tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30421510047150843932024-03-05T21:20:42.164-08:00Everything HereWhether you're hosting a baby needs for the first time or not, chances are you've got some questions regarding the right baby needs etiquette. You want to create a truly special time for Everything Here without any unintended faux pas. Everything Here was specially created to help you do exactly that.Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-77308633399803345952012-07-15T18:17:00.000-07:002012-07-15T18:17:01.220-07:00Kapas Island Resort, Pulau Kapas, Terengganu<div class="MsoNormal">
KAPAS ISLAND RESORT </div>
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Kapas
Island Resort is located on Kapas Island off Terengganu State, East
Coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The jetty to the island is 15 minutes
drive KAPAS from Kuala Terengganu town and 30 minutes drive from Kuala
Terengganu Airport. The boat ride from Marang Jetty to Kapas Island
Jetty takes approximately 10 minutes by a sheltered speed boat. Marang
Jetty provides ample secured parking lots. If one chooses to drive, it
will take approximately 5 hours non stop driving from Kuala Lumpur city
to Marang Jetty. </div>
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The resort is only few minutes walking
distance from main jetty on the island. Just in front of the resort lies
a white and long sandy beach, which is a short walking distance from
the chalets. The resort facilities include 60 units of Malay built
traditional designed wooden chalets, two dormitories, a swimming pool, 3
covered multi – purpose hall, one open air hall, a karaoke room, a
seaside open – air restaurant and a surau. </div>
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An outdoor (volley ball, beach football and
jungle trekking) and an indoor games (carom, chess, congkak, mahjung,
card etc) as well as marine activities (snorkeling, fishing, squid
catching etc) is available at the resort recreation centre. Arrangement
for a scuba – diving and kayaking is also available. The resort could
cater up to 250 guests at one time. </div>
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The resort is operated and managed by a
private owned Bumiputra company, licensed under the Ministry of Finance
and Ministry of Tourism, Malaysia. </div>
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PULAU KAPAS </div>
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Pulau
Kapas is an ideal island paradise with white sandy beaches fringed with
shady palm trees making it a perfect retreat. The first impression is
its laid back yet rustic ambience calling for pure relaxation. It offers
a "home away from home" amidst a typical Malay village concept and
hospitality.</div>
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Kapas Island is a small island consisting
of merely a few holiday resorts. It will take just a couple of hours to
stroll along the beautiful beach from one end to the other end passing
all the holiday resorts. The other side of the island is however, only
accessible through a jungle – trekking trail. One could view a
spectacular sunrise over a private beach there. </div>
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Pulau Kapas offers a variety of adventures
to sun and sea lovers. The hidden treats of nature's splendors are both
on land and below the sea. You could track into the island's interior
and amazed at the colorful natural flora and fauna along the way.
Explore the most varied marine life among the many coral reefs around
the island. Snorkeling and underwater diving is popular along stretches
of shallow coral reefs of the island's western shore. </div>
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HIGHLIGHTS</div>
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The
island is just 4 nautical miles from Marang making it highly accessible
from the mainland. The advantages of Pulau Kapas is its easy
accessibility, wide range of activities and facilities. It is highly
popular among backpackers as it is less expensive than other neighboring islands yet offers equally good beaches. </div>
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July, August and the local holidays are the
best times to go. An island famous for its clear waters, sandy white
beaches and swaying palms, it is relatively isolated. Home to an
infinite variety of hard and soft corals, the waters around the island
abound with sea-shells, fish and turtles.</div>
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RELAXATION AND ACTIVITIES </div>
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Tucked
within breezy coconut groves, traditional huts adorn selected stretches
of the spotless beach.The island's laid back atmosphere is ideal for
relaxation but the more adventurous will find it is also a haven for
swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing, kayaking, boating and fishing. </div>
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Kapas Island is famous for squid catching
activities whereby tourist flock to the island from the month of April
to September every year for this unique activity. Guest will go squid
catching at night time by a local fisherman boat, equipped with the
squid catching equipment to catch a squid as big as 20 inches long. The
squid caught will be up to the guest for own barbeque and to be cook at
the resort restaurant at a minimal charge. </div>
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The island is also a host for an annual
International event ‘Swimathon Event”, which is held during the month of
April every year. The event requires a participant to swim across the
ocean from Kapas Island to the mainland which is approximately 6.5
kilometers in distance. This event has been attracting more than 200
participants yearly from all over the world. </div>
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Services such as snorkelling around the
island is very much standardised and priced accordingly. The standard
price of equipment is RM5 per day for mask & tuba and RM5 per day
for fins. </div>
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GETTING THERE </div>
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A
taxi from Kuala Terengganu airport or the bus terminal costs RM 30.00
per cab for the journey to Marang Jetty. Boat transfer service may start
as early as 7:00 and costs RM 35.00 per person (two way). </div>
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DIVING </div>
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The key attraction for diving at
Pulau Kapas is the World WarII shipwreck located 5 nautical miles
offshore. The outer reefs on her seaward side has are good diving spots
as well. Its shallow water make it an ideal training ground for divers.
Besides staying on the island, one may choose to stay at better
facilities available in town and may do the diving on day trips. </div>
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Leisurely splashing and snorkelling around
with a playful but shy variety of fishes are pleasant and undemanding
pursuits. Play spot the turtles and pay your silent underwater tribute
to the colours of the sea shells besides wind-surfing, kayaking and
boating. Previously a well-guarded secret amongst members of the diving
community, Kapas has now become more accessible to divers and
snorkellers with services offered by Kapas Island Resort. </div>
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SEMINARS/CONFERENCES </div>
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Where
else would be better than Kapas Island Resort to hold your
organisation's seminar/ conferences where facilities and services are
designed to ensure organisers and delegates are well taken care of.</div>
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</div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-57184392377182913272010-08-21T18:48:00.002-07:002010-08-21T18:48:59.622-07:00Newborn Care For First Time Parents - How to Care For Your Newborn Baby<div id="body">
First off congratulations on your newborn baby! While at the
hospital, ask the nurses and doctors as many questions as you can think
of there is no dumb question. The nurses working with you have been
around a lot of babies and will be happy to show you anything they know
on extra tips to help with your baby. Don't forget to enlist any family
and friends to help out for the first few weeks. The granny's are
already pros, and can teach you a lot. So keep this in mind when they
are giving advice. Do not feel obligated to use every ones instructions
follow your instincts.<br />
First and most important is the car seat.
Follow the instructions, if you need help the hospital nurse will help,
and there is always a number to the manufacturer. Just do not buy a used
car seat. You have no way of knowing if the seat has been in a car
wreck. If a car seat has been in a wreck, this impairs the protection
that a car seat is meant to provide. If your in a wreck call the
manufacturers some will send you another car seat just for asking.<br />
Do
not be afraid to hold your baby. While this seems intimidating as long
as you support the head there are many positions you can hold your baby
in. Against your shoulder, across your lap. With your hand under the
baby's chest, neck, and jaws you can actually lay the baby on your
forearm, good for leaving your other hand free.<br />
If your going to
breast feed ask the hospital to send a lactation specialist to your
room, and let them know you want a pump. This will help out so much. In
addition ask where you can rent a pump. This will make a big difference
in milk production as well as keeping the breast from overfilling. Just
remember to ask to be shown how to nurse, and do not get frustrated if
this does not work the first time. Give the baby about 15 minutes on
each breast.<br />
When formula feeding give them a couple ounces of
course ask the doctor first. If the baby has any problem with feeding
call your doctor for advice. Whichever method you use be sure to burp
the baby often. This is easy enough, you can pat the baby's back gently
and hold in whichever position is most comfortable to you. If the baby
still seems to have gas you can lay the baby in your lap, and lightly
bounce, your knees while patting the baby's back, and supporting the
head.<br />
Changing your babies diapers. At the hospital diapers are
provided, you may choose to use cloth, and this is a personal
preference. Just remember a baby's bladder is no larger than a peanut,
so check them often, and remember you will be going through a lot of
diapers for the first few months about 10 per day. If you do not have
baby wipe warmer, at least run a few through warm water. Always clean
the back too, as urine and feces can go up the back. Make sure with a
female to always clean front to back and get in all the folds. Keep
diaper rash medicine on hand and use as a preventative with each diaper
change. An old home remedy, if you brown some dry flour in a pan, this
can be used as baby powder without all the dust. Now that the diaper
change is done this is the time to clean the umbilical cord with alcohol
as directed by your doctor.<br />
Bathing your baby is relaxing for the
baby. This is best done at the changing table even if it is the baby
tub since all the baby supplies are right there. Until the umbilical
cord falls off it is best to sponge bath, this is quick and easy. Since
your sponge bathing you can leave the diaper on until you get to that
part. Get a little container of warm water, use the washcloth to wash
the baby from head to toe all but the face, start with the hair, and
leave the private area for last. To wash the hair just use the damp
cloth or baby brush lightly to clean the head, and be careful when
cleaning soft spot. While washing the baby keep dipping the wash cloth
in the water to keep it warm, and be sure to get in all the crevices.
Take your time with the fingers and toes. You can use a q-tip to clean
the creases around the neck. After your all done with the body, wash the
face and eyes with a cotton ball with just water. Quickly dry the baby,
then give them a nice light massage all over with a little lotion, then
dress. When the baby graduates to tub baths, make sure the room is
warm. Lay a towel on the changing table to set the baby tub on. Fill the
tub with just a couple inches of water check the water with your elbow,
to make sure it is not too warm or cold. Most important is the
support, put your hand under the babies head with one hand, and use the
other hand to wash the baby, soak up water and keep squeezing this over
the baby to keep them comfy. To wash the back you can lay the baby over
your arm long ways and support the head while working quickly to wash
the back. Just make sure you give one last rinse over, and until the
baby then quickly wrap baby, and dry the baby. Dress the baby so they
will not be cold.<br />
Finally the bathing, and feeding are done. So
you can put the baby to bed. The baby's bed, should not have a bunch of
covers, blankets stuffed animals or cute items in the bed with the baby.
As long as the baby is swaddled, and you keep the temperature warm in
the home this is enough. The baby needs to be trained to sleep on the
back. You can not be too careful because of sudden infant death
syndrome. It is best to keep the bassinet in the room with you if you
can, until the baby is 3 months or be sure there is a baby monitor next
to the baby's bed so you can hear them if there is any problem. It can
take weeks for a baby to sleep all night, so catch your sleep when the
baby is napping so you can get your strength up.<br />
Some vanity
items that you will find useful. A baby swing which can not be used
until baby can hold the head up, a baby wipe warmer, a battery operated
bottle warmer/cooler combo, baby Einstein lullaby music, sun
protection-all year round, portable changing pad, a diaper genie, a
nursing pillow-this can be used even when not nursing to help support
baby, netting for the top of a playpen when outside, baby monitors,
sleep position blocks, and a baby sling.<br />
Recommended reading
topics. Sudden infant death syndrome. Shaken baby syndrome. What to
expect the first year is the best book I ever read about child care be
sure to buy it or check it out from the library.<br />
Important tips:
Do not shake your baby. Do not ever leave a baby unattended in a car
even for a minute. Always completely engage the belts and support for
placing baby in the car seat per the manufacturer instructions. Never
leave a baby unattended on changing table, or in the baby bath, or
anywhere except the baby bed, not even for a second.<br />
I am not a
physician, and all information is from my personal knowledge. This
information is not intended to be used in place of medical advice. Any
questions always call your pediatrician first.<br />
</div>
<div class="sig" id="sig">
Skylar Overton is a freelance writer, she writes about a wide
range of subject. She has raised her own children, and has been the
caretaker of many newborns.<br />
Skylar is currently writing a series of books and continues to turn in articles as often as possible.<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
Article Source:
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Skylar_Overton">
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Skylar_Overton </a>
</div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-2678533851466122802010-08-21T18:48:00.000-07:002010-08-21T18:48:00.122-07:00Natural Treatment of Baby Eczema - Fewer Bath Products and Better Nutrition May Be the Answer<div id="body">
What causes baby eczema?<br />
According to the National Institutes
of Health, eczema affects up to 20% of infants and children in the
United States. The rate of eczema has been rising for years, and is
highest in industrialized countries. Hundreds of studies have been
undertaken, linking eczema to food allergies, atopy (a triad of
conditions including allergy, asthma and eczema), heredity (a child is
more likely to get eczema if a parent has an atopic condition),
household income (the rate of eczema seems to increase with higher
income), houses that are too clean (the "hygiene hypothesis"), houses
that are too dirty (dust mite allergy), urban upbringing vs. rural
upbringing (kids who grow up on farms have the lowest rates of all
atopic conditions)... the list goes on and on.<br />
As eczema is a sign
of an underlying condition and not an illness, the answer is probably
"all of the above." Eczema can be triggered by food allergies, by
contact allergies (contact with irritating substances), by nutritional
deficiencies, and as a side effect of other diseases like insulin
resistance and diabetes. The eczema trigger is different for each
person--and may depend a lot on genetics.<br />
The nutrition hypothesis<br />
The
nutritional value of the food we eat has changed dramatically over the
past several decades. "Factory farming," where fields are sown with the
same vegetables year after year, fertilized with petroleum by-products
and sprayed heavily with herbicides and insecticides, has reduced levels
of key vitamins and minerals in vegetables. Meat and dairy animals are
raised on huge feedlots, fed an unnatural diet of grain and animal
by-products, and heavily dosed with antibiotics to keep them alive long
enough to slaughter.<br />
Eczema is strongly connected with nutrient
deficiency, so it's not surprising that a decline in the nutritional
value of food would coincide with an increase in rates of eczema.<br />
Early bathing may irritate newborn skin<br />
Bathing
routines and products we take for granted may interfere with the
development of healthy infant skin. Babies are born with sterile
skin, which is covered by a thick, creamy substance called vernix
caseosa. Vernix has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that protect
the baby's skin in the womb and after birth, when the baby first comes
into contact with bacteria in the outside world. World Health
Organization (WHO) guidelines for newborn care specify that, to protect
the baby, vernix should not be removed for at least six hours.
Unfortunately, in modern societies this protective substance is
immediately washed off in the hospital, leaving the baby's skin
vulnerable to colonization by bacteria and fungi.<br />
Newborn skin is
very thin and loses moisture rapidly. It takes a few weeks for infant
skin to develop the "acid mantle," a slightly acidic (pH about 5.5)
mixture of sebum, sweat and "friendly" bacteria. (By adulthood, skin may
be colonized by nearly two hundred different species of bacteria.)
Ideally, over the first few weeks of life, a baby's skin is colonized by
beneficial bacteria picked up from close contact with the mother and
family. These bacteria perform an important function: they keep skin
healthy by preventing colonization by disease-causing microorganisms. If
this important step is compromised, skin can be colonized by harmful
bacteria. The skin of people with eczema tends to carry a high
concentration of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, bacteria which cause skin infections, pneumonia, and even MRSA.<br />
Excessive bathing, soap, and moisturizer use can interfere with development of healthy skin<br />
Infant
skin will naturally develop a healthy acid mantle and strong immune
defenses if it's allowed to. But again, bathing routines and products we
take for granted, including soaps and moisturizing lotions, can
interfere with this process.<br />
Infant skin is so delicate that even
exposure to plain water disturbs it enough to dry it out. Soap
accelerates this process by raising the skin's pH and removing
beneficial oils, resulting in impaired skin protection for hours after
bathing.<br />
Fragrance and preservative chemicals in soaps and
moisturizers irritate skin further, and can actually affect the way skin
develops. What's worse, these chemicals can be absorbed through an
infant's skin into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the baby's
developing hormonal system.<br />
A healthier way to care for infant skin<br />
Babies'
skin doesn't get very dirty for the first few weeks of life, so
generally the less it's interfered with, the healthier it will be.
Adding a half-teaspoon of lemon juice--to reduce the water's pH and add
skin-friendly ascorbic acid--and a teaspoon of sunflower or safflower
oil to the bathwater will keep baby clean without harming skin. If a
moisturizer is needed, use a fragrance free baby oil containing
sunflower or safflower oil, which are excellent moisturizers and have
the added benefit of helping to prevent bacterial skin infections.<br />
If
your baby's skin does become irritated, bathing with Epsom salts or
Dead Sea salts is a safe and clinically proven way to soothe irritated
skin. (Epsom salts are not salt at all, but magnesium sulfate, a natural
mineral effective for soothing inflamed skin. Dead Sea salts are
evaporated mineral salts from the Dead Sea in Israel.)<br />
Some
magnesium in an Epsom salts bath is absorbed through the skin and is a
safe way to supplement this important mineral, while Dead Sea salts
provide a whole range of vitamins and minerals essential for healthy
skin, including magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper, and B vitamins. A
teaspoon of bath salts is plenty for an infant bath.<br />
For older
kids and for gentle cleansing when soap is required, try a natural bar
soap or highly diluted castile soap, like Dr. Bronner's.<br />
Nutrition and healthy infant skin<br />
Nutritional
factors affect how a baby's skin develops, too. Deficiencies of zinc or
magnesium are fairly common and cause symptoms which are
indistinguishable from other types of eczema. A deficiency of vitamin B6
may result in seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap.<br />
Baby eczema may be a sign of zinc or magnesium deficiency<br />
When
a breast-fed baby develops eczema, the mother's diet is often suspected
as the cause. However, the eczema may have nothing to do with food
allergy. Breast milk is often low in zinc, and a sign of zinc deficiency
is dry, irritated skin. Recent studies suggest that zinc deficiency may
be much more common than previously suspected. Low levels of magnesium
may also cause eczema-like symptoms by raising the level of histamine in
the blood and making the body more sensitive to allergens.<br />
A
simple blood test can identify a zinc or magnesium deficiency, and
supplementing with the missing mineral may solve the problem. A special
kind of zinc can also be applied as a topical cream for absorption
through the skin. Caregivers should talk to their pediatrician about
correct dosing before giving a baby a vitamin supplement.<br />
Formula-fed
babies may also be deficient in vitamins or in essential fatty acids
(EFAs)-fats which are essential to healthy development of the brain,
nervous system and skin. Some babies may not be able to utilize the
vitamins and fats in baby formula, or the formula itself may not provide
enough of them. A doctor or knowledgeable nutritionist can help
caregivers choose a more appropriate formula or supplement with the
necessary vitamins and essential fatty acids-especially zinc, magnesium,
and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of EFA.<br />
Food allergies and eczema<br />
About
30% of infants and children with eczema test do positive for food
allergies. A baby or child has a much greater chance of developing food
allergies if either of the parents have allergies themselves. The most
common allergens include cow's milk, soy, egg, wheat, peanuts and
shellfish. In breastfed babies, allergens from foods may pass directly
to the child through breast milk. Avoiding these foods while
breastfeeding may keep the child from developing eczema or other
allergic reactions. The La Leche League website has an excellent page on
allergies and breastfeeding.<br />
In formula-fed babies, changing the
formula may eliminate the problem. Special, easy-to-digest hydrolyzed
formulas (formulas where the proteins are partially broken down) are
often recommended for formula-fed babies with food allergies. Adding
probiotics or prebiotics--beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and
help digest food--to infant diets helps to reduce or prevent both food
allergies and other illnesses and has been shown to help relieve eczema,
too.<br />
Breastfeeding longer, introducing solid foods late (after 6
months), introducing new foods one at a time, and waiting to introduce
allergenic foods until after the baby is about a year old help reduce
the risk of allergic reactions. Most babies outgrow early allergies to
milk and eggs, although peanut allergy is more likely to persist to
adulthood. However, children with food allergies are more likely to
develop asthma or other atopic diseases when they grow older.
Caregivers should talk to their pediatrician if they suspect a food
allergy. A food elimination diet should only be utilized under a
doctor's supervision, to limit the risk of nutrient deficiency.<br />
Steroid creams and ointments commonly prescribed for eczema can cause adrenal damage in infants and children<br />
Steroid
creams and ointments are the most commonly prescribed treatment for
eczema, but can have dangerous side effects, especially for infants.
Steroids are easily absorbed through the skin, and children can absorb a
high percentage of the drugs because their skin is thin and they have
more skin in relation to their body size. Even short courses of
treatment with steroids can cause damage to the adrenal glands, which
regulate the body's hormones.<br />
Steroids work by interfering with
the chemicals the body uses to signal inflammation. They turn off the
inflammation response and cause tiny blood vessels called capillaries to
constrict, reducing redness and swelling. Topical steroids also
suppress the body's immune system and can lead to an increased
susceptibility to fungal or bacterial infections of the skin.<br />
Before
using a steroid medicine, caregivers should work with a pediatrician to
see if the baby's skin condition is caused by a nutritional deficiency,
a food allergy, or irritation from soaps or moisturizers. Treating the
root cause, rather than the symptom, of eczema will start a baby on the
road to a lifetime of healthy skin. What causes baby eczema?<br />
According
to the National Institutes of Health, eczema affects up to 20% of
infants and children in the United States. The rate of eczema has been
rising for years, and is highest in industrialized countries. Hundreds
of studies have been undertaken, linking eczema to food allergies, atopy
(a triad of conditions including allergy, asthma and eczema), heredity
(a child is more likely to get eczema if a parent has an atopic
condition), household income (the rate of eczema seems to increase with
higher income), houses that are too clean (the "hygiene hypothesis"),
houses that are too dirty (dust mite allergy), urban upbringing vs.
rural upbringing (kids who grow up on farms have the lowest rates of all
atopic conditions)... the list goes on and on.<br />
As eczema is a
sign of an underlying condition and not an illness, the answer is
probably "all of the above." Eczema can be triggered by food allergies,
by contact allergies (contact with irritating substances), by
nutritional deficiencies, and as a side effect of other diseases like
insulin resistance and diabetes. The eczema trigger is different for
each person--and may depend a lot on genetics.<br />
The nutrition
hypothesis The nutritional value of the food we eat has changed
dramatically over the past several decades. "Factory farming," where
fields are sown with the same vegetables year after year, fertilized
with petroleum by-products and sprayed heavily with herbicides and
insecticides, has reduced levels of key vitamins and minerals in
vegetables. Meat and dairy animals are raised on huge feedlots, fed an
unnatural diet of grain and animal by-products, and heavily dosed with
antibiotics to keep them alive long enough to slaughter.<br />
Eczema is
strongly connected with nutrient deficiency, so it's not surprising
that a decline in the nutritional value of food would coincide with an
increase in rates of eczema. Early bathing may irritate newborn skin
Bathing routines and products we take for granted may interfere with
the development of healthy infant skin. Babies are born with sterile
skin, which is covered by a thick, creamy substance called vernix
caseosa. Vernix has antimicrobial and antifungal properties that protect
the baby's skin in the womb and after birth, when the baby first comes
into contact with bacteria in the outside world. World Health
Organization (WHO) guidelines for newborn care specify that, to protect
the baby, vernix should not be removed for at least six hours.
Unfortunately, in modern societies this protective substance is
immediately washed off in the hospital, leaving the baby's skin
vulnerable to colonization by bacteria and fungi.<br />
Newborn skin is
very thin and loses moisture rapidly. It takes a few weeks for infant
skin to develop the "acid mantle," a slightly acidic (pH about 5.5)
mixture of sebum, sweat and "friendly" bacteria. (By adulthood, skin may
be colonized by nearly two hundred different species of bacteria.)
Ideally, over the first few weeks of life, a baby's skin is colonized by
beneficial bacteria picked up from close contact with the mother and
family. These bacteria perform an important function: they keep skin
healthy by preventing colonization by disease-causing microorganisms. If
this important step is compromised, skin can be colonized by harmful
bacteria. The skin of people with eczema tends to carry a high
concentration of <em>Staphylococcus aureus</em>, bacteria which cause skin infections, pneumonia, and even MRSA.<br />
Excessive
bathing, soap, and moisturizer use can interfere with development of
healthy skin Infant skin will naturally develop a healthy acid mantle
and strong immune defenses if it's allowed to. But again, bathing
routines and products we take for granted, including soaps and
moisturizing lotions, can interfere with this process.<br />
Infant skin
is so delicate that even exposure to plain water disturbs it enough to
dry it out. Soap accelerates this process by raising the skin's pH and
removing beneficial oils, resulting in impaired skin protection for
hours after bathing.<br />
Fragrance and preservative chemicals in soaps
and moisturizers irritate skin further, and can actually affect the way
skin develops. What's worse, these chemicals can be absorbed through an
infant's skin into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the baby's
developing hormonal system.<br />
A healthier way to care for infant
skin Babies' skin doesn't get very dirty for the first few weeks of
life, so generally the less it's interfered with, the healthier it will
be. Adding a half-teaspoon of lemon juice--to reduce the water's pH and
add skin-friendly ascorbic acid--and a teaspoon of sunflower or
safflower oil to the bathwater will keep baby clean without harming
skin. If a moisturizer is needed, use a fragrance free baby oil
containing sunflower or safflower oil, which are excellent moisturizers
and have the added benefit of helping to prevent bacterial skin
infections.<br />
If your baby's skin does become irritated, bathing
with Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts is a safe and clinically proven way
to soothe irritated skin. (Epsom salts are not salt at all, but
magnesium sulfate, a natural mineral effective for soothing inflamed
skin. Dead Sea salts are evaporated mineral salts from the Dead Sea in
Israel.)<br />
Some magnesium in an Epsom salts bath is absorbed through
the skin and is a safe way to supplement this important mineral, while
Dead Sea salts provide a whole range of vitamins and minerals essential
for healthy skin, including magnesium, zinc, potassium, copper, and B
vitamins. A teaspoon of bath salts is plenty for an infant bath.<br />
For
older kids and for gentle cleansing when soap is required, try a
natural bar soap or highly diluted castile soap, like Dr. Bronner's.<br />
Nutrition and healthy infant skin<br />
Nutritional
factors affect how a baby's skin develops, too. Deficiencies of zinc or
magnesium are fairly common and cause symptoms which are
indistinguishable from other types of eczema. A deficiency of vitamin B6
may result in seborrheic dermatitis, or cradle cap.<br />
Baby eczema may be a sign of zinc or magnesium deficiency<br />
When
a breast-fed baby develops eczema, the mother's diet is often suspected
as the cause. However, the eczema may have nothing to do with food
allergy. Breast milk is often low in zinc, and a sign of zinc deficiency
is dry, irritated skin. Recent studies suggest that zinc deficiency may
be much more common than previously suspected. Low levels of magnesium
may also cause eczema-like symptoms by raising the level of histamine in
the blood and making the body more sensitive to allergens.<br />
A
simple blood test can identify a zinc or magnesium deficiency, and
supplementing with the missing mineral may solve the problem. A special
kind of zinc can also be applied as a topical cream for absorption
through the skin. Caregivers should talk to their pediatrician about
correct dosing before giving a baby a vitamin supplement.<br />
Formula-fed
babies may also be deficient in vitamins or in essential fatty acids
(EFAs)-fats which are essential to healthy development of the brain,
nervous system and skin. Some babies may not be able to utilize the
vitamins and fats in baby formula, or the formula itself may not provide
enough of them. A doctor or knowledgeable nutritionist can help
caregivers choose a more appropriate formula or supplement with the
necessary vitamins and essential fatty acids-especially zinc, magnesium,
and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a type of EFA.<br />
Food allergies and eczema<br />
About
30% of infants and children with eczema test do positive for food
allergies. A baby or child has a much greater chance of developing food
allergies if either of the parents have allergies themselves. The most
common allergens include cow's milk, soy, egg, wheat, peanuts and
shellfish. In breastfed babies, allergens from foods may pass directly
to the child through breast milk. Avoiding these foods while
breastfeeding may keep the child from developing eczema or other
allergic reactions. The La Leche League website has an excellent page on
allergies and breastfeeding.<br />
In formula-fed babies, changing the
formula may eliminate the problem. Special, easy-to-digest hydrolyzed
formulas (formulas where the proteins are partially broken down) are
often recommended for formula-fed babies with food allergies. Adding
probiotics or prebiotics--beneficial bacteria that live in the gut and
help digest food--to infant diets helps to reduce or prevent both food
allergies and other illnesses and has been shown to help relieve eczema,
too.<br />
Breastfeeding longer, introducing solid foods late (after 6
months), introducing new foods one at a time, and waiting to introduce
allergenic foods until after the baby is about a year old help reduce
the risk of allergic reactions. Most babies outgrow early allergies to
milk and eggs, although peanut allergy is more likely to persist to
adulthood. However, children with food allergies are more likely to
develop asthma or other atopic diseases when they grow older.
Caregivers should talk to their pediatrician if they suspect a food
allergy. A food elimination diet should only be utilized under a
doctor's supervision, to limit the risk of nutrient deficiency.<br />
Steroid creams and ointments commonly prescribed for eczema can cause adrenal damage in infants and children<br />
Steroid
creams and ointments are the most commonly prescribed treatment for
eczema, but can have dangerous side effects, especially for infants.
Steroids are easily absorbed through the skin, and children can absorb a
high percentage of the drugs because their skin is thin and they have
more skin in relation to their body size. Even short courses of
treatment with steroids can cause damage to the adrenal glands, which
regulate the body's hormones.<br />
Steroids work by interfering with
the chemicals the body uses to signal inflammation. They turn off the
inflammation response and cause tiny blood vessels called capillaries to
constrict, reducing redness and swelling. Topical steroids also
suppress the body's immune system and can lead to an increased
susceptibility to fungal or bacterial infections of the skin.<br />
Before
using a steroid medicine, caregivers should work with a pediatrician to
see if the baby's skin condition is caused by a nutritional deficiency,
a food allergy, or irritation from soaps or moisturizers. Treating the
root cause, rather than the symptom, of eczema will start a baby on the
road to a lifetime of healthy skin.<br />
</div>
<div class="sig" id="sig">
Keeping infant skin well-moisturized is an important way to
protect against baby eczema. In clinical studies, sunflower oil has been
shown to protect against moisture loss and bacterial infection while
providing healthy fatty acids through skin absorption. SoftBaby - <a href="http://www.softress.com/softbaby.php" target="_new">http://www.softress.com/softbaby.php</a>
- is a fragrance-free baby oil that combines sunflower oil, olive oil,
and evening primrose oil with other plant oils and antioxidants in a
blend that contains optimal amounts of the essential fatty acids and
vitamins needed to nourish and protect infant skin. It's made by
Softress, a company specializing in oils for sensitive skin care. Nina
Birnbaum, founder of Softress, developed SoftBaby for her daughter, who
suffered from eczema.<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
Article Source:
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Nina_Birnbaum">
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Nina_Birnbaum </a>
</div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-73943965445956915582010-08-21T18:46:00.000-07:002010-08-21T18:53:21.321-07:00Baby Health ~ Natural Remedies - Relieve Colic, Intestinal Cramps, Gas, Teething Pain, Promote Sleep<div id="body">
What is the Baby Bowen Procedure? The Bowen Baby Procedure consists
of 7 gentle, light touch moves for stimulating balance in your baby's
autonomic nervous system (ANA). This gentle stimulation will relieve
your baby's colic and enhance her/his overall health and well-being.<br />
Bowen
therapy was developed by an Australian named Tom Bowen. The
government-commissioned Webb report in 1975 reported Tom Bowen attending
some thirteen thousand patients annually with an 80-90% success rate,
usually in only one or two sessions.<br />
BENEFITS: Colic; Asthma;
healthy functioning of all organs and systems, especially the nervous,
respiratory, digestive and alimentary (elimination) systems; promotes
bonding between parents and baby.<br />
HOW OFTEN: May perform Baby
Bowen Moves as often as needed (at the first sign of your baby's
discomfort) for the first six-weeks after birth, or weekly as a
preventative and for Well Baby Care.<br />
BABY BOWEN PROCEDURE, Part I<br />
The first 4 moves are made on your baby's back, between her/his shoulder blades.<br />
Your
baby lays face down, on her/his stomach, or if there are two of you one
may hold the baby with her/his chest facing you while the other one
performs the first 2 Baby Bowen Moves.<br />
BABY BOWEN MOVES<br />
1.
Always begin by doing your first Baby Bowen Move on the Left side. Place
the pad of your Right thumb flat on top of the muscles lying along the
Left side of your baby's spine. Your Right thumb is just above the
bottom angle of your baby's Left shoulder blade.<br />
You must first
get into the correct position for performing your Baby Bowen Move by
gently pulling the flat pad of your Right thumb toward you, moving the
skin away from your baby's spine as far as it will go, like drawing the
string of a bow.<br />
At this end point you will gently press down and
in, hooking the bottom edge of your thumb slightly. Hold this "gateway"
entry position for 3-seconds.<br />
By holding for 3 seconds you are
giving a tiny challenge to your baby's nervous system, letting it know
you are there. You may (or may not) notice a slight softening of the
tissue as the nerve endings repond and open to your tiny challenge. This
feedback loop takes about 3-seconds.<br />
Remember there is ALWAYS a 3-second challenge before each Bowen Baby Move!<br />
Now
push your Right thumb TOWARD your baby's spine, move slowly with even,
gentle pressure across the muscles, the pad of your thumb flattens as
you perform the move.<br />
Your gentle Bowen Baby Move are activating
nerve endings and sending a signal along the nerve pathway, like a reset
switch to your baby's nervous system, to enhance balance and stimulate
your baby's natural healing response.<br />
Think of your Baby Bowen Move like turning on a light switch.<br />
2.
Now immediately perform the next Baby Bowen Move by reaching across
your baby's spinal column and placing the Right pad of your index finger
atop the muscles along your baby's spine.<br />
Again you must first
get into the correct position for performing your Baby Bowen Move by
gently pushing with the pad of your Right index finger, to move the skin
away from your baby's spine as far as it will go.<br />
At this end
point you will gently press down and in with the pad of your Right index
finger, hooking your finger tip slightly. Remember to hold this
gateway entry position for a 3-second challenge.<br />
Now with the pad
of your Right index finger, pull your index finger TOWARD your baby's
spine, move slowly with even, gentle pressure across the muscles, the
pad of your Right index finger will flatten as you perform the move.<br />
3.
You will immediately follow these first two moves with two more in the
same exact sequence and locations except in the opposite direction, AWAY
from your baby's spine.<br />
Place the pad of your Right index finger,
flat on top of the muscles along the left side of your baby's spine,
and push the skin away towards your baby's spine, as far as it will go.<br />
Gently
press down and in with the pad of your Right index finger, hooking your
finger tip slightly, press gently on the muscles, activating the nerve
endings for a 3-second challenge.<br />
Now with the pad of your Right
index finger, pull your index finger away from your baby's spine, move
slowly with even, gentle pressure across the muscles, the pad of your
index finger will flatten as you perform the move.<br />
4. Now
immediately perform the next Baby Bowen Move by reaching across your
baby's spinal column and placing the Right pad of your thumb atop the
muscles along your baby's spine.<br />
Again you must first get into the
correct position for performing your Baby Bowen Move by gently pulling
with the pad of your index finger, to move the skin toward your baby's
spine as far as it will go.<br />
At this end point you will gently
press down and in with the pad of your Right index finger, hooking the
bottom edge of your thumb slightly. Remember to hold this gateway entry
position for a 3-second challenge.<br />
Now with the pad of your Right
thumb, push AWAY from your baby's spine, move slowly with even, gentle
pressure across the muscles, the pad of your Right thumb will flatten as
you perform the move.<br />
BABY BOWEN PROCEDURE, Part II<br />
Your last 3 Baby Bowen Moves are made with your baby lying flat on her/his back.<br />
BABY BOWEN MOVES<br />
Holding
Point or Energy Blocker - With the middle finger of your left hand
apply gentle pressure just below the tip of cartilage at the end of your
baby's breast bone, called the xiphoid process. Maintain this holding
point with gentle pressure while performing the following two Baby Bowen
Moves.<br />
The purpose of a Holding Point or Energy Blocker is to set
your intention for focusing your Baby Bowen Move to a particular
location and effectively concentrates the signal you are sending along a
particular nerve pathway.<br />
5. Place the pad of your Right thumb
mid-way along the border of your baby's left rib cage, slowly move the
skin up along the border of your baby's rib cage, to end point as as far
as it can go.<br />
Now slip the edge of your Right thumb pad slightly
under the angle of your baby's rib and with very gentle, light touch
pressure, move your Right thumb downward, along the angle of your baby's
rib to the end point and flatten your thumb.<br />
6. Repeat the move
on the right side of your baby's rib cage this time using the pad of
your Right middle finger. Find your position mid-way along the border of
your baby's rib cage, move up along the border to the end point.<br />
Now
slip the edge of your Right middle finger slightly under angle of your
baby's rib and with gentle, light touch pressure, move downward along
the angle of the rib to the end point and flatten your finger.<br />
7.
Take your Left middle finger off your Holding Point or Energy Blocker
and place your Left hand on top of your baby's chest to feel your baby's
rythmic pattern of breathing.<br />
Place the pad of your Right middle finger about 1 inch below your baby's xiphoid process.<br />
Feel the breath, in and out, get in sync and on an out breath perform the following move.<br />
Baby
Bowen Move: With the Right pad of your middle finger, gently draw your
baby's skin up toward the tip of her/his xiphoid process, then press
gently down and in, hooking your finger tip and pulling downward with
gentle, light touch pressure then flatten your finger.<br />
Baby Bowen
Moves are most effective when performed as your baby is exhaled, breath
out. Just do the best you can and with practice you will get into the
feel of doing your Baby Bowen Moves to achieve outstanding results!<br />
Bowen
therapy is currently being researched in hopes to better understand why
this gentle, noninvasive and holistic system of healing is so
effective. The International Bowen Therapy Academy Conference is being
hosted in June 2006 by Yale University where a Masters Degree program is
being offered.<br />
AROMATHERAPY FOR YOUR BABY: German (True)
Chamomile is a traditional remedy for fussy babies. Known to help
relieve colic, intestinal cramps and gas, as well as to ease teething
pain. Because of its benign nature True Chamomile may be used to soothe
diaper rash. Use in a very weak dilution of pure jojoba oil of less than
1%.<br />
<br />
PLEASE NOTE: There are many cheap, synthetic copies of
aromatic oils, but these are not recommended for therapeutic use. For
best results purchase the highest quality oils you can possibly find.
Use certified organic essential oils, or oils that have been tested and
are pesticide free.<br />
Aromatherapy is a gentle and noninvasive
complementary health care system used for balancing and synchronizing
your body, mind, spirit and emotions to enhance your health. Properly
administered essential oils are a natural, safe and effective way to
enhance your health and well-being and can produce satisfying results
where other methods have failed. Please consult with your physician
regarding serious health concerns and do not attempt to self diagnose.</div>
<div class="sig" id="sig">
KG Stiles is a registered & accredited Bowenwork &
BodyTalk practitioner & a certified aromatherapist practicing for
more than 30 years in the alternative health care field. PurePlant
Essentials is her line of pure organic essential oils. She is available
for distant healing sessions, training seminars & speaking. Click
to learn about & order: <a href="http://kgstiles.com/chamomilemoreinfo.htm" target="_new"> GERMAN (TRUE) CHAMOMILE </a> To learn about Bowenwork visit <a href="http://kgstiles.com/bowenmoreinfo.htm" target="_new"> LEARN ABOUT BOWENWORK </a> Click to learn about & order PurePlant Essentials Aromatherapy Products: <a href="http://kgstiles.com/pureplantessentials.html" target="_new"> PUREPLANT ESSENTIALS AROMATHERAPY PRODUCTS </a> More Info? Contact: KG Stiles at Springhill Wellness Center, 2520 Springhill Drive Ashland, OR USA (541) 941-7315 Mahalo!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
Article Source:
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=KG_Stiles">
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=KG_Stiles </a>
</div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-61703348848021841252010-08-21T18:44:00.001-07:002010-08-21T18:44:54.050-07:00Baby Sleep Training - How to Mimic the Feeling of the Womb<div id="body">
For the entire beginning of their lives, babies are accustomed to
one environment: the womb. It can be very jarring to come into a new
world with so much new stimuli, and it can cause a feeling of insecurity
in baby. The best way to help baby sleep more soundly, make the
transition, and feel safe is to mimic some of the feelings of the womb.<br />
Characteristics of The Womb<br />
So what does the womb have that your house doesn't? Let's think about the environment baby is familiar with:<br />
<ul>
<li>Lots of white noise - he's used to a very loud environment, what
with the outside noises mixing with the sounds of the body's machinery</li>
<li>Cramped quarters - he's used to existing in a very small space, where everything is close together</li>
<li>Feeling supported - he's used to being touched and supported on the
sides and bottom of the womb, which creates a sense of comfort from
being touched</li>
<li>Fetal position - he's accustomed to laying in the fetal position, with the arms and legs drawn up and close to the body</li>
</ul>
As you read this, birth might seem to come as a relief.
To us, the womb doesn't seem very comfortable, but to baby, it's home.
You can ease the transition and help baby sleep by mimicking some of
these qualities<br />
Why Does This Feeling Help Baby Sleep? We've
already talked about this, but it's important enough to say again.
Babies, even in the womb, are extremely sensitive to emotions and
feelings. Just like you, baby doesn't sleep well if she's not relaxed
and feeling safe.<br />
It comes as a domino effect: if baby is anxious
or in some other way emotionally upset, she can't relax. When she can't
relax, and you put her to bed and leave, she gets more upset, which
makes it take even longer to relax. Until she relaxes, she can't fall
asleep, and crying ensues.<br />
Swaddle baby<br />
Swaddling baby can
help her relax and settle down because it mimics the close quarters of
the womb. Babies can be unsettled by the free use of their arms and legs
after birth, a feeling they didn't have in the womb. Additionally,
babies tend to jerk a bit upon falling asleep and can wake themselves up
or become startled by these natural movements.<br />
Swaddling baby all
the time is fine for the first month of life; after that, baby needs
access to her arms and legs to develop properly. However, you can still
swaddle baby for naps and nighttime to help her sleep.<br />
<em>So what is swaddling?</em><br />
Swaddling
is wrapping baby tightly in a blanket to mimic the feeling of the womb.
Swaddling reminds baby of the safety and compact feeling of the womb.<br />
<em>How to swaddle baby</em><br />
<ol>
<li>Lay a baby blanket on the floor and fold one corner into the center about 6 inches</li>
<li>Lay baby on her back on the blanket, with her head at the folded-down corner. The head should be off the blanket so it's free</li>
<li>Take the corner near baby's left hand and pull it across baby to the right, securing it underneath baby</li>
<li>Fold up the bottom of the blanket towards baby's chin, enclosing baby's feet</li>
<li>Take the corner near baby's right hand and pull it across baby to the left, securing it underneath baby</li>
</ol>
<br /><em>Important tips</em><ul>
<li>Swaddle baby when she is full, clean, and dry. Swaddling is meant to
be a comfortable, comforting experience for baby, and if she is in some
way unsettled, she will associate bad memories with swaddling.</li>
<li>Don't swaddle baby when it is very hot. Keep baby from overheating
by not swaddling when it is very hot outside or when baby is in a warm
room. This is especially important when baby is going to sleep, as
overheating is a risk factor for SIDS.</li>
<li>Listen to baby so you know when she wants out. Baby will kick or
squirm when she wants to be free, so pay attention for these actions.
Let baby out if you know she is uncomfortable, or the feeling can cause
distress and keep baby from relaxing.</li>
<li>Don't swaddle baby constantly after the age of one month. She needs access to her limbs in order to develop correctly.</li>
</ul>
<br /><em>Action Items:</em><ul>
<li>Find or buy a baby blanket</li>
<li>Practice swaddling a doll before attempting it on your live, squirming baby</li>
<li>Pay attention to baby's reaction to being swaddled and adjust if necessary</li>
</ul>
Strategies for Mimicking the Womb <em>Bathe baby in a bucket</em><br />
There
are a host of products available that offer an alternative to a
mini-adult-like bath. Baths can be a pivotal relaxation tool each day to
help baby sleep, mostly because being immersed in water reminds them of
being in the womb.<br />
Naturally, you can see that how you bathe baby
becomes an important part of helping baby calm down and fall asleep.
Babies feel most comfortable in the fetal position, and a bucket
provides this capability. It supports baby's weight and allows her to be
touched on the sides and the bottom of the bucket, again reminding her
of the womb.<br />
A bucket is a natural choice for a bath because it
almost forces baby into the fetal position. This combined with warm
water and the tightness of baby touching the sides and bottom of the
bucket work together to recreate the feeling of the womb. As opposed to a
bucket, a mini-adult-like bath gives baby the feeling of swimming, like
in the womb, but makes her feel a bit lost, with nothing to control her
arms and legs from floating around.<br />
I know, it seems almost cruel
to put your baby in a bucket, right? Think outside the box! It only
seems strange because not many people do it...in the United States, that
is. Bathing baby in a bucket is a popular form of baby care in Europe
and is accepted as helping to calm and reassure babies in this big new
world.<br />
Quick tip: there's no need to go buy an expensive baby
bathing bucket, though you certainly can. Use what you have at home, but
be sure to choose a bucket you have not used with harsh chemicals.
Think of a bucket used to build sand castles, perhaps. If possible, find
a bucket with flexible sides, so that baby is supported softly and
without any sharp edges or seams.<br />
<em>Action Items:</em><br />
<ul>
<li>Find a baby-sized bucket in the house and thoroughly clean it, or purchase a new one</li>
<li>Confirm that the bucket is flexible, smooth, and won't tip over when baby is inside</li>
<li>Test a bath to see if baby likes the feeling of a bucket better than a traditional baby bath</li>
</ul>
Sway and Shush Your Baby To Sleep<br />
When a mother
moves around doing daily tasks, a baby in the womb is naturally swung
gently from side to side. This swaying motion becomes familiar and
comforting, so parents can try using this as a means of calming baby
before sleep. Remember, this isn't the kind of thing that you want to do
every time that baby wakes up, or you will have to repeatedly get up in
the middle of the night.<br />
Instead, this is what you want to do to
help settle baby down so that she can fall asleep on her own. When
swaying baby, be gentle and consistent. She should fall into a sort of
rhythm that helps calm her. Swaying shouldn't be fast or exciting, as
it's meant to relax baby. Sway her too fast and she'll think it's
playtime instead!<br />
Shushing is another technique that mimics the
womb. This is similar to the sounds that baby hears in the womb and can
also be quieting. As with swaying, shushing should be gentle and
rhythmic. It should be smooth and mimic the pattern of baby's breathing -
one "shush" per exhale.<br />
Shushing should be soft, not harsh; avoid
the sound a teacher makes when quieting her classroom. Instead, use
shushing as a sort of white noise, meant to calm baby without her ever
even realizing it.<br />
<em>Action Items:</em><br />
<ul>
<li>Sing a song in your head while you sway or shush to help create a slow rhythm</li>
<li>Try different speeds and voice levels to find out what quiets baby best</li>
</ul>
Wear Baby<br />
Another solution that feels similar to
the womb is wearing baby in a sling, wrap, or pouch. This has benefits
for you, because it allows you to be close to baby while keeping your
hands free, and it makes baby feel protected, safe, and comfortable.<br />
Wearing
baby helps keep baby warm, lets her hear your heartbeat, and builds a
close relationship that is fostered through personal contact. Listed
here are a few options for wearing baby, but it's up to you to decide
which solution is best and most comfortable for you and baby:<br />
<ul>
<li>Wrap - wraps are long pieces of fabric tied to the wearer in various
positions. Baby folds up inside it and it is very versatile. This is
best for small babies; larger children will have trouble fitting, and it
could be uncomfortable for the wearer.</li>
<li>Mei Tai - an Asian-inspired carrier with more structure than a
wrap. It can be worn on the front, back, or hip, depending on comfort
and baby's size. This is a viable option for larger or older babies.</li>
<li>Adjustable pouch - a pouch is a circle of fabric tied onto the
wearer's front that holds the baby into the wearer's chest. It is
similar to a Mei Tai and is also good for babies of all sizes.</li>
</ul>
<br /><em>Action Items:</em><ul>
<li>Evaluate your needs and baby's size to determine which style is right for you</li>
<li>Practice tying on a wrap, sling or pouch with a doll prior to working with baby</li>
<li>Adjust the fit as necessary - if baby seems uncomfortable, evaluate
her fit to see if anything is rubbing or pinching. Try putting baby in
while sitting down to see if this helps</li>
<li>Consider different options as baby grows and your activities
change. Some ways to wear baby are more appropriate for some types of
activities than others</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="sig" id="sig">
Naomi Knight is a contributor for <a href="http://www.parentinghq.com/" target="_new">http://www.parentinghq.com/</a>
your best source for baby sleep, breastfeeding, colic, and crying
advice from top baby care experts. For more articles on baby sleep
training techniques, visit our baby sleep section at <a href="http://www.parentinghq.com/category/baby-sleep/" target="_new">http://www.parentinghq.com/category/baby-sleep/</a><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
Article Source:
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Naomi_Knight">
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Naomi_Knight </a>
</div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-42598141069278119452010-07-26T20:26:00.000-07:002010-07-26T20:26:45.219-07:00Baby Products - Essential Baby Products, Which Ones Do I Really Need?<div id="body">
There are many essential baby products a new parent must purchase.
Cribs, car seats, baby monitors, baby strollers, high chairs and
clothing are all necessary to ensure your child's safety and comfort.
However, there are many baby products out there that are not worth
wasting your money on, but are marketed to parents as being vital for a
baby's growth and development. Parents always want the best for their
child and therefore purchase these items that do not serve a great
function. This guide reveals the important baby products a parent must
obtain to properly care for their child.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Baby Strollers</b></div>
The
baby stroller is an item every parent must have for his or her child.
Before you purchase a stroller, however, consider how you are going to
use it and the money you are willing to spend. This makes the process of
buying a stroller much easier. There are many types of strollers to
choose from including: full-size, mid-size, lightweight, umbrella,
jogger, double and triple baby strollers. Parents who do a lot walking
should consider purchasing a full or mid size stroller, while active
parents are better suited for the jogger stroller. Lightweight and
umbrella strollers are appropriate for parents who travel around
frequently because they are easy to stow away. Finally, double and
triple strollers are made for parents who need to transport two or three
young children in one stroller.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Baby Cribs</b></div>
Babies
spend the majority of their time in the crib. Therefore, every parent
should invest a significant amount of energy in selecting a safe baby
crib and mattress. Safe baby cribs must always have adjustable sides,
the space between the crib bars must not exceed 2 and 3/8 of an inch,
and the crib must be sturdy. The crib mattress has to be firm and fit
properly into the crib because the baby can suffocate if this protocol
is not followed. Baby bedding ought to be kept to a minimum--one cotton
fitted bed sheet and a light blanket will suffice. Never place pillows,
toys or heavy blankets in your child's crib.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Baby Car Seats</b></div>
A
baby car seat is one of the essential baby products to purchase for
your new child. The car seat protects the child against injury in the
event of an accident. There are three main types of car seats available:<br />
<ul>
<li>Rearward-facing infant car seats</li>
<li>Forward-facing baby car seats </li>
<li>Booster car seats</li>
</ul>
The rearward facing baby car seats are used mostly for
infants who do not exceed 29 pounds to support their neck, back and
spine. The forward-facing car seats are perfect for children between 20
and 40 pounds and should be secured with a tether strap on the car
frame. Lastly, booster seats are made for children who can no longer fit
into a normal child car seat. The booster seat basically lifts the
child so they can use a regular seat belt properly. In addition, always
remember all child car seats must be placed in the rear of the car away
from airbags.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Baby High Chairs</b></div>
A high chair is one of
the baby products a parent doesn't need right after the infant arrives
home from the hospital. Although, once your child can independently sit
upright a baby high chair becomes a necessity at mealtimes. Wooden,
conventional, adjustable and booster high chairs are just some of the
styles on the market. Regardless of the model you choose make sure your
highchair has the following features:<br />
<ul>
<li>The high chair must have two support straps--one should be around the waist and the other must be between the child's legs.</li>
<li>All baby high chairs must have trays that lock firmly into the chair.</li>
<li>The legs of the high chair should be spaced apart in order to properly anchor it to the ground and prevent tipping.</li>
</ul>
<br /><b style="color: blue;">Baby Clothes</b>Baby clothes are one of the
obvious baby products a parent must buy. Keep in mind when shopping for
clothes to purchase outfits that are functional for you and the baby.
For instance, try to choose clothes that are not complicated to get off
come changing time. Also, purchase clothing that is appropriate for the
season your child is going to be born in. This step prevents you from
buying clothing that is not necessary for your baby's immediate needs.
When selecting baby clothes hand me downs are a good way to go because
babies grow at such a rapid pace. Hand me downs save you a lot of money
and usually come in very good condition. Never buy second hand clothing
that is worn out because it could potentially rip posing a safety hazard
to your baby.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Baby Monitors</b></div>
Baby monitors help
parents keep a watchful eye on their little one without having to be in
the same room all the time. This enables parents to multi-task without
jeopardizing their child's safety. Over the years there have been many
technological advances in the baby monitor realm. Sound monitors are
still the most extensively used ones, but now visual, temperature,
movement and breathing monitors are becoming more common. Visual (or TV)
monitors are great for parents who want to see what baby is up to at
all times. These monitors are quite expensive, but can later be
converted into a security system. Temperature and breathing monitors are
useful for parents who are concerned about their child's health. These
monitors inform parents of the temperature in the baby's room and
whether it is too hot or cold.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Other Useful Items</b></div>
Besides
the aforementioned baby products there are many other small items a new
parent needs to purchase for their child. Diapers, pacifiers, bottles,
shampoo, soap, bottle warmers, a diaper pail and travel bags are just
some of the baby products required. When purchasing baby products always
stick to these basic items - do not get sidetracked by gimmicks. Before
buying a product always ask yourself the question: "Do I really need
this for my baby's well-being?" Good luck with all the shopping!<br />
</div>
<div class="sig" id="sig">
<br />
<b>About the Author</b><br />
Dorothy Smith is a freelance
writer, mother and self-confessed bargain hunter who loves to provide
tips to consumers shopping for baby products
[http://www.best-baby-supplies.com/index.html], best baby cribs
[http://www.best-baby-supplies.com/baby-cribs.html] and best baby
strollers [http://www.best-baby-supplies.com/baby-strollers.html].<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
Article Source:
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_Smith">
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dorothy_Smith </a>
</div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-45261644552822292842010-07-26T19:59:00.000-07:002010-07-26T19:59:47.607-07:00Baby Monitor Technology - A Buyers Guide<div id="body">
What is a baby monitor & why do I need one?<br />
It might seem
like an obvious question these days, but baby monitors are a relatively
new innovation. At the most basic level they give the parent freedom
from keeping a constant vigil at their baby's bedside (cot-side or Moses
basket-side!).<br />
A baby monitor normally consists of a transmitter
and a receiver unit. The transmitter is placed near the baby and the
parent keeps the receiver unit. This way the parent can hear instantly
if their baby needs reassurance while doing other things around the
house - or maybe catching up on some well needed rest!<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Baby Monitor Types</b></div>
Baby
monitors now fall into three main categories. There are the traditional
audio baby monitors. These alert the parent if the baby starts to cry
or seems restless or uncomfortable. Audio/visual baby monitors take this
a step further by letting the parent see and hear their baby. These
consist of a camera unit with a microphone and a receiver unit with a TV
screen and speaker.<br />
Lastly, there are sensor baby monitors (also
called respiratory baby monitors). These offer peace of mind by
immediately alerting the parent if their baby's breathing becomes
significantly uneven or even stops completely.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Audio Baby Monitors</b></div>
Audio
baby monitors fall into two further types: analogue and digital.
Analogue baby monitors traditionally were subject to lots of
interference from other household items that gave off a wireless signal.
While this still can be true of cheaper analogue monitors, today most
have more than one channel enabling you to select one that is
interference free and incorporate technology that lessens outside
interference.<br />
To guarantee an interference transmission and
reception you will need a digital baby monitor. Remember that a baby
monitor is essentially a radio transmitter and receiver and digital
radio (should you have one!) is superior to normal radio reception. The
higher-end digital baby monitors use something called DECT technology.
This technology came from digital walkabout phones and stands for
Digital Enhanced Cordless Technology.<br />
DECT monitors will select a
channel automatically from 120 channels and often encrypt the channels
to stop any eavesdropping. Because of this technology these monitors are
normally more expensive, but (like the Philips Digital Baby Monitor and
the BT Digital Monitors) they guarantee interference free transmission
and often come with several useful extra features:<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Audio baby monitors - things to look for:</b></div>
o Number of channels<br />
o Rechargeable parent unit<br />
o Belt clip for portable convenience<br />
o Light display on the parent that shows noise level even if the sound is turned down.<br />
o Low battery indicator<br />
o Night light on baby unit<br />
o Two-way transmission - so you can talk to your baby from the parent unit.<br />
o Temperature gauge - remember the ideal nursery temperature is around 18C (65F)<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Audio/Visual Baby Monitors</b></div>
A
recent innovation - these monitors let you see and hear your baby. This
gives obvious added benefits such as seeing if your baby has come out
of their blanket, or if they are sleeping in an awkward position etc.
However, these baby monitor may also be useful for older children so you
can remotely check on them if they are playing by themselves in another
room.<br />
The range of audio/visual baby monitors can be limited by
your house layout. If your house has normal partition (or stud) walls
then the range will be around the quoted 30m. However, if you live in an
old house with solid internal walls the range will be reduced -
especially if the signal has to pass through several walls. This will
not apply when you are directly below or above a nursery as the signal
only has to pass through a wooden floor (or floors) and should therefore
be perfect.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>AudioVisual Baby Monitors - Things to look for:</b></div>
o
Night vision - sounds obvious but some come without it! This is
essential for night time viewing. All our audiovisual baby monitors come
with night vision.<br />
o Number of channels - helps in finding the best channel but can also enable you to add extra cameras later.<br />
o
Standby mode - if you have a portable parent unit the screen can be
draining on the battery. Some units come out of standby mode if you baby
makes a noise.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Sensor Baby Monitors</b></div>
Also called respiratory
baby monitors these monitors consist of sensitive pads that go
underneath your baby's mattress. During the first year of life, infants
can experience irregular breathing patterns or even stop breathing
completely.<br />
These monitors can alert when your baby's breathing
changes due to a cold, high fever, or other illness. The Babysense II
will continually detect your baby's motion and breathing movements, and
set off a sound and visual alarm if breathing movements ceases for over
20 seconds or if the breathing rate slows to below 10 breaths per
minute.<br />
REMEMBER, a sensor baby monitor is an added precaution and
safeguard which can help peace of mind but it must be combined with the
important recommendations of "Safe Sleeping" (sleeping on the back, not
overheating of baby's room, not smoking around the baby).<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>Sensor Baby Monitors - things to look for</b></div>
o
Certifications - the Babysense II is currently the only Household
Movement Monitor to carry complete CE registration as a Medical Device
and to comply with 93/42/EEC Medical device Directive.<br />
o Mattress type - some sensor baby monitors will not work properly with a spring mattress<br />
o
Mattress thickness - check your mattress thickness. Some are certified
for thicknesses up to 12cm and some for thicknesses up to 14cm.<br />
o
Mattress base - sensor monitors work best on a flat base. This should be
no problem with a cot, however, if used in a Moses basket you are
advised to put the basket on a flat base.<br />
</div>
<div class="sig" id="sig">
Sarah Cooke. Mother of two and Director of <a href="http://www.monitormybaby.co.uk/" target="_new">MonitorMyBaby - Baby monitor specialists</a> a site specialising in all types of baby monitor.<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
Article Source:
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Cooke">
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sarah_Cooke </a>
</div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-46233245712309365242010-07-26T19:54:00.000-07:002010-08-12T21:09:17.869-07:00Babies - How to Get Your Children Excited About the New Arrival<div id="body">
The sudden appearance of a new baby can be rough on the <br />
other children in the family. Daily routines are disrupted and <br />
suddenly mom and dad are too busy to pay attention to <br />
older siblings. Worst of all, the new baby is the instant star <br />
of the family - the center of attention. The adorable baby is <br />
the big attraction for everyone from mom and dad, to visiting <br />
relatives, to casual acquaintances bumped into at the mall, <br />
right down to strangers on the street. Everyone is talking <br />
baby talk, cooing at the new baby, and making a fuss over <br />
the newborn. The older kids may feel shunted aside and <br />
resentful. This is especially true for the displaced former <br />
baby of the family.<br />
<br />
Given these natural reactions, anything that you can do to <br />
prepare your other children for the new arrival will ease the <br />
transition. Everything you can do to involve your kids in <br />
advance and to get them to actually look forward to the birth <br />
will make a big difference in how they experience it. It might <br />
even help establish a stronger brother or sister bond with <br />
the new baby that will contribute to the lasting closeness of <br />
a positive sibling relationship.<br />
<br />
Here are some simple ideas that expectant parents might <br />
try, to smooth the road ahead for their other children. Most <br />
are common knowledge or simply common sense, but <br />
sometimes too easily forgotten amid all the excitement and <br />
activity surrounding the birth of a new baby. A few might be <br />
new ideas that are worth a try. A little advance thought and <br />
preparation may go a long way towards making the <br />
"blessed event" a blessing for the ENTIRE family. Hopefully, <br />
you'll be inspired to try some of these ideas, so here goes.<br />
Let your other kids in on the secret as soon as the <br />
pregnancy is confirmed, well before it is obvious just by <br />
looking at mom. Even with your youngest children, try to give <br />
them some understanding of the changes that mom is <br />
going through and what they mean. Check out your local <br />
public library. It should have books geared to all different <br />
ages that can explain, in terms that children can <br />
understand, the biological process of having a baby. Picture <br />
books about baby animals may also help crystalize the <br />
concept and relate it to something your kids have already <br />
experienced, like watching newborn kittens, for example.<br />
The library or local bookstore should also be able to <br />
guide you to works of fiction, including picture books for <br />
preschoolers, that focus on the arrival of a new baby in the <br />
family and such issues as jealousy and feelings of neglect. <br />
Quiet parent-child story reading times can provide an ideal <br />
opportunity to prepare young children for changes that are <br />
on the way and to reassure them of their own importance <br />
and irreplaceable position in the family. Discuss things <br />
openly and answer your kids' questions.<br />
<br />
Encourage your children to think about life with the new <br />
baby and how family routines will be altered. Coax your kids <br />
to develop their own lists of things that will be fun about <br />
having a new baby in the house - for example, they can push <br />
the baby carriage and help dress the baby. Help them think <br />
about all the things that they'll be able to share with and <br />
teach the baby as he or she grows up and how important <br />
their role will be as a "big brother" or "big sister".<br />
At other times, let them focus on coming up with ways that <br />
they can help care for the baby or have them think of things <br />
they can do around the house to ease the burden on mom <br />
and dad. Also, take this opportunity to make your kids aware <br />
that babies require gentle handling and a quiet <br />
environment. You might even use a baby doll with your <br />
younger children to role play baby's diaper changing and <br />
feeding.<br />
<br />
Nurture the feeling that every family member is of equal <br />
importance and that each occupies a special niche and has <br />
special contributions to make. No one is being replaced by <br />
the baby and the family cannot be whole unless EVERYONE <br />
is a part of it. If your kids internalize this belief, you may be <br />
able to avoid some of the trauma and the understandable <br />
resentment toward this little stranger who has stolen <br />
mommy and daddy's hearts. The better your children are <br />
prepared for the impending event, the better they'll be able to <br />
cope with it emotionally.<br />
<br />
As part of that preparation process, from time to time plan <br />
special activities with your kids that relate to babies. For <br />
example, they might draw pictures of babies or collect baby <br />
photos from magazines and create a collage. Sit down and <br />
go through photo albums of your kids' baby pictures and <br />
reminisce with them about their own arrivals into the world. <br />
Re-tell any family anecdotes surrounding their births. Teach <br />
your children lullabies that they can sing to the baby, plus <br />
finger games and "peek-a-boo" games to entertain their <br />
new brother or sister.<br />
<br />
Arts and crafts projects can furnish a special parent-child <br />
discussion and sharing time and may sometimes revolve <br />
around preparations for the new baby. Kids can make <br />
pictures to hang in the baby's room, or create a baby-safe <br />
mobile to hang over the baby's crib, or draw scenes in which <br />
they imagine their lives with the new baby - rocking the baby <br />
in their arms, and so forth.<br />
Let the kids be involved in every facet of the preparations <br />
that you yourself are making for the baby's arrival. Your kids <br />
can help you repaint the nursery or paint a mural on the <br />
nursery wall, and help you pick out baby furniture, bedding <br />
and nursery decorations. They can choose baby clothes that <br />
appeal to them. All of these things can later give the <br />
children <br />
pride and a sense of importance and inclusion in the baby's <br />
life. When grandma says "What a cute bib the baby's <br />
wearing," your preschooler can say "I picked it!"<br />
In addition, make your children key members of the family <br />
committee that chooses a name for the new baby. Keep the <br />
kids involved and actively participating and then, as the birth <br />
becomes imminent, dad and the kids may even conspire to <br />
prepare some extra, special, secret surprises for mom and <br />
the baby, like buying or creating a special keepsake item or <br />
putting together a "welcome home" party.<br />
<br />
In short, it's always worth the effort to do as much as you <br />
can to get your kids involved in and excited about the arrival <br />
of a new baby. Include them in every step of the process. <br />
The more they feel that it is THEIR baby, too, the more <br />
positive their attitudes will be towards the baby. In this way, <br />
you can try to minimize the natural insecurities and feelings <br />
of jealousy that go with the territory.<br />
The suggestions mentioned in this article can help lay the <br />
groundwork for good sibling relationships but, of course, <br />
you can't rest on your laurels once the baby is born. After the <br />
baby arrives, try to do everything you can to set aside some <br />
special time each day that's just for you and each of your <br />
other children. Offer them special little treats or outings or <br />
surprises, and encourage grandma and grandpa to do the <br />
same. To reduce jealousy, give your kids pride in the things <br />
that they CAN do that the baby can't do, like dressing <br />
themselves or enjoying a movie or reciting their ABCs. <br />
Continue along the path that you started on months earlier - <br />
reassure your kids that each of them is just as important as <br />
the baby is, so that they won't feel that they must compete for <br />
your love and attention.<br />
Good luck and oh, by the way, congratulations!</div>
<div class="sig" id="sig">
Barbara Freedman-De Vito is a professional storyteller and artist. Visit <a href="http://www.babybirdproductions.com/index.html" target="_new">Kids T-Shirts, children's clothing, and adult's clothes decorated with pictures and words</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Freedman-De_Vito">http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Barbara_Freedman-De_Vito</a></div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-43804527149925080002010-07-26T19:49:00.000-07:002010-07-26T19:49:50.416-07:00How To Talk To Your Baby - And Understand What She's Saying BackIt is incredible, but within a years time your baby
will progress from random crying to talking. This is quite an
achievement for your baby and in a very short period of time. In this
chapter we will look at your baby's development when it comes to
language. You'll also discover what you can expect to see every month
but it's important to remember that these stages of your baby's
development are broad and because every baby is different these are not
meant as exact milestones.<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">One month.</span></b> Your baby will be able to
understand speech long before actually talking. From birth he will look
at your face and listen to your voice. He may make a small range of
noises that will start to mean something to you - these may be made when
he experiences feelings of hunger or pain (such as crying and certain
sounds while he is breathing). When your baby is eating, you may notice
him making sucking type noises and sounds of contentment. The way that
your baby cries is an important communication method while he is
actually unable to talk. Crying lays the foundation for speech as your
baby learns to control his vocal cords. Crying is also a baby's way of
indicating hunger, discontentment, or general discomfort. Through
responding to this crying you let your baby know that she is important
to you - and this can really be reassuring for a young infant.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Two
months.</span></b> As a child enters his second month he is far more aware of the
world - things such as sounds, even that of your voice, will amuse and
fascinate your child. Change the tone of your voice and this will keep
him amused. Your baby will respond with a variety of cooing sounds,
vowel-like sounds, and sometimes some consonant sounds such as a "k".
You will find that your baby has quite a collection of cooing sounds
that she uses to communicate with you as well as discover how to use the
sound of her own voice. During this time, try and talk with your baby -
this will encourage her response and help in the development process.
By looking into your baby's eyes you are communicating an important
thing to her - that you are listening.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Three months.</span></b> By now you
will find that your baby is able to recognize your voice and may come to
you or face you when your voice is heard. You may notice him laugh out
aloud and may even scare himself by doing this (as he does not initially
know that he is the one making the sounds). Your baby will be making
sounds such as "ahhhh gooo". He will squeal when he is happy and
content, again often startling himself as he learns his own abilities.<br />
At
this stage you should not only talk to your baby but also introduce
other communication forms such as singing and story telling. The greater
your effort in trying to talk with him, the better his response is
likely to be.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Four months.</span></b> By now more and more communication
should be taking place with your baby. You may notice a greater amount
of smiling - while his babbling may have a noticeably singsong quality
to it, often ranging into a high pitch that delights him as he learns to
like the sound of his own voice. There will be lots of repetition to
the sounds that your baby makes.<br />
It is important that you always
respond to your baby's "oohs" and "ahhs" and whatever other
communication methods she is using - respond with your own voice tones.
This is your chance to have a "chat time" with your baby and you should
take advantage of these times - you are helping him to discover the art
of conversation. There will also be certain times when your baby may
also not be in the mood for talking. He will turn his head in the other
direction and may put his arm over his face. He may be showing signs
of anger or frustration by crying out, especially if something is taken
away from him.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Five months.</span></b> As each month progresses you will
find that your baby is becoming better at communicating. It's possible
that you will notice him imitate some sounds and gestures. By now he'll
most likely be able to let you know if he's happy or sad. When
attention is wanted your baby will babble until he is given the
attention he feels he deserves. Interestingly, if you always respond to
his communication efforts (whatever these may be) he'll repeat them
whenever he wants your attention this way.<br />
During this month it's
likely that your baby will be looking at your mouth moving while you
talk. Talk to him from across the room and he'll be able to find you
with ease. He is learning to control his vocal sounds as he watches
your response to his sounds.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Six months</span></b>. Your baby may now be
using consonant-vowel combinations. It's quite possible that he has
discovered his mirror reflection and is probably having conversations
with himself. Your baby's language is becoming much more precise.<br />
Here are some ways that you can help your baby develop her language skills:<br />
· Speak very slowly and clearly.<br />
· Identify and point out items, objects and people as you talk about them.<br />
· Use shorter sentences sentences.<br />
· Using repetition when singing songs and nursery rhymes helps the learning process.<br />
·
Reading to your baby is a good idea and should be done as often as
possible - ask your baby questions and point things out to make the
process as interactive as possible.<br />
· Let your baby respond in his own way when communicating with her.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Seven
months.</span></b> Your baby is now continuing to learn how to use his newfound
language skills. He may be able to do things such as wave goodbye and
may accompany his wave with babbling sounds. He can say "mama" or
"dada".<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Eight months. </span></b>Your baby is playing games such as pat a
cake and peek-a-boo. Even though he can't speak the words that belong
to these games, he can babble and talk to himself. It's likely that
your baby knows what the word "No" means by now as well.<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: blue;">Nine to
twelve months.</span></b> It's possible that by now your baby understands requests
and commands such as "give it" or "don't touch that". Similarly, she
may understand simple questions such as "where's your rattle?" At this
time you should be encouraging your baby to use gestures (and you should
respond to them). For example if your baby indicates she wants to be
picked up then say "you want to be picked up?" while picking her up.
This helps the learning process. You should also talk about everything
that you do, and use gestures (and short sentences) as you're doing
them.<br />
Here are some ways to help your baby with the learning process:<br />
·
Look at books and talk about the pictures in simple languages. Where
possible try and use books that your baby is able to hold.<br />
· Talk
often to your baby using simple words to identify objects in his life.
Name trees, numbers, colours, and animals as you take your baby for a
walk. You should also use your baby's name often - this way she will be
able to recognise it.<br />
· Talk back to your child when she talks with you.<br />
· Introduce concepts to your baby, such as the "big" dog or the "little" mouse.<br />
· Give your baby time to get his words out; don't be tempted to complete sentences for him.<br />
· Continue to read to your baby as much as possible. Reading should be part of your daily routine.<br />
·
From day one start to talk in a simple, short and uncomplicated way
with your baby - even though she will not understand what you are saying
this is laying the foundations for learning language.<br />
Twelve
months. After one year babies are generally able to say one or two words
and are able to understand 25 words or more. For example if a person in
the room asks, "where is daddy?" your baby will look for you. Your baby
is also able to point at things (and ask for things in this way).<br />
<div class="sig" id="sig">
Keziah Engineer is the author of the best selling ebook “THE
BABY CARE BOOK” – a resource that teaches new parents absolutely
everything they need to know about their newborn babies:
[http://www.global-ebooks.com/babybook.htm]<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
Article Source:
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Keziah_Engineer">
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keziah_Engineer </a>
</div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-3445737186739440682010-07-26T19:43:00.000-07:002010-07-26T19:43:35.501-07:00Baby Signing - 10 Easy Ways to Start Signing with Your Baby<div id="body">
Babies can communicate their needs and desires a lot earlier than
we think. They have an instinctive need to communicate. Baby signing is a
pre-verbal form of communication. Babies can control their movements
much earlier than mastering speech and can express all sorts of
emotions, desires and wants with their hands! Baby sign language is key
to learning how to interpret what your baby is telling you, eliminate
the guesswork and to bond and enjoy life with your baby.<br />
Imagine
your baby being able to tell you they're thirsty or hungry. Or that
they'd like to read a book or tell you that they've just seen a bird in
the garden. Or for you to be able to guide them on safety using signs
like 'hot' or 'stop'. All this is possible by talking to your baby and
using appropriate baby signs. There are so many new experiences for your
baby every day - new sights, new sounds, new objects, new people. And
so much to talk about!<br />
Scientific studies show baby sign language
to be effective and beneficial for hearing babies in amazing ways.
Research shows that signing babies had larger vocabularies, learned to
talk earlier, showed less frustration, had more self-confidence,
understood more words and scored higher in intelligence tests than
non-signing babies<br />
Signing with your baby is also rewarding for
you. Imagine your joy seeing your baby 'talking' to you with signs. Of
course it doesn't happen overnight. It's a new skill for you and baby to
master. But the months of learning together helping your baby to
discover this skill will bring you closer together.<br />
<br />
<div style="color: blue;">
<b>10 easy ways to get started with baby sign language.</b></div>
<br />
1. <b style="color: blue;">Start early.</b>
Start using baby signs in your everyday routine with your baby, even
from a few weeks old. Remember to say the word as you make the sign and
point to the object. Over time it will just come naturally. Babies tend
to develop the gross motor skills to be able to shape their hands and
make signs sometime from 6 months upwards.<br />
<br />
2. <b style="color: blue;">Keep it fun!</b><b><span style="color: blue;">
</span></b>The more relevant the signs are for your baby the more likely your baby
is to want to 'talk' to you. Most babies enjoy pointing at objects they
like in books. Use those visual clues to build your baby sign language
vocabulary. Sign and say words from the books that you're reading
together.<br />
<br />
3. <b style="color: blue;">Concentrate on a few signs at a time.</b> Start
with some simple signs like milk, car, home. You can build more and more
signs into your baby sign language vocabulary over time.<br />
<br />
4.<b style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Always say the word that you are signing.</b> Baby signing helps with early language development as the signs are always done at the same time as the word is spoken.<br />
<br />
5. <b style="color: blue;">Involve the family.</b>
Encourage older siblings, your partner, grandparents and other people
that care for your baby. The more your baby is exposed to baby sign
language the quicker he or she will learn.<br />
<br />
6. <b style="color: blue;">Get together with a group of friends to sign.</b>
Better still go to a baby signing class if there's one local to you.
It's very motivating to see other babies signing and it's a great social
activity to get out and about and meet other mums in your area.<br />
<br />
7.<b style="color: blue;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span>Don't let the sceptics get to you.</b>
People may try and tell you that baby signing slows down speech
development. Baby signing was developed for hearing babies. If you're
learning signing based on your country's deaf community language - e.g.
BSL or ASL - then an added benefit will be that your baby is learning a
skill that will enable them to communicate with the deaf community in
later life.<br />
<br />
8. <b style="color: blue;">Do what comes naturally.</b><b><span style="color: blue;"> </span></b>Adapt signs to suit you or your baby if you want. Above all have fun bonding!<br />
<br />
9.<b><span style="color: blue;"> </span><span style="color: blue;"> Give it a go</span>.</b>
If you don't you'll never know whether you could have reduced the
frustration of the terrible twos, helped your baby's development or been
a happier parent of a more confident, happier baby.<br />
<br />
10. <b><span style="color: blue;">Don't give up</span>.</b>
All babies develop skills and reach milestones at their own pace. Your
baby will sign back to you when they're ready. And when that moment
happens, you and your baby will feel like you've shared your own eureka.<br />
© Jenny Davis Baby Experiences 2005<br />
</div>
<div class="sig" id="sig">
Jenny Davis is the founder of Baby Experiences which offers UK
parents ideas on the world of activities, experiences and gifts to
inspire, enjoy and bond with their babies. Baby signing is just one of
the activities on offer at <a href="http://babyexperiences.co.uk/" target="_new">http://babyexperiences.co.uk</a><br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 1em;">
Article Source:
<a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Davis">
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jenny_Davis </a>
</div>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-61128067152355128692010-07-15T18:38:00.001-07:002010-07-16T06:10:58.855-07:00SUITABLE CLOTHING FOR CHILDREN.<b><em><span style="font-size: large;">During infancy. </span></em></b><br />
<br />
Infants are very susceptible of the impressions of cold; a proper regard, therefore, to a suitable clothing of the body, is imperative to their enjoyment of health. Unfortunately, an opinion is prevalent in society, that the tender child has naturally a great power of generating heat and resisting cold; and from this popular error has arisen the most fatal results. This opinion has been much strengthened by the insidious manner in which cold operates on the frame, the injurious effects not being always manifest during or immediately after its application, so that but too frequently the fatal result is traced to a wrong source, or the infant sinks under the action of an unknown cause. <br />
<br />
The power of generating heat in warm-blooded animals is at its minimum at birth, and increases successively to adult age; young animals, instead of being warmer than adults, are generally a degree or two colder, and part with their heat more readily; facts which cannot be too generally known. They show how absurd must be the folly of that system of "hardening" the constitution (to which reference has been before made), which induces the parent to plunge the tender and delicate child into the cold bath at all seasons of the year, and freely expose it to the cold, cutting currents of an easterly wind, with the lightest clothing. The principles which ought to guide a parent in clothing her infant are as follows: <br />
<br />
The material and quantity of the clothes should be such as to preserve a sufficient proportion of warmth to the body, regulated therefore by the season of the year, and the delicacy or strength of the infant's constitution. In effecting this, however, the parent must guard against the too common practice of enveloping the child in innumerable folds of warm clothing, and keeping it constantly confined to very hot and close rooms; thus running into the opposite extreme to that to which I have just alluded: for nothing tends so much to enfeeble the constitution, to induce disease, and render the skin highly susceptible to the impression of cold; and thus to produce those very ailments which it is the chief intention to guard against. <br />
<br />
In their make they should be so arranged as to put no restrictions to the free movements of all parts of the child's body; and so loose and easy as to permit the insensible perspiration to have a free exit, instead of being confined to and absorbed by the clothes, and held in contact with the skin, till it gives rise to irritation. In their quality they should be such as not to irritate the delicate skin of the child. In infancy, therefore, flannel is rather too rough, but is desirable as the child grows older, as it gives a gentle stimulus to the skin, and maintains health.<br />
<br />
In its construction the dress should be so simple as to admit of being quickly put on, since dressing is irksome to the infant, causing it to cry, and exciting as much mental irritation as it is capable of feeling. Pins should be wholly dispensed with, their use being hazardous through the carelessness of nurses, and even through the ordinary movements of the infant itself. The clothing must be changed daily. It is eminently conducive to good health that a complete change of dress should be made every day. If this is not done, washing will, in a great measure, fail in its object, especially in insuring freedom from skin diseases. <br />
<br />
<b><em><span style="font-size: large;">During childhood. </span></em></b><br />
<br />
The clothing of the child should possess the same properties as that of infancy. It should afford due warmth, be of such materials as do not irritate the skin, and so made as to occasion no unnatural constriction. In reference to due warmth, it may be well again to repeat, that too little clothing is frequently productive of the most sudden attacks of active disease; and that children who are thus exposed with thin clothing in a climate so variable as ours are the frequent subjects of croup, and other dangerous affections of the air- passages and lungs. <br />
<br />
On the other hand, it must not be forgotten, that too warm clothing is a source of disease, sometimes even of the same diseases which originate in exposure to cold, and often renders the frame more susceptible of the impressions of cold, especially of cold air taken into the lungs. Regulate the clothing, then, according to the season; resume the winter dress early; lay it aside late; for it is in spring and autumn that the vicissitudes in our climate are greatest, and congestive and inflammatory complaints most common. <br />
<br />
With regard to material (as was before observed), the skin will at this age bear flannel next to it; and it is now not only proper, but necessary. It may be put off with advantage during the night, and cotton maybe substituted during the summer, the flannel being resumed early in the autumn. If from very great delicacy of constitution it proves too irritating to the skin, fine fleecy hosiery will in general be easily endured, and will greatly conduce to the preservation of health. It is highly important that the clothes of the boy should be so made that no restraints shall be put on the movements of the body or limbs, nor injurious pressure made on his waist or chest. All his muscles ought to have full liberty to act, as their free exercise promotes both their growth and activity, and thus insures the regularity and efficiency of the several functions to which these muscles are subservient.<br />
<br />
The same remarks apply with equal force to the dress of the girl; and happily, during childhood, at least, no distinction is made in this matter between the sexes. Not so, however, when the girl is about to emerge from this period of life; a system of dress is then adopted which has the most pernicious effects upon her health, and the development of the body, the employment of tight stays, which impede the free and full action of the respiratory organs, being only one of the many restrictions and injurious practices from which in latter years they are thus doomed to suffer so severely.>>>Halim Ali <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Live-At-Troubadour-DVD-Combo/dp/B0039TD7PY?ie=UTF8&tag=everyth0f3-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Live At The Troubadour [CD / DVD Combo]</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=everyth0f3-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0039TD7PY" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-49635862861475255862010-07-15T18:37:00.000-07:002010-07-16T06:14:50.825-07:00STOMACH AND BOWEL DISORDERS AMONG INFANTS.Disorder of the stomach and bowels is one of the most fruitful sources of the diseases of infancy. Only prevent their derangement, and, all things being equal, the infant will be healthy and flourish, and need not the aid of physic or physicians. <br />
<br />
There are many causes which may give rise to these affections; many of them appertain to the mother's system, some to that of the infant. All are capable, to a great extent, of being prevented or remedied. It is, therefore, most important that a mother should not be ignorant or misinformed upon this subject. It is the prevention of these affections, however, that will be principally dwelt upon here; for let the mother ever bear in mind, and act upon the principle, that the prevention of disease alone belongs to her; the cure to the physician. For the sake of clearness and reference, these disorders will be spoken of as they occur: <br />
<br />
<b><em><span style="font-size: large;">To the infant at the breast.</span></em></b><br />
<br />
The infant's stomach and bowels may become deranged from the breast-milk becoming unwholesome. This may arise from the parent getting out of health, a circumstance which will be so manifest to herself, and to those more immediately interested in her welfare, that it is only necessary just to allude to it here. Suffice it to say, that there are many causes of a general kind to which it may owe its origin; but that the most frequent is undue lactation, and the effects both upon mother and child fully dwelt upon. Anxiety of mind in the mother will cause her milk to be unhealthy in its character, and deficient in quantity, giving rise to flatulence, griping, and sometimes even convulsions in the infant.<br />
<br />
A fit of passion in the nurse will frequently be followed by a fit of bowel complain in the child. These causes of course are temporary, and when removed the milk becomes a healthy and sufficient for the child as before. Sudden and great mental disturbance, however, will occasionally drive away the milk altogether, and in a few hours. A Mrs. S., aet. 29, a fine healthy woman, of a blonde complexion, was confined of a boy. She had a good time, and a plentiful supply of milk for the child, which she continued to suckle till the following January, a period of three months, when her milk suddenly disappeared. <br />
<br />
This circumstance puzzled the medical attendant, for he could not trace it to any physical ailment; but the milk never returned, and a wet-nurse became necessary. In the following spring the husband of this lady failed, an adversity which had been impending since the date when the breast-milk disappeared, upon which day the deranged state of the husband's affairs was made known to the wife, a fact which at once explained the mysterious disappearance of the milk. Unwholesome articles of diet will affect the mother's milk, and derange the infant's bowels. Once, I was called to see an infant at the breast with diarrhoea. <br />
<br />
The remedial measures had but little effect so long as the infant was allowed the breast-milk; but this being discontinued, and arrow-root made with water only allowed, the complaint was quickly put a stop to. Believing that the mother's milk was impaired from some accidental cause which might now be passed, the infant was again allowed the breast. In less than four-and-twenty hours, however, the diarrhoea returned. <br />
<br />
The mother being a very healthy woman, it was suspected that some unwholesome article in her diet might be the cause. The regimen was accordingly carefully inquired into, when it appeared that porter from a neighbouring publican's had been substituted for their own for some little time past. This proved to be bad, throwing down, when left to stand a few hours, a considerable sediment; it was discontinued; good sound ale taken instead; the infant again put to the breast, upon the milk of which it flourished, and never had another attack. In the same way aperient medicine, taken by the mother, will act on the child's bowels, through the effect which it produces upon her milk. <br />
<br />
This, however, is not the case with all kinds of purgative medicine, nor does the same purgative produce a like effect upon all children. It is well, therefore, for a parent to notice what aperient acts thus through her system upon that of her child, and what does not, and when an aperient becomes necessary for herself, unless she desire that the infant's bowels be moved, to avoid the latter; if otherwise, she may take the former with good effect.<br />
<br />
Again; the return of the monthly periods whilst the mother is a nurse always affects the properties of the milk, more or less, deranging the stomach and bowels of the infant. It will thus frequently happen, that a few days before the mother is going to be unwell, the infant will become fretful and uneasy; its stomach will throw up the milk, and its motions will be frequent, watery, and greenish. And then, when the period is fully over, the milk will cease to purge. It is principally in the early months, however, that the infant seems to be affected by this circumstance; for it will be generally found that although the milk is certainly impaired by it, being less abundant and nutritious, still, after the third or fourth month it ceases to affect the infant. Is then a mother, because her monthly periods return after her delivery, to give up nursing? Certainly not, unless the infant's health is seriously affected by it; for she will generally find that, as the periods come round, by keeping the infant pretty much from the breast, during its continuance, and feeding him upon artificial food, she will prevent disorder of the child's health, and be able in the intervals to nurse her infant with advantage.<br />
<br />
It must be added, however, that a wet- nurse is to be resorted to rather than any risk incurred of injuring the child's health; and that, in every case, partial feeding will be necessary at a much earlier period than when a mother is not thus affected. The milk may also be rendered less nutritive, and diminished in quantity, by the mother again becoming pregnant. In this case, however, the parent's health will chiefly suffer, if she persevere in nursing; this, however, will again act prejudicially to the child.<br />
<br />
It will be wise, therefore, if pregnancy should occur, and the milk disagree with the infant, to resign the duties of a nurse, and to put the child upon a suitable artificial diet. The infant that is constantly at the breast will always be suffering, more or less, from flatulence, griping, looseness of the bowels, and vomiting. This is caused by a sufficient interval not being allowed between the meals for digestion. The milk, therefore, passes on from the stomach into the bowels undigested, and the effects just alluded to follow. Time must not only be given for the proper digestion of the milk, but the stomach itself must be allowed a season of repose. <br />
<br />
This evil, then, must be avoided most carefully by the mother strictly adhering to those rules for nursing. The bowels of the infant at the breast, as well as after it is weaned, are generally affected by teething. And it is fortunate that this is the case, for it prevents more serious affections. Indeed, the diarrhoea that occurs during dentition, except it be violent, must not be subdued; if, however, this is the case, attention must be paid to it. It will generally be found to be accompanied by a swollen gum; the freely lancing of which will sometimes alone put a stop to the looseness: further medical aid may, however, be necessary.<br />
<br />
<b><em><span style="font-size: large;">At the period of weaning.</span></em></b><br />
<br />
There is great susceptibility to derangements of the stomach and bowels of the child at the period when weaning ordinarily takes place, so that great care and judgment must be exercised in effecting this object. Usually, however, the bowels are deranged during this process from one of these causes; from weaning too early, from effecting it too suddenly and abruptly, or from over-feeding and the use of improper and unsuitable food. <br />
<br />
There is another cause which also may give rise to diarrhoea at this time, independently of weaning, viz. the irritation of difficult teething. The substitution of artificial food for the breast-milk of the mother, at a period when the digestive organs of the infant are too delicate for this change, is a frequent source of the affections now under consideration. The attempt to wean a delicate child, for instance, when only six months old, will inevitably be followed by disorder of the stomach and bowels. <br />
<br />
Unless, therefore, a mother is obliged to resort to this measure, from becoming pregnant, or any other unavoidable cause, if she consult the welfare of her child, she will not give up nursing at this early period. Depriving the child at once of the breast, and substituting artificial food, however proper under due regulations such food may be, will invariably cause bowel complaints.<br />
<br />
Certain rules and regulations must be adopted to effect weaning safely, the details of which are given elsewhere. If too large a quantity of food is given at each meal, or the meals are too frequently repeated, in both instances the stomach will become oppressed, wearied, and deranged; part of the food, perhaps, thrown up by vomiting, whilst the remainder, not having undergone the digestive process, will pass on into the bowels, irritate its delicate lining membrane, and produce flatulence, with griping, purging, and perhaps convulsions. <br />
<br />
Then, again, improper and unsuitable food will be followed by precisely the same effects; and unless a judicious alteration be quickly made, remedies will not only have no influence over the disease, but the cause being continued, the disease will become most seriously aggravated. It is, therefore, of the first importance to the well-doing of the child, that at this period, when the mother is about to substitute an artificial food for that of her own breast, she should first ascertain what kind of food suits the child best, and then the precise quantity which nature demands. <br />
<br />
Many cases might be cited, where children have never had a prescription written for them, simply because, these points having been attended to, their diet has been managed with judgment and care; whilst, on the other hand, others might be referred to, whose life has been hazarded, and all but lost, simply from injudicious dietetic management. Over-feeding, and improper articles of food, are more frequently productive, in their result, of anxious hours and distressing scenes to the parent, and of danger and loss of life to the child, than almost any other causes. <br />
<br />
The irritation caused by difficult teething may give rise to diarrhoea at the period when the infant is weaned, independently of the weaning itself. Such disorder of the bowels, if it manifestly occur from this cause, is a favourable circumstance, and should not be interfered with, unless indeed the attack be severe and aggravated, when medical aid becomes necessary. Slight diarrhoea then, during weaning, when it is fairly traceable to the cutting of a tooth (the heated and inflamed state of the gum will at once point to this as the source of the derangement), is of no consequence, but it must not be mistaken for disorder arising from other causes. Lancing the gum will at once, then, remove the cause, and generally cure the bowel complaint.>>>Halim Ali <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Girl-Dragon-Tattoo-Michael-Nyqvist/dp/B003FBNJ4U?ie=UTF8&tag=everyth0f3-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=everyth0f3-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003FBNJ4U" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-22336995966777590482010-07-15T18:35:00.000-07:002010-07-16T06:17:20.317-07:00SLEEP DURING INFANCY AND CHILDHOOD.<b><em><span style="font-size: large;">During infancy.</span></em> </b><br />
<br />
For three or four weeks after birth the infant sleeps more or less, day and night, only waking to satisfy the demands of hunger; at the expiration of this time, however, each interval of wakefulness grows longer, so that it sleeps less frequently, but for longer periods at a time. This disposition to repose in the early weeks of the infant's life must not be interfered with; but this period having expired, great care is necessary to induce regularity in its hours of sleep, otherwise too much will be taken in the day-time, and restless and disturbed nights will follow. The child should be brought into the habit of sleeping in the middle of the day, before its dinner, and for about two hours, more or less. If put to rest at a later period of the day, it will invariably cause a bad night. <br />
<br />
At first the infant should sleep with its parent. The low temperature of its body, and its small power of generating heat, render this necessary. If it should happen, however, that the child has disturbed and restless nights, it must immediately be removed to the bed and care of another female, to be brought to its mother at an early hour in the morning, for the purpose of being nursed. This is necessary for the preservation of the mother's health, which through sleepless nights would of course be soon deranged, and the infant would also suffer from the influence which such deranged health would have upon the milk. <br />
<br />
When a month or six weeks has elapsed, the child, if healthy, may sleep alone in a cradle or cot, care being taken that it has a sufficiency of clothing, that the room in which it is placed is sufficiently warm, viz. 60 degrees, and the position of the cot itself is not such as to be exposed to currents of cold air. It is essentially necessary to attend to these points, since the faculty of producing heat, and consequently the power of maintaining the temperature, is less during sleep than at any other time, and therefore exposure to cold is especially injurious. It is but too frequently the case that inflammation of some internal organ will occur under such circumstances, without the true source of the disease ever being suspected.<br />
<br />
Here, however, a frequent error must be guarded against, that of covering up the infant in its cot with too much clothing throwing over its face the muslin handkerchief and, last of all, drawing the drapery of the bed closely together. The object is to keep the infant sufficiently warm with pure air; it therefore ought to have free access to its mouth, and the atmosphere of the whole room should be kept sufficiently warm to allow the child to breathe it freely: in winter, therefore, there must always be a fire in the nursery. The child up to two years old, at least, should sleep upon a feather bed, for the reasons referred to above. The pillow, however, after the sixth month, should be made of horsehair; for at this time teething commences, and it is highly important that the head should be kept cool. <br />
<br />
<b><em><span style="font-size: large;">During childhood.</span></em></b><br />
<br />
Up to the third or fourth year the child should be permitted to sleep for an hour or so before its dinner. After this time it may gradually be discontinued; but it must be recollected, that during the whole period of childhood more sleep is required than in adult age. The child, therefore, should be put to rest every evening between seven and eight; and if it be in health it will sleep soundly until the following morning.<br />
<br />
No definite rule, however, can be laid down in reference to the number of hours of sleep to be allowed; for one will require more or less than another.Regularity as to the time of going to rest is the chief point to attend to; permit nothing to interfere with it, and then only let the child sleep without disturbance, until it awakes of its own accord on the following morning, and it will have had sufficient rest.<br />
<br />
The amount of sleep necessary to preserve health varies according to the state of the body, and the habits of the individual. Infants pass much the greater portion of their time in sleep. Children sleep twelve or fourteen hours. The schoolboy generally ten. In youth, a third part of the twenty-four hours is spent in sleep. Whilst, in advanced age, many do not spend more than four, five, or six hours in sleep. It is a cruel thing for a mother to sacrifice her child's health that she may indulge her own vanity, and yet how often is this done in reference to sleep. <br />
<br />
An evening party is to assemble, and the little child is kept up for hours beyond its stated time for retiring to rest, that it may be exhibited, fondled, and admired. Its usual portion of sleep is thus abridged, and, from the previous excitement, what little he does obtain, is broken and unrefreshing, and he rises on the morrow wearied and exhausted. Once awake, it should not be permitted to lie longer in bed, but should be encouraged to arise immediately. This is the way to bring about the habit of early rising, which prevents many serious evils to which parents are not sufficiently alive, promotes both mental and corporeal health, and of all habits is said to be the most conducive to longevity. A child should never be suddenly aroused from sleep; it excites the brain, quickens the action of the heart, and, if often repeated, serious consequences would result. The change of sleeping to waking should always be gradual. <br />
<br />
The bed on which the child now sleeps should be a mattress: at this age a feather bed is always injurious to children; for the body, sinking deep into the bed, is completely buried in feathers, and the unnatural degree of warmth thus produced relaxes and weakens the system, particularly the skin, and renders the child unusually susceptible to the impressions of cold. Then, instead of the bed being made up in the morning as soon as vacated, and while still saturated with the nocturnal exhalations from the body, the bed-clothes should be thrown over the backs of chairs, the mattress shaken well up, and the window thrown open for several hours, so that the apartment shall be thoroughly ventilated. It is also indispensably requisite not to allow the child to sleep with persons in bad health, or who are far advanced in life; if possible, it should sleep alone.>>>Halim Ali <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Kindle-Wireless-Reading-Display-Globally/dp/B0015T963C?ie=UTF8&tag=everyth0f3-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969" target="_blank">Kindle Wireless Reading Device, Free 3G, 6" Display, White, 3G Works Globally - Latest Generation</a><img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=everyth0f3-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0015T963C" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; margin: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px !important; padding-left: 0px !important; padding-right: 0px !important; padding-top: 0px !important;" width="1" />Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-22759619043639813012010-06-29T20:19:00.000-07:002010-07-10T20:49:40.753-07:00WHAT TO DO WHEN YOUR KIDS CRY ?<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM-xupZODnY3cGEIf-wExGK-TYi9XPSytFcA-zUxSxnLMu-X27Zv_BKjJl5Zk7upKvKrLevH84PKRb8IzFVSv6wc0v0Y5dRhle35GA6KBIGzY8HiYoAp3yt26ezVkmRSg0Ergt8cYOHU/s1600/1024x768_Amazing+Baby.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAM-xupZODnY3cGEIf-wExGK-TYi9XPSytFcA-zUxSxnLMu-X27Zv_BKjJl5Zk7upKvKrLevH84PKRb8IzFVSv6wc0v0Y5dRhle35GA6KBIGzY8HiYoAp3yt26ezVkmRSg0Ergt8cYOHU/s320/1024x768_Amazing+Baby.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489142818383900386" /></a><br />Crying is a physiological process in the life of a baby.All normal babies cry to communicate with others.Since they can't express their feelings in words crying is the only way for communication. If any uncomfortable feeling comes they simply cry.Normally babies cry in situations like hunger,wetting,too heat or cold,tight cloaths,pain ect. Some kids need the presence of somebody otherwise will cry simply.Crying without any cause is habitual in some babies. Eventhough crying is considered as normal it may worry the family members.Since the reasons for crying ranges from simple causes to serious causes it should not be ignored and hence exact cause has to be identified and managed accordingly.<br /><br />The following are some points which should be considered while dealing with a crying baby.<br /><br />1. It is dangerous to shake the baby vigorously.<br />2.Tight cloaths can cause irritation hence it should be removed.<br />3.If the room is hot put the fan and open the windows.<br />4.If the nappy is wet remove it and after cleaning the parts make it dry with a soft towel.<br />5.Pat her back or stroke her head slowly and let her here your soothing sound.<br />6.Give breast milk and make her quiet.<br />7.If the climate is cold cover her in soft towel.<br />8.Rock her gently in your arms and walk slowly in the room.<br />9.Take a music making doll and let her listen.<br />10.Try a pacifier or help her for thumb sucking.<br />11.If no response change her position.<br />12.Walk outdors with her.<br />13.Put her on the cradle and rock gently.<br />14.If no response ask somebody to carry the baby.<br /><br /><br />Even after all these steps the baby goes on crying see for the following signs.<br />( Probable cause is given after every sign)<br /><br />1.Press her abdomen gently,she may twist or resist you:---Colic<br />2.Pull her ear gently she may become worse or push your hands away:---Earache.<br />3.Feel her temperature with the back of your hands:--Fever due to any infection.<br />4.Examine the skin from head to foot:--Eruptive disease,nappy rash,measles,vesicles,allergy ect.<br />5.See the nose for any discharge:--Coryza.<br />6.Move the head gently to feel any neck stiffness:--Meningitis,head injury ect.<br />7.Keep your ear near her chest to hear any rattling sound:--Increased mucus in wind pipes (pneumonia,bronchiolitis,asthamatic bronchitisect) <br />8.Examine the anal orifice:--Anal erosion,rectal polyp,crawling of worms.<br />9,Examine the genitalia:--Any discharge or erosion.<br />10.In male baby see the testicles which may be swollen or tender:--Orchitis,torsion of testes.<br />11.also notice the body movements and see for any convulsions,rigors,vomiting,cough,laboured breathing ect.<br /><br />If you see the above signs or any other abnormal signs consult your doctor for proper treatement...Halim Ali. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Mojo-Tom-Petty-Heartbreakers/dp/B003A4IFGY?ie=UTF8&tag=everyth0f3-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Mojo</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=everyth0f3-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B003A4IFGY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-51085440031211830972010-06-29T20:12:00.000-07:002010-07-10T20:46:28.788-07:00APPERANCE OF MILK-TEETH.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIphE2mKw1yi3wE7M02KmjDwygyAVPSHkpCf3cZf8gFDVnFcEKC5SrvLAicJtkmo18PMhfnR1ZaE03uoSOuoToF4mFmiho_tU8R4rcWeu87FZhgNZhvEwHg_gQNvETFrsJ5Tf7Yq-068g/s1600/1920x1440_Lovely+Baby+Girl.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIphE2mKw1yi3wE7M02KmjDwygyAVPSHkpCf3cZf8gFDVnFcEKC5SrvLAicJtkmo18PMhfnR1ZaE03uoSOuoToF4mFmiho_tU8R4rcWeu87FZhgNZhvEwHg_gQNvETFrsJ5Tf7Yq-068g/s320/1920x1440_Lovely+Baby+Girl.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489448417010654498" /></a><br />The first set of teeth, or milk-teeth as they are called, are twenty in number; they usually appear in pairs, and those of the lower jaw generally precede the corresponding ones of the upper. The first of the milk-teeth is generally cut about the sixth or seventh month, and the last of the set at various periods from the twentieth to the thirtieth months. Thus the whole period occupied by the first dentition may be estimated at from a year and a half to two years. The process varies, however, in different individuals, both as to its whole duration, and as to the periods and order in which the teeth make their appearance. It is unnecessary, however, to add more upon this point. <br /><br />Their developement is a natural process. It is too frequently, however, rendered a painful and difficult one, by errors in the management of the regimen and health of the infant, previously to the coming of the teeth, and during the process itself. <br /><br />Thus, chiefly in consequence of injudicious management, it is made the most critical period of childhood. Not that I believe the extent of mortality fairly traceable to it, is by any means so great as has been stated; for it is rated as high as one sixth of all the children who undergo it. Still, no one doubts that first dentition is frequently a period of great danger to the infant. It therefore becomes a very important question to an anxious and affectionate mother, how the dangers and difficulties of teething can in any degree be diminished, or, if possible, altogether prevented. A few hints upon this subject, then, may be useful. I shall consider, first, the management of the infant, when teething is accomplished without difficulty; and, secondly, the management of the infant when it is attended with difficulty. <br /><br />Management of the infant when teething is without difficulty. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Apple-touch-Generation-NEWEST-MODEL/dp/B002M3SOC4?ie=UTF8&tag=everyth0f3-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Apple iPod touch 32 GB (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=everyth0f3-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002M3SOC4" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />------------------------------------------------------------ <br /><br />In the child of a healthy constitution, which has been properly, that is, naturally, fed, upon the milk of its mother alone, the symptoms attending teething will be of the mildest kind, and the management of the infant most simple and easy. <br /><br />Symptoms:- The symptoms of natural dentition (which this may be fairly called) are, an increased flow of saliva, with swelling and heat of the gums, and occasionally flushing of the cheeks. The child frequently thrusts its fingers, or any thing within its grasp, into its mouth. Its thirst is increased, and it takes the breast more frequently, though, from the tender state of the gums, for shorter periods than usual. It is fretful and restless; and sudden fits of crying and occasional starting from sleep, with a slight tendency to vomiting, and even looseness of the bowels, are not uncommon. Many of these symptoms often precede the appearance of the tooth by several weeks, and indicate that what is called "breeding the teeth" is going on. In such cases, the symptoms disappear in a few days, to recur again when the tooth approaches the surface of the gum. <br /><br />Treatment:- The management of the infant in this case is very simple, and seldom calls for the interference of the medical attendant. The child ought to be much in the open air, and well exercised: the bowels should be kept freely open with castor oil; and be always gently relaxed at this time. Cold sponging employed daily, and the surface of the body rubbed dry with as rough a flannel as the delicate skin of the child will bear; friction being very useful. The breast should be given often, but not for long at a time; the thirst will thus be allayed, the gums kept moist and relaxed, and their irritation soothed, without the stomach being overloaded. The mother must also carefully attend, at this time, to her own health and diet, and avoid all stimulant food or drinks. <br /><br />From the moment dentition begins, pressure on the gums will be found to be agreeable to the child, by numbing the sensibility and dulling the pain. For this purpose coral is usually employed, or a piece of orris-root, or scraped liquorice root; a flat ivory ring, however, is far safer and better, for there is no danger of its being thrust into the eyes or nose. Gentle friction of the gums, also, by the finger of the nurse, is pleasing to the infant; and, as it seems to have some effect in allaying irritation, may be frequently resorted to. In France, it is very much the practice to dip the liquorice-root, and other substances, into honey, or powdered sugar-candy; and in Germany, a small bag, containing a mixture of sugar and spices, is given to the infant to suck, whenever it is fretful and uneasy during teething. The constant use, however, of sweet and stimulating ingredients must do injury to the stomach, and renders their employment very objectionable...Halim Ali <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/Live-At-Troubadour-DVD-Combo/dp/B0039TD7PY?ie=UTF8&tag=everyth0f3-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">Live At The Troubadour [CD / DVD Combo]</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=everyth0f3-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B0039TD7PY" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-47177462558276741552010-06-29T20:08:00.000-07:002010-07-10T20:41:37.695-07:00MOTHERS' ROLE IN COMBATING DISEASES OF CHILDREN.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ8KieqN4DYVu1gtlXihsm4b7jHo1cOgpQRkPonswoV6CLYRYT-momj2FNZFCgXdd267jyrH4T-zBDl7W27f2CdcU1EoQjOD0fFOBMGuaCUqIJlvS7oU2rCQ2_rHlVR15RSIjd7cXTgA/s1600/Baby+2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQ8KieqN4DYVu1gtlXihsm4b7jHo1cOgpQRkPonswoV6CLYRYT-momj2FNZFCgXdd267jyrH4T-zBDl7W27f2CdcU1EoQjOD0fFOBMGuaCUqIJlvS7oU2rCQ2_rHlVR15RSIjd7cXTgA/s320/Baby+2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5489448757845417234" /></a><br />The especial province of the mother is the prevention of disease, not its cure. When disease attacks the child, the mother has then a part to perform, which it is especially important during the epochs of infancy and childhood should be done well. I refer to those duties which constitute the maternal part of the management of disease. <br /><br />Medical treatment, for its successful issue, is greatly dependent upon a careful, pains-taking, and judicious maternal superintendence. No medical treatment can avail at any time, if directions be only partially carried out, or be negligently attended to; and will most assuredly fail altogether, if counteracted by the erroneous prejudices of ignorant attendants. But to the affections of infancy and childhood, this remark applies with great force; since, at this period, disease is generally so sudden in its assaults, and rapid in its progress, that unless the measures prescribed are rigidly and promptly administered, their exhibition is soon rendered altogether fruitless. <br /><br />The amount of suffering, too, may be greatly lessened by the thoughtful and discerning attentions of the mother. The wants and necessities of the young child must be anticipated; the fretfulness produced by disease, soothed by kind and affectionate persuasion; and the possibility of the sick and sensitive child being exposed to harsh and ungentle conduct, carefully provided against. <br /><br />Again, not only is a firm and strict compliance with medical directions in the administration of remedies, of regimen, and general measures, necessary, but an unbiased, faithful, and full report of symptoms to the physician, when he visits his little patient, is of the first importance. An ignorant servant or nurse, unless great caution be exercised by the medical attendant, may, by an unintentional but erroneous report of symptoms, produce a very wrong impression upon his mind, as to the actual state of the disease. His judgment may, as a consequence, be biased in a wrong direction, and the result prove seriously injurious to the welldoing of the patient. The medical man cannot sit hour after hour watching symptoms; hence the great importance of their being faithfully reported. This can alone be done by the mother, or some person equally competent. <br /><br />There are other weighty considerations which might be adduced here, proving how much depends upon efficient maternal management in the time of sickness; but they will be severally dwelt upon, when the diseases with which they are more particularly connected are spoken of...Halim Ali <a target="_blank" href="http://www.amazon.com/No-Mercy-ebook/dp/B002DYMBJE?ie=UTF8&tag=everyth0f3-20&link_code=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969">No Mercy</a><img src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=everyth0f3-20&l=btl&camp=213689&creative=392969&o=1&a=B002DYMBJE" width="1" height="1" border="0" alt="" style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important; padding: 0px !important" />Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-90936437490702929202010-06-19T02:54:00.000-07:002010-07-14T18:19:40.318-07:00CRYING BABY - REASONS.Introduction:<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />Most of the time it is difficult to find the cause of the cry .Common causes are discussed here for awareness.<br /><br />Common reasons for crying:<br /> <br />1,Hunger:--<br /><br />A hungry baby will cry till he gets the milk. Here the old saying comes true'crying baby gets the milk'.<br /><br />2,Wetting:--<br /><br />Urination and defecation causes some discomfort and results in crying till his parts are cleaned and made dry .<br /><br />3,Company:--<br /><br />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.<br /> <br />4,Tired:--<br /><br />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.<br /><br />5,Heat & cold:--<br /><br />If they feel too hot or too cold they become restless and cry. Child is comfortable in a room with good ventilation.<br /><br />6,Tight cloathing:--<br /><br />Tight cloaths especially during warm climate is intolerable for kids.Tight elastic of the the dress can also produce soreness in the hip region. <br /><br />7,Dark room:--<br /><br />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.<br /><br />8,Mosquito:--<br /><br />Yes,these creatures disturb the sleep by their blood sucking and make the baby to cry.<br /><br />9,Nasal blocking:--<br /><br />Child may not be able to sleep when there is a cold and go on crying till the passage is open.<br /><br />10, Phlegm in throat:--<br /><br />This also causes difficult breathing resulting in cry.Often a typical sound can be heard with each breath.<br /><br />11,General aching:--<br /><br />Generalised body ache with restlessness is seen in flu and prodromal stages of some infectious diseases can result in continuous cry.<br /><br />12,Habitual cry:---Some babies cry without any real cause ending the parents in agony.Many a times doctor is called for help.<br /><br />13,Nappy rash:-- If a tight and wet nappy is kept for a long time results in this conditon.<br /> 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. <br /><br />14,Earache:--<br /><br />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.<br /><br />15,Colic:--<br /><br />When the baby cry continuously most of us diagnose it as colic.This roblem 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.<br /><br />16,Infections:--<br /><br />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. <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D6fd3z-mzlA&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D6fd3z-mzlA&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br />17,Reactions to certain food:--<br /><br />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.<br /> <br />18,Hard stools:--<br /><br />Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge for stool.Some children hesitate to pass stool because of pain .<br /><br />19,Gastro esophagial reflex:--<br /><br />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.<br /><br />20, Dentition:--<br /><br />During dentition child becomes restless with crying.Often associated with gastric troubles and diarrhoea.<br /> <br />Some rare reasons<br />-----------------<br /><br />1,Bowel obstruction:--<br /><br />Bowel obstruction is associated with severe pain and vomiting.Abdomen is distended with rumbling sound.Baby is constipated with absence of flatus.<br /><br />2,Septicemia:--<br /><br />Invasion of pathogenic micro organisms in to the blood is called septicemia.Fever is associated with this condition.<br /><br />3,Torsion of testes in male kids:--<br /><br />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.<br /><br />4,Meningitis:--<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><br />5,Retention of urine:--<br /><br />Children with retention of urine will have agonising pain making them restless. <br /><br />7,Major injuries:--<br /><br />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...Halim AliAhmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-82932198004721975292010-06-19T02:51:00.000-07:002010-07-10T20:40:16.824-07:00ARTIFICIAL DIET FOR INFANTS.It should be as like the breast-milk as possible. This is obtained by a mixture of cow's milk, water, and sugar, in the following proportions.<br /><br />Fresh cow's milk, two thirds; Boiling water, or thin barley water, one third; Loaf sugar, a sufficient quantity to sweeten.<br /><br />This is the best diet that can be used for the first six months, after which some farinaceous food may be combined.<br /><br />In early infancy, mothers are too much in the habit of giving thick gruel, panada, biscuit-powder, and such matters, thinking that a diet of a lighter kind will not nourish. This is a mistake; for these preparations are much too solid; they overload the stomach, and cause indigestion, flatulence, and griping. These create a necessity for purgative medicines and carminatives, which again weaken digestion, and, by unnatural irritation, perpetuate the evils which render them necessary. Thus many infants are kept in a continual round of repletion, indigestion, and purging, with the administration of cordials and narcotics, who, if their diet were in quantity and quality suited to their digestive powers, would need no aid from physic or physicians.<br /><br />In preparing this diet, it is highly important to obtain pure milk, not previously skimmed, or mixed with water; and in warm weather just taken from the cow. It should not be mixed with the water or sugar until wanted, and not more made than will be taken by the child at the time, for it must be prepared fresh at every meal. It is best not to heat the milk over the fire, but let the water be in a boiling state when mixed with it, and thus given to the infant tepid or lukewarm.<br /><br />As the infant advances in age, the proportion of milk may be gradually increased; this is necessary after the second month, when three parts of milk to one of water may be allowed. But there must be no change in the kind of diet if the health of the child is good, and its appearance perceptibly improving. Nothing is more absurd than the notion, that in early life children require a variety of food; only one kind of food is prepared by nature, and it is impossible to transgress this law without marked injury.<br /><br />There are two ways by the spoon, and by the nursing-bottle. The first ought never to be employed at this period, inasmuch as the power of digestion in infants is very weak, and their food is designed by nature to be taken very slowly into the stomach, being procured from the breast by the act of sucking, in which act a great quantity of saliva is secreted, and being poured into the mouth, mixes with the milk, and is swallowed with it. This process of nature, then, should be emulated as far as possible; and food (for this purpose) should be imbibed by suction from a nursing-bottle: it is thus obtained slowly, and the suction employed secures the mixture of a due quantity of saliva, which has a highly important influence on digestion. Whatever kind of bottle or teat is used, however, it must never be forgotten that cleanliness is absolutely essential to the success of this plan of rearing children.<br /><br /> Te quantity of food to be given at each meal ust be regulated by the age of the child, and its digestive power. A little experience will soon enable a careful and observing mother to determine this point. As the child grows older the quantity of course must be increased.<br /><br />The chief error in rearing the young is overfeeding; and a most serious one it is; but which may be easily avoided by the parent pursuing a systematic plan with regard to the hours of feeding, and then only yielding to the indications of appetite, and administering the food slowly, in small quantities at a time. This is the only way effectually to prevent indigestion, and bowel complaints, and the irritable condition of the nervous system, so common in infancy, and secure to the infant healthy nutrition, and consequent strength of constitution. As has been well observed, "Nature never intended the infant's stomach to be converted into a receptacle for laxatives, carminatives, antacids, stimulants, and astringents; and when these become necessary, we may rest assured that there is something faulty in our management, however perfect it may seem to ourselves."<br /><br /> The frequency of giving food must be determined, as a general rule, by allowing such an interval between each meal as will insure the digestion of the previous quantity; and this may be fixed at about every three or four hours. If this rule be departed from, and the child receives a fresh supply of food every hour or so, time will not be given for the digestion of the previous quantity, and as a consequence of this process being interrupted, the food passing on into the bowel undigested, will there ferment and become sour, will inevitably produce cholic and purging, and in no way contribute to the nourishment of the child.<br /><br /> The posture of the child when fed:- It is important to attend to this. It must not receive its meals lying; the head should be raised on the nurse's arm, the most natural position, and one in which there will be no danger of the food going the wrong way, as it is called. After each meal the little one should be put into its cot, or repose on its mother's knee, for at least half an hour. This is essential for the process of digestion, as exercise is important at other times for the promotion of health.<br /><br /> As soon as the child has got any teeth, and about this period one or two will make their appearance, solid farinaceous matter boiled in water, beaten through a sieve, and mixed with a small quantity of milk, may be employed. Or tops and bottoms, steeped in hot water, with the addition of fresh milk and loaf sugar to sweeten. And the child may now, for the first time, be fed with a spoon.<br /><br />When one or two of the large grinding teeth have appeared, the same food may be continued, but need not be passed through a sieve. Beef tea and chicken broth may occasionally be added; and, as an introduction to the use of a more completely animal diet, a portion, now and then, of a soft boiled egg; by and by a small bread pudding, made with one egg in it, may be taken as the dinner meal.<br /><br />Nothing is more common than for parents during this period to give their children animal food. This is a great error. "To feed an infant with animal food before it has teeth proper for masticating it, shows a total disregard to the plain indications of nature, in withholding such teeth till the system requires their assistance to masticate solid food. And the method of grating and pounding meat, as a substitute for chewing, may be well suited to the toothless octogenarian, whose stomach is capable of digesting it; but the stomach of a young child is not adapted to the digestion of such food, and will be disordered by it.<br /><br /> It cannot reasonably be maintained that a child's mouth without teeth, and that of an adult, furnished with the teeth of carnivorous and graminivorous animals, are designed by the Creator for the same sort of food. If the mastication of solid food, whether animal or vegetable, and a due admixture of saliva, be necessary for digestion, then solid food cannot be proper, when there is no power of mastication. If it is swallowed in large masses it cannot be masticated at all, and will have but a small chance of being digested; and in an undigested state it will prove injurious to the stomach and to the other organs concerned in digestion, by forming unnatural compounds. The practice of giving solid food to a toothless child, is not less absurd, than to expect corn to be ground where there is no apparatus for grinding it. That which would be considered as an evidence of idiotism or insanity in the last instance, is defended and practised in the former. If, on the other hand, to obviate this evil, the solid matter, whether animal or vegetable, be previously broken into small masses, the infant will instantly swallow it, but it will be unmixed with saliva. Yet in every day's observation it will be seen, that children are so fed in their most tender age; and it is not wonderful that present evils are by this means produced, and the foundation laid for future disease."<br /><br /> The diet pointed out, then, is to be continued until the second year. Great care, however, is necessary in its management; for this period of infancy is ushered in by the process of teething, which is commonly connected with more or less of disorder of the system. Any error, therefore, in diet or regimen is now to be most carefully avoided. 'Tis true that the infant, who is of a sound and healthy constitution, in whom, therefore, the powers of life are energetic, and who up to this time has been nursed upon the breast of its parent, and now commences an artificial diet for the first time, disorder is scarcely perceptible, unless from the operation of very efficient causes. Not so, however, with the child who from the first hour of its birth has been nourished upon artificial food. Teething under such circumstances is always attended with more or less of disturbance of the frame, and disease of the most dangerous character but too frequently ensues. It is at this age, too, that all infectious and eruptive fevers are most prevalent; worms often begin to form, and diarrhoea, thrush, rickets, cutaneous eruptions, etc. manifest themselves, and the foundation of strumous disease is originated or developed. A judicious management of diet will prevent some of these complaints, and mitigate the violence of others when they occur...Halim AliAhmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-2677944418157599602010-06-19T02:49:00.001-07:002010-07-14T19:00:27.581-07:00Baby Gift Basket IdeasPlanning to host a baby shower? Or a friend of yours recently gave birth to a healthy bouncing baby? How else could you express that you care for that friend of yours and her baby? A baby gift basket could be the best present that would express your concern.<br /><br />A baby gift basket is one of those themed gift baskets that are presented containing items that are of value to the recipient. Oftentimes these baby gift baskets contain the following items that will surely give delight to the new parents and to the new addition. You could make use of this information to create or stuff your own baby gift basket that will rid you of those more expensive commercialized kinds.<br /><br />Nursery room items. These include colorful mobiles to keep the baby busy, lullaby music to soothe the infant, and nursery rhymes CD's. Bigger items like layettes, changing mats for tables and cribs, and other furniture for the baby may be found in de luxe baby gift baskets. Educational toys are also good to make the baby gift basket more beneficial in stimulating the baby's mental development.<br /><br />Toys R Us. The following toys are also nice to place inside your baby gift basket. Rattles, pacifiers, teethers, feeding bottles, infant cups, bibs and spoons are also useful add-ons in your baby gift basket.<br /><br />Bath Bath Baby. Bath products for babies are also commonly found in baby gift baskets. These include baby shampoo, baby powder, baby towels, wipes, bubble bath, brush set and tub toys that the baby will surely enjoy in the near future. Baby clothing's could also be considered as one of the best baby gift basket goodies that one could ever give. Just be sure that the clothes you'll give suit the gender of the baby.<br /><br />If you are to a baby gift basket to someone with a toddler or a young kid, the items should also suit the baby's age. Soft toys, board books, board games, piggy banks will certainly win the jump with delight of a toddler. Clothes for toddlers are also nice to include in your baby gift basket.<br /><br />If one is intending to give the baby gift basket as a baby shower present, it will be nice if baby cookies, baby cakes, jelly beans and other baby foods will be found there. Announcement and invitation cards may also bring some added surprise to the recipient of the basket. Small picture frames and albums could also add more fun to your baby gift basket. Surely, this sweet gesture will be appreciated.<br /><br />Gourmet food, wines and other fine food may also be placed inside a baby gift basket for the parent's celebration.<br /><br />Oftentimes, bows and ruffles adorn the baby gift basket. But one could still be more creative by doing a decoupage of baby pictures or baby items. Other handmade crafts may add personal touch to your basket. They could be in the form of papier mache', origami, sculpture, small painting, woven or knitted items, etc.<br /><br />If the one giving the baby gift basket intends to give it during a christening celebration or baptism, a small bible, silver cups and any symbolic item that adheres to the theme of the celebration and that the recipient's religion appreciates may also be placed in the basket.<br /><br />A small gesture like giving out a well-thought of baby basket can surely go a long way. The recipient's smile is enough to mean a sincere "thank you"...Halim Ali
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dQ2kt_bTlPI&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dQ2kt_bTlPI&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-28078950443599248332009-11-13T20:25:00.000-08:002010-07-14T18:27:56.881-07:00BreastfeedingABC OF BREASTFEEDING.<br />From the first moment the infant is applied to the breast, it must be nursed upon a certain plan. This is necessary to the well-doing of the child, and will contribute essentially to preserve the health of the parent, who will thus be rendered a good nurse, and her duty at the same time will become a pleasure.<br />This implies, however, a careful attention on the part of the mother to her own health; for that of her child is essentially dependent upon it. Healthy, nourishing, and digestible milk can be procured only from a healthy parent; and it is against common sense to expect that, if a mother impairs her health and digestion by improper diet, neglect of exercise, and impure air, she can, nevertheless, provide as wholesome and uncontaminated a fluid for her child, as if she were diligently attentive to these important points. Every instance of indisposition in the nurse is liable to affect the infant.<br />And this leads me to observe, that it is a common mistake to suppose that, because a woman is nursing, she ought therefore to live very fully, and to add an allowance of wine, porter, or other fermented liquor, to her usual diet. The only result of this plan is, to cause an unnatural degree of fulness in the system, which places the nurse on the brink of disease, and which of itself frequently puts a stop to the secretion of the milk, instead of increasing it. The right plan of proceeding is plain enough; only let attention be paid to the ordinary laws of health, and the mother, if she have a sound constitution, will make a better nurse than by any foolish deviation founded on ignorance and caprice.<br />The following case proves the correctness of this statement: <br />A young lady, confined with her first child, left the lying-in room at the expiration of the third week, a good nurse, and in perfect health. She had had some slight trouble with her nipples, but this was soon overcome.<br />The porter system was now commenced, and from a pint to a pint and a half of this beverage was taken in the four and twenty hours. This was resorted to, not because there was any deficiency in the supply of milk, for it was ample, and the infant thriving upon it; but because, having become a nurse, she was told that it was usual and necessary, and that without it her milk and strength would ere long fail.<br />After this plan had been followed for a few days, the mother became drowsy and disposed to sleep in the daytime; and headach, thirst, a hot skin, in fact, fever supervened; the milk diminished in quantity, and, for the first time, the stomach and bowels of the infant became disordered. The porter was ordered to be left off; remedial measures were prescribed; and all symptoms, both in parent and child, were after a while removed, and health restored.<br />Having been accustomed, prior to becoming a mother, to take a glass or two of wine, and occasionally a tumbler of table beer, she was advised to follow precisely her former dietetic plan, but with the addition of half a pint of barley-milk morning and night. Both parent and child continued in excellent health during the remaining period of suckling, and the latter did not taste artificial food until the ninth month, the parent's milk being all-sufficient for its wants.<br />No one can doubt that the porter was in this case the source of the mischief. The patient had gone into the lying-in-room in full health, had had a good time, and came out from her chamber (comparatively) as strong as she entered it. Her constitution had not been previously worn down by repeated child-bearing and nursing, she had an ample supply of milk, and was fully capable, therefore, of performing the duties which now devolved upon her, without resorting to any unusual stimulant or support. Her previous habits were totally at variance with the plan which was adopted; her system became too full, disease was produced, and the result experienced was nothing more than what might be expected.<br />The plan to be followed for the first six months. Until the breast- milk is fully established, which may not be until the second or third day subsequent to delivery (almost invariably so in a first confinement), the infant must be fed upon a little thin gruel, or upon one third water and two thirds milk, sweetened with loaf sugar.<br />After this time it must obtain its nourishment from the breast alone, and for a week or ten days the appetite of the infant must be the mother's guide, as to the frequency in offering the breast. The stomach at birth is feeble, and as yet unaccustomed to food; its wants, therefore, are easily satisfied, but they are frequently renewed. An interval, however, sufficient for digesting the little swallowed, is obtained before the appetite again revives, and a fresh supply is demanded.<br />At the expiration of a week or so it is essentially necessary, and with some children this may be done with safety from the first day of suckling, to nurse the infant at regular intervals of three or four hours, day and night. This allows sufficient time for each meal to be digested, and tends to keep the bowels of the child in order. Such regularity, moreover, will do much to obviate fretfulness, and that constant cry, which seems as if it could be allayed only by constantly putting the child to the breast. A young mother very frequently runs into a serious error in this particular, considering every expression of uneasiness as an indication of appetite, and whenever the infant cries offering it the breast, although ten minutes may not have elapsed since its last meal. This is an injurious and even dangerous practice, for, by overloading the stomach, the food remains undigested, the child's bowels are always out of order, it soon becomes restless and feverish, and is, perhaps, eventually lost; when, by simply attending to the above rules of nursing, the infant might have become healthy and vigorous.<br />For the same reason, the infant that sleeps with its parent must not be allowed to have the nipple remaining in its mouth all night. If nursed as suggested, it will be found to awaken, as the hour for its meal approaches, with great regularity. In reference to night-nursing, I would suggest suckling the babe as late as ten o'clock p. m., and not putting it to the breast again until five o'clock the next morning. Many mothers have adopted this hint, with great advantage to their own health, and without the slightest detriment to that of the child. With the latter it soon becomes a habit; to induce it, however, it must be taught early.<br />The foregoing plan, and without variation, must be pursued to the sixth month.<br />After the sixth month to the time of weaning, if the parent has a large supply of good and nourishing milk, and her child is healthy and evidently flourishing upon it, no change in its diet ought to be made. If otherwise, however, (and this will but too frequently be the case, even before the sixth month) the child may be fed twice in the course of the day, and that kind of food chosen which, after a little trial, is found to agree best.>>>Halim Ali
<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VkfR9xlQFi4&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VkfR9xlQFi4&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-51904965279209762702009-11-13T20:20:00.000-08:002010-06-29T20:33:26.474-07:00Exposure Of Infants To Open AirEXPOSURE OF INFANTS TO OPEN AIR<br />The respiration of a pure air is at all times, and under all circumstances, indispensable to the health of the infant. The nursery therefore should be large, well ventilated, in an elevated part of the house, and so situated as to admit a free supply both of air and light. For the same reasons, the room in which the infant sleeps should be large, and the air frequently renewed; for nothing is so prejudicial to its health as sleeping in an impure and heated atmosphere. The practice, therefore, of drawing thick curtains closely round the bed is highly pernicious; they only answer a useful purpose when they defend the infant from any draught of cold air.<br />The proper time for taking the infant into the open air must, of course, be determined by the season of the year, and the state of the weather. "A delicate infant born late in the autumn will not generally derive advantage from being carried into the open air, in this climate, till the succeeding spring; and if the rooms in which he is kept are large, often changed, and well ventilated, he will not suffer from the confinement, while he will, most probably, escape catarrhal affections, which are so often the consequence of the injudicious exposure of infants to a cold and humid atmosphere." If, however, the child is strong and healthy, no opportunity should be lost of taking it into the open air at stated periods, experience daily proving that it has the most invigorating and vivifying influence upon the system. Regard, however, must always be had to the state of the weather; and to a damp condition of the atmosphere the infant should never be exposed, as it is one of the most powerful exciting causes of consumptive disease. The nurse-maid, too, should not be allowed to loiter and linger about, thus exposing the infant unnecessarily, and for an undue length of time; this is generally the source of all the evils which accrue from taking the babe into the open air >>>by Halim AliAhmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-11073629379657929282009-11-06T20:59:00.000-08:002009-11-06T23:23:30.815-08:00Baby Care<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Cures For Colic - Three Simple Ways to Calm Your Baby </span></em></strong></div><br />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.<br />The cures for colic tricks listed below assisted me with my child who was extremely difficult.<br />The Colic Hold<br />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.<br />The Bicycle Exercise<br />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.<br />Medications<br />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.<br />For more information about cures for colic, you can visit: <a href="http://illness911.blogspot.com/2007/10/colic-baby_24.html" target="_new" jquery1257569916168="11">http://illness911.blogspot.com/2007/10/colic-baby_24.html</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Chung">http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Chung</a><br /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Baby Care - Why Does My Newborn Have an "Outie" Belly Button? </span></em></strong></div><p><br />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.<br />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."<br />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!<br />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.<br />Ann Lewis, ARNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Certified Life Coach (CTA), Mental Health Counseling Student, Expert AuthorBlog: Child's Play Parenting: <a href="http://childsplayparenting.blogspot.com/" target="_new" jquery1257570645098="12">http://childsplayparenting.blogspot.com/</a>.<br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ann_Lewis">http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Ann_Lewis</a></p><p align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">A Little About Baby Blankets and Their Use</span></em></strong></p><p align="left">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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Learn more about <a href="http://www.mybabiesplace.com/articles/76/1/Crochet-Baby-Blankets-Are-Unique-Handcrafted-Gifts-for-the-New-Parents/Page1.html" target="_new" jquery1257578414062="11">crochet baby blankets</a>.<br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Aisha_Ahmed">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aisha_Ahmed </a><br /></p>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-17479021625396931312009-11-06T20:56:00.000-08:002010-07-14T18:37:20.513-07:00Recurring Ear Infections? Choose Ear Tubes Or Wait it Out?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. <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/CcZD-sZwxFA&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/CcZD-sZwxFA&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />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 <a href="http://www.alivepast5.com/" target="_new" rel="nofollow" jquery1257569747667="12">child</a>.<br />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!<br />Website: <a href="http://www.alivepast5.com/" target="_new" jquery1257569747667="11">Child Safety</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Maggie_Brown">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maggie_Brown </a>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-21420802934782597752009-11-06T20:54:00.000-08:002010-07-14T19:07:15.552-07:00Baby Toy And Development<div align="center"><strong><em><span style="font-size:130%;">Baby Strollers</span></em></strong></div><br />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.<br />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.<br />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.<br />Did you know about these?<br />Studies about strollers:<br />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.<br />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.<br />Special Needs strollers:<br />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.<br />Double or Triple strollers:<br />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.<br />Travel Systems:<br />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".<br />Safety Features:<br />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.<br />Strollers and Sports:<br />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.<br />Pet Strollers:<br />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.<br />Prices:<br />Strollers can go from $20 for a used one to a staggering $1,000.<br />Recalls:<br />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 <a href="http://www.cpsc.gov/" target="_new" jquery1257569677683="13">http://www.cpsc.gov/</a><br />God bless,<br />For more information and deals about strollers, please visit <a href="http://www.strollersandmore.net/" target="_new" jquery1257569677683="12">http://www.strollersandmore.net/</a>.<br />Thank you,Tova<br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tova_Galnur">http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Tova_Galnur</a><br /><br /><div align="center"><em><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Best Developmental Toys For Your 1 Or 2 Year Old </span></strong></em></div><div align="left"><br />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.<br />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:<br />Pushing, riding and rocking<br />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.<br />Manipulative toys<br />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.<br />Scribbling<br />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.<br />Stuff toys and dolls<br />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.<br />Action reaction toys<br />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.<br />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.<br />If you are interested in these and other <a href="http://www.greatkidgifts.com/catalog/learning-toys.html" target="_new" rel="nofollow" jquery1257571092692="13">learning toys</a> please go to Great Kid Gifts.<br />Troy James Macraft<a href="http://www.greatkidgifts.com/" target="_new" jquery1257571092692="12">Great Kid Gifts</a><br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Troy_James_Macraft">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Troy_James_Macraft </a></div>
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/2gUNA6AQHc0&hl=en_US&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/2gUNA6AQHc0&hl=en_US&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3042151004715084393.post-37866380753728585672009-11-06T20:49:00.000-08:002009-11-06T20:50:45.817-08:00What a New Parent Should Know About Baby AcneFirst 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.<br />What Causes Baby Acne<br />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.<br />What Does Baby Acne Looks Like<br />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.<br />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!<br />What Kind of Treatment Is Necessary<br />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.<br />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.<br />If you or someone you love has acne, go to <a href="http://www.naturalacnetreatmentreviews.com/" target="_new" jquery1257569327222="12">http://www.NaturalAcneTreatmentReviews.com</a> 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.<br />Article Source: <a href="http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Samantha_O'Donnell">http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Samantha_O'Donnell </a>Ahmahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07120777922509752099noreply@blogger.com0