The signs below may mean your baby is very ill. Call your baby�s doctor right away if your baby:
Article From:http://www.marchofdimes.com/pnhec/298_1041.asp
When You Should Worry About Your Child
Medical Concern on first month
Baby's First Month: Medical Concerns CARING FOR YOUR BABY AND YOUNG CHILD For purchasing or reprint information, click here. The following medical problems are of particular concern to parents during the first month.
Breathing Difficulties Normally, your baby should take from 20 to 40 breaths per minute. This pattern is most regular when he is asleep and healthy. When awake, he may occasionally breathe rapidly for a short period, then take a brief pause (less than ten seconds) before returning to normal breathing. If he has a fever, his breathing may increase by about two breaths per minute for each degree of temperature elevation. A runny nose may interfere with breathing because his nasal passages are narrow and fill easily. This condition is eased by using a cool-mist humidifier and gently suctioning the nose with a rubber aspirating bulb (ordinarily given to you by the hospital). Occasionally, mild salt-solution nose drops are used to help thin the mucus and clear the nasal passages. Excessive Sleepiness Because each infant requires a different amount of sleep, it's difficult to tell when a baby is excessively drowsy. If your infant starts sleeping much more than usual, it might indicate the presence of an infection, so notify your pediatrician. Also, if you are nursing and your baby sleeps more than five hours without a feeding in the first month, you must consider the possibility that he is not getting enough milk or perhaps is being affected through the breastmilk by a medication that you are taking.
Floppiness Newborn infants all seem somewhat floppy because their muscles are still developing, but if your baby feels exceptionally loose or loses muscle tone, it could be a sign of a more serious problem, such as an infection. Consult your pediatrician immediately. Hearing Problems Pay attention to the way your baby responds to sounds. Does she startle at loud or sudden noises? Does she become quiet or turn toward you when you talk to her? If she does not respond normally to sounds around her, ask your pediatrician about formal hearing testing. This testing might be particularly appropriate if your infant was extremely premature, was deprived of oxygen, had a severe infection at birth, or if your family has a history of hearing loss in early childhood.
If there is any suspicion of hearing loss, your infant should be tested as early as possible, as a delay in diagnosis and treatment is likely to interfere with normal language development. Jitters Many newborns have quivery chins and shaky hands, but if your baby's whole body seems to be shaking, it could be a sign of low blood sugar or calcium levels, or some type of seizure disorder. Notify your pediatrician so he can determine the cause. Rashes and Infections Common newborn rashes include the following: * Cradle cap (seborrheic dermatitis) appears as scaly patches on the scalp. Washing the hair and brushing out the scales daily helps control this condition. It usually disappears on its own within the first few months but may have to be treated with a special shampoo. * Fingernail or toenail infections will appear as a redness around the edge of the toenail or fingernail, which may seem to hurt when touched. These infections may respond to warm compresses but usually need to be examined by a doctor. * Umbilical infections often appear as redness around the umbilical stump. They should be examined by your pediatrician. * Diaper rash Thrush White patches in the mouth may indicate that your baby has thrush, a common yeast infection. This condition is treated with an oral antifungal medication prescribed by your pediatrician. Vomiting If your baby starts forcefully vomiting (shooting out several inches rather than dribbling from the mouth), contact your pediatrician at once to make sure the baby does not have an obstruction of the valve between the stomach and the small intestine (hypertrophic pyloric stenosis). Any vomiting that persists for more than 12 hours or is accompanied by diarrhea or fever also should be evaluated by your pediatrician. Weight Gain Problems Your baby should be gaining weight rapidly (1/2 to 1 ounce per day) by the middle of this month. If he isn't, your pediatrician will want to make sure that he's getting adequate calories in his feedings and that he is absorbing them properly. Be prepared to answer the following questions: * How often does the baby eat? * How much does he eat at a feeding, if bottle-feeding? How long does he nurse, if breastfeeding? * How many bowel movements does the baby have each day? * What is the amount and thinness or thickness of the stools? * How often does the baby urinate? If your baby is eating well and the contents of his diapers are normal in amount and consistency, there is probably no cause for alarm. Your baby may just be getting off to a slow start, or his weight could even have been measured wrong. Your pediatrician may want to schedule another office visit in two or three days to reevaluate the situation.
Article From :http://www.medem.com/MedLB/article_detaillb.cfm?article_ID=ZZZ7U2H3ZDC&sub_cat=549
Bathing and Skin Care For Your Baby II
How to give your newborn a tub bath:
Once your baby's umbilical cord has fallen off and the stump is healed, and after a boy's circumcision has healed, you can give your baby a tub bath. This can be a pleasurable experience for you and your baby. However, some babies may not like to be bathed, especially the first few times. Talk softly or sing and try some bath toys if your baby protests.
What equipment is needed for a tub bath?
- baby bathtub (preferably with a bottom drain plug)
- nonslip mat or pad
- bath thermometer (these often have "safe" bath temperature ranges marked on them)
When bathing your baby in a tub:
- Clear the counter or table top of breakable objects and electrical appliances to prevent injury.
- Fill the tub with warm water, using a bath thermometer.
- Follow the same general bathing instructions for a sponge bath.
- NEVER take your hands off your baby, or walk away, even for a moment.
- Be sure to clean the bathtub after each use.
Providing proper skin care for your newborn:
A baby's soft and delicate skin needs special care. Generally it is best to use products made especially for babies, but your baby's physician can advise you about other products. Products for adults may be too harsh for a baby and may contain irritants or allergens. Many parents like to use lotions for the sweet baby smell. However, unless the baby's skin is dry, lotions really are not needed. Powders should be avoided, unless they are recommended by your baby's physician. When using any powder, put the powder in your hand and then apply it to the baby's skin. Shaking powder into the air releases dust and talc which can make it hard for the baby to breathe.
Many babies have rashes and bumps that are normal. Some rashes may be a sign of a problem or infection. Diaper rash can be irritating to the baby and needs to be treated. If you have concerns about a rash, or your baby is uncomfortable or has a fever, call your baby's physician.
Laundry detergents may cause irritation to a baby's delicate skin. Even if you use a detergent marketed for baby laundry, it is a good idea to rinse the laundry an extra time to remove residues.
Article From:http://www.chp.edu/greystone/newborn/bathcare.php
Bathing and Skin Care For Your Baby I
Proper bathing and skin care for your newborn:
A newborn's skin is soft and delicate. Proper skin care and bathing can help maintain the health and texture of the baby's skin while providing a pleasant experience for both of you.
Contrary to popular thought, most babies do not need a bath every single day. With all the diaper changes and wiping of mouth and nose after feedings, most babies may only need to be bathed two or three times a week or every other day.
Baths can be given any time of day. Bathing before a feeding often works well. Many parents prefer to bathe their baby in the evening, as part of the bedtime ritual. This works well especially if bath time is relaxing and soothing for the baby.
Sponge baths are required at first. Bathing in a tub of water should wait until the baby's umbilical cord falls off, and a baby boy's circumcision heals, to prevent infection.
What equipment is needed for bathing newborns?
- thick towels or a sponge-type bath cushion
- soft washcloths
- basin or clean sink
- cotton balls
- baby shampoo and baby soap (non-irritating)
- hooded baby towel
- clean diaper and clothing
How to give a sponge bath:
- Make sure the room is warm, without drafts, about (75° F).
- Gather all equipment and supplies in advance.
- Add warm water to a clean sink or basin (warm to the inside of your wrist or between 90 and 100° F.).
- Place baby on a bath cushion or thick towels on a surface that is waist high.
- Keep the baby covered with a towel or blanket.
- NEVER take your hands off the baby, even for a moment. If you have forgotten something, wrap up the baby in a towel and take him/her with you.
- Start with the baby's face - use one moistened, clean cotton ball to wipe each eye, starting at the bridge of the nose then wiping out to the corner of the eye.
- Wash the rest of the baby's face with a soft, moist washcloth without soap.
- Clean the outside folds of the ears with a soft washcloth. DO NOT insert a cotton swab into the baby's ear canal because of the risk of damage to the ear drum.
- Add a small amount of baby soap to the water or washcloth and gently bathe the rest of the baby from the neck down. Uncover only one area at a time. Rinse with a clean washcloth or a small cup of water. Be sure to avoid getting the umbilical cord wet.
- Wash the baby's head last with a shampoo on a washcloth. Rinse, being careful not to let water run over the baby's face. Holding the baby firmly with your arm under his/her back and your wrist and hand supporting his/her neck, you can use a high faucet to rinse the hair.
- Scrubbing is not necessary, but most babies enjoy their arms and legs being massaged with gentle strokes during a bath.
- Wrap the baby in a hooded bath towel and cuddle your clean baby close.
- Follow cord care instructions given by your baby's physician.
- Use a soft baby brush to comb out your baby's hair. DO NOT use a hair dryer on hot to dry a baby's hair because of the risk of burns.
- Expect your baby to cry the first few times you bathe him/her. Usually, this is just because a bath is a new experience. However, be sure to check that the water is not too warm or cold or that soap has not gotten in your baby's eyes if your baby suddenly starts crying during a bath.
Article From:http://www.chp.edu/greystone/newborn/bathcare.php
Bathing your newborn Techniqe II
Should I wash my newborn's hair?
Yes, if it seems dirty or your baby develops cradle cap — a common condition characterized by scaly patches on the scalp.
Supporting your baby's head and shoulders with your free hand, gently massage a drop of mild baby shampoo into your baby's scalp. Rinse the shampoo with a damp washcloth. If your baby has cradle cap, loosen the scales with a soft-bristled baby brush or toothbrush before rinsing off the shampoo.
What type of baby tub is best?
When your baby graduates from sponge baths, you'll have plenty of choices. Many parents use plastic tubs specifically designed for newborns. Others opt for plain plastic basins or inflatable tubs that fit inside the bathtub. Lined with a towel or rubber mat, the kitchen or bathroom sink may be another option.
Safety is the most important consideration — not necessarily the type of tub. Gather your supplies ahead of time so that you can keep one hand on the baby at all times. If you're interrupted, take your baby with you. Never leave your baby alone in the water.
How much water should I put in the tub?
You'll need only a few inches of warm water. At first, you may want to lather your baby on a towel and use the tub only for rinsing.
What about water temperature?
Warm water is best. To prevent scalding, set the thermostat on your water heater to below 120 F. Always check the water temperature with your hand before bathing your baby.
Keep room temperature in mind as well. A wet baby may be easily chilled. Be sure the room is comfortably warm — about 75 F.
What's the best way to hold my newborn in the tub?
Use your arm and hand to hold your baby in the tub or under the faucet. A secure hold will help your baby feel comfortable — and stay safe — in the tub. Support your baby's head and torso with your arm and hand. Wrap your arm under your baby's back, grasping your baby firmly under the armpit. When you clean your baby's back and buttocks, lean him or her forward on your arm. Continue to grasp your baby under the armpit.
To rinse your baby's hair, try a football hold under the faucet. Support your baby's back with your arm, keeping a firm hold on your baby's head while you rinse.
What should I wash first?
Most parents start with the baby's face and move on to dirtier parts of the body. Wash inside skin folds, and rinse the genitals carefully. You may want to save the hair for last to help your baby preserve body heat.
Do I need a special type of soap?
No. In fact, plain water is fine for newborns. When needed, use a mild moisturizing soap. Avoid bubble bath and scented soaps.
Will lotion after a bath help prevent rashes?
No. Most newborns don't need lotion after a bath. In fact, greasy lotions or ointments may make a rash more likely by blocking your baby's tiny sweat glands. The best way to prevent rashes is to dry inside your baby's folds of skin after each bath.
Is it better to bathe my baby in the morning or at night?
That's up to you. Choose a time when you're not rushed or likely to be interrupted. Some parents opt for morning baths, when their babies are alert and ready to enjoy the experience. Others prefer evening baths as part of a calming bedtime ritual.
Article From :http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-baby/PR00041/UPDATEAPP=0
Bathing your newborn Techniqe I
Bathing a slippery newborn can be a nerve-racking experience. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you master the basics.
Bathing a slippery newborn can be a nerve-racking experience. Your baby may not like it much, either. But stay calm. With a little practice, you'll both start to feel more comfortable at bath time. Start by learning the basics.
How often does my newborn need a bath?
There's no need to give your newborn a bath every day. In fact, bathing your baby more than several times a week may dry out his or her skin. If you're quick with clean diapers and fresh burp cloths, you're already cleaning the parts that really need attention — the face, neck and diaper area.
Is a sponge bath good enough?
Yes. Sponge baths are usually the best option at first, at least until the area around the umbilical cord heals. Sponge baths are more convenient than tub baths, and they're easier on your newborn.
Here's what you need:
- A warm place with a flat surface. A bathroom or kitchen counter, changing table or firm bed will work. Even a blanket or towel on the floor is OK if it's warm enough.
- A soft blanket, towel or changing pad. Spread it out for your baby to lie on.
- A free hand. Always keep one hand on your baby. On a changing table, use the safety strap as well.
- A sink or shallow plastic basin to hold the water. Run several inches of warm water into the basin or sink. Check the water temperature with your hand to make sure it's not too hot.
- Essential supplies. Gather a washcloth, a towel, cotton balls, mild baby shampoo, mild moisturizing soap, baby wipes, a clean diaper and a change of clothes.
How do I give a sponge bath?
Keep your baby warm during a sponge bath. Expose only the parts you're washing. Undress your baby and wrap him or her in a towel. When you're ready to begin the bath, lay your baby on his or her back on the towel or pad you've prepared. Wet the washcloth, wring out excess water and wipe your baby's face. There's no need to use soap. Use a damp cotton ball or clean cotton cloth to wipe each eyelid, from the inside to the outside corner.
When you're ready to move on, plain water is usually OK. If your baby is smelly or dirty, use a mild moisturizing soap. Pay special attention to creases under the arms, behind the ears, around the neck and in the diaper area. Also wash between your baby's fingers and toes. To keep your baby warm, expose only the parts you're washing.
Continue in Part II
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/healthy-baby/PR00041/UPDATEAPP=0New Techniques to Calm a Crying Baby
Oct. 11, 2005 (Washington) -- A California pediatrician says he may have found the "off switch" for crying infants.
"This may be the solution to a 3,000-year-old medical mystery of what causes colic," said Harvey Karp, MD, associate professor of pediatrics, University of California at Los Angeles Medical School, and author of The Happiest Baby on the Block. "There is a lot of advice on baby feeding, but almost nothing on how to help crying babies."
The term "infant" means without a voice in Latin, he says. "So how is it that a 7-pound baby's cries can get a 130-pound mother off the toilet running with her pants down? Sometimes there is an emergency; but most of the time the baby merely wantsBabies Miss the Womb
Karp contends that babies are evicted before their "fourth trimester," before they are fully developed and still needing the gentle stroking, holding, and shushing of the womb. An infant's crying, which can last from minutes to hours, may actually be the result of missing the constant noise and stimulation of the womb, he told pediatricians attending the American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition.
Past studies have shown that the average infant at 6 weeks of age cries about 3.5 hours a day, he says. "This results in nursing problems, marital stress, postpartum depression, unnecessary emergency room visits and even shaken baby syndrome."
The Answer to Colic?
It has been thought for years that the main cause of colic in infants was due to gastrointestinal problems, but this may not always be true, Karp says, adding that colic appears to stop after 3 months of age and in preemies it only begins two weeks after the original due date. Pediatricians have also associated colic to temperament, environment, and an immature nervous system temperament, environment, and an immature nervous system.The 5 S's
But now a new system that involves the 5 S's -- swaddling, side/stomach holding, shushing, swinging, and sucking -- can calm squalling infants, he says. This, says Karp, activates the baby's calming reflex during the first three to four months of life by mimicking the experiences in the uterus.
- Swaddling. Wrap your baby tightly in a receiving blanket to duplicate the feelings of warmth and protection, and the "tight fit," in the womb. Swaddling also stops your baby's uncontrolled arm and leg flailing that can contribute to hysterical wailing. Karp says your baby will be calmer if she's swaddled 12-20 hours a day in the beginning. "Twelve hours may seem like a lot from our point of view, but to the newborn, it's already a 50% cutback on the 24-hour-a-day 'snuggling' in the uterus," he explains.
- Side/stomach soothing. Lay your baby on her side or stomach, which Karp believes shuts down the baby's "Moro reflex," or a sensation of falling, and thus helps keep her calm. (He adds, however, that a baby should never be put to sleep on her stomach, since this may increase the risk of SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome).
- "Shhhing" sounds. There is a whooshing noise within the womb, caused by blood flowing through the mother's arteries. You can recreate this sound with a "white noise" machine, a tape or CD with these "white noise" sounds, a dishwasher, a car ride, or a hair dryer.
- Swinging. Rhythmic movements in an infant swing, hammock, moving automobile, or baby carrier can keep your baby content.
- Sucking. Occupy your baby with a pacifier, infant bottle, or a mother's nipple (which Karp describes as "the all-time, No. 1 sucking toy in the world.")
Karp says that tightly swaddling a crying infant with its arms down by its side initially may make the crying worse, but holding the baby on its side after swaddling and gently jiggling it while supporting the head and neck has an immediate calming effect, he notes. "Overstimulation is not nearly as big of a problem as understimulation. Babies miss the rhythmic, hypnotic sounds and movement."
"If the five S's are done exactly right with just enough vigor, the calming reflex will be turned on and the baby will stop crying," Karp explains. "If a parent can get the baby to stop crying they feel like a million bucks, but if they can't they feel miserable. Parents need to be taught how to quiet their babies."
Teaching this to parents may be useful," says Karen Miller, MD, associate professor of pediatrics at Tufts University in Boston. "But more research needs to be done to show the techniques are safe and effective."
Many of the individual techniques have been found to be valid, she says. "It's the whole package that needs further research before it is endorsed."
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