For any mother, the toothless baby smiles would mean the world to her. One of the important keys to your child’s happiness is clean and dry diapers. It might sound like a trivial matter but for your baby to have a pleasant day with less irritability, diapers play a major role. This is not only related to your child’s happiness but also very crucial for upkeeping the health of your child along with hygiene factors. Along with food, diapers also form a major component of a baby’s well-being.
By now, you must be aware that your baby requires frequent diaper changes, especially in the early stages. Approximately, 6-10 diapers are required to be changed daily. This will reduce over a period when the child reaches the toddler stage and learns a bit of toilet training. You can avoid any discomfort your baby might have to undergo by frequently checking the diapers. It is important to check the diapers after you feed your little one.
Do you know that if you don’t change the diapers when required, your baby has the risk of developing diaper rash, infections, and other health issues? Let us look at some important aspects of diapers and their importance in baby health and happiness.
Though there are many brands available in the market, check out the ones that have greater absorption capacity and which are cottony soft on your baby’s skin.
Browse through the brands that will give great comfort and proven history of fewer rashes. You must be wondering how you would know which brand is good for your baby? For this query, you can always check with your doctor and some friendly advice from other mothers in your peer group could be helpful.
Going by this approach, you can avoid the woes of using a not-so-friendly diaper product. Look for diapers that the baby is comfortable wearing as well as equally less-cumbersome for you to pull down the same without causing much irritation to the baby.
You must be aware of diapers that can be worn like underwear with a band. Purchasing such diapers could help serve the purpose of a hassle-free experience for your child and you.
Here are some points to remember for your baby’s diaper change routine:
Always keep some warm water, cotton, and baby wipes handy before you start changing the diapers.
Have some recommended lotions or creams that could prevent a rash on the baby’s skin.
Always use separate wipes for different parts of the urinary area to avoid any spread of infections.
Remember to wipe from the front to the back and ensure to clean the entire area gently.
After wiping, don’t forget to pat dry your baby.
Hope that the details related to the diaper change routine and its importance have been useful to you. For more information on diapers and everything connected, talk to our experts.
It is often a difficult choice for mothers to make whether to care for the sick baby at home or to seek medical help. When is the right time for a parent to make this important call? Sometimes, what seems like a minor ailment can turn into a major health complication, when left untreated without any proper medical attention. You need not fret for every little thing. Nevertheless, whenever you are in doubt, do not hesitate to take medical guidance as the right professional help can safeguard your precious little one from serious illnesses and severe infections.
In this feature, let us understand the various aspects of seeking medical attention at the right time when your baby falls sick.
High temperature: One of the most important red flags of 0 warning would be fever with a temperature higher than 102 F. It is always better not to delay, especially when you observe that the temperature doesn’t drop even after a day.
Diarrhoea and vomiting: Look out for severe loose motions and vomiting, sometimes with the presence of blood. Irrespective of using quick home remedies, this condition requires immediate medical attention.
Breathing issues: If you observe rapid and heavy breathing in your baby, this could often be connected with lungs and chest congestion. Please do not take this easily as the regular flow of oxygen is very important for your baby’s well-being.
Urinary issues: If your baby has difficulty urinating or passing stool, this could be because of a urinary infection. This can be quite uncomfortable and painful for the baby causing much agony to the parents as well. Timely medical intervention can help resolve the problem.
Vaccinations: As discussed in our earlier article on the importance of immunization, please follow the vaccination schedule for various diseases such as flu, hepatitis, polio, etc. This will help you prevent a whole lot of diseases and improve your baby’s immunity to counter any infections in the future.
Eye problems: If you observe discharge in your baby’s eyes which could be caused due to irritants such as baby products or some allergic substances, then please consult the doctor immediately. Some of the signs to catch are swelling of the eyelids, watery eyes, etc. In such cases, please don’t be tempted to line your kid’s eyes with kohl or kajal. Keep them natural as such beauty enhancers can irritate your baby’s eyes.
Other health-related issues: In cases of persistent sore throat, severe headache, or pain in the stomach area which are commonly occurring symptoms along with fever, please seek medical advice.
Dullness and inactivity: If you observe that your child is not at his/her playful self and exhibits dull and inactive behaviour persistently, then please speak to your doctor. Though the child might not experience overwhelming health issues, sometimes this can be linked to his/her overall well-being and any medical conditions in disguise.
We understand that caring for a sick baby can take an emotional toll on the parent. However, with the right kind of medical attention, you can help your baby regain health and happiness. Please understand that these symptoms or signs may not appear very scary but a little delay on your side can cause a major impact. Our message would be: Don’t worry too much but at the same time, don’t take your baby’s health lightly.
Does your baby have acne? Does it sound strange? Yes, some babies do have acne. Generally, children in their teens develop acne due to hormonal changes. However, in the case of infants, the hormones of the mothers present in the bloodstream of the babies cause acne. In addition to acne that occurs in some babies, insect bites are also a common issue seen in these little fairies. As mothers, it is natural for you to feel concerned about baby acne and insect bites. The good news is that these are minor issues and can be easily addressed with little care and attention.
Baby acne is small, reddish-looking pimples that usually occur in the facial area such as the forehead, chin, cheeks, and eyelids. It usually occurs in a quarter percentage of babies when they are 2-3 weeks old. In some cases, acne can be seen in the neck, back, and chest areas as well. Considering babies have delicate and sensitive skin, it is easier for them to develop acne especially with their under-developed pores attracting dirt and dust in the surroundings. Therefore, it is important to maintain regular cleanliness and hygiene in the baby’s circle of activities.
Here are some tips to take care of when your baby has acne:
For some people, squeezing acne is a natural tendency. However, do remember it is your baby’s skin. Please be patient and deal with baby acne carefully otherwise there are chances of leaving unwanted marks.
When the acne is a little dry, don’t be tempted to scrub them. Instead, always use lukewarm water to cleanse the area gently twice or thrice in a day. Always pat the area dry with a soft towel or baby wipes.
Do not use any chemical-based products or more specifically any adult-use products on your baby’s skin. In case the acne increases and doesn’t naturally subside, it is always better to consult your doctor to treat this skin condition.
Now that we have learned a bit about baby acne, let us also understand another commonly occurring issue in babies ?? insect bites. It is common for babies to have mosquito bites and red ant bites. Though not all insect bites cause many medical issues and are often treatable with lotions and ointments, they can cause a certain level of discomfort to your child. Let us understand how to prevent these irritants and keep the baby’s smiles intact.
Most insect bites are dependent on the weather as certain seasons in a year are breeding grounds for insects. Therefore, it is important for you to keep your indoors safe with nets and baby-friendly repellents.
You can choose to close certain windows and doors to prevent the entry of these insects. However, ensure to keep the baby’s room ventilated with a fresh breeze and adequate light.
While you take your baby on a stroll to the nearby park, please protect your little one with the right clothing and any other steps recommended by your doctor.
Whenever your baby is affected by an insect bite, do remember to remove the stinging tweezers from the skin and clean the affected area with baby soap/wash and water. You can also use cooling natural products such as aloe vera gel or an ice pack to soothe the baby.
We hope that this feature on baby acne and insect bites proved to be informative and useful. For more tips and understanding on these topics, talk to our experts.
Paediatric Endocrinology involves diagnosis, prevention and treatment of children and adolescent populations with endocrinological conditions. The science of Paediatric Endocrinology specializes in the prognosis and treatment of the disorders of the endocrine glands. Dr Venkatachalapathy, a notable paediatric surgeon, explains paediatric endocrinology and its conditions.
The disorders of the endocrine system may include:
Disruptions in physical growth and variations involving lack of physical and sexual development in childhood
What are the objectives of a paediatric endocrinologist?
The objectives of a paediatric endocrinologist include:
understanding the anatomy and functionality of the endocrine system
Identifying the endocrinological diseases linked to the environment
Discovering the chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system
What are the common endocrinological issues in kids?
Endocrine cancers
Hypospadias and Cryptorchidism
Precocious puberty
Diabetes
Obesity
Thyroid disorders
Why do kids suffer from endocrinological disorders?
A few challenges with the endocrine system may create disruptions. Any hormone in excess may complicate paediatric health. Similarly, lack of secretion of a hormone or its scarcity may be harmful to the body. One of the examples may be taller kids owing to the excess of the growth hormone. The lack of growth hormone may disrupt the natural height of kids.
What are the main constituents of the human endocrine system?
The glands that constitute the human endocrine system are:
Reproductive glands
Adrenals
Pineal body
Parathyroids
Thyroid
Hypothalamus
Pituitary
Despite being a part of the digestive system, the pancreas is also a part of the endocrine system. The pancreas secretes and produces digestive enzymes. Endocrine glands are those that generate hormones. Pancreas, liver, thymus, lungs, heart, brain and skin, placenta and kidneys are also the organs that release hormones.
Endocrinological disorders and kids:
Hyperthyroidism:
Hyperthyroidism involves excessively high levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. There are various symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
What are the symptoms of hyperthyroidism?
A. Weight loss
B. Protrusive eyes
C. Swollen neck with an enlarged thyroid gland (goitre)
D. Excessive perspiration
E. Increase in the heart rate
F. Blood pressure or hypertension
G. Tremors
H. Nervousness
Hypothyroidism:
Hypothyroidism involves abnormally low levels of thyroid hormones in the blood. The deficiency of thyroid hormone may slow the body processes. There are various symptoms of hypothyroidism.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism may include:
A. slow heart rate
B. Dry skin
C. Fatigue
D. Delay in the puberty
E. Slow growth
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is one of the autoimmune conditions children may suffer. It involves an autoimmune response from the immune system, which ends up blocking thyroid production.
Endemic Cretinism:
Endemic cretinism involves the onset of hypothyroidism during conception. The cause of endemic cretinism is dietary iodine deficiency hindering the normal thyroid hormones. There are various symptoms of endemic cretinism.
The symptoms of endemic cretinism may include:
A. Spastic Dysplasia
B. Problems with Gross Motor Skills and Fine Motor Skills. These problems stem from damage to both pyramidal and extrapyramidal systems.
Diabetes:
Diabetes is a severe condition involving abnormal elevation of blood glucose. Inadequate insulin production is the primary cause of diabetes. It may lead to serious health concerns, including premature death.
It is already affecting over 220 million people worldwide. Low-income countries and middle-income countries are in the clutches of this illness, with over 80% of deaths linked to these countries.
What are the types of diabetes?
Type-1 diabetes
Type-2 diabetes
Type-1 diabetes was previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (DDM) or juvenile-onset diabetes. Type 1 diabetes stems from an autoimmune process destroying the pancreatic islets. The condition mainly affects kids and youngsters. The main risk factors for diabetes mellitus type 1 may be hereditary, autoimmune or environmental. There are various symptoms of type-1 diabetes.
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus type-1 include:
A. Excessive thirst
B. Abnormal hunger
C. Weight loss
D. Excessive urination
Are there any risk factors linked to type-1 diabetes?
There are various chemicals or drugs which may trigger diabetes.
They may include:
A. Alloxan
B. Streptozotocin
C. Pentamidine
D. Rodenticides
These are the risk factors that may trigger an autoimmune response. The response may end up destroying the pancreatic islets.
Type 2 Diabetes:
Type 2 diabetes is often called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or adult-onset diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes affects over 90% of diabetics worldwide. The risk factors for type 2 diabetes are obesity and deskbound lifestyle or inactive lifestyle.
The symptoms of diabetes mellitus type 2 are similar to that of type 1 diabetes. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes remain latent for years to decades. Therefore, the diagnosis may occur later in life. Most patients report that they discovered their diabetes after the complications arose. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is leading to obesity in children worldwide.
Are there any risk factors for diabetes mellitus type 2?
Old age
Family history
History of gestational diabetes
Impairment in the glucose metabolism
Deskbound or sedentary lifestyle
Obesity or being overweight
Hypospadias:
Hypospadias is one of the common birth defects. Hypospadias may affect 1 in 250 newborns. The number has recently doubled. The cause of Hypospadias remains unknown. Some studies correlate it with maternal exposure to endocrine disruptors.
Are there any risk factors for Hypospadias and Cryptorchidism?
Preterm birth may lead to Cryptorchidism. Small gestational age and paternal smoking may lead to hypospadias. Paternal pesticide exposure may be one of the risk factors for Cryptorchidism.
Are there any ways to cope with these problems?
Positive changes in the environment and maintaining an ideal weight are two essential parts of a healthy lifestyle. Youngsters should develop healthy food habits. Parents should encourage their children to eat more organic foods. Children may prefer regular exercise and reduce sedentary lifestyle. Curbing the global problem of obesity requires us to opt for a multidisciplinary approach.
Dr Venkatachalapathy, an expert paediatric surgeon in Hebbal, affirms that it’s necessary to abide by the doctor’s guidance. A paediatric surgery may help diagnose, treat, and manage the surgical needs of kids. Finding a good paediatric surgeon in Bangalore is subject to a general knowledge of endocrinology.
Most of you would agree that apart from sleeping and feeding, crying is the most common behaviour seen in newborn babies. No matter what part of the day or night, mothers have the in-built alarm that rings, when the child cries. When the infant reaches the stage of 6-8 weeks, crying is at its summit. Do not worry, as this phase is temporary and this too shall pass! Most important is understanding the messages your child conveys through his/her crying. Have you been having a difficult time understanding the meaning behind your little one’s crying?
Do you know that infants cry for approximately three hours a day? Have you observed that most of this crying and sulking happens during late afternoons and sometimes evenings as well? However, this doesn’t apply to all babies alike, as there could be exceptions. Some babies are unusually calm and it is always good to seek medical help in these cases too.
Babies communicate through their crying and when you respond on time consistently, they feel reassured and safe. This sense of safety helps in promoting the overall development of the child. Some babies cry incessantly and with no apparent reason which can be described as colic. We have in detail explained about colic in another feature of the ??Happy Kids series. Please feel free to reach out to us if you want to have an e-copy of the same.
Babies cry primarily for reasons such as, when they feel hungry, irritated, lonely, etc. It is good when you feed your baby on time and when you feed your baby immediately after he/she cries, the baby will also feel a sense of reassurance and safety. In some cases, the crying decreases as the needs are taken care of. Here are some quick tips and precautions:
Sometimes the baby might need a nappy change or just a cuddle or a gentle hug. Holding the baby will help to comfort the baby soon.
You can also try singing a soft tune to your baby.
Gently rhythmically pat your baby and this works like magic for most babies.
A little bit of movement can help divert the attention of your baby when he/she starts crying. Take your baby for a little walk and see the change.
On this note, please don??t carry your baby to noisy public places such as cinema theatres, auditoriums, etc. The huge sounds can cause distress for your baby and also hurt their gentle ears.
While it is important to calm your baby down and comfort with cuddles and cooing, it is equally crucial for you to take care of your well-being. The constant crying and sometimes your inability to soothe your baby into calmness might be a stressful experience for you. In case you are unable to take the strain, please talk to your spouse and family members and seek help in taking care of the child. In case you want to speak to someone for professional advice, do consult your doctor if needed.
The key is to quickly respond to the baby’s cries and you will see a difference for yourself. Babies need attention and every parent/caretaker is required to give that care always. For more information on baby crying and related topics, talk to our experts.
In the past few months, the word immunity has become a commonplace term in our daily life, especially in the current COVID19 scenario. Immunity has achieved enormous importance and everyone is constantly striving to enhance it through various means. As a parent, you would be naturally concerned about your child’s immunity. To make your little one immune to most diseases and infections, understand the importance of immunization.
Vaccines produce immunity through the manufacturing of antibodies in the body that works like the protective agents countering any attack of infectious diseases and other conditions. By following the schedule of timely vaccination, your child can be protected from a lot of diseases such as polio, whooping cough, tetanus, hepatitis, etc.
In our country, we have various government-run health awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of immunization and some vaccines are available for free at designated centres on scheduled dates. However, every parent needs to be aware and follow the vaccination schedule that starts from the time of birth until the child becomes a teenager.
Today, let’s explore the reasons to immunize your child and gain an understanding of the vaccination schedule you need not miss.
Not only vaccination helps in countering any future dangerous diseases but also helps in controlling the spread among children. This gains significance as children as toddlers have more exposure to the external environment such as schools, play areas, creches, nurseries, etc. Despite the current COVID situation, children are less exposed; it is still recommended to keep a tab of the immunization schedule. Isn’t it better to be safe than sorry? On another note, we hope things get back to normal and our children have a better and safe world to explore and enjoy!
Do you understand that by following a proper vaccination schedule, you can avoid severe health complications, serious illnesses, and hospitalization of your child?
Despite the world not being safe enough to travel right now, wouldn’t you want your child to travel freely without any potential health threats? Are you aware that measles can be contracted during travel? Therefore, it is essential to take the vaccine shots as per the schedule.
Considering our social commitment, it is important to keep our communities free from disease. You can do a small but significant part by taking your child to the doctor for the vaccination procedure. Let us commit to keep our community and country free from the impending dangers of diseases by doing our bit.
Now, let us look at the vaccination schedule to be followed for your child during the early stages:
At birth, you need to vaccinate your child against polio and Hepatitis (B) and also have Bacillus Calmette??Gu??rin (BCG) administered.
When your baby reaches 6 weeks, ensure to have DTP 1, IPV1, Hepatitis B (B2), HIB1, Rotavirus 1, and PCV1 vaccines administered.
At 10 weeks, remember to have your baby vaccinated against HIB2, IPV 2, Hepatitis B (HB 3), Rotavirus 2, and PCV 2.
At 14 weeks, your baby needs to get vaccinated against HIB 3, IPV3, Hepatitis B (HB*4), Rotavirus 3, and PCV 3.
From 6 months until your child enters and completes the teen years, there is a detailed vaccination schedule.
For more information on the importance of vaccination and the various boosters to improve, talk to our experts.
Motherhood: All love begins and ends there. Trust that you cherish every moment with your little bundle of joy. Every mother goes through a phase of self-doubt and wants to offer the best care possible. One of the primary aspects of caregiving is breastfeeding.
Despite the divided opinion, do you know that breast milk is undeniably the perfect nourishment that you can give to your child? The medical community globally recommends breastfeeding for the first six months that can be continued with a healthy diet of vegetables, fruits, food grains, etc.
It is a personal decision. However, we would like to help you with information related to the benefits of breastfeeding. Ultimately, it is your choice!
Some quick facts on breast milk:
1. Do you know that breast milk-fed babies have a faster recovery rate from sickness or infections when compared to formula-fed babies?
2. Are you aware that breastfeeding reduces the crying spells in young ones and also helps them through the vaccination phase?
3. Do you know that breastfeeding helps in comforting and soothing the baby when in pain or discomfort?
4. Are you aware that a new-born baby would require 8-12 feeding sessions in a day?
5. Do you know that colostrum, the yellowish, thick milk produced in the first few days is very beneficial for your baby It is potent with antibodies.
6. Are you aware the breast milk is easily digestible for your baby?
With the perfect combination of vitamins, protein, and fat, breast milk is essential for your baby’s good health and growth.
Here are some benefits:
You will be glad to know that breastfeeding can prevent diseases such as allergies, respiratory tract infections, diabetes, etc. It’s in your hands to minimize the risks.
For better immunity and a higher IQ, breastfeeding is an easy solution. This will help your baby will grow into a healthy and smart child.
Due to the beneficial gut bacteria consumed through breastfeeding, your child can maintain a healthy weight and have a reduced risk of childhood obesity.
In addition to the innumerable benefits ensured to your child, breastfeeding will help you in these ways:
Do you wish to drop off the extra pounds gained during pregnancy? Breastfeeding will help you get back to your pre pregnancy weight by burning of fat and calories.
Minimize the risks of breast and ovarian cancer in the future. By caring for your child, you are also caring for yourself.
Research says that mothers who breastfeed their babies are at a lower risk of depression. Breastfeeding helps in your mental and emotional well-being.
Being diagnosed with infertility itself may distress you. You should give yourself at least 3-6 months and start preparing your body for IVF. You may have lesser time than 3-6 months. It’s best to start preparing yourself physically and emotionally for an experience lasting for months.
In a nutshell, breastfeeding is extremely beneficial to your baby and you. It is a healthy, effortless, and cost-effective way of child care. It is a precious and most personal gift that you can give to your child. A joyful and hassle-free motherhood experience is on your way. Have you made the choice yet? For more information on the countless advantages of breastfeeding, talk to our experts.
Every mother loves to see the smiles of her child but not the painful crying. It would be quite stressful for mothers, especially new mothers to see her baby crying. Every parent would have been through such a situation. Are you concerned with your little one’s crying? One of the causes is colic and every parent needs to understand more about this condition.
Colic is prolonged and intense crying or irritability in a healthy infant. Do you know that about 1 in 5 babies have colic? This kind of episode can start from three weeks of age and gradually subside when the baby is 3-4 months. How can you detect that your baby is suffering from colic? Check out for signs when your baby cries uninterruptedly even after a cuddling session with the mother.
Some important aspects of colic that you need to know are:
Painful crying with screeching, screaming quality
Crying without a definite reason even after a feed and diaper change
Continued irritability even after the crying episode has ended
Discolouration of the face and stiffened legs & arms
Crying episodes happen around the same time every day
Interrupted and erratic sleep schedules
Food allergies, issues in the digestive system, etc. are some of the possible causes. Though it does not cause severe medical issues to the child, it is a stressful time for the parents. Don’t fret about this situation as this is a regular aspect of the baby’s early growth phase and won’t last forever. To help alleviate pain, you can try some of these easy home interventions:
Lay your baby on his/her tummy, or give a nice, gentle rub on the tummy
Wrap around a soft blanket around your baby and hold him/her close to you
Lay your baby on your lap and give a gentle massage on the back
To calm your baby down, a pacifier is a good go-to solution
Give a nice, warm bath to your baby
While you are taking care of your baby with colic, ensure to take care of yourself. Plan out the colic care schedule with your spouse so that you can have a few hours to unwind and vice versa. While music can soothe your child while having a colic spell, it can work wonders on you and help you overcome anxiety. Wear your headphones and listen to some pleasant music while you are tending your baby. Sometimes, a little sharing can be helpful. Speak to a friend or a counsellor if you need a listening ear. This can help you beat the blues.
We hope that you understand colic in a better manner. Though it might not be a major matter of concern; it is always good to know about colic and if there’s anything more than the usual, medical help is always available. Understand the symptoms of colic in terms of the frequency of episodes, patterns, etc.
In case your baby experiences more discomfort and cries intensely more than the regular norm, talk to our experts.
Motherhood is a continuous learning experience. Are you ready to journey through some essentials to learn more about your little one? Here are 10 things to know about your new-born baby:
1. Baby feed: Your baby may often feel hungry. Make sure to feed your baby every 2-3 hours. Please don’t be tempted to feed your baby with solids to keep the stomach full. Strictly, no solids, please.
2. Holding with care: Holding a newborn baby can be a frightful experience. However, holding your baby for 2 hours in a day can be soothing. Holding your baby can promote breastfeeding, improves confidence in the baby, and also strengthens the bond between the baby and the parent. Hold your bundle of happiness close to your heart. You will see the difference!
3. Baby products: Use products free from fragrances and chemicals. As your baby might be sensitive or allergic to certain fragrances or chemicals, it is always the best way forward to use gentle and safe products, namely soaps, powders, lotions, etc.
4. Massages: Give gentle massages as it will help your baby relax. Massages help to promote development in muscles and keep tummy problems at bay. Massaging will also help your confusion as you would not know the real cause of your baby’s crying ?? whether it is hunger, pain, discomfort, etc. Gradually, you will become better at this. Understand and respond!
8. Diaper changes: Do you know that your baby might require frequent diaper changes? Prepare mentally for this routine. On average, you might require to change the diaper approximately 6-10 times a day. This will help to avoid any discomfort your baby might undergo due to frequent discharge of urine or stool. Check your baby’s diapers after every feeding session.
9. Tummy time: Ensure that your baby spends more time on his/her tummy during his/her waking time as this will promote strength in the back muscles. However, please take care that your baby doesn’t sleep on the tummy.
10. Umbilical cord: Don’t be in a hurry to clip off the remnant of the umbilical cord. If you apply even little force or do anything to remove the umbilical cord unnaturally, this can lead to infections. Just keep it dry. It will fall off on its own.
For more information on new-born care essentials, talk to our experts.
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