Dont Nurse A Fussy Baby
If your baby is getting cranky or fussy during a feeding, theres a chance shell swallow air, which can cause hiccups. Instead of continuing to breast feed or bottle-feed a cranky baby, stop the feeding for a little while and see if you can calm your baby down. The fussing and the nursing can lead to hiccups and spitting up, so taking a sort break may help baby relax and swallow less air.
When should you worry about baby hiccups?
Hiccups in babies are generally harmless and some babies even find them amusing.
While its rare, sometimes severe, prolonged and frequently recurring bouts of hiccups may be linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease .
Varying degrees of reflux are seen in up to 25% of all babies and this condition will usually pass somewhere between the ages of 6-9 months, with most babies experiencing no reflux related symptoms by the time they reach 18 months.
While reflux in babies is common and not usually a cause for concern, severe cases will need to be addressed by your paediatrician.
If your baby experiences frequent and prolonged spells of hiccups , combined with the following symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
Symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease include:
- Irritability during or after feeds
- Refusing feeds
- Blood in stools
- Starts to spit up after the age of 6 months
Some doctors argue that the LACK of hiccups may actually be a cause for concern. See the below video to see what we mean.
Coping With A Colicky Baby
Colic may be more harmful to worried and frustrated parents than it is to babies. A colicky baby cries for more than three hours a day more than three days a week.
As many as one in 20 babies have colic at some point during their early infancy. Its important to remember, however, that no matter how hard it may be to cope with a constantly crying baby, colic is a harmless condition as long as a medical condition has been ruled out by your pediatrician.
When Should I Call My Childs Healthcare Provider
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Is constipated for more than 2 weeks
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Cant do normal activities because of constipation
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Cant get a stool out with normal pushing
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Has liquid or soft stool leaking out of the anus
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Has small, painful tears in the skin around the anus
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Has red, swollen veins in the rectum
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Has belly pain, fever, or vomiting
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Has changes in urination, weakness in the legs, or back pain
Ginger is really helpful to treat the digestion problems.
Recipe of Making Ginger Honey Solution
Preferred Age
This remedy is helpful for 1 years older children.
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What Causes Hiccups In Babies
Why do babies seem to hiccup more than the rest of us?
Hiccups are a purely reflexive action caused by the sudden and involuntary contraction of the diaphragm a thin layer of muscle separating the chest from the abdomen.
The force of these spasms causes the vocal cords to snap shut, producing the familiar hic! sound that usually accompanies these contractions.
Newborns are especially prone to experiencing hiccups and this is usually nothing to worry about.
Its thought that younger babies generally hiccup the most because their digestive systems are still in the process of developing and learning to cope with the extra demands of newborn life , most of which draw extra air into their tiny tummies.
Hiccups in babies are a frequent occurrence and its estimated that newborns spend as much as 2.5% of their time doing it! Baby hiccups can be caused by a variety of reasons, but are usually due to one of the following :
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When To Speak With A Doctor
A fever is one of a babys primary defenses against infections such as colds. In newborns, a fever at or above 100.4 °F warrants a call to a pediatrician. In all cases, a person should speak with a healthcare professional if a young baby has a fever that persists for more than a few days or one that goes away for a day or two but then returns.
Very young babies may not have a fever even in the face of a serious infection. If a newborn seems ill, even with no fever, a person should seek medical care.
It is also important to speak with a pediatrician if any other unusual symptoms show up in the baby, such as:
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Keep Your Baby Upright After Feeding
Upright positioning is necessary for burping your baby after eating, and sometimes they like sleeping upright against your chest while you stand or sit.
Instead of laying your baby down flat after feeding, keep them upright for about 30 minutes so gravity can help them digest their food. Otherwise, theyre more likely to spit up. With their stomach facing your chest, place their head near your shoulder with one arm supporting their bottom and the other hand supporting the back of their head and neck.
Keep The Umbilical Stump Clean And Dry
A little clump of tissue will stay attached to your babys belly button after we cut the umbilical cord during delivery. Well put a small clamp on it to keep it dry until you leave the hospital. It looks a little odd, but it will come off in its own time usually within two to three weeks.
The best thing to do with the umbilical stump is to leave it alone. It can become infected if it gets dirty, so keep it clean and dry. Only clothes should cover it dont cover it with a bandage or the babys diaper. If it gets soiled, wipe it with water and soap thats free of fragrances and dyes. If you see redness or discharge around the stump, it could be infected and require treatment right away.
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Getting Help After The Birth
Consider getting help during this time, which can be very hectic and overwhelming. While in the hospital, talk to the experts around you. Many hospitals have feeding specialists or lactation consultants who can help you get started nursing or bottle-feeding. Nurses also are a great resource to show you how to hold, burp, change, and care for your baby.
For in-home help, you might want to hire a baby nurse, postpartum doula, or a responsible neighborhood teen to help you for a short time after the birth. Your doctor or the hospital can help you find information about in-home help, and might make a referral to home health agencies.
Relatives and friends often want to help too. Even if you disagree on certain things, don’t dismiss their experience. But if you don’t feel up to having guests or you have other concerns, don’t feel guilty about placing restrictions on visitors.
When To Call The Doctor About Colic In Babies
While the odds are that your babys daily screaming sessions are due to colic, if it seems like your baby is crying excessively, start by seeing the pediatrician.
The doctor can examine your baby to rule out any other potential causes of excessive crying. And if they think youre definitely dealing with colic? Its good to get some reassurance and maybe a few extra soothing strategies.
Describing the crying will also help the doctor rule out any underlying medical condition that could be triggering the crying.
Keep in mind, too, that this shall pass: Just when you think you cant take another night of it, the crying will let up and then its gone forever.
From the What to Expect editorial team and Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When Youre Expecting. What to Expect follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources, such as peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Learn how we keep our content accurate and up-to-date by reading our medical review and editorial policy.
- What to Expect the First Year, 3rd edition, Heidi Murkoff.
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Youll Get Better With Practice
Apprehension about handling a newborn is normal. But the more you do it, the more comfortable youll feel. And our neonatal team will make sure you get lots of practice before youre on your own.
I also recommend that parents check out the book Happiest Baby on the Block by Harvey Karp. It has excellent advice on how to soothe a fussy baby and feel more comfortable holding a newborn. The more relaxed you feel, the more comfortable your baby will be.
To visit with a pediatrician about holding or soothing your newborn, call 214-645-8300 orrequest an appointment online.
Choose The Right Bottle
Certain bottles are better at preventing gas buildup than others. If youre bottle-feeding, look for a bottle with an anti-colic valve, which is designed to vent air out of the bottle and reduce the air that baby takes in while feeding.
Youll also want a slow-flow nipple, which mimics the flow of milk from a breast and keeps baby from feeding too quickly. Slow-flow nipples make sure that baby wont gulp down too much breastmilk or formula at once, and wont take in as much air as a result.
In addition to this, make sure the bottle nipple is always completely full of milk or formula
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When Can A Baby With Covid
According to the CDC, your child who tested positive for COVID-19 can leave the house again when she meets the following criteria:
- If she had symptoms: After five full days if her symptoms are improving and she has been fever-free for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medications.
- If she was asymptomatic: At least five full days after testing positive.
When To Worry About Constipation In Children And Babies
Yes, there are times when you should worry about constipation in children and babies. When you notice that the constipation is becoming consistent and none of your home remedies are working, then you should contact a medical professional.
Also, there are occasions where the stiffness and dryness of the stool would tear the areas around the babys anus. This could result in extra difficulty and the appearance of blood in the babys stool.
In situations such as these, you could contact the help of a doctor that has been examining the baby. Although on many occasions, the health care expert would recommend home remedies as the first point of call and action. But what really are these home remedies for constipation, and how effective can they be? Well, you are about to find out!
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Babies Cant Blow Their Noses And Need A Little Help
Older children and adults can easily clear mucus out of their noses by blowing them, says Benaroch. Little babies cant do that, so they tend to stay congested.
What you can do: To clear out baby noses safely and easily, both Benaroch and Duda suggest the NoseFrida baby nostril aspirator because it works well and is safe to use for babies. Generally, it does the same thing as a bulb syringe by clearing out the mucus in their noses, but its easier to clean than typical syringes. Parents suck the mucus out of their babies noses using the nostril aspirator .
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How Do Newborns Get Sepsis
Newborns can get sepsis in several different ways:
- If the mother has an infection of the amniotic fluid
- Premature birth
- Low birth weight of the infant
- If the mothers water breaks early
- If the baby is being treated for another condition while still in the hospital
- If the mothers birth canal is colonized with bacteria
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How Other Mamas Helped Soothe A Colic Baby Naturally
I asked the moms on my Facebook page what they did to ease colic symptoms. Here are some of their responses:
- My daughter had really bad colic. At 2 am and almost 24 hours of no sleep, I turned on my hair dryer. Instant quiet. As soon as I turned it off, shed start crying. Thank God my hair dryer had a cool setting. My daughter, hair dryer, and I spent a lot of time rocking together. Kimberly G.
- My second child was extremely colicky. I tried wearing him, different holding positions , catnip tea, among others. Our saving grace was a chiropractor. He was amazing. After our first visit, it was like we had a new little boy that same night. Kimberly H.
- My first baby was extremely colicky until almost 6 months. It was really one of the hardest experiences of my life! Wearing her a lot, infant massage, and being proactive about helping her get gas out were super helpful. Also, we would put her infant tub under the warm water and let it run on her bellythis would almost always bring her relief! Kelley S.
- Brauers homeopathic colic formula. Simba & Mama
- Catnip tea. Ashley G.
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Sleep When Your Baby Sleeps And Start A Bedtime Routine
Babies under the age of 1 should always be put to sleep on their backs never on their sides or stomachs because back sleep minimizes the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. After the American Academy of Pediatrics began recommending that babies be put to sleep on their backs, the incidence of SIDS dropped by more than half.
At first, newborns sleep a lot about 16 to 17 hours a day but that sleep is broken up every hour or two by periods of wakefulness. In the early weeks, your baby will mostly wake just long enough to be fed and changed, said Massachusetts-based certified pediatric sleep consultant Arielle Greenleaf. Since your baby will also be awake for short periods throughout the night, which will inevitably disrupt your sleep, in order to stay well rested, you should absolutely sleep when your baby sleeps, she said.
Its also fine to let your baby fuss for a few minutes at night if shes not hungry or soiled you dont have to rock or hold her constantly. Let them see if they can naturally fall asleep on their own, said Dr. Angela Mattke, M.D., a pediatrician at the Mayo Clinic Childrens Center in Rochester, Minn.
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How Can I Prevent Jaundice In My Newborn
Jaundice in newborns is normal and usually cant be prevented. You can reduce the risk that your baby will develop severe jaundice by feeding them often. Frequent feedings stimulate regular bowel movements which will help your baby get rid of the bilirubin.
- Breastfed babies: You should breastfeed your baby eight to 12 times a day during their first week of life.
- Formula-fed babies: You should give your baby one to two ounces of formula every two to three hours during their first week of life. Ensure at least eight feeds in a 24-hour period.
Also, make sure your babys healthcare provider checks your babys bilirubin level before you leave the hospital. Schedule a follow-up visit during your babys first week of life to have the bilirubin level checked again.
Is My Baby Constipated
Your baby is constipated if they have a hard belly and they havent done a poo for longer than whats normal for them. The poo might be hard and painful for your baby to pass when it does come out, there could be blood in their stools, and they may also lose their appetite. Generally, your baby will not be very happy and they may well cry or strain when trying to go to the toilet.
Wondering if your baby is constipated if passing gas? Not necessarily. Babies can pass wind quite often, so passing gas might therefore just be part of their usual bowel movements. Look for any of the other symptoms mentioned above as well as the gas to see if they are actually constipated. If youre concerned your baby isnt putting gaining weight correctly, take a look at the average weight for babies aged 0 to 12 months.
Constipation can become dangerous for your baby if left untreated for a long time. If your baby is constipated and isnt gaining weight or shows any other unusual symptoms then visit your GP or call 111.
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What Is Jaundice In Newborns
Jaundice in newborns is the yellow coloring in an infants skin. Jaundice occurs when bilirubin builds up in your babys blood. Hyperbilirubinemia is the medical term for this condition.
Bilirubin is a yellow substance your body creates when red blood cells break down. While youre pregnant, your liver removes bilirubin for your baby. But after birth, your babys liver must begin removing bilirubin. If your babys liver isnt developed enough, it may not be able to get rid of bilirubin. When excess bilirubin builds up, your babys skin may appear yellow.
Jaundice in infants is common. Its usually not serious and goes away within a couple of weeks. But its important for your babys healthcare provider to check them for jaundice. Severe jaundice can lead to brain damage if it goes untreated.
Learn The Best Way To Get Rid Of Your Baby’s Acne Using These Simple Safe And Natural Methods
Rare is the adult who survived their teenage years without ever getting a pimple. Most of us have a brush with acne as teenagers, and our culture tends to think of acne as being exclusive to this age group.
This helps explain why it can be so shocking for new parents to discover acne on their infants. One day your baby has soft, clear skin, and the next you might discover their face is covered in tiny, pimply bumpsjust like an adolescent. Because we dont usually think of babies as being prone to acne, these breakouts can throw parents into a panic.
In reality, it is quite commonand for the most part, its entirely harmless. Still, most parents want to help the condition clear up as soon as possible.
Thats why weve put together this guide to getting rid of baby acne. Well walk you through what baby acne is, how long it lasts, what causes it, and the fastest ways to get rid of itas well as a few strategies for preventing baby acne and helping your newborn enjoy healthier skin overall.
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