Babies Suffering For Colic-Toddler
Babies Suffering For Colic
About one quarter of babies will suffer from colic from around age 3 weeks - and you will suffer too! All babies cry of course, but those with colic will cry relentlessly for at least three hours several times a week, usually in the evening when your partner gets home from work. This can be a stressful time for you all, but it will go away of its own accord once baby reaches about 12 weeks. In the meantime there are some things you can try to ease her discomfort and the decibel level.Symptoms Of Colic
As well as the crying and general distress, baby will often extend or pull up her legs, arching her back; and her tummy may feel bloated.The Cause Of Colic
The causes are not fully understood, although some experts believe that bottle-fed babies are more likely to be affected as they take in air through the teat. Other causes are smoking during pregnancy - this includes being in a smoky atmosphere (second-hand smoke).Other theories include an intolerance of lactose (a natural ingredient of milk), and the immaturity of her digestive system - the latter is supported by the fact that babies usually grow out of colic at around 12 weeks of age.Treatments
If you're bottle feeding you can get anti-colic teats that reduce the air intake. Change the teats as she develops as using a newborn's teat after a few weeks will mean she has to suck harder and will take in more air. You can also get colic drops from your pharmacist which break down air bubbles in her tummy. Gripe water will act in the same way.If you are breast feeding, some foods that you eat may be aggravating the problem. Possible culprits are orange juice, spicy foods, caffeine, alcohol, onions and cabbage.
Try massage. Rub her tummy in a clockwise direction to aid digestion.Switch on a hair dryer or vacuum cleaner so she can hear the noise. Seriously, baby heard these sort of noises while in the womb and she may be comforted by them.Cranial osteopathy may help. If the birth was difficult, a gentle realignment of bones and joints can work wonders and some mothers have found that one treatment results in a cure for colic and other ailments. We have a separate article on this subject.Make a note of anything that seems to reduce or stop the crying and repeat next time.Helping You To Cope
With your baby in obvious distress, the relentless crying, and maybe a grumpy partner; you will be under a lot of pressure. Understand what is happening and the reasons for it, and make sure your partner does too. Talk to other moms who will reassure you that it is nothing you are doing wrong.
Above all, keep in mind that this will end of its own accord, usually around age 12 weeks. Hang on in there!****************************************************************
Author: Tony and Katy Luck who run a site with advice on having a baby.
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How to Meet the Dietary Needs of Babies ? Health, Palate, and Lifestyle-Toddler
How to Meet the Dietary Needs of Babies ? Health, Palate, and Lifestyle
More and more studies are proving that food has a large impact on our overall health and may even determine which diseases and ailments we will get later in life. The more we are aware of the importance of our food choices the earlier we can teach and protect our children. Of course there is always a balance to strike between what's good for our body and what's good for our taste buds and lifestyle. Here is a description of the most important nutrients for your child's development and which foods meet their needs.Iron
Babies are born with their own source of iron, but this will be depleted after six months. Iron is absorbed best if it is from meat, however the vegetarian baby can increase iron absorption by eating foods rich in vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, spinach, tomatoes) with meals. Giving milk separately from meals also promotes absorption. Vegetarian iron rich foods include pureed apricots, molasses, fortified cereals, refined lentils, beans and green vegetables.Calcium
Breast milk or formula provides all your baby's calcium needs initially. Calcium helps teeth and bones and promotes overall strength. Good sources later include: cow's milk, fortified soy milk and orange juice, cheeses, molasses, dark green vegetables, beans, lentils and tofu.Protein
Babies require more protein than adults because of their rapid growth. A one year old child needs about 15 grams or two cups of protein per day, such as milk, cheese, beans, tofu, fish, poultry and lean meats. Combination foods such as grains (bread, pasta, rice) with beans, lentils, avocados, cheeses or tofu will provide the balance needed for vegetarian babies.Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is usually found in animal products, such as meat and chicken. Other non-meat sources include dairy products and eggs, as well as fortified foods such as soy milk and cereals.Vitamin D
Vitamin D is made from the action of the sunlight on the skin. Most children in warm climates receive adequate Vitamin D (20-30 minutes a day, 2 to 3 times per week). Dietary sources of vitamin D include dairy products, eggs and fortified foods. Breast milk or formula will provide vitamin D in the beginning stages. Some pediatricians recommend vitamin D supplements.Fiber
Most of your baby's fiber needs will be met with fruits and vegetables and cereal. Be careful as a diet too high in fiber and whole grains can fill up a child before their nutritional needs have been met and interfere with absorption of minerals such as zinc, iron and calcium. Too much fiber may also cause diarrhea or an upset stomach to your baby.Zinc
Zinc is important for healthy immune systems and growth. Offer your child plenty of food rich in zinc such as wheat germ, lean meats, milk, lentils, beans, peas, corn and soybeans. Zinc, like iron may be a problem for vegetarian babies because of poor absorption.Fat
Infants receive 40 ? 50% of their calories from fat, through breast milk or formula. After the first 12 months, your baby will receive fat from whole cow's milk. After age two, the Pediatric Panel of the National Cholesterol Education Program recommends reducing fat calories to 30% or less of total diet. This is the time to switch from whole milk and dairy products to low fat versions. Healthy fat sources include walnuts, canola oil, avocado, milk, cheese and yogurt.Antioxidants
These are important early on as they prevent damage to developing DNA. The average American family eats only 50% of what is recommended. Vegetables and fruits are the best source of antioxidants including: sweet potatoes, carrots, kiwi, broccoli, avocados, and blueberries.Water
Babies get water from formula and breast milk early on. However once solids are introduced they may need more liquids to aid swallowing. Water is needed for hydration as children become more active.The nutrients listed above are good for all ages. While they contribute to your child's development they also keep adults healthy and free from diseases. You are the expert when it comes to your family and child. If you have a concern, trust your instinct and find someone to help you with health and nutrition questions and problems ? pediatricians, nutritionists, dieticians, and lactation consultants are the perfect resources. Typically steady growth is best proof that your child is getting the right amount of food.Lisa Barnes is the founder of Petit Appetit, a culinary service devoted to the palates and health of infants and toddlers. She teaches in-home private cooking classes to parents, nannies, mothers' groups, and parenting resources throughout Northern California and is the author of The Petit Appetit Cookbook (published by Penguin Books, March 2005).Her mission is for children to eat more healthfully, and parents to feel empowered to provide tasty and healthy food for their family. Good food should be about nutrition and taste, and bringing the family together.For more information on Petit Appetit or The Petit Appetit Cookbook go to http://www.petitappetit.com
Babies Born During The Sign Of Gemini-Toddler
Babies Born During The Sign Of Gemini
Your Gemini Baby..May 21 - June 20Gemini children are lively youngsters who can seem to be everywhere at once! They can be precocious and are often chatterboxes. Your Gemini baby will love to explore and needs plenty of space to do so. In fact, a Gemini baby may become irritable if cooped up. Geminis are friendly and bright and alert. A young Gemini will enjoy playing with toys that involve using his hands and fingers and some Geminis may be ambidextrous.Gemini children have lively imaginations and often live in a world where reality and imagination are mixed together. They are very inquisitive and will want to explore anything that takes their interest. Young Geminis will be interested in a wide variety of sports and will want to be friends with other children of both sexes.When raising a Gemini you should ensure that he has the freedom to explore and investigate. Geminis need to be free to follow several interests at once and to be able to change direction. You will need to teach your child to distinguish between illusion and reality, encouraging him to tell the truth. Geminis are naturally honest but may avoid telling the truth as a defence against being misunderstood.Young Geminis enjoy learning to communicate and can easily become bilingual if spoken to in different languages from an early age.Typical Geminis may suffer from chest problems: coughs, colds and brochitis. They make little of any illness however, and dislike being confined to bed.****************************************************************
Author: Tony Luck who runs a website about raising babies.