YOUR GRANDPARENTING answered! QUESTIONS

EXPERT TIPS FOR NAVIGATING THIS JOYOUS TIME WITH EASE

With your kids all grown up, it may have seemed like the days of nappies and feeding times were over. But now that your children are having little ones of their own, you’ve found yourself in a new role.

“It might be time for your kids to take the lead, but there’s still so much to offer as a grandparent,” holistic paediatrician, Dr Deb Levy, says. Here, Dr Levy shares tips she’s learnt over the years.

WHEN SHOULD I HELP OUT?

Although difficult, it’s important to find a balance between helping the new parents out and taking a step back. Resist the urge to give abundant, unsolicited advice and try to find a middle ground where you can complement rather than conquer.

WHAT’S THE GO WITH ‘NATURAL’ PRODUCTS?

As a holistic paediatrician and parent, I believe that there is certainly a place for natural remedies – we want nothing more than to protect our babies from all the chemicals and nasties in our world.

That said, it’s important to note there’s no real regulation around products being labelled as ‘natural’. Natural remedies can be useful in some instances, but it’s important to always choose a clinically proven treatment. Above all, consult a health professional for specific, case-based advice.

HOW CAN I TREAT NAPPY RASH?

New research from Waterwipes has found that, unsurprisingly, over 80 per cent of Australian parents have had to care for a baby with nappy rash. Here’s some insider info that’s sure to score you brownie points – nappy rash can be caused or

aggravated by harsh chemicals in nappies or baby cleaning products. Without removing these, the rash will be very difficult to treat. I suggest choosing products with minimal ingredients and minimal harsh additives. Follow up with a medically approved zinc-based barrier cream for extra protection.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A GRANDPARENT?

Grandparenting is arguably one of the most fulfilling adventures we can have in this life – you get to shower babies with love and escape dealing with the frustrations of waking in the wee hours to soothe a crying baby. Hopefully these few tips can help you as you begin or continue on your grandparenting journey. As always, please advise parents to see a health professional for advice that applies to their baby’s specific situation.