The Jenni Johnson Baby Clinic

29/05/2025

Murphys 9 month meal plan.
We’re aiming for realistic and balanced. Meals that reflect what we’d eat too.

Plenty of variety, all the food groups, and no separate “baby-only” cooking marathons. Because building healthy habits should feel natural for the whole family.

Swipe, save, and share your favorite baby-friendly meals below!

25/05/2025

Tantrums at 18 months?
Here’s what to do: Acknowledge the tantrum, then walk away.

It’s normal for toddlers to meltdown; it’s how they process big emotions they don’t understand yet. Your job isn’t to stop the tantrum, it’s to stay calm and consistent.

At home? Say, “I see you’re upset,” and walk away.
In public? Pick them up and move to a quiet spot. Let them calm down.

Example: Your child grabs your phone, you gently take it back and say, “Not for you, I left it out by mistake.” If they have a tantrum, just walk away.

This isn’t about ignoring your child. It’s about showing them how to handle frustration with calm leadership.

20/05/2025

We recently asked, “Do you believe a child needs boundaries?”
And your answer was a loud and clear YES.

So we thought it would only be fitting to talk about what it actually looks like when those boundaries are tested.

Between 15 months and 2 years, toddlers begin to explore independence in all sorts of unexpected ways. They sn**ch, tip, press, and climb; not because they’re being ‘naughty’, but because they’re learning.

Learning what happens when they cross the line. Learning who’s there to guide them back. And you, as their carer, are there to show them the way.

Are any of these moments familiar to you?
We’d love to hear your stories. What does boundary-testing look like in your home? Share in the comments or tag us in your own post!

19/05/2025

Welcome to a week of discipline; the gentle, clear kind that helps your toddler thrive.

Around 15 months, you might notice your little one becoming a bit... cheeky. Suddenly, they’re not listening, pushing boundaries, and yes, throwing food on the floor. It’s not “naughty,” it’s development. But it is time to introduce boundaries.

One common challenge? Food being flung from the high chair. Read the post to see exactly what to do when that starts happening; it’s simple, respectful, and effective.

Do this calmly and consistently for a few days. Your child will eat what they want, stop when they’ve had enough, and the food throwing will cease.

Remember: You can’t (and shouldn’t) force-feed a child at this age. They know when they’re full, and this is their way of telling you.

06/05/2025

It’s lumpy food month for Murphy Grace! Her 8-month meal plan is all about exploring new textures, building confidence with finger foods, and enjoying real family flavours.

24/04/2025

Evenings with a newborn can feel like a blur; but teamwork makes all the difference.
Here’s one way to share the load and make sure both of you get rest and bonding time with baby.

Set a rhythm that works for your family, and remember: you’re in this together.

21/04/2025

Breastfeeding a Newborn Baby

This is the approach I’ve been teaching for many, many years. I start guiding babies into a gentle routine from birth, focusing on effective feeding. That said, if you’re doing something different and it’s working for you, keep going!

- Create a rhythm
- Feed for 10 minutes on both sides
- Let baby feed for up to 45 mins total
- Demand feeding is important
- Feed at least 8 times in 24 hours

This method works beautifully for many, but you know your baby best.

16/04/2025

Over the years, I’ve found a few baby care essentials that never let me down. From gentle baby washes to a reliable nappy cream mix that tackles those red, angry rashes, these products have been a lifesaver.

My medicine kit is simply a suggestion, but it’s reassuring to have a few go-to items on hand; something to reach for before a trip to the doctor. Having a well-stocked drawer you can rely on brings such peace of mind.

If you’re putting together your own baby care routine, be sure to save this post for later!
⁣
What are your baby care must-haves? I’d love to hear your favorites - pop them in the comments below!

13/04/2025

The first few days at home with your newborn can be emotional, unpredictable, and overwhelming. You’re doing something you’ve never done before.

Here are some of the most important things to know as you settle in:

1️⃣ Wake baby 3 hourly during the day to feed
The day is 7am–7pm. Feed on demand at night (if under 3kg wake 3 hourly). Start each feed on the breast you finished on last time. If in doubt - feed!

2️⃣ Clean the umbilical cord at every nappy change
Use water or surgical spirits on an earbud. Gently lift the cord and clean around the base. A little bleeding is normal as it separates.

3️⃣ Wind is part of the process
Burps, hiccups and farts are all wind. Wind when swapping sides and after feeds, but don’t worry if baby doesn’t burp every time.

4️⃣ Crying can be unpredictable
One day baby cries nonstop, the next day they don’t. It’s normal, trust your instincts and take it one moment at a time.

5️⃣ Dry, flaky skin is common
Massage after bath with perfume-free cream or oil.

6️⃣ Use hot and cold compresses for engorgement
Apply warm/hot face cloths and gently massage and use cabbage leaves from the fridge for cooling relief. This helps release milk and ease discomfort.

7️⃣ Clean sticky eyes with cooled boiled water
Gently wipe and massage the inner corner of the eye, sticky eyes are usually due to a blocked tear duct.

8️⃣ Position baby safely for sleep
Sleep baby on their back or alternate sides using a rolled-up blanket. If swaddled, always place on their back.

9️⃣ Stools should be regular by day 5
By the end of day 3, baby must pass a soft yellow cottage cheesy poo. If not, please weigh baby and feed feed feed.

🔟 You’re doing something amazing
Parenthood starts in a moment, but learning it takes time. Be kind to yourself; every day will feel different, and every moment is part of the process.

10/04/2025

Meet the Murphy behind MurphyG_and_me

Murphy Grace is 7 months old, she is my very first grandchild and now, my tiny partner in baby care!

After years of teaching parents about feeding, sleep routines, and daily care, I’m now getting to experience it all firsthand as a grandmother and let me tell you, it’s given me a whole new perspective!

This is a peek into a day in Murphy’s life, filled with nourishment, curiosity, and joy.

06/04/2025

With each stage of a child’s growth comes a new area of attention.
These are the five core principles I emphasize when guiding parents through their baby’s development.

For newborns, nutrition is everything and breast is best. Did you know a baby should gain about 550-750g in their first month? Proper nourishment supports growth, brain development, and overall well-being.

As babies grow, good sleep habits are key. Starting a calming bedtime routine as early as 2 weeks old supports healthy development and helps your baby feel secure and well-rested.

Each of these principles plays a key role at different stages, guiding little ones through healthy development.

Which one are you focusing on right now? Let me know in the comments!

11/12/2024