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

Mother's Issue for Baby Rash

Mom and dad get very worried when they notice baby rash. Not every rashes seen really are a serious issue. Try to learn how to distinguish if your allergy requirements important health advice or not. 

Usually if your rash on infant skin receives pale when pushed, your son or daughter might have erythematous rash. This is not a significant problem, but it's great to get medical health advice concerning begin providing your youngster the right remedy.

When when you media the allergy doesn't change light but continues to be reddish, then perhaps your child is actually afflicted with petechial or perhaps purpuric allergy. This kind of rash wants important health advice due to the fact there may be a fundamental severe medical problem which would require urgent hospital treatment. You should find medical advice particularly child provides a fever.

Nappy break outs impacts almost every infant. Your son or daughter's pores and skin gets red-colored and inflamed as well as often it even starts to level. If the condition is much more severe, pimples and also blisters may also be observed around the affected area. This disorder generally takes place when the nappy just isn't changed regularly particularly when the actual nappy will be moist and ruined. It's always best to utilize natural cotton wool damped inside hot water concerning clear your son or daughter. Do not utilize baby wipes particularly alcohol wipes or perhaps perfumed wipes. Infants could be highly responsive to these kind of goods. Occasionally they're even sensitive to particular nappy brands. Attempt to relieve this problem simply by washing infant bottom part having an medicinal wash. Attempt and also to change the diaper often and to pat dried out water from your baby's epidermis.

Author,

Charles

Baby Bath for newborn, I Can't Be Bothered, does it matter to bath a baby?

When a baby is born for the first few weeks baby sleeps.It lies down for most of the time on sheets in the pram or a moses basket. The coton fibres come off get stuck in the hair and in arm pits from wearing vest and clothes etc. It is important to bath a baby because otherwise the cotton strands etc would cause irritation to a newborn babys delicate skin and eventually if not washed away will turn red and become very sore.The fact about bathing a baby is not just to keep baby clean but its a quality time you and your partner can bond with baby.

It helps baby relax and settle off to sleep although until a baby realizes umm this is really good they may scream until they get used to it. Then they will cry again just because you took them out of the bath. Baby's are so funny..

Many dads come up with all sorts of excuses why they can't bath baby. "My hands are too cold". Or "my hands are full of oil" or "I just have to nip to the pub to meet my friends".

Really, they just lack either confidence in holding a slippery newborn, or are scared they will drop the baby.

Here are the simple rules to follow when bathing baby for any new mum or dad. PS. Dads don't tell the wife or your partner, read this information and put it into practice. You won't need to go to parenting school for bathing babies or asking a midwife how it's done.

It's all here to how to do it the easy way plus it's free and very simple to follow.

You CAN do it, you will feel over the moon and overjoyed in pleasing the other half.

YOU WILL BE BOUND OVER WITH SELF CONFIDENCE AND SELF ESTEEM YOU WILL SOON BE ABLE TO SHOW OTHER DADS HOW TO DO IT. WHAT A PROUD DAD YOU ARE FOR HAVING A GO WELL DONE.

1.        A good time to bath baby is in the evening before baby is due for an evening feed. The last thing you need is to give baby a feed then bath the baby ending up with baby sick every where and baby going hungry.

2.        Prepare a warm, draught free room in which you will bath baby.

3.        get together everything baby needs in clothes i.e. a baby bathed in the evening may wear a sleep suit, a vest, a cotton hat, a cardigan, socks, and a nappy.

Prepare the baby box with every thing you need to wash baby. This method uses baby soap and shampoo. Cotton wool balls and baby sponge and a warm hooded bath towel. You may need a small bowl of warm water to use on baby's face.

4.        You may also need a changing mat if you do not want to change baby on your knee. A laundry bucket for babies washing and a couple of nappy sacs for rubbish and soiled nappy.

5.        Prepare the baby bath using a stand if needed and by adding cold water first and use a jug to add the hot water being careful around toddlers... test with a baby bath thermometer or with your elbow so it is warm enogh but not too hot to bath your baby in.Using your elbow is the most sensitive part to react to cold or hot water temperatures.its a good way to take the top of the shampoo at this stage so you don't get fumbled.

6.        Do not let the water go too cold whilst you are getting baby ready.

7.        Undress baby down to the nappy, wrap securely with a towel so baby does not get cold. And starting with the face use cotton wool and water with nothing added (No bubble baths or soap) or from the bowl or bath water. Wiping from the inside out clean each side of the face with one cotton wool ball. Eye infections can occur if you wipe from the outside inwards. Throw away in nappy sac and dry with a clean one in the same way inside to outside of baby's face.

8.        Holding baby wrapped in towel under one arm and holding baby close to your side hip. Leaning over the bath gently wet hair and apply a small amount of shampoo, rub over hair very gently with your other hand. Keep supporting baby with your other hand, arm and hip. Wash baby's head by pouring water over the head very carefully as to not get it into baby's eyes. You can use your hand you do not need a jug for this stage.

9.        Rinse off very well, (as cradle cap can form in the form of crust like scabs on baby's head due to a build up of excess shampoo).

10.     Move towel up or put the hood over to dry baby's hair by gently patting/rubbing dry.

11.     Remove baby's nappy and clean nappy area with baby's usual wipes or cotton wool balls and water.

12.     Place baby in bath and holding baby as if you were putting your arm around him/her and supporting the legs as well with one hand the other hand is free to wash baby using your other hand wash over with soap and rinse off. Turn baby over and repeat for baby's back .Dry off your baby in towel being careful to dry in all the little ceases

13.     .Apply Nappy, Dress fully and cuddle baby before giving back to mum or dad ready for evening feed.

14.     NOW FOR THE WORST PART Don't forget to help tidy away the bath, nappy and soiled clothes.

 For parents using baby bath products when you are up to washing baby's hair, wet hair a little apply baby bath products instead of shampoo to the hair, rinse of with the bath water. Apply a little more to the baby bath then swirl around in water to make bubbles, wash baby in the baby bath there is no need to rinse baby off with clean water. Dry baby in the normal way.

Some mums may wish to apply a little baby oil on baby's skin after drying baby, but do not use on baby's face.

So enjoy bath time even if it is the hassle of tidying everything away afterwards seems too muich trouble,especially when you are tired babies really are worth it.

Author,

Sheila Sudlow Of Cheeky Chums

How to Handle Your Newborn Baby

Baby is a precious creation- you must handle him/her with utmost care. Your baby lacks muscle control, so you have to take extra precautions while holding, bathing, feeding, and dressing the baby. Lift the baby slowly and don’t rush when you carry her/him. Newborns are completely dependent on you.

If this is your first baby and have never handled any baby before, baby’s fragility may be overwhelming for you. For many parents, just holding the tiny baby is nerve-wracking.  Below are few guidelines to follow and within a couple of days, you can become an expert.

Holding the baby carefully-For a new parent, who has no experience with infants, simply picking up and holding the little one is scary. Take suggestion from older member in the family and friends. Your baby’s head is big and heavy compared to other parts of the baby. Therefore, it is very important to support your baby’s head and neck when you carry the baby up and lay down. A good way to pick the baby up and put him/her down is with your whole arm, which supports spine, neck and head at the same time. When you are going to wake up your baby, don’t shake him/her, just tickle in the feet and the baby will be up. Some parents like to wrap their baby’s legs and hands in a blanket until they are used to it

 Feeding the baby- Feeding the newborn is something that every new parent worries about at first. At this period, babies drink either breast milk or formula. If the mother is breastfeeding, then feeding will most likely occur in every few hours and if the baby is bottle fed, then the gap between feedings may go up to two to three hours. Don’t forget to burp the baby after each feeding.

Diapering the baby-Everybody knows how to change a diaper, but when you have to do it yourself, it may get messy. You may feel awkward in first few times, but slowly with little practice, you will handle the newborn with ease. While changing diapers, use a waist-high table with safety straps. Lay the baby on the diaper, fold the front half of the diaper over the baby and tighten it with attached tapes. Check the diaper in 5 to 10 minutes to see whether it is wet or not.  Do not allow the baby to be in wet diaper for a longer period, which may lead to skin infection.

Dressing the baby-Excited parents spend enough money to buy good clothes for their newborn baby. Whichever clothing you prefer, look for garments that are easy for you to put on and takeoff the baby like large necklines are easy to slip baby’s head. While dressing, support your baby’s head in one hand until he/she is 3 months old.

Bathing your baby- Bath time can be enjoyable if you know how to handle the baby while bathing. Until 10 to 15 days after birth, the baby is generally given a sponge bath and after that a daily bath. While bathing in tub, make sure to hold the baby in one hand tightly, otherwise the baby may slip. Right after the bath, wrap your baby in a towel and cover the head.

Make yourself sure to fasten the car seat or stroller every time when you are going out. Avoid bouncy or rough roads as this may upset your baby’s stomach.

It is better to ask for your family and friends to get through this time, which can be disturbing. Nurses can also show you how to hold, bath, change, and burp your baby. Though you may feel worried about handling a baby, within 2 to 3 months, you will get used to a daily routine and turn into a professional parent.

Author,

John Rope

What You Need To Know About Newborn Baby Acne

My baby's beautiful face has acne or some kind of rash all over his face. A newborn with acne? What is going on? There are many forms of baby acne and you should be aware of the different conditions. 

Your new born is breaking out with these red bumps and I know it can be frustrating to you. There are many forms baby acne you should be aware of are:

Neonatorum is a baby acne condition that affects about 20% of newborns. This acne stems from a mom's maternal hormones that are carried in the bloodstream of a newborn and a baby can have these breakouts right after delivery or within 3 weeks of age. 

Some different kinds of acne that you baby may experience and called Pustules(also can be know as whiteheads) and Papules. Pustules are small bumps in the skin with pus. And Papules are small red bumps the will rise on top of the skin. These two different forms of acne can show up around the face, on the cheeks and sometimes on the scalp. This kind of acne should disappear within 4 months. 

Newborn acne can sometimes get confused with these two conditions called Milia and Infantile Acne. 

Milia will present itself during the first week of life. And this kind of acne is usually associated by the warming of a baby who is placed in a incubator. A fever can also be presented as well. And then you have Infantile Acne. This type of acne can develop at the age of three months or even later on. 

And this condition can be more severe. This type will disappear after a baby is one years old. A baby can also have this Infantile Acne way up to 3 years old. And if this happens, this is usually due to family genetic. A strong family history of this genetic.

Seborrhea is another skin condition and you should watch for these kind of symptoms. You will start to notice very very small bumps and yellow crusty flakes or scales on hair bearing areas such as the scalp, the eyebrows or the eyelashes. This condition can sometimes affect the neck and shoulders too. 

This condition is sometime compared to eczema. This should go away on its own. Give your baby's doctor a call if you feel your baby is experiencing this.

Infant Eczema is a very common condition. Red bumps and patches are in various locations.This will commonly present itself on a baby's face and cheeks. Some babies will experience this rash all over their bodies as they get older unfortunately. And for some as a baby gets older, he or she will outgrow this. This type can be treated with many topical creams by prescription or you may be able to use some over the counter medications. You should consult with your baby's doctor on this.

In order to help keep this under control you should keep your baby's face clean with water at least two to three twice's a day. You can use a very mild soap or a non soap cleanser. Do not use any oils. 

And do not wash your infant's bibs, towels, or clothes with harsh detergents. Keep the neck area very clean. Make sure your baby is not allergic to anything. You should really keep a eye on this. For infants over 3 months that continue to break out, you can try a mild lotion with no more than 2.5% benzoyl peroxide. Never scrub a baby's skin. And be careful not to over heat your little one with layers and layers of clothing or in hot areas. Keep the skin moisturized with oil free lotions and unscented. Remember gentle cleansers and no oily products.

Parents, if you are concerned about taking pictures, don't be. You can still take pictures of your precious little one. And if needed, a professional photographer does touch-ups. This newborn acne is just a temporary setback and your infant will not remain with this acne forever. Go ahead and take those gorgeous pictures.

Author,

Carmen VJ

Tips For Treating Diaper Rash Naturally

No parent likes to see their little one in pain and unfortunately, diaper rashes can cause your baby to cry, scratch and complain. Many conventional diaper rash creams offer little or no treatment, and can actually cause the rash to become worse, especially if they contain questionable ingredients that are inappropriate for baby skin. If there is broken skin, the diaper rash ointment can get under the skin and irritate it. It also masks the problem and leaves the bottom area still moist under the diaper. Instead, the rash should be taken care of in a natural manner that is safe for baby and gentle.

When you change the baby's diaper, switch to using a moist (with water only) baby washcloth to cleanse your baby's bottom instead of baby wipes, which often contain drying and irritating ingredients. If you're on the run, you can carry some wet washcloths in a baggie. Look for washcloths made with unbleached, organic cotton, if possible. If this is too difficult, then at least look for hypoallergenic wipes that are unscented and that do not have preservatives and alcohols but that use essential oils and botanicals.

Prepare a bath with colloidal oatmeal. You can make your own oatmeal bath by grinding oats finely in the blender or Vita-Mix and then putting them in the bath either straight up or in a muslin tea bag (less mess). You can also find products at the health food store that contain colloidal oatmeal that helps reduce the inflammation and itchiness of the rash. Make sure the bath is nice and warm, but not too hot. Let your baby play in the water about 10-15 minutes.

In the bath, be sure to only use unscented products with no perfumes or dyes. You want to be gentle with baby's skin and only use products that won't irritate the skin with fragrances and dyes. When the bath is done, rinse your baby off with warm water and pat dry carefully.

After the bath, and after each diaper change until the rash has healed, allow your baby to be naked for as long as possible. This allows the rash to be exposed to air and begin the healing process, naturally. When the diaper is on, it only blocks bacteria and moisture back into the skin, which doesn't allow the skin to breathe.

During this "naked time" you can do several things. You can either leave your baby naked, or if you are afraid of him or her peeing on furniture, you can use a clean, cotton cloth to create your own diaper, the way diapers used to be put on. Or if you happen to have reusable cotton diapers, use one of those instead. At the end of the naked time, apply a diaper rash cream made from botanical ingredients. Put on the diaper loosely and check often to see if they need to be changed.

Depending on the severeness of the rash, you should see a visible improvement within one to three days time. If you are concerned the diaper rash has worsened or is not diaper rash at all, be sure to call the baby's health care provider to see what steps must be taken next.

If the diaper rash is constantly reoccurring, consider switching to chlorine-free, fragrance-free and hypoallergenic diapers instead, or cloth diapers. Incidentally cloth diapered babies get fewer episodes of diaper rash in the first place. If you're already using cloth, try removing the waterproof cover for as long as possible and simply letting baby wear a pinned on prefold for maximum air circulation.

Author,

Carrie Lauth

How to Get Rid of Rash On Baby's Face

Has your baby been suffering from facial rashes? Find out how to get rid of rash on baby's face in simple and safe steps...

Baby skin is very delicate and extra sensitive. It needs special treatment and more care. We cannot tend to their skin like the way we do with ours. Since the skin is thinner and lacks enough protective epidermal layering, it is more susceptible to infection and injury. The most common causes for baby rashes on the face are eczema, milia, dribble rash and roseola. These usually need medical treatment and can be easily cured. When the baby's skin develops and becomes more resilient, it keeps most skin infections at bay. Eczema for instance, is also an inherited skin condition, which could have been transmitted, from either of the parents and their respective genealogy. There are but a few measures which can be taken by parents to keep these itchy and uncomfortable conditions away.

Causes for Rash

A rash, may be an indicator of allergies. Your baby may be allergic to the foods you eat, which may be getting transferred through breast milk.

These allergies could be due to the foods being given to the baby, perhaps certain ingredients in the baby food is not suiting him.

Allergies could be triggered through the chemicals being used for keeping the baby clean. Detergents and perfumes present in baby soaps and creams, too can cause a lot of trouble for the kid.

It could be due to extreme climatic conditions. Too much of heat or cold can dehydrate the baby's skin even though we may think that the weather is suitable for the baby.

People will usually not care to wash their hands before attempting to touch the baby's face or trying to kiss their cheeks. What eventually happens is that the germs will affect the baby's skin.

If a rash has come and gone, contact with germs will cause a new outbreak.

Try to keep the floor disinfected at all times, or a safer option would be to keep the baby away from the floor or dirty surfaces. As dust and germs can aggravate the rash or lead to a fresh breakout.

Allergies can come from pets as well. Try to keep your pet cat or dog from coming in contact with the baby for some years. Pet hair and saliva can lead to skin infections in human babies.

Ways to Get Rid of Rash

Do not use any soaps to clean your baby's face and neck. Simple water is sufficient for your baby's skin.

Wipe the skin using a soft paper towel and never use cloth on their skin. Cloth being tougher and germ infested will only make the rash persist for longer periods.

You need not use a paper towel either, and could simply let the area air dry. This will soothe the skin and alleviate the itchiness.

Use ice cubes to rub the affected spots on the skin in case it's itching too much and the baby is crying with excess discomfort.

Keep the baby's finger nails short, so that he/she can't scratch the rash and make it worse. A seemingly impossible task to accomplish, knowing that baby's can't take instructions, and we can't keep them from scratching themselves! Nonetheless, trying will help heal the rash to a large extent.

As far as possible, try to not let people touch the baby at all. Let the child grow to about 2-3 years or so, because until then their skin will be less sensitive.

In case the rash has turned red and flaky, or is oozing, the rash has already been growing for a while. Consult a pediatric dermatologist specifically, because they are specialists, and have dealt with baby rashes many times over.

Ask for a cream with hydrocortisone in it. Ask for something mild and effective for baby's. Remember to mention your baby's age and the time since the onset of the rash as well as the number of times it has appeared in the past.

You will need to get your baby tested for food allergies and accordingly eat only the things which your baby can safely consume either directly or through your milk.

When dealing with baby rashes, the safest advice would be to consult a specialist in pediatric dermatology. One can never be too sure that the products in the market may suit your baby specifically or not. While it may suit most, it need not necessarily suit your own. It's better to be cautious and seek medical advice before using any chemicals and creams on your baby's body. 

 

Author,

 

Rohini Mohan