3/21/2008
Warning About Babies And Natural Cures
Many of us are comfortable experimenting with our own bodies and health with alternative medicines and therapies such as herbal remedies and "natural cures". It is important to realize though, that when it comes to your baby, so-called "natural cures" can be dangerous!My spouse and I noticed something a little different when we gave our baby girl so-called "all natural" teething tablets. This seemingly reputable over-the-counter option "looked" like a safe and viable solution to help with issues related to teething. The packaging insisted it was safe and natural, and we took that at face value. We called the doctor and asked about it, and they said it was "probably fine". But like I said, after giving it to our child we noticed something a little different that concerned us.What was different? Well, our baby was sleeping. I don't mean just sleeping normally, but sleeping REALLY well, almost immediately after taking the tablets. The packaging for the tablets said that the child would fall asleep because they were no longer irritated by their teeth. (Yeah right!)After some investigation, we found that the teething tablets had "natural" sedatives that were the reason the child falls asleep after taking them. We also found out that one of the ingredients was a plant substance that has caused VERY serious side effects in children and infants (including DEATH).Needless to say, we were shocked... and never gave the tablets to our child again (we threw them away).The moral of the story? Just because something says "natural" doesn't mean it's safe—and don't assume that it's safe just because you can get it at your local grocery or drug store.As I heard a TV comedian put it once..."Heroin is NATURAL... A pack of wolves... is NATURAL..."Just because it says "natural", doesn't mean it's safe for your baby.A question that may come to mind is "exactly how can you tell what IS safe?" Our best advice is to read the ingredients on ANYTHING that you feed your baby or give them as a "remedy" for something, and don't give your baby ANYTHING without doing so under the guidance of your doctor. Don't just take the doctor's word for it though, either. Doctors do make mistakes. Look up ingredients online if you don't know what they are. A good way to search for ingredients is go to any popular search engine and type in the substance name along with the phrase "side effects". You could also add the word "baby". (So before you give your baby a sleep aid, you could search for something like "baby sleep aid side effects".)Since our experience with the teething tablets my spouse and I have taken to "the less outside help, the better." For anything from teething, to sleeping, to tummy aches we have searched for approaches that are the least likely to have any harmful side effects... which usually means trying things that don't involve medicine, or that involve minor changes in diet or routine as opposed to herbal supplements and the like.Whatever you do, be very careful about what you give your baby, and don't jump on the "natural cure" bandwagon until you've done enough research to know that something is safe. Don't experiment with your baby's life; the risks just aren't worth it. If you really need help, some simple research on your part may turn up solutions that you never knew existed.
3/18/2008
What to Expect the First Year, Second Ed
Is our baby eating enough? Is this much crying normal? How do I know when she is really sick? This hefty, 671-page guide to your baby's first year is brought to you by the creators of the bestselling What to Expect When You're Expecting. The three authors, all mothers themselves, are calm, clear, and encouraging as they tackle the first year of child-rearing, month by month. The easy-to-absorb, chronological format includes sections such as "What Your Baby May Be Doing," "What You Can Expect at This Month's Checkups," "Feeding Your Baby This Month," "What You May Be Concerned About," and "What It's Important to Know."
Part Two addresses special concerns such as illness, first aid do's and don'ts, the low-birthweight baby, the adopted baby, becoming a father, and sibling relationships. You'll also find discussions of breastfeeding and bottlefeeding, selecting a physician for the baby, diapers and clothing, safety, and many ways of stimulating the baby's development. The recipes for babies and toddlers in Part Three are useful, as are the recommended home remedies; charts on common childhood illnesses; height and weight; and the thorough index.
(A particular strength of the book is the authors' careful attention to diet and nutrition for both mother and baby, incorporating the American Academy of Pediatrics' latest recommendations on infant nutrition.) While some of the authors' perspectives are controversial (such as whether to let your baby "cry it out" or not), this book remains one of the most comprehensive resources for new parents as they toddle through their baby's first year.
From Publishers Weekly Parents-to-be are likely to find themselves quickly immersed in this highly authoritative manual by the collaborators of What to Expect
http://astore.amazon.com/digitalslrc0403-20/detail/0761129588/002-8476103-2790465
When You're Expecting . Nearly 700 pages of snappily written, friendly advice, constructed in the form of chatty answers to hypothetical questions, are arranged on a month-by-month basis. For each of 12 months, there are a guide to the progress the baby may be expected to be making at this stage, a list of potential health or other problems and paragraphs on the myriad questions all new parents ask--on subjects as various as in-home care, birthmarks, circumcision and breath-holding. Other sections cover what to buy for a new-born, first aid, recipes, adoption and even how to enjoy the first year, in terms of the parents' own activities, such as social life and sex. An extensive index leads the reader to information that wouldn't normally be accessed using the month-to-month arrangement--and also serves as an indication of the book's all-inclusiveness. Illustrated. 65,000 first printing; first serial to Working Mother magazine; author tour. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal A dozen complimentary adjectives could be used to describe this book, but as it is sweet with choice information that is easy to digest, served in small helpings, and very satisfying, it can best be summed up as crackerjack! With an insightful narrative punctuated by the familiar question-and-answer format, the authors of What To Expect When Your Expecting (Workman, 1984) admirably address every conceivable aspect of baby care during the first year. The balanced presentation is amazingly comprehensive; the lack of preaching is refreshing. The month-by-month summaries of development, feedings, medical checkups, and special concerns are outstanding. This is by far one of the best baby care books on the market, and for the price, no library should be without a copy.- Kimberly E. Megginson, VA Medical Ctr. Lib., Fayetteville, Ark.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Part Two addresses special concerns such as illness, first aid do's and don'ts, the low-birthweight baby, the adopted baby, becoming a father, and sibling relationships. You'll also find discussions of breastfeeding and bottlefeeding, selecting a physician for the baby, diapers and clothing, safety, and many ways of stimulating the baby's development. The recipes for babies and toddlers in Part Three are useful, as are the recommended home remedies; charts on common childhood illnesses; height and weight; and the thorough index.
(A particular strength of the book is the authors' careful attention to diet and nutrition for both mother and baby, incorporating the American Academy of Pediatrics' latest recommendations on infant nutrition.) While some of the authors' perspectives are controversial (such as whether to let your baby "cry it out" or not), this book remains one of the most comprehensive resources for new parents as they toddle through their baby's first year.From Publishers Weekly Parents-to-be are likely to find themselves quickly immersed in this highly authoritative manual by the collaborators of What to Expect
http://astore.amazon.com/digitalslrc0403-20/detail/0761129588/002-8476103-2790465
When You're Expecting . Nearly 700 pages of snappily written, friendly advice, constructed in the form of chatty answers to hypothetical questions, are arranged on a month-by-month basis. For each of 12 months, there are a guide to the progress the baby may be expected to be making at this stage, a list of potential health or other problems and paragraphs on the myriad questions all new parents ask--on subjects as various as in-home care, birthmarks, circumcision and breath-holding. Other sections cover what to buy for a new-born, first aid, recipes, adoption and even how to enjoy the first year, in terms of the parents' own activities, such as social life and sex. An extensive index leads the reader to information that wouldn't normally be accessed using the month-to-month arrangement--and also serves as an indication of the book's all-inclusiveness. Illustrated. 65,000 first printing; first serial to Working Mother magazine; author tour. Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal A dozen complimentary adjectives could be used to describe this book, but as it is sweet with choice information that is easy to digest, served in small helpings, and very satisfying, it can best be summed up as crackerjack! With an insightful narrative punctuated by the familiar question-and-answer format, the authors of What To Expect When Your Expecting (Workman, 1984) admirably address every conceivable aspect of baby care during the first year. The balanced presentation is amazingly comprehensive; the lack of preaching is refreshing. The month-by-month summaries of development, feedings, medical checkups, and special concerns are outstanding. This is by far one of the best baby care books on the market, and for the price, no library should be without a copy.- Kimberly E. Megginson, VA Medical Ctr. Lib., Fayetteville, Ark.Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Toys For Teaching Infants
When an infant reaches the age of three months, he begins to become playful. He starts playing with anything he sets his eyes on. Anything that fits in his hand or has something that is able to be grabbed on it.
http://astore.amazon.com/digitalslrc0403-20/detail/B000EULXA2/002-8476103-2790465
This is also the stage in a child’s life when he begins what is called “teething.” That means that the child is beginning to grow his first set of teeth in and he is anxious to give them a go, which means that anything that the child picks up goes straight into his mouth.
That is why it is important that the child is given toys that are appropriate for this stage. Anything that he picks up may contain pieces that come off easily when pulled. This could pose a danger for a small child, seeing as how they could choke easily on anything that enters their mouth.
That is why toys for their age have been created. Not only are these toys fun for children that age, but they are also educational. Infants are also in a stage where they are beginning to learn new things and specially designed infant toys aid in their learning of new things.
For babies who love to place everything in their mouth, there are all kinds of toys that are soft and squishy that can go in their mouth without posing any kind of threat to their health. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose. They are for infants who love to put things in their mouth. With these toys, your child can do that without any danger.
Another thing to consider is that children at this stage are always open to learn. Making sure they learn the right thing should be a priority.
One such toy is a device with several buttons that produce musical sounds when they are pushed. Several babies at this age enjoy hearing music. Depending on the kind they hear, they are relaxed by it. When they play with these buttons, they come out with their own unique “songs.” Who knows? Your child may become the next Beethoven or Mozart and this little device could help them in that process.
Another toy is another machine, but this one helps the child learn new words. These machines vary, seeing as how some teach words for animals, objects such as a lamp or book, or other words. These devices have been known to help children with new words and recognition of objects.
Infant toys such as these should be able to help babies in the first stages of their life. They are very open to learn anything and it is imperative that they learn the right things the right way. They may not know as much as adults do, but that means their mind is open to learn anything that comes their way. Thankfully, there are infant toys available to babies that help the, learn the basic things in their early life.
This is also the stage in a child’s life when he begins what is called “teething.” That means that the child is beginning to grow his first set of teeth in and he is anxious to give them a go, which means that anything that the child picks up goes straight into his mouth.
That is why it is important that the child is given toys that are appropriate for this stage. Anything that he picks up may contain pieces that come off easily when pulled. This could pose a danger for a small child, seeing as how they could choke easily on anything that enters their mouth.
That is why toys for their age have been created. Not only are these toys fun for children that age, but they are also educational. Infants are also in a stage where they are beginning to learn new things and specially designed infant toys aid in their learning of new things.
For babies who love to place everything in their mouth, there are all kinds of toys that are soft and squishy that can go in their mouth without posing any kind of threat to their health. They come in all shapes and sizes, but they all serve the same purpose. They are for infants who love to put things in their mouth. With these toys, your child can do that without any danger.
Another thing to consider is that children at this stage are always open to learn. Making sure they learn the right thing should be a priority.
One such toy is a device with several buttons that produce musical sounds when they are pushed. Several babies at this age enjoy hearing music. Depending on the kind they hear, they are relaxed by it. When they play with these buttons, they come out with their own unique “songs.” Who knows? Your child may become the next Beethoven or Mozart and this little device could help them in that process.
Another toy is another machine, but this one helps the child learn new words. These machines vary, seeing as how some teach words for animals, objects such as a lamp or book, or other words. These devices have been known to help children with new words and recognition of objects.
Infant toys such as these should be able to help babies in the first stages of their life. They are very open to learn anything and it is imperative that they learn the right things the right way. They may not know as much as adults do, but that means their mind is open to learn anything that comes their way. Thankfully, there are infant toys available to babies that help the, learn the basic things in their early life.
Sleeping Position For Infants
The dreaded SID (Sudden Infant Syndrome) has caused alarm to parents worldwide. This also moved medical experts to look closely into the sleeping habits of infants. For the longest time, it is believed that the best position for babies is to sleep on their stomach. This is actually not the case. Modern studies attested that sleeping in this position could cause some medical issues since the infant’s mouth and nose, which are the vital organs for proper airflow, are somehow blocked because their heads are faced down.
Since 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends that babies should sleep on their backs. Recent studies show that the instances of SID’s are reduced by almost 50% once parents are advised to change their baby’s sleeping position from sleeping on their stomach to sleeping on their backs or side.
Suffocation is a possibility when a baby sleeps on his stomach. Some babies have weak neck muscles and once they turn their heads, it may cause them to suffocate. It would be better if babies were allowed to sleep on their backs. It is important to keep their face up and not faced down.
Sleeping on one’s back can cause some minor discomfort for babies. During their sleep, they may have some involuntary reflexes that can startle them and cause them to wake up in the middle of the night. To prevent this, you can swaddle them with a blanket. Just make sure to wrap them properly and avoid covering their face.
A good sleeping position ensures your baby a good night’s sleep and help prevent the chances of SID. In addition to this, quality beddings could also promote good sleep. Choose a mattress that is firm and avoid putting in stuffed toys in your baby’s sleeping area. Unnecessary stuff in their bed, like toys, is a hazard. Babies tend to move at night, and when they do, these things can go to their face and block their airways. As a safety precaution, it is also recommended to use sleepers instead of blankets.
It may not be always possible to watch your child during his sleep. This is why it is important to ensure that his bed is safe for them to sleep on. Always practice proper sleeping positions for your baby as this doesn’t only make up for a good rest for them but can ensure that they are in great health.
Since 1992 the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends that babies should sleep on their backs. Recent studies show that the instances of SID’s are reduced by almost 50% once parents are advised to change their baby’s sleeping position from sleeping on their stomach to sleeping on their backs or side.
Suffocation is a possibility when a baby sleeps on his stomach. Some babies have weak neck muscles and once they turn their heads, it may cause them to suffocate. It would be better if babies were allowed to sleep on their backs. It is important to keep their face up and not faced down.
Sleeping on one’s back can cause some minor discomfort for babies. During their sleep, they may have some involuntary reflexes that can startle them and cause them to wake up in the middle of the night. To prevent this, you can swaddle them with a blanket. Just make sure to wrap them properly and avoid covering their face.
A good sleeping position ensures your baby a good night’s sleep and help prevent the chances of SID. In addition to this, quality beddings could also promote good sleep. Choose a mattress that is firm and avoid putting in stuffed toys in your baby’s sleeping area. Unnecessary stuff in their bed, like toys, is a hazard. Babies tend to move at night, and when they do, these things can go to their face and block their airways. As a safety precaution, it is also recommended to use sleepers instead of blankets.
It may not be always possible to watch your child during his sleep. This is why it is important to ensure that his bed is safe for them to sleep on. Always practice proper sleeping positions for your baby as this doesn’t only make up for a good rest for them but can ensure that they are in great health.
3/16/2008
Typical Colic In Infants
For most parents, the search for the best possible care in ensuring that their baby’s needs as far as attention and material needs are satisfied will always be at the top of their agenda. One typical sign that causes alarm for most parents is the usual crying of babies, signaling a certain shortcoming that needs to be attended to since these infants are unable to express in the usual means of what they need and what is bothering them.
Excessive crying is only natural for babies. These are usually referred to as colic issues. Colic is usually referred to as the extreme end of normal crying behaviors of babies usually in the span of 3 weeks and 3 months of age. Some people would often mistake or misdiagnose colic for excessive crying of babies, but the main difference can be identified for babies who are diagnosed to be healthy yet continuously cry despite consoling efforts of adults. Colic is usually at its worst for a span of about 6 to 8 weeks but would slowly decrease on its own in the succeeding weeks. Physician would term this as colic exaggerated infant crying behavior, something that can be expected for a newly born infant that is trying to find its way into the new world and environment that he finds himself in.
The degree of intensity to which most off springs would cry excessively depends as well on inherited nervous systems from the genes of their parents. Sometimes these would be traced as hereditary which is only normal. There should not be any cause for alarm, and other abnormal behaviors related to health such as vomiting and diarrhea are in no way closely related to colic issues. In such cases where health related problems are becoming recurrent, it would be best to relay this issue towards the family physician for consultation. But to identify this as related to colic child behaviors may be incorrect. This is something that misleads most parents into believing that there is an abnormality as far as the upbringing of a child. Treating such issues is only normal, since being newly born infants; parents are naturally concerned about the sensitivity of their child to the new environment they may find themselves in.
Submitted By: Jason Rickard
Excessive crying is only natural for babies. These are usually referred to as colic issues. Colic is usually referred to as the extreme end of normal crying behaviors of babies usually in the span of 3 weeks and 3 months of age. Some people would often mistake or misdiagnose colic for excessive crying of babies, but the main difference can be identified for babies who are diagnosed to be healthy yet continuously cry despite consoling efforts of adults. Colic is usually at its worst for a span of about 6 to 8 weeks but would slowly decrease on its own in the succeeding weeks. Physician would term this as colic exaggerated infant crying behavior, something that can be expected for a newly born infant that is trying to find its way into the new world and environment that he finds himself in.
The degree of intensity to which most off springs would cry excessively depends as well on inherited nervous systems from the genes of their parents. Sometimes these would be traced as hereditary which is only normal. There should not be any cause for alarm, and other abnormal behaviors related to health such as vomiting and diarrhea are in no way closely related to colic issues. In such cases where health related problems are becoming recurrent, it would be best to relay this issue towards the family physician for consultation. But to identify this as related to colic child behaviors may be incorrect. This is something that misleads most parents into believing that there is an abnormality as far as the upbringing of a child. Treating such issues is only normal, since being newly born infants; parents are naturally concerned about the sensitivity of their child to the new environment they may find themselves in.
Submitted By: Jason Rickard
Massage For Infants And Children
Massage benefits individuals of all age groups and different conditions. Touch is as important to any infants and kids like eating and sleeping. Massaging involves loving, gentle stroking or kneading by a parent or caregiver on various parts of a child's body like the face, head, arms, shoulders, neck, hands, back, legs and feet.
Use of oils on the body of your precious little ones to soothe, relax and heal affirms a strong, close bond conveying a comforting sense of trust and security.
Early infant massage enhances the development of the nervous system and stimulates all other systems of the body. It improves circulation, respiration, aids digestion and eases elimination of wastes from the body. It also makes your little one less prone to gas and colic ailments. Massage of baby in its growing years prepares the body for sitting, standing and walking.
Massage is a wonderful stress buster for children who are prone to all kind of stress. Like a child starting a school in a new area, health, fights amongst parents, exams or peer pressure, etc produce emotional, physical and mental stress. Massage reduces stress hormones and heals the body.
Each child responds differently to massage. Some may squirm, cry, or some might just appear more relaxed and calm and also fall asleep.
There is no fixed time to massage your baby. Find a time suitable for you and your baby. Some enjoy in the morning after their feed, some in the afternoon before or after their naps. Massage before bedtime can put a cranky baby to sleep peacefully. Follow the massage with a warm bath.
While giving a massage, sit straight either on the floor or on the bed or stand before the table. The room is warm enough as your little one can shiver when undressed. The place where you massage you baby should be quiet and away from distractions of all kinds.
Lay your child on soft surface like thick set of towels so it may not hurt it self when it wriggles or squirms. Keep aside towel, pair of wash cloths, clean diaper and baby clothes for use after the massage.
Oils are good for lubrication, helping your hand glide smoothly over your baby's soft and rather delicate skin. Small babies have a habit of putting their hand or fingers in their mouth all the time, so it’s ideal to use oil that is of good quality. Use cold pressed (oils extracted by means of pressure) or unscented oils. Alternatively you can use baby oils produced by many companies which specialize in baby products. Grape seed oil has nice texture, apricot and almond oils are smooth, light and easily absorbable into the body. To massage your babies, use coconut oil in summers and mustard oil in winter.
Submitted By: Sharon Hopkins
Use of oils on the body of your precious little ones to soothe, relax and heal affirms a strong, close bond conveying a comforting sense of trust and security.
Early infant massage enhances the development of the nervous system and stimulates all other systems of the body. It improves circulation, respiration, aids digestion and eases elimination of wastes from the body. It also makes your little one less prone to gas and colic ailments. Massage of baby in its growing years prepares the body for sitting, standing and walking.
Massage is a wonderful stress buster for children who are prone to all kind of stress. Like a child starting a school in a new area, health, fights amongst parents, exams or peer pressure, etc produce emotional, physical and mental stress. Massage reduces stress hormones and heals the body.
Each child responds differently to massage. Some may squirm, cry, or some might just appear more relaxed and calm and also fall asleep.
There is no fixed time to massage your baby. Find a time suitable for you and your baby. Some enjoy in the morning after their feed, some in the afternoon before or after their naps. Massage before bedtime can put a cranky baby to sleep peacefully. Follow the massage with a warm bath.
While giving a massage, sit straight either on the floor or on the bed or stand before the table. The room is warm enough as your little one can shiver when undressed. The place where you massage you baby should be quiet and away from distractions of all kinds.
Lay your child on soft surface like thick set of towels so it may not hurt it self when it wriggles or squirms. Keep aside towel, pair of wash cloths, clean diaper and baby clothes for use after the massage.
Oils are good for lubrication, helping your hand glide smoothly over your baby's soft and rather delicate skin. Small babies have a habit of putting their hand or fingers in their mouth all the time, so it’s ideal to use oil that is of good quality. Use cold pressed (oils extracted by means of pressure) or unscented oils. Alternatively you can use baby oils produced by many companies which specialize in baby products. Grape seed oil has nice texture, apricot and almond oils are smooth, light and easily absorbable into the body. To massage your babies, use coconut oil in summers and mustard oil in winter.
Submitted By: Sharon Hopkins
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