What to feed your baby

Most babies are inadequately fed during the second half of the first year due to our ignorance of nutritional requirements. All of us have certain beliefs regarding food for children. Often, many mothers feel that bananas cause phlegm, that cereals are bad for the liver, that orange juice makes the child prone to coughs and colds, etc.

All these beliefs are baseless and wrong. No item of food is bad for the child unless he is sick or has an allergy to a particular type of food. There are a variety of foods to choose from and an appetizing meal can be made by the blending different kinds of food to suit your baby’s palate.

New born baby – vomiting or spitting-up problem

Babies often spit up a small amount of food after a feed. This is quite normal. Babies may even vomit during or after a feeding, then they become less full and want more nourishment. If a baby throws up all or most of a feed occasionally, it is possible that the mother’s breast milk supply may have been especially generous. Or that the bottle’s nipple holes were too large. In this situation, the breast-feeding mother should express some milk at the beginning of each feed and not begin to nurse until the flow has lessened. For bottle fed babies, nipples with smaller holes should be used.

New born baby - vomiting problem

Hi- Occasional spitting up or vomiting is usual not a cause for concern. Repeated vomiting on the other hand should cause concern. Call the doctor if your baby vomits large amounts consistently or if there is blood in any of the vomit.

Baby care tips

Baby Breast Feeding

Today, the pendulum is swinging back in favor of breast feeding. More and more doctors recommend nursing for its ease, its nutrition and its special joy. Before you nurse, you must understand the nursing isn’t a test of your maternal ability, but the completion of a natural cycle. It is also very convenient. However, nursing is an individual decision. Your decision to breast feed is one with which you should feel comfortable. On the other hand, if your feelings are not as enthusiastic as the Earth Mother type, you may still want to give it a try. Some women who have started hesitantly have become strong advocates of breast feeding.

Common problems in Infancy

With parenthood comes new responsibilities, new worries. Many doubts and questions arise, and you will face many, many anxious moments. All of this begins when your baby is an infant and unfortunately, never quite ends.

Parents need to be sure that their baby is growing normally. This can be confirmed by regular physical examinations. Nevertheless, there are worries from time to time. Sometimes your baby’s nose will run, sometimes his stomach will ache. He will be a perfect little angel during the day, but a howling banshee every evening. What are you supposed to do if he get up with sticky eyes and can’t open his eyelids? And what if he is straining to pass a bowel movement?

A number of these conditions may worry new parents. But all of them are quiet normal. If you know what to expect, you should be able to take them in your stride and handle more wisely every condition as it comes up.

Tips to New mothers - Burping baby

Even breast-fed babies will sometimes swallow a little air. Be sure to burp him at least once during the feeding as well as afterwards. No two babies burp alike. But until you know your baby’s style, bring up the bubbles by rubbing gently up and down along his spine, especially between the shoulder blades, while he falls over your hand or your shoulder. This pressure forces more gas from the area, stomach afterwards, the last bubbles usually come up in about fifteen minutes. Some babies bring up a bit of milk now and then. This is harmless. If no burp is forthcoming, don’t try to force one; perhaps your baby hasn’t swallowed any air and doesn’t need to burp.

Babies Bottle feeding problems

Sometimes the baby refuses to drink his milk though he is hungry. This is commonly happens if the teat is blocked with milk particles and the milk does not flow in spite of Baby’s suckling. Babies also refuse milk if it is too hot or too cold, or if the milk is not to their taste (he knows his sugar and his brand). There are also times when a vacuum is created in the bottle and he is not able to suck – this is especially so if the teat is soft. The teat must be change at least once in a month.

Before feeding, check the temperature of the milk by putting a drop of milk on the back of your hand. The temperature should be just hot enough. Hold the bottle obliquely so that the teat is full of milk while feeding. If there is a vacuum, release it by lifting the edge of the teat and allowing some air to enter the bottle.

Thumb sucking and pacifiers

During a baby's first year of life, he will put anything he can lay his hands on into his mouth. This is because he feels things, at this stage, primarily with his mouth and tongue. Later, infants develop thumb sucking or similar habits. These habits develop when they are tired, hungry, bored or frustrated. To solve the problem, feed the child if he is hungry. To relieve boredom and frustration, create a new suitable activity for the child. Talk to the child and play simple games that actively involve him.

If thumb sucking is only at bedtime, do nothing. Do not use thumb guards or apply pungent food or tie a cloth around the thumb. It may result in the baby's acquiring other, perhaps less desirable, habits such as head banging, tongue sucking, removing hair from his own head etc.

Baby’s solid foods

Once your baby has settled into a good breast-feeding, or bottle feeding, routine, thee is no need to introduce him to any solid food till he is four months old. By then, his nutritional needs would have grown and you will find it difficult to sustain him on milk alone. At this stage start him off gradually on solid foods. Being fed solid food is a whole new kind of experience for a baby. It is also a major step towards eventual independence. And you will be filled with a new joy when baby takes his first tiny teaspoonful of kheer or Khichadi.

Try to introduce various tastes to baby because his taste buds are pure (i.e.) unsullied. To the baby salt is saltier and sugar is sweeter. So keep them away, for the eating habits, you are preparing in the early part of baby’s life will stay with him forever.

Young mother and a new born baby

At birth, the baby often has a full head of hair. This will, in most cases be shed in the first ten months. Some babies grow a full head of hair quite quickly. Others do not have lots of hair for moths. Rest assured that such growth does not mean the baby is going to end up being bald for life. The shape of the ears differs from child to child due to familial variations. Some times a skin tag may be seen on the ear. These tags should be shown to the doctor before they are tied.

The shape of a baby’s head varies a great deal. This due to the baby forcing its way out of your body. There is sometimes a uniform swelling but this usually disappears in two or three days. However, if the swelling is localized on one side of the head and is confined to the limits of the bone, it is due to the blood collection on the outer surface of the skull bone. This is called Cephal Haematoma and usually disappears in about 4-6 weeks. For all your doubts you can consult your doctor.

Baby’s Birthday celebration

Every year, you can celebrate your baby’s birthday. But the first birthday is very special and memorable. So plan in advance and make all arrangements for your baby’s birthday party. Invite your guests in advance over phone or by sending email or cards. The party time lasts for one hour to one and half hours. You can plan it in the evening and it is very nice for all.

Arrange the area with balloons. Babies love balloons. Give small gifts like toys, balloons to the babies who attend the party. Many babies like to play during the party. So arrange the function in a baby proof play zone and make arrangements to fill the area with toys that suits your little guest. Arrange the chairs around the zone, so parents can relax and watch their children playing.

Tips to new parents- 1

Many people think one of the first things a mother asks is whether the baby is a boy or girl. In fact, her first questions are generally whether or not the baby is normal and how much he weighs. Even after you have been reassured that Baby is fine and you have held him and counted all his ten fingers and ten toes, there may be times when you feel anxious. Is his head the right size ? Does he seem cross eyed ? Such concern is natural. But if you know what to expect, you adjustment to motherhood will be quicker and you will be spared many an anxious moment.

A good rule to remember is that babies are individuals, each different from the other, both physically and temperamentally. When a proud friend tells you her baby weighted almost four kilos at birth and yours was only thee do not go into tizzy. Your baby is as normal as can be.

Baby rashes problem

If you find some red spots or pink pimples on a baby’s cheeks, don’t worry, it may be a child’s first rash. Most of parents become panic on seeing these rashes. But these rashes are simply our skin’s way of reacting to certain irritants, infections or hormonal changes, and generally are not a cause for alarm. “Because their immune systems are still developing, young children are more sensitive to chemicals, viruses and bugs than we are,” says the Chief Doctor of pediatric dermatology at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. “As a result, there are hundreds of different rashes they can get.”

Usually most rashes are harmless and they will fade gradually in a day or two. There are some rashes, like eczema, that can be treated with medication. Some type of rashes on the skin is contagious. It is difficult to distinguish one type from another; so better to consult a pediatrician or your family doctor when you see rashes on your child’s skin. If a rash is accompanied by high fever immediately consult the Doctor.

Tips to handle Small babies during temperature

Small babies need to be relaxed at all times; the body temperature should neither be too cold nor too hot. Fever among babies is a normal happening and though this is no cause to apprehension regarding your baby’s safety. You should take certain safety measures and it will certainly help. If the body temperature of your baby constantly keeps high, you should immediately consult the doctor. Before going to doctor keep small piece of cloth soaked in ice water and put it in your baby’s forehead. This will reduce the temperature.

Then go to the Doctor and he will give medicines. Follow the instructions correctly. Give him easy digestible foods. Don’t use the prescription for the next time. If you find the same problem with your baby again consult the Doctor. This is most important. During Summer, like adults babies need less clothing and during winter they need well protection you should wrap him with a blanket.

Loving Parent

Most of us, when family life is running with fair smoothness, get cross or angry only during occasional crises, though as we all know, there are more of these on some days than others. A loving parent who feels angry most of the time is suffering from real emotional strain and deserves help from a psychiatrist or a social worker.

The way we avoid irritation the rest of the time, whether we realize it or not, is by keeping our children under responsible control and by being extra firm or sufficiently disapproving when things first threaten to go wrong. Such firmness is one aspect of parental love. Firmness by keeping children on the right track, keeps them lovable. And they love us for keeping them out of troubles.

Children behavior and parents role

I think that idealistic young persons approaching parenthood assume that if they are the right sort they will have unlimited love, tolerance and patience for their innocent baby. But this is not humanly possible. When your baby has been crying angrily for hours, despite all your patient efforts to comfort him, you cannot go on feeling sympathetic. He seems like a obstinate, disagreeable, unappreciative person, and you cannot help feeling angry really angry. Or your older child has done something that he knows very well he should not have done. May be he was so fascinated with a breakable object of yours or so eager to join some children on the other side of the street that he count not resist the temptation.

All good parents feel strongly about what they are doing whether it is right or wrong. You child misbehaved or when a child disobeys a well understood and reasonable rule, you cannot simply be a cool statue of justice. In other words, parents cannot feel right toward their children in the long run unless they can make them behave reasonably. Generally you were taught to feel that way back in your own childhood. It is your rule that has been broken in your childhood. It is probably your possession that has been damaged,. It’s your child, about whose character you care a great deal, who has done wrong. It’s inevitable that you feel indignant. The child naturally expects this and is not hurt by it if your reaction is fair.

Babies sleeping pattern

You know new born babies sleep almost 20 hours. But it differs from baby to bay. The new mothers always have the doubt that their babies sleep is enough for their health. Babies need much sleep in their beginning stage to develop properly. Babies sleeping hours differ according to their age.

In the first week, babies sleep almost 20 hours and it reduce gradually. In the first month, it takes 18 hours and if they are 3 months old it takes 17 hours and 6 months 16 hours / 9 months- 15 hours and when your baby is now one year old and now he or she only sleep 14 hours a day. These guidelines are only for reference not a rule.

Tips to new mothers

Your newborn baby cries. Don’t panic. He is having pain or hungry or he is wet. He cries every time. Newborns usually cry to bring the attention of mother. In the first week of his life, he is crying sometimes a reflexive behavior. So don’t get panic. First important thing is you should step back, relax for a while take a deep breath, and remember that new born babies are supposed to cry. If your baby cries feed him and make him comfortable.

You know infants’ growth in the brain and nervous system are amazing in first 6 weeks, a baby gains more control over his crying. With every passing month, he will make more sophisticated connections between his crying and your reactions.

Baby care tips

Having a baby is a pleasure in life. To watch your baby is growing is a memorable thing in your life. Every day is precious. The important thing is keep him in a good environment. Skin care is most important. Wash the diapers with gentle soap and dry them in sunlight. Clean the baby's backside (bottom) with Luke warm water using cotton. Change the wet diapers immediately. Keep your baby without diapers for few hours every day.

Parents Part in baby care

It may surprise you to know that the more people have considered special methods of bringing up babies the more they have come to the assumption that what good parents instinctively feel like doing for their babies is usually best, after all. Further more, all parents do their best job when they have a natural easy confidence in themselves. Better to make a few mistakes from being natural than to do every thing letter perfect out of a feeling of worry.

Parental classes for expectant mothers and fathers are provided in many hospitals. They are very helpful in discussing the questions and problems that all expectant parents have concerning pregnancy, delivery, and care of the baby etc.

Parents Part in baby care

The most important thing I have to say is that you should not take too literally what is said in this blog. Every child is different, every parent is different, every illness or behavior problem is somewhat different from every other. All I can do is describe the most common developments and problems in the most general terms. Remember that you know a lot about your child and that I don’t know anything about him. So I have tried to give a more balanced view.

Don’t take too seriously what your neighbors say about baby care. Don’t be overawed by what the experts say. Don’t be afraid about pregnancy to trust your own common sense. Bringing up your child is a pleasure and it won’t be complicated job if you take it easy, trust your own instincts, and follow the directions that your doctor gives you. We know for a fact that the natural loving care that kindly parents give their children is a hundred times more valuable than their knowing how to pin a diaper on just right or how to make a formula expertly. Every time you pick your baby up, even if you do it a little awkwardly at first, every time you change him, bath him, feed him, smile at him, he is getting a feeling that he belongs to you and that you belong to him. Nobody else in the world, no matter how skillful, can give that to him.

Parents Part in baby care – Part I

Soon you are going to have a baby or may be you have him already. You are happy and excited, but if you have not had much experience, you wonder whether you are going to know how to do a good job. Lately you have been listening more carefully to your friends and relatives when they talk about bringing up a child. You have begun to read articles by experts in the magazines and newspapers.

After the baby is born, the doctor and nurses will be to give you instructions too. Some times it sounds like a very complicated business. You find out all the vitamins a baby needs and all the inoculations. One mother tells you that egg should be given early because of its iron, and another says that egg should be delayed to avoid allergy. You hear that a baby is easily spoiled by being picked up too much but also that a baby must be cuddled plenty; that fairy tales make children nervous and that fairy tales are a wholesome out let.

Sleeping babies

I have been saying that if the baby who generally can go 4 hours wakes after 3 or 3 1/2 hours and seems really hungry, t is all right to feed him then. But suppose he wakes an hour or so after his last feeding. If he finished his usual bottle at his last feeding, the chances are against this being hungry again so soon. It is more likely that he has been waked by indigestion or colic.

You can try burping him again, or see whether he will be comforted by a couple of ounces of water or a pacifier. I would not be in a rush to feed him again, though you may decide to try it in a little while if nothing else works. You cannot be sure it is hunger just because a baby tries to eat his hand or starts to takes the bottle eagerly. Often a baby who is having colic will do both these things. It seems the baby himself cannot distinguish between colic pains and hunger pains. In other words, you don't always feed a baby when he cries. If he is crying at the wrong times, you have to study that the situation and perhaps discuss it with you doctor.