Archive for the ‘Health’ Category

Learn the Benefits of Infant Massage

Thursday, February 16th, 2012

Have you heard of infant massage but aren’t sure what it is? Do you wonder why parents would bother or if there are any benefits? If you are intrigued by the idea but want to learn more, here are the basics and benefits of infant massage.

Infant massage is not new, but the benefits have made it an increasingly popular way for parents to soothe and connect with their babies. Yet there are still many parents that are just hearing about infant massage for the first time. So what is it? How do you do it? What are the benefits? Keep reading and find out!

What is Infant Massage?

Infant massage is a type of massage that parents perform on their infants. It is very similar to the type of massage an adult might receive, but it is done in a way that does not address muscle tension or knots, since infants are generally free of these types of ailments. Still, the benefits of infant massage aren’t much different from the benefits of adult massage.

Benefits of Infant Massage

Studies have shown that infants who receive regular massages from their parents are overall more relaxed and less fussy. Infant massage can also calm fussy infants and create a bonding experience between parent and child. Sleep and growth patterns may also be enhanced and improved through massage as well. It is also important to know that infants who suffer from colic are less likely to enjoy the massage, but they often enjoy the benefit of less gas throughout the day.

How to Perform Infant Massage

Most parents who massage their babies do it at least once daily, often starting right after birth. You will want to be certain that you create a warm and quiet environment, especially for newborns that can get chilly easily. Turn the heat up just a little, turn on some soft music, and create a small, soft space for baby to rest. Some parents prefer to use lotion or baby oil, but you can also use olive oil to reduce the chemicals. This will ensure that your baby is able to enjoy the benefits of infant massage without sacrificing your concern over chemicals on your baby’s skin.

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Learn How to Wash Your Baby’s Clothing

Thursday, February 9th, 2012

Having a baby? Be prepared for more laundry than you have ever seen! Spit-up, diaper blowouts, and more all warrant the changing of outfits at least a few times a day. But did you know there is a special way to wash your little one’s laundry? Discover the right way to handle your infant’s dirty clothing.

If you don’t know how to wash your baby’s clothing, you’re not alone. Many parents are unaware that there are a few rules for washing their infant’s clothing. As a result, many infants suffer from dry, irritated skin or other adverse reactions. Infant clothing can also become ruined because it wasn’t washed with the right type of care. If you learn how to wash your baby’s clothing, however, you can prevent these common problems.

Separating the Loads

The first thing you need to know when learning how to wash your baby’s clothing is that you should never mix adult clothing with baby clothing. The soil on your clothing can stain and ruin your infant’s clothing. Additionally, the perfumes, dyes, and other chemical elements you come into contact with throughout the day are too much for your baby’s skin. Even if you wash the clothing, some of that residue can make its way into the fibers of your infant’s clothes.

Pretreat Stains

Changing baby because of a messy lunch, spit up mess, or diaper blowout? Rinse and pretreat the stain first. This will help prevent permanent stains on your infant’s clothing. And because infant clothing is expensive and babies make a lot of messes, the more items you can save, the better.

Which Detergent?

When choosing your infant’s detergent, it is essential that you choose the right one. Harsh laundry soaps can irritate baby’s skin and cause adverse reactions in your infant. Baby’s laundry should only be washed with soap that is dye free and perfume free. If at all possible, look for “green” laundry soap, because the ingredients used in these soaps aren’t as harsh as the chemicals found in conventional laundry soaps. Using a “green” soap, however, is not an essential part of learning how to wash your baby’s clothing.

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Symptoms You Should Never Ignore in a Newborn

Thursday, January 19th, 2012

When you have your first baby, you may feel like an incessant worrier. You call your doctor for everything and you are constantly assured that everything is fine. For new parents, however, there are some symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn. Find out what they are and what you should do here.

There are some symptoms you should never ignore in a newborn; this applies whether you have just had your first child or your twentieth child. In most cases, these symptoms are an indication of a serious health condition. Most of them require immediate medical attention. All of them require you to at least call your child’s pediatrician. Before you shrug off your baby’s symptoms, read over this list of symptoms you should never ignore in a newborn.

Red, Brown, or Bright Green Vomit

Babies spit up—a lot! But vomit that is red, brown, or bright green is one of the symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn. Vomit with these colors can indicate intestinal bleeding or blockage and your baby should be evaluated by a health care professional immediately.

Not Enough Wet Diapers

At six days of age, your baby should have at least six wet diapers a day. A lack of wet diapers is an indication that your baby is dehydrated, making this another one of the symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn. This symptom may not warrant a visit to the emergency room, but you should at least contact your infant’s pediatrician. More severe signs of dehydration can include sunken eyes, lethargy, and dry mouth. You should seek immediate medical help at this point, but counting wet diapers can help you catch dehydration before it reaches this point.

Labored Breathing

Because babies make funny sounds and their breathing still isn’t regulated, it may be hard to tell if your baby is having trouble breathing. If you suspect that your infant is struggling with their breathing, watch their nose. A nose that flares could be a sign of respiratory distress. Infants that are using their abdominal muscles are in respiratory distress and they should be seen by a health care professional immediately because this is also one of the symptoms that you should never ignore in a newborn.

Posted in Baby Safety, Caring for Baby, Feeding, Health, Parenting, Post Birth | No Comments »