The Herpes Simplex Virus causes cold sores and genital herpes. It is a common affliction of hundreds of thousands of people and is usually seen as quite a minor, yet uncomfortable, ailment. The virus does not always present itself with symptoms.
The Herpes Simplex Virus can cause problems for newborns and can pose a serious risk to their health.
Babies can contract the Herpes Simplex Virus during birth (from the birth canal), if he or she is kissed by someone who suffers from cold sores or if someone touches a cold sore …

It is undeniable that we are reaching a crisis point in our environment but just in time we are beginning to concentrate on all things ecological. Being a parent, however, is time consuming and tools which offer more convenience and less washing are priceless.
So which diapers/ nappies should you use? The choice will come down to two things. The depth of time and attention you choose to putting into being environmentally friendly and whether the joy of convenience outweighs this. The choice is entirely yours and whatever choice you make …

An amniocentesis is a test which is done during pregnancy to test whether your baby has any chromasomal disorders. This can be done as early as 11 weeks of gestation but usually isn’t done until after 15 weeks when the risk of miscarriage has dramatically reduced.
The most common birth abnormalities which are screened for are those which cause the baby to be born with an extra chromosone such as Down’s Syndrome, Edward’s Syndrome and Patau’s Syndrome.
Amniocentesis is offered if a woman’s age, family history or medical history put her at a …

When baby first starts to feed themself on finger food or with a spoon there may be an occasion where they choke or seem to choke. Here are some ways to minimise the risk of that happening.
To reduce the risk of choking for first time finger foodies try to keep to these tips:

Don’t force baby to eat if he or she is crying or getting distressed
Make sure that food is soft enough for baby and add small chunks or different textures gradually
Avoid small hard things like raisins, hard sweets, nuts, …

If your baby is choking and has not coughed up the food themself you may need to commence CPR.
To do CPR on a baby remember to use not quite as much force as you do with an adult. All new parents should read up on basic child first aid and should keep a book handy.
If your child is choking:

Give your baby a couple of medium hard pats on the back. See if you can easily disodge the food with your finger but do not try too much as you may …

Many babies will seem to to choke when first starting to eat solids. This is usually just a gag reflex at a new taste or, if some food has got stuck, they will often manage to dislodge it themself by gagging. In some cases you will need to help them out with a firm pat on the back or in rare cases CPR.
You can usually tell straight away if your baby is choking:
 

They will go quiet or make a strangled noise.
They will often have their mouth open and tongue out …