Baby Care Information & Advice

Louise Forrest asked:

Acne is a skin condition that is mostly affecting teenagers and several adults. But did you know that there have also been reported cases of acne occurrence in babies? Even newly born infants are not spared from the skin condition. In fact, there are cases when some babies are born with skin acne. So as responsible and caring parents, what should you do if your baby is suffering from acne?

Before looking at effective ways on how such a problem could be remedied, it would be better to first understand how and why acne occurs in babies. Skin acne on babies could show up when the infant reaches the age if about three to four weeks. As mentioned, in some cases, acne can already be affecting baby skin upon birth.

Acne on babies usually develops in their chin, forehead or cheeks. If you make a closer observation, you would readily notice that the acne is looking worse especially when the newborn baby is fussy or crying. Any other reactions and movements of the baby that facilitate an increase of blood flow in the skin would make the acne look more evident and noticeable.

A number of studies have found that acne in babies is produced when there are hormonal changes within the baby’s fragile body. As you know, the baby has been protected and suited inside the expecting mom’s womb for about nine months. Because of that, the baby basically has been nourished by nutrients in the mom’s womb through the placenta. Thus, the hormones dominating the mom’s body is usually also present in the unborn child. After birth, the baby would be deprived from such hormone, resulting to skin reaction, which is the onset of acne.

Another proven cause of baby acne is the stimulation of the oil glands beneath the baby’s very fragile skin. Usually, acne in babies appear on the nasal bridge, forehead and cheeks because it is on those areas where the human body’s oil glands are located and are functioning actively.

The third cause of baby acne is the use and contact with untidy and dirty clothes and clothing material. As such, the acne in the baby serves as an apparent and visible reaction of the skin to dirt in the surface, which is part of the body’s defense mechanism.

Now that you have an idea of the main causes of the appearance of acne in baby skin, you can now easily adopt strategies and remedies on how you could get rid of the problem. First of all, experts advise parents whose babies have acne at a very young age to just let the skin condition disappear by itself. There is no need to worry as usually, such skin problem when appearing in infants naturally wears off and disappear a few days or weeks after appearance. That is because the baby’s system within the body is starting to adopt to natural and outside conditions by that time.

Washing the affected part with water only or with water and a very mild soap would also help a lot. When doing so, remember not to scrub or rub baby’s skin too harshly as doing so would definitely harm the fragile skin of the baby.

Maria Locsin L. Ac asked:

 

Bill, a Cancer Survivor

I have a patient named Bill who is a cancer survivor. He recently beat Lymphoma.  Bill is a new patient who is aware of “doing everything natural”. Bill comes to see me for a health maintenance package. He’s healthy today; we need to keep him that way. 

Luckily, Bill has an open mind.  He now knows he has to eat organic, and, maintain the 3 peg points to health: Diet, Exercise and NO Smoking.   At 60, Bill looks at least 10 years younger, he does not smoke, walks a mile a day, eats lots of organic green leafy vegetables, and fruit. He stays calm and sleeps approximately 6-7 hours a day. Not all baby boomers I’ve met, and, treated are like Bill. He is lucky to have good genes, a loving family, and, keeps busy with his investments. He proclaims, “I’m saving money when I come here for my monthly health tune-ups. I know I was diagnosed and, treated for cancer and I need all the help I can get. I think it helps me stay calm and clean “He knows he has the best of both worlds Chinese medicine complementing his regular health plan.  He realizes that whatever disease he may already have can get cleaned up, and, he get to live a longer healthier life.

Most baby boomers are not so lucky. There is a recent study that reports a small percentage of baby boomers that are having trouble with health insurance, or, healthcare costs, money management, and, debt problems.  The study also proclaims that a lack of confidence in the healthcare system is growing.  Alternative medicine can help, it can be a solution because it is cost effective, efficient, and, works quickly. It is safe, affordable, and, treats the person as a whole.  

 

Medicine is a business. Furthermore, older workers and their spouses who do not have large incomes are concerned and worried.  A recent study states that 72% are interested in receiving Medicare before they reach 65. Two-thirds of those who make $60,000.00 and over are “very or somewhat interested” in early enrollment in Medicare. Healthcare has become a big issue.  The report also o says that one-fifth of older workers and their spouses 7 million Americans — either have no healthcare insurance or have been uninsured at some time since age 50.

 

Raul, My Retired Baby Boomer

Let’s talk about Raul, my other Baby Boomer. Raul is young at 67. He is retired, and, lives alone. Raul has numbness on one side, from the right thigh down to his foot. He fell down the stairs of his residence, and is unable to walk without a cane.  He was referred to me by his physician for his stubborn pain and numbness.

 

Raul’s problem was dense. Raul lives alone, and, does not eat enough greens with his meals. It was suggested that he consume 20 ounces of fresh greens and squashes, weighed before cooking, with 4 ounces of protein three times a day, or, about the size of your palm.  I asked that 1 of those three meals include fresh fish, steamed, baked, or grilled and preferably not fried.  We worked twice a week for 4 months with acupuncture treatments ~ his progress was consistent ~ he eventually stuck with the diet of GREENS, and fish. Because of the trauma he suffered with the fall, it took us 4 months to free his lower limb of its channel obstruction, for Raul to walk normally.   If he did not choose to use acupuncture, I believe Raul would have developed arthritis in his right leg.

Since he was a child, Raul worked in his father’s businesses. He is used to running between jobs and home. Single in the big city, Raul has not always had the opportunity to cook or prepare his meals. Now that he is able to relax and take better care of himself, Raul’s health turned around with acupuncture and nutrition, literally. In 3 months, he has more energy, has a balanced gait having regained the use of both his legs.  He now lives a new life balanced with dark green vegetables, squashes, fresh fruit, fish, and nuts.

 

 In a report to The Commonwealth Fund, The National Institute of Health states that over 60% of adults, ages 50 to 64 who are working (or who have a working spouse) have been diagnosed with at least one chronic health condition. This ailing population suffers from many of the following ailments: Arthritis, Cancer, Hypertension, Heart Disease, and High Cholesterol.

I think integrated medicine is worth trying, it’s worth the exploration by the ailing baby boomer population.  One of the main obstacles to this exploration is that acupuncture and its herbal prescriptions are not always covered by health insurance.  If the health plan covers it, it’s not enough.  One popular plan limits acupuncture visits to 22 visits a year.  Unfortunately herbal supplements are not covered. 

In Chinese medicine, it may require a month of 2-4 times a week of treatments for a year’s history of the pattern, or problem. The patient more often than not could suffer more than one problem or pattern in a year and 22-visit plan may not be enough.   In China, they treat the patient every day, for 10 consecutive days. Because the body naturally changes with its nutrition and stressors, Chinese medicine outlines disease patterns, instead, of giving it a name.  There is also the obstacle of perception, that of “quackery”.  Quickly noting that this obstacle is almost non-existent because of the direct result of public demand for Oriental therapies.  Now it is known as Integrative Medicine.  It is becoming, growing in the mainstream with the support received from recognized institutions like The World Health Organization and other government entities like the National Institute of Health.  

 

In my personal practice, in addition to providing Oriental therapies and prescribing natural herbal solutions I also preach the importance of diet, specifically a diet I refer to as “The Greens Diet” which is also referred to on this website.  The Greens Diet consists of 20oz of fresh green leafy vegetables (i.e. Spinach, Kale, Mustard Greens, Swiss chard, and Beet tops) and squashes ~ weigh uncooked.   4 oz of protein 3X a day.  A fruit a day is allowed in this diet but the main component is the consumption of a large amount of vegetables.   

  

I use this diet to treat diabetes, moodiness, depression, ADHD, and, the overweight.  In Oriental Medicine there is the concept of the “Five Element Protocol”. In this protocol, greens or the energy of wood nourishes the liver organ.   It’s energy and emotion is: to go forward, to spring up, to re-start, to grow, to bring in freshness, to “do”.  Without getting into too much detail, the liver organ is the general, directing other organs where to send their energies.  With the liver nourished, it can effectively assist other organs including the pancreas in its work of food and drink digestion.

 

By being proactive, there’s that old, and simple reminder about taking care of one’s health: incorporating elements of the “Greens Diet” into one’s current diet, refraining from smoking, and exercising moderately.   Integrating your approach to medicine, including alternative medicine like Traditional Chinese Medicine with your health plan, may in the long run decrease a baby boomer’s high health insurance costs.  Costs go down when the much healthier and more buff baby boomer’s visits to the health care provider are decreased.  Trying natural remedies helps prevent illness, healing safely with less adverse effects.  Traditional Oriental Medicine treats more than the symptom; it goes to the root cause, it strengthens the problem organ.  Without a doubt some conventional medications are very effective in addressing symptoms, but, may have side effects including:  damage to the liver, stomach lining, and drug dependence.

Julia Elorriaga asked:

A newborn baby is very sensitive and very delicate and you should pay extra attention to your little ones. On top of it all, you need to be very observant and extra careful of your baby’s health. This would include enough sleep, proper food/milk and your baby’s skin care.

Babies’ skin is so smooth, silky and soft yet so very delicate. A healthy baby skin plays a very important role to your baby’s overall health. But how can you protect this skin from all the harmful chemicals, irritants that come with baby cosmetics in the market? You should be very extra careful and be very resourceful to be able to find the right products for your little ones.

Mothers often choose all-natural baby products for their newborn. Some baby products though are very tricky; they sometimes go into false advertisements only to sell their products. You should not be blinded by the cute and cuddly packaging. Be on the lookout for ingredients incorporated in your baby cosmetics as it may cause irritation to your baby’s skin.

One of the main ingredients is perfume. Creams, body wash, shampoo, soap, lotions and even laundry detergents claim to have ‘fresh baby scent’. But where does this scent come from? Of course, they would come from man-made artificial fragrances. These artificial fragrances most often cause irritation to your baby’s skin.

Second main ingredient is dye. You should not expose products with ingredients like this only for them to develop a reaction to these products at such a young age. Studies also show that babies’ skin are very permeable, which means anything that would come in contact with your baby’s skin can be absorbed by the skin itself. It has also been proven that artificial dyes may cause behavioral problems to young children.

Other ingredients which may cause irritation to your baby’s skin are: citrus juices, menthol and peppermint. These ingredients are usually present in essential oils thus you should be very aware of the presence of these ingredients in your baby products.

Here are some useful tips to be able to choose the best baby products for your little ones:

1. Read and understand labels on baby products. Avoid products which have ingredients that you are not familiar with, and can’t even pronounce the name. Choose food-based ingredients like, coconut palm, olive oil and vegetable glycerin.

2. Be very simple on your baby’s skin regimen for his first six months. A newborn baby does not need his hair shampooed every day. He does not even need perfumes and fragrances.

3. Choose certified organic products with seals from proper authorities.

4. Always do spot testing of new products. Apply a small amount of the product on your baby’s arm and monitor for 24 hours. Should there be no appearance of rashes, or any kind of irregularity on your baby’s skin, that product would be good to go.

5. Avoid using unnecessary products which may cause irritation, hormonal imbalance or any harmful effect on your baby’s health. Choose organic cotton or natural fibers for your baby’s clothing and beddings.

Robert Baird asked:

The way babies are put to bed has an effect on sudden infant death syndrome or what’s commonly known as crib death. The number of babies dying has halved due to better awareness about this.

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Stop smoking and never let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby. Don’t let any one smoke in your home at all.

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Always lay your baby on her back to sleep so that her breathing is unimpeded and she can lose heat from her front, face and head.

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Don’t let your baby get too hot, since she isn’t very efficient at controlling her temperature. If the air temperature feels hot to you, it’s very hot for her.

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Don’t increase the amount of bedding when your baby is ill.

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Never over wrap your baby. Cover her with a cotton sheet and cellular blankets according to the room temperature.

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Lay your baby in the feet to foot position at the end of the crib so that she can’t wriggle down under the blankets and get too hot.

Wakeful Babies

Most babies develop a routine of sleeping for perhaps two hours in the morning and again in the afternoon, but there are always exceptions. While wakeful babies can be trying, they reward you in the end because they’re usually very bright and affectionate, so don’t be down hearted. Your baby is wakeful because she loves you and craves your friendship, she doesn’t mean to starve you of sleep, she just wants to learn and be sociable. Every minute spent awake with you, she’ll be forging new links with the world and developing many skills. Think about this, too when she’s awake during the day, if she isn’t tired, why should she sleep. From her point of view, it’s much better for her to stay with you, so don’t be surprised if she cries when you leave her.

What You Can Try

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Keep her temperature even touch her skin to check that she isn’t too cold or hot, add or remove blankets if necessary. Check the room temperature a temperature of about 65°F (18°C) is comfortable.

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Change her diaper if it’s wet or soiled and soothe the diaper area with a mild diaper cream (zinc oxide), if necessary.

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Use a rocking cradle or push her rhythmically in her carriage.

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Play her a tape of the human heartbeat, the sound she heard in the womb.

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Play her music you listened to during pregnancy, or an old fashioned music box with a simple repetitive melody can be really effective.

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Play her a tape of you and your partner quietly talking.

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Put the crib on alternate sides of the bed each night so that you can take turns seeing to her. Talk to her and rock her, you don’t need to pick her up.

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If she’s obviously reluctant to sleep get her up and put her in her baby chair where she can see you.

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Hang a mobile over her crib so she has something interesting to watch when she wakes up. A mobile that plays music is ideal.

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Fix a baby gym, with different noises and textures, across her crib or attach it to the bars so she can reach for it when she’s bored.

Blankets And Bedding

Use enough bedding to keep her comfortably warm. When your baby is under 12 months, don’t give her a pillow, and don’t use quilts, comforters, or baby nests because they also prevent loss of heat.

Sleep And Your Older Baby

As your baby grows, her sleep pattern will gradually change, she’ll begin to stay awake and alert for longer periods during the day, even after feedings. When she’s being stimulated with play and talk from you, she’ll start needing longer periods of sleep to recharge her energy levels. The trick is to persuade her that these longer sleep periods should be at night, to align with your own.

Establishing A Bed Time Routine

Your baby may well get upset at bed time she could be anxious about being separated from you or she may simply want to continue playing, so establishing a bed time routine is essential to build her confidence and to help her learn that there is a time when play time has to stop. Set up your own routine at a time to suit all of you for example, if you’re working, you may want it to be a little later-but try not to vary the routine, whatever time you do it. A suggested routine might be as follows:

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Give her the final meal of the day preferably not her main meal.

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Give her a bath with out too much romping, and change her in to her night clothes.

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Spend quiet time in your baby’s room, sing gentle songs, or read a story (depending on her age and stage of development).

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Give her the last breast feeding (unless your baby still wakes at night).

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Lay her in her crib, with any security object she has become attached to, turn the dimmer switch down low, then sit quietly with her for a minute or two.

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Day Time Naps For Your Older Baby

As babies grow older, they sleep less and less, but up to 12 months your baby may still nap in the day time. Up to the age of three, many toddlers still rest during the day:

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To help your baby relax and doze off, put her in her favorite place, which may not be her room. Make sure she has any special comforter or security object with her. Play calming music, let her have toys and books, and keep her with in earshot so she can hear you moving around. If she calls out to you, it’s probably only for reassurance, so calmly call back.

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If she doesn’t want to sleep, that’s okay; just make it a quiet time when she can sit in her crib and play. But never let her cry for longer than a few minutes with out going to her. If she’s unhappy, that defeats the purpose of the nap.

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If your baby falls asleep in the car, or her carriage, never wake her suddenly. Like you, she’ll need time to adjust. Never leave her asleep alone in the car or in her carriage outside a store.