Causes & Treatment For Nappy Rash
Nappy Rash
Nappy rash is a common problem that all babies have at some point in their early life. The baby's buttocks become red and sore. Baby rash is a result of:
* The bacteria in the baby's stools reacting with the substances in his urine. This causes irritation and redness. Change the baby's nappy as soon as he wets or soils it. Use a nappy rash cream that has zinc oxide as a component.
* The baby's skin being damp. As you change his nappy dry his bottom with a soft cotton washcloth. Allow your baby to stay without a nappy for a few hours everyday.
* The baby's skin reacting to the soap or the wipes you use. It is better to use lukewarm water and cotton wool to clean your baby's bottom.
* Using strong detergents to wash cloth nappies. Use detergents that are gentle and rinse off a number of times.
Thrush
Nappy rash that doesn't go away inspite of all the precautions it may well be thrush. If so then you need to consult your doctor immediately. Infection caused by the fungus candia albicans in thrush. This fungus thrives in areas of the body where there is a lot of moisture like the mouth or groin area.
Thrush in the mouth appears as little white spots inside the cheeks and on the tongue of the baby. If you try to clean these while spots they will appear red in color. Thrush makes the mouth very sensitive and it is difficult for the baby to feed. Oral thrush can be treated with a suspension or a gel to be applied locally. If you notice that your baby has a recurrent case of thrush when you are bottle-feeding him, sterilize the bottles and teats you use thoroughly. Steam sterilization is the best method to use.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Jaundice
Jaundice At Birth
While the baby is in the womb it is dependent on the mother for food and oxygen. Both these reach the baby through the umbilical cord that connects him to his mother. The baby's blood has additional red blood cells to help in the distribution of oxygen through out his body. After birth the baby begins to breathe through his lungs and hence does not need the additional red blood cells. His body will start disposing off the extra cells. These red blood cells are destroyed in spleen and a major by-product thus produced is bilirubin.
The liver removes the bilirubin from the bloodstream and passes it on to the intestines. As the baby's liver is still developing, it is unable to manage, the sudden increase in bilirubin during the first few days. The large amounts of bilirubin in the blood will make the baby's skin appear yellow. Immediately after birth it is normal for babies to have a small amount of jaundice. But if the concentration of bilirubin in the blood is high it could damage the baby's brain. You should ask your doctor to monitor your baby constantly if he has jaundice. Things that you can do:
* Breast-feed your baby as often as he is willing to feed. This will aid is reducing the bilirubin in the blood.
* Breast milk is sufficient to remove the extra bilirubin you do not need to give him any other fluids.
If the amount of jaundice your baby has is high, your doctor will treat him using phototherapy. They will place the baby under a light, naked expect for an eye patch for a few hours, for a few days. This light will not harm your baby in any way. He can be treated in a mobile unit in your room.
While the baby is in the womb it is dependent on the mother for food and oxygen. Both these reach the baby through the umbilical cord that connects him to his mother. The baby's blood has additional red blood cells to help in the distribution of oxygen through out his body. After birth the baby begins to breathe through his lungs and hence does not need the additional red blood cells. His body will start disposing off the extra cells. These red blood cells are destroyed in spleen and a major by-product thus produced is bilirubin.
The liver removes the bilirubin from the bloodstream and passes it on to the intestines. As the baby's liver is still developing, it is unable to manage, the sudden increase in bilirubin during the first few days. The large amounts of bilirubin in the blood will make the baby's skin appear yellow. Immediately after birth it is normal for babies to have a small amount of jaundice. But if the concentration of bilirubin in the blood is high it could damage the baby's brain. You should ask your doctor to monitor your baby constantly if he has jaundice. Things that you can do:
* Breast-feed your baby as often as he is willing to feed. This will aid is reducing the bilirubin in the blood.
* Breast milk is sufficient to remove the extra bilirubin you do not need to give him any other fluids.
If the amount of jaundice your baby has is high, your doctor will treat him using phototherapy. They will place the baby under a light, naked expect for an eye patch for a few hours, for a few days. This light will not harm your baby in any way. He can be treated in a mobile unit in your room.
Immunization Medical Help
Immunization Schedule And Meningitis
Immunization is important to protect your baby from those diseases that can be fatal for him. It is important to follow the immunization schedule accurately. If you miss an immunization date then consult your doctor immediately and he will give you a new date. If the baby is very ill when immunization is due then you consult your doctor and reschedule immunization. But if your baby has a slight cold or cough then you can go ahead with immunization. If your baby has had an acute reaction to a dose of immunization consult your doctor before you give him the booster dose.
After an immunization shot the baby is likely to have slight fever, give him the recommended dose of paracetamol and that should help him. If the injection sight is swollen do not worry, as this is normal. Consult your doctor about the reactions that various injections will have on your baby. If your baby has any of the following conditions then he is ill:
* Is not feeding normally for over 24 hours.
* Vomiting continuously.
* If is suddenly beings to breathe noisily and rapidly.
* Has wet only 4 nappies or less in the past 24 hours.
* Presence of blood in stools or urine.
* Cries continuously and it sounds different from the normal way he cries.
* Lacks energy and is not alert.
* Has a skin rash.
Consult your doctor if you are concerned about the way the baby is behaving.
Given below is the ideal immunization schedule for babies:
* At 11/2 months:
1. B.C.G (injection) If not given at birth to the baby.
2. D.P.T. - 1 (injection)
3. O.P.V. - 1 (dose)
* At 21/2 months:
1. D.P.T. - 2 (injection)
2. O.P.V. - 2 (dose)
3. At 31/2 months:
4. D.P.T. - 3 (injection)
5. O.P.V. - 3 (dose)
* At 9 months:
1. Measles (injection)
* 16 to 24 months:
1. D.P.T. Booster (injection)
2. O.P.V. Booster (dose)
Another illness that is a cause of great concern among parents is meningitis. When this affects infants and small children, it can be fatal if not treated promptly. Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation can be caused either by bacteria or viruses. Meningitis caused by bacterial infection is more fatal than the one caused by viral infection. Meningitis is contagious as it is airborne. It spreads when an infected person sneezes, coughs, laughs or talks and tiny droplets of fluid from his throat and nose become air borne. Infants are more susceptible to meningitis as their immune system is still developing. The number of cases of meningitis among infants has dropped greatly every since the Hib vaccine was introduced. A Hib vaccine safeguards the child against the attack of meningitis. But vaccines have not been developed for all the strains of meningitis. Hence parents continue to be worried about meningitis. Some symptoms of meningitis are:
* Stiffness in the neck.
* Swollen fontanel - swelling of the soft spot on the baby's head.
* The baby is listless and is not his usual energetic self.
* The baby looks very pale.
* The baby is not alert.
* The baby has a purple rash.
* The baby cries in a high-pitched voice and seems to me moaning.
* The baby has very high temperature.
* The baby has suddenly become sensitive to light.
Though meningitis seems like a deadly disease, it can be cured, if diagnosed at the right time and treated promptly.
Immunization is important to protect your baby from those diseases that can be fatal for him. It is important to follow the immunization schedule accurately. If you miss an immunization date then consult your doctor immediately and he will give you a new date. If the baby is very ill when immunization is due then you consult your doctor and reschedule immunization. But if your baby has a slight cold or cough then you can go ahead with immunization. If your baby has had an acute reaction to a dose of immunization consult your doctor before you give him the booster dose.
After an immunization shot the baby is likely to have slight fever, give him the recommended dose of paracetamol and that should help him. If the injection sight is swollen do not worry, as this is normal. Consult your doctor about the reactions that various injections will have on your baby. If your baby has any of the following conditions then he is ill:
* Is not feeding normally for over 24 hours.
* Vomiting continuously.
* If is suddenly beings to breathe noisily and rapidly.
* Has wet only 4 nappies or less in the past 24 hours.
* Presence of blood in stools or urine.
* Cries continuously and it sounds different from the normal way he cries.
* Lacks energy and is not alert.
* Has a skin rash.
Consult your doctor if you are concerned about the way the baby is behaving.
Given below is the ideal immunization schedule for babies:
* At 11/2 months:
1. B.C.G (injection) If not given at birth to the baby.
2. D.P.T. - 1 (injection)
3. O.P.V. - 1 (dose)
* At 21/2 months:
1. D.P.T. - 2 (injection)
2. O.P.V. - 2 (dose)
3. At 31/2 months:
4. D.P.T. - 3 (injection)
5. O.P.V. - 3 (dose)
* At 9 months:
1. Measles (injection)
* 16 to 24 months:
1. D.P.T. Booster (injection)
2. O.P.V. Booster (dose)
Another illness that is a cause of great concern among parents is meningitis. When this affects infants and small children, it can be fatal if not treated promptly. Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation can be caused either by bacteria or viruses. Meningitis caused by bacterial infection is more fatal than the one caused by viral infection. Meningitis is contagious as it is airborne. It spreads when an infected person sneezes, coughs, laughs or talks and tiny droplets of fluid from his throat and nose become air borne. Infants are more susceptible to meningitis as their immune system is still developing. The number of cases of meningitis among infants has dropped greatly every since the Hib vaccine was introduced. A Hib vaccine safeguards the child against the attack of meningitis. But vaccines have not been developed for all the strains of meningitis. Hence parents continue to be worried about meningitis. Some symptoms of meningitis are:
* Stiffness in the neck.
* Swollen fontanel - swelling of the soft spot on the baby's head.
* The baby is listless and is not his usual energetic self.
* The baby looks very pale.
* The baby is not alert.
* The baby has a purple rash.
* The baby cries in a high-pitched voice and seems to me moaning.
* The baby has very high temperature.
* The baby has suddenly become sensitive to light.
Though meningitis seems like a deadly disease, it can be cured, if diagnosed at the right time and treated promptly.
Hypoglycaemia Colic
Managing Hypoglycemia & Colic
We need a certain amount of sugar, in the form of glucose, for normal functioning of the body. When the level of glucose in the blood decreases if affects the functioning of our brain. While in the womb the baby feeds through the umbilical cord and the blood glucose levels are more or less constant. After childbirth the umbilical cord is cut and the baby has to adjust to the resultant fall in blood glucose levels. Immediately after birth it is normal for the glucose levels in the blood to drop for a day or two. The baby's brain will get the energy it requires from the glycogen that is stored in the liver and is a substitute for glucose. The baby may not feed well for the first few days. As long as he is healthy and normal there is no cause to worry. If the baby is breast-feeding, there is no need to give him sugar water to increase his glucose level. Some babies may have a problem with this fall blood sugar level. They are:
* Sick babies
* Premature babies.
* Those babies who have not developed well in the womb.
* Babies whose mothers are diabetic.
Doctors and nurses monitor babies in the above categories closely. They monitor:
* Baby's body temperature.
* Baby's respiratory function.
* Baby's skin color.
* Watch whether the baby is restless.
If the blood sugar levels are very low the baby may be administered glucose drips intravenously. Though the best way of ensuring that the baby gets the right amount of glucose in breast-feeding him.
Colic
The word 'colic' is used to describe a specific crying pattern. The baby seems to be terribly upset by the pain it is undergoing and cries continuously. If the baby draws his knees to his stomach, clenches his fists and makes a disgusting face while crying then he has colic. Colic usually begins when the baby is three or four weeks old and is at its worst when the baby is about eight weeks old. Babies with colic cry for long spells, which can last a few hours, usually in the evening or night. Though the child can be consoled for sometime, he begins to cry again for no apparent reason. Normally babies with colic are happy, in good health and well developed. It is in very rare cases that colic lasts beyond three months. Some babies may show signs of colic till they are about five months old. Colic is a result of:
* An upset stomach
* Under developed nervous system
* Fluid that flows back into the esophagus from the stomach.
* Air trapped in the stomach forming gas.
When the see their baby suffer so much as a result of colic parents often blame themselves. They think it is a result of something they are doing or not doing. But this is not the case. No matter what causes colic there is little the parents can do to make their baby feel better. Here are a few tips to help the baby:
* Bath the baby in lukewarm water.
* Wrap them in cotton covering so that they feel safe.
* Give their feet a massage.
* Give them a dummy to suck on.
* Give them gripe water or colic drops.
* Dissolve three teaspoons of sugar in a cup of boiling water, cool it and then slowly give it to the baby using a teaspoon.
You can consult your doctor for more advice. Ask family members to help out in taking care of the baby if colic is a regular feature. Colic has no lasting effect on the baby.
We need a certain amount of sugar, in the form of glucose, for normal functioning of the body. When the level of glucose in the blood decreases if affects the functioning of our brain. While in the womb the baby feeds through the umbilical cord and the blood glucose levels are more or less constant. After childbirth the umbilical cord is cut and the baby has to adjust to the resultant fall in blood glucose levels. Immediately after birth it is normal for the glucose levels in the blood to drop for a day or two. The baby's brain will get the energy it requires from the glycogen that is stored in the liver and is a substitute for glucose. The baby may not feed well for the first few days. As long as he is healthy and normal there is no cause to worry. If the baby is breast-feeding, there is no need to give him sugar water to increase his glucose level. Some babies may have a problem with this fall blood sugar level. They are:
* Sick babies
* Premature babies.
* Those babies who have not developed well in the womb.
* Babies whose mothers are diabetic.
Doctors and nurses monitor babies in the above categories closely. They monitor:
* Baby's body temperature.
* Baby's respiratory function.
* Baby's skin color.
* Watch whether the baby is restless.
If the blood sugar levels are very low the baby may be administered glucose drips intravenously. Though the best way of ensuring that the baby gets the right amount of glucose in breast-feeding him.
Colic
The word 'colic' is used to describe a specific crying pattern. The baby seems to be terribly upset by the pain it is undergoing and cries continuously. If the baby draws his knees to his stomach, clenches his fists and makes a disgusting face while crying then he has colic. Colic usually begins when the baby is three or four weeks old and is at its worst when the baby is about eight weeks old. Babies with colic cry for long spells, which can last a few hours, usually in the evening or night. Though the child can be consoled for sometime, he begins to cry again for no apparent reason. Normally babies with colic are happy, in good health and well developed. It is in very rare cases that colic lasts beyond three months. Some babies may show signs of colic till they are about five months old. Colic is a result of:
* An upset stomach
* Under developed nervous system
* Fluid that flows back into the esophagus from the stomach.
* Air trapped in the stomach forming gas.
When the see their baby suffer so much as a result of colic parents often blame themselves. They think it is a result of something they are doing or not doing. But this is not the case. No matter what causes colic there is little the parents can do to make their baby feel better. Here are a few tips to help the baby:
* Bath the baby in lukewarm water.
* Wrap them in cotton covering so that they feel safe.
* Give their feet a massage.
* Give them a dummy to suck on.
* Give them gripe water or colic drops.
* Dissolve three teaspoons of sugar in a cup of boiling water, cool it and then slowly give it to the baby using a teaspoon.
You can consult your doctor for more advice. Ask family members to help out in taking care of the baby if colic is a regular feature. Colic has no lasting effect on the baby.
Premature Babies
Congenital Abnormalities In Newborns
Some babies are born with certain abnormalities; these are present at the time of the birth of the baby. These are known congenital abnormalities. These abnormalities are a result of problems while the baby was developing in the mother's womb or because of complications during labor or they are hereditary abnormalities. Given below are a few congenital abnormalities:
* Spina bifida: in this condition there is a raw swelling over a portion of the spine at birth. This results in paralysis of the legs either partial or complete, inability to control bladder functioning and inability to feel anything below the spina bifida. In some cases there is a build up and retention of water in the brain and this is know as hydrocephalus. This swelling can be closed by an operation by specialists. To reduce to risk of spina bifida women are prescribed folic acid supplements during the early stages of their pregnancy.
* Umbilical hernias: In this condition parts of the digestive system are lying outside the stomach cavity. This is because the area around the navel is not very strong. Normally cases of umbilical hernias around the navel heal by themselves, if they do not then surgery is required.
* Sickle cell disease: This is a hereditary condition that is most commonly found among people of West African or African Caribbean descent. The hemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles disintegrates at a quicker rate than normal. Hemoglobin is important as it carries oxygen to the different parts of the body. Reduction in hemoglobin causes anemia and blocks blood vessels in the hands and legs and stomach. An attack can last for a few days and can be treated with painkillers. This is also known as Sickle cell disease.
* Cystic fibrosis: This is another hereditary illness in which the tissues in the body produce unusually thick mucus. The commonly affected organs are the lungs, the intestines and pancreas. If the lungs are affected the air ducts are blocked and hence vulnerable to infection. Children with this condition have a inability to digest food completely and have bad smelling bowel movements and constipation. They are well below the normal weight for their age. This illness has no cure, but if detected in the initial stages lung damage can be reduced. These children are susceptible to chest infections and have to be treated with antibiotics. Chest physiotherapy is required regularly to remove thick phlegm.
* Coeliac disease: In this condition the child's intestine reacts strongly to gluten, a protein found in wheat. These children have a severe case of diarrhea, where the stools are fatty, pale and don't flush away. The child does not put on weight as required. The illness can be detected by a blood test. After being detected the child will have to completely give up gluten contain food. Once this is done stools return to normal and the child will put on weight. There is large number of alternative foods available in the market and the child will have to abstain from having gluten for the rest of his life. Once this is done stools return to normal and the child will put on weight.
* Clubfoot: In this condition the foot curves inwards or outwards. All babies are checked for this at birth, especially so if they were born in the breech position, as it occurs more frequently with these babies. Often they can be manipulated into the proper position, with little or no treatment. But if the case is severe then surgery may be required. This condition is also known as talipes.
* Cleft palate: In this condition the cleft lip and the cleft palate are fused, thus the baby is unable to breast-feed. Various support groups will help you deal with the situation and corrective plastic surgery is possible.
* Congenital dislocation of the hip: All babies are screened for this condition at birth and when they are eight weeks old. If this condition is undetected then walking can become a problem later on in life. If diagnosed with this problem then the baby will have to wear a special splint for sometime. Most recover without having to be operated on, but some do need an operation. This condition is prevalent more among girls and breech babies.
* Cerebral palsy: In this condition the parts of the brain that control body movements are damaged. This can happen before birth, during birth or in the first two years after birth. In some cases damage may not be noticed at birth, but as the child grows it may become evident that there is brain damage. It is difficult to pinpoint as to what causes this damage. There are a few tests that can be conducted when the baby is eight weeks old to screen him for cerebral palsy.
Premature babies
The normal term for a baby is 37 weeks. Those babies that are born before this period are premature babies. Modern medical technology has advanced to such an extent that today babies that are born at 23 or 24 weeks can be kept alive and monitored till they reach full term. Babies born at 25 weeks and after have a perfectly good chance of healthy survival today. Special Care Baby Units (SCBU) are designed and equipped to look after sick and early babies. Premature babies have Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) or difficulty in breathing. As the baby is born too early its lungs haven't developed enough to produce surfactant, an important substance that prevents the inner side of the lungs from fusing together. Today the babies are given artificial surfactant. They need special care and are kept in an incubator in a controlled environment and fed through tubes to their stomach.
Some babies are born with certain abnormalities; these are present at the time of the birth of the baby. These are known congenital abnormalities. These abnormalities are a result of problems while the baby was developing in the mother's womb or because of complications during labor or they are hereditary abnormalities. Given below are a few congenital abnormalities:
* Spina bifida: in this condition there is a raw swelling over a portion of the spine at birth. This results in paralysis of the legs either partial or complete, inability to control bladder functioning and inability to feel anything below the spina bifida. In some cases there is a build up and retention of water in the brain and this is know as hydrocephalus. This swelling can be closed by an operation by specialists. To reduce to risk of spina bifida women are prescribed folic acid supplements during the early stages of their pregnancy.
* Umbilical hernias: In this condition parts of the digestive system are lying outside the stomach cavity. This is because the area around the navel is not very strong. Normally cases of umbilical hernias around the navel heal by themselves, if they do not then surgery is required.
* Sickle cell disease: This is a hereditary condition that is most commonly found among people of West African or African Caribbean descent. The hemoglobin in the red blood corpuscles disintegrates at a quicker rate than normal. Hemoglobin is important as it carries oxygen to the different parts of the body. Reduction in hemoglobin causes anemia and blocks blood vessels in the hands and legs and stomach. An attack can last for a few days and can be treated with painkillers. This is also known as Sickle cell disease.
* Cystic fibrosis: This is another hereditary illness in which the tissues in the body produce unusually thick mucus. The commonly affected organs are the lungs, the intestines and pancreas. If the lungs are affected the air ducts are blocked and hence vulnerable to infection. Children with this condition have a inability to digest food completely and have bad smelling bowel movements and constipation. They are well below the normal weight for their age. This illness has no cure, but if detected in the initial stages lung damage can be reduced. These children are susceptible to chest infections and have to be treated with antibiotics. Chest physiotherapy is required regularly to remove thick phlegm.
* Coeliac disease: In this condition the child's intestine reacts strongly to gluten, a protein found in wheat. These children have a severe case of diarrhea, where the stools are fatty, pale and don't flush away. The child does not put on weight as required. The illness can be detected by a blood test. After being detected the child will have to completely give up gluten contain food. Once this is done stools return to normal and the child will put on weight. There is large number of alternative foods available in the market and the child will have to abstain from having gluten for the rest of his life. Once this is done stools return to normal and the child will put on weight.
* Clubfoot: In this condition the foot curves inwards or outwards. All babies are checked for this at birth, especially so if they were born in the breech position, as it occurs more frequently with these babies. Often they can be manipulated into the proper position, with little or no treatment. But if the case is severe then surgery may be required. This condition is also known as talipes.
* Cleft palate: In this condition the cleft lip and the cleft palate are fused, thus the baby is unable to breast-feed. Various support groups will help you deal with the situation and corrective plastic surgery is possible.
* Congenital dislocation of the hip: All babies are screened for this condition at birth and when they are eight weeks old. If this condition is undetected then walking can become a problem later on in life. If diagnosed with this problem then the baby will have to wear a special splint for sometime. Most recover without having to be operated on, but some do need an operation. This condition is prevalent more among girls and breech babies.
* Cerebral palsy: In this condition the parts of the brain that control body movements are damaged. This can happen before birth, during birth or in the first two years after birth. In some cases damage may not be noticed at birth, but as the child grows it may become evident that there is brain damage. It is difficult to pinpoint as to what causes this damage. There are a few tests that can be conducted when the baby is eight weeks old to screen him for cerebral palsy.
Premature babies
The normal term for a baby is 37 weeks. Those babies that are born before this period are premature babies. Modern medical technology has advanced to such an extent that today babies that are born at 23 or 24 weeks can be kept alive and monitored till they reach full term. Babies born at 25 weeks and after have a perfectly good chance of healthy survival today. Special Care Baby Units (SCBU) are designed and equipped to look after sick and early babies. Premature babies have Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) or difficulty in breathing. As the baby is born too early its lungs haven't developed enough to produce surfactant, an important substance that prevents the inner side of the lungs from fusing together. Today the babies are given artificial surfactant. They need special care and are kept in an incubator in a controlled environment and fed through tubes to their stomach.
Baby Temperature
Dealing with Fever
Babies need to be comfortable at all times they should not be too hot or too cold. Their clothing should suit the weather and the heating within the house should suit the children and adults alike. If the house in centrally heated then your baby will be comfortable in just a vest and a stretch suit when he is indoors. When they leave the house they may need more clothing depending on what the temperature outside is. At bedtime, cover them with as many blankets as you would use, if you were sleeping in that room. Each folded blanket is equivalent to two blankets. You don't have to keep the central heating on through the night.
To sleep well, the baby doesn't need a specially heated room. Studies have found that a cool room allows both adults and babies to sleep well. The ideal temperature is around 18 degrees centigrade (65 degrees Fahrenheit). Babies like adults will need less clothing in summer. So make sure you clothe your baby lightly especially while he is sleeping to ensure there is no overheating. If it is cold outside you can wrap your baby with an extra blanket when to step outside the house. But once in your vehicle make sure you remove the extra layers of clothing to ensure that he doesn't get too hot. People often tell you that you can find out whether your baby is hot or cold by feeling their palms and the sole of their feet. But these are not indicators of baby's body temperature. To find out the 'core temperature' place your hand flat against the skin of their back or chest.
If they feel pleasantly warm not too hot or cold then they are fine. If they are very hot they will feel sweaty, may have a heat rash around the neck and their face maybe flushed. Reducing the number of clothes that they are wearing or the layers covering them will make them feel better. If the baby is feeling very cold he will cry and even shiver. Sometimes when they feel extremely cold, they will become motionless, as they want to safe energy to keep themselves warm. Adding clothing or covering will make them warm. You could hold them close to your body so that they get warm as a result of your body heat. New parents often worry that they will not be able to tell when their baby is unwell. Once you get accustomed to the routine of your baby, you will be able to notice any change in behavior or routine. Sometimes you may not realize that your baby is ill. Here are a few signs that will help you detect that the baby is ill:
* Lack of energy.
* Doesn't pass urine for over eight hours.
* Stools are yellow-green in color.
* Not feeding normally.
* Cries and is irritated when carried.
* Is vomiting.
* Feels hot and sweaty or hot and dry.
Using an ear thermometer is the most accurate way of finding out the baby's temperature. You can find out the 'core temperature' by placing your hand flat against the skin of his chest or back. If he feels hot then he has a fever. Speak to your doctor before you administer paracetamol. Follow the instructions given on the bottle accurately. Put the baby in a cool room and dress him lightly. Sponging the baby with lukewarm water will reduce his temperature. Remove all his clothes except his nappy, dip the sponge in lukewarm water and gently rub all over his body. Allow this water to evaporate from the skin thus lowering the temperature. When the baby has very high temperature he may have febrile convulsions or fits. This happens when the baby's temperature rises suddenly. Some children have this before they are one year old. It is not a pleasant sight to watch. Give the baby paracetamol, sponge him with lukewarm water, keep him in a cool room and remove extra layers of clothing and you can prevent this from happening again.
Babies need to be comfortable at all times they should not be too hot or too cold. Their clothing should suit the weather and the heating within the house should suit the children and adults alike. If the house in centrally heated then your baby will be comfortable in just a vest and a stretch suit when he is indoors. When they leave the house they may need more clothing depending on what the temperature outside is. At bedtime, cover them with as many blankets as you would use, if you were sleeping in that room. Each folded blanket is equivalent to two blankets. You don't have to keep the central heating on through the night.
To sleep well, the baby doesn't need a specially heated room. Studies have found that a cool room allows both adults and babies to sleep well. The ideal temperature is around 18 degrees centigrade (65 degrees Fahrenheit). Babies like adults will need less clothing in summer. So make sure you clothe your baby lightly especially while he is sleeping to ensure there is no overheating. If it is cold outside you can wrap your baby with an extra blanket when to step outside the house. But once in your vehicle make sure you remove the extra layers of clothing to ensure that he doesn't get too hot. People often tell you that you can find out whether your baby is hot or cold by feeling their palms and the sole of their feet. But these are not indicators of baby's body temperature. To find out the 'core temperature' place your hand flat against the skin of their back or chest.
If they feel pleasantly warm not too hot or cold then they are fine. If they are very hot they will feel sweaty, may have a heat rash around the neck and their face maybe flushed. Reducing the number of clothes that they are wearing or the layers covering them will make them feel better. If the baby is feeling very cold he will cry and even shiver. Sometimes when they feel extremely cold, they will become motionless, as they want to safe energy to keep themselves warm. Adding clothing or covering will make them warm. You could hold them close to your body so that they get warm as a result of your body heat. New parents often worry that they will not be able to tell when their baby is unwell. Once you get accustomed to the routine of your baby, you will be able to notice any change in behavior or routine. Sometimes you may not realize that your baby is ill. Here are a few signs that will help you detect that the baby is ill:
* Lack of energy.
* Doesn't pass urine for over eight hours.
* Stools are yellow-green in color.
* Not feeding normally.
* Cries and is irritated when carried.
* Is vomiting.
* Feels hot and sweaty or hot and dry.
Using an ear thermometer is the most accurate way of finding out the baby's temperature. You can find out the 'core temperature' by placing your hand flat against the skin of his chest or back. If he feels hot then he has a fever. Speak to your doctor before you administer paracetamol. Follow the instructions given on the bottle accurately. Put the baby in a cool room and dress him lightly. Sponging the baby with lukewarm water will reduce his temperature. Remove all his clothes except his nappy, dip the sponge in lukewarm water and gently rub all over his body. Allow this water to evaporate from the skin thus lowering the temperature. When the baby has very high temperature he may have febrile convulsions or fits. This happens when the baby's temperature rises suddenly. Some children have this before they are one year old. It is not a pleasant sight to watch. Give the baby paracetamol, sponge him with lukewarm water, keep him in a cool room and remove extra layers of clothing and you can prevent this from happening again.
Baby Health
- Baby Temperature
- Congenital Premature Problems
- Hypoglycaemia Colic
- Immunization Medical Help
- Jaundice
- Nappy Rash Thrush
Holding Your Baby
Embracing And Hugging The Baby
Holding babies can be a puzzle for their dads who dread hurting their soft cuddly bodies and crushing them with their loving embraces. Mom's hugs and dad's embraces are the right of every child that enters this world and makes a new baby feel loved and cared for. The reassurance communicated by the firm and secure arms of a father and soothing touches of a mother is irreplaceable by anything else and plays an important role in the development of a child's reactions to the world. Similarly, swaddling the baby is also an ancient way to soothe a child when mothers cannot afford to hold or hug the child and have to leave it alone for sometime while finishing other household work. Here are some useful tips for you:
1. The head of the infants need a firm support, as the muscles of their neck are still not strong enough to hold the head in position.
2. Pick the baby very gently and keep your movements slow and smooth.
3. Be confident and do not pick the baby when your hands are shaking for you may drop the child accidentally.
4. If the baby is sleepy, hold them upright against your shoulder. Rest their head against the shoulder; place one hand on their upper back and other on their bottom.
5. To rock the baby or talk to them, cradle them in arms while resting their little heads just above the crook of the arm and let the lower arm support the rest of their body. Use the other hand to rest their bottom and make sure that their head is a slightly raised position than the bottom.
6. See, if your baby really gets soothed when being swaddled or becomes more frantic. However, most babies do calm down by swaddling as they feel as if they are being held securely.
7. To swaddle the baby, lay them on a cotton blanket or sheet spread on a flat surface. The neck of the baby should be in line with the long edge. One side of the sheet should be passed diagonally across the baby's shoulder and tucked under the body snugly. The arms of the baby should be free to move and sheet should not be very tight. Bring the other side across the other shoulder of the baby and tuck it under the other side of their body safely. The bottom of the baby may also be tucked under baby's feet.
8. If you have tightly swaddled the baby and the little one falls asleep, keep an eye on the temperature and breathing pattern of the baby for overheating may cause a problem.
Holding babies can be a puzzle for their dads who dread hurting their soft cuddly bodies and crushing them with their loving embraces. Mom's hugs and dad's embraces are the right of every child that enters this world and makes a new baby feel loved and cared for. The reassurance communicated by the firm and secure arms of a father and soothing touches of a mother is irreplaceable by anything else and plays an important role in the development of a child's reactions to the world. Similarly, swaddling the baby is also an ancient way to soothe a child when mothers cannot afford to hold or hug the child and have to leave it alone for sometime while finishing other household work. Here are some useful tips for you:
1. The head of the infants need a firm support, as the muscles of their neck are still not strong enough to hold the head in position.
2. Pick the baby very gently and keep your movements slow and smooth.
3. Be confident and do not pick the baby when your hands are shaking for you may drop the child accidentally.
4. If the baby is sleepy, hold them upright against your shoulder. Rest their head against the shoulder; place one hand on their upper back and other on their bottom.
5. To rock the baby or talk to them, cradle them in arms while resting their little heads just above the crook of the arm and let the lower arm support the rest of their body. Use the other hand to rest their bottom and make sure that their head is a slightly raised position than the bottom.
6. See, if your baby really gets soothed when being swaddled or becomes more frantic. However, most babies do calm down by swaddling as they feel as if they are being held securely.
7. To swaddle the baby, lay them on a cotton blanket or sheet spread on a flat surface. The neck of the baby should be in line with the long edge. One side of the sheet should be passed diagonally across the baby's shoulder and tucked under the body snugly. The arms of the baby should be free to move and sheet should not be very tight. Bring the other side across the other shoulder of the baby and tuck it under the other side of their body safely. The bottom of the baby may also be tucked under baby's feet.
8. If you have tightly swaddled the baby and the little one falls asleep, keep an eye on the temperature and breathing pattern of the baby for overheating may cause a problem.
First Week Baby
An Angel Is Born!
The first week with the newborn baby can be quite taxing for new moms who are still weak and recuperating from the tiring and painful labor experience and are burdened with the chores of the newborn. The constant stream of friends and relatives who come in to see the new child and congratulate the parents and the need to feel dressed while entertaining them and the shyness in feeding the baby in front of them can only lead to baby blues for many couples. In such a scenario, support from partner or spouse and other friends and family can relieve the stress on the mother to a great extent and leave her free to enjoy her new delightful angel and watch their curious reactions.
Experienced moms advise to new moms that staying in a fashionable button-down gown for first two weeks and have lots of people around to help you with your chores can be a great relief. Neighbors who will help you wash and iron dirty laundry and traditions such as those prevalent in Asian counties, where mother has to do nothing for 40 days in the household, except for looking after her baby and herself, feeding the baby and having a good, healthy and nutritious diet are actually quite useful for new mothers and allow them to rest and recover well. Spouses and partners that take good care for you and are prepared to share parenting responsibilities are real gems.
For the first week, husbands should try to take as much leave from their work as possible and encourage and motivate the mum by praising her and telling her how well she is managing everything. Don't feel jealous of your child steering attention of your wife away from you and see it as a family-bonding phase. Dad and child bonding is as important as mom-child relationship, so be ready to do your share of work for the newborn including changing diapers and bottle feeding the baby. You may help with chores such as cleaning, cooking, attending visitors and telephone calls and be supportive of your wife's feelings. Know that she may be susceptible to mood swings temporarily and be ready to face criticizing family and friends with a ready answer to ask for their support instead of advice.
The first week with the newborn baby can be quite taxing for new moms who are still weak and recuperating from the tiring and painful labor experience and are burdened with the chores of the newborn. The constant stream of friends and relatives who come in to see the new child and congratulate the parents and the need to feel dressed while entertaining them and the shyness in feeding the baby in front of them can only lead to baby blues for many couples. In such a scenario, support from partner or spouse and other friends and family can relieve the stress on the mother to a great extent and leave her free to enjoy her new delightful angel and watch their curious reactions.
Experienced moms advise to new moms that staying in a fashionable button-down gown for first two weeks and have lots of people around to help you with your chores can be a great relief. Neighbors who will help you wash and iron dirty laundry and traditions such as those prevalent in Asian counties, where mother has to do nothing for 40 days in the household, except for looking after her baby and herself, feeding the baby and having a good, healthy and nutritious diet are actually quite useful for new mothers and allow them to rest and recover well. Spouses and partners that take good care for you and are prepared to share parenting responsibilities are real gems.
For the first week, husbands should try to take as much leave from their work as possible and encourage and motivate the mum by praising her and telling her how well she is managing everything. Don't feel jealous of your child steering attention of your wife away from you and see it as a family-bonding phase. Dad and child bonding is as important as mom-child relationship, so be ready to do your share of work for the newborn including changing diapers and bottle feeding the baby. You may help with chores such as cleaning, cooking, attending visitors and telephone calls and be supportive of your wife's feelings. Know that she may be susceptible to mood swings temporarily and be ready to face criticizing family and friends with a ready answer to ask for their support instead of advice.
Crying Baby
Babies Communicate By Crying
Infant communications is mostly limited to crying and it is the only way that babies can attract the express attention of their parents and let them know that they need something. The art of interpreting their wails and moans and figure out why the baby is crying depends on the skills of parents. Here are some problems of cranky babies and their possible solutions:
* Hunger is the most common reason for crying babies and easiest to solve too. Feeding the babies may soothe them almost instantly.
* Baby wailing just after the feed may indeed be asking you to help him pass the wind. Hold him in the upright position against your shoulder for the purpose.
* Babies try to attract your attention after wetting their nappies for a diaper change. Do not delay it long for it may cause nappy rash.
* Babies may cry if they are feeling too hot or too cold. So, use an appropriate blanket and monitor the room temperature according to the baby's needs.
* Some mischievous naughty infant may just feel neglected, if you leave them alone for long and cry to be held. Carry them in a sling or baby carrier so that you can move about with your baby and yet get the work done.
* If the babies are very tired, they might cry themselves to sleep. Massaging them can help them soothe too, in such cases. They are usually their happy self after the restful nap.
* It has been observed that cranial osteopaths can gently massage baby's head and neck to soothe them after a difficult birth experience.
* Very high-pitched tones or frantic crying may mean that your baby is really ill and needs professional medical help. Go and see the doctor immediately.
* Some babies do not like to come out of womb and cry incessantly because of new experiences, lights, noises and stimulations or may be precocious enough to try to do things they are still not capable of physically and cry in frustration. Such crankiness of babies usually disappears with age, maturity and development.
* If the crying baby is getting on your nerves, you may need to vent out your feeling by punching a pillow, have a warm bath, talk to someone who would listen patiently to you, ask somebody to take care for the baby for a few hours and take a short break and ask advice from the doctor.
Infant communications is mostly limited to crying and it is the only way that babies can attract the express attention of their parents and let them know that they need something. The art of interpreting their wails and moans and figure out why the baby is crying depends on the skills of parents. Here are some problems of cranky babies and their possible solutions:
* Hunger is the most common reason for crying babies and easiest to solve too. Feeding the babies may soothe them almost instantly.
* Baby wailing just after the feed may indeed be asking you to help him pass the wind. Hold him in the upright position against your shoulder for the purpose.
* Babies try to attract your attention after wetting their nappies for a diaper change. Do not delay it long for it may cause nappy rash.
* Babies may cry if they are feeling too hot or too cold. So, use an appropriate blanket and monitor the room temperature according to the baby's needs.
* Some mischievous naughty infant may just feel neglected, if you leave them alone for long and cry to be held. Carry them in a sling or baby carrier so that you can move about with your baby and yet get the work done.
* If the babies are very tired, they might cry themselves to sleep. Massaging them can help them soothe too, in such cases. They are usually their happy self after the restful nap.
* It has been observed that cranial osteopaths can gently massage baby's head and neck to soothe them after a difficult birth experience.
* Very high-pitched tones or frantic crying may mean that your baby is really ill and needs professional medical help. Go and see the doctor immediately.
* Some babies do not like to come out of womb and cry incessantly because of new experiences, lights, noises and stimulations or may be precocious enough to try to do things they are still not capable of physically and cry in frustration. Such crankiness of babies usually disappears with age, maturity and development.
* If the crying baby is getting on your nerves, you may need to vent out your feeling by punching a pillow, have a warm bath, talk to someone who would listen patiently to you, ask somebody to take care for the baby for a few hours and take a short break and ask advice from the doctor.
Baby Reactions
Born An Explorer!
The babies are born explorers and are curious to every new thing that they see, hear, taste or touch and it is a wonderful experience to study their eager eyes and ever-ending curiosity to things that have become almost a second habit with us. Many-a-times we wonder how come we don't even acknowledge the existence of many of these things while these small eyes and hands get so excited about them that they almost burst with happiness and apprehension about every thing that crosses their path for the first time. The arrival of a train or noises of the airplanes flying above our homes are enough to fill our little boys and girls with wonder. Here are some interesting things and reactions that newborn babies and infants do and give from the very first week of their lives that you are likely to witness:
* In early learning phases, the reflexes and innate survival mechanisms of the baby are the most dominant ones that you will witness.
* Even a newborn baby blinks the eyes, when you flash light on them. Do not overdo it or you may hurt the little eyes.
* Stroking the cheeks of newborn babies make them seek your finger that they try to suck as if to feed on it.
* If you hold the baby from under their arms in upright positions and there is no hard, solid ground for them to rest their legs, they often move their legs frantically to look for the support that will eventually develop as walking skills.
* Babies tend to hold everything tightly that is put in their hands from your fingers to carrots and to coins. When they become a little older, they will try to clutch on everything and put it in their mouth to taste it. One needs to pay attention that there are no small or sharp-edged things near the babies in this phase so that they won't choke on them or hurt themselves.
* A sudden noise that startles the baby will get them to shoot out their arms and legs to grasp the mom's dress to feel secure and if unable to find it, would curl himself or herself like a ball in a fetal position.
* Tracking moving things and sounds with eyes are some other reactions that kids give that indicate early learning phases of more complex and advanced skills.
* Imitating your facial expression such as sticking out tongue and raising eyebrows are the favorite kid actions enjoyed by parents. Smiles and loving expressions and rude and angry expressions are all learnt from parents, so be careful how you act and react in front of your babies and toddlers.
The babies are born explorers and are curious to every new thing that they see, hear, taste or touch and it is a wonderful experience to study their eager eyes and ever-ending curiosity to things that have become almost a second habit with us. Many-a-times we wonder how come we don't even acknowledge the existence of many of these things while these small eyes and hands get so excited about them that they almost burst with happiness and apprehension about every thing that crosses their path for the first time. The arrival of a train or noises of the airplanes flying above our homes are enough to fill our little boys and girls with wonder. Here are some interesting things and reactions that newborn babies and infants do and give from the very first week of their lives that you are likely to witness:
* In early learning phases, the reflexes and innate survival mechanisms of the baby are the most dominant ones that you will witness.
* Even a newborn baby blinks the eyes, when you flash light on them. Do not overdo it or you may hurt the little eyes.
* Stroking the cheeks of newborn babies make them seek your finger that they try to suck as if to feed on it.
* If you hold the baby from under their arms in upright positions and there is no hard, solid ground for them to rest their legs, they often move their legs frantically to look for the support that will eventually develop as walking skills.
* Babies tend to hold everything tightly that is put in their hands from your fingers to carrots and to coins. When they become a little older, they will try to clutch on everything and put it in their mouth to taste it. One needs to pay attention that there are no small or sharp-edged things near the babies in this phase so that they won't choke on them or hurt themselves.
* A sudden noise that startles the baby will get them to shoot out their arms and legs to grasp the mom's dress to feel secure and if unable to find it, would curl himself or herself like a ball in a fetal position.
* Tracking moving things and sounds with eyes are some other reactions that kids give that indicate early learning phases of more complex and advanced skills.
* Imitating your facial expression such as sticking out tongue and raising eyebrows are the favorite kid actions enjoyed by parents. Smiles and loving expressions and rude and angry expressions are all learnt from parents, so be careful how you act and react in front of your babies and toddlers.
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