Child
The child at this stage needs a continuous care from parents. If the way of raising the child by parents or by the surrounding environment is inconsistent and unstable, the child will have inability to regulate his habits. This does not mean that parents have to follow rules or specific protocols in education, but they should not change their pattern of routine when dealing with the child, especially when they feed him or play with him or even when they put him to sleep. You may notice a child who is bored he is crying, so try to tell a story in a low voice, or lie down and gently pat on his back. At the same time, you may need to rest. If the child is playing do not bother him and leave him for a while until he is done.
How does your child grow?
If your child did not walk yet, probably, he will take his first independent steps soon. (Do not worry if you did not walk soon). It’s quite normal that some kids do not walk before reaching the 16th or 17th month.
You can encourage your child to walk by standing or kneeling in front of him and extending hands. You can also catch his hands and make him walk towards you. If your child was like most kids, he will have his first fast steps with his arms extended to his side (for balance) and bent at the elbow and with his feet heading out and his buttock to the back (in order to have balance too.
Always make sure that the environment in which he improves these new skills is soft and safe. Follow the standard safety guidelines of young children and never leave your baby unattended. And keep the camera ready!
Is it normal that my baby suckles for few minutes only during a single feed
Yes. Your child may prefer to snack only. He may suckle for a minute or two, and then take a break and then return to suckle a little longer. Some children suckle on a regular and expected basis, but this does not apply to most of them, especially during the first weeks and months.
If your child is in good health and is gaining weight and seems satisfied after most feedings, make sure you meet his needs from milk or yogurt.
Make sure you fulfill your child appetite by offering him suckling several times in addition to monitoring indicators of hunger. He will tell you by opening his mouth and closing it, making sucking voice, opening his eyes, or turning his head towards you.
If your baby sleeps after only a few minutes of suckling, wake him up in order to be able to take a full feed. Tickle his feet or gently fluff on his face to stay awake and suckle.
You may also need to check how to put the breast in his mouth. He may suckle for a short time if he gets the milk with difficulty. Make sure he puts a large part of your breast in his mouth tightly. He must show satisfaction during suckling, and you should also feel comfortable.