always

comment on his

size. Could he

be overweight?

Milla Ennett,

Saint Leonards

Even though he is young,
it is important to ensure
that your child gains
weight at the right rate.
To help us measure this,
we can use standardised
growth charts that are
produced by The World
Health Organisation.
This information is
contained in your baby’s
red health book, which
was given to you after
he was born. Your health
visitor or GP can plot
your child’s height and
weight and ensure that
your child is growing
appropriately and not
putting on too much
weight for his height as
well as his age, and give
you dietary advice if you
need it. TU

I suffer from hay fever. If

my two-year-old does too,

whichtreatmentsaresafe?

ZoeForde, Northwich

Possetingorrefluxis commonin babiesand

usuallynothingto worryabout.It happens

because the valve at the entrance to the

stomach is immature, so milk comes back

from the stomach up the feeding tube and

into the mouth. The amount of milk that is

posseted is usually quite small, but if your

babyis regularlybringinguplargeamounts,

seekmedicaladvice. If yourchildhasother

symptoms, including pain or weight loss, she

may have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

(GORD) or a cow’s milk protein allergy. This

will need further investigation and treatment,

or changes to her diet. TU

Q

My six-week-old often brings up some

of her milk feed. How much is normal

and when should I worry?

Robyn Tomlin, Newark

Hay fever is common in children and is more

likely to occur if there is a family history of

allergies. Look out for symptoms including a

runny nose and nasal congestion, watery and

itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing. Your

toddler might also develop dark patches

under his eyes and appear tired. The most

common treatment is anti-histamines, which

can be given as a syrup, tablet, nasal spray or

eye drops. If your child is severely affected,

your GP can also prescribe steroid nasal

sprays. All of these are safe for young

children, but steroids in particular should

only be given under medical supervision. TU

motherandbaby.co.uk | April 2020 | 77

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