There is much you can do to strengthen your children's resilience and avoid consequences.

Divorce is a process for which no one is fully prepared – neither legally nor emotionally. When couples with children decide to part ways, their greatest concern becomes how to make this turbulent process as painless as possible for the youngest, reports Index.hr.

Parents who turn to experts often want to understand the real consequences of divorce and, most importantly, learn how to mitigate them, writes Psychology Today.

The Key is Resilience

Clinical psychologist Ann Gold Busho points out that some children may suffer the consequences of their parents’ divorce, but this does not mean that every child will.

“Although statistics indicate risks, many children of divorced parents grow into stable and well-adjusted individuals. The key lies in resilience, which is built with the help of several key factors,” she emphasizes.

The most important of these is the parents’ ability to reduce or eliminate conflicts between them. When parents can cooperate, children feel safer.

It is equally important that both parents remain actively involved in their children’s lives after the divorce. Stability should be a priority, which means fewer relocations and ensuring financial security at home.

Research confirms that joint custody and cooperative parenting are associated with better outcomes for children, including higher self-esteem and better academic performance.

On the other hand, parents who fail to do this and face financial difficulties unfortunately increase the risks for their children.

Concrete Steps to Protect Children

Although studies may seem alarming, there is much you can do to strengthen your children’s resilience and avoid the above-mentioned risks.

Early intervention is crucial – don’t wait for problems to arise.

Commit to reducing conflict with your ex-partner and work on improving communication so that your children feel cared for and supported by both sides.
Maintain a stable and consistent environment while your children move between homes.
Provide them with emotional support, encouragement, and guidance.
Avoid alienating your children from the other parent, as they need both their father and mother.
Do not hesitate to seek professional help in time, whether through therapy groups for children or counseling for you and your ex-partner.

An honest story and concern of a pregnant woman who has gone past her due date.

So, the due date came and went, and I’m still pregnant. Perhaps the strongest feeling in this whole storm (because lately I’m just a huge ball of emotions) is uncertainty. How long will this last now?! Seven, ten days? Two? The due date is like a finish line from the very beginning of pregnancy. That’s where you have to get to, and far away everything ends – reports the portal Biti roditelj.

When you first find out you’re pregnant, that goal is so far away, often in the next calendar year. The seasons have to change, so many significant milestones have to pass that seem far at the start. So when that little dot appears on the first ultrasound, the end seems… far away, maybe even uncertain – who knows what might happen along the way. You breathe a little easier when the first three months, which they always say are the riskiest, are over. You breathe even easier when you start to feel your baby kicking and know they’re doing well. As the months pass, you gain some confidence that you’re both okay, little by little progressing and growing.

Slowly Towards the Goal

Days, months, and checkups go by, and everything is moving toward that due date. That date that at the beginning seemed unimaginably far away. You prepare things, prepare yourself, let go of fear (more or less, realistically, fear is always there somewhere) and then, two weeks before, when there’s no more risk, you think, well, it would be fine if it ended now. And every day you think that, everyone tells you – it could be any day now. But you still treat the due date with some respect, at least I do – you always know exactly how many days are left between you and it.

That’s why when I went into labor with my first child two days before the due date, I was so excited. Look, he came a tiny bit early. And I always remember he was born the day before the due date, that he was supposed to be born on March 5, not a day earlier. Subconsciously, in this pregnancy too, I expected something like that – either a day earlier or a day later, but definitely very close to the due date.

... Or Maybe Not

But this time, the due date came, I went to the checkup, and just as big and clumsy I went home, without any sign that anything might happen soon. I’ve even been to another checkup since then, and still no signs that anything is about to happen. The CTG is fine, there’s enough amniotic fluid, he’s clearly perfectly happy inside – but when will he come out? And now suddenly I’m worried about how late he’ll be exactly. If he’s two days late, could it be ten?! Will this labor even start on its own, or will I have to be induced? No one has the answer.

The doctors, of course, have no reason to hurry things since everything is fine, everyone tells me to relax, but the tension is in the air around me. I feel it with my husband, my parents, and friends who constantly call and text. Everyone wants to know if anything is happening. And the truth is – nothing is happening at all. Except that the due date we were all so focused on has come and gone, everything else is just as it was a week or two ago. There’s no news. Nothing is happening, as if time has stopped. And no one, least of all me, knows how long it will stay this way. Maybe I’ll give birth tonight. Maybe not for another four days.

The funniest part? My birthday is in a few days. And I was late for my own due date too. Looks like it’s true that everything comes back around... But until when? That’s all I want to know now. Until when, and will it finally happen?!

For infants at high risk of developing allergies, longer breastfeeding is recommended, at least six months, and if possible up to a year. If the mother is not breastfeeding, the use of hypoallergenic milk (HA milk) is recommended.

In case cow's milk allergy is confirmed by tests, the pediatrician should recommend special milk with fully hydrolyzed protein. Some newer insights indicate how to protect the infant from developing allergies. It is important to stop smoking already during pregnancy (the partner too!), and to eat a balanced and healthy diet - writes the portal Biti roditelj.

In the first year, it is necessary to avoid introducing foods with a high allergic potential. This group includes fresh cow's milk and fresh cow's milk products, eggs, fish, soy and soy products, citrus fruits (be careful when adding orange juice!), strawberries, celery, nuts (walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts), and chocolate. These foods should be introduced gradually and only after the age of one. In exceptional cases, carrots can also cause allergies, so in the first purees, along with potatoes, it is better to add vegetables with low allergy potential, such as zucchini, pumpkin, kohlrabi, cauliflower, or broccoli.

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Caution when introducing solid food

There must be a two-week interval between introducing each individual food that has a higher allergy potential. When introducing milk-based porridges, it is recommended to prepare them with HA milk and rice or corn flakes.

Some common symptoms indicating an allergy are rashes and redness on the skin, frequent runny nose, frequent and unexplained diarrhea. If these symptoms persist longer or occur upon contact with a certain food (most often cow's milk in infancy), it is necessary to consult a doctor and, if possible, perform an allergy test. In infancy, tests are most often performed for milk protein tolerance and gluten.

Contact dermatitis

In addition to food allergies, contact dermatitis often occurs – redness and scaling of the skin accompanied by itching, which can be very unpleasant for the infant. The baby becomes restless, scratches itself, cries, and is dissatisfied. The baby's skin can react this way when in contact with bath products, perfumes, lotions, detergents…

Such sensitive infant skin should be treated with oil baths and neutral creams, and if that does not help, there are enough special care products available on the market.

Many moms find themselves in real trouble when deciding how, when, and which puree to introduce into the baby’s diet. You can start introducing purees to your baby's menu as early as between 4 and 6 months of age.

However, breast milk, as well as formula, satisfies all of the baby's nutritional needs until the sixth month, so if your baby is developing well, there is no need to introduce new food earlier. In any case, before starting with purees, always consult your doctor first.

According to pediatrician Ruža Bajić, breast milk helps the development of the digestive tract, so it is very important for the child to try all foods while breastfeeding, assuming the mother breastfeeds until the child turns one year old - writes the portal Biti roditelj.

- Breastfeeding reduces the risk of food allergies and increases the baby's immunity. It is also very important to gradually introduce solid foods and in small amounts – two to three spoons a day. Only one food is introduced at a time, and it should be tested for at least three days to monitor possible allergic reactions. You can start with cereals, preferably rice porridge first, because this cereal has a neutral taste which will help the baby get used to the new diet, or with fruit juice and fruit purees, and finally introduce vegetable and lean meat purees – advises the pediatrician.

It’s your choice whether to offer your baby a ready-made store-bought puree or make it yourself. It is important to first introduce cereals that do not contain gluten, such as rice, corn, millet, quinoa, and only then wheat, rye, and barley which do contain gluten. As for fruit, it is recommended to start with apple and pear, first as juice, then as puree.

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Many people choose boiled potato as the premiere vegetable in the baby's diet because it has a sweet and pleasant taste. Potatoes should be given to the baby boiled without any additives. Do not salt them under any circumstances. Boiled carrot from unsalted chicken soup can also be great food for beginners. Mash it, add a few drops of milk, breast or formula, and offer it to the baby.

Food allergies and intolerances are increasing every year, even among newborns. The symptoms are different, while the solution is always the same - avoiding that ingredient in the child's diet. The comforting fact is that in as many as 80 percent of cases, allergies disappear after the second or third year, and by gradually introducing solid foods you reduce the risk of your child developing allergies.

Symptoms to watch out for, depending on the allergenic food, include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, rash, swelling of the lips and tongue, eczema, and there may also be growth delays.
- Besides cow's milk protein, the most common nutritional allergens from the introduction of solid food until the age of three are eggs, gluten, and peanuts, but also other nuts, berries, seafood - not fish but crustaceans, shellfish and the like, as well as honey and some seeds such as poppy and sesame – warns Dr. Bajić.

In eggs, the egg white is most often the culprit and therefore it is not recommended to give it to the baby before the first year of life. Egg yolk can be introduced after the sixth month, but gradually.

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How to introduce food to babies

BETWEEN SEVEN AND EIGHT MONTHS different foods are still slowly introduced, but also combined purees from foods already accepted. Now the baby can try veal, egg yolk, and liver. The yolk should be well cooked (5–7 minutes) and introduced gradually (1/8, 1/4, 1/2, then the whole yolk). Once the baby accepts the whole yolk, it can be given twice a week combined with other foods.

IN THE TENTH MONTH breakfast is introduced to the baby. This can be cornmeal porridge, bread soaked in milk, yogurt, cheese, sour milk, cream with whole grain bread, semolina... From the tenth month, the baby can eat cooked fish (trout, hake), as well as bean, pea, or green bean soups.

FROM ELEVEN TO TWELVE MONTHS the baby can be offered finely chopped food which they can pick up and eat on their own. Start with chopped fruit (peach, banana, apple). The baby will happily eat pieces of bread spread with cream or cheese with their fingers. Also useful are peas, sweet corn, and small pieces of meat.

AFTER THE FIRST BIRTHDAY the baby switches to the family menu, except that the baby's meal should not be salted or seasoned. Now the baby can eat the whole egg – boiled, baked, or scrambled. Only after the first year can children eat honey, lemon, oranges, and kiwi.

And don’t forget that your baby needs breast milk or formula until they turn one year old. Milk gives them the necessary vitamins, iron, and proteins in an easily digestible form. Solid food cannot replace all the nutrients provided by breast milk in the baby's first year of life.

Childbirth is certainly one of the most important moments in every mother’s life, and the birth of a child is undoubtedly a turning point for parents.

From the very beginning, constant care is needed so that the baby has everything necessary for proper and healthy development. That’s why caring parents do everything to provide perfect conditions for their child – writes the portal Biti roditelj.

However, for new parents, having their first child can be very stressful, as it represents a completely new situation in life – for the first time they have to care for another life, which carries the greatest responsibility. Later, with the second and every subsequent child, everything becomes easier thanks to the experience gained.

Below you’ll find some useful tips if you’re about to become a mom for the first time and need as much information as possible to fulfill your parental role and this most important life task in the best possible way.

Caring for your baby starts from the very first hours after birth

Many women expecting their first baby fear going to the maternity hospital. However, this worry is unfounded because there is always a team of specialists on duty – gynecologists, midwives, and pediatricians working 24/7, so you will always have someone to rely on during childbirth. Hospital staff must wear clean and recognizable medical uniforms for your safety. These uniforms are mandatory in medical facilities for identifying staff and, of course, for better hygiene.

The preparation and delivery process will be handled by professional medical staff, and in some maternity hospitals, the father-to-be can be present as support during birth. Unfortunately, currently, the number of such facilities is very small, and having the father at the birth in Serbia is still quite a privilege, even though we live in the 21st century.

The length of stay in the hospital depends on the type of delivery – whether it was vaginal or a cesarean section. If everything goes well and the baby is completely healthy, you’ll have the opportunity to start caring for your child right after birth.

Expect to change your lifestyle habits after childbirth

The needs of every baby will make you drastically change the lifestyle you had before. It will take at least a few months to learn your baby’s behavior and adjust to it.

In the first few months of life, the baby will probably cry for quite long periods, and sometimes it may seem like it lasts almost the whole day. Keep in mind that colic is the main cause of their crying, and it usually happens in the late afternoon or at night. Also, newborns cry when they’re hungry, and at first, they need to be fed every two hours, day and night. Later, as their digestive system matures, the period between meals will increase. Over time, you’ll learn your baby’s rhythm and align your rest time with the periods when the baby is calm and sleeping.

Colic usually goes away after the fourth month, so the first three months are key to keeping your sleep somewhat stable. On the other hand, you’re very lucky if your baby sleeps most of the day in the first months and wakes only to feed.

After the first few months, your child will gradually get into a routine and form stable habits regarding feeding and sleeping, making it easier for you to plan around them.

At first, the excitement after birth lasts, and someone will always be around to help. However, when things settle down and people get used to the new situation, you’ll find yourself alone with the baby more often. It’s best to choose a hobby or occasional work from home to spend your time more meaningfully.

Also, meeting friends and family will be good for social contact and adult conversation.

Prepare your home for the baby’s arrival

First of all, be ready to buy a huge number of diapers and get used to frequent changes – it might feel awkward at first, but you’ll get used to it. It’s recommended to get a changing table with space for the baby to lie down and keep diapers and creams close at hand.

Of course, a crib is a must. Baby clothes, hygiene products, and baby cosmetics are also essential.

One of the first investments when the baby arrives is a stroller. Think carefully about your needs, how you’ll use it, and the space for storage. Size, shape, and folding ability are very important, especially for travel.

It’s also necessary to secure all potentially dangerous parts of your home by covering sharp edges as soon as possible. Babies grow quickly, and before you know it, they’ll start crawling and walking – then it’s most important that your space is safe.

Fresh and clean air is necessary for everyone, especially children in the early stages of development. Make sure the baby’s space is free from tobacco smoke and strong odors. With today’s air pollution, airing out the space often isn’t enough, so air purifiers are a great solution.

Don’t renovate the apartment before the baby arrives, don’t buy new furniture, and especially don’t paint, because the chemicals in paints can release fumes for months afterward and could harm the baby. It’s important that the space is functional – decorating can wait until the baby is older.

The arrival of a baby is the most beautiful moment in any parent’s life. Naturally, it brings many changes to your habits and lifestyle. Also, be ready to adapt your home for the new family member. We hope this text provided some useful information if you’re expecting your first baby – and that you’ll be able to apply it.

As I was lying on the bed in the room, enduring the pain, I heard a girl screaming from the delivery room while she was on the birthing table. When they wheeled me in because my contractions became more frequent, I saw the doctor showing her the newborn baby. At that moment, I couldn’t have imagined that this would be the girl I would raise as my own daughter, said the devastated woman, according to the portal Biti roditelj.

One of the worst nightmares that can happen to parents is to discover, after years of raising and nurturing, that the child is not actually theirs. This is exactly what happened to two families, one Christian and one Muslim, when in 2011 they discovered that their 12-year-old daughters had been switched at birth.

Yulia Belyaeva (32) from Kopeysk in the Urals remembers that December 17, 1998.

"As I was lying on the bed in the room, enduring the pain, I heard a girl screaming from the delivery room while she was giving birth. When they wheeled me in because my contractions became more frequent, I saw the doctor showing her the newborn baby. At that moment, I couldn’t have imagined that this would be the girl I would raise as my own daughter," she said.

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Fifteen minutes later, Yulia gave birth to another baby girl. She immediately fell asleep – her first sleep in 48 hours. It was probably during that time that the babies were switched, as they were given the wrong identification numbers.

When she woke up around half past eight the next morning, she felt much better. One thing bothered her: why did the baby look so swollen that she could barely see her eyes? She asked the nurse, who replied, “What do you expect after nine months floating in amniotic fluid?”

It was only when she and her husband Alexey brought the baby home six days later, naming her Irina, that she could see the baby naked for the first time. They saw she had dark hair and thought she had inherited it from Yulia’s father. Alexey didn’t comment, except that he had prepared for a son.

Soon, Yulia discovered Alexey wasn’t the best father. When Irina was three, Alexey got into a drunken fight and inflicted serious injuries on a man, which got him several years in prison.

During one of her visits to prison, Alexey told her he doubted Irina was his daughter, precisely because of her dark hair. The fights became more frequent, and in 2007 they divorced.

As he didn’t pay child support, Yulia sued him. Alexey countersued, accusing her of cheating and claiming the child wasn’t his. Meanwhile, Yulia remarried and was pregnant again.

The judge ordered DNA tests for all three – Yulia, Alexey, and Irina.

After 25 years, she found out the child wasn’t hers: A mother sues the clinic for switching babies!

“The doctor called me to come on June 14, but only Alexey and me, without Irina.”

That day she experienced the biggest shock of her life.

"Neither you nor Alexey are Irina’s biological parents," the judge said.

A few days later, Alexey claimed she had bribed the doctors and judge to hide her alleged affair.

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Not long after, he called and apologized for what he had said. When she told him she would try to find their real daughter, he expressed doubt because 12 years had already passed. Yulia told him she at least wanted to know the girl was okay.

After months of waiting – during which Yulia’s new husband proved to be a good spouse and loving father, and they had another child together – she received a call saying the other family had been found. However, the mother had left the family, leaving only the man, Naimat Iskanderov (36), who refused to meet Yulia.

During all that time, Irina didn’t know Yulia had started an investigation to find her biological daughter, and Yulia explained the DNA tests by saying Alexey wanted to confirm he was Irina’s father.

Just as she was losing hope, the real father of Irina finally called Yulia one day. They met in a restaurant, where he brought a photo album, and Yulia saw her real daughter for the first time – a girl named Ana.

Yulia invited him to her home with Maksim. She was very excited when she saw Naimat’s hands trembling as he saw Irina. No words were needed – at first sight, it was clear Irina was the spitting image of Naimat.

The next day, Yulia went to Naimat’s home to see her Ana. “It was my turn to hold back from running to her and hugging her tightly.”

She was introduced as Naimat’s friend, and they spent three hours chatting. After talking to her husband, she decided it was better for Irina to hear the truth from them rather than someone else, since they lived in a small town.

When Ana and Irina both learned the truth, they handled it well. They decided to stay with their “first” families but started calling each other almost daily, spending time together, doing homework, and visiting each other’s families.

However, cultural differences soon emerged because they grew up with different traditions – Naimat is originally from Tajikistan.

"Sometimes even I don’t understand. For example, in Tajik families, girls aren’t allowed to enter a room when male guests are present. Or I see that Naimat feels uncomfortable that Irina freely talks to boys and loves cuddling with mom and dad. Every time I want to hug Ana, I feel she’s confused because she’s not used to it," Yulia said.

On the other hand, Naimat says: “I can’t give up Ana, never. I raised her, I love her, she is my child regardless of the genes. I’d love to live with both – with her and Irina. I guess Yulia feels the same. But they say they want to continue living as before.”

Yulia found it hard to imagine that Ana, according to Tajik customs, might marry very young and start having children.

"But if that’s what Ana chooses, I can’t interfere," said Yulia.

Yulia and Naimat won their lawsuit against the maternity hospital and were awarded $200,000 each in compensation. But the hospital doesn’t have the money to pay them. However, they hope that one day the compensation will come.

If your child is picky when it comes to food or doesn’t like eating at all, you’re probably having a tough time. By now, you’ve likely read tons of articles and books on the topic. You’ve sought advice from other parents who have the same problem, but when it comes to your child, those tips just don’t work!

Nutritionist Toby Amidor, an expert in this field, has a few good tips for proper child nutrition.

Mistake 1: Forcing Your Child to Eat

If you force your child to eat something they dislike, reconsider that approach. This method can exhaust both you and your child, and the negative consequences are many—it may cause your child to dislike not just the food, but the entire mealtime routine.

Instead, don’t make a fuss when your child refuses something. If you avoid overreacting, the next time your child sees the same food, they might not resist as much. With time and a positive attitude, your child will gradually start eating that food normally.

Mistake 2: Only Cooking What the Child Likes

Many parents fall into the trap of preparing only the child’s favorite foods out of fear they’ll go hungry. However, that’s not a solution.

Instead, prepare meals that include at least one ingredient your child enjoys. For example, if your child only likes fries and meat but avoids vegetables, serve a meal that includes both a favorite and a less-liked food. If your child is older, involve them in the cooking process—it will motivate them to try more foods!

Mistake 3: Insisting They Clean the Plate

Parents often go overboard with portion sizes.

Mistake 4: Ignoring Your Child’s Taste Preferences

Children have more sensitive taste buds than adults (which dull over time). Something that seems mild or bland to you might taste too salty or intense to your child. Try cooking milder foods and listen when your child says something is too strongly flavored.

Mistake 5: Giving Up Too Soon

Don’t give up just because your child rejects a food the first time. Studies show that it can take up to 20 exposures to the same food before a child accepts it.

Instead of abandoning a certain dish, keep preparing it and let your child interact with it. Let them touch it, put it in their mouth, and even spit it out. Eventually, they’ll get used to it and stop resisting.

Mistake 6: Too Many Snacks

Snacks aren’t good for adults, let alone for children. These snacks are packed with sugar, artificial colors, and additives that aren’t healthy at all.

Instead of processed snacks, offer your child fruits or other healthy foods as a snack.

Mistake 7: Using Food as a Reward

If you use unhealthy foods like candy or chips as a reward for eating lunch, that’s a mistake! It’s the easiest way to develop bad eating habits in your child. Rewarding with sweets can even lead to addiction.

Instead of food, reward your child with a visit to the park or another activity they love.

Mistake 8: Be Cautious with Juices

The recommendation is for children to drink about half a cup of 100% fruit juice per day. More than that just adds sugar and suppresses appetite.

Try replacing juices with water. If your child really loves juice, dilute it with water.

Babies handle changes in environment much better than parents think. You can take your baby to the sea, but pay attention to these tips...

Let’s start by saying that babies are ready for any kind of trip once they’re three to four months old. Believe it or not, they adapt to new surroundings much better than we assume – writes the portal Biti roditelj.

Here are a few tips to help you and your baby relax and enjoy your beach days:

Sun Exposure

Don’t forget that even on cloudy days, the sun’s rays pass through the clouds and your baby’s delicate skin can burn, so protection is very important.

If your baby is under six months old, keep them out of the sun and stay in the shade. Older babies or children should avoid being in the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. as that is the hottest part of the day.

When in the sun, dress your baby in light, cotton clothing that covers their arms and legs. Put on a wide-brimmed hat that protects their face and neck, and sunglasses to shield their eyes from the sun and sand.

Before going out into the sun, apply a suitable sunscreen to any area of your baby’s skin that isn’t covered by clothing or a hat, including the hands and feet. It might be easier to apply sunscreen in the morning before dressing your baby, so you don’t miss any important spots. Don’t forget to reapply at least every couple of hours, even if it’s waterproof.

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What to Bring to the Beach?

Towels. Hooded towels are recommended for babies because they protect against the wind that often blows on open beaches.

Sunshade. Even if you’ve chosen a seaside destination with plenty of pine trees, you’ll still need a sun umbrella.

Small pool. Very young babies may not feel comfortable seeing the vast blue sea. It can scare them, and they often don’t want to swim. A small pool filled with seawater can be very useful for cooling them down and helping them get used to water.

Beach mat. Useful not only for sitting but also to protect babies from sand. Many babies don’t like sand between their toes and get upset when it happens. If your baby reacts strongly, consider going to a pebbly or rocky beach until they get older.

Water and food. Babies and toddlers get hungry faster in fresh air, so be sure to bring enough water and snacks.

Toys. Bring age-appropriate rubber toys to keep your baby entertained in the water or sand.

Camera. This one’s hard to forget, but it’s really important to take family photos and capture memories of your first seaside vacation with your baby.

Time at the Beach

To ensure fun and relaxation at the beach for you and your baby, pay attention to these safety measures.

Choose a spot that’s not too close to the water to avoid unnecessary soaking of towels or mats if the waves rise.

If you’ve brought a baby tent, make it comfortable by placing towels inside or leveling the sand. Always check that it’s not overheating inside.

Keep a constant watch on crawling babies. Take turns supervising so someone is always watching the baby and ready to react if needed. Don’t stop your baby from exploring, but make sure it’s done safely. You can easily lose sight of your baby on a busy beach, and they’ll usually head straight for the water. Never let them go near the water without you or another adult.

Try to stop your baby from putting pebbles, shells, or sand in their mouth. But don’t panic if it happens. Monitor them, and if there are any signs of stomach trouble, seek medical advice.

In the Water with Your Baby

Just because your baby likes swimming in a pool doesn’t mean they’ll feel the same at the sea. The salt can be unpleasant, and the seawater might irritate their eyes. In that case, take them under the shower and gently rinse their face.

Stay in shallow water where you can sit and hold your baby safely. Don’t go too far out, as some beaches can become deep very quickly. Gentle waves can be fun for your baby, and they might enjoy playing with you in the sea.

When your baby is big enough, you can put them in a rubber float – but still hold onto them.

Don’t stay too long in the water. Babies can get cold quickly. If they start to shiver, it’s time to come out and wrap them in a towel.

If your baby gets upset by the sea, try splashing gently to show how fun it can be. If they still don’t like it, stay in the shallow area and build sandcastles. They’ll have plenty of time to grow to love the sea.