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SIDS and Sleep Safety Measures for Babies
Every mother strives to ensure the welfare of her child at any cost. But taking care of an infant is a tough job. Even the most normal mundane things might pose a grave danger to a sensitive new-born. One such safety issue is SIDS. Read on to discover facts about SIDS which may help avoid the known causes, and thus prevent it.
Video: SIDS and Tips to Reduce the Risk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FU8spuuQvw
What is SIDS?
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, as the name indicates, is the sudden, unanticipated death of an infant during sleep. SIDS in babies can occur in a normally healthy baby due to unexplained reasons. One of the possibilities associated with SIDS is the sudden defect in any portion of the brain that might lead to a breathing difficulty. There are external factors that can cause SIDS as well. This makes it necessary to double check the safety of infants while they are asleep.
Causes of SIDS In Babies:
A definite cause for SIDS continues to be a mystery. The good news is that in recent times, we have seen a significant drop in the number of instances where a baby dies from SIDS. This is mainly because of increase in the awareness of the condition and the widespread emphasis and incorporation of sleep safety in infants. However, SIDS continues to be a cause of death in infants as it mostly occurs due to a combination of issues that are hard to predict and isolate. Learning all you can about SIDS is sure to help avoid any risks.
One thing that we know for sure is that it is not just physiological factors that lead to SIDS but also external factors like sleep conditions that increase vulnerability.
1. Portions of the Brain are Still Immature
Normally, the brain is mature at the time of birth and can control basic involuntary functions. It develops further in the first few months after birth. In some babies, however, parts of the brain are still not fully formed when the baby is born. This is likely to occur in babies who are born premature or those that are born as a part of multiple births (i.e. in twins, triplets, etc.).
Very low birth weight is another risk factor. In such cases, chances are that the baby’s brain has little control over the autonomic nervous system. This means that the brain cannot regulate and take full control over the baby’s breathing. This puts the baby at risk during sleeping, and the arousal response of the baby is hampered. The natural tendency of the body to respond when some abnormality takes place in the body is a very important aspect, especially in infants.
For example, if the baby is having trouble breathing because of the position of the face against the baby’s bed, in a normal condition this would arouse the baby from sleep, and he would automatically move his head such that he can breathe normally again. But in babies with underdeveloped portions in the brain, this effect is sometimes not achieved. This could lead to SIDS.
2. Respiratory illness and infections
Some cases of cold and respiratory tract infection can lead to trouble in breathing. These issues increase when the baby is asleep.
3. Abnormal preventive reflex responses
For obvious reasons, the respiratory system of the body should not contain any excess fluid (it can lead to suffocation and sometimes death). Whenever fluid comes in contact with mucosal surface of the respiratory system, a preventive reflex is triggered, which causes the person to either swallow, or try and cough up the fluid out through the throat or nose. This is known as laryngeal reflex. These responses help clear out the fluid from the airway that could cause trouble in breathing. If the baby is born with certain parts of the brain still underdeveloped, these responses might not be triggered. This can lead to sleep apnea and in the worst case, SIDS.
4. Excess heat
Babies sleep well in warm conditions. But if it gets too warm, the baby’s body might not be able to handle it. Hyperthermia or overheating can occur mainly due to wrong choice of clothes. Too many clothes might increase the body temperature of the baby and increase the risk of SIDS. Higher temperatures would result in elevated metabolism levels and this, in turn, can lead to poor control over breathing.
5. Wrong sleeping position
Have you heard people reiterate the fact that infants should be made to sleep on their backs? When a baby sleeps on his tummy, it has a detrimental effect on his normal breathing. It also increases the chances of his face pressing against the mattress and thus blocking the normal breathing. When the baby is made to lie on his side, chances of him rolling on to his tummy increase. So, always lay the baby on his back to reduce these risks. This especially needs to be done for those babies who still do not know to roll from on their tummy to onto their back and vice versa.
To summarise, allowing the baby enough room to avoid a rise in temperatures, dressing aptly for the weather, and putting the baby to sleep on his back can help reduce the risks of SIDS greatly.
Which Babies are at a Higher Risk for SIDS?
Male babies have been observed to be more at risk of SIDS than female babies of the same age, though no clear reason has been identified for this.
This is a condition that has been most commonly seen to occur in infants. Most of the cases have been observed in babies between 2-4 months of age. This is because younger children have less control over their movements and are susceptible to suffocation by bed-clothes etc.
Another observation is that winters record higher number of SIDS related deaths than summers, largely because extra blankets and clothes are used to keep the baby warm.
If the baby’s siblings or other babies in the family have died of SIDS, the baby would be considered slightly more vulnerable. So, extra precaution needs to be taken.
Babies born ahead of schedule, several weeks before the due date, and with low birth weight would be at higher risk as they may be underdeveloped.
If there is a smoker in the house, exposure to cigarette smoke can make the baby more prone to SIDS as the baby will be exposed to passive smoking.
Babies born to very young mothers, especially those below 20 years, are at higher risk. While there is no reason identified for this, it may be owing to the lack of maturity in the mother and her inability to care for a baby.
Unhealthy mothers with very little to no prenatal care, unhealthy lifestyle choices, consumption of alcohol and drugs, can result in mothers giving birth to babies who are more at risk of SIDS than other normal babies.
Signs of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in Newborns
SIDS is a condition that tends to occur suddenly. The baby doesn’t even cry during the process. This means that you might not be warned by any alarming signs and symptoms. Thus, it is even more difficult to know when SIDS occurs and what action you can take to prevent it. In general, if your baby often has trouble breathing, or if your baby has a very bad gag reflex and spits up a lot after every feed, it would be wise to get a doctor’s opinion. This would rule out any underlying health condition that can increase the risk of SIDS. Some babies might contract a respiratory illness a few days before SIDS. But in most cases, the baby is reported to have been healthy and active when awake.
How to Reduce Baby's Risk of SIDS and Other Sleep-Related Dangers?
Though the causes remain difficult to comprehend we can indeed reduce SIDS in babies by trying and avoiding all the associated risk factors.
1. Correct sleeping posture
Start with correcting the baby’s sleep posture. The American Academy of Pediatrics along with the National Child Care and health organisations came up with the Back to Sleep campaign in the year 2003. This was mainly to emphasise the importance of putting the baby on their back to sleep. This was a campaign designed to increase talk about SIDS and to educate parents about infant sleep safety.
Be it a day time nap or a slumber at night, sleeping on the back, also known as the supine position is the safest posture for your infant. Preterm babies who are still under neonatal care should also be placed in this posture as they tend to be at higher risk of SIDS.
2. Rectify the bedding and other sleep conditions
Most sleep related issues occur mainly due to wrong sleep environments offered to the baby. Making yourself aware of child sleep safety recommendations would be the first step to reducing the risks of SIDS and sleep related dangers.
Educate yourself by learning from example. There are numerous tragic stories of SIDS that come as warning tales to parents worldwide. These help parents understand how even the tiniest detail in the baby’s sleep safety plays a crucial role.
How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe
So how exactly do you make sure that your baby is safe when he is sleeping? Even if you stay up all night looking at your baby it would be tough to tell when SIDS occurs as it shows no external signs. So here are some ways to make sure that the baby is safe when he is sleeping:
1. Keep baby in the same room
In the first year of birth, making your baby sleep in the same room where you sleep would be the safest option. You can choose a crib of your choice and place it near your bed at a position where you can monitor the baby if you must, at night. This is particularly important at least for the first 6 months.
2. Do not rely on baby monitors
You might feel that you can still monitor the baby when he is in his nursery with a baby monitor. Baby monitors are great, but you cannot rely on a baby monitor for SIDS prevention. These could be used for older babies once they enter their second year, but in the first year, the safest option is to place your baby’s crib in your room.
3. Do not rely on cardiorespiratory monitors
We know that SIDS mainly occurs due to obstruction in breathing. But this doesn’t mean that cardiorespiratory monitors, or breathing monitors in general, or even those marked SIDS baby monitors can be trusted. There is no proof to show that these can accurately warn the parent before SIDS.
4. Choose the right clothing
When you put your baby to sleep at night, clothe him aptly so that he feels warm and comfortable. Unless you stay in a cold region with extremely harsh winter, too many layers of clothing can lead to the baby feeling excessively hot. Breathable clothing that avoids suffocation, and has the right number of layers to shield the baby from the cold would be the right choice. Also, avoid clothes with a hood, drawstrings, etc. when your baby is sleeping in his crib. Do not allow your baby to sleep with his bib on.
5. Offer a pacifier
If your infant accepts a pacifier, then offer him one right when he is put to sleep. Avoid those that come with straps to be wrapped around the baby’s neck. A normal pacifier is observed to prevent the risks of SIDS to a good extent.
Recommendations for Infant Sleep Safety
The collective records of SIDS cases have helped American Academy of Pediatrics offer the best recommendation for sleep safety. This is continuously updated as new findings are recorded related to SIDS. Here’s a gist of the recommendations:
Put the baby on his back to prevent SIDS baby rolling over in sleep.
Avoid bedding that is too soft and plush.
Keep your baby in the same room where you sleep.
Prevent the exposure of the baby to smoke, drugs, and alcohol.
Give the baby a pacifier.
Do not skip the recommended vaccinations.
Do not rely on home SIDS monitors.
What Moms Can Do to Protect a Baby From SIDS
SIDS is not too common, and reducing the risk factors can bring down the chances of SIDS a great deal. But as a mother, you would want nothing but the absolute safety of your child. Here are a few things you could do to avoid SIDS in babies:
1. Never leave the baby alone during tummy time
Tummy time is essential to help strengthen the baby’s muscles. But supervised tummy time is the key. The duration of tummy time should be set based on the baby’s age and depending on whether he likes being on his tummy. No matter how long he is on his tummy, you should be around to monitor him continuously. Also, make sure that he is on his tummy only when he is wide awake and active and not when he is tired and sleepy.
2. Consult a doctor whenever baby exhibits signs of cold or respiratory illnesses
Even a mild cold can get quite severe in infants in their vulnerable months. Do consult your baby’s paediatrician when the baby shows any signs of respiratory troubles.
3. Lifestyle changes
Avoid smoking when you are pregnant and even after delivery. Use of alcohol and other drugs can also cause trouble for the baby after birth, especially if you are breastfeeding. Do not allow anyone to smoke anywhere near the baby. Avoid allowing the baby to sleep near anyone who has consumed alcohol.
4. Breastfeeding and SIDS
It is a common observation that babies who are breastfed right from birth are more immune to SIDS. Skin-to-skin contact is critical in the first few months after birth. Exclusive breastfeeding for the baby in the first 6 months can enhance the health and immunity of the baby. This can also promote a better development of all parts of the brain in the premature babies.
Safe Sleep Environment for Babies
Some of the physical factors that lead to SIDS cannot be avoided, but the external factors, including an unsafe sleep environment, can be corrected. This can reduce the risks of SIDS a great deal. Here are some tips to ensure a safe sleeping environment for the babies in the first few months:
1. Choose the right crib
Pick a crib that meets all safety standards and requirements. It should be strong enough to hold the baby’s weight. When you choose a cradle, choose one that has a railing high enough to prevent falls during sleep. Age-appropriate cradles and cribs would be the best options.
2. Choose the right baby sleep mattress
The firmness of the mattress needs to be just right. Again, this needs to be chosen based on the baby’s weight. A mattress approved for safe use in cribs should be chosen, and the size should fit perfectly in the crib. Avoid choosing those that would leave gaps or would measure extra, creating wall folds at the ends of the crib. The mattress should be firm enough to hold its shape under the weight of the baby.
3. Avoid pillows, cushions, and blankets
For the first few months, it is best to avoid pillows and cushions in the crib especially when the baby is sleeping at night. Fancy pillows, soft toys and fuzzy blankets might all look great in a crib. But these are the items that pose the highest threat to the safety of the baby. They tend to press against the baby’s face or neck and block the passage of air, thus leading to obstruction in breathing. A simple mattress with a top sheet or a protective sheet is all that a crib needs especially in the first few months.
4. Cautiously swaddle your baby
Swaddling means wrapping your baby in a garment or cloth. Swaddling your baby is a great way to help him sleep better. But when you have swaddled you baby place him on his back in the crib. Also, make sure that all the ends are snugly tucked in.
5. Crib checklist
Here are some points to keep in mind when you set you infant’s crib:
Crib bumper pads do more harm than good for infants - these are suffocation hazards.
Crib specific mattresses should be selected. Preferably one that doesn’t sag and one that doesn’t leave gaps at the edges.
Sturdy construction of the crib would make it safer. Something made of solid wood with durable posts and frame would be the safest.
Steer clear of cribs that smell of paint or plastic ones that carry any strong synthetic smell.
Choose a brand that is popular for adhering to baby safety standards; one that has no history of crib recalls.
Keep cribs away from windows/blinds/blind cords. Blind cords are strangulation hazards.
The crib shouldn’t be close to any electric outlets or power cords.
If you have twins, choose the right sized cribs and place them securely against a wall to promote safer sleep and to prevent SIDS.
6. Avoid co-sleeping
Co-sleeping is said to increase the risk of SIDS to a large extent. Sharing the bed with the baby is a big NO especially if you smoke or have consumed alcohol or drugs.
7. Regulate the temperature of the room
Choose a well-ventilated room for your baby to rest and play in. Ensure that your heating system is working fine and set the temperature to warm while making sure that it doesn’t get too hot at night, especially if your thermostat is faulty. It should not get too cold either. The right ambient temperature plays a vital role in influencing the sleep quality of the infant.
A safe sleep environment thus requires a careful choice of crib, mattress, furnishing, and placement as well. Avoid putting your baby to sleep on the couch or a chair.
Quick Tips for Safer Sleep for Babies
Remove top sheets and furnishings that come with ribbons
Avoid mattress covers and furnishings that are fuzzy and made of fur. Choose a breathable soft material which is lint-free to ensure that the baby doesn’t breathe in any tiny particles that might cause breathing difficulties.
Assure that the crib mobile is securely fastened and placed at a height where the baby can’t reach.
Remove bottles and sippy-cups from the crib once the baby has finished feeding.
Do not place the mattress directly next to a window or in a corner where there is direct sunlight.
Do not let the baby sleep with a hat on.
Feet-to-foot position, where the baby’s feet touch the foot of the crib, is the safest. This prevents the baby from squirming under the top sheet.
Once you keep in mind these factors, precautions and educate yourself about SIDS, you can rest a little easier knowing you have equipped yourself with the required knowledge over the issue. Do not hesitate to reach out to a doctor for advice because your baby’s health and well-being are of paramount importance.
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Your Newborn Baby's Growth and Development
The first few months after birth are crucial for your little one. This is when most of his muscles, cognitive, motor and other skills begin to develop. If you would like to stay on track with your baby’s development during these stages, it is best to understand the important signs that indicate that your baby is growing just the way he is supposed to.
Growth Of Baby
During the first month, your newborn will go through quite a few changes that will be a foundation for his physical, cognitive, emotional, language, as well as sensor and motor development. It is important to note that it is normal for your newborn to lose some weight in the first few days as he will be losing excess fluid. Within the next two weeks, he will regain this weight. You may even notice that he gains around 113 g to 227 g every week during the first month.
Along with this, his brain is also going through rapid development and he will be soon reaching several development milestones.
Newborn’s Development – First Week
You may notice that your baby sleeps a lot during the first week. This is completely normal. His arms and feet may even look curled in. This is due to the position that he was in inside your uterus. He will stretch out gradually over the next few months. You can try swaddling your baby to comfort him.
He may also get easily startled by loud noises and cry. This is called the Moro reflex which can make him arch his back and extend his arms and legs as well. This reflex subsides after a few months.
1 Week Old Baby Development
At 1 week, your baby can only see 8 to 10 inches ahead of him. This means that he will only be able to see your face when it is very close to him. He may even be able to recognize your face. Babies are born with nearsightedness and their vision develops after birth gradually. If you notice that your newborn looks at you with cross eyes, there is no reason to worry. This is common during the first few months as their eyes wander a lot.
During the first few days, you may find that your baby’s stool has a greenish tinge to it. This is due to the meconium – foetal faeces. Once it gets cleared, you will see that your baby’s stool turns yellow in colour.
2 Week Old Baby Development
Your newborn communicates primarily by crying. Even during this time, it is important that you speak to him to get him acquainted with your voice. He may even start to recognize your voice as his hearing develops and seek it out.
This is also the time when colic develops in a lot of babies. A colicky baby tends to cry for no reason for over three hours, 3 days a week and at least for 3 weeks. While it is no cause for alarm and usually subsides after about three months, you can consult a doctor for suggestions on how to tend to your colicky baby.
Your baby’s umbilical cord may also dry and fall off around the second week, leaving him with an adorable belly button. It is best to give your baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off in order to keep the area dry.
3 Week Old Baby Development
By the third week, you may notice that your baby tries to lift his head up for a few moments while he’s lying on his tummy. It is important that you give your baby enough time on his tummy while he is awake in order to help develop the muscles in his neck. Ensure that you are always close to your baby when he is on his tummy. Never let your baby go to sleep while he is on his tummy as it increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Babies get comforted by sucking, so a pacifier can be a great tool to help your baby self-soothe during this time. His vision and focus are also improving and he may be able to look at your face keenly. This is when you can expect him to flash a smile as well. This is more an imitation of your smile rather than a social response.
4 Week Old Baby Development
Your 4-week old infant’s development includes an improved hearing. This means that he will be able to hear songs and discern sounds much better. With slightly developed neck muscles, he may even be able to lift his head up for longer and even turn it side to side. You can further help him do this by standing in front of him and slowly moving from one side to another as you encourage him to follow.
He will also slowly come to discover his hands and feet and begin to coo or babble, apart from crying to communicate. Talk to your baby, interact as much as you can during this time; this will encourage him to respond with more distinct sounds.
Newborn Baby Milestones
Your baby’s developmental milestones are foundations that will help him learn a new skill that will aid his overall growth. However, it is important to remember that not all babies achieve these milestones at the same time. Premature babies will attain these milestones in accordance with their gestational age.
Here are some of the milestones that a baby achieves in the first month.
When your baby’s feet are on a flat surface, he will mimic walking by pushing his feet against the surface.
He will be able to focus eight to ten inches ahead of him.
Your baby’s hearing is fully developed and he will respond to loud noises with a startle reflex of crying.
His sense of smell is developing and he will have an affinity for sweet and pleasant smells.
Your baby’s jerky limb movements will gradually smoothen.
He may be able to recognize certain sounds, like your voice.
He will begin to discover his hands and legs and try to bring his hands near his mouth and eyes.
With the development of neck muscles, he may be able to turn his head from side to side.
Behaviour
Your newborn has just begun trying to figure out how the world works. All he knows is to cry to communicate when he needs something. If your baby cries, it can be due to various reasons like the hunger, needs a diaper change, needs to be comforted, etc. If you find your baby crying, pick him up and comfort him. This gives him an assurance that you will be available to tend to him. The sooner you provide him this comfort, the sooner he will subside his crying.
Since crying is the only way your baby can communicate during this point of time, it is important that you respond to it and interact with him. You will not spoil your baby by comforting him every time he cries.
However, if your baby cries for long hours for no specific reason, he may be colicky. You can try several methods to calm down a colicky baby. These include ensuring that he has a comfortable place without distractions to sleep in, rock him gently, play soothing music, etc.
How To Take Care Of Newborn Baby
Your little one depends on you to keep him protected. Here are some things that are a part of a newborn baby’s care in the 1st month
Most of your baby’s development happens while he sleeps. Hence, help your baby get enough rest.
Consider breastfeeding. Breast milk contains essential nutrients that are important for your baby’s physical and cognitive development.
Use soft and comfortable diapers on your baby. Change the diaper after each bowel movement.
Until the umbilical cord falls off, carefully give your baby a sponge bath. Clean the umbilical cord with warm water and wipe it dry with a soft paper towel. Once the cord falls off, you can give him tub bath with moderately warm water. Only use mild soaps to bathe your baby and follow all necessary precautions.
Always wash your hands before handling your baby to avoid the risk of any infection.
While holding your baby, support his neck and head. His are not developed yet and lack of support on the neck and the head can cause strain on his neck muscles.
Hold your baby. Babies are comforted by their mother’s touch; cuddling and holding them is a great way to soothe them.
Interact with them. Even though your baby may not understand you or be able to respond, interacting and talking to your baby is a great way to bond with him. This can also help him recognize sounds and voice better.
Activities To Do With Your Newborn
You newborn is counting on you to learn new things and keep himself entertained. Here are a few newborn baby activities that can be a great way to introduce him to the world and bond with him.
Go for a walk: Once your baby is a few weeks old, you can start taking him out on a stroller for short walks in the park or the garden. It can be a change of environment and perk him up.
Play music: Music is known to soothe babies universally. Play some soft melodies that can help him relax and sleep.
Interact: Playing with your baby using different animated expressions can help him identify them and be a foundation for language development.
Play hide and seek: Cover your face with a towel and speak to your baby. He will try to figure out where your voice is coming from as you reveal yourself. This is a great bonding activity for kids.
Dance with him: Hold your baby and sway to some music with him for a fun time with your little one.
Read him stories: It’s never too early to read to your baby. Each time you read, interact with your baby by tickling his belly, touching his toes, etc and notice how he reacts.
Feeding
The general rule is to feed your baby whenever he is hungry. Try to accommodate your baby’s demands and feed him accordingly. A breastfed baby should feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours and produce about six to eight wet diapers. If you are formula feeding your baby, it is still recommended that you follow your baby’s hunger patterns and feed him every two or three hours.
Sleeping
Newborns spend most of their time sleeping. It is common for them to sleep for up to 17 to 18 hours each day. However, this is scattered throughout the day. Newborns also have a different sleeping pattern when compared to that of adults. Only 20% of their sleep is deep and sound sleep. Other times, they are usually drifting in and out of sleep.
Newborn Routine Check-Ups
Some of the few routine check-ups that are performed on the newborn are,
Apgar scores – Checks the physical traits of the baby immediately after birth to determine if any special interventions are required. Temperature and vital signs are also monitored carefully for the following 6 hours.
Physical exam – Within the first 24 hours of birth, your baby’s breathing, heartbeat and his ability to pass stool and urine are checked.
Measurements – Your newborn's weight, length and, head circumference are measured.
Antibiotic eyedrops – He may be given antibiotic eyedrops to prevent any eye infections due to the birth canal bacteria.
Screening tests – Tests for hearing and phenylketonuria (a condition that affects metabolism and harms the baby’s brain) are conducted.
Injections - Certain immunizations, like that for Hepatitis B, along with Vitamin K injections may be given.
In the following weeks, your doctor may ask you to visit take your baby’s measurement of weight, length and head circumference and compare it with his previous measurements. This will determine if he is growing properly.
Tips For Parents
Taking care of your newborn is your responsibility and it is important that you prepare well to tend to your little one diligently. Here are a few tips that you can keep in mind.
Take your baby for regular check-ups with to the doctor.
Provide a stress-free environment for your baby. Ensure that your baby's room has good lighting and hygiene.
Keep your baby away from harmful exposures like pollution and bacteria.
Take help from your family to avoid over-stressing yourself.
Get good sleep. Sleep deprivation can be a big hindrance in taking care of both you and your baby. New moms will need to try and find some time to sleep in order to stay well-rested.
Taking care of your newborn can be as daunting as it is fulfilling. If your baby is feeding regularly, sleeping fine and his bowel movements are on track, there is little that you need to worry about with respect to your baby’s development and growth. However, if you find any reason for concern, do not hesitate to call your doctor and seek help.
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Lactose Intolerance in Babies
Lactose intolerance is when your baby just can't stand drinking milk. Sometimes rashes appear and they throw a fit. Milk is an important source of calcium, Vitamin D and other important nutrients which are vital for growth and wellbeing. In this article, you'll learn what lactose intolerance is and how to help your baby.
What Is Lactose Intolerance?
Lactose intolerance is the inability to digest the lactose (sugars) found in milk. When a baby is lactose intolerant, his digestive system is unable to produce the enzyme called lactase which is responsible for digesting milk. Lactose intolerance in infants is rare and usually doesn't appear before the age of two, until after weaning. Some babies have lactose intolerance from birth which means they cannot even be fed mother's breastmilk and instead, require specially-formulated lactose-free milk.
How Common Is Lactose Intolerance?
In the UK, only 1 out of 50 kids exhibit this condition while people who live in parts of Asia and the African-Caribbean region are more prone to it. Those who have underlying medical conditions like Crohn's disease and Celiac's disease usually are lactose intolerant and their diet restricts dairy along with other things.
Types of Lactose Intolerance
Here are the three main types of lactose intolerance problems in babies:
Hereditary Lactose Intolerance
Hereditary lactose intolerance is tied to genetics and runs in the family. If this is the case, your baby may lack the lactase enzyme and be unable to tolerate milk and dairy products right from birth.
Primary Lactose Intolerance
Primary lactose intolerance happens when lactase production in the gut decreases due to a lowered intake of dairy products like milk and cheese. It usually happens around or after adulthood and cases where babies experience this is extremely rare. This is also known as temporary lactose intolerance.
Secondary Lactose Intolerance
If the stomach or gut faces any underlying medical conditions like Crohn's disease, undiagnosed Celiac disease, or any infections which inhibit the production of the lactase enzyme, it leads to secondary lactose intolerance.
How Do You Know If Your Child Is Lactose Intolerant?
Take your child to the doctor to get a lactose intolerance diagnosis. The doctor might look into your medical history, diet, and family history to assess and examine your baby during the diagnosis. If she rules it is lactose intolerance, you may be asked to feed your child lactose-free milk for a few weeks to see if the symptoms subside. If the symptoms do subside, you will be asked to continue feeding your child a lactose-free diet or opt for lactose substitutes where feeding is concerned.
Lactose Intolerance and Breastfed Babies
Contrary to popular belief about lactose intolerance in breastfed babies, they do not stop exhibiting symptoms once the mother stops consuming dairy products. This is because lactase (the sugar in milk) is present in all mammalian milk and not just in humans or other animals. A breastfed baby with primary lactose intolerance will have to be put on a special diet due to severe dehydration or complications arising from intolerance symptoms. For other types of lactose intolerance, the child must continue to be fed breastmilk and taken to the paediatrician for routine checkups to monitor and heal any underlying conditions.
What Causes Lactose Intolerance In Babies?
Some of the causes of lactose intolerance in babies are:
When damage to the gut or intestine is due to diarrhoea stemming from a rotavirus infection
When the lactase levels are too low due to insufficient production of the enzyme (this increases with age and becomes normal later)
Any underlying conditions like Crohn's disease or Celiac disease which interfere with the production of lactase enzyme in the baby
Genetics or heredity, where the baby is unable to produce lactase enzyme and doesn't have its presence at all since birth
Signs and Symptoms of Lactose Intolerance in Infants
Some of the signs and symptoms of lactose intolerance in infants are:
Diarrhoea
Bloating
Passing gas
Pain in the stomach
Difficulty in breathing
Rashes
Vomiting
Watery stools which are yellow or green
Reddish spots under the anus from 30 minutes after consuming dairy products
Some symptoms like rashes and excessive vomiting could indicate an allergy to milk and not merely lactose intolerance. If that's the case, then your baby's immune system is reacting against the protein in milk and not the sugars. Show your child to a doctor for a thorough clinical examination just to be safe. Some types of cheese like cheddar, feta, and mozzarella have lower amounts of lactose compared to other sources of dairy products.
How is Lactose Intolerance Diagnosed?
Your paediatrician will first take a look at your child's medical report, family history, and nutrition charts to better understand and evaluate lactose intolerance in the infant. After the initial review, the following tests will be requested by the doctor
Hydrogen Breath Test
This measures the level of hydrogen in a child's breath before and after he drinks a beverage. A tiny amount of hydrogen is usually present when he drinks dairy products but if this level is abnormal, then the test results will be positive which indicates lactose intolerance.
Acidity Test
A sample of your child's stool will be collected to analyze the acidity levels. Children with lactose intolerance are known to have acidic stools. Another test is available which measures glucose quantity in the stool and tells if the lactose remains undigested.
Endoscopy
An endoscopy is a type of biopsy in which an instrument can peer into your child's intestine and be used to measure lactase levels directly. You will have to show your child to a gastroenterologist if your paediatrician or GP recommends this.
Treatment of Lactose Intolerance In Babies
Treatment of lactose intolerance in babies involves removing lactose from their diet for 2 weeks and slowly reintroducing dairy once the symptoms subside.
Prevention of Lactose Intolerance In Babies
There's little parents can do to prevent lactose intolerance in their baby. However, here are a couple of things you can do to help out your child-
Breastfeed Your Baby
Don't stop breastfeeding if your child has temporary lactose intolerance. Since it's temporary, you can rest assured that the condition will improve with time. If your baby has permanent lactose intolerance, feed him soy-based or other plant-based sources of milk.
Track With a Food Log
Keep track of the dairy products that aggravate your baby's lactose intolerance, when the symptoms show up and what foods are included regularly in his diet. Keeping a food log will help your paediatrician identify which foods, in particular, cause your child's symptoms to flare up and which don't. For example, yoghurt (curd) is harder to digest than milk since it's not fermented into lactic acid for easier digestion.
Make Sure Nutritional Requirements Are Met
If your baby has permanent lactose intolerance and the paediatrician recommends eliminating dairy products altogether from his diet, you'll have to look into other sources of calcium. Calcium is required for strong and healthy bones and a lack or deficiency of it could lead to rickets and bone deformities. Some of the best plant-based sources of calcium include greens like kale (karam saag), and spinach, beans, fruits like oranges and figs, nuts like almonds and brazil nuts, soymilk, sesame and fish like salmon.
Some other nutrients you need to watch out for besides calcium are Vitamin D, riboflavin, phosphorus, and Vitamin A. You can get Vitamin D from ragi or supplement it using liquid drops or giving your baby fortified foods like canned tuna and cereals.
You can give your child butter and margarine if your paediatrician recommends a low-lactose diet. If she asks to eliminate lactose, then stick to lactose-free milk such as soymilk to help improve the symptoms and prevent your kid's condition from deteriorating.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to tackling lactose intolerance and it is important to remember that. Sometimes it just takes time until the digestive system is able to pump up the production of lactase enzyme and other times, you end up not so lucky. But there is still hope for kids who have permanent lactose intolerance since there are various plant-based sources of calcium and Vitamin D to look at. Your child will still be able to meet his nutritional requirements despite having this condition but yes, it will definitely take a bit of legwork to get there and that's why you have it's important to have a talk with your paediatrician. Read more
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Potato Bread Patties
Mildly spiced potato filling inside a crispy bread shell served with green chutney or ketchup! This snack is one of those dishes that can instantly bring a smile on your kiddo's face. It is a deep fried delight, which can easily have a place in the list of those special dishes you would like to treat your kids with sometimes.
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
4 People
15-20 Minutes
15-20 Minutes
Ingredients
2 medium potatoes, boiled, peeled and mashed
3 tbsp green peas, cooked
2 tsp ginger-chili paste
2 tbsp chopped coriander leaves
1 tsp red chili powder
3 tbsp raisins
3 tbsp cashews, chopped
1/2 tsp dried mango powder
1/2 tsp garam masala
1 tbsp oil
salt to taste
12 bread slices
Oil for deep frying
Method
Step 1
Heat a pan and add oil. When the oil gets heated, add the ginger-chili paste, cashews, followed by peas, potato and the rest of the ingredients. Stir well so that the filling is evenly spiced.
Step 2
Soak a bread slice in a little water and place it between the palms and squeeze it. Place about 1-2 tablespoon of the filling in the middle and bring the edges together to form the patty.
Step 3
Repeat the process with the rest of the bread slices.
Step 4
Heat oil in a pan and deep fry them till they are golden.
Step 5
Serve them hot with ketchup and green chutney. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Calories
240 Kcal
Proteins
5.5 g
Fat
7.6 g
Carbohydrates
39.2 g
Cholesterol
12 mg
Sodium
238 mg
Potassium
579 mg
*For frying, add approximately 10 grams of fat per serving, at 9 Kcal/gram of fat.
Tip -You can vary the filling as per the taste of your kid. Use paneer or mixed veg instead of potatoes.
Read more
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 9 m old child
14 hours ago
Q. My daughter (9months old) is not at all willing to drink aptamil and breast milk I am getting only 100 ml per day now. I have tried adding jaggery powder in aptamil but still she is not at all willing to drink.I tried to feed her with aptamil midnight when she was in deep sleep but still she woke up and started crying. I am not able to find any solution for this.Its been 2 days that I have started trying aptamil.So I will continue to try for another week and if she still doesn't drink can you suggest what can be done
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
14 hours ago
A. For yourself I would recommend you Shatavari powder three times in the day to increase your lactation other than that since your child is six months complete you can give Amul Taaza milk to your child that is easier for the childhood digest and flavour is also good even if you want you can add some dry fruit powder saffron or turmeric for flavour change that’s also a good option to try these alternative
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 5 m old child
12 hours ago
Q. after delivey back pain is normal???
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
10 hours ago
A. If there is back pain you have to maintain a proper posture take a healthy diet and also do some regular exercise specially back extension exercises to strengthen muscles also you can take calcium and iron supplements suggested by yohur doctor imf still you are having weakness and other symptoms it needs a proper assessment
Abhaya Rajput has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. Its been 7 days my 8 month old hasn’t pooped. He looks good not at all cranky. Eating normally. What to do?
Abhaya Rajput
Mom of a 14 yr 4 m old boy
8 hours ago
A. Hello there ma’am please do not worry about it too much. Sometimes baby does not poop for 7-10 days. Please massage baby stomach clockwise and anti-clockwise. You can also apply hing water on baby stomach. Also do some cycling leg exercises of the baby to relieve from constipation and gas. Please make the baby burp after every feed. Mother should chew saunf and ajwain after every meal.
Thanks and take care
Mohammad amin has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due this month
8 hours ago
Q. how do i claim the vochure
Mohammad amin
Guardian of a 3 yr old boy
4 hours ago
A. proper question plzz
Rashmi has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 4 months
4 hours ago
Q. I m 18 weeks pregnant this is my 2nd pregnancy i had first miscarriage at 35 weeks my question is when do i feel my baby’s movement
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
3 hours ago
A. The baby movements are sent after completing the time of 20 weeks somewhere between the time of 20 weeks to 25 weeks you can start feeling movements of your child any time if you feel that there is a problem or you’re not feeling sufficient movements then please feel free to consult your gynaecologist regarding that
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts what should I listen to in 5 weeks
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. five weeks only first trimester 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
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