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Is Your Baby Sleeping Enough for His Age? 5 Tips to Help Your Baby Sleep Peacefully!
Learn everything about baby sleep. How many hours of sleep does a newborn need? What can hinder a peaceful sleep? How can you help your baby make the transition to peaceful night sleep? Here are the answers of all your questions.
You must have heard horror stories of sleepless nights and insomniac babies. Some of it are definitely true. However, with a night-time routine in place and some luck, within a few months of bringing your baby home, you can look forward to happier nights.
How Much Sleep is Enough?
The good news is that a newborn sleeps for about 16 hours a day. The bad news is it’s never at a stretch. In the first few months, he will probably nap for two or three hours only. His stomach is small and needs frequent refills. Don't look forward to more than 6 hours of uninterrupted sleep even at night, the first 6 months. Generally, babies between 2 and 12 months sleep for 9-12 hours, most of which will be at night. Don’t try a sleep routine too soon. Let the baby decide when he wants to wake up – whether due to hunger, wet diapers or simply because he’s had his fill of sleep.
Deconstructing Baby Sleep
Like adults, babies also experience sleep cycles from drowsiness to light sleep, deep sleep and dream sleep (REM – a state when his eyes are active under his closed eyelids, but the rest of his body is still) and then all the way back from dream sleep to wakefulness. When he returns to being awake, if there are no distractions (like an empty stomach) he slips back into sleep. Some babies are self-soothers and do it on their own, while others may need to be patted or fed before they fall asleep again. During quiet sleep, it is normal for the baby to have some sudden starts called hypnagogic startles. Hynagonic startles means the sudden movements of the baby’s body in quiet sleep.
Baby Sleep and New Skills
Some of the baby’s newfound skills might interfere with his sleep patterns.
1. Crawling
As the baby learns to crawl, his brain stimulation increases and even though he might be tired, he may find it tough to sleep.
2. Object Permanence
As he turns six months old, he realizes that things do not cease to exist when he cannot see them. He might refuse to sleep when you’re not around.
3. Separation Anxiety
He will start missing you, and might insist on you being around each time he opens his eyes.
Co-sleeping
Traditionally in India, co-sleeping has been propagated and it does lead to stronger emotional - parental bonds. However, if you find it uncomfortable, especially in the case of multiple babies, you can move them from the crib to the bed.
A Few Tips to Make the Night Time Easier
Create a soothing environment. Remove bright colours and noisy toys.
Soft toys, heavy blankets or pillows aren’t a good idea for small babies, as they act as hindrances and offer risk of suffocation.
The mattress should be firm, and the baby should be put to sleep on his back to avoid Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Swaddling the baby with his arms inside the blanket gives him a sense of familiarity, mimicking the pressure he feels in the womb, and helps him sleep longer.
Establishing a night time routine between two and three months is a good idea.Parents need not panic about sleepless nights, with some patience and efforts, you can solve your baby’s sleeping problems.
Parents need not panic about sleepless nights, with some patience and efforts, you can solve your baby’s sleeping problems. Read more
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How to Deal with Congenital Nystagmus in Babies
There are many eye diseases that can impact a baby’s vision. While few can be related to alignment and focus issues, some can lead to critical conditions. Ensure your baby receives immediate medical attention so that its eye health can be maintained.
What is Congenital Nystagmus?
Congenital Nystagmus or dancing eye causes involuntary and periodic movements of the eye. This oscillation is a result of an inherent visual or neurological syndrome. Congenital Nystagmus will be noticeable in the baby’s first few months itself. It generally impacts both eyes in a horizontal path. However, cases of circular and up/down movements have also been reported. The baby is unable to control this movement. This condition does not take place while the child is at sleep. If you think your baby is affected by infantile nystagmus, speak to your paediatrician at the earliest.
Causes of Nystagmus (Dancing Eyes) in Infants
Genetics can be one of the causes of nystagmus in infants as it can be transferred genetically. Visual deprivation is another cause of this condition in babies. Visual deprivation can happen due to glaucoma, cataracts, retinal detachment, abnormalities in the optic nerve and achromatopsia. Vitamin deficiencies, extended drug use or side effects (recreational or prescribed drugs), strokes of the central nervous system are other causes. It is also caused due to coloboma, where the eye isn’t formed fully. If your infant is born with any of these conditions, it is likely to suffer from congenital nystagmus or early onset nystagmus.
Symptoms of Nystagmus in Babies
A child with nystagmus will have diminished vision and bad depth perception. An obvious symptom is that their eyes are unable to remain steady and keep oscillating. However, babies born with this condition do not realize the vision defect. Double vision, oscillopsia and perceived movement of objects are common symptoms of this disease. Symptoms include dizziness, numbness, poor coordination, and hearing loss. Babies are also unable to follow rapid movements.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Congenital Nystagmus is carried out in the following ways:
A complete paediatric examination is carried out to eliminate systemic reasons
An ophthalmic exam is done to exclude the presence of ocular abnormality which could lead to sensory nystagmus.
An electroretinogram is performed to eliminate optic or retinal nerve dysfunction
For uncharacteristic nystagmus, imaging methods like MRI and neurological examinations are used.
Possible Treatment for Infantile Nystagmus
As such, there is no definitive cure for Infantile Nystagmus. Correction of refractive errors, treatment of any squint or strabismus, if present, and achieving optimal development of the visual system is of primary importance. Squints need to be treated at the earliest in order to reduce ocular movement using the effect of convergence. Another method used in the treatment is the correction of abnormal head position. Surgery can be performed on babies who have an abnormal head posture through adjustment of extraocular muscles. Since short or long sightedness is a common by-product of Nystagmus, such problems can be addressed with prescribed glasses.
It is necessary to conduct a full ocular and clinical examination which includes family history since nystagmus could be associated with other medical issues. Children with congenital nystagmus do not understand that their visual power is deficient. As they grow, they may have limitations for the kind of profession they choose and parents should be aware of it.
Also Read: Watery Eyes (Epiphora) In Babies Read more
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Your Low Fat Diet Could Be Doing More Harm Than Good!
When you think about weight loss or dieting, you might assume that consuming fat-free or low-fat food will help. But, there are real dangers of low-fat diets. The fact is, when you remove fats, you just end up supplementing them with saturated fats.
Are you treating your body right by lowering fats in your food? Most will nod in agreement, but little do you know that consuming fats doesn't necessarily make you fat. Fats are, in fact, very important for your brain tissues and they also help you digest carbohydrates. Regular consumption of a low-fat diet can put your health at risk. However, it doesn't mean that your diet should be high in fats either. It should be properly balanced.
Side Effects of a Low-fat Diet
1. You End Up Consuming Bad Fat
This is one of the most controversial of low fat diet consequences. When monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are removed from food, something needs to be added to make food taste good. Think chocolate ice cream or cheese. Fats contain lipids that make food taste wonderful and when you eliminate them from your diet, you end up trying to compensate for the taste with corn syrup, sweeteners and salts that your body definitely doesn’t require.
2. Your Body Lacks Proper Nutrition
What is a low-fat diet? It’s a diet where you consume 'something' in the place of fats. Unfortunately, that something is usually not high in nutrition. You probably consume more carbs and proteins now, which may lead to health problems. Keeping a balance of all three of these macronutrients is the right way to go.
3. Your Low-Fat Diet Could Contribute to Weight Gain
Fats are filling and satisfy our taste buds for a longer duration. When you cut them from your diet, you end up getting hungry more frequently so you tend to gulp down more snacks, which means you consume more calories. Carbohydrates then release insulin, which in turn increases fat storage. The end result is weight gain.
4. Good Cholesterol Levels Drop
The cholesterol present in our body needs a lot of good fats. When your diet is too low on these, the body fails to release HDL, which is good cholesterol. This can cause problems that can lead to heart disease, depression, and even suicidal tendencies! These low-fat diet risks are just not worth the bother and can easily be avoided by consuming good quality fats such as grass-fed butter and egg yolks.
5. You Could See an Increase in Blood Sugar Levels
The dangers of a low-fat diet include having blood sugar levels spike up. Carbohydrates need fats to be able to be digested. Decreased fat and increased sugar result in glucose flowing through the blood stream, causing higher sugar levels.
Considering the disadvantages of a low-fat diet, stop eliminating this vital nutrient from your meals. Balance everything with other essential nutrients and give your body what it needs. You can start by using coconut oil or oils from nuts and seeds. Avocados, fatty fish, soy milk, tofu and peanut butter are also excellent sources of good fats. Bad fats to avoid include packaged snacks, fried foods, ice cream and fatty cuts of meat. Consume them in moderation and increase your intake of good fats to keep health in check. Read more
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Oreo Chocolate Banana Smoothie
Anything with Oreo cookies in it is bound to be a hit with kids. This special concoction has few other ingredients that kids love – vanilla ice-cream and chocolate! So, if your kid isn’t very eager to have his share of milk, treat him with this smoothie – it has the goodness of milk and banana as well the deliciousness of Oreo cookies and chocolate!
Serves
Preparation Time
Cooking Time
1 Person
5-10 Minutes
0 Minutes
Ingredients
150 ml cold milk
1 scoop vanilla ice-cream
½ medium bananas, ripe
2 tbsp chocolate syrup
3 Oreo cookies
To serve
A scoop of vanilla ice-cream
1 Oreo cookie
Method
Step 1
In a mixer jar, put all the ingredients and give it a quick whizz such that it is well blended and smooth.
Step 2
Pour it into a tall glass. Garnish with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream and Oreo cookie. Serve immediately. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
Calories
681 Kcal
Proteins
14.6 g
Total Fat
25.4 g
Total Carbohydrates
102.2 g
Cholesterol
53 mg
Sodium
101 mg
Potassium
459 mg
Read more
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I Can Vaccinate My Child When He's Older - 10 Vaccination Myths Busted!
Vaccination can protect your child from a large number of potentially fatal diseases. Although watching your child getting a shot can be very painful in itself, the benefits of vaccination trumps the mild discomfort it causes.
Thanks to vaccination, diseases like Polio, Measles, Diphtheria, Pertussis (whooping cough), Rubella (German measles), Mumps, Tetanus, Rotavirus and Haemophilus Influenzae type b (Hib) that used to once be common in India can now be prevented and even eradicated.
Contrary to popular belief, high immunization rates are actually imperative to keep diseases like these from making a dangerous comeback even after they have been eradicated.
10 Myths About Vaccines That You Shouldn't Believe In!
Worried about vaccinations? Here are ten myths about vaccines busted!
Myth 1: Too many vaccines may overwhelm my child’s immune system!
Your child’s vaccination schedule can seem daunting, and as a parent it is natural to worry about how vaccines might affect a child's developing immunity. But this should be the least of your worries. When your child is born, he/she is exposed to multiple germs and his/her immunity system copes perfectly well. The vaccine introduced into your child’s body is a weakend or killed version of the bacteria or virus, therefore the risk of major side effects is almost negligible.
Myth 2: My children do not need to be vaccinated as long as other children are getting their vaccines!
While the risk of an outbreak decreases considerably if more number of kids in a specific community are vaccinated, it doesn't eradicate the risk completely. Scientists call this 'Herd Immunity'. However, these diseases not only pass on from child or child, but also through other sources. Some viruses or bacteria are waterborne and airborne, and commute in the same manner. Even once the disease has been eradicated there is a possibility of it making a dangerous comeback. Skipping vaccinations actually puts your young one at greater risk for potentially fatal diseases.
Myth 3: If a disease has been eradicated, there is no need to get vaccinated against it.
Many times even if a person is not suffering from a disease he/she can still be a carrier. Children who are not vaccinated are susceptible to the infection and can also easily pass it on to vulnerable family members.
"Those children are more likely to give a disease to those who can't fight it off, such as a six-month-old or a grandparent living at home," says Dr. Thomas Saari, M.D. (Vaccine Education Center at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia). What’s more is that air travel has increased the level of exposure of people to multiple diseases.
Did You Know: Since the launch of Global Polio Eradication Initiative, Polio case numbers have decreased by 99%. India was declared 'polio-free' in 2014 by WHO and only three countries remain where the disease is endemic—Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria.
However, it is important to continue with immunization against polio virus as the transmission of polio virus is still active around the world. India is particularly at high risk of re-infection with the polio virus due to close proximity to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Myth 4: Vaccines cause autism!
The link between a combination vaccine for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR vaccine) and the developmental disorder Autism was slammed more than 7 years ago by a case report from England. The reason this topic was picked up in the first place was because autism tends to emerge around the same time as when the MMR vaccine is given.
Watch: After a lengthy investigation, the British Medical Journal says Andrew Wakefield's report linking Autism to Vaccination has been discredited.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lCqecbR4UI
Myth 5: Vaccination may lead to the disease we are trying to prevent!
Vaccines that are given today consist of dead or extremely weakened strains of the virus or bacteria and not the live agents. Therefore, it is not possible for your child to get the disease, as the bacteria or virus will not be able to replicate itself. The reason behind introducing the antigen is only to stimulate the immune system.
Myth 6: Vaccines contain preservatives that cause brain damage!
Initially vaccines contained thimerosala, a compound that prevents the vaccine from getting contaminated. The reason this concern (of vaccines containing dangerous preservatives) was brought up was because thimerosala contains a form of mercury called ethylmercury, and mercury is associated with brain damage in humans.
These concerns prompted the removal of thimerosala from vaccines. (Thimerosal is still present in some flu vaccine—though you can ask your doctor for a thimerosal-free shot.)
Myth 7: You shouldn't give a vaccine to a child who has a cold!
If your child is recovering from high fever or a rip-snorting ear infection, certainly it is not the best time for a vaccine. But a mild fever, light cold or little diarrhea should not be the reason to delay a vaccine. You can consult your child’s pediatrician about the same!
Myth 8: Chickenpox isn't a big deal!
Like many childhood diseases chickenpox may not seem like a big deal, but on certain occasions this disease could escalate, causing complications and eventual death. Chickenpox lesions can get infected with staph which includes a flesh eating bacteria, which is why it is imperative to get your child vaccinated against chickenpox.
Myth 9: Vaccines can provide 100 percent disease protection.
Not quite. Vaccinations reduce the chance of getting the disease by a large chunk. The effectiveness of vaccines made with killed, or inactivated, virus is between 75 and 80 percent. The actual virus is much stronger, and there is a slight chance your child’s body’s immunity system may not be ready to fight it even after vaccination.
Myth 10: I should wait for my child to get older before vaccinating him.
Your child is vulnerable to over 23 disease potentially fatal diseases by the age of 2 years. The reason most vaccines are given at a young age is because young children are more susceptible to these diseases as compared to adults. As we grow older, are immunity system also strengthens. The vaccination schedule is designed in a way to protect your child from the diseases he/she is most vulnerable to at that age. Missing out on a vaccination age window, increases the risk of your child getting that disease!
Effect of Widespread Vaccination Myths in India
With the rise of the internet, access to information has become extremely easy, but on the downside the credibility of this information comes into question. This downside has resulted in a drastic drop in the number of children getting vaccinated in Kerala. All this due to alarmist social media posts and Whatsapp forwards that are spreading mistrust in the community with claims that the Measles-Rubella vaccine is community targeted to cause impotency or that is has caused deaths among children. In fact, Kerala's Malappuram even reported deaths of two children from diptheria, a disease that is easily prevented with vaccination. While more than 80% of Kerala is vaccinated, in Malappuram the vaccination coverage rate is on about 50%. Despite these stats, a majority of the community still remains ill-informed.
“When you get messages like that, you get frightened for your children. You think: ‘Better I do nothing, because doing something may just harm my children, whereas they are fine right now without it,” said Ahmed a 42-year-old tailor in Kozhikode who didn't get his children vaccinated.
A group of doctors have launched a Facbook page called Info Clinic to counter this fear mongering, but it is upto us to educate ourselves & our community and question credibility of these so-called 'facts' to ensure better public health.
Source: https://scroll.in/pulse/830129/rumours-about-measles-rubella-vaccine-hit-coverage
It is always better to be sure than sorry later. For any doubts about vaccination and its side effects you can consult your child's pediatrician. Read more
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Breastfeeding the joy and the job. Let's see through my eyes
Breastfeeding is the most satisfying and with the same time most tiring job in the world. I faced both difficulties and joy doing that. When my baby was about 2 months old, suddenly 1 day he took less milk for 2 days. I went to my mother's home on that same day after almost a year so I was so excited and ignored completely my mild breast pain due to fullness and engorgment. After some day it converted into breast abscess. That was a very difficult and depressing time for me. But things got better slowly and I continued to breastfed my child and the biggest supporter were both my mothers. So I just want to say all the new memories please take care of your self and regularly check your breast. If you are having excessive milk production then pump it out. I can suggest some good pump if someone wants. Take care and stay blessed. Hope no one has to face that. And do breastfeed your child as it has many benefits to you and your baby. Your milk have a compound called DHA, which is very beneficial for your baby's brain development. It increases the immunity so your child will have less infection. His gut will be strong and he will have less allergic disease. His growth will be good. At the time of breastfeeding there will be skin to skin contact with the baby which gives the baby sense of security and will strengthen the bond between you two. It also stabilizes baby's heart rate and breathing. And now about you , your increased weight during pregnancy will go down. Breastfeeding relieves the stress , gives you a sense of empowerment. You will notice you have changed alot after being a mother and your respect towards your mother will increases about thousands of time. That sleepless night that crying and finally that joy. Posting my one of the favorite pic with my son when he started grabbing my finger 😍 Read more
Charul Verma has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old he swallowed a earpod bur he is normal he eat as well as drink please suggest???
Charul Verma
Nutritionist
6 hours ago
A. hi mom
mostly it will be out once he passes stool
but better to show to doctor
it can be checked in x ray if required
Rashmi has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 7 m old child
7 hours ago
Q. Hello my baby is 20 months old by mistake he swallowed a earpod but he is normal is eat drink plz suggest??
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
7 hours ago
A. It’s fine it should come out into the poop of your child within 24 to 48 hours a lot of mishaps happened with kids these days but these things since they are not edible they do not get digested which is why they come out into the motion
Dr Priyanka Kalra has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
7 hours ago
Q. i am 5 months pregnant n i haven't gone for check up even once still now is it okay or should I go
Dr Priyanka Kalra
Obstetrician and Gynaecologist
1 hour ago
A. should go. do ultrasound n necessary tests after consulting a specialist. without proper check up we can't advise or help you.. Avoid shirt cuts when it comes to health if mother n baby. ok. better to show to specialist always as they get the correct diagnosis. try to avoid self and extra medication that will only complicate this and create more damage to the child
Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. my baby is 2 months old and she has developed a white patch on her face. What should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. White spots on the body and face could be there sometimes, which maybe because of fungal infection or some conditions like pityriasis alba or some other factors some conditions are aggravated by dry skiniu, show a proper mousturisation is required. Also, maintain a proper hygiene and a proper assessment should be done to rule out any other causative factor
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
5 hours ago
Q. my baby passes stool after every feed. Is it normal?
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. it's ok normal hai jj. 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
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. how you can
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
1 hour ago
A. question is incomplete please repeat 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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