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Is Diarrhoea a Symptom of Teething?
On seeing your baby's first tooth, you will be overjoyed. But teething can be an uncomfortable experience for a baby, especially when he is unable to convey his pain to you. There are many symptoms of teething in babies and diarrhoea is one of them. If your baby is teething and is suffering from diarrhoea, read to know what you can do.
Why Do Babies Get Diarrhoea While Teething
The connection of teething with diarrhoea has been established as many parents noticed it in their children. However, there is no evidence justifying that teething and diarrhoea are connected. An increase in drooling while teething was also thought to be a cause of diarrhoea while teething. Saliva production in the mouth is more during teething and babies may swallow a lot of saliva during this stage, which may disturb the balance of the gastric system, causing diarrhoea to manifest within. However, even this cannot be taken as the exact cause of diarrhoea in babies.
What is strongly believed today is that both these activities are connected but indirectly, making them almost coincidental but not strange. Teething is a difficult period for an infant. The constant irritation in the gums causes them to reach out for different objects, which are then held in the mouth and chewed. These objects may not necessarily be clean and could have germs and other microbes on them. Since babies tend to put everything they can find in their mouth, the chances of bacteria entering the body are extremely high, and hence they may get diarrhoea. A baby's immune system is also not fully developed and hence his body may not fight bacteria and infections, and as a result, he may get diarrhoea.
While this explanation might be satisfactory, it poses a grave danger for the child. The early years of a baby are usually filled with instances where infections keep occurring all the time. Be it intestinal infections or ear infections, a child is constantly battling them until the immune system becomes strong enough to wade them off. The diarrhoea that emerges during teething could, in fact, camouflage the symptoms of the actual infection. Loose motions might be attributed to poor hygiene practice and would be disregarded as a normal occurrence when, in fact, it could indicate the presence of a stronger infection thriving within that needs immediate medical attention.
How Long Does Teething Diarrhoea Last?
If the diarrhoea manifests primarily when the teething behaviour sets in for the child, the symptoms should usually go away in a few days once the right precautions are taken. However, if the problem continues for around a week or more and tends to repeat every month, you may need to take your child for a medical examination.
Tips To Deal With Teething Diarrhoea In Infants
Diarrhoea that occurs when your child is undergoing teething is quite discomforting, but it does not call for any particular treatment. However, you may need to intervene immediately if the little one has diarrhoea for more than a few days and passes loose stools nearly 5-6 times in a single day. Here is what you can do if your baby has diarrhoea:
1. Talk To Your Doctor
The consistent presence of teething diarrhoea should be brought to your doctor’s attention as soon as possible. This helps in diagnosing the presence of any other infections that might be causing similar symptoms, and corrective action can be taken accordingly. At times, certain medication might also be recommended to counter the condition or the bacteria, too. Talking to your doctor is highly recommended as diarrhoea can dehydrate your infant.
2. Maintain Hygiene
The process of teething causes immense irritation to the gums of the baby. While most babies cry due to it, others attempt to calm themselves down by biting down the gums or chewing on any hard objects they can lay their hands on. These could be toys or even other items specifically bought to counter his teething issues. If these are not kept clean and sanitized regularly, it can be an open invitation for numerous microbes to enter his body, which can cause infections to thrive within and worsen his health.
3. Adjust the Diet of Your Child
If your child is experiencing diarrhoea as a result of teething, an adjustment to his diet could provide some important benefits to his body. Start by increasing the frequency of breastfeeding or formula milk. Give him enough fluids to keep his body hydrated. You can also feed him purees of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and bananas. Rice water can also be given. All of these foods can keep the diarrhoea under control. Also, If you give cow milk or juices to your child, stop it temporarily until the diarrhoea is relieved.
With the above-mentioned tips, you can prevent diarrhoea from occurring in the first place. Teething is a natural process of the child’s development and diarrhoea is one of its symptoms. But, worry not as your baby will be fine in a few days. However, if the problem persists for long, feel free to consult a doctor!
Also Read: Common Baby Teething Symptoms Read more
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The Benefits of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Pregnancy
Doctors recommend the daily intake of essential omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy. These polyunsaturated fatty acids are crucial for the cognitive and visual development of the fetus.
Omega-3 fatty acids are polyunsaturated fatty acids that help in the development and maintenance of the vital body parts. These are not synthesized by the human body and must be consumed from an outside source.
Importance of Omega-3
Of the Omega-3s, the most important ones are DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid). Both usually occur as well as work together in the body, but each has its unique advantages. While DHA aids the proper development of the brain, eyes and central nervous system, EPA supports immune system, heart and inflammatory response.
Omega-3s are also beneficial in maintaining the balanced production of prostaglandins that regulate different physiological functions such as blood pressure, nerve transmission, blood clotting, allergic responses, production of hormones and proper functioning of the kidneys and gastrointestinal tract.
Benefits of Omega-3 during Pregnancy
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential for the neurological development of fetuses. During early pregnancy, the fetus needs DHA and EPA for brain and visual development. Even in the early years after birth, the brain of an infant accumulates large amount of DHA, and compared to rest of the body, has extremely high levels of DHA.
Pregnant women often get depleted of omega-3 because it is used by the body to build the fetus’ nervous system. Therefore, doctors recommend a daily supplement for expecting mothers. Even after delivery, women must consume omega-3s as they are beneficial in producing breast milk as well.
With each pregnancy, the levels of omega-3s gets reduced in the mother’s body. To maintain the balanced cognitive development of the baby, women should add EPA and DHA to their regular diet during each pregnancy.
Other than neurological development, omega-3s are also known to reduce the likelihood of pre-term labour and delivery, lower the risk of pre-eclampsia and decrease the risk of postpartum mood swings that get worse with every subsequent pregnancy.
Best Sources of Omega-3 during Pregnancy
Cold water fish are the best source of EPA and DHA. Doctors recommend salmon, rainbow trout, anchovies, herring and sardines, as levels of mercury are low in these. However, one should not consume more than 5 ounces of salmon, 16 sardines or 14 ounces of rainbow trout each week during pregnancy.
Unlike the popular belief, flaxseed is not the right omega-3 that is required during pregnancy. Flaxseed is a source of omega-3 fatty acid called ALA (alpha-linolenic acid) which is not as important as EPA and DHA. As compared to EPA and DHA, ALA has a shorter-chain omega-3. Earlier it was believed that the body converts ALA to EPA and DHA, but further studies proved otherwise.
Some manufacturers derive omega-3 supplements from algae, making them a perfect solution for vegetarians. These days milk, soy, eggs, cereals, breads, juices and yogurt are fortified with omega-3s. Some of them do not contain large amounts of DHA or EPA, but even small amounts from different sources can add up. You should check the labels for at least 50 milligrams of DHA per serving in each product.
Quality of Fish Oil Matters
Fish oil taken during pregnancy should be of good quality. Most women prefer eating fresh fish, but that can increase the amount of mercury in their bodies. Manufacturers of fish oil supplements process the fish oil to refine it and remove traces of mercury from it. So, it is better to meet the omega-3 requirement by consuming supplements.
In a nutshell, it is very important for the mom to follow the nutritional guidelines for pregnancy diligently. A little slip or negligence could result in setbacks for the fetus in terms of developmental parameters, which is the last thing a mom would want. Read more
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What Your Kid Eats is What Your Kid Becomes
Kids are so mischievous and always avoid taking food on time and avoiding especially nutritive food... Is that your complaint..?
Then let me tell u all gorgeous moms that it's completely on us how to modify this..
1) Eat all kinds of tasty and non-tasty foods throughout pregnancy, that will cultivate a taste in ur baby.
2) Give coloured foods like carrot, capsicum, cucumber in their plate.. Colors always attract them.
3) Let them eat with their own hand.. Let it be messy.
4) Always eat with the family and cultivate the same habit in your child.
5) Prepare the dish in different ways with a pinch of their favourites veggies or spices and they will finish in the blink of an eye.
6) Feed them every 3 hrs in small proportions.
7) Ragi, oats, cereals, fruits and veggies are best for your kid.
8) Praise them and reward them as and when they eat new and less-tasty but nutritious dishes.
9) Use less sugar in milk and give sugary items with caution.
10) Brush their teeth or tell them to gargle after giving sweet sticky food, that will save ur kids teeth from cavities.
11) Avoid packet foods and prepare everything home for your little munchkin.
12) Give ur child cow's milk after weaning them off breastmilk.
There's so much you can do for your bundle of joy. And always remember that hunger is the main point here. When your baby is hungry, he will definitely eat whatever food you give him.. So always feed him on time.
Other than food, play with them, run with them and keep them physically and mentally active the full day with adequate sleep and rest. Let them fall, let them stand again on their own. Don't panic if they fall down while playing. And please don't be overprotective. That will hamper their growth. Motivate them to take part in all games and competitions without instilling fear of failure in them or pressure of winning. Always stay positive and happy in front of them. Babies are God-gifted, nurture them like flowers.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
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How Much Sleep Do Children Need - Guidelines for Parents
With the advent of digital devices, children’s sleep hours have become erratic and keeping a tab on those has become more than necessary. Many parents keep wondering how much sleep do kids need and if their child has had enough sleep since most children are a bundle of energy whether they have slept the required amount or not. Irrespective of how they behave, it is necessary for kids to get a specific number of hours of sleep for healthy physical and mental growth.
Benefits of Adequate Sleep for Kids
Here are some undeniable benefits of a good night’s sleep for kids.
1. Physical Growth
Medical research has revealed that the growth hormone in our bodies is highly active when we are in deep sleep.
2. Mental Development
Even when we are asleep, another part of the brain continues to work in the background, keeping things organized, protecting memories, storing information for long-term retrieval. This is necessary for the brain to operate optimally.
3. Strengthening the Immunity System
With children, the better sleep they get, the stronger their immune system becomes in fighting away the usual illnesses of a cough and cold and other infections, too.
4. Alertness and Vigilance
A good sleep reduces lethargy in the day and keeps one alert, allowing you to function to the best of your ability.
5. Reduces Mental Problems
Lack of sleep can result in psychological issues such as depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, and many others.
6. Emotional Stability
When your child has had a good night’s sleep, they will rarely be cranky through the day and be upbeat and excited to go to school and explore around.
7. Energy Recharge
Relaxation is key to re-energizing the body. With a good sleep, your body produces glycogen which provides the energy and helps you live the next day actively and happily.
8. Weight Regulation
Obesity has been directly linked to lack of sleep. This is primarily because lack of sleep might lead to lethargy and exhaustion through the day, preventing any physical activity. This consequently leads to putting on weight.
How Many Hours of Sleep Do Children Need?
Recommended sleep for children varies from age to age. Therefore, you need to ensure that your child is getting the right amount of sleep that’s adequate for his age.
Age
Recommended sleep (for a period of 24 hours)
4 months to 12 months
12 to 16 hours
1 and 2 years
11 to 14 hours
3 to 5 years
10 to 13 hours
6 to 12 years
9 to 12 hours
13 to 18 years
8 to 10 hours
12 Tips to Help Your Child Get Sufficient Sleep
Here are some tips for parents to ensure kids get enough sleep.
Prioritize Sufficient Sleep on a Family Level
Rather than advising your children to sleep well, make it a habit that the entire family has to follow. Make sleeping well on time a habit just like brushing your teeth or taking a bath.
Set a Daily Routine
Fixed times for general activities will help children feel secure that they are on track. Waking up at the same time, eating at the same time, taking a nap, playing outside, all these activities when scheduled at fix times, help the body to set itself in a rhythm as well. For sleeping, establish a routine such as brushing your teeth, reading a book, and then heading for the bed. This preps the body into a sleep mode and has less trouble falling asleep.
Active Daytimes
The sleep at night will be relaxing and satisfying when the day is filled with a variety of interesting activities. Ensure that your children get a lot of physical activity, outdoor time, and exercise to come back home in the evening and wind down.
Strict Device Usage Policies
Ensure there are no devices inside your kid’s bedrooms. If your child wants to use digital devices, keep a restricted time limit on the usage and ban all screens after a specified time at night.
Sleep Supportive Environment
Nobody likes to sleep in a noisy fully-lit room. Keep the lights minimal and low as bedtime approaches. Keep the bedrooms minimal without any distraction. A safe calm place in the bedroom is conducive to falling asleep easily.
Age-Specific Sleep Requirements
As your child grows, their adequate sleep times might increase and so will their daily responsibilities in school. Therefore, it is necessary to track whether they get adequate sleep and time to complete their activities as well.
Avoid Baby Food before Sleep
Feeding juice, milk, formula or anything else can cause it to stay present in the baby’s mouth throughout sleep and lead to decayed teeth. Once you are done with the feeding, put them down and, at most, keep a bottle of water if needed.
No solids before 6 Months of Age
Solid food needs extra energy to be digested. In a baby less than 6 months old, their body takes extra time to digest the food and can sometimes lead to stomach ache. This may cause them to awaken in the middle of the night and fail to get the required amount of deep sleep that’s essential for growth.
No Overscheduling
Reduce the number of activities your child commits to towards the evening. Allow for some downtime that helps calm down.
Recognize Sleep Problems
Be aware of children awakening in the middle of the night, snoring or breathing heavily while sleeping. Nip these problems in the bud.
Check on Day Alertness
Have a word with your child’s teacher to get an idea of how alert they are through the day. If they nod off in class, they are probably not getting enough sleep.
Check with Your Doctor
Discuss any sleep problems your child has with your doctor. They might suggest treatments or ask you to observe their habits further.
Sleep is the single most activity required by any human being in their entire lifetime. And with children, it contributes to their growth like nothing else. By ensuring a good and healthy sleep, their future is ensured to be healthy and energetic as well.
Also read: How To Make Baby Sleep At Night, Nightmares In Children - Causes & Solution Read more
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Children are Very Fussy Eaters, But Mums are Always Ready with Their Magic....
I sat down for a while to relax on the park bench after my customary evening walk and exchanged smiles and a hi with a few familiar faces. Children were busy playing on the swings and slides, while some senior citizens were busy chatting. Amidst all this I noticed a young mother running after her toddler with a tiffin box in her hand. She was trying every possible trick to feed him. She took names of his favourite cartoon characters, made silly promises and even showed her anger and tried to coax him, but all her efforts to push some food into the child's mouth went in vain. The mischievous boy kept running here and there and managed to escape the poor mother's grip and trick every time. I became quite nostalgic at this sight and went down memory lane when my son was a little boy filled with all sorts of naughtiness, fuss and tremendous energy (to cope with a child's energy is quite a task in itself). He never ate his food when told, was ready with new demands every time, and this was what compelled me to explore my creative side. He loved having eggs for breakfast but was bored within a day or two, so mom had to be ready with something interesting, and this brought egg and bread blocks into existence ( egg fried along with the bread and cut into squares ). In my house, the shape of the parathas changed daily as per the demand of my son; one day it was a fish parantha, the other day a cat parantha, even a mobile phone paratha (seriously!) was relished. Dal and rice was very boring for him, but became a delicacy once served like a cake with dal dripping just like chocolate. We even used to cut that rice and dal cake and sing the birthday song?. Khichdi and pulav had to be served in the form of little balls that were eaten with a fork. Even the fruits were not spared, they had to be cut into different shapes and sizes and served in a different way every time to have the privilege of being eaten by my little monster.
Despite all the hard work, both physical and mental, there was only one thing that relieved me, my child was at least eating healthy home-made food which was essential for his growth and development. As my son grew up, his preferences started changing in matters of food. He loved pizza, and lo! Mummy was ready with a roti pizza!
Now that my children are grown up, (my son is going to be a teen now) it doesn't mean that mum's job has become easier. Mummy has to brush up her magical culinary skills at all times. Even now, a whole lot of innovation can be seen in the food of my house, the only difference is that, now, rotis have become tacos, parathas have become frankies and so on. I enjoy every bit of my efforts as long as my children have a sumptuous meal. Nothing can make a mother happier.
O kid! Try and make the wildest excuse,
Mummy ka magic always rescues.
Disclaimer: The views, opinions and positions (including content in any form) expressed within this post are those of the author alone. The accuracy, completeness and validity of any statements made within this article are not guaranteed. We accept no liability for any errors, omissions or representations. The responsibility for intellectual property rights of this content rests with the author and any liability with regards to infringement of intellectual property rights remains with him/her. Read more
Anu Sharma has added a new answer
Expecting Father due in 3 months
3 hours ago
Q. My wife taking tablets for UTI it caused fever last week she took paracetamol and Pan D in IV and now for the past 5 days taking Nitrofurantoin tablet IP I have two questio
1) Will this tablets and IV affect my baby in any way and it's growth inside
2) She says still feeling some pain groin and abdomen area comparatively lesser than previous days
3) Any diets to avoid this UTI in future
Read moreAnu Sharma
Mom of a 1 yr old boy
2 hours ago
A. UTI infection is common in pregnecy. Better to consult gyne
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. ma lmp 28.9.2023 edd date 5.7.2024 ma age 25.7.1999 ma beby boy or girl plsss tell me mam
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. be not possible to tell. 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. Minal Acharya has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 5 months
2 hours ago
Q. Hii...., Is it safe to eat jackfruit in 4th month of pregnancy, daily 2 ...
Dr. Minal Acharya
Nutritionist
2 hours ago
A. dear mam, you can eat jackfruit during the 4th month of pregnancy. there is no problem in having it. you can eat all types of seasonal vegetables and fruits even green leafy vegetables.
shahin has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. is that positive result??? my Due date is tommoro I am having vomitting and nausea and back pain etc please reply asap
shahin
Mom of a 6 m old boy
35 mins ago
A. yes
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
52 mins ago
Q. Hi I'm in 23weeks pregnancy
my afi is 26 I have no diabetes or any other issues
is that risky ? what to do for making normal delivery possible
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
48 mins ago
A. yes AFI level is very high and yes you need to be very careful to have regular follow up with your doctor take the precautions advised by your doctor and regularly keep a watch on baby movements
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
37 mins ago
Q. nasal congestion during 9th week pregnancy is normal or something serious?
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
27 mins ago
A. it's ok . take steam twice daily or you can use nasal drops
You should have proper consultation with your treating doctor , as some examination or investigations may be needful, so that proper medications can be given And the treatment can be done very properly.
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