The latest figures from the Department of Health show that 76% of mums chose to breastfeed their babies straight after birth in 2005, however after one week just 35% of UK babies are being exclusively breastfed and after six weeks the figure plummets to 21%.  And yet in the United Kingdom 9 out of ten women who stop breastfeeding before their baby is 6 weeks old would have liked to breastfeed for longer.

There are many infant toys on the market from all sizes of suppliers, but with companies feeling the effect of the down turn in the economy, they are keen to welcome new avenues to sell their goods.

Real nappies have shaken off their pins and fold image and now provide an eco chic alternative, encouraging even very light green parents to try them out.  Many arguments against them are now fading away with increased performance, ease of use and desirable designs, adding to the attraction of using them.  For many the decision to use real nappies provides cost savings for the family and the chance to contribute to a greener lifestyle, also the great benefit to local councils by reducing hazardous waste in overflowing landfill sites.

Children learn by copying. The more often something is repeated, the more chances a child has to learn it and, the more likely it is that he will remember the cue that triggers the memory. Advocates of strict routines include famous names such Gina Ford and many parents swear by her methods.

Although most children do not start to get their permanent 'adult' teeth until the age of six, the first five years of their lives are vital to ensuring a lifetime of healthy teeth.

A well-respected Professor of biochemical pollutants at Aberdeen University has questioned the safety of supermarket baby rice, after finding that 35 per cent of the supermarket brands his research team analysed contained levels of arsenic that would be illegal in China.  Inorganic arsenic is a human carcinogen, yet because it is not mentioned in current EU law, many companies follow the  standards based on  British ‘safe' level set in 1959, which Professor Andrew Meharg says is scientifically out of date.

You lie there staring at the ceiling, changing position on the bed, moving the covers around. You are fully aware you should sleep, but it just won't come.

It doesn't happen very often, but every now and then one of your big sales items has a glitch. It can be resolved if handled well so what sort of support can retailers expect from the suppliers of such goods? We asked six major manufacturers to deal with our very own customer complaint.