Baby Scales

A baby scales is one of the most crucial pieces of medical equipment that is used. These scales have to be precise and accurate when measuring baby’s weight. When a baby arrives before time or has a medical problem to scale check its weight. It is also used to measure breast milk. This way, you can weight it before and after a feeding.

Weight

If a baby does not gain weight it is a very serious thing. Weighting should always a done on the same scale. Since all scales can have a slight difference, you should try and weigh your baby at least once a week, due to the fact that baby’s weight will vary due to bowel movements and urination. If the baby’s weight remains the same, and he or she is not gaining or losing any weight, then they should be seen by their doctor.

If baby’s weight is increasing, but not by the recommended amounts then you many need to change how you are feeding baby. Maybe you need to make more feedings or change the type of formula you are using. After about six months baby will start to eat solid foods, baby scales will help to determine if baby is gaining weight in accordance with the standards. Healthy babies will usually double their weight between four and five months after their birth.

Types of Scales

They are many types of scales depending on what you are looking for; here is a list of the top scales on the market today:

334 Digital Scale- This type of scale offers safety and accuracy when you are weighting baby. It does have a large tray; this feature still does not make it bulky and requires little space for storage. The scale is very easy to read, and is easy to clean up after use.

736 Digital Scale-This scale was developed with advanced features. It offers a specially designed scale, and advanced weighing and measuring options. This makes accuracy a key component of the scale’s features and one of the most important ones.

851 Digital Diaper Scale- This scale measures the accuracy of a baby’s output. This scale can help keep track of everything that is in your baby’s diapers. By doing this it can help you more accurately determine what the baby’s weight is and what it should be. It is very easy to read and is convenient to store away.

727 Electronic Baby Scale-This is the best scale for a squirming baby and makes it easy to read. The model eliminates the variation and guess work out of determining what baby’s weight should be. This scale delivers accurate measurements.

728 Electronic Baby Scale- This scale was original designed with baby’s health in mind, where the smallest in deviations can make a huge difference. The scale holds its accuracy for an extended period of time, by self testing it self every two seconds. It also has an additional option that allows you to check baby’s length also.

While a scale may seem like a small piece of equipment it is a major necessity in determining the growth of your baby. Your baby’s weight has to be checked and monitored to make sure that he or she is gaining the right amounts. If they are not, they the doctor will have to reevaluate what you are doing, and why the baby is not gaining weight. Having a precise scale will help doctors better determine how much a baby is gaining per month, per week, and even per day. The scale further reduces the chances of making errors with the weight.

source from http://www.babycarehelp.com

Baby Eye Care: Vision Problem,Tips for Choosing a Doctor

Introduction

In the flurry of parental commitments, do not overlook vision care. The ability to see is a gift, and parents and medical professionals alike must be prepared to monitor a child's eye development.

Infant Vision

Following the birth of your child, a doctor will examine your infant. Among a slew of medical tests, the doctor will conduct an abbreviated vision exam. This establishes a point of reference for the future care of your child.

Newborns are able to see but cannot focus their eyes until six months of age. Infants will commonly exhibit a yellow pigment in their eyes known as jaundice. As the liver processes waste, this yellow tint will disappear. If jaundice does not disappear after one week, parents should contact medical professionals.

Monitoring Vision

When you take your bundle of joy home, monitor your child's vision on a daily basis. At this stage, vision is defined in terms of responsiveness. Infants should attempt to follow faces and eyes from side to side as people or things capture their visual interest.

The First Six Months

Eyes complete development by six months of age. Accordingly, the first vision appointment should be scheduled at six months. The eye care professional will examine visual acuity, (the ability to see clearly), by observing responsiveness to movement.

Vision Problems

Some infants struggle with the infamous "lazy eye." Technically known as strabismus, it occurs when one or both eyes turn in or out while focusing on an object. In some cases, if left untreated, strabismus will lead to diminished vision or complete vision loss. 'Lazy eyes' are noticeable after four months of development.

Newborns may appear cross-eyed because eye muscle coordination is undeveloped. This problem should significantly diminish by 6 months of age. If the problem persists, parents should consult an eye care specialist. Treatment may necessitate usage of an eye patch, muscle exercises, and/or surgery. Options vary according to severity and the age of the child.

When to See an Eye Doctor

It is extremely difficult to establish visual acuity until age four. However, parents must schedule the first formal eye exam at 6 months. Future appointments will be scheduled as recommended by the eye care specialist. After two years of age, children are monitored annually, or as frequently as is preferred by the specialist.

Choosing an Eye Care Specialist

Eye care experts observe the pupils and scrutinize visual acuity and eye movement. Parents may utilize an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Although both professionals are trained to examine internal and external eye structures, there are critical differences between these vocations.

Types of Specialists

Ophthalmologists specialize in the medical and surgical care of the visual system, inclusive of eyes and eye muscles. Ultimately, ophthalmologists assist in the prevention and treatment of eye disease and injury. This type of eye doctor is a doctor of medicine (MD) or doctor of osteopathy (DO).

Optometrists are eye doctors of optometry (OD). They do not provide surgical services. Scope of care is limited to visual examination and disorder detection, prescriptive and corrective non-surgical care.

Affording Care

Consult with your insurance agency to understand provided vision care coverage. Plans may restrict treatment to an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Insurances companies may recommend practitioners covered by your health care plan.

Choosing a Doctor

Parents and children must feel comfortable with the doctor and the facility. Appropriate facilities boast a clean, youth-friendly environment in a safe neighborhood. Offices should be outfitted with modern medical tools.

The best way to locate an eye care specialist is through referrals from parents or family doctors. Alternatively, contact hospitals and government regulated agencies for a list of competent ophthalmologists and optometrists.

Summary: Parents must provide adequate medical care for their children. Vision care is an integral component of lifetime health development that should be formally monitored after 6 months of age.

source from http://www.babycarehelp.com

Swaddling Your Baby

What does it mean to swaddle a baby?
Swaddling is the art of snugly wrapping your baby in a blanket for warmth and security. It can keep him from being disturbed by his own startle reflex, and it may even help him stay warm and toasty for the first few days of life until his internal thermostat kicks in. Most important, it can help to calm your baby.

Nowadays, you probably won't leave the hospital without a little lesson in this technique. Try it, after you've made sure your baby isn't hungry, wet, or tired. It can be used to help settle your baby down when he's overstimulated or when he just needs to feel something close to the tightness and security of the womb.

Once your baby is about a month old you might want to stop swaddling him while he's awake, as it may interfere with mobility and development in older babies. It's fine to keep swaddling your baby for naps and nighttime if he seems to sleep better that way. He'll let you know by crying or kicking when he no longer wants to be bundled up.

How do I perform this cozy art?

• Lay a blanket on a flat surface and fold down the top-right corner about 6 inches.

• Place your baby on his back with his head on the fold.

• Pull the corner near your baby's left hand across his body, and tuck the leading edge under his back on the right side under the arm.

• Pull the bottom corner up under your baby's chin.

• Bring the loose corner over your baby's right arm and tuck it under the back on his left side. If your baby prefers to have his arms free, you can swaddle him under the arms. This gives him access to his hands and fingers.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Newborn Hearing Test Might Point To SIDS Risk

A simple hearing test soon after birth may help identify babies at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a new U.S. study finds.

SIDS kills about one in 1,000 infants worldwide. Most of the victims are between two to four months old. Boys are more likely than girls to die of SIDS.

Dr. Daniel D. Rubens and colleagues at the Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, in Seattle, analyzed data on 31 Rhode Island babies who died of SIDS.

They found that they all shared the same distinctive difference in newborn hearing test results for the right inner ear.

Compared with other babies, those who died of SIDS scored four points lower in standard newborn hearing tests, across three different sound frequencies in the right ear.

Rubens also noted that healthy infants typically test stronger in the right ear than in the left. However, the infants who died of SIDS had lower scores for the right ear than the left.

The study was published in the July issue of the journal Early Human Development.

"This discovery opens a whole new line of inquiry into SIDS research," Rubens said in a prepared statement. "For the first time, it's now possible that with a simple, standard hearing test, babies could be identified as at risk for SIDS, allowing preventative measures to be implemented in advance of a tragic event."

The inner ear contains tiny hairs involved with both hearing and vestibular (balance) function. Vestibular hair cells may play an important role in transmitting information to the brain about levels of carbon dioxide in the blood, Rubens suggested. Injury to vestibular hair cells may disrupt respiratory control and predispose infants to SIDS.

Rubens urged further research in this area. "We must now fully explore all aspects of inner ear function and SIDS and analyze testing frequencies higher than those currently tested by newborn hearing screen centers," he said.
-- Robert Preidt

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center: Easing Your Toddler's Fears (12 to 24 mo.)

Toddlers and fear
It's normal for your toddler to be fearful. After all, anxiety is a natural condition that helps us cope with new experiences and protects us from danger.

Some toddlers are frightened of very specific things: bugs, dogs, the dark, or loud noises, like the vacuum cleaner. Others are afraid of new situations or meeting new people. Most of your toddler's fears will fade as she becomes more secure in herself and her environment

What you can do to ease your toddler's fears
The following strategies may help, but don't expect your toddler to overcome her fears right away. It can take months — even up to a year — before a child gets over a fear. In the meantime, it's normal for your toddler to obsess over the thing that frightens her by showing fascination with it, modeling it in play, drawing pictures of it, or talking about it incessantly. It's her way of working through the issue.

Don't make light of her fears. They may seem silly and irrational, but they're very real and serious to her. Try not to smile or be dismissive when she reacts with fright to, say, a flushing toilet or a siren. Let her know you understand how it feels to be afraid of something. If you're reassuring and comforting, she'll learn that it's okay to feel afraid and it's best to deal with her fears.

Trying to convince your toddler that there isn't any reason to be afraid will only backfire. You'll probably just make her more upset if you say, "Don't worry, there's no reason to be afraid of the dog." Instead, offer security and reassurance: "I understand that the dog frightens you. Let's walk past him together. If you don't want to do that, I'll hold you while he walks past us."

Use a "lovey." A so-called comfort object — a raggedy baby blanket, perhaps, or a well-worn teddy bear — can help some children with their fears. An object like this can offer an anxious child familiarity and reassurance, especially at times when you need to leave her, such as when you drop her off at daycare or tuck her in for the night.

A lovey can also make it easier for a child to do potentially scary things like meet new people, attend a play group, or visit the doctor. So allow your toddler to hold on to her special toy or blanket. She's likely to stop carrying around that mangy-looking monkey by the time she turns 4. By then, she'll have learned other ways to soothe herself when she's frightened.

Explain, expose, and explore. A scared toddler can sometimes get over a fright if you provide a simple, rational explanation for what's worrying her. You may put an end to her fear of being sucked down the drain along with the bathwater by saying, "Water and bubbles can go down the drain, but rubber duckies and children can't." Or explain that an ambulance has to make a really loud noise so that other cars know to get out of the way.

For some toddlers, a demonstration can be reassuring. Your child may be relieved to see that while a vacuum cleaner can suck up crumbs, sand, and dirt, it can't inhale her toy train or Daddy's toes. A walk at dusk can help make nighttime seem more magical than scary. Or if your toddler's trembling at the thought of getting a hair cut, let the hairdresser snip a strand or two of your own hair to show that it doesn't hurt.

If past experiences are fueling your child's fears — previous vaccinations, for instance, making her panicky about a trip to the doctor's office — don't sugarcoat things. But don't dwell on the bad stuff, either. Gently tell her that while the shot may sting at first, it'll be over quickly, and that the two of you will do something fun afterward. The promise of a reward can help to distract her from the scary event.

You can help your child learn about frightening things from a safe distance, too. She may get over her fear of Halloween characters if she sees a picture book or video about good witches, kind ghosts, and friendly black cats. If she's scared of animals, a trip to a petting zoo, where the creatures can be stroked and fed, may help.

Another way to reassure your toddler is to tell her an uplifting story about another child who does what he's afraid to do and survives the experience unscathed. Make up something off the top of your head, or browse the library for books on the subject.

Problem-solve together. If your toddler's afraid of the dark, get a nightlight for her room. Other tactics you can use to banish bedtime fears include a designated guard (a beloved stuffed animal), "monster spray" (water in a spray-bottle), or a magic phrase that wards off unwelcome visitors.

Through trial and error, you and your toddler will figure out together what helps to increase her sense of power and control over things that frighten her.

Practice through pretend play. If your child is terrified of the doctor, she may benefit from role-playing what happens at the doctor's office (a toy doctor's kit can help). Some toddlers feel more confident when they actually visit the doctor if they come with their kit in tow.

If your toddler shrinks at the sight of strangers, she may feel less frightened if she acts out such encounters using dolls or stuffed animals. If people in costumes scare her, dress up together to help ease her fears.

Don't share your own fears. If your toddler sees you break out in a sweat because there's a spider in the bedroom or cringe when you walk into the dentist's office, then she's likely to feel scared of these things, too. So try to work through your own anxieties or at least try to downplay them.

It's okay, however, to confess that you didn't like going to the dentist as a kid, but you went to keep your teeth healthy. It helps a child to know she's not alone, and that you, too, learned to overcome something scary.

Seek advice. Talk to other parents about your toddler's particular fears and how to handle them.

What to watch out for
If your toddler's fears routinely interfere with her normal daily activities — if she won't wash her hair because she's afraid of water, or she resists going outside for fear of encountering a dog — talk to her doctor about the problem, especially if her fears have intensified over time. She may have a genuine phobia (an intense and persistent irrational fear) or an anxiety disorder.

It's also a good idea to seek a doctor's advice if your toddler reacts to a fear so severely that she simply can't be calmed.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

How To Care For Your Baby's Gums And Emerging Teeth

Should I start cleaning my baby's gums even before his teeth come in?

Yes. Even before your baby sports his first tooth, it's a good idea to get into the habit of wiping his gums with gauze or a soft wet washcloth during bath time. You don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Simply wrap the cloth or gauze around your index finger and rub it gently over the gums.

Bacteria in the mouth usually can't harm the gums before the teeth emerge, but it can be hard to tell when the teeth are starting to push through, so you'll want to start early. Getting your baby used to having his mouth cleaned as part of his daily routine should make it easier to transition into toothbrushing later on.

What's the best way to brush my baby's teeth after they start coming in?
As your child's teeth start to appear (generally around 6 months), look for a baby toothbrush with a small bristle head and larger grip suitable for your hand. (If your child is healthy and still hasn't sprouted his first tooth by the end of his first year, don't worry — some children don't start getting them until 15 to 18 months.)

As long as you're cleaning your child's teeth regularly, you don't need to use any toothpaste yet. Just brush the teeth gently on both the outside and inside surfaces twice a day. Brush his tongue as well (if he'll let you) to dislodge the bacteria that can cause bad breath. One quick swipe is enough. Replace the toothbrush as soon as the bristles start to look worn or splayed out.

When does my baby need fluoride and how can I tell if he's getting the right amount?
Your baby's developing teeth can benefit from a little fluoride. This mineral helps prevent tooth decay by strengthening tooth enamel and making it more resistant to acids and harmful bacteria. Most municipal water supplies are fortified with fluoride (you can call your local water authority to find out about yours). Bottled water suppliers can also tell you about the fluoride content of their water.

If you get your water from a well, you might consider buying a test kit from your local health department, a hardware store, or a pharmacy. If the results show a fluoride content of less than .3 parts per million, ask your child's doctor whether you should give your child a fluoride supplement (the amount recommended for children under 3 is .25 milligrams per day). She can prescribe fluoride in the form of drops that you can add to your baby's bottle or cereal once a day. The American Academy of Pediatrics doesn't recommend fluoride supplements for babies under 6 months old.

If you live in an area with fluoridated water, your child will get no fluoride from your breast milk, but he will get it from the water you use to make his formula. Bottled water and fruit juices may contain fluoride, although the amount is rarely listed on the label.

A little fluoride is a good thing for your baby's teeth, but too much of it can lead to a condition called fluorosis, which in mild cases causes white spots to show up on your child's adult teeth. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends waiting until your child is 2 to use fluoridated toothpaste, and even then you should let him use only a tiny (pea-sized) amount each time. This is because young children tend to swallow their toothpaste rather than spit it out and swallowing too much toothpaste over time can lead to fluorosis.

When should I start taking my child to the dentist?
The timing of the first dental visit is controversial.

The AAP suggests that you take your child to see a dentist at age 3, unless his doctor sees a problem that needs earlier attention, or she believes that your baby is at risk for developing dental problems. (Risk factors include a family history of cavities and poor dental health while you were pregnant.) If the doctor does think that your baby is at risk, she'll refer you to a dentist six months after your child's first tooth erupts, or by 1 year of age, whichever comes first. During your baby's regular visits to the doctor, she should check to see that his teeth are coming in normally. The doctor should also ask about diet and oral hygiene, and she may make fluoride recommendations.

The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association, however, recommend that you bring your baby to see a dentist between 6 and 12 months of age. They note that over the last 30 years in the United States, tooth decay in baby teeth has not declined like it has in permanent teeth, and that about 40 percent of children have tooth decay by age 5. An early dental exam might address a problem that your baby's doctor might miss or couldn't diagnose. And establishing a relationship with a dentist early on, the groups say, provides families with a source for important dental information as well as routine and emergency dental care.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Seven Reasons Babies Cry And How To Soothe Them

Babies cry. There's no way to avoid it — it's one way they communicate. Since your baby can't flat out tell you, you may worry, "How will I know what she wants?" It can be difficult at first, but a large part of parenting is trial and error and you'll soon learn to anticipate her needs, read her cues, and wipe away her tears. Here are the most common reasons babies cry. If your little one is wailing, work your way down the list and chances are you'll find something that helps.

How can I tell why my baby is crying?
She's hungry
Once you learn to recognize the signs that your baby wants to eat — she'll fuss, make noises, and root around for your breast if you pick her up — you'll get pretty good at feeding her before she starts to really cry. Until then, checking to see if she's hungry is a good first step when your baby cries. Food might not stop her crying right away, but let her keep eating if she wants to. She'll stop once her stomach is full.

She needs a fresh diaper
Some babies let you know right away when they need to be changed. Others don't mind when their diapers are soiled — it's warm and comfortable to them. (Parents are often surprised when they pick up their infant and find she's been sitting in a dirty diaper and never made a sound.) Either way, this one is easy to check and simple to remedy.

She's too cold or hot
Newborns like to be bundled up and kept warm. (As a rule, they need to be wearing one more layer than you need to be comfortable.) So when your baby feels cold, like when you remove her clothes to change her, she'll express her discomfort by crying. You'll learn how to quickly change a diaper and wrap your baby back up. Be careful that you don't overdress her, since she's less likely to complain about being too warm than about being too cold and won't cry about it as vigorously.

She wants to be held
Babies need a lot of cuddling. They like to see their parents' faces, hear their voices, and listen to their heartbeats, and can even detect their unique smell (especially Mom's milk). After being fed, burped, and changed, many babies simply want to be held. You may wonder if you'll “spoil” your child by holding her so much, but during the first few months of life that isn't possible. Infants vary a lot in how much they want to be held. Some demand a lot of attention, while others can spend long periods of time sitting calmly by themselves. If your baby likes the attention, pick her up, wear her in a front carrier or sling, or place her next to you.

She can't take it anymore
While newborns often thrive on attention, they can easily become overstimulated and have a meltdown. You may find that your baby cries longer than usual after spending a holiday with many adoring family members or has periods at the end of each day when she seems to cry for no reason. Newborns have difficulty processing all the stimulation they receive — the lights, the noise, being passed from hand to hand — and can become overwhelmed by too much activity. Crying is their way of saying, "I've had enough." This usually happens when your baby is tired. Take her somewhere calm and quiet and let her vent for a while, and then see if you can get her to sleep.

She doesn't feel good
If you've just fed your baby and checked that she's comfortable (she can be troubled by something as subtle as a hair wrapped around her toe or a clothing tag that's poking her), but she's still crying, consider checking her temperature to make sure she isn't ill. The cry of a sick baby tends to be distinct from the hunger or frustration cry, and you'll soon learn when your baby's cries "just don't sound right" and she needs to be taken to the doctor.

None of the above
Sometimes you might not be able to figure out what's wrong. Many newborns develop periods of fussiness when they're not easily soothed. These fussy periods can range from a few minutes of crying to full-blown colic.Colic is defined as inconsolable crying for at least three hours a day and at least three days a week. Even if your baby isn't crying this much, these episodes may be difficult for you. When all else fails, try the tips below.

I can't figure out why she's crying. What should I do?
Wrap her up and hold her close
Newborns like to feel as warm and secure as they did in the womb, so try swaddling your baby in a blanket, wearing her, or holding her against your shoulder. But be aware that some babies find swaddling or cuddling too constrictive and respond better to other forms of comfort such as rhythmic movement or sucking a pacifier.

Let her hear the rhythm
Babies are used to the sound of your heartbeat; that's another reason they love to be held close. You can also try playing soft music, singing a lullaby, or even putting her close to the rhythm of an electric fan or the white noise of a vacuum cleaner.

Put her in motion
Sometimes just the motion of carrying your baby will be enough to calm her. Other times, it may help to rock her gently in a rocking chair or swing, set her in her bouncy seat, or place her in her car seat on top of the dryer while it's on (the dryer's vibrations can cause her seat to move enough to fall off, so make sure you stay by her side while you do this!). You could also push her around outside in her stroller or take her for a ride in the car.

Massage her
Most babies love to be touched, so a massage might be just the thing to soothe your baby. Don't worry about not knowing the perfect movements — as long as they're gentle and slow, they should bring comfort. Also, try rubbing your baby's back or belly. This will help if she's having gas pains — which may be the problem with some colicky babies.

Let her suck on something
Even when she's not hungry, sucking can steady an infant's heart rate, relax her stomach, and calm her flailing limbs. Give her a pacifier or a finger to clamp onto and let her go to town.

Take care of yourself
No baby ever cried herself to death, but a crying baby can be very stressful for new parents. You're chronically sleep-deprived and may already be unsure about how to care for this baby. Mom's emotions are all over the place due to the hormonal changes she's going through. Dad may not be sure what role he should play in caring for the newborn or whether he'll ever get Mom's attention again. Add a crying baby to this scenario and many parents can become overwhelmed with feelings of incompetence.

If you know your baby's needs have been met and you've tried to calm her but she's still crying, it's time to take care of yourself so you don't get too exasperated:

• Put your baby down in a safe place and let her cry for a while.
• Call a friend or relative and ask for advice.
• Give yourself a break and let someone else take over.
• Put on quiet music to distract yourself.
• Take deep breaths.
• Remind yourself that nothing is wrong with your baby and crying won't hurt her — she may just need the release.
• Repeat to yourself, "She will outgrow this phase."
• Whatever you do, don't take your frustration out on your baby by shaking her.

Fortunately, babies (and their parents) are resilient and somehow manage to get through even the most difficult crying episodes. Take heart that by the time your baby is 8 to 12 weeks old, she'll be better able to soothe herself and much of the crying will stop.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Colic: The Basics (birth to 12 mo.)

My baby cries all the time. Could it be colic?
Colic is a term used to describe uncontrollable crying in an otherwise healthy baby. If your baby is younger than 5 months old and cries for more than three hours in a row on three or more days a week for at least three weeks (phew!), chances are he's colicky. Colic isn't a disease and won't cause your baby any long-term harm, but it's a tough thing to go through for both babies and their parents.

If your baby is colicky and you need help, you'll find more than 20 sanity-saving tips in Colic: How to Cope.

What are the signs of colic?
Colic most often shows up when a baby is around 2 or 3 weeks old (or two or three weeks after the baby's due date, if he's a preemie).

While babies normally cry when they're wet or hungry or frightened or tired, a baby with colic cries inconsolably and excessively, often at the same time of day, frequently in the late afternoon or evening.

If your baby has colic, his belly may look enlarged. You may notice that he alternately extends or pulls up his legs and passes gas as he cries.

How long will this last?
Thankfully, there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Colic tends to peak around 6 weeks, then improves significantly between 3 and 4 months. By 5 months, your baby should be over it.

Yes, that's a long tunnel. In the meantime, learn how to comfort your baby as best you can and ask for help when you need it. Caring for a colicky baby can be very stressful, and you need to take regular breaks to maintain your own well-being. Have your mate or a friend or relative take over while you go for a walk or let loose with a good cry yourself when you need to.

Why are some babies colicky?
Colic is one of the great mysteries of baby life. About 20 percent of babies become colicky. The condition is equally common among firstborn and later-born, boys and girls, breastfed and formula-fed. No one knows why some babies are more prone to it than others, but theories abound. And there may well be more than one cause.

Your baby may have colic because his digestive system is a bit immature or sensitive. (In fact, the word colic comes from a Greek word, kolikos, which roughly translates to "colon.") A newborn's digestive tract contains very few of the enzymes and digestive juices needed to break down food, so processing the proteins in breast milk or formula can lead to painful gas.

The act of screaming itself can cause your baby to swallow a lot of air and that, too, leads to gassiness. If your baby has colic because of tummy trouble, you may notice that his symptoms get worse after a feeding or before a bowel movement.

Some experts believe that long bouts of colicky crying are a physical release for overwrought babies. Your baby might be easily overwhelmed if he's sensitive by nature, for example, or if he's recovering from a difficult birth or was born prematurely and his nervous system is still developing. By the time evening rolls around, these babies just can't handle any more sights, sounds, or sensations, and they cry to blow off steam.

By the way, if you smoked during pregnancy or smoke now, your baby is twice as likely to have colic (though this risk is reduced if your baby is breastfed).

Should I take my baby to the doctor if I think he has colic?
Yes, it's a good idea to talk with the doctor about your baby's crying. She can rule out other potential causes, like intestinal or urinary infections, and help you determine the best course of action for your baby if he does have colic.

And if your baby has other symptoms — like fever, vomiting, or bloody stools — call his doctor immediately. These symptoms are not due to colic.

I've heard that colic in breastfed babies is caused by the mother's diet. Is this true?
Some breastfed babies seem to become colicky because of something in their mother's diet. (See our chart for a list of foods that may irritate your nursing baby.)

There's plenty of controversy about which foods are problematic, but dairy products are some of the prime suspects. If you're breastfeeding, try cutting back on milk, cheese, and yogurt for a couple of weeks to see whether it makes a difference. (Cow's milk protein can remain in breast milk that long, so this dietary experiment takes some patience.)

Other suspects include spicy food, wheat products, nuts, strawberries, cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower), garlic, caffeine, and alcohol.

To see whether one of these foods is making your baby uncomfortable, avoid them all for a few days. If your baby seems better, reintroduce one food at a time, allowing a few days between re-introductions.

If your baby starts fussing again after you start eating a certain food, you've discovered the offending substance. You'll have to abstain from it until your baby outgrows his sensitivity, which will probably be at around 3 months. Of course, kicking coffee or any other food for a few months is a small price to pay for a happy baby.

Can the wrong formula cause colic?
Not usually. But if your formula-fed baby is colicky, you might talk with his doctor about switching to a formula that doesn't contain cow's milk protein, just to be sure.

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Parents Center--Colic: How To Cope

I think my baby has colic. What can I do?

If your otherwise healthy baby is younger than 5 months old and cries for more than three hours in a row on three or more days a week for at least three weeks (yes, that's a lot of crying!), then he probably is colicky.

To find out what you can do to help your baby while keeping your sanity, read on.

21 strategies for soothing a colicky baby
It may take some trial and error, because what helps one colicky baby might not do anything for another. But there are things you can try to help soothe your baby. Some will work best if tummy trouble is the issue, while others will be more helpful if your baby needs reassurance.

Check his bottle.
If your baby's bottle-fed, it's important to find a bottle that won't contribute to his gulping. The more air he swallows with his feeding, the more likely tummy trouble will be.

The nipple should have a hole that's not too small, which could frustrate him and make him gulp for more food, or too large, which would cause the liquid to come at him too quickly.

Some bottles are specially designed to reduce air intake. Some are curved, while others have internal vents or liners, which prevent air bubbles from forming in the liquid and keep the nipple from collapsing.

Keep feedings upright.
You might try holding your baby more upright during feedings to help the formula or breast milk travel more smoothly to his tummy. If he's curled up or hunched over, he's more likely to trap some air in there with his food.

Eliminate frantic feedings.
Feed your baby before he's starving — if he's crying from hunger, he's more likely to gulp air along with his meal. Try to feed him in a calm environment: Turn down the lights, put on some soft music, and ask siblings to play quietly (you can always hope).

Burp him often.
Frequent burping will help get air bubbles out of your baby's tummy. Don't wait until he's finished a full-course feeding to burp him. Prop your infant up for a burping when you change sides during nursing or every few minutes when bottle-feeding.

Adjust your diet if you're breastfeeding.
If you think that your baby may be sensitive to something in your breast milk, try eliminating dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt) for a couple of weeks, which is how long it takes for the cow's milk protein to work its way out of your milk.

If that doesn't do the trick, you might take a look at spicy foods, wheat products, nuts, strawberries, cruciferous vegetables (such as cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower), garlic, caffeine, and alcohol. Stop eating likely offenders for a few days, then introduce them one at a time, waiting to see if your baby reacts to one item before introducing the next. The process may take a while, but if it saves your baby any crying time at all, it's worth it.

Ask about a formula change.
Formula doesn't often cause colic, but if your baby is colicky, a change may be worth a try. Ask your baby's doctor about switching to a formula that doesn't contain cow's milk protein.

Brew a natural remedy.
Parents have long treated colicky babies with natural remedies like weak herbal teas (especially fennel, dill, anise, peppermint, and chamomile). You'll want to be careful with dosages, so consult a reliable herbalist and always talk to your baby's doctor. Some breastfeeding moms report that if they drink the herbal tea themselves, their babies benefit noticeably.

Try an over-the-counter solution.
Many parents have great luck giving their colicky babies gripe water (a preparation made from herbs and sodium bicarbonate). Or you might want to try over-the-counter anti-gas drops if you think gas is what's bothering your baby. Make sure you're buying drops created specifically for babies, and — as with any medication — get your doctor's okay before using either of these.

Massage your baby.
A gentle belly rub might help dispel gas or at least help your baby's tummy — and psyche — feel better. You might also try placing your baby across your knees, tummy down, and rubbing his back. This sometimes helps release excess pressure.

Use a (warm) hot water bottle.
Some babies appreciate the feeling of warm water against their belly. Fill a hot water bottle with lukewarm water and wrap it in a towel. Place it on your belly and let your baby lie on top of you. Be very careful not to make the water too hot, though — what feels warm to your tummy may be too hot for your new baby's skin.

Get noisy.
Babies like sounds that remind them of the rhythmic heartbeat and whooshing noises they heard in the womb. Your baby might be comforted to sit in his infant seat near the clothes dryer as it's running or in a front pack while you vacuum. Or he might calm down when the exhaust fan is on in the kitchen.

Make music.
Sing to your baby or try a CD of lullabies or other gentle tunes. You can even find CDs of soothing womb sounds. On the other hand, some parents report that their colicky babies prefer loud rock!

Move it.
Babies are comforted by gentle motion of all kinds, so invest in a rocker, baby swing, or simple bouncer. Your baby might also find it soothing to be walked around the house in a front pack or sling. Keep in mind that he may prefer being held higher in the pack, close to your chest and your heartbeat. Try gently bouncing up and down in this position while hugging your baby close.

Get behind the wheel. Many parents find that a ride in the car — with its movement, noise, and vibration — is the best remedy for colic. Buckle your baby into his car seat and go for a drive to get a change of scenery for you and (possibly) relief for your baby.

Try a different atmosphere.
If you've been indoors, it may help to take your baby out for a walk, either in the stroller, a sling, or a front pack. The new sights, sounds, and smells may distract him, and the fresh air and rhythmic movement of walking may calm him and allow him to fall asleep. On the other hand, if you've been out and about with your baby all morning, some quiet time at home might be just what he needs.

Hush!
While some babies are comforted by motion, noise, and activity, others need less stimulation and respond better to quiet, stillness, and darkness.

Swaddle.
Think about how snug your baby was before his birth, and you'll have a good idea how wide the world seems to him right now. Swaddling — an ancient method of wrapping your infant in a blanket or cloth — can help a baby feel less out of control. You can try swaddling your baby during feedings if he has trouble focusing on his meal, or wrap him up before his usual colicky period or before you put him down to sleep.

Not only might swaddling help your colicky baby get to sleep, there's a good chance it will help him stay asleep, too. Researchers have found that babies who are swaddled sleep more soundly than those who aren't. That's because when a baby twitches during sleep, his own movements can wake him up. Swaddling keeps that little twitch from becoming a full-fledged flail he's unlikely to sleep through.

The swaddling technique is easy to master. Once you find that your baby loves to be swaddled, you may even want to invest in a special swaddling bunting.

Scent the environment.
Some babies respond well to scent. Aromatherapists develop specific essential oil formulas for a variety of problems and conditions, from headaches and fatigue to anxiety and fear.

You might try one developed for calming and soothing nervousness. (Some are made specifically to help calm babies.) A spritz of chamomile in the bedroom or a lavender-scented bath might also do the trick (if not for your baby, then for you).

Bathe your baby.
A warm bath in the middle of your baby's colic time might distract and relax him enough to help. Some babies also love to be held in the shower, with the spray on their back. Your baby may enjoy the rhythmic beating of the warm water as well as the sound.

Offer a pacifier.
Anything that helps your baby calm down is priceless right now. For some babies, sucking is the ultimate soother. So you might want to try offering a pacifier, even if you ordinarily wouldn't. Or encourage your baby to suck on his finger by gently putting it in his mouth.

Stick to a routine. You'll want to feed your baby whenever he's hungry, but otherwise he might find some comfort in a set routine — baths, walks, naps at certain dependable times. Your baby isn't watching the clock, of course, but he does carry a sense of the rhythm of his days.

How to keep your sanity
An inconsolable baby is a tough trial for a new parent. It's enough to make you cry. Go ahead. Also keep in mind:

It's not personal.
When your baby spurns your attempts to console him or seems angry with you, remind yourself that he's too young to comprehend the concept of blame. And while there are things that you can do to try to console him, his having colic has nothing to do with your parenting skills.

You can't do it alone.
Share baby care with your partner. Have a friend or relative take over for you once in a while so you can take a peaceful walk or a refreshing shower.

If you find yourself becoming angry or frustrated with your baby, take a deep breath and gently lay him in his crib. Then call a friend or a relative to come and stay with your baby while you calm down.

If there's nobody you can call to come and support you in person, contact a local crisis hotline or a child abuse hotline. The people who staff these phones will know how to help you.

You're helping your baby, even if he's still crying.
You may not be able to keep your baby from crying. In fact, it's possible that crying is exactly what he needs to do, and you can best help him by respecting and accepting that. Continue to hold him, rock him, whisper to him — and let him cry, all the while assured of your love.

Parents' voices

My son was a colicky baby. At 6 weeks old, he cried from 6 to 11 every night, and it was very disheartening. We took turns carrying and dancing him around to try to distract him, but nothing helped. Then somebody told me about a type of bottle that minimizes colic in babies. Sure thing, it really worked! As soon as we switched to these bottles, he stopped his evening wailing.
— Joyce Tan

My baby was very colicky. One night she wailed for five hours straight. As a last resort, I turned on the vacuum. The humming soothed her into immediate silence. (I recommend that you tape the sound rather than burn out the motor on the vacuum!)
— Mariana Helmold

My son got colicky at about 8 weeks. I found gripe water at a natural pharmacy. It's all natural and helps with all sorts of colic symptoms. It definitely makes a big difference in my son. He doesn't cry nearly as much, and gas is easier for him to pass.
— Erin

We thought our daughter was colicky for the first five weeks of life, until we read about how babies get really cranky if they're exhausted. After we started putting her to sleep as soon as she yawned the first time at any time of the day, she cried a lot less and had fewer problems with gas. This has been working really well.
— Anonymous

Our son wanted to be held and bounced! We bought a huge rubber ball — like the physical therapy ones, only much less expensive — that we would bounce on while sitting and holding him. I even figured out how to nurse him on the ball! It was much easier on my back than holding him and bouncing while I stood. I could also lean back into the ball with Jake on my chest and still give him the movement he desired while resting my back completely! I became a balloholic! When I was away from home, bouncing on the edge of the bed made a decent (but not great) substitute for the ball.
— Cathy Benge

My daughter is 7 weeks old and has had colic since week 3. It was a new experience for me, because my first two babies never had it. I've found that a warm bath in the middle of the crying stops her instantly. She will resume after the bath, but it gives me a break.
— Theresa

What seems to help is swaddling. I found it extremely difficult to breastfeed my baby during his colic hours, 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. I made some extra-large swaddling cloths from flannel and swaddled my baby tightly. or us, it helped a lot.
— Anonymous

Two of my three girls were very colicky. I made a simple bag out of felt and filled it with rice. I would heat it in the microwave for about 30 seconds and place it on the baby's tummy or swaddle it in the blanket with her, and she would settle right down. (Be very careful not to let the rice get too hot!)
— Elizabeth

My solution was to really watch what I ate. Once I eliminated high-fiber foods, all spices, and most vegetables (especially green vegetables), you'd be amazed at how much happier my baby became.
— Nancy Woodward

My colicky baby always calms down when I carry her up and down the stairs. Sometimes she even falls asleep. (Of course, this is very tiring for me!)
— Ressa

I've discovered that my colicky little one loves a warm baby bath with the shower massage sprayed all over him. You'd think it would be too powerful, but it's not, and it seems to do the trick. He sleeps for six hours now. Big relief! (Shower sprays differ, so of course you'll want to make sure the setting is gentle enough for your baby.)
— Jessica

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Caffeine And The Nursing Mom

Does the caffeine I eat or drink get into my breast milk? Could it harm my baby?
Caffeine does enter your bloodstream, and some portion of what you eat or drink shows up in your breast milk. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, if you consume more than 300 milligrams of caffeine a day (what you may get from one strongly brewed 8-ounce cup of coffee), it might affect your baby. That's why it's probably best to restrict your intake while breastfeeding.

Although one or two cups of moderately caffeinated coffee, tea, or soda aren't likely to affect either of you, more might make one or both of you irritable, jittery, agitated, and sleepless. If you want to have a cup or two of coffee or tea a day while nursing, keep in mind that the caffeine in your milk will peak about an hour after you ingest it. And make a conscious effort to drink at least eight glasses of water every day as well because caffeine can make you dehydrated, which is not good for your breast milk supply.

If the caffeine seems to bother your baby, you may want to cut it out of your diet until after you've stopped breastfeeding. Your baby's body processes caffeine more slowly than yours does, so it could be a few days before the caffeine is completely out of his system.

How much caffeine is in my favorite foods and beverages?
Caffeine is in all the usual suspects (coffee, tea, and cola) as well as in chocolate, other soft drinks (including some orange sodas and root beers), and "energy" drinks. Believe it or not, there's usually even some caffeine in decaffeinated beverages. It's also in some over-the-counter drugs, including some headache, cold, and allergy remedies. The amount of caffeine in coffee and tea varies widely, depending on whether they're brewed or instant, weak or strong. Check the chart below for caffeine amounts in some common foods and beverages.

Item	Amount	Caffeine
Brewed coffee, drip method	8 ounces	100-300 mg
Brewed coffee, percolated	8 ounces	65-275 mg
Instant coffee	8 ounces	50-190 mg
Espresso	2 ounces	40-70 mg
Cappuccino	2 ounces	40-70 mg
Decaffeinated coffee	8 ounces	1-8 mg
Brewed tea	8 ounces	35-175 mg
Green tea	8 ounces	8-30 mg
Instant tea	8 ounces	40-80 mg
Iced tea	12 ounces	65-75 mg
Coffee ice cream or frozen yogurt	1 cup	8-85 mg
Soft drinks	a 12-ounce can	30-60 mg
Hot cocoa	8 ounces	3-30 mg
Chocolate milk	8 ounces	2-7 mg
Milk chocolate	1 ounce	1-15 mg
Dark or semisweet chocolate	1 ounce	5-35 mg
Baker's chocolate	1 ounce	26 mg
Chocolate syrup	1 ounce	4 mg

source from http://www.babycenter.com

Laundering Your Baby's Clothes

Once a baby arrives, it can seem as if the laundry doubles! Many parents think they need to use baby detergent to clean their baby's clothes. It may be reassuring to know that this isn't necessary for most babies.

If baby detergent isn't getting rid of stains and odors on your baby's clothing as well as you'd like, it may be time to switch to a regular liquid detergent. Unless your baby has allergies, eczema, atopic dermatitis or other conditions causing sensitive skin, washing your little one's clothes with the rest of the family's clothes isn't likely to irritate your baby's skin. Liquid detergents are your best bet because they work for all types of clothes. You may even want to use stain-removing detergents for tough stains.

Before making the switch, though, be sure to test one article of clothing first. If there seems to be some irritation, try using a detergent that doesn't contain colors or fragrances. If you still notice a skin reaction, stick with baby detergent for a little while longer.

Cloth diapers are the only items that need to be separated from your regular laundry because harsh detergents can cause diaper rash. If you use cloth diapers, wash them with mild baby detergent, and avoid antistatic products or fabric softeners, which often have fragrances that can irritate the skin. Also, use hot water and be sure to double rinse each load.

source from http://kidshealth.org

Diapering Your Baby

New parents often say they spend a lot of time feeding and changing their baby. And that's not surprising - babies may use ten diapers a day or more.

Diaper changing may seem complicated at first. But with a little practice, you'll find that keeping your baby high and dry is a piece of cake.

Getting Ready

Before you begin, gather a few supplies:

• a diaper
• fasteners (if you are using cloth diapers)
• a container of warm water and cotton balls (for babies with sensitive skin) or a clean washcloth or diaper wipes
• diaper ointment or petroleum jelly (for preventing and treating rashes)
• a changing pad or cloth diaper for placing under your baby

Make sure your supplies are all within reach. Babies should never be left unattended, even for a second. Even a newborn might surprise you with his ability to roll.

Wiping

Using the wet washcloth, cotton balls, or baby wipes, gently wipe your baby clean from the front to the back (never wipe from back to front, especially on girls, or you could spread the bacteria that can cause urinary tract infections forward from the rectum). You may want to lift the baby's legs by the ankles to get a better reach. Don't forget the creases in the thighs and buttocks.

For boys, it's a good idea to keep a clean diaper over the penis during changings because exposure to air often causes boys to urinate - on you, the walls, or anything else within range.

Once you've finished wiping, pat your baby dry with a clean washcloth and apply diaper ointment.

Disposable Diapers

If you're using disposable diapers:

• Open the diaper and slide it under your baby while gently lifting his or her legs and feet. The back part with the adhesive strips should be about level with your baby's belly button.
• Bring the front part of the diaper up between your baby's legs and onto his or her belly.
• Bring the adhesive strips around and fasten snugly. Be careful not to stick the tape onto your baby's skin.

Here are a few extra tips to keep in mind:

• Garbage should be emptied regularly (about once a day) if you're using disposables. Not only does this prevent a stinky diaper pail but also prevents the growth of bacteria.
• If you find any marks around your baby's legs and waist, the diaper is too tight. Go for a looser fit next time.
• If a rash develops at the diaper openings around your baby's leg and waist, change the brand of diaper you're using. Sometimes babies become sensitive to certain brands of diapers.
• If diapering a boy, place the penis in a downward position before fastening the diaper. This will help prevent leaks from creeping up above the waistline.
• Fold down the waistline of the diaper if your baby's umbilical cord has not fallen off yet to keep that area dry.
• Always wash your hands well after changing your baby's diaper to prevent the spread of germs.

Cloth Diapers

Although most parents choose disposable diapers because of their convenience, some parents opt for cloth diapers, which can be more affordable (if you wash them yourself). Some believe that cloth diapers are more environmentally friendly, but there's some debate over whether this is actually true.

Cloth diapers come in many shapes and sizes. Traditional cloth diapers usually come prefolded or in a square and require pinning. More modern types are fitted or contoured like disposable diapers, and come with Velcro closures or snaps. Other cloth-diapering accessories include absorbent liners (some are flushable), diaper doublers for extra protection at night, and diaper covers to help prevent leaks.

If you're using traditional cloth diapers, there are two ways to fasten them. The first is the triangular fold:

• Fold the square in half to form a triangle. (For newborns or smaller babies, you might need to fold the long side of the triangle down a few inches so it fits your baby better.)
• Place your baby in the diaper by gently lifting the baby's feet and legs and sliding the diaper under. The longest side of the triangle should be behind your baby's back, with the opposite corner pointing down toward his feet.
• Bring the front part of the diaper up between your baby's legs and onto his or her belly.
• Bring one side around so it overlaps the center part.
• Bring the other side around so it overlaps the other two parts. Fasten all three parts together with a safety pin.

The second, the rectangular fold, is similar to the fold of disposable diapers:

• Fold the diaper into a rectangle. Some parents find it helpful to make an extra fold in the diaper so that extra material covers the area the baby will wet the most – in the front for a boy and on the bottom for a girl.
• Position the diaper under your baby, with the long sides facing the same direction as your baby.
• Bring the bottom up onto your baby's belly.
• Bring one side around and fasten with a safety pin, then do the same on the other side.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when using cloth diapers:

• If using diapers that require pinning, use oversize pins with plastic safety heads. To prevent pricking the baby, keep your hand between the pin and his or her skin. If this makes you nervous, use diaper tape that comes in a dispenser.
• Wet diapers can be tossed right into the diaper pail, but soiled diapers should be emptied into the toilet first - especially if your baby is formula-fed or is on solids. Some people rinse the diaper before washing it. You may also choose to spray the diapers with water and baking soda for better odor control.
• If you're washing the diapers yourself, wash them separately from other laundry, using a mild detergent that is hypoallergenic or recommended for infant clothing. Don't use fabric softener or antistatic products, which can cause rashes on babies' sensitive skin. Use hot water and double rinse each wash.
• Always wash your hands well after changing your baby's diaper to prevent the spread of germs.

Preventing Diaper Rash

It's not uncommon for babies to have some diaper rash. But if the rash is persistent and lasts for more than 3 days, or is getting worse, it may be time to call a doctor. To prevent and heal diaper rash, keep in mind a few tips:

• Change diapers frequently, especially after bowel movements.
• Use a diaper ointment to prevent and heal rashes. Look for one with zinc oxide, which acts as a barrier against moisture. A&D ointment is also soothing for minor rashes.
• Let your baby go undiapered for part of the day. Let your baby lay on top of a few diapering cloths. (If you have a boy, place another cloth diaper over his penis when he's on his back so he doesn't spray you.)
• If you use cloth diapers, wash them in dye- and fragrance-free detergents, and avoid drying them with scented drying sheets.

Once you have the basics down, you'll be a diapering pro in no time!

source from http://kidshealth.org