BabyCare

Pacifier

Baby PacifierCheck age on them. It's best to use the same brand of nipple as the bottle you buy. Just get a few in the beginning.
Baby or Diaper Bag

get one that is washable with lots of compartments. There is a vinyl changing pad that should come with it but if you're using a regular bag instead of a specified diaper bag, you will need to get one.
Diapers Ointment

Almost all babies get a diaper rash at one stage or another.
Baby Powder

The best kinds of baby powder suitable for baby are the cornstarch kind.
Nail Clippers/Scissors

Manicure set, clipping baby's tiny nails.
Thermometer

A rectal one is the most inexpensive and all you really need. They also have the ear-thermometers which are pretty handy when taking the temperature of a cranky baby.
Dimmer Lights

For middle of the night changes.
Baby Monitor

A wonderful device when you can't be in the same room as your baby. Useful for at least 12 months but you will probably use it for longer.
Baby Hangers

These tiny hangers are important. get as many as you need to hang baby's clothes.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

Breast Pump

You absolutely need this if you plan to breastfeed and go back to work. The only way you can avoid getting one is if you plan to be with the baby all the time until he is weaned. You only need one but research which one you want. manual (the least expensive) does not work for everyone. Check with your friends to get first hand testimonials before you make your purchase.
Bottles

Bottles are necessary if you don't plan to breastfeed, going to supplement breastfeeding or you want to store your milk. Minimum 6 if breastfeeding, you can start with 4 oz. bottles in the beginning.
Formula

Breastfeeding is proven to be the best for baby. Substitute with formula if you really must. also, if formula gets too expensive, consider breastfeeding.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

Baby CotGetting all the things you need for baby isn't easy but here is a list of things which you will require:
Cradle/Bassinet

You will probably want baby close in the first few weeks or months. A cradle, bassinet of some sort or there are even playpens that convert to a crib bed which can be a wise option especially since you can use it later when baby gets older.
Sheets/Linens

You will need extra sheets, lap pads and waterproof accessories. Baby bedding runs between $100-$300 new for a complete set and like many things, you get what you pay for. One set which includes: Comforter, bumper pad, skirt, diaper stacker.
A Stroller is an Essential Baby Item.
Mattress

It doesn't normally come with the crib, so you'll need to shop for one that is suitable for the cot of your choice.
Dresser, Drawers and Storage

Before you know it, you will need compartments and drawers to stash all that new baby stuff in.
Stroller

Go window shopping for strollers and compare prices and make your decision. You want one which is fully adjustable, lightweight as well as easy to fold.
Car Seat

You must have one right away. You can either get an infant car seat which can be used as a carrier or even as part of your stroller.
Baby Seats

Stroller and car seats can include carriers in their multi versions. There are so many options in this category. You need to look around and consider your lifestyle to make the right decision for you and baby.
Baby Sling/Carrier

This is one of those things you will have or not interested in at all. It comes in handy from 0-10 months depending on baby's weight.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

Mother Breasfeeding her child.Under normal circumstances, breastfeeding offers significant advantages over bottle-feeding for both infant and mother. For a baby, breastmilk gives protection from infections and allergies and may lead to fewer illnesses in the first year of life. For a mother, breastfeeding often helps to strengthen the mother-baby bond. Other physical benefits for the mother include helping to speed the shrinking of the uterus back to its pre-pregnancy size.

A well balanced diet during nursing need not be vastly different from that suggested during pregnancy. An extra glass of milk, some citrus fruits, and some additional carbohydrates (cereal or bread) can provide the extra calories and nutrients needed. calcium and vitamin C are particularly important to the growing infant. Extra fluids may help to stimulate milk production. Water, juice, milk and soups are good sources of liquids. While it is not necessary to drink milk to produce milk, milk is a convenient and good source of calcium, protein and liquid. Drink 8 to 12 cups of liquid each day. Choose pure juices, water, and four cups of milk. Choose additional servings from the 4 food groups to help meet increased calorie needs. Avoid alcoholic beverages completely.
Milk and Dairy Products

* Eat four to six servings per day
* Examples of milk and dairy products include: one cup milk, 1/2 cup ice cream, one ounce cheese, one cup yoghurt, or one and a half cup cottage cheese.

Meat and Protein Foods

* Eat two to four servings (seven ounces) per day.
* Examples of meat and protein foods include: one egg, one ounce cheese, 1/2 cup dried beans, beef, chicken, pork, fish or turkey.

Fruits and Vegetables

* Choose four to six servings per day including one source of Vitamin C.
* These include: broccoli, orange juice, tomatoes or greens.

Breads and Cereals

* Eat six to eight servings per day.
* Breads and Cereals include: Cornflakes, Wholemeal bread, oatmeal.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

A Sensible Meal for a Pregnant Woman.For many women, a balanced diet during pregnancy will consist of the three main daily meals. Meals should contain nutrient-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, grain products, fresh meats and milk and milk products.
Proteins

Protein-rich foods have the added advantage of containing iron and B vitamins. Two or three servings of protein foods a day will meet the requirement. Good choices are lean meats, fish, eggs, beans and tofu. Other sources like hot dogs, sausage, spare ribs, and especially bacon are poorer choices as they generally contain a high percentage of fat.
Vitamins

Three to five daily servings of vegetables and two to four servings of fruit are necessary to supply vitamins, particularly vitamins A and C. Recommended fruits include citrus (oranges, grapefruits) as well as apples, bananas, guavas, mangoes and dried fruit. Vegetables may be dark green - such as broccoli, spinach or a variety of others including carrots, cabbage, or baked white or sweet potato. Pure fruit juice is a wiser alternative over carbonated fruit drinks which contain added sugar and provide little in the way of nutritional value.
Carbohydrates

Among the grain products, whole grain and whole-wheat are best. 6 to 11 daily servings are recommended. Any of the following counts as a serving:

* one slice of whole grain bread,
* 3/4 cup ready to eat enriched cereal,
* 1/2 cup oatmeal,
* 1/2 cup enriched or brown rice, or
* 1/2 cup spaghetti or other noodles.

Calcium

Got Milk?Four servings a day of milk and milk products are suggested. These may include:

* one cup of milk,
* yoghurt or cottage cheese,
* two one-inch cubes of cheese,
* one cup pudding or custard,
* 1-1/2 cups soup made with milk, or
* one cup ice milk or ice cream.

Lactose Intolerant Women

For women who can't digest the sugar in milk or are lactose intolerant, modified milk products are available in the dairy section of most major supermarkets. These include yoghurt-milk in cultured form and low-lactose substitutes. A woman who feels she is not getting enough milk products should talk with her health care provider about other sources of calcium.
Varying Your Diet

Adjustments in diet may be required to deal with some of the common discomforts of pregnancy. If you experience nausea (usually during the first trimester), smaller and more frequent meals may help, along with crackers as snacks and liquids in between - rather than with - meals. Frequent small meals also help to prevent heartburn. Do also avoid greasy or heavily spiced foods and caffeine. For constipation problems, which may occur at any time during pregnancy, but is more common during the latter part, helpful remedies include increased fluid intake, high fiber foods such as whole grains, and naturally laxative foods such as dried fruits (especially prunes and figs), and other fruits and juices, particularly prune juice.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

Developing foetuses get almost all of their nutrition directly from their mothers. As such a pregnant woman needs to be aware of which foods will provide proper and healthy nutrition for her precious growing baby.
Elements Of Proper Nutrition During Pregnancy

A Growing Foetus Needs Proper NutritionGood foods contain carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals and come from the following food groups: fruits, vegetables, grain products, milk and milk products, meat or other protein foods. Fatty or overly sugared foods or drinks, such as pastries, doughnuts and soda, contribute little in the way of proper nutrition but only add extra calories.
Protein Requirements During Pregnancy

One of the most important nutrients for pregnant women is protein, which provides the growth element for body tissues, including for the growing baby, the placenta, the increase in the mother's blood volume and the amniotic fluid. During pregnancy, a total of 2 to 3 servings a day is recommended (one serving of protein is 100 gm.). Lean meats, eggs and other foods such as beans and tofu are excellent natural sources of protein.
Other Essential Nutrients During Pregnancy

The other 3 nutrients that are essential to the health of a mother and her growing baby are calcium, iron and folic acid. These require special attention, because most women don't get enough through their normal diet.
Calcium

* Calcium, which makes bones and teeth strong, is found primarily in milk products, although the vegetable, broccoli, and canned fish are also good sources.

Iron

* Iron is needed for both mother's and baby's blood. Although good sources of iron are available in such foods as liver, red meats, and dried fruits, most pregnant women cannot obtain enough iron from diet alone. The National Academy of Sciences recommends that pregnant women take a supplement containing 30 milligrams of iron daily during the second and third trimesters.

Folic Acid

* The thrid vital nutrient is folic acid, a vitamin essential for the process of cell division and the development of healthy tissues. Like iron, folic acid can be found in many foods, including leafy green vegetables, liver and eggs. Because studies show that folic acid can help prevent certain birth defects of the brain and spine - called neural tube effects - the US Public Health Service recommended in September 1992 that all women of chidbearing age who are capable of becoming pregnant should consume 0.4 milligrams (400 micrograms) of folic acid a day. This is the current Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) of folic acid for non-pregnant women and is contained in many off-the-shelf multi-vitamins. Studies also suggest that folic acid reduces the risk of spina bifida (open spine) and anencephaly (a lethal defect involving absence of a major portion of the brain and skull), and related birth defects by about 50%. It is important to begin taking folic acid at least a month before you become pregnant, as these birth defects develop in the first month after conception, before most women realize they are even pregnant.
* Any woman who has already had a baby with neural tube defect should consult her doctor before attempting to conceive again. The doctor may recommend that you consume a larger amount of folic acid, 4 milligrams, from at least one month prior to pregnancy through the first three months of pregnancy.
* Studies reveal that this dosage of folic acid reduces recurrences by more than 70% in babies of women who have already had a chid with a neural tube defect. (This higher dose of folic acid should not be obtained by taking extra multi-vitamins, but rather by prescription of a pure folic acid supplement. Check with your physician!).

A moderate salt intake is important for pregnant women. Fluids also are essential, and the recommended daily intake of six to eight glasses can be met by drinking water, juice or milk.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

An Expectant MotherThe first and foremost rule of sensible nutrition is: Don't diet during pregnancy. Medical studies have shown that women need to have an extra 300 calories per day over their pre-pregnancy needs - and they should gain weight during pregnancy.
Suggested Weight Gain During Pregnancy

For a typical woman of average weight-for-height ratio before pregnancy, the suggested weight gain is around 11 to 16 kg (about 20 to 35 lbs). An underweight woman should aim for 13 to 18 kg weight gain. For an overweight woman, the suggested range is 7 to 11 kg. As a precaution, all women should discuss appropriate weight gain and a proper nutritional schedule with their doctors.
Weight Loss After Birth

In the first 3 months of pregnancy, most woman gain only about 1 to 2 kg of weight. After that, the average weight gain is nearly half a kilogram (kg) per week. When the child is born, most women lose 5 to 6 kg immediately after delivery. The extra weight that was put on can generally be lost within a year, with good nutrition and normal activity. Read this article for tips on shaping-up after birth.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

Baby With A Soft ToyInfants put anything and everything into their mouth. Parents should keep all small objects or items that have tiny detachable parts out of a baby's reach as they can pose a choking hazard.
Safety Measures

* Buy toys that are appropriate for your child's age. Check the labels if you're unsure.
* Encourage your older kids to keep their toys (that can be potentially dangerous) away from their baby brother or sister.
* Check toys frequently for loose or broken parts that could cause choking.
* Make sure that baby's toys like rattles and teethers are large enough so that they cannot become lodged in an infants throat.
* Regularly check floors for small objects like coins, paper clips, hair pins, etc.
* If your child is under four, do not give him hard candies, popcorn, nuts, raisins or grapes.

Drowning

A baby can drown in just one inch of water in a matter of seconds.
Safety Measures

* Never leave your baby or toddler unattended in the bath while you answer the phone or the door.
* If you live in a house with a private swimming pool, install a four sided fence around it so your baby or toddler will not risk falling into the pool.

Poisoning

Be Very Careful With PoisonsIn an annual report by the American Association of Poison Control Centers Toxic Exposure Surveillance System, over 415,000 kids one year and below were exposed to poison in 1993.
Safety Measures

* Keep all potentially harmful products out of reach of your child. These may include medicines, pesticides or household detergents. never refer to 'medicine' as 'candy' to your child.
* Keep perfumes, cosmetics and mouthwash on high shelves.
* If you keep plants at home, make sure they are not poisonous or pose a potential threat to your child.

Burns

Babies and children have thinner skin than adults and are therefore more susceptible to burns at lower temperatures within a shorter period of time. Hot tap water, heated beverages and foods are potential causes of burns in young children.
Safety Measures

* Always test the water temperature before putting your baby in the bathtub.
* Do not warm the milk bottle in the microwave oven. Heat it with warm water instead.
* Do not hold your child and a cup of hot beverage at the same time.
* Keep hot foods and water away from the table edge.
* Never carry your child when you are cooking. He could reach out and touch the hot pan or worse, get scalded by heated oil.
* Do not let your child come near you when you are ironing. He may accidentally pull at the iron cord when you are not looking and get scalded.
* Always keep matches and lighters safe in a high cabinet. It may be a little inconvenient for you but at least it will give you peace of mind.

Suffocation and Strangulation

Young children, especially babies fall easy prey to these hazards, most often than not, due to the parent's negligence.
Safety Measures

* Make sure the baby's cot mattress is firm and fits the cot perfectly.
* Check that the gap between the cot railings are not wide enough for the baby to get his head stuck.
* Do not put pillows or thick comforters in the baby's cot.
* Keep all plastic bags away from your child.
* Never tie a pacifier or anything around your child's neck.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

Accidents do happen and more often than not, in the home. As prevention is better than cure, parents can take precautions to make their home safer for their children.
In The Living Room

* Stair RailsMake sure the floor is not wet, especially tiled or polished floors, which can be very slippery for toddlers. If you have carpets at home, check them regularly for holes or loose edges that might trip your child.
* If your child can reach the door handle, fix a bolt further up the door to keep it from your child's reach.
* If you're living in a home with stairs, fix stairgates at the top and bottom of the staircase. The rails of the stairgate should not be more than 10cm apart. If the gap is too wide, the child could get his head stuck or get through the gap and fall down the stairs. Also make sure the gate is not high enough for the child to climd over.
* If you have a balcony, fix it with railings to prevent your child from climbing over.
* Avoid glass-topped tables and furniture that have sharp corners.
* Do not leave breakable objects, lighted cigarettes or lighters on low tables or within reach of your child.
* Curtain ties and blinds cords should be wound up and kept out of reach as a child could be accidently strangled by a dangled cord.
* Keep railing wires out of sight and reach of your child so that he won't trip over, pull, or worse, chew at the wires.
* Cover unused plu sockets with safety socket covers to prevent your child from experimenting with them.

In The Kitchen

Safety In The KitchenThe kitchen, with its various cooking activities and household utensils, makes it a potentially dangerous place for kids. Heres how you could minimise the risks to your child:

* Turn pan handles or boiling kettles away from the cooker's edge, so that your child will not reach it and get herself burnt. Teach your child what 'hot' means so that she understands a warning.
* Keep all knives, cutlery, heavy pots and pans, medicines, cleaning solutions, matches or stove lighters safe in the drawers and cupboards, away from your child's sight and reach.
* Never allow your child to touch the microwave oven.
* Keep chairs and stools away from work tops to prevent your child from climbing onto them.
* Unplug electrical appliances when they are not in use.
* Avoid using a tablecloth, even if it looks nice on the table. A walking toddler may pull at the tablecloth, thus bringing everything on the table down on himself.
* Keep your kitchen floor clean and dry, and wipe up any spills immediately to prevent your child from slipping.
* Make sure your kitchen windows are fixed with drills to prevent your child from climbing over.

In The Bedroom

* Bed railsDo not use cribs or Moses baskets once your baby is about 3 months old as they are not stable enough and may tip over if your baby moves too vigorously.
* Your baby's cot should be deep enough - at least 50cm from the mattress to the top of the rail to prevent him from climbing out.
* The gap between the cot bars should be between 2.5cm and 6cm wide to avoid your baby getting his head stuck between the bars.
* Do not use a pillow for a baby under 12 months as it could suffocate him. Put a pillow under the mattress instead if you need to raise his head.
* Use a thin sheet or cellular blankets until your baby is at least 12 months old. A quilt may be too thick and your baby may risk pulling it over his face and getting suffocated.
* Always put baby to sleep on his back or side, never on his front, to reduce the risk of cot death.
* Once your child is old enough to climd out of his cot, transfer him to a bed.
* Teach your child to tidy up his toys on the floor each time after he has played to prevent him from tripping over.
* Make sure the bedroom windows are also fixed with grills.

In The Bathroom

* Bathroom SafetyRemember to turn off the heater each time after you have used it. This prevents your child from turning on the water and getting scalded.
* Use non-slip mats on the floor of the bathroom.
* Never leave your baby or toddler unattended in the bathroom. babies or children getting drowned in the bathtub or a pail of water is not uncommon.
* Keep all toilet cleaners and bleach on a high shelf or cupboard, away from your child's reach.
* Other potential hazards such as mouthwash, make-up lotions, razors and aftershave should also be kept safely locked in a cabinet.
* Keep the toilet bowl lid down after each use.
* Do not mix toilet cleaners with bleach as the mixture can give off toxic fumes.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

Babies in DiapersThe fact that a baby will have his diapers changed about 5000 times before he is toilet-trained, means that a good start with the right materials is important. Here's what you need to keep baby clean and dry.
Cloth Diapers

Traditional cloth diapers are environmentally friendly and easier on your pocket. These are what you'll need if you use cloth diapers:

* 24 squares of cloth diapers (they come in standard size of 30cm x 30cm).
* 2 large plastic pails with lids for collecting soiled diapers.
* 3 to 4 pairs of waterproof pants to prevent your baby's clothes and bedding from getting stained.
* Diaper liner (disposable or washable). This prevents moisture from seeping back onto the baby's skin.
* Diaper pins / safety clamps. If you use pins, choose stainless steel ones with safety locks. An alternative to pins are safety clamps that hook onto the diaper's three flaps to hold the diaper together.

Although there are specially shaped cloth diapers (they look neater and are easier to put on) available in the market, these take longer to dry than the ordinary square ones. Fine muslin diapers can be used for tiny babies or as diaper liner. Special, thick cloth diapers will come in handy if baby needs extra protection at night.
Designer Cloth DiaperDiapering Needs

Besides diapers, you will also need the following items regardless of whether using cloth or disposable diapers:

* Tissue Paper
* Cotton Balls
* Warm water, baby lotion or baby wipes. baby wipes are particularly convenient when travelling. Most baby wipes have lanolin or aloe vera to soothe and moistirize baby's bottom
* Baby cream. Use zinc ointment or other barrier cream
* Changing mat/table. Some tables come with detachable mats; these can be carried with you and used on outings when a baby changing room is not available
* Diaper trash bin

Cost Saving

Changing BabySome parents like the convenience of disposables but find them too expensive. To save cost, alternate between cloth and disposable diapers in the day and substitute them with disposables at night, for outings and holidays.

All disposable diapers have a plastic outer layer to prevent staining, sticky tape fasteners and elasticated leg openings. You'll find disposable diapers convenient because:

* There is no need for washing and drying
* Most disposables come with "breathing" systems which keep moisture away from baby's skin more effectively
* Indicators on the diaper band alert you when baby has soiled himself

Ease Baby Rash

Here are some tips to ease baby rash :

* Use a protective barrier cream such as zinc and castor oil ointment if baby is particularly susceptible to diaper rash
* Reach for baby wipes which are gentler on sore bottoms because of their moist properties. save the cotton balls for days when baby's bottom is not so irritated
* Change your baby's diapers twice as often if he has diaper rash
* Leave out the waterproof pants from time to time; better still, leave him on the changing mat without a diaper for a while to let air get to his skin
* Make sure baby's cloth diapers are rinsed carefully and thoroughly to eliminate all traces of detergent that can irritate baby's bottom
* Seek advice from a paediatrician

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

Baby's New TeethA child's first set of teeth is formed in the womb, from the fifth month of pregnancy until full term. Some babies are born with a few teeth. Others start to get them from about six months. By the time they are 2 and a half years old, most children already have a complete set of primary teeth. From the day he gets his first tooth, what your child eats is of great importance. Eating the right food is only half the battle. A great deal depends on brushing and dental care.
0-6 Months

A newborn has at least 20 invisible teeth developing in his jaws. between birth and six months, 10-12 permanent teeth will develop. In some cases, a child may be born with a tooth and its very loose.
Toddler Brushing Teeth
6-24 Months

The lower central incisors will erupt first followed by the lower lateral incisors. By 12 months, four lower and upper incisors will develop and within the next year, the rest of the primary or 'milk' teeth will erupt.
2-3 Years

All of your baby's milk teeth will have formed and up to 28 permanent teeth are developing within the jaws. Fever may develop while your child is teething. Don't worry if your child is a late teether. As long as your doctor is satisfied with his condition, lateness is not something out of the ordinary.
Teething

There are several remedies to relieve your baby's discomfort while he's teething:

* Something to Chew. Some teethers are filled with water while others are filled with gel-like liquid. These types can be kept in the fridge to cool. Chewing on icy objects will provide baby relief from sore gums. but let the teethers stand a while after retrieving it from the fridge as extremely cold teethers have been known to burn baby's lips. With teethers, watch out also for any sharp edges and make sure that the liquid filling is non-toxic and the teether is unbreakable. Alternatively, you could give him a carrot stick with the thin end sliced off.
* Something to Rub Against. Rubbing your fingers firmly on the gums will bring relief though your baby may not appreciate the intrusion at first.
* Something Cold To Drink. Give your baby some icy cold water to drink. This will also help in increasing baby's fluid intake that he might have lost through drooling.
* Something Cold To Eat. Chilled yoghurt for example may be more appealing than warm food.
* Medication. If nothing else works, paracetamol may be the answer but check with your doctor for the right dosage. There are also products containing benzocaine, a local anaesthetic, which when rubbed on the gums helps relieve irritation.

Brushing Baby's Teeth

Mother Brushing Teeth for BabyStart brushing your baby's teeth the day the first one appears. There are gum brushes available to help you clean baby's gums. Alternatively, you can apply a bit of children's toothpaste on your finger and rub it on your baby's gums. You could also use moist lint, a clean face cloth or a cotton-tipped swab.

You can also buy a small baby sized toothbrush with multi-tufted nylon nylon bristles. Never buy a hard brush as it can damage enamel and gums. Clean with a gentle scrubbing action and don't forget to include the gums where particles of food collect.
Introducing Your Child To The Dentist

At the age of 2, you can introduce your child to a dentist. It's imperative that you find one who takes the preventive approach and the time to teach your child proper oral hygiene and the importance of such practices. Visit the dentist every six months unless he has problems in between so that any problems can be detected before they develop into serious ones.

taken from : www.smartparentingkids.com

Uncomfortable babyYour child has been having a 'blocked' nose with a yellow nasal discharge for more than a week. She is also experiencing a persistent cough and sore throat. Although the symptoms point to a bad case of the flu, what puzzles you is that it is prolonged and doesn't show signs of clearing up. Parents who have been in this situation will know that their child has a sinus infection.
Paediatric Sinusitis

Sinusitis arises when the mucous membranes which line the sinus cavities are inflammed. This swelling causes the mucous glands in the sinuses to secrete excess fluid and obstruct the tiny holes which allow for drainage. Acute sinusitis is most commonly the result of a bacterial infection where the buildup of fluid in the sinuses are less 'classical'. They seldom complain of headache, facial pain or toothache. In most children, purulent nasal and eye discharge may be the only signs of sinus disease. Those with chronic sinusitis usually have nasal congestion, persistent cough and sore throat. Halitosis or bad breath may also be present. Only careful examination of the upper airway will reveal infection in the nasal drainage.
The Triggers

Dust Mites thrive on Soft ToysThe vast majority of sinusitis sufferers have high levels of allergies, and about 70% of those with chronic sinusitis have asthma as well. Sufferers are usually allergic to dust mites, and only very rarely is food allergy the cause, although spicy food may aggravate the situation. Other triggers include cold weather, and strong smells. To control sinusitis, it is critical that parents check their environment.
Dust Mites

The most common inhalent allergen is the house dust mite. These are mites that live on human skin and are present in the dust of your home. What is harmful abou these bugs are the highly allergenic faeces. Despite what people think, allergies are not always aggravated by poor air quality, and the problem may actually be found in your carpets, furniture, draperies, stuffed toys, and bedding where dust mites thrive.

Although it is impossible to eradicate house dust, simple measures can reduce the dust level in the home, with special attention to your child's bedroom. Experts recommend thorough cleaning of the room at least one a week, and minimising the use of objects that collect dust such as soft toys, soft furnishing, and carpets. If possible, buy pillows and mattresses only made of synthetic material. All blankets, bedsheets, and pillows should be washed in hot water once a month, as the heat will kill the mites.
Mysterious Moulds

Keep Your Child's environment CleanNext to dust mites, moulds may be the second most common culprit. In places where there is increasing humidity, homes that have carpets laid on a concrete slab tend to harbor tons of mould growth. There are 100,000 types of moulds (which usually thrive in basements and bathrooms) with toxic agents such as bleach will keep them at bay. Some moulds however, may be hard to reach as they grow in out-of-the-way places.
Pets

Most pets like cats, dogs, hamsters, mice, and rabbits release proteins that may lead to allergic reactions. If possible, keep them outdoors and bathe them at least once a week.
Clearing Out The Sinus

Occasionally, sinus infections clear up on their own. But the best treatment for your child would be a good course of antibiotics. While nasal decongestants help unblock the openings of the sinuses, antihistamines in either tablet or syrup help reduce mucus production. These medications are easily available over-the-counter but you should always consult your family doctor first.

In adults, doctors may recommend surgical drainage when congestion does not respond to medication. However, this is highly unlikely in young children as doctors have found a marked reduction in frequency of sinus disease from childhood to adolescence, suggesting a 'healing' effect from growth. Still, predicting which child's condition will improve remains an open question.

taken from: www.smartparentingkids.com

Vitamin A

Mother Breastfeeding babyVitamin deficiencies like the lack of vitamin A in infancy and early birth can cause severe, probably irreversible brain growth retardation. What is noteworthy is that the body's supply of vitamin A is destroyed during infections. But it's misleading to think that an oversupply of vitamin A will produce a larger brain or over-intelligence. In certain cases, oversupply of certain vitamins or minerals are actually harmful for the body.
B Vitamins

The role of B vitamins has also been highlighted in animal studies pertaining to brain development. Research reveals that deficiency of almost any B vitamins can cause some brain abnormalities.
Vitamin C

It was found in studies on vitamin C that children with normal or above normal levels of vitamin C also have higher IQs than children with below normal levels.
Vitamin E - The Indirect Link

Mother Bottlefeeding BabyThere is some evidence to suggest that an undersupply of vitamin E does place a child at risk of suffering from brain damage. However the association is indirect and only applicable to certain circumstances. For example, oxygen deprivation can cause brain damage. During difficult labor, an infant's oxygen supply could also be threatened. A serious vitamin E deficiency increases the need for oxygen supply, so if the mother is vitamin E deficient, her child is also at greater risk.
Mineral Shortages

Mineral deficiencies before and during pregnancy can retard a child's brain development. Some of the essential minerals include, iodine, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, and others which contribute to the brain's growth.

In analysing the diet-intelligence link, there is a salient issue which begs much scrutiny in all societies. Maternal health is an all important factor in producing a healthy and normal child. Thus it's only advisable to improve the nutritional status of mothers who are at "risk" of producing a child with birth defects due to their own diet deficiencies.

The other factor to bear in mind, is the need to monitor the crucial years till the age of four when the brain develops to its fullest. Parents don't have to be overzealous thus making food a taboo word at home. But instead they should concentrate on giving their children a balanced diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, fats, fiber as well as vitamins and minerals by encouraging their consumption through creative recipes and presentation.

taken from : www.smartparentingkids.com

Nutrition for Baby

Mummy Feeding BabyFeeding children the right foods is a big topic these days. The benefits of the right foods in aiding children's development is something most parents are aware of. It's not unusual to find several parenting books making rather big claims about it. Most authorities nevertheless maintain that the most sensible thing to do is to feed children a balanced diet which consists of foods from all five of the basic groups.

Critics have pointed out that the so-called balanced diet could however lack certain essential vitamins and minerals required for health. The argument is substantiated by studies that point to the fact that many birth defects, behavioural problems and childhood intellectual handicaps can be caused by a deficient maternal diet before birth or poor eating habits in kids after birth.
The Influence on a Child's Development

Baby with a healthy appetiteA good diet can influence intellectual and physical development. but there are other factors to bear in mind. These include heridity and certain environmental factors. What's even more important is the maternal diet before conception, throughout pregnancy and during the early months and years of a child's life especially if the mother breastfeeds her infant.
Maternal Health

The human brain develops throughout pregnancy but it reaches its peak growth during the last trimester and first 4 years of life. Thus dietary deficiencies are most harmful in this vital stage where the brain undergoes the greatest growth. Approximately 90% of the brain growth is achieved by this stage. If brain growth is not achieved by this age, it may never be achieved at all.

Research shows that the earlier a deficiency the more damage it does. However, when the brain is fully developed it is also able to withstand more damage.
In the Womb

A Healthy FoetusWhen the foetus in the womb or infant is significantly malnourished, its head circumference remains markedly smaller than normal. This points to a decreased brain size. In a small skull there is no room for a well developed brain. They also have far more fluid than those of normal children. Several studies also indicate that the smaller the brain size, the lower the intelligence level.
Brain Foods

Numerous studies undertaken by researchers on the development of the brain reveal that developing brains require calories and proteins. children with serious deficiencies before the age of 3 or 4 tend to have lower scores in psychological tests, including those measuring IQs. The number of brain cells can be reduced by even a small protein deficiency. If brain cells are absent then proper brain functioning cannot happen either. Although it's important that the mother has sufficient supply of protein for the baby's brain development, it does not necessarily mean that she will produce an absolute genius with an oversupply of proteins.

taken from www.smartparentingkids.com

10 top tips for easier bathtimes

Heather Welford looks at ways to make slithery, slippery newborns a whole lot easier to bath.

1. Choose your bath carefully - think about using the newer tub-like design, which means your baby can be upright, or use a washing-up bowl (buy a new one!) for a tiny baby until your confidence increases
2. Have everything you'll need to hand so you don't have to scoop the baby out of the bath while you find another towel or a clean nappy (never, ever leave a baby, toddler or small child alone in the bath)
3. If you don't want a slippery baby, remember you don't need soap or anything 'cleansing' like baby bath liquid or shampoo until your baby is a few weeks old - keep things simple!
4. You don't need to bath your baby very often - just do it every few days so you both get used to it. In the meantime, 'top and tail' twice a day
5. Make sure the room you bath your baby in is warm and free from draughts
6. You can put the baby bath in the big bath, to save carrying the water
7. Take your baby into the bath with you (you'll need someone to pass the baby to you, and take him from you when he's finished)
8. Talk and sing to your baby, so he sees bathing as a fun, sociable activity
9. Always check the water temperature - use your elbow, as this is more sensitive to heat than your hand, or use a bath thermometer
10. If your baby is in a conventional bath (not a sit-in tub) support your baby across his shoulders, so his head can lie comfortably against your forearm. If he's in a tub, hold him under his arms with one arm. Both 'methods' give you a spare arm for washing

a guide to the first months after birth
by Linda Todd

Regardless of whether labor is long or short, whether it is hard or easy whether a baby is born vaginally or by cesarean, most parents recall the first hours and days after birth as crystal-clear images surrounded by haze. It is in this haze that you first take in your baby and make a giant leap from pregnancy to parenting.

Despite all the anticipatory parenting done before conception and during pregnancy, despite weeks of feeling movement within and fantasizing about your baby, despite months of having strange dreams, worrisome thoughts, and musings about what kind of parent you will be, the first time you hold your baby in your arms and call yourself mother or father, mama or papa, mommy or daddy, an awareness floods over you that life will never be the same again. Another human being is now dependent upon you for survival. More than anything else, you want to be the best parent possible.

Your awareness of your baby's dependency and your desire to be a good parent will together be a great source of energy and a great source of stress. Both are part of being a parent.

Becoming a good parent means much more than knowing a lot about babies. Ask pediatric doctors or nurses what it was like for them to be new parents. They will tell you that all their knowledge about babies was not enough to keep them from being over whelmed by their own babies. All new parents feel the same way. All new parents work at knowing, understanding, and loving their babies. Your baby will work just as hard at learning to know, understand, and love you. This is the process of attachment-the work that parents and babies do together to form a deep and lasting love. It is what becoming a family is all about.

This book is written to give you some help as you make the transition from pregnancy to parenting. It offers ideas on things you can do to make this time of change easier. It is written as much to encourage as to teach you. Besides providing the information you need about taking care of yourself and your baby, it can help build your confidence in your own wisdom about your family's needs. You will find the postpartum period easier if you know what to expect during this time, if you actively participate in health-care decisions, and if you build a network of support that nurtures your growing family.

New families in the United States face some challenges that families in most other countries do not. In the United States, where nearly 99 percent of women give birth in hospitals, the average hospital stay after childbirth is two days for a woman who has given birth vaginally, three to four days for a woman who has given birth by cesarean. In many communities, new families are discharged from the hospital within twenty-four hours of birth. Such early discharge will probably become the norm by the year 2000.

In most other countries, both industrialized and developing, the postpartum period is seen as being at least as important as the prenatal period. Because of this, women giving birth in hospitals have longer stays. More importantly, services are brought to the homes of new families. No matter how long the stay in a hospital or birth center, the family's transition to home-and to sole responsibility for the newborn-is overwhelming. in many countries all new families are visited at home by midwives, nurses, or other trained personnel who teach parenting skills, assess the mother's and baby's health, and provide moral support (and sometimes, as in the Netherlands, government-paid helpers do the housekeeping!). In the United States, such services are now provided to only a small minority of women.

Other Changes You May Notice.

The day after birth, you may ache all over from the work you did in labor. Your arms and legs may be sore from pulling back on your legs while pushing out the baby.

Although achy legs are normal, tenderness, pain, or warmth in your calves and swollen or reddened veins are warning signs that you should report to your doctor or midwife immediately. These signs could indicate thrombophlehitis, an inflammation of a vein that can result in formation of a blood clot. Postpartum women are at slightly increased risk of this because the vein walls normally relax somewhat in pregnancy. To reduce the risk of thrombophlebitis, increase circulation in your legs by doing foot rotations (see page 2 1) and by getting up and walking soon after birth. Thrombophlebitis is treated with bed rest, elevation of the affected leg, hot packs, and the use of elastic stockings. Medications may also be needed to prevent infection and clot formation. The affected leg should not be massaged.

Joints that relaxed in pregnancy to allow for the baby's growth and birth will return to their pre-pregnancy condition within several weeks of birth. Many women, however, feel that the rib cage and pelvis remain slightly expanded for the rest of their lives.

Abdominal muscles are relaxed after birth, so the abdomen is soft and still rounded. All women have some degree of separation of the abdominal muscles, which lessens with exercise.

Any stretch marks you have will seem more obvious after birth than before. Although stretch marks never completely disappear, they fade to silvery white lines in the months after childbirth. Darkened areas of the skin, such as the areola and the linea nigra, a dark line from the belly button to pubic bone, may tighten but may not completely fade.

Many women note changes in their hair after birth-most commonly, profuse hair loss. This is because pregnancy hormones stimulate hair growth. With the drop in these hormones, the extra hair that grew in pregnancy will fall out. This begins around three months after birth and usually ends within a couple of months.

Perhaps the most common feeling of new mothers after childbirth is that of being bone-tired. This seems especially true of women who have just had their first babies. Often, fatigue is combined with such excitement in the first days that sleep is difficult. The usual aches and pains of the early postpartum period can make it even harder to sleep. But beyond the first few days after birth, most women find daily naps are essential to their well-being.

Caring for Yourself after a Cesarean.

Each woman recovers in her own unique way after cesarean birth, just as after vaginal birth. Pain medications can help during the first few days (the medications given are considered safe during breastfeeding). The nurses will assist you in getting up the first time, learning to cough or huff to keep your chest clear, dealing with the gas that can follow surgery, and learning to hold your baby in ways that are comfortable for you. If assistance is not available when you need it, press your call button and ask for help.

All new parents can benefit from assistance at home after childbirth, but for a woman who has had a cesarean birth such help is essential for at least the first week. Not only are you undergoing a transformation to a nonpregnant state and learning to care for your new baby, you are recovering from major surgery. Adequate help, allowing you to rest often during the day, can make a great difference in how quickly you feel strong and well. Taking care of yourself and your baby should be your only duties until you feel ready to take on more.

These activity restrictions are usually recommended:

Limit stair climbing as much as possible.

Don't lift anything heavier than your baby for the first two weeks.

Ask your mate or a friend to do laundry, vacuuming, and other tasks that require bending, lifting, or pushing for at least the first few weeks after birth. Then resume such work gradually.

Do not drive a car for the first two weeks.

Take showers instead of tub baths until the incision is completely healed and dry.

Ask your doctor or midwife for specific instructions on the care of your incision.

Accepting Your Initial Responses to Your Baby.

Like her labor, a woman's initial response to her baby is something she remembers for a lifetime. Women greet their babies in as many ways as there are mothers. Before they give birth, most women anticipate a rush of loving feelings, or even tears of joy. others anticipate instantly "feeling like a mother." Some women actually experience these things. Many do not.

Sometimes, a woman experiences a temporary holding back from the baby whose birth caused pain or emotional trauma. A new mother may have a feeling of distance-which in retrospect may seem like disinterest. Or she may feel a strong need to attend to herself, pain and exhaustion compete with interest in the baby. in retrospect, she may see herself as selfish. Coolness, distance, self-centeredness-none of these fit with any woman's conception of a "good mother." Because of this, many women say they feel guilty about their initial responses to their babies.

Many women speak of feeling outside of themselves after labor. It is as though one's personal boundaries are hazy. Is it any wonder that women feel they are not taking their babies in-"as they should?" They can hardly take themselves in! This is to be expected. Most women say it takes days to come back into themselves. This is the natural rhythm of things. Something amazing is going on. As boundaries are reclarified, they are also redefined. You are now a mother. Your baby is no longer one with you, as in pregnancy. But the new boundaries are extended, to connect you for a lifetime to this other person. This connection is the essential work of the first months of parenting. You may have all the loving feelings you anticipated, but if you do not, give them time to evolve, as you do the work of taking on your new role.

Signs of Illness in a Newborn.

Many parents doubt whether they will recognize if the baby is sick. When you have no experience with babies, being told that a sick baby behaves differently from a well baby is of little comfort. if everything about your baby seems unfamiliar, it is hard to have confidence that you can and will recognize changes that indicate your baby is ill. Besides, healthy babies can cry for a couple of hours each day. Crying does not tell you as much in the first weeks as it will when your baby is older. So how will you know if your baby is sick? Asking yourself these questions may help:
Is there a change in the baby's behavior? Is the baby crying more than usual? Has the tone of the cry changed? Is the crying at a different time of day than usual? Is the baby more irritable than usual? Is the baby sleeping more or less than usual? Does the baby seem lethargic or listless?
Has the baby's appetite or digestion changed? Is the baby eating less than usual? Has the baby vomited more than once? If the baby is vomiting, is the vomiting forceful? (This is called projectile vomiting.) Are there signs of constipation? That is, are the stools hard or more solid than usual? Are there signs of diarrhea? That is, are the stools watery, or more runny than usual? Are they more frequent than usual? Is the baby urinating less frequently than usual? Has the color of the urine changed?
Has there been a change in the baby's breathing? Does the baby seem to have trouble breathing? Does the baby sound congested? Does the baby have a runny or stuffy nose? Is the baby coughing?
How does the baby look? Is the baby's skin pale or flushed? Is there a rash anywhere on the baby's body? Do the baby's eyes look glassy or dull? Is there any discharge from the eyes?
Does the baby have a fever?

Any of these changes could indicate illness. if you notice any of them, or other worrisome changes in Your baby, call your baby's care- giver. When you call the office, be prepared to describe:
The signs of illness about which you are concerned.
How long the signs have been present.
What you need: to have the caregiver return your call; to speak to the caregiver immediately, if you feel this is an emergency; or to arrange for the baby to be seen as soon as possible.

CRIB SAFETY TIPS if you have a used crib or are considering buying one

Make sure it has no corner posts. older infants can catch clothing on these.

Check that the crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart. Never put a baby in a crib that has missing slats.

Make sure that the mattress is firm, and that it fits tightly within the crib rails, with no more than a 1-inch space (two fingers width) between the rails and the mattress.

Assure yourself that all guide rods and support brackets are firmly in place and secure, and that no screws are missing.

Check the locks and latches on the crib. They should be smooth, and tight enough to prevent accidental release.

Be certain the paint used on the crib is lead-free. If it isn't, the old paint should be removed. if you're pregnant or nursing, have someone else do the stripping, preferably away from your home, or at least outside the house and away from any play or garden area. New paint should be a high-quality, lead-free enamel recommended for children's furniture. Some babies do chew on their cribs, and ingesting lead can cause brain damage.

If your crib is new, remove and discard all plastic packaging materials, including the thin plastic mattress cover. As with a used crib, check the guide rods, support brackets, locks, and

latches, and make sure no screws are missing. With any crib, new or old

Place the crib out of reach of any cords, electrical sockets, or other hazards.

Keep crib rails up at all times when the baby is unattended.

As soon as your baby can pull himself or herself up, move the mattress to the lowest position. There should be at least 22 inches between the mattress and the top of the rail.

If you plan to use a bassinet or cradle instead of a crib, many of these same safety tips will still apply.

Some Basics about Feeding

Expectant parents know they will have a lot to learn after their babies arrive. They know it will take time to feel confident about diapering, bathing, and soothing a baby. Most have been told that feeding, too, will be a learning experience. It is not until after the birth, however, that the true meaning of this is dear. Parents often say they had not anticipated that the baby, too, would need to learn to feed. Also unanticipated is the profound concern parents have that their babies be adequately nourished.

Even as adults, many people are greeted by their mothers with the questions "Are you hungry? Do you want to eat?" These are questions you will find yourself asking your baby. It is natural for you to feel somewhat anxious when the baby's answers are not as clear as you might like. Following are some basics about feeding that can guide you as you gain experience.

Postpartum Fathers

Feelings after Birth. Fathers who are present at birth are, more often than mothers, captured by the baby immediately. Whereas women may need minutes, hours, or a few days to feel connected to the baby, fathers often feel the power of this connection at the moment of birth. Unless the mother or baby is in some danger just after birth, the father is likely to find these moments life-changing and exquisite. These feelings are often blended with a sudden awareness of exhaustion.

A father also experiences new feelings about his mate. He may speak of his amazement at her courage, strength, and endurance during labor. He now faces the task of integrating his memory of her in labor with his previous knowledge and feelings about her.

A father may have to work through feelings he experienced while supporting the mother in labor. One of the most common feelings fathers speak about after labor is that of helplessness. Unless he is told, a man may not know how much his presence and emotional support really meant to the laboring woman.

A man may also feel that the labor experience has altered his whole life view. He may have gained a sense of the miraculous and spiritual, of a deeper meaning to life.

Not all fathers, of course, are able to share the birth experience. A lot of fathers who missed their babies' births worry that not having been there will affect their relationships with their babies. Birth is a special moment in the parent-child relationship, but it is only one moment. The years of child rearing provide many other shared moments that are just as important in the development of a relationship between father and child.

Excerpt reprinted with permission from foxcontent.com

James Elgin Gill (born on 20 May 1987 in Ottawa, Canada) was the earliest premature baby in the world. He was 128 days premature (21 weeks and 5 days gestation) and weighed 1 lb. 6 oz. (624 g). He survived and is quite healthy.[31][32]

Amillia Taylor is also often cited as the most-premature baby.[33] She was born on 24 October 2006 in Miami, Florida, at 21 weeks and 6 days gestation.[34] Though this report has created some confusion her gestation was measured from the date of conception (through IVF) rather than the date of her mother's last menstrual period making her appear 2 weeks younger than if gestation was calculated by the more common method[35]. At birth she was 9 inches (23 cm) long and weighed 10 ounces (283 grams).[33] She suffered digestive and respiratory problems, together with a brain hemorrhage. She was discharged from the Baptist Children's Hospital on 20 February 2007.[33]

The record for the smallest premature baby to survive was held for some time by Madeline Mann, who was born at 26 weeks weighing 9.9 oz (280 g) and 9.5 inches (24 cm) long.[36] This record was broken in September 2004 by Rumaisa Rahman, who was born in the same hospital[37] at 25 weeks gestation. At birth she was eight inches (20 cm) long and weighed 244 grams (8.6 ounces). Her twin sister was also a small baby, weighing 563 grams (1 pound 4 ounces) at birth. During pregnancy their mother had suffered from pre-eclampsia, which causes dangerously high blood pressure putting the baby into distress and leading to birth by caesarean section. The larger twin left the hospital at the end of December, while the smaller remained there until 10 February 2005 by which time her weight had increased to 1.18 kg (2 pounds 10 ounces).[38] Generally healthy, the twins had to undergo laser eye surgery to correct visual problems, a common occurrence among premature babies.

Historical figures who were born prematurely include Johannes Kepler (born in 1571 at 7 months gestation), Isaac Newton (born in 1643, small enough to fit into a quart mug, according to his mother), Winston Churchill (born in 1874 at 7 months gestation), and Anna Pavlova (born in 1885 at 7 months gestation).[39]

The required care for premature infants differs greatly depending on the child's gestational age, birth weight, and overall maturity. Measures common among extremely premature infants include:

* Placing the infant in a warmer or isolette. Premature infants are easily susceptible to cold-stress or hypothermia and infection, and preventing these is a key priority.
* Infants under 32 weeks typically do not produce enough surfactant in their lungs to enable them to breathe on their own. In these cases, surfactant will be administered to assist them.
* A breathing tube may be inserted in the infant's trachea, and a ventilator and supplemental oxygen may be used.
* Adequate nutrition, via a feeding tube or, in extremely premature infants, intravenously. If a feeding tube is used, expressed breast milk from the mother or a breastmilk bank can be used, which lowers the risk of infections such as necrotizing enterocolitis.

Newborn complications

Premature infants show physical signs of their prematurity and may develop other problems as well. These include, but are not limited to, the following:

Neurologic

* Apnea of prematurity
* Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)
* Intracranial hemorrhage
* Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)
* Developmental disability

Cardiovascular

* Patent ductus arteriosus (PDA)

Respiratory

* Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS or IRDS)
* Chronic lung disease (previously called bronchopulmonary dysplasia or BPD)

Gastrointestinal / metabolic

* Hypoglycemia
* Feeding difficulties
* Rickets of prematurity
* Hypocalcemia
* Inguinal hernia
* Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC)

Hematologic

* Anemia of prematurity
* Thrombocytopenia
* Hyperbilirubinemia (jaundice)

Infectious

* Sepsis
* Urinary tract infection [5]


The earliest gestational age at which the infant has at least a 50% chance of survival is referred to as the limit of viability. As NICU care has improved over the last 40 years, viability has reduced to approximately 24 weeks,[27][28] although rare survivors have been documented as early as 21 weeks.[6] Though this date is controversial as gestation in this case was measured from the date of conception rather than the date of her mother's last menstrual period gestation appear 2 weeks less than if calculated by the more common method[29]. As risk of brain damage and developmental delay is significant at that threshold even if the infant survives, there are ethical controversies over the aggressiveness of the care rendered to such infants. The limit of viability has also become a factor in the abortion debate.

Some of the complications related to prematurity are not apparent until years after the birth. For example, children who were born prematurely (especially if born less than 1,500 grams) have a higher likelihood of having behavioral problems, delays in motor development, and difficulties in school. Specifically these problems can be described as being within the executive domain and have been speculated to arise due to decreased myelinization of the frontal lobes.[30] Throughout life they are more likely to require services provided by physical therapists, occupational therapists, or speech therapists.

There are two tactics that can be used to deal with a potential premature birth: delay the arrival of birth as much as possible, or prepare the prospectively premature fetus for arrival. Both of these tactics may be used simultaneously.

Delaying the premature birth from occurring is typically the most favored option. This gives the fetus or fetuses as much time as possible to mature in the womb. There are a number of techniques that can be used to try to accomplish this. The first resort is usually complete bed rest. Maintaining a horizontal position reduces pressure on the cervix, which may allow it to stay lengthened longer, and avoiding unnecessary movement may reduce uterine irritation, which can lead to contractions. Likewise, proper nutrition and especially hydration are important: dehydration can lead to premature uterine contractions. In a hospital setting, a drug-free IV drip may be used to try to stop premature labor simply by improving the mother's hydration. Lastly, there are anti-contraction medications (tocolytics), such as ritodrine, fenoterol, nifedipine and atosiban, although these do not appear to have more than a short-term effect on delaying delivery.

Premature birth can not always be prevented. Severely premature infants may have underdeveloped lungs, because they are not yet producing their own surfactant. This can lead directly to Respiratory Distress Syndrome, also called hyaline membrane disease, in the neonate. To try to reduce the risk of this outcome, pregnant mothers with threatened premature delivery prior to 34 weeks are often administered at least one course of glucocorticoids, a steroid that crosses the placental barrier and stimulates growth in the lungs of the fetus. Typical glucocorticoids that would be administered in this context are betamethasone or dexamethasone, often when the fetus has reached viability at 23 weeks. In cases where premature birth is imminent, a second "rescue" course of steroids may be administered 12 to 24 hours before the anticipated birth. There is no research consensus on the efficacy and side-effects of a second course of steroids, but the consequences of RDS are so severe that a second course is often viewed as worth the risk.

Research reported at the 2008 conference of the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine suggests that administration of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) to women just before premature birth can cut the rate of cerebral palsy in half. While the compound is cheap and safe, it may make mothers and infants groggy, and details are pending scientific publication.[25]

The symptoms of an imminent premature birth include:

* Four or more uterine contractions in one hour, before 37 weeks' gestation.
* A watery discharge from the vagina, which may indicate premature rupture of the membranes surrounding the baby.
* Pressure in the pelvis or the sensation that the baby has "dropped".
* Menstrual cramps or abdominal pain.
* Pain or rhythmic tightening in lower abdomen or back.
* Vaginal spotting or bleeding.

Recent research has identified possible methods to prevent preterm birth, pre-eclampsia/eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, and preterm labor.

These include self-care methods to reduce infections, nutritional and psychological interventions, and the control of preterm birth risk factors (e.g. working long hours while standing on feet, carbon monoxide exposure, domestic abuse, and other factors). Injection with a form of progesterone (17 alpha-hydroxyprogesterone caproate) although the safety of this treatment for the fetus has been questioned by the FDA and its expert panel due to an associated increase in miscarriage and fetal death, the use of vaginal progesterone,taking fish oil supplements, and self-monitoring vaginal PH followed by yogurt treatment or Clindamycin treatment if the PH was too high all seem to be effective at reducing the risk of preterm birth. This research is quite new; however, doctors using these newer strategies have obtained preterm birth rates as low as 1 to 2%, compared to the 11 to 16% currently in the US.[citation needed]

Although short term use of folic acid may not have an effect, genetic variation in folate metabolism affects prematurity, and a recent report suggests that usage by mothers for more than a year before birth can reduce premature birth by 50 to 70 percent.

There are many different factors that may contribute to a preterm birth.

Factors related to maternal disease or condition that have been shown to increase the risk of preterm birth, with associated odds ratio (OR) when known include:

• Chromosomal abnormalities; Dr. Aaron Caughey, a perinatologist at UCSF, states: "...it's important to note that the majority of miscarriages — up to 80 percent — happen due to chromosomal abnormalities that have nothing to do with the mother's behavior. The last thing women who have had miscarriages need to do is blame themselves...." source: San Francisco Chronicle

• high blood pressure (OR = 4.06)^[9]

• pre-eclampsia (OR = 4.0)^[10]

• age > 35 (OR = 1.8)^[11]

• age < or =" 3.4)[11]

• short cervix^[9] (the strongest predictor of premature birth)^[12][13][14]

• maternal diabetes^[15]

• anxiety^[16]

• periodontal disease (OR = 4.45)^[17]

Whether or not urinary tract infections directly cause preterm birth is uncertain, however, it is known that urinary tract infections increase pre-eclampsia, which as stated above, increases the risk of preterm birth. Sexually transmitted disease (STD), Beta Strep, kidney disease, and uterine infections are also suspected of increasing the risk of preterm birth.

Adequate maternal nutrition is important to fetal development and a diet low in saturated fat and cholesterol may help reduce the risk of a preterm delivery.^[18]

Factors related to pregnancy history that have been shown to increase the risk of preterm birth include:

• prior preterm delivery (OR = 2.79)
• prior induced abortion (OR = 1.6)
• antepartum hemorrhage / vaginal bleeding during labor
• prior miscarriage^[9]

Multiple pregnancies (twins, triplets, etc.) are another significant factor in preterm birth. The March of Dimes Multicenter Prematurity and Prevention Study found that 54% of twins were delivered preterm vs. 9.6% of singleton births.^[19]

Women who have tried to conceive for more than a year before getting pregnant are at a higher risk for premature birth. A recent study done by Dr. Olga Basso of the University of Aarhus in Denmark and Dr. Donna Baird of the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests that women who had difficulty conceiving were about 40 percent higher risk of preterm birth than those who had conceived easily.

Finally, the use of tobacco and alcohol during pregnancy also increases the chance of preterm delivery. Tobacco is the most commonly abused drug during pregnancy and also contributes significantly to low birth weight delivery.^[20][21]

The standard length of a human gestation is 266 days. However, for convenience most timing is based on the LMP, with conception being assumed to occur approximately 14 days after the LMP, making a standard term pregnancy 280 days or 40 weeks. Premature or preterm birth (the babies are called premies) is defined medically as childbirth occurring earlier than 37 completed weeks of pregnancy. Approximately 12 percent of babies in the United States — or 1 in 8 — are born prematurely each year.^[1] In 2003, more than 490,000 babies in the U.S. were born prematurely. Worldwide rates of prematurity are more difficult to obtain as the lack of widespread professional obstetric care in developing regions makes determination of gestational age less reliable. The World Health Organization instead tracks rates of low birth weight, which occurred in 16.5 percent of births in less developed regions in 2000.^[2] It is estimated that one-third of these low birth weight deliveries are due to premature delivery.

The shorter the term of pregnancy, the greater the risks of complications. Infants born prematurely have an increased risk of death in the first year of life (infant mortality), with most of that occurring in the first month of life (neonatal mortality). Worldwide, prematurity accounts for 10% of neonatal mortality, or around 500,000 deaths per year.^[3] In the U.S. where many infections and other causes of neonatal death have been markedly reduced, prematurity is the leading cause of neonatal mortality at 25%.^[4] Prematurely born infants are also at greater risk for developing serious health problems such as cerebral palsy, chronic lung disease, gastrointestinal problems, mental retardation, vision or hearing loss^[5] and are more susceptible to developing depression as teenagers.^[6]

Although there are several known risk factors for prematurity (see below), nearly half of all premature births have no known cause. When conditions permit, doctors may attempt to stop premature labor, so that the pregnancy can have a chance to continue to full term, thereby increasing the baby's chances of health and survival. However, there is currently no reliable means to stop or prevent preterm labor in all cases. In fact, the rate of preterm births in the United States has increased 30% in the past two decades.^[7]

In developed countries premature infants are usually cared for in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The physicians who specialize in the care of very sick or premature babies are known as neonatologists. In the NICU, premature babies are kept under radiant warmers or in incubators (also called isolettes), which are bassinets enclosed in plastic with climate control equipment designed to keep them warm and limit their exposure to germs. Modern neonatal intensive care involves sophisticated measurement of temperature, respiration, cardiac function, oxygenation, and brain activity. Treatments may include fluids and nutrition through intravenous catheters, oxygen supplementation, mechanical ventilation support, and medications. In developing countries where advanced equipment and even electricity may not be available or reliable, simple measures such as kangaroo care (skin to skin warming), encouraging breastfeeding, and basic infection control measures can significantly reduce preterm morbidity and mortality.

"Ex-premies" is the term given to preterm infants born before the normal 37 weeks gestation.^[8]

Latino traditions for babies

If you're a new mom, you may be facing issues you've never faced before, from changing diapers to keeping your baby's umbilical cord stump clean. All these new situations can sometimes make you feel insecure, especially if you're surrounded by abuelitas or other expert moms who are eager to give you all kinds of contradictory advice about childrearing.

Our culture has numerous traditions that go back many generations, concerning how to care for your baby and what to do when your baby gets sick. These popular beliefs were the pillars of childcare when there was no scientific explanation for certain illnesses. Traditional practices attributed illness to a blend of physical and spiritual causes.

When a baby is born into a Latino family, it's common for the elders to offer the new mom advice and support. The help they offer for breastfeeding, for instance, is very important, because some women do experience difficulties at first and it's easier to give up without your relatives' support. But you may come across advice and practices that are based more on traditional Latino culture than on modern medicine. You should take these practices with a grain of salt.

Listen to the suggestions your elders offer you, keeping in mind that their traditions belong to our rich culture and are a part of our heritage. But if their advice sounds dangerous in any way, explain why you don't think you can apply it to your baby. Invite your family members to come along to your next pediatric appointment, so that they can hear firsthand from the doctor why some of those traditional practices have been replaced by other medical recommendations.
The umbilical cord stump

Our culture has very strong and ingrained beliefs about how to care for the umbilical cord stump. Long ago it was thought that babies could take in "air" through their belly button, so it was kept covered. In fact, in many places in Latin America you can still buy ombligueras — a kind of gauze or fabric made for wrapping snugly around the baby's tummy. Another tradition says that when the dry umbilical cord stump falls off, you can keep the belly button from becoming an "outie" by placing a button or a coin on it and then covering it.

The truth is that putting pressure on the belly button doesn't alter its shape. The belly button is the scar that's left after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off. The stump is an opening in the skin that has to heal, and the best way to care for it is to keep it dry, clean, and exposed as much as possible. Covering it with something can cause an infection.
Umbilical hernias

Umbilical hernias are relatively common in newborns. Inside your womb, food and oxygen were delivered through the umbilical cord. And the muscles that covered your baby's belly were slightly separated to allow a small space for the cord.

Muscles usually fill that space after birth — but sometimes they don't, and when this happens, a small part of the intestine bulges out through the gap and can be felt on the baby's tummy. Many hernias go away on their own in time, but if they're big enough, they might require surgery.

As with the umbilical cord stump, popular belief says that applying pressure with an object and wrapping the baby tightly in a girdle will make the hernia disappear. There's no proof that this is true, and compressing a baby's tummy can cause discomfort and even vomiting.
Sunken fontanel (caída de mollera)

The fontanel is the soft spot on top of the head, where your baby's skull has not completely closed yet. According to tradition, the fontanel becomes sunken when a baby is withdrawn from the nipple too suddenly. It's also said that this can happen if someone gives the baby the evil eye. The popular remedy for a sunken fontanel is to hold the baby upside-down and strike the soles of her feet.

This maneuver could be dangerous for a baby. Even more important, a sunken fontanel is a sign of dehydration, a serious condition that requires immediate medical assistance.

Babies get dehydrated very easily, and just giving them water isn't enough. If you think your baby may be dehydrated, call or see a doctor immediately.
Cold and heat

Latino traditional medicine relies heavily on theories related to cold and heat. Something cold can cause an illness by chilling the body, and something hot can cause an illness by heating the body. So if you have a problem that seems related to cold or heat, traditional Latinos will avoid giving you certain foods that would (it's believed) make your condition worse. In addition, traditional Latinos believe babies feel the cold more than adults do, and therefore need to be more bundled up.

Although it's true that babies can't regulate their body temperature properly for 24 to 48 hours after birth, later in life they perceive heat and cold pretty much as adults do. Bundling them up excessively can make them uncomfortable and cause other problems such as heat rash. Overdressing a baby while she's sleeping has also been related to a higher risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

You should avoid giving a young baby herbal teas or home remedies to fight "body cold." Before age 4 to 6 months, a child's digestive system isn't ready for anything other than breast milk or formula, and herbal remedies might cause diarrhea or other health problems.
Fright or panic (susto o espanto)

When a baby behaves abnormally — cries inconsolably, appears nervous, or doesn't want to eat, for example — the traditional explanation is that the child is suffering from fright or panic (susto or espanto in the words of many abuelitas). This means that something or someone frightened the baby and that the "fright" is still inside her, and is causing her restlessness. Traditional healers or curanderos usually treat this condition with a blend of spiritual rituals and herbs.

There are many possible explanations for a baby's crying jags or lack of appetite, and your baby's doctor should rule out any medical conditions. A spiritual ritual may be beneficial for both your baby and your family, if it helps you all calm down. But be very wary of herbs, as they can cause diarrhea and other problems.
Evil eye (mal de ojo)

According to tradition, a baby who is the victim of the evil eye or mal de ojo can run a fever, cry nonstop, or show other symptoms. To protect babies from the evil eye, they're given a red or pink bracelet to wear, or a seed such as ojo de venado or azabache to wear around the wrist or neck.

There's nothing wrong with protecting your baby from the evil eye with these practices, but be sure to keep safety in mind. Don't hang the amulet around your baby's neck or anywhere that she can grab it and swallow it. You can put it in the stroller, over the crib, or somewhere else, as long as it's out of reach.

As for the symptoms of evil eye, just as with the symptoms of fright, there are many possible causes. Check with your doctor and take the necessary steps to make your baby better.

Respecting our elders and our traditions isn't necessarily at odds with modern medicine. But for the best chance of keeping your baby healthy, always consult a doctor to treat illnesses, and ask about traditional practices to make sure they're safe and advisable. If you don't have medical insurance, your baby can be treated at no cost to you.

By Lourdes Alcañiz, author of Esperando a mi bebé: una guía del embarazo para la mujer latina

Getting your baby to sleep will be one of the most challenging things that parents face. Many times parents wonder if their baby would ever sleep through the night or at least sleep comfortably. They are some tips that can help parents teach their babies to get a better night's sleep.

Babies in the early stages of their lives can be taught to distinguish between night and day and this can help them establish better sleeping habits.

Early Development

When your baby is a few weeks old teach them the differences between morning, nap time, and bed time. During the course of the day, make sure that you play with your child, feeding them and talking to them. During the night, keep the lights low, and limit the amount of noise and voices that your child is exposed to. When your baby is between one to two months, put them to bed as soon as they begin to show signs of being tired.

During the day

You have to make sure that when baby naps during the day it is different from sleeping at night. During naps let the baby sleep in a portable crib or bassinet. The room should not be left completely dark. This way they begin to recognize what constitutes naps from bed time.

At Night

Newborn babies will sleep an average of sixteen to eighteen hours a day, babies need plenty of rest. In order to try and get your child into a step by step routine to establish bed time, you should try and do the following to settle them down for the night.

Steps

• First you should try and give baby a bath or at least wash her or his hands. This will give them a soothing feeling and help them to relax.

• Change the baby's diaper and put on his or her pajamas, this will give them indication that it is time for bed.

• You can sing softly to the baby or play low music. This will allow baby to hear a familiar voice and recognize the voice before drifting off to sleep. Again this provides a comfortable surrounding for the baby and knowledge that they are not being left alone.

• You should put your baby in your arms and rock them before you lay him or her down to sleep. Don't prolong the situation make it short, put them into their crib while they are still awake and leave the room.

Things to avoid

They are some things you should avoid doing before putting baby down for bedtime:

• Don't put cereal in his or her bottle at night, it gives them a feeling of being full and does not allow them to sleep comfortable. They might have problems digesting the food while sleeping, leading to an upset stomach.

• Don't let the baby fall asleep with a bottle or while nursing, before going to bed. This will get them into the bad habit of expecting you to feed them when they are awake, so that they may go back to sleep.

While no two babies are the same, the important thing to remember is that promoting a consistent sleep routine will help your baby fall asleep faster and will eventually sleep through the night. By following these routines, the baby will begin to understand that going to sleep does not mean that mommy or daddy is leaving them, but putting them to bed for the night. It will also help to establish a pattern for when they get older, hopefully, making it easier for them to continue to sleep on their own.

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.