Baby Care

Archive for October, 2009

Human body is a well-established system of interaction mechanisms and natural nutrients. Everyone must be considerate to all the processes taking place inside him, and be able to recognize signals that our body sends. After all, if we treat ourselves with care and love, our body responds to us in return.
Conversely, if we do not notice the signals sent by our body, then over time it just stops sending them. And we won’t be able to treat ourselves. Mostly women must think about this when planning a child or when they are already pregnant. Every mother wants a beautiful, healthy and strong baby. If a woman eats properly and fully receives the necessary amount of vitamins and minerals, she can count on a powerful little fellow. If you are planning a child, then you should think about a special pregnancy diet.
Remember that baby gets all the vitamins and minerals necessary for its growth and health from his mother. Woman’s body contains trillion different cells. In order to control their normal functioning pregnant women should constantly receive vitamins and other beneficial substances. This can be done only through well-balanced meal. Do not forget that during pregnancy a woman is experiencing tremendous overload, because her body is working for two.

Every cell in the body carries out its role, so it is important to provide nutrients to each of them. The interaction of these cells, in general, provides a healthy, strong baby.
One of the most important elements is iron. It is present in large quantities in the blood. Above we said that our body is a unique tool of interaction. Therefore, the lack or decrease of one substance in the chain entails a decrease in another. The lack of this element impacts on the overall state of health. When pregnant women have iron deficiencythey will have headache, uterine cramps, etc.
So you see how the lack of one substance leads to serious consequences. Now imagine that there are several substances. If the expectant mother does not want to be exposed to such diseases and harm your child, she should supply the body with vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids. Carelessness may entail dire consequences (the loss of the fetus or the birth of weak and sick child).
Expectant mothers should carefully select vitamin supplements, because they are different on the content of the most indispensable substances. Take supplements containing magnesium and vitamin D. In the body, these two substances play a huge role. First, they provide the bones with calcium. Second, calcium and magnesium support to the optimum performance of the muscles. Do not forget that the main muscle is the heart, but it feels more pressure because it works for both. Therefore, the recommended dose of magnesium for pregnant is about 500 mg per day. It is noteworthy that the amount of magnesium is not shown in blood tests. Because it is contained in the cells themselves, and its level in the blood is consistently supported by the bones and the muscles. Woman must ensure adequate consumption of magnesium. However, magnesium can provoke diarrhea, so its use splits throughout the day.
We think these examples are enough to see how the selection of vitamins and minerals is needed for healthy expectant mother and baby.
In this issue there can be little things, so take everything with utmost seriousness and responsibility and your child will be grateful.

It is believed that a small child takes all your free time and a young mother often does not have time for herself, her beloved husband, household activities.
Recently in our country there were special backpacks for carrying the child. They are also called “kangaroo”. You can freely go about your business without leaving the baby alone. This backpack is very convenient for walking, when it is impossible to take a stroller, and especially for home use.

Basic rules
At first glance it seems that this situation is terribly inconvenient and even dangerous for kids. In fact, it is not. The child is in limbo that does not give an extra load on the spine.
In the West, several generations grew up in the backpacks. And, incidentally, they do not suffer from curvature of the spine.
In order not to cause harm to the baby, it is necessary to observe a few simple rules.
“Kangaroo” must comply with the child’s age.
The child must be held tightly to her mother, not a talker.
Belts should not rub baby’s skin.
You need constantly to check the reliability of the bindings.

Carring
There are several ways of carrying the child in “kangaroo”. Everything depends on the age of the child and what you are going to do.
Face. This method is suitable for very small children, during most of the time sleep. In this position, the baby will see your face and hear the heartbeat.
Back. When a baby is a little older, it will be much more interesting to look at the sides, than cling to your chest.
Face-to-back. In such situation it is much more convenient and safe to cook, iron, and do other household activities. Of course, in order to put the baby on your back, you need a certain skill.
Back to back. Personally, I like this method best. By using “kangaroo” in this way I could, without any distractions, sit at the computer.

How to choose a “kangaroo”?
From 0 to 3 months
These models are designed for newborns who are not yet able to hold their own head. These kangaroos are quite strong with a high back.
From 3 months to a year
They are smaller and have a soft back. They provide child with a freedom of movements.
Multifunctional from birth to a year
This kind of “kangaroos” are suitable both a newborn and older children. These models are sufficiently dense back with a detachable or folding top.
When purchasing you must pay attention to the following details.
Width of belts. They must be sufficiently broad and dense. Otherwise, under the weight of the baby belts will slide and rub your back.

Fasteners.
Fasteners must be fitted in such a way so that you yourself have to unbutton them.
The presence of pocket. Some models are equipped with a special pocket on the outside of the back. It is possible to put a pacifier, napkin, rattle, everything that should always be at hand.
Possibility of regulation. Kid grows very quickly; you constantly have to adjust the straps. Adjusting straps should not take much time, because you will perform this process several times a day. Length of the belt depends on the amount of clothing on you, and from where you will be wearing a baby – front or rear. These elements must be small and do not rub the skin.
Material. It is better to give preference to easily washable fabrics.
Kids constantly regurgitate, and you have to regularly wash “kangaroo”.
By the way, fathers can also carry children in “kangaroos”. Many men really like it.

Advantages
Kid is constantly pressed to her mother and feels safe.
Child sees much more than lying in bed and it contributes to his/her development.
Mother will always have a great posture.
This is a good way to lose weight after giving birth.
Mother’s hands are free, and she can take care of business.

Disadvantages

The older the child, the greater the load on the mother’s back.
You must move with extreme carefulness.
When the baby is hungry, he begins to get nervous, because he is very close to the breasts, but cannot reach them.

Banana is an amazing and fabulous fruit: it satisfies your hunger, supplies the body with energy and useful substances. It has a convenient natural packaging. Even babies are not allergic to bananas. That’s why banana is often included in baby food. Adults also eat them with pleasure – with the exception of those who have diabetes. Energy value of bananas is 90 kilocalories per 100 grams. Fibers they contain facilitate intestinal transit and contribute to good digestion of sugar and fat. Bananas have balanced vitamins. They contain lots of vitamins E and C, and vitamin B6.

Banana is also a source of trace elements: 100 grams contains 42 mg of magnesium and 348 mg of potassium, the content of the last is comparable only with dried apricots. In addition, tropical fruits are a source of calcium, iron and phosphorus.

Once there were only green bananas, and they slowly turn yellow in

our house. Today bananas reach the desired condition in special places filled with ethylene gas at high humidity and temperature around 13 oC. Here they stay from 4 to 8 days – depending on the established regime, according to the fruit and market needs. Fast mode allows bananas ripen for 4 days, but they are delicious when they are kept for eight days.

Ethylene is not accidentally chosen for ripening of bananas – during the maturation in natural conditions bananas themselves emit this gas.

Buying bananas, we first assess their appearance: color, presence or absence of black spots, the size of the fruit andtheir degree of maturity. It is known that a good banana is yellow, juicy, with shiny and sleek surface and do not have too ribbed form. The black dots on the surface are a sign that the fruit contains maximum sugar. But if the entire surface of the banana is black it’s a bust, indicating that the firm-supplier could not keep their products properly. However, such fruit is harmless and completely edible.

Meanwhile, according to an existing document, bananas are divided into three classes. Best – “extra” should be a minimum length of 20 cm, volume of 3-4 cm. Sometimes they can have the same thickness but be a couple of centimeters shorter. Requirements for the second class: length -14 cm, volume – 2, 7-4, 1 cm, however, usually fruit of all varieties: thick and thin, long and short – are sold at one price.

The basis of the export products is bananas which are used in culinary. Best-known varieties are Cavendish, Gro Michel, Lakatan. Export class bananas must endure all the difficulties of transportation.

Bananas which are used in culinary, are dessert and vegetables bananas. Today small dessert bananas can be found in our own sales network. Their value is considerably less than the traditional: 8-12 cm, thin skin, with the taste of honey, sweet and delicious. For the price they are twice expensive.
All the remaining bananas for us are exotics. There are a variety of bananas with a taste of an apple. There are red bananas, with red-brown, red and burgundy skin and pink core. Vegetable bananas can be boiled, fried, dried, put in the soup instead of potatoes. They are used in chips and even beer production. These fruit contains a lot of starch and is not sweet.

Is it better to give birth in the presence of my husband? Before giving birth to their children many future mothers ask this question.
On the one hand, of course, it’s good, when the closest person will support you in this crucial moment. And on the other –it’s bad, because man, seeing the whole process of childbirth, with all its details, sometimes loses sexual interest in his wife. What to do? Moreover, the viewpoints of doctors and friends on this subject are different.

Neighbors’ experience
In the West, the presence of a husband during childbirth is very common. Men play more active role in the upbringing of children there. Obviously, feminism, which struggles against gender equality in all matters, played its role here.
In the translated books on pregnancy and childcare, the illustrations of men are almost as much as of women. Here they go along with their wives on training courses where they learn appropriate behavior during childbirth, giving birth and then taking the maximum participation in everything that concerns the lives of the their wife and child.
However, practical foreigners include this situation in their marriage contract. Yes and medical care is something expensive there. So it should not be a miss if the father controls the situation: if obstetric services are shown to his wife on the entire sum. It is worth paying attention to the fact that the joint childbirth abroad having a very long history became a norm.

The choice
In Russia, the birth of the child is always considered to be purely feminine. Fathers toil and worry for their wives behind closed doors. In Soviet times, fathers were also not allowed to enter the maternity houses. And the first time they could look at son or daughter, only after discharge, receiving a squeak bag with ribbons. And only recently in our maternity hospitals the joint childbirth has started to develop. Should fathers take this opportunity?
If so, you should be prepared for the fact that relatives and friends would react to your decision ambiguously. Mothers and grandmothers, who passed Soviet maternity houses and are accustomed to endure the difficulties alone, may perceive this as a whim of a pregnant woman. Grandfather and uncles, trying not to interfere in the “women’s” affairs, will not also be happy.
Every couple should consider this question for several times. To agree to such a serious step, following the new fashion or advice of friends which can fundamentally change the entire life, isn’t worth it.
Only a qualified doctor can help future parents in making the correct decision. By the way, it is preferable, to consult a psychologist even before planning pregnancy. After all, family life undergoes significant changes, family roles areredistributed, as well as the question of responsibility for the new family member. In short, there is something to work.
Specialists’ advice
Much depends on the relationship in the family. One case is when the couple acts as partners who are accustomed to do everything together. After such an event couples become closer. Another case is when family relations are based on the type of mother-child relationship. Wife is concerned about the morals. To overcome this stereotype is hardly possible. If a woman insists on “man-child” contact in the delivery room, that will be enough. The vast majority of fathers, who participated in the joint delivery, will be proud of themselves. Incidentally, in psychology there is such a thing as imprinting – that is the first impression, obtained immediately after birth. So it’s great, if the first parent to see the baby is a father.

Is it true that milk-teeth are formed from milk?

This is Hippocrates’s viewpoint, who named these teeth in this way. In general, the doctor was not far from the truth: breast milk contains calcium that is the main element which participates in building bones and teeth. In “cow milk” this important element is not less but it is practically not absorbed by children. Hence the conclusion: breastfeeding your child you will guarantee him/her healthy teeth in future!

As an additional source of calcium pediatricians recommend giving the child curds in the second half of his/her life, and its rapid absorption contributes to vitamin D – do not forget to give it to child? According to the doctor’s instructions!

Why do children cut teeth at the wrong time?

The child, who is born weak, with low weight and is often ill in the first months of life having signs of rickets, delayed dentition is associated with adverse factors acting on the body.

But what if the baby is healthy and there is no sign of teeth in 9-12 months? Find out when you cut teeth. Program of delayed cutting of milk-teeth is usually written in the genes.

Child cuts teeth not in common order – what is it?

It is believed that the child’s health isn’t so much connected with the time he/she cuts teeth, but with the order of teething. If it is broken, pay attention to this fact and visit pediatric dentist. In general, first children cut one of the lower incisors, and then two upper teeth, followed by lateral incisors in the opposite order – first the upper, then lower.
Dentists calculate the number of teeth that child should have, according to observations: in 7 months he/she cuts one tooth, 8 – two, 9 – three and so on. And this is the minimum!

How should I guess that my child is cutting the first tooth?

The earliest symptom is the increased formation of saliva. It begins to run like a river for a couple of months before the cutting due to irritation of nerve endings. Nature prepares the child to chewing solid food. It runs down the chin and neck going into the neck folds, stimulating children’s tender skin – it should be wiped all the time, or rather, soak through the soft gauze cloth. Once there was an urgent need for apron-bib, you should know: first tooth is on its way.

If the teeth are cut, it means that the baby will be ill soon?

Dentition is a natural process, during which the temperature should not rise. Anxiety, which causes the baby tooth cutting, as well as the associated sleep deprivation and malnutrition weaken the immune system and make the child vulnerable to infection – respiratory and intestinal. Try to minimize contact with outsiders.

How to facilitate the process of teething?

Inflammation of the gums in a place where the tooth is seen you can use gels with anesthetic and removing redness and swelling elements. In a series of Karavaeva balsam there is a special kind of vitamin for infant gums: it contains plant extracts to provide anesthetic effect with the effect of light freezing: cold, relieves the pain, has anti-inflammatory effect and simply distracts the child from unpleasant feelings.

How child should be fed at this crucial moment?

With the first tooth the sucking reflex turns into the need to chew and bite, so one liquid and soft food now can not help. At each feeding, give your child a piece of dried bread, slice of cucumber or cooked but not up very soft carrots, apple quarter-without skin and seeds. Chewing gum improves blood supply, trains and strengthens the teeth appeared, improves the power of those that must cut.

Do I need to clean the baby teeth?

Previously it was believed that up to 2-3 years there is no need: it is impossible to teach such children to use the brush. However, children dentists have revised the previous installation. It turns out that the science of properly brush his teeth your child should learn under the supervision of parents from the first tooth up to 10 years – only in this age you can trust him/her with the brush at the complete disposal.

Where are the yellow spots on the teeth carved and why enamel is not smooth, but wavy?

Newborn lower incisors are often uneven – in the form of a beautiful wave. Over time, the ripple is smoothed out, erased when chewing. Another thing is a thinning of the enamel on the incisors themselves. It takes this kind because of calcium deficiency and infections, which suffered a mother during pregnancy, or other adverse factors operating at the time favorite of baby teeth, as well as due to disease and malnutrition in the child.

Especially harmful is tetracycline that causes teeth to turn yellow, dark and violates their growth: pediatricians try not to use it at an early age. If the color and surface of the incisors do not look typical, consult with pediatric dentist. In order to strengthen the enamel, pediatricians are advised to arrange with the teething child “calcium subsidy” – in two weeks to give 3 times a day for 1 / 3 tablets of calcium gluconate. You should grind them and add to food.