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Health Tips For
Your Baby
There are always concerns about a baby’s health. Many
parents overreact to the smallest problem, but you
really can’t be too careful when it comes to your baby’s
health. Recognizing the symptoms to the most common
diseases is very important to early diagnosis and
treatment.
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There are always concerns about a baby’s health.
Many parents overreact to the smallest problem, but you
really can’t be too careful when it comes to your baby’s
health. Recognizing the symptoms to the most common
diseases is very important to early diagnosis and
treatment.
Rubella or German Measles: It’s
sometimes referred to as the 3-day measles as well. It
affects the skin and lymph nodes. It’s not the same
virus that cause measles. It can pass through a pregnant
woman’s bloodstream to infect her unborn baby.
Rubella infection may begin with 1 or 2 days of mild
fever (99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.2 to 37.8
degrees Celsius) and swollen, tender lymph nodes,
usually in the back of the neck or behind the baby’s
ears. On the second or third day, a rash appears that
begins on the baby’s face and spreads downward. As it
spreads down the body, it usually clears on the face.
This rash is often the first sign of illness that a
parent notices.
The rubella rash can look like
many other viral rashes. It appears as either pink or
light red spots, which may merge to form evenly colored
patches. The rash can itch and lasts up to 3 days. As
the rash passes, the affected skin occasionally sheds in
very fine flakes.
Its importance is the potential
effects on an unborn baby if infection is acquired
during early pregnancy.
The introduction of the MMR
vaccine has reduced the incidence of primary rubella
infection, and the number of severely affected unborn
babies. The incubation period is 14-21 days, fever is
often mild, and children do not feel particularly
unwell, unlike measles infection. Woman who may be
pregnant should not come into contact with infected
children.
Chickenpox: occurs most often in the
late winter and early spring, is very contagious and if
exposed to an infected family member, about 80% to 90%
of those in a household who haven't had chickenpox will
get it. However, immunization of children with the
chickenpox vaccine that's now available is expected to
decrease cases of the disease dramatically over the next
few years.
Although it's more common in kids
under the age of 15, anyone, including babies, can get
chickenpox. A person usually has only one episode of
chickenpox in his or her lifetime. But the virus that
causes chickenpox can lie dormant within the body and
can cause a different type of skin eruption later in
life called shingles, also referred to as herpes-zoster.
It’s usually a mild illness in children. The
incubation period is 14-16 days, and there are often no
symptoms other than the rash. The rash generally only
lasts 8-10 days. Some children develop a mild fever in
the first 2-3 days. The spots appear in crops, first as
small bumps, and rapidly changing into little blisters.
The blisters soon dry and crust, and scabs form over the
top. Keep your child from scratching them or it could
lead to scarring. Calamine creams are useful to help
relieve any itching from the spots.
Roseola
Infantum: Affects babies under two. The baby will have a
high fever, but appear well otherwise, and 3 or 4 days
later the temperature will rapidly drop to normal. At
this time, after the fever has gone, a faint rash
appears which only lasts 1 or 2 days at most. There are
no complications.
Coughs and Colds:
Most
children will have at least six respiratory infections
each year. These are almost always mild, last only a few
days and have no consequences. Children will simply get
a blocked, runny nose, may have a mild fever and feel
slightly unwell. In young babies (who are nose
breathers) feeding can become difficult for a couple of
days. Children should be treated with Paracetamol or
Ibuprofen if they have a fever, and may be helped by
nasal decongestants. There is rarely a need for
antibiotics. Occasionally coughing, especially at night
times can be the main symptom of asthma, and children
with persistent nocturnal coughs should see a doctor.
Sore Throat, Pharingitis and Tonsillitis: Very common
between the ages of 4-7 years old. Symptoms include pain
while swallowing and eating, earache, and fever. Giving
them soft food to eat and lots of fluids. Children
should see a doctor if they have a fever too.
Pharyngitis is caused by viruses and so will not always
require antibiotic treatment. Tonsillectomies are rarely
performed now.
Earache: Very common in children
and babies. It can be associated or caused by chest
infections, colds and coughs. Sometimes there is no
infection in the ear, pain is due to the Eustachian Tube
being blocked. When blocked it doesn’t maintain the
correct pressure in the ear.
Where there is a
true infection, Otits Media, or Middle Ear Infection,
the eardrum becomes red and inflamed and can cause the
baby to have a fever. Babies may become irritable or
hold their hands over their ears. If you suspect your
baby has an ear infection, you should see a doctor.
Vomiting and Diarrhea: Very common, especially if
you take your baby on travels to foreign countries. In
the US and other developed nations, vomiting and
diarrhea are commonly caused by viral infections. and
Diarrhea will often be watery. It may be difficult
to distinguish from urine in a nappy.
Your baby
or child will usually only be sick a very short time. It
is important to treat them right away to avoid your baby
becoming dehydrated. Younger babies are more vulnerable
than older children.
Dehydration initially
causes children to become fretful, then lethargic, with
sunken eyes and lax dry skin. Severe dehydration causes
young children to become prostrate with deeply sunken
eyes and cold mottled skin. Mild dehydration can be
treated at home. Children should be given oral
rehydration fluids, which can be bought at your local
Pharmacy.
These are powders containing salts and
sugar and which are dissolved in water. They allow
prompt reversal of dehydration, and are more effective
than water alone. No food should be given for 24 hours,
after which time the normal diet can be gradually
restarted. Moderate to severe dehydration requires
hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy. In
tropical countries, adding salt to coca cola also acts
meningitis is usually mild, and rarely causes any
long term problems.
Sticky Eyes: Very common in
young babies. Usually there is no underlying infection,
and simple salt-water washes are sufficient. Cotton wool
soaked in saline should be used 2-3 times per day. The
problem goes away in a few days, but can be recurring.
Conjunctivitis in babies is caused by
infections, which do require antibiotic treatment. The
eye will usually be red and inflamed with pus, rather
than simply sticky with yellow secretions. In this case
you should see your doctor so the eye can be swabbed and
appropriate antibiotics started.
Fever: All
children get fevers and it’s usually caused by common
viruses such as 'flu, spotty illnesses like measles or
ear and chest infections. Children feel uncomfortable
when they get hot, often cry, need comforting and lose
their appetite. They should be given Paracetamol- based
elixirs (Calpol in England) or non-steroidal
anti-inflammatory pediatric elixirs like Ibuprofen to
lower the temperature.
Keep your baby cool with
damp tepid, not cold, sponges. Aspirin should not be
used for children. You should not exceed the recommended
daily dose of any medication. Most causes of fever will
resolve within 2-3 days. You should see your doctor in
case your baby requires antibiotics where an infection
is present, but this is not usually an emergency.
However, if your child becomes drowsy, complains of
headaches or neck stiffness, is intolerant of light or
develops a blotchy dark rash, or multiple small spots,
you should call your doctor immediately.
Convulsions: Occasionally babies between three months
and five years will have a Febrile Convulsion, a brief
fit with jerky movements of arms and legs, lasting less
than ten minutes, and generally occurs at the beginning
of febrile illnesses. Febrile convulsions are not
epilepsy, do not continue through childhood, and do not
cause or imply any sort of brain damage. Children should
be laid on their front and their necks extended, cooled
and treated with approp
riate antibiotics. A rash can
also be associated with febrile illnesses.
Mumps: A common viral infection, often with no symptoms
at all. The incubation period is 16-21 days, after which
children become febrile and feel unwell and lethargic.
At this stage the baby’s face may swell up, due to
enlargement of the parotid salivary glands over the
angle of the jaw, just below the ears. Older children
may complain of earache and difficulty in swallowing,
and the swollen glands are often tender and painful.
There is no specific treatment, and the swelling
subsides in a few days. The MMR vaccine has reduced the
incidence of mumps infection. Meningitis is a common
complication, in which the child has headache, a stiff
neck and intolerance of light, but is a very rare
occurrence.
Measles: Much less common since the
introduction of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella)
vaccine in the UK and US. Measles is a very infectious
disease. The incubation period is around 10 days, after
which time children become febrile, snuffly, may
cough, and may develop Conjunctivitis (red eyes). After
three or four days a florid reddish rash appears,
starting on the face and head, then spreading down to
cover your baby’s whole body. The rash can become
blotchy. It begins to fade by the 4th day, and the baby
gradually improves. Paracetamol preparations (Calpol in
the UK) can help reduce the fever, and relieve many of
the symptoms. There is no specific treatment. Pneumonia
and ear infections are common complications, which
should be treated promptly. Children who become drowsy,
start vomiting or complain of headache should be taken
to a doctor, as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
is a rare but well recognized complication of measles
occurring 7-10 days after the onset of the illness.
Healthy
Breastfeeding Tips For You And Your Baby
We’ve all heard the debate. Breast Feeding
vs Formula. But why do most people say breast feeding is
the best for your baby? Because this natural mother’s
milk is genetically the best food for your baby. This is
the way GOD designed for things to work.
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We’ve all heard the debate. Breast Feeding vs
Formula. But why do most people say breast feeding is
the best for your baby? Because this natural mother’s
milk is genetically the best food for your baby. This is
the way GOD designed for things to work.
Want a
more scientific reason? Okay, for one, the complex fats
that are abundant in human breastmilk are vital to brain
development and may have an effect on your baby’s
intelligence as they grow older.
Breastfed babies
are ten times less likely to be hospitalized with
gastro-enteritis in the early months than babies who are
fed formula.
Breastfed babies also gain
immunities from a host of other infections.
Here
are some terms you may not already know. “Foremilk” –
the thinner milk that first comes from the breast when
you begin feeding your baby. This is for quenching the
baby’s initial thirst. “Hindmilk” – is the milk that
comes later during the feeding of your baby. The
hindmilk is much more filling and contains all the
nutrients your baby needs to stay healthy.
Breastfed babies rarely need other drinks and
supplements, because their mother has already given them
what nature intended for them to have and need.
What’s in it for me as a Mom? There is nothing to
compare the bonding and closeness with your baby that is
caused by your choice to breastfeed. It is a great
feeling to know that you are doing what is best for your
baby.
Babies need to be close to their mothers.
They need physical contact. Breastfeeding is one of the
best types of physical contact you can have with your
baby.
It’s also a whole lot easier than
bottle-feeding! No feeds to mix, no bottles to warm or
sterilize. Your breastmilk is always available, already
sterile, and already just the right temperature for your
baby.
Here is a real favorite among all women who
breastfeed. Many women lose weight more easily after the
birth if they choose breastfeeding over bottle feeding.
Another big issue is that there is evidence that
breastfeeding reduces your risk for breast cancer.
What if I am having problems breastfeeding? Either
your pediatrician can help you or there are
breastfeeding counselors you can find in your area or
online that can help you with any problems you may have.
If you have sore nipples or your baby isn’t getting
enough milk, it may be your positioning. Your baby’s
mouth should cover all of the areola, especially the
part just under the areola. Sucking on just the nipple
will keep the baby from getting enough milk and will
make your nipples very sore.
Can I give my baby a
bottle at times and breastfeed at other times? It’s not
recommended. Bottle nipples are easier for the baby to
suck on and they will obtain bad breastfeeding technique
which in turn will cause them to be less hungry or not
get enough milk from breastfeeding.
Infant Nutrition:
Give Your Baby a Healthy Start
All parents want the best for their new
baby. Good nutrition allows parents to give their baby a
healthy head start.
Infant Nutrition: Give Your
Baby a Healthy Start
All parents want the best
for their new baby. Good nutrition allows parents to
give their baby a healthy head start.
Often,
parents don't think about how they can influence their
infant's health, including their infant's immune system
development through nutrition. Below are a few tips for
parents to help support the development of an infant's
immune system during pregnancy and the first year.
* During pregnancy: A mom should remember that what
she eats affects her child before and after birth. A
good source of vitamins and minerals and proper
hydration will help a mom-to-be stay healthy.
To
support an infant's immune system development, experts
recommend that pregnant women eat protein-rich foods
such as soy, lean meats and legumes and foods rich in
antioxidants like broccoli, red potatoes and
blueberries.
* The first year: Before birth, a
developing baby receives antibodies from its mother.
Maternal antibodies provide initial immune protection to
the developing infant, but rapidly decline after birth.
A baby begins to develop its own antibodies as the
mother's begin to wear off.
One reason why
breast-feeding is recommended for at least the first
year of life is because a mother's breast milk is the
only way she can pass immune-protecting antibodies to
her infant after birth.
"These antibodies help
keep an infant healthy," said Bridget Swinney,
dietitian, mother of two and author of "Healthy Food for
Healthy Kids: A Practical and Tasty Guide to Your
Child's Nutrition." "But if a mom chooses to feed infant
formula or supplement, she should find an iron-fortified
infant formula similar to breast milk, like Similac
Advance."
Some infant formulas provide specific
breast milk compounds called nucleotides. Clinical
research shows that Similac Advance's patented blend of
nucleotides helps support the development of a baby's
immune system.