Thursday, February 28, 2008

Your 6-month-old's development: Week 1

Rollin', rollin', rollin'

Your baby's stronger neck and arm muscles allow him to practice rolling over toward one side, a milestone that will probably awe and amuse you. Your baby might adopt rolling as his primary mode of ground transportation for a while, or he may skip it altogether and move on to sitting, lunging, and crawling. As long as your baby continues to gain new skills and shows interest in getting around and exploring his environment, don't worry.

Rolling over can be fun for your baby, but it can also be nerve-racking for you. Keep a hand on your baby during diaper changes, and never leave him unattended on a bed or any other elevated surface.

Your little social butterfly

At this age your baby not only tolerates attention from others, he'll often initiate it. Though you may soon notice the beginnings of stranger anxiety, your baby will probably still be fairly indiscriminate: Chances are anyone who approaches him with welcoming eyes or a grin delights him and becomes an instant friend. But don't worry — he still needs and craves lots of love and attention from you.

Your baby is also learning that his behaviors, both the ones you like and the ones you don't, engage you, so starting now (and for years to come) he'll do just about anything to get your attention. Right now almost everything he does is endearing, but as he gets older, he's more likely to get into mischief to provoke a reaction from you. Just don't forget to give him positive feedback when he's being good. It's a great way to start teaching right from wrong.

One thing will become clear: Your baby is beginning to expand his attention-getting repertoire to include more than crying. You may notice him wriggling, making noises, blowing "raspberries," and so on. Over the next three months, he'll develop a uniquely personal way of letting you know what he thinks, wants, and needs.

Dressed for success

As your baby starts becoming more active, he'll appreciate wearing comfy clothes. Opt for soft fabrics that won't chafe him as he's moving around. Loose, stretchy, and breathable clothing is also smart as it provides your energetic little one plenty of wiggle room.

Avoid clothes with rough or scratchy seams; long ties, buttons, or bows (could be a choking hazard); and anything else that gets in the way of your baby's sleeping, crawling, playing, or other regular activities.

In your baby's diaper

Don't be surprised if your baby's stools change color and odor as soon as he starts eating even tiny amounts of solids. This is normal. If his stools seem too firm, switch to other fruits and vegetables and oatmeal or barley cereal. (Rice cereal, bananas, and applesauce may be constipating.)

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Your 6-month-old: Week 1




How your baby's growing:


As your baby starts becoming more active, he'll appreciate comfy clothes. Opt for soft fabrics that won't chafe him as he moves around. Loose, stretchy, and breathable clothing will provide your energetic little one plenty of wiggle room.

Avoid clothes that have rough or scratchy seams; long ties, buttons, or bows (which could be a choking hazard); and anything else that gets in the way of your baby's sleeping, crawling, or playing.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 6-month-old's development.

Your life: Eating well


Taking care of a baby is, simply put, tiring. Heavy food can make you sleepy afterward, so try to keep meals and snacks light and nutritious. Here are some other helpful tips:

Don't skip breakfast. Tempting though it may be to skip the morning meal when you're rushed, your body needs to refuel after a night's sleep — especially a night without sleep! Protein like eggs and slow-burning carbs with iron such as oatmeal with walnuts and raisins will give you energy to last all morning.

Climb the food pyramid. Aim for those daily 2 1/2 cups of vegetables and 1 1/2 to 2 cups of fruit recommended for women of childbearing age. Keep crudités (cut up raw veggies) ready to eat in your refrigerator. Add diced vegetables to quesadillas, roll-ups, and casseroles. Fruits can be dried, frozen, or canned — all are healthy for you. Make smoothies from fresh or frozen fruit, fruit juice, and yogurt.

Look beyond junk food for pick-me-ups. After a quick burst of energy, chips and candy can leave you feeling more sluggish than before. Look for more nutritious high-energy alternatives such as almonds or peanuts, yogurt, and granola bars. Buy a premade trail mix or concoct your own with dried fruit, raisins, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, nuts, and coconut flakes or chocolate chips.

Count carbs in. Carbohydrates have gotten a bad rap in recent years — but they're a great source of energy and good for you if you eat moderate portions and make healthy choices. Try whole-wheat pasta, multigrain oatmeal, and wheat bread and crackers.

Drink healthy. Remember to stay hydrated by drinking lots of water. Fruit juices, soda, coffee drinks, and energy drinks are trickier — keep an eye on their sugar content, and remember that caffeinated drinks can make you dehydrated.

3 questions about: Asthma


What is asthma?
Asthma, the most common serious chronic disease among children, is an inflammation and narrowing of the airways that causes difficulty breathing. (Often the term "asthma" is used to describe the symptom of wheezing, not its cause or its duration.) Allergens, such as pollens, mold spores, and animal danders; airway pollutants (including cigarette smoke and paint fumes); viral respiratory infections; and occasionally exercise or inhaling cold air can bring on an asthmatic attack. Although asthma can be a serious and chronic health problem, with careful management most children with asthma are able to live normal, active lives. Its severity usually diminishes as the child grows and the airways enlarge.

What are some signs that my baby may have asthma?
Your baby may have asthma if he coughs a lot (especially at night) or has allergies, eczema, or a family history of these symptoms. Possible signs of an attack include rapid breathing, persistent coughing, wheezing, whistling or grunting when exhaling, sucking in the muscles around the ribs, flaring the nostrils with each breath, fatigue, and skin that turns blue.

If you think your baby is having an asthma attack or difficulty breathing — especially if he's pulling in at his neck, ribs, or abdomen upon inhalation or grunting when he exhales — immediately call 911 or take him to the emergency room. Also call for immediate help if his lips or fingertips appear blue or if he acts lethargic, agitated, or confused.

Although it's common for a cold to uncover a child's tendency to wheeze, a chronic nighttime cough more commonly indicates underlying asthma. Call your baby's doctor if your child has difficulty sleeping because of wheezing, coughing, or trouble breathing.

What should I do if my baby has asthma?
If the diagnosis is asthma, your baby's doctor will discuss the many ways this problem can be managed. Together you can figure out which situations are likely to trigger asthmatic attacks — perhaps respiratory ailments or something environmental, such as allergens or cigarette smoke. It can be helpful to try using a cool-mist vaporizer and to elevate your baby's head and neck by 30 degrees or more while he sleeps (by wedging something under his crib mattress or using a car seat, bouncy seat, or swing). Allergy testing can also be useful, as can removing allergens from the environment. You might consider eliminating rugs, curtains, and stuffed animals from the child's room to decrease dust and dust mite exposure, for instance. You'll also need to educate your baby's caregivers about his asthma and its treatment. Medical treatment includes inhaled bronchodilators to open the airways, anti-inflammatory medications to decrease airway inflammation, antibiotics if there's a secondary infection underlying an attack, and identification and avoidance of allergic triggers.

source: babycenter

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Your 5-month-old's development: Week 4

Exploring with her hands

By the time she's about 6 months old (though sometimes it takes a little longer), your baby's hand control is developed enough that she can rake a small object toward herself. She may not actually grab it, but she can bring it to her.

You can help your baby practice this by placing a toy within her reach and waiting for her bring it close. In another month or so, she'll learn to grab larger toys and start to practice moving objects from one hand to the other.

Let her work with this skill by giving her a small rattle or toy to hold on to. Then help her transfer it to her other hand. Then move it back to the original hand, and so on. When she learns to transfer objects, a whole new world opens up — she now has two hands to have fun with!

Your baby the babbler

Your baby now sees and hears the world almost as well as you do. Her communication skills are expanding rapidly, too, as evidenced by her squeals, bubbling sounds, and operatic octave changes. Her sounds can demonstrate her attitude or response to objects — such as happiness, eagerness, or even satisfaction — with a problem well solved.

At this age, about half of babies babble, repeating one syllable — such as "ba," "ma," "ga," or other consonant-vowel combinations — over and over. A few will even add another syllable or two, making their sounds more complex.

You can encourage your baby by babbling right back at her and by making a game of it ("The sheep says, 'baaa,'" or "The goat says, 'maaa'"). Or, when you hear a syllable you can't identify, just respond enthusiastically with, "Yes, that is a car! See how shiny the red paint is?" Your baby will appreciate your encouraging her by keeping the conversation going.

She'll also appreciate it if you listen as if you understand everything she says and find it extremely interesting. Try simulating a conversation: You listen while she talks, then ask a question and wait for a response!

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Saturday, February 23, 2008

Your 5-month-old: Week 4

Exploring with her hands

By the time she's about 6 months old (though sometimes it takes a little longer), your baby's hand control is developed enough that she can rake a small object toward herself. She may not actually grab it, but she can bring it to her.

You can help your baby practice this by placing a toy within her reach and waiting for her bring it close. In another month or so, she'll learn to grab larger toys and start to practice moving objects from one hand to the other.

Let her work with this skill by giving her a small rattle or toy to hold on to. Then help her transfer it to her other hand. Then move it back to the original hand, and so on. When she learns to transfer objects, a whole new world opens up — she now has two hands to have fun with!

Your baby the babbler

Your baby now sees and hears the world almost as well as you do. Her communication skills are expanding rapidly, too, as evidenced by her squeals, bubbling sounds, and operatic octave changes. Her sounds can demonstrate her attitude or response to objects — such as happiness, eagerness, or even satisfaction — with a problem well solved.

At this age, about half of babies babble, repeating one syllable — such as "ba," "ma," "ga," or other consonant-vowel combinations — over and over. A few will even add another syllable or two, making their sounds more complex.

You can encourage your baby by babbling right back at her and by making a game of it ("The sheep says, 'baaa,'" or "The goat says, 'maaa'"). Or, when you hear a syllable you can't identify, just respond enthusiastically with, "Yes, that is a car! See how shiny the red paint is?" Your baby will appreciate your encouraging her by keeping the conversation going.

She'll also appreciate it if you listen as if you understand everything she says and find it extremely interesting. Try simulating a conversation: You listen while she talks, then ask a question and wait for a response!

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Your 5-month-old's development: Week 3

More discerning

Your baby's getting better at spotting very small objects and tracking moving things. At this point, he may be able to recognize an object after seeing only part of it — like his favorite toy peeking out from under the couch. This will be the basis of little hide-and-seek games you'll be playing in the coming months.

He can also follow an object out of his view. Your baby will reach for a block (or another object) on a table if you hold him close to it, and once he's got one, he may just go after a second.

Earlier your baby learned to distinguish between similar bold colors. Now, he's beginning to sort out subtle differences in pastels. Reading books about colors or playing with colored blocks is a great way to learn about the color palette.

Driven to distraction

When your baby starts fussing at the supermarket, you may be able to distract him — not for enough time to knock everything off your shopping list, but a few minutes goes a long way these days. Try engaging him with funny faces or a round of "The Itsy-Bitsy Spider."

Clapping your hands, giving him something to hold and mouth, or pointing out new objects in the aisles might work, too. But, remember: For some sensitive babies, the sights, sounds, smells, and overly friendly folks found in stores can be too much.

Cause and effect

Your baby's ability to interact with you, others, and his surroundings is growing daily. At this stage, he may start playing little games as he begins to understand that simple actions have results. He may drop objects just to watch you pick them up or to see how and where they fall.

Once he understand that letting go of something is as much fun as picking it up, your baby's world will become more interesting — and yours a good deal messier. Tiring as it sounds, you'd better get used to it. In a few weeks, this will be accompanied by your baby's fits of giggles.

Before long, you'll probably notice the noise level increasing, not only because of your baby's babble but also because he'll find out how much fun it is to bang objects together. Banging, shaking, and mouthing are all ways your baby conducts his experiments on the world.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Your 5-month-old: Week 3

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's getting better at spotting very small objects and tracking things that are moving. At this point, he may be able to recognize an object after seeing only part of it — like his favorite toy peeking out from under a blanket. This will be the basis of little hide-and-seek games you'll be playing in the coming months. He can also follow an object out of his view.

You may also notice that he'll reach for a block (or another object) on a table if you hold him close to it, and once he's got one, he may just go after a second.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 5-month-old's development.

Your life: Using a babysitter


Starting to use a babysitter is a big decision. Perhaps the hardest part is finding and choosing someone you like and trust, especially if family members or close friends are unavailable. Asking friends, neighbors, and other new parents for references is a great way to locate candidates. Some areas have babysitting agencies through which you can hire a prescreened candidate. Or try the student employment office at a local school or college.

Another option is to swap babysitting time with another parent or couple. Babysitting co-ops are larger, more formalized organizations in which a group of parents take turns sitting for one another's kids.

There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing a babysitter, including age, experience, and knowledge of infant CPR and first aid. Asking for references is a good start, as is a thorough interview to help you gauge the sitter's character, personality, and qualifications. Watch the babysitter interact with your baby, too. A preteen or teen who may be too young to be left alone with your baby could be hired as a "mother's helper" — someone to help watch the baby while you work or do jobs around the house.

Once you choose a babysitter, it's wise to ask her to come a little early so you can spend time together. Let her hold your baby while you prepare her by going over your baby's routines. Give her all the important information: contact numbers for getting in touch with you and your baby's doctor, an escape route from your home, the location of first-aid and emergency supplies, your baby's medical information, and healthcare authorization in case you're unavailable. In terms of compensation, it's a good idea to ask other parents in the area what the going rate is.

3 questions about: Growth charts


Why do doctors monitor babies' growth over time?
Your baby's doctor looks for an overall growth pattern by measuring your baby's weight, length (or height), and head circumference and comparing it with both national averages and previous measurements. Sudden deviations from this pattern or extreme measurements may indicate a problem with taking in or absorbing nutrients, an illness, or a developmental problem. Use our growth percentile calculator to see how your baby compares to his peers.

What do "percentiles" mean?
Your baby's doctor will tell you that your baby ranks at a specific percentile on a growth chart. It's a way of comparing your baby with the full spectrum of babies nationally. If your baby is in the 25th percentile for weight, for example, this means that 25 percent of babies the same age and gender in the United States weigh less and 75 percent weigh more. Growth percentiles between the fifth and 95th are considered normal.

What if my baby seems ahead or behind?
Don't worry too much if your baby isn't close to average size (i.e., the 50th percentile). Your baby grows at an individual pace. Growth spurts may have him speeding up the chart one month or one year and then leveling back the next. Some babies are naturally larger or smaller because of their genetic background. Another reason not to fixate on a number on a growth chart is that your baby's well-being involves a variety of factors, including development, temperament, and activity level, not just growth. If you have concerns, talk to your baby's doctor and she'll be able to tell you whether there's anything to be concerned about.

Your 5-month-old's development: Week 2

Strong enough to feed herself

Your baby may be able to hold her own bottle now and it's fine to let her, but never prop the bottle for her and walk away. A propped bottle could cause your baby to overeat or even choke. Also, if your baby falls asleep while sucking on the bottle, milk or formula can pool in her mouth, coating her teeth with sugar, which can lead to tooth decay. Pooled milk can also drip into the tubes that connect the back of the throat with the middle part of the ear, leading to ear infections.

Your baby's probably showing more signs that she's ready for solids — from a weaker tongue-thrust reflex (when your baby pushes out her tongue when something is placed on it) to a keener interest in the foods you and others are eating. But don't be in a rush to give your baby solid food. Discuss when to introduce solid food with your baby's healthcare provider.

Your baby's digestive system may not be ready for solids, and she might not be able control her chewing and swallowing muscles. (Don't worry: That will all come in a few weeks.) Giving your baby solid foods too early can raise her risk of developing food allergies, too. Common allergies include citrus, egg whites, peanut butter, wheat, shellfish, and cow's milk.

Use family mealtime to socialize with your baby. She'll enjoy watching you eat, and she may even eat more herself as a result. In another month or so, she'll be better able to sit up by herself and grasp small objects, too, adding to her dinner table skills.

Sitting all alone

Your baby may now be able to get into a sitting position from lying on her stomach by pushing up on her arms. If she's sitting independently, stay nearby for support — even if you provide pillows to cushion a possible fall. Your baby may have mastered the sitting skill, but she still might lose interest in being upright and topple over.

Who's that?!

Your baby may start showing signs of one of her first major emotional milestones — stranger anxiety. She may become clingy and anxious around new (and even familiar!) people and may cry if a stranger suddenly approaches her.

Keep this in mind when you're around people she doesn't know, and try not to be embarrassed when she cries in someone else's arms — just take her back and calm her down by holding her yourself. Tell your friends and family to approach your little one with slow gentle movements.

A case of stranger anxiety doesn't mean you have to avoid new faces. Your baby will benefit from getting used to being around people other than you and your partner. Just remember that she needs your patience and understanding to get through this very important stage of development.

Eye see you

At all well-baby visits, your child's doctor should examine your baby's eyes, checking their structure and alignment, her ability to move them correctly, and for signs of congenital eye conditions or other problems. Find out what to expect from the examination and what to look for yourself.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Monday, February 18, 2008

Your 5-month-old: Week 2

How your baby's growing:

Your baby may start showing signs of one of her first major emotional milestones — stranger anxiety. She may become clingy and anxious around new (and even familiar) people and may cry if a stranger suddenly approaches her.

Keep this in mind when you're around people she doesn't know, and try not to be embarrassed when she cries in someone else's arms — just take her back and calm her down by holding her yourself. Tell your friends and family to approach your little one with slow, gentle movements.

A case of stranger anxiety doesn't mean you have to avoid new faces. Your baby will benefit from being around people other than you and your partner. Just remember that she needs your patience and understanding to get through this very important stage of development.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 5-month-old's development.

Your life: Getting your baby used to other people


When you were pregnant, you may have worried about whether your baby would bond with you. And now you may find that the two of you are so tight, she howls with protest if anybody else comes near — even your partner. When your baby rejects everyone else, it can be hard on them, and it means more work for you. That's why getting used to other people is an important part of your baby's socialization.

A strong, lasting bond grows through regular day-to-day interactions, so encourage Dad or your partner to get involved in even the most basic baby care tasks, like changing diapers, bathing, and feeding. Have him carry the baby around when he's going about his day — and make time for play, as well. Keep your distance at first so your baby can't hear or smell you. One idea: Divide baby care chores so your partner handles the daily bath or the bedtime routine every evening.

Expose your baby to friends and family, too. Try holding your baby while the other person talks and plays with her. Then hand her over to the other person and stay close. Eventually, leave briefly and come back. Repeat this step, making the interval you're away longer and longer.

3 questions about: Constipation


How will I know if my baby's constipated?
There's no such thing as a normal number of bowel movements per day. When — and how often — your baby moves her bowels can depend on when and what she eats, her level of activity, and how rapidly her body digests food. Constipation occurs when stool backs up in the intestines, either delaying bowel movements or making them hard for your baby to pass. Your baby may be constipated if any of the following is the case:
• Her stools are hard and dry or have blood in them.
• Three or more days have passed since her last bowel movement.
• She shows persistent discomfort when moving her bowels.

What causes constipation?
If your baby is being fed only breast milk, constipation is rare. Talk to your baby's doctor if her stools are hard, dry, or painful: When combined with other symptoms such as vomiting or a swollen tummy, this could indicate a more serious condition like a blocked intestine.

If your baby takes only formula, the particular brand she's drinking may not agree with her. Ask your doctor about switching brands.

If you've introduced rice cereal to your baby's diet as a first step toward solid foods, the cereal could be the culprit — it's low in fiber. Try adding pureed fruits such as pears or prunes (not bananas, which are constipating) or vegetables to the cereal or switching to oat or barley cereal instead.

Constipation can also be caused by dehydration, so giving your baby more fluids can help. If your baby's already eating solid foods, try giving her some prune or pear juice. You can feed her 1 ounce of juice diluted with 1 ounce of water, or add the juice to her bottle of formula or pumped breast milk.

How can I help?
Aside from making changes to your baby's diet, here are a few more tricks for getting bowels back on track:
• Wiggle your baby's legs in a gentle pedaling motion while she's lying on her back.
• Gently but firmly massage her belly below her navel. If you feel a firm area, keep a steady pressure there for a few moments.
• If you see her straining to make a poop, place her in a warm-water bath to relax her muscles.
• Use a glycerin suppository or stimulate her rectum with a rectal thermometer lubricated with petroleum jelly as a temporary measure, but only with the doctor's approval. If the constipation doesn't respond to these interventions, the doctor may recommend a baby laxative.

source: babycenter

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Your 5-month-old's development: Week 1

Homing in on sounds

Your baby now realizes where sounds come from, and he'll turn quickly toward a new one. One of the easiest ways to engage him is to jingle a set of keys. Wind chimes are great attention-getters, too.

Your baby may now be able to recognize his own name and understand that you're speaking to him when you say it. You may notice that your little one turns his head when you call him or talk about him with others.

If you want to engage and entertain your baby, all you need to do is talk to him. At this age, babies don't learn language from the television or radio, so turn them off and use real dialogue instead.

A growing range of emotions

Your baby can't express his emotions in the same complex way that you can. Although he can let you know in clear ways when he's angry, bored, or happy, his ability to show love and humor are just developing.

Your baby also shows a strong attachment to you by raising his arms when he wants to be picked up and by crying when you leave the room. He may also give you hugs and kisses.

And he's beginning to get the joke — he'll laugh at funny expressions and try to make you laugh, too. Keep the laughter flowing with your silly faces!

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Friday, February 15, 2008

Your 5-month-old: Week 1

How your baby's growing:

Your baby can't express his emotions in the same complex way you can. Although he can clearly let you know when he's happy or unhappy, his ability to demonstrate his love and sense of humor is just developing.

As your baby gets older, he may start to cry when you leave the room and get excited when you come back in. He may also raise his arms when he wants to be picked up and give you pats on the back.

And you'll probably see him getting your jokes — he'll laugh at funny expressions and try to make you laugh too. Keep the laughter flowing with your silly faces!

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 5-month-old's development.

Your life: Sex as new parents


Finding the time and energy for sex as new parents is challenging enough. And then there's the small matter of the third party in your room or down the hall, ready to wail at the least opportune moment. But with a little planning and effort, anything is possible!

Flirt Flirting isn't the same as foreplay. It's sexual play without the intention of immediate sexual activity. Flirting with your partner (in person, on the phone, or by e-mail, for example) helps both of you get in the mood.

Time it right You don't always have to "sleep when the baby sleeps." Nap time provides a great chance to get intimate before end-of-the-day exhaustion sets in.

Make a "date" You don't have to dress up and go out — simply plan ahead to stay in. When you're parents, sharing massages or taking a shower together while the baby sleeps counts as a date.

Keep a sense of humor Be ready for things to not go as usual. If you're breastfeeding, for instance, you may see some milk leak or spray. If your baby does start to cry, don't rush to his rescue. Wait a few minutes to see whether he settles back to sleep. If he does settle down, you may find that the mood has been broken anyway. Don't call the whole thing off. Start back with slow, gentle foreplay and see what happens.

3 questions about: Your baby's head and hair


Should I do anything if my baby's head looks flat?
A flattish head (called plagiocephaly) is often the result of sleeping too much in one position and usually isn't a cause for concern. Mention it to your doctor, who can evaluate it. In rare, severe cases, your doctor may refer you to a specialist for treatment, such as cranial orthotic therapy involving headgear. Flattish skulls have become more commonplace since babies began to be placed on their back to sleep to prevent SIDS. But the benefits of a baby sleeping on his back far outweigh the temporary, cosmetic issue of a flattish head. Although the condition is harmless, some parents look into pricey helmets to prevent or correct flatness. You can get a similar result by giving your baby plenty of "tummy time" during his waking hours and alternating the direction in which you place him in his crib to sleep. (Even when lying on their back, babies tend to turn their head away from the wall to look around.) You could change the position of your baby's favorite mobile or even change the location of his crib so that he's inspired to look in a different direction. Also, minimize the amount of time your baby spends in his car seat (outside the car, of course) to reduce the amount of pressure the seat back exerts on his head. Regardless of what you do to fix it (if anything), flatness usually goes away as your baby grows, learns to sit and stand, and becomes a more vertical little being.

What should I do if my baby is losing hair or has a bald spot?
Baby baldness is usually caused by your baby's position and not by a serious health problem. Babies who tend to keep their head in the same position, rub it against the mattress, or bang it against the side of their crib may have more hair loss. This stops as your baby grows and replaces old habits with new, exciting behaviors. Babies born with lots of hair often lose it as hormone levels drop. It's very rare for a baby younger than 6 months to have other causes of hair loss, such as ringworm or the autoimmune disorder alopecia areata.

When will my baby's hair grow in?
This is hard to predict. Most babies will have two separate crops of hair before their first birthday, but the timing for hair loss and regrowth varies greatly. Some babies have new hair grow in soon after the old is lost, while for others it seems to take longer. The color and texture of this new hair may be significantly different from the hair your baby was born with.

source: babycenter

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Your 4-month-old's development: Week 4

Sitting pretty

By now, your baby's physical developments are coming fast and furious. When lying on her back, she'll lift her head and shoulders as you reach to pull her up. If you place her on her stomach, she'll extend her arms and legs and arch her back. This is good exercise for strengthening her neck muscles, and it will help her develop the head control necessary for sitting up.

When you pulled your baby into a sitting position a few weeks back, her head lagged behind her arms and shoulders. Now, she can anticipate the direction you're pulling her, and her head will follow right along with the rest of her body. What's more, her spine is straightening, allowing her to sit unsupported, which frees her hands for exploring, and she can pivot to reach a desired object.

Once her back and neck muscles are strong enough to hold her upright and she's figured out where to put her legs so she won't topple over, it's just a matter of time until she moves on to proper crawling, standing, and walking. Until she can get into a sitting position without your help, you can prop her in the corner of your sofa or on your legs to steady her.

Ba ba ba ba ba ba . . .

Your baby is adding new sounds to her language repertoire, and she may sound like a broken record. Babies this age often become so enthralled by a newfound ability that they get stuck on it for a while. This is normal — babies tend to master one skill before moving to the next.

Hearing the same sound over and over can get annoying, but practicing patience now will prepare you for the endless string of "nos" and "whys" you'll be hearing from your child soon enough.

Your baby may also watch your mouth intently when you speak and try to imitate inflections and utter consonant sounds such as "m" and "b."

Peaceful goodnights

Following a well-established nighttime routine, which might include a bath or a bedtime story, for example, may help settle your baby to sleep. It's a good idea to consistently "sequence" your baby toward slumber: Feed her, give her a bath, put her in her pajamas, play a game, read her a book, sing songs or play some music, then put her down.

A beloved routine gives you and your baby plenty of time to connect and wind down. You may decide to alternate going-to-bed activities with your partner (you do the bath, he reads the story, and so on). Or, to give both of you a regular break, try taking turns, with one person responsible for putting your baby to bed each night.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.



source: babycenter

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Your 4-month-old: Week 4

How your baby's growing:

Following a well-established nighttime routine, which might include a bath or a bedtime story, may help settle your baby to sleep. It's a good idea to consistently "sequence" your baby toward slumber, as in this example: Feed her, give her a bath, put her in pajamas, read her a book, sing a lullaby or play some music, and then put her down.

A beloved routine gives you and your baby plenty of time to connect and wind down. You may decide to alternate going-to-bed activities with your partner (you do the bath, he reads the story, and so on). Or, to give both of you a regular break, try taking turns, with one person responsible for putting your baby to bed each night.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Your life: Taking care of you


After the intensity of adjusting to life with a new baby, many parents reach a point where they find they're like ostriches lifting their heads out of the sand to discover a wider world — the one they took leave of, temporarily, after the birth. The repetitiveness and endlessness of baby care can also be very different from the pace of work, especially if you're used to a goal-oriented job or lots of adult interaction.

Six ways to restore a little balance:

1. Join a parenting group. Look for a group that fosters your interests and offers lots of support through activities and resources. Check the listings in your local paper or at your library, your place of worship, or the doctor's office for meeting announcements. There are groups for breastfeeding moms, parents of color, working parents, book-reading parents, stay-at-home parents, and so on — or you might find (or start!) an ad hoc neighborhood group.

2. Go online. Keep in touch with friends or family by e-mail, network with other parents at sites like BabyCenter, or just check in on "the outside world" at news sites. Read parenting blogs

3. Spend some time by yourself. Make sure you get a real break — a chance to relax, focus on yourself, and get inspired — at least once a week. Ideally, find half an hour just for you each day, maybe at nap time.

4. Read. Keep a book or magazine handy for those times when your baby naps. Even if it's just reading a few pages a day, you can "escape" to a world of fiction or learn something new.

5. Start a blog or a diary. Whether you choose to make your observations public or keep them private is up to you — simply recording them is a time-honored way to preserve your sanity. You can keep an online journal on BabyCenter.

6. Have an adult conversation. Whether it's over the phone or in person, chatting with a friend, relative, or your partner can re-energize you.
— it can be reassuring to see how similar other peoples' problems are to your own.

3 questions about: Shaken baby syndrome


What is shaken baby syndrome?
Shaken baby syndrome (SBS) is a serious type of brain injury that occurs when someone shakes a baby severely, causing the baby's brain to move inside her skull. Babies are especially vulnerable to injury because their neck muscles aren't strong enough to support their relatively large, heavy head. This form of abuse can cause serious injuries, including blindness, eye damage, developmental delays, seizures, paralysis, and permanent brain damage. It can even be fatal.

Can SBS be caused by roughhousing?
In theory that's possible, but it would have to be pretty rough play. The ordinary kind of jiggling, patting, and tickling that a loving parent does when interacting with a baby doesn't cause shaken baby syndrome. Nor do swings, vibrating bouncy seats, or being driven over rough roads. The kind of abuse that leads to SBS is deliberate and violent. It's usually caused by someone who loses control when caring for a baby.

What should I do if I know or suspect that my baby has been dangerously shaken?
A shaken baby may appear colicky or overly sleepy, may vomit or appear to have a feeding problem, may have labored breathing, or may be irritable and fussy. If you suspect SBS and any of these signs are present, call your baby's doctor or take your baby to the emergency room immediately. Your baby's condition may get worse and any brain damage may become permanent without prompt medical treatment. Be clear and honest so that the most accurate diagnosis can be made and the best treatment given. Caring for a baby can be taxing and frustrating. Every caregiver should learn healthy, safe ways to deal with exasperation and anger, including deep breathing, taking time out for yourself, and seeking support from friends, family, your doctor, or your baby's doctor. If you find yourself getting frustrated, place your baby in a safe place such as a crib, leave the room, and let your baby cry alone while you call someone close for support.

source: babycenter

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Your 6-month-old's development: Week 4

Bouncing baby

Your baby can now support some of her weight on her legs, and she loves to bounce — something that can strengthen her muscles for walking later on. Hold her under her arms and help her stand up on the floor or on your lap.

You may need to help her start moving by lifting her off the ground (or your lap) but once she starts, just watch her go! Be ready for lots of giggles.

Handy skills

Your baby's fine motor skills are coming along. By now she can probably scoop things up with one hand and transfer an object from one hand to the other fairly easily. Fine motor skills involve small, precise thumb, finger, hand, and wrist movements and are used for actions like picking up things between the thumb and finger.

Gross motor skills are required for activities like crawling, which use large muscles such as those in the arm, leg, or feet or the entire body. To encourage your baby's development of these skills, place a toy just out of your baby's reach and watch her try to get it. If she cries because she can't quite reach it, give her encouragement — but not the toy. She's just venting frustration and will become more physically confident more quickly if you don't make everything easy for her.

After a few tries, she'll be able to lean forward to grab the toy and then straighten herself again. Before long, she'll be rocking back and forth on her hands and knees or maybe creeping (pushing herself around on her belly) or even repeatedly rolling over to move about the room. Help her move around easily by dressing her in loose, comfortable clothes.

Your baby's also showing an interest in small parts and the details of the objects around her. Her ways of exploring are growing beyond banging and gumming, although those are still part of every toy interaction. As she explores, be sure to keep buttons, coins, safety pins, balloons, rocks, and other choking hazards out of reach.

Fun friends

At this age, babies tend to gravitate toward stuffed animals, big and small. One might even become your baby's favorite security object. If so, it'll soon be covered in drool and accompanying you everywhere. Don't worry: A "transitional object" like this can be a sign of emerging independence as your little one learns to separate herself from you and depend on herself — slowly but surely.

When adding new members to your plush family, look for soft, well-stitched toys. Other good playthings include balls, nesting cylinders, pop-up toys, and large dolls.

One way to tell if your baby has a favorite plaything or two is by trying to remove it from her. You may now find her protesting loudly when you take something away.

If your baby insists on sleeping with a favorite friend, make sure it's small — your baby could use a larger one as a stepping stool to climb out of her crib or it could impair her breathing if it's too close to her face.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Your 4-month-old's development: Week 3

A barrel of laughs

Even though crying is still your baby's strongest form of communication, he's also developing his sense of humor during his fifth month. He may start to laugh at pleasant surprises such as your face appearing from underneath a blanket or a toy popping out of a box, provided it isn't too loud or startling.

Encourage your baby's laughs, giggles, and smiles with funny faces and lots of general silliness. Babies enjoy hearing a variety of sounds and you don't need special toys or instruments to provide them. Simply click your tongue, whistle, or make animal noises — your baby will love it!

Exploring objects

Encourage your baby to experiment and play with a variety of objects. Something as simple as a clean cloth diaper might occupy him for several minutes. Watch him suck on it, hold it, and discover what happens when he scrunches it up.

Give him a light rattle and see him delight in the sound it makes when he shakes it. An activity center or crib gym is a good choice for this stage, as your baby begins to explore the cause and effect of moving a lever and hearing a bell ring, for instance.

Appreciation for a full range of colors

Babies see color from birth, but they have difficulty distinguishing similar tones, such as red and orange. (Babies can tell the difference between very different colors such as red, green, and yellow.) As a result, younger babies often prefer black and white or high-contrast patterns.

At your baby's age, color differences become clearer, and your baby has started to distinguish between similar shades. Present him with a variety of colors in books, toys, and clothing.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source: babycenter

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Your 4-month-old: Week 3

How your baby's growing:

Even though crying is still your baby's strongest form of communication, he's also beginning to develop a sense of humor. He may start to laugh at pleasant surprises, such as your face appearing from underneath a blanket or a toy popping out of a box, provided it isn't too loud or startling.

Encourage your baby's laughs, giggles, and smiles with funny faces and lots of general silliness. Babies enjoy hearing a variety of sounds, and you don't need special toys or instruments to create them. Simply click your tongue, whistle, or make animal noises — your baby will love it!

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Your life: Pumping breast milk


Many working moms find that they're able to continue breastfeeding by taking pumping breaks while on the job. Doing so helps maintain your milk supply and provides breast milk for bottle feedings. But it can be hard to get the hang of it, especially at first. Some tips to make pumping at work easier:

Practice at home. Get used to your pump, and pumping, before you head back to work. Many working moms choose an electric double pump — these allow you to efficiently empty both breasts at once — but there are other options. Consider pumping accessories that can make your life easier, like a hands-free pumping bra, microwavable disinfecting bags for your pump parts, and breast milk storage bags. Think, too, about how you'll keep your expressed milk cold while you're at work. If your workplace doesn't have a fridge you can use, you'll need a freezer bag and cold packs.

Let your supervisor know your plans. Many workplaces set aside a private place for pumping. If your workplace doesn't — and you don't have an office with a door — you'll probably want to arrange a special pumping spot.

Plan to pump at the same time and place at work every day. If possible, try for every three hours to keep your milk supply up. Remember to keep well hydrated between sessions.

Relax to improve letdown. This can be the hardest part. Some moms like to hold a baby photo or something that smells like their baby to get in the right frame of mind. Recalling a favorite lullaby that you sing to your baby or visualizing your baby nursing can also help.

3 questions about: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)


What is RSV?
RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, causes coldlike symptoms during the winter months. It's not a dangerous virus in itself, but it can lead to ear infections, bronchiolitis (infection of the small airways, called bronchioles), pneumonia, or later development of asthma or other respiratory problems. Almost every baby contracts it before age 2, but it can be especially dangerous for babies under 6 months old, babies with underlying medical problems, and premature infants, whose immune systems are weaker.

How can I tell if my baby has RSV?
Your baby may appear to have a mild cold, but then a few days later, his cough gets worse and his breathing becomes labored. This is because the virus has infected the bronchioles, causing them to swell and produce more mucus, which can plug up your baby's airway and make it harder to breathe. Signs that your baby may have a serious infection include flaring his nostrils, excessively expanding his rib cage, tightening his abdominal muscles, grunting when breathing, wheezing (a high-pitched whistling sound) when breathing, quickened breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute), bluish lips or nails, and feeding problems.

What should I do if I think my baby has RSV?
Call your baby's doctor. She may want you to bring your baby to the office to have his breathing and oxygen checked. Your doctor may recommend a breathing treatment with an inhaled bronchodilator medicine, which helps some babies breathe easier. Because RSV is a virus, antibiotics are of no use, but you can help relieve your baby's symptoms at home. Keep your baby well hydrated and away from smoke and fumes, which can make compromised breathing even more difficult. Some babies will prefer smaller, more frequent feedings, since it may be hard for them to breathe and suck at the same time. Try easing labored breathing with saline nose drops and a bulb syringe (to loosen and remove mucus from the nose), a cool-mist vaporizer, or some method of keeping your baby's head elevated a little when he sleeps (such as a towel under his crib mattress, but not a pillow under his head). You can give your baby acetaminophen if he has a fever, but don't use any other medications without your doctor's advice. The doctor may recommend that premature infants and babies born with lung or heart disease receive a series of shots during the RSV season that, like the flu shot, help protect against the virus.

source: babycenter

Your 4-month-old's development: Week 2

Eating less frequently

Your baby has a bigger tummy now, so she won't need to fill up as often. Four or five times a day will often do it, in fact, unless she's exclusively breastfed, in which case she'll still want to eat six to eight times a day.



Your baby may have doubled her birth weight by now, and she's still gaining, of course, despite her more mature eating schedule. (The content of your breast milk has also changed, with more fat and minerals to match your baby's nutritional needs.)



Don't expect maturity in her eating habits though: Your baby is easily distracted now, and feedings can become frustrating as she stops to watch a sibling or respond to an outside noise. You might try to minimize distractions by feeding her in a quiet, dimmed room.

Playing solo

By now, your baby can play with her hands and feet for a few minutes at a time. She's quite fond of doing one action over and over again until she's sure of the result. Then, she'll switch things up just a bit to see if the result is different.



Suddenly you realize it's strangely quiet in the bedroom and look in, only to discover that your baby, who so far has needed your attention for most of every waking moment, is amusing herself in her crib. You might be able to start reading the paper again — well, maybe just the headlines.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.



source: babycenter

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Your 4-month-old: Week 2

How your baby's growing:

By now, your baby may play with her hands and feet for a few minutes at a time. She's quite fond of doing one action over and over again until she's sure of the result. Then she'll switch things up a bit to see if the result is different.

Suddenly you'll realize it's strangely quiet in the bedroom and look in, only to discover that your baby, who until now has needed your attention for most of every waking moment, is amusing herself in her crib. You might be able to start reading the paper again — well, maybe just the headlines.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Your life: Getting your partner involved


If you're the primary caregiver, it may feel like a reflex by now to step in whenever your baby starts crying. But it's a good idea to give your partner the chance to be the soother, too. Not only does this give you a break (which is huge!), it adds to his confidence level and provides bonding opportunities.

There are plenty of techniques you can encourage your partner to use, but it's also important to leave him room to experiment and learn on his own.

Remind your partner to assess the baby's needs (diapering, feeding, burping) and to fulfill those first. If crying continues, he can try to soothe the baby by holding her close, rubbing her back, or giving her some infant massage.

Many babies are comforted by gentle, rhythmic motion, which helps a parent feel like he's doing

Distraction is another popular method. He can try playing the entertainer with silly stunts, singing, and funny sounds and expressions.
something. Dancing, rocking, or swinging the baby may do the trick.

3 questions about: Pinkeye


What is pinkeye?
Pinkeye, or conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the eye that can be caused by a virus, a bacteria, or an allergen. The membrane covering the whites of your baby's eyes and the insides of his eyelids (called the conjunctiva) becomes irritated. As a result, his eyes may look watery, reddish, or crusty from dried eye discharge (which can be white, yellow, or green). They may even be stuck shut in the morning. One or both eyes can be affected.

What should I do if I think my baby has pinkeye?
Call your baby's doctor immediately. He'll need to examine your baby's eyes and will recommend specific treatment depending on the cause. It's also important to wash your hands often, especially before and after you examine your baby's eyes, to avoid spreading the infection. Pinkeye is pretty contagious, so beware of contracting it yourself. Keep your baby home from daycare and playgroups, and wash all bedding, washcloths, and towels frequently.

What's the treatment for pinkeye?
If the cause is bacteria (bacterial conjunctivitis), your baby's doctor will prescribe antibiotics, usually in the form of eyedrops or ointment. If the cause is a virus (usually the case when your baby also has cold symptoms), he may recommend diligent — but gentle — cleansing of the area with a warm washcloth and waiting it out for about a week. If the cause is an allergen, he'll work with you to identify the source, which you'll then need to eliminate from your baby's environment as soon as possible. Special eyedrops may also be recommended.

Sometimes a blocked tear duct causes crustiness and makes your baby's eyes vulnerable to infection. Depending on the nature of your baby's case, her doctor may suggest tear duct massage or lukewarm compresses to help unclog the duct. If the tear duct remains blocked, he may refer you to a pediatric eye doctor. In rare cases, outpatient surgery is needed for a duct that remains blocked for a long time.



Your 4-month-old's development: Week 1

Beginning to understand the role of language

Researchers believe that your baby can now understand all the basic sounds that make up his native language. Between this time and 6 months of age, your baby will develop the ability to make some vocal sounds, which means you may hear the words you've been dreaming about, namely "ma-ma" or "da-da." While child development experts say it's too early for your baby to connect those sounds with you and your partner, that won't make hearing them any less exciting.



You can encourage your baby's attempts at communication by mirroring or imitating his expressions and sounds. He may try to imitate you now, too. Say "baa" and he may try to say it back.



Reacting when your baby makes noises or tries to say something will help your baby learn the importance of language. It'll also help him better understand cause and effect. It's great for his self-esteem, too. He'll begin to realize that what he says makes a difference.



Expand on what your baby says and try to give it meaning. For example, you can say, "Yes, that is a ball!" Soon, his "ba" will become "ball."

Time for solid food?

For the first four to six months of life, your baby gets all the nutrients he needs from breast milk or formula. Still, parents are often eager to start their babies on solid food.



It's true that your baby's digestive tract is more developed now and his tongue-thrust reflex is starting to fade, so it seems a logical time to start feeding him some solids, such as pureed baby food or cereal. But there are good reasons to wait, too.



Starting solids later may cut down on possible allergic reactions, and ensures that breast milk or formula won't get crowded out of your baby's diet. And if you're hoping that eating solids will help your baby sleep through the night, studies have shown that you can't count on that happening.



The debate over when to start solids continues. If you're unsure about when to introduce them to your baby, talk to his doctor.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.



source: babycenter

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Your 4-month-old: Week 1

How your baby's growing:


Researchers believe that your baby can now understand all the basic sounds that make up his native language. Between this time and 6 months of age, he'll develop the ability to make some of these sounds, which means you may hear the words you've been dreaming about, namely "mama" and "dada." While child development experts say it's too early for your baby to connect those sounds with you, that won't make hearing them any less exciting.

You can encourage your baby's attempts at communication by mirroring or imitating his expressions and sounds. He may try to imitate you, too. Say "ba" and he may try to say it back.

Reacting when your baby makes noises or tries to say something will help him learn the importance of language and better understand cause and effect. It's great for his self-esteem, too: He'll begin to realize that what he says makes a difference.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 4-month-old's development.

Your life: Getting back to exercising


Unless your doctor has told you otherwise, your body's ready to exercise. Even now, though, your joints and ligaments may still be loose from the effects of pregnancy, so go easy at first, perhaps with a low-impact exercise class.

If you're nursing, don't worry — exercise won't affect your ability to breastfeed or the composition of your breast milk. For your own comfort, though, you might want to pump or feed your baby before high-impact activities such as running, and wear a bra that provides plenty of support.

You can also involve your baby in your new workout routine. Put him in a stroller or baby carrier when you go for a walk, or in a baby seat or crib so he can watch you riding a stationary bike. You may want to look for a gym that has a nursery so you can work out while your baby's supervised close by.

Find ways to fit exercise around your busy life. Consider workout DVDs you can use when your baby is quiet or sleeping. If you drive to work, park a little farther from the office and squeeze in some walking, or look into a lunch-hour program at a nearby gym. If you pick something that's simple and convenient, you'll be more likely to stick with it.

Don't be too hard on yourself, though. While it's healthy to care about your body, getting in shape takes time. You'll undo all the great mental benefits of exercise if you stress too much about your appearance. Your body did an amazing thing when it created your baby — give it some credit, too!

3 questions about: Ear infections


What's an ear infection?
An ear infection — also known as acute otitis media — happens when viruses or bacteria and fluid become trapped behind your baby's eardrum. The resulting infection causes swelling, pain, and usually a fever. Ear infections are very common — more than half of infants will have at least one by their first birthday.

What are the symptoms?
• Apparent lack of hunger: Ear infections can make chewing and swallowing painful.
• Tugging persistently at an ear (although sometimes babies do this for no reason at all).
Fever, which can range from 100 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit.
• A sudden change in mood, particularly following a cold. Pressure in the ear can hurt, especially when a baby's lying down (such as when he's eating or being put to bed), making him irritable.
• Ear drainage, which may be yellow, white, or even slightly bloody.
Diarrhea: Ear infections are often caused by a virus that also affects the digestive system.

How is an ear infection treated?
Surprisingly, ear infections usually go away on their own, given enough time. However, many doctors will prescribe an antibiotic to avoid a worsening ear infection and to give the baby comfort sooner. Your baby's doctor may also recommend infant acetaminophen to relieve the pain and fever, which usually fade within two days of starting the medicine.

To prevent frequent ear infections:
• Keep your baby away from tobacco smoke, which can weaken the immune system.
• Continue breastfeeding if you're already doing so. Studies show that breastfed babies are less likely to have ear infections.
• Be sure your baby has had all his vaccinations, particularly his pneumococcal and flu shots, which have been shown to reduce the incidence of ear infections.
• Minimize your baby's use of a pacifier, since some studies suggest that using one may lead to more ear infections.
• If your baby attends a large daycare center, consider switching to one with fewer children. This will reduce his exposure to the cold germs that can trigger ear infections.

source: babycenter

Your 3-month-old's development: Week 4

A new talent for rolling over

When placed on her stomach, your baby will lift her head and shoulders high, using her arms for support. This mini push-up helps strengthen her muscles and gives her a better view of what's going on. She may even amaze you (and herself!) by rolling from her back to her front, or vice versa.



You can encourage this skill through play: Wiggle a toy next to the side she customarily rolls to in case she's interested enough to try again. Applaud her efforts and smile. She may need your reassurance since her new skill can be frightening.

Getting more selective about people

By now, your baby may respond to your presence, your voice, and even your facial expressions by kicking and waving her arms. Your baby, who up to this point probably smiled at everyone she met, is also beginning to be picky about the company she keeps.



In large groups or with unfamiliar people, your baby may need time to get comfortable. Allow for transition time with strangers or when leaving her with a sitter.



When she's safely in your arms, though, she's likely to be interested in interacting with other people — especially noisy, boisterous children because they're more active, more amusing to a baby, and physically less imposing.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.



source: babycenter



Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Your 3-month-old: Week 4

How your baby's growing:



When placed on her stomach, your baby will probably lift her head and shoulders high, using her arms for support. This mini push-up helps strengthen her muscles and gives her a better view of what's going on. She may even amaze you (and herself!) by rolling from her back to her front, or vice versa.



You can encourage this rolling skill through play: Wiggle a toy next to the side she customarily rolls to in case she's interested enough to try again. Applaud her efforts and smile. She may need your reassurance, as this new skill can be a little frightening.



• Learn more fascinating facts about your 3-month-old's development.

Your life: Leaving your baby



It's normal to feel pangs of anxiety even when leaving your baby with your parents or a trusted babysitter. Feeling a bit nervous about separation from your little one is a sign that you're concerned and caring.



That said, it's not a good idea to consistently give in to your worries. The need to keep your baby safe with you should be weighed against other realities, such as your mental health (taking breaks from your baby can be good for both of you), your need to bring in income through work, and your baby's need, over time, to learn to get along with others. A babysitter can be both necessary and valuable.



If you've never hired a babysitter, ask for references from other parents you trust. Once you've found someone, ask her over and have her sit with your baby while you do household chores. That way you can observe how she interacts with your child. Limit your first trips away from the house to quick shopping errands. When you leave the house, try not to let your apprehensiveness show. If you seem nervous, your baby may pick up on that, making separation harder for both of you.

3 questions about: Chubby babies



What if my baby looks fat?

Obesity has become the health buzzword of the day. While it's unhealthy for anyone to carry too much fat, your baby's doctor is unlikely to be very worried if your baby is chubby. Some babies are born plump, others grow that way — but not because they have an unhealthy diet and don't exercise. It's because they haven't developed much muscle yet. This kind of baby fat isn't likely to stay with your child as she grows.



Should my baby go on a diet?

No. First, your baby's doctor will check to see whether your baby's weight and height are within the guidelines for her age. If she's too heavy, it's likely your doctor will simply watch to see how she grows. It's pretty rare for a doctor to be very concerned at this age, especially before solids have been added to a baby's diet.



Does this mean my baby will always have weight trouble?

No. A plump baby does not foreshadow an overweight teenager or adult. Many big babies slim down once they begin crawling and walking. They simply store their baby fat differently. As your baby grows, you can keep her fit and healthy by encouraging floor play. Feed her only when she's hungry, and avoid using a bottle to calm her when she's upset or stressed. Instead, offer her a toy or love and kisses.



source: babycenter