Baby cold

COLDS AND OTHER ILLNESSES Babies can get colds just like the rest of us. A cold is caused by a virus and usually results in mild symptoms in your baby (stuffy or runny nose, mild fever, mild cough). Another common illness in infants is RSV (respiratory syncytial virus). RSV usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms—but sometimes it can be more serious. Look to the guidelines to the right to help you know when to call the doctor or get emergency care. For mild colds, there is usually no special treatment. However, if the nose becomes too runny or stuffy, it may make it hard for a young baby to nurse or drink from a bottle. Since a baby can’t blow her nose, you may have to clear out mucus by suctioning with a bulb syringe (see below). Also talk to your doctor about using warm water or saline nose drops to loosen up dried mucus before suctioning. Don’t give your baby any medications without checking first with your doctor. The best thing you can do for colds and other illnesses is prevent them.
Follow these guidelines:
■ Wash your hands. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching your baby, and ask others to do the same.
■ Stay home. Keep your baby at home as much as possible. Especially avoid taking your baby to crowded locations, such as shopping malls, restaurants, and church.
■ Keep sick people away. Keep people who have colds away from your baby, including brothers and sisters. Parents or other caregivers who feel ill should wear a mask and refrain from kissing the baby. ■ Don’t smoke. Don’t smoke—or allow others to smoke—near your baby. Exposure to tobacco smoke can increase the severity of viruses and infections.

common problems for your baby

COMMON PROBLEMS
DIAPER RASH Most babies, at some time or another, will probably get a rash on their bottoms (diaper rash). To prevent diaper rash, keep the diaper area clean and dry by changing the diaper every time it is wet or soiled. If your baby has diarrhea or is on antibiotics, the possibility of developing a diaper rash is increased. Use protective cream such as petroleum jelly, A&D ointment, Desitin, or zinc oxide to help prevent or treat the diaper rash. To treat diaper rash, expose your baby’s skin rash to air as often and for as long as possible.
If you are using cloth diapers:
■ Remove plastic pants during the day as often and for as long as possible.
■ If a strong ammonia smell is present, treat the diapers with a solution of bleach. Be sure to rinse thoroughly.
■ Try washing diapers with a different soap and rinse carefully

If you are using disposable diapers or wipes:
■ Try changing to a different brand.

CONSTIPATION Your baby might become constipated, especially if he’s being fed formula. If your baby is constipated, his stool will appear hard and formed or pellet-like. If constipation persists, notify your baby’s doctor.

 DIARRHEA If your baby’s stool is watery, green, foul-smelling, or contains mucus, notify your baby’s doctor. Babies can dehydrate very rapidly.

FEVER Call your baby’s doctor if your baby’s temperature is higher or lower than the following normal ranges. You only need to take your baby’s temperature when you think he is ill.

Where to take the temperature
For children less than 3 months (90 days) old, take an armpit (axillary) temperature. It’s a safe method that is adequate for screening.
Normal temperature range Armpit (axillary) temperature from 97.7ºF (36.5ºC) and 99.5ºF (37.5ºC).

How to take armpit (axillary) temperatures
■ Make sure your baby’s armpit is dry.
 ■ Put the tip of the thermometer in your baby’s armpit, directly against her skin (skin should completely surround the tip of the thermometer).
 ■ Close your baby’s armpit by holding her elbow against her chest.
 ■ Follow the directions on your thermometer to determine how long you should hold the thermometer in place before reading it.

CHOKING ON MUCUS OR MILK If your baby begins to choke on mucus or milk, turn him on his side with his head slightly lower than his body. If necessary, gently assist him in clearing any visible fluid from his mouth or nose with a cloth or your fingers. If this method doesn’t work, you may need to use a bulb syringe. See the instructions on the following page.
USING A BULB SYRINGE If repositioning your baby or wiping your baby’s mouth or nose doesn’t relieve congestion, you may need to try using a bulb syringe.
Here’s how:
■ In the mouth: Turn your baby on her side with her head slightly lower than her body. Press in the bulb before placing it in the baby’s mouth. As you suction out the mucus or milk, be careful not to catch the delicate mucous membranes inside the cheeks or the back of the throat. Remove the bulb, and squirt the contents into a cloth.
■ In the nose: Suction mucus from the nostrils in a similar way, inserting only the tip of the bulb syringe. Be extremely careful when you do this. Suctioning the mouth or nose too vigorously, too often, or for too long can dry and irritate delicate tissues and cause severe trauma to the mouth or nose. 

Tummy time for your baby

WHEN IS “TUMMY TIME” OKAY? When your baby is awake, and is being watched, it’s good to give him some playtime on his tummy.
“Tummy time” gives your baby these benefits:
■ Helps him develop his back and neck muscles
 ■ Helps prevent flattening of the back of the head that occurs when babies spend a lot of time on their backs
■ Helps him learn to shift his weight to reach for a toy or look around— which helps him roll, crawl, pull to a stand, and walk earlier Try to give your baby some tummy time each day—starting with just a few minutes and building up from there. But remember, if your baby falls sleep, gently place him on his back.

INTERACTING Interacting with your newborn is one of the most important things you can do. It encourages his development and helps him feel loved and secure. Interact with your baby by giving him experience with all of his senses. Normal newborns can see, hear, feel, smell, taste, suck, swallow, follow with their eyes a short distance, and distinguish sounds. Newborns also show interest in human faces and voices. Infant development studies show that newborns can understand and learn. There are many ways you can interact with your baby.
■ Talk and sing to your baby.
■ Give him musical toys, brightly colored toys, or a mobile for him to follow with his eyes.
■ Smile and play with your baby.
■ Try to establish eye contact.
■ Stroke, pat, massage, and rock him.
■ Make bathing, changing, and feeding times special. You can help your baby learn more and you can enjoy her more by understanding her development. Your baby is an individual who will learn faster in some areas and slower in others. Don’t try to push or rush your baby. Allow her to develop at her own pace.

From birth to 2½ months, newborns can focus best on black and white objects. Pictures such as these are good to show your baby:

IF YOUR BABY HAS A BROTHER OR SISTER Often, older siblings have a hard time with a new baby at home. They may experience feelings of jealousy or rivalry about the new baby. Some regress to earlier behaviors, such as bed-wetting. They may request a bottle when they notice that the new baby is getting a lot of attention.
You can help older siblings adjust to your newborn with the following strategies:
■ Even before you bring the new baby home, reassure older brothers and sisters that they are just as important to you, even though the new baby will take a lot of time and attention.
■ Give siblings extra love and try to spend some special time with them.
■ Read to them while you feed the baby, and help them hold or examine the new baby. (They might need constant supervision and reminders that the baby is not a doll or a toy.)
■ Give siblings a doll to care for. Having their own “baby” to care for may ease their jealousy

Sleeping time for your baby

SLEEPING Most—but not all—newborn babies sleep a lot. Some sleep for as many as 18-20 hours a day, while others may sleep for only 8 hours a day. Some babies are more active and alert, while others are more fussy and demanding—or more calm and quiet. In general, as your baby gets older, he will require fewer naps. Most parents are anxious for their newborn to sleep through the night. When this time comes, it is a glorious event! But be patient—it might be a while. Every baby is different and there is no set schedule. In the beginning, parents should adapt their sleeping patterns to the baby’s. Feeding your baby solid foods will NOT help your baby sleep through the night. When your baby is ready, he will sleep through the night.

Put baby to sleep ON HIS BACK! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies should be put on their backs to sleep. There is a relationship between Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS or crib death) and babies sleeping on their stomachs. If your baby has special needs, your doctor may recommend other sleeping positions.

Feeding your baby

FEEDING
Breast milk or formula is the only food your baby will need for the first six months of life. Water, sugar-water, juice, and electrolyte drinks (for example, Pedialyte) are not needed—don’t give them unless you are instructed to do so by your doctor. Cow’s milk or goat’s milk should also not be fed to a baby younger than one year of age. These milks are high in protein and salt, and are harder for babies to digest. In addition, these milks do not contain many of the important vitamins and minerals your baby needs. They are especially low in folic acid and vitamin B12, two nutrients that help prevent anemia and iron deficiency.

Preparing formula If you feed your baby formula, keep in mind that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using iron-fortified formula. Always carefully follow the preparation instructions for the formula you give to your baby. For example, never try to “stretch” formula by adding more water. To reduce waste, prepare only the amount of formula your baby usually takes in one feeding. Throw away any formula left in the bottle after each feeding. As your baby gets older, she will gradually take larger amounts of formula

TYPES OF FORMULA Formulas are available in the following forms:
 ■ Ready-to-feed formula: This type of formula does not require water to be added. It comes in multiple or single-serving cans, or in ready-to-use baby bottles. It’s convenient, but it’s also the most expensive type of formula available.
■ Concentrated liquid: This type of formula is packaged with an “add water” symbol on the label. To use it, follow the instructions provided on the label.
■ Powdered formula: Powdered formula also has an “add water” symbol on the label. Always follow the instructions for formula preparation and storage provided on the label. This is the least expensive type of formula, and it can be easily stored and transported.

Cleaning your baby’s bottles Wash your bottles with hot, soapy water and rinse well. Check bottle nipples for tears or cracks, stickiness, or enlargement. If any of these occur, throw the nipple away. Rinse bottles before putting them in the dishwasher.
WARMING FORMULA You should never microwave formula. The microwave heats formula unevenly, causing hot spots that may burn the baby’s mouth. This may occur even if the bottle feels warm to the touch. It is best to warm formula under a warm faucet, in a pan of warm water, or in a bottle warmer.
PACIFIERS If you choose to use a pacifier, follow these simple guidelines.
■ Keep the pacifier clean.
■ Do not tie a pacifier around your baby’s neck. Your baby could strangle.
■ If the pacifier becomes torn, cracked, sticky, enlarged, or shows other signs of wear, replace it immediately.
■ Use only store-bought pacifiers.

How much formula does your baby need? The table below shows the approximate number of feedings per day—and number of ounces per feeding—for babies of different ages. Remember that every baby is unique. If your child’s feeding schedule varies greatly from this, talk to your doctor.

Age                              Approximate number                    Approximate number
                                   of  feedings per day                         ounces per feeding
0-1 months                   on demand, 6-8 feedings               2-5 ounces each
 1-2 months                  5-7 feedings                                   3-6 ounces each
2-3 months                  4-7 feedings                                    4-7 ounces each
3-4 months                  4-6 feedings                                    6-8 ounces each

SPITTING UP AND VOMITING Most babies spit up after eating, especially at first. There is a difference between spitting up and vomiting. Spitting up is like “spilling over” and is usually not a cause for worry. Your baby will outgrow this. Vomiting is when a large amount of milk is returned forcibly. Some babies vomit occasionally. If vomiting continues, consult your baby’s doctor.

Positioning your baby Your baby should be in a semi-sitting position to eat. This helps keep air from entering his stomach. Never prop a bottle for feeding. To avoid choking and to promote bonding, hold your baby while you feed him. Your baby should never be left with a bottle while sleeping, as this promotes tooth decay.
Burping your baby When babies eat, they may swallow air, especially when drinking from a bottle. Not all babies have to burp, so if your baby doesn’t burp, he probably doesn’t need to. As your baby gets older, you won’t need to burp him as often.
 To help make your baby more comfortable:
■ When formula feeding your baby, burp him midway through and at the end of the feeding. In the beginning, this would be after every half-ounce. Keep the nipple full of formula throughout the feeding to decrease the amount of air your baby swallows.
■ When breastfeeding, burp your baby when you switch breasts, and after each feeding. Breastfed babies take in less air, so your breastfed baby may not need to be burped.

Here are effective burping positions:
OVER YOUR SHOULDER. Hold your baby against your chest with his head supported on your shoulder. Gently pat his back with your hand.
ACROSS YOUR LAP. Lay your baby face down across your legs/knees, making sure the head is supported. Gently rub or pat your baby’s back.
SITTING ON YOUR LAP. Sit your baby on your lap. Support his chin with one hand. Lean your baby forward and pat his back.