Friday, 15 April 2016
Friday, 8 April 2016
Baby Rash and Problem
What’s a rash or skin problem for a baby?
Your baby or toddler’s skin is a billboard for what’s going on in the rest of her body — changes in it can be caused by anything from a food allergy to psoriasis. Most of the time, a rash or breakout is a perfectly normal occurrence, but occasionally, it can be a warning that there’s something more serious going on.
What could be causing my baby’s rash or skin problem?
There are as many causes of skin outbreaks as there are cute nicknames for your baby. Sometimes the problem is caused by a virus (chicken pox, measles, rubella), sometimes it’s from contact with an irritant or allergen (poison ivy, diaper rash, insect bites), sometimes it’s a fungal infection (ringworm), and sometimes it’s an ongoing issue (warts, eczema). Often your baby or toddler will itch and scratch herself raw, but in many cases, she may not even be aware there’s something out of the ordinary going on.
When should I take my baby to see the doctor for a rash or skin problem?
Many rashes or skin problems are more of a cosmetic issue than a signal of any real concern (see: baby acne and warts). If she’s chronically itching or bothered by the rash or skin issue, definitely talk to her pediatrician. Otherwise, in many cases, the problem will simply clear up on its own. However, if her breathing is also affected (she’s wheezing or breathing rapidly or noticeably swelling in the face, lips or mouth), she may be having a severe allergic reaction and needs immediate medical attention. She’ll also need to see a doctor or hit the ER if she’s developed signs of meningitis (fever, stiff neck, vomiting or diarrhea, sensitive to light) along with her rash or blotchy skin.
What should I do to treat my baby’s rash or skin problem?
Because there’s an incredibly wide array of causes for rashes and other skin conditions, talk to your doctor first to determine what may be causing the problem. The doctor may suggest an over-the-counter cream or lotion to help alleviate symptoms and, in some cases, may prescribe something a little stronger. If the rash or skin condition is accompanied by other symptoms (fever, nausea, sore throat), you may need additional medications to fight whatever’s ailing baby, so speak with your doctor for details.
www.babyandnames.com
What’s a rash or skin problem for a baby?
Your baby or toddler’s skin is a billboard for what’s going on in the rest of her body — changes in it can be caused by anything from a food allergy to psoriasis. Most of the time, a rash or breakout is a perfectly normal occurrence, but occasionally, it can be a warning that there’s something more serious going on.
What could be causing my baby’s rash or skin problem?
There are as many causes of skin outbreaks as there are cute nicknames for your baby. Sometimes the problem is caused by a virus (chicken pox, measles, rubella), sometimes it’s from contact with an irritant or allergen (poison ivy, diaper rash, insect bites), sometimes it’s a fungal infection (ringworm), and sometimes it’s an ongoing issue (warts, eczema). Often your baby or toddler will itch and scratch herself raw, but in many cases, she may not even be aware there’s something out of the ordinary going on.
When should I take my baby to see the doctor for a rash or skin problem?
Many rashes or skin problems are more of a cosmetic issue than a signal of any real concern (see: baby acne and warts). If she’s chronically itching or bothered by the rash or skin issue, definitely talk to her pediatrician. Otherwise, in many cases, the problem will simply clear up on its own. However, if her breathing is also affected (she’s wheezing or breathing rapidly or noticeably swelling in the face, lips or mouth), she may be having a severe allergic reaction and needs immediate medical attention. She’ll also need to see a doctor or hit the ER if she’s developed signs of meningitis (fever, stiff neck, vomiting or diarrhea, sensitive to light) along with her rash or blotchy skin.
What should I do to treat my baby’s rash or skin problem?
Because there’s an incredibly wide array of causes for rashes and other skin conditions, talk to your doctor first to determine what may be causing the problem. The doctor may suggest an over-the-counter cream or lotion to help alleviate symptoms and, in some cases, may prescribe something a little stronger. If the rash or skin condition is accompanied by other symptoms (fever, nausea, sore throat), you may need additional medications to fight whatever’s ailing baby, so speak with your doctor for details.
www.babyandnames.com
Baby Symptoms
What is considered a baby pulling up her legs?
Does your baby seem like she’s trying to fold into the fetal position, pulling her legs up toward her chest? It could be a sign of something going on in her abdomen.
What could be causing my baby to pull up her legs?
Babies, um, toot all day long, and sometimes simply changing positions — like pulling her legs toward her chest — can help her pass that gas more comfortably. However, on rare occasions, pulling up the legs can be a sign of a serious medical condition called intussusception, which occurs when part of the intestine pulls into itself, like a telescope. This can block the passage of food and cut off blood supply to the area, and it can be very serious.
When should I bring my baby to the doctor if she’s pulling up her legs?
In most cases, your baby is simply trying to relieve herself of gas pains, and it (along with the gas) shall pass. However, if she’s crying loudly every few minutes and her cries are growing louder and longer, and if she has other symptoms like fever, vomiting or bloody or mucus-like stool, or appears otherwise severely out of sorts, you should immediately call your doctor.
What should I do to treat my baby when she’s pulling up her legs?
To treat gas, try gently rubbing your baby’s tummy in a clockwise direction or lay her facedown across your knees, gently moving your legs to massage her belly. You can also try burping her or holding her upright after feedings. If you suspect intussusception, call your doctor.
see more at www.babyandnames.com
Sleep Basic -Baby
Every baby is different, but there are some ways to up your chances of catching some z's. Here, what sleep experts Conner Herman and Kira Ryan have to say when it comes to maximizing baby's snooze-time.
Clear the clutter
Designate the nursery as a room for sleep, not play. Keep the area around the crib free of toys and other fun knickknacks. "Crib distractions confuse your baby," Herman says. “They'll make him or her wonder, ‘Is this a playpen, or is a place to sleep?’”
Start separating
Ryan recommends putting baby in his her own room for at least one nap a day to start. "This gets baby acclimated to his or her room, so when it's time to move in there, it's not a total change." A daily solo nap also helps baby and you get used to being apart—these little breaks are healthy and necessary. Even if baby sleeps in your room, Herman recommends putting up a screen or partition for separation. "If baby wakes up during the night and sees you, it's easy for him or her to rely on you to fall back asleep," Ryan says. And you'll all be happy later if baby's able to put himself or herself back to bed.
Stay cool
Baby sleeps best when the temperature is consistent and cool—between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. "Most moms actually keep the nursery too warm," Ryan says. Putting your crib in the right spot is also key. "Pick a location that isn't in the direct pathway of your air-conditioning or heating vents," Herman says. Sudden temperature changes will startle and disturb baby. Also, move the crib away from windows to protect baby from drafts and outside noise.
Dim the lights
Light signals daytime to baby, so blocking out the sun will help keep him or her snoozing. In fact, cut out all the extra light you can. That includes the night-light—babies aren't likely to fear the dark until at least 18 months. "On a scale of one to five, five being pitch black, your baby's room should be a four," Herman says. If baby's a nighttime nurser, attach a dimmer switch to a lamp and turn it on and off slowly for nighttime feedings.
Teach baby to sleep through
Some babies start sleeping through the night on his or her own, and others may need some nudging—“sleep teaching” as Ryan and Herman call it. This could happen at any age, but never before four months.
For some babies, teaching them to fall back asleep on his or her own may mean letting them cry for a few minutes before going to them in the middle of the night, or it may mean introducing a “lovey” for baby to cuddle with. “Baby might have some negative sleep associations,” Ryan says. “It’s about helping them create new, positive ones.”
Soothe with Sound
What baby hears (or doesn't) is just as important as what he or she does or doesn't see. Pick up a white noise machine to cancel out house noise, cars, and other distracting sounds (just don't turn it so high it could hurt baby's sensitive ears). Baby will begin to associate the constant and consistent sound with sleep. Some noise machines have lullaby, ocean, or other sound options, but simple white noise is fine—it'll bring baby back to being in the womb, and really, what's more soothing than memories of mommy's belly? Look for a portable machine so you’ll be able to recreate the sounds of the nursery while you're away from home.
Make a plan
Agree with your partner about what you’ll do when baby wakes in the middle of the night and who’ll do it. “The number one way to fail is not to have plan,” says Ryan. “Set a date on calendar to start and be consistent. That’ll make it so much easier for baby to learn.”
see more at www.babyandnames.com
Every baby is different, but there are some ways to up your chances of catching some z's. Here, what sleep experts Conner Herman and Kira Ryan have to say when it comes to maximizing baby's snooze-time.
Clear the clutter
Designate the nursery as a room for sleep, not play. Keep the area around the crib free of toys and other fun knickknacks. "Crib distractions confuse your baby," Herman says. “They'll make him or her wonder, ‘Is this a playpen, or is a place to sleep?’”
Start separating
Ryan recommends putting baby in his her own room for at least one nap a day to start. "This gets baby acclimated to his or her room, so when it's time to move in there, it's not a total change." A daily solo nap also helps baby and you get used to being apart—these little breaks are healthy and necessary. Even if baby sleeps in your room, Herman recommends putting up a screen or partition for separation. "If baby wakes up during the night and sees you, it's easy for him or her to rely on you to fall back asleep," Ryan says. And you'll all be happy later if baby's able to put himself or herself back to bed.
Stay cool
Baby sleeps best when the temperature is consistent and cool—between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. "Most moms actually keep the nursery too warm," Ryan says. Putting your crib in the right spot is also key. "Pick a location that isn't in the direct pathway of your air-conditioning or heating vents," Herman says. Sudden temperature changes will startle and disturb baby. Also, move the crib away from windows to protect baby from drafts and outside noise.
Dim the lights
Light signals daytime to baby, so blocking out the sun will help keep him or her snoozing. In fact, cut out all the extra light you can. That includes the night-light—babies aren't likely to fear the dark until at least 18 months. "On a scale of one to five, five being pitch black, your baby's room should be a four," Herman says. If baby's a nighttime nurser, attach a dimmer switch to a lamp and turn it on and off slowly for nighttime feedings.
Teach baby to sleep through
Some babies start sleeping through the night on his or her own, and others may need some nudging—“sleep teaching” as Ryan and Herman call it. This could happen at any age, but never before four months.
For some babies, teaching them to fall back asleep on his or her own may mean letting them cry for a few minutes before going to them in the middle of the night, or it may mean introducing a “lovey” for baby to cuddle with. “Baby might have some negative sleep associations,” Ryan says. “It’s about helping them create new, positive ones.”
Soothe with Sound
What baby hears (or doesn't) is just as important as what he or she does or doesn't see. Pick up a white noise machine to cancel out house noise, cars, and other distracting sounds (just don't turn it so high it could hurt baby's sensitive ears). Baby will begin to associate the constant and consistent sound with sleep. Some noise machines have lullaby, ocean, or other sound options, but simple white noise is fine—it'll bring baby back to being in the womb, and really, what's more soothing than memories of mommy's belly? Look for a portable machine so you’ll be able to recreate the sounds of the nursery while you're away from home.
Make a plan
Agree with your partner about what you’ll do when baby wakes in the middle of the night and who’ll do it. “The number one way to fail is not to have plan,” says Ryan. “Set a date on calendar to start and be consistent. That’ll make it so much easier for baby to learn.”
see more at www.babyandnames.com
Thursday, 7 April 2016
Do Stress reduce milk supply?
Stress usually won't reduce your milk supply. However, if you're feeling very stressed and it's interfering with how often you're feeding your baby, this may temporarily reduce your supply.
Our breastfeeding expert Sonali Shivlani says that in some cases, stress can affect the levels of oxytocin produced, which is the hormone responsible for the milk let-down. Hence it could affect how your milk comes out if not how much is produced.
Having a new baby and trying to learn how to breastfeed can be stressful. In the early days both you and your baby are learning about breastfeeding. Try to take things one day at a time, as it can take a while for you both to get the hang of it.
Your breasts produce milk to match your baby's demands. So try to feed your baby as often and for as long as he wants to boost your supply. You could also try expressing your milk after each feed. Removing leftover milk in your breasts will help you to produce more milk. Read our article on low milk supply for more help.
It could also be that you're struggling to get your baby latched on to your breast. If your baby isn't latching on well, he'll struggle to get enough of your milk. You may mistake this for a problem with your supply. Take a look at our visual guide to help you decide if your baby is latching on properly.
If you can, make things easier for yourself by asking your spouse or family member for help and support. During night feeds, your husband could help by passing your baby to you when he wakes for a feed, and burping and settling him afterwards. If your baby will take a bottle of expressed milk, your husband could share some feeds with you.
Experiencing breastfeeding problems such as painful breasts, blocked ducts and cracked nipples can add to your stress. Rest assured there are plenty of ways to get help. Ask your doctor or speak to a breastfeeding specialist, or look at our directory of breastfeeding organisations.
You could also ask your doctor if there's a breastfeeding support group near you. These groups are a great way to chat to other new mums and get advice on breastfeeding. Sharing and swapping experiences with other new mums in our community will help you realise that you're not alone.
Be assured that when you and your baby are breastfeeding happily, you will feel much more relaxed. You'll then be able to enjoy the special time you and your baby can have together during his feeds.
What is Milk Allergy and lactose intolerance?
Milk allergy and lactose intolerance are two very different things though one is often confused with the other.
Milk allergy is when your baby's immune system reacts to proteins in milk. It is a common allergy and babies who have eczema are more likely to suffer from it. In fact it is the most common food allergy during infancy all over the world and can occur in purely breast fed babies also.
Lactose intolerance is when your baby has difficulty digesting the lactose, or the sugar, found in milk. This is much rarer than milk allergy during early childhood although it can occur temporarily after a bout of gastroenteritis.
Milk allergy
Your baby can be exposed to cow milk protein either through cow's milk-based formula milk or through your breastmilk if you have drunk or eaten dairy produce. Even butter or ghee contain milk protein. If your baby is allergic to this protein, she might have an immediate reaction in which case you might notice the following symptoms:
her face will flush and show a rash
she's likely to have watery eyes and a stuffy nose
it's also possible she'll feel sick or have diarrhoea
you might notice blood in her stools
she might be extremely irritable and fussy
rarely, a baby may have a more serious reaction called anaphylaxis.
Though allergic reactions to milk can be immediate, delayed allergic reactions are common too. With a delayed reaction, you might notice that your baby has:
eczema
reflux
colic
diarrhoea with or without blood
constipation
failure to thrive (not putting on enough weight)
These symptoms are common in early childhood and an allergy is only one possible explanation. Your doctor will be able to find out whether your baby has an allergy by doing a skin prick test or a blood test. But as with most allergies, the history you provide to the doctor and a physical examination of your baby are often enough for him to give a diagnosis.
If it is an allergy causing your baby’s symptoms and you are breastfeeding, your doctor will advise you to cut all dairy products from your diet including ghee, breads or biscuits made with milk solids and all other forms of dairy products.
If your baby is allergic to milk and is formula-fed, talk to your doctor before changing formula. It may not be the answer simply to switch to a soya-based product, because babies with milk allergies can react to this too. Almost 30 percent of babies who are allergic to milk will be allergic to soya as well. If your baby is allergic to both milk and soya, she will need a formula that is hypoallergenic, meaning she won't react to it.
It can take up to two weeks for your baby’s symptoms to disappear once you have stopped taking milk products or changed formula feed. But the good news is that most children will grow out of their milk allergy by the time they are three. You will know whether your baby is still allergic to milk only by reintroducing milk products to her diet very gradually and observing whether she reacts to them. Your doctor will guide you as to how and when to start doing this.
Lactose intolerance
If your baby is lactose intolerant, it means she has difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk. This happens when the body doesn’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are:
abdominal pain
gurgling
bloating
diarrhea, which can lead to a diaper rash
Your baby might develop lactose intolerance for a short period after she has had a stomach infection. This gets better on its own. Lactose intolerance is very common in adults (almost 70% of all adults in India have lactose intolerance) but it usually starts anytime after the age of 5 years. Lactose intolerance before that is very rare. Lactose intolerance is not life threatening but it is permanent.
If your baby is lactose intolerant and formula-fed, your doctor may advise you to give her lactose-free formula milk for a short time.
Lactose intolerant children who have started on solids can have some dairy products like yoghurt without any problem and small amounts of ice-cream, cheese, cottage cheese or paneer (unlike in the case of an allergy when all milk and milk products can trigger a reaction).
http://www.babyandnames.com
Milk allergy and lactose intolerance are two very different things though one is often confused with the other.
Milk allergy is when your baby's immune system reacts to proteins in milk. It is a common allergy and babies who have eczema are more likely to suffer from it. In fact it is the most common food allergy during infancy all over the world and can occur in purely breast fed babies also.
Lactose intolerance is when your baby has difficulty digesting the lactose, or the sugar, found in milk. This is much rarer than milk allergy during early childhood although it can occur temporarily after a bout of gastroenteritis.
Milk allergy
Your baby can be exposed to cow milk protein either through cow's milk-based formula milk or through your breastmilk if you have drunk or eaten dairy produce. Even butter or ghee contain milk protein. If your baby is allergic to this protein, she might have an immediate reaction in which case you might notice the following symptoms:
her face will flush and show a rash
she's likely to have watery eyes and a stuffy nose
it's also possible she'll feel sick or have diarrhoea
you might notice blood in her stools
she might be extremely irritable and fussy
rarely, a baby may have a more serious reaction called anaphylaxis.
Though allergic reactions to milk can be immediate, delayed allergic reactions are common too. With a delayed reaction, you might notice that your baby has:
eczema
reflux
colic
diarrhoea with or without blood
constipation
failure to thrive (not putting on enough weight)
These symptoms are common in early childhood and an allergy is only one possible explanation. Your doctor will be able to find out whether your baby has an allergy by doing a skin prick test or a blood test. But as with most allergies, the history you provide to the doctor and a physical examination of your baby are often enough for him to give a diagnosis.
If it is an allergy causing your baby’s symptoms and you are breastfeeding, your doctor will advise you to cut all dairy products from your diet including ghee, breads or biscuits made with milk solids and all other forms of dairy products.
If your baby is allergic to milk and is formula-fed, talk to your doctor before changing formula. It may not be the answer simply to switch to a soya-based product, because babies with milk allergies can react to this too. Almost 30 percent of babies who are allergic to milk will be allergic to soya as well. If your baby is allergic to both milk and soya, she will need a formula that is hypoallergenic, meaning she won't react to it.
It can take up to two weeks for your baby’s symptoms to disappear once you have stopped taking milk products or changed formula feed. But the good news is that most children will grow out of their milk allergy by the time they are three. You will know whether your baby is still allergic to milk only by reintroducing milk products to her diet very gradually and observing whether she reacts to them. Your doctor will guide you as to how and when to start doing this.
Lactose intolerance
If your baby is lactose intolerant, it means she has difficulty digesting lactose, the sugar found in milk. This happens when the body doesn’t produce enough lactase, the enzyme needed to digest lactose. The symptoms of lactose intolerance are:
abdominal pain
gurgling
bloating
diarrhea, which can lead to a diaper rash
Your baby might develop lactose intolerance for a short period after she has had a stomach infection. This gets better on its own. Lactose intolerance is very common in adults (almost 70% of all adults in India have lactose intolerance) but it usually starts anytime after the age of 5 years. Lactose intolerance before that is very rare. Lactose intolerance is not life threatening but it is permanent.
If your baby is lactose intolerant and formula-fed, your doctor may advise you to give her lactose-free formula milk for a short time.
Lactose intolerant children who have started on solids can have some dairy products like yoghurt without any problem and small amounts of ice-cream, cheese, cottage cheese or paneer (unlike in the case of an allergy when all milk and milk products can trigger a reaction).
http://www.babyandnames.com
When to introduce growing up milk?
If your baby is under a year old, don't feed her growing-up milk.
You may have seen growing-up milk in super markets, chemists and specialised baby care stores. However, growing-up milk is marketed as being suitable for toddlers aged between one and three.
Growing-up milk has vitamins, minerals and prebiotics added to it. It also has higher levels of iron than other formula milks. Once your baby is six months old, she can get all the iron she needs from a combination of solid food and breastmilk or formula milk.
Even when your baby reaches toddlerhood, she's not likely to need growing- up milk. There's no evidence that growing-up milk is any better for your child than cow's milk.
When your baby is a year old, she can have cow's milk as a main drink. By then, your baby will be gaining a large part of her nourishment from solid foods. And of course, if you and your baby are happy to continue breastfeeding, that's fine too. As long as she's having a variety of food, she should be getting all the minerals and vitamins she needs.
If you are concerned that your child isn't eating well or that she may have a nutrient deficiency, discuss it with your doctor. He may suggest vitamin drops or offer tips to enrich your baby's solids diet.
http://www.babyandnames.com
If your baby is under a year old, don't feed her growing-up milk.
You may have seen growing-up milk in super markets, chemists and specialised baby care stores. However, growing-up milk is marketed as being suitable for toddlers aged between one and three.
Growing-up milk has vitamins, minerals and prebiotics added to it. It also has higher levels of iron than other formula milks. Once your baby is six months old, she can get all the iron she needs from a combination of solid food and breastmilk or formula milk.
Even when your baby reaches toddlerhood, she's not likely to need growing- up milk. There's no evidence that growing-up milk is any better for your child than cow's milk.
When your baby is a year old, she can have cow's milk as a main drink. By then, your baby will be gaining a large part of her nourishment from solid foods. And of course, if you and your baby are happy to continue breastfeeding, that's fine too. As long as she's having a variety of food, she should be getting all the minerals and vitamins she needs.
If you are concerned that your child isn't eating well or that she may have a nutrient deficiency, discuss it with your doctor. He may suggest vitamin drops or offer tips to enrich your baby's solids diet.
http://www.babyandnames.com
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