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Dry Skin in Babies
For a parent, the baby's health is of utmost importance. It needs to be cared for in different ways. This means taking care of their internal health by ensuring the right kind of nutrition and choosing products that not only secure their well-being but also secure their comfort. Parents have to be very careful about choosing everything from diapers to skin care products. For choosing the right skin care product, you need to understand the skin issues that can become a problem for babies. Dry skin is a particularly vexing problem in babies that parents need to deal with.
Video: Baby Dry Skin - Causes, Remedies & Prevention
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZHNmvf4kbZQ
What is Dry Skin
Your baby's skin is thinner and more delicate than your skin. The skin is thus more sensitive to the environment. Baby dry skin patches are common during the harsh winter and summer months.
What are the Causes of Dry Skin
Babies are covered in vernix which is a thick coating that protects the baby's skin from the amniotic fluid. After birth, the nurse will wipe the vernix off your baby. Once it's removed, there will be some peeling or flaking. This is usually seen on the skin of the hands, soles, and ankles.
Other reasons why your baby might have dry skin include:
The environment they are in is too cold, too hot, or too dry. The environment affects the skin of your baby more than it affects your skin. It takes away the precious moisture in your baby's skin. Such an environment could be caused by using a heater during the winter months or using an air conditioner during the summer months.
Bathing your baby too much will strip her skin of the extra oils and moisture she needs to stay hydrated.
How to Treat Your Baby's Dry Skin?
There are many steps you can take to help your baby's skin stay hydrated. Dry skin remedies for babies can be found right at your home without having to make a trip to the doctor.
Home Remedies for Baby Dry Skin
Use a moisturizer. If you notice that your baby's skin has dry patches of skin with flaking, then you must start using a moisturizer at least twice a day. There are many moisturizers in the market that cater especially to babies. Be sure to get advice from your doctor on which baby cream to use. Never use moisturizers made for adults as they have chemicals in the composition that will be harmful to your baby's sensitive skin. In addition to using baby moisturizer, you can use baby soap to correct the dryness of the skin.
Use a humidifier. The environment in which your baby is makes a big difference to her skin. If the environment is too dry, then it will strip the oils and moisture from your baby's skin. To correct this, you can keep a humidifier in her room. This will correct the humidity levels and fix any dryness in the air.
Oil Massage: Using olive oil or baby oil for a daily massage, or applying it topically to dry patches, effectively moisturises the baby’s skin. This helps protect against dry skin.
Use Petroleum Jelly: Thick and protective, petroleum jelly helps combat dryness by locking in the moisture of the skin. You can apply a thin layer to the dry patches of skin.
Use Calendula: Calendula, which is a skin-friendly herb, when mixed with coconut oil, becomes an effective remedy for dry skin. You can use this in consultation with the doctor especially if the baby is suffering from eczema.
How to Prevent Your Baby from Getting Dry Skin?
While dry skin in babies is easily corrected, it could be uncomfortable for your baby. Here are a few ways in which you can prevent your baby's skin from drying out.
Do not bathe your baby too frequently: Contrary to what you might think, a baby requires no more than three baths a week. You must also restrict the amount of time your baby spends in the water.
Massage with oil: The oil massage, not just aids in your child's development, it also ensures that too much oil is not removed from her skin.
Lukewarm water: Using hot water will strip the essential oils from your baby's skin. Use lukewarm water instead.
Use the right soap: Baby products are widely recommended for a reason. They are best suited for your baby and consider the sensitivity and delicate nature of your baby's skin. They are less harsh than soaps made for adults.
Play in water: If your baby loves playing in the water, then let her do so in clean water rather than soapy water. It is less drying and will not irritate her skin.
Pat dry: The wiping motion of a towel against your baby's skin can prove to be too abrasive for her delicate skin. Make sure you pat the excess moisture off her skin.
Cover your child: Clothes are a great barrier and do not let too much moisture evaporate from your baby's skin. This is especially true if you are taking your baby outside. The sun and the wind could cause a loss of moisture. A broad spectrum baby-sunscreen with SPF over 15 can safely be applied to babies over 6 months old.
Baby laundry detergent: The clothes your baby wears can be abrasive to her skin if not washed with baby-friendly laundry detergent.
Could Dry Skin in Babies be a Sign of any Condition?
Sometimes, the dry patches on your baby's skin might turn red. This could possibly mean that she has eczema or atopic dermatitis. Mostly, baby dry skin eczema will clear if you moisturise the skin regularly. You should visit your doctor only if the redness persists even after a few days or itches despite moisturizing.
Ichthyosis is a rare genetic condition that shows dry skin with scaling and redness. It is accompanied by the thickening of the skin on the hands and soles. A dermatologist's evaluation is necessary for this condition.
Always consult a doctor before administering any new skin care products to your baby. Talk to your doctor about preventive measures for dry skin in your babies. While testing new products for your baby, ensure that you pay close attention to their skin and behaviour to make sure that there is no adverse reaction to your baby's health. In case of any rashes, blisters, scabs or any other side effects, discontinue the product and immediately talk to a skin specialist for healthier alternatives. Read more
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Full-Term Pregnancy
Pregnancy is an exciting as well as anxious time for any family. . The safety of the mother and wellbeing of the baby is everyone’s top priority. Most mothers wish to experience a healthy and a normal delivery, however, one of the important aspects to ensure is that the pregnancy should reach its full-term There are many facts and even myths around full-term pregnancy, and hence every pregnant woman and those aspiring to be pregnant should know about these so as to be prepared.
What is Full-Term Pregnancy?
A full -term pregnancy is one that completes 39 weeks. During medical emergencies, doctors may opt for an early delivery, but delivering when you are 39 weeks pregnant is the best scenario under normal circumstances. Till a few years ago, a pregnancy completing 37 weeks was considered to be full-term however, according to the latest directive of the ACOG or the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists basis their review researches in 2013, it was concluded that the full-term was best at 39 weeks.
What are the Different Pregnancy Terms?
Depending upon the duration the gestation period lasts for, pregnancy terms can be categorised as the following:
Early term
This is referred to as pregnancy age and is between 37 weeks 0 days and 38 weeks 6 days.
Full-term
A pregnancy that lasts between 39 weeks 0 days and 40 weeks 6 days considered to be a full -term pregnancy weeks.
Late term
The gestation period lasts between 41 weeks 0 days and 41 weeks 6 days.
Post term
A pregnancy that lasts 42 weeks 0 days and beyond is termed to be post term.
At 39 weeks, the baby will have attained normal growth making it a full -term pregnancy and is the optimal time for delivery.
Why are 39 Weeks Considered Full-Term Pregnancy?
It was a result of many research studies that prompted medical experts to regard 39 weeks as full-termfull-term, as opposed to the earlier proposed 37 weeks. It was found that babies born at full- term of 39 weeks were less susceptible to health issues, than those born at 37 weeks. Babies born at 39 weeks had a more developed brain, liver, and lungs as there was more time for organ development during gestation. . These babies also had a healthier weight and could also suck and swallow better at birth.
Baby’s Development at Full-Term Pregnancy
Starting from 37 weeks, a baby’s different body parts start maturing to achieve full growth. The digestive system starts forming meconium, which later transforms into baby’s first excreta after birth. .
Baby’s head starts moving towards the pelvis of the mother. In medical terms, this position is known , as ‘engaged’ . In certain cases, this position occurs only after labour. , Up until this time, the baby is covered in lanugo (first few hair produced by baby’s hair follicles), but at 39 weeks, or when pregnancy reaches a full term, it all goes away.Yet, there are some babies who may have patches of it even after birth. . The baby’s genitals also look swollen at birth and this happens due to the hormonal level changes in the mother’s body, but they soon attain its normal size.
Changes in Mother’s Body at 39 to 40 Weeks
When the pregnancy reaches its 39th week, the uterus muscles begin to tense and you may also experience false indications of labour. This condition is also known as Braxton Hicks. Whatever changes you feel, notify the doctor immediately.
The baby starts moving into the pelvic area leading to discomfort in the region and you may also experience sharp stab like sensation in the region when this occurs. This poking feeling is usually a result of the baby turning its head
Vaginal discharge in the form of white mucus sometimes with a tinge of blood also occurs at this stage.
Is it Ok if Baby Stays in Womb for as Long as Possible?
As it is said, anything in excess is bad, and the same concept applies for a baby who might stay in the mother’s womb past the full-term. The term may be extended by a week, but definitely not later. Babies should be born at full-term, anything before or after is certainly not healthy and in some cases, it can also endanger the life of the baby.
What if I Have Early Term Pregnancy?
Early term pregnancy is when the baby is born at 37 weeks, before reaching a full-term. Research studies have shown that babies born at an early term could be physiologically immature. It was also found that an early term baby is at a risk of many diseases, especially ones related to immunity, such as wheezing, asthma and more. Gastrointestinal disorders were also found to be more associated with early term babies than full-term infants.
Is it Risky to Have Late Term Pregnancy?
Having a late term pregnancy can be risky for both the infant and the mother. In babies , it could lead to breathing problems, sudden halt in growth, slowed heart rate and more. The amniotic fluid starts decreasing which means it could be even fatal for the baby. Stillbirth too can occur in some cases. Also, since the baby tends to be heavy during late term, there could be complications in the delivery process as well, and it could lead to a C-section.
What are Post Term Pregnancy Risks?
Post term pregnancy is the condition when the delivery has not taken place even after 42 weeks, that is,l three weeks after the medically accepted full-term at 39 weeks. A post term pregnancy can mean health complications for both mother and the baby.
The AAFP or the American Academy has listed numerous post term pregnancy risks associated to the baby which include:
The Baby Might Be Overweight: Post term babies tend to be over 8 pounds. Medically this condition is known as Fetal Macrosomia which can lead to obesity and diabetes in the future. . Overweight babies are also a health risk to the mother as the body size could cause uterine ruptures during delivery and also result in lacerations in the genital track. This will also mean heavy bleeding.
Less Availability of Oxygen to the Baby: By the time pregnancy reaches its full-term, the placenta that delivers oxygen and nutrition to the baby would have attained its maximum size and after that its ability to function normally reduces. This means the baby is at risk of not getting enough oxygen which can lead to severe birth disorders, cerebral palsy for one.
Meconium Aspiration Post term pregnancy can also lead to a condition called as Meconium Aspiration in which the baby breathes in amniotic fluid which causes oxygen deficiency and lead to lung disorders in the infant.
For mothers, there could be a range of health complications such as infection, postpartum haemorrhage, C-section and even perineum injuries.
Conclusion: Unless there are any medical complications, it is best to go for a full-term pregnancy, as it ensures good health for both the baby and mother. Read more
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Teeth Grinding (Bruxism) In Children
Instead of listening to the sweet sound of your child's breath while sleeping, have you ever heard their precious pearly whites grate against each other? Ever noticed your child grinding his teeth while asleep? This is known as bruxism, and some of the issues involved include jaw and face pain.
Video: Teeth Grinding Bruxism in Children - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig2WO5VPowA
How Common is Bruxism in Children?
Bruxism is common in children, with experts saying that 38% children would have been teeth grinders at some point in time. Children between the age group of 3 ½ years and six years are most likely to experience them. The exact extent of Bruxism is still unclear as a child grinding teeth at night may not even be aware that they are doing it.
Causes of Bruxism in Kids
Experts are still unclear about what triggers Bruxism; however, there are some suspects.
Anxiety
A child grinding its teeth while sleeping can be attributed to negative emotions such as stress and could be a coping mechanism.
Teething
Teething has been linked to teeth grinding in toddlers. They tend to do this because it helps ease the pain, just like we use our hands to soothe sore muscles.
Malocclusion
This is the imperfect alignment of the teeth that can cause irritation when the jaw is closed. Studies have shown that there is a strong connection between Malocclusion and Bruxism, with 12.75 % children having both conditions.
Pinworms
A study conducted showed that there was a relationship between pinworms and Bruxism. It is inferred that intestinal parasites release toxins that lead to nervousness and anxiety, thereby leading to teeth grinding.
Allergies
A study conducted has partially linked allergies to Bruxism. Researchers suspect that irritation in the inner ear can lead to children grinding their teeth to ease the discomfort.
Reaction To Certain Medication
A study conducted showed that children who were given drugs such as anti-depressants and anti-psychotics showed an increase in Bruxism. It is perceived that changes in the neurotransmission are responsible for teeth grinding.
Symptoms of Teeth Grinding in Kids
Some of the symptoms in children suffering from Bruxism include:
They have difficulty eating food as their teeth hurt while they chew.
You notice that your child has chipped teeth even though they have not had any injury.
Your child complains about problems such as jaw ache, earache and overall pain in the face.
You can hear teeth grinding sounds while your child is asleep.
The child complains of a lingering but dull pain in the forehead.
How Long can it Last?
Most children grow out of it. They stop grinding their teeth by the time their permanent teeth develop. However, there are instances when grinding teeth can be observed in older kids. This is most likely due to anxiety and will stop once the source of anxiety is addressed. It has also been noted that children who have emotional problems such as aggressive behaviour also have an increased risk of prolonged Bruxism.
Researchers have found it difficult to give a proper estimate on how long it lasts as many children grind their teeth unknowingly. It is also observed that in many cases parents have become aware of the problem only after the physical symptoms have reached an unbearable stage.
Side Effects of Bruxism
The pulp region of the teeth is exposed.
Cavities that are already present can get worse due to constant grinding.
Fractures can occur in the jaw area.
Scraping away of the enamel may lead to teeth becoming sensitive to temperature.
Some children may experience pain in the jaw area which is known as a Temporomandibular joint disorder.
Any reconstructive work that may have been done on the teeth could get destroyed by constant grinding.
Treatment for Teeth Grinding in Children
Children must deal with stress at school concerning studies and friendships. Find activities that put your child at ease, especially before they sleep as that’s when the grinding starts. You could start with having a heart-to-heart chat, setting up a nice hot water bath and finally reading them a bedtime story. Make this a routine, and it should help reduce the incidence of teeth grinding.
Be involved in their life and try to figure out the source of anxiety. This means talking to your child, regularly attending PTA meetings and figuring out the cause of their problem.
Anxiety in children could be attributed to academics or relationships. If they have problems in academics, you can help them study subjects that they find difficult to tackle. If they have problems making new friends, you could organise play dates with the neighbouring kids.
If the pain caused due to teeth grinding is too much, you can apply a warm compress on your child’s cheek.
Ear infections can cause children to grind their teeth to alleviate the pain. Give them medication such as Acetaminophen or ibuprofen so that the pain subsides. However, be sure to give the medicine at the required dosage and only if your child is over six months old.
Pacifiers help in reducing the damaging effects of Bruxism as teeth grinding is halted. The soft rubbery nipple helps accommodate the need for sucking and has been known to calm children that are anxious. However, prolonged usage, especially after permanent teeth have grown can lead to dental problems.
Children who have poorly aligned teeth might find it difficult to close their mouth, and hence they inevitably start grinding their teeth. In such a case, a visit to the dentist is required for corrective dental treatment.
Yoga and meditation are used by people around the world to manage stress, and the same can be applied to your child.
If your child is a Star Wars fan, make them try the Darth Vader breathing exercise. First, they need to inhale with their nose while keeping the mouth closed. Then, they exhale slowly while producing a Darth Vader type sound with their throat.
Important Things to Remember
Balanced Diet
Bruxism has been linked to poor nutrition, and it is considered that a deficiency of calcium and magnesium may be the cause. Since these elements help in the proper functioning of the nervous system, a lack of them may induce teeth grinding. Make sure that your child has enough milk, spinach and other green leafy vegetables included in their diet.
Night Guard
This is a device that is kept inside the mouth to prevent the teeth from touching each other. It can be applied just before going to sleep and removed the following morning. However, dentists do not recommend this approach unless a child has their permanent teeth in place.
Exercise
Exercise can help in reducing stress as it helps in the production of endorphin, a natural painkiller. This reduction in stress can help reduce teeth grinding.
Miscellaneous
In case you are not able to do anything to stop the grinding, do not hesitate to consult a doctor.
It is unfortunate that researchers don’t have a satisfactory explanation for teeth grinding. However, the good news is that in most cases the condition disappears soon after it arrives. Only a handful of cases exist where dental intervention may be required. The best that you can do to prevent teeth grinding is to make sure that your child lives in a stress-free environment.
Also Read:
Braces for Kids Teeth
Herpetic Gingivostomatitis in Kids
Bad Habits in Kids and Ways to Deal With Them
Read more
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How to Stop Fighting With Hubby Over Naming your Baby
How do you choose a baby name without fighting? It takes compromise. The process is challenging and can test your patience. The key is to communicate and avoid fighting. Create a pool of names that both of you like before short-listing the best ones.
Naming your newborn baby can be tough. While your hubby might have his preferences, you'll have yours. Coming to a middle-ground solution will help. Here are some strategies to employ to end the baby-naming war!
How to End the Baby-Naming War with Your Husband
1. Communicate
One way to resolve fighting over baby names is by discussing the kind of names you both agree on – traditional or more radical. Communicating with your partner on baby names is essential if you want to avoid a showdown. Explain why you don't like a certain name he chose. Also, learn to listen to your partner when he states his reasons against a particular name. This will help the both of you to search for names that best suit the criteria laid down. Sometimes, you need to discuss names because they sound better than when put on paper. If it helps, make a ‘yes’ and ‘no’ list of baby names. An “absolutely not” list will also help put those names you both don’t like to rest once and for all. Go through each list before making the final shortlist.
2. Compromise
When naming babies, both of you need to come to a compromise. Don't be a ‘wifezilla’ and demand that your husband follow your lead. If he objects, you need to take his ‘no’ into consideration. When you're prepared to compromise, you'll both settle on a universal name. If it lands up being a stalemate, choose a traditional name that works best. Sticking to traditional names is also safe in a way. Nobody will judge you for being experimental.
3. The Backup Plan
There are a number of moms and dads who believe in having a variety of options when baby names are concerned. This can provide a little more insight in the kind of name that you'll eventually choose. Also, ask close friends and family members to pitch in their suggestions. Both of you can draw up lists and then have a discussion and choose a baby name without fighting. The extra help will always come in handy when choosing baby names. Besides, it will also give you so many more options of names to choose from.
4. Take Turns
If both of you happen to end up in a deadlock over names, it's best you take turns. One of you can choose the first name while the other chooses the second. Since it’s the husband’s surname that sticks, you can choose the first name while he chooses the nickname. However, you may want to run the names past each other before finalizing on them. This is one of the best tips for couples to stop fighting over the baby name selection.
These tips should help you decide on a name without much hassle. However, if the stalemate ceases to end, try getting outside help. Sometimes, a different perspective is all you need to end the ongoing battle. Here’s hoping your little one is blessed with a beautiful name! Read more
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Dr Sameer awadhiya has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert
baby having nose block.. sleeping problem
what should I do?
Dr Sameer awadhiya
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. nasal blockage can be relieved by using nasal saline drops like nasoclear saline drops in thecg nose followed by nasal aspirator to take out the secretions very ghently
steam inhalation can also be helpful in this condition
Nikitha has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
2 hours ago
Q. At what month does the baby go from breech position to cephalic position?
Nikitha
Mom of a 9 yr 5 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. hello nearing your delivery it will happen.any concern then it would be better to check with your doctor and she will be able to guide you better on examination of the same and advise you accordingly which would be better and also safe
Dr Vandan H Kumar has added a new answer
Guardian of 0 children
2 hours ago
Q. @ the time of birth baby weight 2.475kg but after completed 6weeks baby weight approx 3kg, why baby weight gain very slow, till breast-feeding milk and urinate 6-7 times and potty 2-3 times. can u please suggest why slow in progress in weight gain???
Read moreDr Vandan H Kumar
Paediatrician
2 hours ago
A. the average birth weight of neonates is about 3 kg.
during the first few days after birth, the newborn loses
extracellular fluid equivalent to about 10% of the body
weight.
most infants regain their birth weight by the age of 10 days. subsequently, they gain weight at a rate of
approximately 25 to 30 g per day for the first 3 months of life.
thereafter they gain about 400 g weight every month,
for the remaining part of the first year. x
an infant usually doubles his birth weight (taken as 3 kg) by the age of 5 months. the birth weight triples at 1 year and is four times at 2 years of age.
the weight of ca child at the age of three years is usually
five times that of the birth weight.
Manisha Singh has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. #asktheexpert mera baby 3 month ka h use gas bhuat banti h is karan wo bhuat rota hai
Manisha Singh
Expecting Mom due in 1 month
1 hour ago
A. it's very common for babies having gas problem ...you should recommend your doctor for this
Sai Prasanthi R L has added a new answer
Trying To Conceive
2 hours ago
Q. Hi
what to give 6 months old baby to eat
Sai Prasanthi R L
Mom of a 10 yr 2 m old boy
1 hour ago
A. Hello dear! Once your baby completes 6 months you can start giving small quantities of semi solids like homemade cerelac, mashed bananas, apple puree, ragi and so on. Continue with breastfeeding. Keep Babyhug tummy roll on handy
Dr Muhsina has added a new answer
Expecting Mom due in 2 months
1 hour ago
Q. now I am in 30 weeks of pregnancy I have vomiting.I couldn't control what the reasons for this vomiting
Dr Muhsina
Expecting Mom due in 3 months
56 mins ago
A. Some women may have vomiting throughout their pregnancy. The most common reason for vomiting during the third trimester may be gastritis. Make sure you eat small frequent meals, preferably every 2 hours. If your baby's weight during checkups are adequate..u needn't worry much about this. You can also consult your doctor and take anti emetics and PPIs if the vomiting is bothering you or interfering with your daily activities.
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