Newborn Care, Calming - Massage (bcz babies don't come with instruction)

Touch is a powerful mean to communicate with your little one. And what could be the better way? Obviously, it has to be a Massage. Massage helps you to have a strong positive interaction with your bundle of joy and nurture the parent-child bond, and the benefits of massage are numerous. If you want to give a massage to your loved one and are not quite sure of the process, then this article is surely going to be beneficial for you.

My daughter loves massage and enjoys every bit of it with her Didun (Grandma)

What is Baby Massage?

Baby massage is the gentle, rhythmic stroking of your baby's body using your soft touch with the use of massage oil or lotion specifically meant for babies. Massage proves to be soothing for babies. Baby massage can also be a good way for new dads to gain confidence and sensitivity to an infant’s cues.

When to start Baby Massage?

There are no set guidelines regarding when to start baby massage. Generally the doctor asks to wait for 15 days of age as baby will shed his/her umbical cord, since it can lead to an infection if any massage oil gets trapped in it.
There is a general opinion that one must wait for the infant to complete one month of his life before massage is given to the baby. The reason for this is that a baby’s skin barrier is underdeveloped at birth and it takes 15 days for the skin to become water resistant. Overall, 15 – 20 days after birth should be the ideal age since it has multiple benefits like umbilical cord stub will fall down and navel gets dried, the skin is less sensitive than at birth, the skin barrier is stronger, and the baby at this age can be more responsive towards touch.

Benefits of Baby Massage

Babies love the touch of their parents, and it is one of the ways of communicating with your little one. Massage provides several natural benefits to the baby such as:

1. It is good for your Baby’s Health
It helps in improving blood circulation and gastrointestinal functions. It also has physiological benefits for your baby which includes improved breathing.

2. It calms and relaxes your Baby
By calming the nervous system, it helps your baby’s colic and sleep. It also relaxes your baby’s muscles and provides nourishment to the skin.

3. It helps in bonding with your Baby
It is one of the most effective ways of bonding with your little one by spending intimate time together. It also helps you to understand the needs of your baby.

 4. It helps you become more confident in handling your baby
It is an excellent way of getting to know your newborn baby, and you also get confident in handling your baby. Spending time with your baby helps you in getting many signs about your baby’s needs and requirements.

5. It provides relief to your baby
Massaging the tummy of your baby helps to ease various stomach related problems such as gas, constipation and even colic.

Best Time to Massage your Baby

The best time to massage your little one is when the baby is active meaning not sleepy, well-rested and seems interested in the environment. You may choose twice in a day for the massage, morning as well as in the evening. It should be between two feeding sessions when the baby is less likely to feel full or hungry and gap of at least 30 minutes from the baby’s last feeding session. Also, wait for 15 minutes after the massage before feeding again to give the baby’s body some extra time to relax completely.

How to Massage a Baby?

Before you get down to the process of massaging the baby, you need to set up various things.
Start your baby massage with the following setup:
Sit on a bed or soft carpeted floor with a towel in front of you. Towel helps to absorb excess oil. Need to maintain a comfortable room temperature. During winters, ensure that the room is warm and in summers make sure there is ample circulation of cool and fresh air in the room. Babies do feel warm quickly and tend to become cranky.

Choose a baby massage oil. We tried with our baby the Dove massage oil but due to her sensitive skin we switched to VCO (Virgin Coconut Oil - Maxcare). Do select unscented oils, with natural fragrances and no added perfumes. You can choose to massage your baby with or without the nappy, but you can loosen it when massaging his/her tummy. Massaging without nappy may increase the risk of accidental soiling, but it also ensures that you massage every part of their body.

Let’s now see how to massage a baby in the best possible way. Here are few tips towards it.

Step 1 – Seeking the permission:
The first step is to take your baby’s ‘permission’ since you would not like to give him/her a massage when he/she is not interested. The simple way to do this is by taking some oil in your palms and rub it gently on the baby’s tummy and behind their ears and observe their body language. If he/she resists being touched or grumbles and cries when massaging, then it is probably not the right time. If he/she shows positive signs and seems okay with what you are doing, then you can go ahead with the massage.

Step 2 – Massaging the legs:
Start with the baby’s feet. Rub some oil on your palms and start massaging the baby’s soles. Massage the heels up to the toes with your thumbs. Slowly, make circles with your thumb all over the bottom of each foot and then to the toes. Do not pull any toe like they do in adult foot massage. Instead, lightly massage each toe right to the tip. Now move up from foot to thigh. You can also massage both the legs at once if your baby is calm and relaxed. You end the leg massage by gently grasping the thighs with both your hands.

Step 3 – Moving to the arms:
After the legs are done, move to arms for massaging. The pattern of massaging is quite similar to the legs. Hold the baby’s hands and start massaging. Slowly make small strokes on the baby’s fingers moving towards the tip of the fingers. Gently massage their wrists in circular motions and slowly move towards their forearm towards the upper arm. Massage entire arm with gentle circular motions as if you are wringing a towel.

Step 4 – Chest and shoulder massage:
Massage from the left and right shoulder towards the chest of the baby. You can then trace your hand back to the shoulder. Repeat the motion gently. Next, place both your hands at the center of your baby’s chest and rub outwards from the body – towards the lateral side.

Step 5 – Time for tummy massage:
After this is the baby’s stomach. Remember, this is a delicate area, and therefore you must avoid even the slightest of pressures. You start your stroke from the top of the belly right below the chest bone. Place your palm gently below the chest bone and make clockwise circular strokes across the belly – all around the belly button. Do not apply any pressure and let your hand gently glide across the belly Continue the circular motions in clockwise direction while avoiding the belly button. In young babies, the belly button/navel can be sensitive and delicate since they would have recently shed their umbilical cord stub.

Step 6 – Massaging face and head:
Massaging the face and head can be a big challenge as babies tend to move a lot. But it is as important as massaging the other parts of the body. Begin by placing the tip of your index finger at the center of your baby’s forehead and slowly stroking along the outline of his face towards his chin. From the chin, move your finger towards his cheeks and massage his cheeks gently in a circular motion. Repeat the strokes a few times.
After massaging the face, start massaging the scalp with the fingertip like you are applying shampoo to the baby’s hair. Use gentle pressure from your fingertip and do not apply any extra pressure since the baby’s skull is delicate. You can even massage the baby’s forehead gently by moving your fingers outwards from the center of the forehead.

Step 7 – Finally the back:
Finally, is the back massage of the baby. Place your baby outstretched on their tummy with their hands at the front and not on the sides.
Place your fingertips on the baby’s upper back and trace clockwise circles while slowly moving the strokes towards his buttocks. Gently massage the babies back with gentle clockwise circular strokes.

How Often Should You Massage Your Baby?

There is no restriction on how less or more you can massage your baby. It is great, though, to have a fixed massage routine since it helps your baby reap all the long-term benefits of massage. If your baby faces certain adverse medical problems, then consult the pediatrician about the ideal massage routine.

Baby Massage Tips

Here are some important points to remember about massaging your baby:

1. If at any point during the massage your baby becomes cranky, then simply skip that massage step and move to the next one. If they are still irritable, then stop the massage. You can make an attempt at massaging them later when they seem to be more receptive to touch.

2. Always be gentle during a massage. Never apply too much pressure on the baby’s body since their bones and tissues are very delicate. Also never massage the genitals or around the groin area.

3. Speak, laugh, and smile while massaging your baby. When they look at you, initiate an eye contact and do some baby talk with a smile. This will help keep them interested in the activity eventually making them more cooperative.

4. When done, wipe away the oil on the baby’s palms and fingers using a tissue paper. This is to prevent them from accidentally ingesting the oil when they put their fingers in mouth. It is for this reason; choose baby massage oils that are 100% safe for babies and do not pose any health risk even on accidental ingestion.

5. Maintain a fixed time for massage. This will help establish a routine, making a baby more comfortable during a massage.

When Should You Stop Massaging the Baby?

There is no fixed age to stop massaging. You can choose to massage the baby if you want. Many mothers stop the massage when their little one is completely weaned and has transitioned from a baby to a toddler.

Massage is a great way of improving the bond with your baby while also enabling them to grow better. Maintain a schedule for massage and consult your doctor in case of doubts or queries.

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If you like the blog please click on Follow link (under web version)

For any queries feel free to contact  n.das28@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER : MummaBabe is a network created to share personal experiences with its audiences. None of the recommendations of this channel are sponsored by any company or product. We are not medical professionals so please consult your doctor before taking any medication. As each baby is different recommendations on this channel may not work for you, and should not be considered as an excuse to not visit your doctor or consult a medical practitioner. You can contact us by sending us an email to n.das28@gmail.com

Myths vs Reality - Newborn

9 months over ….. Time for delivery and in few minutes your little one is in front of you. Right after the birth grandparent's, friends and society flood parents all advice how to take care of the baby and we being parents start believing the MYTHS, not realizing that some of the myths should be avoided. We as Mom and Dad have to make sure we have accurate information all along for a healthy baby development. Before getting discharged from hospital the team of doctors does educate the parents with certain DO's and DONT's and also we were told by our doctors too. We should follow this strictly and we realize that they are completely against what we have been said as parents so far. So we Parents lets face the reality and not the myths for the betterment of our little one.

I would like to discuss few important and common Myths that we usually fell prey to follow:

Myth 1: Newborns should be given honey at the time of birth.

Fact: Please avoid it as it should never be given to the babies before they are atleast a year old. Science says that honey can lead to botulism in infants (lay man word – poison) as it is proven source of clostridium bacteria that causes it.

Myth 2: Applying kajal/kohl to a baby will make his/her eyes healthier and more beautiful.

Fact: We should not apply kajal/kohl to newborn babies to make his/her eyes healthy or beautiful as it might lead to an infection. A baby’s eyes and skin are more sensitive, so it is prescribed not to use any cosmetics. Only dermatological tested product prescribed by doctor should be used. Even homemade kajal should be avoided, as it can lead to allergic reactions or infections in a baby.

Myth 3:  Adding cerelac to your baby’s feed would make the little one sleep longer

Fact: Never give any solid foods and cereals to your newborn for the first six months and should be on breastfeed or formulated milk (prescribed by doctor) exclusively. Adding rice cereals or cerelac before six-months could be hard for the baby to digest and might give them serious problems like stomach infection (colic).

Myth 4: Teething can cause fevers and diarrhea

Fact: Teething does not cause any kind of stomach infection or fever and if teething baby gets sick it could be due to something else. Babies tend to put a number of things in their mouth to soothe their itchy gums and cause stomach infection or fever.

Myth 5: Dabbing a lot of powder

Fact: Sometimes it’s ok to apply powder but we should not dab the little one with a lot of talcum powder. Using large amounts of talcum powder might also increase the chances of powder inhalation. As a result fine powder particles may settle in the baby’s lungs and cause lung damage, breathing hazards or other respiratory infections. However, if you really like to use powder for your baby, go for organic powders that contain cornstarch and other harmless substances. (Mamaearth Dusting Powder)

Myth 6: Using besan and ubtan to remove body hair and skin colour

Fact: Using besan or ubtan especially before the first six months could harm babies. If your baby has a lot of body hair, don’t worry as it will fall off when they grow up. Always check with your doctor before using any such product.

Myth 7:  Giving gripe water/ ghutti to an infant

Fact: Whenever a baby cries our mother or mother-in-law or aunty would ask you to give the baby gripe water. It’s a homeopathy medicine not allopathy as it might work for older babies who are more than a year old, giving to newborn babies anything other than breast milk or formulated milk is a NO-NO from doctors. Anything other than that may increase the risk of introducing bacteria, causing allergies and irritating the baby’s intestines.

Myth 8: Applying mustard oil on nostrils/ear

Fact: Applying mustard oil is the most trusted massage oil for babies in India. While it has a lot of benefits for the baby, using it for other things besides massage could harm the baby, especially if you put it in the babies’ ears or nostrils. It could lead to an ear infection. So, say strict NO to this practice.

Myth 9: A newborn baby should be kept inside the house.

Fact: A newborn baby is delicate and thus needs extra care and attention, but that does not mean we should not take them out. There is no harm in taking your babies out and letting them to breathe fresh air unless the weather conditions are extremely harsh. Taking your babies outdoor is also one of the great ways of building your baby’s immunity.

Myth 10: A baby should never be bathed if they have fever

Fact: Bathing the baby under minor cold or fever does not harm. But you should protect the baby from cold wind. In case of high fever, a sponge bath is ideal.

If you have been following any of these myths, it's time to mend the way. Stay connected with the real facts and knowledge so that no myth can spoil your or babies life!  For any situation you should always go ahead and consult with your doctor.

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If you like the blog please click on Follow link (under web version)

For any queries feel free to contact  n.das28@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER : MummaBabe is a network created to share personal experiences with its audiences. None of the recommendations of this channel are sponsored by any company or product. We are not medical professionals so please consult your doctor before taking any medication. As each baby is different recommendations on this channel may not work for you, and should not be considered as an excuse to not visit your doctor or consult a medical practitioner. You can contact us by sending us an email to n.das28@gmail.com

Vaccination - Safe passage for children's growth

Vaccination the word itself scares every mom and dad for a moment as the little one would be injected and it would definitely create a lot of pain but at the end of the day we know it’s very important to protect our children from those infections or diseases that are life threatening. Thanks to vaccines (Edward Jenner) who invented, so that our children get less infected to serious diseases like whooping cough, measles, mumps, Hib meningitis, pneumococcal disease, hepatitis, or polio. Learn about the recommended immunizations for your baby, and which shots to expect at your child’s next medical checkup.

Vaccines are used to boost the immune system and prevent serious, life-threatening diseases. Newborn babies or children at tender age are highly susceptible to catch infections and diseases. This is because their immune system is not yet fully developed. The immune system is to protect the body by fighting against the germs or microbes. However, some germs can overwhelm the immune system, and when this happens, the child falls sick. When children get their vaccine shots, it helps the immune system to recognize which organism is harmful and how to remove it. This way the body is prepared to fight the germs/microbes when they attack, and your child is immunized from illnesses.

Currently there are Four types of vaccines that are available: (Good to know info)

         i.            Live virus vaccines use the weakened (attenuated) form of the virus. Measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine and the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine are examples.
       ii.            Inactivated vaccines are made from a protein or other small pieces taken from a virus or bacteria. The whooping cough (pertussis) vaccine is an example.
      iii.            Toxoid vaccines contain a toxin or chemical made by the bacteria or virus. They make you immune to the harmful effects of the infection, instead of to the infection itself. Examples are diphtheria and tetanus vaccines.
     iv.            Bio-synthetic vaccines contain man-made substances that are very similar to pieces of the virus or bacteria. The Hepatitis B vaccine is an example.

When a newborn baby is due for a discharge from hospital, pediatrician does inject BCG (Bacillus Calmette Guérin) to prevent them from TB and OPV with Hep B. Also, we need to ensure the baby is vaccinated in the coming months as per the vaccination record book which has been provided to you by the hospital before discharge. I will share with you a snippet of it in this blog.

As proud parents we need to offer the best protection to our little one and for that to happen, it is important for your child to be vaccinated at the recommended times rather than delaying or splitting vaccines. If you think you will forget then do set up reminders on your mobile or on calendars. Unborn babies are protected by their mother’s antibodies, which last for a few months after birth. Once these antibodies wear off, babies are at risk of serious infections and diseases. Babies are due for their first vaccinations before these antibodies disappear. SO, DON’T DELAY. But there can be a situation’s when we fell due to child sickness or may be something which is simply unavoidable. Regardless of the situation it’s important we don’t miss the schedule. If in case, there is a slippage it doesn’t mean you have to go back and start again from the scratch. The previous immunizations still holds good. Your doctor would resume the immunization as per the schedule.

Sometimes, the doctor may give you the option of painful or painless vaccines. As parents, we want to avoid causing any pain to our child. However, please discuss the difference between painful and painless vaccines to make an informed decision. As per studies, the painless vaccine may have a faster period of waning (i.e. the immunity decreases faster) than the painful vaccine and is little expensive as well.

There will be mild reactions post vaccination shot but that indicates it’s working meaning your child’s body is making new antibodies. Normally, these reactions go away on their own within a few days. The most common reactions could be - Tenderness or redness at the shot site, slight swelling at the shot site, fussiness, low-grade fever, sleeping trouble.

Importantly we should be equally up to the task to handle this kind of situation. Remember, your child may need extra love and care at this point of time. After vaccine shot give breastfeed or bottle milk after 20 or 30 minutes. Firstly, check your child’s body temperature to find out if there is a fever and can be taken by digital thermometer in the armpit. If the fever rises 100 °F then give your child medicated medicine prescribed by the doctor. Secondly if child’s leg or arm is swollen and red apply a clean, cool, wet washcloth or ice pack (if suggested by your doctor) over the sore area for comfort.

*** If you notice any serious symptoms that concerns you post your child’s vaccination please consult to your pediatrician and if needed take your child to a hospital without losing a single moment.

Eenakshi Vaccination record Book

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If you like the blog please click on Follow link (under web version)

For any queries feel free to contact  n.das28@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER : MummaBabe is a network created to share personal experiences with its audiences. None of the recommendations of this channel are sponsored by any company or product. We are not medical professionals so please consult your doctor before taking any medication. As each baby is different recommendations on this channel may not work for you, and should not be considered as an excuse to not visit your doctor or consult a medical practitioner. You can contact us by sending us an email to n.das28@gmail.com

Parenting - In Today's Era

Parenting... Are we ready to put our shoes into the next level of our life...!!!!!!

Well, this definitely makes us a lot to think about. One way there is an excitement between you and your partner and family but the other way around a lot of thoughts that makes us think again and again like your professional commitments, family responsibilities and then this obviously comes to every individual viz are we ready for this, are we up to that level wherein we can welcome someone to our family and then their proper upbringing etc.

Let's discuss few topics which run through our mind day in day out and hope that's helps us to get some definite answers....

1.) Professional Commitments & Family values: Especially if you are working female there are numerous challenges in front of you. One way round your family and home needs your valuable time and presence and the other way round your professional commitments involving work stress and pressure. This is a real challenge for every working lady. Balancing your life between office and home is an art which one has to develop internally. While using the word "Art"doesn't mean you need to sketch or draw anything. What I meant was one has to be very patient and calm across both sides of it. Definitely each day would be different but you need to show enough maturity to deal with it. You need to find an able friend in your partner with whom you should share everything. 

2.) Family Responsibilities & Other Relevant Stuffs: Every individual are surrounded by numerous responsibilities. But this is such a moment in our life which we all are not privileged with. Having said that we should have a proper planning in advance so that when the time comes, we are all prepared to welcome the new member in our family and we as parents ensure that we have taken care of every pockets so that there are no bottle necks during her/his upbringing. We as individuals need to support our partners since it's not the sole responsibility of the mother to bring up the little one. We have to be equally supportive to our partners in every possible aspect.

3.) Age is a key factor – Age can be a decisive factor. Advanced paternal age might lead to a higher risk of pregnancy loss. Parents who are too keen with their careers or probably delayed due to late marriages or some other valid reasons, there might be few complications arising due to social or genetic predictors of reproductive system. Everything is possible since science has developed a lot and one should not get disheartened and blame age for it. Even if there are any complications on either side there are numerous options you can opt out for after consulting your doctor. Parenthood at a comparatively earlier age does have benefits but others shouldn't get disheartened.

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If you like the blog please click on Follow link (under web version)

For any queries feel free to contact  n.das28@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER : MummaBabe is a network created to share personal experiences with its audiences. None of the recommendations of this channel are sponsored by any company or product. We are not medical professionals so please consult your doctor before taking any medication. As each baby is different recommendations on this channel may not work for you, and should not be considered as an excuse to not visit your doctor or consult a medical practitioner. You can contact us by sending us an email to n.das28@gmail.com

Bonding between Grandchild (Eenakshi) & Grandparents

What is it so special between grandparents and grandchildren? Why the bonding them is so intense? Why grandchildren’s always look forward towards their grandparents? 

It’s true that grandparents do play a vital role in a child’s development. When the child doesn’t get that moment of attachment from their parents who are too busy with their careers, its then the children look forward to their grandparents. Grandchildren do bring meaning and joy to their grandparents’ life by allowing them to play a nurturing role and to watch them grow. On the other hand, grandparents experience an increased sense of self-worth and purpose.

Grandparents do play a vital role in the upbringing of a child by helping them understand their own heritage and background and more importantly it does need a lot of patience to get them feel so. And not to mention that they the grandparents are equally up to the mark with a tremendous amount of patience in them. 

As I have mentioned in my earlier blogs that I have recently been blessed with a little angel and I do see a different degree of one’s satisfaction in life/happiness in my parents. Well she is now 5 months old and the day the moment she came into our life they (grandparents) got a different reason to stay happy.

Well it's hard to describe in words and can only be felt. Its that intensive. Though she is only 5 months old but the moment she wakes up every day she looks up to her grandfather who takes her for a walk, and I feel its that moment she waits eagerly every morning. I have even seen the days when probably her grandfather for some work and that’s when her mood changes drastically. Even though she is so young to understand anything but that sounds of birds chirping, dogs barking around or kids playing in the parking zone gives her a smile that she understands and not we.

Even her bonding with her grandmother is even stronger. Right from oil massage to bathing or playing with her during the day she always look forward to her. If she has a feeling that she is being neglected she makes loud noise which enforces her to take her into the lap and play or move around. She makes various funny noises or start with giggling and that’s what my daughter loves as well. The moment she hears her voice even from the room she gets energetic and gets all her smile back. 

Well she is too young to understand the various relationships but one thing for sure children doesn’t need an explicit explanation about their grandparents. It all happens instantaneously.

Well, there would be more for me to share on this blog as and when she grows up and her bonding with her grandparents evolve es much further.

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If you like the blog please click on Follow link (under web version)

For any queries feel free to contact  n.das28@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER : MummaBabe is a network created to share personal experiences with its audiences. None of the recommendations of this channel are sponsored by any company or product. We are not medical professionals so please consult your doctor before taking any medication. As each baby is different recommendations on this channel may not work for you, and should not be considered as an excuse to not visit your doctor or consult a medical practitioner. You can contact us by sending us an email to n.das28@gmail.com

Diaper Bag - Checklists.....

Are you blessed by a baby off-late? Do you know who is going to be your best companion during this phase? Guess 1, Guess 2.......... No worries its not that big in size or hard to carry. And this is something our babies too would look forward to. Well I assume some of you might have already guessed it right... Its none other than Diaper Bag.  Even if we forget to carry any stuff during holidaying that's still acceptable but not Diaper Bag since that's something which is going to take care of your little one. 

Here it’s your trusty diaper bag checklist to ensure all your diaper bag essentials are there.

Checklists:

Ø  Diapers: You need to change diaper after every 3-4 hours irrespective of if you are out or at home. If travelling please ensure you carry a few extra, just to be on safer side(MammyPoko Pants / Pampers or something that pediatrician has suggested you).

Ø  Wipes: Wipes are perfect not just for diaper changes, but also for sticky hands and dirty surfaces (Himalaya / Mee Mee or something that pediatrician has suggested you).

Ø  Hand sanitizer: For cleaning your hands before/ after diaper changes when there's no time or place to wash them (Lifebuoy / Dettol).

Ø  Changing pad: Many diaper bags come with a reusable changing pad, or you can buy one separately. A hand towel from home will also do.

Ø  Plastic or biodegradable bags: For storing soiled diapers, clothes. Just make sure your child can't get to them, since plastic bags (including the biodegradable versions) pose a suffocation risk.

Ø  Bottle(s)of formula or pumped breast milk if you're bottle-feeding(Small Wonders, Morisons, Avent).

Ø  Snacks (for older babies and toddlers): Depending on the age of your child, this could include a jar of baby food and a spoon, or finger foods. Bring a few bibs as well.

Ø  Sippy cup of milk, water, or juice(for toddlers).

Ø  Blanket: You can use it to cover your baby or as a changing pad, nursing cover, bib, shade, or burp cloth.

Ø  Extra clothes for your child: You never know when they will spit-up, drool, spills, or poop explosions will necessitate a change of clothing.

Ø  Pacifier (if your child uses one),rattles or small toys.

Ø  Sunscreen or a hat to protect your child from the sun.(Mamaearth Mineral Based Sunscreen).

Ø  Emergency information: Make sure you have the phone numbers of your family's doctors programmed in your cell phone and health insurance cards in your wallet.

The Extras:

Ø  Diaper rash cream: Sample sizes often work well and take up less space. (Himalaya or something that pediatrician has suggested you).

Ø  Nail clippers: You never know when your little one will doze off and give you the perfect opportunity to clip those tiny nails.

Ø  Nursing cover: For breastfeeding in public, these fabric drapes cover your chest and give more privacy than the basic blanket-over-the-shoulder approach.

Ø  Breast pads for nursing moms: Slip these in your bra to absorb breast milk leaks.

Ø  First-aid kit: You may want to include adhesive bandage strips, antibiotic cream, pain reliever, and other first aid supplies.

Necessities for Mom:
If you're not carrying a separate purse, make sure to pack your essentials, too! These may include:

Ø  Wallet, Keys, Cell phone, Snacks, mints, or gum, Bottle of water or other drink.

Diaper bag tips:

Ø  A waterproof lining makes life easier when spills occur.

Ø  Multiple compartments can keep your items organized and easy to find.

Ø  Prevent leaks by packing medicines and snacks in resealable plastic bags.

Ø  Save time by packing similar items together, such as clothing, in a resealable bag.

Ø  Consider buying two diaper bags – a small one for quick trips and a larger one for longer outings. Some parents keep a basic diaper bag or changing supplies in the car at all times.

Ø  Try diaper bags on for size. No one bag is comfortable and convenient for everyone.

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If you like the blog please click on Follow link (under web version)

For any queries feel free to contact  n.das28@gmail.com

DISCLAIMER : MummaBabe is a network created to share personal experiences with its audiences. None of the recommendations of this channel are sponsored by any company or product. We are not medical professionals so please consult your doctor before taking any medication. As each baby is different recommendations on this channel may not work for you, and should not be considered as an excuse to not visit your doctor or consult a medical practitioner. You can contact us by sending us an email to n.das28@gmail.com

Cradle Cap - Symptoms & Solutions

Meaning:

Cradle cap is the common term for seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp in infants. It is a non inflammatory skin condition of the scalp. In some cases, it can also affect the eyes, eyebrows, nose, and ears.

Symptoms:

Babies can develop this when they are between 2 weeks to 12 months old. It usually starts with cradle cap. A baby with cradle cap will have slightly red scaly or crusty yellow patches on the scalp which looks like a dandruff. Over time, the scales may flake off. It’s rare, but a baby may lose hair where he/she has cradle cap. The hair should grow back after the cradle cap goes away.

Solutions:

Once  its diagnosed, you should be able to treat your baby’s cradle cap at home with small remedies.

Wash: Need to wash baby’s hair and scalp using baby shampoo (gentle, tear free) into the affected area more often than we usually do. By doing this we keep our baby’s scalp clean so that flaky parts can go easily and also it wash away some of the extra oils.

Brush: After you clean baby’s hair and scalp, you can gently brush his/ her hair with a soft baby brush bristles. The scales should loosen and fall off over time. Make sure to go easy though.

Apply Emollient: Applying an emollient to baby’s scalp can help break down the scales. Baby oils, olive oil can be massaged in small amounts directly onto the scaly patches on the scalp. Don’t forget to wash the oil off after use.

** Note – Please consult your doctor anytime you have any queries. **

Prevention:

Once the cradle cap is under control, you can keep it at bay by washing baby’s hair often enough with baby shampoo and brushing his/her scalp with a soft brush. Ask your pediatrician how often to wash baby’s hair after cradle cap goes away.Your doctor may also suggest that you use the hydrocortisone cream or another lotion or ointment after the cradle cap has stopped being a problem.

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