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Head Lice in a Baby or Child: How to Get Rid of Them?
Lice are parasites. These small insects live on your scalp and suck blood to survive. Their size ranges from 1 mm to 3 mm, meaning they are very difficult to see.
Each louse, takes around 6-14 days to become fully grown. In this period the female mates and lays eggs. The eggs hatch after a period of one week to ten days. The shells of the eggs stay stuck to the shaft of your hair. The average lifespan of a louse is 21 days while a female louse lays up to 56 eggs in a single mating. The eggs are yellowish-white in color and one may confuse them with dandruff. However, unlike dandruff, the eggs stay stuck to your hair and are difficult to remove.
Head lice do not cause any disease, but having them is irritating. Your baby or child will experience intense itching and this, in turn, will make her restless. She may not be able to sleep in peace as well. Apart from that, your child may face a boycott at her day-care or school since having lice is considered to be a sign of poor hygiene. Also close contact with an affected person can lead to a healthy person getting the infection themself.
Most people think that lack of hygiene and poverty are the reasons for lice infestation. This is nothing but a myth. Head-lice like both clean and dirty hair. They love to settle down in all kinds of hair, irrespective of length and condition. You can find head lice in the hair of even the people of the wealthiest communities. If your child or baby has lice, it is not because she is dirty. Chances are high that she has got them from another infected individual, who can be your relative, neighbour, or someone in your child's play school, or even her older sibling!
Video: Head Lice in Babies and Children - Causes, Signs and Remedies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f7xKPdTBVJk
Head Lice Symptoms in a Baby or Child
The most common symptom of head lice is itching. Lice bite onto the scalp to suck blood and this causes allergic reactions. Your child might not start itching from day one. You may notice this symptom after six weeks of infestation.
The other symptoms that you can be on the lookout for are:
Sores on your child's head that develop due to intensive scratching
Your child complaining about the feeling of something walking on her scalp
Irritability and difficulty in sleeping
Red bumps on your little one's head, shoulder, and neck
Small white eggs in her hair
Live adult lice present on her hair or scalp
Causes of Head Lice
Having head lice is not uncommon and more so, if your child has started going to school. You probably had lice yourself when you were small!
One in every five children suffers from head lice infestation at least once in their childood. Head lice spread from head to head contact and so your child can easily get them while playing with another child who has head lice. It can transfer from adults while they are cuddling your baby or hugging your child.
Remember, head lice do not spread from infested bedding, clothing, hats, or towels. So, there is no need to sterilize these things.
Head Lice Treatment for babies
There are different ways to get rid of head lice. Anti-lice shampoos and oils are available that you can use on your child to get rid of the lice and the eggs too. You can also use a lice-comb; make sure you do it on a regular basis till all lice and eggs are removed from your child's hair and head. If your child is already infested with head lice, a combination of both will give the desired results.
If you are using an anti-lice shampoo, the application will depend on the brand. Make sure to read the label carefully and use the product as frequently as suggested. In most cases, you will need to apply the shampoo twice with a seven days gap in between to ensure all the live adult lice and the newly hatched ones are gone. You might have to leave the shampoo on your child's hair for 10-12 minutes before washing it off, though this varies from one brand to another. Rinse the hair well and comb her hair with a licve comb while it is wet to remove all the dead lice.
It is best to consult your pediatrician to know which brand of anti-lice shampoo will be suitable for your child. The doctor will recommend the right brand depending on your child's age and her medical condition, also taking into consideration other health risks and factors (like asthma) if any. The doctor might tell you about the brands that you need to avoid. Also, if you're breastfeeding or pregnant, some shampoos might not be safe for you to touch.
Sometimes, lice are resistant to a certain chemical. In such cases, a particular shampoo will not work and you will have to look for some other brands. Make sure not to use any of these shampoos more than thrice as, being heavily medicated, they come with a lot of chemicals. This means, if all the brands fail, you will have to wait for a while before you could try a stronger one. Don't forget to check with the paediatrician, if you are thinking of switching brands.
Lice medicines that you can apply on your child's hair and scalp are also available.
Home Remedies to Treat Lice in Baby or Child
If you want to stay away from chemicals, you can use the following as an effective head lice treatment for babies and children:
Wash your child's hair and scalp with ordinary shampoo. Then massage a generous amount of oil or hair conditioner. (If you have an infant, wet her hair with warm water and apply just conditioner).
Detangle her hair with a wide-tooth comb and then comb her hair with the lice-comb. Part her hair into as many sections as possible and make sure you comb all the sections properly. Start combing from scalp to the tip of the hair. Conditioner-coated as well as wet lice and eggs will stay still and hence will easily get caught while you are combing. Wash the comb properly before you start combing another section. If not, use a cloth to wipe it clean and then continue combing.
Once you have finished combing all the sections, rinse her head again. Use the same procedure to get rid of any remaining lice.
Try weaving a piece of thread in the lice-comb and using it to comb your child's hair. This will help in eliminating the small lice as well. For the remaining, you will have to use your hands.
Make your child sit on a piece of a newspaper while you are combing her hair. If you see any lice falling on the paper, flush them down the toilet or the drain.
Repeat this procedure 4 times leaving a gap of three days in between two sessions. This will eliminate all lice in your child's hair and your child will be lice-free within 17 days.
This is how to get rid of lice at home. You can also use an electronic comb that works by electrocuting the lice. Essential oils and shampoos with neem as a constituent can also help in getting rid of lice. Olive oil, baby oil, and mayonnaise have also been used by many mothers.
Shaving off your child's hair is another option that you have. This may seem drastic but it is an effective method, especially for a severe lice infestation.
How to Prevent Head Lice in Young Children?
There is very little that you can do to prevent head lice in children. All you can do is warn her against brushing her head with other children. Also, you will have to examine her scalp on a regular basis. This will prevent the lice from increase in numbers as you will be able to nip the problem in the bud. Start treating your child the moment you see a single louse.
Do you Need to Keep Your Child Away from School or Nursery?
This cannot ever be a solution as you cannot compromise on your child's education. Make sure to examine her scalp regularly and treat infestation actively. Newly-hatched eggs stay on the scalp for around six days and it is only the adults that move from one head to the other. You can remove the newly-hatched eggs by using a lice-comb before they can move on.
Many schools and creches examine their student's heads from time to time. If your child has lice, the school will let you know. However, make sure you do your regular examinations as well.
Conclusion
Lice are common in babies and children, especially when they start school. Getting rid of them and keeping your child’s hair free of these pests requires a concerted effort, and may take some time. Regular checking of your child’s scalp is sure to help identify and resolve the issue before it escalates.
Also Read: Home Remedies for Head Lice in Children Read more
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Cute & Lovely Baby Expressions and Their Meanings
When parents observe their baby's facial expressions for the first time, they are usually enamoured by them. Over time, the realization sets in that the funny expressions of babies are simply what we see them as. For babies, that’s primarily the only way to communicate their thoughts and feelings to us. Therefore, understanding what the expressions mean and taking any action if necessary is extremely important in taking care of the baby.
Understanding the Meanings of the Expressions of Babies
Here’s how you can decipher your little one’s expressions.
1. Looking at You
What It Means
The baby’s first sign of learning anything is from you. He observes how you react to a certain situation or a person and tries to understand whether it is good or bad.
What Parents Should Do
By making different faces at the baby, and naming each face as “happy” and “sad” with your voice, the baby starts to understand the emotion behind it and will react accordingly. In case a new person enters the environment, be friendly with them and let the baby see you smiling together so that he knows that the new person is not a threat and is welcome.
2. Cooing, Laughing, Broken Babbling
What It Means
Having heard parents talk amongst themselves or to them, babies may attempt to create variations in their voices the way you do or even try to match their pitch and modulations to suit yours. At around 4-6 months, babies start using their tongue, even more, babbling continuously and trying to create letters and words to communicate feelings.
What Parents Should Do
Have conversations with your baby about the day. Talk to him about what you are going to do, or be excited about new things that he might see. Ask him questions and allow him time to reply in his own way.
3. Furrowing Eyebrows and Pouting Lips
What It Means
With a stressful face like this, it is a sign that the baby is slightly overwhelmed at the moment and he might break down any moment. He wants to be alone and comfortable and doesn’t feel like it right now.
What Parents Should Do
Put your baby in a cradle and rock it gently or lift him in your arms and sway slowly. Let him calm down and relax and then place him again where he was earlier. Once he knows that everything is fine and calm, he will return back to being normal and playful.
4. Power Kicks
What It Means
Kicking usually happens when your baby gets a month old or so, and he discovers the presence of these limbs. Around this time, he starts finding other activities interesting and might get bored if they aren’t available to him. So he might start kicking around as a play or might be drawing your attention, too.
What Parents Should Do
It is best to check the baby quickly for signs of anything that might be discomforting him. Maybe the diaper is soiled, or something is poking or itching him. Look at his face and see if he’s irritated. If not, then he’s mostly kicking around because he has discovered he can, and entertaining himself. Help him do some bicycle kicks and move legs in different directions too.
5. Extremely Joyful
What It Means
Your baby may be smiling tremendously with their tiny mouth wide open, cheeks all high, and making various sounds and giggling a lot. A strong sign is when wrinkles form on the side of his eyes. This is a clear sign to indicate that he likes whatever he’s seeing right now.
What Parents Should Do
Well, keep going with whatever’s happening. If you are dancing and your baby seems to like it a lot, talk back to him and let him see the smile on your face, too. Make funny noises and use names like mommy and daddy while playing games with him so that he starts associating what he likes as well.
6. Small Low-Pitched Cry
What It Means
When a baby wakes up from a nap and feels hungry, he would usually make it known by crying in a short low-pitched manner, just for a second or two. If he does not receive any attention, the cries will progressively get louder and longer.
What Parents Should Do
On hearing the first cry, attend to your baby immediately so that he knows for a fact that you are nearby. Don’t worry about spoiling your baby with needless attention since he needs all the attention he can get in the initial months. Check if he has soiled his diaper. If not, place your finger on his mouth. If he starts sucking, it means he is hungry and it is time to feed him.
7. Intense and Investigative Stare
What it Means
Babies are fascinated by anything and everything around them. And if something catches their attention, they will continue to stare at it for a long time until they understand what they are looking at. Also, if you see your child staring at you as you move away, it is mostly a sign that he is keeping track of where you are and wonders if you will appear again from the same place.
What Parents Should Do
If your baby is staring at an object, let him continue to do so uninterrupted. Else, you can get the object or toy closer to him and see if he wants to have it. If he stares at you as you leave, you can engage in a quick peek-a-boo with him or enter from a different door to see his fascinated reaction.
8. Clumsy Clapping
What it Means
Though babies discover their limbs in the early months of their first year, it takes them a while to understand how to coordinate them in a functional manner. If your child accidentally touches his palms together and hears a sound, he will be astonished by it and want to explore it further.
What Parents Should Do
Go ahead and look at your child with admiration and clap for him. Knowing he has discovered his arms, try out different movements like raising your hands or waving them and see what he tries to do. Play clapping games with him and let him understand the power of non-verbal communication, too.
9. Grunting Sounds
What it Means
If you notice your baby grunting slowly, making ‘grrr’ sounds, it generally means he is in some kind of discomfort. At times, his face might seem tightened up or he might bend his knees and pull his legs to his chest.
What Parents Should Do
Your baby might be suffering from gas problems and fail to understand what’s happening. Gently rub his tummy and move his legs around so that he may fart and release gas. Pick him up and let him rest his back to your chest so that the pressure on the abdomen is reduced. Take them around or outside for a while until they feel calm. If this further escalates into intense crying, he might be suffering from pain and it is best to contact your doctor.
10. Startled And Surprised
What It Means
Usually present in the early months of their birth, babies respond to loud sounds and lights with a startle. A sudden bang or turning on of the lights or even his own body moving by its own weight, can startle him and cause him to get nervous and start crying.
What Parents Should Do
If the baby seems on the verge of crying, lift him up with a blanket, and recreate an environment resembling the cosy safe space of the womb. Gently hum to him and let him realize he is in a safe space with parents around and there is nothing to be afraid of.
11. Content And Satisfied
What It Means
This expression is of an extreme zen-like state where your baby seems to be free from any trials and tribulations of the world. He seems at complete peace, neither wanting any attention, nor observing anything around them, and simply relaxed in the state that they are.
What Parents Should Do
Let your baby be. Enjoy the calm that comes with a satisfied baby. He might make certain cooing sounds or gurgling sounds or move their limbs around. Do not attempt to engage with the baby needlessly. Let them have their own alone time. Make sure they are comfortable so that if they drift off to sleep, they can do so easily.
12. Clenched Fists
What It Means
Around 6 months or so, your baby might realize he can clench his fists. Generally, he’d do so around your finger or to suck on it. But at times, it might be a sign of irritation or hunger or just asking to be left alone.
What Parents Should Do
If you or anyone is playing with the baby, stop that and allow him to be alone by himself. Talk to him calmly to let him know you are close by. If it is accompanied by a small cry, check for feeding times or a soiled diaper.
Baby’s expressions is no different from trying to learn a foreign language. One expression could mean a lot of things. But that truly is the beauty of growing with your child as you understand him better and he begins to understand you as well.
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Bonding With Your Bottle Fed Baby
Your baby has just come into the world and is yet to establish the bond of love with you. You can make this quicker with different ways of connecting with your baby. Of these, bonding while feeding is the most natural way to express your love for the little one.
During the early months, your baby needs to be fed frequently. A mother's breast milk is the most nutritious feed for the baby, however as they grow and owing to various reasons, formula feeding can be adopted, but on advice of a health practitioner only. Irrespective of whether you breastfeed or use the bottle for formula feeding, this is the best time to nurture a bond of trust, love and care with your baby. Fondness expressed in the form of cuddles and eye-contact will make your baby feel safe and loved.
Why is Bonding During Bottle Feeding Important
For new mommies, looking after the infant can be a tiring job. No matter how tired you are or how busy a schedule you have, take time out to snuggle close to your baby during bottle feeding. This is a very important time for your baby and will affect his overall development. Your constant touch and proximity at this time gives a sense of security to the little one. Breastfeeding mothers have an advantage here as the warmth of skin-to-skin contact ensures they instantly bond with their babies. However, for formula-fed babies, the best way for mommies to build this bond is by holding baby close while feeding with the bottle.
Tips for Bonding With Your Baby While Bottle Feeding
Remember this thumb-rule: skin contact is the most effective way to bond with your baby. During bottle feeding, unbutton the top of your shirt to give your baby direct skin contact. This warmth of touch will increase the level of oxytocin or ‘love hormone' in both of you. This hormone plays a vital role in baby-parent bonding.
When you are bottle feeding your little one, make eye contact with him. Use this time to cradle and feel your baby close to you. Looking into his starry eyes while holding the bottle will help establish a strong bond, boost the level of oxytocin and aid in strengthening your relationship.
Your baby can understand your feelings very well even at an early age. Use the feeding time to talk to your baby. Tell him about his family and siblings. Sing a song or read him a story while you bottle feed. Your voice will feel like music to his ears and will make the session more special and soothing.
Staying close to your baby while bottle feeding gives you an opportunity to spend quality time with your little one. Your baby will respond to your love and this will lay the foundation of a strong relationship. Read more
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The Evolution of the Mom in Me in a Nutshell
The fascinating journey of a tomboy enduring the joyous path to loving motherhood... that is me in a nutshell.
Being a sister to a very awesome brother was my most inspirational part of being a tomboy. I did almost everything I could do to be a boyish girl. To be the ultimate tomboy - I was quite proud of it too. The masculinity and the strength - I kind of loved the freedom!
That lasted for about a long time until I met the MAN.
All of a sudden, the coin just flipped. I started looking in the mirror pampering me with a few beauty treats. A pink tint of shyness began to bloom in me.
The roses in my garden smelled sensual, the music of romance echoed. The love for red was the deepest. And I was lost in the path of love! And I felt like I'm almost a pretty WOMAN.
Pregnancy - the fruit of love was blossoming in me. I was so fond of the dolphin jumping in me - the bump and the jump! The late-night craving and the early morning sickness. The unexpected stretchy tattoo designs I saw on my tummy. The expectations and the hype of being a mother were beyond the limit. And finally, the bundle of joy, the cuteness overload was in my arms snuggling. On a sweet December evening with Christmas carols surrounding us... such a divine day.
And that was the beginning of the sweetest of all roller coaster rides I have ever been on, and that was the beginning of me evolving into the realm of motherhood. It was not very simple but was more fascinating. The early riser, the snuggling, the burping, the diaper changing, the cute little blue booties, the ever cute angel dress, the late night sleeping, the crying that was almost non-stop! The feeding part was quite a job but was fun when it was his favourite. Making him enjoy his veggies and making creative and eye-catching foods was such a fun part of being a mother. I too love a few of the baby foods. The saddest part was when I had to get immunization for the baby; the pain he experienced during the prick was so sad.
The main target of all was getting healthy and not getting sick, but yeah, it was never possible to always stay away from a running nose or an upset tummy. The little steps in the corridor he took by himself was unforgettable; with his little favourite lion toy, he was truly a 'Lion King'. Later, I thought about the next step - his school, how would he sing with his friends, his cute dance concert, the funny sports events. That was when I started remembering I have not been in front of the mirror like I used to be before, and I almost forgot about grooming myself because I was busy grooming my baby superhero!
And that was when I realised I have come a long way from a from a tomboy to a girl to a woman to a mother and 24/7 dedicated mom friend to my little superhero Alexander!
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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Are we creating negative impact on our Children, Unintentionally ?
Parenting is changed a lot from the time we were kids to the time
we have kids.Healthy life style, good
behaviour, manners, Presentation all these are the keys now a days to judge parents.
Because of the busy schedule and life, we are indirectly creating a negative
impact on our children Saying No to all questions asked, No Oreo, No Chocolates
it will ruin your teeth. No to TV it will impact your vision, No to Games, is
making them think that answer for every question asked is NO”. Talking about myself I never thought my Daughter who is just 2
year 9 months will start saying NO to every single thing. Asking her anything
like Let’s go out or Have your meal anything her reply
is NO, NO, NO. Anything which can make them happy or which is good
for them the answer will be NO.I am the one who is responsible what she is learning as I am only
the person who was nagging her. I thought it’s not nagging but its caring maybe
she took it in different way.What I concluded with this
situation is I could have used more affirmative sentence instead of saying
direct no to her. Agreeing to her demands is also necessary but in a way that
it make her feel positive. Telling her what I want her do to rather what I don’t
want her to do is the best solution. Asking her what she is willing to do. Do
you want to go out now or later? Definitely she will try to say something which
is reasonable instead of NO. Alternatives of No is now part of my life as well.Unintentionally, I was creating
some negativity around her but now It’s time to learn and make changes in my
Parenting Afterall I am also in a learning phase like my daughter. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
13 hours ago
Q. i feel some fever internally also
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
13 hours ago
A. please check the temperature and get the investigations. fever can be because of different reasons most of the times viral bacterial sometimes due to less immunity there can be recurrence better to treat only with paracetamol if the fever more than 100degr
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. Now I am having pain till then my miscarriage has been done at home
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
12 hours ago
A. I’m sorry I’m unable to understand your query as you haven’t given any detail about it so whatever the situation is you should get a check with your gynaecologist the doctor would be able to give you better help in whatever treatment of precaution you need to require further
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
8 hours ago
Q. Hello
What is better normal or csec?
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
7 hours ago
A. hello dear this is not about which is better this is all about your body and the condition of the baby no doubt the normal procedure is the painful but side effect are not there but after C6 you have to be little more careful and you have to take more precaution but again I am saying that this is not about the better one this is about the condition of your pregnancy
Santu has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
1) till how many days after delivery baby needs to keep on uterus temperatures/warm temperature?
2) Can baby & mother both take bath after 24 hours of delivery?
Santu
Mom of 2 children
6 hours ago
A. It depends on moms and babys health I feel and suggest It's better to check with your doctor and follow their advise. That would be one of the best and safest option for your baby as of now. Take care.
shilpi Bhandari has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. dual marker test is for what purpose??
shilpi Bhandari
Mom of 2 children
5 hours ago
A. The double marker test helps determine whether the unborn baby has any risk of developing neurological abnormalities or mental disorders
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 7 m old child
11 mins ago
Q. #asktheexperts
How to cure constipation in Babies
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
9 mins ago
A. Constipation in Babies less than 1 year is very common and more in formula fed babies and also when initially the semi solid food has been started after 6 months .
you can give bonnisan drops and some enzyme preparations in proper dose suggested by doctor angyd cow's milk should be avoided before 1 year of age . Medications are required but it shobuld be given only in medical supervision .
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