Life with Baby…Talkin’ Teeth & Mouth CareThere's so much to caring for baby. From head to toe, baby is counting on you to help keep them healthy. Caring for baby's mouth from the earliest months is important. Even though their first teeth are not permanent, caring for them is important in both maintaining good health, as well as setting the foundation for long-term good oral hygiene.
Baby Nail CareTaking care of baby's nails is something that many parents tend to overlook in the first few months of life, which is understandable since they have more important things to worry about. However, at some point your little one will take a swipe at you and you'll quickly find out how sharp those little buggers are. It is at this point that parents begin to take a look at how to take care of their baby's nails.
Napping GuidelineA popular topic amongst new parents is their baby's napping schedule. How long they nap, when they nap and where they nap. By comparing notes these parents are trying to ascertain whether their own child falls into a normal range.
An important thing to remember here is that every child is different, so don't be alarmed if your child's nap schedule doesn't seem to fit in with others. However, if they are continually cranky throughout the day, you may want to try to lengthen their nap time. If your baby naps well but wakes up for long periods of time at night, you may want to consider shortening their nap time.
If you are having trouble getting your baby to nap enough during the day, here are some suggestions:
· Keep an eye out for signs that your little one is getting tired and get them ready for their nap immediately, keeping them up longer will not help them nap better.
· Consider introduction a pacifier if your child is over 3 months old and breastfeeding well. The use of a pacifier is hotly debated, but it is one way that your child can soothe themselves to sleep.
· Offer a snack before nap time to ensure your child does not wake up early because he is hungry.
Once you have your baby in an established nap pattern, try to keep on the same schedule. Once your child knows what to expect, they will fall into a nap routine more easily, and they will likely sleep better at night as well.
What to Do When Baby Says "Achoo!" - Caring for Typical Infant IllnessesThey depend on you for everything, nutrition, safety and - of course - love. You look at them in amazement and, chances are, you would do anything and everything for them to ensure they are happy and healthy.
So, what happens when they aren't healthy? Unfortunately, babies do get sick.
The good news is that even though your little one may not feel well and you may lose even a little more sleep, many ailments are common. Some can be cured with time (viruses that essentially need to run their course) and others you will need to make a trip to your doctor for a prescription or further insight.
What can you expect? What are common illnesses that you may see in your baby during the first 3 to 12 months?
Here are a few of the typical illnesses that your child may encounter:
Ear Infections: If your child is unusually cranky, and even becomes crankier when they are laid down, they may have an ear infection. A fever may also accompany an ear infection. An ear infection may be viral or bacterial, meaning your child may or may not need antibiotics to recover from this common ailment. Often, an over the counter pain reliever (check with your pediatrician if you have any questions about type or dosage) will help reduce the discomfort to your baby. Also, holding your baby in an upright position may also decrease their discomfort.
Rotavirus (AKA Rotovirus): Your child may receive a vaccine to protect them against Rotavirus. Rotavirus is one of the most common viral infections in children. It is spread through oral contact to fecal material. As babies tend to learn through placing almost anything and everything in their mouth, babies are especially susceptible. As a virus, Rotavirus does need to "run its course." However, in doing so, it can make an infant quite ill and sometimes hospitalization is necessary. The most common symptom of this virus is diarrhea. Other symptoms may include fever, nausea and vomiting. The biggest concern with this illness is dehydration. In addition to rest, most pediatricians will recommend an electrolyte replacement drink to help keep baby hydrated.
Thrush: Thrush is typically an oral infection that is caused by a yeast fungus. Some babies (breastfeeding) may acquire this ailment from their mother who has a yeast infection. Other babies may develop thrush as a result of taking an antibiotic or other situation that has caused an opportunity for yeast to occur. This infection is characterized by the sight of yellow or white spots that are typically located on the tongue and sides of the mouth. These spots can become irritated, leading to a sore throat. The infection can also occur in the diaper region, causing irritation and soreness. To treat thrush, a pediatrician will generally recommend an application of an anti-fungal medication.
In addition to the above, babies may also acquire the common cold, the flu, and other typical ailments that both you and I are subject to.
Remember, if you have questions or concerns, it is always best to contact a medical expert for advice on how to treat your Child
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