The post Lower your newborn’s allergy risks by exposing him to dirt and bacteria appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>Researchers from Johns Hopkins tracked the health of 467 inner-city newborns from Baltimore, Boston, New York and St. Louis over a three-year period.
They also measured the pollution levels in the subjects’ homes.
By three years old, children who had been exposed to mouse and cat dander as well as cockroach droppings within their first year of life wheezed significantly less than those who hadn’t.
It took exposure to all three allergens, cat, mouse and cockroach, to shape the children’s immune responses and this had to happen within the first year to benefit from the protective effect.
“Our study shows that the timing of initial exposure may be critical,” says study author Robert Wood, M.D., chief of the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the Johns Hopkins Children’s Center. “What this tells us is that not only are many of our immune responses shaped in the first year of life, but also that certain bacteria and allergens play an important role in stimulating and training the immune system to behave a certain way.”
Children unexposed to the three allergens in question developed wheezing problems at a rate of 51 percent, while wheezing occurred in only 17 percent of children with exposure.
In the case for good bacteria, normally associated with microbes that inhabit the digestive system, infants living in bacteria-rich homes were less likely to develop environmental allergies later on.
The study was published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.
(AFP Relaxnews)
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]]>The post Breastfeeding a newborn:Do you have enough milk? appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>Unfortunately, for many mothers, breastfeeding is definitely one of those cases of “easier said than done.”
It goes without saying that the main reason mothers stop breastfeeding is because they feel they don’t have enough milk to fulfill their babies ever increasing needs.
Other concerns are constant crying, sleepless nights, increasing demands for feeds and the baby sucking on everything in sight which must mean he or she is hungry.
After a few days of the above signs that voice in any mothers head saying “you don’t have enough milk” becomes more like a screaming siren and results in the abrupt cessation of breastfeeding and the introduction of formula.
Unfortunately, what most mothers don’t realise is that although these are signs that the baby may not be getting enough milk, they are also really unreliable. A restless, crying baby is just that; a restless crying baby.
Not everything points back to feeding. Look for the following more reliable signs to ensure that your baby is getting enough breast milk:
If these signs are being achieved then you can rest assured that you are doing a great job and that you do indeed have enough milk.
It has to be mentioned that it is vital you allow your baby to remain on the breast for as long as they need to. Pulling your baby away from the breast means that they have not had enough and this can also adversely affect your milk production.
Any kind of stress, anxiety, lack of confidence or feelings of concern can also result in low milk production so remaining confident and calm is vital to successful breastfeeding.
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]]>The post Can melatonin help your newborn sleep? appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>We have all heard it all before. In fact, any exhausted parent has probably tried most of these aids to try and get their baby to sleep.
While some studies show that Melatonin can be helpful with autistic children or children with ADHD, most babies and children do not need Melatonin; they need to be taught good, independent sleep skills (which, unfortunately does not have a magic formula. It takes hard work).
Here is the scary part; because Melatonin is contained naturally in some foods, the US Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994 allows it to be sold as a dietary supplement which does not need to be approved by the Food and Drug administration.
This means that although Melatonin could possibly affect growth, sexual development and puberty as well as cause side effects like headaches, drowsiness and stomach aches it is not tested because it is seen as a “natural” “homeopathic” type medicine.
What is really alarming these days, is the number of clients we work with that are giving their children sedative medication or a Melatonin supplement.
Do we really want to give our newborns, babies and children a supplement, of which side effects cannot be proven? No, Melatonin is definitely not a long term solution for your child’s sleep problems.
About the Author: Good Night is a child and baby sleep consultancy that specialises in helping parents with children who struggle to sleep soundly. For more information, visit: www.goodnightbaby.co.za
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]]>The post Skin conditions in newborn babies appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>The skin enables the baby to experience the sense of touch.
The preterm infant has a more sensitive skin to that of a full term baby, as many of the skins’ layers are under-developed.
Even in a full term baby, much of the elastin fibres of the skin are formed after birth, and it may take 3 years before they are fully formed.
Birthmarks are commonly found at birth, and can be of concern to new parents. The most common birthmarks are:
These appear as a pink stain over the forehead, eyelids and at the back of the head. This is due to dilatation of the tiny blood vessels under the skin (capillaries). Most will fade within the first year of life. They are usually present as a threesome (forehead, eyelids and neck).
This looks like a deep blue-black bruise, usually occurring at the base of the spine just above the buttocks. Spots may be found on other areas of the body. They do not spread, and are likely to fade during childhood.
The most common rashes in infancy are usually found on the face and nappy area.
Most rashes are caused by direct damage to the skin from substances such as soaps or lotions. A red rash in the nappy area, is usually due to the presence of ammonia released by the breakdown of urine. Keep the nappy area clean and dry.
Dry winters can cause skin dryness; and extreme heat and humidity in summer can cause excessive sweating, especially in the nappy area, in ankle and knee folds, and at the back of the neck. Newborns have less pigment (melanin production), and will burn if exposed to direct sunlight, so keep babies out of the sun.
This is a common condition, and is usually found on the face, behind the ears and in the neck area. These pustules resemble acne, and may be exacerbated by heat. The intensity may vary from day to day. This acne is usually as a result of maternal hormones, and usually fades by 3 months of age.
Many skin disorders in newborns are caused by fungal or bacterial infections.
Candida or thrush, is caused by a fungal infection which causes a red nappy rash, over the genital area, and extending into the folds of the groin. Many little satellite spots are found in the area. Treatment is with an antifungal cream.
Impetigo is a bacterial infection which results in skin erosions, usually on the face, and nappy area, always covered with honey coloured crusts. Antibiotic treatment is required.
Most newborns have skin that is smooth and soft. From birth, the skin is able to fulfill most of its functions, providing that it remains intact. Damaged skin, due to whatever reason, is obviously more sensitive, so it is important that only skin products specially formulated for newborns be used to prevent complications.
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]]>The post Attachment Parenting: What it means in theory and practice appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>The web defines attachment parenting as an approach to raising infants that aims to promote a close relationship between the baby and its parents by methods such as feeding on demand and letting the baby sleep with its parents.
Attachment parenting is based on the attachment theory which basically focuses on making a child feel safe, secure and protected.
Attachment is where the child uses the primary caregiver as a secure base from which to explore and, when necessary, as a haven of safety and a source of comfort.
It is an approach to bring up your child that promotes a secure attachment bond between parents and their children. It is not a list of rules, but more a philosophy.
Many people mistake attachment with bonding (which is the skin-to-skin contact during early critical period).
Attachment parenting focuses on the nurturing connection that parents can develop with their children. That nurturing connection is viewed as the ideal way to raise secure, independent, and empathetic children. They also say that even though there are ‘methods’ to apply, how it’s applied is ultimately open to interpretation.
People therefore define it as more of a mindset than a method.
Attachment parenting.org describes the following eight principles of attachment parenting:
Advocates:
Non-Supporters:
Whether you will label yourself as an attachment parent or not, we do believe that “extremism” in which ever way is not good when it comes to our children. Don’t let anyone make you feel guilty or bad about how you raise your children. You are the best parent for your child and should do what you feel comfortable with.
About the Author: Good Night is a child and baby sleep consultancy that specialises in helping parents with children who struggle to sleep soundly. For more information, visit: www.goodnightbaby.co.za
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]]>The post Your newborn baby: Weeks one to four appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>While you have probably never been busier juggling your new role as a mom, your baby is also hard at work to reach his first milestones.
Did you know that at only one week old, your baby will recognise your voice? This is largely due to the fact that your baby has spent the last nine months listening to you babble.
Your baby will also:
At two weeks old, your baby will begin to uncurl from it’s foetal position. From this week, your baby should;
Have you noticed that your baby sometimes throws out his arms and legs? This is called the “Moro” or “startle” reflex. This primitive reflex peeks during the first month and begins to disappear after two months. The startle reflex is most often observed shortly after your baby falls asleep. While it will most likely startle your baby awake, a reassuring touch from you or another caregiver should help baby fall back asleep.
This week your baby;
Well done mom, you have made it through the first month. By now, you are probably feeling a bit more confident handling your newborn and responding to his needs.
At one month old your baby might;
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]]>The post Handwashing tips for moms with new babies appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>“By teaching mothers and birth attendants how hand washing with soap can prevent disease, we can improve neonatal survival rates and put more children on the path to reach their fifth birthday – a key milestone that millions of children don’t reach every year,” says Ashveer Mahabeer, Brand Building Manager of Lifebuoy.
Young babies have not built up a strong immune system yet, so they are susceptible to infection. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby also has clean hands.
In particular wash hands with soap at the following occasions:
Always remember to wash your hands with soap and running water after handling dirty nappies to stop the spread of infection.
The more people your baby is exposed to, the more likely it is that he will come in to contact with someone who is sick, especially during flu season. Ensure that you prevent the spread of everyday infections such as common colds, flu and digestive disorders by adopting healthy hand washing routines – keeping yourself healthy is important when you are nursing a newborn.
Don’t leave your baby alone with pets or near pets. Make sure pets do not get into the cot with your baby. When your baby is very young, don’t allow the family dog or cat to lick your baby’s face. This could transmit infectious material (such as faeces) into the baby’s mouth or eyes. Make sure that anyone who has come into contact with your pets washes their hands thoroughly before touching your newborn.
To protect your newborn from microbes that could be ingested during feeding, sanitise all parts of the bottles and feeding equipment (including breast pump attachments). To avoid contamination, it’s imperative to wash your hands when handling any of this equipment.
Lifebuoy has initiated a new awareness programme in a rural community in KZN, which illustrates the importance of developing daily hand washing routines to improve hygiene standards. For more on the programme, click here.
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]]>The post Bonding with your newborn baby – is it always natural? appeared first on All4Baby.
]]>Some women simply find it difficult to bond with their babies. And that’s okay. If you are having trouble bonding with your baby just after birth, don’t panic. The process can take longer for some – and this doesn’t mean that there is anything wrong with you. In time, as you get to know your baby, the bond will develop and deepen naturally.
In the meantime, talk to other moms you know. It may surprise you to find other women who suffer from the same problem as you do. They may be able to give you pointers and great advice that will prove helpful. Besides that, it will feel good to talk to someone.
Becoming a mom can be very rewarding. The struggle to bond is frustrating for those having difficulty, but it can be overcome. Know that there is a reason why you are having bonding issues and work on them. Before you know it, you’ll be forging a special relationship with your newborn that will last a lifetime.
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