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.
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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.
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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.”

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