Baby Care

Tweet

Cures For Colic - Three Simple Ways to Calm Your Baby

There are many tried and true tricks that can help you soothe a colicky baby. Some are more effective than others, as all babies are different. The common denomiator in surviving this stressful time is patience.
The cures for colic tricks listed below assisted me with my child who was extremely difficult.
The Colic Hold
This way of holding the infant is particularly effective and soothing if comfortable for the parent. The child lies face-down and the arm of the parent or caregiver is slipped between the legs up the body, with the infant's belly resting on the underside of the forearm. The hand is used the support the head and neck of the child. It is believed that the pressure on the belly may help relieve some of the discomfort of an immature digestive tract and may help gases pass more smoothly.
The Bicycle Exercise
This cures-for-colic trick was effective in soothing my colicky baby. Find a secure, flat surface (floor, changing table, couch, etc.) Place baby on her back and grab her little feet, moving them gently in a circular bicycling motion. It may take a few minutes but the motion does help. This encourages gas to pass down and out.
Medications
Sometimes colic is due to an immature digestive tract contracting violently when gas is passed. The pain and pressure can be relieved by simethicone-based anti-gas medicines which are safe to dispense after each feeding with baby. There are also cures-for-colic tablets that can be dissolved in baby's mouth that are herbal, which you can find at any drugstore. It is important to read dosage instructions carefully and check with your baby's pediatrician before dispensing any type of medication to baby.
For more information about cures for colic, you can visit: http://illness911.blogspot.com/2007/10/colic-baby_24.html
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Chung

Baby Care - Why Does My Newborn Have an "Outie" Belly Button?

Why do some babies have "innie" belly buttons and others have "outies"? Is it because the doctor pulled the cord in a certain way at delivery? Is it because that clamp they put on the umbilical cord was too tight? "Outie" belly buttons are not caused by pulling on the umbilical cord or from anything you do to it.
An "Outie" belly button is determined to be that way at approximately 6 weeks gestation when all of the abdominal contents are outside the body. While the fetus is forming, it performs some amazing and miraculous feats as it turns inside out and folds over on itself many many times. At approximately 6 weeks of pregnancy, your baby's abdominal contents pass through the hole in the stomach we call the belly button and then, when it is ready, migrates back into the abdomen completing that part of fetal development. When the abdominal contents move back into the body, sometimes a little tissue is left on the surface and it becomes and "outie."
Sometimes, a glitch occurs in the baby's development and the abdominal contents get stuck outside of the body until the baby is born. This is considered a medical emergency and the baby will require surgery soon after birth. So, if an "outie" belly button is all your baby has, it is a blessing!
There is nothing you can do to change or get rid of an "outie" and Grandma's recommended belly band & silver dollar does not work. An "outie" belly button is a unique part of your baby's physical makeup and will get smaller as your baby gets older.
Ann Lewis, ARNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Certified Life Coach (CTA), Mental Health Counseling Student, Expert AuthorBlog: Child's Play Parenting: http://childsplayparenting.blogspot.com/.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ann_Lewis

A Little About Baby Blankets and Their Use

Markets are full of adorable and unbelievable variety of baby stuff. Many popular brands make beautiful baby products and designers are also making baby items nowadays. Baby blankets are one of the most commonly bought baby item. Blankets for babies come in beautiful range of colors and designs and the cost of blankets varies according to the size, quality, and design of blankets. Designer blankets are also very popular but are usually quite expensive.
If you are planning to buy a gift for new born baby then blankets can be a good option as they are an essential item in baby's shopping. Every mother would love to get baby blanket as a gift on baby shower. Baby blankets not only keep the babies warm but also make it easy to carry the baby.
There is a wonderful variety available to choose from. They are all specially designed for babies to keep them warm and easy. They make ideal gifts and are of different types like; receiving blankets, swaddling, security, personalized and crochet blankets. All of these are made for different requirements and of different material so that you can choose one according to your own requirement.
The receiving blankets are the simplest of all and are usually of smaller size. Swaddling are large sized blankets used to wrap up the baby to keep him safe and secure as well as warm. Security blankets keep the babies secure and are best to use while traveling.
They have a soft lining that the babies enjoy and it keeps the baby calm and comfy. Personalized blankets are quite unique and are popularly used as gifts. They may have names printed on the blanket or even photos can be made on these personalized blankets. Crochet blankets are also admired and loved by moms. These stylish blankets can be made at home if you know this art.
Learn more about crochet baby blankets.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aisha_Ahmed

Tekan Like,ok;)

Recurring Ear Infections? Choose Ear Tubes Or Wait it Out?

Tweet

Frequent ear infections are one of the most common maladies for babies and small children. They can cause sleepless nights, headaches, and even hearing loss and developmental delays depending on their frequency and severity. As parents cope with their sick child and the risks and benefits of treatment options, they often find themselves on a slippery slope of choices. Pediatricians usually treat ear infections with antibiotics but whether they actually help reduce the severity and duration of an ear infection is a controversial topic. Parents often become concerned about administering antibiotics over and over again to their baby or toddler, and the lasting affects on their child's immunity system.
There are several alternative treatments available for ear infections, but the mainstream medical community does not endorse them. One mother suggested putting breast milk in baby's ear to treat ear infections. I thought this must be an old wives tale, but low and behold, found the same recommendation on several web sites. Colloidal Silver was also suggested along with hydrogen peroxide drops in the ears. One mom I surveyed warned not to use a humidifier but a vaporizer instead in baby's room because a bacterium doesn't grow as fast with hot moisture and humidifiers grow bacteria rapidly with cold moisture.
In weighing up the pros and cons of ear tubes there are many success stories from parents who saw dramatic improvement and enjoyed relief after the surgery. No one reported any horror stories of the moms I surveyed. One mom did report she had her daughter's pediatrician take the tubes out instead of the ear nose and throat specialist and it did cause pain and bleeding so if they don't fall out, parents should consider going back to the specialist.
The risk of any surgery includes the risks of anesthesia or an allergic reaction and should not be taken lightly. Parents should check out the record of the ear, nose and throat specialist along with the anesthesiologist on the AMA website to make sure they have a great track record. Parents should also check out the out patient facility's credentials if surgery will not be performed in a hospital.
Parents are faced with many challenging decisions during the course of raising a child to adulthood. It makes sense for them to do their homework, gather the facts, research treatment options, and then finally trust themselves to make the best medical decision for their child.
In a moment, your child can be taken from you due to a preventable accident. It is happening everyday to parents all over the US. Auto accidents claim the most lives, followed by drowning. There are lots of lesser know threats to your children you need to know to keep you baby or young child safe. Alive Past 5 tracks the tragic deaths of children under 5 and the causes to keep you informed and alerted to these threats so you can take preventative action before tragedy strikes your family!
Website: Child Safety
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maggie_Brown Tekan Like,ok;)

Baby Toy And Development

Tweet

Baby Strollers

Here I am, writing about baby strollers. I am thinking to myself, What is there to write about? A product review? A promotion for one stroller or another? Do strollers warrant their own article? What is going to be angle? What can I bring to the table that others have not? In addition, I will not insult your intelligence by writing the obvious. If you read this article, it means that you have done some research about strollers, and I do not want to waste your time by restating what others have written.
I researched for material that was available online, I observed babies, mothers, and strollers intensely, in the hopes of finding an anthropological (my undergraduate degree in anthropology might come handy) angle in preparation for this article.
I became aware of many things regarding strollers that I did not know before. So this will become a series of "Did you know?" points.
Did you know about these?
Studies about strollers:
The Los Angeles Times recited a study about the adverse affects the stroller has on the babies. Because of the convenience of the stroller, parents keep the babies and toddlers in the stroller too long, therefore, it adds to the obesity factor.
Another study from the U.K. suggests that toddlers spend a lot of time in the strollers and Mommies do not talk to them as much; and they grow up to be children with social issues, do not bond as well.
Special Needs strollers:
We have strollers specializing and accommodating babies with special needs; with extra support because of poor muscle tone. One of my children was a "special needs" child. In those days, strollers were of the very basic pram or umbrella. Gosh, it would have helped so much having a stroller with pockets which medicine could have been stored.
Double or Triple strollers:
This specialty stroller is designed for families with more than one child in the toddler/baby stage. The seats are arranged either side by side or one behind the other fashion.
Travel Systems:
Strollers are so much more sophisticated today than ever before, with the incorporation of functionality which transforms the stroller from tram (baby carriage) to a sitting stroller to a car seat. Hence the label "travel systems".
Safety Features:
Today, the safety features include better cushions, better safety belts, bumpers, air filled tires, swivel wheels, brakes, and more. Speaking of brakes, it is a huge improvement over the brick masquerading as brakes. If I would use my first stroller today, surely CPS would decent on me in a New York minute.
Strollers and Sports:
Today you can take your baby on your jogging trail with you, or go cycling. Yes, there are specialized, durable strollers for the runner, the skater, and the cyclist. I am waiting for the swimmer to have floating strollers.
Pet Strollers:
Yes, that is right. If you are tired of carrying your pooch in a carrying bag, you can always get that special pet stroller. Actually the only convincing argument for a pet stroller that I found was for handicapped pet use.
Prices:
Strollers can go from $20 for a used one to a staggering $1,000.
Recalls:
Folks, I think I covered most of the stuff I uncovered regarding strollers, and avoided giving any advice. Until now. I strongly suggest that you do your market research when you are ready to buy a stroller, which will be as soon as you have your baby. In addition, I implore upon you the Consumer Product Safety Commission for any recall details regarding your stroller. It is easy to do, just visit http://www.cpsc.gov/
God bless,
For more information and deals about strollers, please visit http://www.strollersandmore.net/.
Thank you,Tova
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tova_Galnur

Best Developmental Toys For Your 1 Or 2 Year Old

As soon as a child turns one, the increase in mobility also results in higher curiosity levels. All 1-2 year-olds love exploring the world around them. They try their best to figure out what all is happening around them. Also categorized as terrible twos, this age asserts their independence and children show marked improvements in their communication and developmental skills.
Although this tantrum throwing phase is frustrating for parents sometimes but it stands for the individuality of the children. By now, they have their favorite toys, games and activities to keep them engaged. While playing forms a major part of their day, their toys need to focus on development at all levels. Here are the kinds of developmental toys that are best suited for your 1 - 2 year olds:
Pushing, riding and rocking
Your child has just learned walking and is trying to gain control over his or her pace. The push toys like play gyms, wheeled toys help in developing strong leg and arm muscles with the freedom to traverse the world around. Similarly, riding and rocking toys work on gross motor skills and enhance the child's capabilities.
Manipulative toys
With advanced physical development, their mental and psychological skills are also growing distinctively at this age. So toys that involve manipulation and use of brain are the best developmental toys for young children. Shape sorters, stacking toys, nesting toys, bucket filling activities not only improve the dexterity and hand eye coordination but also rub their grey cells.
Scribbling
1-2 year olds love to use colored pens and draw to their heart's content. Give them crayons and paper and you will see them having fun as if nothing else exists. This brings out the creativity and imagination of the children. You can give them safe and washable versions to maintain hygiene.
Stuff toys and dolls
Children at this age start forming affinity towards life like things. They enjoy playing with stuff toys like bears, cats, dogs and dolls. These toys offer them the opportunity of enacting things that they witness around them along with exploring their emotional side. Don't be surprised if you one day see your baby offering his or her milk bottle to the bear.
Action reaction toys
Toys like bat and ball, pound a ball, marble running rails allow children to understand the basics of action and reaction. They improve your child's hand eye coordination, motor skills, stimulation skills and reflexes.
Some toys are just fun while others offer developmental advantages for your 1-2 year olds. It is your responsibility to offer a proper mix to your children so that they develop, learn and have fun all at the same time.
If you are interested in these and other learning toys please go to Great Kid Gifts.
Troy James MacraftGreat Kid Gifts
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Troy_James_Macraft

Tekan Like,ok;)

What a New Parent Should Know About Baby Acne

Tweet

First of all, don't stress out about it! It is very common and affects almost 1 out of every 5 newborns, a solid 20%. Naturally, parents are concerned both about how these bumps look and about their significance. But know that this will be of short duration. First, let's understand what causes it in the first place.
What Causes Baby Acne
During the last stage of pregnancy, the mother's hormones crossed the placenta into the baby. These hormones are necessary and beneficial to matters such as maturing the baby's lungs, among others things. After delivery, a lingering effect of these hormones can cause the overstimulation of the baby's sebaceous glands, setting the stage for baby acne.
What Does Baby Acne Looks Like
Depending on when the acne occurs, health professionals may call it by different names. "Miliaria acne" won't be present at birth, but may result during the 1st week of a baby's life. Miliaria acne appears as little white bumps on a baby's face and scalp, possibly the result of incubator use, dressings or fever. Typical baby acne or "acne neonatorum" may commonly appear when the baby is about 3 weeks old, but could be present at delivery. The skin condition may be called "infantile acne" if it develops at 3 months or later.
Baby acne will appear as red pimples on the baby's chin, forehead, cheek or nose. Whiteheads may also be visible. The face is the typical location, but it could appear on the baby's back, as well. It also tends to occur at about the same age as the baby's peak gas production and fussiness. When the baby is fussing or crying, there is increased blood flow to the face, and the acne will look worse. How lovely! Of course, all of this coincides with Mommy and Daddy's chronic sleep deprivation, too!
What Kind of Treatment Is Necessary
No treatment is necessary. Gently cleansing the baby's face at least once a day with water and mild baby soap will likely help. The use of oils or lotions may aggravate baby acne, so avoid using them. Keep in mind that baby acne will disappear spontaneously in a few weeks.
This rash will soon be a memory. The oil glands will disappear, and you won't see the acne again until you turn around once, and (in a flash) your baby is suddenly a teenager! This time, it will be their own hormones kicking into play, turning them into young ladies and gentlemen.
If you or someone you love has acne, go to http://www.NaturalAcneTreatmentReviews.com to learn more about several natural acne and rosacea treatments available. Studies show that natural holistic treatments have the highest success rate and provide a foundation to control acne triggers over longer periods of time.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_O'Donnell Tekan Like,ok;)

Baby Showers

Tweet

The tradition of throwing a baby shower has been around for centuries. No matter how times have changed and practices differ from culture to another, the main purpose of celebrating a baby shower remains the same: to welcome a new little bundle of joy as well as to honor the expectant parents-to-be.
There is no doubt that showers are such a joyous event. Family and friends gather together to share in the joy of the happy couple with lots of fun and laughter. Playing games, eating foods, and having a great entertainment are usually the happenings during a shower. The deeper meaning or purpose of a shower, however, doesn't only stop there. Celebrating such occasion is also an opportunity for family members and friends to give useful advices, support and of course baby shower gifts to the parents-to-be.
The Baby Shower Favors
Planning a shower require several essential items, including baby shower favors. Such items are meant to give to all the guests as a thank you gift for sharing their precious time with the expectant parents. Baby shower favors, if taken with care and attention, can make a meaningful token of the occasion, that can help guests remember the event for years to come. Shopping for shower favors involve finding the most appropriate favors for a specific type of shower. Since most of children's parties these days, including showers, are following different themes, it would be very ideal to choose a favor accordingly.
When choosing the right baby shower favors, a hostess should keep in mind the type of baby shower she will be hosting. Such event can be either formal or less formal, depending on the expectant parent's desire. She can plan a shower following a creative and fun theme of cartoons, fairytale, sports, jungle or etc. Whatever the theme may be, it is a must to find and select the appropriate favors, which will complete the entire celebration.
Baby shower favors need not be extravagant nor lavish, but should be memorable. There are lots of inexpensive, adorable items that can make excellent shower favors. Consider cute baby items such as bibs, pacifiers, mini picture frames, baby booties or socks, diapers and the likes. If handled creatively, such items can make practical, yet adorable keepsakes of the shower. For example, baby bibs can be personalized with the details of the shower, making decorative or even useful favors that guests can use after the shower has ended.
Of course, there are so many favor ideas available out there that are designed to serve as keepsakes of showers. Usually available are votive candles, mini picture frames, soaps, glass or crystal favors, mini stuffed toys, favor bags or boxes and so on. Most of these shower favors can be personalized with the name of the baby, shower day and a personal message. To see some more favor ideas, browse the Internet and visit a favorite specialty online store, where baby gifts such as baby gift baskets and shower favors are widely offered.
Janet is an author for a variety of lifestyle issues and topics including weddings. If you're looking for personalized baby gift baskets, visit the website Prettybabygifts.com and browse their extensive collection. Find baby shower decorations more online!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Verra Tekan Like,ok;)