5 NATURAL SOLUTIONS FOR A TEETHING BABY

Now that baby Vienna is almost six months old I’ve had a few months of trying different teething remedies. She started with symptoms around 2.5 months and her first bottom tooth poked through about a week ago. We were pretty excited!! It’s a sharp tooth though — ouch. No more munching on mommy’s finger. Thankfully we’ve had no breastfeeding mishaps.

As a natural mama and holistic nutritionist it is always my goal to seek out natural remedies first. From red cheeks, irritability to drooling to restlessness, pain and even fever — these are all common symptoms that can happen from teething. These are symptoms that can be addressed naturally and effectively. In fact, Vienna felt like she was burning up one night so before I took her to the walk-in-clinic I called “Telehealth” and a nurse rest assured me it will pass and just to keep a close watch on her for any changes. Now of course, you must always be careful with fevers which is why I wasn’t trying to treat it naturally until I had confidence from a nurse that it was not high enough to warrant medication.

After doing extensive research and testing out different options, these are the 5 best natural solutions for lessening the symptoms associated with teething in this video (links all the products below). I have personally found them to be very effective with my babe.

Chew Bead Necklace: The necklace I’m wearing is awesome because Vienna LOVES chewing on it and the counter-pressure on her gums relieves pain. It’s made of silicone, not plastic. I also find it handy because when she’s nursing, instead of pulling on my hair she grabs the necklace — it’s a good distraction!

Amber Necklace: This has helped to lessen the drooling. These necklaces have some controversy because some people worry they are a choking hazard. However, you take it off at night and don’t leave it on your baby unattended. The length is perfectly thought out because it can’t get tangled on anything as it is pretty short.

Mesh Ice Teething Feeder: If your baby isn’t on solids yet, just pop in some ice. The cold will feel good on her gums and relieve pain. Once your babe is old enough and has tried out different foods you can add frozen fruit.

Camilia: This is an effective homeopathic medicine. It helps with irritability and restlessness. When Vienna’s cheeks get super red and I can tell she’s restless this really helps. I have been using it as a preventative as well.

LOVE! This needs no explanation. Love is a proven endorphin producer which is the best natural pain reliever in the world. When Vienna is a cranky-pants because she is suffering (those cheeks give it away!) I just give her extra hugs and kisses.

I hope you find these tips useful mamas. Please do let me know what you’ve found to be helpful.

Wishing you joyous health!

Author,

JOY MCCARTHY

Why newborns look so funny

Few newborns look like beauty contest winners, which isn't surprising when you consider what they've been through. But is it really normal for their heads to be so pointy and their genitals so swollen? Here's the top-to-toe scoop on why newborns look so, well, strange.

Head
If you gave birth vaginally, you may take a look at your baby's head and think, "No wonder!" It's big compared to the rest of your baby's body!

Your baby's head may also look a little misshapen or kind of pointy. This is called molding, and it happens as babies squeeze through the birth canal (or when a vacuum extractor is used during delivery). Your baby's head should return to its original shape in a week or two.

C-section babies don't come through the birth canal, so they have an edge in the looks department. Their heads come out nice and round because they don't get squeezed, and their faces don't get swollen like many babies delivered vaginally.

The soft spots on your baby's head, called fontanels, are diamond-shaped openings in the skull covered by a thick layer of skin. These openings – one in front and one in back – allowed the bones of your baby's skull to compress during his trip through the birth canal, and now they allow for the quick growth of his brain.

The rear fontanel takes about six months to close. The front one takes between 12 and 24 months.

Newborns often develop cradle cap – a redness and flakiness on the scalp. It usually goes away in a few weeks or months and is rarely uncomfortable or itchy. If you notice cradle cap on your baby, try washing his hair a little more often with a mild baby shampoo and brushing it with a soft-bristled brush. Don't use medicated shampoos without checking with your baby's doctor because they can irritate tender skin.

Arms and legs
After spending so much time curled up in the tight space of your uterus, your baby needs time to adjust to her new freedom and stretch out a bit. Her arms and legs will uncurl in a week or two. When she does begin to stretch out, she'll probably appear a bit bowlegged until she starts walking.

Some babies find swaddling — being wrapped snugly in a blanket – to be comforting because it mimics the tight quarters of the uterus.

Belly
Your baby might lose a little weight in his first week, but he should regain it during the second week and continue to put on the ounces and pounds at a fast clip in the following months, quickly filling out his belly.

After ten to 21 days, your baby's umbilical cord stump falls off, leaving an adorable little belly button. Occasionally it also leaves a raw spot that may ooze a little blood-tinged fluid. Keep it dry and clean it with a cotton swab dipped in a little rubbing alcohol, and it should heal by itself. If the stump doesn't fall off after a month, talk to your baby's doctor

Genitals and breasts
The genitals and breasts of newborn boys and girls alike often appear swollen. This is caused by the extra dose of hormones just before birth.

A little milky substance may even leak from your baby's nipples. Don't try to squeeze out the liquid – it's harmless and will dry up on its own. Girls may have some white discharge or blood-tinged vaginal mucus.

All of this will go away in the first few weeks.

Skin
Newborn skin varies in appearance according to how far along your baby is at birth. Premature babies have thin, almost transparent skin that may be covered with a fine, downy hair called lanugo. You'll also see vernix, a cheesy, white substance that protects a baby's delicate skin from the amniotic fluid. The farther along your pregnancy is when you deliver, the less lanugo and vernix your baby will have.

Babies of all races and ethnicities are born with reddish-purple skin that changes to pinkish-red in a day or so. The pink tint comes from the red blood vessels that are visible through your baby's still-thin skin. Because your baby's blood circulation is still maturing, his hands and feet may be bluish for a few days. Over the next six months, your baby's skin will develop its permanent color.

If your baby's skin takes on a yellowish tinge in the first few days of life, he may have a slight case of jaundice. More than half of healthy newborns show signs of jaundice, which happens as the body breaks down extra red blood cells.

Jaundice usually goes away in a week or so for full-term babies, but often hangs around slightly longer in preemies. It's usually nothing to worry about, but mention it to your healthcare provider.

Jaundice that doesn't go away may be a sign of a metabolic disorder or a liver problem. Your provider can do a simple blood or skin test to determine whether your baby needs treatment. He may have to spend some time under special lights that help his body get rid of the jaundice.

About 40 percent of babies are born with milia, small white or yellow dots on their face that look like tiny pimples. They usually disappear without treatment in three or four weeks.

If your baby has small, pus-filled bumps that leave dark brown marks when they burst, it's probably pustular melanosis. This newborn rash is more common in African American babies. There's no need to treat this condition. The marks will disappear by the time your baby is 3 or 4 months old.

A hive-like rash made up of red blotches with pale or yellowish bumps in the center is harmless despite its scary-sounding name. Called erythema toxicum, it usually appears a day or two after birth and is gone within a week.

Acne isn't unusual in new babies, either. About a fifth of newborns have a case of acne during their first month, the result of maternal hormones that circulate in the baby's body after birth.

Newborn acne is most likely to show up on the forehead and cheeks. It can worsen if your baby lies on sheets that have been washed in harsh detergents or soiled with spit-up. Place a soft, clean receiving blanket under his head while he's awake, and wash his face gently once a day with a mild baby soap to remove detergent or milk residue.

Otherwise, normal baby acne should disappear on its own within a few months once excess hormones dissipate.

Birthmarks like Mongolian spots (flat patches that look like ink stains) and salmon patches (sometimes called angel kisses and stork bites) are also common. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors and can show up anywhere on a baby's body. Certain types of birthmarks may not appear for several days or weeks after birth.

Most birthmarks are harmless. Many go away on their own in the first few years of life, although some, such as flat, reddish-purple marks called port-wine stains, are permanent.

Hair
Be prepared for some surprises when it comes to your baby's hair. Dark-haired Caucasian couples have been thrown for a loop by children born with bright red or blond hair, and fair-haired couples have been presented with Elvis Presley look-alikes. And then there are the parents who wonder what color that peach fuzz is, exactly.

That said, newborn hair doesn't tend to have much bearing on what your child's hair will eventually look like. Even if your baby was born with a full head of hair, she may begin to lose some or all of it in the first few weeks or months. This often happens because babies spend so much time on their back.

Don't worry – the hair will come back, although it may not look the same when it does. Babies born redheads can turn into blonds, raven-haired newborns can sprout fair tresses, and blonds often turn into brunettes.

Hair texture frequently changes in the first six months, too. You may find coarser, tighter ringlets growing in place of your baby's loose, fine curls, for example.

Eyes
Most, though certainly not all, Caucasian babies are born with dark gray-blue eyes that can take months or years to reveal their permanent color. Many African American, Asian, and Hispanic babies are born with dark gray-brown eyes that don't change color significantly, but some may start out with hazel eyes that get darker as they approach 6 months.

Most often, the eye color you see at 6 to 9 months is the one that sticks around.

Sometimes newborns have red spots in the whites of their eyes. Though it may look alarming, it's a harmless side effect of the trauma of birth. It's called a subconjunctival hemorrhage and should go away within several days.

Ears
Your baby's ears may be soft and floppy, and one of the edges may be bent over a bit. As the cartilage in your baby's ears becomes harder, her ears will become more defined.

Nose
Your baby's nose may look swollen from the pressure on it during delivery. It may also be a little flattened or even off-kilter. (He'll look less like a prizefighter in just a few days.) Your baby's appearance and behavior will change quite a bit in his first year of life. For information about your baby's physical and emotional milestones,

Newborn Belly Button Care

Caring for your baby's navel is of utmost importance. Parents need to observe precaution while cleaning this sensitive area as it is vulnerable to infections and other blood complications. This article provides some crucial tips for caring for your baby's belly button.

Think of babies and the first image that crops up into your mind is of a little fluffy, cute, bubbly bundle of joy. Babies tend to bring smile on our faces. That is why they are the apple of your eyes.

 

 When your baby arrives, the feeling of being excited and exhausted at the same time, makes one feel pretty nervous and intimidated. Parents fear practically about everything and that's when the issue of caring for your baby's delicate areas arises. The umbilical cord is one such area which needs special care. The umbilical cord is the connecting link, which keeps your unborn baby nourished and supplies him/her with oxygen in your womb. Immediately after birth, the cord is clamped and a part of the cord is still attached to the baby's navel. The navel cord has to dry and fall off on its own. It takes around one to two weeks to dry off. Usually while drying, the cord may change color from yellow-green to black. That is when, following the doctor's advice and some home care tips come to your rescue.

Tips on Navel Care

Clean the Area Without Water
After the delivery, in the first hour, the cord is cleaned by an antiseptic at the hospital in order to avoid infections. Also, it's important for the parents to remember that the clamp should be removed by the doctors at the hospital. After discharge, the pediatrician will suggest cleaning the area with alcohol at least 2-3 times in a day so as to fasten the healing process. It is also important to keep the diapers tied below the navel area and let the area be exposed to air. It is best to change soiled diapers immediately so as to avoid leaks, which might affect the navel area. If at all the stump looks dirty, then wipe it gently with a mild soapy, cotton washcloth and then let it dry. Avoid using lotions and powders near the navel area. During this time, it's most important to stick to sponge baths.

Use Loose Fitting Clothes

Even though you might be tempted to try on those beautiful fitting clothes on your little prized possession, it is best to use loose clothes. Loose clothes do not stick to the body and allow free air flow to the navel area. Natural drying is what most of the doctor's recommend so as to enable the cord to fall off faster. So stocking on a lot of undershirts is a better idea till the cord dries off. Also, it's crucial to wash the clothes before your baby wears as it will be hygienic and comfortable for the sensitive skin.

Signs to Lookout for

Even though you might be tempted to remove that dirty thing sticking off your baby's navel, resist that temptation as it might lead to an infection. Let it dry on its own and even if it's hanging, it is best to leave it untouched. It is normal to see some swelling and a little bit of discharge as the cord falls off. The doctor might prescribe a silver nitrate powder. After following the above tips, it's rare that your baby might get infection, but there are some warning signs which require attention.

If the stump emits an odorous smell or it releases any foul-smelling fluid, it is necessary to seek the doctor's help immediately.

Even if the area around the navel is irritated or the baby is having fever, it becomes a medical emergency to contact your baby's pediatrician.

When the stump gets dried, it is normal that it bleeds a little as it will get dried and form a crust over the area. But if the bleeding doesn't stop after seven minutes, you should contact the pediatrician.

There might be some minor problems that need to be supervised by your pediatrician. Like, when the cord has fallen off there is swelling, moisture and continuous yellow-green pus around the navel area, which carries a medical term known as 'umbilical granuloma'. The condition is treated with medicine or stitches might be required.

Another condition is 'umbilical hernia', which is a protruding tissue around the navel area, which is seen after the cord falls off. Here, with the doctor's regular monitoring, the condition will go away.

Taking care of the newborn's needs brings in a lot of apprehensions and anxieties, but with proper understanding about these minor but significant details, the parents can overcome these negative emotions with a smile. Even though some people might say that it's a challenge to take care of your baby, but with your maternal instinct you can avoid all the blunders.

It's important to stop stressing and start focusing on time management techniques and in no time you can be a pro to changing diapers, feeding and giving baths to your little angel. The best thing about being a parent is that when you are home after a tired day's work, your baby provides you with that instant energy which helps you release all the tensions in a second and makes you laugh without a reason. Even if your baby is growing, one thing is never going to change - all the troubles are going to be taken care by Mommy and Daddy.

Taking Care of Your Premature Baby at Home

After getting discharged from the hospital, you must be anxious about the proper care of your newborn preemie. For your assistance, we have provided you the correct ways of handling and caring for your premature baby. Have a look.

When you give birth to a premature baby, responsibilities increase in number. It's because he is born before the gestation period is over and, therefore, he might not be as healthy as a full-term baby.

 

 However, there's nothing to worry about as your doctor will let you know everything about caring your preemie. It's natural for mothers to face a little difficulty initially, but once they get into the process, it becomes an overwhelming experience. The more quickly you learn the various ways to nourish your baby, the more beneficial it will be for him.

Taking Care of Your Premature Baby at Home: Tips

Holding Your Baby

The first thing you should know is the right way to hold your baby. His head is intensely delicate and it requires support while sleeping and when awake. Place your hand behind his head and lift it gently. 

Rest your other hand on his hips or on the back. When you grip your baby this way, his entire body weight will be balanced on your hands. This technique known as containment holding is the safest way to handle your preemie. You can follow the same method while bathing him or laying him down on the bed.

Right Feeding Techniques

Even though it is highly satisfying as a mother to breastfeed your baby, this feeding technique cannot always be opted for in the case of premature babies. Your baby might be too weak to suck or he might get tired while doing so. Doctors suggest mothers to express milk into a bottle and then feed, when their babies are unable to suck naturally. This can be manually done by applying pressure around your nipples and then storing the milk in a sterilized bottle or cup. You can then feed him from the bottle or with a spoon. Sometimes, tube feeding is also performed on premature babies. Although it might seem a tough job for mothers, knowing the technique properly will eliminate every kind of feeding problems. Your baby will receive adequate nourishment and his health will improve very quickly. The feeding schedule will be determined by your doctor and you can follow it accordingly.

Adequate Sleep and Rest

More than ten hours of undisturbed sleep is a must for a premature baby. Babies born before the completion of the gestation period, although tend to sleep more, do so for short periods. Therefore, you have to take care of his surrounding and make it conducive for sleeping. Do not play loud music or keep your television turned on while he is sleeping. Always keep an eye on him while he is sleeping and make sure that he lies on his back and not on his stomach. The mattress should be firm enough to support his back and head. You shouldn't panic if he wakes up crying in between. This is quite natural as he will take time to get adjusted to the new environment. The best part is to watch the innocent smile on his face when he dreams.

Protecting from Infections

Babies born premature are prone to infections as their immune system take time to become strong. Your baby can have respiration problems and be susceptible to colds and fevers quite often. It's, therefore, better to take precautions early on. Avoid taking him out to public places, like shopping malls, theaters, etc. Keep his room well-ventilated and not air-conditioned. Feeding bottles should be sterilized and his diapers must be changed at frequent intervals. Make sure that people coming to visit your newborn, wash their hands before touching. To be on the safe side, try to keep your baby away from unnecessary touching and cuddling of visitors.

Bathing your Preemie

It's the most crucial of all the premature baby care tasks. First place the bathtub on the ground and fill it with lukewarm water (test it before bathing your baby). Place your baby in the tub and support his head with one hand. Gradually apply the soap and rinse gently with water. Let him relax while you wipe his face and wash his hair. Do not pour water randomly. Perform everything with one hand while holding your baby with the other. Wrap a soft towel around his body and dry him completely. You can bathe him properly twice a week and give him a warm sponge bath for the rest of the days.

Essence of Kangaroo Care

Kangaroo care is suggested by doctors for holistic development of preemie babies. So how is this possible? It's actually a kind of touch therapy, wherein you lie down straight on your back and allow your baby to rest on your bare chest. You can turn your baby on his side so that your heartbeat is audible to him. Another position is placing his head on your bosom and his tummy on your tummy (i.e. tummy-to-tummy contact). So the baby will actually be lying on his stomach on you. You can play, talk, and cuddle him in this position. Kangaroo care boosts growth and regulates body temperature. Your baby will also improve his sucking ability, sleep more, and gain weight rapidly.

Additional Tips

You have to monitor your baby's growth and development. Doctors suggest vitamins and nutritional supplements which must be administered regularly.

If your preemie was born with lung disease and gastrointestinal problems, then the medicines prescribed by your doctor must be continued.

In chronic conditions, you can install alarm systems, which will immediately make you aware of this health status. Such alarms are usually kept for babies suffering from apnea, irregular heartbeat, etc.

The benefits of baby massage should be known to all moms. Let you baby lie on his cot and you can gently massage every part of his body with baby oil.

You can learn the cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) procedure before getting discharged. This proves helpful in cases of emergency.

You must also keep an account of his vaccination doses and get them done on the specified dates.

Apart from all these, you should spend the maximum time with your baby and try to talk, play, and laugh with him. Observe how he responds to your gestures while being in the playful mood. You can also keep a part-time nurse for help. Above all, it's the mother's love that he receives improves his health and accentuates growth. So wishing you a happy motherhood.

Newborn Baby Care

Newborn baby care can be a very overwhelming task for those who have never handled the responsibility. The following article will guide you through this time.

The entry of a baby in your life is a euphoria equaled by not many other moments. Holding the baby in your arms for the first time and the sweeping over of that fierce need to protect, the instinct to be there for him and keep him away from any harm is paramount. But it's not to say that it does not get overwhelming for a new parent to ensure that proper care is administered. Knowing that the baby is completely dependent on you for all his needs and wanting to provide only the best for him will be the only thought that crosses a parent's mind. In such a case, having a newborn care guide that takes you through the motions of how to handle the task comes as a relief. In the following sections, we will look through some of the important things that go into caring for a newborn and ensure that your baby is well taken care of.

Hygiene

Personal, baby, and overall hygiene is the most important thing when it comes to a newborn. A newborn does not have a highly developed immune system like adults do and that is why even a little carelessness can lead to infections or diseases. Wash your hands and legs thoroughly before handling a baby and make sure that the baby clothes, baby bedding, and other items that are used by the baby are sanitized and clean. Make sure that you cut the baby's nails with a baby nail cutter to prevent the accumulation of dirt (which could lead to an infection) and to prevent the possibility of the baby scratching itself. Along with that, sterilizing the baby bottles is also important.

Changing Diapers

All diapers should be sanitized and clean. After your baby has dirtied the diaper, remove it and proceed to wipe the baby with cotton balls that have been dipped in warm water. Tie a new diaper around the baby. It is very common for newborns to get a diaper rash. In this case, apply a good ointment and keep the baby out of the diaper for a few hours so that it heals well.

Holding a Baby

A newborn is not capable of supporting the weight of its head because its neck is not yet developed and strong enough. Always remember that when you pick the baby up, support its neck with your hands at all times. A newborn is delicate and easily hurt so do not make any sudden and harsh movements with it like shaking it or playing with it. While the baby sleeps at night, make sure that it is placed on its back. Alternate the sides of his head from left to right every night so that he/she does not develop a flat spot. The temptation to hold a baby is great, but do not awaken him/her for it, the baby needs to sleep and will do so for 16 hours a day as well.

Bonding and Comforting

A newborn baby will cry. A lot. Because that is the only way he/she can communicate that something is wrong. And at that time he needs to know that you're there for him. Your baby needs you to be close to him/her physically to be assured of that. Make sure both parents are holding the baby and spending time stroking and talking to him. Babies respond well to sounds, so talking in a soft soothing voice and dulcet tones will help comfort the baby and help you bond.

Bonding with the baby should start while the baby is in the womb itself. It has been proven that newborn babies respond to and are soothed by sounds that they've heard while in the womb. For example, if you have been singing a particular song or listening to it while pregnant, and if you sing the same song when the baby cries, there are chances that the baby will stop crying immediately. This is because he knows the sound of that song, finds it familiar, and is therefore comforted by it. All new parents develop their own unique style of comforting the baby using a combination of soothing sounds and holding positions―in a few days, you will too. One such method of comforting the baby that is seen to work wonders is swaddling the baby. This method replicates for them the security of the womb.

Feeding the Baby

Breastfeeding is recommended for your newborn instead of giving him formula. This helps you to bond and supplies nutrients that prevents the onset of several diseases. Baby feeding should be done every time the baby is hungry and not based on what a book says. A newborn will need to nurse 8-10 times a day. Make sure that you nurse the baby at each breast. Monitor its schedule well and contact a doctor if you feel that the baby is not interested in taking a feed. A baby who has been feeding well should be gaining weight regularly. Burping a baby is also important so that you prevent your baby from getting colicky. Hold the baby against your shoulder and while supporting its neck gently pat the baby's back. Continue with this till the baby burps.

The anxiety of handling a newborn baby can get very overwhelming. But with these tips on the important aspects of baby care and the things you need for a new baby, your job should become a fraction easier. Keep these tips in mind, follow your heart and enjoy motherhood. In the end, that's all that's important, correct?

Bathing Your Baby Safely and Easily

Many mothers keep maids to bathe their babies as they are scared and not used to handling the little one. However, the truth is no one else other than a mother can handle the baby with care. Hence, I am here to make you confident in bathing your baby safely and easily, by providing simple tips.

Tips to bathe baby safely and easily

Baby bath time brings fun for both the baby and the mother. It brings you closer to your baby, and produces warmth, skin to skin contact and joy. The baby loves to be in the bathtub and play with water. But, being in the water for very long time can be harmful for the baby's health. Therefore, as a mother or even a father sometimes, one has to be careful while bathing the little one. Some of you might feel that it is easy to bathe your baby but, initially it may be difficult as the behavior of the baby at the time of bathing is unpredictable. He/she becomes excited and can go out of your control leading to severe consequences. Even the accidents occurring in the bathroom because of electricity, slipperiness, etc., are common and should be taken into consideration. To make you aware and guide you in giving your baby a bath properly and safely, there are some tips in the following paragraph.

Tips for Bathing a Newborn Baby

The most difficult task is to bathe a newborn as the skin is soapy and slippery and there is no head control achieved yet by the baby. Follow the tips listed below to make the bathing easy and safe.

Decide the number of baths you want to give the baby in a week and also the time of the bath. Plan it in the morning because, warm water will relax the baby and make him/her sleepy. Newborns are supposed to sleep for maximum hours in a day. Generally, it is recommended that bathing a newborn once or twice in a week is more than enough. Between the baths, you can just wipe the body with warm water once in a day and clean the genitals at regular intervals.

The time chosen should be such that there are no interruptions in between the bath like doorbells or phone calls. I know, it is difficult to find lots of free time but, you can consider the frequency of the interruptions and plan accordingly.

Arrange for a baby bathtub and other required materials like soap, oil, warm water, towel, etc., beforehand. Clumsiness at the time of bathing might result in an accident.

The bathtub must be suitable for the size of the baby. It should have a rubber mat at the bottom to avoid slipperiness.

Bring the baby to the bathroom after everything is ready and remove his /her clothes in the bathroom.

 

 Remember, the baby needs as much warmth as he/she had in the womb because the newborn takes time to adjust to the temperature outside the womb.

Hence, the temperature of the bathroom should be approximately 75ºF and that of the bathwater should be 90 to 100ºF.

It is advisable to be with the baby in the tub, if it is a bigger size tub, to give the baby a cozy and comfort feel like the womb and prevent the baby from crying. You can hold him/her to your chest with one hand and wash the body slowly with the other.

If the above guideline cannot be followed, don't worry. You can still give your baby a proper bath. When the bathtub is ready with water, check the temperature of the water by putting your finger into it. Otherwise it can cause burns to the child. Slide the baby inside the tub carefully and hold your hand under the baby's neck.

Make sure that the level of the water is not more than 2-3 inches, which means it should reach only till the baby's belly.

Apply unperfumed soap on the baby's body except the face as it might go into his/her eyes and cause irritation. It is convenient to use disposable washcloths instead of soaps and shampoos as they are chemical free. You can wipe the face just once, at the end of the bath.

Cover the baby with a towel immediately after the bath to keep the warmth intact.

It is always better to take help from someone else for initial bathing sessions as it will be convenient and less stressful.

Tips for Bathing Toddlers and Older Kids

To bathe a toddler or even a kid older than that, is much easier than bathing a newborn only when you have control over the child. These children love to stay in the tub for hours. Hence, here are a few general tips to follow while bathing toddlers and other children.

The water temperature matters here as well because, the requirement of hot water of a newborn and a toddler are different.

You should be careful with the time span of the bath.

Make your child sit in the tub and not stand, to prevent falling. You can also sit inside and keep the child on your stretched legs.

Do not allow the kid to play in the soap water for long as it can cause rashes and skin irritation. It can also affect the genital organ severely. You can allow the child to play in the plain water for some time and then make it soapy.

In case of a rebellious child, keep talking to him/her to give comfort and make the bath longer and enjoyable.

Arrange some bright-colored toys to engage the child while you are cleaning him/her.
Never keep the child unwatched in the bathtub.

Once you bath your baby a couple of times, you will get over your fear and you will not need a maid for bathing your baby. Follow the above guidelines and make the bath time enjoyable for the baby and memorable for yourself.

Essential Nutrients Your Baby Needs to Grow

Nutrients are the building blocks for the healthy growth of the baby. Babies need to be given nutrients in appropriate amounts to prevent a deficiency and the possible health problems emerging out of it. 

This Buzzle article enlists the 4 essential nutrients your baby needs during his growing years.

Essential nutrients for baby growth

Iron for Brain Development

Almost 75% of brain development takes place in the first year after birth, and iron is the vital nutrient that helps in brain development.

We all are aware about the nutrition given to a pregnant woman to help her give birth to a healthy baby. The physician or a nutritionist recommends a diet that ensures she is getting all the vital nutrients in the correct amount. However, it is equally important to focus on nutrition when the baby is born and he is capable of ingesting food on his own. For the first 6 months, the baby gets all the essential nutrients through breast milk, but after that, when it is time for semi-solid or solid foods, the nutrient content of the food should be observed carefully.

The rapidly developing organs and systems of a newborn include the brain, eyes, and the immune system. The nutrients in the food are responsible for their rapid growth and development. In this Buzzle article, we have provided a list of vital nutrients your infant needs while growing. Try to include them in your little one's daily diet.

Key Nutrients for Babies

Calcium

For kids and adults alike, calcium is the most important nutrient because it prevents brittleness in bones, which further leads to osteoporosis. A sufficient amount of calcium in the body helps infants acquire a considerable amount of bone density and develop strong bones. This prevents bone injuries when kids start with their rigorous physical activities like running around the house, climbing up and down the stairs, or even playing sports.

Required Amount: During the first year, breast milk and formula are capable of satisfying the calcium requirements of the baby. Later on, the infant needs approximately 500 milligrams of calcium per day.

Vitamins

Vitamins A, B, C, D, E, and K are also major contributors to your baby's healthy growth and development.

Vitamin A is essential for the formation and maintenance of healthy hair, skin, mucus membranes, proper vision, healthy immune system, and reproductive system.

Required Amount:

0-6 months - 0.4 milligrams Retinol Active Equivalent/day

7-12 months - 0.5 milligrams Retinol Active Equivalent/day

Vitamin D contributes by helping the body to utilize the calcium and phosphorus consumed through the food.

Required Amount: 0.005 milligrams/day

Vitamin K is responsible for proper functioning of the blood clotting process in the body.

Required Amount:

0-6 months - 0.002 milligrams/day

7-12 months - 0.0025 milligrams/day

Vitamin E performs the important function of preventing breakdown of the tissues, and protecting vitamin A and fatty acids in the body.

Required Amount:

0-6 months - 4 milligrams/day

7-12 months - 5 milligrams/day

Vitamin C is one nutrient that performs multiple functions like, healing wounds, forming collagen (protein) that gives structure to the bones, muscles, cartilage, and blood vessels, helps the body resist infections, and enhances the absorption of iron.

Required Amount:

0-6 months - 40 milligrams/day

7-12 months - 50 milligrams/day

Vitamin B12 is essential for proper functioning of the nervous system, and maintaining healthy blood cells.

Required Amount:

0-6 months - 0.0004 milligrams/day

7-12 months - 0.0005 milligrams/day

Vitamin B6 helps the body protein to build up tissues, and aids fat metabolism.

Required Amount:

0-6 months - 0.1 milligrams/day

7-12 months - 0.3 milligrams/day

Iron

It is a mineral that is a vital component of hemoglobin (a part of red blood cells that carries oxygen to various parts of the body) and myoglobin (a part of muscle cells that stores oxygen and several enzymes in the body). In other words, iron is a mineral that is essential for the formation and proper growth of healthy blood cells, and the prevention of anemia.

As mentioned earlier, iron is the most important nutrient that enhances brain development in newborns. Normal healthy babies have a sufficient amount of iron to satisfy their nutritional needs for the first 4 months, but premature babies may be deprived of the iron that is accumulated during the last trimester of pregnancy. This deficiency may affect their thought process and motor skills. Hence, it is important to include a good amount of iron in the diet of infants.

Required Amount:

0-6 months - 0.27 milligrams/day

7-12 months - 11 milligrams/day

Zinc

Like vitamin C, zinc also performs several functions, and hence, its deficiency may lead to several health problems. It is a mineral that is a component of several enzymes in the body, and is involved in most of the metabolic processes. It is essential for brain cognition and development. Apart from that, it is also essential for proper cell growth and repair, and maintenance of the immune system. It also helps in the formation of blood and protein in the body, and enhances wound healing.

Required Amount:

0-6 months - 2 milligrams/day

7-12 months - 5 milligrams/day

Along with these 4 vital nutrients, carbohydrates and proteins also contribute towards the healthy growth of the newborn. Carbohydrates are the primary source of energy for babies during their initial developmental years. If carbohydrates are not ingested in sufficient amounts, the growth of the baby is stunted, as the proteins in the body are utilized for energy production. The daily requirement of carbohydrate for 0-6 months old infants is 60 grams, whereas for 7-12 month old infants, it is 95 grams. On the other hand, proteins are essential for tissue replacement in an infant's body, and the daily requirement of proteins during the first year ranges from 9 to 13 grams per day.

Finally, ask your pediatrician, whether it is necessary to start any nutrition supplements for your baby while you are breastfeeding, because, sometimes, only breastfeeding during the first 6 months may not fulfill the requirement of all the nutrients.

12 Must-haves for a Baby Medicine Cabinet

Whether it is a rash, common cold, or fever, being prepared and stocking up on baby medicines can help you deal with the baby ailment in time. In this Buzzle article, we list the baby medicine cabinet essentials that can save you a late-night dash to the drugstore.

Must-haves for a baby medicine cabinet

Quick Tip

It is a good idea to clean out your medicine cabinet at least once a year. This will help you dispose outdated and old products.

Keep the baby safe and be prepared. This is the motto that every parent should follow. After all, babies and toddlers are bound to suffer from the occasional bouts of cold with a runny nose or a bad case of diaper rash. Even when you think that you have survived the cold and flu season, one fine day, you come home to find a feverish kid with a bad hacking cough.

Keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet ensures that you do not have to run out to the drugstore in the middle of the night. Moreover, this arsenal of products allows you to quickly deal with common baby ailments, such as rashes and fevers, with ease. In this Buzzle article, we provide a list of things to keep in a baby medicine cabinet that are sure to provide relief during colds and make bumps and bruises feel better.

Digital Thermometer

If you are concerned that your child is running a fever, then you would definitely want to check their body temperature with a thermometer. Gone are the days when you had to use the riskier glass-and-mercury thermometer. Today's digital thermometers are less intrusive and provide the most accurate results. They use electronic heat sensors to record body temperature and can be used in the mouth, armpit, and rectum. Some people use digital ear thermometers that measure the temperature inside the ear canal using infrared rays. Although they seem easier to use, they are not very accurate as a smaller ear canal or presence of earwax can interfere with the accuracy of an ear thermometer.

Pain and Fever Relief Medication

Fever and pain are common in babies, especially ones who are teething. Use infant-formula acetaminophen and ibuprofen (for children aged six months and above) to reduce pain and fever.

 

 Ensure that the medication are infant-strength for babies under 35 pounds. For example: You need to buy infant acetaminophen containing 160 milligrams of acetaminophen per 5 milliliters as opposed to more concentrated formulas containing 80 milligrams in 0.8 or 1 milliliter. Even a small overdose can have some serious repercussions, so buy the correct concentration, and consult your doctor for appropriate dosage instructions.

Anti-itch Cream

Insect bites, eczema, and allergies can cause itchy rashes in babies. The persistent itching can leave your child restless and miserable all day. Oral antihistamine, such as Benadryl (Diphenhydramine Hydrochloride), and topical steroids, such as 1% hydrocortizone cream, can help control the itching.

 

 The AVEENO 1% Hydrocortisone Anti-itch Cream with ACTIVE NATURALS Triple Oat Complex provides relief from itching caused by eczema rashes or skin inflammation. Calamine lotion also provides relief from itching caused by certain rashes and insect bites.

Gas Drops

Excessive gas in babies can lead to discomfort and a lot of sleepless nights for you. To calm a fussy baby and provide relief from the painful symptoms of excess gas caused by swallowing excess air while bottle feeding or eating certain foods, you can try gas drops. Orally administered, Simethicone gas drops helps break up gas bubbles in the gut, and provides safe, gentle relief from gas discomfort in minutes. MYLICON Infant Gas Drops and Little Remedies For Tummys Gas Relief Drops are two popular OTC gas relief drops available in the market.

Humidifier

Since over-the-counter medication for cough and cold are considered unsafe for babies under the age of four years, you can use a humidifier or a cold-mist vaporizer to relieve symptoms of cold. The humidifier adds moisture to the air and relieves congestion from common cold, flu, and sinus infections. Although both warm mist as well as cold mist humidifiers are available in the market, it is best to use the cold mist variant that humidifies your home, and prevents risk of burns or injuries.

Diaper Rash Cream

No matter how careful you are or how many times you change diapers, most babies are bound to get diaper rashes once in a while. Thankfully, there are products that soothe a baby's sore skin or form a protective barrier. Diaper rash creams or ointments contain zinc oxide or petrolatum to provide an effective barrier. Some have ingredients such as cocoa butter and castor seed oil that soothe and heal the diaper rash. Some excellent diaper rash creams include DESITIN Rapid Relief Zinc Oxide Diaper Rash Cream and Boudreaux's Butt Paste.

Oral Rehydration Salts

When a baby has diarrhea or is vomiting continuously, dehydration can pose a problem. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are used to prevent the dehydration. Commercially-available oral rehydration salts have to be mixed with water to make this solution. This solution is then fed in small amounts at regular intervals to prevent dehydration.

Nasal Aspirator and Saline Spray

Is your child having trouble breathing due to the cold? Unlike adults, babies cannot clear their nasal passages that are blocked due to the excess mucus produced during cold. The mucus buildup can make it difficult for the baby to breathe, and can even cause gagging. To prevent this, you need to use a nasal aspirator. The device creates suction to clear the nasal passages and makes it easier for the child to breathe. Additionally, a saline spray works to loosen up the mucus, making it easier to dislodge the mucus. Some excellent nasal aspirators in the market are NoseFrida the Snotsucker Nasal Aspirator and Graco NasalClear Battery Operated Nasal Aspirator.

Antibiotic Ointment

Small scrapes, burns, and cuts should be cleaned and then treated with an antibiotic ointment. This prevents the wound getting infected. A dab of triple-antibiotic ointment, such as NEOSPORIN, can also speed the healing of the wound.

Medicine Syringe

Medicine syringes and dispensers provide an accurate measurement for liquid medication. Our household utensils cannot provide standard measurements. This is why you need calibrated medication syringes and calibrated droppers to ensure that you provide the proper dosage to your child.

Bandages and Sterilized Cotton Balls

For bleeding and small open wounds, you need to keep adhesive bandages and gauze pads in various sizes. A standard fare in any well-stocked baby medicine cabinet, these bandages protect the cuts from dirt, bacteria, and friction. Some of them have antiseptic properties that hasten the healing process. Along with bandages, you will also need sterilized cotton balls to clean the wound.

Alcohol Wipes
Keep a box of alcohol wipes to clean and disinfect thermometers and the skin around the wounds. These are much safer than rubbing alcohol, which can be accidentally swallowed by a child.

Other Items You May Need

★ Tweezers, to remove splinters or stingers

★ Scissors and safety pins

★ Small flashlight for checking the baby's nose and ears

★ Baby-safe insect repellent

★ A pair of baby nail clippers

★ Cold packs

★ Cotton swabs to clean the ears

Also keep a list of emergency contact numbers, such as the closest hospital, family doctor, poison control, etc., in the medicine cabinet. Keep the medicine cabinet out of the child's reach.

Make Diapers your baby's best friends

Huggies, Pampers or Johnson n Johnson - which brand of diapers should I buy for my baby? This is a common query for most mothers who keep trying to relieve their kids from wetness that is uncomfortable and irritating both for the mother as well as the child. Years back there were no diapers, but today diapers are a blessing in disguise, and have made life much easier for mummies and fun for their children.

Why Diapers are called "Best Friends"?

Diapers make the child smile, they make him carefree and he moves about without complaining about wetness. Diapers keep the child happy and their mother's tension-free.

Interesting reasons explaining the diaper-baby-mom bonding:

Diapers are easy to use, dispose and they don't stink.

They save time as they don't require cleaning and washing.

Diapers are helpful, whether your child be indoors or outdoors. They last for hours and keep the baby dry, and can be easily changed without much fuss.

Diapers are increasingly in demand and are worn by babies even at home. Also, diapers when compared to the traditionally used cotton cloth, which needed to be changed very often, are much easier and convenient.

They put the baby to a sound sleep.

When do friends turn foes? 

Sometimes diapers can cause diaper rash which can irritate the baby. Constant use of diapers can cause skin irritation leading to rashes, redness and swelling around the diaper area.

Diapers can be very uncomfortable for the baby if they fit too tightly. Mothers must keep the diaper loose enough for the bay to be able to walk and move about easily.

Chemicals like sodium polyacrylate used in the making of diapers, are used in the powdered form to make the diaper super absorbent. These chemicals can have allergic reactions on the baby's skin. 

Constant use of diapers  can also lead to darkening of skin around the diaper area. more detail.. 

http://www.medimanage.com/mykidshealth/artciles/make-diapers-your-baby-best-friend.aspx

Author;

Medimanage

Five Essential baby apparels

Essential baby apparels

 

As a mother you would definitely want your baby to look like a cutie pie all the time. Dressing up your baby is one of the most important activities that mothers enjoy doing as this helps a mother give a kind of expression to the immense love that she nurses for her baby. You would definitely want your baby to look great and feel comfortable at the same time. It is very important to choose the clothes and apparel of the baby wisely as proper clothing is essential to keep the baby protected from the external weather and to maintain a comfortable body temperature for the baby.

Here are a few vital apparels and clothing needed for a baby.

Side snap onesies- As the head of newborn baby is delicate; these side snap onesies are a favorite across new mothers. As a mother you will not have to undergo any stress in sliding a tee through the delicate head of your baby. These side snap onesies can be opened in the front and it is very easy to make your baby wear them. The bottom of this apparel is also very comfortable and does not have any tight waistlines as they can be fitted onto a baby just like a diaper. There is enough room for the baby to move his hands and legs in this dress, thereby, making the baby feel super comfortable.

Sweater or a sweat shirt- In order to keep your baby warm a sweat shirt or a light sweater comes in very handy. As per the general recommendation, you should always dress up your baby with an additional layer of clothing in comparison to the number of layers of clothing that you wear in order to keep him warm and comfortable. Babies tend to feel cold in the night as their body temperature drops suddenly. So keep your baby warm with the help of a sweat shirt or a sweater. Dress up your baby in cute little jackets and pullovers during the winters. However, you should also ensure that you baby does not get overheated due to excessive clothing.

 

Shirts- Once your baby's head is stable you can opt for t-shirts for your baby. However, opting for shirts that can be opened in the front are always a safe option as they are easier for the baby to wear them and you will also find it easy to make your baby fit into them. Ensure that these shirts are made of cotton and the material should be supple and soft. Opt for colors that are soothing so that baby feels happy and comfortable in these shirts.

Pyjamas or pants- Get pants or pyjamas for your baby those are comfortable in the waist of your baby. Therefore, opting for the ones that have an elastic which is not too tight or loose will be the right choice. Babies feel very comfortable in pyjamas that are made of breathable fabric. These are also very easy to be removed for a quick diaper or a nappy change.

Socks, mittens, hats, caps and bibs- Though these might look like accessories, these form a formidable and important part of the baby attire. In order to keep your baby warm and cozy it is important that his hands and legs are protected with mittens and socks. Mittens also protect your baby's face from getting scratched as newborns tend to scratch their faces with their hands after birth. 

A hat or cap will protect your baby from the scorching rays of the sun if you venture out with your baby during the summers. Woolen caps help in keeping the baby's head warm during the winters as it is through the head that the babies lose a lot of heat during the winters. Nice bibs always prove to be handy to contain sudden spit ups or to manage food spills while feeding the baby.

So keep your baby comfortable and cozy by stocking up the important apparels mentioned above and do not let seasonal and weather changes have any impact on the health of your baby.

Author;

foryoumum.com

Baby Stuff: Must-Haves and Useless Things

However, the unbelievable happiness of the baby's birth carries an enormous amount of necessities and responsibilities. Future parents become anxious and worry about the delivery itself, the health of their baby, the duties they have to fulfill. Moreover, the financial aspect leaves no one indifferent. 

There is so much to be done, ordered, bought and organized. In this article you will get to know about things that are the must-haves for babies, the stuff parents and babies can go without, and what will serve no useful end at all.

 Baby cot.If you do not want the baby to sleep with you occupying the middle of your bed, a high-quality convenient baby cot is a must-have. It will become the baby's resting place from birth till two or three years of age. The mattress should be chosen with exceptional thoroughness. It must be very hard, as the baby's spine is not properly formed immediately after birth, so the baby should sleep on an ideally even surface.

 Perambulator.As well as the baby cot, the perambulator will serve the child for a long time. That's why it is necessary to choose a practical model that can be transformed from the cradle into the stroller.

 Pedobarometer. Infants under one year of age are weighed by the doctor in the polyclinic every month. However, if you want to monitor the process of your baby's gaining weight, you can have a pedabarometer at home, but it is not supposed to be the thing of primary importance and the growth of your baby can go without it.

  

Child safety seat. If you travel by car with your child, he or she must be kept in the child safety seat. It provides not only comfort during the trip, but the safety of the nearest and dearest kid. If you do not travel a lot, you can lease it when necessary.

 Baby high chair. Approximately from 6-7 months of age infants start eating some new food using a spoon, not just breast milk or powdered baby milk from a feeding bottle. Now it is high time to buy a baby high chair. It will meet the convenience of parents, as it is much easier to feed the kid who sits in the chair, but not on the parent's knees. Moreover, baby high chair may be placed near the dinner table, and the child will eat together with the family.

Educational toys and carpets, baby walkers, jolly jumpers, music tables are things that help our children develop their coordination, as well as other senses and reflexes. Though it is quite possible to grow without all these things, they still make the acquaintance of your baby with the outer world more interesting and exciting.

 In fact, everything is very individual. My colleagues from the Royal Essays believe that as soon as you have a baby, you will find out what you and your baby need to feel comfortable. So do not buy too much in advance. I hope this article will help you group children's stuff into categories and decide what must be bought and what is less important.

Author

Marie Ochoa