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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