Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Videos you might be interested in
Suggested for you
How and When to Start Brushing Your Baby’s Teeth
It’s true what they say about having and raising a child - it is indeed one of life’s biggest joys! But it’s also no surprise that behind that beautiful little human, is the hard work and consistency of a well-meaning parent!
As a parent, you want to make sure your little one is getting enough sleep and playtime, eating the right foods, achieving her developmental milestones, and more.
With this long list of things to help keep your baby hale and hearty, it can be easy to overlook dental health. After all, when she doesn’t even have more than a few teeth, is taking care of them that important? She’ll lose her milk teeth anyway, right? Alas, this isn’t the case. In reality, the idea that baby teeth don’t really matter because babies lose them anyway is a common myth that could harm your child’s health.
Why Milk Teeth Matter
Milk teeth form the foundation of permanent teeth in more ways than you can imagine. A few reasons are listed below:
Cavities in milk teeth increase the risk of cavities in permanent teeth. Research and studies have shown that the risk goes up upto three times.
Overlooking your baby teeth can cause babies to lose milk teeth early. Since milk teeth are placeholders for permanent teeth, their premature loss can cause the permanent teeth to grow in the wrong manner and in the wrong places.
The first five years of a child are critical from the lens of development. Healthy milk teeth ensure that they chew their food well and extract nutrition properly.
Now as we understand the importance of Milk teeth, it's also important to understand how to care for them. Milk teeth are tender and susceptible to cavities.
Luckily, taking care of them can be effortless and can even create more bonding between you two if started early on. Take a look at our guide on taking care of milk teeth and making it fun and simple while you’re at it!
When Should You Start Brushing Your Baby's Teeth?
Brushing must begin from the eruption of the first tooth in your baby’s mouth. Brushing action is the most effective way of cleaning. Cloth/finger are not effective substitutes and hence starting brushing early is key. Start with a baby soft toothbrush like Colgate Kids 0-2 Toothbrush and a baby-safe toothpaste such as Colgate Kids 0-2 Years Toothpaste which has 0% artificial colours, flavours, preservatives and is safe in case swallowed accidentally. Once teething is complete and your child’s eating habits evolve you can switch to Colgate Kids 3-5 Years toothpaste which protects tender milk teeth against cavities.
It is also advised to visit a pedodontist once in the first year to get the baby’s teeth examined.
How to Brush Your Baby’s Teeth
Points below list out tips to brush your baby’s teeth right.
Sit in a spot where there is plenty of light. Place your baby’s head on your lap.
When your baby’s teeth start coming in - Start using a small, soft toothbrush
Put a small amount of baby-safe toothpaste such as Colgate Kids 0-2 Years toothpaste on your baby’s toothbrush. Even toothpaste as little as the size of a rice grain is enough for your baby. Colgate’s 0-2 Years toothpaste doesn’t contain artificial preservatives, flavours, or colours and has a lesser abrasive formula that cleans milk teeth gently.
Place the toothbrush’s bristles at an angle next to a row of teeth and against the gum line. Gently approach the mouth and slowly brush each individual tooth. Make sure you brush the front and back of each tooth in small strokes and light circular motions that move back and forth. Do this twice a day for the best results.
Don’t forget to clean your baby’s tongue with the toothbrush too. This will ward off bacterial accumulation and prevent bad breath.
Post brushing, rinse the toothbrush with water and leave it to dry.
When it comes to brushing your baby’s teeth, you can never begin soon enough! For parents, knowing when to brush their baby’s teeth can make a huge impact on their child’s future dental health.
If you wish to know more about Colgate Kids Oral Care Range, view them here.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics for children. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.
Also Read:
How to Clean Baby Teeth
How to Take Care of Your Baby’s Emerging Teeth Read more
Suggested for you
Typhoid Vaccine for Kids
Typhoid is a major health concern in India, with children being more prone to it than adults. This contagious disease spreads through contaminated food and water and is caused by a bacteria known as salmonella typhi. It can impair physical and cognitive development in children. The best way to prevent typhoid is to immunise your baby against it at the right time.
Typhoid Vaccine - What Is It?
Typhoid vaccines help prevent typhoid. Vaccination against this disease is vital, otherwise, it can lead to serious complications. Typhoid is also known to adversely affect young children. There are different types of vaccines available that prevent typhoid - you must always consult your paediatrician to know which would suit your toddler.
Types of Typhoid Vaccinations
Typhoid is a serious problem and should not be taken lightly. There are two types of typhoid vaccinations:
Typhoid Polysaccharide Vaccine
Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine
Who Should Get Immunised Against Typhoid?
Generally, typhoid vaccination is recommended for:
People travelling to and around typhoid-ridden countries like India
People who are in close contact with an infected person
People who work with salmonella typhi bacteria in India
In India, however, routine typhoid vaccination is advised as we are more prone to infections. Typhoid vaccine for babies can be given as early as the age of 9-12 months.
The Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine or TCV is administered when the baby is between 9 and 12 months old. As per IAP guidelines, there is no need to give a booster dose of TCV.
Typhoid Vaccine Cost in India
The cost of typhoid vaccine in India may vary depending on the type of vaccine (polysaccharide or conjugate), and the brand of vaccine used.
Typhoid Vaccine Schedule
The typhoid vaccine schedule in India is included in the list of mandatory vaccinations suggested by the paediatrician, right after the birth of a baby. But before giving it to a baby, remember these important things:
Number of Doses
Only a single dose of TCV in enough between 9 to 12 months of age.
Recommended Ages
Ideally, the typhoid shot is recommended for children older than 2 years of age. it has to be repeated every 3 years. Alternatively, TCV can be given at the age of 9-12 months.
Things to Avoid Before or After Getting the Typhoid Vaccine
Before giving your child the typhoid vaccine, keep these things in mind:
This vaccine cannot be given if your child is allergic to any component of the vaccine. The doctor must be made aware of allergies if any, much before the vaccination is given.
Your child must not be even moderately ill at the time of getting the vaccination.
Anyone who has had a severe reaction to the previous dose of the same vaccine should not be given another dose.
Although the typhoid vaccine is absolutely safe, your child may develop a fever for a day or two after the vaccine is taken. You need not panic. Visit the doctor immediately if the fever persists for too long.
What Happens If Your Child Misses the Dose
If you are worried that your toddler may have missed the vaccine at 9 months, don’t worry – you can still give it to her before she turns one. Moreover, TCV can be given to your child at any time.
Possible Risks and Side-Effects of the Vaccine
Typhoid vaccine side-effects are generally mild - they tend to go away in a few days. In rare cases, there may be an allergic reaction. The side-effects have been discussed below:
1. Serious Side-Effects
Generally, the typhoid vaccine does not have any serious side-effects. Contact your paediatrician in case of:
Signs of a severe allergic reaction like dizziness, hives, and swelling of the face and throat
Difficulty breathing
Weakness
Very high fever
Changes in behaviour
Although rare, these may manifest within a few hours of taking the vaccination.
2. Less Serious Side-Effects
Some less severe side-effects of the typhoid shot are:
Fever
Headache
Redness and swelling
Itching and soreness at the place where the injection is given
General discomfort
Typhoid is a serious disease that is best prevented in young children. If you are alert and careful, you can ensure a healthy childhood for your little one. Regular vaccinations and timely care will help you in doing just that.
Disclaimer: This information is for the purpose of reference alone. Please consult your paediatrician regarding the actual vaccination schedule.
Resources and References: Mayo Clinic
Also Read: Typhoid in Babies Read more
Check out this new Memory
ragini srivastava
Mom of a 2 yr 7 m old girl
4 mins ago
#stylishbaby
1 Likes
0 Comment
Suggested for you
Baby's Chapped Lips - Causes, Signs and Remedies
As the weather starts changing, it brings with it differences temperature and humidity levels. This can result in days where your little one’s skin and lips can get dry, which further leads to cracked and chapped lips. Since babies’ skin gets moisture from the milk they feed on, they have drier skin as compared to adults that can easily get affected by a change in the weather conditions.
Should You Worry If Your Baby Has Cracked Lips?
For young babies - especially newborns - dry lips should always be a cause for concern. If ignored for too long, dry lips can end up cracking or splitting and also develop into sores.
One of the reasons for cracked lips in babies is the habit of the baby to constantly suck on his lips. However, cracked lips is a strong sign of dehydration in your child. Weather changes and exposure to the wind can often cause this as well, but if your child tends to breathe from his mouth more than his nose, that could cause the lips to be chapped as well.
What Are the Causes of Chapped Lips in Babies?
The reasons for an infant’s dry lips can vary from personal habits to environmental conditions.
1. Dehydration
The causes of dehydration are two-fold: one is mostly dry weather that can pull moisture out of the baby’s skin, and the second is being in weather that can keep the baby perpetually sweaty. To add to that, if the number of feeds a baby needs is not up to the mark, the body will not be hydrated enough. This can lead to dry lips. Some signs of dehydration in babies are:
Sunken eyes
Crying with no tears
Cold and blotchy hands and feet
A fast heartbeat
A ‘soft spot’ on the baby’s head
2. Deficiency in Nutrition
The presence of chapped lips is another sign that indicates the baby’s current nutrition not being enough. If a newborn baby has been diagnosed with lower levels of certain nutrients in the body, his lips will fail to retain moisture. This is often aggravated by a baby having low immunity.
3. Reaction to Allergies
Allergies can exist in a child in multiple forms, but some of them can be triggered even by wearing certain types of clothes. Sensitive skin can react to a lotion or cream, or even the cloth that is used to drape him. If the mother uses a certain chapstick and tends to kiss the child often, that, too, could trigger an allergy.
4. A Tendency to Breathe via the Mouth
Mouth breathing allows air to be around the lips constantly. This air invariably picks up any moisture that it finds in its path. The presence of an illness that involves a blocked nose often leads to mouth breathing in babies and causes cracked lips, making them uncomfortable.
5. Fluctuations in the Weather
Babies need to be in a safe and controlled environment, especially when they are just born because their skin is not used to the extremities of the weather. Hot summers, cold winters or windy days can allow moisture to soak from every source, leaving your little one with chapped lips.
6. Sucking or Licking of the Lips
The tendency to keep sucking on something is quite strong in the initial weeks. This causes babies to keep poking out their tongue and sucking on their lips constantly. The saliva in the mouth evaporates from the lips gradually and leaves them dry. This repetitive cycle causes cracks to appear on them.
Do Babies Get Chapped Lips Due to Breastfeeding?
A newborn spends the maximum amount of time feeding off the breast, and that may seem to have a connection with the presence of cracked lips. But feeding is not what causes the lips to be chapped. Breast milk, on the contrary, can help chapped lips heal. If the baby latches well and gets enough feeds throughout the day, the chances of dry lips actually seem to reduce.
What Are the Signs of Chapped Lips in Infants?
For a newborn’s chapped lips, the symptoms can be:
Lips being predominantly dry as compared to your own
Cracks appearing on the surface of the lips that may go deeper
The skin around the lips starts getting darker in colour
The lips are sore and have a slightly reddish colour to them
The cracks are intense and cause blood to seep out at times
How Can You Treat Chapped Lips in a Baby?
In the case of babies, there are certain remedies you can use to bring speedy relief and alleviate discomfort.
1. Infant-Safe Lip Balm
One should never resort to applying balms and creams that adults use. There are specific balms available in the market that are made especially for newborns – they are made of natural ingredients that are mild and suited for a baby’s delicate skin. It’s always best to get your doctor’s go-ahead before making a purchase, though.
2. Petroleum Jelly
Made from lanolin, this acts as a potent moisturiser for your little one’s lips, helping heal the cracks faster. The presence of lanolin makes it a gentle healer and is absolutely safe, even if your baby ends up licking his lips and consuming it in that fashion.
Take a tiny bit on your finger and slowly apply it on your infant’s lips. Try using these at night when the baby sleeps so that it stays longer and the lips get the time they need to heal.
3. Coconut Oil
An age-old remedy, many parents opt for using the oil since it is readily available at home. The main constituent of the oil is lauric acid which brings about the healing and doesn’t affect the baby. Disinfect your finger and dab a little oil on it. Rub it on baby’s lips and repeat multiple times whenever dry.
4. Nipple Cream
These creams are manufactured keeping two things in mind - one, that the nipples need to heal, and two, that the baby will end up consuming some cream when he feeds. Hence, this cream is completely safe for your baby and serves a similar function when applied to his lips. Do get a doctor’s green signal before proceeding.
5. Breast Milk
This is the safest and the most natural way to heal cracked lips. Use your nipple to gently put some milk on his lips or dab it with a finger. Don’t rub it on his lips. The milk allows the lips to be hydrated and the natural ingredients accelerate the healing.
What If Your Child Has Chronic Chapped Lips?
Chronic chapped lips in a baby might indicate a nutritional deficiency or even extra consumption of vitamin A. There are rare instances where babies contract Kawasaki disease – a condition that causes inflammation and fever and is prevalent in babies between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. However, dry lips, in that case, are accompanied by other symptoms including fever and red eyes. So if that seems to stay for longer periods, get your child checked.
How to Prevent Cracked Lips in Infants
Prevention is better than cure, more so in the case of infants. To prevent cracked lips in infants, maintain an optimum temperature at home and use a humidifier if needed. Cover your child in proper clothes and protect him from the sun or strong winds. Also, make sure to feed your baby more often during hot weather to keep the baby’s hydration levels optimum.
Chapped lips might be a very common condition for grown-ups. But the sensitive nature of the baby’s skin and the dependency on feeding through the mouth can make it quite painful and uncomfortable for him. Treating this in the right way the moment the signs appear can help it from getting more severe.
Resources and References: Medical News Today
Also Read:
How to Clean Infant Tongue
Baby Rubbing Eyes
How to Brush Baby’s Teeth
How to Wash Your Baby’s Hair Read more
Suggested for you
Breastfeeding in Public - Guidelines for New Moms
Maternal instincts urge mothers to feed their babies whenever they are hungry, and mothers often have to do it, even if they are outside... or else deal with a hungry and howling infant! Some women are comfortable and confident in breastfeeding and do not mind exposing a bare breast or two to quell their child’s hunger, but not everyone is that confident. Most women prefer to cover up when feeding their babies when in public.
Breastfeeding your infant in public places like shopping malls, restaurants and any other area where you may be observed by others can be considered breastfeeding in public. Breastfeeding is a very intimate experience between mother and child. This is why new mothers often feel uncomfortable at the thought of having to do it where they will be seen.
Is It Legal to Breastfeed in Public?
There have been some breastfeeding in public laws that have been passed to support nursing women. The Ontario Human Rights Commission says that nobody is allowed to harass or ask a nursing mother to stop, cover up or move elsewhere. Breastfeeding in public India is quite normal in rural areas where it is viewed as something natural, unlike urban cities where breasts are often seen as a sexual symbol.
World Breastfeeding Week is celebrated by women across the country during which they promote the normalization of breastfeeding in public by having breastfeeding events. There was an event held in Bangalore where nursing mothers gathered together in a public area to nurse their children in an attempt to normalise breastfeeding.
Tips for Breastfeeding in Public
Knowing that it is not against the law to feed your baby in public, here are some tips to help you get into the swing of things:
Dress the Part: Opt for loose button-down shirts or anything that is easy to pull to the side and back in place quickly and efficiently to protect your modesty.
Practice Makes Perfect: Practice having your baby latch on in front of your partner, a close friend or a relative to see how much exposure you are getting in the process. You can do a mock latching session in front of the mirror if there is nobody around to help.
Cover Up: Always plan ahead and carry either a shawl or a blanket so that you can drape it around both you and your child, making a temporary tepee for your baby. Just remember to ensure that your baby gets enough air to breathe.
Sling It: Slings make everything easier for breastfeeding as it makes it look like your baby is simply taking a nap.
Be a Wallflower: Find a secluded spot where you can feel more comfortable feeding your child. Avoid loos; if you wouldn’t eat in there do not make your child eat there either.
Turn Away for Latch On: Turn away from anyone around you as you move to help your baby latch on to avoid any accidental exposure as your little one gets settled in to feed. You can turn back once you both are comfortable and you feel sure nothing unnecessary is exposed.
Ask, and You Shall Receive: Most public establishments like airports, shopping malls and sometimes even amusement parks have areas designated for nursing mothers. However, even if you are in a place that doesn’t, most people quite understand when it comes to nursing babies and would be willing to help you by allowing you the use of a more private area.
Feed Before the Storm: A fussing child always gets unwanted attention, making it difficult to help your baby latch on without being overly conscious about who is watching. If you are uncomfortable and distracted, you will not be able to calm your baby down for feeding. Make sure you feed your baby on time to avoid being the centre of attention and more importantly, so your baby does not experience stress from hunger.
Say Cheese: You are doing something important for your child, so if anyone looks at you with disapproval, just give them the biggest new momma smile you can. You are simply doing what is natural, and there is no shame in it.
Response Ready: It is rare for someone to say something to you about your breastfeeding, but in case they do, it is best to be ready with a response. A few ways to respond are discussed later.
What to Wear When Breastfeeding in a Public Place
Many women prefer to wear nursing tank tops under their clothes as they have built-in bras that make it easy for them to whip out and put things away without much fuss and bother. Other mamas simply don loose shirts or button down ones that make it easy for them to feed their little ones in comfort, while also being reasonably modest about it. Most dresses are not very wise to wear unless the style makes access easy without having to pull up the dress entirely, like the button down dresses. Whatever you decide, ensure that you are comfortable and able to address your baby’s hunger needs immediately.
What to Do If You are Harassed While Breastfeeding in Public
There are a few things you could try if you feel like you are being harassed for breastfeeding your baby in public. Here are a few you can try:
Move away from people who are criticising you and look for people from whom you will get some support.
If there is nobody around to lend support, and you feel uncomfortable, take your child and leave. You can always contact the manager or the owner of the establishment at a later time and share your concerns.
If you are feeling calm enough, simply inform the person that breastfeeding is not a crime and that you are within your rights to breastfeed your child when he is hungry no matter where you are.
Carry a copy of any laws supporting breastfeeding from where you live in your diaper bag.
It helps to ask for the name or business card of the person who is making the complaint against you. This will let them know that you will not simply keep silent on the matter, even if you do choose to leave due to your child becoming upset, and that you will be able to identify them if you ever needed to.
There are bound to be support groups for young mothers that you can reach out to for help or support if you feel the need for it.
Breastfeeding is not something that is really discriminated against, though there are instances where it does occur. Some people take the act the wrong way, especially if they see it sexually. Others are simply uncomfortable by women who breastfeed in public, viewing it through the same lens as the Calgary radio station which once caused a lot of rages when they compared breastfeeding to nose-picking. Most people in general, however, are very accepting and encouraging of the act. Nursing mothers are allowed to feed their children anywhere that they are allowed to be, no matter where they in the world they live.
If you do it modestly and with confidence, using some of the tips suggested here, you can help normalise it and help future mothers feel less anxious about it when the time comes. However an individual chooses to see it, breastfeeding is something that is an essential part of life and as a mother; it is within your rights to see to the needs of your child!
Also Read: Common Breastfeeding Problems & Solutions Read more
Suggested for you
Suggested for you
Ankita Mehta has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. is white discharge in 8th month normal?
Ankita Mehta
Mom of a 8 yr 7 m old girl
4 hours ago
A. hi
yes
but if it is too thick or clear like water,if there other symptoms like itching, irritation, redness,foul smell from vagina, please visit your gynecologist
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
4 hours ago
Q. My son is 5 months old is suffering from cough..what to do?
Dr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
3 hours ago
A. give nasal saline drops every few hourly to the child in the nasal cavity.
try to prevent temperature variations around the child
you can go for indirect steam inhalation which will again help in decreasing both cough and cold
continue the regular diet of the child
if there is no improvement in few days then meet your doctoru
for fever and pain give paracetamol.u
anti-cold medicines at this age have got side effects so can be given only after medical consultation.
POOJA KOTHARI has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 6 months
3 hours ago
Q. hi. in Feb my period was last and I did pregnancy test in March its positive results but my belly is not being bigger
POOJA KOTHARI
Mom of a 7 yr 1 m old boy
3 hours ago
A. Typically, your bump becomes noticeable during your second trimester. Between 16-20 weeks, your body will start showing your baby's growth. For some women, their bump may not be noticeable until the end of the second trimester and even into the third trimester. The second trimester starts in the fourth month.
Rashmi has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
1 hour ago
Q. I am 7 weeks pregnant. Before pregnancy I used to take medicine named Cyra 20 mg for acidity. Now since the day when I got to know that I am pregnant I am not taking any medicine for acidity but daily I am suffering from it. After having breakfast it starts. I am not eating any spicy food , oily food etc. Please help on this
Read moreRashmi
Mom of a 9 yr 7 m old girl
1 hour ago
A. Start having chilled milk directly from the refrigerator that usually helps a lot in reducing down acidity and anyways when you take so much of medicine in the body gets addicted to it to check with your doctor if you need to do anything or any other medication would be friendly in cases of emergency
Dr Ghouse has added a new answer
Mom of a 1 yr 9 m old child
46 mins ago
Q. hi mam , my baby 1 year and 9 month old just now onwards stop breast feeding .pls suggest formula milk to my baby
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
37 mins ago
A. your baby is more than 1 year 9 months of age any milk including buffalo milk cows milk 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
Trying To Conceive
46 mins ago
Q. #AskTheExpert hello dr.
baby planning kar rhi kuch tips btayiye conceive ho jaye
Dr Ghouse
Paediatrician
38 mins ago
A. it's a natural process 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
Check out this new Memory
Prachi
Mom of a 6 m old boy
New Milestone
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Supriya jayant chauhan
Guardian of a 1 m old boy
1 min ago
#walloffame
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
Upadhyay Neelam
Mom of a 6 m old boy
2 mins ago
My son learning to sit by his self
0 Likes
0 Comment
Check out this new Memory
asiya
Mom of a 2 yr 10 m old girl
5 mins ago
#stylishbaby
0 Likes
0 Comment
Tell us more about yourself get More Personalised
- Infant0 to 6 Months
- Baby6 Months to 2 Yrs
- Toddler2 to 4 yrs
- Kids4-6 yrs
- Big Kids6+ yrs
- Expecting
- Trying to Conceive