Archive for the ‘baby’ Category
How to Recognize Signs of Colic in a Crying Baby
Parents of newborns, especially first-time parents, can be overwhelmed by all of the responsibilities that come with caring for an infant. Add a fussy baby to the mix and even the simplest tasks can seem like a challenge. Experienced parents may be surprised and discouraged when time-tested methods for soothing their new baby fail to yield positive results.
No matter where you fall on the experience scale of parenthood, a colicky infant is a major challenge. But how can you tell the difference between simple fussiness and full-blown colic? While there is official medical consensus, most pediatricians apply the “rule of three” when it comes to diagnosing colic in infants. If your baby:
1. Cries inconsolably for 3 or more hours per day
2. Cries inconsolably on 3 or more days per week
3. Has a pattern of inconsolable crying that lasts 3 weeks or more
Then your baby will most likely be diagnosed with colic. However, as any parent with a newborn understands, three weeks is a long time to wait for a diagnosis, especially when the symptoms involve crying inconsolably for hours at a time.
Therefore, even before you get the official word from your baby’s pediatrician, you may want to consider the following symptoms to be a strong indicator of colic:
1. Episodes of inconsolable crying – your baby cries and cannot be soothed with any of the usual methods (feeding, changing, holding, rocking, etc.)
2. Crying that occurs in a predictable pattern – your baby cries after mealtimes, or in the middle of the night on a regular basis, and for an extended duration
It’s important to realize that all babies will cry sometimes, and that crying is not necessarily an indication of colic. If, for example, you notice crying that occurs after mealtimes, you may want to consider talking with your doctor about changing your baby’s formula, or your diet, to minimize digestive troubles.
Some babies are more temperamental than others, and if your other children were “easy” babies, it may be tempting to label a “fussy” baby as a colicky infant, when that’s not the case. Treat this time with your new baby as learning in progress – colic is not a reflection of your parenting skills, and definitely not a reflection of how much your baby cares for you.
Be observant, keep an open mind, and be ready to try new solutions that will help soothe your baby’s colic in the long-term.
T. Steward is an free lance Expert Author and a work from home dad who was confronted with a colic baby situation, having to deal with this as the baby’s mom had to work out and needed her rest. He summed up his experience about signs of colic is on his baby colic stop website. You can also subscribe to a free 10-part baby colic stop email course if you subscribe to it at no cost.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=T._Steward
“Faux Fur” Baby Blanket (Hot Pink)
Faux Fur” Baby Blanket (Hot Pink)
Choosing The Right Clothing And Footwear For Your Baby
There is nothing cuter than a tiny pair of baby shoes especially when you have a newborn to put some on. You spend a lot of time and money picking out those first clothes, shoes, and accessories for a baby usually well before it ever arrives. Something that you will discover after the baby arrives is that many of those expensive little outfits and shoes might not be needed as much as you anticipated and they also grow out of them so very fast. What they could wear last month is not likely to fit this month or next month.
The speed at which a baby grows is amazing and you want their clothes and shoes to fit them comfortably since usually all they do is eat and sleep for the first several months. While you want them to be dressed as cute as possible, because this is a parent thing you will discover too, the main thing is that they are comfortable. Buying items that are correct for the time of year is important. In the winter they will need clothing that will keep the chill off especially if they must be taken outdoors form any reason. Fleece wear is great for cold weather. It is very soft and very warm. You can not forget that body heat usually exits the body the most through the head and feet so this is why babies need warm footwear and hats. Booties made from fleece or other warm materials are perfect for warmth and comfort.
In the warm weather months it is just as important to keep your baby comfortably cool. Too many layers of clothing can make them break out in heat rashes. Not changing their diaper frequently enough can make them prone to diaper rash at any time of the year whether it is hot or cold. Cool stretchy cotton that breathes is a great choice for warm weather. Protecting tender little scalps without much hair is vital when you are out in the sun. Using sunscreen especially for babies is the only way to ensure they do not get burned. Always keep the delicate skin of a baby protected from the sun and this includes their feet.
Always avoid buying clothing that is stiff or scratchy. Your baby will not happy if he can not move freely in what he or she is wearing, especially when they are sleeping. Since babies can sleep at odds times and you are never really sure when they will want a nap, keep them dressed in easy to care for and snuggle soft clothes all of the time. It will be more pleasant for them and less trouble for you. Remember that flame retardant clothing is a good choice for your baby. Watch for allergic reactions to specific materials because babies can be so sensitive to dyes and fabrics.
Jenna Anderson is a writer and you can visit her sites at Shop-A-Lu and Handbags.
A Luxury Robe with Blue Trim
Baby Apparel & Fashion
