The teething process can be a difficult period for both the baby and the parents. The process starts at different ages depending on each baby but usually by age of 3 most infants have their primary teeth in place. If by one
year your baby still has not got his first tooth it would be wise to see your doctor and dentist.
There are 20 primary or “baby” teeth that every child has during their lifetime, with ten in the upper jaw and ten in the lower. Usually, the appearance of baby teeth is as follows: the upper and lower incisors come first, then the upper lateral incisors come in a few months later, followed shortly thereafter with the bottom lateral incisors. The top and bottom molars are the next set to come through, usually right around 18 months. The cuspids, or eyeteeth, usually follow soon after the molars. At approximately two, to two and a half years, the second set of molars will appear.
Usually there is no set order in which baby teeth appear – again this depends on the individual baby. It is unusual for a child not to get all twenty teeth.
Some babies can be born with a front tooth (this happens in about 1 in every 2000 cases). In this even it is wise to consult a paediatric dentist. This situation can affect the breastfeeding process so a paediatric dentist should be consulted as soon as possible, especially if you intend to breastfeed.
Here are the signs that your baby may be teething:
• Bulging gums – you’ll be able to see the outline of the teeth as they try and push through his gums.
• Nighttime crying and walking.
• More fuss than normal.
• “Clingy" behaviour.
• An increase in the amount of drooling seen.
• Chewing on fingers, teething rings, and other objects.
• Swollen, red, inflamed gums.
• Poor appetite.
• Interrupted sleep.
There is some debate about this, but it is now generally accepted that teething will not cause fever, sleep issues or lower immunity to infection.
Teething is very painful – if you have ever bitten the inside of your cheek you know how painful this can be – now imagine a baby that is used to a soft smooth surface (gums) and suddenly she has a hard and sharp tooth pushing through her swollen gums. Generally it’s the first tooth that will cause the most discomfort.
When babies are going through the teething process they sometimes bring their hands to their mouths – this brings some relief when the gums have pressure applied to them. You can gently massage your baby to reduce the discomfort of teething – clean your fingers and rub the gums firmly – this may be uncomfortable for your baby initially but she will get used to, and appreciate, the massage the more you do it.
Give your baby something cool to chew on – this again provides relief for a little time. Wet washcloths (you can soak this in apple juice if you wish) that have been left in the freezer for 30 minutes or so – can be given to your baby
to chew. Just remember, whatever you use make sure that your baby cannot choke on it. Other things that your baby can chew on include a chilled banana or an iced Popsicle. An old wives tale remedy recommends that you dab some alcohol on your baby’s gums – it is strongly recommended that you do NOT do this.
While primary teeth will at one stage be replaced by the permanent teeth, they are very important for several reasons – including chewing and speech. Once these teeth are in, you can clean them with a special baby toothbrush.
Be sure to never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle. This will lead to tooth decay. Whether a baby is bottle fed or nursed, he will be vulnerable to “baby bottle tooth decay”. Such decay occurs when freshly sprouted baby teeth are exposed to liquids containing sugars (basically, anything other than water) for long periods of time. Bacteria in the mouth will grow in the sugar, which attack the tooth enamel and cause cavities. The best treatment for “baby bottle tooth decay” is prevention. Don't let your baby use a bottle as a pacifier or fall asleep with a bottle containing anything but water. Also, be sure to gently clean his teeth and gums after each feeding.
You may also see some teething symptoms – on the whole these are fairly harmless. For example, drool rash where a red rash can be seen on the face, lips, chin and chest. This can be washed with warm water and a cloth and your doctor may prescribe a lanolin ointment as treatment for this. Sometimes
other symptoms can include mild diarrhoea and a cough caused by excess saliva dripping down the baby’s throat.
Here are some good tips to use to care for your baby’s teeth:
• Clean your baby’s mouth before the teething process. You can wipe the gums after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth.
• Take good care of the teeth once they start to come in. Some parents wrongly believe that because primary teeth are eventually replaced they are not that important – this is false as they preserve the space for the permanent teeth, not to mention help with chewing and talking.
• Actively watch for cavities – if you spot any discolouration or pitting then they could be signs of cavities. Try and avoid putting your baby to sleep with milk (or even worse sweet juice) as it could lead to cavities. In addition follow up meals with water as this helps to wash off most infant foods quite easily.
• Introduce a toothbrush as soon as possible. In addition you should monitor your baby’s fluoride intake as this can help prevent tooth decay. It’s also important to schedule a dental check up for your baby – shortly after the first year is a good time for the first visit.
Creating good dental practice from the start will help ensure that you baby continues good dental hygiene for years into the future.
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Child Crying
Your child could be crying because of a number of reasons, the most common of them is hunger. The other reason is indigestion or colic pain. Gripe water is often a good solution for mild colic pain. Usually babies swallow some air while feeding which makes them uncomfortable and therefore they cry. So after every feed it is good to carry the baby upright and pat on his back gently till it burps. Below are a few more of the common causes of crying and how to deal with them:
• Lack of comfort – a soiled nappy, tight or irritable clothing can cause crying in some babies. Ensure that your baby’s nappy is always clean and discover what clothing is most comfortable for her.
• Sudden temperature changes – some babies may cry when exposed to temperature changes, for example while bathing or having their nappies changed.
• Lack of attention – some babies will cry when they feel the need for reassurance. There is a need here to find the right balance (for example if you cuddle your baby when she cries at the dead of night she may come to expect this night after nights).
Now that you know a few of the things that can cause your baby to cry let us go on and see how we can give her (and you) a beautiful nights sleep.
• Lack of comfort – a soiled nappy, tight or irritable clothing can cause crying in some babies. Ensure that your baby’s nappy is always clean and discover what clothing is most comfortable for her.
• Sudden temperature changes – some babies may cry when exposed to temperature changes, for example while bathing or having their nappies changed.
• Lack of attention – some babies will cry when they feel the need for reassurance. There is a need here to find the right balance (for example if you cuddle your baby when she cries at the dead of night she may come to expect this night after nights).
Now that you know a few of the things that can cause your baby to cry let us go on and see how we can give her (and you) a beautiful nights sleep.
Diaper Changing
The things your would need for your baby’s changing are:
Diapers
Diaper changing tables
Mild baby powder
Diaper rash ointments
Cotton balls
Baby wash cloths
Changing pads
Terry cloth towels
Baby wipe warmers.
You can use wither cloth diapers or plastic ones. Usually for newborns cloth diapers should be used.
Lay a fresh diaper on the changing table. Put your baby on the table with her tummy facing you. Then unfasten the soiled diaper and gently pull it out from beneath the baby while slightly raising the baby’s legs.
Clean your baby’s genitals and buttocks gently with baby wipes or cotton balls dipped in luke warm water. Then thoroughly dry up the area. You can apply mild baby cream and cornstarch powder if wanted.
Then pull the clean diaper underneath the baby and properly fasten the tabs of the diaper.
Most of the babies do get diaper rash at some point; do not be afraid or tense as it is very common in babies and will usually clear up soon. If your baby gets diaper rash on the genitals or on her buttocks or thighs, make sure you change her very often and that every time you do the area is cleansed properly. Rash cream may be applied where appropriate. It might be good to leave the baby without the diaper as often as possible as this helps in keeping baby’s skin dry and helps heal the rash faster.
Diapers
Diaper changing tables
Mild baby powder
Diaper rash ointments
Cotton balls
Baby wash cloths
Changing pads
Terry cloth towels
Baby wipe warmers.
You can use wither cloth diapers or plastic ones. Usually for newborns cloth diapers should be used.
Lay a fresh diaper on the changing table. Put your baby on the table with her tummy facing you. Then unfasten the soiled diaper and gently pull it out from beneath the baby while slightly raising the baby’s legs.
Clean your baby’s genitals and buttocks gently with baby wipes or cotton balls dipped in luke warm water. Then thoroughly dry up the area. You can apply mild baby cream and cornstarch powder if wanted.
Then pull the clean diaper underneath the baby and properly fasten the tabs of the diaper.
Most of the babies do get diaper rash at some point; do not be afraid or tense as it is very common in babies and will usually clear up soon. If your baby gets diaper rash on the genitals or on her buttocks or thighs, make sure you change her very often and that every time you do the area is cleansed properly. Rash cream may be applied where appropriate. It might be good to leave the baby without the diaper as often as possible as this helps in keeping baby’s skin dry and helps heal the rash faster.
Baby Bathing
Too much bathing may dry the babies skin, so bathe the child 3 times a week and thoroughly clean the diaper area every time you change the baby’s diaper.
Sponge baths are recommended for babies in their first 2 weeks. It’s best to clean the baby gently with a damp cloth and mild lukewarm soapy water. While giving a sponge bath the baby can be kept in a towel, exposing only those parts that are being cleansed. Try and avoid using soap on the baby’s face.
After 2 weeks or so your baby is ready for his first bath. Fill a basin with luke warm water. Undress the baby and gently help him to sit down in the basin while holding him constantly. See to it that her head and upper body is well above the water level. Then gently clean with a damp cloth. You can pour water over his body using a small mug. Shampoo her hair once a week 17
and when washing her hair, make sure that the soap doesn’t go into the eyes, but don’t panic if it does - Just clean the baby’s eyes with a clean damp cloth.
Sponge baths are recommended for babies in their first 2 weeks. It’s best to clean the baby gently with a damp cloth and mild lukewarm soapy water. While giving a sponge bath the baby can be kept in a towel, exposing only those parts that are being cleansed. Try and avoid using soap on the baby’s face.
After 2 weeks or so your baby is ready for his first bath. Fill a basin with luke warm water. Undress the baby and gently help him to sit down in the basin while holding him constantly. See to it that her head and upper body is well above the water level. Then gently clean with a damp cloth. You can pour water over his body using a small mug. Shampoo her hair once a week 17
and when washing her hair, make sure that the soap doesn’t go into the eyes, but don’t panic if it does - Just clean the baby’s eyes with a clean damp cloth.
What Mother Should Eat During Breast Feeding
It is very important for a breastfeeding mother to have a healthy and balanced diet. A variety of foods are required during this period including:
• Get lots of vegetables and fruits – try and have an intake of 5 portions a day of fruit and veg.
• For additional energy try and take in starch rich foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, pulses and rice – this will provide a good source of energy.
• Foods such as wholemeal bread, vegetables, pulses, cereals and pastas will provide fibre – women occasionally experience bowel problems after childbirth and an intake of fibre on a daily basis will help with this.
• Proteins such as lean meat, fish, eggs and poultry.
• Try and get two portions of fish per week (including some oily fish). Do not exceed 2 portions of oily fish per week.
• Dairies such as cheese, milk and yoghurt are an excellent source of calcium and should be included in a breast feeding mother’s diet.
• Some doctors advise taking vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D (10 mcg per day). Your doctor will be able to advise which supplements will be right for you.
In addition to the foods that you should eat above there are certain food types that you should steer clear of at this time. As above you should restrict your intake of oily fish to two portions per week but you should also avoid eating more than one portion of swordfish, marlin or shark per week as these fish contain high levels of mercury. You should also be
careful with your intake of caffeine and alcohol. It is true that some breast feeding babies react to the foods that their mother has consumed. Some doctors believe that it is wise to lay off peanuts during this stage as well – approximately 2% of the population is allergic to peanuts – however your baby may have a higher chance of being allergic if the mother/father/brothers/sisters have problems such as asthma, eczema or hayfever. If you believe your baby may be at risk due to these factors it is worth consulting your doctor.
• Get lots of vegetables and fruits – try and have an intake of 5 portions a day of fruit and veg.
• For additional energy try and take in starch rich foods such as bread, pasta, potatoes, pulses and rice – this will provide a good source of energy.
• Foods such as wholemeal bread, vegetables, pulses, cereals and pastas will provide fibre – women occasionally experience bowel problems after childbirth and an intake of fibre on a daily basis will help with this.
• Proteins such as lean meat, fish, eggs and poultry.
• Try and get two portions of fish per week (including some oily fish). Do not exceed 2 portions of oily fish per week.
• Dairies such as cheese, milk and yoghurt are an excellent source of calcium and should be included in a breast feeding mother’s diet.
• Some doctors advise taking vitamin supplements such as Vitamin D (10 mcg per day). Your doctor will be able to advise which supplements will be right for you.
In addition to the foods that you should eat above there are certain food types that you should steer clear of at this time. As above you should restrict your intake of oily fish to two portions per week but you should also avoid eating more than one portion of swordfish, marlin or shark per week as these fish contain high levels of mercury. You should also be
careful with your intake of caffeine and alcohol. It is true that some breast feeding babies react to the foods that their mother has consumed. Some doctors believe that it is wise to lay off peanuts during this stage as well – approximately 2% of the population is allergic to peanuts – however your baby may have a higher chance of being allergic if the mother/father/brothers/sisters have problems such as asthma, eczema or hayfever. If you believe your baby may be at risk due to these factors it is worth consulting your doctor.
Breast Feeding
It is a myth that bottle-feeds and breast-feeding is equally good. Mother’s milk is the best for proper growth of the child. There are certain nutrients in the mother’s milk that helps the baby fight illnesses while also promoting brain development. As compared to breast fed babies, the formula-fed babies are more prone to illnesses.
Ideally you should start breast feeding the child within 2 hours of its birth, but do not worry if for some reason you are not able to do so - many mothers feed their children after a few days because of some medical reasons and they turn out to be just fine. Apart from milk avoid giving the child any water or pacifier because the child is still learning to breast-feed and things like the bottle nipple and pacifiers can confuse the baby while nursing because milk doesn’t flow as fast as it does through bottles.
Do give the child enough time to breast-feed. Don’t limit the time. It could frustrate the baby. An average of about 10 to 45 minutes can be taken by the baby to completely satisfy itself.
So how should you hold your baby during breast feeding? The answer to this is that see to it that the gums of the baby are on top of the areola because there is a chance of nipples becoming sore if the baby just chews on the nipple instead of taking in the areola. You can hold the baby in a cuddling position and feed it or you can lie on your side placing your baby facing you. Usually when the baby has had enough milk it will let go of the nipple on its own, but the baby takes usually half an hour on each side.
Ideally you should start breast feeding the child within 2 hours of its birth, but do not worry if for some reason you are not able to do so - many mothers feed their children after a few days because of some medical reasons and they turn out to be just fine. Apart from milk avoid giving the child any water or pacifier because the child is still learning to breast-feed and things like the bottle nipple and pacifiers can confuse the baby while nursing because milk doesn’t flow as fast as it does through bottles.
Do give the child enough time to breast-feed. Don’t limit the time. It could frustrate the baby. An average of about 10 to 45 minutes can be taken by the baby to completely satisfy itself.
So how should you hold your baby during breast feeding? The answer to this is that see to it that the gums of the baby are on top of the areola because there is a chance of nipples becoming sore if the baby just chews on the nipple instead of taking in the areola. You can hold the baby in a cuddling position and feed it or you can lie on your side placing your baby facing you. Usually when the baby has had enough milk it will let go of the nipple on its own, but the baby takes usually half an hour on each side.
First Days at Home
The first few days home from the hospital are important for both baby and parents. As parents you will have gone through n intense birth process that is unlike anything else you have ever experienced. As a new mother you will be drained - both emotionally and physically. The father can often have feelings of being overwhelmed by the huge responsibility he now faces. There probably is not much anyone can say or do to help you to fully prepare for what you are about to experience.
During your first days at home it may be wise to limit the amount of visitors that you welcome into your home because you’ll need a lot of time to recover from the birth process. Other than your immediate family and good friends you might want to ask other friends to wait a week or two before they descend on you with gifts and wanting to hold the new baby.
New mothers will want to pay attention to the way that they feel so that those “baby blues” don’t creep up and surprise you unexpectedly. It is normal to feel a bit out of sorts and sad for the first couple of weeks after giving birth. Your body is going through some major physical changes after the birth of your baby. Your hormones will be changing and you likely will be feeling a lack of sleep. It is important to remember that this is natural and to allow yourself a good amount of time to recover from this. If you find yourself feeling more and more depressed it is advised that you should discuss it with your doctor to see if you are suffering from “postpartum depression”. Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
• Overwhelming feelings of sadness and depression accompanied by crying.
• Having little or no energy.
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
• Having no interest in your baby or being overly concerned and worried about your baby.
• Weight gain accompanied with overeating or Weight loss accompanied by not eating.
• Insomnia or oversleeping.
If you do have postpartum depression then there are a few ways that you can try to beat it:
• Try and get as much rest and relaxation as possible. When the baby is asleep use this quiet time to get some rest yourself.
• Be more understanding with yourself and do not put yourself under too much pressure to “get back to normal”. Ensure that your family is aware that you need help with housework and so on.
• Try to limit the time that you spend just alone – keep your mind and body relatively active (for example by taking short pleasant walks).
• Get professional help if the depression seems to be ongoing.
• Discuss with other mothers their experiences after birth. You may find that your friends and family members also went through the same issues as you.
During the first few days at home your family will be adjusting to the additional member of your family. If you have other children at home you may be dealing with feelings of jealousy as the new baby takes centre stage. Make sure that you include your other children in the day-to-day activities that are part of the new baby’s routine. Remember that you are trying to adjust to some huge changes in your life so allow yourself the understanding and care that you would give to family and friends in your situation.
During your first days at home it may be wise to limit the amount of visitors that you welcome into your home because you’ll need a lot of time to recover from the birth process. Other than your immediate family and good friends you might want to ask other friends to wait a week or two before they descend on you with gifts and wanting to hold the new baby.
New mothers will want to pay attention to the way that they feel so that those “baby blues” don’t creep up and surprise you unexpectedly. It is normal to feel a bit out of sorts and sad for the first couple of weeks after giving birth. Your body is going through some major physical changes after the birth of your baby. Your hormones will be changing and you likely will be feeling a lack of sleep. It is important to remember that this is natural and to allow yourself a good amount of time to recover from this. If you find yourself feeling more and more depressed it is advised that you should discuss it with your doctor to see if you are suffering from “postpartum depression”. Symptoms of postpartum depression include:
• Overwhelming feelings of sadness and depression accompanied by crying.
• Having little or no energy.
• Feelings of guilt and worthlessness.
• Having no interest in your baby or being overly concerned and worried about your baby.
• Weight gain accompanied with overeating or Weight loss accompanied by not eating.
• Insomnia or oversleeping.
If you do have postpartum depression then there are a few ways that you can try to beat it:
• Try and get as much rest and relaxation as possible. When the baby is asleep use this quiet time to get some rest yourself.
• Be more understanding with yourself and do not put yourself under too much pressure to “get back to normal”. Ensure that your family is aware that you need help with housework and so on.
• Try to limit the time that you spend just alone – keep your mind and body relatively active (for example by taking short pleasant walks).
• Get professional help if the depression seems to be ongoing.
• Discuss with other mothers their experiences after birth. You may find that your friends and family members also went through the same issues as you.
During the first few days at home your family will be adjusting to the additional member of your family. If you have other children at home you may be dealing with feelings of jealousy as the new baby takes centre stage. Make sure that you include your other children in the day-to-day activities that are part of the new baby’s routine. Remember that you are trying to adjust to some huge changes in your life so allow yourself the understanding and care that you would give to family and friends in your situation.
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