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20 Effective Home Remedies for Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious viral disease that affects children under the age of ten. It is caused by the coxsackievirus. The virus spreads through contact with unwashed hands, surfaces contaminated with faeces, an infected person’s stool or respiratory fluids. The symptoms of this disease include fever, sore throat, tiredness, painful ulcers, sores on the inside of the mouth and tongue, and blisters or rashes on the hands, feet, buttocks, elbows, and on the back of the knees. This disease is self-limiting and goes away on its own within a week to ten days. It cannot be prevented by a vaccine or cured with medication. However, there are some home remedies that can help your child tackle the symptoms of this disease. Once your child heals, the chances of him contracting this disease will be rare, as his body will have developed immunity against this virus.
Natural Home Remedies to Treat Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease in a Child
Some home remedies to treat hand, foot, and mouth Disease are mentioned below:
1. Tender Coconut Water
Coconut water cools the body and is gentle on the stomach. It contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals, electrolytes and antioxidants. It also contains lauric acid which fights viruses. Giving coconut water to a child with HFMD can provide him relief from the pain in his mouth and keep his body hydrated. You can also freeze coconut water and have your child chew on the frozen cubes to reduce the pain caused by mouth sores.
2. Oil Pulling
This is an old Ayurvedic method for maintaining good oral hygiene. It also helps soothe the mouth sores caused by HFMD. Take a tablespoon of any oil such as peanut, sesame or coconut, and ask your child to swish it around in his mouth for 5 to 10 minutes and then spit it out. Make sure that he does not swallow the oil after swishing.
3. Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil contains Vitamins A, D, and E. It boosts body immunity and has antimicrobial properties. It is a good remedy for HFMD. It can be given to a child in the form of capsules or by mixing the oil in a juice or yoghurt.
4. Echinacea
Echinacea is a herb that belongs to the daisy family. It has antimicrobial properties. This herb boosts the immune system and reduces the symptoms of fever, cold, and other infections like HFMD. Echinacea can be consumed in the form of capsules or by boiling its leaves in water to make a tea and adding honey to it.
5. Lavender Oil
Lavender oil is a very good disinfectant and fights viruses. It also has calming and relaxing properties and can help your child sleep better. You can add a few drops of lavender oil in the bath water of your child or diffuse it in his room with an essential oil diffuser.
6. Lemon Essential Oil
Lemon essential oil is another disinfectant. You can add a few drops of this oil to your child’s body wash to help him fight the virus and nourish his skin. You can also mix a few drops in a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil and apply it on the rashes.
7. Liquorice Root
Liquorice root has antiviral properties and has been used as a home remedy for treating various viral infections. It contains a chemical called triterpenoid that boosts immunity. It also forms a thin layer of mucous on the insides of the throat and oesophagus, thus helping to soothe blisters. Boil some liquorice roots in water, strain it to make tea and add honey to it, then give it to your child. However, use it with caution as an overdose of liquorice can be harmful to him.
8. Salt Water Rinse and Baths
Ask your child to rinse his mouth with warm salt water three to four times a day, as it will provide him relief from painful blisters and mouth sores. You can use common table salt for this or Himalayan pink salt. Pink salt is more effective because it balances the pH level inside the mouth. Also, adding Epsom salts to his bath water can soothe the rashes on the body and help a child heal faster from the HFMD symptoms. You can also add a few drops of lavender or lemon essential oil to the Epsom salt bath water which can provide your child some relief.
9. Garlic
Garlic has strong antimicrobial properties as it contains high levels of sulphur compounds. You can include garlic in your food, give it to your child in the form of capsules, or make a herbal tea by boiling 3 cloves of garlic in water and let him drink it once it cools.
10. Elderberry
Elderberry is well known for its antioxidant properties that boost immunity and help improve resistance to diseases. It helps the body produce mucous to fight viruses. It increases the body’s temperature slightly, thus making it difficult for viruses to multiply and grow. Make an elderberry and honey syrup and give it to your little one frequently to help him heal faster from HFMD.
11. Ginger
Ginger contains several antiviral chemicals. It also has sedative and pain-relieving effects. Make ginger root tea by simmering crushed, chopped ginger in water until the water is concentrated with ginger juice. Cool this and give it to your child with honey.
12. Astralagus
Astralagus is a plant of the legume family and has been used as traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. It is known for its immune-system-boosting properties. It stops viruses from multiplying in the body. You can buy astralagus ointments for topical application. You can also buy astralagus tea bags or make your own by simmering a teaspoon of grated astralagus root in water. Strain this and give this drink to your child after adding honey to soothe the symptoms of HFMD.
13. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has antiviral properties. You can apply coconut oil to the parts of your child’s skin where he has rashes or blisters, and soon, they will disappear.
14. Indian Lilac or Neem
Neem or Indian Lilac has several antimicrobial properties and has been used to treat viral diseases for hundreds of years. You can apply neem oil to the rashes on your child’s body. You can also powder dried neem leaves and make a paste of it with water. Apply this paste to the rashes and blisters for quick healing. You can even use neem oil combined with coconut oil and a few drops of lavender oil for topical application.
15. Gooseberry
The Indian gooseberry or amla is rich in Vitamin C, an important vitamin necessary for immunity. It helps purify the blood and aids in digestion. Amla can be consumed in the form of juice. You can even give it to your child by making a powder from dried gooseberries and adding it to water.
16. Pomegranate
Pomegranate contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds which help soothe the symptoms of HFMD. Let your child drink pomegranate juice or eat the fleshy seeds for quicker healing.
17. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar contains Vitamins B and C. It also contains a chemical called inulin which increases the white blood cell (WBC) count. WBCs help fight viruses in our body. Mix 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in warm water and ask your child to gargle with it to soothe his throat.
18. Calendula
Calendula is a herb belonging to the marigold family. These plants have antibacterial and antiviral properties. They also lower inflammation, quicken healing, and help maintain oral health. You can make tea from calendula petals, add honey to it, and give it to your child. You can also use calendula cream to apply over the rashes to soothe them.
19. Holy Basil or Tulsi
Tulsi is a herb that has several medicinal properties. It fights harmful microbes, reduces inflammation, and provides relief from pain. Let your child chew on tulsi leaves, or make a juice of the leaves, dilute it with water, and ask him to drink it a few times a day for faster relief from HFMD.
20. Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has antimicrobial properties. It also increases immunity. Aloe vera contains minerals, vitamins, and several other compounds that are beneficial for the skin. Apply aloe vera gel to the rashes and blisters for soothing relief. You can even give aloe vera juice to your kid to help him heal faster from HFMD.
How to Prevent Catching Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease
Practising good hygiene goes a long way in keeping diseases at baby, and it’s the strongest defence your child can have against this disease too. Make sure your child washes his hands regularly and thoroughly with an antibacterial soap, especially after he comes into contact with surfaces that can have germs on them. Your child should wash his hands before and after every meal, after playing outside, and mainly after using the washroom. It’s also equally important to keep your surroundings clean. Disinfect any area that your child regularly uses, especially if it’s a shared space. Similarly, make sure things like toys or pacifiers (things that your child can put into his mouth) are definitely cleaned and disinfected.
The symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease can make children very uncomfortable and irritable. The rashes and blisters can be very painful for the little ones. So, try these home remedies to soothe the symptoms and make your child as comfortable as possible.
Also Read: Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in Babies Read more
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Your 22 Week Old Baby - Development, Milestones & Care
By 22 weeks, your baby is probably able to move around, and has a better understanding of the world around him. However, remember that developmental milestones are more like guidelines and not specific plans for the growth of the child- they might occur a little early or a little late, but they will occur for sure.
A 22 Week-Old Baby's Development
By this time, there would definitely have been a growth spurt in 22-week old baby- your child will not be the baby you brought home five months ago. Around this time, most babies would be trying to move around and be more active. Moving around involves activities like rolling around on the tummy, scooting on the ground or even crawling. If you have a crawler in your hands, you have to take a look at what is on the floor of your home- during this age; babies have the tendency to put everything they can get their hands on directly into their mouth.
In terms of physical growth, the baby weight at 22 week age will be a lot more than his weight during the birth. Your baby might be able to move stuff using his fingers and even grab onto simple items, like feeding bottles. The brain of the child will have progressed by leaps and bounds, with the baby being more aware of his surroundings at this age. He will have an idea of the differences between animate and inanimate things, with his basic understanding being that animate items move on their own, and inanimate things need help to move on their own. This would be a great time to start baby proofing your home, too. Mood swings are a thing too- you might find your baby crying uncontrollably in one moment, and the next moment, he will be giggling and smiling.
[Also Read: 5 Months Old Baby Development]
A 22 Week-Old Baby's Milestones
During this period, your child must be able to move something in front of him with his fingers.
Grabbing also becomes the norm, but he is usually unable to feed himself.
If you have introduced something other than breast milk to your child, he might be able to take a small piece of it and bring it to his mouth to eat- although, this is rare.
You might find your child moving around a lot, and always being active.
Your child might like the sounds things make, so you might find him dropping whatever he can get to hear many sounds.
[Also Read: 5 Months Old Baby Milestones]
Baby Feeding
Even though your baby might be becoming more hungry and you might be tempted to introduce more solid food into his diet, it is extremely important that breast milk still remains the primary item he consumes. This is because there is nothing more nourishing than breast milk, at this age- it improves the immune system of the child, and makes him stronger as he grows. Breast milk, and to some extent, formula, has the right balance of nutrients the baby needs for brain and muscle development. The digestive system of the child is not strong enough to extract such nutrients from solid food yet.
If you are giving formula to your child, you will have to increase the amount of milk you give your child in a meal gradually as he grows up. However, this is not necessary if you have been only breastfeeding your child. This difference is because, during breastfeeding, the child has more opportunities to drink to his desire, and can space out the amount of milk in his stomach naturally due to milk-ejections. Also, breastmilk contains hormones like leptin, adiponectin and cholecystokinin, unlike formula. These hormones aid in the metabolism and appetite control in the baby and help digestion occur smoothly. The hormones also help the child sleep well, which means that formula fed babies require more energy to simply sleep off. Also, breast milk is digested more easily by the growing digestive system of the child. Also, the amount of formula a child needs to be healthy depends upon his weight- so you need to consult with a doctor to find out the right amount for your child.
[Also Read: 5 Months Old Baby Food]
Sleeping
Your baby is in the pre-crawling stage now- however, he might have already started crawling a month ago. In any case, this means that he is more likely to wake up during naps, so you have a lot more sleep interruptions to look forward to. However, 22-week old baby sleep still remains the same number of hours, in total. During this period, the muscles of the baby are preparing and becoming stronger to support crawling movements. This preparation involves practising those actions, and most of this practising is carried out when the baby sleeps. Therefore, it is common for parents to find their baby in a completely different position every time they wake up- they might even wake up at ungodly hours and cry for your support in order to go back to sleep.
This disruption of sleep occurs before every major development in terms of locomotion- crawling, sitting, standing and walking included. So, sleep regression will definitely become a thing for the next few months. Some parents try co-sleeping during this period so that disruption is reduced and each of them gets quality sleeping time.
[Also Read: 5 Months Old Baby Sleep]
A 22 Week-Old Baby's Care Tips
Here are a few baby care tips that you can use, so as to make this period easier for both you and your precious baby.
Always have something that can keep your child engaged ready- it can be a chew toy or just a great bouncy seat. This will help you get a small break from looking after your child when required.
Bonding is great for both you and the baby, but you cannot expect your child to be receptive to your presence all the time. So put him down for a nap when you think that he looks tired.
Baby-proof your home as soon as possible and start with the items close to your child’s crib.
[Also Read: 5 Months Old Baby Care]
Tests and Vaccination
Your doctor will have scheduled a 6-month check up for your child, which will be due in two more weeks. The vaccinations scheduled at this time will be against hepatitis B, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough. The PCV protects the child against meningitis, ear infections and pneumonia. For stomach flu, the rotavirus oral vaccine is prescribed, and the Hib vaccine is to combat the Haemophilus influenza type b bacteria which can cause epiglottitis or pneumonia in the child.
The possible side effects of vaccinations include only rashes and fever, so the risk of not getting vaccinated far outweighs these small, unimportant symptoms.
Games and Activities
There are a few activities that you can choose to play with your child in this week, which is both fun and work well to improve the motor skills and development of the child.
[Also Read: 5 Months Old Baby Games and Activities]
1. Where’s my teddy?
This improves the sense of understanding the baby has about the world around him, using his favourite teddy bear. You need to wrap up the child in at least five layers of clothing or bags, with the doll being hidden at first. Peel off each layer and ask him where his teddy is, and finally watch him be delighted when the teddy appears from the last bag.
2. Treasure Hunt
This activity is simple, and it develops the fine motor skills of the child in a huge manner. Whenever you go outdoors or to a special place, carry a small basket along with you. When you see something pretty, like a flower, pluck it and show it to your child- then place it into the basket in front of him. Pretty soon, the child will start pointing towards the items that he wants. Try and collect them, but remember to stay away from anything poisonous or which poses a choking hazard to the child. Let your child play with these items once he gets home, and maybe even pin his favourite items up on the refrigerator.
When to Consult a Doctor
As the mother of the child, your instincts need to be trusted more than your logical side. If you ever feel that something is off with the baby, in his actions or the way he is behaving, it is best to pay a visit to your doctor. If any symptoms of vaccination last too long or the child has swallowed something that he was not supposed to, you should go the doctor as soon as possible.
Parenthood is a wonderful thing, and even though looking after your child can be a difficult ordeal, the satisfaction you get in the long run is more than worth it. Let him move around during this time, but pay your doctor a visit quickly if you sense something off with the child.
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Guardian of 0 children
11 hours ago
Q. Can I check baby heartbeat in 9th week of pregancy?
Rashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
11 hours ago
A. See that can only be monitored with a proper ultrasound or a machine which can check the heartbeat of the child otherwise there is no third way to figure it out further if you need to know more you can get a sonography done with your gynaecologist to have better clarity
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Zika Virus Infection in Children
Pregnancy is a joyful phase for moms because they're introducing a new life into the world. Unfortunately, illnesses and medical conditions can make the pregnancy a bit bumpy - Zika virus is one such problem as it directly affects the foetus. When an infant is born with the Zika virus, he exhibits a neurological medical condition known as microphelany, which loosely translates to the shrinkage of the baby's brain.
In this post, we'll be covering what the Zika virus is and how it affects infants during and after pregnancy.
What is Zika Virus?
The Yellow Fever Mosquito or the Aedes Mosquito is known to be a carrier of the Zika Virus, often being responsible for dengue, malaria, and other illnesses. When it bites a pregnant woman, the virus gets transmitted through her blood into the foetus. Zika Virus doesn't harm young children or kids after pregnancy, but for foetuses in the womb, it causes microcephaly.
Microcephaly basically shrinks the brain and causes neurological defects, making it difficult for the foetus to breathe and function normally. The U.S. Center's for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that mothers do not travel to tropical areas or countries that have Zika virus outbreaks.
Does Zika affect children? Yes, it does. Read on.
How Does It Spread?
There are three main ways the virus spreads - through intercourse, by being bitten by the Aedes mosquito directly, and via blood transfusions or organ transplants.
Men are known to be carriers of the virus, and it is advisable not to have unprotected sex until after a thorough screening. For those infected with the virus, condoms should be used for at least six months since the virus is known to spread through semen via oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse.
Of course, these aren't the only ways. Here are a few other ways the virus spreads:
1. Congenital
Congenital infections involve the foetus. This is when the virus infects the mother and reaches the foetus several weeks before delivery.
2. Postnatal
Postnatal Zika infections are caused when the mosquito lands on the infant and bites him. These infections are asymptomatic (show no clear symptoms/signs) in nature and require routine paediatric care. Its symptoms may be confused with Dengue, which is why giving children NSAIDs is not recommended, unless a thorough medical evaluation is done. Giving Aspirin to kids may also increase the risk of developing Reyes syndrome in cases of postnatal Zika infections.
3. Through Breast Milk
Zika Virus infections have been found in breast milk, according to studies. However, it is not clear if the infections in breast milk get transmitted to babies, which is why the CDC recommends and encourages mothers to not stop breastfeeding despite the presence of the virus in breast milk.
Where is Zika Virus Commonly Found?
The Zika Virus is commonly found in:
Tropical areas and countries like Africa and Asia
Countries like Brazil, French Polynesia, and territories in the Pacific
People who travel to areas of Zika outbreaks as listed by the CDC
The first case of the Zika virus originated in Uganda back in 1947 in monkeys. Humans exhibited this disease in 1952 in Uganda, and later on in the United Republic of Tanzania. In 2007, the Island of Yap reported a Zika Outbreak which was followed by another 2013 case in French Polynesia and areas in the Pacific.
Zika Virus Symptoms in Children
Common Zika symptoms in toddlers and children are:
Mild rash
Fever
Pain in the joints
Reddish eyes (with zero pus)
Aching muscles
Headaches
Conjunctivitis
How Does Zika Affect Children?
Here is a list of zika virus effects on babies and children-
It causes microcephaly in unborn kids or children inside the womb
Microcephaly deforms the brain and skull in babies which leads to developmental problems like impaired vision and auditory issues
For children who contract the virus after birth, they don't show any developmental problems or birth defects. However, they do get a mild fever, rashes, and other symptoms outlined in the previous section.
Does Zika Trigger the Risk of Guillain Barre Syndrome in Kids?
Studies show that countries experiencing ongoing outbreaks of Zika virus infections have witnessed a notable rise in Guillain Barre Syndrome incidences in patients. A causal link has been determined with the evidence available, and it is estimated that for every 10,000 Zika infections, at least two cases of Guillain Barre Syndrome occurs.
How Is Zika Infection Diagnosed?
Zika virus effects on babies and pregnant moms are diagnosed in the following ways:
1. Ultrasound Scans
Ultrasound scans reveal fetal abnormalities within 2 to 29 weeks from the onset of symptoms. Women between 18 to 22 weeks of gestation are recommended a comprehensive ultrasound scan.
2. Blood Tests
Zika infections are known to travel through the bloodstream, and blood tests reveal that.
3. Urine Analysis
Your doctor may recommend a urine analysis test besides a blood test for further evaluation and diagnosis.
How To Treat Zika Infection in A Child?
If your child is older (not inside the womb) and is infected, you don't have to worry. Zika symptoms in children are not too serious and go away in a few weeks Here are a few ways on how to treat the infection naturally-
Make sure your child gets plenty of bed rest and stays indoors.
Apply paramethrin or any EPA-approved insect repellent to your child's clothing before he goes outside.
Make sure your child stays hydrated.
Avoid medications like NSAID's and aspirins to your child.
Use acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain.
Prevention Tips
These prevention tips will keep you safe and protected when travelling. Be sure to apply them to prevent a case of a Zika virus baby-
1. Wear Long-Sleeved Clothing
Cover your arms and legs when wearing clothing to prevent a mosquito bite. Go for long-sleeved varieties and make sure the fabric is thick. Several companies are manufacturing mosquito-poof maternity clothing for women using special fabrics infused with natural mosquito repellents like Citronella. Spray EPA-approved insect repellents on your clothing like Permethrin when going outdoors.
2. Stay Indoors Often
If you're travelling to areas where there are Zika outbreaks, it's best to stay indoors to minimise your risk of exposure. Use an air-conditioner in the rooms and when sleeping at nights, opt for a thick mosquito bed-net to keep yourself protected.
3. Avoid Zika-infected Areas
Of course this is common sense, but not travelling to Zika-infected areas is a sure-fire way to keep yourself safe. According to the CDC, high-risk Zika-infected areas include Africa, Asia, Pacific Islands, Central America, South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean.
4. Don't Have Sex
If you suspect your partner to be a Zika virus carrier, abstain from intercourse or use condoms for at least six months. Get your partner screened and avoided oral, anal, and vaginal intercourse until you receive confirmation.
Zika doesn't have any vaccines or treatments available currently, so routine paediatric care is the recommended route for babies born with the Zika virus due to its long-lasting consequences. The best way to avoid your foetus from contracting Zika is to keep yourself protected and pay heed to the prevention tips outlined above in this article.
Also Read: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Children Read more
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Importance of Functional Play in a Child's Growth and Development
Have you seen your toddler play for hours with a simple cardboard box? Or have fun with pots and pans or a piece of paper? Small children tend to play for a long time with the most commonplace items, throwing them around or banging them. As adults, we would wonder what on earth is so fascinating about the object that the child is so immersed in his play. This play stage, which is called functional play, starts during infancy and continues till the age of 2.
What is Functional Play?
A repetitive action which a child finds fun is called ‘functional play’. Experts describe the functional play as the ‘first play’ of a small child who uses something to entertain himself. This can include opening and closing things, throwing things, stacking blocks and knocking them down, pushing a toy here and there and banging objects together. Even though these activities are repetitive, it is a way for the child to know more about their world and the properties of physical objects they handle. This can prepare them to develop more complex skills going ahead and help them hone their gross and fine motor skills with practice. The functional play age of children can last from babyhood into toddlerhood.
How Does Functional Play Benefit Your Child?
Children love to play with simple items like blocks or empty pots and pans. Although they enjoy the sensory stimulation provided by these items, the benefits of playtime go far beyond sensory stimulation. It helps the child build his fine and gross motor skills along with his pre-literacy and thinking skills. For example, the below functional play activities can benefit your child in the following ways:
1. Arranging Cars in a Line by Colour
Although a simple activity, this can help the child identify and classify objects according to certain physical characteristics like shape and colour.
2. Arranging Interlocking Blocks in Position
When children snap interlocking blocks together without making anything in particular, the activity still builds a hand to eye coordination. This is what helps them identify what position the blocks can be snapped together according to their shape.
3. Throwing Something at the Wall and Watching it Bounce Back
This activity may result in a lot of noise and the danger of the object hitting someone else, but it will help your child learn the concept of cause and effect. Newton’s Third Law of Motion – For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Functional play is an essential element of a child’s cognitive development. So it is the job of the parent to encourage it and not stop the child from doing it. Different from dramatic play, functional play does not focus on using toys or objects in conventional ways. Instead, your child will focus on the physical characteristics of the object and explore it as he sees fit. A cardboard box will be as exciting as a toy train set for him. So let them explore and enjoy!
Also Read:
Importance of Pretend Play in Kid's Development
Brain Boosting Memory Games for Children
Effective Ways for Increasing a Child's Concentration Read more
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Keeping Allergies at Bay when Introducing Solid Foods to your Baby
Your baby is growing up fast. She has crossed the age of six months, and she can probably sit up on her own. She looks with interest as you have your meals. This is the best time to introduce her to solids! However, the journey of your baby from breast milk to solid foods might cause some food allergies. It is critical for you to be aware of the foods that can upset your baby’s digestive system and know just how to save him from scary allergies!
Starting solid foods is quite an adventure for your little ones. They have fed exclusively on milk - breast milk or formula - all this while and it is now time to eat something more interesting! While starting solid foods is crucial for your child's growth and development, this is also a very sensitive time for his stomach. Many babies come down with one food allergy or the other when they start solid foods, or have been eating solid foods for a relatively short period of time. While these allergies are common, that doesn't make them any less painful for your baby!
Common Food Allergies To Guard Your Baby Against - and What Causes Them
1. Hives
Hives are pale, patchy areas on the skin that are itchy and pinkish in appearance. They are often known to disappear and make a sudden re-appearance again.
Foods that cause them: soybeans, wheat, fish, eggs and shellfish
2. Eczema
Eczema is a reddish rash on the skin which is dry, thickened and scaly in appearance. Although eczema is usually aggravated by heat, dust and pollution, food sources are not uncommon.
Foods that cause them: dairy products, soy and eggs
3. Breathlessness
This is the scariest allergy of all. Your little one’s airway closes, and she finds it hard to breathe. Like all allergies, the exact cause cannot be pinpointed, but there are certain foods proven to bring this on in some babies.
Foods that cause them: certain types of nuts and eggs
Must Do's to Avoid Food Allergies in Babies
The key to preventing food allergies in babies is simple: totally avoid foods that cause them. But this is simpler said than done! If you are feeding a little bit of everything to your baby, as most mother do, tracking the allergen becomes all the more difficult. It is best to consult your allergist at the earliest in case of an outbreak. The expert, after taking a few blood or skin tests, would be able to tell you the foods that are triggering the allergic reactions in your baby.
Here are some must-dos you should keep in mind to avoid allergies and ensure that your baby is gaining all the right nutrients from the food she is just beginning to eat:
1. Introduce Solids Very, Very Gradually
This is the most important step. You must never rush into solid foods. Introduce solid foods to your baby in a phased manner only, and be constantly vigilant to any reactions or symptoms she might develop as a result.
2. Never Forget to Read Food Labels
Whenever you feed your baby anything brought from the store, read the food labels carefully. This is especially critical before introducing a new food, and will go a long way in preventing severe allergic reactions in your baby.
3. Give Detailed Instructions to Caretakers
Leave detailed written instructions about the foods to be avoided if you have day-care workers, babysitters or relatives taking care of your little one. Also, make sure that the caretakers know exactly what steps to follow in case of an allergic outbreak.
4. Make An Anti-allergy Action Plan
Allergies usually don’t follow any rules and recurrence is usually more severe than the first episode. Consult with your baby’s pediatrician or allergist, and chalk out a detailed action plan for a sudden outbreak of allergies. The doctor might prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector which automatically administers the right dose of epinephrine to your baby.
5. Finally, Keep Track of and Act According to Your Family History
If allergies run in the family, chances are your baby would also inherit them. In that case, delay the introduction of solids for as long as possible and breastfeed your baby. Breast milk improves the immunity of your little one, and makes her less prone to allergies.
Although food allergies seem like scary monsters, the good news is that most children outgrow them before they begin school. However, if your little one does have an allergy, ensure that you use anti-allergic products like fabrics, detergents, etc. as food allergies can trigger allergies of other kind as well. A little bit of vigilance and care is all that is needed to keep those allergies at bay. Good luck! Read more
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To all the pregnant mommas out there! Trust your body and go with the flow. All will be well.
To all the pregnant mommas out there!! I'm glad to share my birth story with you all. It all started when I went for my regular check up to the hospital four days before my due date. The doctor asked me to get admitted in the hospital so that they can induce labor pain. My amniotic fluid level was quite high and hence the head was not in engaged position. I went into the labor ward around 9.45 pm and they took NST until 11.15 pm. Since the expected NST trace was not seen they asked me to walk for sometime. I took a walk with my husband and listened to music for sometime. They called me in, gave a cup of horlicks and took NST again. Around 1 am while I was under observation I felt like my water broke. They confirmed that and within 10 mins I started having contractions which lasted for 40 secs within 3 mins interval. So eventually my labor pain started naturally. I lost lot of fluid and the pain intensified. I was not allowed to walk or exercise since they had given me IV so I kept myself diverted by talking to the nurses there. The entire team was so supportive. I threw up twice since I couldn't be in sitting position and was asked to only lie down on my back. I got severe cramps due to vomiting. NST trace was satisfiable to the doctors team only in the morning around 8 am. They did an internal check up and informed me I was dilated 4 cms and 50% effaced. My husband and my mother supported me while I was in pain. My husband kept telling it's going to be alright and to stay strong. He even told me stories so that I could get distracted from pain. I did not shout in the labor ward even though the labor pain was excruciating because in case of normal delivery I knew I would need my energy till the last phase of pregnancy. The doctors team and the nurses in the labor ward appreciated me for not shouting and mentioned that I'm coping up well with the pain. Throughout the time I was having contractions I kept telling myself I'm one step closer to meeting my little bundle of joy and my body has the ability to cross this phase. The doctor came in around 9.30 am, did an internal check and then informed my family members and me that though I was progressing well and could deliver normally within the next 4-5 hrs, the baby's head wasn't engaged yet and there maybe risks towards the last phase of labor for the baby. It was almost 8 hours since my water broke and we had to take a call - either to wait for normal delivery wherein there were risks attached for the baby or to opt for C section. Ultimately we wanted the well being of our little one and decided to go for C section. Between shifting me from labor ward to OT I had contractions which lasted for a minute within one minute time gap. I had the opportunity to experience both the types of deliveries. During my pregnancy, I was determined to have a normal delivery. But in life things always don't work the way you want it to be. There I was in the operation theatre in pain and after few minutes at exactly 10.37 am on Feb 20, 2020 my cute little princess was born and they showed her to me. I gave her a peck on her cheek which is still fresh in my memory. The labor pain, the last minute decision everything seemed to vanish at that moment. I was happy that my little one was healthy and safe. After all a mother only wishes for that. I'm now proud of my scar and have become even more stronger than before. Our little one needs us as they are new to this world and we, being the parents, need to guide them in their life. Read more
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Father of a 6 yr 4 m old child
14 hours ago
Q. my son is now 7 yrs and and last 3 three days ,he is complaining that he had bad and negative thoughts and this is too hilarious that.
we r too worried ,pls suggest 🙏
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
14 hours ago
A. it is quite natural small babies will be having different moods different types of behaviour please continue to interact the baby engage activities like drawing painting even clay sculpture o k
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
12 hours ago
Q. Hi this is pooja I am 6 weeks 3 days pregnant n m 31 yrs old my doctor prescribed me this interjection called choriotec 5000 once a week for a month .. I have already took two times but now my lil scared so can u pls tell me anyone here is it safe to take more ??? It’s not harmful nah ??? Pls ans dr
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 8 m old girl
12 hours ago
A. Your doctor must have given it to you for a particular reason so I’m just going to advise you to follow what she says yet if you have a doubt or you’re scared about anything then why don’t you just prospect with your Dr as to what what purpose are you taking this and what is meant to be done in case you do not take the injection or you do not want to take
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
9 hours ago
Q. Mam last perioda mujhe 10 april ko aye the aur aj mene pregnancy test kiya hai to 1 line light ayi h to mujhe kya krna chahiye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
9 hours ago
A. beta HCG test kare ok. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 7 months
8 hours ago
Q. can I eat egg daily?
now I am in 1st trimester
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
7 hours ago
A. yes you can eat egg daily even in first trimester. if there is no relief it is better you see your doctor for proper examination particularly physical examination if there is need for doing investigations to find out the problem and treatment ok
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
6 hours ago
Q. #asktheexperts
Which are the safe sites to hire japas in New Delhi (EDD July)
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
6 hours ago
A. you can always ask questions related to the health of child and mother in this section and it can bez either related to diet or food or vaccination or any type of medicine goingz on and given by your doctor.
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