Tuesday, November 20, 2007

CRYING BABY - REASONS.

Crying is a normal event in the lives of all babies.When a baby comes out of the woomb the first thing to do is crying.By the first cry he will take some air in to the lungs for the first time in their life.After delivery if the baby doesnot cry then it should be initiated by slightly pinching or gently strocking the feet.From this it is clear that the healthy baby should cry and it is a normal physiological event ,still some times it can upset the mother or family members.

We all know that a baby can't tell his needs or troubles in words. The only way for him to communicate with others is by crying.Babies show some other signs like feet kicking,hand waving and head turning ect.But the best way to take the attention of others is by crying.

Excessive crying may not have a firm definition because the crying habit changes from baby to baby and some babies can be calmed easily but some are difficult to sooth.If crying is distressing for the mother and home nurse it can be called excessive.Many a times baby become quiet by giving breast milk or by carrying with a gentle rocking.Sudden onset of excessive crying means baby is distressed and needs attention.The causes of crying extends from simple reasons to life threatening conditions.Hence crying of a baby should not be ignored.


Most of the time it is difficult to find the cause of the cry .Common causes are discussed here for awareness.

Common reasons for crying:

1. Hunger:

A hungry baby will cry till he gets the milk. Here the old saying comes true'crying baby gets the milk'.

2. Wetting:

Urination and defecation causes some discomfort and results in crying till his parts are cleaned and made dry .

3. Company:

Majority of the kids need somebody near. If they feel lonely they cry.When their favourite doll slips away from the grip they cry for help.

4. Dark room:

When the baby wakes up from sleep he needs some dim light.If there is darkness he will disturb the sleep of parents by crying.Ofcourse he will be irritated by strong light resulting in cry.

5. Heat & cold:

If they feel too hot or too cold they become restless and cry. Child is comfortable in a room with good ventilation.

6. Tight cloathing:

Tight cloaths especially during warm climate is intolerable for kids.Tight elastic of the the dress can also produce soreness in the hip region.

7. Tired:

When the baby is tired after a journey and unable to sleep just cry simply.They feel tired in uncomfortable sourroundings and due to unhealthy climate.


8. Mosquito:

Yes,these creatures disturb the sleep by their blood sucking and make the baby to cry.

9. Nasal blocking:

Child may not be able to sleep when there is a cold and go on crying till the passage is open.

10. Phlegm in throat:

This also causes difficult breathing resulting in cry.Often a typical sound can be heard with each breath.

11. General aching:

Generalised body ache with restlessness is seen in flu and prodromal stages of some infectious diseases can result in continuous cry.

12. Habitual cry:

Some babies cry without any real cause ending the parents in agony.Many a times doctor is called for help.

13. Nappy rash:

If a tight and wet nappy is kept for a long time results in this conditon.
Rash can also be due to some allergic reaction to the elastic material of the nappy. When the rash appears it causes soreness and baby become sleepless and cry. All other skin lesions like eczema,ecthyma ,candidiasis ect also causes same problems.

14. Earache:

Ear infection is common in wet climate.The infection may spread from the throat.Ear infection can result in rupture of ear drum causing discharge of pus.Eareache usually becomes worse at night when lying down.Child will become restless with cry and may not allow you to touch the ear.Some children with earache rub the affected ear frequently.

15. Colic:

When the baby cry continuously most of us diagnose it as colic.This roblem is still a topic for debate because exact cause for colic is not known and diagnosis is also difficult to confirm.Colic may be associated with rumbling and distention of abdomen.Child often feels better when lying on abdomen.Some children may not allow you to touch the abdomen.If the child cries continuously doctors help is needed.

16. Infections:

All infections causes some kind of pain or irritation resulting in cry.Infection may be anywhere in the body.Usually it is associated with fever, redness and swelling.

17. Reactions to certain food:

It is said that one man's food is another man's poison. Some food articles can produce some allergic reactions.Allergy is manifested in the form of redness, breathlessness,gastric symptons and continuous cry.

18. Hard stools:

Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge for stool.Some children hesitate to pass stool because of pain .

19. Gastro esophagial reflex:

Here baby cries with spilling of food after feeding.If this continues it may be due to gastroesophageal reflex.This is due to failure of the lower part of esophagus to close after food causing regurgitation from the stomach.It is difficult to diagnose this condition and can be confirmed by giving antireflex medicines.

20. Dentition:

During dentition child becomes restless with crying.Often associated with gastric troubles and diarrhoea.

Some rare reasons
-----------------

1. Retention of urine:

Children with retention of urine will have agonising pain making them restless.

2. Septicemia:

Invasion of pathogenic micro organisms in to the blood is called septicemia.Fever is associated with this condition.

3. Torsion of testes in male kids:

When a male baby cries continuously his scrotum should be examined.Torsion of the testes produce severe pain which will be worse by touching the affected testes.When the testes is pressed upwards pain is releived.If this is not treated properly it can damage the affected testes due to lack of blood supply.

4. Meningitis:

Initially there may not be fever,hence crying baby with alternate vacant stare and irritability should not be ignored.Fontanel is bulging. Neck rigidity and seizures may appear later.

5. Bowel obstruction:

Bowel obstruction is associated with severe pain and vomiting.Abdomen is distended with rumbling sound.Baby is constipated with absence of flatus.

6. Major injuries:

Major injury to any parts of the body causes pain.Occasionally children will fall while arrying and results in head injury.Head injury is associated with reflex vomiting and convulsions.

Sunday, November 18, 2007

10 Stimulating Activities To Calm Fussy Babies

When a baby is fussy, parents usually try feeding, using a pacifier, or movement to calm them. However, most do not think of providing stimulation. I give talks where parents are often with their babies and sometimes I ask those with the fussiest to come forward. I then use books to show the babies words and pictures, both teaching and calming them at the same time. In short order, both parents and babies are smiling. The following are tips to calming babies.

1) Teach the baby words. Show them a word and point from left-to-right as you say it. If the word is "ears" say, "This is the word 'ears'" as you point from left-to-right. Show the baby your ears while saying, "These are my ears." Touch your babies ears while saying, "These are your ears. You hear with your ears." Next, help the baby touch his or her ears and show them the word again while saying it.

2) Talk with the baby using a happy, high-pitched voice. Smile while holding the baby close to your face.

3) Teach prepositions using objects, body parts and actions. Say, "I am holding a red cup above my head. Now I am holding a blue hat above my head." Act out each line as you say it. Prepositions help comprehend the meanings of many sentences.

4) Teach logic patterns. For babies under six months of age, one parent can hold the baby upright and say, "one, two" while gently moving the baby from side to side. Instead of saying "three" move the baby close to the other parent's face. This parent will smile and say "boo." Repeat the "one, two, boo" pattern in the same way frequently. Babies will eventually figure out the pattern. You can do this with many different patterns. End each pattern by moving the baby close to the other parent's face while they smile and say a word to the baby.

5) Provide a change of scenery. Take the baby outside and talk to them in a happy, high-pitched voice about what they are seeing.

6) Play in front of a mirror. Describe all of the baby's senses. Talk about what the baby is looking at, listening to, tasting, touching, or smelling.

7) Listen to music and dance with the baby. Try many different types of music.

8) Play an imitation game with your baby. A simple game is to open your mouth. Get happy and excited when the baby opens their mouth.

9) Count dots. Use a whiteboard or paper and count dots as the baby or toddler makes the dots. You will count at the moment the baby makes the dot.

10) Teach the baby new words while using actions. Walk while holding the baby, taking very large steps and saying "big steps," then taking very small steps and say "little steps." Talk to the baby throughout. Next, take fast steps or slow steps while talking to the baby throughout. For older babies and toddlers, allow the child to walk next to you encouraging them to follow your lead and take similar types of steps.

About the Author

Dr. Titzer is an expert in the area of early learning and creator of the "Your Baby Can Read" early learning program. He has a Ph.D. from Indiana University and lectures nationwide. http://www.yourbabycanread.com

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

The Things to Look Forward to with Babies

Having babies is the most profound thing that any woman can do. It is the most beautiful experience and the most enjoyable time of life. But, it is also a crazy part of life! Babies are not easy. They are not predicatable. They do not do what you want them to do when you want them to do it. And, they do not bend to your rules. Instead, the world is theirs! And we better stay out of their way! But, there are things to look forward to when it comes to having babies.

You can count on no sleep, that is for sure. Many parents have the hardest time with this stage of their new relationship with their babies. It is not easy to work your schedule around their’s, but it is necessary. Babies need constant attention even in the wee hours of the night.

You can also look forward to all those bodily functions. Babies will make a mess of their diaper as soon as you change them. Or, they will wait until you are in the car before doing so. They will burp when they want, not when you want. You might get lucky and have a little spit up as well.

Babies will make the most beautiful smiles, but your friends and family won’t see them until they are ready. You can not coax a baby to do anything that he or she does not want to do!

But, there are good things to look forward to from your babies. There is nothing that can come close to the smell of your baby’s hair. There is nothing that will feel better than her skin. The bond that you create, snuggling on the couch will never be found anywhere else in your life. And, when they do do something disgusting or untimely, you can count on them to still melt your heart with a simple little smile. Babies are a gift and should be treasured even in the worst of times.

Oh, one more horrible thing that babies do… They grow up, and you will no longer have these precious moments with them anymore!

Mike Wall is the owner of Babies Portal.


Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Small Babies Beware

(NC)-Chronic hypertension, a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, is found in one-fifth of adult Canadians. Although it is not fully understood, scientists have found a connection between having a low birth weight and a higher risk of developing hypertension and cardiovascular disease as an adult.


Dr. Anne Nuyt of the Sainte-Justine Hospital Research Centre in Montreal says the connection may have something to do with increased activity early in life of a hormonal system (the renin-angiotensin system) in parts of the brain that regulate the cardiovascular system. Her work may allow people in the future to be more aware of their risk of heart disease.

Dr. Nuyt's research is being funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). CIHR is Canada's preeminent health research catalyst and is funded by the government of Canada. An exciting new concept, CIHR is modernizing and transforming the health research enterprise in Canada.

To learn more about CIHR please visit: www.cihr.ca, e-mail: info@cihr.ca or write to: CIHR, 410 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa ON K1A 0W9.

About The Author

News Canada provides a wide selection of current, ready-to-use copyright free news stories and ideas for Television, Print, Radio, and the Web.

News Canada is a niche service in public relations, offering access to print, radio, television, and now the Internet media, with ready-to-use, editorial "fill" items. Monitoring and analysis are two more of our primary services. The service supplies access to the national media for marketers in the private, the public, and the not-for-profit sectors. Your corporate and product news, consumer tips and information are packaged in a variety of ready-to-use formats and are made available to every Canadian media organization including weekly and daily newspapers, cable and commercial television stations, radio stations, as well as the Web sites Canadians visit most often. Visit News Canada and learn more about the NC services.

The Best Holiday Gift for Babies

Still wondering what kind of gift you should give the baby of your life this holiday season ? Should you give picture books ? Toys ? Clothing ? Shoes ?

Wonder no more ! Choosing a gift for a baby should be simple. Just ask yourself what delights a baby.

There are many things which delight a baby. But toys are undoubtedly at the top of the list. Children, even at a very young age, have already been delighted with good toys. Playing with toys is baby's work. And if you shop wisely, not only the baby will get fun toys which you feel good about giving. She will get the educational ones too.

So why not give a nice baby educational toy this holiday season to the baby of your life ?

Choosing an infant toy which is fun, safe and educational sounds simple, but in reality it is not that simple. Go to any toy store and you will know what I mean. Today's market seems to be saturated with baby toys, all marketed as baby educational toys. Deciding which toy to buy is becoming an art that not everybody are skilled in doing.

Here are few tips to make your shopping for baby educational toys easier:

First, the toy has to meet safety standard. This means that you have to adhere to manufacturer's recommended age. Don't buy toys which are intended for older children, even if you think the baby is genius. For safety reason, don't buy any toy which has these followings : sharp parts, small parts which can easily be put into the mouth and swallowed, and long string.

Second, buy toys which are durable and have a good play value. Aim for a toy which can be played in many different ways and at the same time can grow with the child. Get the good quality version of toys of this nature because they are worth it.

Third, if you plan to buy more than one toy, try to get toys which address as many as key developmental area as possible. What are the key development areas we talk about here ?

Gross motor skill. Toys which encourage gross motor skills including kicking and throwing are good to buy, for instance: play gym and small balls.

Hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills. Toys to be manipulated including for poking, grabbing and turning are good for babies older than 3 months. Examples of such toys are play gym, and toys with an activity center.

Spatial awarenes. Toys which are good for this purpose includes baby building blocks, stacking rings and nesting cups.

Senses: touch, sound, vision and possibly smell. In order to stimulate senses, get infant toys with these following features: bright contrasting colors, lots of different textures, different sound and possibly different smell.

And finally, I can hear you saying: "Yes, stacking rings are good. But surely I can't get those five dollars plastic stacking rings at the discount store for a holiday gift". I know what you mean. You want the gift to be special.

If you want a unique toy , special stacking rings for instance, you have a better chance of getting them by going to specialized online toy stores. They usually have one-of-a-kind- toys. In the case of stacking rings, I find that some stores carry special stacking rings made from fabrics. One of the adorable stacking rings I found is the stacking rings which form an animal figure. So the top ring has ears and eyes, the middle one has hands, and the bottom one has legs.

So don't waste your hard-earned dollars buying 'ordinary toys'. Get baby educational toys for your baby.

Happy shopping !

About The Author

Dian Dewi is a medical researcher, a busy mother of two young children, and a webmaster of Best Child Toys, a website which provides information on how to choose good toys including baby educational toys.

best-child-toys.com

Shared Dancing Has Benefits for Babies and New Moms Alike

Every parent knows the calming effects on their baby of rocking and gentle motion. After all, who among us has not paced the floor at 2 am trying to entice a little one back to sleep by rocking, bouncing or swaying?

While you may not be able to do much about those late night pacing sessions, you can capitalise on your baby’s love of rhythmical movement to benefit both of you in many other ways as well. Instead of saving your dance sessions for the wee hours, why not make music and dancing a regular part of your routine with your baby?

Babies begin to develop rhythm skills very early on when they are consistently exposed to music and movement. In fact, it’s probably more accurate to say that babies are born with natural rhythm and all we need to do is nurture it. If you exposure your baby to the joys of dance throughout his childhood, just think how much more confident he'll feel as a teenager at his high school prom! In cultures where music and dance are a part of everyday life, no one grows up to be “rhythmically challenged!”

If rhythm and movement are a consistent part of your child’s life from an early age, the ability to express herself through creative movement will stay with her throughout her life. Many parents are concerned about the effects of inactivity on their children in this age of easy access to computers and video games. Cultivating a love of music and dance early in life provides an excellent introduction to other healthy physical activities.

Even when your baby is very young, dancing in your arms can be an exciting play and social time that he will look forward to. You will probably find that as your baby grows he will soon begin to eagerly anticipate his favourite dance moves like dips and spins. He’ll also tell you by his reactions what type of music and dancing he likes best.

For parents, sharing movement and music with your baby helps in creating a stronger parent child bond. Many parents find that the more time they spend in close contact with their baby, the more sensitive they become to their baby’s needs and signals, and the more easily they are able to decipher what their baby is telling them. Done regularly, shared dancing can become a wonderful way to communicate with your baby.

For new moms especially, moving to music with baby is a delightful way to get some gentle exercise and helps with getting back in shape after childbirth. Most new mothers are eager to lose those extra pregnancy pounds, yet it’s also important to eat well and not exert yourself too strenuously, especially in the early postpartum weeks when you may not be getting much sleep. Holding your baby in your arms while you both enjoy a waltz, a 2-step or even some good old fashioned rock ‘n’ roll, is a wonderful way to get some gentle exercise, and it’s fun too!

And finally, we all know that a stressed out mom equals a stressed out baby. But because dancing is such good exercise, it tends to produce endorphins, the body’s natural “feel good” chemicals. These are the same ones responsible for “runner’s high.” So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out, try picking up baby and taking him for a spin around the living room to your favourite music. You might just find that you both become calmer as a result.

So why not make good use of your natural instincts to cuddle and rock your baby? Put on your favourite music and enjoy a few dances with your baby on a regular basis. You’ll get a much needed break and some fun exercise. And whether your baby falls asleep or dances right along with you, she’ll be enjoying this special bonding and playtime with you while developing an appreciation for music and movement that has the potential to stay with her throughout her life.

About The Author

Susan Peach has over 20 years experience as a Latin dance and fitness instructor. She is also the creator of Mambo Moms, a fun and gentle Latin dance based fitness program that helps new moms get back in shape while spending quality play time with their babies. Find out more at http://www.mambomoms.com

Basic Guide To Choosing Toys For Babies

Basic guide to choosing toys for babies A baby’s only activities until the age of two months are sleeping and eating. He is not interested in anything else. After two months, the baby starts being more curious about the world around him. At first, he just watches the activity in the room. At the age of 4-5 months, he is already moving his arms and legs with a lot of energy.

At this point, as a parent you should stimulate the baby to continue this rhythm. The best way to do this is through play. And since play is unconceivable without toys, you should consider getting some for your baby

Researches made in the last few years revealed that babies too can have an assortment of toys. Babies respond to sight, sound and touch. Toys that stimulate these senses can help your baby learn about the world around him, how things work and so on.

To help you find best toy for your baby, I’ve made here two age groups, birth to 6 months and 6 to 12 months. The difference between these age groups is huge because a baby grows very fast and so his needs differ from month to month.

Toys for babies of one to six months:

In this period, a baby isn’t very active. He is mostly sleeping. When the baby is awake, he does not seem to be interested in anything else but eating and crying.

At the age of two months, the baby starts following every activity in the room. He is able to focus his vision on an object for a few moments. This is when you must introduce the baby in the world of toys, if you haven’t already done so. Use black and white and high contrasting color toys. The baby can’t play at this age because he can’t make complex moves like grabbing, or turning around.

At the age of four months, the baby is already moving his arms and legs. He has more energy than ever, and he is eager to use it. He is able to grab things and crawl. In this situation, a new activity is making room in his life: play. Although it is very rudimentary, play is very important for the baby’s development.

Here are some toys I recommend you to buy for your baby:

  • Juggling toys
  • Animal shaped toys made of rubber
  • Little mirrors that can’t injure the baby
  • Toys made specially for chewing
  • Little colored circles bound together
  • Musical toys

Be a bit more careful with musical toys. Buy musical toys for your baby only after you have checked that the sounds they produce aren’t very powerful. Musical toys that produce sharp noises are dangerous because babies tend to get the sound source close to their ear, which, being fragile can be affected.

To read the whole article, visit http://www.child-toys-guide.com/baby-toys.shtml

About The Author

Eugen Lisov is the creator of http://www.Child-Toys-Guide.com, a site focused on helping parents worldwide to choose the best toys for their children. If you offer your child a bad toy, it’s the same as if you don’t offer your youngster any toy. Please feel free to browse my site; it will only help you when choosing toys for your child.

Alternative Clothing For Babies

While the concept of "baby tees" has taken on a whole new meaning in the new millennium, some companies have made a real dedication to the original intent of the phrase. Of course there is always the basic "I Love My Mommy" and "Someone in Tallahassee Loves Me" t-shirts, but in keeping with the times, some companies have designed some shirts that really let baby and parent's personality shine through.

Take, for example, Wry Baby, a company that specializes in humorous baby t-shirts. Some of my favorites include "I'M NOT A BOY," "NEW," "SCENTED," and a special twin set that reads, "STOP COPYING ME." There are also onesies that come complete with baby care directions for everything from feeding to carrying.

For the breast feeding baby, there are shirts made in the style of the "I Love New York" shirts that read, 'I Love Big Boobies." A shirt that reads "Blankie, Boopie, or Bottle, Nobody Rides for Free" and features a picture of a tricycle is a nice take-off on a popular bumper sticker that's a little bit more PG rated than it's predecessor.

At Baby Wit, online shoppers can find a wide range of baby and toddler t-shirts. Whether your baby wants to make a political statement, hang out with the cool kids, or just have a cute monkey on his or her shirt, there is something for them here. Here you can find some more controversial t-shirt sayings, like "He Thinks He's My Daddy" or "My Mommy Drinks Because I Cry." There are also some amusing, but more tame shirts for the family set. Shirts like, "Come Closer So I Can Spit on You" and "Been Inside for Nine Months" (in prison suit font) make this site a well-rounded source of baby novelty bliss.

For the most creative parents, there are sites that feature personalized t-shirts for babies. It is also pretty easy to pick up the paint and stencils necessary to create a super-personal look for your newborn fashion plate. So if you think you can come up with something better than "Look, Maybe Someday I'll Be Changing Your Diapers" than get thee to a craft store.

If you're politically minded, mypunkbaby.com, a company based out of Massachusetts, donates five percent of all proceeds to a different charity each month. All shoppers are given a ballot at the end of their checkout to decide which of the highlighted charities will receive the five percent donation for the month. This way, your money is not only helping a good cause, it's helping a good cause that you get a say in deciding.

You can, of course, go with the method of using your baby's clothing as a way to instill the values that you hold nearest and dearest to you, like moral fiber, ethics, and rock and roll. Recently, at a baby shower for a friend who had recently graduated from college, the new mother got a baby t-shirt that had the Guns'n'Roses logo with the words, "Sweet Child O' Mine" printed across it. It's good to know that the next generation will be a good, hearty stock.

About The Author

Kirsten Hawkins is a baby and parenting expert specializing new mothers and single parent issues. Visit http://www.babyhelp411.com/ for more information on how to raising healthy, happy children.