Your 7-month-old: Week 4

How your baby's growing:

Your baby's emotions are becoming more obvious. Over the next few months, she may learn to assess and imitate moods and might show the first stirrings of empathy. For instance, if she hears someone crying, she may start crying too. And even though your baby's just beginning to learn about her emotions, she's picking things up from you. Over the many months (and years) to come, your child will likely copy the way she sees you treat people.

• Learn more fascinating facts about your 7-month-old's development.

Your life: Making things easier

Everybody loves a shortcut. Here are a few to make your life easier:

Prep your food. Some parents swear by preparing servings of formula, baby food, snacks, and a set number of family meals ahead of time and then drawing from the supply (and replenishing it) as needed. Whenever possible, put together meals (yours and your baby's) in advance.

Organize supplies. Keep things you use regularly in fixed locations so they're there when you need them. Establishing a diaper-changing station on each floor of your home is one great trick. (You can use an ottoman in the living room, for example.) Have a diaper bag stocked at all times so you can just grab it and go — or keep a backup in your car. Store all your baby's bathing and feeding supplies in special plastic baskets that you put in the same place every time, so you don't have to go hunting for what you want.

Involve your baby. Taking a bath with your baby saves time and can be fun. Making a game of some household chores — such as folding laundry (babies love to crawl in the pile) or tidying up your baby's room — allows you to take care of her, have fun, and get work done at the same time.

3 questions about: Diarrhea

How can I tell whether my baby has diarrhea?
Diarrhea refers to liquid stools (the term comes from a Greek word meaning "to flow through"). Your baby has diarrhea if she poops more often than normal and the stool is watery or streaked with mucus or blood. It may be clear, yellow, green, or dark and will probably smell worse than usual.

What causes diarrhea?
The most common causes of diarrhea in babies are gastrointestinal infections, viral respiratory infections (colds), food intolerances or food allergies, and antibiotic treatment. Too much fruit juice or fruit in your baby's diet can also cause diarrhea.

What should I do if my baby has diarrhea?
Some tips:
• Call your doctor if your baby appears to be dehydrated, if she vomits or rejects food or drink, if you see blood in her stool, if her abdomen is distended (swollen and protruding), or if she has a fever lasting more than 24 hours. Infrequent urination (less than one wet diaper every eight hours), dark urine, sunken eyes, a sunken fontanel (the soft spot at the top of her skull), a dry mouth, crying without tears, and irritability or lethargy are symptoms of moderate to severe dehydration.

• Give your baby plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration, but avoid fruit juices and fluids that are high in sugar. Water, breast milk, and formula are better choices. You might also have her drink a pediatric rehydration solution.

• Make your baby as comfortable as possible. Keep her bottom dry and use diaper cream.

• Try to determine the cause. Does your baby have other viral symptoms? Did you introduce any new foods recently? Has she been given any antibiotics lately?

• Help prevent future episodes of diarrhea by thoroughly washing your hands (and your baby's hands) regularly and by washing the fruits and vegetables you feed her.

source: babycenter