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Baby Sleeping on Side - Risks and Precautions
Some swear that a baby is supposed to lie on his back or stomach, while others claim that sleeping on the side is the best. In this article, these questions are answered among many others, including whether sleeping on the side is safe for babies.
Why is it Important that your Baby Sleeps in the Right Position?
SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome refers to the sudden death of children who are under a year of age. SIDS usually occurs as a direct result of fatal sleeping accidents in infants, so it is extremely important to ensure that your child uses a safe sleeping pattern. SIDS mainly occurs when the baby is sleeping, too. Therefore, it is imperative that the child always sleeps in the right position.
Is Sleeping on the Side Safe for Babies?
Can a baby sleep on one side? No- sleeping on the side is not a safe option for children, as it can directly lead to a number of health conditions in the child.
1. Harlequin Colour Change
In this condition, the side in which the baby is asleep on changes colour into pink or red, while the other half remains unaffected. There is always a clear demarcating line that runs through the centre of the body of the child, with either side coloured markedly different. The sleeping side will be a bright pink or red, while the other side will be normal. This occurs when the child sleeps on his side for hours. However, it is to be noted that even though it may look alarming, this condition does not have any ill-effects on the child. The condition is a benign one, and the colours fade away in a matter of minutes after switching the side of the baby. This condition is thought to occur due to gravity affecting the blood flow in the immature blood vessels of the child, causing accumulation of red blood cells near the skin.
Treatment
No treatment is required for this condition, as the colours fade away in minutes after the position of the child is changed.
2. Flatheads
At a young age, the skull of the child is soft and malleable. This allows the brain to grow and expand, and the skull expands at the same rate too. Flatheads occur when pressure builds up at some point of the skull, causing it to go concave or flatten, or even sink inwards. This can happen if the child is placed in the same position repeatedly so that the contact area on the head is the same. Flatheads can occur in children even if the child has been sleeping straight, but his head was turned to the side. The improper shape of the skull may result in the brain being unable to expand, leading to stunted brain growth.
Treatment
The treatment consists of using braces called baby helmets to correct the problem. These are manufactured by certified manufacturers or hospitals and help reposition the skull of the child.
3. Torticollis
Torticollis is characterised by the abnormal tilting of the neck of the child in one direction, due to the severe shortening of sternocleidomastoid muscle that connects the lateral side of the head to the clavicle. Since the muscles of the child are still tender and growing, they may be affected and shorten due to the repeated sleeping on the side or even turning of the head.
Treatment
The stiffness in the muscles of the child can be released via physical therapy or wearing a recovery harness. The harness is usually wrapped around the body of the baby and has a soft pad near the neck. This pad effectively pushes the head in the opposite direction, which gradually brings the neck to the normal position.
4. Risk of Choking
Torsion is created in the windpipe, which makes breathing difficult for the child. In some cases, regurgitated food can get accumulated near the tracheal opening, and this results in another choking hazard. Tummy sleeping is more likely when the baby sleeps on his side, and this can increase the risk of SIDS.
Treatment
There is no treatment for this- the best thing to do is to prevent your child from sleeping on his side.
What If Baby is not Comfortable Sleeping on His Back?
This is not about the comfort of the child- safety is of a higher priority, compared against comfort. You have to make your baby get used to sleeping on his back, by encouraging him to sleep in the right posture. You should never let him know how convenient it is to lie on the sides. This can be done by making him sleep on his back from an early age, as early as possible. This way, the child gets used to sleeping like that even if he is not comfortable with the position.
Precautions to Prevent Baby from Side-Sleeping
Some of the precautions include:
1. Place Your Baby on the Back
This is an easy way to ensure that your child does not side sleep. Just make sure that you place him on his back when you put him to sleep, whether it be his crib or his cradle. This position also reduces the chances of upper respiratory infections occurring in the child.
2. Remove Unnecessary Support Structures
In many cribs or beds, it is found that there are items which don’t benefit the baby in any way. These include home pillows and even crib bumpers, which can negatively affect the sleeping position of the child.
3. No Sleep Positioners
Most sleep positioners or wedges are designed to ensure that your child sleeps on his side, which is not a good sleeping position. Even if the positioner helps the child sleep on his back, it must still be avoided- they have been proven to pose a suffocation hazard to the children.
4. Reduce Swaddling
Swaddling creates a cylindrical surface around the baby, which makes it easy for him to roll over in his sleep. Therefore, you must ensure that swaddling is reduced- it also increases the risk of SIDS.
5. Change Up the Positions
To reduce the risk of flatheads in children, switch the position of his head every alternate right. Shift his head to the left and right at night alternatively, when he lies on his back.
When Can Babies Sleep on Side?
For the first year of his life, it is essential that the child only lies on his back. After that, the oesophagus, trachea and breathing mechanism are all fairly developed- it is, therefore, safe for him to lie on his side.
What if your Baby Rolls Over to its Side while Sleeping?
Newborns sleeping on side have to be absolutely avoided, so you must keep an eye on the child in the first year to check if he rolls over in his sleep. Baby sleeping on side in 3 months is still bad- it is only around 6 months of age the muscles get sufficiently strong enough to support the child lying on his tummy. When the child rolls over on his own, it means that the risk of him choking during sleep is low- however, this should not be allowed to happen below the age of six months.
Sleeping on the side does no good to children below the age of 12 months, and is an unsafe practice. Only after a year of development do the muscles and internal organs of the child get strong enough to lower the risk of choking, so the baby must not be allowed to lie on his tummy or side during the first year of its life.
Also Read:
How Many Hours Does Baby Needs to Sleep
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6 Must Knows About Formula Feeding Your Baby
Doctors recommend exclusive breastfeeding for babies till the minimum age of 6 months. Breast milk provides the right nutrients and antibodies to strengthen your baby's immune system as well. However, due to various reasons, mothers may sometimes need to opt out of breastfeeding their little ones. In such cases, the ideal alternative is infant formula. Let's understand more about infant formula and formula feeding with these must-know guidelines below. This formula feeding guide will help ensure that your baby gets complete nutrition to grow and develop normally.
Although it is highly recommended that a baby be exclusively breastfed for the initial few months of his life, there are instances where a mother may need to feed formula milk. She may be suffering from poor milk supply, have personal problems, or need to get back to work. She may even be advised by a professional health expert to introduce or supplement with formula feeds in the infant's diet. This can happen if the baby is not gaining enough weight or when there are problems with bowel movements.
Here are 6 extremely crucial points one should keep in mind while feeding formula to babies.
Easy-to-Follow Formula Feeding Guide
Note: Always make sure you consult a paediatrician and weigh the formula feeding pros and cons carefully before starting with it. Having said that, here are few easy tips to remember that will ensure the little one is well-fed and healthy.
1. Always Toss Away The Leftover Formula In The Bottle
Your baby may drink half of the formula in the bottle and you might save the remaining formula for his next feeding trying to ensure no wastage. However, you shouldn't do so. Bacteria that entered from your baby’s saliva into the remaining formula may multiply, so its better to toss away the leftover formula.
Tip: It’s preferable to give smaller or less quantity feedings to avoid wastage. You can feed more frequently if need be, going by your baby's hunger cues such as licking lips, opening his mouth, being restless, or crying. You can read about hunger cues in babies in detail here.
2. Baby’s Poop Turns Darker & Smellier Due To Formula - It's Normal
Formula fed baby’s poop is usually darker in colour and firmer than breast fed baby’s poop. Also, poop of formula fed infant smells stronger than that of a breast fed infant. There is nothing to worry about; this is totally normal and happens due to the difference in composition between breastmilk and formula milk. However, if the baby's poop is either very runny or too hard, it indicates a problem. He may be suffering from dehydration, constipation or diarrhoea. See the paediatrician to diagnose the problem.
3. Formula-Fed Baby May Eat Less
Formula milk stays in the tummy of your baby for a long time, and it is more difficult to digest than breast milk. Also, it makes your infant feel full for several hours. So, your baby may eat lesser than breast fed baby. Also, your infant requires longer breaks between feedings. Plan his schedule accordingly.
4. It Is Not Mandatory To Warm Up Formula Before Feeding
Even if you feel like you must warm the formula milk and then provide the warmed milk to your baby, it is not necessary. Heating the formula milk does not increase nutrients or health benefits. Only the taste matters. Some babies like to have warm formula while some infants like cold formula or formula at room temperature. So, it is advisable to start giving room temperature warm formula to your little one and if he doesn’t like it then warm it up and feed it. However, make sure you do not heat it in a microwave. Doing this can affect the composition of the formula.
Another strict rule is to never reheat formula. Most formula milk brands forbid reheating formula as doing this can affect its composition and make it difficult to absorb for the baby. The standard shelf life of formula is 1.5 - 3 hours. If you have formula older than the given shelf life, do not use it.
5. Use Formula Feeding as a Method to Promote Family Bonding
Any family member, say father, grandparents, and siblings of the baby, can feed formula milk to your baby and share the pleasure of feeding the new member of your family. Thus, formula feeding promotes family bonding. Encourage loved ones to formula feed your baby when they are free. Only remember to choose the right bottle that matches your baby's age and needs. Instruct your family members to feed the baby in a suitable bottle-feeding position so the milk can go down properly. Holding the bottle with one hand at a 45-degree angle while supporting your baby in the other arm is a good option. Raise your baby's head slightly to prevent choking and ear infections.
There are multiple benefits of doing this. Your family members would love to cuddle your baby and feed him formula milk. Providing your baby such warmth and love also promotes his optimum brain development and bonding with the family.
6. Your Infant May Develop Allergic Reaction To Formula - Watch Out
Even though most infants digest formula easily, some babies may develop an allergic reaction to the cow’s milk protein content present in the formula. Baby’s bowel movements can tell you about the digestion of formula and whether your little one suffers from any allergic reaction due to formula.
If you find mucus or blood in bowels then it is a sign of allergy. Also, vomiting, skin rash, diarrhoea, and irritability are signs of allergy. Consult your doctor if you observe any such kind of allergic reaction, and your doctor may recommend an extra-hydrolyzed formula or formula prepared using soy. Read more
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Nishath kousar has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
5 hours ago
Q. 6 month konse week se start hota hai
Nishath kousar
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
5 hours ago
A. 24th week
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Sibling Jealousy in Young Toddlers
Jealousy is a very normal emotion, in both children and adults. So, if your 15-month-old baby is feeling jealous of someone, say his new sibling, consider it normal. Make sure you assure your child of your unbiased love that will never decrease!
Jealousy in young children is very common especially in families with more than one child. This feeling is a natural tendency in toddlers, especially when it comes to a new sibling. Such sibling rivalry stems in an elder sibling who may think that somebody else is overtaking his position or his share of love is being given to someone else. If you're in the middle of this storm, we have a few ways to get you to the shore safe.
Dos and Don’ts for Preventing Jealousy in Your Toddler
Every Child needs Attention
Pay each child enough attention- enough according to the child and not you. Spend time with each child separately, one-on-one, so that each child gets an equal amount of time with you. Make sure that the other child is constructively occupied so that they don’t interfere in your one-on-one time with the other sibling or worse, feel ignored.
Praise your Children
Every child likes to be praised and appreciated. Praise each child to his/her face. Tell them what you like about them, and if they have done well in something don’t hesitate to express your appreciation. Each child has praise-worthy qualities – focus on them especially if there's a new baby's in the house.
Give the Elder Child Importance
If you're getting home your newborn, try to have daddy or some other relative carry him in. As a mother, you should go straight to the older child and hug him to assure him of your love. Also, it's a good idea to carry a gift for the elder one from the new entrant to break the awkwardness.
Prepare the Child in Advance
Prepare your child and help him understand how a new member is about to join the family. Don’t tell the child that you wanted another baby like him. Also, don’t tell the older sibling that you're getting a baby so he can have someone to play with. The baby is not going to be able to play with your older one before a few years, and that'll just bring disappointment to the elder child
Let your Children Bond
Let the older child bond with the new entrant in the family. Let him hold the baby, with your help, of course. Experts say that a baby’s head gives off pheromones and when we inhale them we fall in love with the baby and begin to feel protective. Let your older child help you with the baby as much as he wants, under your supervision.
It's not easy to handle jealousy in toddlers, especially if it’s jealousy against a newborn sibling. As a mother, you’re occupied with the newborn and your elder one demands attention too. However, if you can nip this jealousy in your toddler in the initial stages, you're sure to have very well bonded siblings, who'll make great playmates for each other in the future. Read more
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Motherhood.the struggle and sacrifices behind it..
The journey from being independentwomen to mother..
It was a festive day Vaisakhi the important festival for Punjabis.My father who was no more was born was vaisakhi.My mother had a dream after my marriage that my baby will be born on Vaisakhi.Her intuition becomes true.
My daughter born on 13 April 2016 and my mom lovingly call her vaisakha singh
I smiled whole night upon seeing my baby it was like dream come true.
It was day my life changed completely.I left my job and decided to give my full time and energy to my angel
Journey from being free birds to responsible parents begin.My husband was working at shimla and I was doing job at Chandigarh..We enjoyed our independant lives with long distance relationship
My motherhood begins..
Intially it was very tiring.No sleep no routine but felt good with the sweet feeling of being mother and then I decided to put routine for us
Wake up early,meals on time and play time again nap time..My daughter get used to this routine after some struggle..i felt bad sometimes to be hard on her but I have other responsibilities the responsibility of being daughter in law.
I remember when she started saying papa so ealry although mom takes care more than father
From taking care of her diet that includes soups,porridge ,banana,curd to her physical development that is rolling ,sitting ,crawling to walking I was very courious about.
Then schooling begins..it was again mother's role to help her child read and write
And now in this coronavirus pandemic I have to become her teacher also.
As she is growing up with time sharing a strong unbreakable emotional bond with me I love this motherhood despite the hard work and struggle beging it
So everyone enjoy this motherhood.. Read more
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Yes , i love you , my lil new born.
Mother emotions can never change.
People always said that becoming a Mother is one of most beautiful and joyous feelings in the world. However, what they forget to say is that the journey isn’t always as pleasant.
& so here I have a confession to make to you(my new born)
When your father and I realized we were going to be parents, our joy knew no bounds. The happiness and love we felt was something that I can’t describe. We felt that this feeling would last forever. But, that wasn’t the case.
The 9 month long journey was no cake walk - the daily morning sickness; not being able to eat; the tiredness and low endurance levels - all these health issues being amplified by the long and drab days of bed rest.
Finally the day came when I felt that this was all going to change. I would finally be able to see you, to hold you. I dint went into labour and had a C-section. I was under anaesthesia and couldn’t see you for hours after your birth; cudnt hold u for a day. And when I did, I couldn’t believe that the moment was right there, I was holding you in my arms. The moment that everyone spoke about so much.
Everyone came to see you from the family and seemed really happy. But I was in so much pain because of the surgery that I didn’t even want to hold you for long, nor was I able to sit or sleep or eat. Nobody had prepared me for this and again all the frustration of it started to build.
We got you home and soon I started feeling suffocated. My life was revolving around you and the four walls of the house with no sleep, no fresh air to breathe. A disconnect with you started to creep in and it made me feel guilty as I couldn’t help how I felt. My lifestyle had changed significantly and it seemed like the opposite of what everyone described the feeling of motherhood to be. One day blended into the next and everyday became a: Feed-Sleep-Change-Repeat.
Am I bad mother? Am I allowed to feel this way? Can someone hear my thoughts? What kind of mother am I, if I can’t even feel love for you? All these questions were popping in my head 24x7 and it started to eat me up.
I started to take some time out alone as all I wanted was to have my life back the way it was earlier. I’d go on walks or I’d spend some more time in the bathroom. Few days maybe weeks passed like this. But little did I know this time away made me start missing you. Your smell. Your soft skin. Your innocent eyes. Holding you. Cradling you. It made me worry about you. Were you alright? Were you sleeping? I slowly started feeling more of a responsibility and an attachment.
And one day while I was out for a walk and a gush of emotions took over me. All I could think about was holding you against me. Your were mine! God had given my body the ability to create you and you had turned out so perfect. The minute I reached home I looked at you and you were staring right back at me in a hope that was asking - “I came into this world connected to you. I trust you mom and that’s why I am here in front of you and you are doubting yourself?” with a precious little toothless grin.
I started to smile and cry at the same time. I felt like I wasn’t even living before I had you.
Finally I understood what people meant when they said parenthood is a crucible that not only changes you but also shows you what you're truly capable of. It requires a deep commitment and the willingness to keep going regardless of the circumstance.
And as the days went by, I started loving you more and more, deeper and deeper. Your sweet little smiles, you holding my finger and your tinie tiny yawns. You won my heart by just being you. Nothing seemed like a chore anymore. I looked forward to every new thing you did.
There’s nothing in this world that’s more important to me than you. You truly make my life seem more purposeful and make me want to be a better person everyday for you.
Yes, i really love you my girl.
We as mother must look forward to an exciting and fulfilling journey ahead with our lil born, n it will be the one that began with them holding our finger to us holding theirs. Read more
Dr. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. difference between lactogen 2&3
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
12 hours ago
A. dear Mum the difference between lactogen 2 and 3 is related to the age
lactogen 2 is for the age group of after 6 months upto 12 months
lactogen 3 is formulated for the age group of after 12 months upto 18 months
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
10 hours ago
Q. Explain me procedure of epidural …how it works
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. most of the times the anaesthesia will be inside dura but in epidural it is above the dura matter oj. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Rashmi has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. In august 2023 I diagnosed OHSS with ectopic pregnancy in September we abort that pregnancy after that my period cycle was not proper very irregular or scanty periods now can i plan next pregnancy naturally? How can i plan how to get rid of irregular periods
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
9 hours ago
A. You have to take proper medications to balance your hormones and that is what is going to be helpful in a regular period cycle once your periods are regular you’ll be sure about the time when you’re on dating and that would be the right time for you to conceive so that is how you need to work upon it
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. during pregnancy no medication use is it good or bad
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
54 mins ago
A. depending on the need you can use medicines ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts how to deal with labour pain
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. this will require examination and check up as well as history evaluation with the gynecologist.x
please meet the doctor at your convenience for proper treatment as well as investigations if required. c
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