Health Tips For Your Baby

There are always concerns about a baby’s health. Many parents overreact to the smallest problem, but you really can’t be too careful when it comes to your baby’s health. Recognizing the symptoms to the most common diseases is very important to early diagnosis and treatment.

Rubella or German Measles
It’s sometimes referred to as the 3-day measles as well. It affects the skin and lymph nodes. It’s not the same virus that causes measles. It can pass through a pregnant woman’s bloodstream to infect her unborn baby.

Rubella infection may begin with 1 or 2 days of mild fever (99 to 100 degrees Fahrenheit, or 37.2 to 37.8 degrees Celsius) and swollen, tender lymph nodes, usually in the back of the neck or behind the baby’s ears. On the second or third day, a rash appears that begins on the baby’s face and spreads downward. As it spreads down the body, it usually clears on the face. This rash is often the first sign of illness that a parent notices.

The rubella rash can look like many other viral rashes. It appears as either pink or light red spots, which may merge to form evenly colored patches. The rash can itch and lasts up to 3 days. As the rash passes, the affected skin occasionally sheds in very fine flakes.

Its importance is the potential effects on an unborn baby if infection is acquired during early pregnancy.

The introduction of the MMR vaccine has reduced the incidence of primary rubella infection, and the number of severely affected unborn babies. The incubation period is 14-21 days, fever is often mild, and children do not feel particularly unwell, unlike measles infection. Woman who may be pregnant should not come into contact with infected children.

Chickenpox
Occurs most often in the late winter and early spring, is very contagious and if exposed to an infected family member, about 80% to 90% of those in a household who haven't had chickenpox will get it. However, immunization of children with the chickenpox vaccine that's now available is expected to decrease cases of the disease dramatically over the next few years.

Although it's more common in kids under the age of 15, anyone, including babies, can get chickenpox. A person usually has only one episode of chickenpox in his or her lifetime. But the virus that causes chickenpox can lie dormant within the body and can cause a different type of skin eruption later in life called shingles, also referred to as herpes-zoster.

It’s usually a mild illness in children. The incubation period is 14-16 days, and there are often no symptoms other than the rash. The rash generally only lasts 8-10 days. Some children develop a mild fever in the first 2-3 days. The spots appear in crops, first as small bumps, and rapidly changing into little blisters. The blisters soon dry and crust, and scabs form over the top. Keep your child from scratching them or it could lead to scarring. Calamine creams are useful to help relieve any itching from the spots.

Roseola Infantum
Affects babies under two. The baby will have a high fever, but appear well otherwise, and 3 or 4 days later the temperature will rapidly drop to normal. At this time, after the fever has gone, a faint rash appears which only lasts 1 or 2 days at most. There are no complications.

Coughs and Colds
Most children will have at least six respiratory infections each year. These are almost always mild, last only a few days and have no consequences. Children will simply get a blocked, runny nose, may have a mild fever and feel slightly unwell. In young babies (who are nose breathers) feeding can become difficult for a couple of days. Children should be treated with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen if they have a fever, and may be helped by nasal decongestants. There is rarely a need for antibiotics. Occasionally coughing, especially at night times can be the main symptom of asthma, and children with persistent nocturnal coughs should see a doctor.

Sore Throat, Pharingitis and Tonsillitis
Very common between the ages of 4-7 years old. Symptoms include pain while swallowing and eating, earache, and fever. Giving them soft food to eat and lots of fluids. Children should see a doctor if they have a fever too. Pharyngitis is caused by viruses and so will not always require antibiotic treatment. Tonsillectomies are rarely performed now.

Earache
Very common in children and babies. It can be associated or caused by chest infections, colds and coughs. Sometimes there is no infection in the ear, pain is due to the Eustachian Tube being blocked. When blocked it doesn’t maintain the correct pressure in the ear.

Where there is a true infection, Otits Media, or Middle Ear Infection, the eardrum becomes red and inflamed and can cause the baby to have a fever. Babies may become irritable or hold their hands over their ears. If you suspect your baby has an ear infection, you should see a doctor.


Vomiting and Diarrhea
Very common, especially if you take your baby on travels to foreign countries. In the UK and other developed nations, vomiting and diarrhea are commonly caused by viral infections. and Diarrhea will often be watery. It may be difficult to distinguish from urine in a nappy.

Your baby or child will usually only be sick a very short time. It is important to treat them right away to avoid your baby becoming dehydrated. Younger babies are more vulnerable than older children.

Dehydration initially causes children to become fretful, then lethargic, with sunken eyes and lax dry skin. Severe dehydration causes young children to become prostrate with deeply sunken eyes and cold mottled skin. Mild dehydration can be treated at home. Children should be given oral rehydration fluids, which can be bought at your local Pharmacy.

These are powders containing salts and sugar and which are dissolved in water. They allow prompt reversal of dehydration, and are more effective than water alone. No food should be given for 24 hours, after which time the normal diet can be gradually restarted. Moderate to severe dehydration requires hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy.

Sticky Eyes
Very common in young babies. Usually there is no underlying infection, and simple salt-water washes are sufficient. Cotton wool soaked in saline should be used 2-3 times per day. The problem goes away in a few days, but can be recurring.

Conjunctivitis in babies is caused by infections, which do require antibiotic treatment. The eye will usually be red and inflamed with pus, rather than simply sticky with yellow secretions. In this case you should see your doctor so the eye can be swabbed and appropriate antibiotics started.

Fever
All children get fevers and it’s usually caused by common viruses such as 'flu, spotty illnesses like measles or ear and chest infections. Children feel uncomfortable when they get hot, often cry, need comforting and lose their appetite. They should be given Paracetamol- based elixirs (Calpol) or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pediatric elixirs like Ibuprofen to lower the temperature.

Keep your baby cool with damp tepid, not cold, sponges. Aspirin should not be used for children. You should not exceed the recommended daily dose of any medication. Most causes of fever will resolve within 2-3 days. You should see your doctor in case your baby requires antibiotics where an infection is present, but this is not usually an emergency. However, if your child becomes drowsy, complains of headaches or neck stiffness, is intolerant of light or develops a blotchy dark rash, or multiple small spots, you should call your doctor immediately.

Convulsions
Occasionally babies between three months and five years will have a Febrile Convulsion,  a brief fit with jerky movements of arms and legs, lasting less than ten minutes, and generally occurs at the beginning of febrile illnesses. Febrile convulsions are not epilepsy, do not continue through childhood, and do not cause or imply any sort of brain damage. Children should be laid on their front and their necks extended, cooled and treated with appropriate antibiotics. A rash can also be associated with febrile illnesses.

Mumps
A common viral infection, often with no symptoms at all. The incubation period is 16-21 days, after which children become febrile and feel unwell and lethargic. At this stage the baby’s face may swell up, due to enlargement of the parotid salivary glands over the angle of the jaw, just below the ears. Older children may complain of earache and difficulty in swallowing, and the swollen glands are often tender and painful. There is no specific treatment, and the swelling subsides in a few days. The MMR vaccine has reduced the incidence of mumps infection. Meningitis is a common complication, in which the child has headache, a stiff neck and intolerance of light, but is a very rare occurrence.

Measles
Much less common since the introduction of the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine in the UK and US. Measles is a very infectious disease. The incubation period is around 10 days, after which time children become febrile, snuffly, may cough, and may develop Conjunctivitis (red eyes). After three or four days a florid reddish rash appears, starting on the face and head, then spreading down to cover your baby’s  whole body. The rash can become blotchy. It begins to fade by the 4th day, and the baby gradually improves. Paracetamol preparations (Calpol) can help reduce the fever, and relieve many of the symptoms. There is no specific treatment. Pneumonia and ear infections are common complications, which should be treated promptly. Children who become drowsy, start vomiting or complain of headache should be taken to a doctor, as encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) is a rare but well recognized complication of measles occurring 7-10 days after the onset of the illness.

Getting Baby to Sleep at Night

Does your baby sleep through the day, and keep you up at night? Many parents have found this for many many years! 

A newborn baby will sleep from 16 to 20 hours per day. Unfortunately, this sleeping time is usually broken up into 2-4 hour periods. The key is to get your baby into a routine sleeping schedule. This type of consistency will allow you ample time for household chores, a good night's rest, and time in general just for you...( because we know that we all need some of that!)

You may just be one tweak away from a good night's rest. Here are some simple steps to follow to get your baby into a routine sleeping pattern.

The key to getting a baby to sleep consistently is by keeping bedtime rituals. A baby should not be rocked to sleep one night while being left to cry themselves to sleep another. Consistency is the key to forming a healthy sleeping pattern.

A quiet and dark room is one of the most optimal sleeping environments. Something as simple as a dishwasher or dryer can interrupt your baby's sleeping schedule on any given night. Therefore, you'll want your baby to be in a room that is away from noises.

Pre-bedtime rituals prepare your baby for sleeping. These should be activities that are not overstimulating. Some possibilities include rocking the baby to sleep or singing lullabies.

Create a comfortable room temperature... not to exceed 75 degrees. A comfortable room temperature will help your child comfortably sleep through the night without waking.

Nevertheless, your baby is sure to cry at some point. Many parents use a method known as controlled crying that has been found to be successful in many cases. If your baby starts crying, leave him for five minutes before soothing him. Remain only long enough to pat his back and say a few kind words. Do not pick him up out of his cot. Always speak reassuringly when you go in. By waiting 5 to 10 minutes, your baby will learn that crying will not help and your reassuring voice will help your baby feel secure. However - this isn't the only way and there are many other methods around that does not mean leaving your little one to cry.

You'll find that most babies begin sleeping through the night properly in full by 9 months. Like all things, soon this too shall pass.

[Maternity Monday] Pink, Blue Or Undecided?

The pink or blue question is a moot one these days, isn't it? After all, it's so easy to tell the gender of a baby before the happy day, so there's no need to guess. Well, that's not strictly true. Even with the advances in technology, ultrasound pictures aren't always one hundred percent certain, and many parents prefer to be surprised. If you're shopping for a new baby without knowing the gender, you still might have to decide whether to buy pink or blue.

You could always flip a coin - heads it's roses and lace, tails you pick up the little sailor suit. There are more efficient and practical ways to make sure that you pick up clothing and accessories that will be appreciated and useful.

Gender-Neutral Colors
The easiest way, of course, is to stick with gender neutral colors in your choices. As a culture, we're fond of dressing babies in pastels, but you don't have to limit yourself to pale yellow and baby green to be safe. There are lots of other gender-neutral colors to choose from.

Primary and bright, clear secondary colors are another great way to avoid the gender tangle when selecting clothing and accessories for baby. Bright red, blue, green and yellow sleepers will look adorable no matter what gender the baby turns out to be. Pick onesies in turquoise, orange, dark green or red, either all a solid colour, or with contrasting ribbing along the edges.

Gender Neutral Patterns
If you're not sure on the boy/girl issue, keep in mind that you can err more easily on the boy side than the girl. A baby girl in a t-shirt printed with sports motifs is cute. You just wouldn't put a little boy in a sleeper printed with tiny sprigs of daisies. Teddy bears and ducks are one gender-neutral choice, but you can find adorable, unique prints that will stand out. Some of the more clever that we've seen around lately - Noah's Ark, lions and tigers, traffic signs and seasonal themes.

Other gender neutral patterns that work for boys or girls clothing include candy colour stripes, odd-size polka dots and abstract patterns. Pick a motif, pick a color and have a blast dressing your baby in clothes and accessories that don't scream boy or girl.

Baby Food Allergies - Avoid & Identify them

Parents find the risk of baby food allergies one of the most worrying aspects of introducing new foods to their baby. But there are simple steps you can take to minimise potential problems and make your child's introduction to solid food a safe and happy one.

Allergic reactions take place when your baby's immune system mistakenly treats a harmless substance as a harmful one. Baby food allergy symptoms include diarrhea, eczema, nausea, constipation and watery or red eyes. Very rarely, a serious reaction known as allergic shock can occur. This can cause the throat and tongue to swell dangerously, which could lead to choking. In this situation, professional medical help must be sought immediately.

Baby food allergies should not be confused with food intolerance. A baby with food intolerance would have difficulty in digesting a particular type of food, which can be caused by many other things besides an allergen. In either case, diagnosis should be made by a medical professional.

In order to prevent baby food allergies such as these, or to identify foods to which your baby reacts, it is important to follow these simple guidelines -

1. Try to delay feeding your baby solid food until he is at least 6 months of age. His immune system will be better developed by this stage.

2. Only introduce one new food at a time and wait for a few days to see if a reaction occurs. It will then be easy to spot the "problem" food and eliminate it from your baby's diet.

3. Avoid foods that are known to be more likely to cause allergic reactions. Examples of such foods include eggs (particularly the whites), shellfish, gluten and citrus fruits.

4. Decide whether or not your baby is at a particularly high risk of developing allergies -- for example, do you suffer from an allergy yourself? This can often lead to an increased risk of allergies for your baby, although not necessarily to the same allergen (i.e. the substance responsible for the reaction).

5. Discuss any concerns with a medical professional.

Whilst it is sensible to be cautious, it is still important to remember that baby food allergies only affect around 8% of children. So try to keep things in perspective, introduce new foods individually and stay alert for possible reactions -- these measures will give you the confidence to safely introduce the delights of solid food to your little one.

Christenings – Gifts, Etiquette and History Explained

There are two types of ceremonies available; religious and non-religious. Irrespective of which type is chosen, the common theme throughout is love and surrounding the child with family and friends in order to celebrate the child’s birth and life ahead.

Religious Ceremonies:
A Christening is the child’s first initiation into the religious faith.  At a Catholic Christening, the parents make their declarations, the baby is baptised with holy water, and a lit candle representing Jesus as the light of the world, is given to the parents and Godparents. The priest may ask the parents to attend preparation classes to fully understand the significance of a baptism. Catholic Christenings are often held as a separate service for one or more child, without hymns and lasts approximately 30 minutes.

In a Church of England Christening, the Christening takes place within the main Sunday church service and the baby is taken to the font, sprinkled with holy water, and the Godparents and parents promise God they will bring the child up in the Christian faith.

If you decide to go for a Christening, you need to speak to the vicar at your local church.  They will explain the service, and may ask questions concerning your own faith, and that of the godparents. You will then be able to book a date.

Secular (Non-Religious) Ceremonies:
There are a range of non-religious celebrations to choose from including a Baby-Naming Ceremony, Welcoming or Thanksgiving.  These options are free of any commitment to the Christian faith.  A British Humanist Association ceremony can take place anywhere you like. A trained, licensed celebrant will help you to create a unique and personal occasion. They can provide templates for ceremonies that you can adapt for your own situation, and they can suggest readings, poetry or music. You can include contributions from family/friends, and finish it all off with a tea or buffet. These ceremonies last on average 20 minutes.

Christenings are generally held within the first year of a baby's life, although some parents wait until the child is a little older.

Generally, photography is welcome during all types of ceremonies but it may be worth checking with the person presiding first as the congregation or gathering is likely to be invited to photograph the child, family and Godparents at specific points during the ceremony. Of course there can also be photographs before and after.

The child will usually be dressed in a special Christening outfit/gown or family heirloom garment.  Women would be expected to dress smartly - hats are not necessary, and for men, suits or smart shirt and trousers.  Ties are often not a necessity, particularly for summer ceremonies though if you are the father or Godfather, you would be expected to dress in a suit.

Usually following the ceremony a buffet or tea is held at the parent’s house. The child will be shown off to all the family and friends, and Christening gifts are generally presented to the child.  After the buffet, the official cake may be cut, and at this point, some people choose to plant a tree or dedicate a plant which will grow with the child.

Role of the Godparents:
There are usually three Godparents - two the same sex as the child.  The role of the Godparent comes from the days when converts to the early Christian church were usually adults whose parents were not Christians.  The Godparents role was to provide a Christian mentor to help them through life.  People also link the role of the Godparent with that of becoming 'legal guardian' should the child ever be orphaned.  However, this would need to be written into a will with the permission of the Godparents themselves.  Non-religious participants usually engage a 'mentor' who will watch over the child and steer them through life with help, care and advice.  Generally Godparents are chosen for their own Christian beliefs but also because they are very close friends of the parents, or family members.  Godparents or guardians should be people who are going to be around to offer support for the child if needed.

Christening Gifts:
Many people prefer a traditional gift idea for a Christening such as pewter, silver or china; these are great gifts for the child to treasure.  Another nice idea is to provide a photo album or keepsake box to store precious memories of the child’s special day.  For religious ceremonies it is common for a silver cross and chain or a bible to be presented to the child.  Personalised gifts also make very nice ideas for this occasion, for example a framed name print, or a personalised Christening plate or mug, or perhaps an engraved tankard or cufflinks for a boy.