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Can a Fan in a Baby's Room Lower SIDS Risk?
Most homes have air conditioners these days and parents make their little one sleep in AC rooms. But is it good to make a baby sleep in an AC room or should you make him sleep in a room with a ceiling fan? There is no definite reason to say that AC increases the risk of SIDS and fan does not. But why do people say that you should make your child sleep in a room with a fan and not an AC? Let's find out what are the benefits of making a baby sleep in a room with a fan. But before, first understand what is SIDS.
What Is SIDS?
Infants are often susceptible to unexplained fatalities in their cribs, which is commonly called SIDS or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. These casualties usually take place in the crib as the baby sleeps and hence are commonly called crib deaths, too. Although the cause of SIDS is not clear, there are certain risk factors both physical and environmental that increase a baby’s risk of succumbing to it.
Babies born with brain defects may not have controlled breathing and sleeping patterns and hence they are more prone to SIDS. Premature babies born with low birth weight may have underdeveloped brains that are not mature enough to control sleep and breathing, which increases the risk of SIDS. Babies suffering from respiratory infections may also succumb to SIDS. Apart from physical concerns, certain environmental concerns like sleeping on the stomach, on a soft mattress that sinks in, sharing a bed with parents, etc., which can cause the baby’s airway to be accidentally blocked can also lead to SIDS. Excessive heat in the baby’s room also tampers with the baby’s breathing, potentially leading to sudden infant death syndrome.
Benefits of a Fan in Your Baby's Nursery
Installing a fan in your baby's room does have a bunch of advantages. A lot of those help in keeping your baby safe as well as ensuring that he gets the deep sleep that is important for him.
Replacing an air-conditioner in your infant’s room with a fan is highly recommended. The technique by which an air-conditioner treats the air within the room is not conducive to the little one. It usually introduces newer molecules in the air and removes the existing moisture, making the instances of asthma or other respiratory issues as well as skin related conditions more evident than before. A fan manages to keep the air moving around without getting rid of the natural humidity.
In summers, you may feel like setting up an air-conditioner or a cooler in your baby's room. While the intent is a noble one, these methods could push the temperature to the extremes, making it difficult for your baby's body to adapt and adjust once he is out of that room. A fan can bring down the temperature to a level that’s comfortable for the baby, without the prior risks.
A completely closed and a sealed room can make it unnerving for the child. Combined with the sound of the air-conditioner, the kicking-on of the compressor can result in disturbed sleep, too. A fan has a constant light white noise, which is quite similar to what a child hears within the womb. This brings in a sense of safety within the little one and allows him to fall deep in his slumber.
How a Fan in a Baby's Room Lowers the Risk of SIDS
While there is no evidence suggesting that a fan in a baby's room can lower the risk of SIDS, certain factors that lead to SIDS are lowered.
One of the major reasons behind Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), is the lack of ventilation in the child’s nursery. To use an AC in a room requires the room to be sealed fully, and that can get a little claustrophobic for the child. However, a simple tiny open window, combined with the airflow supported by the fan’s movement, can allow the air to move around easily and keep a good ventilation within the room.
Many statistics have observed that the rate of infant mortality due to SIDS dipped by nearly 50% when parents chose to keep windows open rather than closed. Apart from ventilation, there is also a need to keep the levels of carbon dioxide under control within the room. A ventilated room with a fan can ensure your child gets oxygen throughout his sleep cycle.
Precautions to Take
When resorting to using a fan in a child’s room, parents often wonder if a fan is safe for baby's room or should they go for a type of cooler instead. Using a fan instead of an AC in an infant’s room is a better option. However, you should take these precautions to keep a safe and secure environment for your child.
For your kids' nursery, you may want to hang some decorative items or visually appealing objects on the base of the ceiling fan to entertain the child. However, that’s a risky endeavour since those objects are at a risk of falling directly on your baby. So, such risky things should be best avoided.
Make sure your ceiling fan is cleaned every month so as to rid of any dust and dirt that gets accumulated on the blades as well as the body of the fan.
If the nursery of your child is going to evolve to hold bunk beds for the children, make sure the fan is around 5 feet away from the top bunk. This will stop your kids from trying to reach out for the fan and playing around with it.
While you might opt for a table fan instead, a ceiling fan is a better choice since there’s no way your child would be able to reach it. But ensure that it is installed by professionals.
Keep the fan speed at a low to medium setting, so that the noise is minimal and the air doesn’t cool down extensively.
Fans are a better option than ACs. So make your baby sleep in a room with a ceiling fan, it also lowers the risk of SIDS. Be on the safer side and stick to a natural technique of conditioning the air than getting used to an artificial one.
Also Read: Baby Puts Everything in Mouth – Reasons and Tips to Stop Read more
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List of Vaccines for 16 to 18 Months Old Baby
Having a child comes with the principal responsibility of taking care of your child’s health. An immunisation schedule that is followed by dedicatedly could be a step in the right direction. Here we discuss some of the essential vaccinations found on the immunisation schedule of a 16 to 18 months old baby.
Important Vaccinations Required for 16 to 18-Month-Old Baby
Here are the important 16 to 18- month baby vaccinations:
1. Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus (DTwP B1/DTaP B1)
This is a vaccination that combines diphtheria toxoids with tetanus and pertussis vaccine, also called the DTP vaccine. DTwP is whole cell(wP) vaccination while DTap means acellular(aP) vaccination.
Protects Your Child From
The DTP vaccine protects your baby from three fatal bacterial illnesses- Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis (a Whooping cough).
Diphtheria and Pertussis are contagious and are airborne. Tetanus is a non-communicable illness.
Dosage
The first booster should be given at 16-24 months of age.
Previous
The primary dosage should be administered to children in 3 doses beginning at six weeks of age, to be administered in 4-week breaks.
Next
The second dosage of DTP is required at 4-7 years of age.
Precautions to Take
Some precautions to note for DTP vaccines are:
Any child with neurological disorders or who have encountered severe allergies in 7 days of a previous vaccine must avoid another dose.
Avoid Pertussis vaccines if the baby displayed seizures, fever over 105˚F, or cried uncontrollably for more than 3 hours on a previous occasion.
Are There any Side Effects?
Fever and pain at the site of injection are common. Redness, pain, mild fever, swelling, and minor restlessness are common with whole cell (wP) vaccines. Acellular (aP)) vaccines can be considered in case of allergies.
Cost of The Vaccination
The price of a single dose DTwP B1/DTaP B1 in India is ₹ 225/-.
What if You Miss the Vaccination?
It is not an issue if a dosage has been missed, it can be administered at the next earliest date.
How to Take Care After The Vaccination?
Tips to take care of your baby after vaccination:
Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
Give the baby paracetamol to help alleviate pain.
Give them a favourite toy to distract them from the pain.
Feed your baby after a vaccination. Breastfeeding calms them down.
Hold your baby near you for warmth and find a calm, quiet place.
2. Inactivated polio vaccine (IPV B1)
Inactivated Polio Vaccine is a vaccination that is made from the deactivated virus.
Protects Your Child From
IPV is given for prevention of the infectious viral disease, Polio. It attacks the nervous system and can cause paralysis.
Dosage
A dosage is recommended between 6 and 18 months of age.
Previous
Two previous doses are recommended at two months of age and then at four months of age.
Next
The last dose of IPV is recommended between 4-6 years of age.
Precautions to Take
Some precautions to note for polio vaccines are:
Do not administer the vaccine if a previous dose has caused severe allergy
Do not administer the vaccine if the antibiotics neomycin, polymyxin B, or streptomycin have cause allergic reactions.
Make a full recovery from any serious illness before the vaccination.
Are There any Side Effects?
The vaccine is safe and mild soreness, or redness has been indicated in some people. Allergic reactions are a potential side effect in all vaccines.
Cost of The Vaccination
A single dose of IPV for 15-18- month -old babies would cost ₹ 225/-.
What if You Miss the Vaccination?
You do not have to start over from the beginning if a dose is missed. Give the missed dose immediately when you remember.
How to Take Care After The Vaccination?
After an IPV vaccine, you could follow these tips to reduce stress for your baby:
Give the baby a measure of ibuprofen or acetaminophen after consulting the doctor.
Use a cold compress at the site of the injection to reduce swelling.
Breastfeeding calms them down after a vaccination.
3. Haemophilus influenza type B (Hib B1)
The Hib vaccine is given to prevent a bacterial infection from Haemophilus influenzae bacteria.
Protects Your Child From
The Haemophilus influenza bacteria causes meningitis of the brain and spinal cord. It can also cause deafness, pneumonia and heart damage.
Dosage
Your child between 16-18 months of age should receive a booster dose of Hib vaccine.
Previous
Three doses are administered at two months, 4months and six months of age, depending upon the brand of vaccine used.
Next
No additional dosage is recommended beyond 18 months of age as older children have antibodies for Hib.
Precautions to Take
A Hib vaccine is necessary for older children under the following conditions:
People being treated for leukaemia, HIV, sickle cell disease.
Anyone with their spleen removed.
Individuals that have a suppressed immune system, due to treatment for cancer.
Are There any Side Effects?
Any form of swelling or redness at the site of injection is relatively common. No other side effects have been noted.
Cost of The Vaccination
The cost for a single dose of Hib B1 is ₹113 – ₹252.5/-.
What if You Miss the Vaccination?
If you have missed a dose, give the baby a catch-up shot at the next visit.
How to Take Care After the Vaccination?
Follow these tips after a Hib B1 vaccine:
Breastfeeding calms them down after a vaccination.
Give the baby ibuprofen or acetaminophen after consulting the doctor.
Use a cold compress at the site of the injection to reduce swelling.
Adhere to your child’s vaccine schedule and consult the paediatrician if you miss a shot. Reschedule for a later time but be judicious about your child’s healthcare.
Also Read: Child Immunization & Vaccination Schedule Read more
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Assisted Delivery (Forceps and Ventouse)
Failing to push out the baby in a spontaneous manner once the pushing stage of labour has begun, is the most common reason to opt for assisted delivery. Generally, the gynaecologist will monitor up to two hours of pushing, but at times, after an hour or so, it becomes obvious that the baby will need external support to come out. This is when the doctor decides on carrying out an assisted delivery.
What is an Assisted Birth?
When the doctor decides to help the birth process by making use of instruments like forceps or ventouse (suction cup) and deliver the baby, an assisted delivery is said to be carried out. Assisted birth is also known as instrumental birth and is used only as a last resort. During delivery, an epidural is administered which reduces the pain but may also reduce the ability to push the baby out. It is in such circumstances that the woman will require assistance in delivering the baby.
Assisted birth, also known as operative vaginal birth, aims to replicate spontaneous delivery by extracting the fetus from the vagina without the help of maternal pushing. If the doctor has any concerns about the baby’s heart rate or its position, he/she will use this method to avoid any complications in the delivery.
What Are Forceps and Ventouse?
Ventouse
A ventouse is a vacuum extractor which is attached to the baby’s head by suction during assisted delivery. It consists of a rubber, plastic or metal cup that connects to a suction device through a tube. The cup is designed to fit snugly on the baby’s head without causing any injury or damage. Supported by the woman’s pushing and the contractions, the doctor pulls in a gentle manner to help her in delivering the baby. When the ventouse is used, the suction leaves a temporary mark, known as a ‘chignon’, on the baby’s head. If you are at less than 34 weeks of pregnancy, the ventouse is not used as the baby’s head is soft.
Forceps
These are metal instruments that resemble tongs or large spoons and are designed to fit around the baby’s head . During assisted delivery, these forceps are placed carefully around the baby’s head, and the handles are pulled together to grip the head properly. During contractions, the doctor gently pulls the baby outwards and delivers it safely. There are specific forceps available to help the baby turn to the ideal position for delivery. Though the forceps can leave a slight mark on the baby’s head or forehead, these are temporary and will disappear after some time.
Why you Could Need an Assisted Birth
You will need assisted delivery in case of following conditions:
If you have been pushing for long and this has caused extreme exhaustion.
If the baby is distressed during labour.
If you suffer from a medical condition like heart disease.
If your baby isn’t moving properly through your pelvis.
If the baby’s head is required to be turned so that he/she faces the right direction during delivery.
If during a breech position, the head is unable to come out
Can Assisted Childbirth be avoided?
Although avoiding assisted delivery may not always be possible, the risk of having one can be reduced through the following factors:
Try and avoid an epidural.
If an epidural is unavoidable, wait for an hour before you push so that you are completely dilated, and there is a natural urge to push.
If your doctor allows it, try moving into a sitting position repeatedly during labour.
Get help and support from your labour partner or the doctor while in labour.
What Normally happens before an Assisted Delivery?
While deciding upon conducting an assisted delivery, your doctor will check the position of the baby. If the baby’s position is right, he/she will then make a choice of the instrument to be used. Of course, you may not be in a position to discuss this with the doctor. Depending on your condition, you could be shifted to the operating room in case a C-section operation needs to be carried out. After putting your legs in supports on both sides of the bed, you will be shaved, and a catheter will be used to drain off your bladder. You could also be administered a localised pain relief injection.
What happens during a Forcep Induced birth?
During an assisted birth using forceps, you will be given a local anesthetic in the vagina as the first step. The doctor will make a cut so that the opening is widened and there is enough space to put the forceps around the baby’s head. After the forceps are delicately clamped around the baby’s head, the doctor will time his/her pull with your contraction so that the baby’s travel along the birth canal is facilitated. If the baby does not move satisfactorily enough after three pulls, the doctor will quickly move on to conducting a cesarean section and deliver your baby.
What happens during a Ventouse birth?
A ventouse is generally preferred by doctors for assisted delivery as they are less painful as compared to forceps. Since the suction cup sits firmly on a small area of the baby’s head, there are fewer chances of it causing perineal tearing to the mother. The doctor uses a foot-controlled pump to remove air from the cup so it is firmly fixed. The doctor will then pull the ventouse outwards during your contraction and will guide the baby out. If this doesn’t work, the doctor will opt for a C-section operation to avoid any risks.
Which is better- Forceps or Ventouse?
Your doctor may opt for either of the instruments depending on your condition as each has its own benefits and risks. A ventouse can lead to temporary swelling around the baby’s head and cause retinal hemorrhage to the baby but does little damage to your vaginal and surrounding areas. Forceps are more likely to do the job of helping the baby out as compared to the ventouse but can cause some bruising to the baby’s face. Its use during delivery can lead to external and internal damage to the vagina. It is your doctor’s choice to decide about the instrument to be used according to the prevailing circumstances.
What happens after an Instrumental Delivery?
Right after the delivery takes place, you will want to know the reasons why you had an assisted delivery. Your obstetrician is the best person to speak as he can give you the facts quite competently. You can ask and clarify all your doubts post the assisted delivery and how it will affect normal life for you and the baby. You may want to know the time taken to recover from the delivery. If there are any marks on the baby due to the instrumental delivery, be assured they will disappear within a few weeks. The doctor may prescribe the external application of ointments if the blisters are severe.
Risks associated with Forceps and Vacuum Delivery
Both vacuum-assisted and forceps-assisted delivery can cause a small amount of tear or injury to the tissues around the vagina, anus and perineum. Both these methods are also known to cause fecal or urinary incontinence because of the tiny injuries caused. Your doctor will give you a fair idea of these issues and prescribe the necessary medications to help you to tide over it.
Risk to your Baby
Although the use of forceps and ventouse is made to assist in facilitating a normal delivery, there are a few risks you should be aware of as a mother-to-be:
1. External Scalp Injuries
Assisted delivery using forceps or ventouse can cause external wounds to the baby’s head and forehead and a tiny bit of swelling too. While the swelling will subside in a few days, the injuries may need medical attention. There could be small cuts or abrasions, but these will be superficial and are not known to leave any permanent marks.
2. Hematoma
The formation of blood under the baby’s skin, known as hematoma is a common occurrence when vacuum-assisted deliveries are carried out. There are two types of hematoma which are cephalohematoma and sub-galeal hematoma. While cephalohematoma does not lead to any major complications, sub-galeal hematoma is rare but can be life-threatening in certain situations.
3. Intracranial Haemorrhage
The suction that is applied to the baby’s skull can cause internal bleeding due to damage to the veins. It is a rare condition but can lead to serious consequences like memory loss, speech impairment or loss of movement to the connected area. However, with modern equipment and better vacuum cup material, such a condition is quite rare.
4. Retinal Haemorrhage
Bleeding at the rear portion of the eyes is known as retinal hemorrhage and is a common occurrence in newborn babies. The baby’s head is subjected to a lot of pressure when it passes through the cervix and when the external pressure in the form of ventouse or forceps is applied, it can lead to retinal hemorrhage.
Assisted Delivery with the help of external devices like forceps and ventouse (vacuum pumps) is used by doctors when they anticipate issues with normal deliveries. Your doctor will know how and when to use them and will deliver your baby using them as support devices to create a safe passage.
Also Read:
Natural Childbirth
Lamaze Method of Childbirth
Vaginal Birth after Caesarean Delivery Read more
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Thought of Every New Mommy - "Am I a Bad Mother?"
Being a first time parent includes both anxiety and fear - anxiety of carrying a baby first in your womb and then in your arms, and fear of what if something wrong happens, though no one wants that 'something bad' to really happen but still that is what a fear is, right?
Mine was a Cesarean delivery with a good pregnancy period (just with tid-bits of normal health issues). The day my baby Rishaan (name is what we did decide earlier) came into my hands I was totally confused about the emotions I had...I was happy as I had a big achievement of my life come true, but I had some worry too - how will I? How will I be the best mother, how will I give what my child wants, how will I understand his needs? There were many questions.
These questions were not because I didn't have any elderly person at home, but were because times have changed a lot, and with these changes parenting techniques too have changed. With the hope and strength that all will be fine, we started our parenting journey.
From bath to oil massages, oils to baby products, clothes, diapers, doctors, formula milk and what not, all made us so fussy like we want everything to be the best...subscribed to many YouTube channels, read many blogs, researched many things, downloaded many apps, posted many questions, eagerly waited for replies and did whatever could be done to care and protect our little one.
But with all these efforts there were times when everything to me seemed like everyone else in the world is perfect and I just had one question - am I a bad mother who is not able to take care of her child? This question usually popped up when my child was sick, not feeding well, not gaining weight....but then my husband suggested to me to post all the queries I had on the 'Parenting' section of the FirstCry app (I did use this app for shopping but not for parenting). I started doing that, and believe me, from oil to massage, from bath to clothes, from diapers to household remedies, I got everything on it! Not just by expert doctors, but I got advice from real time, experienced and expert mommies. Gradually days came when I too started suggesting to new mommies about baby care!
Though this journey is lifelong, we did it! My child is now twenty months, and we as parents have also grown along with him. Parenting has never been easy, be it feeding, making him eat, play, etc. But we tried our level best to give it our best shot.
Sharing your knowledge and experience can really make wonders of a difference, and this is what my ongoing learning is. For all new mommies out there - never feel you're a bad mother or feel that this is a tough phase. Everything will pass. Just be patient, and keep loving as this time won't come again with your kid. Just enjoy, and keep some good apps, friends, doctors at your reach so that you never feel, "I am a bad mother".
All the best and happy parenting to each one out there. Stay blessed, and keep smiling!
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
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. ninth month mein kab tak delivery ho sakti hai
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. anytime after full term 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
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. my last period date Dec 26 pregnancy test date January 31 check panen apom 37 days ipom enaku evlo weeks and days what ?..
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
2 hours ago
A. I don’t understand your language can you please post your question once again in English or Hindi whatever language you are more comfortable with because anybody on this only we can give you response on that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
3 hours ago
Q. which good formula milk or baby food for 4 months old baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. no complementary foods below 4 months can use any branded formula milk. 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 Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
3 hours ago
Q. Iam 9month pregnant and having very painful condition due to constipation and gastric issues
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. during pregnancy better not to take medicines for constipation take lot of water green leafy vegetables seasonal fruits you can try suppository if the problem is more o k o k
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
58 mins ago
Q. hi Doc,
eating raw mango, chapathi or any heat producing foods cause miscarriage during first trimester?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
42 mins ago
A. no relation ok c. 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
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
34 mins ago
Q. Hi Doc,
I'm getting cramps on my right side of lower stomach. is this normal or do I have to visit doc?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
28 mins ago
A. without examination it is difficult to tell proper treatment as well as advice so you should visit the doctor5 for health assessment as well as examination.
whether any investigations is required or not will be told by the doctor5
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