(2009/09) September 2009 MTBs
- Thread starter jenifur
- Start date
blessedmommy
Active Member
Pam
haha... yah lah diff babies grow at diff speed and got varying appetites. moreover she is a gal. as long as she is growing lor.
Jennifur
i have the list of vaccinations compulsory for entrance to P1, i must dig it out though. i think jabs like DPT, Hep B, MMR r compulsory. only Hep A and rota are not. and now MOH is starting a new ruling to make pneumocococal compulsory also.
my pd is a v cautious doctor. she only wanna jab my baby starting from 3 mths. but she encourage me to take the pneumococal jab, reason being i have many kids and thus my level of risks r higher. fyi, i have a frd whose kid died from this illness and according to my frd who is in medical line, many kids suffer from this illness so i dun wanna take the risk. as for MMR, im gonna delay it till he turns at least 2.5 yr old like what i did to the rest of my kids.
motherhood v confusing hor! got breastfeed issue, feeding issue, colic issue now immunisation issue to think abt!
haha... yah lah diff babies grow at diff speed and got varying appetites. moreover she is a gal. as long as she is growing lor.
Jennifur
i have the list of vaccinations compulsory for entrance to P1, i must dig it out though. i think jabs like DPT, Hep B, MMR r compulsory. only Hep A and rota are not. and now MOH is starting a new ruling to make pneumocococal compulsory also.
my pd is a v cautious doctor. she only wanna jab my baby starting from 3 mths. but she encourage me to take the pneumococal jab, reason being i have many kids and thus my level of risks r higher. fyi, i have a frd whose kid died from this illness and according to my frd who is in medical line, many kids suffer from this illness so i dun wanna take the risk. as for MMR, im gonna delay it till he turns at least 2.5 yr old like what i did to the rest of my kids.
motherhood v confusing hor! got breastfeed issue, feeding issue, colic issue now immunisation issue to think abt!
<font color="0000ff">Michelle (mwerkz)</font>
Drypers S is quite big leh, the cutting quite broad I realised but length about the same. Fitty more slim cut.
Pampers is HUGE, my daughter can still wear pampers NB leh, now letting her wear pampers S at night, which is MUCH bigger than Fitti S.
Fitti M is for 5 to 11kg, so hubby decided to buy M last week....but I let my daughter tried Fitti M and it was still too big for her...her pee pee leaked!
Wah, 5 to 6 diapers only!! So good, can save $$, mine's about 10 to 12 per day! But i think its slowly getting less as she sleeps through the night for 6 hrs solid now...
Drypers S is quite big leh, the cutting quite broad I realised but length about the same. Fitty more slim cut.
Pampers is HUGE, my daughter can still wear pampers NB leh, now letting her wear pampers S at night, which is MUCH bigger than Fitti S.
Fitti M is for 5 to 11kg, so hubby decided to buy M last week....but I let my daughter tried Fitti M and it was still too big for her...her pee pee leaked!
Wah, 5 to 6 diapers only!! So good, can save $$, mine's about 10 to 12 per day! But i think its slowly getting less as she sleeps through the night for 6 hrs solid now...
blessedmommy
Active Member
BBQ
dun worry its just temporary. when they srart to sit up n play with each other, really v v cute!! its a joy just seeing them interact with each other. now im recalling my twins baby days!
ur twin has heart condition? not serious one i hope?
dun worry its just temporary. when they srart to sit up n play with each other, really v v cute!! its a joy just seeing them interact with each other. now im recalling my twins baby days!
ur twin has heart condition? not serious one i hope?
paige> huh? i tot pple say dryper quite small n fitti same as pampers. so complicated. so u getting more S or M size from polyclinic? sell one pack to me leh. let me try S size fitti =p lol
cos i nv change his diapers at every feed. he like to poo n pee when i open his diapers. i got phobia changing his diapers. tat explains why he use so little a day -_-" let him be a dirty little boy =x
bbq98> yaya. very cute to see twins. keke. u oredi survived carrying twins for 9mths. juz tahan a while more =p
cos i nv change his diapers at every feed. he like to poo n pee when i open his diapers. i got phobia changing his diapers. tat explains why he use so little a day -_-" let him be a dirty little boy =x
bbq98> yaya. very cute to see twins. keke. u oredi survived carrying twins for 9mths. juz tahan a while more =p
acneery_galz
Member
Thanks Pamelia
Ya I know each baby is different but I need a guide so that I know roughly that I am on the right amt. Your baby is small appetite... mine at birth is 3.95kg so he is big and I assume due to his size his appetitie also bigger lo..
Ur baby can sleep 4-5 hr bet feed that's so good. Mine can sleep 3hrs I will be so happy. He is usually up by 2hrs and when he finished his milk he do not want to lie down and always crying. Haiz I also dun know what he wants, got to keep carrying him.... anyone had this difficulties too?
Pls share.... thanks
Ya I know each baby is different but I need a guide so that I know roughly that I am on the right amt. Your baby is small appetite... mine at birth is 3.95kg so he is big and I assume due to his size his appetitie also bigger lo..
Ur baby can sleep 4-5 hr bet feed that's so good. Mine can sleep 3hrs I will be so happy. He is usually up by 2hrs and when he finished his milk he do not want to lie down and always crying. Haiz I also dun know what he wants, got to keep carrying him.... anyone had this difficulties too?
Pls share.... thanks
shelled
Active Member
Last nite I stayed up late to enjoy the quietness of 2 boys being asleep, now I pay the price! Napped for 45 mins still feel zombied. Jialat, my hubs only coming back ard 10+ today, I still have 3+ hrs to tahannnn.
Speaking of which, my 2 night owl friends from last nite never post for the whole day today? <font color="ff0099">Steph! enxuan!</font> Two of you concuss today?
Ok, go cook dinner liao. In case some ppl say I don't cook cos my freezer so empty.
Speaking of which, my 2 night owl friends from last nite never post for the whole day today? <font color="ff0099">Steph! enxuan!</font> Two of you concuss today?
Ok, go cook dinner liao. In case some ppl say I don't cook cos my freezer so empty.
pamelia
Member
101 Questions And Answers! ( Part 1 )
1) What are the benefits of massaging your newborn?
Massaging your baby is a great way to bond with her and calm and settle her. It also offers plenty of health benefits. You can start your baby from about 2 weeks (or once the cord falls off). Baby massage is safe, simple and best of all, anyone can do it.
2) What is the Apgar Score?
Following birth, a baby is given a quick check to see if his breathing is established. At one minute and then again at 5 minutes an Apgar score is recorded to see . How well your baby is responding to life outside the womb. This involves giving points for heart rate, muscle tone, body color and reflex response. A total score of 7 and over is considered normal; 10 is perfect while below 7 merits observation and even treatment. It is not unusual for some babies to be drowsy because the mother was given painkillers during labor.
3) Is swaddling my baby necessary?
Swaddling offers a newborn baby warmth and security - a snug wrap feels like a big hug to that tiny body. A good wrap is not a surefire way of calming a colicky baby but it does make carrying the little one easier and safer. It also helps baby to sleep more soundly on his back. Since swaddling is restrictive, it may hinder motor development; a full-body swaddle is not recommended after baby turns 2 months old. Babies this old will enjoy the looser version of the snug wrap.
4) Is it possible for a newborn baby to 'smile' already?
Proper smiling starts at around 6 weeks according to some experts. Fleeting smiles in the first few days which were once considered to be due to wind or random expressions are now being referred to as smiles. Some doctors feel that newborns are actually imitating your facial movements from an early age.
5) What is jaundice and is it serious?
Jaundice can be caused by prematurity, infection, exposure to drugs during labor, or bruising at birth. Different types of jaundice exist with physiological version being the commonest form in newborns. It is not a true disease, rather a symptom that affects more than half of healthy newborns in the initial days of life. As a rule if there is no underlying cause to jaundice, it will subside without treatment in the first week of life.
6) What reflexes can my newborn do?
It may take you a while to get accustomed to your newborn's behavior. Baby's reactions to the various stimuli are different. You will need to observe these reactions. Being individuals already at such a tender age, it is important to become familiar with these baby traits. These very traits will contribute to baby's personality in the future.
As baby learns to manipulate and direct his reactions, she will automatically produce less random reactions; for example your newborn will scrunch her whole face when she sees you but at 2 months she will give you a smile.
7) What to expect during my baby's first checkup?
In your first visit lots of questions will be asked as your doctor will want to know as much about you as possible. It is the most comprehensive visit in comparison to the other visits. Your medical history along with a thorough physical examination, which includes blood work, pelvic and breast exams, will be done. Below are the common tests conducted in this initial visit, which are by and large standard in nature
8) What baby toiletries are essential?
Children of today have not only infections to deal with but also allergies, rashes and problems with the respiratory system. A wide variety of chemical irritants are to be blamed for this.
9) My baby is constipated. What can I do about it?
Constipation is a situation where the stool is firm, dry and pebbly. This can last for an undetermined amount of time but is usually not serious if treated properly..
10) What is a Guthrie test?
During the first 10 days after birth, a tiny drop of blood will be taken from your baby's heel to test for thyroid and a rare disorder called phenylketonuria (a deficiency in body chemistry), which can cause mental retardation and growth impairment if left undetected.
11) Why does my baby have sticky eyes?
There are no tears when a newborn cries. This is because the baby's tear ducts have yet to mature (tear ducts tend to mature at about 6 weeks). And because of this, irritants cannot be washed away causing baby's eyes to become more prone to infection.
Eye Cleaning
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and wipe them dry before handling your baby (make that a routine). Pour some cooled boiled water into a clean container. Using clean cotton balls or washcloth, dip them into the water and squeeze out the excess. Gently clean baby's eyes from the inner corners toward the outer corners in ONE stroke. Rep eat the same with the other eye using a fresh clean piece.
Eye Ailments
Blocked Tear duct
• A blocked tear duct is very common during the newborn phase and most of the time it resolves as baby grows. The tear ducts are tiny tubes that run from the corner of the eyes, collecting the tears which are constantly being produced to keep the eye moist; the fluid then passes down into the nose cavity.
• In small babies there can be a blockage at the bottom end of the tear duct which causes germs to grow in the moist site. This then oozes out as discharge.
• A blocked duct seldom requires treatment but if the problem persists at six months and up, treatment becomes necessary.
• In such a situation, white gooey stuff collects in the corner and edges of the eyelids. The eye may also seem 'weepy'.
• Wipe your baby's eyes with cooled boiled water (use a different cotton ball for each eye) from the inner corner then outwards every few hours. Massage gently by rubbing at the side of the nose beneath the corner of the eye.
• If regular cleaning and massaging (for a day or so) doesn't seem to improve the situation, you will need to call the GP. The infection needs to be treated with antibiotic eye drops.
"Sticky Eyes"
As with blocked tear duct this too is quite common. One or both eyelids end up sticking together while baby is asleep due to discharge from the eyes. This is usually an irritation that results from the fluids your baby has encountered at birth. Wipe your baby's eyes with cooled boiled water using a different cotton wool for each eye every few hours. It is rarely conjunctivitis and more likely a blocked tear duct. However if there is no improvement consult your GP.
Crossed or Squinty eyes
This situation is especially common in the first 3 months because baby's eyes are not working together yet. This is due to a lack of muscle power in controlling the eyes. It becomes more obvious when baby is relaxed and feeding. She will be able to focus both eyes when her eye muscle develops. It becomes a concern if there is no change after this time frame.
Eye care Don'ts
• Do not constantly wipe baby's eyes with tissues or face cloths.
• Do not change formula because of sticky eyes.
• Do not clean baby's eyes with any kind of tea.
• Do not discontinue breastfeeding in case of sticky eyes.
• Do not use the same cotton ball or same side of the washcloth to clean both eyes.
Medical assistance becomes necessary if:
• Discharge becomes darker yellow and more sticky.
• Discharge gets worse by the day.
• The whites of the eyes start to redden and you detect some swelling.
12) What is the best way to hold and handle my newborn?
Your baby's first couple of poos will be tar-like, sticky and greenish-black in color. Termed meconium, this waste product was accumulated in the womb. Most babies, over 90% of them, will pass meconium within 24 hours with about 2-4% passing it within 48 hours.
Cooled boiled water can be introduced to formula-fed babies from the age of six weeks, especially when in warmer climates; breastfed babies do not need anything else to drink. Regular tap water which is boiled is sufficient; do not add flavorings or sweeteners. However limit this to 2-4 oz per day as too much water can disturb the delicate balance of salts in your baby's body. Well diluted unsweetened fruit juices such as apple can be gradually introduced after baby turns nine months old. Avoid giving sparkling mineral water or water with high mineral content to babies under 2 years of age.
First meal
Ideally babies should be breast-fed exclusively until six months but if you choose to wean earlier, solid foods should not be introduced before 17 weeks or only after baby is four months old as a baby's digestive system is not mature enough. Further to this, he will extrude most of the food out of his mouth with his tongue until the tongue-thrust reflex is lost which happens after baby turns 4 months old.
Research suggests that babies and young children who sleep with the light on are more likely to be short-sighted than those who sleep in the dark.
Best first foods
Baby rice is the best first food. Comes in powder form, it is convenient to prepare since the portion is tiny at this stage. The taste and texture are quite similar to milk so most babies take on to it without much fuss. Once your baby has adjusted to this initial change, you can add apple puree or mashed potato, carrots for example, building a range of different textures and tastes in the process.
Vitamin supplements
Confusing for many parents but the general advice is this: for an exclusively breast-fed baby who is six months and beyond, you should give her vitamin drops containing vitamins A.C and D. Check with your pediatrician on which kind is suitable. For bottle-fed babies you do not need to do this because formula is fortified with vitamins already.
Research has found that many babies cry without any explicit source of discomfort.
Mobile now
In the 4th or 5th month baby learns to roll from his back onto his abdomen. In his 6th month he makes paddling movements while lying on his tummy and holds his head in different directions. He is able to grip and let go. He is beginning to sit up without support - a good time to invest in a high chair.
First crawl
Baby will make attempts to crawl in the 7th month to move from his current position to another. Some babies don't crawl at all and instead go from sitting to standing to walking; crawling should therefore not be used as a gauge of proper motor development.
A recent study suggests that if babies are not introduced to new textures and tastes until six months or older, they are more likely to be fussy or difficult eaters when they become toddlers.
Swimming
Once your baby has had his first set of immunizations you can take your baby to a public pool. The water and surrounding air temperatures should be warm (at least 33°C or 91.4°F) and the swimming session should be short (not more than 20 mins) to avoid baby from catching a cold. After introducing him to the water and when baby is relaxed you can let him float on his back with your support. Babies who are introduced to swimming early usually don't have to overcome fear later. Your child can't learn to swim until he is three; so for babies swimming has more to do with moving in the water and some together time with their parents. If your child has a tendency to develop respiratory infections, it is best to delay swimming for a while.
Bonding
Bonding between you and your baby can take anything from a few days to a few months or even longer. Research shows that a child who has not formed a secure psychological connection with a caring adult by the age of four is likely to have social problems throughout his life.
By the age of two, the rapid early growth rate has slowed down and boys are generally taller than girls. The ratio of clumsy boys to clumsy girls is about 2:1.
First words
Research shows that over 50% of early words are general in nature such as 'ball', 'car', while a word such as 'dog' may be used to refer to all animals. Less than 15% are specific referring to people such as 'mama' and 'teddy'. Many of child's first words are connected with things she uses in some way or the other such as 'juice', and 'spoon'. This only goes on to prove that your child's language is reflective of her everyday experiences. On the average, first words are spoken around the age of 9-12 months, and by the age of 15 months about six clear words will be used by your toddler. Most often these are names of family members or familiar objects. By age of 18 months your toddler is able to combine two words to form a meaningful phrase such as 'me cup' meaning I want my cup.
First tooth
Most babies are born toothless and most babies cut their first tooth around 4-6 months of age. Some babies teethe earlier than this and some later. Most have all their milk teeth by the time they are two and a half. There are twenty baby teeth, ten at the top and ten at the bottom. In some cases a tooth appears without much warning signs while in others babies go through a lot of discomfort.
Survey indicates that 20% of fat children become fat adults.
First step
Between 9 and 12 months some babies start to take their first steps - they discover how to 'cruise' around the furniture. Although some babies leap to their feet and waddle off as early as 10 months, others are still seated contentedly months after their 1st birthday. Walking your baby around will not make her walk earlier. Don't bother buying a walker - they don't teach a baby to walk and they do cause a large number of accidents!
Holding a Newborn
Be sure to always support your baby's head when picking him up and putting him down. Always make sure you are comfortable yourself because if you feel tense he will too. One of your hands should always be behind baby's head, neck and shoulders to give proper support. Once his head is well supported, he will feel secure and will relax. Most babies like to be held close to your body against your shoulder. Once baby's head and neck are well supported there is no right way to hold and lift your baby - just work out what feels right to you both.
Virtually all babies build their language skills in the same way, using the same 'building blocks; in the same order and usually at around the same time.
Temperature
A fever is a temperature of about 37.7°C (100°F) or over. A normal temperature is anything between 36°C (96.8°F) and 37°C (98.6°F). 'Strip type' thermometers are convenient but inaccurate. Taking temperature under the arm can be hard to manage. Digital thermometer that goes in the ear is expensive but very handy - fast and accurate.
13) I need to know more about immunization. Is it really important?
Vaccines that have been developed so far are against infections that are serious and contagious; the more children are vaccinated the better protected our population becomes. On the same token each time your child receives a shot, it is no walk in the park for him/her.
What the vaccine does…
A vaccine stimulates the immune system into producing antibodies, which are proteins required to combat infection. It is a virus or bacterium derived from the disease, altered so that it can't cause illness but instead trigger these proteins into action to protect your child upon contact with the disease. The immune system is therefore primed into recognizing the disease and then gears up to offer protection. In other words, exposure to the weakened germs from the vaccine will prepare your child's system when confronted by the real thing.
What follows a jab..
• There will be a transient pain caused by the needle so your child will cry for a short while; with some pacifying this crying should cease.
• Soreness or slight redness is common at the injection site.
• A small lump may form but this is painless and harmless and usually goes away on its own.
• Your child may develop low grade fever, be irritable for a few hours.
• It is advisable to give a small dose of paracetamol for pain or fever; check with your doctor on dosing instruction.
Can they be given together?
Combination vaccines prove to be confusing for some parents; they fear that vaccines when combined are not as safe or effective as a single vaccine. Much research was done to ensure that the combined vaccines are just as reliable before being introduced. In fact the main advantage is that your baby receives only one shot instead of a few in one sitting. Example is the five-in-1 which include (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and haemophilus influenza type B). Meanwhile research continues to develop more combo vaccines that will be introduced once approved.
Why you should be vaccinating your child…
• With the advent of vaccines, certain diseases have been successfully eradicated namely smallpox.
• Vaccines slow down or stop the outbreak of diseases
• Although vaccines are not 100% effective, they do offer a very high rate of protection; there is a lower chance of being infected with that disease once the child is vaccinated
• Immunity levels of 90 to 95% is provided through a good vaccination
• For some diseases, booster shots are required to top up the immunity to the disease while for others like Hep B and MMR, the immunity is lifelong.
• If a large enough segment of the population is immunized against a disease either through vaccination or being naturally immune, the disease will be blocked from reaching those who are susceptible
Routine immunizations
There are effective vaccines for the following infections for your baby:
Polio: A virus that damages the nervous system and can result in permanent paralysis and death
Diphtheria: A bacterial disease that starts as a throat infection and gradually spreads to the heart and the nervous system
Tetanus: A potentially fatal bacterial infection that can cause the muscles to paralyze badly
Whooping cough or pertussis: Again caused by bacteria, mild fever with violent coughing spasms that can cause the child to vomit, have fits and lung damage
Hib: A bacterial infection causing a range of illness that include meningitis and pneumonia
Measles: A viral that can cause chest infections, fits, meningitis and permanent brain damage
Mumps: A viral that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands. Also known to cause meningitis and deafness
Rubella: A viral that can cause serious birth defects in unborn babies
Tuberculosis or TB: Caused be bacteria, the infection mainly affects the lungs
For all other vaccines, it is best to get your doctor's advice. Some shots are necessary in certain parts of the world such influenza vaccination is necessary when you are traveling to colder climates like USA.
When it is a good idea to delay immunization…
• If you are unsure about the vaccine, voice your concerns with your pediatrician to gain better understanding and advice
• If your child is unwell with temperature above 38.5C - vaccination itself will cause low grade fever so it is important to postpone the shot. A child with a runny nose or mild cold can go ahead.
• If your child has a serious reaction to a previous shot, has an allergy to eggs then you should check on the influenza vaccine as it contains traces of egg protein; if your child is allergic to yeast found in breads and cakes then Hep B vaccine becomes a question mark since it is yeast-based. It is important to discuss allergies or reactions to injections to your doctor before a shot is administered.
Helping to ease the pain…
• For an older child, explain that the vaccination is to help keep the nasty germs away
• Praise your child after the shot so he feels more confident about the next one
• Comfort your crying baby with hugs and assurances; offer baby the bottle. Suckling will provide comfort
• Bring along some treats such as chocolates or candies
• Consider combination vaccines to reduce the agony of many sittings
• Show your child that you are confident about the procedure
14) I plan on bottlefeeding my baby. What are the essentials I need to know?
There is undoubtedly more work involved in bottlefeeding as compared to breastfeeding but very soon a routine will be established of cleaning and sterilizing the equipment, formula preparation and giving the bottle. Bottlefed babies are mostly fed with modified cow's milk. All formulas are formulated according to government regulations to ensure they replicate human milk as closely as possible and contain the correct amounts of fat, protein and vitamins. Inappropriate levels of protein and minerals can put a strain on baby's immature kidneys and cause dehydration. Cow's milk doesn't contain sufficient iron for young babies; goat's milk and condensed or carnation milk are not suitable for young infants. Hence infant formula fed from the bottle is a healthy alternative to breast milk. Formula can be bought in powder, liquid concentrate and ready-to-feed forms available in most supermarkets and pharmacies. There are certain guidelines to making formula milk. Good hygiene and following manufacturer's instructions take precedence.
Safety Issues
Measurements:
Never heap or pack a scoop of formula or add an extra one in the hope of providing extra nourishment. Instead read the instructions carefully and follow it and ensure the correct amount of water is filled to the number of scoops. Always use the scoop provided. Over-concentrated formula makes the baby dehydrated and a weaker mixture results in an undernourished baby. For extra formula, add more water and powder in the right proportions. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions totally.
Choking:
Never leave your baby to feed from a propped up bottle even when she grows older. There is always the risk that she can choke. Feeding this way can cause baby to swallow a lot of air with the feed. Inspect bottle teats each time you wash them to ensure they are not worn or damaged.
Bacteria free:
Keep your baby's formula free from germs by washing your hands before handling formula or equipment. Keep the can tightly closed and sterilize everything you use for measuring, mixing or storing the made up formula. This includes bottles, teats and teat covers. Make a bottle as and when your baby needs one. Discard remnants as it contains bacteria from baby's saliva.
Milk Temperature:
Most babies don't mind taking milk that is slightly colder than body temperature; it should be at room temperature preferably. Do not use microwave to heat formula as the bottle may feel cold but the contents may have hot spots and could scald your baby's mouth. Even if you choose to warm in the microwave ensure the bottle is well shaken to increase the evenness and test the temperature by letting a couple of drops fall on the inside of your wrist. It should just feel warm. Feed your baby right away and discard any leftovers within the hour.
Excess Milk:
Never store warm formula in a thermos or electric bottle warmer. Throw away any formula your baby leaves behind. Don't try to save that half bottle for next time by storing it in the fridge.
The Basics
1. Babies need a breast milk substitute for the entire first year of life. You cannot count on cow's milk to provide the nutrition as it contains too little sugar and the wrong kind of fat. The protein cannot be properly digested in your baby's tiny stomach and the absence of iron makes it inappropriate. Babies under one should not be fed any kind of unmodified cow's milk.
2. Infant formula contains the extra mineral critical for the health of your newborn. Liquid colloidal minerals added to the formula will give your baby over 60 essential minerals required for proper physical development.
3. Formula kept at room temperature becomes an ideal breeding ground for germs. A new baby has few defenses against germs. Since she is able to pick up innumerable number of germs from a bottle standing around in a warm room, don't leave one lying around. Reduce the risk of gastroenteritis by keeping your baby's formula free from bacteria as possible.
4. If you add too much of powder, the feed will be too strong with too much protein, fat, salt and less water. She will become fat from too many calories and feel thirsty from too much salt. The result can be one unhappy baby who cries a lot and because she cries a lot you will give her another bottle. If that bottle is concentrated again baby will even be thirstier. The result will be a baby who cries a lot, puts on a lot of weight and seems to need a lot of feeding.
5. It's a bad idea to keep formula warm when you plan an outing. Bottles once heated should be fed right away. Warm formula kept longer than an hour can cause bacteria to breed rapidly causing stomach infection in your baby. Take bottles of prepared formula in a cool box and warm them when he is hungry in a bottle warmer. Alternatively you can measure formula powder into empty milk containers and mix with boiled water as you need one. Always carry an extra feed during the trip.
6. Never introduce a routine at such a tender age. Baby's routine right now is irregular with frequent intervals. Baby tends to take longer to digest formula as it contains slightly more protein than breast milk and hence delays hunger for longer. At this stage your baby will probably not take over 60 ml or 2 oz at each feed. This will increase in quantity and decrease in frequency as he grows older. Let him determine when he is to be fed. Don't feel your baby has to finish his bottle; he will only get too full and posset it back.
7. Possetting is when your baby brings food straight back up. Common cause of possetting in young babies is overfeeding. If you feel your baby didn't feed well, offer her more food. If she doesn't take it you can assume she has had her fill. Forcible vomiting, if it occurs after several feeds, should be assessed by your pediatrician immediately as it can lead to dehydration.
8. Do not change milk formula without consulting your pediatrician first. If you feel your baby isn't feeding well or gaining adequate weight consider changing to another brand or type but first consult your doctor for advice.
9. Full term babies are sometimes diagnosed as intolerant to lactose or protein in cow's milk. They have difficulties digesting and eliminating the protein from a dairy-based formula. There are a range of specialized formulas which include hypoallergenic and soy milk formulated to provide babies with all the necessary nutrients. Consider trying soy-based formula for one month.
10. When storing prepared formula in the fridge ensure it is not stored beyond 24 hours. Keep the bottles in the main body of the fridge as it is cooler and not the door of the fridge.
11. During feeds, ensure you and baby are in a comfortable position. Keep the bottle tilted at an angle of 45 degrees so that the top is filled with formula and not air. Always bottle-feed your baby with her head higher than her body in a semi-upright or upright position. Do not let baby feed in a lying down position as this will cause fluids to collect in the ear canal causing ear infections.
12. Once baby stops sucking or when the feed is over, you may want to burp your baby by holding her upright against your shoulder and rub or pat her back gently. Since babies may posset, it is a good idea to place a napkin over your shoulder. If she doesn't burp after 3 minutes she probably does not need to.
13. When cleaning the equipment wash the bottles, teats, rings, discs and caps individually with a bottlebrush in soapy water. Scrub the teats and other parts thoroughly and rinse everything in warm running water. Sterilize all the equipment in a chemical sterilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively boil most of the items in a covered pan for 10 minutes and the teats for only 3 minutes.
14. Always wash your hands before preparing formula. Boil water for about 2 minutes. Let it cool. Avoid using bottled water or repeatedly boiled water as they may contain too much mineral salts.
15. After a few months your baby's unique pattern will evolve on its own. Don't be overly concerned about baby demanding food frequently just because you are feeding her whenever she seems hungry.
An afterthought
Overfeeding
Fat cells once produced cannot be removed. As such chubby babies grow into fat adults. It is very easy to overfeed a bottlefed baby by simply adding extra formula into the bottle and thereby extra calories. Secondly in your bid to feed her properly you will make sure she finishes to the last drop of every feed even if she doesn't need it. Introducing solids too early and syrupy drinks or fruit juices as substitutes for water are other mistakes some mothers make.
15) Is having diarrhea a serious concern with newborn?
Diarrhea is a condition that changes both the consistency and frequency of the baby's waste output. Each baby has her own stool pattern that changes slowly as she gets on with age..
Signs?
If bowel movements change noticeably within only a few days, she may have diarrhea. Any baby who has more than one stool per feeding should also be checked, even if this isn't a sudden change. Also check the stool consistency to see if it is not too liquid-like. The stool might also be more odorous than usual. Other signs of illness in your baby, such as poor feeding, a newly congested nose and a new fever, make the diagnosis of diarrhea more likely.
FYI
A newborn generally poops up to ten times a day, and an older baby may poop anywhere from a couple of times a day to once or twice a week. (In other words, you'll need to know what's normal for your baby.
Causes?
This condition is caused by any number of bacteria or viruses, and usually lasts between 5 – 7 days. Other than infection, a change in diet (including a change in mother's diet if the baby is breast-fed), antibiotic use can also trigger the condition. In most cases the diarrhea will resolve by itself within a week or so.
The central concern with diarrhea is the possibility of dehydration from loss of bodily fluids. Treatment is aimed at preventing dehydration, the real culprit. The good news is most children with diarrhea can be treated safely at home.
Feeding Routine?
If your baby is breast-fed, continue doing so. Breast-feeding helps prevent diarrhea cases by half. If your baby still seems thirsty after or between nursing sessions, you can supplement her with water or pediatric electrolyte solution.
You might want to switch to a soy-based formula if your baby is formula-fed until the diarrhea subsides. Do not dilute the formula. If you are continuing with the usual formula, then reduce the formula added to water by half. Consult with your baby's pediatrician for advice. Here again, supplement baby with an oral rehydration solution or water to help replenish the fluids and electrolytes that have been lost in the diarrheal stools.
Add yoghurt to baby's meal. The active cultures found in yoghurt can help to restore her regular bowel movement.
When to call your doctor?
Call your doctor if your baby is under 3 months and has diarrhea with a fever. Vomiting for 24 hours, 8 stools in 8 hours, or the presence of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool should also prompt a call to your pediatrician. If the diarrhea persists for more than a week, or is accompanied by more than 72 hours of fever, get in touch with your pediatrician. Contact your pediatrician right away if your baby won't drink or shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken soft spot, lethargy, or going 8 hours without producing urine).
Prevention?
Hygiene! Practice hygiene by washing your hands and your baby's hands frequently since babies love mouthing. Wash fruits and vegetables before serving and toys and whatever else your baby touches more often. Wash your hands with soap thoroughly after each diaper change or using the washroom.
Treatment?
Tummy massage
Start at the belly button and then massage outwards in circles in a clockwise direction. Some oil or cream on your fingers can also help. Only continue if your baby enjoys the massage and is comfortable and relaxed.
Cycling
Place your baby his back. Hold legs and turn them gently in a quick cycling motion. This will make the stomach muscles move and, in turn, put gentle pressure on the intestines to make them move.
Bath
A warm bath can relax your baby so the stools are passed more easily. Once your baby has relaxed in the bath, you can also massage their stomach (see above). After cleaning your baby's bottom, apply some cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the outside of the anus
Avoid
Don't put a thermometer, suppository or enema or anything else inside your baby's anus to stimulate bowel movement, because this may cause damage. Still, check with your doctor for advice.
Formula
If your baby is on formula milk, you should follow the instructions on the package carefully. Making the mixture too thick by putting in more than the recommended amount of powder can lead to constipation and other medical problems. It's best to stick to the same brand, because different formulas may require different dilutions. Switch to a low-iron or soy formula until constipation clears.
Fluids
Give your baby plenty of fluids preferably cooled, boiled water.
Prevention?
Once your baby is between four to six months old, you can start introducing more bran-rich cereals and fruit or vegetable purées into their diet. These are rich in fibre and will help prevent constipation. Prune purée is particularly good for this purpose.
Final thought
If the above suggestions don't work for your baby, consult a doctor about special laxatives for chronic constipation.
Mothers with older babies
If your baby is on solid foods, then carrots, rice cereal, bananas, potatoes, and applesauce can help slow down the stools. Avoid citrus fruits and juices, peas, pears, peaches, plums, prunes and apricots until the stools are back to normal, which should be within a week or so.
16) How to tell if my baby is too hot or too cold?
Keeping your baby comfortably dressed for the surrounding temperature is important. Babies cannot alter body temperatures quick enough to compensate for temperature changes around them so remove layers or add them as the temperature changes so as to guard against overdressing or underdressing.
Enough layers?
Your baby is very sensitive to weather extremes. In general your baby will be comfortable in the same number of layers that you are wearing. But remember: he will get hot or cold a lot quicker than you would if the temperature changes. To make sure your baby is not feeling too warm feel the back of his neck or tummy - he should not feel too warm. Do not depend by touching his hands and feet as they are colder even when he is warm enough.
Take a complete change of clothes with you whenever you go out.
Lots of babies don't enjoy being dressed or undressed so make the procedure quick and easy. Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Look for soft stretchy fabrics that are machine washable; all that dribbling and possetting and leaking diapers mean your baby's clothes have to withstand frequent washing. Until your baby is walking all she needs are socks or booties to keep her feet warm
The Winter months
When the temperature dips to 0°C or 32°F it is okay to take your baby outside in the first few weeks or months of life. However keep the outing short - it is better to go out twice for 30 minutes per session. Other tips include:
• Use your own comfort level as a guide to dressing your baby.
• Help prevent baby's skin against chapping by applying a thin layer of cream to baby's exposed parts and face.
• Cover exposed areas such as feet and hand with booties, mittens and a hat.
• In extreme cold, layer your baby well and end it with an appropriate sized snowsuit that comes with a hood.
• Take an extra blanket in case it gets chilly.
Don't buy newborn sizes but rather three months size clothes.
The Summer months
Your baby can become overheated easily in the summer months, in an overheated room if he is too warmly dressed. It is important to guard against overdressing since baby is able to keep her body temperature warm enough.
• Stick to natural fibers such as cotton as they let the skin breathe.
• You can check the back of baby's neck to see if he is too warmly dressed.
• Babies need to drink more than usual - offer baby an additional bottle of formula or breast milk.
• Take off hats, coats, extra clothes and blankets as soon you come into a warmer atmosphere even if baby is asleep.
• Never place baby under direct sunlight.
• If child becomes overheated he is bound to become listless and exhausted. Take baby to a cooler atmosphere at once; remove his clothes and fan him and give him a drink. Sponging him down with lukewarm water will also have a cooling effect. Inform your pediatrician if necessary.
Keep babies under 6 months out of the sun totally. Always use a sun hat on him (unless it is very warm) as he will lose a lot of heat from his head. Use a sunscreen SPF15 for babies over 6 months to help protect against harmful rays.
17) What is colostrum and why is it important?
It is very important to start breastfeeding soon after delivery so that your baby receives the benefits of colostrum or premilk. Since it is very limited in volume but very valuable in content, it is crucial that baby receives frequent feedings so that baby gets plenty of this yellow, creamy substance before it is replaced with mature milk. Colostrum is often referred to as 'liquid gold' perhaps for its properties; not only does it provide perfect nutrients for a newborn, it also imparts large amounts of living cells that provide your child with immunity against many harmful agents. You may notice the first milk as early as 20 weeks.
Colostrum is:
• Low in fat
• High in protein
• High in carbohydrates
• High in vitamin K
• Easy to digest
The benefits of Colostrum include:
• Colostrum works as a natural 100% safe vaccine; the immune agents contained in colostrom is much higher in comparison to mature milk
• Antibodies called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). Before birth, the placenta provided your baby with the antibody called IgG; now with this new antibody your baby receives protection from external germs in places like the mucous membranes in the throat, lungs and intestines.
• It plays a key role in the baby's gastrointestinal tract; the colostrum seals the permeable holes of the intestines and prevents foreign bodies from entering the intestines
• It also sensitizes baby to the foods eaten by you and
• Colostrum also acts as a laxative by loosening meconium or first stools (black sticky substance contained in the intestines); excess bilirubin is expelled from the system thus preventing jaundice
• Colostrum also contains high concentrations of leucocytes, protective white cells that can destroy disease causing bacteria and viruses.
Mature breast milk contain lower concentrations of antibodies but it is higher in volume. Baby continues to benefit from the disease fighting properties of human milk as long as it is breastfed.
18) Please guide my on my baby's growth and development. What to expect in the next few weeks?
Over the next few months you will be able to see how much your baby grows and develops. At each visit to the pediatrician during the first year, your baby's head circumference, weight and height will be measured.
19) How do I take care of my baby's cord?
A newborn umbilical cord is a stump of 1-2 cm long with a plastic clamp attache Within one day the umbilical cord which was shiny and moist at birth will shrivel up, turn crusty and darken in color. After about 5 days to 2 weeks the clamp will dry up and fall off. For a while there will be two parts: the blackish part of the umbilical cord and the skin color part of the navel.
Caring for Cord
In the past doctors used to advise cleaning the stump with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or antiseptic powders to aid in the healing process and keep the area free from infection. Not anymore. Recent studies indicate the more you stay away from it the better. But again it all depends on what you are comfortable with; just ensure the umbilical cord area is kept clean and dry at all times to ward off infection. 2 things you can or should do:
• Fold down your baby's diaper to air the stump. As much as possible do not allow the diaper to come into contact with the umbilical cord and to expose the umbilical cord to air
• Skip tub baths altogether for a week to 10 days or until the umbilical cord drops off and the area heals totally; stick to topping and tailing instead The idea is to keep the navel area as dry as possible. Infection sets in when the wound comes in contact with water and for some reason the area doesn't dry up.
The Basics on Cleaning
• Once the umbilical cord falls off there will be a small wound Sometimes a small amount of blood tinged fluid oozes from the site. This is normal unless it doesn't dry up completely in a few days.
• Remember to clean the area every day to prevent infection.
• Never be tempted to pull the umbilical cord; it will drop off when its time for it to drop off.
• Clean the umbilical cord every day with cotton wool dipped in cooled, boiled water if you prefer cleaning it to leaving it alone.
• Dry gently with a soft towel.
• Keep the umbilical cord exposed to air and prevent it from becoming wet with urine - turn the top of your baby's nappy down
Common concerns
• Umbilical cords take longer to fall off if there is an infection. If it is kept dry it will fall off sooner, usually within a week after delivery.
• Touching the umbilical cord doesn't hurt the baby unless it is infected
• A few drops of blood seeps out when the umbilical cord starts to separate - this is old bloo If the area is kept clean the bloody spot will heal fast.
• Swelling in the navel is a hernia. It is very common. It usually resolves itself in a few months and sometimes it can take longer but no treatment is needed. Do not attempt to press the lump down with home binders as it can do harm instead of good.
• The fleshy part after the stump falls off is the granulation tissue (umbilical granuloma). With time this bright red scar tissue will settle down; if not it will be treated with silver nitrate and allowed to wither and drop off.
When Cause becomes a Concern
• Redness in the surrounding skin
• Discharge from the navel or the base of the umbilical cord
• Discharge is foul smelling
• If the raw spot doesn't completely close and dry up two weeks after the stump falls off
1) What are the benefits of massaging your newborn?
Massaging your baby is a great way to bond with her and calm and settle her. It also offers plenty of health benefits. You can start your baby from about 2 weeks (or once the cord falls off). Baby massage is safe, simple and best of all, anyone can do it.
2) What is the Apgar Score?
Following birth, a baby is given a quick check to see if his breathing is established. At one minute and then again at 5 minutes an Apgar score is recorded to see . How well your baby is responding to life outside the womb. This involves giving points for heart rate, muscle tone, body color and reflex response. A total score of 7 and over is considered normal; 10 is perfect while below 7 merits observation and even treatment. It is not unusual for some babies to be drowsy because the mother was given painkillers during labor.
3) Is swaddling my baby necessary?
Swaddling offers a newborn baby warmth and security - a snug wrap feels like a big hug to that tiny body. A good wrap is not a surefire way of calming a colicky baby but it does make carrying the little one easier and safer. It also helps baby to sleep more soundly on his back. Since swaddling is restrictive, it may hinder motor development; a full-body swaddle is not recommended after baby turns 2 months old. Babies this old will enjoy the looser version of the snug wrap.
4) Is it possible for a newborn baby to 'smile' already?
Proper smiling starts at around 6 weeks according to some experts. Fleeting smiles in the first few days which were once considered to be due to wind or random expressions are now being referred to as smiles. Some doctors feel that newborns are actually imitating your facial movements from an early age.
5) What is jaundice and is it serious?
Jaundice can be caused by prematurity, infection, exposure to drugs during labor, or bruising at birth. Different types of jaundice exist with physiological version being the commonest form in newborns. It is not a true disease, rather a symptom that affects more than half of healthy newborns in the initial days of life. As a rule if there is no underlying cause to jaundice, it will subside without treatment in the first week of life.
6) What reflexes can my newborn do?
It may take you a while to get accustomed to your newborn's behavior. Baby's reactions to the various stimuli are different. You will need to observe these reactions. Being individuals already at such a tender age, it is important to become familiar with these baby traits. These very traits will contribute to baby's personality in the future.
As baby learns to manipulate and direct his reactions, she will automatically produce less random reactions; for example your newborn will scrunch her whole face when she sees you but at 2 months she will give you a smile.
7) What to expect during my baby's first checkup?
In your first visit lots of questions will be asked as your doctor will want to know as much about you as possible. It is the most comprehensive visit in comparison to the other visits. Your medical history along with a thorough physical examination, which includes blood work, pelvic and breast exams, will be done. Below are the common tests conducted in this initial visit, which are by and large standard in nature
8) What baby toiletries are essential?
Children of today have not only infections to deal with but also allergies, rashes and problems with the respiratory system. A wide variety of chemical irritants are to be blamed for this.
9) My baby is constipated. What can I do about it?
Constipation is a situation where the stool is firm, dry and pebbly. This can last for an undetermined amount of time but is usually not serious if treated properly..
10) What is a Guthrie test?
During the first 10 days after birth, a tiny drop of blood will be taken from your baby's heel to test for thyroid and a rare disorder called phenylketonuria (a deficiency in body chemistry), which can cause mental retardation and growth impairment if left undetected.
11) Why does my baby have sticky eyes?
There are no tears when a newborn cries. This is because the baby's tear ducts have yet to mature (tear ducts tend to mature at about 6 weeks). And because of this, irritants cannot be washed away causing baby's eyes to become more prone to infection.
Eye Cleaning
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and wipe them dry before handling your baby (make that a routine). Pour some cooled boiled water into a clean container. Using clean cotton balls or washcloth, dip them into the water and squeeze out the excess. Gently clean baby's eyes from the inner corners toward the outer corners in ONE stroke. Rep eat the same with the other eye using a fresh clean piece.
Eye Ailments
Blocked Tear duct
• A blocked tear duct is very common during the newborn phase and most of the time it resolves as baby grows. The tear ducts are tiny tubes that run from the corner of the eyes, collecting the tears which are constantly being produced to keep the eye moist; the fluid then passes down into the nose cavity.
• In small babies there can be a blockage at the bottom end of the tear duct which causes germs to grow in the moist site. This then oozes out as discharge.
• A blocked duct seldom requires treatment but if the problem persists at six months and up, treatment becomes necessary.
• In such a situation, white gooey stuff collects in the corner and edges of the eyelids. The eye may also seem 'weepy'.
• Wipe your baby's eyes with cooled boiled water (use a different cotton ball for each eye) from the inner corner then outwards every few hours. Massage gently by rubbing at the side of the nose beneath the corner of the eye.
• If regular cleaning and massaging (for a day or so) doesn't seem to improve the situation, you will need to call the GP. The infection needs to be treated with antibiotic eye drops.
"Sticky Eyes"
As with blocked tear duct this too is quite common. One or both eyelids end up sticking together while baby is asleep due to discharge from the eyes. This is usually an irritation that results from the fluids your baby has encountered at birth. Wipe your baby's eyes with cooled boiled water using a different cotton wool for each eye every few hours. It is rarely conjunctivitis and more likely a blocked tear duct. However if there is no improvement consult your GP.
Crossed or Squinty eyes
This situation is especially common in the first 3 months because baby's eyes are not working together yet. This is due to a lack of muscle power in controlling the eyes. It becomes more obvious when baby is relaxed and feeding. She will be able to focus both eyes when her eye muscle develops. It becomes a concern if there is no change after this time frame.
Eye care Don'ts
• Do not constantly wipe baby's eyes with tissues or face cloths.
• Do not change formula because of sticky eyes.
• Do not clean baby's eyes with any kind of tea.
• Do not discontinue breastfeeding in case of sticky eyes.
• Do not use the same cotton ball or same side of the washcloth to clean both eyes.
Medical assistance becomes necessary if:
• Discharge becomes darker yellow and more sticky.
• Discharge gets worse by the day.
• The whites of the eyes start to redden and you detect some swelling.
12) What is the best way to hold and handle my newborn?
Your baby's first couple of poos will be tar-like, sticky and greenish-black in color. Termed meconium, this waste product was accumulated in the womb. Most babies, over 90% of them, will pass meconium within 24 hours with about 2-4% passing it within 48 hours.
Cooled boiled water can be introduced to formula-fed babies from the age of six weeks, especially when in warmer climates; breastfed babies do not need anything else to drink. Regular tap water which is boiled is sufficient; do not add flavorings or sweeteners. However limit this to 2-4 oz per day as too much water can disturb the delicate balance of salts in your baby's body. Well diluted unsweetened fruit juices such as apple can be gradually introduced after baby turns nine months old. Avoid giving sparkling mineral water or water with high mineral content to babies under 2 years of age.
First meal
Ideally babies should be breast-fed exclusively until six months but if you choose to wean earlier, solid foods should not be introduced before 17 weeks or only after baby is four months old as a baby's digestive system is not mature enough. Further to this, he will extrude most of the food out of his mouth with his tongue until the tongue-thrust reflex is lost which happens after baby turns 4 months old.
Research suggests that babies and young children who sleep with the light on are more likely to be short-sighted than those who sleep in the dark.
Best first foods
Baby rice is the best first food. Comes in powder form, it is convenient to prepare since the portion is tiny at this stage. The taste and texture are quite similar to milk so most babies take on to it without much fuss. Once your baby has adjusted to this initial change, you can add apple puree or mashed potato, carrots for example, building a range of different textures and tastes in the process.
Vitamin supplements
Confusing for many parents but the general advice is this: for an exclusively breast-fed baby who is six months and beyond, you should give her vitamin drops containing vitamins A.C and D. Check with your pediatrician on which kind is suitable. For bottle-fed babies you do not need to do this because formula is fortified with vitamins already.
Research has found that many babies cry without any explicit source of discomfort.
Mobile now
In the 4th or 5th month baby learns to roll from his back onto his abdomen. In his 6th month he makes paddling movements while lying on his tummy and holds his head in different directions. He is able to grip and let go. He is beginning to sit up without support - a good time to invest in a high chair.
First crawl
Baby will make attempts to crawl in the 7th month to move from his current position to another. Some babies don't crawl at all and instead go from sitting to standing to walking; crawling should therefore not be used as a gauge of proper motor development.
A recent study suggests that if babies are not introduced to new textures and tastes until six months or older, they are more likely to be fussy or difficult eaters when they become toddlers.
Swimming
Once your baby has had his first set of immunizations you can take your baby to a public pool. The water and surrounding air temperatures should be warm (at least 33°C or 91.4°F) and the swimming session should be short (not more than 20 mins) to avoid baby from catching a cold. After introducing him to the water and when baby is relaxed you can let him float on his back with your support. Babies who are introduced to swimming early usually don't have to overcome fear later. Your child can't learn to swim until he is three; so for babies swimming has more to do with moving in the water and some together time with their parents. If your child has a tendency to develop respiratory infections, it is best to delay swimming for a while.
Bonding
Bonding between you and your baby can take anything from a few days to a few months or even longer. Research shows that a child who has not formed a secure psychological connection with a caring adult by the age of four is likely to have social problems throughout his life.
By the age of two, the rapid early growth rate has slowed down and boys are generally taller than girls. The ratio of clumsy boys to clumsy girls is about 2:1.
First words
Research shows that over 50% of early words are general in nature such as 'ball', 'car', while a word such as 'dog' may be used to refer to all animals. Less than 15% are specific referring to people such as 'mama' and 'teddy'. Many of child's first words are connected with things she uses in some way or the other such as 'juice', and 'spoon'. This only goes on to prove that your child's language is reflective of her everyday experiences. On the average, first words are spoken around the age of 9-12 months, and by the age of 15 months about six clear words will be used by your toddler. Most often these are names of family members or familiar objects. By age of 18 months your toddler is able to combine two words to form a meaningful phrase such as 'me cup' meaning I want my cup.
First tooth
Most babies are born toothless and most babies cut their first tooth around 4-6 months of age. Some babies teethe earlier than this and some later. Most have all their milk teeth by the time they are two and a half. There are twenty baby teeth, ten at the top and ten at the bottom. In some cases a tooth appears without much warning signs while in others babies go through a lot of discomfort.
Survey indicates that 20% of fat children become fat adults.
First step
Between 9 and 12 months some babies start to take their first steps - they discover how to 'cruise' around the furniture. Although some babies leap to their feet and waddle off as early as 10 months, others are still seated contentedly months after their 1st birthday. Walking your baby around will not make her walk earlier. Don't bother buying a walker - they don't teach a baby to walk and they do cause a large number of accidents!
Holding a Newborn
Be sure to always support your baby's head when picking him up and putting him down. Always make sure you are comfortable yourself because if you feel tense he will too. One of your hands should always be behind baby's head, neck and shoulders to give proper support. Once his head is well supported, he will feel secure and will relax. Most babies like to be held close to your body against your shoulder. Once baby's head and neck are well supported there is no right way to hold and lift your baby - just work out what feels right to you both.
Virtually all babies build their language skills in the same way, using the same 'building blocks; in the same order and usually at around the same time.
Temperature
A fever is a temperature of about 37.7°C (100°F) or over. A normal temperature is anything between 36°C (96.8°F) and 37°C (98.6°F). 'Strip type' thermometers are convenient but inaccurate. Taking temperature under the arm can be hard to manage. Digital thermometer that goes in the ear is expensive but very handy - fast and accurate.
13) I need to know more about immunization. Is it really important?
Vaccines that have been developed so far are against infections that are serious and contagious; the more children are vaccinated the better protected our population becomes. On the same token each time your child receives a shot, it is no walk in the park for him/her.
What the vaccine does…
A vaccine stimulates the immune system into producing antibodies, which are proteins required to combat infection. It is a virus or bacterium derived from the disease, altered so that it can't cause illness but instead trigger these proteins into action to protect your child upon contact with the disease. The immune system is therefore primed into recognizing the disease and then gears up to offer protection. In other words, exposure to the weakened germs from the vaccine will prepare your child's system when confronted by the real thing.
What follows a jab..
• There will be a transient pain caused by the needle so your child will cry for a short while; with some pacifying this crying should cease.
• Soreness or slight redness is common at the injection site.
• A small lump may form but this is painless and harmless and usually goes away on its own.
• Your child may develop low grade fever, be irritable for a few hours.
• It is advisable to give a small dose of paracetamol for pain or fever; check with your doctor on dosing instruction.
Can they be given together?
Combination vaccines prove to be confusing for some parents; they fear that vaccines when combined are not as safe or effective as a single vaccine. Much research was done to ensure that the combined vaccines are just as reliable before being introduced. In fact the main advantage is that your baby receives only one shot instead of a few in one sitting. Example is the five-in-1 which include (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio and haemophilus influenza type B). Meanwhile research continues to develop more combo vaccines that will be introduced once approved.
Why you should be vaccinating your child…
• With the advent of vaccines, certain diseases have been successfully eradicated namely smallpox.
• Vaccines slow down or stop the outbreak of diseases
• Although vaccines are not 100% effective, they do offer a very high rate of protection; there is a lower chance of being infected with that disease once the child is vaccinated
• Immunity levels of 90 to 95% is provided through a good vaccination
• For some diseases, booster shots are required to top up the immunity to the disease while for others like Hep B and MMR, the immunity is lifelong.
• If a large enough segment of the population is immunized against a disease either through vaccination or being naturally immune, the disease will be blocked from reaching those who are susceptible
Routine immunizations
There are effective vaccines for the following infections for your baby:
Polio: A virus that damages the nervous system and can result in permanent paralysis and death
Diphtheria: A bacterial disease that starts as a throat infection and gradually spreads to the heart and the nervous system
Tetanus: A potentially fatal bacterial infection that can cause the muscles to paralyze badly
Whooping cough or pertussis: Again caused by bacteria, mild fever with violent coughing spasms that can cause the child to vomit, have fits and lung damage
Hib: A bacterial infection causing a range of illness that include meningitis and pneumonia
Measles: A viral that can cause chest infections, fits, meningitis and permanent brain damage
Mumps: A viral that causes painful swelling of the salivary glands. Also known to cause meningitis and deafness
Rubella: A viral that can cause serious birth defects in unborn babies
Tuberculosis or TB: Caused be bacteria, the infection mainly affects the lungs
For all other vaccines, it is best to get your doctor's advice. Some shots are necessary in certain parts of the world such influenza vaccination is necessary when you are traveling to colder climates like USA.
When it is a good idea to delay immunization…
• If you are unsure about the vaccine, voice your concerns with your pediatrician to gain better understanding and advice
• If your child is unwell with temperature above 38.5C - vaccination itself will cause low grade fever so it is important to postpone the shot. A child with a runny nose or mild cold can go ahead.
• If your child has a serious reaction to a previous shot, has an allergy to eggs then you should check on the influenza vaccine as it contains traces of egg protein; if your child is allergic to yeast found in breads and cakes then Hep B vaccine becomes a question mark since it is yeast-based. It is important to discuss allergies or reactions to injections to your doctor before a shot is administered.
Helping to ease the pain…
• For an older child, explain that the vaccination is to help keep the nasty germs away
• Praise your child after the shot so he feels more confident about the next one
• Comfort your crying baby with hugs and assurances; offer baby the bottle. Suckling will provide comfort
• Bring along some treats such as chocolates or candies
• Consider combination vaccines to reduce the agony of many sittings
• Show your child that you are confident about the procedure
14) I plan on bottlefeeding my baby. What are the essentials I need to know?
There is undoubtedly more work involved in bottlefeeding as compared to breastfeeding but very soon a routine will be established of cleaning and sterilizing the equipment, formula preparation and giving the bottle. Bottlefed babies are mostly fed with modified cow's milk. All formulas are formulated according to government regulations to ensure they replicate human milk as closely as possible and contain the correct amounts of fat, protein and vitamins. Inappropriate levels of protein and minerals can put a strain on baby's immature kidneys and cause dehydration. Cow's milk doesn't contain sufficient iron for young babies; goat's milk and condensed or carnation milk are not suitable for young infants. Hence infant formula fed from the bottle is a healthy alternative to breast milk. Formula can be bought in powder, liquid concentrate and ready-to-feed forms available in most supermarkets and pharmacies. There are certain guidelines to making formula milk. Good hygiene and following manufacturer's instructions take precedence.
Safety Issues
Measurements:
Never heap or pack a scoop of formula or add an extra one in the hope of providing extra nourishment. Instead read the instructions carefully and follow it and ensure the correct amount of water is filled to the number of scoops. Always use the scoop provided. Over-concentrated formula makes the baby dehydrated and a weaker mixture results in an undernourished baby. For extra formula, add more water and powder in the right proportions. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions totally.
Choking:
Never leave your baby to feed from a propped up bottle even when she grows older. There is always the risk that she can choke. Feeding this way can cause baby to swallow a lot of air with the feed. Inspect bottle teats each time you wash them to ensure they are not worn or damaged.
Bacteria free:
Keep your baby's formula free from germs by washing your hands before handling formula or equipment. Keep the can tightly closed and sterilize everything you use for measuring, mixing or storing the made up formula. This includes bottles, teats and teat covers. Make a bottle as and when your baby needs one. Discard remnants as it contains bacteria from baby's saliva.
Milk Temperature:
Most babies don't mind taking milk that is slightly colder than body temperature; it should be at room temperature preferably. Do not use microwave to heat formula as the bottle may feel cold but the contents may have hot spots and could scald your baby's mouth. Even if you choose to warm in the microwave ensure the bottle is well shaken to increase the evenness and test the temperature by letting a couple of drops fall on the inside of your wrist. It should just feel warm. Feed your baby right away and discard any leftovers within the hour.
Excess Milk:
Never store warm formula in a thermos or electric bottle warmer. Throw away any formula your baby leaves behind. Don't try to save that half bottle for next time by storing it in the fridge.
The Basics
1. Babies need a breast milk substitute for the entire first year of life. You cannot count on cow's milk to provide the nutrition as it contains too little sugar and the wrong kind of fat. The protein cannot be properly digested in your baby's tiny stomach and the absence of iron makes it inappropriate. Babies under one should not be fed any kind of unmodified cow's milk.
2. Infant formula contains the extra mineral critical for the health of your newborn. Liquid colloidal minerals added to the formula will give your baby over 60 essential minerals required for proper physical development.
3. Formula kept at room temperature becomes an ideal breeding ground for germs. A new baby has few defenses against germs. Since she is able to pick up innumerable number of germs from a bottle standing around in a warm room, don't leave one lying around. Reduce the risk of gastroenteritis by keeping your baby's formula free from bacteria as possible.
4. If you add too much of powder, the feed will be too strong with too much protein, fat, salt and less water. She will become fat from too many calories and feel thirsty from too much salt. The result can be one unhappy baby who cries a lot and because she cries a lot you will give her another bottle. If that bottle is concentrated again baby will even be thirstier. The result will be a baby who cries a lot, puts on a lot of weight and seems to need a lot of feeding.
5. It's a bad idea to keep formula warm when you plan an outing. Bottles once heated should be fed right away. Warm formula kept longer than an hour can cause bacteria to breed rapidly causing stomach infection in your baby. Take bottles of prepared formula in a cool box and warm them when he is hungry in a bottle warmer. Alternatively you can measure formula powder into empty milk containers and mix with boiled water as you need one. Always carry an extra feed during the trip.
6. Never introduce a routine at such a tender age. Baby's routine right now is irregular with frequent intervals. Baby tends to take longer to digest formula as it contains slightly more protein than breast milk and hence delays hunger for longer. At this stage your baby will probably not take over 60 ml or 2 oz at each feed. This will increase in quantity and decrease in frequency as he grows older. Let him determine when he is to be fed. Don't feel your baby has to finish his bottle; he will only get too full and posset it back.
7. Possetting is when your baby brings food straight back up. Common cause of possetting in young babies is overfeeding. If you feel your baby didn't feed well, offer her more food. If she doesn't take it you can assume she has had her fill. Forcible vomiting, if it occurs after several feeds, should be assessed by your pediatrician immediately as it can lead to dehydration.
8. Do not change milk formula without consulting your pediatrician first. If you feel your baby isn't feeding well or gaining adequate weight consider changing to another brand or type but first consult your doctor for advice.
9. Full term babies are sometimes diagnosed as intolerant to lactose or protein in cow's milk. They have difficulties digesting and eliminating the protein from a dairy-based formula. There are a range of specialized formulas which include hypoallergenic and soy milk formulated to provide babies with all the necessary nutrients. Consider trying soy-based formula for one month.
10. When storing prepared formula in the fridge ensure it is not stored beyond 24 hours. Keep the bottles in the main body of the fridge as it is cooler and not the door of the fridge.
11. During feeds, ensure you and baby are in a comfortable position. Keep the bottle tilted at an angle of 45 degrees so that the top is filled with formula and not air. Always bottle-feed your baby with her head higher than her body in a semi-upright or upright position. Do not let baby feed in a lying down position as this will cause fluids to collect in the ear canal causing ear infections.
12. Once baby stops sucking or when the feed is over, you may want to burp your baby by holding her upright against your shoulder and rub or pat her back gently. Since babies may posset, it is a good idea to place a napkin over your shoulder. If she doesn't burp after 3 minutes she probably does not need to.
13. When cleaning the equipment wash the bottles, teats, rings, discs and caps individually with a bottlebrush in soapy water. Scrub the teats and other parts thoroughly and rinse everything in warm running water. Sterilize all the equipment in a chemical sterilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively boil most of the items in a covered pan for 10 minutes and the teats for only 3 minutes.
14. Always wash your hands before preparing formula. Boil water for about 2 minutes. Let it cool. Avoid using bottled water or repeatedly boiled water as they may contain too much mineral salts.
15. After a few months your baby's unique pattern will evolve on its own. Don't be overly concerned about baby demanding food frequently just because you are feeding her whenever she seems hungry.
An afterthought
Overfeeding
Fat cells once produced cannot be removed. As such chubby babies grow into fat adults. It is very easy to overfeed a bottlefed baby by simply adding extra formula into the bottle and thereby extra calories. Secondly in your bid to feed her properly you will make sure she finishes to the last drop of every feed even if she doesn't need it. Introducing solids too early and syrupy drinks or fruit juices as substitutes for water are other mistakes some mothers make.
15) Is having diarrhea a serious concern with newborn?
Diarrhea is a condition that changes both the consistency and frequency of the baby's waste output. Each baby has her own stool pattern that changes slowly as she gets on with age..
Signs?
If bowel movements change noticeably within only a few days, she may have diarrhea. Any baby who has more than one stool per feeding should also be checked, even if this isn't a sudden change. Also check the stool consistency to see if it is not too liquid-like. The stool might also be more odorous than usual. Other signs of illness in your baby, such as poor feeding, a newly congested nose and a new fever, make the diagnosis of diarrhea more likely.
FYI
A newborn generally poops up to ten times a day, and an older baby may poop anywhere from a couple of times a day to once or twice a week. (In other words, you'll need to know what's normal for your baby.
Causes?
This condition is caused by any number of bacteria or viruses, and usually lasts between 5 – 7 days. Other than infection, a change in diet (including a change in mother's diet if the baby is breast-fed), antibiotic use can also trigger the condition. In most cases the diarrhea will resolve by itself within a week or so.
The central concern with diarrhea is the possibility of dehydration from loss of bodily fluids. Treatment is aimed at preventing dehydration, the real culprit. The good news is most children with diarrhea can be treated safely at home.
Feeding Routine?
If your baby is breast-fed, continue doing so. Breast-feeding helps prevent diarrhea cases by half. If your baby still seems thirsty after or between nursing sessions, you can supplement her with water or pediatric electrolyte solution.
You might want to switch to a soy-based formula if your baby is formula-fed until the diarrhea subsides. Do not dilute the formula. If you are continuing with the usual formula, then reduce the formula added to water by half. Consult with your baby's pediatrician for advice. Here again, supplement baby with an oral rehydration solution or water to help replenish the fluids and electrolytes that have been lost in the diarrheal stools.
Add yoghurt to baby's meal. The active cultures found in yoghurt can help to restore her regular bowel movement.
When to call your doctor?
Call your doctor if your baby is under 3 months and has diarrhea with a fever. Vomiting for 24 hours, 8 stools in 8 hours, or the presence of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool should also prompt a call to your pediatrician. If the diarrhea persists for more than a week, or is accompanied by more than 72 hours of fever, get in touch with your pediatrician. Contact your pediatrician right away if your baby won't drink or shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, crying without tears, sunken soft spot, lethargy, or going 8 hours without producing urine).
Prevention?
Hygiene! Practice hygiene by washing your hands and your baby's hands frequently since babies love mouthing. Wash fruits and vegetables before serving and toys and whatever else your baby touches more often. Wash your hands with soap thoroughly after each diaper change or using the washroom.
Treatment?
Tummy massage
Start at the belly button and then massage outwards in circles in a clockwise direction. Some oil or cream on your fingers can also help. Only continue if your baby enjoys the massage and is comfortable and relaxed.
Cycling
Place your baby his back. Hold legs and turn them gently in a quick cycling motion. This will make the stomach muscles move and, in turn, put gentle pressure on the intestines to make them move.
Bath
A warm bath can relax your baby so the stools are passed more easily. Once your baby has relaxed in the bath, you can also massage their stomach (see above). After cleaning your baby's bottom, apply some cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the outside of the anus
Avoid
Don't put a thermometer, suppository or enema or anything else inside your baby's anus to stimulate bowel movement, because this may cause damage. Still, check with your doctor for advice.
Formula
If your baby is on formula milk, you should follow the instructions on the package carefully. Making the mixture too thick by putting in more than the recommended amount of powder can lead to constipation and other medical problems. It's best to stick to the same brand, because different formulas may require different dilutions. Switch to a low-iron or soy formula until constipation clears.
Fluids
Give your baby plenty of fluids preferably cooled, boiled water.
Prevention?
Once your baby is between four to six months old, you can start introducing more bran-rich cereals and fruit or vegetable purées into their diet. These are rich in fibre and will help prevent constipation. Prune purée is particularly good for this purpose.
Final thought
If the above suggestions don't work for your baby, consult a doctor about special laxatives for chronic constipation.
Mothers with older babies
If your baby is on solid foods, then carrots, rice cereal, bananas, potatoes, and applesauce can help slow down the stools. Avoid citrus fruits and juices, peas, pears, peaches, plums, prunes and apricots until the stools are back to normal, which should be within a week or so.
16) How to tell if my baby is too hot or too cold?
Keeping your baby comfortably dressed for the surrounding temperature is important. Babies cannot alter body temperatures quick enough to compensate for temperature changes around them so remove layers or add them as the temperature changes so as to guard against overdressing or underdressing.
Enough layers?
Your baby is very sensitive to weather extremes. In general your baby will be comfortable in the same number of layers that you are wearing. But remember: he will get hot or cold a lot quicker than you would if the temperature changes. To make sure your baby is not feeling too warm feel the back of his neck or tummy - he should not feel too warm. Do not depend by touching his hands and feet as they are colder even when he is warm enough.
Take a complete change of clothes with you whenever you go out.
Lots of babies don't enjoy being dressed or undressed so make the procedure quick and easy. Choose clothes that are easy to put on and take off. Look for soft stretchy fabrics that are machine washable; all that dribbling and possetting and leaking diapers mean your baby's clothes have to withstand frequent washing. Until your baby is walking all she needs are socks or booties to keep her feet warm
The Winter months
When the temperature dips to 0°C or 32°F it is okay to take your baby outside in the first few weeks or months of life. However keep the outing short - it is better to go out twice for 30 minutes per session. Other tips include:
• Use your own comfort level as a guide to dressing your baby.
• Help prevent baby's skin against chapping by applying a thin layer of cream to baby's exposed parts and face.
• Cover exposed areas such as feet and hand with booties, mittens and a hat.
• In extreme cold, layer your baby well and end it with an appropriate sized snowsuit that comes with a hood.
• Take an extra blanket in case it gets chilly.
Don't buy newborn sizes but rather three months size clothes.
The Summer months
Your baby can become overheated easily in the summer months, in an overheated room if he is too warmly dressed. It is important to guard against overdressing since baby is able to keep her body temperature warm enough.
• Stick to natural fibers such as cotton as they let the skin breathe.
• You can check the back of baby's neck to see if he is too warmly dressed.
• Babies need to drink more than usual - offer baby an additional bottle of formula or breast milk.
• Take off hats, coats, extra clothes and blankets as soon you come into a warmer atmosphere even if baby is asleep.
• Never place baby under direct sunlight.
• If child becomes overheated he is bound to become listless and exhausted. Take baby to a cooler atmosphere at once; remove his clothes and fan him and give him a drink. Sponging him down with lukewarm water will also have a cooling effect. Inform your pediatrician if necessary.
Keep babies under 6 months out of the sun totally. Always use a sun hat on him (unless it is very warm) as he will lose a lot of heat from his head. Use a sunscreen SPF15 for babies over 6 months to help protect against harmful rays.
17) What is colostrum and why is it important?
It is very important to start breastfeeding soon after delivery so that your baby receives the benefits of colostrum or premilk. Since it is very limited in volume but very valuable in content, it is crucial that baby receives frequent feedings so that baby gets plenty of this yellow, creamy substance before it is replaced with mature milk. Colostrum is often referred to as 'liquid gold' perhaps for its properties; not only does it provide perfect nutrients for a newborn, it also imparts large amounts of living cells that provide your child with immunity against many harmful agents. You may notice the first milk as early as 20 weeks.
Colostrum is:
• Low in fat
• High in protein
• High in carbohydrates
• High in vitamin K
• Easy to digest
The benefits of Colostrum include:
• Colostrum works as a natural 100% safe vaccine; the immune agents contained in colostrom is much higher in comparison to mature milk
• Antibodies called secretory immunoglobulin A (IgA). Before birth, the placenta provided your baby with the antibody called IgG; now with this new antibody your baby receives protection from external germs in places like the mucous membranes in the throat, lungs and intestines.
• It plays a key role in the baby's gastrointestinal tract; the colostrum seals the permeable holes of the intestines and prevents foreign bodies from entering the intestines
• It also sensitizes baby to the foods eaten by you and
• Colostrum also acts as a laxative by loosening meconium or first stools (black sticky substance contained in the intestines); excess bilirubin is expelled from the system thus preventing jaundice
• Colostrum also contains high concentrations of leucocytes, protective white cells that can destroy disease causing bacteria and viruses.
Mature breast milk contain lower concentrations of antibodies but it is higher in volume. Baby continues to benefit from the disease fighting properties of human milk as long as it is breastfed.
18) Please guide my on my baby's growth and development. What to expect in the next few weeks?
Over the next few months you will be able to see how much your baby grows and develops. At each visit to the pediatrician during the first year, your baby's head circumference, weight and height will be measured.
19) How do I take care of my baby's cord?
A newborn umbilical cord is a stump of 1-2 cm long with a plastic clamp attache Within one day the umbilical cord which was shiny and moist at birth will shrivel up, turn crusty and darken in color. After about 5 days to 2 weeks the clamp will dry up and fall off. For a while there will be two parts: the blackish part of the umbilical cord and the skin color part of the navel.
Caring for Cord
In the past doctors used to advise cleaning the stump with cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or antiseptic powders to aid in the healing process and keep the area free from infection. Not anymore. Recent studies indicate the more you stay away from it the better. But again it all depends on what you are comfortable with; just ensure the umbilical cord area is kept clean and dry at all times to ward off infection. 2 things you can or should do:
• Fold down your baby's diaper to air the stump. As much as possible do not allow the diaper to come into contact with the umbilical cord and to expose the umbilical cord to air
• Skip tub baths altogether for a week to 10 days or until the umbilical cord drops off and the area heals totally; stick to topping and tailing instead The idea is to keep the navel area as dry as possible. Infection sets in when the wound comes in contact with water and for some reason the area doesn't dry up.
The Basics on Cleaning
• Once the umbilical cord falls off there will be a small wound Sometimes a small amount of blood tinged fluid oozes from the site. This is normal unless it doesn't dry up completely in a few days.
• Remember to clean the area every day to prevent infection.
• Never be tempted to pull the umbilical cord; it will drop off when its time for it to drop off.
• Clean the umbilical cord every day with cotton wool dipped in cooled, boiled water if you prefer cleaning it to leaving it alone.
• Dry gently with a soft towel.
• Keep the umbilical cord exposed to air and prevent it from becoming wet with urine - turn the top of your baby's nappy down
Common concerns
• Umbilical cords take longer to fall off if there is an infection. If it is kept dry it will fall off sooner, usually within a week after delivery.
• Touching the umbilical cord doesn't hurt the baby unless it is infected
• A few drops of blood seeps out when the umbilical cord starts to separate - this is old bloo If the area is kept clean the bloody spot will heal fast.
• Swelling in the navel is a hernia. It is very common. It usually resolves itself in a few months and sometimes it can take longer but no treatment is needed. Do not attempt to press the lump down with home binders as it can do harm instead of good.
• The fleshy part after the stump falls off is the granulation tissue (umbilical granuloma). With time this bright red scar tissue will settle down; if not it will be treated with silver nitrate and allowed to wither and drop off.
When Cause becomes a Concern
• Redness in the surrounding skin
• Discharge from the navel or the base of the umbilical cord
• Discharge is foul smelling
• If the raw spot doesn't completely close and dry up two weeks after the stump falls off
phengpheng
Active Member
hi! finally can online in SMH!!
miss u all so much!!
wanna ask those mommies whom have step out for shopping with bb!.. do u BF in the public? with the nursing ponchos?
but how do u turn bb to switch the breast under the ponchos?
right now, when i BF 1 side, bb will fall asleep and then abt 15mins to 30 mins he will wake up again and cried for milk, then i will offer the other side.
if im going to do this when outside, i will need to find a seat to BF him for an hour or so...
feeling so so badly to wanna go out and take a walk, window shop and relax..
miss u all so much!!
wanna ask those mommies whom have step out for shopping with bb!.. do u BF in the public? with the nursing ponchos?
but how do u turn bb to switch the breast under the ponchos?
right now, when i BF 1 side, bb will fall asleep and then abt 15mins to 30 mins he will wake up again and cried for milk, then i will offer the other side.
if im going to do this when outside, i will need to find a seat to BF him for an hour or so...
feeling so so badly to wanna go out and take a walk, window shop and relax..
pamelia
Member
101 Questions and Answers! ( Part 2 )
20) Are disposable nappies better than reusable ones?
You will have to use nappies or diapers until your baby is potty trained. Baby can take up to minimum 2 years to gain full bladder and bowel control. So, you have to give consideration to which type of nappies you would prefer to use: reusable or disposable. There is a wide range available in the market today. It all depends on your convenience and circumstances.
Disposable versus Reusable
Neither type has an edge over the other since both have pros and cons.
• Reusable nappies are cumbersome - they need to be washed, sterilized and dried. They are no better at preventing nappy rash.
• Disposable nappies are expensive.
• Reusables or washables are more environment-friendly so more ecologically sound.
• Disposables have an adverse impact on the environment in the long run.
• Traditional reusables are bulky and can be uncomfortable for baby when he is mobile; modern reusables are specifically shaped and many come with Velcro fastenings so safety pins do not become an issue. It is a good idea to also use disposables with it to avoid heavy soiling when baby has a BM.
• Disposables are highly absorbent; it means that the nappy is less likely to leak and baby's skin stays drier. You still need to change your baby often - on the average about 10 nappies in 24 hours in the initial days.
• For reusable nappies you would need nappy pins or modern clips or Velcro tabs, liners and waterproof pants and buckets for soaking and sterilizing.
Things you will need
• Changing mat or towel
• Tissues
• Nappy (diaper)
• Baby wipes or cotton wool
• A bowl of warm water
• Barrier cream (Vaseline or diaper rash cream)
Cleaning your baby GIRL
Always clean baby's vulva and anus from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to baby's vagina. Rinse away the faeces gently with damp cotton wool or wipes. Do not clean inside the labia.
Cleaning your baby BOY
When you remove the diaper, cover your baby boy's penis with the diaper or point his penis down so that he doesn't pee out; exposure to air causes baby boys to pee sometimes. Clean around the penis and scrotum with water. Always wipe the anus from front to back. Do not attempt to pull back the foreskin as this remains fixed until he is much older.
Changing Nappy
• Always change baby on a firm flat surface with a mat or towel underneath. Protect your back by either kneeling or using a table of the correct height.
• Never leave your baby unattended even for a few minutes; even a newborn can wriggle off a mat.
• Accumulate all the essentials you would need before attempting to change the nappy. Always give your baby air-time to play bottom free so that air gets to your baby's bottom as much as possible.
• Make sure you clean all the creases and folds of baby's skin with cotton ball dipped in water. Dry the area with a towel or napkin; put a fresh nappy under the bottom. Apply a think layer of barrier cream and close the nappy.
• Dispose off the contents but not the disposable nappy in the toilet if possible; do not flush the disposable nappy or liners down the toilet. Wrap the used diaper well and dispose them in bags in a covered bin or diaper pail.
• Some babies have sensitive bottoms and need a cream or ointment with each change: you can choose to use petroleum jelly which is suitable for rashes or dry skin. Use it after each diaper change. Or there is the white zinc oxide meant for babies who are more prone to rashes. It is thicker in consistency - use on all babies having diarrhea. Avoid any cream with steroids such as cortisone or hydrocortisone.
• Avoid using baby powder on a baby this young; it can get into your baby's lungs, cause irritation and even breathing problems. It can even worsen a diaper rash.
• Baby wipes are convenient alternatives when you are out and about. Buy unscented and alcohol free versions; dip in water to make cleaning more thorough and gentler on your baby's skin. Since wipes can irritate tender skin, reserve its use when you go out and stick to cotton wool whenever possible.
Diaper Rash
It is certainly preventable if you are vigilant about changing his nappy on time and frequently, especially if there is a BM. Bacteria in faeces breaks down the urine to release ammonia which ulcerates the skin. Use barrier cream as a preventive measure mainly; in the event of sore bums leave baby's nappy off whenever possible and apply the cream at every change. If rash persists for more than 3 days check with your doctor.
21) Is it advisable to use barrier cream when changing a nappy?
Same as above.
22) How to handle my colicky baby?
Colic is a non-scientific term used to describe inconsolable crying or screaming stemming from tummy pain of an otherwise healthy infant. It usually starts when baby is around 3 weeks old, peaks when baby is about 6 weeks and ends when baby turns 3 months old. Colic can be a traumatic time for the whole family.
Colic is not a bad word..
• Colic is not your fault. Despite your efforts you can at the most ease the discomfort for a while but not make the pains vanish for good.
• A colicky baby doesn't mean baby has health issues.
• Colic doesn't mean baby is going to have a difficult personality later on.
• Colic doesn't mean you as a parent are incompetent and failing in your love and care.
• Colic is not damaging to the baby in the short or long run.
• Colic in most instances will end by 12 weeks.
Colicky facts..
• Colic may last for hours and hours and mostly happens in the evenings.
• Baby tends to draw up his knees and passes wind often.
• Although the crying spells are distressing, in all other respects baby is thriving normally.
• One theory suggests that colic is triggered by sensitivity to a particular food.
• A more substantial find suggests that colic is a result of baby's immature nervous system being on an overdrive which would explain why it seems to happen in the evening when both mother and baby are both most tired and stressed.
• Though for most babies colic subsides after the third month, some babies go on to suffer from it at 4, 5 or 6 months.
• In a breastfed baby colic can be caused by poor positioning leading to what is termed temporary lactose overload. The break down in sugar is not complete and will ferment in the bowel causing gas. This is the likely situation if baby's poo is green, watery with a lot of wind, both bottom and top. The solution is to offer more fat-rich hindmilk - increase the time on the breast to ensure baby gets the hindmilk.
• Some babies swallow more air when they feed and still others do not burp well enough.
• Abdominal discomfort leads to even more swallowed air, unfortunately.
Are Wind and Colic the same?
• Wind means baby has swallowed some air which is now trapped in his tummy or digestive system causing him pain. Doctors themselves are not sure why colic occurs but they partly attribute it to painful gut contractions caused by trapped wind; in fact not much is known about colic and some experts choose to refute its existence.
• Wind is not the cause of colic although a screaming baby would undoubtedly swallow a lot of air - this can worsen the problem since air gets trapped. The trapped air in the intestine loops intensifies the problem during spasm and only gets better after a good burp.
• Wind can be relieved by getting your baby to bring up the wind and burp. Colic being not as straightforward has to run its course of hours of incessant crying and screaming for weeks at end.
Coping strategies with a Colicky baby
• One theory hinges on colic being caused by wind build-up. Try giving your baby an anti-wind treatment such as gripe water.
• Burp your baby. Rest your baby over your shoulder with belly flat against you or sit him down on your lap and pat and rub her back until a burp comes out. This way baby experiences gentle pressure on her tummy and relieve some of the tummy pain. Burp your baby mid-way during a feed if he seems uncomfortable. Keep a cloth handy as along with the burp some squirts of milk may be expelled.
• Breastfeeding mothers should try eliminating certain foods such as chocolate, cabbage, broccoli, beans and milk products etc. Give this a try.
• Get help with your latch on technique as poor latching is the number one cause of windy babies.
• For bottle fed babies check with your doctor if a change in formula might help. Try different teats and bottles. Tilt the bottle and ensure the teat is filled with milk. Seat baby in a more upright position.
• Try and avoid evening stress by giving baby an evening bath or a massage in the day or by going for a walk together.
• Have proper meals and naps yourself to help build your own energy level.
• Reduce your chores or activities and in turn reduce your frustration level as these get easily transmitted to your baby.
• Make sure your movements are relaxed and slow as these vibrations can be caught on by your baby.
Tips to try with your crying child..
Since the cause isn't clear, preventive measures are hard to find. If issues like hunger, dirty nappies are not the cause try these measures to prevent you from losing your mind:
• Snuggle baby close to your body; try different holds to see which one best suits.
• Move while holding him close either by bouncing or swaying gently.
• Play music. Experiment here again coz different babies take on to different type of music.
• Try white noise. Place him by a washing machine, dryer or vacuum cleaner.
• Let him suck your clean finger or his thumb or fingers.
• Have a bath
• Let someone else handle him. Different vibes sometimes work wonders. New smell, face or touch may distract him from crying.
• Give him a massage. Lie him down on a warm towel in a warm room and stroke his body with gentle and firm strokes using warm oiled hands.
• Change his nappy and clothes - maybe the familiar changing routine may just work at quieting him down.
• Lie him down. Maybe that's all he wants, to be put down.
• Use a baby sling and carry him around while you go about your chores.
• Take a walk outside to give her a change of temperature, atmosphere and noise.
• Go for a drive, but only as a last resort as babies tend to become accustomed to this rather easily.
• Get practical help. Make sure that somehow you get some time out for yourself, everyday if possible even if its just for 10 minutes
• Try all the methods, tricks and ideas you can think of to soothe your baby. Something may just work even if it's just for few minutes. Short relief is better than no relief.
23) Are pacifiers really all that bad?
The use of pacifiers has become a debate of late. Despite its bad reputation, parents continue to be perplexed on whether to use it or not. Many continue to use it because of the advantages sucking a dummy offers never mind the minus points. It pays to decide by considering the matter-of-fact pros and cons listed below.
The GOOD aspect
• Pacifiers help calm restless infants and help them fall asleep more easily.
• Sucking without eating is said to have some benefits for a baby's state of mind
• Distraught parents get a break from the incessant wails and cries and feel less helpless once their infant is calm
• Pacifiers can make the vanishing act when the time is right while the same cannot be said for a baby's thumb.
The BAD aspect
• Since it keeps falling out of baby's mouth it needs to be sterilized just as many times.
• Studies indicate that babies on dummies (especially those who use a lot of it) are prevented from babbling and producing other sounds that babies make in preparation for speech.
• For some babies dummies become their crutches; they grow very dependent on them even when sleeping. They can only sleep with a dummy in their mouth and this poses a problem for the parent when the dummy falls out and baby wakes up wailing a couple times in the night.
• Using dummies can interfere with breastfeeding.
• The use of pacifiers has been linked to dental problems such as it can interfere with the development of baby's jaw.
• Using dummies have been linked with ear infections, mouth and stomach infections as well (especially with older babies and children).
Precautions to..
• Do not tie the pacifier to baby's shirt with a long string - your child can choke on the string.
• The shield should be large enough to prevent swallowing.
• Do not dip pacifiers in honey or juice as this can promote tooth decay
However if you decide to use one make sure it is very clean (pay particular attention to hygiene). Dummies should be sterilized for babies until six months. Put the dummy to good use by making these decisions:
• Use a dummy for six months and then ditch the practice before dependency grows.
• Use it to help baby fall asleep and then remove it once he is sleeping.
• Avoid using pacifiers at all other times so there is no interference with his attempts to babble or make conversations.
24) When can I start massaging my baby?
Massaging your baby is a great way to bond with her and calm and settle her. It also offers plenty of health benefits. You can start your baby from about 2 weeks (or once the cord falls off). Baby massage is safe, simple and best of all, anyone can do it.
Massage Essentials
• Choose an appropriate time i.e. when he is well rested (mornings are good) or the last thing in the night after his bath.
• If you use oil, opt for baby oil or cold compressed versions such as almond oil.
• Wash your hands, remove jewellery and make sure your nails are trimmed.
• Do it in a warm room with warm hands, using slightly heated oil.
• Remember that massage is not a mechanical routine - you need to bring yourself to the moment.
• Use gentle rubbing and soft stroking motions.
• If your baby becomes fretful it is best to stop and try another day.
• Always wait 45 minutes after feeding before massaging.
• Avoid massage if baby has any illness, skin rash or infection.
• Avoid massaging on the injection site (after an immunization shot) for at least a week.
Materials
You will need baby oil or lotion, soft towel or comforter for your baby to lie on, soft music or you can sing to your baby, some wipes and diapers just in case.
Basic Positions
There are 3 basic positions to choose from when massaging your baby. Pick one that you find most comfortable.
1. If you decide to stand, place your baby on a changing table and stand in front of him so that your baby faces you.
2. If sitting, you can sit cross-legged on the floor or bed. Lay your baby on the comforter on his back facing you.
3. You can also sit on a couch and place your baby on a towel over your crossed legs. Position your baby on his back facing you.
Massage is love which is one unique breath, breathing in two. - Frederick Leboyer
Rub your Baby the Right Way!
Begin by massaging your baby's feet with your thumbs. If baby shows resistance wait until baby is ready. Use this time to softly talk to her about what you are doing or sing a lullaby. Your touch should be fluid but firm at the same time. Use repetitious strokes over her feet, legs, tummy, chest, arms, hands, back, and face. Rotate, squeeze pull and stretch.
• Feet and legs:
the feet and legs are areas where babies are most receptive. First massage the feet using your thumbs and gently massage each toe. Then rub the ankle stroking from heel to toe. Move your hands to one leg; work from his thighs to his knees in a downward motion and gently squeeze around the shins. Do the same for the next leg.
• Tummy and chest:
Bicycle her legs and push both knees to the belly and hold them there for about 20 sec. Do this a few times. Next, gently stroke the chest using a downward motion. Rub the tummy clockwise using a circular motion starting at her lower belly, up and across to the top of her tummy. Next, using your fingertips massage outwards from navel. (This may cause your baby to poop or release gas).
• Arms, neck and shoulders:
Stroke his neck and move down unto his shoulders. Massage each arm by squeezing as you move down. Massage the wrists, hands and fingers with your thumbs and fingers.
• Head:
Lightly massage the head, avoiding the fontanelles. Stroke the sides of his cheeks. Massage his forehead from the center out, moving across his eyebrows and ears.
• Back:
Turn baby unto his tummy. Stroke from his neck to the buttocks then stroke from one side to the other side of his back a few times. Complete the massage by lightly brushing your fingers up and down his body - this final step will let your baby know that massage is over.
If your baby shows signs of restlessness, she is signaling you to change the pace or end the massage. Wipe the excess oil from her body but let a little remain as nourishment to the skin. Bathe her with soap and warm water later that day or the next morning.
Massage Benefits
• Massage is an effective way to soothe and communicate with your baby.
• Massage can help your baby sleep better.
• Massage has lots to offer in terms of physical and psychological benefits.
• Massage reduces fussiness, relieves gas and constipation, and even reduces colic.
• Massage is believed to strengthen the immune system, improve muscle development and stimulate growth.
• Massage benefits baby greatly if done daily for a minimum period of 6 months.
• Massaged everyday for 15 minutes resulted in babies who cried less, were more alert and socially engaged, gained weight faster and had better IQs.
25) How do I clean my baby's ears?
Ears too are prone to infection if you are not careful. When cleaning you should ensure water does not enter baby's ears. It is also not necessary to poke and clean in areas you cannot see. Water and unnecessary poking can lead to infection and malfunction of this sensory organ.
Ear Cleaning
Cleaning them is easy - just remember not to put anything inside the ear. To clean the ears use infant sized cotton swab or washcloth to swab away excess wax or dirt on the external part of the ear. Do not use cotton-tipped swabs or Q-tip as you can injure if you insert too far into the ear. The ear canal will clean itself. What you can do is carefully remove the visible earwax in the entrance to the canal but don't venture deeper. Gently wipe the back of the ears as well.
Understanding Earwax:
It is important to understand that earwax is a good thing - it traps dirt that gets into the ear. The tiny hairs in the canal move the wax and dirt out. All you need to do then is to wipe the outside with a damp washcloth or cotton swab and DO NOT go inside.
Understanding Loud Noise:
During the first few months of life, your baby is far more sensitive to sound than you are. Loud noises can startle and shock his system and even damage his hearing. It is important that there are quiet times every day so that your baby's ears can rest.
Ear Infections
• Babies under a year old are not able to communicate their discomforts. All you may notice is incessant crying, poor appetite, and fatigue.
• Ear trouble in babies and children is mainly caused by an infection resulting from an inflamed middle ear. Infections such as adenoids, measles, influenza and a cold cause the middle ear to ache. Babies are not able to communicate this discomfort and often scream in pain.
• Each ear consists of three parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. Both the middle and inner ear are located inside the skull; the middle ear is kept clear of fluids and so free of infection by the Eustachian tubes which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
• During an infection the nasal mucus membrane is inflamed and swollen, and air cannot travel into the middle ear. Pain occurs when fluid or pus builds up in the cavity.
• Fever, pain, blood stained discharge, ringing in the ears are common symptoms. Baby may vomit or have diarrhea; may be irritable in the night; may refuse feeds and an older child may pull his ears.
Outer Ear Infection (otitis externa)
• The outer ear canal is inflamed due to bacteria mainly. The main culprit is eczema or if he swims a lot. Poking their fingers into their ears can also cause an infection. You are not able to detect the infection from the outside contrary to its name.
• Common symptoms are earache or itching, ear discharge and the child repeatedly rubbing or pulling his ear.
• Give your child some form of pain relief i.e. paracetamol or ibuprofen and use ear drops as directed. Prevent water from entering his ears (so swimming is definitely out).
• Wipe away any discharge but do not use cotton buds or anything else inside the canal.
• Your doctor will examine your child's ears with a special instrument to look into the canals. An appropriate antibiotic and pain relief medicines will be prescribed. Sometimes nosedrops are prescribed to ensure proper drainage of the middle ear by keeping the tubes open.
• Inflammation of the outer ear can be very painful although it is common. Common because of swimming in chlorinated waters and poking objects into the ear.
Middle Ear Infection (acute otitis media)
• This means the space behind the ear drums is infected or inflamed. Sometimes one ear is infected and sometimes both. Largely viral it is still difficult for most doctors to know whether it is due to virus or bacteria.
• Infection travels from the throat via the narrow tube to the middle ear. It tends to afflict some children more than others.
• Symptoms are earache, fever, inconsolable crying and ear discharge.
• You can relieve your child's pain with a warm compress over the ear and give her pain relief in the form of paracetemol or ibuprofen. In the case of a mild virus, the situation will improve on its own. Treat the fever and offer plenty of fluids.
• Your doctor will examine your child's ears with a special instrument to look into the canals. An appropriate antibiotic and pain relief medicines will be prescribed.
Glue Ear
• Also known as otitis media with effusion or OME, this is a form of fluctuating deafness that occurs frequently with young children.
• It happens because of an infection; the lining of the middle ear produces mucus in excess. The Eustachian tubes become blocked leaving the mucus to collect in the middle ear. This mucus thickens and becomes gluey causing the child's hearing to be muffled.
• Glue ear can start early in infancy and usually clears within six months. In most instances antibiotics help to clear up the sticky fluid but occasionally a minor procedure to drain the glue needs to be performed. Procedure is necessary when the fluid persists and causes impaired hearing.
• Under anaesthetic a tiny tube is inserted into the ear drum to equalize the air pressure on both sides of the ear drum. This will allow the ear to dry out. After a couple of months the tiny tube will dislodge and fall out and the hole will heal by itself; hearing will be back to normal.
26) How do I clean my baby's eyes?
Same as #11.
27) What are the common ear infections to watch out for?
Ears too are prone to infection if you are not careful. When cleaning you should ensure water does not enter baby's ears. It is also not necessary to poke and clean in areas you cannot see. Water and unnecessary poking can lead to infection and malfunction of this sensory organ.
Ear Cleaning
Cleaning them is easy - just remember not to put anything inside the ear. To clean the ears use infant sized cotton swab or washcloth to swab away excess wax or dirt on the external part of the ear. Do not use cotton-tipped swabs or Q-tip as you can injure if you insert too far into the ear. The ear canal will clean itself. What you can do is carefully remove the visible earwax in the entrance to the canal but don't venture deeper. Gently wipe the back of the ears as well.
Understanding Earwax:
It is important to understand that earwax is a good thing - it traps dirt that gets into the ear. The tiny hairs in the canal move the wax and dirt out. All you need to do then is to wipe the outside with a damp washcloth or cotton swab and DO NOT go inside.
Understanding Loud Noise:
During the first few months of life, your baby is far more sensitive to sound than you are. Loud noises can startle and shock his system and even damage his hearing. It is important that there are quiet times every day so that your baby's ears can rest.
Ear Infections
• Babies under a year old are not able to communicate their discomforts. All you may notice is incessant crying, poor appetite, and fatigue.
• Ear trouble in babies and children is mainly caused by an infection resulting from an inflamed middle ear. Infections such as adenoids, measles, influenza and a cold cause the middle ear to ache. Babies are not able to communicate this discomfort and often scream in pain.
• Each ear consists of three parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. Both the middle and inner ear are located inside the skull; the middle ear is kept clear of fluids and so free of infection by the Eustachian tubes which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
• During an infection the nasal mucus membrane is inflamed and swollen, and air cannot travel into the middle ear. Pain occurs when fluid or pus builds up in the cavity.
• Fever, pain, blood stained discharge, ringing in the ears are common symptoms. Baby may vomit or have diarrhea; may be irritable in the night; may refuse feeds and an older child may pull his ears.
Outer Ear Infection (otitis externa)
• The outer ear canal is inflamed due to bacteria mainly. The main culprit is eczema or if he swims a lot. Poking their fingers into their ears can also cause an infection. You are not able to detect the infection from the outside contrary to its name.
• Common symptoms are earache or itching, ear discharge and the child repeatedly rubbing or pulling his ear.
• Give your child some form of pain relief i.e. paracetamol or ibuprofen and use ear drops as directed. Prevent water from entering his ears (so swimming is definitely out).
• Wipe away any discharge but do not use cotton buds or anything else inside the canal.
• Your doctor will examine your child's ears with a special instrument to look into the canals. An appropriate antibiotic and pain relief medicines will be prescribed. Sometimes nosedrops are prescribed to ensure proper drainage of the middle ear by keeping the tubes open.
• Inflammation of the outer ear can be very painful although it is common. Common because of swimming in chlorinated waters and poking objects into the ear.
Middle Ear Infection (acute otitis media)
• This means the space behind the ear drums is infected or inflamed. Sometimes one ear is infected and sometimes both. Largely viral it is still difficult for most doctors to know whether it is due to virus or bacteria.
• Infection travels from the throat via the narrow tube to the middle ear. It tends to afflict some children more than others.
• Symptoms are earache, fever, inconsolable crying and ear discharge.
• You can relieve your child's pain with a warm compress over the ear and give her pain relief in the form of paracetemol or ibuprofen. In the case of a mild virus, the situation will improve on its own. Treat the fever and offer plenty of fluids.
• Your doctor will examine your child's ears with a special instrument to look into the canals. An appropriate antibiotic and pain relief medicines will be prescribed.
Glue Ear
• Also known as otitis media with effusion or OME, this is a form of fluctuating deafness that occurs frequently with young children.
• It happens because of an infection; the lining of the middle ear produces mucus in excess. The Eustachian tubes become blocked leaving the mucus to collect in the middle ear. This mucus thickens and becomes gluey causing the child's hearing to be muffled.
• Glue ear can start early in infancy and usually clears within six months. In most instances antibiotics help to clear up the sticky fluid but occasionally a minor procedure to drain the glue needs to be performed. Procedure is necessary when the fluid persists and causes impaired hearing.
• Under anaesthetic a tiny tube is inserted into the ear drum to equalize the air pressure on both sides of the ear drum. This will allow the ear to dry out. After a couple of months the tiny tube will dislodge and fall out and the hole will heal by itself; hearing will be back to normal.
28) What are birthmarks and are they treatable?
Many babies are born with birthmarks which mostly disappear after a few months after birth. Some . How ever like the strawberry mark may take longer. The Mongolian blue spot is often mistaken for bruising of the lower back and is predominantly found in darker toned babies.
29) What is cradle cap and how do I treat it?
Cradle cap is a common condition with infants and usually causes no discomfort. It goes away on its own, so aggressive treatment is unnecessary. Excessive or harsh scrubbing or brushing of the scalp may cause your baby pain and can aggravate the situation. Daily shampooing with a no-tears shampoo after gently loosening the scales with a small amount of mineral oil on a soft tooth-brush is usually sufficient. Use oil to loosen flakes and ensure it is not left on scalp for long periods of time. If your baby's cradle cap is extremely resistant, you may want to check with his pediatrician to be certain of the diagnosis. If his doctor confirms that it is cradle cap, you can follow the simple measures above, and rest assured that with time, usually well before 1 year of age, the condition will subside on its own.
30) What should be done if my baby is unwell?
You will need to know why your baby is unwell by visiting your doctor. The younger the baby the more important it is to not delay the visit. Appropriate advice will be given: if you should change her feeds, give more water or be prescribed medication. Babies under 3 months should not be given paracetemol or OTC medications unless prescribed by your doctor.
31) What can I do for my baby when she has a cold?
Her nose will be blocked or runny and so she will have problem feeding and breathing at the same time. Wipe her nose with cotton wool instead of tissue which can be rough. Saline drops on your doctor's advice can be used although there is a slight risk of it dripping down into the chest and worsening the matter. Raise your baby's upper body with the help of a firm pillow. Use a humidifier in the room.
32) Is colic the same thing as excessive wind?
Same as #22.
33) What do I need to avoid when breastfeeding?
You have heard the saying, 'You are what you eat'. The same goes for your baby - 'Your baby is what you eat'. What a breast-feeding mother eats is passed on to her baby through her milk and the reaction can be discomforting to her child if the foods are not suitable. Though your breast feeding diet is a lot like your pregnancy diet (read eating and drinking right), there is a small difference now; there are some occurrences you have to watch out for.
Hint: it is to do with your baby's reactions to flavors; it's to do with your child's taste buds and her sensitivities to certain foods.
Points worth remembering
• You are still eating for two so it is important to pack in about 500 extra calories a day of healthy fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins.
• You also need to up your fluids - 10-12 eight oz of glasses a day in the form of water, juice, soup, and milk if your baby is not sensitive to dairy products.
• Not every food is problem causing so it is not that perplexing. It is good to be aware of foods that commonly cause reactions. A gassy reaction in baby means you have to eliminate.
• While exercising is good, it promotes the production of lactic acid in the milk and hence makes the milk a little sour. Exercise after you nurse and not before helps to prevent this.
The Wait-and-See Approach
Your baby reacts to flavors. Some babies react to onions, garlic, others to green beans or broccoli. Gassy reaction very commonly happens if breast milk doesn't suit the baby. It has a lot to do with what the mother ate. A distressed baby reacts by pulling her legs up to the stomach, a sign of gas pain. Some babies scream in agony. Others do not sleep well. Take the trial and error approach since you cannot predict what suits and what doesn't. For example drink a cup of beverage and then watch how your baby reacts. A screaming baby or one in discomfort tells you that you should skip or limit beverages for a while. Here are some foods to watch out for and temporarily eliminate:
Caffeinated foods.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, sodas and even some medications all contain caffeine in varying proportions. Limit your coffee to a cup or two if you absolutely must have it.
Spices.
Chili powder, garlic, curry powder, cinnamon are some spices that produce a reaction.
Vegetables.
Not all vegetables but some vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, peppers, turnips and cucumber cause gas.
Citrus fruits and juices.
Grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, strawberry, kiwi are examples of citrus fruits your baby can be sensitive to.
Dairy foods.
Be aware that milk, cheese and other dairy products can cause an allergic reaction in your baby.
Laxative inducing fruits.
Cherries, prunes are some examples.
Alcohol.
It is okay to enjoy the occasional drink but remember to wait at least 3 hours before feeding baby.
Allergens.
Nuts, peanuts, fish, eggs, wheat and soy are some allergens which contain proteins traces that can be absorbed into mother's bloodstream and into her milk.
Nicotine.
Stay clear during your breast feeding days as tobacco can get into breast milk and affect milk production. It can also create a consequence of vomiting and restlessness in baby.
34) How to tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
Things to look out for are:
• 6-8 wet nappies over a 24-hour period.
• 2-4 nappies of yellow stools in a day
• Gradual weight gain (. How ever a dropping of weight gain alone should not be taken to suggest that feeding isn't going well)
• An alert and bright-eyed baby who is interested in his surroundings
• A feeling of softer and less heavy breasts after your baby has fed.
35) How many hours of sleep do newborns need?
No straightforward answer to this one since it varies with different babies. Newborns with no regular sleep patterns may need as little as 11 hours to 20 hours out of 24. From around 2-3 months sleep averages about 9 hours in the night with about 5 hours of nap during the day.
36) My baby has white tiny spots all over her face. Should I be concerned?
These are called milia and are normal. They are blocked sweat and oil glands in the skin and will disappear soon.
37) Should my baby's room be kept quiet during sleep times?
Babies can sleep in noisy environments and almost anywhere. For instance you don't need to tip-toe around when she is put down for a sleep. How ever a sudden loud noise can startle your baby, so don't put on the radio or TV (high volume) all of a sudden when baby is sound asleep.
38) Which is the best sleep position for my baby?
Studies show that babies should be sleeping on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. Even if your baby changes positions when she grows a little older, you should continue to place her on her back.
39) Should I leave my newborn baby to cry?
It is not advisable to leave your baby to 'cry it out', especially in the early weeks of life. You cannot possibly spoil him by responding to his every need promptly. By attending to your baby you are providing him with the assurance that he is valued and his needs are important. As he grows older, you can leave certain short periods for him to cry it out for example when he undergoing sleep training. But the first weeks of life is not a good time to try this.
40) My nipples are really sore. What should I do?
Nipple soreness can produce a reluctant nursing mum; this problems sprouts in the early days of nursing. All the manipulation, tugging and pulling by the baby contributes to some amount of soreness in every new mother. Sore nipples can make breastfeeding a nightmare. If not corrected it can lead to worse problems and an aversion to the whole breast feeding routine.
The Facts on Soreness..
• Painful nipples create an anxious mum. Once anxious, her letdown reflex becomes weak and feeding becomes a bit of a problem
• If the pattern continues, further problems like engorgement can set in
• It is certainly preventable. Treatment should be executed promptly if the problem is already there.
• No soaps, scented stuffs and any form of abrasion on the breast area
• There are 2 types of soreness: the mild and the more serious version
• In the mild form, the burning sensation happens at the beginning for a few minutes before the letdown reflex begins. Because there isn't enough milk, the baby will be tugging vigorously at the breast. The tugging eases once the ducts start to fill up with milk. Both the mother and baby start to feel better when this happens
• Soreness in the mild form is temporary and tends to wear off unless the nipple is already bruised. Otherwise the problem tends to disappear after a few days of routine and practice
• In the more serious situation the sensitive skin around the nipple is already injured with cracks, fissures or blisters. The whole feeding session hence becomes painful and uncomfortable. Fortunately they are fairly uncommon but they do require treatment
• The main argument is that sore nipples are caused by babies not latching on properly. When baby is properly latched on, the baby will be clamping on the tissue surrounding the nipple and not the nipple itself. If the nipple is not erect, the baby faces problem of putting the whole nipple and the areola into its mouth. The mother's position and engorgement further act as deterrents.
Sore Nipples is Preventable
• The mother should vary her positions. She can try the 'football' position for instance instead of the standard sitting positions, now that she has nipple discomforts. Pillows can be used to prop the baby to a suitable height and angle so that baby can reach for the nipple without much effort
• Correct latching is very important. Basically it will prevent baby from sucking on the nipple alone, causing it to crack and become sore. Secondly a good milk flow is ensured.
• Don't pull the baby off after its feed; carefully break the suction by putting your finger in your baby's mouth
• Some babies need to suck on and on. Offer your little finger or your partner's finger between feeds (avoid the pacifier if you can)
• Nipple shields should be used only if nothing else seems to work. This is because these shields confuse the baby in much the same way as bottles do.
• Expose nipples to air and light between feeds. Rub some breast milk around the nipple, wait to dry and then put on the bra. Alternatively, you may use the shields between feeds to allow for ventilation
• Wash the breast and nipple areas with water only. Avoid scented soaps and body wash and perfumes for the time being. Washing agents only dry up the skin and make it more susceptible to cracks
• In the initial months avoid bottle feeding and pacifiers. This only creates confusion for your kid
Nipple Care
• Following a feed, wash the nipples gently with water and leave them to dry naturally for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid the towel if you can
• Apply dry heat to nipples with the aid of a hairdryer or a light bulb. Be careful on the degree of heat utilized and the distance
• Apply lanolin or mild creams to protect nipples. There are special creams for nipple cracks in the market. Breast milk serve as emollients too
• Manual stimulation of nipple to make it erect before putting baby to breast helps
• Let baby start on the nipple that is less sore. Once the milk has let down, switch baby to the sore nipple
• Avoid feeding using only one breast. After about 5 minutes transfer baby to the second breast
• Get extra rest
• Seek help from your doctor or a lactation consultant
41) My breasts are rock-solid and uncomfortable. Why is this?
Breast aches and pains are common after birth. The most common type of breast discomfort occur when the breasts become engorged or the breast ducts become full of milk but for some reason do not empty. The swollen, tender, hardened breasts can make feeding an agonizing experience.
The Facts..
• Engorgement is caused by milk's arrival, around 3-4 days after birth
• The pain can sometimes spread to the armpit areas
• There is usually no infection
• The pain is diffused with no inflamed areas
• Nursing becomes especially uncomfortable for the mother and quite a task for the baby if the swelling causes the nipples to flatten
• Once a feeding routine is established (within days), the engorgement subsides
• The pain can be relieved if prompt attention is given
Why Engorgement & steps to Prevent it
• It usually happens after the breasts start to fill up with milk.
• The mother does not feed on demand perhaps because either the baby or the mother is not in the position or mood
• Take comfort in the fact that engorgement usually lasts for about 2 days
• Nurse, pump or both to empty breasts often
• Do not limit the sucking time; let baby stop nursing on her own
• Start with the heavier breast
Steps to pain Relief..
• During bath times, run the hot shower over breasts
• Apply warm soaks to the painful areas
• Massage the areas before trying to feed or pump to help empty the ducts
• Place ice packs or cold towels on affected areas. This helps to reduce the swelling
• Breast massage prior to pumping will help in the milk flow. Place a wet warm towel over the breasts and gently massage the area using the thumb above the nipple, forefinger and middle fingers below the nipple very close to the areola
• Use the breast pump if you have one
• During feeding continue to use the warm napkin over the breast and gently massage while your baby sucks
• A good supporting nursing bra really helps
Green Cabbage leaves Method
• Many women rely on cabbage leaves to relieve the swelling.
• Use green cabbage only
• Peel off the leaves and wash them before use. You may use them chilled or at room temperature
• The veins should be flattened with a rolling pin
• Place the leaves directly on the breasts or inside the bra (avoid using leaves on irritated skin or if you are allergic to sulphur or cabbage)
• Leave it on for about half an hour; as you start to feel relief remove the leaves as it is known to reduce the milk supply
The occasional Blocked Duct
• Engorgement or tight clothes can cause a duct to become blocked; this results in a hard red patch on the exterior where the duct is located.
• You may feel feverish
• Blocked duct is preventable by feeding and emptying your breasts often
• Ensure you wear a proper bra, one that fits well
• If you do get a blocked duct, offer to feed or express milk from the affected breast first
• Massage the lumpy area gently as your baby feeds
• If there is no improvement in 24 hours, a mild antibiotic will be required to clear the infection
Engorgement when you are not feeding..
• Breasts become engorged or overfilled with milk whether the mother chooses to feed or not; it is the design of Mother Nature
• Previously drugs were used to suppress lactation; these days due to the side effects of the drugs, postpartum breast engorgement is left to resolve itself
• The simple logic is if the milk is not used, production will automatically cease
• Some women may experience light leaking for several days or even weeks
• in the interim remember the ice packs, supportive bras and the cabbage leaves to help with the discomfort
• Avoid hot showers as this encourages milk flow
42) When is the baby's first check-up after coming home?
The next visit is usually at 3-4 weeks of age. At that time, a history of. How the first month has been so far, in terms of feeding, sleeping pattern etc is discussed. This is followed by physical examination by the pediatrician and immunization due at that age is given. At subsequent visits, sequential examinations, developmental assessment as well as immunizations are given according to the age of the infant.
43) How important is it for dads to bond with their newborn?
It is very important for fathers to begin the bonding process right away. He should feel part of the whole process from the start. The baby by nature tends to be more attached to the mother, but the father definitely should be involved from this point on. This will also reinforce his role as the supportive provider for the baby.
20) Are disposable nappies better than reusable ones?
You will have to use nappies or diapers until your baby is potty trained. Baby can take up to minimum 2 years to gain full bladder and bowel control. So, you have to give consideration to which type of nappies you would prefer to use: reusable or disposable. There is a wide range available in the market today. It all depends on your convenience and circumstances.
Disposable versus Reusable
Neither type has an edge over the other since both have pros and cons.
• Reusable nappies are cumbersome - they need to be washed, sterilized and dried. They are no better at preventing nappy rash.
• Disposable nappies are expensive.
• Reusables or washables are more environment-friendly so more ecologically sound.
• Disposables have an adverse impact on the environment in the long run.
• Traditional reusables are bulky and can be uncomfortable for baby when he is mobile; modern reusables are specifically shaped and many come with Velcro fastenings so safety pins do not become an issue. It is a good idea to also use disposables with it to avoid heavy soiling when baby has a BM.
• Disposables are highly absorbent; it means that the nappy is less likely to leak and baby's skin stays drier. You still need to change your baby often - on the average about 10 nappies in 24 hours in the initial days.
• For reusable nappies you would need nappy pins or modern clips or Velcro tabs, liners and waterproof pants and buckets for soaking and sterilizing.
Things you will need
• Changing mat or towel
• Tissues
• Nappy (diaper)
• Baby wipes or cotton wool
• A bowl of warm water
• Barrier cream (Vaseline or diaper rash cream)
Cleaning your baby GIRL
Always clean baby's vulva and anus from front to back to avoid spreading bacteria from the anus to baby's vagina. Rinse away the faeces gently with damp cotton wool or wipes. Do not clean inside the labia.
Cleaning your baby BOY
When you remove the diaper, cover your baby boy's penis with the diaper or point his penis down so that he doesn't pee out; exposure to air causes baby boys to pee sometimes. Clean around the penis and scrotum with water. Always wipe the anus from front to back. Do not attempt to pull back the foreskin as this remains fixed until he is much older.
Changing Nappy
• Always change baby on a firm flat surface with a mat or towel underneath. Protect your back by either kneeling or using a table of the correct height.
• Never leave your baby unattended even for a few minutes; even a newborn can wriggle off a mat.
• Accumulate all the essentials you would need before attempting to change the nappy. Always give your baby air-time to play bottom free so that air gets to your baby's bottom as much as possible.
• Make sure you clean all the creases and folds of baby's skin with cotton ball dipped in water. Dry the area with a towel or napkin; put a fresh nappy under the bottom. Apply a think layer of barrier cream and close the nappy.
• Dispose off the contents but not the disposable nappy in the toilet if possible; do not flush the disposable nappy or liners down the toilet. Wrap the used diaper well and dispose them in bags in a covered bin or diaper pail.
• Some babies have sensitive bottoms and need a cream or ointment with each change: you can choose to use petroleum jelly which is suitable for rashes or dry skin. Use it after each diaper change. Or there is the white zinc oxide meant for babies who are more prone to rashes. It is thicker in consistency - use on all babies having diarrhea. Avoid any cream with steroids such as cortisone or hydrocortisone.
• Avoid using baby powder on a baby this young; it can get into your baby's lungs, cause irritation and even breathing problems. It can even worsen a diaper rash.
• Baby wipes are convenient alternatives when you are out and about. Buy unscented and alcohol free versions; dip in water to make cleaning more thorough and gentler on your baby's skin. Since wipes can irritate tender skin, reserve its use when you go out and stick to cotton wool whenever possible.
Diaper Rash
It is certainly preventable if you are vigilant about changing his nappy on time and frequently, especially if there is a BM. Bacteria in faeces breaks down the urine to release ammonia which ulcerates the skin. Use barrier cream as a preventive measure mainly; in the event of sore bums leave baby's nappy off whenever possible and apply the cream at every change. If rash persists for more than 3 days check with your doctor.
21) Is it advisable to use barrier cream when changing a nappy?
Same as above.
22) How to handle my colicky baby?
Colic is a non-scientific term used to describe inconsolable crying or screaming stemming from tummy pain of an otherwise healthy infant. It usually starts when baby is around 3 weeks old, peaks when baby is about 6 weeks and ends when baby turns 3 months old. Colic can be a traumatic time for the whole family.
Colic is not a bad word..
• Colic is not your fault. Despite your efforts you can at the most ease the discomfort for a while but not make the pains vanish for good.
• A colicky baby doesn't mean baby has health issues.
• Colic doesn't mean baby is going to have a difficult personality later on.
• Colic doesn't mean you as a parent are incompetent and failing in your love and care.
• Colic is not damaging to the baby in the short or long run.
• Colic in most instances will end by 12 weeks.
Colicky facts..
• Colic may last for hours and hours and mostly happens in the evenings.
• Baby tends to draw up his knees and passes wind often.
• Although the crying spells are distressing, in all other respects baby is thriving normally.
• One theory suggests that colic is triggered by sensitivity to a particular food.
• A more substantial find suggests that colic is a result of baby's immature nervous system being on an overdrive which would explain why it seems to happen in the evening when both mother and baby are both most tired and stressed.
• Though for most babies colic subsides after the third month, some babies go on to suffer from it at 4, 5 or 6 months.
• In a breastfed baby colic can be caused by poor positioning leading to what is termed temporary lactose overload. The break down in sugar is not complete and will ferment in the bowel causing gas. This is the likely situation if baby's poo is green, watery with a lot of wind, both bottom and top. The solution is to offer more fat-rich hindmilk - increase the time on the breast to ensure baby gets the hindmilk.
• Some babies swallow more air when they feed and still others do not burp well enough.
• Abdominal discomfort leads to even more swallowed air, unfortunately.
Are Wind and Colic the same?
• Wind means baby has swallowed some air which is now trapped in his tummy or digestive system causing him pain. Doctors themselves are not sure why colic occurs but they partly attribute it to painful gut contractions caused by trapped wind; in fact not much is known about colic and some experts choose to refute its existence.
• Wind is not the cause of colic although a screaming baby would undoubtedly swallow a lot of air - this can worsen the problem since air gets trapped. The trapped air in the intestine loops intensifies the problem during spasm and only gets better after a good burp.
• Wind can be relieved by getting your baby to bring up the wind and burp. Colic being not as straightforward has to run its course of hours of incessant crying and screaming for weeks at end.
Coping strategies with a Colicky baby
• One theory hinges on colic being caused by wind build-up. Try giving your baby an anti-wind treatment such as gripe water.
• Burp your baby. Rest your baby over your shoulder with belly flat against you or sit him down on your lap and pat and rub her back until a burp comes out. This way baby experiences gentle pressure on her tummy and relieve some of the tummy pain. Burp your baby mid-way during a feed if he seems uncomfortable. Keep a cloth handy as along with the burp some squirts of milk may be expelled.
• Breastfeeding mothers should try eliminating certain foods such as chocolate, cabbage, broccoli, beans and milk products etc. Give this a try.
• Get help with your latch on technique as poor latching is the number one cause of windy babies.
• For bottle fed babies check with your doctor if a change in formula might help. Try different teats and bottles. Tilt the bottle and ensure the teat is filled with milk. Seat baby in a more upright position.
• Try and avoid evening stress by giving baby an evening bath or a massage in the day or by going for a walk together.
• Have proper meals and naps yourself to help build your own energy level.
• Reduce your chores or activities and in turn reduce your frustration level as these get easily transmitted to your baby.
• Make sure your movements are relaxed and slow as these vibrations can be caught on by your baby.
Tips to try with your crying child..
Since the cause isn't clear, preventive measures are hard to find. If issues like hunger, dirty nappies are not the cause try these measures to prevent you from losing your mind:
• Snuggle baby close to your body; try different holds to see which one best suits.
• Move while holding him close either by bouncing or swaying gently.
• Play music. Experiment here again coz different babies take on to different type of music.
• Try white noise. Place him by a washing machine, dryer or vacuum cleaner.
• Let him suck your clean finger or his thumb or fingers.
• Have a bath
• Let someone else handle him. Different vibes sometimes work wonders. New smell, face or touch may distract him from crying.
• Give him a massage. Lie him down on a warm towel in a warm room and stroke his body with gentle and firm strokes using warm oiled hands.
• Change his nappy and clothes - maybe the familiar changing routine may just work at quieting him down.
• Lie him down. Maybe that's all he wants, to be put down.
• Use a baby sling and carry him around while you go about your chores.
• Take a walk outside to give her a change of temperature, atmosphere and noise.
• Go for a drive, but only as a last resort as babies tend to become accustomed to this rather easily.
• Get practical help. Make sure that somehow you get some time out for yourself, everyday if possible even if its just for 10 minutes
• Try all the methods, tricks and ideas you can think of to soothe your baby. Something may just work even if it's just for few minutes. Short relief is better than no relief.
23) Are pacifiers really all that bad?
The use of pacifiers has become a debate of late. Despite its bad reputation, parents continue to be perplexed on whether to use it or not. Many continue to use it because of the advantages sucking a dummy offers never mind the minus points. It pays to decide by considering the matter-of-fact pros and cons listed below.
The GOOD aspect
• Pacifiers help calm restless infants and help them fall asleep more easily.
• Sucking without eating is said to have some benefits for a baby's state of mind
• Distraught parents get a break from the incessant wails and cries and feel less helpless once their infant is calm
• Pacifiers can make the vanishing act when the time is right while the same cannot be said for a baby's thumb.
The BAD aspect
• Since it keeps falling out of baby's mouth it needs to be sterilized just as many times.
• Studies indicate that babies on dummies (especially those who use a lot of it) are prevented from babbling and producing other sounds that babies make in preparation for speech.
• For some babies dummies become their crutches; they grow very dependent on them even when sleeping. They can only sleep with a dummy in their mouth and this poses a problem for the parent when the dummy falls out and baby wakes up wailing a couple times in the night.
• Using dummies can interfere with breastfeeding.
• The use of pacifiers has been linked to dental problems such as it can interfere with the development of baby's jaw.
• Using dummies have been linked with ear infections, mouth and stomach infections as well (especially with older babies and children).
Precautions to..
• Do not tie the pacifier to baby's shirt with a long string - your child can choke on the string.
• The shield should be large enough to prevent swallowing.
• Do not dip pacifiers in honey or juice as this can promote tooth decay
However if you decide to use one make sure it is very clean (pay particular attention to hygiene). Dummies should be sterilized for babies until six months. Put the dummy to good use by making these decisions:
• Use a dummy for six months and then ditch the practice before dependency grows.
• Use it to help baby fall asleep and then remove it once he is sleeping.
• Avoid using pacifiers at all other times so there is no interference with his attempts to babble or make conversations.
24) When can I start massaging my baby?
Massaging your baby is a great way to bond with her and calm and settle her. It also offers plenty of health benefits. You can start your baby from about 2 weeks (or once the cord falls off). Baby massage is safe, simple and best of all, anyone can do it.
Massage Essentials
• Choose an appropriate time i.e. when he is well rested (mornings are good) or the last thing in the night after his bath.
• If you use oil, opt for baby oil or cold compressed versions such as almond oil.
• Wash your hands, remove jewellery and make sure your nails are trimmed.
• Do it in a warm room with warm hands, using slightly heated oil.
• Remember that massage is not a mechanical routine - you need to bring yourself to the moment.
• Use gentle rubbing and soft stroking motions.
• If your baby becomes fretful it is best to stop and try another day.
• Always wait 45 minutes after feeding before massaging.
• Avoid massage if baby has any illness, skin rash or infection.
• Avoid massaging on the injection site (after an immunization shot) for at least a week.
Materials
You will need baby oil or lotion, soft towel or comforter for your baby to lie on, soft music or you can sing to your baby, some wipes and diapers just in case.
Basic Positions
There are 3 basic positions to choose from when massaging your baby. Pick one that you find most comfortable.
1. If you decide to stand, place your baby on a changing table and stand in front of him so that your baby faces you.
2. If sitting, you can sit cross-legged on the floor or bed. Lay your baby on the comforter on his back facing you.
3. You can also sit on a couch and place your baby on a towel over your crossed legs. Position your baby on his back facing you.
Massage is love which is one unique breath, breathing in two. - Frederick Leboyer
Rub your Baby the Right Way!
Begin by massaging your baby's feet with your thumbs. If baby shows resistance wait until baby is ready. Use this time to softly talk to her about what you are doing or sing a lullaby. Your touch should be fluid but firm at the same time. Use repetitious strokes over her feet, legs, tummy, chest, arms, hands, back, and face. Rotate, squeeze pull and stretch.
• Feet and legs:
the feet and legs are areas where babies are most receptive. First massage the feet using your thumbs and gently massage each toe. Then rub the ankle stroking from heel to toe. Move your hands to one leg; work from his thighs to his knees in a downward motion and gently squeeze around the shins. Do the same for the next leg.
• Tummy and chest:
Bicycle her legs and push both knees to the belly and hold them there for about 20 sec. Do this a few times. Next, gently stroke the chest using a downward motion. Rub the tummy clockwise using a circular motion starting at her lower belly, up and across to the top of her tummy. Next, using your fingertips massage outwards from navel. (This may cause your baby to poop or release gas).
• Arms, neck and shoulders:
Stroke his neck and move down unto his shoulders. Massage each arm by squeezing as you move down. Massage the wrists, hands and fingers with your thumbs and fingers.
• Head:
Lightly massage the head, avoiding the fontanelles. Stroke the sides of his cheeks. Massage his forehead from the center out, moving across his eyebrows and ears.
• Back:
Turn baby unto his tummy. Stroke from his neck to the buttocks then stroke from one side to the other side of his back a few times. Complete the massage by lightly brushing your fingers up and down his body - this final step will let your baby know that massage is over.
If your baby shows signs of restlessness, she is signaling you to change the pace or end the massage. Wipe the excess oil from her body but let a little remain as nourishment to the skin. Bathe her with soap and warm water later that day or the next morning.
Massage Benefits
• Massage is an effective way to soothe and communicate with your baby.
• Massage can help your baby sleep better.
• Massage has lots to offer in terms of physical and psychological benefits.
• Massage reduces fussiness, relieves gas and constipation, and even reduces colic.
• Massage is believed to strengthen the immune system, improve muscle development and stimulate growth.
• Massage benefits baby greatly if done daily for a minimum period of 6 months.
• Massaged everyday for 15 minutes resulted in babies who cried less, were more alert and socially engaged, gained weight faster and had better IQs.
25) How do I clean my baby's ears?
Ears too are prone to infection if you are not careful. When cleaning you should ensure water does not enter baby's ears. It is also not necessary to poke and clean in areas you cannot see. Water and unnecessary poking can lead to infection and malfunction of this sensory organ.
Ear Cleaning
Cleaning them is easy - just remember not to put anything inside the ear. To clean the ears use infant sized cotton swab or washcloth to swab away excess wax or dirt on the external part of the ear. Do not use cotton-tipped swabs or Q-tip as you can injure if you insert too far into the ear. The ear canal will clean itself. What you can do is carefully remove the visible earwax in the entrance to the canal but don't venture deeper. Gently wipe the back of the ears as well.
Understanding Earwax:
It is important to understand that earwax is a good thing - it traps dirt that gets into the ear. The tiny hairs in the canal move the wax and dirt out. All you need to do then is to wipe the outside with a damp washcloth or cotton swab and DO NOT go inside.
Understanding Loud Noise:
During the first few months of life, your baby is far more sensitive to sound than you are. Loud noises can startle and shock his system and even damage his hearing. It is important that there are quiet times every day so that your baby's ears can rest.
Ear Infections
• Babies under a year old are not able to communicate their discomforts. All you may notice is incessant crying, poor appetite, and fatigue.
• Ear trouble in babies and children is mainly caused by an infection resulting from an inflamed middle ear. Infections such as adenoids, measles, influenza and a cold cause the middle ear to ache. Babies are not able to communicate this discomfort and often scream in pain.
• Each ear consists of three parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. Both the middle and inner ear are located inside the skull; the middle ear is kept clear of fluids and so free of infection by the Eustachian tubes which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
• During an infection the nasal mucus membrane is inflamed and swollen, and air cannot travel into the middle ear. Pain occurs when fluid or pus builds up in the cavity.
• Fever, pain, blood stained discharge, ringing in the ears are common symptoms. Baby may vomit or have diarrhea; may be irritable in the night; may refuse feeds and an older child may pull his ears.
Outer Ear Infection (otitis externa)
• The outer ear canal is inflamed due to bacteria mainly. The main culprit is eczema or if he swims a lot. Poking their fingers into their ears can also cause an infection. You are not able to detect the infection from the outside contrary to its name.
• Common symptoms are earache or itching, ear discharge and the child repeatedly rubbing or pulling his ear.
• Give your child some form of pain relief i.e. paracetamol or ibuprofen and use ear drops as directed. Prevent water from entering his ears (so swimming is definitely out).
• Wipe away any discharge but do not use cotton buds or anything else inside the canal.
• Your doctor will examine your child's ears with a special instrument to look into the canals. An appropriate antibiotic and pain relief medicines will be prescribed. Sometimes nosedrops are prescribed to ensure proper drainage of the middle ear by keeping the tubes open.
• Inflammation of the outer ear can be very painful although it is common. Common because of swimming in chlorinated waters and poking objects into the ear.
Middle Ear Infection (acute otitis media)
• This means the space behind the ear drums is infected or inflamed. Sometimes one ear is infected and sometimes both. Largely viral it is still difficult for most doctors to know whether it is due to virus or bacteria.
• Infection travels from the throat via the narrow tube to the middle ear. It tends to afflict some children more than others.
• Symptoms are earache, fever, inconsolable crying and ear discharge.
• You can relieve your child's pain with a warm compress over the ear and give her pain relief in the form of paracetemol or ibuprofen. In the case of a mild virus, the situation will improve on its own. Treat the fever and offer plenty of fluids.
• Your doctor will examine your child's ears with a special instrument to look into the canals. An appropriate antibiotic and pain relief medicines will be prescribed.
Glue Ear
• Also known as otitis media with effusion or OME, this is a form of fluctuating deafness that occurs frequently with young children.
• It happens because of an infection; the lining of the middle ear produces mucus in excess. The Eustachian tubes become blocked leaving the mucus to collect in the middle ear. This mucus thickens and becomes gluey causing the child's hearing to be muffled.
• Glue ear can start early in infancy and usually clears within six months. In most instances antibiotics help to clear up the sticky fluid but occasionally a minor procedure to drain the glue needs to be performed. Procedure is necessary when the fluid persists and causes impaired hearing.
• Under anaesthetic a tiny tube is inserted into the ear drum to equalize the air pressure on both sides of the ear drum. This will allow the ear to dry out. After a couple of months the tiny tube will dislodge and fall out and the hole will heal by itself; hearing will be back to normal.
26) How do I clean my baby's eyes?
Same as #11.
27) What are the common ear infections to watch out for?
Ears too are prone to infection if you are not careful. When cleaning you should ensure water does not enter baby's ears. It is also not necessary to poke and clean in areas you cannot see. Water and unnecessary poking can lead to infection and malfunction of this sensory organ.
Ear Cleaning
Cleaning them is easy - just remember not to put anything inside the ear. To clean the ears use infant sized cotton swab or washcloth to swab away excess wax or dirt on the external part of the ear. Do not use cotton-tipped swabs or Q-tip as you can injure if you insert too far into the ear. The ear canal will clean itself. What you can do is carefully remove the visible earwax in the entrance to the canal but don't venture deeper. Gently wipe the back of the ears as well.
Understanding Earwax:
It is important to understand that earwax is a good thing - it traps dirt that gets into the ear. The tiny hairs in the canal move the wax and dirt out. All you need to do then is to wipe the outside with a damp washcloth or cotton swab and DO NOT go inside.
Understanding Loud Noise:
During the first few months of life, your baby is far more sensitive to sound than you are. Loud noises can startle and shock his system and even damage his hearing. It is important that there are quiet times every day so that your baby's ears can rest.
Ear Infections
• Babies under a year old are not able to communicate their discomforts. All you may notice is incessant crying, poor appetite, and fatigue.
• Ear trouble in babies and children is mainly caused by an infection resulting from an inflamed middle ear. Infections such as adenoids, measles, influenza and a cold cause the middle ear to ache. Babies are not able to communicate this discomfort and often scream in pain.
• Each ear consists of three parts: the outer, middle and inner ear. Both the middle and inner ear are located inside the skull; the middle ear is kept clear of fluids and so free of infection by the Eustachian tubes which connect the middle ear to the back of the throat.
• During an infection the nasal mucus membrane is inflamed and swollen, and air cannot travel into the middle ear. Pain occurs when fluid or pus builds up in the cavity.
• Fever, pain, blood stained discharge, ringing in the ears are common symptoms. Baby may vomit or have diarrhea; may be irritable in the night; may refuse feeds and an older child may pull his ears.
Outer Ear Infection (otitis externa)
• The outer ear canal is inflamed due to bacteria mainly. The main culprit is eczema or if he swims a lot. Poking their fingers into their ears can also cause an infection. You are not able to detect the infection from the outside contrary to its name.
• Common symptoms are earache or itching, ear discharge and the child repeatedly rubbing or pulling his ear.
• Give your child some form of pain relief i.e. paracetamol or ibuprofen and use ear drops as directed. Prevent water from entering his ears (so swimming is definitely out).
• Wipe away any discharge but do not use cotton buds or anything else inside the canal.
• Your doctor will examine your child's ears with a special instrument to look into the canals. An appropriate antibiotic and pain relief medicines will be prescribed. Sometimes nosedrops are prescribed to ensure proper drainage of the middle ear by keeping the tubes open.
• Inflammation of the outer ear can be very painful although it is common. Common because of swimming in chlorinated waters and poking objects into the ear.
Middle Ear Infection (acute otitis media)
• This means the space behind the ear drums is infected or inflamed. Sometimes one ear is infected and sometimes both. Largely viral it is still difficult for most doctors to know whether it is due to virus or bacteria.
• Infection travels from the throat via the narrow tube to the middle ear. It tends to afflict some children more than others.
• Symptoms are earache, fever, inconsolable crying and ear discharge.
• You can relieve your child's pain with a warm compress over the ear and give her pain relief in the form of paracetemol or ibuprofen. In the case of a mild virus, the situation will improve on its own. Treat the fever and offer plenty of fluids.
• Your doctor will examine your child's ears with a special instrument to look into the canals. An appropriate antibiotic and pain relief medicines will be prescribed.
Glue Ear
• Also known as otitis media with effusion or OME, this is a form of fluctuating deafness that occurs frequently with young children.
• It happens because of an infection; the lining of the middle ear produces mucus in excess. The Eustachian tubes become blocked leaving the mucus to collect in the middle ear. This mucus thickens and becomes gluey causing the child's hearing to be muffled.
• Glue ear can start early in infancy and usually clears within six months. In most instances antibiotics help to clear up the sticky fluid but occasionally a minor procedure to drain the glue needs to be performed. Procedure is necessary when the fluid persists and causes impaired hearing.
• Under anaesthetic a tiny tube is inserted into the ear drum to equalize the air pressure on both sides of the ear drum. This will allow the ear to dry out. After a couple of months the tiny tube will dislodge and fall out and the hole will heal by itself; hearing will be back to normal.
28) What are birthmarks and are they treatable?
Many babies are born with birthmarks which mostly disappear after a few months after birth. Some . How ever like the strawberry mark may take longer. The Mongolian blue spot is often mistaken for bruising of the lower back and is predominantly found in darker toned babies.
29) What is cradle cap and how do I treat it?
Cradle cap is a common condition with infants and usually causes no discomfort. It goes away on its own, so aggressive treatment is unnecessary. Excessive or harsh scrubbing or brushing of the scalp may cause your baby pain and can aggravate the situation. Daily shampooing with a no-tears shampoo after gently loosening the scales with a small amount of mineral oil on a soft tooth-brush is usually sufficient. Use oil to loosen flakes and ensure it is not left on scalp for long periods of time. If your baby's cradle cap is extremely resistant, you may want to check with his pediatrician to be certain of the diagnosis. If his doctor confirms that it is cradle cap, you can follow the simple measures above, and rest assured that with time, usually well before 1 year of age, the condition will subside on its own.
30) What should be done if my baby is unwell?
You will need to know why your baby is unwell by visiting your doctor. The younger the baby the more important it is to not delay the visit. Appropriate advice will be given: if you should change her feeds, give more water or be prescribed medication. Babies under 3 months should not be given paracetemol or OTC medications unless prescribed by your doctor.
31) What can I do for my baby when she has a cold?
Her nose will be blocked or runny and so she will have problem feeding and breathing at the same time. Wipe her nose with cotton wool instead of tissue which can be rough. Saline drops on your doctor's advice can be used although there is a slight risk of it dripping down into the chest and worsening the matter. Raise your baby's upper body with the help of a firm pillow. Use a humidifier in the room.
32) Is colic the same thing as excessive wind?
Same as #22.
33) What do I need to avoid when breastfeeding?
You have heard the saying, 'You are what you eat'. The same goes for your baby - 'Your baby is what you eat'. What a breast-feeding mother eats is passed on to her baby through her milk and the reaction can be discomforting to her child if the foods are not suitable. Though your breast feeding diet is a lot like your pregnancy diet (read eating and drinking right), there is a small difference now; there are some occurrences you have to watch out for.
Hint: it is to do with your baby's reactions to flavors; it's to do with your child's taste buds and her sensitivities to certain foods.
Points worth remembering
• You are still eating for two so it is important to pack in about 500 extra calories a day of healthy fruits, vegetables, grains and proteins.
• You also need to up your fluids - 10-12 eight oz of glasses a day in the form of water, juice, soup, and milk if your baby is not sensitive to dairy products.
• Not every food is problem causing so it is not that perplexing. It is good to be aware of foods that commonly cause reactions. A gassy reaction in baby means you have to eliminate.
• While exercising is good, it promotes the production of lactic acid in the milk and hence makes the milk a little sour. Exercise after you nurse and not before helps to prevent this.
The Wait-and-See Approach
Your baby reacts to flavors. Some babies react to onions, garlic, others to green beans or broccoli. Gassy reaction very commonly happens if breast milk doesn't suit the baby. It has a lot to do with what the mother ate. A distressed baby reacts by pulling her legs up to the stomach, a sign of gas pain. Some babies scream in agony. Others do not sleep well. Take the trial and error approach since you cannot predict what suits and what doesn't. For example drink a cup of beverage and then watch how your baby reacts. A screaming baby or one in discomfort tells you that you should skip or limit beverages for a while. Here are some foods to watch out for and temporarily eliminate:
Caffeinated foods.
Chocolate, coffee, tea, sodas and even some medications all contain caffeine in varying proportions. Limit your coffee to a cup or two if you absolutely must have it.
Spices.
Chili powder, garlic, curry powder, cinnamon are some spices that produce a reaction.
Vegetables.
Not all vegetables but some vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, onions, peppers, turnips and cucumber cause gas.
Citrus fruits and juices.
Grapefruit, lemon, lime, orange, pineapple, strawberry, kiwi are examples of citrus fruits your baby can be sensitive to.
Dairy foods.
Be aware that milk, cheese and other dairy products can cause an allergic reaction in your baby.
Laxative inducing fruits.
Cherries, prunes are some examples.
Alcohol.
It is okay to enjoy the occasional drink but remember to wait at least 3 hours before feeding baby.
Allergens.
Nuts, peanuts, fish, eggs, wheat and soy are some allergens which contain proteins traces that can be absorbed into mother's bloodstream and into her milk.
Nicotine.
Stay clear during your breast feeding days as tobacco can get into breast milk and affect milk production. It can also create a consequence of vomiting and restlessness in baby.
34) How to tell if my baby is getting enough milk?
Things to look out for are:
• 6-8 wet nappies over a 24-hour period.
• 2-4 nappies of yellow stools in a day
• Gradual weight gain (. How ever a dropping of weight gain alone should not be taken to suggest that feeding isn't going well)
• An alert and bright-eyed baby who is interested in his surroundings
• A feeling of softer and less heavy breasts after your baby has fed.
35) How many hours of sleep do newborns need?
No straightforward answer to this one since it varies with different babies. Newborns with no regular sleep patterns may need as little as 11 hours to 20 hours out of 24. From around 2-3 months sleep averages about 9 hours in the night with about 5 hours of nap during the day.
36) My baby has white tiny spots all over her face. Should I be concerned?
These are called milia and are normal. They are blocked sweat and oil glands in the skin and will disappear soon.
37) Should my baby's room be kept quiet during sleep times?
Babies can sleep in noisy environments and almost anywhere. For instance you don't need to tip-toe around when she is put down for a sleep. How ever a sudden loud noise can startle your baby, so don't put on the radio or TV (high volume) all of a sudden when baby is sound asleep.
38) Which is the best sleep position for my baby?
Studies show that babies should be sleeping on their backs to reduce the risk of SIDS. Even if your baby changes positions when she grows a little older, you should continue to place her on her back.
39) Should I leave my newborn baby to cry?
It is not advisable to leave your baby to 'cry it out', especially in the early weeks of life. You cannot possibly spoil him by responding to his every need promptly. By attending to your baby you are providing him with the assurance that he is valued and his needs are important. As he grows older, you can leave certain short periods for him to cry it out for example when he undergoing sleep training. But the first weeks of life is not a good time to try this.
40) My nipples are really sore. What should I do?
Nipple soreness can produce a reluctant nursing mum; this problems sprouts in the early days of nursing. All the manipulation, tugging and pulling by the baby contributes to some amount of soreness in every new mother. Sore nipples can make breastfeeding a nightmare. If not corrected it can lead to worse problems and an aversion to the whole breast feeding routine.
The Facts on Soreness..
• Painful nipples create an anxious mum. Once anxious, her letdown reflex becomes weak and feeding becomes a bit of a problem
• If the pattern continues, further problems like engorgement can set in
• It is certainly preventable. Treatment should be executed promptly if the problem is already there.
• No soaps, scented stuffs and any form of abrasion on the breast area
• There are 2 types of soreness: the mild and the more serious version
• In the mild form, the burning sensation happens at the beginning for a few minutes before the letdown reflex begins. Because there isn't enough milk, the baby will be tugging vigorously at the breast. The tugging eases once the ducts start to fill up with milk. Both the mother and baby start to feel better when this happens
• Soreness in the mild form is temporary and tends to wear off unless the nipple is already bruised. Otherwise the problem tends to disappear after a few days of routine and practice
• In the more serious situation the sensitive skin around the nipple is already injured with cracks, fissures or blisters. The whole feeding session hence becomes painful and uncomfortable. Fortunately they are fairly uncommon but they do require treatment
• The main argument is that sore nipples are caused by babies not latching on properly. When baby is properly latched on, the baby will be clamping on the tissue surrounding the nipple and not the nipple itself. If the nipple is not erect, the baby faces problem of putting the whole nipple and the areola into its mouth. The mother's position and engorgement further act as deterrents.
Sore Nipples is Preventable
• The mother should vary her positions. She can try the 'football' position for instance instead of the standard sitting positions, now that she has nipple discomforts. Pillows can be used to prop the baby to a suitable height and angle so that baby can reach for the nipple without much effort
• Correct latching is very important. Basically it will prevent baby from sucking on the nipple alone, causing it to crack and become sore. Secondly a good milk flow is ensured.
• Don't pull the baby off after its feed; carefully break the suction by putting your finger in your baby's mouth
• Some babies need to suck on and on. Offer your little finger or your partner's finger between feeds (avoid the pacifier if you can)
• Nipple shields should be used only if nothing else seems to work. This is because these shields confuse the baby in much the same way as bottles do.
• Expose nipples to air and light between feeds. Rub some breast milk around the nipple, wait to dry and then put on the bra. Alternatively, you may use the shields between feeds to allow for ventilation
• Wash the breast and nipple areas with water only. Avoid scented soaps and body wash and perfumes for the time being. Washing agents only dry up the skin and make it more susceptible to cracks
• In the initial months avoid bottle feeding and pacifiers. This only creates confusion for your kid
Nipple Care
• Following a feed, wash the nipples gently with water and leave them to dry naturally for 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid the towel if you can
• Apply dry heat to nipples with the aid of a hairdryer or a light bulb. Be careful on the degree of heat utilized and the distance
• Apply lanolin or mild creams to protect nipples. There are special creams for nipple cracks in the market. Breast milk serve as emollients too
• Manual stimulation of nipple to make it erect before putting baby to breast helps
• Let baby start on the nipple that is less sore. Once the milk has let down, switch baby to the sore nipple
• Avoid feeding using only one breast. After about 5 minutes transfer baby to the second breast
• Get extra rest
• Seek help from your doctor or a lactation consultant
41) My breasts are rock-solid and uncomfortable. Why is this?
Breast aches and pains are common after birth. The most common type of breast discomfort occur when the breasts become engorged or the breast ducts become full of milk but for some reason do not empty. The swollen, tender, hardened breasts can make feeding an agonizing experience.
The Facts..
• Engorgement is caused by milk's arrival, around 3-4 days after birth
• The pain can sometimes spread to the armpit areas
• There is usually no infection
• The pain is diffused with no inflamed areas
• Nursing becomes especially uncomfortable for the mother and quite a task for the baby if the swelling causes the nipples to flatten
• Once a feeding routine is established (within days), the engorgement subsides
• The pain can be relieved if prompt attention is given
Why Engorgement & steps to Prevent it
• It usually happens after the breasts start to fill up with milk.
• The mother does not feed on demand perhaps because either the baby or the mother is not in the position or mood
• Take comfort in the fact that engorgement usually lasts for about 2 days
• Nurse, pump or both to empty breasts often
• Do not limit the sucking time; let baby stop nursing on her own
• Start with the heavier breast
Steps to pain Relief..
• During bath times, run the hot shower over breasts
• Apply warm soaks to the painful areas
• Massage the areas before trying to feed or pump to help empty the ducts
• Place ice packs or cold towels on affected areas. This helps to reduce the swelling
• Breast massage prior to pumping will help in the milk flow. Place a wet warm towel over the breasts and gently massage the area using the thumb above the nipple, forefinger and middle fingers below the nipple very close to the areola
• Use the breast pump if you have one
• During feeding continue to use the warm napkin over the breast and gently massage while your baby sucks
• A good supporting nursing bra really helps
Green Cabbage leaves Method
• Many women rely on cabbage leaves to relieve the swelling.
• Use green cabbage only
• Peel off the leaves and wash them before use. You may use them chilled or at room temperature
• The veins should be flattened with a rolling pin
• Place the leaves directly on the breasts or inside the bra (avoid using leaves on irritated skin or if you are allergic to sulphur or cabbage)
• Leave it on for about half an hour; as you start to feel relief remove the leaves as it is known to reduce the milk supply
The occasional Blocked Duct
• Engorgement or tight clothes can cause a duct to become blocked; this results in a hard red patch on the exterior where the duct is located.
• You may feel feverish
• Blocked duct is preventable by feeding and emptying your breasts often
• Ensure you wear a proper bra, one that fits well
• If you do get a blocked duct, offer to feed or express milk from the affected breast first
• Massage the lumpy area gently as your baby feeds
• If there is no improvement in 24 hours, a mild antibiotic will be required to clear the infection
Engorgement when you are not feeding..
• Breasts become engorged or overfilled with milk whether the mother chooses to feed or not; it is the design of Mother Nature
• Previously drugs were used to suppress lactation; these days due to the side effects of the drugs, postpartum breast engorgement is left to resolve itself
• The simple logic is if the milk is not used, production will automatically cease
• Some women may experience light leaking for several days or even weeks
• in the interim remember the ice packs, supportive bras and the cabbage leaves to help with the discomfort
• Avoid hot showers as this encourages milk flow
42) When is the baby's first check-up after coming home?
The next visit is usually at 3-4 weeks of age. At that time, a history of. How the first month has been so far, in terms of feeding, sleeping pattern etc is discussed. This is followed by physical examination by the pediatrician and immunization due at that age is given. At subsequent visits, sequential examinations, developmental assessment as well as immunizations are given according to the age of the infant.
43) How important is it for dads to bond with their newborn?
It is very important for fathers to begin the bonding process right away. He should feel part of the whole process from the start. The baby by nature tends to be more attached to the mother, but the father definitely should be involved from this point on. This will also reinforce his role as the supportive provider for the baby.
pamelia
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101 Questions ans Answers! ( Part 3 )
44) My newborn spits up frequently. Is this serious?
No, spitting in the newborn period, called reflux, is very common and usually subsides in a few months with no treatment necessary. It becomes a concern if it affects growth, causes recurrent pneumonia due to baby breathing in the vomit, or intractable esophagitis due to irritation of the esophagus from stomach acid. Fortunately, all these complications of reflux are rare. Spit-ups are usually more of a problem for the parents than the baby because of the messiness.
45) My little girl is 15 days old, and she is already suffering from colic. We have tried everything, from car rides to rocking. How long will this last?
Colic usually begins to disappear after baby turns two months of age, sometimes not until another two months. Very little is known about the causes of colic. It probably results from immaturity of movement of the intestinal tract, resulting in gas collecting in the small intestine, producing distention and pain. Most intestinal gas in a baby is swallowed air. Frequent burping, slower feeding, and proper latching if breast-fed or appropriate nipples if bottle-fed, is recommended.
Repetitive motion like car rides also helps. Gently massaging the abdomen area in circular motions to expel gas may work. Try swaddling and warm baths as well; hopefully one of these works. Finally, hang in there because this too shall pass.
46) Will my child always have problems because she was born early?
Though premature babies are at higher risk for some problems, most of them grow into healthy children. Early diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care can give your child a brighter future.
47) Is it Okay if My Child sucks his or her Thumb?
Thumb sucking is a normal practice with a lot of infants; most give up the habit on their own by age 2. If your child sucks his or her thumb beyond age 2, try to discourage it by age 4. Beyond age 4, thumb sucking can lead to crooked, crowded teeth and/or bite problems.
48) Is it Okay for my Baby to Use a Pacifier?
Pacifiers are not recommended but if you do decide to let your baby use it don't dip it in sugar, honey, or sweetened liquid. Try to break this habit before your child turns 2. When compared to thumb sucking, a pacifier may be a better option because it can be easier to wean your child from a pacifier than from thumb sucking.
49) What are hiccups?
Hiccups are common in babies, especially in those who hiccupped before they were born, while in the womb (uterus). The exact cause is not known, but they are thought to be a normal reflex, probably due to immaturity of the nervous system. Babies who gulp during feeds take in more air which gets trapped under the diaphragm. Burping prevents air build up by expelling it.
During the first few months, hiccups often occur after meals. They usually go away within a few minutes and cause no discomfort to the baby. Burp your baby more frequently during feedings; for persistent hiccups a few sucks of water from spoon tip may help. Finally, feed baby when she is not very hungry to prevent hungry gulps.
50) Are sneezes normal?
Most babies sneeze frequently, but it is not due to colds. Sneezing is a normal reflex that helps to remove mucus from the nose and lungs. Newborns sneeze a lot more after birth because they still have some amniotic fluid in their lungs, leftover from their months in the uterus. Some babies sneeze after feeding, to clear their noses of dried milk that may collect there.
. How ever if your baby sneezes a couple of times more than usual and has a runny nose, it may be due to something else, perhaps he is unwell. Call your doctor for advice.
51) My baby cries a lot. How come?
Your baby cries a lot because this is the means of communicating and expressing his needs. Newborns cry anywhere from one to four hours daily.
Your baby may be telling you he is wet, hungry, tired, cold or just wants your attention. Sometimes your baby has more needs than one going for him at a given time; other times, he wails for no apparent reason. With time, you will be able to distinguish your baby's cries by. How they sound. Having achieved that, don't be puzzled by those periodic cries that have no logical explanation attached to them.
52) Will changing formula help my baby's colic?
Changing formula may help some babies who experience periods of gassiness or fussiness caused by indigestion. But it is not likely to help colic.
Colic usually starts before 6 weeks of age and ends when the baby is around 3 months old. A colicky baby typically cries for several hours each day (usually in late afternoon or early evening), while pulling up his legs, bunching his fists and/or grimacing. He often swallows air when crying, which leads to more gas and discomfort.
If the baby is otherwise well and cheerful the rest of the time, there is usually no cause for concern since there is little else you can do. . How ever, contact your infant's doctor if in doubt, or if your baby has these crying episodes at an age older than 3 or 4 months. Once the doctor confirms it may be colic, try those techniques that would bring relief against colic.
53) How often should my baby poop?
Most newborns poop three to five times each day, usually right after feedings. Breast-fed infants tend to defecate more. This pattern continues even after they turn 1 month of age. Conversely, there are some babies who have no bowel movements for as long as three or four days. This is also a common pattern and not unhealthy. If the time between bowel movements is longer than three or four days, or if your baby’s. How s discomfort, talk with your baby's pediatrician.
54) When will my baby sleep through the night?
Although newborns sleep most part of the day approximating at 16 hours in total, they do awaken often to feed. The longest time may not always occur at night.
By age 4 months, most babies can sleep uninterrupted for six to eight hours at night; by age 6 months, they can sleep as much as 10 to 12 hours at a stretch.
There are some things you can do to help your baby learn to sleep through the night and to prevent later sleep problems. Put her to bed when she is drowsy but still awake. Keep middle-of-the-night feedings brief, with dim lights and no talking or playing. Minimize nighttime diaper changes and make these quiet too. If she is taking longer naps in the day, rouse her out of it gently.
55) My baby’s urine is smelly. What does it mean?
There are three main reasons. Smelly urine can be due to it being stale; frequent changing of diapers will help. Urine can stink because it is very concentrated, indicating your baby is low on fluids. Try offering an extra feed if she’s breastfed or cooled boiled water between feeds if she is being bottle fed. A urinary tract infection can afflict the very young so contact your doctor if your baby seems unwell.
56) My 3-week-old baby has developed baby acne all over his face, and it looks really bad. My family says it's from kissing him too much. Is this true?
Newborn acne is caused by hormones in the baby's blood coming from the mother, and generally disappears on its own in 6-9 months. Newborn acne generally does not leave scars behind, and treatment is unnecessary. In fact, applying substances to the skin can actually make things worse. Most important, kissing does not cause newborn acne. Don't hold back those smooches from your bundle of joy.
57) I was wondering if I need to pre-wash all the clothes before first use?
Washing new baby clothes is recommended for several reasons. First, many people have been handling or possibly trying on those clothes; washing eliminates the transmission of harmful germs. Another reason is that some fabrics have been treated with chemicals to help maintain their texture and color, and these chemicals can sometimes irritate an infant's sensitive skin if they're not washed out. Keep in mind that clothes should be washed in mild laundry detergents separately.
58) At what age is it safe for a healthy newborn to fly?
Healthy, full-term newborns are usually ready to fly two to four weeks after birth, when the fluid in their middle ears goes away. That's the earliest that you will feel like traveling too. On board the plane, keep her away from unwell strangers, extreme cold or hot temperatures, and too much disruption in her schedule. Nurse or feed her while taking off and particularly while landing to avoid pressure buildup in the middle ear. Hold her upright if she seems distressed for that same reason. Consider buying her a seat on the plane so you have room to secure her in a car seat, the safest way to fly. Else arrange for an in-flight bassinet. Arrive early and book the bulkhead seat for more room to set up. Identify a health care provider at your destination so you will know where to turn if you have any problems. If she has some special health concerns or is a premature baby, you should consult your regular health care provider before making any travel arrangements.
59) My 3½-week-old baby's soft spot is sunken in. My pediatrician said not to worry unless my son was fussier than normal or was running a fever. Should I be concerned?
You needn't worry if your baby is happy and feeding well. The soft spot, or fontanelle, is the space between four of the growing head bones. It is open (along with one at the back of the head) to allow for some flexibility of the head during birth and, very importantly, to allow for brain growth during your baby's first years. The soft spot indicates the state of your baby's brain. For example, a bulging fontanelle could mean your baby's brain is growing too fast. Consult with your doctor. When baby is unwell and the fontanelle is sunken, your baby may be dehydrated.
60) I have a four-week-old boy who has baby acne. I'm interested in learning when it will clear up. How to treat it (if at all) and whether this means he is likely to have complexion problems as he gets older?
Baby acne is usually a response to a temporary increase in the male hormone while in the womb and that's why it is more common in male babies. The face rash sometimes appears at birth but more often s. How s up during baby's first few weeks. It is red and pimply, but can even have white- and blackheads. It usually goes away by itself after a few months, almost never leaving scars. Parents should resist the urge to treat it. Applying chemicals on a baby's sensitive skin can do more harm than good. In extremely severe cases, consult with a pediatric dermatologist. If the rash lingers longer than 9 months (maximum), it is advisable to run a urine or blood test to check baby's hormone levels. Even in persistent cases, there is no evidence linking baby acne to future complexion problems.
61) Why is cow milk harmful to baby?
Milk-based infant formulas are made with cow’s milk but it has been significantly altered to be digestible and safe for baby. Regular cow milk . How ever can result in serious harm and doesn’t provide the required nourishment so should not be given to your baby any time in the first year.
The reasons being:
• Cow’s milk contains too much protein and salts which can be stressful to infant’s intestines and kidneys. The protein produces large curds that are not digestible and will only irritate the stomach lining. It can also lead to blood loss into baby’s stools.
• Cow’s milk lacks in the vitamins and iron which your baby needs.
It can produce and allergic reaction.
• Cow’s milk can be deficient in fat which is ultra important for proper brain development and daily calories (the calories in infant formulas and breast milk are composed of 50% fat).
62) Is it safe for my baby to be exposed to sunshine if I use a protective cream?
Babies below 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight but should be covered up by clothes and a hat with a brim. Baby’s skin does not have the pigment to protect it from the sun’s radiation and will suffer burns. Protective creams do little by way of protection and should be used when your baby is older.
63) What are soft spots?
There are six soft spots or fontanelles which are gaps between the bones of the head. Babies’skulls are not solid yet and are instead plates of soft bones joined by fibrous tissue. The largest soft spot is a diamond shaped area of about 4cm across at the crown of the head. Behind this is a smaller triangular fontanelle. These spots will close up between the ages of 9 and 18 months.
64) My baby was born 2 weeks ago with a large lump on the side of her head. Is this likely to be permanent?
This is probably a cephalhaematoma – a bruise on the outside of the skull. It is harmless and will disappear in a few weeks without treatment.
65) If I do not breastfeed, will it affect bonding with my baby?
No. While breastfeeding may bring satisfaction and closeness to your baby, it is not essential for bonding. The proof lies in the fact that many bottlefeeding mothers, fathers and caretakers for instance the grandparents, form a close bond with the infant. What is important is to hold the baby, maintain eye contact and talk with her while feeding. This interaction helps in voice recognition and plays a key role in baby’s development. All these can be achieved without breastfeeding.
66) What should I do if one breast feels sore and tender?
Same as #41
67) Why does my baby bring up so much of his feed?
For unknown reasons, some baby posset more than others. Those who guzzle the fastest tend to bring up more. It may be due to having had more milk than was needed. The amount baby brings up often looks more than it actually is. Possetting some amount of milk is normal and do not be horrified by the quantity – conduct a test to relieve yourself. Spill 10 ml of formula on a cloth; the amount of mess a small volume creates is amazing. . How ever if your baby is vomiting violently, bringing up large quantities of milk or appears unwell, contact your pediatrician right away.
68) Why is my bottle-fed baby constipated?
Bottle-fed babies tend to have firmer stools and can become constipated as a result. Constipation can result from underfeeding, dehydration from the hot weather or when she is feverish and uncommon disorders such as underactive thyroid gland and megacolon. Constipation usually resolves if you give your baby more formula and drinks of cooled boiled water. If constipation persists, talk to your doctor.
What is infant constipation?
Constipation is a situation where the stool is firm, dry and pebbly. This can last for an undetermined amount of time but is usually not serious if treated properly.
Signs?
Infrequent, irregular bowel movements or very large stools with hard consistency.
Long gap or interval with no bowel movement
Blood in or on stools
Pain and discomfort when passing motion
Reduced appetite
Crying while passing motion
Causes?
Inadequate fluid
Formula type
New foods
Low fiber
Lack of activity
Food intolerance
Medications
Milk facts?
It is considered normal for bowel movement in infants (0-6 months old) to be several times a day or as little as once a week. In rare cases, there can be up to three weeks between bowel movements. Breastfed babies usually have frequent bowel movements because breast milk is more easily digested. Their stools are softer and typically yellow. Excretion is further aided by the presence of hormones that increases the movement of the bowels. Conversely, bottle-fed babies frequently suffer from constipation because formula milk is harder for a baby to digest. A baby who receives only formula milk will typically have fewer bowel movements than a breastfed child. Their stools will be thicker and have a different, more greenish color.
Solids?
The stools of babies four months up will depend on the food they eat. Your baby's stools will begin to look a bit more like ordinary stools in consistency and smell. Once your baby starts eating solid food, the pattern in bowel movements will change. Your infant will have movements several times a day or as infrequently as once every two to three days. Constipation is more rife. This is because the intestines have to get used to the new composition of the nutrients. Constipation may be caused by dehydration. Introduce more water, bran-rich foods and increase your child’s activity. Also pay attention to any new foods introduced.
A vicious circle
Constipation can set off a vicious cycle. This is because passing the large hard stools that have gathered in the intestine becomes a painful experience. Cracks around the anus may appear; these may start to bleed and cause more pain. To avoid the pain, your baby may subconsciously start holding back stools, which makes the food stay longer in the large intestine. This in turn causes water from the stools to be absorbed making stools even harder. Your baby continues to remain constipated. In some cases, the child may not want to eat and may even retch a little.
Treatment?
Tummy massage
Start at the belly button and then massage outwards in circles in a clockwise direction. Some oil or cream on your fingers can also help. Only continue if your baby enjoys the massage and is comfortable and relaxed.
Cycling
Place your baby his back. Hold legs and turn them gently in a quick cycling motion. This will make the stomach muscles move and, in turn, put gentle pressure on the intestines to make them move.
Bath
A warm bath can relax your baby so the stools are passed more easily. Once your baby has relaxed in the bath, you can also massage their stomach (see above). After cleaning your baby's bottom, apply some cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the outside of the anus
Avoid
Don't put a thermometer, suppository or enema or anything else inside your baby's anus to stimulate bowel movement, because this may cause damage. Still, check with your doctor for advice.
Formula
If your baby is on formula milk, you should follow the instructions on the package carefully. Making the mixture too thick by putting in more than the recommended amount of powder can lead to constipation and other medical problems. It's best to stick to the same brand, because different formulas may require different dilutions. Switch to a low-iron or soy formula until constipation clears.
Fluids
Give your baby plenty of fluids preferably cooled, boiled water.
69) Can bottles be heated up in a microwave oven?
No. Avoid this practice as microwave radiation heats up fats faster than other substances thereby creating hot spots in the milk. This can scald your baby.
There is undoubtedly more work involved in bottlefeeding as compared to breastfeeding but very soon a routine will be established of cleaning and sterilizing the equipment, formula preparation and giving the bottle. Bottlefed babies are mostly fed with modified cow's milk. All formulas are formulated according to government regulations to ensure they replicate human milk as closely as possible and contain the correct amounts of fat, protein and vitamins. Inappropriate levels of protein and minerals can put a strain on baby's immature kidneys and cause dehydration. Cow's milk doesn't contain sufficient iron for young babies; goat's milk and condensed or carnation milk are not suitable for young infants. Hence infant formula fed from the bottle is a healthy alternative to breast milk. Formula can be bought in powder, liquid concentrate and ready-to-feed forms available in most supermarkets and pharmacies. There are certain guidelines to making formula milk. Good hygiene and following manufacturer's instructions take precedence.
Safety Issues
Measurements:
Never heap or pack a scoop of formula or add an extra one in the hope of providing extra nourishment. Instead read the instructions carefully and follow it and ensure the correct amount of water is filled to the number of scoops. Always use the scoop provided. Over-concentrated formula makes the baby dehydrated and a weaker mixture results in an undernourished baby. For extra formula, add more water and powder in the right proportions. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions totally.
Choking:
Never leave your baby to feed from a propped up bottle even when she grows older. There is always the risk that she can choke. Feeding this way can cause baby to swallow a lot of air with the feed. Inspect bottle teats each time you wash them to ensure they are not worn or damaged.
Bacteria free:
Keep your baby's formula free from germs by washing your hands before handling formula or equipment. Keep the can tightly closed and sterilize everything you use for measuring, mixing or storing the made up formula. This includes bottles, teats and teat covers. Make a bottle as and when your baby needs one. Discard remnants as it contains bacteria from baby's saliva.
Milk Temperature:
Most babies don't mind taking milk that is slightly colder than body temperature; it should be at room temperature preferably. Do not use microwave to heat formula as the bottle may feel cold but the contents may have hot spots and could scald your baby's mouth. Even if you choose to warm in the microwave ensure the bottle is well shaken to increase the evenness and test the temperature by letting a couple of drops fall on the inside of your wrist. It should just feel warm. Feed your baby right away and discard any leftovers within the hour.
Excess Milk:
Never store warm formula in a thermos or electric bottle warmer. Throw away any formula your baby leaves behind. Don't try to save that half bottle for next time by storing it in the fridge.
The Basics
1. Babies need a breast milk substitute for the entire first year of life. You cannot count on cow's milk to provide the nutrition as it contains too little sugar and the wrong kind of fat. The protein cannot be properly digested in your baby's tiny stomach and the absence of iron makes it inappropriate. Babies under one should not be fed any kind of unmodified cow's milk.
2. Infant formula contains the extra mineral critical for the health of your newborn. Liquid colloidal minerals added to the formula will give your baby over 60 essential minerals required for proper physical development.
3. Formula kept at room temperature becomes an ideal breeding ground for germs. A new baby has few defenses against germs. Since she is able to pick up innumerable number of germs from a bottle standing around in a warm room, don't leave one lying around. Reduce the risk of gastroenteritis by keeping your baby's formula free from bacteria as possible.
4. If you add too much of powder, the feed will be too strong with too much protein, fat, salt and less water. She will become fat from too many calories and feel thirsty from too much salt. The result can be one unhappy baby who cries a lot and because she cries a lot you will give her another bottle. If that bottle is concentrated again baby will even be thirstier. The result will be a baby who cries a lot, puts on a lot of weight and seems to need a lot of feeding.
5. It's a bad idea to keep formula warm when you plan an outing. Bottles once heated should be fed right away. Warm formula kept longer than an hour can cause bacteria to breed rapidly causing stomach infection in your baby. Take bottles of prepared formula in a cool box and warm them when he is hungry in a bottle warmer. Alternatively you can measure formula powder into empty milk containers and mix with boiled water as you need one. Always carry an extra feed during the trip.
6. Never introduce a routine at such a tender age. Baby's routine right now is irregular with frequent intervals. Baby tends to take longer to digest formula as it contains slightly more protein than breast milk and hence delays hunger for longer. At this stage your baby will probably not take over 60 ml or 2 oz at each feed. This will increase in quantity and decrease in frequency as he grows older. Let him determine when he is to be fed. Don't feel your baby has to finish his bottle; he will only get too full and posset it back.
7. Possetting is when your baby brings food straight back up. Common cause of possetting in young babies is overfeeding. If you feel your baby didn't feed well, offer her more food. If she doesn't take it you can assume she has had her fill. Forcible vomiting, if it occurs after several feeds, should be assessed by your pediatrician immediately as it can lead to dehydration.
8. Do not change milk formula without consulting your pediatrician first. If you feel your baby isn't feeding well or gaining adequate weight consider changing to another brand or type but first consult your doctor for advice.
9. Full term babies are sometimes diagnosed as intolerant to lactose or protein in cow's milk. They have difficulties digesting and eliminating the protein from a dairy-based formula. There are a range of specialized formulas which include hypoallergenic and soy milk formulated to provide babies with all the necessary nutrients. Consider trying soy-based formula for one month.
10. When storing prepared formula in the fridge ensure it is not stored beyond 24 hours. Keep the bottles in the main body of the fridge as it is cooler and not the door of the fridge.
11. During feeds, ensure you and baby are in a comfortable position. Keep the bottle tilted at an angle of 45 degrees so that the top is filled with formula and not air. Always bottle-feed your baby with her head higher than her body in a semi-upright or upright position. Do not let baby feed in a lying down position as this will cause fluids to collect in the ear canal causing ear infections.
12. Once baby stops sucking or when the feed is over, you may want to burp your baby by holding her upright against your shoulder and rub or pat her back gently. Since babies may posset, it is a good idea to place a napkin over your shoulder. If she doesn't burp after 3 minutes she probably does not need to.
13. When cleaning the equipment wash the bottles, teats, rings, discs and caps individually with a bottlebrush in soapy water. Scrub the teats and other parts thoroughly and rinse everything in warm running water. Sterilize all the equipment in a chemical sterilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively boil most of the items in a covered pan for 10 minutes and the teats for only 3 minutes.
14. Always wash your hands before preparing formula. Boil water for about 2 minutes. Let it cool. Avoid using bottled water or repeatedly boiled water as they may contain too much mineral salts.
15. After a few months your baby's unique pattern will evolve on its own. Don't be overly concerned about baby demanding food frequently just because you are feeding her whenever she seems hungry.
An afterthought
Overfeeding
Fat cells once produced cannot be removed. As such chubby babies grow into fat adults. It is very easy to overfeed a bottlefed baby by simply adding extra formula into the bottle and thereby extra calories. Secondly in your bid to feed her properly you will make sure she finishes to the last drop of every feed even if she doesn't need it. Introducing solids too early and syrupy drinks or fruit juices as substitutes for water are other mistakes some mothers make.
70) My three-week old baby has no problems sleeping but barely 5 minutes later he is awake and crying for me. What can I do?
Your baby is just uncomfortable. Check the room for comfort. Correct room temperature is important – it shouldn’t be too hot or stuffy but pleasantly warm. If you use night light make sure it is subdued and try to keep background noise to the absolute minimum.
71) My baby wakes up very early in the mornings and will not go back to sleep. Should I deprive her of her afternoon nap?
Very young babies do not know the difference between night and day. If you prevent her from sleeping when she needs to she will feel tired and will be more difficult to handle. You can time her naps so that she sleeps less during the day and also avoid letting her have a long nap before her last feed of the day.
72) How much of crying can I expect from my newborn baby?
Between birth and 3 months, your baby is likely to cry for a total of 2 hours a day (not all at once).
73) Why are newborn babies given vitamin K?
Following birth babies will be given vitamin K either by injection or liquid drops. This vitamin is for blood clotting and is routinely given. Its importance is more significant with preterm babies and babies who have had a difficult delivery.
74) How does prematurity affect a newborn child?
A baby born after 36 weeks is usually treated no differently from a normal term baby. A baby born between 33 and 36 weeks face few difficulties but may have problems with sucking and swallowing during feeding. Babies born between 28 – 32 weeks have immature lungs and those born before 27 weeks need more support for many of their body systems.
75) Is it normal for babies to vomit a lot in the first week?
In the first day or two babies produce a lot of mucus as a reaction to the birth and she may vomit it out. It may be blood-tinged and your baby may lose interest in feeding. It may also get in the way of baby’s breathing. Just lie your baby on her side if she needs to cough it up.
76) Is it normal to have pink-stained nappies?
Pink stain is usually a result of urate crystals from the baby’s urine and is considered normal. With a girl child there could be a little blood from the vagina due to mother’s hormones which will stop after a few days.
77) My baby has a squint. Is this going to be permanent?
Same as #26.
78) Why does my baby have dry skin?
Most babies at birth have dry peeling skin for a few days, which seem more apparent at the wrists, ankles and on the palms and soles. The top layer of skin which has so far been immersed in amniotic fluid is shedding now. Rest assured your baby is not in pain and this does not suggest your baby has some skin problem. No medical attention is required although massaging almond or any other good quality oil helps.
44) My newborn spits up frequently. Is this serious?
No, spitting in the newborn period, called reflux, is very common and usually subsides in a few months with no treatment necessary. It becomes a concern if it affects growth, causes recurrent pneumonia due to baby breathing in the vomit, or intractable esophagitis due to irritation of the esophagus from stomach acid. Fortunately, all these complications of reflux are rare. Spit-ups are usually more of a problem for the parents than the baby because of the messiness.
45) My little girl is 15 days old, and she is already suffering from colic. We have tried everything, from car rides to rocking. How long will this last?
Colic usually begins to disappear after baby turns two months of age, sometimes not until another two months. Very little is known about the causes of colic. It probably results from immaturity of movement of the intestinal tract, resulting in gas collecting in the small intestine, producing distention and pain. Most intestinal gas in a baby is swallowed air. Frequent burping, slower feeding, and proper latching if breast-fed or appropriate nipples if bottle-fed, is recommended.
Repetitive motion like car rides also helps. Gently massaging the abdomen area in circular motions to expel gas may work. Try swaddling and warm baths as well; hopefully one of these works. Finally, hang in there because this too shall pass.
46) Will my child always have problems because she was born early?
Though premature babies are at higher risk for some problems, most of them grow into healthy children. Early diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care can give your child a brighter future.
47) Is it Okay if My Child sucks his or her Thumb?
Thumb sucking is a normal practice with a lot of infants; most give up the habit on their own by age 2. If your child sucks his or her thumb beyond age 2, try to discourage it by age 4. Beyond age 4, thumb sucking can lead to crooked, crowded teeth and/or bite problems.
48) Is it Okay for my Baby to Use a Pacifier?
Pacifiers are not recommended but if you do decide to let your baby use it don't dip it in sugar, honey, or sweetened liquid. Try to break this habit before your child turns 2. When compared to thumb sucking, a pacifier may be a better option because it can be easier to wean your child from a pacifier than from thumb sucking.
49) What are hiccups?
Hiccups are common in babies, especially in those who hiccupped before they were born, while in the womb (uterus). The exact cause is not known, but they are thought to be a normal reflex, probably due to immaturity of the nervous system. Babies who gulp during feeds take in more air which gets trapped under the diaphragm. Burping prevents air build up by expelling it.
During the first few months, hiccups often occur after meals. They usually go away within a few minutes and cause no discomfort to the baby. Burp your baby more frequently during feedings; for persistent hiccups a few sucks of water from spoon tip may help. Finally, feed baby when she is not very hungry to prevent hungry gulps.
50) Are sneezes normal?
Most babies sneeze frequently, but it is not due to colds. Sneezing is a normal reflex that helps to remove mucus from the nose and lungs. Newborns sneeze a lot more after birth because they still have some amniotic fluid in their lungs, leftover from their months in the uterus. Some babies sneeze after feeding, to clear their noses of dried milk that may collect there.
. How ever if your baby sneezes a couple of times more than usual and has a runny nose, it may be due to something else, perhaps he is unwell. Call your doctor for advice.
51) My baby cries a lot. How come?
Your baby cries a lot because this is the means of communicating and expressing his needs. Newborns cry anywhere from one to four hours daily.
Your baby may be telling you he is wet, hungry, tired, cold or just wants your attention. Sometimes your baby has more needs than one going for him at a given time; other times, he wails for no apparent reason. With time, you will be able to distinguish your baby's cries by. How they sound. Having achieved that, don't be puzzled by those periodic cries that have no logical explanation attached to them.
52) Will changing formula help my baby's colic?
Changing formula may help some babies who experience periods of gassiness or fussiness caused by indigestion. But it is not likely to help colic.
Colic usually starts before 6 weeks of age and ends when the baby is around 3 months old. A colicky baby typically cries for several hours each day (usually in late afternoon or early evening), while pulling up his legs, bunching his fists and/or grimacing. He often swallows air when crying, which leads to more gas and discomfort.
If the baby is otherwise well and cheerful the rest of the time, there is usually no cause for concern since there is little else you can do. . How ever, contact your infant's doctor if in doubt, or if your baby has these crying episodes at an age older than 3 or 4 months. Once the doctor confirms it may be colic, try those techniques that would bring relief against colic.
53) How often should my baby poop?
Most newborns poop three to five times each day, usually right after feedings. Breast-fed infants tend to defecate more. This pattern continues even after they turn 1 month of age. Conversely, there are some babies who have no bowel movements for as long as three or four days. This is also a common pattern and not unhealthy. If the time between bowel movements is longer than three or four days, or if your baby’s. How s discomfort, talk with your baby's pediatrician.
54) When will my baby sleep through the night?
Although newborns sleep most part of the day approximating at 16 hours in total, they do awaken often to feed. The longest time may not always occur at night.
By age 4 months, most babies can sleep uninterrupted for six to eight hours at night; by age 6 months, they can sleep as much as 10 to 12 hours at a stretch.
There are some things you can do to help your baby learn to sleep through the night and to prevent later sleep problems. Put her to bed when she is drowsy but still awake. Keep middle-of-the-night feedings brief, with dim lights and no talking or playing. Minimize nighttime diaper changes and make these quiet too. If she is taking longer naps in the day, rouse her out of it gently.
55) My baby’s urine is smelly. What does it mean?
There are three main reasons. Smelly urine can be due to it being stale; frequent changing of diapers will help. Urine can stink because it is very concentrated, indicating your baby is low on fluids. Try offering an extra feed if she’s breastfed or cooled boiled water between feeds if she is being bottle fed. A urinary tract infection can afflict the very young so contact your doctor if your baby seems unwell.
56) My 3-week-old baby has developed baby acne all over his face, and it looks really bad. My family says it's from kissing him too much. Is this true?
Newborn acne is caused by hormones in the baby's blood coming from the mother, and generally disappears on its own in 6-9 months. Newborn acne generally does not leave scars behind, and treatment is unnecessary. In fact, applying substances to the skin can actually make things worse. Most important, kissing does not cause newborn acne. Don't hold back those smooches from your bundle of joy.
57) I was wondering if I need to pre-wash all the clothes before first use?
Washing new baby clothes is recommended for several reasons. First, many people have been handling or possibly trying on those clothes; washing eliminates the transmission of harmful germs. Another reason is that some fabrics have been treated with chemicals to help maintain their texture and color, and these chemicals can sometimes irritate an infant's sensitive skin if they're not washed out. Keep in mind that clothes should be washed in mild laundry detergents separately.
58) At what age is it safe for a healthy newborn to fly?
Healthy, full-term newborns are usually ready to fly two to four weeks after birth, when the fluid in their middle ears goes away. That's the earliest that you will feel like traveling too. On board the plane, keep her away from unwell strangers, extreme cold or hot temperatures, and too much disruption in her schedule. Nurse or feed her while taking off and particularly while landing to avoid pressure buildup in the middle ear. Hold her upright if she seems distressed for that same reason. Consider buying her a seat on the plane so you have room to secure her in a car seat, the safest way to fly. Else arrange for an in-flight bassinet. Arrive early and book the bulkhead seat for more room to set up. Identify a health care provider at your destination so you will know where to turn if you have any problems. If she has some special health concerns or is a premature baby, you should consult your regular health care provider before making any travel arrangements.
59) My 3½-week-old baby's soft spot is sunken in. My pediatrician said not to worry unless my son was fussier than normal or was running a fever. Should I be concerned?
You needn't worry if your baby is happy and feeding well. The soft spot, or fontanelle, is the space between four of the growing head bones. It is open (along with one at the back of the head) to allow for some flexibility of the head during birth and, very importantly, to allow for brain growth during your baby's first years. The soft spot indicates the state of your baby's brain. For example, a bulging fontanelle could mean your baby's brain is growing too fast. Consult with your doctor. When baby is unwell and the fontanelle is sunken, your baby may be dehydrated.
60) I have a four-week-old boy who has baby acne. I'm interested in learning when it will clear up. How to treat it (if at all) and whether this means he is likely to have complexion problems as he gets older?
Baby acne is usually a response to a temporary increase in the male hormone while in the womb and that's why it is more common in male babies. The face rash sometimes appears at birth but more often s. How s up during baby's first few weeks. It is red and pimply, but can even have white- and blackheads. It usually goes away by itself after a few months, almost never leaving scars. Parents should resist the urge to treat it. Applying chemicals on a baby's sensitive skin can do more harm than good. In extremely severe cases, consult with a pediatric dermatologist. If the rash lingers longer than 9 months (maximum), it is advisable to run a urine or blood test to check baby's hormone levels. Even in persistent cases, there is no evidence linking baby acne to future complexion problems.
61) Why is cow milk harmful to baby?
Milk-based infant formulas are made with cow’s milk but it has been significantly altered to be digestible and safe for baby. Regular cow milk . How ever can result in serious harm and doesn’t provide the required nourishment so should not be given to your baby any time in the first year.
The reasons being:
• Cow’s milk contains too much protein and salts which can be stressful to infant’s intestines and kidneys. The protein produces large curds that are not digestible and will only irritate the stomach lining. It can also lead to blood loss into baby’s stools.
• Cow’s milk lacks in the vitamins and iron which your baby needs.
It can produce and allergic reaction.
• Cow’s milk can be deficient in fat which is ultra important for proper brain development and daily calories (the calories in infant formulas and breast milk are composed of 50% fat).
62) Is it safe for my baby to be exposed to sunshine if I use a protective cream?
Babies below 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight but should be covered up by clothes and a hat with a brim. Baby’s skin does not have the pigment to protect it from the sun’s radiation and will suffer burns. Protective creams do little by way of protection and should be used when your baby is older.
63) What are soft spots?
There are six soft spots or fontanelles which are gaps between the bones of the head. Babies’skulls are not solid yet and are instead plates of soft bones joined by fibrous tissue. The largest soft spot is a diamond shaped area of about 4cm across at the crown of the head. Behind this is a smaller triangular fontanelle. These spots will close up between the ages of 9 and 18 months.
64) My baby was born 2 weeks ago with a large lump on the side of her head. Is this likely to be permanent?
This is probably a cephalhaematoma – a bruise on the outside of the skull. It is harmless and will disappear in a few weeks without treatment.
65) If I do not breastfeed, will it affect bonding with my baby?
No. While breastfeeding may bring satisfaction and closeness to your baby, it is not essential for bonding. The proof lies in the fact that many bottlefeeding mothers, fathers and caretakers for instance the grandparents, form a close bond with the infant. What is important is to hold the baby, maintain eye contact and talk with her while feeding. This interaction helps in voice recognition and plays a key role in baby’s development. All these can be achieved without breastfeeding.
66) What should I do if one breast feels sore and tender?
Same as #41
67) Why does my baby bring up so much of his feed?
For unknown reasons, some baby posset more than others. Those who guzzle the fastest tend to bring up more. It may be due to having had more milk than was needed. The amount baby brings up often looks more than it actually is. Possetting some amount of milk is normal and do not be horrified by the quantity – conduct a test to relieve yourself. Spill 10 ml of formula on a cloth; the amount of mess a small volume creates is amazing. . How ever if your baby is vomiting violently, bringing up large quantities of milk or appears unwell, contact your pediatrician right away.
68) Why is my bottle-fed baby constipated?
Bottle-fed babies tend to have firmer stools and can become constipated as a result. Constipation can result from underfeeding, dehydration from the hot weather or when she is feverish and uncommon disorders such as underactive thyroid gland and megacolon. Constipation usually resolves if you give your baby more formula and drinks of cooled boiled water. If constipation persists, talk to your doctor.
What is infant constipation?
Constipation is a situation where the stool is firm, dry and pebbly. This can last for an undetermined amount of time but is usually not serious if treated properly.
Signs?
Infrequent, irregular bowel movements or very large stools with hard consistency.
Long gap or interval with no bowel movement
Blood in or on stools
Pain and discomfort when passing motion
Reduced appetite
Crying while passing motion
Causes?
Inadequate fluid
Formula type
New foods
Low fiber
Lack of activity
Food intolerance
Medications
Milk facts?
It is considered normal for bowel movement in infants (0-6 months old) to be several times a day or as little as once a week. In rare cases, there can be up to three weeks between bowel movements. Breastfed babies usually have frequent bowel movements because breast milk is more easily digested. Their stools are softer and typically yellow. Excretion is further aided by the presence of hormones that increases the movement of the bowels. Conversely, bottle-fed babies frequently suffer from constipation because formula milk is harder for a baby to digest. A baby who receives only formula milk will typically have fewer bowel movements than a breastfed child. Their stools will be thicker and have a different, more greenish color.
Solids?
The stools of babies four months up will depend on the food they eat. Your baby's stools will begin to look a bit more like ordinary stools in consistency and smell. Once your baby starts eating solid food, the pattern in bowel movements will change. Your infant will have movements several times a day or as infrequently as once every two to three days. Constipation is more rife. This is because the intestines have to get used to the new composition of the nutrients. Constipation may be caused by dehydration. Introduce more water, bran-rich foods and increase your child’s activity. Also pay attention to any new foods introduced.
A vicious circle
Constipation can set off a vicious cycle. This is because passing the large hard stools that have gathered in the intestine becomes a painful experience. Cracks around the anus may appear; these may start to bleed and cause more pain. To avoid the pain, your baby may subconsciously start holding back stools, which makes the food stay longer in the large intestine. This in turn causes water from the stools to be absorbed making stools even harder. Your baby continues to remain constipated. In some cases, the child may not want to eat and may even retch a little.
Treatment?
Tummy massage
Start at the belly button and then massage outwards in circles in a clockwise direction. Some oil or cream on your fingers can also help. Only continue if your baby enjoys the massage and is comfortable and relaxed.
Cycling
Place your baby his back. Hold legs and turn them gently in a quick cycling motion. This will make the stomach muscles move and, in turn, put gentle pressure on the intestines to make them move.
Bath
A warm bath can relax your baby so the stools are passed more easily. Once your baby has relaxed in the bath, you can also massage their stomach (see above). After cleaning your baby's bottom, apply some cream or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) around the outside of the anus
Avoid
Don't put a thermometer, suppository or enema or anything else inside your baby's anus to stimulate bowel movement, because this may cause damage. Still, check with your doctor for advice.
Formula
If your baby is on formula milk, you should follow the instructions on the package carefully. Making the mixture too thick by putting in more than the recommended amount of powder can lead to constipation and other medical problems. It's best to stick to the same brand, because different formulas may require different dilutions. Switch to a low-iron or soy formula until constipation clears.
Fluids
Give your baby plenty of fluids preferably cooled, boiled water.
69) Can bottles be heated up in a microwave oven?
No. Avoid this practice as microwave radiation heats up fats faster than other substances thereby creating hot spots in the milk. This can scald your baby.
There is undoubtedly more work involved in bottlefeeding as compared to breastfeeding but very soon a routine will be established of cleaning and sterilizing the equipment, formula preparation and giving the bottle. Bottlefed babies are mostly fed with modified cow's milk. All formulas are formulated according to government regulations to ensure they replicate human milk as closely as possible and contain the correct amounts of fat, protein and vitamins. Inappropriate levels of protein and minerals can put a strain on baby's immature kidneys and cause dehydration. Cow's milk doesn't contain sufficient iron for young babies; goat's milk and condensed or carnation milk are not suitable for young infants. Hence infant formula fed from the bottle is a healthy alternative to breast milk. Formula can be bought in powder, liquid concentrate and ready-to-feed forms available in most supermarkets and pharmacies. There are certain guidelines to making formula milk. Good hygiene and following manufacturer's instructions take precedence.
Safety Issues
Measurements:
Never heap or pack a scoop of formula or add an extra one in the hope of providing extra nourishment. Instead read the instructions carefully and follow it and ensure the correct amount of water is filled to the number of scoops. Always use the scoop provided. Over-concentrated formula makes the baby dehydrated and a weaker mixture results in an undernourished baby. For extra formula, add more water and powder in the right proportions. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions totally.
Choking:
Never leave your baby to feed from a propped up bottle even when she grows older. There is always the risk that she can choke. Feeding this way can cause baby to swallow a lot of air with the feed. Inspect bottle teats each time you wash them to ensure they are not worn or damaged.
Bacteria free:
Keep your baby's formula free from germs by washing your hands before handling formula or equipment. Keep the can tightly closed and sterilize everything you use for measuring, mixing or storing the made up formula. This includes bottles, teats and teat covers. Make a bottle as and when your baby needs one. Discard remnants as it contains bacteria from baby's saliva.
Milk Temperature:
Most babies don't mind taking milk that is slightly colder than body temperature; it should be at room temperature preferably. Do not use microwave to heat formula as the bottle may feel cold but the contents may have hot spots and could scald your baby's mouth. Even if you choose to warm in the microwave ensure the bottle is well shaken to increase the evenness and test the temperature by letting a couple of drops fall on the inside of your wrist. It should just feel warm. Feed your baby right away and discard any leftovers within the hour.
Excess Milk:
Never store warm formula in a thermos or electric bottle warmer. Throw away any formula your baby leaves behind. Don't try to save that half bottle for next time by storing it in the fridge.
The Basics
1. Babies need a breast milk substitute for the entire first year of life. You cannot count on cow's milk to provide the nutrition as it contains too little sugar and the wrong kind of fat. The protein cannot be properly digested in your baby's tiny stomach and the absence of iron makes it inappropriate. Babies under one should not be fed any kind of unmodified cow's milk.
2. Infant formula contains the extra mineral critical for the health of your newborn. Liquid colloidal minerals added to the formula will give your baby over 60 essential minerals required for proper physical development.
3. Formula kept at room temperature becomes an ideal breeding ground for germs. A new baby has few defenses against germs. Since she is able to pick up innumerable number of germs from a bottle standing around in a warm room, don't leave one lying around. Reduce the risk of gastroenteritis by keeping your baby's formula free from bacteria as possible.
4. If you add too much of powder, the feed will be too strong with too much protein, fat, salt and less water. She will become fat from too many calories and feel thirsty from too much salt. The result can be one unhappy baby who cries a lot and because she cries a lot you will give her another bottle. If that bottle is concentrated again baby will even be thirstier. The result will be a baby who cries a lot, puts on a lot of weight and seems to need a lot of feeding.
5. It's a bad idea to keep formula warm when you plan an outing. Bottles once heated should be fed right away. Warm formula kept longer than an hour can cause bacteria to breed rapidly causing stomach infection in your baby. Take bottles of prepared formula in a cool box and warm them when he is hungry in a bottle warmer. Alternatively you can measure formula powder into empty milk containers and mix with boiled water as you need one. Always carry an extra feed during the trip.
6. Never introduce a routine at such a tender age. Baby's routine right now is irregular with frequent intervals. Baby tends to take longer to digest formula as it contains slightly more protein than breast milk and hence delays hunger for longer. At this stage your baby will probably not take over 60 ml or 2 oz at each feed. This will increase in quantity and decrease in frequency as he grows older. Let him determine when he is to be fed. Don't feel your baby has to finish his bottle; he will only get too full and posset it back.
7. Possetting is when your baby brings food straight back up. Common cause of possetting in young babies is overfeeding. If you feel your baby didn't feed well, offer her more food. If she doesn't take it you can assume she has had her fill. Forcible vomiting, if it occurs after several feeds, should be assessed by your pediatrician immediately as it can lead to dehydration.
8. Do not change milk formula without consulting your pediatrician first. If you feel your baby isn't feeding well or gaining adequate weight consider changing to another brand or type but first consult your doctor for advice.
9. Full term babies are sometimes diagnosed as intolerant to lactose or protein in cow's milk. They have difficulties digesting and eliminating the protein from a dairy-based formula. There are a range of specialized formulas which include hypoallergenic and soy milk formulated to provide babies with all the necessary nutrients. Consider trying soy-based formula for one month.
10. When storing prepared formula in the fridge ensure it is not stored beyond 24 hours. Keep the bottles in the main body of the fridge as it is cooler and not the door of the fridge.
11. During feeds, ensure you and baby are in a comfortable position. Keep the bottle tilted at an angle of 45 degrees so that the top is filled with formula and not air. Always bottle-feed your baby with her head higher than her body in a semi-upright or upright position. Do not let baby feed in a lying down position as this will cause fluids to collect in the ear canal causing ear infections.
12. Once baby stops sucking or when the feed is over, you may want to burp your baby by holding her upright against your shoulder and rub or pat her back gently. Since babies may posset, it is a good idea to place a napkin over your shoulder. If she doesn't burp after 3 minutes she probably does not need to.
13. When cleaning the equipment wash the bottles, teats, rings, discs and caps individually with a bottlebrush in soapy water. Scrub the teats and other parts thoroughly and rinse everything in warm running water. Sterilize all the equipment in a chemical sterilizer according to the manufacturer's instructions. Alternatively boil most of the items in a covered pan for 10 minutes and the teats for only 3 minutes.
14. Always wash your hands before preparing formula. Boil water for about 2 minutes. Let it cool. Avoid using bottled water or repeatedly boiled water as they may contain too much mineral salts.
15. After a few months your baby's unique pattern will evolve on its own. Don't be overly concerned about baby demanding food frequently just because you are feeding her whenever she seems hungry.
An afterthought
Overfeeding
Fat cells once produced cannot be removed. As such chubby babies grow into fat adults. It is very easy to overfeed a bottlefed baby by simply adding extra formula into the bottle and thereby extra calories. Secondly in your bid to feed her properly you will make sure she finishes to the last drop of every feed even if she doesn't need it. Introducing solids too early and syrupy drinks or fruit juices as substitutes for water are other mistakes some mothers make.
70) My three-week old baby has no problems sleeping but barely 5 minutes later he is awake and crying for me. What can I do?
Your baby is just uncomfortable. Check the room for comfort. Correct room temperature is important – it shouldn’t be too hot or stuffy but pleasantly warm. If you use night light make sure it is subdued and try to keep background noise to the absolute minimum.
71) My baby wakes up very early in the mornings and will not go back to sleep. Should I deprive her of her afternoon nap?
Very young babies do not know the difference between night and day. If you prevent her from sleeping when she needs to she will feel tired and will be more difficult to handle. You can time her naps so that she sleeps less during the day and also avoid letting her have a long nap before her last feed of the day.
72) How much of crying can I expect from my newborn baby?
Between birth and 3 months, your baby is likely to cry for a total of 2 hours a day (not all at once).
73) Why are newborn babies given vitamin K?
Following birth babies will be given vitamin K either by injection or liquid drops. This vitamin is for blood clotting and is routinely given. Its importance is more significant with preterm babies and babies who have had a difficult delivery.
74) How does prematurity affect a newborn child?
A baby born after 36 weeks is usually treated no differently from a normal term baby. A baby born between 33 and 36 weeks face few difficulties but may have problems with sucking and swallowing during feeding. Babies born between 28 – 32 weeks have immature lungs and those born before 27 weeks need more support for many of their body systems.
75) Is it normal for babies to vomit a lot in the first week?
In the first day or two babies produce a lot of mucus as a reaction to the birth and she may vomit it out. It may be blood-tinged and your baby may lose interest in feeding. It may also get in the way of baby’s breathing. Just lie your baby on her side if she needs to cough it up.
76) Is it normal to have pink-stained nappies?
Pink stain is usually a result of urate crystals from the baby’s urine and is considered normal. With a girl child there could be a little blood from the vagina due to mother’s hormones which will stop after a few days.
77) My baby has a squint. Is this going to be permanent?
Same as #26.
78) Why does my baby have dry skin?
Most babies at birth have dry peeling skin for a few days, which seem more apparent at the wrists, ankles and on the palms and soles. The top layer of skin which has so far been immersed in amniotic fluid is shedding now. Rest assured your baby is not in pain and this does not suggest your baby has some skin problem. No medical attention is required although massaging almond or any other good quality oil helps.
pamelia
Member
101 Questions and Answers! ( Part 4 )
79) What is phototherapy and how does it work?
Jaundice can be caused by prematurity, infection, exposure to drugs during labor, or bruising at birth. Different types of jaundice exist with physiological version being the commonest form in newborns. It is not a true disease, rather a symptom that affects more than half of healthy newborns in the initial days of life. As a rule if there is no underlying cause to jaundice, it will subside without treatment in the first week of life.
The Cause
Jaundice is the result of a raised level of bilirubin, a yellow pigment byproduct that results when red blood cells breakdown. This process occurs around the 2nd or 3rd day after baby is born. Baby's immature liver is unable to clear the excess buildup of bilirubin fast enough causing it to accumulate in the blood. Instead of being directed to the bowel for excretion, the overload spills into the system and manifests itself in the skin and eyes.
What next
• Baby may develop a yellowish tinge to her skin 2-3 days following birth. The whites of her eyes will also turn yellowish. The doctor will examine the jaundice situation by extracting blood from a vein in baby's hand or heel and test the bilirubin level.
• Physiological jaundice usually occurs around day 2-3 and peaks at day 4-7. As baby's stay at the hospital is very brief, parents will have to monitor at home.
• Symptoms will start to subside around day 7 and disappear within 2 weeks.
• Frequent feeding is recommended; it is important for newborns with jaundice to feed well and have extra fluids.
• The extent of jaundice can be assessed by observing the face and upper body in natural light - a flushed, tanned parlor indicates jaundice. For further proof, gently press your finger on her cheek, release, and note the skin tone when you remove your finger. If it is a deep yellow repeat this action on her chest. You should take baby to hospital for a review if the chest is also yellow.
• Apart from a yellowish parlor, if baby is lethargic, slow to feed consult your doctor. An appropriate treatment will be prescribed
Phototherapy
• Phototherapy is the usual form of treatment prescribed if treatment is required. It uses the wavelength of the blue spectrum of light to break down bilirubin molecules thereby assisting the immature liver to process the bilirubin faster.
• Once upon a time natural sunlight was a popular therapy but these days doctors have their doubts on the efficiency of this method due to depletion of the ozone layer - the sun rays could prove to be too strong for baby's sensitive skin doing more harm than good in the long run.
• Phototherapy is performed in the hospital premises under medical supervision.
• Treatment is usually given intermittently e.g. for one hour in four.
• The baby is undressed and the eyes are well protected with shields before being placed under blue fluorescent lamps. The light breaks down the bilirubin which the baby then excretes.
• Sometimes babies are placed on fiber optic blankets to increase the amount of absorbed light.
• The treatment of jaundice with lights is easy but if that fails drastic forms of treatment will be taken, so it is important to maximize the time under phototherapy.
Common Concerns explained
Eating ginger while breastfeeding will cause baby to be jaundiced!
Jaundice is due to raised levels of bilirubin in baby's bloodstream and an immature liver. There is no conclusive evidence suggesting a link between the two, but do remember that ginger is a herb and an excess of anything may not be beneficial to you or your baby.
Eating carrots and papaya during pregnancy will cause jaundice in my baby!
These foods contain beta carotenes which are not the same as bilirubin. Eating excessive amounts of food containing beta carotenes may cause your skin to have a yellowish hue but that is not jaundice. Still, it pays to eat a variety of foods and not zero in on one particular type.
Breastfeeding aggravates jaundice in babies!
Breastfeeding does not cause physiological jaundice; instead inadequate feeding may aggravate the jaundice. There is a condition known as breast milk jaundice which develops a week after birth and seems to occur in exclusively breastfed babies. The exact cause is unknown but there is no real necessity to stop breastfeeding. Discuss your concerns with your doctor or lactation consultant.
Feeding water to jaundiced baby is preferred!
It is important for jaundiced babies to be hydrated, but a milk diet is preferred since it is packed with water and nutrients and helps eliminate bilirubin more effectively. Water on the other hand is just plain fluid without the nutrients.
80) What is floppy head syndrome and why does it happen?
Your child may have floppy baby syndrome if, at 6 months, she is unable to sit in an upright position even with support. There are many reasons why a baby may be unusually floppy with dire consequences to deal with, but in most instances there is no serious underlying cause. The infant is just slow to mature.
Key Issues
• The list of causes for floppiness is huge and can be caused by any one of the numerous rare diseases; it can only be determined through a series of tests. Probable causes can be narrowed down to genes, muscular diseases and incorrect development to that part of the brain which is responsible for maintaining muscle tone.
• A baby with such a condition may be slower to develop than a normal baby and may require support for longer periods as the head control is slower to mature.
• In pronounced cases, baby will be behind in terms of development and this is largely due to weak muscles and not mental impairment. He will acquire key milestones at a later age or stage than his counterparts.
• Medically no reason seems to point out the cause for the floppiness although there may be a family pattern of later than normal development in areas such as sitting, crawling and walking. Premature infants are more predisposed to floppiness than term babies but their muscle tone improves with maturity.
• Floppiness doesn't worsen with time although the condition is usually present from the time baby is born. With time baby starts to improve and gradually grows out of the limpness, and only slight muscle weakness is left.
Things to look out for
• Notable signs include weak suckling, drooling, poor swallowing, flicking eye movements and low muscle tone. Usually they are dismissed as many newborns have one or more of these problems but the significance of all not being normal becomes clearer when these symptoms are viewed collectively.
• When resting your baby may lie with arms and legs splayed out flat and generally make fewer movements in comparison to a normal baby.
• At six months baby is still not able to sit upright even with the aid of pillows and cushions; his head tends to loll and he may roll to one side. He is not able to take his weight on his feet.
• When you hold baby upright under the arms, he has this tendency to slip through your grasp.
Things you can do
• Because mildly floppy babies have not had much opportunity to move about and strengthen their muscles, you can provide the infant plenty of opportunities to move around and kick about with his arms and legs. Give him tummy time by leaving him on the floor on his tummy or back to help tone up his muscles.
• In more severe cases you can learn how to perform exercises by attending physiotherapy sessions and incorporate them into your daily regime and do them with your baby. Through this your baby's muscle coordination will improve.
• Lastly be patient and remember if tests show no underlying cause your baby will go on to develop normal muscle tone in time.
81) Is it necessary to use a baby monitor?
A baby monitor functions to connect you to your baby when you are in some other part of the house. It is not an absolute must to own but it does come handy if your baby becomes very stressed when you do not respond to his cries immediately or if you cannot hear your baby crying from the other rooms in the house.
82) My baby looks so fragile and I am scared to hurt her when I hold her. Is this possible?
You can be rest assured you are not going to harm your child in any way as long as you give her head the support it needs. Since newborns have very little control over their heads for at least a month, hold it firmly to prevent any lolling.
83) Should I allow my four year old to pick up his newborn sister?
As long as you are there to guide even the smallest of siblings can hold a young baby. Demonstrate the correct way to hold the baby and emphasize the importance of proper head and neck support. Do not leave the two of them alone together as it can create anxiety in either one of them.
84) Is it a good idea to leave my baby propped sitting up with cushions etc?
Wait until your baby is at least 6 weeks old before attempting this. Never leave your baby unattended and try not to leave him too upright that he can fall forward onto his face. Adequate padding in the form of pillows and cushions is a good idea since he is not able to support himself in that position yet. A bouncing cradle will do just as well.
85) Should my baby wear shoes?
Healthy foot growth is possible without restrictions, not even in the form of shoes. Any restraint in the soft bones early in life can cause problems later on. Socks or bootees with lots of room are all that is required until your baby starts to walk. Moreover it is necessary for baby to wiggle and suck her toes.
86) Do I need to clean the dummy regularly?
Pacifiers must always be sterilized before they can be put in your baby’s mouth. They should be re-sterilized every time they fall on the ground. Washing with tap water or wiping it is not good enough.
87) What other drinks can I give my baby?
Same as #12.
88) What can my newborn see?
Babies open their eyes almost immediately after birth though not for long. His long distance vision is blurred right now but he is able to focus on objects that are around 20-25 cm or 8-10 inches away from his face. Objects with lots of contrast like your face and those that can move attract him more.
89) What can my newborn hear?
Your baby will be most alert to the sound of his mother’s voice which up till now has been muffled by amniotic fluid. He is also sensitive to the inflections and rhythms of language.
90) There is a bulge under his navel which seems to protrude more when he cries. What is wrong?
This swelling is an umbilical hernia which is common but not dangerous. The gap in the muscle wall of the abdomen where the cord came through has not closed completely yet and this causes the contents of the abdomen to push through when baby cries or coughs. Your baby is not in pain and nothing needs to be done to fix this. Almost all the umbilical hernias close up before the age of 5.
91) Will my baby sleep longer if the room is kept dark?
Not likely. She can sleep when it is light. . How ever do not place her in direct warm sunlight as it could get too hot for her. It is a good idea to draw curtains during the day to get your baby adjusted to the difference between night and day so that by the time she is 6 weeks old she would have developed a sense of when she is expected to sleep.
92) When should I use a dummy?
Try giving your baby a dummy only when she sleeps. Avoid giving her one when she doesn’t need it – a dummy shouldn’t be in her mouth all the time!
93) Why is my newborn so blotchy?
Since circulation is not fully developed blood can 'pool' in one part of the body. Stork marks – red or purplish marks on the back of the neck may be seen. These are harmless and will fade.
94) What are the main reasons babies cry?
Crying is a means of communication for babies. In a very young baby the most common cause is hunger but other reasons include thirst, feeling too hot or too cold, having colic, feeling discomfort, boredom, fear or fatigue. A loud noise may startle an infant and trigger crying, as can over-stimulation or lack of physical contact with a parent. Cuddling often stops the crying.
95) Is it true that newborns can sense their parent’s moods?
It is thought that babies can pick up on other people’s emotions, especially their caregiver’s moods. They respond to increased tension in the arms of the person who is holding them. Parents should try staying calm . How ever much your baby cries to avoid aggravating the situation further.
96) When should I call my doctor?
If your baby seems unwell look out for any of the following symptoms and contact your doctor at the soonest:
• A sunken fontanelle (a possible sign of dehydration)
• Diarrhea especially if combined with vomiting
• Screaming in pain
• Refusing more than one feed
• Dry nappies when they should be wet
• Persistent vomiting (more than the usual possetting)
• A fever despite being lightly clothed
• Rapid breathing or cough
97) Will my baby need immunizations?
Without them your baby is at risk of developing serious diseases such as polio, meningitis etc. A vaccine by mouth or injection stimulates the body’s immunity against a particular infection. Though not all vaccines are full proof, they are still worth having.
98) What is the best way to wind my baby?
With a very young infant, it is best to hold her upright on your lap and gently rub her back supporting her neck and head. After baby is a month old she can be held against you with her head resting over your shoulder. Place a napkin on your shoulder as possetting is very likely.
99) Should my formula fed baby be given water as well?
If your baby is thirsty even after her feed or if she is unusually hot or feverish or if the weather is warm, a little water helps. Usually formula is sufficient but in these situations an extra bottle of formula will not help as it will not prevent dehydration because of it contains salt, protein, carbohydrate and other nutrients and water. Offer your baby cooled, boiled water in a bottle if she still wants more after her feed.
100) Is frequent cuddling beneficial?
It is important to cuddle your newborn often since she has just left the cozy environment of the womb. She also needs the stimulation your eye contact and touch and smiles can provide. You do not need to hold her or cuddle her all the time.
101) What is the best way to keep my baby clean?
Some parents prefer to bathe their newborns everyday while others prefer to top and tail regularly and bathe occasionally. Topping and tailing doesn’t involve total undressing and requires less effort – just the face, hands and bottom. This regime suits fussy babies or during winter months.
( Back Breaking from sitting too long... I know this is one MEGA SPAM... I'll go lie down now... happy reading Mommies! )
79) What is phototherapy and how does it work?
Jaundice can be caused by prematurity, infection, exposure to drugs during labor, or bruising at birth. Different types of jaundice exist with physiological version being the commonest form in newborns. It is not a true disease, rather a symptom that affects more than half of healthy newborns in the initial days of life. As a rule if there is no underlying cause to jaundice, it will subside without treatment in the first week of life.
The Cause
Jaundice is the result of a raised level of bilirubin, a yellow pigment byproduct that results when red blood cells breakdown. This process occurs around the 2nd or 3rd day after baby is born. Baby's immature liver is unable to clear the excess buildup of bilirubin fast enough causing it to accumulate in the blood. Instead of being directed to the bowel for excretion, the overload spills into the system and manifests itself in the skin and eyes.
What next
• Baby may develop a yellowish tinge to her skin 2-3 days following birth. The whites of her eyes will also turn yellowish. The doctor will examine the jaundice situation by extracting blood from a vein in baby's hand or heel and test the bilirubin level.
• Physiological jaundice usually occurs around day 2-3 and peaks at day 4-7. As baby's stay at the hospital is very brief, parents will have to monitor at home.
• Symptoms will start to subside around day 7 and disappear within 2 weeks.
• Frequent feeding is recommended; it is important for newborns with jaundice to feed well and have extra fluids.
• The extent of jaundice can be assessed by observing the face and upper body in natural light - a flushed, tanned parlor indicates jaundice. For further proof, gently press your finger on her cheek, release, and note the skin tone when you remove your finger. If it is a deep yellow repeat this action on her chest. You should take baby to hospital for a review if the chest is also yellow.
• Apart from a yellowish parlor, if baby is lethargic, slow to feed consult your doctor. An appropriate treatment will be prescribed
Phototherapy
• Phototherapy is the usual form of treatment prescribed if treatment is required. It uses the wavelength of the blue spectrum of light to break down bilirubin molecules thereby assisting the immature liver to process the bilirubin faster.
• Once upon a time natural sunlight was a popular therapy but these days doctors have their doubts on the efficiency of this method due to depletion of the ozone layer - the sun rays could prove to be too strong for baby's sensitive skin doing more harm than good in the long run.
• Phototherapy is performed in the hospital premises under medical supervision.
• Treatment is usually given intermittently e.g. for one hour in four.
• The baby is undressed and the eyes are well protected with shields before being placed under blue fluorescent lamps. The light breaks down the bilirubin which the baby then excretes.
• Sometimes babies are placed on fiber optic blankets to increase the amount of absorbed light.
• The treatment of jaundice with lights is easy but if that fails drastic forms of treatment will be taken, so it is important to maximize the time under phototherapy.
Common Concerns explained
Eating ginger while breastfeeding will cause baby to be jaundiced!
Jaundice is due to raised levels of bilirubin in baby's bloodstream and an immature liver. There is no conclusive evidence suggesting a link between the two, but do remember that ginger is a herb and an excess of anything may not be beneficial to you or your baby.
Eating carrots and papaya during pregnancy will cause jaundice in my baby!
These foods contain beta carotenes which are not the same as bilirubin. Eating excessive amounts of food containing beta carotenes may cause your skin to have a yellowish hue but that is not jaundice. Still, it pays to eat a variety of foods and not zero in on one particular type.
Breastfeeding aggravates jaundice in babies!
Breastfeeding does not cause physiological jaundice; instead inadequate feeding may aggravate the jaundice. There is a condition known as breast milk jaundice which develops a week after birth and seems to occur in exclusively breastfed babies. The exact cause is unknown but there is no real necessity to stop breastfeeding. Discuss your concerns with your doctor or lactation consultant.
Feeding water to jaundiced baby is preferred!
It is important for jaundiced babies to be hydrated, but a milk diet is preferred since it is packed with water and nutrients and helps eliminate bilirubin more effectively. Water on the other hand is just plain fluid without the nutrients.
80) What is floppy head syndrome and why does it happen?
Your child may have floppy baby syndrome if, at 6 months, she is unable to sit in an upright position even with support. There are many reasons why a baby may be unusually floppy with dire consequences to deal with, but in most instances there is no serious underlying cause. The infant is just slow to mature.
Key Issues
• The list of causes for floppiness is huge and can be caused by any one of the numerous rare diseases; it can only be determined through a series of tests. Probable causes can be narrowed down to genes, muscular diseases and incorrect development to that part of the brain which is responsible for maintaining muscle tone.
• A baby with such a condition may be slower to develop than a normal baby and may require support for longer periods as the head control is slower to mature.
• In pronounced cases, baby will be behind in terms of development and this is largely due to weak muscles and not mental impairment. He will acquire key milestones at a later age or stage than his counterparts.
• Medically no reason seems to point out the cause for the floppiness although there may be a family pattern of later than normal development in areas such as sitting, crawling and walking. Premature infants are more predisposed to floppiness than term babies but their muscle tone improves with maturity.
• Floppiness doesn't worsen with time although the condition is usually present from the time baby is born. With time baby starts to improve and gradually grows out of the limpness, and only slight muscle weakness is left.
Things to look out for
• Notable signs include weak suckling, drooling, poor swallowing, flicking eye movements and low muscle tone. Usually they are dismissed as many newborns have one or more of these problems but the significance of all not being normal becomes clearer when these symptoms are viewed collectively.
• When resting your baby may lie with arms and legs splayed out flat and generally make fewer movements in comparison to a normal baby.
• At six months baby is still not able to sit upright even with the aid of pillows and cushions; his head tends to loll and he may roll to one side. He is not able to take his weight on his feet.
• When you hold baby upright under the arms, he has this tendency to slip through your grasp.
Things you can do
• Because mildly floppy babies have not had much opportunity to move about and strengthen their muscles, you can provide the infant plenty of opportunities to move around and kick about with his arms and legs. Give him tummy time by leaving him on the floor on his tummy or back to help tone up his muscles.
• In more severe cases you can learn how to perform exercises by attending physiotherapy sessions and incorporate them into your daily regime and do them with your baby. Through this your baby's muscle coordination will improve.
• Lastly be patient and remember if tests show no underlying cause your baby will go on to develop normal muscle tone in time.
81) Is it necessary to use a baby monitor?
A baby monitor functions to connect you to your baby when you are in some other part of the house. It is not an absolute must to own but it does come handy if your baby becomes very stressed when you do not respond to his cries immediately or if you cannot hear your baby crying from the other rooms in the house.
82) My baby looks so fragile and I am scared to hurt her when I hold her. Is this possible?
You can be rest assured you are not going to harm your child in any way as long as you give her head the support it needs. Since newborns have very little control over their heads for at least a month, hold it firmly to prevent any lolling.
83) Should I allow my four year old to pick up his newborn sister?
As long as you are there to guide even the smallest of siblings can hold a young baby. Demonstrate the correct way to hold the baby and emphasize the importance of proper head and neck support. Do not leave the two of them alone together as it can create anxiety in either one of them.
84) Is it a good idea to leave my baby propped sitting up with cushions etc?
Wait until your baby is at least 6 weeks old before attempting this. Never leave your baby unattended and try not to leave him too upright that he can fall forward onto his face. Adequate padding in the form of pillows and cushions is a good idea since he is not able to support himself in that position yet. A bouncing cradle will do just as well.
85) Should my baby wear shoes?
Healthy foot growth is possible without restrictions, not even in the form of shoes. Any restraint in the soft bones early in life can cause problems later on. Socks or bootees with lots of room are all that is required until your baby starts to walk. Moreover it is necessary for baby to wiggle and suck her toes.
86) Do I need to clean the dummy regularly?
Pacifiers must always be sterilized before they can be put in your baby’s mouth. They should be re-sterilized every time they fall on the ground. Washing with tap water or wiping it is not good enough.
87) What other drinks can I give my baby?
Same as #12.
88) What can my newborn see?
Babies open their eyes almost immediately after birth though not for long. His long distance vision is blurred right now but he is able to focus on objects that are around 20-25 cm or 8-10 inches away from his face. Objects with lots of contrast like your face and those that can move attract him more.
89) What can my newborn hear?
Your baby will be most alert to the sound of his mother’s voice which up till now has been muffled by amniotic fluid. He is also sensitive to the inflections and rhythms of language.
90) There is a bulge under his navel which seems to protrude more when he cries. What is wrong?
This swelling is an umbilical hernia which is common but not dangerous. The gap in the muscle wall of the abdomen where the cord came through has not closed completely yet and this causes the contents of the abdomen to push through when baby cries or coughs. Your baby is not in pain and nothing needs to be done to fix this. Almost all the umbilical hernias close up before the age of 5.
91) Will my baby sleep longer if the room is kept dark?
Not likely. She can sleep when it is light. . How ever do not place her in direct warm sunlight as it could get too hot for her. It is a good idea to draw curtains during the day to get your baby adjusted to the difference between night and day so that by the time she is 6 weeks old she would have developed a sense of when she is expected to sleep.
92) When should I use a dummy?
Try giving your baby a dummy only when she sleeps. Avoid giving her one when she doesn’t need it – a dummy shouldn’t be in her mouth all the time!
93) Why is my newborn so blotchy?
Since circulation is not fully developed blood can 'pool' in one part of the body. Stork marks – red or purplish marks on the back of the neck may be seen. These are harmless and will fade.
94) What are the main reasons babies cry?
Crying is a means of communication for babies. In a very young baby the most common cause is hunger but other reasons include thirst, feeling too hot or too cold, having colic, feeling discomfort, boredom, fear or fatigue. A loud noise may startle an infant and trigger crying, as can over-stimulation or lack of physical contact with a parent. Cuddling often stops the crying.
95) Is it true that newborns can sense their parent’s moods?
It is thought that babies can pick up on other people’s emotions, especially their caregiver’s moods. They respond to increased tension in the arms of the person who is holding them. Parents should try staying calm . How ever much your baby cries to avoid aggravating the situation further.
96) When should I call my doctor?
If your baby seems unwell look out for any of the following symptoms and contact your doctor at the soonest:
• A sunken fontanelle (a possible sign of dehydration)
• Diarrhea especially if combined with vomiting
• Screaming in pain
• Refusing more than one feed
• Dry nappies when they should be wet
• Persistent vomiting (more than the usual possetting)
• A fever despite being lightly clothed
• Rapid breathing or cough
97) Will my baby need immunizations?
Without them your baby is at risk of developing serious diseases such as polio, meningitis etc. A vaccine by mouth or injection stimulates the body’s immunity against a particular infection. Though not all vaccines are full proof, they are still worth having.
98) What is the best way to wind my baby?
With a very young infant, it is best to hold her upright on your lap and gently rub her back supporting her neck and head. After baby is a month old she can be held against you with her head resting over your shoulder. Place a napkin on your shoulder as possetting is very likely.
99) Should my formula fed baby be given water as well?
If your baby is thirsty even after her feed or if she is unusually hot or feverish or if the weather is warm, a little water helps. Usually formula is sufficient but in these situations an extra bottle of formula will not help as it will not prevent dehydration because of it contains salt, protein, carbohydrate and other nutrients and water. Offer your baby cooled, boiled water in a bottle if she still wants more after her feed.
100) Is frequent cuddling beneficial?
It is important to cuddle your newborn often since she has just left the cozy environment of the womb. She also needs the stimulation your eye contact and touch and smiles can provide. You do not need to hold her or cuddle her all the time.
101) What is the best way to keep my baby clean?
Some parents prefer to bathe their newborns everyday while others prefer to top and tail regularly and bathe occasionally. Topping and tailing doesn’t involve total undressing and requires less effort – just the face, hands and bottom. This regime suits fussy babies or during winter months.
( Back Breaking from sitting too long... I know this is one MEGA SPAM... I'll go lie down now... happy reading Mommies! )
stephie1735
Active Member
<font color="aa00aa">shelled</font> - today I tried to concentrate on expressing and feeding but I failed.
I did come in and just looked at the thread like twice but no time to reply... baby still fussy , super tired.
I was the one whom got the Belly Bandit from Rach and so I met his hubby this afternoon.. Sooo nice... he knows I still in confinement, so insist that he cross over the road to near my house to meet me.. so sweet... (Oh coincidently, he works just opposite my house there)...
Really nice guy!!! Rach so Xin Fu..
<font color="aa00aa">sheryn</font> - My baby backside small one.. so I already stocked up a month of NB diapers for him.. he's now 4 weeks old so I believe that he will be using NB diapers till about 8 weeks.. hehehe
<font color="aa00aa">Pamelia</font> - Wah.. u typed out the whole manual? hehehe
I did come in and just looked at the thread like twice but no time to reply... baby still fussy , super tired.
I was the one whom got the Belly Bandit from Rach and so I met his hubby this afternoon.. Sooo nice... he knows I still in confinement, so insist that he cross over the road to near my house to meet me.. so sweet... (Oh coincidently, he works just opposite my house there)...
Really nice guy!!! Rach so Xin Fu..
<font color="aa00aa">sheryn</font> - My baby backside small one.. so I already stocked up a month of NB diapers for him.. he's now 4 weeks old so I believe that he will be using NB diapers till about 8 weeks.. hehehe
<font color="aa00aa">Pamelia</font> - Wah.. u typed out the whole manual? hehehe
shelled
Active Member
<font color="ff0099"> Steph</font>
My supply seems to have dipped today.
My left boob is still lazier than my right, although I don't really care about that. I just want my total pump yield to go up! I don't care which boob it comes from. At most go for boob job to fix the lopsidedness after stop BF lor.
You typo leh. HER hubby, not HIS hubby. Gay marriage is still not allowed in Singapore.
If his office near your place, means you're super near to me too! Ok, tonight we supper together at the McDonald's near Boon Keng MRT station. Or Lavender.
<font color="ff0099">Pamelia</font>
Please don't tell me you typed everything out ok?! Your fingers not numb huh??
My supply seems to have dipped today.
My left boob is still lazier than my right, although I don't really care about that. I just want my total pump yield to go up! I don't care which boob it comes from. At most go for boob job to fix the lopsidedness after stop BF lor.
You typo leh. HER hubby, not HIS hubby. Gay marriage is still not allowed in Singapore.
If his office near your place, means you're super near to me too! Ok, tonight we supper together at the McDonald's near Boon Keng MRT station. Or Lavender.
<font color="ff0099">Pamelia</font>
Please don't tell me you typed everything out ok?! Your fingers not numb huh??
*Pam*
Gosh...pls tell me is copy and paste...
*shelled*
still can go out for supper?? erm...*think think* when is the last time i step out of the hse arh?? 1 week ago for 2hrs at nearby shopping mall....chop chop one coz dun want to bring 'feeding equipments'!!
had MAGNUM 3 days in a row...eating for revenge like tat...anyway im a FAN of B&J too...if it's tub ice-cream, it's definitely gonna be B&J. Fave flavor CHUNKY MONKEY...SLURRRPPP....
Gosh...pls tell me is copy and paste...
*shelled*
still can go out for supper?? erm...*think think* when is the last time i step out of the hse arh?? 1 week ago for 2hrs at nearby shopping mall....chop chop one coz dun want to bring 'feeding equipments'!!
had MAGNUM 3 days in a row...eating for revenge like tat...anyway im a FAN of B&J too...if it's tub ice-cream, it's definitely gonna be B&J. Fave flavor CHUNKY MONKEY...SLURRRPPP....
shelled
Active Member
<font color="ff0099"> Re: EVIL ICECREAM</font>
Why so many of us machiam eating icecream for revenge huh?! Are we all going to grow fat together?!?!?
<font color="ff0099">girlygirly</font>
I think if i had to take care of 4 kids by myself, I also won't be able to go out lor. But heng arh, it's only 2 (for now). Seriously contemplating the consequences of having some more...
<font color="ff0099">MIL hint hint me to have bb girl!!</font>
My MIL just "hint hint" again ytd despite saying earlier that she'd rather I stop at 2 cos not easy to take care by myself. She said if we compare bb's left thigh and right thigh, and if the lines doesn't match up exactly, means next kid will be of the opposite gender. MEANS SHE WANT ME TO HAVE GIRL FOR #3 LOR!! Gian gian di sian sian... I dunno wanted to laugh at her or scold her. Always try to hint me in such roundabout methods.
When I asked her "You want me to have a girl for #3 is it?!" she just grin at me like a little kid and said "No lah. 2 boys also quite good mah. But if you want then ok lor."
Good lor, do taiji push here push there, pretend she dunwan, so if #3 is hard to deal with, it won't be her "bad idea".
I will have to call my SIL and ask her to pry more info from MIL.
Why so many of us machiam eating icecream for revenge huh?! Are we all going to grow fat together?!?!?
<font color="ff0099">girlygirly</font>
I think if i had to take care of 4 kids by myself, I also won't be able to go out lor. But heng arh, it's only 2 (for now). Seriously contemplating the consequences of having some more...
<font color="ff0099">MIL hint hint me to have bb girl!!</font>
My MIL just "hint hint" again ytd despite saying earlier that she'd rather I stop at 2 cos not easy to take care by myself. She said if we compare bb's left thigh and right thigh, and if the lines doesn't match up exactly, means next kid will be of the opposite gender. MEANS SHE WANT ME TO HAVE GIRL FOR #3 LOR!! Gian gian di sian sian... I dunno wanted to laugh at her or scold her. Always try to hint me in such roundabout methods.
When I asked her "You want me to have a girl for #3 is it?!" she just grin at me like a little kid and said "No lah. 2 boys also quite good mah. But if you want then ok lor."
Good lor, do taiji push here push there, pretend she dunwan, so if #3 is hard to deal with, it won't be her "bad idea".
I will have to call my SIL and ask her to pry more info from MIL.
milkyway18
Active Member
ice-cream
wow.. u all really into ice cream ar.. makes me also want to eat leh.. but i'm still not suppose to eat cold food yet but heck lah, i'm at my own place now already drink cold water like no one's biz so told hubby to get me ice cream on his way home.. hehe...
pamelia
u r our BB encylopedia lor
wow.. u all really into ice cream ar.. makes me also want to eat leh.. but i'm still not suppose to eat cold food yet but heck lah, i'm at my own place now already drink cold water like no one's biz so told hubby to get me ice cream on his way home.. hehe...
pamelia
u r our BB encylopedia lor
Mama to 6J and Michelle, thanks. The twins don't seem to know each other's presence. They like living in separate world and have very diff likes and dislikes. It will be cute to see how they interact and I look fwd to that.
Mama to 6J, when will they recognise each other's presence?
Shelled, who who who said you don't cook?
Now that I have satisfy my eclair craving (since pregnancy days), let me think what I want to eat next....
Pamelia, you typed those out???? WHen I was scrolling down, I was thinking, who is the long winded one, typed so many long post. Hehehe. Very useful info. Thanks for sharing.
Mama to 6J, when will they recognise each other's presence?
Shelled, who who who said you don't cook?
Now that I have satisfy my eclair craving (since pregnancy days), let me think what I want to eat next....
Pamelia, you typed those out???? WHen I was scrolling down, I was thinking, who is the long winded one, typed so many long post. Hehehe. Very useful info. Thanks for sharing.
itsy
Sam gained 1.6kg first mth, n 1.3kg 2nd mth. but he gained more coz he was only 2.6kg at birth lah, i suppose? think ur babe is growing lah.
girly
but hor, it's 90ml/2h for 24h, which means 1L/day. i think it's really kuazhang, coz he has no 'downtime' in the nite - always 2h feeding.
milkyway
sam also will cry with the pacifier in the mouth when he goes ki siao. like complaining sounds, quite funny n cute. yeah lor, both got wind, might as well use pacifier!
sandwich
i can't figure out how to use the sling *wails*
hair dryer
erm.. how long can i leave the hair dryer on b4 it goes kaput?
shelled
yeah lah, at my ILs, i just close my eyes to the cons n give thanks to the pros - o/w how not to go ki siao right?
jenifur
oic - din think abt the many viruses in the 6-in-1.
btw pneuomococcal is now compulsory leh.
have u found out the compulsory vaccines? my pd gave me a card with the schedule, i can type out here if u need.
shanice
I was taught during antenatal class that soaking in hot water does not sterlise! In fact, thenere's one bacteria that will form a hard protective shell ard itself during the first 5 min of BOILING so they recommend to boil 10min so as to break down this stubborn bacteria.
If u dun wanna use tablets, u can use the steam steriliser. My MIL also keeps nagging to just pout hot water, but I insist on my way.
Sam gained 1.6kg first mth, n 1.3kg 2nd mth. but he gained more coz he was only 2.6kg at birth lah, i suppose? think ur babe is growing lah.
girly
but hor, it's 90ml/2h for 24h, which means 1L/day. i think it's really kuazhang, coz he has no 'downtime' in the nite - always 2h feeding.
milkyway
sam also will cry with the pacifier in the mouth when he goes ki siao. like complaining sounds, quite funny n cute. yeah lor, both got wind, might as well use pacifier!
sandwich
i can't figure out how to use the sling *wails*
hair dryer
erm.. how long can i leave the hair dryer on b4 it goes kaput?
shelled
yeah lah, at my ILs, i just close my eyes to the cons n give thanks to the pros - o/w how not to go ki siao right?
jenifur
oic - din think abt the many viruses in the 6-in-1.
btw pneuomococcal is now compulsory leh.
have u found out the compulsory vaccines? my pd gave me a card with the schedule, i can type out here if u need.
shanice
I was taught during antenatal class that soaking in hot water does not sterlise! In fact, thenere's one bacteria that will form a hard protective shell ard itself during the first 5 min of BOILING so they recommend to boil 10min so as to break down this stubborn bacteria.
If u dun wanna use tablets, u can use the steam steriliser. My MIL also keeps nagging to just pout hot water, but I insist on my way.
<font face="Comic Sans ms"><font color="0000ff">Cookiezz/Paigey,</font>
If I'm not wrong, e only 2 jab that is required by law is Diphtheria & Measles. The rest are not required by law @ all so I wonder why are our babies taking e jabs???!!!
http://www.nir.hpb.gov.sg/nir/sv/eservices/eservicesv?ACTION=DISPLAY_VIEW_FAQ_BY_CATEGORY&CATEGORY_ID=IDAR
I cannot advise if you should or you should not take the vaccine. I will try my best to delay or just find the single dose Diphtheria & Measles.
Like what Mamato6Js has mentioned, she has frens whose kid die from pneumococcal & it was widely "advertised" bout how children suffer.
But on the other hand, tere are cases of children who died/suffer from vaccination. Just tt it was not widely publicized, @ least not in Singapore.
Try searching on e net & you will find lots of info. So if vaccines are 100% safe, there will not be websites on children or adults damaged by vaccines.
There's always a 50 to 50 risk involved. Educate yrself first and weigh the pros and cons b4 making any decision..</font>
If I'm not wrong, e only 2 jab that is required by law is Diphtheria & Measles. The rest are not required by law @ all so I wonder why are our babies taking e jabs???!!!
http://www.nir.hpb.gov.sg/nir/sv/eservices/eservicesv?ACTION=DISPLAY_VIEW_FAQ_BY_CATEGORY&CATEGORY_ID=IDAR
I cannot advise if you should or you should not take the vaccine. I will try my best to delay or just find the single dose Diphtheria & Measles.
Like what Mamato6Js has mentioned, she has frens whose kid die from pneumococcal & it was widely "advertised" bout how children suffer.
But on the other hand, tere are cases of children who died/suffer from vaccination. Just tt it was not widely publicized, @ least not in Singapore.
Try searching on e net & you will find lots of info. So if vaccines are 100% safe, there will not be websites on children or adults damaged by vaccines.
There's always a 50 to 50 risk involved. Educate yrself first and weigh the pros and cons b4 making any decision..</font>
does/has your baby slept for more then 5hrs straight?
my gal has been sleeping since 6pm till now... she is sooo sleepy, she refuses to wake up for her feeds. mummies, any of your baby sleep so long without waking up? i'm getting worried! this is the first time she sleeps for such a long stretch. i wonder if it could be due to the baby massage my masseuse did for her earlier. my masseuse said she has slight wind (could be early colic) as her tummy is quite hard and her feet is cold. no wonder these past few days she's been fussing quite a bit. mommy here is really tired and half dead. never take any afternoon naps for more then a wk already!
my gal has been sleeping since 6pm till now... she is sooo sleepy, she refuses to wake up for her feeds. mummies, any of your baby sleep so long without waking up? i'm getting worried! this is the first time she sleeps for such a long stretch. i wonder if it could be due to the baby massage my masseuse did for her earlier. my masseuse said she has slight wind (could be early colic) as her tummy is quite hard and her feet is cold. no wonder these past few days she's been fussing quite a bit. mommy here is really tired and half dead. never take any afternoon naps for more then a wk already!
... 6 hrs now...
12MN - i'm tallying up my gals total feeds for the day. 450ml only! very odd... today's total feeds has decreased alot. ytd total feeds was 770ml. i'm feeding my gal on demand.
mummies, do u keep track of your bb's intake? is such fluctuation normal?
i just took her temperature - normal. earlier on in the day, i noticed nothing wrong with her either, except that she didn't want to finish her feeds twice.
12MN - i'm tallying up my gals total feeds for the day. 450ml only! very odd... today's total feeds has decreased alot. ytd total feeds was 770ml. i'm feeding my gal on demand.
mummies, do u keep track of your bb's intake? is such fluctuation normal?
i just took her temperature - normal. earlier on in the day, i noticed nothing wrong with her either, except that she didn't want to finish her feeds twice.
shelled
Active Member
I don't record my bb's intake, i only record my pumping yield per session to make sure supply is not dropping.
Fluctuations are normal based on how many hrs they're asleep/awake, and if cry for long, possibly more hungry/thirsty so drink more, etc etc.
Unless bb is drinking significantly lesser for a few days, usually no cause for concern.
For BF babies, sometimes it could be the taste of your BM due to something you ate. They find the taste "weird" or simply don't like it, so they drink less. Once your system clears out that particular "flavor", then bb should be resuming their full appetite again.
Fluctuations are normal based on how many hrs they're asleep/awake, and if cry for long, possibly more hungry/thirsty so drink more, etc etc.
Unless bb is drinking significantly lesser for a few days, usually no cause for concern.
For BF babies, sometimes it could be the taste of your BM due to something you ate. They find the taste "weird" or simply don't like it, so they drink less. Once your system clears out that particular "flavor", then bb should be resuming their full appetite again.
shelled
Active Member
<font color="ff0099"><font size="+1">Re: 6-in-1 / 5-in-1 vaccinations</font></font>
Chanced upon this while doing some research: http://www.nuh.com.sg/patientsVisitors/vaccinationPackagesForBabies/patientsVisitors_vaccinationPackagesForBabies.htm
$220 for all the 3 doses of 6-in-1/5-in-1 vaccinations. So if any of you stay near NUH then maybe can go there lor.
Chanced upon this while doing some research: http://www.nuh.com.sg/patientsVisitors/vaccinationPackagesForBabies/patientsVisitors_vaccinationPackagesForBabies.htm
$220 for all the 3 doses of 6-in-1/5-in-1 vaccinations. So if any of you stay near NUH then maybe can go there lor.
Sandwich,
Sad to say, my hubby can't locate the orginal as yet.. baby's bc cannot be done and she's already 1mth old. Sigh. Calling up ICA tomorrow to request for registration with a duplicate.
Pamelia,
Thanks for the lengthy but useful info.
How long did that take you to post?
Jenifur,
Thanks for sharing the info on viruses in jabs. Then, guess my kids are lucky to get all their jabs delayed cos I keep forgetting. Doesn't matter even if they miss by 5 mths or more, right?
Sad to say, my hubby can't locate the orginal as yet.. baby's bc cannot be done and she's already 1mth old. Sigh. Calling up ICA tomorrow to request for registration with a duplicate.
Pamelia,
Thanks for the lengthy but useful info.
How long did that take you to post?
Jenifur,
Thanks for sharing the info on viruses in jabs. Then, guess my kids are lucky to get all their jabs delayed cos I keep forgetting.
Doesn't matter even if they miss by 5 mths or more, right?<font color="ff0000">paige</font>
haa..maybe i always let her sleep tummy down... and that trains her?? but even at 1st week old.. we already put her tummy down..
and was amazed that she can turn her head herself..so we were quite relieved to put her tummy down to sleep...
we went out from 4pm and we just reach home.. (8pm) she slept throughout lo..we went gai gai and she actually slept!
Dun even want her feed.. wahaha.. save me the hassle to BF.. tried to stuff it in her mouth..she dun even want it at the feeding time..
so i continue to gai gai.. wahahha...
it does work for shelled and me.. i dunno its due to the belly bandit or what.. but just last week at BB shower.. my tummy was HUGE loh..
this sunday its already flatter...
Now i wear early preg clothes.. cannot see tummy!!!!!!! wahahahhaa..so happy today loh..
and thats why i'm moving to a S size liaoz.. in 1 week of wearing the belly bandit. wahhahaa...
i wear only 12 hours..from morning i wake up after bathe.. i wear till at nite before bathe take out..
then i air the bandit...
but i know shelled wore 24/7 except to bathe maybe.. hehe..
<font color="ff0000">mama6</font>
u are scaring me.. 1kg a month.. my gal was 3.5kg after discharge...now at 5 weeks...she is 5kg...
abit overweight hor? haahha..
but the fact she is TBF..at least she has all the nutrients i've been taking.. whhahaa..
<font color="ff0000">Michelle</font>
so the diapers as long as 6 packets they'll deliver huh?? so no matter is what size also $60 for 6 packs???
ME ME ME!! Outgrowing S size SOOOoonnnn.... hahaha...thats why stocking M laioz...
5kg girl okay....jialat..she like me then siaoz... XL size... faint..
my girl change almost 10 a day.. but these few days abt 8....
<font color="ff0000">Steph</font>
haha..thanks for the compliments for my HB..
<font color="ff0000">Pam</font>
THe spam was very very informative!!!!!!!!!!!! Impressed u typed out the whole manual!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks!!!!!!!!!
do u type very fast??????
<font color="ff0000">shelled</font>
i went out yest and I WANTED ICE CREAM...
Mum didnt allow me to...... >.<"
Not even cold drinks..and cold sushi........ >.<"
Man..this is taking hours.. i started typing this out at 8pm.... now its 4am....
of coz in between was feeds, sleeping and pumping.. wahaha..jsut done pumping..
i havent been hitting 200ml for a long while now... it always fluctuates between 120ml - 170ml max...
but i'm happy coz i'm just storing and storing... nothing has been used since CL left..so there's like 1-2L in my fridge now..
hehehe....
<font color="ff0000">camomile</font>
oh..so its even cheaper at polyC than the spree huh.. okok...
ehh..but only NB and S... my girl needs M liaoz.......... Huggies S is getting tight..and i presume when i finishe the next 40++pcs...almost there laioz..
still got 2 BN packs Huggies S to let go....
<font color="ff0000">Nursing Poncho</font>
10 more orders needed.. the price has been lowered a bit more.. abit abit...
so..those interested PM me.. if we can close this by Thur, we can all receive by tue latest.
haa..maybe i always let her sleep tummy down... and that trains her?? but even at 1st week old.. we already put her tummy down..
and was amazed that she can turn her head herself..so we were quite relieved to put her tummy down to sleep...
we went out from 4pm and we just reach home.. (8pm) she slept throughout lo..we went gai gai and she actually slept!
Dun even want her feed.. wahaha.. save me the hassle to BF.. tried to stuff it in her mouth..she dun even want it at the feeding time..
so i continue to gai gai.. wahahha...
it does work for shelled and me.. i dunno its due to the belly bandit or what.. but just last week at BB shower.. my tummy was HUGE loh..
this sunday its already flatter...
Now i wear early preg clothes.. cannot see tummy!!!!!!! wahahahhaa..so happy today loh..
and thats why i'm moving to a S size liaoz.. in 1 week of wearing the belly bandit. wahhahaa...
i wear only 12 hours..from morning i wake up after bathe.. i wear till at nite before bathe take out..
then i air the bandit...
but i know shelled wore 24/7 except to bathe maybe.. hehe..
<font color="ff0000">mama6</font>
u are scaring me.. 1kg a month.. my gal was 3.5kg after discharge...now at 5 weeks...she is 5kg...
abit overweight hor? haahha..
but the fact she is TBF..at least she has all the nutrients i've been taking.. whhahaa..
<font color="ff0000">Michelle</font>
so the diapers as long as 6 packets they'll deliver huh?? so no matter is what size also $60 for 6 packs???
ME ME ME!! Outgrowing S size SOOOoonnnn.... hahaha...thats why stocking M laioz...
5kg girl okay....jialat..she like me then siaoz... XL size... faint..
my girl change almost 10 a day.. but these few days abt 8....
<font color="ff0000">Steph</font>
haha..thanks for the compliments for my HB..
<font color="ff0000">Pam</font>
THe spam was very very informative!!!!!!!!!!!! Impressed u typed out the whole manual!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks!!!!!!!!!
do u type very fast??????
<font color="ff0000">shelled</font>
i went out yest and I WANTED ICE CREAM...
Mum didnt allow me to...... >.<"
Not even cold drinks..and cold sushi........ >.<"
Man..this is taking hours.. i started typing this out at 8pm.... now its 4am....
of coz in between was feeds, sleeping and pumping.. wahaha..jsut done pumping..
i havent been hitting 200ml for a long while now... it always fluctuates between 120ml - 170ml max...
but i'm happy coz i'm just storing and storing... nothing has been used since CL left..so there's like 1-2L in my fridge now..
hehehe....
<font color="ff0000">camomile</font>
oh..so its even cheaper at polyC than the spree huh.. okok...
ehh..but only NB and S... my girl needs M liaoz.......... Huggies S is getting tight..and i presume when i finishe the next 40++pcs...almost there laioz..
still got 2 BN packs Huggies S to let go....
<font color="ff0000">Nursing Poncho</font>
10 more orders needed.. the price has been lowered a bit more.. abit abit...
so..those interested PM me.. if we can close this by Thur, we can all receive by tue latest.
stephie1735
Active Member
<font color="aa00aa">rach</font> - what's the Diaper offer you guys talking about? Can give me more details?
stephie1735
Active Member
Wow, good offer!
Thanks Rach!
Anyone staying near Balestier or Boon Keng MRT/ Novena MRT that wants to share the Fitti order with me?
I just recently stocked up my diapers only...
Thanks Rach!
Anyone staying near Balestier or Boon Keng MRT/ Novena MRT that wants to share the Fitti order with me?
I just recently stocked up my diapers only...
stephie1735
Active Member
Honestly I only used Fitti this time for #4... all my kids never use Fitti before... TMC was using Fitti for Jordan at birth and I find it not bad so I continue using during the day... night I still use Pampers.
Okie lah, I going to sleep liao... have not slept at all yet so really tired now
Okie lah, I going to sleep liao... have not slept at all yet so really tired now
twiggy1975
New Member
Rach
Do you know how long the Fridge To Go can keep milk frozen for?
37weeks in July,
Sounds like the same thing my baby has. The rattly "phlegm" sound and she sometimes looks really uncomfortalbe when she's feeding. Let's me know how your baby goes. Do you have to go back regularly to the PD to get it suctioned?
Shelled,
i'll be staying at my sister's so can store the EBM in her freezer. Issue is how to keep it frozen on long flight home. You're right, even if I throw away one weeks supply of milk, there's plenty more if I keep supply up.
Btw, I have to massage my boobs quite hard to get theb breast emptied. Is that normal? End up my boobs feel bruised all the time. That's partly why I feel very fed up with BFing and want to give up.
bbq98,
I paise to ask airline if I can store EBM in their freezer. Has anyone ever done that?
bbq98, Shelled
Actually, I do often leave my baby to cry herself to sleep.
Not sure if that's a bad thing. But a bit bopian and now used to it. Coz when I'm looking after the toddler and doing housework etc and the baby cries, I can't always attend to her. So in the end just let her cry, sometimes for very long. Like she'll cry 5-10 minutes, stop, then cry again. But eventually she'll usually stop and fall asleep for awhile. Only when I have time to pick her up will I do so. If not, I try to let her settle herself, when I know there's nothing wrong with her, like she's fed, changed, burped etc, and just wants to be carried. I wonder if I'm doing the right thing but bo pian.
Do you know how long the Fridge To Go can keep milk frozen for?
37weeks in July,
Sounds like the same thing my baby has. The rattly "phlegm" sound and she sometimes looks really uncomfortalbe when she's feeding. Let's me know how your baby goes. Do you have to go back regularly to the PD to get it suctioned?
Shelled,
i'll be staying at my sister's so can store the EBM in her freezer. Issue is how to keep it frozen on long flight home. You're right, even if I throw away one weeks supply of milk, there's plenty more if I keep supply up.
Btw, I have to massage my boobs quite hard to get theb breast emptied. Is that normal? End up my boobs feel bruised all the time. That's partly why I feel very fed up with BFing and want to give up.
bbq98,
I paise to ask airline if I can store EBM in their freezer.
Has anyone ever done that? bbq98, Shelled
Actually, I do often leave my baby to cry herself to sleep.
stephie1735
Active Member
Oh man.. I'm not asleep yet.. just placed orders for 20 bottles of Fenugreek at 2nd bottle at 50% off...
So any mummies still want Fenugreek? I think I have about 12 spare bottles.. Bought more so that more mummies can get Fenugreek much cheaper than local..
So any mummies still want Fenugreek? I think I have about 12 spare bottles.. Bought more so that more mummies can get Fenugreek much cheaper than local..
stephie1735
Active Member
<font color="aa00aa">Fenugreek & nursing pads with lanolin</font> - Anyone else still want to order?
Exchange rate is US$1 = S$1.45
GNC Fenugreek 200 capsules @ US$13.69 & 2nd bottle at US$6.50. Please add Sales Tax of US$0.80 for each bottle of Fenugreek purchased. GNC charge sales tax on applicable items in all 50 states in the United States.
http://www.gnc.com/helpdesk/index.jsp?display=payment&subdisplay=tax
1. Stephie1735 - 2 bottles
2. Jul_04 - 2 bottles
3. Chase - 1 bottle
4. Infinity_star - 2 bottles
5.
I chance upon this very interesting and useful product!
Hi all mummies, I saw this product sold in Drugstore and was wondering if anyone is interested since I'm ordering stuffs from Drugstore... Its BreastPad with Lanolin. Saw the reviews and it seems to be a very helpful breastpad.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=198415&catid=133217&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=133217&trxp2=198415&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT#
One of the reviews stated: After my son was born, I had cracked nipples and mastitis (twice). While my nipples are healing, the hardest things was nursing pads. I had used Medela brand with my daughter, but they stuck to my nipples and prevented healing (I peeled off the scab every time I took the pad off to feed him). I bought 4 kinds of nursing pads: these, lansinoh, lansinoh ultra soft, and avent. These were by far the best: soft, lie nicely under clothing, do not stick to nipples. Even without adhesive, they stay in place fine.
1) Stephie1735 - 2 boxes
2)
Exchange rate is US$1 = S$1.45
GNC Fenugreek 200 capsules @ US$13.69 & 2nd bottle at US$6.50. Please add Sales Tax of US$0.80 for each bottle of Fenugreek purchased. GNC charge sales tax on applicable items in all 50 states in the United States.
http://www.gnc.com/helpdesk/index.jsp?display=payment&subdisplay=tax
1. Stephie1735 - 2 bottles
2. Jul_04 - 2 bottles
3. Chase - 1 bottle
4. Infinity_star - 2 bottles
5.
I chance upon this very interesting and useful product!
Hi all mummies, I saw this product sold in Drugstore and was wondering if anyone is interested since I'm ordering stuffs from Drugstore... Its BreastPad with Lanolin. Saw the reviews and it seems to be a very helpful breastpad.
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=198415&catid=133217&trx=PLST-0-CAT&trxp1=133217&trxp2=198415&trxp3=1&trxp4=0&btrx=BUY-PLST-0-CAT#
One of the reviews stated: After my son was born, I had cracked nipples and mastitis (twice). While my nipples are healing, the hardest things was nursing pads. I had used Medela brand with my daughter, but they stuck to my nipples and prevented healing (I peeled off the scab every time I took the pad off to feed him). I bought 4 kinds of nursing pads: these, lansinoh, lansinoh ultra soft, and avent. These were by far the best: soft, lie nicely under clothing, do not stick to nipples. Even without adhesive, they stay in place fine.
1) Stephie1735 - 2 boxes
2)
mini_cupcake
Member
where to buy the belly bandit?does it realli werk?
blessedmommy
Active Member
Rach
aiyah im just sayg on average should gain abt 1kg. some in fact only put on 800g and many put on more than 1.5kg. in fact tbf babies usually put on quite a lot during first 2 mths. mine put on 1.6kg
aiyah im just sayg on average should gain abt 1kg. some in fact only put on 800g and many put on more than 1.5kg. in fact tbf babies usually put on quite a lot during first 2 mths. mine put on 1.6kg
blessedmommy
Active Member
bbq
its like that druing first few mths lah. they cant be botherd with each other. they only start acknowledging each other ard 5-6 mths? ard 8 mths they start crawling after each other. oh so cute!!
i didnt have a maid when i was looking after the twins cos we were stayg in australia. manageable in fact. they play with each other a lot and hardy bug me when i do my chores. i just leave them in a room full of toys and make sure whole room is safe for them to crawl n climb ard. so dun worry, it will definitely get better with time.
its like that druing first few mths lah. they cant be botherd with each other. they only start acknowledging each other ard 5-6 mths? ard 8 mths they start crawling after each other. oh so cute!!
i didnt have a maid when i was looking after the twins cos we were stayg in australia. manageable in fact. they play with each other a lot and hardy bug me when i do my chores. i just leave them in a room full of toys and make sure whole room is safe for them to crawl n climb ard. so dun worry, it will definitely get better with time.
twiggy
this is actually the 2nd time we went for suction. first time was when he was just before 1 mth old. i guess the phlegm will keep coming back n this is temp relief. But if the baby is very uncomf, guess no choice but to do it else cannot drink, cannot sleep, cannot even breathe properly.
this is actually the 2nd time we went for suction. first time was when he was just before 1 mth old. i guess the phlegm will keep coming back n this is temp relief. But if the baby is very uncomf, guess no choice but to do it else cannot drink, cannot sleep, cannot even breathe properly.
kiki> i oso dun record how much my bb drinks. cos i latch on ma. how to record =p
but his feedin n sleepin timing is more or less the same everyday now
shelled> tat's cheap. but i wonder if their appt timing really accurate =x
rach> lol. were u de one who purchased de S size belly bandit from bp? keke. i dunno i need wat size. but no other belly bandit there liaos -_-
de diapers 6packs dey deliver. but promo only applicable to NB, S n M. so if u wan, u can stock up all M size lo
5kg n u switch her to M size oredi? wow. means my boy oso going M size soon? den i better dun buy S liaos
katherine> ok. i'll send u later den.
but his feedin n sleepin timing is more or less the same everyday now
shelled> tat's cheap. but i wonder if their appt timing really accurate =x
rach> lol. were u de one who purchased de S size belly bandit from bp? keke. i dunno i need wat size. but no other belly bandit there liaos -_-
de diapers 6packs dey deliver. but promo only applicable to NB, S n M. so if u wan, u can stock up all M size lo
5kg n u switch her to M size oredi? wow. means my boy oso going M size soon? den i better dun buy S liaos
katherine> ok. i'll send u later den.