When to call the doctor?
Do call the doctor if something doesn't feel right with your child. Here are some key areas to watch:

• Change in temperament
• Unusual crying
• Decrease in appetite
• Difficulty in breathing
• Fever
• Abnormal bowel movements or bloody stool

Must I keep pets away from my newborn?
As long as your pet is well behaved and you are there to supervise, its fine to allow it near your newborn. If your pet shows aggression or hostility towards your infant, you should quickly reprimand him. He'll learn fast what behaviour is allowed near the child.

When your child is very young, to avoid infections, dont allow the family dog or cat to lick his face. As your child grows older, his immune system will get much stronger and he can then play with, and even be licked by your pet without any consequences.

When can I let visitors hold my newborn?
Remember when your pregnant abdomen was once a hand magnet? Youll realise now that youve transferred this magnetism to your newborn. Friends, family, relatives, neighbours and even strangers will be tempted to hold your little angel.

It's not a problem to have close friends and family hold your newborn, as long as they wash their hands first, and avoid coughing or sneezing near him. However, try not to let too many people handle your child for too long, as your newborns immune system isnt mature yet. Once hes more than a month or two old, you won't need to be so vigilant about protecting him from germs.