Do you remember the day when your baby was born ? were u feeling ecstatic?
Well, for us, she was our bundle of joy when she was first born. And now, a month down the line, she is a gurgling, fascinating 1 month baby. While the pride and joy continues to remain, there are also a number of things that you need to know regarding your 1 month baby now. When your baby was born, he/she was very fragile. Having been forced out of a safe and secure womb, he was thrust into a world that he was ill prepared to handle. In short, he was probably terrified about being out in the open. And as such, he tackled it in the only way he knew – by gathering himself in the fetal position and shutting the world out.
But as a 1 month baby, your baby is better prepared to handle the world. He has been breathing in, lung full of fresh, clear oxygen for a month now and is beginning to get used to the sights, smells and sounds that constitute the world. The 1 month baby is slowly but steadily waking up to the fact that he has an entire world around him that he is but a small, yet important part of. And he expresses this knowledge in several ways.
First and foremost, there is a glint in the eyes of the 1 month baby when he looks at the parents, familiar strangers and other people who surround him through the day and notice and observe his every action. He is slowly but steadily beginning to recognize these people who surround him. And this recognition begins to manifest itself as smiles and even frowns.
The other thing that the 1 month baby discovers for himself is that he has some thing known as appendages. When he was born, he had no idea that there were limbs linked to his body that could move on their own. But the gradual process of familiarization with the world enables him to first and foremost, recognize the fact that he has limbs and next, to move them around and to use them to explore the limitations of his world.
More than ever, the 1 month baby needs tender loving care. Even as he learns to suckle on a teat to extract the nourishing milk, he realizes that the sucking action is the most soothing one. And he will continue to suck at anything and everything that comes within the grasp of his toothless gums. Sucking not only strengthens the muscles around his mouth, but also prepares his jaw bones and other muscles that he will use later in life.
Your baby's next check up will be in a month's time -- when he or she is 2 months old. Your baby will receive several immunizations during this visit.
by: Chris Lakatos
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Choking prevention
When babies start to crawl and eat solid foods, parents need to be particularly vigilant about the dangers and risks of choking.
Choking happens when food or small objects get caught in the throat and block the airway. This prevents oxygen from getting to the lungs and brain. When the brain goes without oxygen for more than 4 minutes, brain damage or even death may occur.
Food can be a trigger for choking. When infants and young children do not grind or chew their food well, they may attempt to swallow it whole. If the food is in large pieces, it can lodge in their throat and cause choking.
You can help reduce the chances of choking by not feeding round, smooth food to children under 4 years old unless it is chopped completely.
Parents should be mindful that nuts and seeds, whole grapes, raw vegetables, raisins, sticky candy, and chunks of peanut butter are all choking hazards.
Written and reviewed by the MediResource Clinical Team
Five Reasons For Preparing Your Own Baby Food
by: Nancy Miller
Are you unsure whether you should make your own baby food at home or just buy it from the store? If so, then take a look at these five good reasons for doing it yourself - they may help you make up your mind...
1. Home-made Baby Food is Healthier and More Nutritious
Commercial baby foods contain additional fat, salt, sugar, fillers or other ingredients that are completely unnecessary (and often inappropriate) to your baby's diet. These additives are an attempt to add flavor, texture and bulk to poor-quality products. They contribute nothing at all to your baby's health or well-being. By preparing the food yourself, you can be sure that your baby is getting exactly what his/her little body needs - and nothing that it doesn't.
2. You're in Control
By preparing your baby's food yourself, you know exactly what your baby is eating. When you prepare an apple sauce, you know he/she is getting fresh, pure apple and all the goodness it contains. However, when you buy apple-sauce at the store, you'd almost need a degree in nutrition just to decipher the list of ingredients.
3. It's Easy to Make Your Own Baby Food
Once you get started cooking for your baby, you'll quickly realize just how easy it is. All you need is a food blender and some fresh ingredients to quickly prepare healthy, tasty, home-made meals for your little one. Furthermore, by making large amounts of his/her favorite meals in advance, and then freezing them for later, you'll be able to serve up delicious, healthy meals in minutes -- every day of the week.
4. It's Much Cheaper
The prices that baby food manufacturers charge for their products is nothing short of scandalous and are in no way justifiable. The reason they can charge so much is because they've conditioned most parents to believe that they have no choice but to buy from them. By preparing your baby's food yourself, you can avoid being a victim of this daylight robbery, and find yourself with extra cash to spend on all those other things that a growing baby needs.
5. It's Very Gratifying
Watching your baby enjoy the meal you've just prepared for him/her is already a very gratifying experience. On top of that, however, you have the satisfaction and pride of knowing that you're giving your child the gift of a healthy and nutritious diet - and saving yourself money as well.
And finally...
If all that weren't enough, here's another great reason to do it yourself: home-made baby food is much tastier than any commercial product. Delicious food is one of life's great pleasures and your baby deserves to enjoy the rich flavor and texture of real home cooking just as much as you or I. After all, none of us would enjoy eating 'TV Dinners' morning, noon and night - and that goes for your baby too!
So, don't put it off. Get started today. Your baby will thank you for it in more ways than one.
Baby bath seats
The lowdown on baby bath seats and rings
Once your little one is old enough to sit up on her own, usually between 4 and 7 months, she's really too big for a baby bathtub. One option is to graduate to a bath seat or ring. These can help keep slippery babies in an upright position, which is handy when your baby is just learning to balance on her bottom and topples easily. But bath seats and rings aren't essential. Many parents manage the precarious job of bathing babies by climbing into the tub with them.
Bath seats and rings are a bit controversial. Many argue that they aren't safe because they give a false sense of security about leaving a baby alone in the tub for a few moments to answer the phone or run to the linen closet. And older designs of bath seats, with suction cups and larger leg holes, can tip over or allow a baby to slide underwater, even with a parent close by.
Some public groups have asked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban baby bath seats and rings, but the CPSC has instead been working with voluntary standards groups and manufacturers to create safer designs. And, more important, they've been working to make it clear to the public that even in a bath seat or ring, a baby should never be left without a capable adult at arm's reach. Bath seats are bathing helpers, not safety devices.
"Baby bath seats are not babysitters," says Patty Davis, spokesperson for the CPSC. "Never walk away, even to answer the phone — your child can tip over in seconds, and drown in just a few inches of water."
How to use them safely
Because newer designs are safer, Davis recommends that parents avoid older-model, secondhand bath seats (such as those with suction cups and larger leg holes). The older models' suction cups could give way, causing the seat to tip your baby face-first into the bathwater. And the larger leg holes can allow babies to "submarine," or slide underwater, where they might become trapped.
Newer models have an arm that fits over the side of the tub, but Davis notes that these don't work well on sunken tubs, and the seat can still tip or even break. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing the seat, she advises.
Bath rings are inflatable circles that can help your baby stay upright in bathwater. But these may require much more water in the tub to be effective. Safety groups advise keeping the water shallow to minimize the risk of babies drowning.
Most important, no matter which bath seat you choose, never be more than an arm's length away from your baby. Leaving an older, seemingly capable child with your baby isn't safe either. Davis notes that most baby drownings happen while the baby is either unattended or left in the care of an older child.
Once your little one is old enough to sit up on her own, usually between 4 and 7 months, she's really too big for a baby bathtub. One option is to graduate to a bath seat or ring. These can help keep slippery babies in an upright position, which is handy when your baby is just learning to balance on her bottom and topples easily. But bath seats and rings aren't essential. Many parents manage the precarious job of bathing babies by climbing into the tub with them.
Bath seats and rings are a bit controversial. Many argue that they aren't safe because they give a false sense of security about leaving a baby alone in the tub for a few moments to answer the phone or run to the linen closet. And older designs of bath seats, with suction cups and larger leg holes, can tip over or allow a baby to slide underwater, even with a parent close by.
Some public groups have asked the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to ban baby bath seats and rings, but the CPSC has instead been working with voluntary standards groups and manufacturers to create safer designs. And, more important, they've been working to make it clear to the public that even in a bath seat or ring, a baby should never be left without a capable adult at arm's reach. Bath seats are bathing helpers, not safety devices.
"Baby bath seats are not babysitters," says Patty Davis, spokesperson for the CPSC. "Never walk away, even to answer the phone — your child can tip over in seconds, and drown in just a few inches of water."
How to use them safely
Because newer designs are safer, Davis recommends that parents avoid older-model, secondhand bath seats (such as those with suction cups and larger leg holes). The older models' suction cups could give way, causing the seat to tip your baby face-first into the bathwater. And the larger leg holes can allow babies to "submarine," or slide underwater, where they might become trapped.
Newer models have an arm that fits over the side of the tub, but Davis notes that these don't work well on sunken tubs, and the seat can still tip or even break. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when installing the seat, she advises.
Bath rings are inflatable circles that can help your baby stay upright in bathwater. But these may require much more water in the tub to be effective. Safety groups advise keeping the water shallow to minimize the risk of babies drowning.
Most important, no matter which bath seat you choose, never be more than an arm's length away from your baby. Leaving an older, seemingly capable child with your baby isn't safe either. Davis notes that most baby drownings happen while the baby is either unattended or left in the care of an older child.
New Baby, Blogging, and Motherhood
by: Jim DeSantis
Blogging with a new baby sounds a little nuts and is likely to be the last thing on your mind but it may just be the relief valve you need.
I put mothers on a very high pedestal. Even though I am a father and a grandfather, I really have no clue just how tough it is taking care of an infant. I know it's an almost incredible amount of work, and between changing diapers and keeping the nursery squared away it seems unrealistic to imagine that there would be time left over for any mother to blog. However, a growing number of moms are joining the blogosphere to share their experiences during this exciting and challenging time of life. There are a whole range of benefits that mothers can gain from blogging, and the spectrum covers everything from getting through the night to helping distant relatives feel closer, not to mention maintaining your sanity.
What is a blog and why is blogging such a great idea? A blog is nothing more than a daily journal, diary, if you will, of your thoughts and experiences. You write about them, in your own words, and post them online in your blog. Your readers then can comment and start a communication link with you. Best of all, blogging is free.
I run multiple free blogs and can tell you that blogging is a tremendous way to relieve stress and interact with others. It focuses me away from my daily routine and stresses. See my Author Box below for the link to my blog on Family Life to get an idea of what I am talking about. That blog is free on Blogger.com. There are other sources for free blogs but that's getting ahead of ourselves for this article.
For a mom dealing with the hassles and triumphs of a baby, blogging about your motherhood is a great way to blow off some steam or just to share some of the joys of motherhood. Your blogging may even help new mothers get through the trials and tribulations of their first infant.
If your baby often has very erratic sleep patterns that leave you up at odd hours of the night, blogging may just be the best way to fill those hours. Many moms turn to television to help them weather these dawn vigils but, by blogging through the night, moms can turn what feels like a somewhat depressing situation into an actively positive and productive one through blogging.
Another reason why moms often find blogging very satisfying is that it helps them to be a part of a community. For moms who are unable to successfully juggle a full social life with the very tough demands of taking care of a new baby, blogging can be a great way to stave off the isolation that sometimes comes during this stage of life.
A baby requires constant attention, and it can be difficult to attend social gatherings or events when you are responsible for an infant. Luckily, the internet is full of other moms in the same situation, and by chatting with them it is possible to overcome
some of the loneliness that many new mothers are surprised to encounter. If you are a new mother, you can learn from experienced mothers. If you are experienced, you can pass along your wisdom to the new mothers. In that process of exchange you all break the patterns of stress and isolation.
Of course, for a mom with an adorable new baby, blogging can be as much about celebration as it is about necessity. Having a blog about living with a new child can give mothers the chance to reflect on how powerful and warm the sensation of motherhood is, and sometimes sharing the triumphs of this unique time can make them even sweeter.
A blog is a great way to keep friends and family updated with news about your baby's first words or first steps, and with new technology it is easier than ever to make photos and video clips a part of your blog, so you can give far-away relatives the chance to feel much more involved in your child's life. Many email services now have the ability to email videos. You simply load the video onto your computer, attach it electronically, and your relatives get to see your baby is live action.
Blogging, at first, may seem a bit intimidating. Look for someone, a close relative who is computer savvy, to teach you the ins and outs or spend some time online in those wee hours surfing the internet for information about blogging. There is a ton a free tutorials online that will cut your learning curve and soon you can be a blogging whiz!
Jim DeSantis
Proud father and grandfather
Blogging with a new baby sounds a little nuts and is likely to be the last thing on your mind but it may just be the relief valve you need.
I put mothers on a very high pedestal. Even though I am a father and a grandfather, I really have no clue just how tough it is taking care of an infant. I know it's an almost incredible amount of work, and between changing diapers and keeping the nursery squared away it seems unrealistic to imagine that there would be time left over for any mother to blog. However, a growing number of moms are joining the blogosphere to share their experiences during this exciting and challenging time of life. There are a whole range of benefits that mothers can gain from blogging, and the spectrum covers everything from getting through the night to helping distant relatives feel closer, not to mention maintaining your sanity.
What is a blog and why is blogging such a great idea? A blog is nothing more than a daily journal, diary, if you will, of your thoughts and experiences. You write about them, in your own words, and post them online in your blog. Your readers then can comment and start a communication link with you. Best of all, blogging is free.
I run multiple free blogs and can tell you that blogging is a tremendous way to relieve stress and interact with others. It focuses me away from my daily routine and stresses. See my Author Box below for the link to my blog on Family Life to get an idea of what I am talking about. That blog is free on Blogger.com. There are other sources for free blogs but that's getting ahead of ourselves for this article.
For a mom dealing with the hassles and triumphs of a baby, blogging about your motherhood is a great way to blow off some steam or just to share some of the joys of motherhood. Your blogging may even help new mothers get through the trials and tribulations of their first infant.
If your baby often has very erratic sleep patterns that leave you up at odd hours of the night, blogging may just be the best way to fill those hours. Many moms turn to television to help them weather these dawn vigils but, by blogging through the night, moms can turn what feels like a somewhat depressing situation into an actively positive and productive one through blogging.
Another reason why moms often find blogging very satisfying is that it helps them to be a part of a community. For moms who are unable to successfully juggle a full social life with the very tough demands of taking care of a new baby, blogging can be a great way to stave off the isolation that sometimes comes during this stage of life.
A baby requires constant attention, and it can be difficult to attend social gatherings or events when you are responsible for an infant. Luckily, the internet is full of other moms in the same situation, and by chatting with them it is possible to overcome
some of the loneliness that many new mothers are surprised to encounter. If you are a new mother, you can learn from experienced mothers. If you are experienced, you can pass along your wisdom to the new mothers. In that process of exchange you all break the patterns of stress and isolation.
Of course, for a mom with an adorable new baby, blogging can be as much about celebration as it is about necessity. Having a blog about living with a new child can give mothers the chance to reflect on how powerful and warm the sensation of motherhood is, and sometimes sharing the triumphs of this unique time can make them even sweeter.
A blog is a great way to keep friends and family updated with news about your baby's first words or first steps, and with new technology it is easier than ever to make photos and video clips a part of your blog, so you can give far-away relatives the chance to feel much more involved in your child's life. Many email services now have the ability to email videos. You simply load the video onto your computer, attach it electronically, and your relatives get to see your baby is live action.
Blogging, at first, may seem a bit intimidating. Look for someone, a close relative who is computer savvy, to teach you the ins and outs or spend some time online in those wee hours surfing the internet for information about blogging. There is a ton a free tutorials online that will cut your learning curve and soon you can be a blogging whiz!
Jim DeSantis
Proud father and grandfather
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Guide to Holiday Safety
Solutions to four top challenges, so you'll have less to worry about and more to enjoy
By Renee R. Jenkins, M.D.
"I modified my holiday decorating: ornaments only went on the upper part of the tree while the bottom third was left bare; stockings were hung from plastic hooks, and we used placemats instead of a tablecloth so the baby wouldn't pull everything down on her head."
By Renee R. Jenkins, M.D.
Decorations
The challenges: The tree! The candles! The shiny baubles hanging everywhere! What baby won't be enticed by all the new — and often dangerous — stuff decking the halls?
Make it safe — and sane: If you choose to put up a real tree, place it away from a heat source, and water it daily to keep it fresh. Hang ornaments on branches out of your baby's reach (save yourself the anxiety, and put away heirlooms until he is older). If you light candles during the season, never leave them unattended and blow them out as soon as you are finished.
Tips for crawlers and reachers: Sweep the floor regularly to pick up pieces of tinsel, tree needles, ornament hangers, and any other small bits that could find their way into your little elf's mouth. Contrary to popular myth, poinsettias are not poisonous (your baby would have to eat a lot to get really sick, and their bitter taste makes that unlikely) but mistletoe and holly are toxic. Your best bet: Display all plants up high. And don't forget to keep light cords, garlands, and ribbons from dangling.
Advice for cruisers and climbers: Toddlers and Christmas trees can be a risky combo ("Hmm, what happens if I pull this shiny rope thing?"). You might want to consider a table-top version for a couple of years. Otherwise, definitely think about securing the tree with a gate and/or securing it to the wall, and tape down light cords behind the tree along the wall to make them less tempting. Then prepare for vigilant guard duty!
What moms say:"I modified my holiday decorating: ornaments only went on the upper part of the tree while the bottom third was left bare; stockings were hung from plastic hooks, and we used placemats instead of a tablecloth so the baby wouldn't pull everything down on her head."
Friday, December 7, 2007
Raising Healthy Babies Can't Start Too Early
Author: Barbara Hodal, DC
Conventional clothing and bedding embedded with chemical toxins from growing to processing to finishing are now unacceptable to many. In the child and baby arena, it is getting even more so. As concerned parents start to research or happen by an article with vital information on poison exposure, they are finding that children and infants are uniquely at risk from pesticides because of physiological susceptibility and greater relative exposure. Three major factors are particularly important:
* Chewing on clothing, crawling outside or on floors, make children more exposed to chemical toxins.
* Children's bodies and brains are still developing and maturing.
* Per unit of body weight , children consume more food and fluids than adults, which may contribute to increased toxic exposure.
Thus environmental poisons can have more serious effects on children.
According to Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA), conventionally grown cotton uses more insecticides than any other single crop and epitomizes the worst effects of chemically dependent agriculture. Each year cotton producers around the world use nearly $2.6 billion worth of pesticides -- more than 10% of the world's pesticides and nearly 25% of the world's insecticides.
Just a little food for thought as new parents investigate all the avenues that contribute to the health of their children. The bottom line is less chemicals, healthier baby, period.
Considering the susceptibility of our babies, is it any wonder that organic cotton would be a health saving choice? Of that 60 percent of the time babies are in bed, imagine the amount of poisons breathed in, absorbed or ingested just from crib sheets. Examine also the clothing they wear, now we are talking over 95 percent of the day. Ever see how enamored they can be with a sleeve, chewing away….
As consumers (especially expecting parents) we need to be aware of what is out there, embedded in every fiber of our clothing, sheets or home furnishings. Organic products, including baby organic, are becoming more easily available and affordable. Don’t you and your children deserve the health benefits of pure organic cotton? Just another easy way to positively affect the health of your precious ones.
Wanting to raise a healthy baby is a primary desire for parents. An expectant mother will get her check ups, follow the advise of her doctor or mid wife in the myriad of things she can do to contribute to the health of her unborn child.
The usual list of things to do and not to do can include, but certainly not limited to, are eating habits, exercise, rest and stress release while avoiding smoking, alcohol and drugs.
Every person is different, without getting into “lists” of what vitamins and minerals to take or the amounts, we will just touch on some of the basics. Sensible eating and lifestyle habits are at the forefront.
Starting with healthy eating, look to a well-balanced, nutritious diet of lots of fresh greens, fruits and whole grains, organic if possible, to avoid consumption of pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals are detrimental to you and your baby. At the very least, if organic is not an option, avoid foods that contain additives and artificial ingredients.
It has been estimated that Americans consume about 5 lbs of additives/year. If you include sugar, the most used additive, the number jumps to an astounding 135 lbs /year. To learn more about the staggering number of food additives now being used, you can consult Michael Jacobson's Safe Food: Eating Wisely in a Risky World (Living Planet Press, 1991) or Unsafe at Any Meal: How to Avoid Hidden Toxins in Your Food by Earl Mindell (Mc Graw-Hill, 2002)
Additionally, avoiding junk foods, highly seasoned or fried foods will help with energy levels as well as keeping low the intake of liver clogging hydrogenated fats. When choosing healthy proteins, cooking practices should be considered to be very important. Steer clear of undercooked or rare meats, poultry and fish which can cause food poisoning.
Considering we are approximately 70-75% water, being well hydrated, especially during pregnancy is imperative. The body's water supply is involved in and responsible for nearly every bodily process, including digestion, absorption, circulation, excretion and the transport of nutrients. It is essential to drink about half your body weight in ounces/day (eg. 130 lbs = 65 oz)
Consuming a high quality water is of the utmost importance, investing in a reputable water purifier or purchasing purified or spring water is the way to go. Distilled water is fine in moderation, too much or drinking solely distilled actually robs your body of vital minerals.
Avoiding high sugar or chemically laden drinks, such as sodas, soft drinks, fruity drinks, etc will keep the additives down as well as the empty calories. (If you drink 100% juices, diluting with pure water will make it easier on the system to handle and keep your insulin from spiking) Other than the obvious reasons to pass on alcohol, it is a depressant, dehydrates and robs you of vital nutrients, including Vitamin C
After touching on food and water, smoking not only affects the lungs, hence oxygenation of every single cell, but smoking causes serious depletion of vitamin C which is an antioxidant required for collagen formation, tissue growth and repair, adrenal gland function, immune function, healthy gums and an endless list of additional tissues and functions requiring this vitamin.
Moderate exercise (always check with your doctor or midwife) can not be over emphasized, it helps to alleviate many of the common problems of pregnancy. Improving circulation, helping to prevent hemorrhoids, constipation and varicose veins, to name a few, can be reason enough for many women to hit the walking path.
Strengthening the circulatory system gives more endurance, improves your physical condition and some studies suggest it can actually result in shorter labor and help the mother to bounce back quicker.
The previous items are some very basic considerations in your child's health before it arrives. OK, the sweet little bundle has arrived, now the parents will do what they can in feeding and caring for the new addition. From the right crib to covering edges, outlet guards, breast feeding or formula, bathing, there is an endless list of things to consider....... the point is of the long list of things to get or have or change or do for the health of your baby, some very important considerations may be overlooked if the parents aren't aware.
At the top of list is the bedding and clothing that babies live in. Racking up almost 60% of their time in bed, the sheets your baby is in are just as important as the construction of that oh so fabulous crib. Have you thought of organic? Did you know they produced organic bedding and clothing? Were you aware they manufactured baby organic bedding and clothing? Most people really have no idea, it is just something they hadn't thought of as well as the fact it is not quite yet the main stream.
Conventional clothing and bedding embedded with chemical toxins from growing to processing to finishing are now unacceptable to many. In the child and baby arena, it is getting even more so. As concerned parents start to research or happen by an article with vital information on poison exposure, they are finding that children and infants are uniquely at risk from pesticides because of physiological susceptibility and greater relative exposure. Three major factors are particularly important:
* Chewing on clothing, crawling outside or on floors, make children more exposed to chemical toxins.
* Children's bodies and brains are still developing and maturing.
* Per unit of body weight , children consume more food and fluids than adults, which may contribute to increased toxic exposure.
Thus environmental poisons can have more serious effects on children.
According to Pesticide Action Network North America (PANNA), conventionally grown cotton uses more insecticides than any other single crop and epitomizes the worst effects of chemically dependent agriculture. Each year cotton producers around the world use nearly $2.6 billion worth of pesticides -- more than 10% of the world's pesticides and nearly 25% of the world's insecticides.
Just a little food for thought as new parents investigate all the avenues that contribute to the health of their children. The bottom line is less chemicals, healthier baby, period.
Considering the susceptibility of our babies, is it any wonder that organic cotton would be a health saving choice? Of that 60 percent of the time babies are in bed, imagine the amount of poisons breathed in, absorbed or ingested just from crib sheets. Examine also the clothing they wear, now we are talking over 95 percent of the day. Ever see how enamored they can be with a sleeve, chewing away….
As consumers (especially expecting parents) we need to be aware of what is out there, embedded in every fiber of our clothing, sheets or home furnishings. Organic products, including baby organic, are becoming more easily available and affordable. Don’t you and your children deserve the health benefits of pure organic cotton? Just another easy way to positively affect the health of your precious ones.
Babies and the common cold
Do you feel as if you're constantly wiping your baby's nose? Learn to recognize, treat and prevent the common cold.
Do you feel as if you're constantly wiping your baby's nose? You probably are! Most healthy babies have six colds or more before age 1.
Colds are upper respiratory tract infections caused by one of many viruses. Most colds last a week or two, but some linger even longer. Here's how to recognize, treat and prevent these common infections.
Classic signs and symptoms
The first sign of a cold is often a congested or runny nose. Because babies' nasal passages are quite small, it doesn't take much swelling and mucus to cause congestion.
Nasal discharge is often clear at first. As the cold progresses, the discharge usually becomes thicker and turns shades of yellow or green. Later, the discharge may become clear and runny again.
Other signs of a cold may include:
- A low-grade fever
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Watery eyes
Toughing it out
Your baby's immune system will need time to conquer the cold. Since colds are caused by viruses, antibiotics won't help.
If your baby is younger than 3 months old, call the doctor at the first sign of illness. For newborns, colds can quickly develop into croup, pneumonia or another serious illness.
Most of the time, you can treat an older baby's cold at home. Consider these suggestions:
Offer plenty of fluids
Liquids can help loosen the congestion. Encourage frequent feedings for younger babies. Offer older babies water or juice between regular feedings. If you're breast-feeding your baby, keep it up. Breast milk offers extra protection from cold-causing germs.
Suction your baby's nose
Keep your baby's nasal passages clear with a rubber-bulb syringe. Relax, it's not as scary as it may seem!
- Squeeze the bulb syringe to expel the air.
- Insert the tip of the bulb (about 1/4 to 1/2 inch) into your baby's nostril, pointing toward the back of the nose.
- Release the bulb, holding it in place while it suctions the mucus from your baby's nose.
- Remove the syringe from your baby's nostril.
- Empty the contents onto a tissue by squeezing the bulb rapidly while holding it upside down.
- Repeat as often as needed for each nostril.
- Clean the bulb syringe with soap and water.
Moisten the air
Running a humidifier in your baby's room can help soothe irritated nasal passages. Aim the mist away from your baby's crib to keep the bedding from becoming damp. To prevent mold growth, change the water daily and follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning the unit.
Thin the mucus
Your baby's doctor may recommend saline nose drops or saltwater nasal spray to loosen thick nasal mucus. Look for these over-the-counter products in your local pharmacy.
Try an over-the-counter pain reliever
For babies older than 3 months, use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve discomfort or a fever. Follow the directions printed on the label. Take note of any warnings or precautions. Call your baby's doctor if you have any questions.
Avoid cough suppressants and other cold medications
Coughing helps clear the mucus from your baby's airway. For otherwise healthy babies, there's usually no reason to suppress it.
When a cold becomes something more serious
Most colds are simply a nuisance. But it's important to take your baby's signs and symptoms seriously.
Again, call the doctor at the first sign of illness if your baby is younger than 3 months. If your baby is 3 months or older, call the doctor if he or she:
- Isn't wetting as many diapers as usual
- Has a temperature higher than 100 F for more than three days
- Seems to have ear or sinus pain
- Has yellow eye discharge
- Has a cough for more than one week
- Has thick, green nasal discharge for more than two weeks
- Shows any signs of illness that worry you
Seek medical help immediately if your baby:
- Refuses to nurse or accept fluids
- Coughs hard enough to cause vomiting or changes in skin color
- Coughs up blood-tinged sputum
- Has difficulty breathing or is bluish around the lips and mouth
Prevention
Colds typically spread through infected respiratory droplets coughed or sneezed into the air. The best defense? Common sense and plenty of soap and water.
- Keep your baby away from anyone who's sick, especially during the first few days of illness. If possible, avoid public transportation with your newborn.
- Wash your hands before feeding or caring for your baby. When soap and water aren't available, use hand wipes or gels treated with germ-killing alcohol.
- Clean your baby's toys and pacifiers often.
- Teach everyone in the household to cough or sneeze into a tissue — and then toss it. If you can't reach a tissue in time, cough or sneeze into your shoulder or the crook of your arm.
Simple preventive measures can go a long way toward keeping your baby the picture of health.
Source: http://www.riverside-online.com/health_reference/Healthy-Baby/PR00038.cfm
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