Baby Care Information & Advice

Today, parents are more aware of specialized nutrition for specific problems that arise from infant and children’s health issues. Television influences the visual stimuli and since the children are not born with a preference for salty or overly sweet foods, they have to acquire a taste for them. Despite attempts to provide 3 nutritional meals a day, who says they will eat it. Kids are finicky and won’t sit still even though, the food is prepared with the best of intentions.

Now Foods has complete Vitamins and Minerals in Orange Splash and Berry Chewables.

Child Life Essentials has a great tasting Vitamin and Mineral in 8 oz liquid. Chewables and Liquids have come a long way since first introduced in the 60’s (I was there). Yummi Bears by Hero Nutritional Products has Whole Food Nutrients in a value size, so if you have several little ones, this has 200 Bears with certified organic veggies and fruits, all the good ones, even brussel sprouts, cabbage and spinach, various berries too. For the older ones that can swallow, they also have a Vegetable And Fruit Blend in caps that have an enormous array of nutrients including Green Tea, Digestive Enzymes etc. Of course breast milk is the very best for infants, however your Doctor might even suggest a multi in liquid for little ones. I find prescription ones not entirely full of the right nutrients, and may also have other ingredients from the pharmaceutical companies, that may not sit well with a parent, who would like a more wholesome multi. Country Life has Maxi Babycare with iron in a Raspberry flavor, with all the essentials including Vitamin K for bone development. Twinlab has Infant Care, fruit flavored with Fish Liver and Cod Liver Oil. Bringing up baby means a lot of diapers. With all the new kinds of diapers out in the market including the plastic ones, California Baby has a Calm Diaper Cream, with food grade nutrients from Zinc, Tea Tree and Aloe, with an Essential Oil Blend. Boiron Homeopathics has Calendula Ointment to sooth sore tuchies. California Baby has a Bubble Bath for the sensitive ones, this should be for all young ones, so they don’t have to deal with artificial ingredients and the bad stuff from other sources. It comes unscented in 13 ozs and no irritation. They specialize in chemical sensitive children, and have quite a range of products. Now, you pre -moms, that needs some help with nausea and feeling icky. Babys Bliss has a Peach and Ginger flavored Liquid, supporting those endearing moments. Babys Bliss also has Gripe Water in 4 ozs of Liquid. An amazing formula that works for those teething stressful times of discomfort (they say if grown-ups had to go thru that, we couldn’t do it). Hylands has Teething tabs for babies and a Homeopathic Kids Kit with 7 items for the little ones to keep on hand for any issue that walks in. This Kit addresses all the various ailments that we all have experienced while growing up.

Ear Infection, pain and hurting! – A Hot Topic in every parenthood, because it’s so prevalent. Recent studies of children who have had a tympanostomy, an incision in the ear drums, to place plastic drainage tubes show that up to 52% of young ones develop hard scar tissue, according to Dr. Robert Mendelsohn MD, author of “How to raise a healthy child, in spite of your Doctor”. Dr. Michael A Schmidt, author of “Childhood Ear Infection”, wrote the great majority of all ear infections involve no bacteria, they are inflammation and fluid back up, usually related to allergies, mostly to milk products and nutritional deficiencies including not enough Vitamin C. Hyland’s has Eardrops and Tabs for ear pain and burning. Eclectic Institute also has Ear Drops For Kids, just warm and drop in the ear. Wallys Natural Products has Ear Oil, Almond, Tea Tree, Garlic Eucalyptus, and Mullein (good for glands). You may look into Ear Candling, an old fashioned remedy that cleans wax out of the ears. The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology, says that a child has more than 25 percent chance of developing allergies if one parent has it. If both have, it’s a 66 percent chance. Most are unaware that allergic and chemical sensitivities can trigger ear infections, a higher rate even in the antibiotic group, so be sure to give Natren’s Life Start for Infants 2.5 ozs. It provides the beneficial bacteria to restore what has been destroyed in the gut. American Health has the Acidophilus in Liquid Culture 16 ozs in flavors of Banana, Blueberry and Strawberry. Child Life Essentials has Life Colostrum Plus with the Probiotics. Colostrum will rebuild anti-bodies and children may do a complete turn about. In powder form you can sprinkle on foods, or even take separately. Also drop in some Garlic Oil, odor free by Wakunoga/Kyolic, it helps keeps away vampires and possibly infections and parasites. For those that need more concentration and more focusing, less squirming and fidgeting, Source Naturals has Focus Child which includes all forms of Phosphatidylcholine (brain food) DHA and Grape Seed. Jarrow has a Liquid Max Dha, which can be added to shakes and food. Natures Way has the Efa Blend Attention Focus, essentials for intelligence and vision. Since Calcium is antagonistic to lead build up in children’s bodies and those that have a Lactose Intolerance with dairy, Country Life has Tall Tree Chewable Calcium in Tutti-frutti Flavors. Peter Gillhams Natural Vitality has Kid Calm and Baby Calm, in a special proprietary formulation of Magnesium and Vitamin C, relaxing nerves and more concentration. In Schools and Daycares, respiratory problems always arise. So when the Immune System need attention Bio Strath Liquid is perfect for children immunity, all with herbs, nutrients and aminos. Herbs For Kids has VI Protection Blend for all Viral Infections, very tasty with Echinacea, Hyssop and Lemon Balm. For more builder-uppers, there is Barley Essence Berry Blend by Green Foods Corporation in Raspberry and Straw berry flavors. It’s Young Barley Grass, a complete Phytonutrients (veggies). For problems with mucus and coughing, Boerickle And Tafel has the 8 oz Childrens Cough And Bronchial Syrup for that deep growling bark. (We used to call it croup) Eclectic Institute has Echinacea/ Goldenseal, a natural antibiotic in a Strawberry Tincture, and Herbs For Kids has several blends helpful for allergies, cold and flu. Don’t forget the Vitamin C in Liquid by Natrol Ester C With Elderberry and Source Naturals has the very hip Mega Kid (a new one) in a variety of flavors includes the antioxidants Spinach, Broccoli and Carrots (just what they love to eat) What about Constipation and Diarrhea? Yerba Prima Powder in Apple Cinnamon 12 ozs, with Oat Bran and Barley Bran, put some in Rainbow Light’s Protein Energizer. Rice Protein, no dairy, no soy, or sugar, low fat, low carb, Chocolate flavor with a Whole Food Base, and easy to digest. Even grown-ups can do this. Also good to fill you up, since obesity concerns are running rampant.

Throw in Real Berry/Real Green Bars, has all the Berries, and Apple Fibers, makes a wholesome Snack, between meals or part of one. No High Fructose Corn Syrup or Trans Fat Oils, lethal for children with special needs or low immunity. In today’s world pediatricians are now recognizing and acknowledging the importance of Supplementation. There’s even more awareness in the medical community as many over the counters are filled with dyes, sugars and alcohol. Parents now have the ability to ensure their offspring will be alright and healthy Naturally!

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Aromatherapy can be used in a number of ways for your baby. The healing power of aromatherapy oils helps you baby to be healthy and free from harmful germs and bacteria. Just be careful to keep the amount of aromatherapy oil very low as this is enough for a baby or young child.

The most suitable aromatherapy oils for your baby are camomile, lavender, rose, neroli, sandalwood and tangerine. The best carrier oil for babies is sweet almond oil as it has a softening, lubricating effect on the skin and is much kinder than the mineral oil that most commercial baby products are based on.

This article will now discuss some of the simple yet effective ways to keep your baby healthy by using aromatherapy.

1. Baby bath - You can add soothing aromatherapy oils to your baby baths to create a lovely smell and soothe his sensitive skins. Camomile, rose or lavender oils are best for this purpose.

2. Germ free - Try using any of these oils – lavender, frankincense, sandalwood, neroli, camomile, eucalyptus or geranium, in a vaporizer in your baby’s room. They help to purify the air and keep germs at bay as well as being pleasant and soothing.

3. Teething - When your baby is teething, camomile oil helps to calm and soothe inflamed gums. Dilute two drops in a little warm water and rub over the affected area three times a day.

4. Cradle cap – This flaky, red, itchy condition often affects small babies. Mix up a blend of one drop of camomile oil and one drop of rose oil in 4 fl oz (100 ml) of sweet almond oil. Gently rub over the cradle cap three times a day.

5. Colds and blocked noses - When your baby has a stuffy nose or a cold, use any of these oils – lavender, eucalyptus, thyme, lemon, pine or rosemary, in a vaporizer. They eliminate germs and help to ease breathing.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Read more about aromatherapy, ayurveda, yoga and massage therapy at Natural cures website – a health guide to make you and your family live better, fit and healthy. Also read the benefits of anti-aging herb Shilajit and stress relieving herb Ashwagandha.

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. It is important to understand that to take care of Baby’s skin the most natural way is often best. Newborn baby may have some skin conditions that seem unusual to you. Most are fairly common such as Baby acne is a red, pimply rash on the face. Generally, it disappears over time. Cutis marmorata is a condition where the skin looks like pinkish-blue marble when exposed to cold temperatures. Erythema toxicum is a common, splotchy red rash that can affect newborns. Some have firm yellow or white bumps surrounded by a flare of red. The rash tends to come and go on different parts of the body. Vernix is a greasy white substance that coats and protects baby’s skin in the mother’s uterus. Some babies are born with lots of vernix still on their skin.

Milia are tiny whiteheads on your baby’s face. It is harmless and can be washed or wiped off. Crusty patches on scalp. Overactive glands in your baby’s scalp can cause cradle cap. If so, use a mild soap containing olive, coconut, or palm oil and possibly herbal extracts such as calendula. Contrary to popular thought, 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. 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. Contact dermatitis can develop after your baby’s skin comes into contact with something irritating or that she’s allergic to. Keep your child’s skin moist. After bathing, apply moisturizer within three minutes to retain the moisture in the skin. Avoid sudden temperature changes.

Avoid using soap if possible and do not scrub skin with washcloth. If soap is needed, use mild, moisturizing, unscented soap. Heat rash also problem baby skin and causes little bumps on the skin that can show up when your baby overheats. Keep your baby comfortably cool by dressing him in loose-fitting, light cotton clothing, especially in warm, humid weather. Massaging lotions and oils into your baby’s skin can relieve irritation. But anything you use should be free of petrochemicals , which are themselves irritants. Premature babies skin is even more delicate, so it is important to withhold all products until their approximate due date, as their skin takes longer to mature. If your baby is overdue, his/her skin may well be dry and cracked. Don’t be tempted to use any creams or lotions. If night-time itching is a problem, use a cold, damp washcloth to soothe the child’s skin.

Baby Skin Care Tips

1. Babies’ skin needs cleaning and cares for a healthy function during their growth.

2. Humidity causes macerations. Don’t use talc. It is abrasive and irritates the skin.

3. Protect baby skin from sunburn as well as associated problems such as freckles and premature wrinkles.

4. Avoid frequent baths for eczema.

5. Keep baby’s skin from becoming dry and itchy by adding non-allergenic oil to the bathwater.

6. If your baby has seborrheic dermatitis, a mild hydrocortisone cream (0.5%) is safe and usually effective.

7. Apply unscented petroleum jelly or a cream with zinc oxide to the skin of the diaper area to protect and lubricate for diaper rash.

8. Avoid using baby powder or talc.

Babies and children are more sensitive to the medicines than adults. The medicines can influence them more than adults. At the same time, some precautions have to be made before giving the medicines to the children or baby. In this article, we are to discuss that topic. We will discuss the precautions that required before giving children a dose of medicine.

You should ask everything to the doctor before having the medicine for the children. Ask the timings of the medicine. When the medicine has to be taken? If any side effects may occur due to this medicine than what to do I such condition? What should you do if you missed to give a dose to your baby/child? Can this medicine be taken with food or food should be avoided to be given to the baby when he is taking the medicine? This is because some medicines are to be taken with empty stomach.  Ask about the precautions such as not to be going in direct sun-light etc. also ask about the amount and type of food that is to be given to the baby. If you are about to give your child over-the-count medicine, ask your doctor whether it would be safe for you baby or not. Decide the appropriate amount of medicine. Don’t overdose the medicine neither give a little amount of medicine. But the question is that how to decide the right amount of the medicines to be given to the child. To do this, you have to check out the label that is on the medicine pack. The amount of medicine and other related information can be found on the label of the medicine. Shack the liquid medicines as well if specified in the label. You have to also follow the directions in which the medicines have to be given to the child. If you can not understand the directions then you can ask the doctor about the medicine. You should also keep in mind the weight of your child. Some medicines depend on the weight of the child. Ask doctor whether your baby’s weight is appropriate for that medicine or not.

You should call the doctor when any unexpected results or side effects are seen on your baby due to medicine. The most important thing for medicines is its timing. You have to give the medicine at accurate time period specified by the doctor. Also remember to follow the directions whether the medicine is to be taken with meals or with an empty stomach. Let us now talk about the storage of the medicine. Keep medicines in their original packaging. If you lose a label or a set of directions, throw the medicine away. Giving it your best guess isn’t worth the risk. Some medicines need to be refrigerated.

Ask your pharmacist to go over any specific guidelines and storage recommendations with you. Keep medicines that don’t need to be refrigerated in a cool, dry place – not in your bathroom medicine cabinet, which can get warm and moist from the shower.

Massage is very helpful for the healthy development of bones of your baby. It also strengthens the bonds between you and your baby. Pediatric research has shown that babies born prematurely make much quicker progress when given regular massage.

The best time to massage your baby is just after his or her bath when he or she is not feeling hungry or irritable. Make sure the room is nice and warm and perhaps perfume it gently with a vaporizer and one of the relaxing aromatherapy oils.

You will find it easiest to work sitting on the floor, legs outstretched with the baby lying on your legs. This means he or she is reassured by the warmth of your skin. Make sure you feel comfortable before you start and if necessary, prop yourself up with a couple of cushions.

You need to remove any jewelry and warm your hands and the oil prior to massage. Use a blend of 4 fl oz (100 ml) of sweet almond oil to which you have added two drops of any of the following – camomile oil, rose oil, lavender oil, neroli oil. Now you are ready to begin.

Baby massage step by step

• Start with your baby lying against your legs on his or her back so he or she can look up at you.

• Stroke gently down his arms then his legs, repeating each movement five or six times.

• Circle round his tummy using the flat of your hand in an anti clockwise direction (this is very calming),

• Stretch out his toes one by one then gently rub over the soles of his feet using your thumb.

• Uncurl his fingers then gently move each one clockwise then anti clockwise. Now rub over the palms of his hands with your thumb.

Turn your baby over to lie on his tummy against your legs.

• Gently rub a little oil into his back, bottom, legs and feet using long light strokes.

• Stroke down his back giving a little squeeze at the buttocks. Repeat five or six times.

• Gently stroke round his shoulders down his arms and off at his hands.

• Gently stroke down his legs several times. Each time finish by giving his legs a little stretch by pulling gently at the ankles.

• Finish by stroking gently down his back and legs in one movement. Repeat, getting lighter with each stroke, until your hand just glides over your baby without actually touching him.

Gently turn your baby on to his back so he can see you again.

• Gently stroke a little oil (the surplus on your hands should be enough) on to his face. Lightly stroke up his forehead several times.

• With your thumbs stroke across his cheeks then down his nose and chin. Do each movement several times.

• Gently squeeze and rub his ear lobes between your fingers and thumb.

• Finish off with a connecting stroke. With one hand cradling your baby’s head, stroke gently down his body with the other and bring it to rest on top of his feet. Hold this position (one hand on the head, the other on the feet) for a count of ten. Gently release and lift off your hands.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.

Read useful tips on Natural skin care to keep your skin soft, smooth and glowing. Know how Herbal remedies are helpful in promoting good health. Also know various Home remedies for common diseases.