FIND SAFER BABY FORMULA

Debating between breast feeding and formula feeding? Healthy Child recommends breastfeeding if possible for at least the first 12 months of life. We’re in good company here – the American Academy of Pediatrics and the World Health Organization agree.

However, there are important and valid reasons a family might need to use formula.

It’s important to consult with your pediatrician to pick the best and safest option for your baby, especially in light of increasing recalls on infant formulas. The number one thing to keep in mind is to choose organic to avoid pesticide residues, synthetic hormones, and genetically modified ingredients, among other concerns.

Here are other considerations when shopping for baby formula and baby bottles:

When deciding between powdered and liquid, read up on the issues with either to make an informed choice. Powdered isn’t a sterile product and has been subject to recalls in the past due to contamination, so might not be the right choice for very young infants. (For best powdered formula preparation practices, turn to this World Health Organization guide.) If you opt for liquid formula, make sure it comes in a BPA-free container.

Use distilled or filtered water for preparing formula. There are many reasons to do this, including that fluoride found in municipal drinking water can harm rather than help baby’s teeth. The American Dental Association suggests mixing formula with water that either is fluoride-free or has low concentrations of fluoride.

Choose glass, stainless steel, or BPA-free bottles with silicone nipples.

Do not heat water or formula in plastic. If you’re using a plastic bottle, heat in glass first then transfer to the bottle.

If you’re using plastic, wash bottles with a mild plant-based detergent by hand to prevent degradation. Replace bottles and nipples when they become worn.

You may see DHA and ARA mentioned on product packaging. These fatty acids, vital for brain and eye development, are most efficacious as naturally occurring components of breast milk; artificial versions have not been shown to have the same developmental results. There has been some concern regarding the method used to extract them for use in formula, but they’re difficult to avoid as nearly all formulas are fortified with them. Still, these nutrients are vital for healthy development and manufacturers continue to look for natural, effective sources, so do a little research to see what the latest recommendations are from sources like the FDA and American Academy of Pediatricians.

Formula contains added sugar to help babies digest proteins. The FDA doesn’t set an amount of sugar per serving or specify which sugars can be used. Discuss with your pediatrician to determine how much is too much and which kind (i.e. sucrose or lactose) is preferable for your baby.

FIVE NATURAL REMEDIES FOR EAR INFECTIONS

Fever, headache, tugging at the ear, crying more than usual and trouble sleeping – most parents recognize that these dreaded symptoms mean an ear infection.

More than 80 percent of children will get at least one ear infection by age three, the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates. That makes them the most common reason parents take young kids to see a doctor.

These days, however, pediatricians are intervening less in the healing process and prescribing far fewer antibiotics. Globally, taking antibiotics when they aren’t strictly necessary is contributing to the buildup of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a problem that threatens the health of both children and adults.

If your child has an ear infection, pediatricians may suggest medicated eardrops, nasal spray or over-the-counter pain relievers to ease your child’s discomfort. Tylenol and Motrin are often recommended for fever pain.

Consult a health care professional first if you suspect your child has an ear infection or if your child experiences new or escalating symptoms, especially a rising fever or fluid seeping from the ear. For more natural steps you can take, here are some options to consider. Note that these approaches have varying degrees of effectiveness.

Things that work

Time

In most cases, time is the best cure. Symptoms often clear within 72 hours. Warm compresses and steam inhalation may alleviate pain as you wait it out.

Prevention

These steps can lower the odds that your child will develop an ear infection in the first place:

Avoid secondhand smoke. Studies show that children exposed to cigarette smoke develop more ear infections.

Practice good hygiene. Encourage kids to wash their hands frequently. Avoid playtime with sick children. Thoroughly clean bottles, which harbor more bacteria than sippy cups.

Breastfeed if possible. Breastfed babies are less likely to contract viral or bacterial infections, including ear infections. For bottle-fed babies, sitting or being held upright while eating has been shown to decrease infection rates.

Limit pacifier sucking by babies over six months old. Evidence suggests that it increases the risk of recurrent ear infections.
Vaccinations are also protective. Studies show that kids who are up to date with their shots – especially for pneumonia, meningitis and flu – get fewer ear infections.

Things that might work

Researchers have explored a variety of alternative measures to prevent ear infections. Although clinical data shows mixed results, these are generally safe to try.

Vitamin D

Studies suggest that children with recurrent ear infections are more likely to have low vitamin D levels. When researchers gave vitamin D supplements to kids with recurrent infections in two separate studies (here’s one), they got fewer new infections during the study period.

Researchers still lack evidence to show cause and effect, but many kids are low in vitamin D, so a supplement will likely offer other health benefits. Babies need 400 IU (10 mcg) per day, and daily supplements are especially important for breastfed babies. Everyone else needs 600 IU (15 mcg) per day, which generally requires taking a daily supplement during the winter months.

Probiotics

Researchers have also studied oral probiotics and nasal sprays for preventing ear infections. More research is necessary to determine which strains of bacteria might be most helpful, whether it’s best to administer them as a spray versus oral supplements, and the best dose. But probiotics are generally low-risk and offer other health benefits, such as aiding digestion.

Vitamins and Nutrients

Some studies suggest that common vitamins and nutrients such as zinc, vitamin A and omega-3 fish oils may help kids stay healthy and prevent ear infections, but the evidence is mixed. Be sure to read bottle labels carefully for the appropriate dose for children.

Xylitol

Surprisingly, several studies have shown that this natural fruit sugar, common in sugar-free foods, can also help prevent ear infections. Xylitol inhibits bacterial growth, which is one reason why toothpastes and gums made with xylitol are good for teeth.

Several studies found that giving kids xylitol – as gum, syrup or nasal spray – prevented recurrent ear infections, but mainstream doctors caution that they need more data before they’ll routinely recommend it.

To produce a preventive benefit, most of the studies to date have found that it is necessary to give xylitol to kids five times a day (approximately 10 grams per day total). At this dose, kids generally had a 30 percent decrease in recurrent ear infections. Gum and lozenges appear to be more effective than syrup, although syrup may be the only realistic option for young children.

Physicians and parents know that such frequent treatments can be a challenge for busy families, and lower doses may not be helpful. A recent study that gave kids xylitol three times a day (15 grams total) did not show any preventive benefit.

Be aware that some kids may develop digestive problems when given xylitol, particularly in higher doses.

Not enough evidence

Other herbs and alternative treatments

Most herbal supplements have not been rigorously tested for preventing or treating ear infections. The NIH Center for Complementary and Integrative Health offers these tips for parents considering herbal supplements for children.

Osteopathy, chiropractic and traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine all suggest alternative approaches for ear infections. These options have been little studied and may vary from one provider to the next. High cost or low availability may make them impractical for some families.

Don’t go there

You may see resources that recommend trying ear candling or herbal preparations that include mercury, goldenseal or colloidal silver to prevent ear infection. These are not safe for children. Don’t try them.

Author,

Megan Boyle

The ABC’s of Circumcision

If a little boy is in your future, chances are you will hear the question, “Will you have him circumcised?” In addition to understanding both the pros and cons of this procedure, you will want to consider your family’s personal preferences, as well as any cultural or religious views regarding this.

Confused already? Here is some information to help you sort through all of the above.

As a result of a circumcision, the foreskin (the skin that covers the penis – also called the prepuce) is removed. This is most often done within the first or second day of a baby’s birth. An anesthetic can be used to numb the area, and generally the procedure is completed within 5 to 10 minutes. Health risks are relatively low, especially when performed on a newborn. Risk factors increase to babies older than two months of age, as well as to grown men. The most common complications include bleeding and/or infection in this area.

Why Circumcise?

There has been much debate as to the value of having a circumcision performed. The pros of having this procedure include a:

• lower risk of urinary tract infections, especially in infants;
• lower risk of penile cancers in adult men (however, it should also be noted that this type of cancer is typically rare)
• reduced risk of penile infection and/or swelling; and,
• reduced risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

With all of the above information on the benefits, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has still maintained a position that there are not enough benefits to warrant this procedure as mandatory, because it is not “medically necessary.”

Even with the AAP’s official statement, circumcision remains a common procedure that many parents elect to have done.

If you do decide to circumcise your baby, what should you expect?

• Your baby may experience mild irritation to this area. Most often a petroleum product, such as Vaseline, will minimize this irritation.
• You will need to carefully monitor this area by; cleaning it with water each day and following each diaper change.
• You may see some swelling in this area that will subside after approximately one week.

Of course, if you have any concerns regarding this procedure, use your resources such as your pediatrician or family doctor.

 Author,

 Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Toddlers and Toilets: Are They Ready?

With kids, it seems there is always a new adventure on the horizon. If you have a toddler, you may be starting to think about when and how your child will learn to use the toilet (bye, bye diapers!).

In the “old days” (meaning, when you were a child!), this was often referred to as “toilet training.” This meant that an adult “trained” the child to use the toilet.

Today, the new buzz word is “toilet learning.”

Learning, meaning the child takes an active role in the process.

In parenthood, there are “windows of opportunity.” Parents know their children best and can most easily recognize when their child is interested and ready for a new discovery. There is no magic age for children to begin using the toilet, although most children begin to show an interest between the ages of 24 and 36 months.

A few signs that your child is ready to begin “toilet learning” include:

• You may notice that your child is interested in the potty. They may want to put paper into it or flush it.
• Your child may ask to sit on the toilet, with a diaper on or off.
• Your child may bring you a diaper and tell you they are wet or have had a bowel movement.

If you believe your child may be ready to explore the use of the toilet, consider the following:

• Purchase some toddler underwear (in addition to the cartoon underwear, look for thicker, cotton underwear that are more absorbent) and provide them time to wear them. Times may include a morning at home or quiet evening versus when you are traveling or running errands. Today’s diapers are so absorbent that a child may not even feel that they are wet.
• Use a child-friendly/child-sized potty. Imagine that the toilet you used was more than half as tall as you. You may be overwhelmed or frightened by the thought of sitting on such a thing. Provide the choice for your child. Don’t be surprised if your child decides to try out both.
• Make toileting positive. This may be a great time for reading books and singing songs. Toileting should not become a power struggle. If it does, chances are you will lose and may experience a setback.
• Successful toileting is great feedback for a child. There is no additional need for a reward (i.e. M&M’s). On the flip side, when a child has an accident, there is no value in punishment.
• Be patient. Sometimes, it is difficult to not get caught in the conversation of what a friend or family member’s child is doing (or not doing). Children develop individually. Toilet learning will occur when your child is ready. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician.

The Case Against Ferber Sleep Training

I'll admit up front that I'm biased against Ferberizing, or Ferbering, as it is sometimes called. As a psychologist, I follow the research, which has convinced me that babies do better if they are held when they cry.

I understand how desperate a parent can be to get a child to sleep, and I have many good friends who have used the Ferber method with their babies. But I've found that there are kinder, gentler ways to teach babies to put themselves to sleep. And with all due respect, Richard Ferber is trained in physical health, not mental health. He readily admits that he is not trained in infant psychology.

Most interesting, Ferber now says in interviews that he regrets some of the advice he's given. He's been quoted as saying that he feels badly that child health professionals are encouraging parents to leave very young babies to cry, and that it's ok to co-sleep.

Here's how Ferberizing works:

You never start this process with a baby younger than three months. First, you let the baby cry for five minutes, then go in to reassure him verbally and by patting him. You don't pick him up. Then you leave, let him cry for another ten minutes, then go back to reassure him again. This time, you let him cry for fifteen minutes, then go back to reassure him. If the baby vomits, you clean him up (preferably without picking him up), but leave him in the crib and continue with the Ferberizing. Each time you leave, you wait longer to return.

With a very determined and resourceful baby, this crying can go on all night, but more usually the baby will become exhausted and fall asleep after a few hours. When he reawakens later in the night, the process is repeated. Often the next interval of crying is shorter, either because the baby has given up on the parent staying, or because he is exhausted. Sometimes it is longer, because the baby is re-energized (or an extremely determined person, who will someday accomplish great things by virtue of his strong will.) Usually, though, the crying diminishes on subsequent nights, as the baby learns not to expect the parent to stay with him.

While listening to their baby cry is hard on parents (not to mention the baby), most babies do eventually give up calling for their parents, and sleep. Because they do not yet talk, and live so completely in the moment, we do not hear from them the next morning how they felt about the experience.

However, even when parents are consistent, this approach does not work on all children. Some babies are still crying on the seventh night in a row. It is not uncommon for babies to get an ear infection in the middle of it (from the congestion caused by the crying); it is recommended that the Ferberizing be discontinued during the round of antibiotics that follows, to be re-initiated later. In addition, since any change in the routine (a brief illness, a trip to Grandma's) requires parents to respond to the baby's cries and then to repeat Ferberizing on another night, this process must be endured repeatedly by both baby and parents.

There are many studies claiming that repeatedly leaving babies to cry it out is a risk factor that predisposes kids to permanent brain changes and mental health issues in later life. However, advocates of Ferberizing say that because the parent keeps returning to the child's room, this offers the child reassurance that he has not been abandoned, and therefore keeps the experience from traumatizing the baby in the way that just letting them "cry it out" does.

The most recent claim that letting kids "cry it out" without reassurance may cause lasting damage is the finding that when a baby is left to cry alone, her cortisol level shoots up, indicating distress. That's not surprising. What is surprising is the finding that on subsequent nights -- even when the baby is put into bed and does not cry -- her cortisol level still shoots up. Researchers interpret this as an indication that she is distressed. So why doesn't she cry? Because she has been "trained" -- she knows that no one will come.

Margot Sunderland's The Science of Parenting cites many studies that Sunderland claims support her view that repeated, sustained crying without adult reassurance causes babies' brains to develop less than optimally. My perusal of her sources showed some that probably should not be used to support her claim because they studied more extreme circumstances. But many of the studies seem credible.

Harvard Researchers who examined emotional learning, infant brain function and cultural differences claim that babies who are left to cry themselves to sleep suffer long-lasting damage to their nervous systems. The researchers claim that this makes these children more susceptible in later life to anxiety disorders, including panic attacks. The incidence of anxiety disorders has increased dramatically in recent years, but I personally don't think this is necessarily correlated to the practice of letting children "cry it out." My own view is that such a susceptibility could be caused by many aspects of childhood in 21st century North America and would need to be triggered by later trauma to play out.

So the question is whether the intermittent parental reassurance (but refusing to pick up the pleading baby) as specified by the Ferber method protects the child from the risks of just letting him "cry it out." Some anti-Ferber folks claim that the parent coming into the room and ignoring the baby's distress might actually increase the trauma by undermining the baby's trust in the parent.

It's hard to evaluate research in this area because there are so many other factors (many of which are arguably more important) in how babies develop. However, it is well-documented that sustained, uncomforted infant crying causes increased heart rate and blood pressure, reduced oxygen levels, elevated cerebral blood pressure, depleted energy reserves and oxygen, and cardiac stress. Cortisol, adrenalin and other stress hormones skyrocket, which disrupts the immune system and digestion. It's a reasonable guess that if this is repeated over time, these babies would build a slightly different brain, more prone to "fight, flight or freeze."

We know that with adults, even one panic-inducing experience like a car accident or mugging that causes an extreme stress response can have ongoing stress effects for years. Since babies' heart rates and blood pressure soar during Ferbering, I don't think there can be any doubt that sleep training without parental comfort causes the experience to be indelibly etched on the memory, much as any panic situation can evoke strong feelings years later. That the memory is sensory and preverbal just gives it more power, as it cannot be adequately processed.  

So there are a growing number of critics who see Ferberizing as barbaric. Their position can be summarized as follows:

1. Richard Ferber is a pediatrician with no psychological training.

While his approach works on some babies, it may not be simply "teaching them to sleep in their own beds”, as Ferber maintains. Other, less desirable lessons are unwittingly being taught.

2. Your baby is learning that you cannot be depended on,

and in fact will regularly desert her when she needs you most; that she is powerless to have an impact on her world in the ways that most matter to her; and that her world is a cold and lonely place. The most important developmental work your baby is doing right now is learning how to trust. Why sabotage that?

3. She learns that you will not help her when she needs it,

...by your coming back into the room and telling her to go to sleep. She concludes that she is not, in the deepest dark of the night, really lovable. She may even conclude that you are intentionally tormenting her.

4. It is possible that these early lessons will underlie her sense of self and worldview for the rest of her life.

Insomnia is rampant in our culture, and some Ferber critics argue that all those adults who can’t fall asleep without the TV on, or who wake up at night and can’t sleep, are Ferber casualties.

I should add that I've heard that there are families where the baby learns to fall asleep with a few minutes of crying and never needs to be retrained. In those cases, it seems to me a wonderful solution.

I should also acknowledge that I know many kids who were Ferbered as babies by their parents, who shall remain nameless because they are dear friends of mine. These kids all seem fine to me. So while I think Ferbering is a risk factor, it's hardly the worst thing you can do to your kids. Regular yelling because you're exhausted would be worse, in my view. And sleep deprivation definitely makes you a worse parent.

But Ferbering is a risk factor, and an avoidable one, so it's important for you to know there are other, gentler methods for teaching your baby to put herself to sleep. You can begin encouraging gentle sleep habits that make it more likely that your chid will sleep at night even as early as three months.

Helping Your Baby Get To Sleep

Most new parents are shocked by the constant interruption of their sleep that a newborn brings to the house. But there are ways to be there when your baby needs you, and still get some rest.

There are basically three schools of thought on this issue.

The first, made popular by the book authored by pediatrician Richard Ferber, advocates teaching babies over the age of three months to sleep through the night in their own cribs, by letting them "cry it out" for increasingly longer periods of time. While most babies eventually give up and fall asleep, the process is often traumatic for parents (and we can assume for the baby), and frequently needs to be repeated following any disruption in routine. Critics point out that Ferber has no psychology training and question whether letting babies cry it out has permanent, harmful effects. More on Ferber.

The second school of thought, practiced by advocates of the Family Bed, says that infants are hard-wired to sleep with their mothers, and nurse at night, for many months, probably until toddlerhood. They point out that babies who sleep with their mothers are less likely to die of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), and that the mothers get much more sleep. My personal experience is that the family bed was heavenly. Critics of this method express concern that parents might inadvertently roll on their babies in the night, and point out that babies who sleep with their mothers and nurse on demand take much longer to sleep through the night. They also wonder why any self-respecting toddler who is accustomed to sleeping with his parents will give that up for a new, lonely, "big-boy-bed." Dr. James McKenna is one of my favorite resources on safe cosleeping.

The third school, perhaps best represented by No Cry Sleep Solution author Elizabeth Pantley, understands that parents may desperately need some sleep and agrees with Ferber that babies need to learn to fall back asleep on their own, but argues that this can be accomplished without the trauma of letting babies cry it out. More on Pantley's No Cry Sleep Solution.

My own view

There are safe ways for you to get more sleep, without leaving your baby to cry, and without necessarily sharing a bed. You can even start encouraging an infant in that direction but ONLY if you listen to the infant when he tells you he's hungry or needs you to hold him. In other words, this is a gentle, gradual process. See #8, below, for how to begin this process. 

Fair disclosure: I attempted Ferbering once when my son was nine months old and failed, having given him an ear infection from crying (and having nearly given myself a nervous breakdown.) After that, we went back to the family bed, which we all loved. However, once nursing my toddlers no longer helped them fall back asleep for long, I found myself walking the floor with them and spending many long hours in the middle of the night helping them to fall back to sleep. After substantial research, and working with many parents, I've come to the conclusion that many little ones who are helped to sleep by parents (nursing or rocking), simply can't put themselves back to sleep when they re-awaken during the night. If they're nursing, they may well awaken to nurse, but then will need to nurse again every time they re-awaken a little at night. Eventually, if they don't figure out how to fall back asleep on their own when they awaken at night, they will need our loving help to learn how to fall asleep without rocking or nursing.

Is this a problem? Not necessarily. Some moms are able to nurse at night as long as their child wants. However, I often speak with moms who are ready to stop night-nursing their little one, but find the prospect of night-weaning upsetting.

Does that mean we should always put babies down awake so they can learn to put themselves to sleep when tiny, so they won't develop bad habits? Since almost all newborns fall asleep at the breast (or bottle), that would be impossible. It is completely appropriate to nurse babies to sleep. Nursing to sleep is no more a "bad habit" than peeing in a diaper. As they get older, the time will come when they can learn to fall asleep themselves, just as they will eventually give up diapers.

Does that mean that a time will come when to teach our baby or toddler to fall asleep, we can leave him to cry? Never, in my view, if you want an emotionally healthy child.

But then how do kids learn to fall asleep on their own, without nursing back to sleep? They learn in the safe comfort of your arms, once they're old enough. For more on teaching your child to learn to fall asleep without nursing or rocking, click here.

Sleep is, of course, a very personal decision. I believe that

There is a sleep solution that fits every unique family, from co-sleeping to baby bunks that attach to the parents' bed, to baby hammocks, to cribs.

Of course you want your children to know from the earliest age that they can always ask for and get help. That said, we all need sleep to function and be good parents. My recommendations are biased in favor of keeping your infant close so you can get more sleep. But this is a very individual choice. Read as much as you can, and then lose the guilt. Do what works for you and your baby.

How can you get some sleep, 

when your infant is still waking up to eat?

1. Sleep whenever and wherever you can.

Keep your baby near you while he's still nursing at night, so you don't have to get out of bed. Breastmilk is designed to be given every few hours. It simply cannot hold a baby for much longer. Rats, on the other hand, give their baby food much higher in fat, so that the mother rat can leave the babies for eight hours while she’s off foraging. Baby humans could not survive predators if they were left for long periods, so nature has designed them to require their mother's presence fairly constantly. That means your baby needs to be nursed at night, for a minimum of six months and probably until she is a year old.

2. Afraid of rolling over on your baby?

Unlikely, since mothers are designed not to (unless her natural warning system has been interfered with by drugs or alcohol). There is actually evidence that babies who sleep with their mothers are less likely to die of SIDS because the co-sleeping babies' sleep cycles are in sync with their moms', and her presence stimulates him not to fall into such a deep sleep. There are experts who say that a father could suffocate a very young baby, especially if he's had a drink before bed, so most safe co-sleeping checklists say to position the baby between mom and the wall rather than between the parents. However, the fathers I hear from tell me they're very conscious of their baby, even while asleep. We know that Dads do have a hormonal response to becoming fathers, which includes a natural protectiveness toward the baby, so Paternal Instinct is as real as Maternal Instinct. I personally think that any Dad will be a better father if we honor his paternal instinct and give him the opportunity to sleep snuggled with his baby, but that's an individual decision. In any case, make sure you set up your bed for safe cosleeping, don't start without reading this detailed checklist for safe co-sleeping.

3. If you don't feel comfortable with your baby in bed with you, try a “Moses basket,” cradle or baby bunk within arm's reach.

Some moms are such light sleepers that they just can't get any sleep at all if the baby is in their bed. There are wonderful baby bunks that can be anchored to your bed, at the same level, and opened so that the baby has his own space but you can roll him into your bed with you to nurse.

4. Learn to nurse lying down so you can sleep while he feeds.

It may take a week, while you get the hang of nursing, but learn to nurse lying down, so you can doze, and you'll feel much more rested. Just wedge pillows behind you and between your knees for support, and put a folded blanket under Baby if necessary to raise him to the level of your breast so neither of you is straining to reach. He should be on his side, facing you.

5. Help your baby set her metabolic clock.

She doesn't know it's night and she should sleep. She'll learn, eventually, but you can help your little night-owl adjust faster to the world outside your womb by making sure she doesn't sleep all day. Take her out in the sun. Go for walks. Let her feast her eyes and ears on the wonders of the world. All humans really do sleep better at night when they've been exposed to fresh air and sunshine during the day. Also,you should know that babies who sleep with their moms end up synchronizing their REM sleep cycles, which means she's more likely to treat night as sleep time and day as waking time. And of course, keep things dark and quiet at night. Nurse her when she wakes, and change her if you must (not all babies are sensitive enough to require changes at night), but don't make it into playtime.

6. Take a long maternity leave, so you can nap when your baby naps during the day.

This is the golden rule. Forget the shower, who cares? Go for the nap.

7. If your partner can take the baby in the morning to let you sleep in for an hour, it can make all the difference in the world.

Don't feel guilty about it. Eight hours of sleep with interruptions to feed your baby is not the same as the eight hours you used to get. You need lots more now.

8. Go to bed early.

When you were pregnant you did it. Don't feel bad about it, this is not the time to resume an active evening life. You have the rest of your life to stay up late.

9. Encourage sleep associations that your baby can control.

As your infant gets a bit older -- say three months -- you can begin encouraging her to learn to fall asleep without sucking or being held. This is a gradual, gentle process. Here's a whole article on how to encourage good sleep habits as your baby grows.

Benefits and Risks of Infant Massage

Many adults have been on the receiving end of a massage. How great does it feel when your tired and achy body gets to relax? Adults go for massages not only for physical but also emotional and mental relaxation. After being in work or running after kids all day, most adults deserve a good massage.

What about infants, though? Do they really need a massage? What do they really need to relax from, aren't their lives relaxing enough? While an infant massage may be relaxing it is also a great bonding experience between mothers and babies or fathers and babies.

1. What Is Infant Massage?

Infant massage has been becoming very popular not only among celebrities but with the "average Joe's" as well. Even though it's popularity has been rising in the United States of America over the past thirty years, infant massage is in no way new to other countries. As we find new information about this infant relaxation technique, we find that mother's have been massaging babies for hundreds of years.

Infant massage is exactly what it sounds like... a massage for an infant. While parents alone can attend to the baby during the massage, there are also certified infant massage therapists. Babies are usually massaged in a diaper, alone. This allows for more skin to skin contact, which studies show to be beneficial for the baby.

Babies need to be in a very relaxed mood and for optimal results should not be cranky, overtired, hungry, or irritable. Mothers, fathers, or whomever is attending to the baby should use a baby friendly oil such as baby oil. After rubbing a small amount in between the palms, the adult then starts from the head and sweeps downward towards the face and neck. This happens in a cupping motion. The adult uses gentle touches and massage techniques massaging downward towards the arms, tummy, legs, and feet.

Many times if the child has issues the adult with show special attention to that body part. If the baby is colic, for instance, the adult may take care of the tummy more so than any other body part. Using two fingers, the adult will use a circular motion on the stomach. This allows for gas bubbles to decrease. The adult may also bend the knees up towards the belly allowing excess air to release.

The massage techniques may include Indian milking methods, Chinese pediatric strokes, and Swedish massage methods.

2. Who are the Best candidates for Infant Massage?

The best candidates for an infant massage, for obvious reasons, would be babies. As with any kind of natural therapy or healing technique, one must take care as to who actually goes for an infant massage. Infants should be in the best health possible.

The infant's pediatrician should be consulted about the massage. At this time benefits can be discussed as well as potential risks involved. Although, the infant may have a health issue he or she may still be able to partake in an infant massage. As we see with the benefits, an infant massage has to potential to help alleviate some infant health symptoms.

3. What are the Benefits?

Studies have shown that human touch can help a child grow and develop at a faster and healthier rate. 

Many doctors now persuade mothers, fathers, and caregivers to participate in Kangaroo Care when a baby is born prematurely. Even when the baby is born at a normal delivery date, many parents still take part in Kangaroo Care which is skin-to-skin contact.

Infant massage, like Kangaroo Care, involves skin-to-skin contact and human touch. Benefits of infant massage include:

* Baby feels more at ease and more relaxed

* Decrease in gas and relief of colic

* Studies show an increase in weight gain

* Studies show that the immune system of a baby improves

* Communication increases between caregiver and baby

* There is evidence of improved brain growth

* Improves baby's sleep patterns

Evidence shows that the benefits are not only for the babies but for the caregivers as well. Infant massage is shown to improve the bonding experience as well as relieve stress for parents. This is especially true for mothers who have been diagnosed with post-partum depression.

4. What are the Risks?

While no risks have been shown regarding infant massage if done properly, there has also been little study done about the risks possibly involved. The only risk really shown at this point is the fear that the infant massage will result in overstimulation of the infant. Benefits are shown to hold the upper hand, though when evaluating the risks.

Whoever is attending to the baby during the massage must take care not to massage too hard or vigorously as this can harm the baby. If the mother, father, or caregiver does not feel comfortable with the infant massage then he or she can have a licensed infant massage therapist to tend to the baby. Another option is for the parents and caregivers to take classes or lessons which can help them learn the infant massage techniques.

The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate health care provider.

Author,

Yodle

Types of Baby Doctors

There's more to the health and fitness of a baby than we think of. There are different types of doctors who are specialized in rendering appropriate and necessary care to the little ones when they're in trouble. Let us see which ones these are, in this article.

When a baby is born, all we see is the family in tears of joy and the baby sleeping cozily in the bed.

 

 But there is a lot that goes into the whole process of delivering and maintaining the healthy birth of a baby. There are many types of baby doctors, who have dedicated their lives to the study of pediatrics. 

 

They take care of infants and young children, and help them when in need. The world of pediatrics is not limited to the monthly visit to the clinic. There are a lot of other specialists too, who work round the clock to make sure babies and children live a sound and fit life. A few of them have been mentioned in this Buzzle article. Check them out.

Different Types of Baby Doctors

Here, we have for you, a list of the various types of doctors that are responsible for the care and health of babies and young children. Most of them are specialists and need to undergo special training and a residency in their specific field, in addition to a medical degree and a pediatric residency.

Neonatologists: A neonatologist is a doctor who works with those babies who are born prematurely.

 

They handle and monitor the care of these newborns and help them survive the premature birth.

 

 Neonatologists also look after babies who are born with serious ailments and newborn babies who are critically ill. It is a job that requires a degree in pediatrics and then an extended study in neonatology.

Pediatrician: A pediatrician is a general practitioner for babies and children. The jobs of a pediatrician are as follows: he performs routine checkups, takes care of minor injuries and common illnesses in children, and when necessary, refers them to specialist doctors too.

Pediatric Oncologist: A pediatric oncologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in babies and children. They are responsible for the use of various methods and medications for treatment of babies and children who suffer from cancer. It is often seen that pediatric oncologists are more proficient in handling their cancer patients.

Pediatric Nephrologist: A pediatric nephrologist is one who looks into kidney disorders in babies and children. He makes sure to check and treat the child for any disease of the kidney like kidney failure, kidney stones, UTI, abnormality in the urine, etc.

Pediatric Neurologist: The nervous system of babies and children is studied by a pediatric neurologist. He looks into any possible disorders, treats head injuries, takes care of children who experience nerve-muscle disorders, or display behavioral disorders. They have to complete a residency in pediatric neurology in addition to pediatric residency.

Pediatric Cardiologist: A cardiologist who looks after babies' hearts is a pediatric cardiologist. It is his job to detect and treat any kind of heart disorder, congenital or acquired, in babies and children.

 

 He is also called upon to measure the heartbeat of an unborn fetus. When a baby or a child requires to be surgically operated to remove defects from the heart like holes, valve defects, etc., a cardiologist refers the baby to a pediatric heart surgeon.

Pediatric Surgeon: A surgeon who surgically operates on children is a pediatric surgeon. It is his job to deal with birth defects and injuries, extract tumors, and even perform transplants when required. For this, a doctor has to complete a 5 year residency in general surgery and then a 2 year residency in pediatric surgery.

Pediatric Endocrinologist: An endocrinologist is a doctor who deals with the hormones in the human body. If the baby or the child exhibits a problem in his or her growth, an endocrinologist is called in to evaluate the level of hormonal growth. He deals with the thyroid, pituitary, and other hormonal problems that the child may be suffering from.

Pediatric Pulmonologist: A pediatric pulmonologist is a specialist in treating lung disorders in babies and in children. A pediatric pulmonologist is responsible for the diagnosis, treatment, and even the management of the treatment plan of the baby as he grows into a child and even when he becomes an adult. This is because babies with lung disorders need constant monitoring, for which these doctors are specifically trained.

These doctors work round the clock to ensure that the babies who are admitted to their care are in good health, safe from diseases and will go on to live long and healthy lives. It is one of the most noble professions there is, tending to the little ones who will be the future generation. It involves a lot of patience and genuine kindness, something that is an inherent quality and cannot be learned even through years of training.