Baby Massage May 30, 2007

‘Some basic instructional information for interested parents’

Ensure before you massage that it is a good time for both you and your baby. Do not massage infants under 5 months of age in conjunction with bath time. This is over-stimulating. For young infants, massage and bath time need to be separated by a nap or night- time sleep as they are both quite stimulating. Never watch the clock while massaging your infant. Simply go by what your child is indicating they want. If your baby wants more massage, and you are happy to continue, keep going. If you can see that your child has had enough – stop, regardless of how much massage you managed to get through. Always begin with massaging the legs. This is the least intrusive way to begin a massage as the legs are touched constantly while changing nappies. To place your hands directly on the infant’s chest or abdomen to begin massaging can be intrusive, and unacceptable to many infants. Use long firm strokes. Light, feathery massage irritates infants, as it does most adults. Never massage your baby while he/she is crying. (The only exception for this should be with colic, and painful gas). Any arm movements going in and out from the chest indicate that you should stop the massage. If massaging Babies abdomen while he/she is lying down in front of you, massage from your left to your right ie: Babies right to left. It is important that you refrain from placing any pressure on the diaphragm. Use pure cold pressed vegetable, nut, seed or fruit oil that is pesticide free. These are easily absorbed by the skin and provide additional benefits to your child during and after the massage. As the skin absorbs these oils so easily there will be no oily residue remaining. This means you will not have to wash the oil off afterwards. Do not use olive oil for infant massage, it’s texture is to thick and cannot be absorbed sufficiently by the skin. Source from : http://www.infantmassage-imis.com.au/tips/index.html

Learning the Steps on Bathing Babies from 0-6 Months May 28, 2007

by John Purdy

Babies are little angels that one cannot just get enough of. This is because from the time they were still in the womb of their mothers, they are already giving joy to their parents. As to the new parents, they want to do what is just right and they can be unsure of what to do.

First time parents, since they do not yet know what to do with their babies follow what the baby book is telling them to do or what their doctor and elders are advising.

One of the most common predicaments for them is bathing their babies. Bathing a baby though they are still 0-6 months old should be done at least once a day. For the other days, you can just clean the face of your baby and the genitals should be cleaned before changing a diaper.

When it is bathing time, you will have to carefully handle your baby. Zero- three month-old babies are expected not to have quick movements while four down to six month-old babies are the ones very active and love to touch everything they see so, you will have to be alert about this.

The only good news about this is that most babies want a warm water bath since they find it to be comforting. Thus, making your baby calm and cooperate with you. If it is done very well, bathing your baby will become one of the most enjoyable and unforgettable moments of being a parent.

Listed below are some tips to make this experience simpler for you and of course safer for the baby.

1.     Collect all the important bathing materials. These include the towel and soap or baby bath.
2.     Fill your tub or with at lest two to three inches of water. It should be warm not hot. Do not leave your baby unattended even for a second because he or she might drown.
3.     Using one of your hands, support the neck and head of your baby and then ease him or her into the tub.
4.     Use a baby bath or soap carefully. Choose a soap that will not make your baby’s skin dry. If you have a baby shampoo, use it to clean your baby’s scalp.
5.     Do not put any oils or bubbles into the tub since it can cause UTI to your baby.
6.     Clean your baby’s eyelids, nose and face with a moistened cotton.
7.     Rinse your baby with a clean washcloth. Carefully remove your baby from the tub since the skin is still wet and slippery.
8.     Using a soft towel, wrap your baby and wipe him or her with soft cloth until dry.
9.     If your baby has a dry skin, you can put a baby lotion directly to the affected area. Otherwise, if your baby has a diaper rash, use a prescribed ointment to eliminate it.

For babies whose 4 to 6 months old, make sure that the tub is a secure place for him. Ensure of the safety precautions before bathing your baby.

Remember, do not fill the tub more than an inch from your baby’s waist. Though your baby already knows how to play bath toys, still it is important to always keep an eye on him or her.

Lastly and again, do not leave your child even for a second. If you want to leave the room to answer a phone call or something, better wrap your baby with a towel and carry him or her with you. This way, you are making sure that your baby is safe.

Creamed Chicken & Potato – Today’s Baby Recipes May 25, 2007

Categories: Baby food, Chicken, Potatoes
    Servings:  1
 
       2 ts Sweet butter or margarine
       1 ts Unbleached flour
     1/4 c  Lowfat milk
     1/4 c  Chicken, cooked, boned and
            -shredded
     1/4    Potato, baked and cubed
       1 tb Grated white cheddar cheese
 
   From “Baby’s First Helpings” by Chris Casson Madden 

   
   This dish takes very little to prepare and is easy for baby to digest.
  
   Melt butter in small heavy pan over low heat.  Stir in flour and blend
   well.  Add milk and stir until smooth.
  
   Cook over low heat until mixture begins to thicken, then add chicken
and
   potatoes and stir for about 2 to 3 minutes more or until heated
through.
   Feel free to add a few vegetables. Add cheddar and stir until melted.
  
   Serves 1-3

Preventing Baby Rash May 23, 2007

by: John Purdy

Your baby perhaps has not had a diaper rash lately. But if some tender part of your baby’s skin remains wet and warm too long, you are likely to end up alongside a fussing infant brought about by the itchy, stinging, burning, small red bumps that doctors merely call “miliaria rubra.”

The exact mechanism by which heat and moisture band up to trigger this baby’s skin problem is still being debated by scientists. But one of the latest theories says that a breed of bacteria that lives on the skin produces a small slime when your baby’s skin stays wet and hot for too long.

While this is happening, the heat is additionally swelling your baby’s sweat glands, opening them up to invasion. So the exterior slime plugs up the swelled sweat glands, causing the rash. With this, experts contest that anything that irritates or clogs the sweat glands can cause the rash.

But whatever the origin of heat rash on babies, the key to enjoining this itchy annoyance in babies is to understand the right pointers regarding baby skin care. Understanding important baby skin care tips will help parents manage the sweat glands right and will teach them how to have the greatest skin care for their baby.

Below are four pore-friendly things you can do:

1. Put on your baby’s coolest clothes

Heat rash is often caused by tight clothing. When it is hot and humid, it would be best for parents to let their babies wear loose-fitting clothing that breathes and that has light weave. Cotton is a prime candidate. The difficulty with most parents is that they tend to wrap their babies with tight-fitting clothes plus blankets, peculiarly for the newborns, thinking that it will give their baby the identical comfortable surroundings he had grown used to while inside the mother’s womb.

This is one of the many misconceptions regarding baby skin care. What most parents do not know is that most of the babies rashes are caused by extreme heat brought about by tight-fitting clothes or wrong materials.

Therefore, if your baby is prone to rashes, try to refrain from letting him put on silk or other rash-generating material. Usually give him cotton-made outfits so as to elude development of rash.

2. Replace baby’s diaper as often as possible

Other causes of rashes can be attributed to the way parents use diapers. Many parents forget to monitor their baby’s diapers. Hence, they seldom forget to check on their baby’s wet and soiled diapers. In the end, the wet diaper stays on the baby’s skin for too long, and considering it is usually attached to the skin, heat is also established.

The combination of warmth and moisture is extremely dangerous for your baby’s skin, as this will trigger the development of bacteria. In turn, your baby will develop some diaper rash.

So, in order to avoid such dilemma, it would be better to change your baby’s diaper as often as possible.

On the other hand, it would also be better if you will let your baby’s skin breathe from time to time. This means that you should let your baby be free from diaper use for a predetermined period of time. For instance, if it is daytime and your baby is simply playing most of the time, try to let him wear something cooler. Try to free him from diapers at this time. Keep in mind that the more your baby’s skin can breathe, the lower probability that your baby will develop a rash.

3. Use mild soap that is especially made for babies

Babies are known to have the most sensitive skin. Hence, most dermatologists and pediatricians do not recommend using antibacterial soap for your baby. In fact, they do not recommend any soap aside from baby’s soap containing super mild ingredients. Soaps not made for babies may bear harsh chemical that could cause dryness on the skin. This can also trigger the development of rashes.

Furthermore, even if you were using the mildest soap for your baby’s skin, it would still be better to cleanse well before taking him out of the bathtub. Any soap residue on your baby’s skin can plug sweat glands and, consequently, cause rashes.

Given all that, caring for your baby’s skin may not be that hard. All you need to do is to bear in mind the important pointers that you need to know so that you understand what to avoid and what to have for your baby’s delicate skin.

Top 10 Tips To Get Your Baby Sleeping Better May 20, 2007

 by: Tammy Hussin

Having a new baby is an incredibly exciting time, but it can also be filled with a great deal of anxiety. One major source of that anxiety is if you have a baby who isn’t sleeping well. Sleep deprivation will quickly wear you down, and your baby will be exhausted and irritable as well. When this pattern goes on for months, a once happy little family can rapidly turn into a tired and cranky crowd.

Much of this angst can be eliminated by helping your baby learn to sleep independently. A baby who sleeps who sleeps independently is usually a baby who sleeps through the night and takes nice, long naps on a consistent basis. Enabling your baby to learn how to sleep better should be a simple and gentle process, and most often your baby even have to shed a tear. This article will provide you with some important tips from the baby sleep book, Sleep Baby Sleep, and will help get you started on your way to having a better sleeping baby and a well-rested house.

#1 Establish a Consistent Nighttime Routine

One important aspect to getting your baby to sleep through the night is to have a consistent bedtime ritual. A solid evening routine will help your child understand that it is time for sleep when the routine is complete. A typical schedule might include a bath, some quiet time, a final feeding, and then a good-night kiss. Though your particular routine may vary, it is important make sure you have some kind of consistency at bedtime.

#2 Help your Baby Learn how to Fall Asleep Independently

Each time your baby is ready to sleep, no matter what time of day or night it is, you have a brand new opportunity to help your baby learn how to fall asleep without your help. If you try your hardest to seize each of these opportunities, your baby will be sleeping through the night sooner than you can believe. Keep in mind though that this is a process, and not an overnight miracle. Be consistent in your efforts and you will quickly teach your baby how to fall asleep without your help.

#3 Put your Baby to Sleep Awake

If you get only one idea from this article, it’s that you need to try to put your baby to sleep while he is still awake. In other words, try to avoid having your baby fall asleep before you put him down. Be sure that your routine includes putting your baby in the crib or bassinet before she is asleep. If you put your baby to bed awake, she will more readily learn how to fall asleep without your help and your baby will sleep much better.

#4 Establish a Daytime Nap Routine

Sometimes figuring out a good daytime routine can be even more challenging than the one at bedtime. Out of sheer exhaustion and the desire to get a few minutes to yourself, you might be inclined to do absolutely anything to get your baby down for a nap. The problem with this is that your baby will begin to need that particular method in order to nap (for example, driving around, rocking, nursing, etc). You won’t be happy if your baby can only take a nap in the car, or nap only if you lie down beside her, or only if you rock her to sleep. Instead, try to get your baby napping by falling asleep alone, and you’re likely to wind up with a great little sleeper on your hands.

#5 The Family Bed – should you or shouldn’t you?

A family bed is not a bad thing, and many families the world over would have it no other way. If it’s something you want and have planned for, then by all means do it! On the other hand, if you have wound up with a family bed only because your baby cannot fall asleep any other way, then it might time to rethink your situation. A family bed could last for years, and if unwanted, often results in frustration and resentment and chronic sleep deprivation.

#6 Waking up Throughout the Night

Most, if not all, babies wake up several times throughout the night. Even a baby who is already sleeping through the night wakes up numerous times during the night. The key is that if your baby knows know how to fall back to sleep on his own, he won’t need you to put him back to sleep. So, don’t rush in as soon as your baby wakes up in the middle of the night. Instead, give it some time and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that your baby falls back to sleep on his own.

#7 Getting Baby on a Schedule

Most people thrive on some sort of a schedule, and babies are no different. Your child is likely to function much better if he becomes familiar with the same events that happen throughout the day. If you get your baby on a schedule with a regular agenda, she will quickly figure out when it is time for sleep and will fall asleep much easier. Keep in mind though that everyone needs a little flexibility built into their life, so make sure that you are not too inflexible with your baby’s daily routine.

#8 Avoid using Aids to Help your Baby Sleep

Many exhausted parents resort to external aids to get their babies sleeping (for example, constantly using a pacifier, driving your baby around, and rocking or nursing your baby to sleep). Though your baby might initially fall asleep sleep quicker with these external aids, you are ultimately making your job much more difficult. The problem is that it helps you avoid teaching your baby how to fall asleep alone. Instead, take the time to get your baby falling asleep without any help, and he will fall asleep faster and sleep better.

#9 Be Consistent

The more regular you are in how you put your baby to sleep, the quicker and easier it will be for your child to learn how to sleep independently. No matter how tired you are, or how much you might be dreading the night ahead, a consistent effort will pay off quickly. Be patient with yourself, as it is not always easy to keep with your plan when you are intensely sleep deprived. Just be as consistent as possible, and you will see results.

#10 Take Time for Yourself

It’s so easy to forget about yourself when you have a new baby. But playing the parent role 24/7, and having no time of your own could cause you to grow resentful and feel deprived. Instead, make a conscious effort to ensure that you get some time for yourself. You’ll feel rejuvenated, happier, and you’ll have more energy to devote to your family. You can and will be an amazing parent even though you get a little bit of downtime, and there’s no better time to do it than when your baby is sleeping soundly. Enabling your baby to sleep independently is truly a priceless gift that you’ll give to everyone under your roof. Your baby will be much happier if he is better rested, and so will you!

Why Baby Cry? May 18, 2007

Crying Baby – Reasons
 by: Theresa McNally

Introduction:

Crying is a normal event in the lives of all babies.When a baby comes out of the woomb the first thing to do is crying.By the first cry he will take some air in to the lungs for the first time in their life.After delivery if the baby doesnot cry then it should be initiated by slightly pinching or gently strocking the feet.From this it is clear that the healthy baby should cry and it is a normal physiological event ,still some times it can upset the mother or family members.

We all know that a baby can’t tell his needs or troubles in words. The only way for him to communicate with others is by crying.Babies show some other signs like feet kicking,hand waving and head turning ect.But the best way to take the attention of others is by crying.

Excessive crying may not have a firm definition because the crying habit changes from baby to baby and some babies can be calmed easily but some are difficult to sooth.If crying is distressing for the mother and home nurse it can be called excessive.Many a times baby become quiet by giving breast milk or by carrying with a gentle rocking.Sudden onset of excessive crying means baby is distressed and needs attention.The causes of crying extends from simple reasons to life threatening conditions.Hence crying of a baby should not be ignored.

Most of the time it is difficult to find the cause of the cry .Common causes are discussed here for awareness.

Common reasons for crying:

1, Hunger:–

A hungry baby will cry till he gets the milk. Here the old saying comes true’crying baby gets the milk’.

2, Wetting:–

Urination and defecation causes some discomfort and results in crying till his parts are cleaned and made dry .

3, Company:–

Majority of the kids need somebody near. If they feel lonely they cry.When their favourite doll slips away from the grip they cry for help.

4, Tired:–

When the baby is tired after a journey and unable to sleep just cry simply.They feel tired in uncomfortable sourroundings and due to unhealthy climate.

5, Heat & cold:–

If they feel too hot or too cold they become restless and cry. Child is comfortable in a room with good ventilation.

6, Tight cloathing:–

Tight cloaths especially during warm climate is intolerable for kids.Tight elastic of the the dress can also produce soreness in the hip region.

7, Dark room:–

When the baby wakes up from sleep he needs some dim light.If there is darkness he will disturb the sleep of parents by crying.Ofcourse he will be irritated by strong light resulting in cry.

8, Mosquito:–

Yes,these creatures disturb the sleep by their blood sucking and make the baby to cry.

9, Nasal blocking:–

Child may not be able to sleep when there is a cold and go on crying till the passage is open.

10, Phlegm in throat:–

This also causes difficult breathing resulting in cry.Often a typical sound can be heard with each breath.

11, General aching:–

Generalised body ache with restlessness is seen in flu and prodromal stages of some infectious diseases can result in continuous cry.

12, Habitual cry:—Some babies cry without any real cause ending the parents in agony.Many a times doctor is called for help.

13, Nappy rash:– If a tight and wet nappy is kept for a long time results in this conditon. Rash can also be due to some allergic reaction to the elastic material of the nappy. When the rash appears it causes soreness and baby become sleepless and cry. All other skin lesions like eczema,ecthyma ,candidiasis ect also causes same problems.

14, Earache:–

Ear infection is common in wet climate.The infection may spread from the throat.Ear infection can result in rupture of ear drum causing discharge of pus.Eareache usually becomes worse at night when lying down.Child will become restless with cry and may not allow you to touch the ear.Some children with earache rub the affected ear frequently.

15, Colic:–

When the baby cry continuously most of us diagnose it as colic.This problem is still a topic for debate because exact cause for colic is not known and diagnosis is also difficult to confirm.Colic may be associated with rumbling and distention of abdomen.Child often feels better when lying on abdomen.Some children may not allow you to touch the abdomen.If the child cries continuously doctors help is needed.

16, Infections:–

All infections causes some kind of pain or irritation resulting in cry.Infection may be anywhere in the body.Usually it is associated with fever, redness and swelling.

17, Reactions to certain food:–

It is said that one man’s food is another man’s poison. Some food articles can produce some allergic reactions.Allergy is manifested in the form of redness, breathlessness,gastric symptons and continuous cry.

18, Hard stools:–

Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge for stool.Some children hesitate to pass stool because of pain .

19, Gastro esophagial reflex:–

Here baby cries with spilling of food after feeding.If this continues it may be due to gastroesophageal reflex.This is due to failure of the lower part of esophagus to close after food causing regurgitation from the stomach.It is difficult to diagnose this condition and can be confirmed by giving antireflex medicines.

20, Dentition:–

During dentition child becomes restless with crying. Often associated with gastric troubles and diarrhoea.

Some rare reasons —————–

1, Bowel obstruction:–

Bowel obstruction is associated with severe pain and vomiting. Abdomen is distended with rumbling sound. Baby is constipated with absence of flatus.

2, Septicemia:–

Invasion of pathogenic micro organisms in to the blood is called septicemia. Fever is associated with this condition.

3, Torsion of testes in male kids:–

When a male baby cries continuously his scrotum should be examined. Torsion of the testes produce severe pain which will be worse by touching the affected testes. When the testes is pressed upwards pain is releived. If this is not treated properly it can damage the affected testes due to lack of blood supply.

4, Meningitis:–

Initially there may not be fever,hence crying baby with alternate vacant stare and irritability should not be ignored. Fontanel is bulging. Neck rigidity and seizures may appear later.

5, Retention of urine:–

Children with retention of urine will have agonising pain making them restless.

6, Major injuries:–

Major injury to any parts of the body causes pain. Occasionally children will fall while arrying and results in head injury. Head injury is associated with reflex vomiting and convulsions. 
 

Moms To Be May 10, 2007

Tips For a First-Time Mom

by: Jackie G. Maxwell

Having a baby can be one the most life-changing experiences there are. And not all those changes will be easy to cope with. Here are some tips for a first-time Mom, to help you get through the rougher times.The vast majority of women today, are working when they become pregnant. That means making a decision whether to stay home with the baby, or return to work. This is something you can consider during your pregnancy, weighing the pros and cons of your income, versus the benefits to this child, and any others to come in the future. If you decide to return to work, finding childcare ahead of time, will relieve you of the worries when your maternity leave is at an end. Women who do work full-time, often find themselves swamped in things that relate to the baby, whether it’s their laundry, their nap schedules, or their feedings. At times it can seem like your whole life revolves around them, where it used to involve co-workers, friends and visits to family. One of the most valuable tips for a first-time Mom, is that you shouldn’t give up your entire life to the new one that you’re carrying. After the baby is born, you will be their primary caregiver, but you don’t need to be tied to them every second. Make some time for you, whether it’s a yoga class at night with Dad doing the babysitting, or a date out with your partner, and one of the grandparents spoiling the new arrival. It’s important that you have a break from the constant focus of your everyday activities with the baby. This can include many at-home activities as well, like reading, quilting, or even crafts that you enjoyed before the birth. The baby will be just as happy watching you relaxed and involved in your hobby, as they would be if you were doing the laundry. You might even find a group for mothers at your church or local community center. Sharing tips for a first-time Mom with others, is one way of easing the pressures and worry of whether you are doing things right, and the time out, even with baby, will be a change in routine that you’ll welcome! About the author: If you’re anxious about being a mommy, Visit http://www.MalcolmsWeb.comandsign up for free weekly tips that will take the mystery and fear out of parenting your precious little one. Circulated by Article Emporium

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