Preventing Allergies In Children

Allergy is a word which most of us have used at least once in our lifetime. Some allergies are hereditary while some are picked up due to various reasons. Your child may get allergy from food or any particular factor, that is, dusty or pollen-prone area. There is no sure cure for allergies; prevention is the only way to keep your nipper safe from them. The most common allergies that children develop are food allergy, eczema, asthma, and hayfever.  We discuss here the ways to prevent these allergies in children.

Symptoms

The first question that troubles new parents is “how to know that your baby is allergic to something?” Allergic symptoms can be mild or severe. Usually the reaction will appear within few moments after consuming certain food or spending a day or two in a certain environment. Below is a list of symptoms to identify if your little one is suffering from allergy:

  1. Swelling, redness or rashes
  2. Runny nose
  3. Watery eyes
  4. Vomiting
  5. Cough
  6. Problem in breathing
  7. Weakness or fainting

Prevention

  1. Introduce food allergens early: Introduce common food allergens when your baby is ready for solid food, that is, when your baby turns 6 months old. Studies show that if a baby is introduced to food allergens early in life, the risk of developing food allergy is less. Remember to introduce one food allergen at a time. Common food allergens are peanut, soy, corn, nuts, egg, fish, and wheat.
  2. Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is a great source of nutrition for your baby. It is recommended to breastfeed at least for the first 6 months as it strengthens the immune system and prevents atopic dermatitis and milk allergy. Mothers who are unable to breastfeed can use hypoallergenic formula milk.    
  3. Dust mites: Dust mites are microscopic bugs that live on mattresses, pillows, carpets, and curtains. To prevent this allergy make sure your baby’s bedding, pillows, and mattresses are washed weekly in hot water. Also, avoid keeping carpets and upholstered furniture in the baby’s room. Use a humidifier or air conditioner to keep humidity below 50%.
  4. Probiotics: Allergies are a result of a weaker inner ecosystem. Probiotics are live bacteria that colonize the gastrointestinal tract and strengthen the inner body and immune system. Probiotics if given in the first few months can help prevent allergies like eczema, hayfever, and asthma in your child.

Remember, “The more precaution you will take today, the lesser things there will be to take care of later.”

Preventing Ear Infection

Infection is one word which can send chills down the spine of parents. It is needless to say that babies are more prone to infections since they have a weaker immune system. Ear Infection is one of the most common infections that occur in children. It is said that 75% of babies have had at least one ear infection before their third birthday.  

Like any other infection, an ear infection too requires antibiotics for treatment. To rescue your baby from this annoying illness, we will discuss with you how you can prevent it.

What Causes ear infection?

When the Eustachian tube, a small tube that connects the middle ear to the nose and throat, gets swollen or fluffy, there is no clear tract available. With a choked tract, the fluid that is supposed to be drained out of the ear gets trapped and leads to germs that cause ear infection.

In kids, ear infection often begins with sore throat or cold. Often, the bacteria in the respiratory system also spread to the middle ear, thus causing ear infection.

Preventing ear infection

When your little one is down with infection, it is certainly not a good feeling. And like any other good parent, you would desperately want to get your baby rid of that vexing infection. Prevention is definitely better than cure. So let us look at the various ways to safeguard your nipper from the worrisome ear infection:

  1. Cold and flu are contagious and they cause ear infection. Keep your baby away from others who are suffering from cold or flu.
  2. Breastfeeding your baby can help reduce the risk of ear infections.
  3. Kids should not lie down and take feed from a bottle. This could lead to the liquid getting trapped in the Eustachian tube.
  4. Maintain proper hygiene of your baby and keep their surrounding absolutely clean.
  5. Pacifier is also a reason for ear infections. Try to keep your baby away or at least limit the use of pacifiers.
  6. Children whose parents smoke are more prone to ear infection.
  7. Get all the vaccinations done on time.
  8. For regular check-ups or vaccines, take your baby to a renowned baby care center with special attention to the cleanliness.

These are the ways to help reduce the risk of ear infection in your child. As Benjamin Franklin rightly said, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Dehydration Due To Diarrhea

Our body is around 50-75% water. Like adults, it is very important to maintain appropriate the hydration levels in kids too. So what happens if your child suffers from dehydration. What are the ill effects of dehydration in children?

Dehydration due to diarrhea is among the leading causes of mortality in infants and young children. Therefore, it must not be overlooked. Although diarrhea in itself is not dangerous, but proper care is not taken, it can be severely dangerous for children.  

Relationship between diarrhea and dehydration

When your baby is suffering from diarrhea, his/her body loses fluid in the form of loose motions. Along with water, important salt, sugar, and minerals are also lost. As compared to adults, babies tend to get dehydrated faster as their water reserve is smaller. If not properly replenished, your child may have to face the risk of dehydration.

Symptoms of dehydration

If your little one encounters any of the following symptoms of dehydration quickly contact your doctor:

  1. Drastic increase in thirst
  2. Dry or sticky mouth
  3. No tears while crying
  4. Sunken eyes
  5. Less or no urination
  6. Dry skin and cracked lips
  7. Crankiness
  8. Fainting
  9. Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on your baby’s head

Treatment for dehydration

Treatment for dehydration is not that complex; all you need to do is to replenish the lost fluids. Mild dehydration can be easily treated at home using the following tips:

  1. Give your child Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). In dehydration just water is not enough. ORS has all the salts and minerals in required proportions.
  2. Your child may not be able to consume too much of liquid at a time. Make the quantity smaller and increase the frequency.
  3. For breastfeeding kids, continue breastfeeding mixed with doses of ORS.
  4. Avoid formula milk to the extent possible.

Prevention for dehydration

Prevention is always better than cure, especially when your little one is involved. Following are the ways to prevent dehydration:

  1. Any illness may lead to dehydration. Ensure your baby is drinking enough fluid to stay hydrated.
  2. Timely vaccination is one way to safeguard your baby from various virus and bacteria. Get your baby vaccinated for rotavirus.
  3. Teach your kid the importance of hygiene. Children who wash their hands often are less prone to illnesses and infections.
  4. While playing or exercising, encourage your child to drink plenty of water.
  5. In summers, children are easily afflicted by dehydration. Make your kid drink water at regular intervals. Carry a water bottle if you are outdoors.

If your baby is not recovering or responding to home remedies, immediately rush to your doctor.

Common Childhood Illnesses: Vomiting And Diarrhoea

Children often tend to suffer from bouts of vomiting and diarrhoea through the early years of childhood. Diarrhoea, which is a type of viral infection, is also often known as intestinal flu, gastroenteritis or stomach flu.

Diarrhoea in children is often accompanied with vomiting. This is due to some infection and could also be a case of food poisoning. In addition, your child may also run a mild temperature, or complain of pain in the stomach.

In most cases, your child will recover without the need of any medicines, and resting and eating light and fresh foods can help.

Treating diarrhoea

There are no specific treatment methods for mild diarrhoea in children, but you should still consult a doctor. Here are a few things you can try:

  • Make sure your child is hydrated and give lots of fluids, such as soups, fresh juices, water and tender coconut water. Lassi is also a great soothing option for diarrhoea.
  • Let your child rest as much as possible.
  • If your child tends to use the washroom often, make an ORS formula at home by mixing a pinch of salt and a spoon of sugar in a glass of water. Let your child drink this a few times in the day.
  • If your child wants to drink milk, it is fine to do so in small amounts.

When to visit a doctor?

While most cases of diarrhoea in children get better at home, here are a few warning signs when you should immediately inform the doctor:

  • If you spot any blood or mucus in the stool.
  • If your child complains of regular and increasing stomach pain.
  • If your child does not pass urine often – this could point to dehydration.
  • If your child seems especially weak and does not want to get up.
  • If the fever gets high.
  • If there is excessive vomiting and your child is not able to hold on to any food or drink.

Vomiting

If your child is vomiting without any symptoms of diarrhoea, you should consult a doctor immediately. Possible causes could include:

  • Infection in some part of the body
  • Blockage in the intestine (very yellow vomit)
  • Side effect of some medicine
  • Food poisoning – but this is usually accompanied with diarrhoea
  • Accidentally taking any poisonous or dangerous substance
  • Injury to the brain
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) – most common in breastfeeding babies

If your child vomits more than twice a day, it is important to speak to the doctor and check if an examination or medicine is needed.

Realistic Expectations From A Playschool

Sending your child to a playschool is probably the first time your baby will leave home and move out of your immediate care.

This is a very big change for both you and your baby. As a parent, it is natural for you to feel anxious, worried, concerned and very confused about which playschool is the best and how to choose one that will be right for your little one.

While there are a lot of good play schools around, here are some things you should keep in mind that will guide you in selecting the right playschool for your child.

5 things to look for in a playschool

1. Accessibility – One of the first things you should look for in a playschool is that it is not too far from your home or place of work (if you are a working parent). This will ensure that in case of a sudden emergency, you can reach your child fast. Try and look for play schools that are within a 15-minute distance by a vehicle.

2. Communication – While interacting with the staff before admissions, check how forthcoming the school is about sharing information. You will surely have a lot of questions, so see how willingly the school answers them, and whether or not they are able to make you feel comfortable. A good playschool will always understand the importance of open and regular communication.

3. Background checks – You will have to do some amount of research when it comes to making a list of the playschools you want your child to enrol in. Look out for news pieces to find out if the school has been involved in any unsafe incident involving a child. Talk to friends, relatives, colleagues, neighbours to find out what they have to say about the school. Join some parenting forums on social media channels and ask for real reviews from other parents.

4. Expenses – Playschools can actually be more expensive than you think, so talk about the finances with the coordinators. Understand if there are any hidden costs you may have to pay during the session. Understand how much you will have to pay in terms of fees, transportation, uniform, books and so on (and other miscellaneous fees).

5. Facilities – Take a look at the amenities, including classrooms, washroom cleanliness, play area, canteen and so on. Also ask about the student teacher ratio.  

We wish you good luck with the selection of the best playschool for your baby!

When Is A Good Time To Start Play School For Your Kid

It was just few months ago when the midwife or nurse placed your newborn into your arms. Those tiny feet are now big enough to walk and quench their inquisitive thirst. The soft little hands are now ready to scribble and paint the walls with modern art of their own. The twinkling eyes will now witness events around them and their impressionable minds will register everything. Yes, we are talking about your baby’s first step to formal education in an informal setup – the playschool.

Choosing a playschool is very important as it forms the base of your child’s education and all-round personality. But more important is to enroll your baby at the right age. Although the enrollment age of kids of most of the playschool is 2.5 years, it depends when your baby is ready to step out. Before selecting the playschool, look out for the following to be sure that it is the right time for your baby to start playschool:

1. Ability to be independent: Your child is always accompanied by at least one of the parents at all times. The 3-4 hour separation period at the playschool should not be traumatic for them. Your baby should be slowly and gradually trained for spending time at playschool among other children.

2. Communication: Some playschool enroll students who are below 2.5 years. If you are planning for an early admission, ensure that your baby is able to speak properly or at least communicate in an effective manner. This is required as the teachers should understand what your baby wants or is trying to express.

3. Toilet trained: Most of the playschools help your kids to toilet train, but we feel that before you fill the admission form, your child should be toilet trained. Some kids do not feel comfortable in the presence of others while they relieve themselves. Also, if they are toilet trained properly, it eliminates many health hazards.

Nowadays, in most of the urban families both the parents are working. It becomes imperative for them to send their kids to playschool while they are away at work. Playschools not only help those parents take care of their kid, but also provide ample opportunities for your baby to learn and grow. However, it cannot be a substitute for the contact time a child must have with their parents. Playschool is the first formal interaction your baby will have with others, so give them time to be prepared and geared for the challenges to come.

Breastfeeding A Newborn Baby: 5 Common Issues Faced By Mothers

When a child is born, it is the mother’s milk that is first fed to the newborn. Only a mother’s milk has the requisite ingredients that help such a fragile life to sustain and grow. So does it mean that a mother is naturally good at feeding or she has this innate capability inbuilt right from the moment she gave the birth? No! On the contrary, breastfeeding requires prior knowledge of baby’s feeding habits and the art of breastfeeding.

You must have watched various videos and pictures that show how easy it is to breastfeed. But believe us; all those mothers too must have gone through hard times feeding their babies. Here are 5 common breastfeeding issues faced by almost every mother:

1. The hurtful latch: This is one problem in breastfeeding most of the new moms experience. Mothers feel a little pain when the baby latches. This simply means that your baby is not opening his/her mouth big enough while clasping. Ensure your baby’s mouth is wide open, chin pressed into the breast, and nose little distant from the breast to breathe easily. Squeeze and put the nipple and areola in the mouth of the baby so that it is easy for them to latch on.

2. Breast engorgement: Breast engorgement means that your breast is full of milk. Your breast gets tight and painful. This problem is encountered in the initial months when the baby’s stomach is small. The milk produced is more than the demand of the child. You can pump the extra milk to empty the breasts.

3. White nipples: Some mothers may find a white dot at the end of the nipple. Don’t worry, it is just a milk blister or milk bleb. It is a result of an improper latch. It occurs as the skin grows over the milk duct and milk builds up behind it. You can use home remedies to open the duct, like sterilizing a needle and piercing the skin. If the problem still persists, do not hesitate to call your doctor.  

4. Cracked nipples: Cracked or sore nipples are common in the first month of breastfeeding. The reasons may vary from dry skin, improper latching, incorrect pumping, or thrush. You may even witness discharge of blood. It is normal but you should not ignore it. Wash your nipples regularly, apply lotion, improve the latch, and be careful while expressing milk. Leave a few drops of milk on the nipples while feeding or expressing, as milk itself acts as a healing lotion. If home remedies are not effective, see your doctor.

5. Empty breasts: After 2 months, mothers feel that they are not producing enough milk. But it is not so; your body has got accustomed to your baby’s need. So as long as your baby is gaining weight and their tummy is full, you need not worry.

Nursing your baby is important for both—your baby and you yourself. Breastfeeding may not be a cake-walk for all the mothers but a little knowledge and awareness can ensure a comfortable journey. Remember “Breastfeeding is a gift that does not last long, so enjoy it while it lasts.”

Traditional Ways To Increase Breastmilk Supply

Breast milk is the healthiest food for your baby. It is full of the goodness of complete nutrition, antibodies and mother’s love. Most of the mothers want to breastfeed their infant at least for the first year but are unable to do so because of inadequate milk supply.

There can be various reasons for low milk supply, such as fatigue, poor diet, stress, hormonal changes, or irregular feeding sessions especially of shorter duration. Mothers often keep searching ways to increase breast milk supply. There are simple techniques and methodologies available right in your home which can help boost the milk production:

1. Fenugreek: This commonly found ingredient in our kitchen is great in increasing breast milk supply. Fenugreek contains phytoestrogens, which stimulates the milk-producing glands.

Method: Soak one tablespoon of fenugreek in a cup of water overnight; in the morning boil it, strain the water and consume it. You will see positive results in a few weeks.

2. Fennel seeds: Fennel seeds are another super-ingredient which help to increase your milk supply. Galactagogue in fennel seeds is the key element which boosts milk and also helps improve digestion and prevent colic pain in infants.

Method: In a cup of water, add one tablespoon fennel seeds and put on slow flame for a few minutes. Strain and drink twice a day.

3. Cinnamon: A pinch of cinnamon with honey and lukewarm water can do wonders to improve the milk supply. It has various other benefits like flavor in milk, delay in menstruation etc.

Method: Consume the concoction once daily.

4. Massage: Massage of breasts is good for all feeding mothers. It improves blood circulation and help open closed pores.

Method: Daily massage your breasts in circular motion. Also take hot water bath post the massage.

5. Pacifiers: Pacifiers are a big no for your baby if you have less milk supply. Along with satisfying the oral stimulation, they reduce hunger also. Thus, they result in loss of appetite in your baby and consequently loss of milk supply in the breasts.

Hope these techniques help you in increasing your breast milk supply. Apart from all the above-mentioned ways, you must pay keen attention to your diet, ensure that you remain stress free, have proper sleep and most importantly stay hydrated. Indulge in stress-buster activities like yoga, meditation or a walk in the park to break the monotony, breastfeed often and ensure your baby latches properly.

Persistent Diarrhea In Children

Diarrhea in children is pretty common. But if it lasts for more than 2 weeks, it is considered as persistent or chronic diarrhea.

Causes of diarrhea in kids

Diarrhea is a type of stomach infection caused by virus, bacteria or parasite. A common virus that causes diarrhea in kids is rotavirus. Most of the babies these days are fans of soda drinks and other sugary beverages. When these sweet beverages overwhelm the gastrointestinal system, they also result in diarrhea.

But what about kids who do not indulge in too much of such drinks? The reason for diarrhea is not limited to these drinks. Allergies, side effect of any antibiotics, any other illness, and contaminated food can also lead to diarrhea.

Following are the reasons that lead to chronic diarrhea in children:

  1. Infection of the digestive tract
  2. Celiac disease
  3. Gastrointestinal disorder
  4. Food allergy or lactose, fructose or sucrose intolerance
  5. Inflammatory bowel disease
  6. Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth

Symptoms of persistent or chronic diarrhea

The main symptom of chronic diarrhea is loose and watery stools more than 3 times a day for 4 weeks. This may be accompanied by the following symptoms:

  1. Blood in stools
  2. Fever
  3. Vomiting
  4. Cramps in the abdomen
  5. Dehydration
  6. Loss of control of bowel movement
  7. Mal-absorption of food
  8. Poor appetite
  9. Lethargic attitude

Treatment for chronic diarrhea

Usually diarrhea does not need any over-the-counter medications. Proper care at home can treat diarrhea. But chronic diarrhea can be dangerous if medical help is not taken at right time. Treatment of chronic or persistent diarrhea depends on its causes. Following are the causes and their treatments usually followed by the doctor:

  1. Infection of the digestive tract – Doctor prescribes antibiotics to treat the infection. Changes in child’s diet are recommended.
  1. Gastrointestinal disorder – Consumption of sugary beverages are limited, high-fiber food is recommended.
  1. Allergy or intolerance – Avoid food that triggers the allergy or intolerance. Nutritional supplements are prescribed.
  1. Celiac disease – Food that contains gluten is not recommended.
  1. Inflammatory bowel disease – Changes in the diet of the child, medicines, and even surgery is required in some cases.

Prevention of chronic diarrhea

It is always better to take precautions than to treat the illness. Following are the ways to prevent chronic diarrhea:

  1. Maintain hygiene.
  2. Avoid storage of food outside refrigerator.
  3. Avoid eating stale meat products.
  4. Get your child vaccinated for rotavirus.
  5. Keep your child well hydrated.

Follow these precautionary measures and safeguard your baby from the hazards of chronic diarrhea.

What Is The Right Age To Put Your Child In Play School?

Starting play school for kids is a new phase in their life. It is here that they begin to make new friends and be a part of a social group. It is a very important step on the part of both the parent and the child as it would be the first of the many stepping stones to a successful and happy life of the child. So, knowing when to put your child in play school is very important.

The best age to put your child in a play school is between two and a half years to four years. But apart from this, there are many different things that you will need to consider before putting your child in a play school. A child needs to have a few skills before joining a play school like, knowing their mother tongue, proper toilet training and most importantly, the child’s willingness to go to a play school.

For the child to know to speak at least his or her mother tongue is very important. There needs to be some mode of communication through which the child can express his feelings or discomforts or even for that matter, to mingle with his new found friends.

Another thing that needs to be kept in mind is for the child to have proper toilet training. He should be able to communicate his toilet needs to his teachers instead of showing his artistry by sculpting poop. On a serious note, it is one of the most important trainings that you would need to give your child before sending them to a play school.

The last point would be your child’s willingness to go to a play school. Sudden exposure to many more clueless kids and a completely new environment gets a little intimidating for the child to handle, but this can easily be dealt with. You can take your child to the play school for a short time just to familiarize him with his new surroundings. Your child’s willingness to go to a play school is necessary because if you send the child to school forcefully, he may develop a mental trauma which would affect his health massively.

If your child possesses all of these minor skills, then he is old enough to be put into a play school where he would make new friends and embark on his journey of life.