The baby’s head is large in proportion to the rest of
its body. Because the baby’s neck muscles are
usually weak, it is important to support the head for
about the first three months.
Young children
need to sit
down and have
constant
assistance in
attempting to
hold a baby. If
unsupported,
baby’s head
could fall back,
causing a case
of whiplash!
This traditional cradle hold uses both
arms of the caregiver, and supports both
baby’s neck and back.
Use the way you
are dressed as
your guide. In
general, baby
needs the same
number of clothing
layers as you have
on. If you are
wearing a shirt and
jacket, baby may
need a top and
blanket. A hat may
be an important
accessory, to
prevent heat loss
through the scalp
or sunburn.
You can help your baby establish
good sleeping habits by developing
a bedtime routine. Do not try to
minimize daytime noises, such as
vacuums, dishwashers, etc. Keep
lights on and regular noise levels.
If you always rock your baby to
sleep, they will come to expect and
rely on it.
AGE
SLEEP REQUIRED
1 week old
17 hrs, including 4
1 month
16 hrs, including 3
3 month
15 hrs, including 3
6 month
14.5 hrs, including
9 month
14 hrs, including 2
1 yr
13.5 hrs, including
When baby wakes up
naps
at night, keep lights,
noise, and interaction
naps
at a minimum. Delay
reaction time to crying
naps
if baby has recently
2 naps been fed and changed,
to see if they will go
naps
back to sleep on their
own.
2 naps
In an effort to reduce the number of
children who died from SIDS (crib
death), physicians encouraged
parents to lay their babies on their
Unfortunately, the fontenals and skill
backs to sleep.
plates are not fully fused during infancy,
and can shift. This “back to sleep”
philosophy can cause the head to
flatten in areas.
This head malformation, known as
positional molding, develops in
babies who spend most of their
time on their backs in cribs, car
seats or infant seats. This is called
positional molding.
The solution may be as simple as placing the baby on
its side or tummy when it's not sleeping to relieve the
constant pressure on the back of the head. The
direction the child is placed in the crib should also be
varied. In cases of extreme deformity, special helmets
can be customized for wear such as the one shown in
the picture at the right.
If feeding baby formula or preserved
breast milk, some babies prefer their
milk and sometimes even the nipple
warmed. Test the temperature of the
milk by sprinkling a few drops on the
back of the hand or the inside of the
wrist. It should be tepid…not hot.
Use caution if using a microwave to
heat the bottle. The milk or formula is
heated unevenly. Shake before
feeding.
Warming milk is NOT necessary, but
once baby becomes accustomed to it,
they may refuse cold milk.
As baby sucks, from a bottle even
more so than the breast, they
swallow air. They try to burp, but
the feeling is new for them, and they
sometimes end up spitting up their
entire lunch in the effort. They
could use some assistance from the
caregiver. You can place the child
up and over the shoulder to pat their
back, but you take a chance of spitup trickling down your back.
Place baby in sitting position. Lean
them forward, supporting their chin
and chest with your hand. Pat their
back in an upward motion. You may
want to squeeze the cheeks of their
face to open the mouth. Continue
until you hear the burp of air.
In older children and adults, an elastic-like muscle at the entry to the stomach
closes like a valve to prevent liquids from being pushed back up. In babies,
however, this valve or sphincter isn't fully effective until between 6 and 12
months of age. Since it isn't fully developed yet, the valve is easily pushed
back by the contents of the stomach - resulting in regurgitation or spitting up.
It often happens as the result of overfeeding or because an air bubble is
swallowed during feeding.
Vomiting, unlike spitting up, is
characterized by the forceful
expulsion of the contents of
the stomach. It is a symptom
of gastrointestinal distress
and may indicate an illness.
Vomiting can quickly lead to
dehydration.
Proponents of breastfeeding
encourage mothers to feed their
babies “on demand”, with no
schedule established. It
provides baby with comfort as
well as nutrition.
If bottle feeding, whether it is with formula or
expressed breast milk, baby needs
one ounce per hour.
If they drink 4 ounces, therefore, they can usually
wait about 4 hours before they eat again.
In this busy world today, parents
and caregivers may be tempted to
prop baby’s bottle on a pillow and
go on to other things during
feeding time. Don’t do it!
Babies choke more often when bottles
are propped. They also fall asleep with
milk in their mouth, promoting gum
disease and tooth decay. Milk runs
down the face and into the ears,
causing more ear infections.
Feeding time is nurturing time, and
nurturing means holding baby close,
looking into their eyes, giving them
your attention and tender, loving care.
Nurturing is
important to
growth,
development,
and thriving.
A baby that simply receives
satisfactory physical care does not
always “thrive”. The child might be
receiving enough nourishment, but
does not gain weight. The term for
this condition is “failure to thrive”. It
may be indicative of an illness, or
lack of nurturing.
Until baby has teeth and is able to chew food well, they should eat only
pureed food. Pediatricians recommend starting with a bland rice cereal,
followed by oatmeal and then barley cereals. Vegetables such as peas
and carrots come next, followed by fruits.
There are some foods that
should be avoided for the
entire first year, as baby has or
easily develops allergies to
them: chocolate, citrus fruits,
peanut butter (it also presents
a choking hazard for children
under 3), egg whites, honey
(may contain botulism food
poisoning), wheat products,
cow’s milk
When starting baby on solid foods, introduce only one new food every 3
days. If your baby has an allergy to this food, you will be able to pinpoint
which food is a problem and avoid it. Babies do not need a wide variety
of foods in their diet, and very bland foods are flavor- packed for baby!
While the color red is associated
with most emergencies, with
babies it is the color blue. Blue
skin means:
1. Baby is very cold; this shows
up first on fingers and toes
2. Baby is not getting oxygen;
this might show up first on the
lips of the mouth or in the face
If baby displays brief
episodes of turning blue for
no apparent reason, consult
a physician!
In the event of choking, perform the Heimlich
Maneuver by placing the infant stomach- down
across your forearm. Give 5 thumps on the
infant’s back with the heel of your hand.
While yellow skin in newborns is symptomatic of jaundice, yellow skin tones
in an older baby is probably due to diet. Beta-carotene is the orange
pigment that gives carrots, sweet potatoes, and other vegetables their
characteristic coloring.
Babies have a taste
preference for
sweets, and carrots
are one of the
sweetest tasting baby
foods. For that
reason baby eats
larger quantities of
carrots than some
other vegetables. The
higher levels of
carotene in the diet
can actually turn a
baby’s skin slightly
yellow or orange.
Mila are tiny white papules,
actually plugged
sebaceous glands or oil
ducts, located over nose,
cheek, and chin. They are
caused by stimulation from
the mother’s hormones,
and will disappear in a
week or two.
DO NOT SQUEEZE!
Milia are NOT pimples, and
squeezing could result in
permanent scarring.
Taste: Baby’s taste buds
are immature. They taste
sour and bitter, but prefer
sweet. They do not taste
salt for several months.
The infant is learning about their new
environment through all 5
senses….especially through the sense
of taste. Everything goes into the
mouth, so it especially important to
keep small items away.
Hearing and smelling:
Both of these senses are
well developed at the time
of birth…and probably
have been since the 2nd
trimester of prenatal
development.
Feeling/touch: By the end of the 8th month of prenatal development, nearly
every part of the body is sensitive to heat, cold, pressure, and pain.
Sight: Vision is the last of the senses to develop. At birth, the infant can
clearly focus on objects within a distance of 8 – 12 inches. The ability to see
color develops over time, beginning with the brightest and boldest colors.
While many babies are born with a
full head of hair, others are nearly
bald and stay that way for up to a
year.
Hair usually does not need to be shampooed
daily; twice a week with a non-tearing product
may be sufficient. Soft baby brushes are
available or regular combs can be used gently.
Babies born with hair often lose it
during the first six months of life.
This is because hair alternates
between two stages, a growing
stage and a resting stage, and in
newborns, all of the hair follicles
enter the resting period at the same
time, causing them to fall out. This
hair loss is thought to be due to the
natural drop in a baby's hormone
levels right after birth. (New moms
often lose hair for the same
reason.)
A baby may also have bald patches on his scalp from sleeping in the same
position or rubbing his head against the mattress. This may decrease as he
starts to move around more on his own, or if you deliberately change the
position your baby sleeps in.
Some babies not only lose their hair, but also when their new hair comes in
it's a completely different color and texture.
Cradle cap is actually a form of dry
skin, often due to a lack of circulation
in the scalp since baby’s head rests
against mattress surfaces for
prolonged periods. It looks like white to
yellow flaking skin on the scalp. This is
not an infection and is not contagious.
To help prevent this, use a soft brush or
a special scalp brush to brush the scalp
vigorously and daily in the opposite
direction the hair grows. To try to
dissolve existing scalp flakes, you can
apply mineral oil to the affected areas
and leave it on about 6 to 8 hours,
followed by a thorough washing and
brushing.
Circumcision is a religious
requirement for males in the
Jewish and Muslim faiths, and
may be performed by a Rabbi
rather than a physician.
Before or shortly after the birth of a baby
boy, the parents make a decision about
whether or not to have him circumcised.
A circumcision is the surgical removal of
the prepuce (foreskin) on the penis.
Pros and cons to this procedure:
Pros - scientific evidence exists that
links poor hygiene of the area under the
foreskin to penile cancer and AIDS;
secretions on the head of the adult penis
can dry under the foreskin, and if not
cleaned properly can lead to infection;
some evidence of fewer urinary tract
infections during 1st year of life
Cons - removing the foreskin leaves the
head of the penis exposed, possibly
leading to desensitization and in turn to
the lack of sexual sensation and
response; some physicians attribute
this as a possible cause of the
increasing incidence of adult impotence.
Still others say it is simply mutilation.
If your child has not been
circumcised, his penis requires no
special care. Do not try to pull back
the foreskin of an infant to clean it.
If your child has been circumcised,
his penis may be wrapped in gauze
after the operation. Each time you
change his diaper, apply fresh gauze
dabbed in petroleum jelly or other
ointment, until the penis is fully
healed. This prevents the area from
sticking to the diaper. The
petroleum jelly also forms a
moisture barrier, to keep urine out of
the area. Once the incision has
healed (in about 7-10 days), simply
wash the penis with soap and water.
Breast
enlargement
Many newborns, both boys
and girls, seem to have
swollen breasts or genitals.
They may even have a milky
discharge from their nipples.
In newborn girls, there's often
a clear or whitish vaginal
discharge, that may be tinged
with blood. This is referred to
as a “mini-menstrual period”.
These features are perfectly
normal, and are caused by
mother's female hormones that
cross the placenta just before
birth, and are still present in
the baby’s bloodstream. They
will disappear within a few
weeks. In the meantime, don't
try to squeeze any discharge
from the breasts, because this
can irritate them or cause
infection. The secretion is
referred to as “witch’s milk”
The skin of a newborn baby is very
sensitive, particularly on the face and
scalp. Applying lotions or oils to the
baby's
skin
is
generally
not
recommended because they can clog
pores and cause or aggravate rashes.
If baby’s skin is very dry, however, and
a lotion is needed, (which is especially
true in overdue babies) you should
avoid some product ingredients. Make
sure the lotion contains:
1. NO GREASE / OIL
2. NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS
3. NO ARTIFICIAL ODORS
Keri Lotion is a
popular brand of
lotion containing
no oil or artificial
colors and scents.
Within about one to three weeks
after birth, your newborn's umbilical
stump (where the cord was attached
at the navel) will turn black, dry out
and fall off.
If the stump is very moist, you can use
rubbing alcohol on a cotton swab to
wipe around and under the area one or
more times a day. The alcohol
evaporates quickly, and causes
drying. The baby may cry, but it is
because the evaporation causes a
cooling effect. It is cold, not burning.
Sponge bathe rather than tub bathe
the baby, and try to keep the diaper
Call the doctor if the belly button
below the belly button until the cord
becomes red, bleeds or smells bad.
has completely healed.
The normal belly button is an “innie”, pulled inward as the
stump dries and falls off. “Outies” are caused by a weak or split
abdominal muscle. This often corrects itself by age 2, but could
be repaired if desired for cosmetic reasons at a later age.
Your baby's diaper should be very
wet about eight times in 12 hours.
If the urine is dark and your
baby has not wet his diapers 6-8
times a day, he may not be
getting enough formula or
breast milk.
Baby may have a bowel
movement between every diaper
change, or as little as once every
day or so.
Step 1: Unfasten the diaper
Begin and end diaper change by
washing hands in hot, soapy water.
Step 2: Use the diaper to remove excess feces from skin; place a clean cloth or diaper
over the genital area on a boy baby to avoid a “warm shower” during wetting
Step 3: Hold baby’s bottom up by gripping ankles and remove soiled diaper
Step 4: Fold the dirty diaper in half, with the unsoiled half up
Step 5: Clean front of genital area with damp washcloth or baby wipe; wipe from front to back
on baby girl to avoid the introduction of bacteria into vagina (causes infections)
Step 6: Lift both of baby’s legs and clean bottom.
Step 7: Place top half of diaper
under baby’s rear and bring bottom
half up between legs; a moisture
barrier cream can be used on the
skin at this point; NO POWDER as it
can be inhaled and/or cause vaginal
infections in girls
Step 8: Fasten diaper securely
Some babies have allergies to the
materials in disposable diapers.
Step 1: Lay diaper flat; fold in left 1/3 toward center
Step 2: Do the same fold with the right 1/3
Step 3: Fold up bottom 1/3; this part goes on the front of a
boy and under the bottom of a girl
When using diapers with pins instead of adhesive
tabs, place two fingers under the diaper fabric to
avoid giving your baby an accidental pinprick.
Insert the pin away from your baby's navel on each
side, and be sure not to push it through all the
layers of the inner fold of diaper, so you don't stick
yourself. (Here's a quick tip: If you stick the pins in
a bar of soap first, they'll be easier to push through
the fabric.) Placing plastic or rubber pants over the
diaper during wear will prevent leaks. Drop excess
feces from soiled diaper into toilet and soak diaper.
The stools of the average
newborn are very soft and yellow,
with little or no offensive odor.
As soft foods are
introduced into the diet,
the color and
consistency of the stool
changes. It becomes tan
and brown in color and is
more formed (takes
shape). The smell
becomes unpleasant.
For various reasons
baby does not always
digest all the milk they
eat. This undigested
milk shows up in the
stools in the form of
curds (much like the
curds in cottage
cheese.
If the stools become filled with curds primarily,
baby may not be getting proper nutrition. This
warrants a call to the doctor.
Diaper rash is caused by moisture, chafing
and acid in soiled diapers. Frequent diaper
changes may prevent the rash, but most
newborns have diaper rash periodically
because their skin is tender. To treat the rash,
try to change the baby's diaper as soon as it
gets wet or soiled. Apply a protective cream
or ointment ,a moisture barrier, with each
diaper change, such as “Desitin”, or
vaseline... not powder!
The diapered area on baby
presents perfect conditions for
growing the bacteria that
causes rashes:
1. Dark
2. Moist
3. Warm
Your child is not constipated if his or her stools are soft and
pass easily, even if it has been a few days since the last bowel
movement. Constipation occurs when stools become hard and
are difficult to pass. It is not unusual for a baby to turn red
and strain while having a bowel movement even when they are
. not constipated, so do not use that as an indicator.
Never use artificial laxatives or stool
softeners without the orders of a
physician. Babies easily become
dependent on these chemicals.
For natural relief:
Mix 1 tablespoon dark Karo syrup
in 4 ounces of water and feed
from a bottle.
Supplies needed:
Washcloth or two, towel
for drying, large towel to
place baby on, mild soap
and shampoo, clothes,
diaper, basin or tub or
sink.
The room temperature
should be at about 75
degrees.
Babies do not cry at bath time
because they are afraid of water…they
developed in the womb in a bag of
water! They cry because they are cold
and feel insecure without a diaper and
clothing. Try placing a warm
washcloth over the baby’s chest.
Bathing every other day is adequate.
The “football hold” illustrated at the
left is recommended.
Dip your elbow in the water to check the temperature of
baby’s bath. The water should be nice and warm, but not
hot. Over 4,000 children a year are scalded in hot bath
water.
Liquid crystal
temperature displays on
bathtub toys monitor
bath water temperatures.
Under no circumstances should baby
ever be left unattended in or around
water…not even for just a minute!
Drowning and burns are two of the top
five causes of death in children under
the age of one year.
The baby's nails may be softer
and more pliable than an
adults, but they're sharp, and a
newborn, who has little control
over his flailing limbs, can
easily end up scratching his
own face. Longer nails also
easily become ingrown, and in
turn, infected. Little fingernails
grow so fast you may have to
cut them as often as a few
times a week. Toenails require
less-frequent trimming.
The best time to trim nails is while he's sleeping, and after a recent bath when
they are still very soft.. Press the finger pad away from the nail to avoid nicking
the skin, keep a firm hold on your child's hand as you clip, and cut straight
across. You can use a pair of baby scissors or clippers made especially for this
purpose. If you do nick the skin at the tip of the nail, you can expect it to bleed
profusely for quite a long period of time. A band aid is not appropriate on an
infant who sucks on their fingers, so you simply apply pressure and hold the
area above the heart. It might be easier and safer to use a nail file.
A bulb syringe is used to clean your
baby's nose and mouth of formula or
mucus. You may use it when your baby
spits up, has a stuffy nose or sneezes
(this is how he clears his nose).
To use, first squeeze the bulb until it is
collapsed. Place it in one nostril and
quickly release the bulb. This will bring
the formula or mucus into the bulb.
Remove the bulb syringe from the nose
and squeeze the bulb quickly into a
tissue to get rid of this material. Repeat
for the other nostril (and mouth, if
necessary).
Itchy, watery eyes and nose are hallmarks of an allergy, as are repeated
sneezing attacks and itchy skin that lasts for weeks or months. Also, the
mucus coming out of your child's nose will continue to run clear. Allergies
aren't associated with fever, and they tend to show up in the spring,
summer, and early fall.
When baby has a cold, they often run a low grade fever.
The mucus from the nose thickens and turns yellow or
green. Colds tend to show up from December to April.
A common source of the stuffy
nose is fabric softener. In an
effort to make all of baby’s
blankets and clothing soft, it is
sometimes overused. If baby
doesn’t appear to have a cold or
allergy, try cutting down or out
the use of fabric softeners. In the
meantime, use a bulb syringe to
clear the nasal passages.
Baby is fussy and
crying. You suspect they
may be sick. An adult’s
internal “thermostat” is
very sophisticated and
will control their
temperature quite well. It
doesn’t rise too quickly,
or too high easily. For a
baby, however, that is
not the case. Any
temperature over 99
degrees is considered a
fever, and that
temperature can soar
quickly to high numbers.
The time and effort it takes to measure baby’s
temperature will depend on the type of
thermometer you are using. Thanks to
technological advances, many methods are now
available, some more accurate than others.
Hand on forehead: Touching the forehead is somewhat reliable for
detecting fevers over 102°F (38.9°C) but tends to miss mild fevers. It might
simply be used as an indication of when you should get out a thermometer.
Ear thermometers:
Many hospitals and medical offices now take your child's temperature using
an infrared thermometer that reads the temperature of the eardrum. In
general, the eardrum temperature provides a measurement that is as accurate
as the rectal temperature.
The biggest advantage
of this thermometer is
that it measures
temperatures in less
than 2 seconds. It also
does not require
cooperation by the
child and does not
cause any discomfort.
Ear thermometers for
use at home have been
developed, but they are
expensive.
Plastic strip thermometer: These plastic strips
contain a heat-sensitive liquid crystal that
changes color to indicate the temperature. This
method is not very accurate. Place the strip on
the forehead and read it after 1 minute while it is
still in place. That is it’s true advantage… a strip
can be applied and left on the forehead while the
child plays for continual monitoring. They are
inexpensive and disposable.
Digital electronic pacifier thermometers
The new electronic pacifier thermometers
have a heat sensor and are powered by a
button battery. These pacifiers let you
measure oral temperature in younger
children. They are quite accurate if 0.5°F is
added to the digital reading. They take
approximately 3 minutes to reach a steady
state. An added advantage is their low cost.
Digital electronic thermometers
Digital electronic thermometers
measure temperatures with a heat
sensor and require a button battery.
They measure temperatures quickly,
usually in less than 30 seconds. The
temperature is displayed in numbers
on a small screen. The same
thermometer can be used to take
axillary, rectal, and oral
temperatures. (see slide on glass
thermometers for more instructions)
Digital thermometers tend to be
more accurate than glass
thermometers. There are several
varieties as pictured here and some
can be purchased for $10 or less.
Glass thermometers: This type of thermometer has been the standard
since 1870. These are the least expensive thermometers, and are usually
filled with mercury. The mercury in the tube rises when expanded by an
increase in body temperature. They have two disadvantages: they
measure temperatures slowly and are often hard to read.
Glass thermometers come in two forms, oral with a thin tip and rectal
with a rounder tip. This difference is not too important. If necessary, a
rectal thermometer can be used in the mouth as long as the thermometer
is cleaned with rubbing alcohol. An oral thermometer can be used in the
rectum if you are extra careful with rectal insertion. Both are very
inexpensive.
The rectal thermometer with
the more rounded tip.
The oral thermometer with
the more elongated tip.
To use the glass thermometer, first clean it with cool, soapy water or rubbing
alcohol. Gripping the end opposite the bulb, shake the thermometer down
until it reads 95 degrees Fahrenheit or less. You can measure the
temperature on three body locations:
Oral: Place the thermometer under the tongue and close the mouth using the lips to hold the
thermometer tightly. The patient must breathe through the nose. Leave the thermometer in the
mouth for 3 minutes.
Axillary (in the armpit): Place the thermometer in the
armpit, with the arm pressed against the body for 5
minutes before reading. This is the least accurate
method for using a glass thermometer. Reads 1
degree lower than actual temperature!
Rectal: For this method, use a rectal thermometer.
This method is recommended for infants and small
children who are not able to hold a thermometer
safely in their mouths. Lubricate the bulb of the
thermometer with a petroleum jelly. Spread the
buttocks, place your fingers 1 inch from the bulb
end, and insert the bulb end of the thermometer
about 1/2 to 1 inch into the anal canal (or up to your
fingers). Remove the thermometer after 3 minutes.
This method is very accurate! It reads 1 degree
higher than actual temperature!
Read the thermometer by gripping the end opposite the bulb so that the numbers
are facing you. Roll the thermometer back and forth between your fingers until
you see a silver or red reflection in the column. Compare the end of the column
with the degree marking in the lines on the thermometer. Clean and store.
The Temporal Artery Scanner
thermometer is designed to measure
the temperature of the skin surface
over the temporal artery, a major
artery of the head.
Completely non-invasive, quick, and
accurate. It continually scans for the
highest temperature. It is the latest
technology of those discussed here,
and the most expensive.
With so many choices of thermometers
available, the caregiver or parent must
choose a method that is affordable and
meets their needs. A child that is
frequently ill might warrant the
purchase of a more expensive and
easily - used product.
1. Loosen tight clothing
Fever is the body's
normal and healthy
reaction to infection and
other illnesses, minor
and serious. Fever is a
symptom, not a disease.
Some babies run fevers
frequently, even in
response to room
temperature and too
much clothing. Often the
importance of a fever can
be determined only when
other symptoms are
evaluated.
2. Check the nape of baby’s
neck; if it is moist baby
may be too hot; remove
some clothing and/or adjust
room thermostat
3. Give fluids
4. Tepid water sponge bath
5. Give recommended dosage
of acetaminophen (nonaspirin fever reducer/pain
reliever) or ibuprophen
medication
It’s time to call a
doctor when baby’s
temperature is too
high. Be prepared to
tell the doctor:
1. child’s age in months
2. the method you used to
take the temperature
3. the actual thermometer
reading
4. what medications or
precautions you’ve already taken
to relieve the fever.
High, prolonged fevers are associated with
encephalitis…and infection in the lining of
the brain that causes brain damage.
106 degrees rectal
105 degrees oral
104 degrees axillary
Research has shown an association
between the development of Reye's
Syndrome and the use of aspirin for
treating the symptoms of influenzalike illnesses, chicken pox, colds, etc.
The U.S. Surgeon General, the Food
and Drug Administration, the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention,
and the American Academy of
Pediatrics recommend that aspirin
and products containing aspirin
(salicyate compounds) not be given
to children under 19 years of age
during episodes of fever-causing
illnesses.
If your child shows symptoms of
nausea, vomiting or behavioral
changes following a viral illness,
contact your doctor immediately
Reye's syndrome is a rare but
serious illness that can affect the
blood, liver and brain of children
and teenagers. It can lead to
permanent brain damage, and even
coma and death in one out of every
5 cases.
By definition, colic
is when baby cries
for 3 hours or
more a day, for
more than 3 days
of a week.
There is no cure for colic. The cause of
colic is debated by experts. Some
believe it accompanies an immature
digestive system (they get a tummy
ache after eating), and others believe it
accompanies an immature nervous
system (inability to cope with all the
stimuli of their environment). Nearly
22% of all babies will suffer from colic.
The parents of a colicky baby feel
frustrated, isolated, stressed and helpless
to do anything. The condition seems to
intensify toward evening hours. It may
last from 3 weeks up to 3 months, but
rarely beyond.
There is nothing you can
do. When you can’t take
anymore…
WALK AWAY!
(otitis media)
Frequently caused by a virus and/or bacteria, and typically occur in the
aftermath of a cold. Because a child's eustachian tube (the tube that connects
the middle ear to the back of the nose) is very short and very narrow, it plugs
up easily. Moisture is trapped in the inner ear and not allowed to drain
properly. Three-quarters of children will have at least one ear infection by the
time they reach age three. Ear infections are not contagious.
Signs and symptoms: Fussiness,
irritability, difficulty sleeping (lying
down tends to increase ear pain),
difficulty eating (sucking and
swallowing can result in painful
pressure changes in the middle ear
and feel like a sore throat), difficulty
hearing (baby stops responding to
certain types of sounds), fluid
draining from baby's ear, tugging or
rubbing ears, fever and cold
symptoms. Note: Pus coming from
baby's ear indicates that the
eardrum has burst and requires
antibiotic treatment
Treatment of ear infections…
Antibiotics are usually prescribed, but in the case of
repeated infections small plastic “spacer” tubes may
need to be inserted to hold open the eustachian tube
passageway. As the child grows, so does the
eustachian tube, and the spacers fall out.
Statistically, babies that have more frequent
ear infections are those that:
1. Are exposed to cigarette smoke
2. Have had one or more ear infections in
the past (particularly if those infections
occurred before his first birthday)
3. Are formula-fed rather than breastfed
4. Attend day care
5. Were born prematurely or were a lowbirthweight baby
6. Are male
7. Use pacifiers (they are a breeding
ground for germs and encourage a
constant sucking motion)
The most common type of anemia, especially in infants and children, is irondeficiency anemia. Iron is a dietary mineral needed by the body to make red
blood cells. While white blood cells are made to fight infection, the red
blood cells are necessary to carry oxygen to cells throughout the body.
If you don’t have enough red blood
cells to carry the oxygen your body
needs, you are anemic. The solution
is to increase iron intake, so the
body can make additional red blood
cells. Infants can be given an iron
supplement, or if formula-fed, can be
switched to an iron rich formula. Be
aware, iron supplements may cause
baby’s stools to be black in color!
Look carefully at baby’s outstretched
palm. The lines in the palm should be
nice and pink. If they are pale, it may
be an early indication of anemia.
For children younger than one year of age, the leading cause of
unintentional injury-related death is suffocation, followed by motor vehicle
occupant injury, choking, drowning, and fire / burns.
The highest
rates of
suffocation
occur when
babies are in
their cribs or
sleeping with
their parents.
As of April 11, 2002 any person
who drives any motor vehicle in
Nebraska is required to ensure
that all children up to their 6th
birthday ride correctly secured in
a child restraint system which
meets Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards. Car seat belts
are not adequate.
If an object is small
enough to slide
through a toilet paper
tube, it presents a
choking hazard to the
infant.
Use rear-facing child
safety seats for babies
under 1 year old and
up to 20 pounds.
A healthy baby is put to bed and is
later found dead for no apparent
reason. Sudden Infant Death
Syndrome (SIDS), also known as “crib
death”, strikes one out of 350 babies
between one and six months old.
What we know:
SIDS is the leading cause of death in
babies after 1 month of age. (falls
under suffocation category)
More SIDS deaths happen in colder
months ( when babies are bundled up
with more blankets and clothing).
Babies placed to sleep on their
stomachs are much more likely to die
of SIDS than babies placed on their
backs to sleep.
African American babies are 2 times
more likely to die of SIDS than white
babies.
To help hold baby in a back-sleeping position, you
can use a blanket. Place baby with his or her feet
at the foot of the crib. The blanket should reach
no higher than the baby’s chest, and the ends of
the blanket should be tucked under the crib
mattress.
Some physicians believe that Sudden
Infant Death Syndrome is associated with
a sleep disorder called sleep apnea. In
this condition, the person goes so soundly
asleep and muscles are so relaxed, that
their airway actually closes off. IF a good
gasp reflex is present, they will “gasp” and
start breathing again. Many hospitals
monitor baby for this reflex before sending
them home after birth.
Parents have a great deal of difficulty
facing the death of any child, but to face
the unexplained death of a healthy and
contented baby sleeping in it’s crib is
almost unbearable.
Couples/marriages
are often crippled by
blame, rage, and
guilt after the loss of
a baby to SIDS.
Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS) is the
collection of signs and symptoms resulting
from the violent shaking of an infant or
small child. Frustration and stress are the
reasons some one shakes a child. A crying
child is reported to be the number one
reason why people have shaken a child.
When shaking occurs, the brain bounces
within the skull cavity, bruising the brain
tissue. Swelling and bleeding occur.
WITH 3 SHAKES, BABY BREAKS!
3 SHAKES IS ALL IT TAKES!
It is a potentially fatal form of
child abuse. Approximately
1,200 - 1,400 children are
shaken in America each year,
for whom treatment is sought.
Of these, 25 -30% die as a
result of their injuries. The
rest have lifelong
complications.
WHEN YOU CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE… WALK AWAY!
Some babies are born with a tooth, or get
one within a week or two after birth.
These are rootless, pre-baby teeth, and
will fall out when the baby teeth come in.
Begin daily mouth-cleaning at
birth before teeth appear. Wipe
the roof of mouth and insides of
cheeks with a clean soft damp
fabric cloth. Then use this same
cloth, wrapped around your
finger, to brush your baby’s
gums just as it they had teeth.
This cleans and increases
circulation in the gumline.
Healthy gums…healthy teeth.
When the first teeth appear,
brush them gently with a small,
soft bristled toothbrush. Fluoride
toothpaste is not recommended
for children under age 3.
Children typically begin to erupt a tooth between the 6th and 8th month of life.
Signs of teething are: drooling, irritability, gum swelling and sensitivity,
sleeping problems, refusing food, the urge to bite on hard objects and
possibly a low grade fever. The discomfort that results from teething is due to
the pressure exerted on the tissue in the mouth, called the periodontal
membrane, as the teeth erupt.
The front four (incisors) teeth are usually the first to
appear. In some cases a bluish swelling is visible
shortly before the new tooth arrives. The chewing
edge of these teeth may have three small bumps
which normally wear off with use. A full set of
primary teeth (20) is usually in place by age three.
To relieve baby’s pain you can
provide specially designed toys
for teething including ones to put
in the freezer, topical numbing
medications, and acetaminophen.
No wooden objects. No ice cubes.
No toys in the freezer not
designed for that purpose.
The occurrence of loose, watery stools is
called diarrhea. While some babies have
only one loose stool; others have many
each day.
Baby's diarrhea may be caused by a gastrointestinal infection,
antibiotics, too much fruit or juice in the diet, food poisoning, an allergy
to milk sugar (lactose), an enzyme deficiency, and perhaps even
teething due to extra swallowing of saliva.
Electrolyte solutions such as one
marketed as Pedialyte and sports drinks
such as Gatorade can help hydrate baby.
They can live on these for 3 days and
will like them since they are slightly
sweet.
The first step in your course of
action to treat diarrhea is to
eliminate all milk and milk
products from the diet for 3 days,
as the lactose in milk sometimes
irritates the bowel. Babies on
liquid diets may be switched to
electrolyte solutions. Electrolyte
drinks contain sodium and
potassium salts and are used to
replenish the body's water and
electrolyte levels after
dehydration. Push these fluids.
B.R.A.T. DIET:
Bananas
Rice Cereal
Applesauce
COMMERICIALLY PREPARED OR
HOMEMADE ELECTROLYTE SOLUTION
2 quarts water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
7 Tablespoons sugar
1 packet Sugar-Free Kool-Aid
1/2 teaspoon salt substitute (for potassium)
Toast
NO MILK OR MILK PRODUCTS FOR 3 DAYS!
SYMPTOMS OF DEHYDRATION:
1. Dry mouth or thick saliva
Diarrhea itself is NOT life
threatening. It causes dehydration,
however, which IS a life-threatening
condition. Dehydration is the loss of
body fluids, needed for survival.
2. Small amounts of dark urine in
diaper
3. Dark circles around eyes
4. Baby may be fussy, sleepy, not
hungry, or difficult to wake up
5. Skin on back of hand forms a tent
when pinched, and stays pinched up
6. Fingernails appear to be growing
(actually the skin is shrinking back
away from the nail bed)
Diarrhea is very acidic and can cause
7. Soft spot (fontanel) on head sinks painful rashes and skin irritants. Stop
using baby wipes temporarily. Consider
in when baby is held upright or in
swabbing the area with a liquid antacid
sitting position
(such as Maalox) mixed with cornstarch to
a thin-paste consistency.
Moisten a clean cotton ball with water. Gently cleanse with a single
swipe on each closed eye from the inner corner to the outer corner. Dirt
or bacteria is easily transferred from one eye to the other, so repeat the
procedure in the second eye with a clean cotton ball.
Tears are produced by the lacrimal
gland located in the upper outer
portion of each eye. Tears drain
down and cascade over the eye,
cleaning the eye. Tears and debris
then drain into the tear ducts and
down into the nasal passages
located near the inner portion of
each eye. Tears will accumulate
and overflow onto the cheek if
there is an excessive amount of
tears produced such as in
emotional crying, or if the duct is
blocked.
With the invention of contact lenses
came a renewed interest in care of the
eyes. Both the quality and quantity of
tears is important.
While cleaning each of baby’s
eyes with a cotton ball, you
should gently massage the upper
outer corner of the eye. This
encourages the production of
tears… addressing the issue of
quantity.
A gentle massage in a circular
motion at the inner corner of each
eye helps keep tear drainage ducts
clear of blockage that may be caused
by excessive crying or a cold.
Avoid washing baby’s clothes with those
from the rest of the family. Chemicals
from adult deodorants, colognes, hair
sprays, etc. could transfer to baby’s
clothes in the washing process.
1. Use soap, not detergent. There are
several brands available. Detergent can
leave a harsh residue and can remove
the fire-retardant that is used on baby
clothing.
2. Rinse twice, to make sure all soap
residue is removed. It can cause rashes.
3. Wash diapers separately.
4. Use oxygen bleaches, not chlorine
bleach.
5. Avoid the use of fabric softener.