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Effective Tips to Deal With When Baby Only Wants Mom
Having a new baby is an exciting and nerve-wracking time for parents and everyone involved. Babies can be demanding, hard to read, and cranky at times, making it more stressful for parents. It can be significantly harder on the dads when babies only prefer their moms. It is quite normal for them to do so as the mother is their biological source of nourishment. While it’s a common occurrence in breastfed babies, bottle-fed babies would also prefer their mothers most of the time. So why does this happen, and how to deal with it? Continue reading to find out.
Why Do Babies Only Want Mom?
Regardless of how good either of the parents is in parenting, babies are biologically inclined to be more attached to the mothers. The main reason is that nourishment-only mothers can feed the babies, and it is critical for the babies to stick around their mothers when they feel like feeding. Babies are also more familiar with their mothers as they are used to hearing their voices from the stage of being a fetus. Babies are also quite good at recognizing their mothers from other women through smell. It is thought that a preference for mothers in infancy is essential as a matter of survival.
At What Age Do Babies Want Their Moms Only?
It is commonly seen that breastfed baby only wants a mom during the early months of infancy. This is when babies need all the nourishment they can get and hence spend most if not all the time with their moms. Even bottle-fed babies have a higher preference for mom over dads.
Valuable Tips to Deal With the Situation When Baby Only Wants Mom
It can be difficult for many dads to not get their baby-time, especially during early infancy. Here are some valuable tips for dealing with such a situation:
1. Understand That It Is Completely Normal
Most parents experience this phase during infancy. Because of the familiarity, the baby will need time to let go of their clinginess to their mother. As they grow, they begin to explore the world around them and get accustomed to the scent of the father and the rest of the family members. The baby’s reluctance has nothing to do with ‘not taking a liking towards the father’; it is only a survival instinct to stick to the mother, and it is entirely normal. Some babies are also more comfortable being in the arms of their fathers at an early age.
2. Be Patient
The baby is not going to stay clingy to the mother forever. As their world starts to expand, the first person they will be interested in is the only other person they are most familiar with- dad. Until that happens, it is essential that both the parents stay patient and take it at a slow pace. The dads will have to resist the urge to scoop the baby out of the mom’s arms and take it one step at a time. They can start holding the baby when they are fast asleep to get them used to the ‘feel’ of dad over the first few months.
3. Start the Transition
It’s normal if the baby only wants a mom for three months as they still spend most of their time sleeping and feeding; this is when they need their moms the most. As they grow older and start interacting with other people, it’s time to get them accustomed to being held by dad. This also means that the mother should resist running to the baby every time they are uncomfortable being held by the dad. Allow them to cry, and self soothe or give the dad a chance to soothe the baby and bond.
4. Get the Timing Right
Babies are naturally happy during certain times of the day- for some babies, it maybe it the morning after a good night’s sleep and some right after a meal. Dads need to take advantage of these good times to pick up their babies and bond with them. Cranky hours such as evenings or late nights when tired and exhausted should be avoided as they are more likely to get upset. Have a ‘daddy hour’ during weekends where the dad gets to hold and play or take the baby to the park accompanied by the mom.
5. Involve Dads Into Activities the Baby Likes
As babies get older, they would love to go outside to see all the curious things around them. Even the fussiest babies will have an activity that calms them down or distracts them from crying. Allow the dad to take the baby for a stroll and continue even if they are annoyed the first time. Another routine activity, such as feeding, can also become a good time for the dad to bond. Express some breastmilk into a bottle to allow him to bottle-feed the baby. This can be an important message that feeding is not exclusive to the mom to the baby.
6. Hold Baby With Mom’s Shirt
Babies are comforted by the scent of their mothers, along with the sound of their voice and their touch. During one of the bonding exercises, let the dad hold the baby swaddled in one of the mom’s shirts. Since clothes absorb the scent of our bodies and the sweat, mom's scent can keep the baby calm as dad gets his bonding time.
7. Make the Baby Laugh
Bonding requires spending a lot of time together and generating positive emotions. Therefore the more the dad is around when the baby is happy, the better they can bond. One of the best ways to generate positive emotions is to make the baby laugh at every opportunity. Luckily it is easy to make babies laugh as they respond positively to a number of visual stimuli such as toys and games such as peek-a-boo.
8. Utilize Sleep Time
It’s understandable that the baby only wants to sleep with the mom; however, dads can sneak in once the baby is in a deep sleep and have them by their side. Babies will eventually get used to the dad’s scent and do not fuss when held at other times. Dads can also participate in the sleep time routine to build familiarity with the baby. The dad must be present at these times, along with the mom.
9. Stay Persistent
Parents often get discouraged when the baby cries too much or shrieks every time the dad holds them. The secret to winning the infant over his persistence. Dads will have to find their opportunity to bond, and moms will have to give up the baby and fight the instinct to run to them every time they cry. Babies are naturally inclined to stay with mom the longest, and they need to learn how to bond with others. By staying patient and persistent, dads can build trust with the baby.
10. Have Mom Run Errands With Dad at the Helm
As the baby gets accustomed to dad, practice alone time by having mom away for some time. This exercise is great for the dads, but moms also get alone away from home. Start by staying away from the baby in the next room and slowly expand the radius every day. The mission is accomplished once the baby can spend a few hours with dad!
It is usual for the baby to want to spend time with their mom. Dads will have to be patient and work their way into the baby's comfort zone to build a bond. By being patient and persistent in their efforts over the months' dads can successfully bond with the baby.
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Common Baby Related Concerns of a New Mom
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Blood in Stool in Children - Causes and Remedies
Children hurt themselves and fall ill throughout their childhood. This is pretty much a usual cycle of growth. But certain occurrences that are out of the ordinary could get your alarm bells ringing, and blood in your child’s stool is one such occurrence. Although this may immediately give you thoughts of an internal injury, the problem may not always be so severe. Hence, it is essential to know what’s causing the blood to be there in the first place.
What Causes Blood in a Child’s Stool?
Here are some of the causes of a bloody stool in children.
1. Hirschsprung’s Disease
This is usually present in newborns and can be observed a few days into their birth. It is a severe condition where the baby’s intestine has fewer nerve cells or is completely absent of them. This results in failure to have any bowel movements, causing the abdomen to swell, and the baby to vomit. Stools in such cases come with blood present in them.
2. Blood Disorders
The presence of blood in the stool may not be because of a problem in the rectum but a problem in the blood itself. Any occurrence of disorders that are related to the clotting of blood or any abnormalities in the formation of blood vessels can result in this scenario and cause bleeding from the rectum. When such a condition is present, it also manifests all over the body in the form of rashes or simple bruises.
3. Mickel’s Diverticulum
This strange name is for a deformity that is a congenital disability. It happens after birth when the umbilical cord is cut. In this case, a piece of the umbilical cord could stay back and find itself in the lower regions of the baby’s small intestine. This umbilical cord contains stomach cells that begin secreting acid. This presence of acid in the intestine causes inflammation and ulcers, which also results in bleeding through the rectal path.
4. Juvenile Polyps
This condition is majorly observed in children between the ages of 2 to 10 years. Polyps are small structures that grow along the inner lining of the colon. At first glance, these may seem cancerous; they are not necessarily so. Generally, the passing of stool ruptures these polyps, which results in bleeding, which does not cause any pain.
5. Diarrhoea With Infection
An inferior form of food poisoning, diarrhoea is experienced by children and adults alike. On consuming any food item that is contaminated by harmful bacteria, parasites, or even viruses, these find their way into the digestive tract and infect it. The resulting diarrhoea that occurs from this could also lead up to the presence of blood in the poop.
6. Breastfeeding
Yes, breastfeeding can result in the presence of blood in the stools. However, the blood doesn’t belong to the baby; it belongs to the mother. This is usually the case with mothers having dry, cracked nipples. When babies feed, they may end up sucking on the cracks, causing blood to ooze out of it, and be consumed by them. It might be just a few drops, but those are enough to show up in the baby’s poop.
7. Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Famously known as IBS, many children and some adults suffer from it. This is a condition where bowel movements are irregular, resulting in constipation as well as diarrhoea. The constant diarrhoea and the forceful movement of the bowel muscles to pass poop could rupture blood cells, resulting in bleeding in the rectal tract.
8. Crohn’s Disease
This is more of an infection that attacks the inner lining of the digestive tract. Also known as a form of colitis, this infection results in ulcers in the tract that cause intense inflammation. These ulcers can rupture while passing stools, resulting in blood in the poop.
9. Milk or Soy Intolerance
Having a specific sensitivity towards milk-based products, especially those derived from cows, can result in bloody stools. When a formula mixed with cow or soy milk is introduced to the baby, a type of infection-like reaction occurs within the child. This results in the baby vomiting, having diarrhoea, and bloody poop. The mother’s consumption of cow milk could also pass on to the baby through breastfeeding.
10. Anal Cuts
Fissures or cuts in the internal lining or even around the anus can start bleeding while passing poop. A general consequence of constipation and forced pooping, every time the baby strains to poop, he puts pressure on the anus causing the cracks to bleed every time pooping occurs.
How to Treat Bloody Stool in Children
In most kids, bloody poop usually occurs as a result of diarrhoea that takes place after eating food contaminated with bacteria and parasites. In children suffering from constipation, the usual suspect is an anal fissure that bleeds while passing stools. Generally, such conditions can be taken care of by increasing the intake of fluids or the use of lubricants that soften the stool and allow poop to pass easily without affecting the digestive tract.
In case the source of bleeding is inside the digestive tract, a doctor may opt for an endoscopy to take a look and carry out the necessary treatment. For treating infections, medication can be directly administered via the endoscope on the particular area. Lasers, heaters, or electric coagulation techniques are used to treat internal bleeding and prevent blood from leaking out through poop. In worse cases, surgery may be required. Polyps are usually removed non-invasively, using an endoscope.
Medication usually follows such treatments to prevent a repeat outbreak of the bleeding. Such medicines may cause stools to be soft or make bowel movements easier, as well as be combative towards infections, ulcers, and so on.
Tips to Treat Bloody Stools at Home
If you are looking for home remedies for a bloody stool, here are a few tips.
The quickest and easiest way to get relief from bloody stools is to have a warm water bath. Fill a tub with warm water and let your child sit in it in such a way that the lower body is completely immersed underwater. Adding a little antiseptic solution in the bathwater helps remove any outer bacteria, and brings much-needed relief from the pain of constant bloody poop.
If constipation and forced pooping have resulted in anal cuts and fissures, it is recommended that you use an ice pack around the anal area. Applying the cold pack for 5-10 minutes can provide quick relief from the pain.
During the usual daily baths, take extra care while cleaning the anal area. Use a sponge to be gentle and to make sure the entire area is clean and free from any residue to prevent further infection.
Until the bloody stools stop, it is best to avoid using diapers on your child. Keeping the bloody stools around the anus makes the area unhygienic and prone to infection. If diapers are needed, make sure they are changed immediately after pooping.
Drinking enough water is extremely crucial. One glass of water in the morning and a good consumption throughout the day goes a long way in softening the stools.
The bowel movement can be improved by opting for a fibrous diet. These help build the stool, which can then be easily passed. Good stools prevent anal fissures from occurring and help treat constipation as well.
When to Consult a Doctor
If home treatments do not work, it is best to seek medical advice to treat the problem of a bloody stool. If you notice the following signs, consult a doctor immediately.
The anal area is injured
Intense pain in the abdomen along with bloody vomiting
Consistently dark coloured stools with a lot of blood
The child is ill and has a fever
Seeing blood in your kid’s stool is scary but not uncommon. Common reasons include an improper diet or external infection. By taking the right measures at the right time, your kid can get back to a normal routine within no time. Read more
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11 Health Secrets Paediatrician Parents Want You to Know
When it comes to your child's health and fitness, no one gives better advice than their paediatrician. Their opinion is one you can completely trust. And when their paediatrician is also a parent, that's really all that you need. We have collected for you the top health secrets shared by paediatrician parents. When applied in daily life, together with your mommy instinct, these secrets will help your little one stay perfectly healthy, energetic and fit!
1. Never miss your child's vaccination schedule
If this strikes you as an odd thing to say – of course you wouldn't, right – there are people who think vaccines should be avoided as they are not safe. Way back in 1988, there was a physician called Andrew Wakefield who published a research paper in which he linked the MMR vaccine to autism. But not only was the paper proved to be false, but he was also barred from practicing!
The truth is, vaccines are completely safe and necessary to protect your child from typical childhood diseases like polio, chicken pox, diphtheria and tetanus – a fact supported by the World Health Organization. Make it a point to vaccinate your children as and when recommended by your paediatrician. Read more about why vaccination is important for your child.
2. Google is your friend, not your doctor
Would you ask any random person to diagnose your child's medical problems? No, right? But a lot of parents expect Google to play doctor. Google is good for a lot of things, but not for treating your medical problems. Although there is a lot of medical information available online, much of it is inaccurate and unverified. Trying to self-diagnose medical symptoms will only result in unnecessary fear, anxiety and stress.
If you are concerned about a health condition, make sure you talk to your paediatrician first. Remember, your doctor can help you only if you see him or her at the right time, not after the condition has worsened.
3. Understand when an injury may need to be stitched
While seeing a cut on your child's forearm can unnerve any parent, you may not always need to rush to an emergency room. Paediatricians suggest the "three-minute test" to judge the severity of the wound. If your child just had a fall or got wounded, do this: wrap ice in a towel and apply it to the cut for three minutes. The pressure and ice should stop the bleeding if the wound isn’t too severe. If your child is still bleeding, she may need a stitch.
4. Teach them the importance of hand-washing
Children often face the greatest risk of infection from dirty hands. There's a lot they do all day – playing in the mud and pooping included. Show them how to wash their hands with soap and water after they go to the bathroom, return from playing outside and before they eat. Paediatricians swear this is the easiest way to keep illness away. If you are looking for ways to teach this to your child, try our these creative hand-washing ideas. Psst, you can initially interest your child in handwashing by using scented handwash with yummy, fruity smells.
5. Choose whole fruit over fruit juice
Freshly squeezed juice seems healthy, but in reality it is only healthier than the boxed version. A whole fruit contains essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre. The juice extracted from it loses a lot of these nutrients and all of the fibre. In fact, consuming such fruit juice can increase blood sugar levels quickly. According to a study by Harvard School of Public Health, eating whole fruits such as apples, blueberries and grapes significantly lower the risk of type 2 diabetes. So whether they like it or not, make sure your child consumes fruits on a daily basis.
6. Cuddle your baby while feeding them
Do you cuddle your baby while you feed him or her? This one is a secret that many moms can vouch by! Cuddling babies makes them feel loved and secure, and helps them bond with you. Paediatricians believe that babies who are attached to their parents grow up to have a good self-esteem and strong coping skills. With benefits like these, make sure you cuddle as much as you can!
7. Understand the real risk factors for your child
Is your child eating food off the floor, playing on a swing, or throwing a violent tantrum? Well, the fact is that these things are not really as dangerous as some other things. Doctors advise you to be more careful about risks like sharp furniture, open windows and swimming pools. Baby-proofing is certainly one thing you should never take lightly!
8. No need to freak out about colds and fevers
Colds make kids cranky and uncomfortable for 7 to 10 days, but they aren't usually anything out of the ordinary. And as for fevers, even temperatures between 100 and 104° F may not be dangerous. In fact, they help the body to fight infection as they turn on the immune system. However, if your newborn baby (0 to 3 months) gets fever above 100.4 ° F, visit your paediatrician immediately. If you are not sure whether your reaction to your child's illness is accurate, take this quiz to find out.
9. Start hygiene training early
It's never too early to introduce your kids to hygiene. Paediatric parents try and set hygiene standards at home as early as they can - and this includes changing your baby's diaper without delay, bathing, brushing teeth twice a day, and wearing clean clothes. This makes it evident to your kids that cleanliness is not an option but a necessity.
10. Cut down on the baby talk
Do you talk to your baby in a made-up language commonly known as baby talk? If you think it's cute to say “wuv” instead of love, know that you are delaying their speech and language development by teaching them the wrong way to speak.
Paediatricians recommend speaking in Parentese instead. Not only do babies respond to it better, it also helps them learn to speak faster.
11. Don't rush to the doctor or the medicine bottle
Parenting is tough, but that doesn't mean you have to worry about your kids all the time. They will inevitably fall sick, hurt themselves and give you a hard time in general. Learn to let go and take it all in your stride – just like paediatrician parents do. Getting overly anxious or depending too much on medication is always a bad idea. Remember - this too shall pass.
Oh, before we close, there is yet another important secret that we would like to share. Your child's paediatrician is certain to agree with this. Mom, please take care of yourself!
Only if the parents are healthy, live a quality life and have a positive frame of mind can the children learn to follow in their footsteps. So, eat fresh, exercise, and stay happy. Read more
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Guardian of 0 children
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Q. #asktheexpert how to get rid of strech marks after delivery
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
12 mins ago
A. You can apply bio oil that is going to help us that’s one of the best things available in the market that you can apply you can apply three times in the day morning evening and in the night and hopefully with passage of time they should definitely become light for you
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
24 mins ago
Q. how to get rid of strech marks after delivery
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
13 mins ago
A. applying bio oil. 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
Charul Verma has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
22 mins ago
Q. #asktheexpert
hello doctor. I developed gestational diabetes and taking insulin for the same. now after taking insulin my fasting sugar level is 81 to 88. and after food it is 94 to 114. although sugar level is normal my doc said amniotic fluid is high. what should be done?? I am on my 36th week.
Read moreCharul Verma
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A. hi mom
you need to take good proteins
dals
eggs
chk
paneer
curds
soya
tofu
include any of these in each meals
stay safe and healthy
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
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Q. i am in 7th month of pregnancy ...and I have a problem of stretch marks and itching on my stomach area. is there any remedy to deal with it?
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
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A. Bio-Oil & Pregnancy
For the past 20 years, Bio Oil has been used by pregnant women and it is safe for use in the prevention of stretch marks by maintaining supple and well-hydrated skin. This original formulation maximizes the elasticity of the skin, which reduces the chances of developing stretch marks.
Manali K Mehta has added a new answer
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Q. #asktheexpert Hello 👋 mam am khushi from j&k actually mam mujhe 28th April ko 8th month (3rd trimester) lga but mujhe bhut jaada vaginal itching hai 24 hrs hoti rehti hai mena V wash use kia but koi farak ni hai please suggest kro kush mujhe
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A. hi parent
I suggest you please consult with your gynecologist because physical examination is important for proper diagnosis and treatment
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Q. Mera 8 month start hua white discharge normal h hona
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A. hi parent
I suggest you please consult with your gynecologist because physical examination is important for proper diagnosis and treatment
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