Babies Minor Maladies

Babies can have a ton of little issues, and we worry ourselves silly over them, though most are no real threat to baby’s health. Here are a list of the most common little ailments, how to treat them at home, and when to call the doctor.

 Diaper Rash – Diaper rash is caused by baby’s bottom being constantly exposed to wetness. For most babies, changing their diaper a little more often and applying an over the counter cream are enough to solve the problem. If all your measures don’t work, or if the rash looks different than a typical diaper rash, call the doctor.

 Cradle Cap – Cradle cap is the presence of scales on the baby’s scalp, and usually occurs in very young infants. It is actually a form of dermatitis, and usually is not bothersome to the child. For most babies, a massage using petroleum jelly followed by a shampoo will take care of the problem. Try this at every bath until the problem stops recurring. Cradle cap is worsened by sweating, so keep your baby’s head cool, avoiding the use of hats. If these measures don’t work, your doctor can prescribe an ointment or shampoo. Babies typically outgrow cradle cap within the first six months of life.

 Mystery Fever – Nearly all babies have this at one time or another. A low grade fever, with no other accompanying symptoms. If your baby is under two months of age, you should seek medical attention with any fever. Otherwise, as long as the fever doesn’t go above 102ฐF, you need not treat it unless it is making your baby uncomfortable or unable to sleep. Fever is the body’s way of fighting infection, so don’t rush to treat a fever, if your baby is otherwise healthy. Keep her cool, give her plenty of fluids, watch and wait. Talk to your doctor about his guidelines regarding when to call him concerning a fever. Regardless, any fever which reaches 105ฐ rectally, or a fever accompanied by signs of dehydration (infrequent urination, sunken fontanel, dry lips), or a feverish baby who has a stiff neck, is limp or has purple spots on the skin, should be treated immediately.

These are three of the most common minor baby ailments. Though it’s comforting to know how to treat these at home, never hesitate to call your doctor if you think it’s necessary. A Mother’s intuition is a powerful thing. If you think something’s amiss, it probably is, so check it out, even if it’s only to satisfy your own mind.

Advice On How To Successfully Get Your Children To Bed

Many parents find trying to get their child to bed at night to be one big struggle. The child may play up, whinge and even cry. When in bed, the child may then repeatedly keep getting out of bed and coming downstairs. This article gives advice on how to successfully get your child into bed at night, without all of this fuss.

Some children even though they know that they are tired, do not want to miss out on any of the action or excitement. They want to spend as much time with mom and dad as possible. They can even see the fact that they have to go to bed before their parents as unjust and even cruel. These types of children will want to disrupt and even avoid going to bed at all cost.

I myself have two young children and have been through this experience myself. My daughter especially needs her sleep and can be very moody in the mornings, if she has not had a particular amount of hours of it. As a parent it can become very frustrating as well as upsetting when you see your child crying because they do not want to go to bed. Comments like, please dad just one more program on the television, were far too regular, and at times I felt like backing down.

I have now learnt via reading many books on parenting, how to best deal with this situation. Each child now has a set time when they have to be in bed by. This is a time that they have both agreed to!

They get changed into their pyjamas around half an hour before this time, and then can either spend that period of time playing with their toys or watching the television. If they want to play, we ensure that the games are relaxing ones and not too energetic.

If there is a program that is on later than their agreed bedtimes, I agree to video it for them, this way they know that they are not missing out etc.

I have agreed that I will read them a story at bedtime. This is something they both love and helps them to wind down and relax. They are also given a drink to go to bed with, therefore there is no need for them to keep coming downstairs. This drink is always a juice and should not be fizzy.

I have explained to each child the importance of sleep and that it should be something to enjoy and not to see as some sort of punishment. I have even gone as far as saying that I would love to go to bed at the time that they do, unfortunately their mother does not allow it.

I have tried to make their bedrooms their own little palace. A place that they want to spend time, a place which they find fun, relaxing and comfortable.

My son likes to hear music and therefore we play a tape of his favourite songs in his room. The volume is set quite low and this certainly helps him to get to sleep quite quickly.

These tips have helped to make our childrens bedtimes a pleasant experience, where it once was quite fraught. The children themselves are now into a routine, a routine they are happy with. I hope this advice proves useful to you as well. Good luck.

A Baby Sleep Pillow

A baby sleep pillow can serve as far more than a mere source of comfort for your child. Baby pillows can serve as small treasures: treasures that will last a life time. More than a decorative touch to any child’s nursery, a baby sleep pillow can be stored away and saved as a "momento" that reminds you of your child when they were small.

As your baby grows older and comes to age he (or she) will look with a chuckle at his favourite accessories when the world was his playground.

Baby sleep pillows come in all shapes and sizes. No matter what color your nursery may be, you are more then able to find baby pillows that match the room’s d้cor. Moreover, if you are looking for something extremely personal, you can easily have personalized a baby sleep pillow made for your child’s room. You can custom order baby pillows in pink or blue, in a variety of sizes and you can have your baby’s name embroidered on the service of the pillow. You can be limited to eight letters on your custom ordered baby pillows so if your child’s name is long, you may want to have your baby pillows customized with a nickname. You will find that most customized baby pillows are easily washable and are made of 100% cotton flannel.

If you are concerned about allergies, you can also purchase baby pillows that are made of all natural materials. Such pillows are made from all natural cotton and no bleaching agents are used. Moreover, the fill is made of organic wool and cotton and you can order the pillows online and have them delivered to your home.

If you are overly concerned with what baby pillows might be made of, you may be better off making your own. You can select the fill and fabric yourself and there are patterns available on the Internet for you to follow. In fact, you may find that you enjoy making baby pillows and you can then start a small online business selling them if you so choose.

'No Child Left Behind': What it Means for Parents

The No Child Left Behind Act is a landmark education reform law that is already improving academic performance across the land. One of its chief aims is to close the troubling achievement gap that separates many disadvantaged, disabled and minority students from their peers.

To do this, it measures student performance and focuses extra resources and attention on those most in danger of falling behind. But what about the schools themselves?

Under No Child Left Behind, schools that receive federal funds to help teach and prepare educationally disadvantaged children must make what is called "Adequate Yearly Progress" in reading, language arts and mathematics. These clearly defined benchmark goals, which will be raised over time, have been put in place by each of the 50 states based upon what is appropriate for their local school districts.

If a school does not reach its annual goals, it is given extra assistance and another chance. If it again does not succeed the following year, the school is deemed "in need of improvement." Extra resources are provided to the school, and new options and choices are provided to its students and parents.

As states release their lists of schools that underperformed over the last school year, parents should be alert to their school's status. They may be eligible for free tutoring or after-school classes for their children, or entitled to choose another public school that better meets their needs.

Parents of children in schools deemed "in need of improvement" should contact their local school officials to find out if their children are eligible for these and other services.

If a school continues to underperform for five or more years in a row, school officials must develop and implement a two-year plan to turn around the school. The local school district will ensure that the school receives needed technical assistance as it develops and implements its improvement plan.

Parents who get involved - by enforcing attendance, supervising homework and setting academic goals - are less likely to see their children left behind in school. Ways that parents can help their child's school succeed include:

* Attending parent-teacher meetings to address academic or discipline problems.

* Participating in school board meetings.

* Volunteering to serve during school hours or in extracurricular activities.

* Encouraging other parents to become involved.

* Tapping into community or private-sector resources.

* Learning about No Child Left Behind and how it can benefit their child.

Ditch the Dummy in only 5 Easy Steps

Babies have a natural sucking reflex so pacifiers / dummies are a great source of comfort for them.

Many Health Professionals believe that dummy use should be restricted from around six months of age and that the use of a dummy or pacifier has ended by the age of one, however as children differ age is not set in stone.

Now you will have different reasons as you want your child to ditch their dummy, here are a few important reasons you may not be aware of:

Increased ear infections: There is a proven link between prolonged dummy use and ear infections. Sucking on a dummy increases the chance of an infection back tracking from the mouth into the Eustachian tube (the narrow channels that run between the ears and the throat). Children’s tubes are very small and can easily get blocked.

Link to stomach and other infections: Dummies can harbour many germs therefore they pose a risk to your child suffering from symptoms such as vomiting, fever, diarrhoea and colic..

Dental problems:  Dummies / Pacifiers can lead to teeth growth and development, especially if your child is still using their dummy when they have their adult / permanent / second set of teeth.  Always try to at least use an orthodontic one available from most chemists and baby stores etc.

Speech impediments: You should always remove the dummy from your child’s mouth when they speak and try to get them to speak more rather than keep pointing at various items or objects.

Remember all the times your child whined or cried, and they were given the dummy / pacifier.

They were programmed to learn that when they were upset this was part of the way they were comforted.

Now we are going to kind of "de-programme" them to thinking that they don't need this any longer.

Just think if you have to give something up you love, its not fun is it????

So as a parent you will have to take several steps to achieving this goal for your child.

Ok, lets get rid of that dummy, FOREVER !
Step 1 : Involve your Child

Don't just turn up one day and snatch the dummy / soother / pacifier from their mouth or hand.

The trick is to make your child feel involved every step of the way and to let them feel that it is partly their decision too!

So sit them down, make sure you are at eye level with them, and speak softly, clearly and slowly so they understand.

Simply explain that as they are getting older, now that they are a big boy or girl, etc you know how to speak to your child so use whichever term you feel appropriate and at ease with, that its time they didn't use their dummy pacifier all the time.

Don't say never, they will be told that in later steps.

Now you may be met by screams of "no" "no" "no" or tantrums and tears but don't make an issue of it, this is a good sign that they understood you and know what lies in the future for them and their dummy.

You will re-iterate this point to them at least once every day, no more is needed, too much pressure on your child will not help achieve their dummy free life.

There is no set time scale in your task, patience is a virtue and you will need your patience as anger never gets the right results.

Step 2 : Slowly Wean Your Child off the Dummy

In order for your child to give up their dummy or pacifier, you will have to remove the habit that has formed in their mind.

You have to get your child used to the idea of not having their dummy / pacifier and you have to let your child see that they can cope without the dummy, in fact they will see they can be happy without the dummy at all.

Now you are going to have the patience of a saint, there are testing times ahead but you have to be strong for your child.  As a parent you are responsible for teaching them and guiding them to a happy and healthy life, they are totally dependant on you.

Now its up to you which way you would like to perform this step.

a) You can choose a certain time of the day, say 9am until 10am, when no matter what happens your child wont get their dummy, you don’t tell your child that this is the case, instead if they are upset or crying you are going to use your skills to comfort them in other ways, you know what comforts you child but don’t use the dummy.

b) You could just remove the dummy whenever the child seems uninterested in using it, ie. anytime you see the dummy / pacifier you will take it away, out of sight out of mind they say.  Often when the child sees the dummy they immediately want it, so removing it from their eyesight is n excellent way to take their mind off it.

c) Pretend to your child that the dummy is lost.  Then make a game of finding it, obviously you wont find out, instead you will use this opportunity to distract their attention and focus it on something else.  Find a toy, book,  when you are looking for the dummy.

d) Your own way! Each and every child has different needs and behaviours.  Obviously you know what your child needs, if you think of another way then use that, my steps only worked for my little girl and are just guidelines for you and your child.

Another good tip is never let your child have a favourite dummy now, always change it to a new one, different colour etc, we don’t want them familiar with any dummy.

Step 3 : Alternative methods of comfort

Up until now your child has used their dummy or pacifier for comfort.  So now they need an alternative to comfort.

Obviously we are not going to bribe them or buy them gifts, we are not swapping a dummy or pacifier for something else they will have to give up.   Your child is upset and needs comfort from you.

Imagine how you feel when your upset, maybe frustrated, hurt or angry.

Try to imagine how your child feels.

Communication is an excellent way of finding out why they are upset so you can therefore remedy the situation, so ask them why they are upset, make sure you ask in a soft voice tone and have direct eye contact with them.

Touch them, its very comforting to know someone is there for you when your upset, especially when you’re a child, give them a hug, hold their hand, sit them on your knee etc, show them you care.

Distract them, we all know how to distract our child from their upset frame of mind.  Maybe take them into the bathroom and run the water, children love running water, even let them put their hands or feet in it or read them their favourite story, you know what will distract them.

If all else fails and your child will only respond to the dummy or pacifier, then give them it, we haven’t got to the step where they have dumped that dummy !

Step 4 : Leave the house without a dummy or pacifier

Don’t Panic ! It wont be that bad.  If this fills you with dread don’t let it.  Just take little steps at a time, I don’t mean go out for a whole day without the dummy, start off little but aim big!

A trip to the swing park, feeding the ducks, take them swimming, anything that will amuse your child and show them that they don’t need a dummy to have happy and good times.

Gradually you will increase the time that you are out the house without the dummy, observe your child when you are out, remember the time it took for them to ask for their dummy, or start to need it.  This will help you avoid any screaming matches and those strained looks from other people.

By the way, never mind what other people think, your child is upset and they are your priority, not the disapproving look of some strangers.

Restrict dummy use to key times during the day, such as bedtime or when your child is unwell.

Reward your child with fun activities, or stickers charts, but not sweets or candy!

When you are out make sure you point out any other boys or girls who are not using a dummy, it will make them feel more grown up.

You are aiming to get your child used to large amounts of time without their dummy,

This will help when you both take the final step in ditching the dummy.

Step 5: Ditching the Dummy FOREVER

Ok the time has come, can you say yes to all of the following statements.

You have gradually decreased the amount of time your child uses their dummy, i.e they can go for long periods of time without using it.

Your child is aware that they will be giving up their dummy.

You are confident that you can comfort your child when they are distressed without the use of a dummy

Yes? Great, then you are ready.

One final step, as a grand gesture, you can have a pretend ceremony for your child to get rid of their dummy, the purpose of this is to let your child see that the Dummy is gone, forever and never to return.

My daughter loves Fairies, so the fairies came one night and took her dummy for a little baby fairy.

One person I know tied their child’s dummy to a helium filled balloon and let it float away up in the clouds, gone forever !

Another of my friends gave her child’s dummy to the Bin Man, Trash Man and he threw it in the back of the Trash / Bin Lorry.

It is important that your child knows the dummy is gone, and they see that it is never coming back.

"Clean Your Plate" Is Not Always The Way To Go For Healthy Kids

According to obesity researchers, the United States obesity rate has more than doubled for preschoolers and adolescents-and more than tripled for ages 6 to 11-over the past 30 years. Obese children are at greater risk for health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, and often carry these problems into adulthood.

So, how do parents help children, and the entire family, eat healthier, both at home and away-from-home?

"Talk to your pediatrician, family doctor or registered dietitian to determine the healthiest weight goals for the entire family," said nutrition expert Jenifer Bland-Campbell, "then make a plan to tackle the issue."

She offers these tips to help parents help their families eat more healthfully:

-Eat at least one meal together daily, at regular intervals to discourage snacking.

-Prepare healthy dishes for the whole family, not just special foods for an overweight child.

- Don't use food as a reward, comfort or punishment.

- Watch portions. "Clean your plate" is not always the way to go.

- Eat slowly. It takes almost 20 minutes for the brain to register that the body is full.

- Encourage water or skim or 1% milk instead of high-calorie, sugary drinks.

- Getting kids to eat at least five servings of vegetables and fruits each day will not be easy, but focus on the colors to make it more fun. Visit www.5aday.org for more tips.

- Use low-fat or fat-free dressings, mayonnaise and dairy items at home as if they are the full-fat versions. Kids will take your cues. Ask for the same items on the side when eating away-from-home.

- Take the stairs. When you go shopping, park the car farther away from the store and walk.

-Limit television, video games or computer time.

- Replace mayonnaise and cheese on burgers or sandwiches with catsup, mustard or barbecue sauce.

- Stick with items that are baked, broiled, steamed or poached-not fried.

- Ask for nutritional information when eating out.

- Look beyond the children's menu, often limited to fried, high-calorie, high-fat foods. Split one healthier adult entr้e between two children.

- Ask for a takeout container and put some of the food in before you eat.

- Ask that bread, beverages and tortilla chips be served with the meal, not beforehand.

"Parents can help children reach wellness goals by first making healthy changes at home, then teaching kids what to do away from home," said Bland-Campbell. "Healthy eating does not happen overnight, but children take cues from their parents and will learn behaviors over time."

Bland-Campbell is a registered dietitian with ARAMARK, a company that manages food service programs at businesses, colleges, hospitals, and approximately 4,000 schools across the country.

Baby Care Tips

The mother of a baby is the most busy person on earth, when she is not very gathered about her daily routine vis-เ-vis the baby.

Breast feeding

Everyday she has to bother about  the baby’s feeding, sleeping, clothing, changing and bathing.  It is the best to feed your own milk to the child. Please do not forget to give her the first milk of yours because that would contain colostrums, which is vital for the immune system of the child.   Mother’s milk will always create the body resistance and the child will be a healthy one in future.

When you are breast feeding your child, the food that causes problems in your body may be communicated to the baby as well. Foods that cause gas or cold should be avoided or the baby will have uncomfortable state or congestion.

Bottle feeding

If you are bottle-feeding your baby for some reasons, then make sure that the bottles are well sterilized and clean. Scrub them with washing liquids.  Boil them for 25 minutes to kill unwanted organism that may have developed in it due to the fermenting milk. Steam sterilizer and cold sterilizer methods are also there, about which one has to consult with an expert and should see to it that those are readily available in the market.

Baby sleeping

The materials needed to put the baby to sleep are  a good, firm mattress, sheets and blankets. Keep one feet distance from the nostril range of the baby if you are lying along with your baby on the same bed. There should not be unnecessary clothing or clothes around the baby’s body and bed which may cause temperature rise and heating.  The baby is not going to talk about it, and you should be sensitive enough to remove the body coverings as much as possible.  There should be a mosquito net, or at least a netted covering around the baby to keep away the flies and the mosquitoes.

Clothing

Summer clothes should be light cotton ones. When the baby is taken out, make sure that his head does not get the direct sun.  In winter, there may be sweaters, trousers and other woolens.

Changing

The baby’s diapers should be regularly changed.  The intervals should be fixed according to the baby’s routine of potting and wetting.  Despite the routine, the baby may need changing because of  untimely nature calls at times. It is the baby’s right to feel dry at every moment.  See to it that the bed is not wetted and the smelly clothes and bed sheets are removed.

Bathing

The baby needs a mouth washing with cotton.  A bath tub large enough to hold it and is easy to wash should be made available. The baby should enjoy the water which can be assessed if  leg splashing which is very distinct. The baby should be rubbed with baby oil and baby cream. The nail clippers should be used at bath time.  After bath, the baby should be thoroughly dried and should be applied with a baby powder.

Immunisation

The baby should be immunized against Small Pox & Measles with BCG within 3 months of its age. The first DPT (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Psertussis, Polio, HIB, Meningitis C) is due within the first 2 months followed by the 2nd and the 3rd one at one month intervals. The MMR vaccination  against Measles, Mumps and Rubella should be done within 1 years of age.  The boosters should be taken after the baby is 4 years old.

Training and Education

Though regular training and teaching should not be started before the age of three years, the child’s habits and sense of discipline is cultivated through the discipline the mother maintains. When the mother is calm against odds like the baby fever, or baby dysentery while making sure of the treatments, the child gets the idea to be calm against disastrous times.

The most important babycare tip

The parents should find enough time to spend with the baby.

7 Themes for Baby Shower

It is always an immense joy to have someone added to your family, especially if it is a cute little baby. And how else would you celebrate the joy of having one? Plan the most fun and unique baby shower you’ll ever have. Preparing for a baby shower should be fun and exciting. You can be as creative as you want. Go simple or go real extravagant. As long as you will make your party special and unforgettable, you can go ahead and experiment on the different themes you can have.

You can go traditional or get a little creative and make your baby shower a lot more unique. You can spice up the party with different themes that can either be serious, adorable or humorous.

Below are some popular themes ideas that would definitely be a hit in any baby showers.

Fairytale Themes
There are thousand of fairytale characters that have been a tradition throughout baby shower parties. Cinderella and Snow White are the most common ones for girl. Peter Pan is the most suitable character for boys. This kind of theme can be made interesting with colorful decorations and creates a fantasy- like atmosphere.

Baby bottles theme
You can have a baby bottle as your centerpiece in this particular theme. Use them as cute containers for game prizes. You can make fun of them too by using baby bottles as cups or mugs.

Teddy bear theme
Everyone loves these cuddly teddies. They are perfect for decorations. You don’t have to buy teddy bears though to fill up the room. Old but presentable ones will do. It would be memorable to have the guest of honor’s favorite teddy as a centerpiece.

Diaper theme
Begin with sending cute diaper cut- out invitation. Guests should bring their own diaper gifts with a particular size. This way, you can save on diapers even up to three months!

Nursery rhyme theme
It’s a good idea to make nursery rhymes as theme for your party. You can make use of famous character like Humpty Dumpty, Little Bo Peep, or the famous Mother Goose. Pictures could be nice as decorations but it would really look nice if you have some kind of a replica. You can also add on some of the line to your invitations.

Themes for twins
Remember the famous Noah’s ark story? All animals are paired in two’s when lodging the ark. It’s the perfect theme for expectant mothers of twins. Don’t forget to note in your invitation that you will be having twins, this way; guests will have to bring two gifts of either the same kind or two different ones.

Color themes
The usual color themes for girls are pink and blue for the boys. These are simple themes that can be just as fun as other themes. Decorate your venue with your chosen color theme. In putting up colored ribbons, intertwine them with a white ribbon too. This would give the room an elegant look. If you are unsure whether your baby would be a boy or a girl, settle for neutral colors like green or yellow.

Having a theme in your baby shower can add a little more coordination in the things you need to prepare. A theme would dictate which kind of food you need to prepare, the look of the invitations and how you would decorate your chosen venue. With a theme, you would have to be groping in the dark on how you would create that wonderful baby shower.