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Formula Allergy in Babies - Reasons, Signs and Alternatives
Food allergies are common in babies and children. Some common foods which cause allergies include milk, soy, nuts, gluten, peanuts, etc. It is important to recognise the signs of an allergy in a baby, so that he can be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. Sometimes, cow’s milk (and therefore, baby formula) can also lead to allergic reactions in a baby. This article will help you understand the reasons and symptoms of formula allergy in babies, and what can be given to a baby who has milk allergy.
Is Formula Milk Allergy Common in Babies?
When a baby has a milk allergy, it basically means that his immune system reacts unfavourably to a particular protein or proteins present in the milk. Cow’s milk and its related products can, therefore, trigger allergic reactions. It is possible for a baby to be exposed to the allergens in cow’s milk if the mother consumes the same or dairy products while breastfeeding. Similarly, consuming cow milk protein-based formula can also trigger allergic reactions, thus leading to a formula allergy. Around two to eight per cent of babies below the age of one exhibit symptoms of cow’s milk allergy. Usually, a milk allergy tends to subside by the time babies turn three years old. But in some cases, it may persist until seven to eight years of age.
What Are the Causes of Formula Allergy in Infants?
Can babies be allergic to formula milk? Yes, it is indeed possible for a baby to be allergic to formula milk, as the immune system treats specific components of formula as enemies and starts attacking them. There are a few probable causes of this allergy. One of them is genetics. If anyone in the baby’s immediate family has had a formula allergy in their childhood, the baby has a fifty to eighty per cent chance of inheriting it. Babies who are nursed have a lower chance of developing a milk allergy as compared to babies who are given formula milk. This is mainly because most infant formula is made with cow’s milk. Thus, if you give cow milk protein-based formula to your baby, he may exhibit signs of an allergy, if he is allergic to cow’s milk protein. However, it is still unclear why some babies are allergic to milk while others are not.
Signs and Symptoms of Formula Milk Allergies in Babies
Some newborns may show symptoms of cow’s milk allergy within seconds or minutes of consuming it, while in others, the symptoms might take hours or days to manifest. If your baby is allergic to cow’s milk protein that’s present in the formula he’s fed, he may exhibit the following signs.:
1. Gas
Your baby might have a bloated or tensed abdomen, indicating gassiness. He might even pull his legs up and release gas more often than usual.
2. Reflux
It is common for babies to experience acid reflux, which is basically the food in the stomach returning to the mouth via the oesophagus. This is why babies tend to spit up. In extreme cases, your baby may spit up and vomit. He may even experience difficulty in swallowing and react negatively towards feeding time or seem fussy when being nursed.
3. Diarrhoea
Breastfed babies have runny, chunky stools, whereas formula-fed babies have thicker stools. If your baby has loose or watery stools more than 3-4 times a day for at least a week or if you notice blood in his stools, then he might have diarrhoea. Diarrhoea is a symptom of formula mik allergy, wherein the stools are watery, loose, and have a foul smell. Frequent diarrhoea can lead to severe dehydration, so do consult your baby’s paediatrician immediately.
4. Rash
If your baby has rash-like symptoms, such as red bumps on his skin, it might be due to an allergic reaction. Babies allergic to formula tend to have rashes on their face too. The rashes might be itchy, secrete fluids, or resemble crusty scales. Another common symptom of formula milk allergy is the presence of raised welts or hives on the skin.
5. Breathing Problems
While colds and the flu are common in babies, a consistent runny nose, difficulty in breathing, raspy breaths, phlegm in the throat, and a chronic cough might be because of a formula milk allergy.
6. Colic
If a baby cries continuously even when he is not hungry or sleepy, then it might be a sign of colic. The rule of three applies to colic - if your baby cries for three hours or more every day, for at least three days a week for at least three weeks, then he may have colic. Colic tends to get better after the first six months.
7. Constipation
Sometimes, formula milk allergy can even lead to constipation in babies. If your baby has constipation, his faeces may resemble small hardened balls or pellets. He may also have blood in his stools.
How to Diagnose Formula Allergy in Babies
Ideally, you should provide your doctor with enough details about the symptoms you notice in your baby so he can diagnose the condition. You should also inform him about the history of allergies in your immediate family. There are no specific tests to diagnose milk or formula allergy in babies. However, the doctor might suggest certain tests after you inform him about the symptoms. These tests include allergy tests, blood tests, and stool tests.
What to Do If a Baby is Allergic to Formula
If your doctor concludes that your baby is allergic to formula, then the first thing you should do is elimination; that is, the removal of all dairy products from your baby’s diet. This means that you too cannot consume dairy products while nursing, as the proteins from the milk can reach your baby through your breast milk. Milk allergy is complicated because more than half the babies who are allergic to dairy can also be allergic to soy milk, which is the standard alternative. Feeding your child alternative baby formula for cow’s milk allergy should help reduce his symptoms within a few days to a week.
There are some options available for babies who are allergic to milk- and soy-based formula. Hypoallergenic formula, which has been scientifically created to exclude allergens in dairy, are made using enzymes to break down the milk proteins in the milk. They are further classified into two types – hydrolysed formula and amino acid-based formula. The latter is good for babies who are not able to take to hydrolysed forumla. It’s also important to note that the more the formula is hydrolysed, the less tasty it could be for your little one.
Breast milk is the best source of nutrition for a baby. If your baby has formula milk or cow’s milk allergy, you should continue to breastfeed him for as long as you can.
Can Formula Allergies Be Treated?
Currently, there is no proven treatment to get rid of formula allergies completely. The recommended course of treatment is to avoid allergens entirely and to opt for an alternative source of nutrition.
What Complications Can Arise If Your Baby Has a Milk Allergy?
If your baby is allergic to milk, he is likely to also develop health complications like hay fever, which is an allergic response to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. He may also be allergic to other foods such as eggs, peanuts, soy, etc.
What Is the Difference Between Milk Allergy and Milk Intolerance?
Many parents mistake milk intolerance for milk allergy. However, the two are not the same. Milk allergy is when a baby’s immune system reacts negatively against the proteins in cow’s milk or cow milk protein-based formula. But milk intolerance has nothing to do with the immune system. It comes about when the digestive system is unable to tolerate the sugar lactose that is present in milk or dairy products. It is also called lactose intolerance. This problem is somewhat rare in babies and tends to develop in older children and adults.
It is difficult having to care for a baby who cries a lot or behaves in a fussy manner, and even more so if you cannot tell if this behaviour is because of his mood or due to a health complication. The best thing would be to consult your child’s paediatrician if you are worried he might be allergic to something in his diet. However, please remember that babies tend to contract illnesses such as colds and the flu often, as their immune systems are not developed fully yet. These illnesses can have the same symptoms as a milk allergy but should disappear after being treated. If you notice the symptoms described in this article in your baby whenever he is fed formula, it would be best to consult a doctor at the earliest.
Also Read: Baby Allergies & How to Handle Them Read more
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Types of Twins in Pregnancy - Identical & Fraternal
Twins are two babies who share the same uterus of a single mother and are usually born on the same day, although not necessary. Since the womb of a mother is usually limited in size, it is very likely that multiple and twin pregnancies are not always carried to full term.
Modern procedures of artificial insemination have increased the chances of conceiving twins. However, not all twins look completely alike and there can be different types of twins depending on the nature of their conception. If you are wondering about how many types of twins there are on record, here’s a breakup.
What Are the Different Types of Twins?
The two types of twins that are widely known are the fraternal twins and the identical twins.
Fraternal twins are created when two different eggs are fertilised by separate sperms. These twins do not look completely alike and are more likely to be a boy and girl pair.
Identical twins are created when a single fertilised egg creates a zygote that splits up to form two different embryos. These twins have distinctly similar features and are usually of the same sex.
Fraternal Twins (Dizygotic Twins)
Fraternal twins are the result of hyper-ovulation by the mother. This means that the mother, due to genetics or fertility treatment procedures may release more than one egg, which gets fertilized by two separate sperms. These twins each have their own placenta and an amniotic sac. However, when the eggs fertilize it is possible for the placentas to fuse together due to their proximity, which causes them to be mistaken for identical twins. Fraternal twins do not completely resemble one another although there may be striking similarities.
Types of Fraternal Twins
There are different types of twin babies in the fraternal twins category.
1. Sororal Twins: A girl and girl pairing of fraternal twins are called the sororal twins. This pairing is very rare.
2. Superfetation: Superfetation is when an egg is released and fertilized while the mother is already pregnant. Here twins are conceived at different times.
3. Heteropaternal Superfecundation: If a woman releases more than one egg during ovulation, it is possible for two eggs to get fertilized by different men. This can result in the twins having different fathers.
4. Tetragametic Chimerism: When one of the zygotes out of the set of fraternal twins is absorbed into the other, resulting in a singular zygote, there will be one baby with two different strains of DNA.
Identical Twins (Monozygotic Twins)
Identical twins are created when a single egg is fertilized by one sperm. This egg then splits in two creating two babies with the same DNA. These twins may or may not share an amniotic sac and a placenta, based on the time of the split of the egg. The twins will each have their own placenta and amniotic sac if the egg splits within the first two days. If it splits within the next three to eight days, they will have the same placenta with separate amniotic sacs. In case the egg splits after thirteen days they will share a placenta and amniotic sac which can result in a high-risk pregnancy and cause complications to the twins. If the egg doesn’t split until much later, conjoined twins or Siamese twins are formed.
When identical twins share a placenta, something known as a twin to twin transfusion may occur where one twin may pass on blood to the other. Here the twin receiving the blood will have excessive red blood cells and the twin donating the blood will have a lack of it, causing complications in both the twins.
Types of Identical Twins
The different types of identical twins are:
1. Mirror Image Twins: These twins are created when the eggs split after a week or more after conception. Here, the left part of the egg becomes one twin and the right becomes the other. They are mirror images of each other as such that if one has a mole on the right hand the other will have a mole on the left. It is also possible for the organs in one twin to be on the opposite side of the body.
2. Polar Body Twins: This happens when the egg splits unevenly before fertilization. Usually, the smaller half, known as the polar body dissolves into the mother. However, on rare occasions, it acts as a second egg which is then fertilized by a different sperm of the father. This results in twins sharing the DNA of the egg but having different DNAs from the sperms.
3. Siamese Twins Or Conjoined Twins: When the egg takes longer to split and doesn’t split completely, conjoined twins, attached to a particular part of the body are born.
With the use of artificial insemination procedures, the number of women having twins and multiple pregnancies is on the rise. It is surely a miracle to have two babies that look alike. However, twin pregnancies are considered to be high-risk pregnancies and proper consultation with an experienced doctor is recommended.
Also Read: Twins Delivery – All You Must Know Read more
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11 Office Desk Plants That Will Make Your Work Environment More Peaceful
What does a good office workspace look like? Air-conditioned? Full of stationary material and cluttered desks? No, it's the plants. They add positive vibes to your environment, cleanse out toxic particles from the air and make you feel a million times better. Whether you've been looking for recommendations for the best office desk plants or just want a few simple suggestions to get started with, we've got you covered.
Best Plants You Can Add to Your Office Desk
Many people don't keep plants on their office desk because of the maintenance that comes with it. The following plants thrive even when you care for them negligently. They neither need a lot of watering, and space, nor perfect lighting.
1. Devil's Ivy
Devil's Ivy is a plant that features heart-shaped leaves and has white or darker shades to them. They're not high on the upkeep and take up very little space. The best part is that they are very adaptive to various lighting conditions.
2. Aglaonema
Known as the Chinese evergreens, Aglaonema is popular for having leaves that change colours. The leaves can go from deep green to light silver. Aglaos translates to 'bright' and nema to 'thread'. According to ancient Chinese tradition, this plant is symbolic of a long life, making it one of the most thoughtful and cultural office table plants out there.
3. Aloe Vera
The gel extracted from the leaves of this plant is an excellent skin moisturiser. Aloe vera doesn't take up much space on your desk either and absorbs any benzene and formaldehyde present in the air.
4. Snake Plant
If your office environment looks dull and the air is too dry, you should get a snake plant. The leaves of these small desk plants can withstand harsh weather conditions and even thrive in environments that have low lighting. Just like the plants listed before, they don't take up much space either. In addition, they last up to one month without water.
5. Cacti
If you want an office desk plant that looks cute and doesn't require much care, then go for the cacti. They thrive well even without much care and in bright light which means the window sill is the perfect spot to keep them. Just make sure no hands can reach the plant accidentally wherever you keep it.
6. Bamboo Plant
The bamboo plant for your office desk can add a bit of zen to your workspace. If you want a plant that creates you a peaceful environment and keeps negative energy away - get this. Indirect sunlight is the ideal lighting condition for this plant and it grows well in both soil and water. It's also considered one of the lucky plants for offices.
7. Weeping Fig
The Weeping Fig grows in the tropical forests of India and is an attractive plant for your office desk. The enemy of this variety is cold air so position them at a place where there is none to make sure they thrive.
8. Dracaena
Dracaena is a great plant that grabs the spotlight for being one of the best office desk plants. It doesn't wilt easily and can survive even the toughest weather conditions. The leaves are really colourful and stand out even more when placed in areas with less lighting. It's one of the best low maintenance desk plants.
9. Peace Lily
If you want a gorgeous office desk plant that cleans the air and absorbs harmful particles, go for the Peace Lilly. It requires moisture and proper drainage so that's a little bit of effort you have to put in there. But the reward for proper upkeep is beautiful and shiny leaves that bring life to your office workspace. Definitely one of the best indoor plants for office desk!
10. Oxalis
If you'd like a tinge of purple in your office, try the oxalis. But be warned, it doesn't like a moist environment and cold weather conditions. However, it doesn't require much maintenance too and thrives really well in spots where there is partial sunlight.
11. Asparagus Fern
Asparagus Fern grows out of pots and the leaves look simply beautiful. They're ideal for warmer climates and in terms of maintenance, you should take care not to overwater them. Place one of these anywhere on your desk but make sure that the plant doesn't get direct sunlight. Indirect sunlight is the ideal lighting condition for this plant.
Having a plant on your office desk can do wonders for your mood and health. You'll start feeling a lot happier and not so lonely during the quiet hours if you work overtime. These are some of the best office desk plants that keep you company and you don't have to worry about caring for them too much. Next time you go shopping for plants, you know what to look for.
Also Read:
Healthy Snacks Ideas to keep in Your Office Drawers
Home Office Design Ideas That Will Inspire Productivity
Exercises to Do at Your Desk Read more
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Here is My Take on Screen Time For Kids and 7 Rules I Follow
Screens are such an important part of our lives, aren’t they? I know my kids are happiest tucked in bed, gorging on a bowl of cheese popcorn, watching a Disney movie on a Saturday night. It’s the one major indulgence that they look forward to all week long! It’s also the two hours I have for some ‘gossip-with-the-girlfriend’ or ‘want-to-cuddle-with-the-husband’ time! That said, I can’t have them like sitting ducks watching the screen endlessly! The key is therefore - limitations! I’m not saying that I am an expert, but there are a few plans that my family, including my kids, have come up with to stay in sync with the times today without losing out on our sanity.
7 Rules to Limiting Screen Time
You can always come up with your own rules to limiting your kids' screen time and be as creative as possible. Here are 7 rules that work best in our family and have helped us limit screen time considerably.
1. Never Rely on a Screen to Be a ‘Soothing Device’
Big mistake! Don’t make it. While it’s very easy to fall prey to this, it’s like gratifying a child for a tantrum. Once the child knows that the iPad is tucked away snugly in your purse, be assured, your child will ask for it. What follows will probably be relentless badgering, which you will find yourself giving into because of the inconvenience of timing, the need to get on with your work or simply because you can’t handle the tantrum. Then, there will be seconds and thirds and just like quick sand, you’ll get sucked in, battling for life! In my experience with my two kids, I’ve always won them with distraction or plain, ignoring!
2. Allow Kids to Watch Age-Appropriate Shows
This is something we lay emphasis on! More than the time they spend watching shows, I’m particular about what my kids watch. As a family, we like to choose something that is educational, entertaining and most significantly, developmentally appropriate.
3. Actively Watch Alongside Kids.
We’ve turned it into a huge family experience, bringing in daddy, the cousins, the friends or whomsoever wishes to join in!! Being able to discuss the movie, critically analyse the events as they unfold, and discussing the protagonist and antagonist, there is great opportunity for post-viewing interactions. This makes it positive and fun, while also developing some great thinking skills in kids.
4. Have a ‘No Screen Day’
A day set aside for zero screen time is a wonderful opportunity to consciously bond. As FirstCry extends this phenomenal idea to many parents across the country, I cannot endorse enough how it works beautifully within the framework of discipline for my family. While the entire agenda as visualised by FirstCry is to spend a ‘No Screen Day,’ I love how it offers my family ample time to do nothing, yet everything! Together, we bake, create art pieces, experiment with bubbling volcanoes in the kitchen or just sit and play a game of Battle Ship. As it’s a rule that’s been in place since the kids are going to school, it’s been accepted without any resistance by the kids.
5. Warn Kids About the Consequences of a ‘Meltdown’ When the Time is Up
This for me is extremely significant! While I allow them TV time in moderation, I’ve had occasions when a tantrum ensues as soon as the designated time is up. On one such occasion, my husband and I disconnected the TV connection for an entire month! It was, surprisingly, not so tough on the kids. The boredom taught them to enjoy their time together as siblings. Also, the kids have learned to switch off the TV when asked to do so.
6. Do as You Want Kids to Do
This probably is the most difficult thing that my husband and I have had to do: PUT DOWN OUR OWN SCREENS! Honestly, like all other things that we hope our kids will learn from us, this one also has to be practised. While I confess that it’s most difficult for me to do, I am becoming better at not succumbing to look at my phone to fulfill every second of my boredom. If my kids find me looking down at a screen constantly, how can I expect them to stay away from it?
7. Stay Active
This is the most significant aspect for us in keeping the kids away from screens. Sure, it takes a lot from us, but as a family, we believe it’s worth it! Filling the day with meaningful activities, a trip to the playground, a visit to the pool, a little reading, mindless dancing; all of these leave them no time to lean towards screens. I’ve also invested in some worthy DIY and learning kits. One we particularly enjoy is the Intellikit from FirstCry. Panning various age groups and themes, I find these to be a goldmine for kids and a great means for my kids to stay occupied.
With these rules in our lives, we have learned to embrace technology sensibly. I appreciate the value that electronics provide our children with and how they help our kids advance with minimal involvement. However, the benefits of ‘no-screen time’ are unparalleled. As a family we have embraced the time we have now pursue and explore our interests, the opportunities for kids brains to develop and most of all, allows us to reconnect. I’ve also witnessed increased social interactions by the kids and overall, a more calm demeanor. Take the No-Screen Day pledge here, and see a difference.
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.
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Egg white sandwich
Want to grab a power breakfast while on the go? Here's a quick recipe for the same. The protein power of eggs minus the fattening egg yolk in a wheat bread sandwich can make up a low-fat breakfast option for all the mums aspiring to regain their lost shape. Egg white known for its high biological value protein is a superb way of building up lost muscle mass.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
1 People
5 Minutes
15 Minutes
Ingredients
2 slices wheat bread
3 egg whites
1 tsp (teaspoon) oil
pinch of spices/flavoring (optional)
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Method
Step 1
Toast the bread slices in a toaster.
Step 2
Break 3 eggs lightly with a spoon or fork, allow the egg whites to collect in a bowl by making a small slit in the shell of all 3 eggs one by one.
Step 3
Do not use the egg yolk for this preparation, however, if you wish to make some of the sandwiches for your kids, you can include the egg yolk (the yellow portion) in their recipe.
Step 4
Put oil in a non-stick pan.
Step 5
Heat the pan.
Step 6
Pour egg whites from the bowl.
Step 7
Season with salt and pepper, as desired.
Step 8
Flip it on to the other side. Allow to become golden brown and fluffy.
Step 9
Place on a slice of bread, and lay another slice of bread on top to make a sandwich.
Step 10
Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Calories
190
Calories from Fat
45
Total Fat
5 g
Cholesterol
0 mg
Sodium
0 mg
Total Carbohydrates
21g
Protein
23g
Vitamin A
0%
Calcium
0%
Vitamin C
0%
Iron
5%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Tip: Mix in seasonal veggies to the egg mixture if you want some extra nutrients and flavor.
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Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
9 hours ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. it's a natural process 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 Laxmi Chavan-Sawant has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. when baby is kick? I'm 13 weeks pregnant
Dr Laxmi Chavan-Sawant
Ayurvedic Gynaecologist
7 hours ago
A. during first pregnancy you may feel the baby movements after 24 to 25 weeks of pregnancy and till then only mild flatters may be felt but which you may not be feeling if you are doing some work
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
7 hours ago
Q. I’m in my 31 week 1 day of pregnancy. What will be my delivery date??
As I have low lying placenta with grade 1 maturity.
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. you had to correlate is ultrasound examination. 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
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
7 hours ago
Q. My hemoglobin is 6.4 from 28 weeks of pregnancy. Now I’m 31 weeks pregnant. What should I do?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. Haven’t when you having some kind of iron supplement because they’re very good during the time of pregnancy if you are not having one you need to start with and whatever tabs you take you should just take it with any good juice specially pomegranate juice that’s going to help in doubling the impact of the medicine that you’re taking secondly try and include more of Iron which diet like spinach broccoli beetroot pomegranate black rice sweet potato these things are exceptionally healthy for you to consume
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
6 hours ago
Q. This is my cbc report
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
6 hours ago
A. No there is nothing visible on my wall so I can really really cannot help you can you please repose the question once again providing all the necessary details as once I’m certain what are you talking about what’s mentioned in the report according to that I can provide you proper help on your question
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
now I'm 24 weeks. Sometimes I'm feeling pain in my thigh.
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
4 hours ago
A. For thegh query asked needs consultation with doctor for proper guidance so it is better that the doctor will guide you the correct way .
Onlfine consultation can also be taken and the expert will give you the proper answer .
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