Child Health

Baby travel systems:what to choose

2009-04-02T16:43:00.000-07:00

Nowadays parents get more and more ways of baby transportation: buggies, strollers and travel systems.

Stroller manufacturers and designers joined together and create esclusive collections for stylish moms.

Although travel systems may seem expensive, buying a travel system can be an economical way of buying both a pushchair and separate car seat.

You receive following advantages while buying a travel system:

- you can move the baby from car to pushchair without waking her up

- convenient way of buying pushchair, car seat and carrycot all in one go

- baby will be facing you in the pushchair

However, it’s important to try and remember not to keep your baby in her car seat for long periods at time. Young babies need to be able to lie flat and stretch and move to develop properly. It’s also essential to make sure that the car seat in the travel system fits your car perfectly. If it doesn’t, you’d be better off buying a pushchair and separate car seat.

Instead of the traditional four-wheeled stroller, some travel systems include the three-wheeled jogging stroller. Although large front wheels and pneumatic tires offer a smoother ride for baby as you exercise, before you purchase, consider that the larger tires make the jogging strollers less maneuverable while shopping in tight-aisled stores.

If you don’t want to buy a full size stroller and don’t want to carry the infant car seat, consider buying a universal stroller frame that snaps to the car seat bottom, letting you wheel baby around without taking the little one out of the car seat. Stroller frames are inexpensive, and let you decide on a full-size stroller later when you have a better idea of how you’ll use it.

What you really need is an appropriate car seat for your baby, but a stroller and infant carrier car seat combination isn’t required. You may want to buy a car seat now and decide on a separate stroller or baby carrier later.

Before you buy a baby travel system, consider how you will use the travel system stroller and car seat to be sure you’re buying a travel system that works for you and your new baby.

Child’s sex depends on father’s genes

2009-04-02T16:42:00.002-07:00

British specialists conducted a series of studies on the topic what affects a future child’s sex. It turned out that a boy will likely be born, if his family tree contained many men.

Experts analyzed family tree of more than 900 families (more than 500 000 people), whose ancestors lived since the beginning of 1600. As a result, scientists concluded: the more men were among ancestors of representatives of a strong sex, the higher likelihood of boy birth is.

The point is that in sperm of such men contains more Y-chromosomes, which, in combination with female X chromosome are responsible for birth of a boy (if man passes a child X-chromosome, a girl is born).

However, scientists could not find out reasons why men produce more sperm with Y-chromosome.

Women have no relationship between men and women quantity in a family tree and sex of a future child.

Baby health myths

2009-04-02T16:42:00.001-07:00

We are used to trust to our grandmothers` and mothers` experience and advices. However, is such trust righteous? May be, sometimes we should hold our own?

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We are used to trust to our
grandmothers` and mothers` experience and advices. However, is such trust
righteous? May be, sometimes we should hold our own?

A baby is bawling desperately in a crib and you`re rushing to him, but
an experienced grandmother (mother, aunt, girlfriend) stops you saying: “Don`t
spoil your baby, let him crying - then his lungs will be healthier!” Few of
young mothers avoided such situations. How to behave in such situation? Should
we react to such advices (and how)? How correct these “folk advices” are? And
what do different doctors - pediatrists, stomatologists, orthopedists and surgeons
- say on this subject?

Is it truth that…

… a baby`s cry makes his
lungs stronger?
No! Adherents of strict upbringing with a slogan “you should not spoil
your baby” really like this statement.
However, doctors-otolaryngologists have quite opposite views. Mothers and
fathers, desperate yells are harmful for baby health! Long and loud crying does
not make respiratory tract stronger at all, but to the contrary, strains cords
abundantly,
causing their overstrain. And this in further can affect a baby`s quality of voice
negatively.

… if a baby has a big foot
size, does it mean that he is tall?
No, foot size has no connection with height. You don`t believe? Turn
around: probably there`re many very tall men and women among your friends with
small feet, and also those, who wear large shoes and are 1,60 m tall.

…a ripe apple will replace a
baby`s tooth-brush with success?
No. Although, when a baby crunches with an elastic pulp of a juicy apple
in the teeth heartily - this is very useful not only for teeth, but also for
gums. In general, an apple suits for tooth cleansing during a day excellently,
when a baby has no possibility to use a tooth-brush after meal. However, this
aromatic
and wholesome fruit cannot replace a routine morning and evening ritual of mouth
cavity care. The matter is, that while usage of a tooth-brush all teeth
surfaces are cleansed evenly. When a
baby chews an apple, incisors turn to be cleansed best of all (he uses them for
biting off), and molars are in difficulties - fructose damages calf’s teeth`s
enamel.

…if a baby learned standing
up independently, does it mean he will have curved legs?
No. It`s only heredity that affects a baby`s legs. So you should not
prevent your baby from investigation of outward things. If a baby “is not ready
yet” for such important change in life, as independent walking, he will fall
down or sit on the floor after an attempt to stand up, giving a loud warning
that you should raise him.

…all babies have blue eyes?
No, not all… Although by the moment of birth almost 100% of babies
have blue eyes. The matter is, that pigment cells, which provide eye color, are
still immature. So, a new-born`s eyes, strictly speaking, have no color at all.
And only after a couple of months parents will be able to say confidently,
whether they have a brown-eyed or blue-eyed baby.

…herbal treatment is
absolutely safe?
Not at all. Medicinal herbs - are same medicines, which contain drastic
substances. So you should not give your baby herbal teas without a doctor`s prescription.
Such “prophylaxis” can seriously undermine baby health - you know, herbs for
babies are not only brewed in smaller concentration, but are also strictly measured
out. Mothers of highly allergic individuals should be especially
cautious - many herbs and their pollen can cause exacerbation. Besides, herbal
dust
itself, contained in a packing inevitably, - is the strongest allergen.

…babies do not suffer from
headache?
It is not true! Unfortunately, every year quantity of babies, suffering
from migraines, grows. Approximately from 35% of children preschol age know
well about headache. Often heredity or intolerance to some foods (cheese, milk,
chocolate , nuts) become a reason for headache attacks. Sometimes headache can
become the first symptom of visual loop. Besides, children preschool age
often suffer from so-called tension headaches, which are connected with
increase of loads of babies. So, a baby`s complaints of a headache before performance
at a music school or English tests in a kindergarten - are not a fiction at
all. Listen to your baby`s complaints and pass investigation at a polyclinic.

…eating carrot is good for
vision?
Yes, but… no more, than, let`s say, red sweet pepper. Carrot contains beta-carotene,
or, as it is also called, pro-vitamin A, - this substance really affects eye
condition positively. While its lack ocular damages develop, up to ablepsia.
However, you won`t be able to raise vitamin A level only with help of carrot.

This vitamin is fat-soluble, and this means, one should eat it with fat-containing
foods (for example, with sour cream or vegetable oil). If you notice problems
with sight, firstly visit an oculist, probably, doctor will prescribe a baby
additional dose of vitamin A in drops. Attention: you should be very cautious
with such preparations - observe dosage carefully! The matter is, that big
doses of this vitamin can damage liver. And then you will have to cure it.

A healthy newborn baby`s favorite diseases

2009-04-02T16:41:00.000-07:00

Moms often discuss three questions: lactase deficiency, disbacteriosis and milk seed for sterility on parenting forums in Internet. What do they mean?

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Moms often
discuss three questions: lactase deficiency, disbacteriosis and milk seed for sterility on parenting
forums in Internet. What do they mean?

Let`s
start step by step.

Lactase
deficiency

According
to special literature, diseases of carbohydrate exchange, connected with change
of ferments activity, decomposing sugars, including lactose, are met in
population VERY SELDOM. Countries give different data. Frequency of such
diseases varies from 1 to 20 000 up to 1 to 200 000 children. Well,
why podiatrists speak about lactase deficiency in every second baby? How could
humankind survive, if this disease, leading, for example, to oligotrophy while absence of treatment
and death, is found in most babies? Humankind could live till present time,
because real lactase deficiency, caused by genetics and connected with complete
absence or serious deficit of necessary ferments, is met very seldom.

Well, what
is met very often? What modern doctors have to face constantly? Lactase
deficiency, formed as a result of wrong organization of breastfeeding.

If a mom
breastfeeds her baby 6-7 times per day and night, “stores up” milk by feeding,
draws
off milk after feedings, puts a baby firstly to one, then to other breast during
feeding - a chance of lactase deficiency development is very high. This is that
lactase deficiency, which development is caused by disbalance between “front”
and “back” portions of milk. This way a baby receives mainly “front” portion of
milk, more liquid, containing big quantity of lactose. Mainly “front” milk is
accumulated in breast between feedings, “back” milk, thick, fatter, is formed
mainly during nursing. If a mom puts a baby to other breast 5-10 minutes after
she starts feeding, he will also suck out front milk from it. Then mother will
draw
off back milk. A baby will gain weight not very good, sometimes just little. He
can have liquid green foamy stool. Mom will think she has bad milk, although
plenty of it.

Same
situation may happen, if a baby restricts a baby in nursing, for example,
strictly during 15-20 minutes. A baby just does not manage to reach `back”
milk. And, besides, he stimulates breast for milk production insufficiently, if
he nurses
during 15-20 minutes 6-7 times per day and night. That`s why milk deficiency
will develop in situations, described above. When parents start giving formulas
to a baby, he will start growing fat, everybody will breath freely and decide
that milk can be bad and modern women have little milk in general.
There`s
also transit, temporary lactase deficiency. A baby has foamy stool during first
203 months lo life, but breastfeeding is organized the right way, weight gain
is ok, and baby`s health is good.

If a
mother tells a doctor about it, he send her for observation, and sugars will be
found in analysis. A baby will be switched to formula. However, incomplete
absorption of lactose is a usual thing for a breastfed baby!!! (66% of babies
in the age of 6 weeks and 60% of babies in the age of 3 months).

Let`s remember
that doctors dealt mainly with babies, fed with formulas, during last 50 years.
Thus, many knowledge and laboratory tests are suitable only for this group of
babies. Presence of sugar in stool of a baby, fed with formula, is pathology.
Presence of sugar in stool of a breastfed baby is normal! Significant quantity
of sugar can be a result of wrong recommendations on baby feeding (frequent
change of breast during feeding, restriction of nursing time, drawing off after
feeding), as a baby receives much front milk, rich in lactose.

Lactase
deficiency and a newborn baby - is an unprecedented combination!!!

This state
is unusually popular.

As it is
known, a baby is born with sterile intestines. If since the moment of birth
nothing comes into his mouth, except mother`s nipple, then a baby`s alimentary
canal is sowed with normal micro flora. Colostrums and maternal milk contain
factors, contributing to growth of normal micro flora and neutralizing pathogenic
one. In case if breastfeeding was organized wrongly (and this is the most
popular case, unfortunately), if a baby starts receiving various liquids during
first day and night after birth, before he becomes acquainted with mother`s
micro flora, then occupancy of intestines passes not ideally at all. But even
in this case maternal milk will help to solve problems.

The most
interesting things happen when a baby is at home. Normal stool of a breastfed
baby is liquid, yellow, with white nubbins, takes place 7-10 times per 24 hours
in small quantities, or once in several days, but in big volumes. Most often
stool takes place 3-5 times per day, for babies of first months of life.
Podiatrists call such stool diarrhea and send a mother to pass analysis for disbacteriosis. (They don`t consider the fact that a baby has
right for disbacteriosis in his intestines
and any stool during first 6 months of life, especially if he is growing and
developing the right way). Then they start treatment, which main point is
switching a baby to sour milk formula. Podiatrists are not the ones to blame.
They are used to stool of a baby on formula - thicker and monotonous.

Even more
interesting situation takes place later, when, regardless of drinking of, for
example, various bio preparations, they continue finding inappropriate
microorganisms in a baby`s intestines. In this case a mother is told that her
milk is bad and she should stop breastfeeding.

Milk seed for sterility

In 50-70% different microorganism are found, most often aurococcus и epidermal staphylococcus. Very often, when
they find these organisms, a mother is prescribed a course of treatment with
antibiotics, during this period a baby is fed with formulas, and then he
usually refuses from breastfeeding. This is the worst variant, but frequent
one. Or they start a mother`s and baby`s treatment with bio preparations.

Meanwhile,
presence of staphylococcus in milk means nothing! Both aurococcus and epidermal staphylococcus live on a human
skin, and also on most surrounding objects. Together with maternal milk a baby
receives specific antibodies, helping him to struggle with staphylococcus in
case of necessity.
It turns
out that maternal milk staphylococcus comes to a baby together with immunity
against it. It is safe for a baby! Moreover, a baby needs maternal staphylococcus
during first hours after birth. He will be protected from this staphylococcus
with
mother`s antibodies, which he will receive with colostrums and milk, and which
he already received through placenta! Whole maternal micro flora is known to a
baby`s immunity already, due to antibodies, coming to fetus through placenta.
If a baby receives hospital micro flora and staphylococcus, this is dangerous
for him. He does not know these microorganisms and if they occupy his skin and
alimentary canal, this will be dangerous for a baby. If a baby has no chance to
receive mother`s micro flora, he receives micro flora that surrounds him. If
“home” culture Staphyloccocus aureus has no opportunity to settle on a baby,
then hospital culture will take its place. But this is not dangerous for a
breastfed baby, as mother`s organism will help him through production of
appropriate antibodies. Of course, if a baby will receive breastfeeding.

Presence
of staphylococcus in milk has no influence on its quality. Staphyloccocus enterocolitis, which mothers are
often frightened with, - is a very rare
thing, which is met while diseases of immune system, and which appearance is
contributed by artificial feeding!
If a baby has weakened immunity for some reasons, he still will receive
significant support with maternal milk. When he is switched to artificial
feeding, he becomes deprived of this support.

Thus, if a
breastfed baby gains little weight, has green, unstable stool, skin problems,
before switching him to artificial feeding, prescribe observation and
treatment, try to find out whether this baby`s breastfeeding is organized the
right way. Breastfeeding is a very simple process, even elementary. But! Only
in case, if a breastfeeding mom follows several simple rules and actions. These
rules and actions, related to maternal culture sphere, have been known and used
for thousand years. And now they are almost lost. Full-value breastfeeding
cannot take place, if you don`t know these rules.

If a mom
breastfeeds a baby 6-7 times per 24 hours, uses dummy, gives him some tea or
water, draws off milk, does not feed him during night - she commits actions,
which are inappropriate for nature itself. If you act unnaturally, you cannot
establish
natural process! If you put a baby to breast in a wrong manner, and nobody
notices it - this is very sad, as nature did not count that a woman, who
started breastfeeding, would not accumulate experience of observation other
breastfeeding women during her life, or that she would not have an experienced
mother, able to consult her, close by. Without correct apposition there won`t
be proper stimulation of breast for production of necessary quantities of milk,
even while frequent feedings, a baby with wrong apposition fails to extract
“back”, fat, thick milk from breast!

In such situation it`s necessary to teach mother and baby to correct
apposition to breast, arrange frequent feedings upon baby`s request, exclude
usage of other oral objects and supplemental drinking, arrange full-value night
feedings, reduce drawings off to zero, if you practice them. 2-4 weeks later
look at your baby. Artificial feeding, observation and treatment won`t be
necessary for your baby in 99% of cases.

Baby brain suffers from infections more often, than from hypoxia

2009-04-02T16:40:00.000-07:00

Controlled scientific research`s results did not confirm a popular opinion stating that hypoxia is a main reason of premature babies` white matter`s lesion

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Controlled scientific research`s results did not confirm a popular
opinion stating that hypoxia is a main reason of premature babies` white matter`s
lesion.

Received data testify that infection plays significantly bigger role in
appearance of periventricular leukomalacia, than hypoxia. It is known that it is periventricular leukomalacia that is the most frequent
form of
premature babies` white matter`s lesion, which is a predecessor of infantile cerebral paralysis.
Doctors consider that scientists should concentrate on prophylaxis, treatment
and diagnostics of pre-natal nervous system infections, to reduce number of infantile cerebral paralysis
cases.

Investigation of 150 babies, born in the age of 23-24 weeks, who
suffered from periventricular leukomalacia, allowed to find hypoxia phenomenon
only in 3-6% of cases (3% in a control group). At the same time, positive
results of a baby`s bacteriological blood test
increased probability of leukomalacia twice, and positive results of spinal
or tracheal fluid test three times.

Scientists consider that steroids should be taken during an ante-natal
period, to reduce systemic inflammatory responses, connected with
infection. This contributes to reduction of intensity
of cytokines pathological effects on developing brain oligodendrocytes.

Furniture damages children health

2009-04-02T16:39:00.000-07:00

Millions of young people use pieces of furniture, meant for adults, at home and school every day. However, computers, mousse and furniture are rarely made for a child`s organism

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Millions
of young people use pieces of furniture, meant for adults, at home and school
every day. However, computers, mouse and furniture are rarely counted on a
child`s organism.

Scientists
state that this will definitely lead to health problems.

Constant
tension represents significant risk of development of pathologies, especially
considering the fact that children`s muscles and bones are still forming.

“Most
parents do not allow a 8 year-old child using cricket bat or bicycle for
adults, however, they do not worry, when their children are sitting huddling
themselves up without support and with overstrained wrists for a long time” -
,
scientists inform.

They pay
attention to the fact that nowadays they take lots of measures to reduce risk
of development of pathologies in children, working with PC. At the same time,
little attention is paid to health of children, working with the same equipment
for hours.

“Unfortunately,
there`re facts, saying that it`s too late to struggle with some problems
already”, - they suppose.

Scientists
published results of their research with participation of more than 2000 young
boys. They informed that 36% of 11-14 year-old teenagers suffer from serious
back pains.

As an
example, they show other research`s data, where they found that people,
suffering from back pains at school, feel pain in adult age too.

“In other
words, future man power is already damaged, having not started working in hard
adult conditions yet. Such picture causes disturbance: children work under
conditions, which affect their present and future health”.

Researchers
consider that it`s necessary to work our atmosphere, adapted to children
organism. They also inform that it`s necessary to carry out new ergonomic
researches to study load organism of a child, working with computer constantly,
carries.

They also
suppose that principles of ergonomics, applied at working place widely, should
also be used at schools, to reduce risk for schoolchildren`s health.

Researchers
ask parents observing their children, when they work with computer, so that
they would sit right and make a regular break.

Natural Health Remedies for Colds

2009-04-02T16:38:00.002-07:00

Winter is almost here and we do not want to catch cold at all. So, let`s learn some elementary tricks, allowing starting a swarm attack against viral infection, penetrating into our organism

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Winter is almost here and we do not want to catch cold at all. So, let`s learn
some elementary tricks, allowing starting a swarm attack against viral infection, penetrating into our organism.

If you feel you caught cold, it`s useful to rub garlic into your palms and feet, put on woolen socks and
lie in bed, holding hands under blanker during whole night. It`s also recommended
to rub cider vinegar in your hands before going to bed, putting them in hot water
during 10 minutes beforehand. You can rub castor oil in your feet before going
to bed and put on woolen socks. To increase medicinal effect you can add turpentine
(1 table spoon) in warmed castor oil (2 table spoons) and rub this mixture in
your chest before going to bed.

If you notice first cold symptoms, drink hot raspberry, lime-blossom and lemon
tea or hot milk with honey and small quantity of soda, stick capsicum plaster
to heels or put on socks with dry mustard, lie in bed, cover yourself with a warm
blanket and try to fall asleep.
Drops

If you or your baby suffer from coryza, don`t rush to buy nasal drops. Warm olive, peach, dog-rose, sea-buckthorn, menthol or sunflower-seed oil,
and also vitamin A Solutio oleosa will be much more efficient.

You will probably find several garlic cloves in every house. You can prepare
garlic drops of it. Peel of 3 garlic cloves, pound them, pour with 50 ml of boiling
water, leave for 2 hours and drop in nose several times per day.

Onion juice is also efficient. Grate onion clove small and squeeze onion gruel. You will
need just 1 drop of onion juice for 1 table spoon of water. Drop this mixture
in your nose every hour.

If you have honey, prepare honey drops. Dilute honey (better white) with warm water in proportion
1:2 and drop 5-8 drops in each nostril 3-4 times per day.

Inhalations

As a rule, steam inhalations are used twice a day - in the morning and evening.
Duration of any inhalation should not exceed 15 minutes for adults and 5-7 minutes
for children, as longer procedures can increase huskiness and cause irritation
of already inflamed nasopharynx.

Inhalations are carried out at least 30 minutes after meal. During inhalation
you should not look aside - read or talk. If your nasopharynx is affected, then
you should inhale through nose and breathe out through nose and mouth. If your
bronchi are affected, inhale through mouth and breathe out through mouth and nose.
Anyway, after breath you need to outwind for several seconds, then make a deep
outward breath. Breathing should not be rapid, to avoid cough.

Most often they use potato for breathing above it. But there are also lots of other much more efficient
compositions for inhalations. Here`re some of them:

- add 5-10 drops of iodine tincture or 1 tea spoon of onion juice in a kettle
of boiling water (4-5 glasses);

- put 3 table spoons of pine buds in a pan, pour with 0,5 liters of boiling water,
heat during 3-5 minutes on weak fire, remove decoction from fire and put a pan
on a scorching brick;

- add 2-5 drops of eucalyptus, menthol or fir oil in a kettle with 250 ml of boiling
water;

- pour 250 ml of boiling water in a tin and add small quantity of Vietnamese balm.

Compresses

Compress is used for quick resorption of local inflammatory processes. It is
put to a problem area - throat, ear, chest, back, nape, feet, legs. Compress should
consist of 4 layers. The first one - is a rag of material, folded in 2-3 layers
and moistened in room temperature water or vodka: squeeze it and put on body.
Second one - oil-cloth, waxed paper or cellophane. Third - cotton wool. Fourth
- material or bandage for wrapping and this way compress is fixed on body tightly
(avoid compressing vessels). You can also put on a woolen scarf on top.

First layer`s size should be slightly bigger that a part of body where compress
is put. Every other layer`s size is 2-3 cm bigger than previous. Duration of compress
is from 1 to 12 hours, depending on a patient`s age, severity of illness and kind
of compress.

Folk medicine has lots of remedies, which can be used for cold treatment at home.

- Moisten cloth in sunflower-seed oil and apply on body for 4 hours.

- Apply a night compress: mix 50 ml of vinegar, 20 ml of camphor-oil and 30 ml
of vegetable oil.

- Mix ground red pepper with slightly squeezed gruel of grated potato, apply to
neck, chest, legs, feet or behind ears.

- If you suffer from fever, put horse-radish gruel on cloth and apply to nape
for 30 minutes.

- Mix pounded potato, boiled in jacket, with honey, vegetable oil, spirit, mustard
and apply to back in the form of flats. If you have high temperature, grate 2
raw potatoes in jackets, add 1 table spoon of vinegar, wrap received paste in
a clean cloth or gauze and put to forehead - fever will disappear during an hour.
Baths

Baths with medicinal herbs give a good result while colds, but you should remember that one cannot take
bath, if he has high temperature and bad state of health. Water temperature should
be between 35-37C, and duration of bath should not exceed 15 minutes. Best of
all is to take baths before going to bed or 1 hour before eating.

To prepare medicinal baths it is recommended to add such plants, as chamomile
(flowers), pine-tree (needles and shoots), oak and birch leaves, mint, marjoram,
wormwood, sage, valerian, milfoil in water. 300-400 g of stuff is poured with
a bucket of boiling water, extracted during an hour, filtered and poured into
bath. You can use 1-2 plants, but decoctions of 4-5 plants give stronger medicinal
effect.

Mustard hot footbaths contribute to quick recovery while cold. They are prepared
this way: dilute 250-400 g of dry mustard in warm water to receive sour cream
consistence and pound until you sense acrid mustard smell. Pour received gruel
in a basin and shake it up carefully in water. Duration of such bath is 5-6 minutes.
After bath you should rinse feet quickly and lie in bed, wrapping yourself in
a warm blanket.

If you notice cold symptoms in yourself, change your food ration urgently. Refuse from fat heavy
food for 1-2 days. Switch to a cleaning diet. Eat in general salads, vegetable
soups and fruits. Drink more. Diaphoretic teas and fresh juices are very health-giving,
especially pine-apple juice.

8 advices to prevent children nutrition problems

2009-04-02T16:38:00.001-07:00

This article is to help parents preventing serious psychological disorders that may lead to anorexia and bulimia.

1. The most important thing you should do before teaching your children – is understanding yourself, how much common opinion affected your views, concerning appearance and figure. Further you should love yourself the way you are, and only after this tell children about genetic peculiarities of female and male bodies, nature of prejudices.

By the way, fullness of hips, waist and arms is a genetic peculiarity of female organism, one might say, a stock of nutritive elements for a baby, and also protection (in the area of waist) of fetus from cold and mechanical damages.

2. Analyze your dreams and aspirations. Ask yourself: May be you require too much from your child concerning his appearance? This question is especially relevant for girls. May be you criticize your child often in a way like this: “do not eat so much; if you could weigh less, I would like you more; you do not look like this cover girl; these stylish clothes are only for such slim girls, like models etc…”

Such phrases are a straight way to diseases, like anorexia and bulimia.

3. Discuss following things with your children (boys or girls):

a. How dangerous trying to remodel one’s figure due to a diet is;

b. How useful physical exercises are, both for figure and health in general;

c. How important regular nutrition, at least three times a day, and variety of foods are;

Besides, you should be an example of healthy nutrition and physical activity.

4. Tell your children that physical exercises should bring joy, not just being a method for fat burn and calorie waste. Completeness of life and merry emotions – here is a pledge of good figure.

5. Explain your children that they should not avoid some kinds of activity (for example, dancing, swimming etc.) only because someone can see their overweight there.

6. Teach your children treating people, especially women, not through appearance, but through words, actions, thoughts.

7. Explain your children that a fashionable image of a thin girl is created only to sell these or those things, and the thing they should strive for is individuality.

8. Encourage your children’s activity and praise them more often, even for the smallest achievements. Do not limit quantity of calories your children eat just because of your fancy. Only doctor’s recommendations can be a reason for this. Just give high-quality and healthy food to your children.

Helping children manage stress

2009-04-02T16:37:00.002-07:00

Today nobody is protected from stress, even children. They experience stress due to various reasons: one of which are connected with age period, others with family relations. Parents should teach children coping with stress. Adults should not leave kids face to face with the problem, as children that are emotionally isolated, not getting parental support and diffident cannot cope with stressful situation and overcome it till the end.

Stress and children preschool age. Children preschool age are in extreme need of parental love and support. They still hardly can control their life and have no skills to solve problems coming into their children’s world from adult’s life.

Most typical stressful situation for them: change in a day regimen, coming to a kindergarten, appearance of a new baby in a family, necessity to observe discipline rules in an infant school, longer separation from parents during a day. Children preschool age also start fearing loneliness, and sometimes hunger. These are results of stress.

Following signs will help you learning your child is feeling stress: heightened irritability and exactingness, nightmares, reduction of activity, more frequent whims and tears.

How you can help. Help a kind understanding the situation in a simple language, comprehensible for him. Try to prompt your kind telling you about his fears (for example, “I’m afraid of entering a dark room” or “I’m afraid of a barking dog”) and not being afraid you tell him he’s stupid. You also should stay calm during “worsening”, i.e. when a child starts playing up. This will give him self-reliance and feeling of safety. Do not forget showing as much love and tenderness to your child as you can.
If you fail coping with the situation by yourself, apply for a specialist.

Stress and children from 6 to 12 years. At this age children should manage pressure at home and school. Typical stressful situations: tests, pressure concerning progress, new friends, envy, complexes concerning their appearance and mental facilities, constant competition with someone in a game or elder brothers and sisters, criticism, quarrels with parents and friends, age changes in constitution, coevals’ reluctance to communicate, feeling of embarrassment.

Signs of stress: development decrease, a child stops becoming adult, sleep disorders, speech problems, detachment, petulance, trickery, aggressive behavior towards other people.

How to help a child coping with stress. Be understanding parents. Encourage a child to try solving the situation. Help him understanding things he failed to understand in his problem. Encourage his address to you, if he has a problem. A child should not become unsociable, he should talk about his problems. On no account press down on a child, comparing him with some other kid….

Anxiety disorder in children

2009-04-02T16:37:00.001-07:00

Anxiety disorder in children includes mental, emotional, and behavioral problems that are very popular in both children and adolescents. The childhood anxiety disorder usually affects more girls than boys. Depression usually accompanies the childhood anxiety disorder in most of the children and adolescents.

Children with an anxiety disorder are usually so afraid, worried, or uneasy that they cannot function normally. Some anxiety disorders can last through out the life and can significantly interfere in everyday work. There are various types of anxiety disorders which are commonly found in young children.

Anxiety disorders in children can range from a simple adjustment disorder to more difficult and debilitating disorders such as panic disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. If anxiety disorder in a child is not treated from the very beginning, it can lead to home education or inability to finish school, impaired relations with peers and low self-esteem.

Some of the types of anxiety disorders that can occur in a child include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and acute stress disorder. Some other types of anxiety disorder common in children include social phobia, specific phobia, adjustment disorder with anxiety, and anxiety disorder due to a general medical condition.

Anxiety is a subjective sense of fear, depression, lack of self-trust, and distress which can occur in some strange situations. Doctors distinguish normal levels of anxiety and unhealthy or pathologic levels of anxiety. The symptoms of an anxiety disorder include physical sensations such as headache, nausea, and sweating and emotional sensations such as nervousness and fear.

Thinking ability, decision-making ability, perceptions of the environment, learning, and concentration of a child are baby affected in severe cases of anxiety disorders. An anxiety disorder can raise blood pressure and heart rate and also cause a multitude of bodily complaints, such as vomiting, stomach pain, ulcers, diarrhea, tingling, weakness, and shortness of breath.

Fever in children:treatment

2009-04-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

A child’s normal temperature says that everything is all right. One of the first signs of a child’s illness is raised temperature.

In case a child has a usual cold or an easy fever, parents should keep control of temperature and take corresponding measures at its increase in time.

Signs, signalling that a child has heat

Sometimes parents cannot determine a child suffers from heat looking at his appearance. However, if below-mentioned symptoms are observed, parents should check up temperature at once:

- Atypical irritability;
- Atypical slackness;
- Child feels hot;
- Causeless crying;
- Speeded up breath;
- Drowsiness;
- Bad mood.

If a child can sound following symptoms independently, parents also should take a child’s temperature quickly, if they observe:

- Sensation of heat and shiver;
- Headache and ache;
- Sleep disorder;
- Loss of appetite.

How to struggle with heat?

If you detect heat in a child, you should undertake following actions:

- Air a room: open the window, lower temperature in a room (reduce heating);

- Wet a towel: put a cold towel on a child’s forehead, neck and hands;

- Cool drinks: it is necessary for a child to drink a lot of cool liquid, however, it is not necessary to give him aerated drinks, as they can provoke nausea;

- Give a syrup, containing paracetamol. Depending on a child’s age, give him a corresponding dose of the children’s syrup, containing paracetamol. However, if a baby is under three months, paracetamol is counter-indicative, you should definitely consult with the doctor;

- Take temperature during the day regularly, to keep control of it;

- Call a doctor to your house without fail.

How to choose the best toy for a kid

2009-04-02T16:35:00.000-07:00

Due to enormous choice of toys, it is really difficult choosing toys for kids. Do you prefer a train that is only red and green or do you pick the one that is red and green and lights up? Will you choose a crying or giggling baby? How do you know if the toy is age appropriate? How do you even know if your child or niece or friend will like it? Here you will find some general guidelines.

First of all, remember a child’s interests. If you don’t know their interests, you can always speak to their parent or a sibling to get some ideas. Don’t always assume that you know what a child will like. A lot of girls love playing with dolls, but some would rather play with dinosaurs.

Once you get some ideas of their likes and dislikes, go to the store. (If you go to the store before getting some ideas you’ll probably get overwhelmed by the number of choices.) If the child likes something specific, like a particular brand of die cast cars, then go straight to that section. If it’s a general idea, such as the child really likes dolls, then find the part of the toy section that has dolls.

A lot of stores have their aisles organized in a particular way, often by brand, but also by gender specific toys, the types of play (dramatic play, outside play, educational toys, etc.) so you might find that you need to look around to see all of your options.

Please remember that the age difference between you and your child is of at least 20 years. The fact that you liked a toy when you were a child does not mean that your child will love it too. Children from different generations like different types of toys.

Safety is the most important factor you must consider whenever you need to decide what toy you should buy for your child. Unfortunately, this is also the most overlooked one. Usually, parents forget to check if the toy they choose for their children are safe.

Good developmentally-appropriate toys and games will help your kids to develop their physical, emotional, language and social capabilities, as well as stimulate their creativity and imagination.

Nowadays there are numerous fun ways for young children to learn. Lots of kid toys and games have been created with this in mind.

Men who have children live longer

2009-04-02T16:33:00.002-07:00

Last researches of demographers show that presence of children in a family influences parents’ lifetime considerably. It affects both men and women equally brightly.

Earlier it was proved that lifetime of mothers depends on presence of children, now it is already possible to prove the same law among fathers too.

Experts from London and Oslo found out that for men who have children, risk of death decreases 35 % in comparison with childless men.

The analysis of biographies of 1,5 million men and women was carried out, it appeared that risk of death of mothers of 2 children is 50 % lower, than for childless women of same age. For men this indicator is 35 %.

This is explianed by the fact that parents strive to lead a healthier way of life more, than childless people.

Low-calorie milk can lead to sterility

2009-04-02T16:33:00.001-07:00

Harward University employees have been observing 116 000 women within 8 years. All this time they have been gathering data about ladies’ gastronomic predilections. As a result, it was possible to find out that milk with low maintenance of fats causes problems with ovulation, what subsequently leads to sterility. And consumption of low-calorie milk only 2 times a week increases risk of this kind of sterility by 85 %.

However, whole milk has, on the contrary, positive influence on a woman’s ability to child-bearing. Lovers of usual milk have risk of sterility decreased on 27 %.

Scientists still find it difficult giving a scientific substantiation of this law, but, nevertheless, the fact remains.

Children and sweets: are they harmful?

2009-04-02T16:31:00.000-07:00

Carbohydrates are not only sugar …

Sugar plays an important role in children’s food. After all it is a known source of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are a group of food substances in which they allocate simple carbohydrates and compound carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates (glucose, fructose, maltose, sucrose) are mainly sweet substances which we receive from fruits, honey, sweets. Compound carbohydrates — mainly unsweetened substances arriving to us with vegetables, porridges, bread. Getting to an organism, they are split under the influence of a saliva in a mouth and stomach, and definitively processed and soaked up in small intestines.

So-called indigestible compound carbohydrates (food fibres) are not acquired. They promote normal work of intestines, help deducing cholesterol, heavy metals and alien substances possessing ability to cause oncological diseases.

Sources of food fibres in food for children younger age (till 3 years) are fruits, vegetables, groats, and after 3-4 years bread of a rough grinding (with bran) is added to them. The End-product of carbohydrates splitting is glucose, widely known for everyone. In the pure state it is contained in fruits, and the sweeter fruit is, the more glucose it contains. Glucose is a universal energy source and one of appetite stimulators. At decrease of its level in blood a feeling of hunger appears. There are three basic directions of glucose use in an organism:

1. It is a “fuel” for work of all organs.
2. It is put by in liver cells and muscles.
3. It turns to fat when the quantity of its receipt is superfluous.

Carbohydrates are necessary to a child not only as suppliers of energy, but also as sources of vitamins (vitamin C, beta carotin, folic acid), some mineral salts (potassium, iron), food fibres (which have preventive effect against constipations in children), organic acids improving the process of digestion. A preschool child should receive 300 g vegetables and 150 g fruits per day.

Sugar does not carry food value in itself, having thus high caloric content. The share of carbohydrates in a food allowance of children substantially depends on age. At children of the first year of life their maintenance makes 40 percent. And after a year increases to 60 percent, of which no more than 10 percent makes sugar, including sugar containing in confectionery products.

When and how should you give delicacies?

Love for sweets is put in a child at genetic level. The first food in a baby’s life is breast milk, which is sweet due to milk sugar — lactose. At artificial feeding a child receives lactose and maltose with formula. Feeding up introduction expands assortment of carbohydrates sources — fruit and vegetable juice, mashed potatoes, porridges, which completely cover requirements of a children’s organism for carbohydrates. As a rule, they do not contain some table sugar — sucrose, and desire of some parents to sweeten this or that dish to the taste that a child would eat more, is absolutely inadmissible. Such behaviour of adults can lead to a distortion of flavouring sensations in a child, refusal of unsweetened dishes and as consequence — overeating, overweight.

After 1 year parents can enter a small amount of table sugar, and also sweets in allowance. For children from 1 year till 3 years the quantity of sugar makes 40 g a day, from 3 till 6 years — 50 g. You can start acquaintance to sweets with various mousses, cooked on a berry-fruit basis (from fresh and frozen berries and fruits). Then it is possible to try zephyr, fruit candy, and also various kinds of jams.

From 3-4 years (not earlier) it is possible to offer a grown up kid pies and cakes, which do not contain creams on a fatty basis, and low-fat grades of ice-cream. Quantity of sweets is regulated: from 1 year till 3 years — 10 g a day, and from 3 till 6 years — 15 g. Their use should not have a character of encouragement for a child and, of course, you should give them after a basic food intake or for a mid-morning snack.

Before 4-year age it is impossible to give children caramel and sugar candies, as there is a risk to choke. As to chocolate and cocoa, and also marshmallow in chocolate and so on, before three-year age it is better for a child not to face them . Chocolate contains a lot of fat and creates loading for stomach fermentative system and pancreas. At all it is not recommended to use it small аллергикам and to children with the changed functions of a pancreas. If there are no contra-indications since three years it is possible to give a little white and a milk chocolate, and from 5-6 years — its other kinds.

Apian delicacy

Let’s speak about honey. It possesses not only high nutritional value ( at the expense of easily acquired sugars — glucose and fructose, its caloric content reaches 335 kcal/100g), but also curative properties. Flower honey influences digestive organs favorably, improving secretory and impellent activity of a stomach and other bodies, stimulates appetite and renders some relaxative action on a digestive tract.
Besides, honey possesses antimicrobic properties concerning a number of the bacteria causing infringement of intestinal microflora, raises stability of an organism to some viruses, renders anti-inflammatory and expectorant effect at diseases of respiratory ways.

However, honey use in a food of preschool children is limited by its high allergenicity. Till 3 years the honey use as an independent product is inexpedient. It can enter into various products of a children’s food of industrial production (porridges or cookies), but its quantity there is insignificant. After 3 years it is possible to enter honey into a food of children, but occasionally, no more than 1-2 teaspoons, adding it in some dishes, as a delicacy. If a child suffers an allergy, it is possible to use a natural delicacy only after additional consultation of the attending physician.

Bitter consequences of a sweet life

Treating a child with various sweets, it is necessary to remember that their superfluous consumption can lead to a number of diseases. For example, to caries — progressing destruction of firm fabrics of a tooth with formation of defect in the form of a cavity. Scientists proved that sucrose possesses the expressed ability to cause this illness. Low frequency of caries at children is observed in that case when the sugar consumption level makes nearby 30 g per day, what approximately corresponds to physiological norm of its consumption.

Another problem is adiposity caused by superfluous food intake in comparison with level of power expenditure, so-called alimentary adiposity. Thus a child’s body weight exceeds normal values for the given age on 20 percents and more. Such children have functional changes of the central nervous system, endocrine glands, immunity decreases, risk of development of a diabetes and cardiovascular diseases raises. There are also psychological consequences of adiposity: it often reduces a child’s self-estimation, leads to depression.

How to live without sugar?

The problem of obesity and diabetes forced scientists to be engaged in a search of sweet substances which could replace sugar and possess low caloric content or a total absence of calories. Such substances are divided in sugar substitutes (fructose, xylitol, sorbite) and intensive sweeteners (saccharin, aspartame, cyclamate, sucralose, acesulfame).

Sugar substitutes:

· Fructose — natural fruit sugar. It is 1,7 times sweeter than usual sugar. On caloric content it is comparable to it, however owing to the fact that fructose is sweeter, quantity of its use is lower. Besides , it is acquired by cells, without demanding an insulin hormone and consequently is used in dietary food, including food for sick with diabetes.

· Sorbite. It is contained in apples, pears, peaches. Can cause abdominal distension and diarrhoeia, what interferes with its wide use in food.

· Ksilit (Е 967). It is applied as sweetener in a chewing gum.

Intensive sweeteners — substances of not sugar nature. As for sweet, they exceed sugar in some hundreds times. Thus have zero caloric content. This is especially favourable in drink manufacture.

ООН incorporated committee recommends their safe daily doses, depending on nature of intensive sweeteners:

· Aspartam — 40mg/kg.
· Saccharin — 5 mg/kg.
· Tsiklamaty — 11 mg/kg.
· Sukraloza — 18 mg/kg.
· Atsesulfam To — 8 mg/kg.

As for intensive sweeteners, despite of recommended safe norms of their consumption, a child under 7 years should better avoid products which structure includes them. Especially this concerns aerated drinks. Naturally, parents do not accustom their children to sweets meaningly. Irrational nutrition starts with attempts to solve a small appetite problem. Children, unlike adults, have no a habit to eat regularly. Their appetite can differ every day. This distinction can be connected with physical activity.

Pediatrists consider that there is no necessity to persuade or force child to eat. There are no voluntary starving children. However, it is not necessary to give in to a myth that a child himself chooses the food necessary for him instinctively. Parents can (and should!) generate their love to a correct diet in the early childhood. A kid needs to impart taste to vegetables, fruits, soups and porridges. And finally, it is impossible to follow a chuld’s tastes, offering him sweets and confectionery products, if he refuses meal.

Beauty-products are counter-indicative during pregnancy

2009-04-02T16:28:00.000-07:00

Pregnancy changes a woman. A future mum tries looking even more attractive and seductive and consequently starts using various beauty products actively. However, scientists warn that it can harm a future child health.

Recently beauty-products often contain parabens, possessing protective property, and phthalates. European scientists proved that these substances can lead to anomaly of baby development in a mother’s womb.

For example, pregnant women often using hairspray, 2 times increase risk of hypospadias development (anomaly of urinogenital bodies) in a kid. And abusing deodorants leads to infringement of baby hormonal level and breast cancer in a woman.

In this connection, government of several European countries insists, that labels of cosmetic products should contain new marks, designating safety of given product for pregnant women.

Development of Intelligence

2009-04-02T16:27:00.002-07:00

The childhood learning process
Children do their most important learning during the first years of life. Experiences in these early years provide the foundation for all their intellectual growth to follow. A child's education starts before birth because brain development is influenced by the mother's diet. Once the baby is born brain stimulation occurs with every experience a 'little one' encounters.
The brain grows and develops on the basis of these first experiences as well as with the characteristics passed on from the parents' genes. Every parent wants to give their children the best possible start in life. So understanding how the brain develops can help to guide the choice of toys and activities that contribute to learning.

So what is it all about?
Neuro-linguistics research (the study of how we learn language) has shown that the two different sides, (hemispheres) of the brain are responsible for different ways of thinking. The left brain hemisphere is responsible for logical thinking usually where there is a 'correct' response. Number, language, music, regular patterns, shapes and colours are all handled by the left brain.

The right brain hemisphere is responsible for creative thinking and imagination and human responses are most likely to be emotional or concerned with feelings. Painting, drawing, sticking and colouring, water and sand play and most messy activities and improvisation contribute to developing the function of the right brain.

Whilst most of us show a preference for one thinking style over the other, the ideal goal of any parent is to stimulate both learning styles, helping their child become a well-rounded 'whole brain' thinker! Nature helps us with this because between the two sides of the brain there is a 'strap-like' section called the 'corpus callosum'. Neurologists believe that the function of the strap is to co-ordinate the two sides of the brain so that individuals develop their 'whole brain' function.

There are so many toys on the market. Are some better for learning than others?
Toys are intended for children to play with. Any play activity is useful so toys can be divided into those with entertainment value and those with educational value - called Edutainment resources. Many manufacturers now identify the learning possibilities of a toy on the packaging.

What should I look for in an educational resource?
An educational resource is one that enables a user to develop specific skills. Opportunities to play are vital for children in their early years. A parent looking for the potential in objects and materials for safe play will identify many learning opportunities in the home.

A plain cardboard box is a valuable learning resource because it can be turned into a dinosaur, a car or a rocket, a house or a shop; to decide on the model is a left brain activity. If the box can be cut, glued, painted and added to by using the imagination and creative skills it has equal value as an activity to develop the right brain.

The skills that a child learns are different at each stage of development. When buying a toy the age of the child will be a key consideration. From birth to eight weeks baby becomes still and listens; from 9-12 months baby will point to things and show a preference for some activities, colours and sounds. At this stage a well produced DVD may offer more effective whole brain development than a book.

Recent research by Professor Karmiloff-Smith, a world-leading scientist specialising in baby development who works at the London Institute of Child Health and Great Ormond Street Hospital says "babies have to use their eyes and brain to track movement in images from DVDs, but static pages in a book provide no stimulation. Her scientific research shows that interacting with moving images encourages them to optimise each stage of development so DVDs produced with baby learning stages in mind are appropriate for the age and stage. Normal television and video however, cause babies to become mesmerised as they struggle with too rapid eye movements and poor colour differentiation.

It may be a controversial idea but good quality DVDs are apparently better than books between the ages of 3 and 5 months.

By 12 -18 months babies repeat words with meaning. Research shows that pausing between new words or concepts helps very young children concentrate attention on the learning task. A DVD that presents everyday objects with a clearly spoken statement of the word and meaning clearly functions as an educational resource. This is in direct contrast to television programmes in which images move rapidly and have a mesmerising effect that may pacify a baby but is unlikely to promote learning.

Brainy Baby has ten DVD's within the learning library which are geared specifically towards 'Whole Brain' development so he or she can become a well rounded little person. Every award winning Brainy Baby programme features live multi-ethnic children, animals, toys and more. This is crucial as studies have shown that children learn better when they see things they can relate to from their 'own world' - not silly characters and crazy cartoons.

How to Choose a Nursery

2009-04-02T16:27:00.001-07:00

Are you looking for a Nursery? Here are some important points to consider when looking for a nursery:

Seal of Approval
Always ensure that the nursery you choose is registered with OFSTED. The registration certificate should be displayed together with a current certificate of insurance.
Does the nursery belong to a professional organisation such as National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA), keeping them informed of current issues?
You may ask to see copies of the recent OFSTED report highlighting the quality of nursery education and care and the appropriateness of equipment and facilities.
Has the nursery gained any awards of excellence, especially those endorsed by the government or Investors in Children e.g. NDNA's Quality Counts, Investors in People or Investors in Children.
Happy, Safe and Clean
Is there a safe and clean outside play area?
Is the interior bright, warm, clean, well decorated and welcoming?
Is the equipment good quality, clean, safe and appropriate?
What sort of meals are provided and at what time? Is the food fresh? Can they provide for special diets? Are the menus changed on a regular basis?
Do the children in the nursery look happy and well occupied? Are the children using a variety of equipment and are staff involved with their play?
Are the staff happy, relaxed, well presented, calm and confident?
Ask about the staff to children ratios. Here are the guidelines they should follow:
1:3 0-2 years
1:4 2-3 years
1:8 3-5 years
High Standards
50% of staff must hold relevant childcare qualifications such as NVQ Childcare Level 2 or equivalent.
One member of staff should have a first Aid certificate and all supervisors are required to have an NVQ Childcare Level 3 or equivalent.
Do parents and staff work in partnership recording your child's activities and achievements?
Will your child be attached to a key-worker? Who will be your main contact and who will keep you informed?
What will the cost be and what does this include? For example nappies, meals, holiday charges etc.
Activities to be discussed are; diet, potty training, emergency procedures, discipline and other nursery polices.
Finally
Did you enjoy your visit? Was it friendly, relaxed and informative? Did your child enjoy it?
Your local children's information service will keep an up-to-date list of registered providers. The local authority switchboard will have the telephone number or visit www.childcarelink.gov.uk
Look for your nearest NDNA member nursery at www.ndna.org.uk
Speak to friends and family - personal recommendations are an excellent start. If possible look at more than one nursery before making your decision.

IF YOU ARE NOT HAPPY WITH ANY ASPECT OF THE NURSERY, LOOK ELSEWHERE

Healthy Eating

2009-04-02T16:26:00.000-07:00

Healthy eating - right from the first bite
With childhood obesity rates growing alarmingly, it's more important than ever to ensure your child has a healthy diet right from the start. Here's how to do it:

The right time to wean
The latest guidelines from the Department of Health state that weaning onto solids should only start at 6 months. This is because a baby's digestive system is not fully mature until this age and starting solids earlier can increase the risk of infections and the development of allergies like eczema and asthma. However, some babies are hungrier than others and might show signs of readiness before the six month mark. If this is the case, speak to your health visitor but as a rule of thumb, never start before 17 weeks of age. If there is no history of allergies in your family, start out slowly with basic purees. If you do decide to wean your baby onto solids before six months, don't give any foods containing gluten, eggs, cheese, dairy products, fish and shellfish.

Signs that might indicate that your child is ready

He seems hungry after a feed, but refuses more milk
He wakes more often for night feeds
The time between feeds gets shorter
He sits up in a highchair and shows interest in what's going on at the table
He grabs at the food on your plate
He simulates chewing and makes appreciative noises as he watches others eating
How to get started
Choose a time of day when both you and your baby are relaxed (not too tired or hungry) - late morning is a good option. Start out using a basic fruit puree like pears. Place a small amount on a rubber tipped spoon and don't attempt more than one or two spoonfuls initially. Follow this with your child's regular milk feed. Don't be dismayed if your baby spits out these first spoonfuls - it's a foreign feeling to them and it takes practice.

Gradually introduce a broader variety of basic fruit or vegetable purees. You should ideally wait 3 days before introducing another new taste to ensure no allergic reaction. Once they're used to a food, try moving that food to the evening meal and introduce another new food at lunchtime. Once your baby is comfortably taking lunch and dinner, you can introduce breakfast using suitable baby breakfast cereals mixed with some pureed fruit.

You can also start mixing them up - like apple and pear or butternut and parsnip. After the age of 6 months - but more likely around 7 to 8 months - and once your child is established on 3 meals a day, you can introduce protein like chicken or fish.

Remember that solid food should not replace a baby's formula or breast milk. Children between the ages of 6 to 9 months still need at least 500 - 600mls (16 - 20oz) of breast or formula milk daily.

Safe food preparation
If you start weaning your baby under the age of 6 months, you need to be far more diligent about sterilising feeding equipment like spoons and bowls (another reason to hold off for as long as you can). After six months, there is no need to sterilise spoons and other feeding utensils (bottles excluded).

It's important to always wash your hands carefully before you prepare any meals for your baby and wash their hands too if they're eating finger foods.

Other safety tips:

Baby food should be cooled quickly and either stored in a fridge for a maximum of 24 hours or frozen
Never refreeze something once it's been defrosted and never reheat baby food more than once. Throw away any food that your baby leaves in her bowl as saliva from her mouth or spoon contains bacteria that will multiply.
Always heat food till it is piping hot and then let it cool down before feeding. Test it carefully particularly if you used a microwave as hotspots can occur.
Preparing purees
The easiest way to make your own purees is to peel, chop and steam whichever fruit or vegetable you're using until it's soft. Then blend it in a liquidiser or mouli adding a bit of the reserved cooking water or breastmilk/formula milk if it's too thick, pour it into ice cube trays, let it cool and then freeze. Once frozen, you can pop the cubes into labelled freezer bags. This way you have a ready supply of different frozen purees that you can mix and match.

It's important for babies to experience a broad range of flavours to make the transition to family meals easier and to avoid 'fussy eating' later on. Jars of baby food tend to all taste the same as they've had to be cooked at very high temperatures, which causes the sugars in the food to caramelise. If you aren't able to make your own, try buying prepared frozen baby food which tastes homemade.

Growing up
You can begin introducing finger foods to your baby early on in the weaning process, so that they learn to manage different textures and begin to feed independently. Things like bread sticks, pieces of cheese of soft fruit are ideal. Also gradually introduce more texture to their food, either by mashing it or by adding small pasta shapes or cous cous to the meals. Once they are comfortable with bigger lumps, you can shift them onto meals the rest of the family has.

Make sure the meals you make have very little salt and that they provide a good balance of protein, carbohydrates and vegetables. Meals like cottage pie, lasagne, fish pie or chicken casserole are easy to make and easy for little mouths to manage. Increase the veg quota by grating vegetables into the meats while cooking. For some great toddler meal ideas, try these:

Healthy snacking
Most children are 'grazers' wanting snacks in between meals. The challenge is to ensure that they're healthy. Try to avoid biscuits, sweets and crisps. Opt instead for fruit, vegetable sticks with hummus dip, raisins, yogurts, smoothies, homemade muffins, breadsticks, cheese or cereal bars. >> Snackylicious apple crisps

Weaning Recipies

2009-04-02T16:25:00.002-07:00

Recipes
PUREE
Potato and parsnip with carrot
Makes 4 portions
Suitable for home freezing

Ingredients
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 parsnip, peeled and diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
Fresh or dried thyme

Peel and dice the vegetables. Place the vegetables and a small sprinkle of thyme in a steamer or cover with water and bring to the boil. Cook for 15 minutes or until the vegetables are soft. Puree adding some of the reserved cooking water to loosen the mixture so that a soft consistency is achieved.

Note: it is better to mash potato or use a mouli rather as a blender will release the potato's starch and create a glutinous consistency.

Cottage pie
1 potato, peeled and diced
1 carrot, peeled and diced
½ a small onion
100g extra lean minced beef
Squirt of Tomato Paste
Sprinkle of Thyme and Parsley
Little vegetable oil (optional)

Fry the meat and onion until browned (use a little vegetable oil if desired). Add the carrot, potato, tomato paste and herbs. Add a cup of water, cover and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Puree to a desired consistency.

TODDLER MEALS
This is a great way to get veggies into fussy toddlers
Hidden Veg Sauce
1 leek, chopped roughly
2 courgettes, chopped into chunks
1 red or yellow pepper, coursely chopped
A handful or mushrooms, chopped
1 small aubergine, chopped into chunks
2 carrots, peeled and chopped into chunks
1 clove of garlic, crushed
2 tins of tomatoes
Sprinkle of dried oregano
Sprinkle of pepper
Small pinch of sugar (optional)

In a little olive oil or butter, add all the vegetables and garlic and soften gently for about 10 minutes. Add the tins of tomatoes and sprinkle on the herbs, pepper and sugar. Stir to combine, then cover and simmer for about 45 minutes. Once all the vegetables are completely soft, transfer the mixture to a blender - or use a handheld blender - and blitz it until moderately smooth. Spoon into ice cube trays and freeze. The recipe makes a large volume of sauce - but you'll get through it as it's very versatile. Use it on pasta, on potatoes, as gravy, as a pizza base, as a dip for chicken strips.

Also see the Healthy Eating page.

Beat the Bullies

2009-04-02T16:25:00.001-07:00

Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me...

Sadly sticks and stones are just some of the more rudimentary weapons used by bullies today and whoever said words can't hurt, lied. Ask any one of the 69% of children who told a recent national survey that they had been bullied*.

Bullying is a hideous thing with which to have to contend, as a parent. The scars are not just physical - they are emotional too - and the repercussions can affect everyone in the family.

It is not always easy to tell if your child is being bullied, but here are some things to look out for:

Being quiet and withdrawn, particularly if this is out of character
Seeming anxious
Difficulty sleeping
Coming home with cuts and bruises or torn clothes
'Losing' dinner money or other possessions that then 'need to be replaced'
Reluctance to go out
Changes in friendships
Not doing as well at school
Becoming aggressive or moody
If you suspect your child is being bullied (or indeed is a bully), you need to act fast, but it is vital that you listen and don't go rushing in to see the Head/bully/bullies parents - this will be what your child dreads most and in many cases it has been proven to make the bullying worse. Instead:

Listen to your child and let them tell you what's been going on in their own words
Don't dismiss their concerns as 'just teasing'
Talk to your child about how you are going to handle it, together. Keeping records of events, saving abusive text messages etc. can all be useful ways of gathering concrete facts to show the school if necessary
Talk to the school and ask about their policy on bullying - tackling bullies effectively takes a combined effort from teachers, parents and the children themselves
Ensure your child knows they are loved and try to restore their confidence by engaging in happier activities with them outside school
The UK's leading anti-bullying charity, Bullying UK (www.bullying.co.uk) and ChildLine (www.childline.org.uk) both have some brilliant tips for children, parents and teachers so if you think there might be a problem, check them out.

*National Survey 2006 commissioned by Bullying UK

Childhood Stress

2009-04-02T16:24:00.001-07:00

Britain's children are the unhappiest in the West, according to a Unicef study of 21 industrialised countries and it is estimated that up to 10% of our children are suffering from depression. But how can you tell if your child is feeling stressed or depressed? And perhaps more importantly, what can you do to help?

Childhood stress, like the stress we suffer as adults, can be caused by a whole range of triggers. Common causes include:

Tension at home or parents splitting up
Falling out with friends
Being teased too much
Being overwhelmed with work or homework
School tests such as SATS
Holidays
Changes in childcare arrangements
Peer pressure
Phobias (fear of the dark, fear of being left alone, fear of parents dying etc.)
How the child manages will depend on their personality, maturity, and own style of coping but the thing to remember is that children often have difficulty describing exactly how they feel. So, instead of saying "I feel overwhelmed" they might say "my stomach hurts" or they might become withdrawn, tearful, aggressive, argumentative, irritable or have difficulty sleeping or change their eating pattern.

There may be physical clues as well since stress can exacerbate problems like asthma, hay fever, migraine headache and gastrointestinal illnesses.

The first thing to do is to talk to your child, but the most important thing is to listen. They say a problem shared is a problem halved and in the case of childhood stress this is usually true. Children's lack of life experience means that they can't always put a problem into perspective and they often blame themselves for events over which they have no possible control. In such cases simply reassuring them that there was no way they could have influenced things can be a great relief.

Other ways to help your child manage stress include:

Building their self-esteem, confidence and independence
Being calm yourself - if you overreact to certain situations your child is likely to follow your example
Not putting too much pressure on your child to achieve
Ensuring your child has enough time to unwind and relax after school - rushing around is no good for anyone
Encouraging your child to exercise - running round in the fresh air gets the endorphins (happy hormones) pumping
Trying simple relaxation exercises together - encourage them to sit quietly, breathe deeply and 'feel floppy'
Involving your child in thinking up a solution to the problem. This gives him a sense that he can make a difference and that things aren't hopeless
Using distraction tactics - a day out having fun can make a child forget he's upset over a falling out with a friend, or joining a new drama group can soften the blow of not making it onto the swimming team
Being open with your child in times of crisis or family change - sometimes it is better to tell your child what is going on than let their imaginations run wild
With a little patience and understanding most cases of childhood stress can be relieved, however there are some bigger issues such as divorce, death in the family or illness that both you and your child may need more help with. If this is the case, your child seems very depressed, or worrying symptoms carry on for more than a month, you should consider seeking professional help - you could ask your doctor in the first instance.

Kids Birthday Party Ideas

2009-04-02T16:23:00.002-07:00

The thought of a child's party can fill even the most organised parent with dread! But with a little thought and planning there is no reason why they can't have a celebration to remember - and you can end the day with happy memories... not a migraine!

Pitch it right
One of the most important things to do when planning a party for children is to think about how old they are, what they like to do and how they are likely to behave/cope. So for example a one year old (despite your excitement at them reaching their first birthday!) would probably be overwhelmed by a huge affair. Instead, consider inviting a few close friends or family and keep it low key.

Considerations for different age groups:

2 year olds - will probably like dancing and lots of balloons, rather than organised party games. Just invite a few close friends and keep it relatively short
3 year olds - can usually cope with simple games such as pass the parcel. Some parents may take the opportunity to have a couple of hours to themselves and leave their children at the party from this age - make sure you have enough adults to supervise
4 year olds - have started to appreciate what great fun a party can be. Don't let them get overexcited. Games that require some interaction can now be played
5 year olds - vary in their approach to parties - some children are self-conscious at this age, while others can become boisterous. Have more games than you need lined up and include some calming ones. Dead lions is always good for a moment's peace
6 year olds - tend to have lots of energy so make sure there is plenty of room. You could involve them in the preparations since most children are a dab hand at painting, cutting and sticking by now
7 years plus - children aged seven or more understand rules, so team games can be added. But they still don't like losing so make sure everyone has their moment if you don't want it to end in tears
Making your party stand out
For a party to remember, why not consider adopting a theme. It could be something that your child particularly likes, or be more general. For example:

fairies
aliens
pirates
animals
glitter and sparkles
The theme can begin with the invitation and continue through the decorations, food, cake, games etc.

Fancy dress always adds to the fun, but if you think that will be too much, why not go smaller scale with a 'hat party' or one centring around your child's favourite colour.

Checklist for success:

Get a written invitation out at least three weeks before (include your child's name and age, the party venue and directions, date, start and finish times and ask them to reply so that you can plan for the right numbers. Don't forget to mention any additional requirements such as fancy dress or outdoor wear)
Make sure your party doesn't clash with any other event
Be aware of school holidays - it's disappointing for all to organise a party and then find no-one can come
If you are having a party outside always have a 'Plan B' just in case the weather changes and it pours down with rain
Reserve some extra help if you think you need it. Remember some children will need help going to the toilet or washing their hands so you don't want to find yourself short staffed
Be specific about starting and ending times and restrict the party time to no longer than 2 1/2 hours
If you are hiring a venue or booking an entertainer or activity, re-confirm the booking, giving final numbers, a week before
Finally, relax and enjoy. Remember your child's birthday is time for you to celebrate too!

Breast Still Best

2009-04-02T16:23:00.001-07:00

It is generally acknowledged that breast milk is best for a newborn baby since it contains important antibodies and the optimal balance of nutrients to sustain an infant's rapid growth and development. For you there are the added benefits of saving time (sterilising bottles etc.), saving money (on milk) and the fact that breastfeeding helps you lose some of that baby weight!

However, a Department of Health survey has found that within four to 10 weeks 75% of new mothers have started to wean the baby off the breast and on to infant formula.

This is not surprising since for many women breastfeeding doesn't come as naturally as they might have hoped. Cracked nipples, problems latching on, nipple thrush and mastitis are only a few of the hurdles many women face in these daunting first weeks - but help is at hand.

If you are struggling with breastfeeding, the first thing to do is talk to your GP or health visitor who can put you in touch with a breastfeeding counsellor or clinic. They can provide vital emotional support, advise on latching on technique and positions, tell you what is normal, whether the baby is putting on the right amount of weight, what creams are appropriate, whether nipple shields or expressing could be helpful and provide a general wealth of advice and information.

The most important thing is to feel supported at this time and make educated decisions about what is right for both you and your baby.

If you are considering switching to formula it is also worth seeking advice since partial bottle feeding may have a negative effect on breast feeding and reversing a decision to breast feed is difficult.

Although it is widely acknowledged that breast is best, it is also important not to feel guilty if you do give your child formula. Advances in technology mean that infant formula is now as close to breast milk as possible with many brands now including some of the more complex nutrients found in breast milk such as Long Chain Polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPs), nucleotides and antioxidants such as beta-carotene and selenium.

Frequently asked questions:
Q How can I tell if my baby is feeding well?
A There are a few things you can check - your baby should have a large mouthful of breast, baby's chin should be touching your breast, it shouldn't hurt you to feed (after the first few sucks), your baby rhythmically swallows and sucks (their cheeks should stay rounded while they suck) and if you can see any dark skin around your nipple, you should see more of it above your baby's top lip than below their bottom lip.

Q How do I know that he's getting enough milk?
A During the first couple of weeks your baby's weight is not a good indicator, but after that your baby should be putting on weight. Your baby should appear content and satisfied after most feeds and should have at least six wet nappies a day and at least two yellow stools a day. Your breasts and nipples should not be sore - if they are, seek medical advice.

Q I seem to be feeding for ages. Is this right?
A A feed can take up to 40 minutes, but if you have concerns about the time it is taking to satisfy your baby it is worth talking to your health visitor or GP.

Q I find it easier feeding from one breast than the other. Is that ok?
A As with being right or left handed, it is only natural that one side will feel more comfortable but you can help by checking your positioning and maybe using a cushion to prop up a weaker side. It is important to feed (and completely empty) each breast in turn though because although the first milk (also called 'foremilk') quenches thirst, it is the next portion ('hindmilk') that provides energy and satisfies the baby's hunger. If you offer the second breast before the baby has finished they might not be fully satisfied. Alternating also helps ensure a steady milk supply and reduces the chance of your breasts engorging.

If you have any concerns about either yourself or your baby seek medical advice.

Useful links:
The Breastfeeding Network (0844 412 4664)
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk

La Leche League (0845 120 2918)
www.laleche.org.uk

National Childbirth Trust (0870 444 8708)
www.nct.org.uk/info/Breastfeeding

Tempting Fussy Eaters

2009-04-02T16:22:00.001-07:00

If meal times have become a bit of a circus in your house, rest assured you are not alone. Most children go through fads of fussy eating and in fact it is considered a normal stage of development among pre-school children according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists.

The important thing is to remain calm yourself, as children play up to your reactions, and to do your best to get the greatest variety of nutrients in their diets through what they will eat.

Here are our top tips for avoiding mealtime meltdown:

Restrict meal times to a maximum of half an hour
Don't offer snacks in between meals
Build on the foods they do like - e.g. if they like milk, try blending in a little bit of fruit to make a milkshake, or if it's bread they like try to expand their repertoire by offering all types of bread or getting them to dip soldiers into a boiled egg or houmous.
Encourage children to help you with the shopping and cooking where possible. If they 'chose' a special vegetable they might have more interest in it when you get home
Don't criticise them for not eating, but praise them when they do. A big clap or a sticker on a star chart can work wonders
Have them eat with a friend who is a good eater and praise the other child for eating so well (but remember not to criticise your child in front of them)
Put the food in front of them then walk away and observe from a distance - without an audience to play up to some children will give in to their hunger/curiosity
Try serving vegetables in different ways - some children will eat them raw but not cooked, some like the broccoli stem but not the floret etc.
Don't overwhelm your child with too much food. You could try serving different bits and pieces in an ice cube tray or pretend you're having a picnic
Don't bribe them with the promise of treats later on
Don't buy snacks or biscuits - if they aren't in the house they can't be tempted
Finally try, try and try again. A child can be offered a food on twenty different occasions before they'll even try it, but if you don't keep trying, you'll never know
It can be incredibly frustrating, particularly if you have spent time preparing the meals, but remember, you are not alone and that this is likely to only be a phase - children are programmed for survival and will eat in the end. However if you have any concerns do talk to your health visitor, sometimes a vitamin supplement may be recommended in the interim.

Box out on page: 1 in 3 children under five will refuse food or 'selectively eat' (Ref Royal College of Psychiatrists)

Bedwetting

2009-04-02T16:21:00.000-07:00

Wetting the bed is common in young children up to the age of three, but even after that (and sometimes into adulthood) it can remain an issue: 1 in 6 five year olds and 1 in 11 nine year olds are affected. It is thought to be three times more common in boys than girls.

Bedwetting (or nocturnal enuresis) used to be brushed off as a form of attention seeking, but research is now suggesting that it could be hereditary and that some children simply develop bladder control and night-time urine production control at different rates. If this seems to be the case, rest assured that the areas of the brain and nervous system which are responsible for the normal pathways of bladder function control will mature in time. Because of this, medical treatment is rarely started before the age of six or seven. Any concerns, however, should be raised with your health visitor/GP.

There can be other contributory factors; such as anxiety, stress, constipation, urinary tract infection and, occasionally, diabetes or kidney failure, so if the problem seems to be ongoing it may be worth visiting your doctor to rule out any treatable causes.

A Joint Effort
Bedwetting is often upsetting for children, who may feel embarrassed or dirty, and for you as parents who not only have to deal with the disturbed nights and extra washing, but may also feel you are in some way to blame. You are not.

What you can do is take some practical steps to help deal with the situation. Such as:

Put a waterproof sheet on the bed
Talk to your child about the problem - they should not be blamed or punished - the chances are they hate the situation as much as you do
Make sure your child drinks enough in the day - often they don't drink much at school then come home and drink lots all at once to make up for it
Don't give them caffeinated drinks
Encourage them to go to the toilet twice before bed - once ten minutes before, and again just before
Take them to the toilet again just before you go to bed
Getting them to help you change the bed in the night (but without making a fuss) so that they realise there has been an episode but that is has been dealt with
For older children, an alarm can help by alerting the child to the fact that they have started wetting themselves. These can be purchased from ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence - details below) or borrowed from a local enuresis clinic
Advice and support is available from ERIC (Education and Resources for Improving Childhood Continence)

Helpline: 0845 370 8008
Website: www.enuresis.org.uk

Building Childhood Confidence

2009-04-02T16:20:00.000-07:00

Nurturing Confidence
A feeling of self-worth and natural self-confidence is one of the greatest gifts you can give your children, but how can you build the kind of solid inner-strength that will help them feel comfortable in themselves, and therefore better placed to handle whatever life throws at them?

Encouragement is key
Children need to feel secure enough to want to try new things without being put down, embarrassed, or ridiculed for failing. When this happens they will quickly start to believe that they aren't worthy of praise and that if something looks hard, they might as well avoid the challenge rather than look silly.

A good example: When presented with a piece of unfathomable artwork, don't knock them down by saying 'what is it?' Instead, ask them to tell you about the picture and pick out good points to talk about. Tell them that you think it is good and illustrate that by putting it up on show.

Sibling Rivalry
While it is near impossible not to compare siblings, accept that they are different little people and as such have different talents. This is of course easier if they have very different skills or interests but even if, for example, they are both good at music, letting them shine in different instruments is a good way to avoid direct comparisons and unhealthy competitive feelings.

Constructive Criticism
We all have days where we feel like tearing our hair out, but children are like sponges and take what you say quite literally. So always avoid sarcasm and generalised negative comments. Instead help them to understand why their particular behaviour has been wrong, and what the implications are.

A good example: Rather than saying 'You never listen,' and thereby instilling a self-fulfilling prophecy, say, 'Please try to listen in future because mummy might be telling you something important'.

A Happy Balance
Children pick up on our anxieties and these can prevent them from using their natural ability to explore and find out their own strengths and weaknesses.

A good example: Rather than saying, 'Be careful' (which is actually more likely to increases your child's worry rather than helping them take more care), offer a constructive comment such as 'Do you want to hold my hand on this side so that you are away from the busy road?'

Let them fail
Not everyone can be the best at everything and that is an important lesson to learn in life if you are to feel secure and comfortable. Only by allowing them to fail can they then experience the overwhelming sense of pride when they do achieve. However, don't let them keep failing if this is likely to knock their confidence - subtly move them on to a different activity instead.

Specific Praise

Children who are constantly told how wonderful they are can, inversely, struggle when either that praise falters or they realise that they are simply being praised for being praised sake.

Experts agree that it is far more constructive for a child to be told specifically why what they have done was so good, so that they can learn from this, than simply being told 'You are good'. This helps children focus on building their own confidence in what they are doing, rather than seeking approval and praise for what they have done.

Quick everyday tips for instilling confidence and self-esteem in your children:
Instill a sense of love and security - regularly tell your child that you love them
Listen and chat - show your child you find them interesting and worth listening to
Share - do activities together to show your child you enjoy spending time with him
Give your child certain responsibilities that they can master around the home and reward them for a specific job well done
Provide choices - help your toddler feel he can exert some control over the world by, for example, suggesting they choose their own clothes or bedtime story
Vary activities - trying out lots of things makes it more likely you'll find something your child is good at, even if there are lots of other things they can't manage so well yet
Encourage friendships - being able to make friends and get on with others plays a big role in building self-esteem
Give them the freedom to make mistakes and learn from them.
Try not to always tell them what to do but allow them to solve their own problems - it'll boost their confidence immeasurably
Don't save praise for just the most obvious occasions. Do it when they are just being themselves - that way they'll realise that they are valued, whatever
Find activities that nurture their confidence. Structured play sessions such as Tumble Tots can really help some children push themselves to try new skills within a safe environment.
Finally remember that as the most important person in their lives, you are their greatest role model. So set a fine example. Be confident in everything you do, walk tall and convey a sense of worth.

Healthy Lunchbox Ideas

2009-04-02T16:19:00.001-07:00

Eating healthily at school
The chances are you have spent hours (make that weeks!), slaving over a hot stove ensuring your child got off to a good nutritional start in life. Whether you were pureeing home-grown veg, withholding squash until you could bear the pressure no more, or totting up their 'five a day', you no doubt worry that any good work could be about to be undone when they start school, if the media furore surrounding school lunches is anything to go by.

Government regulations state that where schools provide lunches they must contain at least the following:

One portion of meat, fish or other protein source
One portion of a starchy food, such as bread, pasta or rice
One portion of fruit and one portion of vegetables
One portion of milk or a dairy item
However, it seems that this is not always adhered to, and even if it is, it's not always in a format your own child will happily devour. As such, an increasing number of parents are taking matters into their own hands and packing a lunch box they know their child will eat.

Ticking all the boxes
To ensure you are providing a nutritionally balanced healthy alternative, the above guidelines are still worth following. So how can you aim to meet them without falling into the soggy sandwich trap?

The first two (protein in the form of meat, fish or another source, and starch) are relatively simple and should probably form the bulk of the lunchbox. Ideas to consider include:

Homemade pizza - use a wholemeal base and top with tomato purée (this actually counts towards their five a day), their favourite cheese and a selection of healthy toppings e.g. tuna, chicken, ham, peppers, mushrooms, onions, courgettes...
Pasta salads – cold pasta (cooked, obviously!) with chicken and sweetcorn; mozzarella, cherry tomatoes and basil or tuna, cheese and pesto sauce
Brown rice salads - for the ultimate brain boosting recipe try stirring in lightly fried spring onion and mackerel fillet (mackerel is a great source of Eicosapentaenoic acid - EPA and Docosahexaenoic acid DHA, omega 3 fatty acids that have been identified as crucial for brain function and development in children)
Couscous – with feta cheese and sundried tomatoes
Wholemeal pitta – stuffed with egg or tuna and low-fat mayonnaise
The beauty of all of the above – apart from tantalising the taste-buds – is that they can generally be made the night before and just kept ready in the fridge.

Don't forget, you can up the health (and taste) factor by:

Using granary or wholemeal bread, pittas, bagels or small baguettes, rather than overly processed nutritionally inferior white sliced bread
Spreading butter or margarine thinly and going easy on the fatty mayonnaise
Always adding a bit of salad
A portion of fruit or vegetable:

Again, try to think beyond the token apple if you want to inject a little variety (and different vitamins) into this part of their lunchbox… How about:

A little pot of fresh fruit salad. Think orange segments, melon, kiwi, mango, blueberries, raspberries, strawberries etc.
Fruit kebabs – using segments of watermelon, strawberry, grapes etc
Carrot or pepper sticks
Low sugar jelly with fresh fruit set inside (tip – avoid adding fruits such as pineapple and kiwi which can affect the setting process)
A fruit smoothie
One portion of milk or another dairy item:
If plain milk doesn't make the grade, how about flavouring it? You can avoid the E numbers associated with some ready-made flavoured milks by simply adding your own ingredients... think banana, strawberries, cocoa or even coffee. Adding malt can change the flavour entirely too.
Interesting yoghurts – look for those with fruit or other interesting bits that can be added 'on the spot' for novelty value. Alternatively add your own – blueberries or honey always works well.
While cheddar is undoubtedly the nation's favourite, encourage your child to be more adventurous with an unusual cheese choice. Most supermarkets now sell mini-selection packs – so encourage them to try new flavours such as smoked cheese, mild blue cheeses or even Greek cheeses such as halloumi and feta.
Finally, don’t let them dehydrate. Not only is this unhealthy but it can lead to tiredness and lack of concentration. Avoid fizzy drinks or sugar-laden squashes. Water is the best re-hydrator, or you could offer a fresh fruit smoothie or juice – another way to boost their 'five a day'.

Last but not least, spare a thought for presentation. Few children’s taste buds will be tickled by a warm, sweaty lunchbox bearing a soggy sandwich and that smell… (you must remember that smell?). There are lots of funky insulated lunch boxes and bags around now – just pop in a mini cool-pack and send them on their way, safe in the knowledge that you have done your best to give them a healthy lunch.

Holiday Health & Safety

2009-04-02T16:17:00.002-07:00

Holiday health
Whether you are heading off to far flung shores, or taking a day trip to Shoreham-by-Sea, there is something about holidays that seem to attract accidents. Perhaps because, according to the statistics, most accidents happen when we are not quite on the ball.

But wait! With a little planning, and awareness of your surroundings, there is no reason why you can't all enjoy a safe and happy time away together. Just pack a well equipped medical kit and check out our guide to common holiday pitfalls.

First Aid Essentials
Go prepared. As well as the basic first aid items (gauze, scissors, lint, bandages, plasters and tweezers), pop some Nurofen for Children* sachets (contains ibuprofen), Sun E45, Dettol Antiseptic Cream* (contains Chloroxylenol, Triclosan, Edetic Acid), child-friendly antihistamines, anti-diarrhoeals and rehydration sachets, appropriate insect repellent and any travel sickness treatments in the bag and you'll be ready for almost any eventuality.

Transportation issues
Children are far more likely to suffer from travel sickness than adults, so:

Try to plan journeys around sleep times
Make sure they are not setting off on an empty stomach, or are overly full
Take anti-nausea treatments, bags, healthy snacks to nibble on and water to sip
Encourage them to look straight ahead in a car or on a boat
Just because you are abroad, don't let basic safety slip. EU regulations stipulate that children under three must be in a car seat and those up to the age of 11, on a booster seat. Most airlines allow you to take your own, or investigate hiring a seat upon arrival.

Avoid accidents at the beach/pool

Children can drown in less than 3cm of water so keep a close eye on them at all times. Remember that baths may be slippier than at home, wet tiled floors can be like skating rinks and undertows and riptides can be deadly. So:

Ensure children don't run on slippery surfaces - encourage them to wear grippy rubber-soled shoes (including on the beach to avoid stepping on glass, jellyfish etc)
Always ensure children have appropriate floatation devices - but remember that these don't constitute life-rafts! Never leave them unattended or out of sight
Don't let children go exploring alone; tides can come in quickly and can leave them trapped.
New surroundings
Children (and adults) are more prone to accidents in unfamiliar surroundings, so watch out for some of these common pitfalls:

Do a common sense check of the accommodation - move loose cords and wires out of reach and check that furniture is stable and secure
If you can, move children's beds away from the windows
Never leave a child unsupervised on a balcony and move furniture away from the edge to eliminate the temptation for children to climb
Be aware that glass patio doors can be difficult to see in bright sunlight or at night
Hot, hot, hot
Babies and children under four are especially vulnerable to heatstroke and sunburn, so:

Stay out of the sun when it is at its peak - between 11am and 2-3pm
Keep your child cool by sitting in the shade, and well-hydrated with water
Apply a high factor suncream at least 30 minutes before they are exposed to the sun, and re-apply regularly throughout the day, particularly after swimming
Encourage children to wear a wide-brimmed sunhat
Tummy upsets and sickness
Stomach-related illnesses account for 80% of all sickness occurring whilst on holiday**. Unfortunately, changes in water, food and new bacteria can cause upset stomachs. Try to avoid them by:

Avoiding the tap water (even in ice cubes)
Only buying food from places that look clean and well maintained and avoiding shell fish, undercooked meats, salads washed in local water and home-made ice-cream
Encouraging the whole family to wash their hands well
If your child is unlucky enough to get diarrhoea or prolonged sickness, try to keep them hydrated by encouraging them to sip bottled water, and give them a child's dose of a re-hydration sachet. If you are breastfeeding, the advice is to continue to do so.

With a little planning and common sense there is no reason why your holiday should be any less hazardous than staying at home. Enjoy!

* Always read the label.

** Reference: BMRM NOP research 2002

Constipation

2009-04-02T16:17:00.001-07:00

Senokot syrup is suitable for use in children from 6 years, and senokot tablets are suitable from 12 years. But babies can suffer too so we have pulled together some helpful information to show you ways of preventing easing the pain for your baby.

What is constipation?
Constipation is a commonly encountered problem in children. It can be due to the same reasons as in adults – poor diet, low fluid intake, illness or medication. But in children there can also be some emotional triggers, for example starting potty training or starting school for the first time. The main thing is not to worry and sort the problem out as quickly as possible.

How will I know if my child has constipation?
New born Babies
The frequency of bowel movements of young babies (up to six months) varies a great deal. Breast-fed babies rarely suffer from constipation because breast milk is easily digestible. Your baby's large intestine has the right bacteria to break down some of the harder-to-process proteins in milk, making the stools soft and easy to pass. Breast-fed babies also have higher levels of the hormone motiline, which stimulates bowel movement.

Older Babies
After about six months, or when babies start on solid or semi-solid food, bowel movements become more regular depending on the food they eat. The stools start to look, and smell, more like those of an adult. At this point, babies may suffer from constipation as their young intestines get used to the nutrients in solid foods. Dehydration can also contribute. As stools accumulate in the intestine, they become harder and more difficult to pass. Any remaining moisture is reabsorbed into the body, making the stools even harder and causing more discomfort.

Childhood Constipation
When a child complains it is painful to go to the toilet, it must be taken seriously. Your child may subconsciously hold back the stool to prevent a painful evacuation. When hard stools accumulate in the rectum, only watery stools manage to get through, often by accident - your child may appear to have diarrhoea but it is actually caused by "overflow" constipation. This could leave the remaining stools even drier, harder and more painful to pass.

How to treat constipation:
Constipation remedies should not be used on very young babies, unless in extreme cases and only if prescribed by a doctor. Remember that constipation can be caused by dehydration.

Older babies can be helped by laying them on their back and moving their legs in a cycling motion which gently puts pressure on the intestine and can stimulate bowel movement. Massaging the baby's tummy can also help. Rub a little baby oil or cream in clockwise circular motions from the navel outwards. This can also make the baby relax, which helps towards relieving constipation. Similarly, a warm bath can also help to put the baby at ease and relieve some of the tension in the bowels.

Older children pick up parents' anxiety, so it is important not to appear worried. If your child is affected, try to make the same lifestyle changes as you would for yourself by getting him/her to:

eat more fibre - every parent knows how picky children can be about what they eat, so sneaking high fibre foods into their diet requires some ingenuity. That said, you should try not to make a behavioural issue out of eating - food should remain a pleasure
Click here for useful tips on a high fibre diet, high fibre recipes and a 7 day diet planner

drink more water
take more exercise
cut down on high fat and high sugar content foods
encourage regular bowel habit setting aside a specific time of day to go to the toilet, such as after breakfast or the evening meal, will teach your child not to put off bowel movements and may help to establish regular habits. A footstool can put the toilet at a comfortable height, while putting out storybooks or comics may help them relax and take their time.

Children's Constipation Remedies
It's hard to sit by while your child is suffering, so if necessary a gentle constipation remedy can be given to older children. Fruit-flavoured syrups make it easy for a child to take a remedy - just one 5ml spoonful of Senokot syrup in the morning, can bring effective relief to children aged 6-12 (Consult your doctor for children under 6, always read the label). For children aged 12 or over, Senokot tablets taken at night can bring overnight relief

It can be difficult to get a child to eat enough fibre to relieve constipation. Senokot Hi-Fibre is a good way to help maintain a child's regularity, but a doctor should be consulted if a bowel movement has not occurred within three days

Children 6-12 : ½ to 1 level 5ml spoonful, morning and evening, depending on age and size.
Adults and children over 12 : one sachet morning and evening.

Click here for more advice on constipation & information about Senokot

Click here to claim your free digestive fitness guide

Senokot Tablets contains Senna and Senokot Hi-Fibre contains Ispaghula Husk. Always read the product label.

Fever

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Your child’s body temperature is normally between 36 and 37°C, and variations of between 0.5 and 1 degree are not uncommon within a day (evening temperatures are often higher). A fever is an abnormally high temperature, i.e. above 37.2°C. This is not an illness in itself nor is it usually dangerous. It is a natural defence mechanism, which helps the body to fight infections. Raising the body temperature helps destroy some types of bacteria and seems to speed up the body’s production of germ fighting cells. A fever may therefore be beneficial in some cases and can reduce the duration of an infection.

A fever can occur at any age. However, it is quite common during the early years of your child’s life. Often, an infection such as a cold is the cause (see Colds). A fever may also occur following your child’s immunisations because vaccines contain small amounts of the agent they are designed to protect from. This is perfectly normal and should not last longer than a couple of days; however a feverish infant may be uncomfortable and irritable.

How will I know if my child has a fever?

Although feeling their forehead can give an idea of your child’s temperature, a digital thermometer or heat sensitive strip thermometer is required to measure their temperature accurately. Recording a body temperature of at least 37.2°C on 2 occasions at least 2 hours apart, is a reliable indication of a fever. As well as a high temperature, an infant with a fever may also have:

a flushed appearance
irritability and crying
clammy skin or sweating
tiredness
a headache or other aches and pains.

What else might it be?
If your child is crying in pain and tugging at their ears they may have an ear infection causing earache, which can also raise the temperature.

Throat infections can also cause a fever and inflamed tonsils are common in children. If your child is keeping her mouth tightly closed and won’t let you look at her throat then feel for enlarged glands in the neck. These often go hand in hand with a throat infection. In children over 6 years sore and painful throats can be soothed with a sore throat lozenge such as Strepsils Honey & Lemon (Always read the label)

Is your child coughing? Chest infections can also cause a fever and may require antibiotics.

The word meningitis strikes fear into parents, but the truth is that meningitis is an uncommon illness and unlikely to be the cause of a fever. However, although meningitis is rare, you should be aware of the symptoms. Fever is one of the signs of meningitis, but there are others to look out for in infants including:

vomiting/refusing to feed
sometimes diarrhoea
cold hands and feet
extreme shivering
tense or bulging fontanelle (soft spot on head)
very sleepy/staring expression/unable to wake
fast or difficult breathing
irritable when picked up with a high pitched or moaning cry
a stiff body with jerky movements, or floppy and lifeless
blotchy skin, turning paler or blue
pin prick rash/marks or purple bruising anywhere on the body which does not disappear when a glass tumbler is pressed firmly against it (the tumbler test).
An infant with meningitis requires urgent medical attention, acting quickly and being careful can save a child’s life. You should make sure you are fully aware of the symptoms. Further information is available from The Meningitis Research Foundation at www.meningitis.org.

What to expect:
A fever will usually settle within a day. A rapidly rising temperature may cause chills (shivering) and, in some infants, a high fever (over 39°C) can lead to seizures, known as febrile convulsions. During a febrile convulsion, the body may shake and twitch and the eyes may roll back, as the high temperature affects the electrical activity in the brain. This usually lasts less than 5 minutes and although very frightening for you, is thought to be harmless. This said you should always seek medical advice if it happens. Up to 4% of children under 5 years have febrile convulsions at some point and your child will be totally unaware that it has happened. Just be sure to keep them safe, lay them on their side on the floor and remove any dangerous objects they could harm themselves on. It’s also important you don’t try to restrain your child as you could hurt them.

How to treat a fever:
The good news is that there’s plenty you can do to help reduce your child’s fever and make them more comfortable. Children’s ibuprofen suspensions (Such as Nurofen for Children) are clinically proven to effectively reduce fever, and Paracetamol suspensions (such as Disprol Paracetamol Suspension) can also help lower your child’s temperature. Always read the product label.

Paracetamol is gentle on the stomach and Disprol is available as a paracetamol suspension or soluble tablets for infants as young as 3 months. Younger infants may also be able to take Disprol, following advice from a doctor.

Ibuprofen is a fast acting medicine and Nurofen for Children is an effective way to help make your child feel better, fast. Nurofen for Children was the first Ibuprofen suspension suitable to give your baby from just 3 months (weighing over 5kg). It starts working to reduce fever in just 15 minutes, and lasts longer than Paracetamol based medicines (up to 8 hours) - just enough to get a good nights’ sleep! In fact – nothing reduces fever faster or lasts for longer than Nurofen for Children!

It is useful to take an infant’s temperature before giving any fever-reducing medication, so that you can monitor your child’s progress.

You can also help reduce your child’s discomfort by keeping them cool. You can do this by:

Removing excess clothing
Keeping the room cool (approximately 20°C)
Using a light sheet in the cot rather than blankets or duvets
Give babies smaller and more frequent feeds to help keep them hydrated
Physical methods of cooling an infant such as fanning, cold bathing and tepid sponging are controversial. They can cause discomfort and probably have little effect.

If you are unable to control your child’s fever or it persists for more than 24 hours always seek medical advice.

Remember that you must not give aspirin to a child under 16 years of age, except under medical advice.
Click here for more information on Nurofen for Children or Disprol Paracetamol Suspension

Nurofen for Children contains Ibuprofen. Always read the product label.
Disprol Paracetamol Suspension contains Paracetamol. Always read the product label.

Headlice

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Head Lice overview
It is estimated that about one in five children have head lice at any given time so rest assured, if you think your offspring are infested, you are certainly not alone.

What are head lice?
Head lice are about 2-3 mm in length and have three pairs of pincer-like legs which they use to grip the hair shaft tightly. This of course means that they camouflage well.

As the most common of all human parasites, head lice can affect anyone regardless of social group, age, sex or level of cleanliness - in fact there is little head lice like more than a lovely head of clean hair!

How do you catch head lice?
Contrary to popular belief, head lice cannot fly or jump, they can only walk from one head to another across a bridge of hair, surrounded by warm air. This is why they are so prevalent among school children. The close proximity of say 30 or so children in a classroom, with no fear of personal boundaries, can mean parasitic infestations are a real, and recurring, problem for some.

How can I tell if head lice are lurking?
Itching and scratching of the scalp is one of the most obvious signs that your child has head lice, but not everyone has symptoms so it is worth checking the hair regularly, particularly if you know of friends or relatives who have infestations.

The best way to catch an infestation early is to check your child's hair on a weekly basis. In an ideal world the hair should be checked with a plastic detection comb while wet or damp, allowing a good 20 minutes to do a thorough look through. To facilitate this procedure, which let's face it, is unpleasant for all, you could add a dash of vinegar, lemon juice or lavender oil to the water beforehand. This really helps head lice to lose their grip. If you lean the child over a light coloured cloth and comb their hair in small sections from root to tip you'll soon see any live lice and eggs drop off.

Top tip:
The majority of lice on an infested head are found in front of a line drawn from the backs of the ears up to the crown of the head so that is where you should look first.
If you find your child has an infestation, all members of the household should be checked for lice too. The best way to avoid a cycle of re-infestation is to check and treat everyone at the same time.

How do you treat head lice?
There are numerous treatments available in your local pharmacy. These range from insecticidal treatments (generally containing one of three active ingredients - malathion, permethrin and phenothrin) to electric combs, herbal shampoos, conditioners and non-insecticidal treatments such as neem oil.

There are pros and cons to each so it is worth talking to your local pharmacist - for example, there is a theory that head lice can become immune to certain ingredients so try to establish what has been working for other people in your area at the time of this particular infestation.

And finally…. Department of Health guidelines advise that there is no need to keep your children home from school during an infestation.

Did you know?
In the 1940s, the treatment of head lice involved compulsory de-lousing and a shaven head.

Posseting

2009-04-02T16:13:00.000-07:00

Posseting is the repeated, effortless regurgitation of small quantities of milk after each feed. This doesn’t harm your baby and they should be otherwise well and thriving. Posseting occurs when abdominal pressure overcomes an infant’s immature or weak lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) – the muscular valve between the oesophagus and the stomach which usually prevents regurgitation. Milk easily bypasses this muscle especially when the infant is lying down.

Almost all babies posset to some extent in the early months. Some bring back milk at every feed and sometimes more than once. In most babies, posseting is at its worst between 1 and 4 months. It generally resolves naturally by 18 months as the muscle strengthens, the infant eats more solid food and spends more time in the upright position.

How will I know if an infant is posseting?
Posseting causes no pain or discomfort and your baby will have no other symptoms except effortless regurgitation of milk after a feed. Your baby should be feeding normally and gaining weight.

What else might it be?
Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is the name reserved for a more serious complication involving repeated regurgitation that harms the infant. Symptoms include:

poor weight gain (because a lot of milk is regurgitated)
refusing feeds or pain on feeding
blood streaked vomit
a recurrent cough, wheezing or choking
episodes of apnoea (stopping breathing).

If your baby has any of these symptoms you will need to take your child to see the doctor so that they can exclude other causes. If GORD is confirmed, the doctor may recommend the same strategies and treatments used for posseting (see below), or refer your baby to hospital for further investigation.

Projectile vomiting, where milk literally spurts out of the infant’s mouth and across the room, suggests a narrowing of the valve that controls the exit of food from the stomach. If your baby is projectile vomiting it is important you seek medical help.

What to expect:
Although posseting usually resolves naturally by 18 months and rarely requires investigation, it does require treatment. This is because 1 in 10 infants develop complications such as weight loss & dehydration. There is also a risk of the feed entering the lungs and causing breathing problems.

How to Treat:
Posseting can often be managed without the need to see a doctor, using simple behavioural techniques. Some suggestions include:

Handling your baby extra gently, especially when winding
Raise the head of the cot slightly (check with a health visitor)
Give smaller feeds more frequently
Keep your baby upright during feeding and for at least 45 minutes afterwards
Ask your health visitor for advice about feeding techniques
Avoid changing your baby’s nappy when their stomach is full.

On the advice of your doctor or pharmacist a medicine may be required to treat posseting. Gavsicon Infant is a reflux suppressant which is suitable for breast or bottle fed babies of any age, and is sugar free. However, it should not be used without medical supervision. For breast-fed infants, Gavsicon Infant is mixed with a little cooled boiled water and given by bottle or spoon after each feed. For bottle-fed infants, it is mixed with the formula milk.

Gaviscon Infant contains sodium alginate 225mg and magnesium alginate 87.5mg per dose. This is a Pharmacy Only Medicine. Always read the product label and ask your pharmacist for advice.

Teething

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It is normal for your baby’s first tooth to appear at any age up to 12 months, and some babies are even born with some teeth already showing through! However in the majority of cases teething starts at around 4-6 months with the eruption of the lower central incisors (see diagram). A new tooth usually appears about once a month and most children have a full set of 20 primary (milk) teeth by 2 ½ years.

What is teething pain?
Teething pain results from pressure exerted on the gums from the tooth below. Just before each tooth pushes through, the gum above it reddens, swells and is tender to touch. The eruption of each tooth is uncomfortable for many babies, causing pain and a few minor symptoms for 2 to 3 days. Almost all parents report the presence of teething symptoms and most use some form of medication to manage them.

How will I know if my baby has teething pain?
Your baby’s gums will be red and tender and their cheeks may be hot and flushed. You may also notice a slight rise in temperature (see Fever), disturbed sleep and feeding, and that your baby is more irritable than usual. Excessive dribbling and increased chewing and sucking are also common.

What else might it be?
You should never assume that symptoms other than those mentioned above are due to teething. Teething does not cause diarrhoea, breathing problems, earache, fever or convulsions. If your baby has these or any other unusual symptoms, they need to see a doctor.

What to expect:
At most, teething is associated with minor symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they usually last for 2 to 3 days per tooth and disappear after the tooth appears.

How to Treat:
Encouraging an infant to chew can help the teeth cut through. Teething rings such as a bonjela teething ring can be cooled in the fridge and given to the baby to chew on to soothe the pain. Just make sure it’s clean and definitely not frozen.

Gently massaging the gums with a clean finger or gum massager may help relieve the pain, and combining this with a pain relieving teething gel can reduce the discomfort even further. Try a sugar free teething gel such as bonjela teething gel, which is specially formulated to provide fast acting, soothing relief from teething pain and can be used in babies from 2 months onwards (Always read the label).

For more advice and tips on teething, and how to care for first teeth click here.

The level of suffering due to teething pain often seems to increase as the baby gets older. If your baby’s teething pain seems to be more severe and your baby is very distressed you may wish to try using an oral pain killer, such as Nurofen for Children (Always read the label, suitable from 3 months onwards (babies over 5kg)).

If your baby dribbles excessively whilst teething, their cheeks and chin may become red and sore. A thin smear of barrier cream can help soothe and protect the skin.

Click here for more information on bonjela teething gel Nurofen for Children or Disprol Paracetamol Suspension

Bonjela Teething Gel contains lidocaine hydrochloride. Always read the product label.
Nurofen for Children contains Ibuprofen. Always read the product label. Disprol Paracetamol Suspension contains Paracetamol.Always read the product label.

How will I know if an infant has nappy rash

2009-04-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

The skin’s appearance and the location of the rash are very characteristic. The skin in the nappy area will be reddened, chapped and sometimes spotty. If the rash affects other parts of the body, it is not nappy rash.

What else could it be?
An angry red nappy rash that spreads away from the nappy area could mean your baby has a fungal infection. In this case, the red area may also have small white spots. In this situation a bacterial infection may also occur, causing blisters that release pus.

Preventing nappy rash
Leaving a baby in a soiled or wet nappy inevitably leads to nappy rash. To avoid this:

Keep the skin clean and dry, and change nappies promptly when soiled.
Clean the nappy area thoroughly with warm water, a drop of mild soap or lotion and cotton wool or a water based wipe. Rinse away any soap thoroughly. Alternatively, use hypoallergenic baby wipes, such as E45 Baby Wipes, to gently cleanse the skin. These are convenient to use and will not irritate the skin.
Avoid using strong or scented soaps and toiletries, alcohol wipes and talc.
Dry the nappy area thoroughly using cotton wool or a clean dry towel. Gently pat the skin dry rather than rubbing it.
Expose the skin to the air as much as possible by leaving the nappy off.
Apply a suitable oil-free nappy cream, such as E45 Nappy Cream, to reduce contact with irritants and help restore the skin’s natural pH.
Avoid using plastic pants and nappy materials that do not allow air to circulate.
Use non-biological washing powders to launder reusable nappies and rinse them thoroughly.

If you are doing all of the above and a rash still occurs, it is worth discussing skin care with your health visitor or doctor, especially if there are skin problems such as eczema in the family. They may recommend daily use of emollients to keep your baby’s skin in good condition and regular use of a soothing nappy cream to help prevent a rash.

E45 Nappy Cream is the only nappy cream to create a breathable skin barrier and help fight causes of nappy rash with a unique patented anti-enzyme formula

E45 Nappy Cream contains a clinically proven, unique patented anti-enzyme formula that goes to work immediately to soothe and care while neutralising irritants that can cause the vicious nappy rash cycle to occur:

Breathable skin barrier action protects against infection by sealing out moisture, while allowing the skin to breathe
Unique anti-enzyme formula – found only in E45 Nappy Cream – helps to neutralise irritants that can trigger nappy rash and restore skin to a healthy pH level within 30 minutes of application to reduce skin irritation
The addition of panthenol helps further soothe irritated skin and encourage the skin’s own renewal process
E45 Nappy Cream is dermatologist and paediatrician approved and is hypoallergenic and perfume free so it is kind enough for even new born skin.

How to treat nappy rash:
Nearly all infants develop a rash at some stage. If a rash does occur, you will need to increase the frequency of nappy changing and skin cleansing and keep the nappy off for as long as possible. You should also apply a nappy cream such as E45 nappy cream that will help protect the skin from further irritation and encourage healing. The rash should disappear within a few days but if it fails to improve or the skin is broken or weeping, do seek advice from a doctor. Some infants are particularly susceptible however frequently their nappies are changed, but they all grow out of it when they stop wearing nappies.

As soon as a nappy rash develops you should:

Try and change your baby’s nappy as often as possible
Change the nappy before putting baby down after a feed, or to sleep.
Try and let your baby spend as long as possible without a nappy on
You can consider applying a thin layer of a barrier preparation to the affected area after every nappy change.
If the rash is not settling after a few days, or is very raw and the skin broken, discuss with your health visitor, nurse, or doctor. You may need other treatments, which more specifically deal with infection.

Nappy rashes result from the effects of

2009-04-02T16:07:00.000-07:00

Faeces– Faeces contain irritating enzymes, bacteria and Candida albicans (the yeast that causes thrush). The presence of faeces also increases the skin’s normally slightly acidic pH, making it more susceptible to damage.
Urine– Faecal enzymes turn urine into ammonia, a harmful (and smelly) chemical that attacks the skin.
Wetness– Wetness from urine and faeces, or from using nappies and creams that prevent moisture evaporating can cause irritation. Wet skin eventually becomes macerated and damaged.
Friction– Chafing from the nappy and between skin folds can damage delicate skin. So can rough handling and rubbing.
Chemicals– Harsh soaps, creams and lotions irritate some babies. They can strip the skin of its protective barrier making it dry and itchy and increase the skin’s pH.
Allergies- Reactions to chemicals, nappy components or detergents used to launder cloth nappies can also occur.
Raised temperature– Warmth beneath the nappy may cause inflammation.
Yeast– The warm, moist nappy provides an ideal place for Candida albicans to grow and infect the skin.

Nappy Rash

2009-04-02T16:06:00.000-07:00

Nappy rash is simply inflammation of the skin (dermatitis) confined to the area covered by your baby’s nappy. The soreness can make your baby uncomfortable and irritable. Nappy rash may be caused by friction or chaffing, irritation by stale urine, or sometimes by a fungal infection. The sore skin then loses its natural protective barrier function and becomes open to infection. All babies who have faeces (poo) or urine (wee) held against their delicate skin within the warm, moist confines of a nappy are susceptible to nappy rash. Some babies are particularly prone to rashes whilst others are rarely affected. The reasons for this are unclear, but if your baby has a skin condition, such as eczema or a tendency to dry skin, this may put them at greater risk. Dry skin has less resistance to irritation and is more vulnerable to damage.

First Aid, Cuts & Grazes

2009-04-02T16:05:00.000-07:00

A young child is rarely seen without matching scrapes on both knees! In fact small cuts and grazes happen so often in the early years that it's easy to become complacent about yet another plaster. However the sight of a lot of blood can provoke tears in both your child and you! But don't panic - with a little water and a few essentials in your first aid kit your child will be back to playing in no time.

How to Treat Minor Wounds
Always wash your hands before and after administering first aid. For minor wounds-such as insect bites, cuts and abrasions-you can reduce the risk of infection by cleaning the wound, treating it with an antiseptic such as Dettol antiseptic cream, and covering with a clean dressing. The antiseptic will help reduce the number of germs present, while the dressing prevents more germs from entering the wound.

Tips for treating minor wounds:

Be sympathetic - now is not the time to nag your child for running too fast or climbing too high. Save the lectures for later.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Stop any bleeding by pressing against it firmly with a clean, preferably, sterile, pad. (If you're desperate a clean sanitary towel is perfect!)
Clean the wound by rinsing under running water or bathing with an antiseptic wash.
Gently dry the wound.
If the surrounding skin is dirty, temporarily cover the wound with a sterile gauze. Then clean the surrounding skin with soap and water, taking care to keep dirt away from the wound.
Pat the skin dry, treat the wound with an antiseptic cream and then cover with a plaster.
Check when your child last had a tetanus injection - they may need a booster.
If the wound is deep deal with the bleeding while you are waiting for expert medical help. Stay with your child as the sight of blood may be frightening for her. Use gravity to slow bleeding by raising the cut above the level of the heart and press firmly with a pad. If the cut is deep and the edges can't be pulled together your child may need stitches.

What should I have in my first aid kit?
Plasters (cartoon character ones tend to go down well!)
Antiseptic Cream
Antiseptic wash
Cotton Wool
Gauze dressing & tape
A children's painkiller
Crepe bandage
Scissors
Click here for more information on Dettol

Earache

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Any parent who has spent the midnight hours comforting a distressed child with earache knows how miserable it can be. The stabbing pain is so intense that it leaves the child screaming in pain- and mum and dad howling with frustration. But there's plenty that you can do to recognise earache and soothe the symptoms.

What is earache?
The most common cause of earache is an infection in the middle ear - the space between the eardrum and the inner ear - leading to inflammation. This is known as otitis media. A cold or sore throat can make the tubes between the ear and the throat swell and make catarrh. A blockage can form causing fluid to build up in the middle ear. This 'stagnant' fluid is vulnerable to infection by bacteria and viruses, causing fever, swelling and pain.

Children are more vulnerable to ear infections because their 'eustachian tubes' (the tubes connecting the ear and the throat, which 'pop' when you go up in an aeroplane) are smaller and lay flatter than in adults. This means that infection can spread up to the middle ear from the throat more easily and it's also more difficult for fluid to drain away. The tube grows and develops so that by five or six years, ear infections become less common.

How will I know if my child has earache?
An older child will let you know exactly where their pain is coming from but in babies it can be difficult to read the signs-but there may be a few clues to help you:

Typically ear infections come on three to four days after a cold or sore throat.
Your baby may be crying and tugging her ear.
The ear may appear red.
There may be yellowish fluid leaking out if the eardrum has burst; this will bring a welcome drop in pain.
The infected fluid may affect his hearing; so get a check up if he asks you to repeat things or stares at your mouth while you're talking. But often he won't localise the pain and all you'll see is a feverish, miserable child who can't be comforted.
If you're worried see your GP who can look at the eardrum and make the diagnosis.

How do I treat earache?
Ease the pain and fever with regular doses of a children's painkiller. An ibuprofen suspension such as Nurofen for Children is ideal and will help relieve the pain and reduce any accompanying fever.
Doctors have a saying 'the only thing you should put in your ear is your elbow!' Poking or pouring anything in will do more harm than good. So resist, unless the eardrum has been checked and you are following medical advice.
Keep it warm: Heat can be soothing, so try holding a well-wrapped hot water bottle against the ear and make sure you protect the ear with a scarf or earmuffs if you venture outside.

You should always have your child's ears checked by a doctor if he develops severe earache. This can often wait until the daylight hours, although you should treat the pain and fever straight away:

If your doctor has diagnosed an infection, it's worth making an appointment for ten to fourteen days later to check that the fluid has cleared and any holes in the eardrum have healed.
Green or yellow fluid coming out of the ear suggests that the eardrum has burst. Your doctor may want to prescribe antibiotic medication (either by mouth or as drops) and take a swab of the fluid.
If you're worried: Complications are much less common since antibiotics became widely available but rarely the infection can spread to the mastoid bone behind the ear. It can also inflame a nerve in the area leading to temporary numbing of the face and in very rare cases severe infections can spread leading to meningitis.
If the hearing is affected: If your child is trying to read your lips or mishearing you, it's vital to get a check up.
Prop your baby up during a breast or bottle-feed; lying flat increases the risk of ear infections.
It's also important not to smoke at home, it doesn't just affect children's breathing it can also make them more likely to get middle ear infections.

For more information on Nurofen for Children click here

Nurofen for Children contains Ibuprofen. Always read the product label.

Conjunctivitis

2009-04-02T15:59:00.001-07:00

Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin membrane that covers the eyeballs and the inside of the eyelids. The most common causes are bacterial or viral infections. Infective conjunctivitis can occur at any age, however infants are more susceptible.
How will I know if my child has infective conjunctivitis?
Infectious conjunctivitis:
usually starts in one eye and spreads to the other
causes sore red eyes and a discharge
may cause inflammation of the eyelids with redness, irritation, drying and flaking of the skin around the eyes.
A thick yellow or white discharge is usually due to bacterial conjunctivitis. The eyelashes may stick together, making it difficult for your child to open their eyes. A watery discharge is common with viral conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis may also be associated with swollen glands and cold symptoms (see Colds).
What else might it be?
Sometimes newborn babies develop conjunctivitis due to an infection (gonorrhoea or chlamydia) obtained from the mother during birth (neonatal conjunctivitis). You should notice this as a discharge of pus from the eye about one week after birth. If your baby is under 2 months old and you suspect they have conjunctivitis, you should contact your doctor.
Allergic conjunctivitis or irritation of the eye can have different causes, including pollen (hay fever), animal hair, dust, preservatives used in eye drops, and chemicals such as paint and solvents. These usually affect both eyes at the same time, causing red runny eyes, itching of the eyes and nose, a nasal discharge and sneezing.
An object stuck in the eye may produce similar symptoms to conjunctivitis. If you suspect there may be something stuck in your child's eye, a doctor will need to stain the eye with fluorescein dye so that they can see the object and carefully remove it.
One type of conjunctivitis (infectious keratitis) can cause a sensation of having something in the eye that is so severe and painful it is difficult to open the eyes. If left untreated, permanent damage to the vision may occur. If your baby is in pain then you need to seek medical help.
What to expect:
Infectious conjunctivitis usually resolves itself and does not cause any serious harm. Symptoms should generally improve within 2 to 3 days; however, viral conjunctivitis may last for 2 to 3 weeks.
Prevention:
Infective conjunctivitis is highly contagious, so good hygiene is important to prevent further spread. To help prevent infection:
wash hands before and after touching your child's eyes
use separate face cloths and towels until the infection has cleared
How to treat:
Often conjunctivitis will resolve spontaneously within 2 to 3 days. However, carefully cleansing the eyes may be soothing and will remove any sticky discharge. If the conjunctivitis is severe, persists for more than 3 days, or your child is very young you should consult a doctor. If the doctor suspects the conjunctivitis is due to a viral infection, treatment may not be necessary. If a bacterial infection is suspected your GP or pharmacist may recommend antibacterial eye drops or ointment, such as Optrex Infected Eyes Eye Drops. These are eye drops which contain an antibiotic called chloramphenicol, and are suitable for children over 2 years.
Click here for more information on Optrex
Optrex Infected Eyes Eye Drops contain Chloramphenicol. Always read the product label.

How to Treat

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We all feel miserable when we have a cold and your child is no different. There is no cure for the common cold, and antibiotics are not suitable because colds are caused by a virus and antibiotics don't work against viruses. However you can help relieve some of your child's symptoms using a variety of medicines.

Oral Ibuprofen (suitable for children from 3 months, over 5kg) is available from your pharmacist or supermarket, and can provide effective relief. Nurofen for Children is a pleasant tasting (orange or strawberry flavour) ibuprofen suspension available in either single use sachets or a bottle which comes with an easy dosing syringe: and both are colour and sugar free.

Nurofen for Children contains Ibuprofen. Always read the product label.

Oral Paracetamol can provide effective relief from aches, pains, sore throat and fever and most children are able to take it with few or no problems. Disprol Paracetamol Suspension is suitable for children from 3 months and is sugar and colour free.

Disprol Paracetamol Suspension contains Paracetamol. Always read the product label.

Decongestants can be helpful for providing relief for babies as well as children. When babies get a cold it can be particularly hard for the parents and the child as they breathe through their noses not their mouth. This means a blocked nose can disrupt both eating and sleeping routines. Karvol has been specifically formulated to help children breathe more easily and therefore help them sleep more soundly. It contains a unique combination of aromatic oils including pine, cinnamon and menthol and it is these natural vapours that, once released, ease congestion and aid easy breathing. Karvol is available in a number of different formats.

Karvol Decongestant Capsules are an easy to use format offering a measured dose, providing you with the added reassurance that they are giving the right amount. At night the contents of the capsules can be placed onto bedding or a hankerchief nearby, but avoiding direct skin contact. It is suitable for use from 3 months, always read the label.

Karvol Vaporiser is a unique plug-in that releases Karvol vapours to help promote clear and easy breathing. It is also safe for use with children due to its unique & patented childproof locking system. Refils are also available.

Karvol Vaporiser and refills are not medicines.

Karvol Decongestant Drops provide a convenient dropper bottle format for the more experienced parents. For babies over 3 months, squeeze the capsule contents onto a handkerchief secured nearby, but out of reach of the child. For older children and adults, place up to six drops onto bedding or a handkerchief nearby, or put into a pint of hot water and inhale the vapours with care.

Karvol Vapour Rub can be rubbed onto the chest of children over 6 months, gently helping clear, easy breathing. It is ideal for use during the day and can be re-applied before bedtime as necessary.

Karvol Vapour Rub is not a medicine.

For older children, sore throats can be soothed by giving them a lozenge to suck. Some lozenges just soothe the throat, but others (such as Strepsils Honey & Lemon) also contains antiseptics to help fight the bacteria which can cause sore throats. (Suitable from use from 6 years onwards, always read the label). If you are a smoker, avoid smoking in the same room as your child.

Prevention

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Cold viruses spread easily, especially amongst children. If you have a very young child it may be a good idea to ask adults who are suffering and other parents with infected children to avoid contact with your child as much as possible and remind everyone to:

use paper tissues to wipe their nose and cover their face when coughing or sneezing, and put used tissues in the waste bin
wash their hands after sneezing or blowing their nose

What else might it be

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Influenza viruses may also produce similar but more severe symptoms. Flu is often associated with a fever, shivering, headaches, aching muscles, discomfort and loss of appetite. Infants may be lethargic and not feeding well. Any infant with these symptoms who is not feeding well will need to see a doctor, as there is a possibility of a more serious illness.

If your child's nose is only running from one nostril, the discharge is smelly or contains blood, there may be an object stuck in the infant's nose.

Hay fever (Allergic Rhinitis) causes a more watery discharge from the nose, but this is usually accompanied by an itchy nose and sneezing. The eyes may be watery and itchy too (see Conjunctivitis).

What to expect:
Colds usually last about a week and get better of their own accord. However, you may find your child has difficulty feeding with a blocked or runny nose and if this is the case then they may become dehydrated. Children are also more susceptible to secondary infections such as conjunctivitis, bronchitis, pneumonia and ear infections.

Colds & Blocked Noses

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If your child has become uncharacteristically irritable with a high temperature and a runny nose then they may be fighting off an infection with the common cold.

A cold is a mild illness caused by one of over 200 different viruses. The virus spreads as your child breathes in airborne droplets produced when people infected with a cold virus cough, sneeze or talk, and by contact with infected surfaces (e.g. on hands, used tissues etc).

In the UK, colds are more common during the winter and adults generally catch up to 4 colds a year. However, because infants have little resistance to infections, they can be unfortunate enough to have as many as 12 colds a year.

What about complimentary therapies

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Many parents have found that complimentary therapies have helped their child where conventional medicines have failed. Research evidence to support these therapies is often limited, but success stories of traditional Chinese herbal medicine or homeopathy can be inspirational. Your doctor may be able to refer you to a reputable clinic in your area if you’d like to explore this option. If you do commence a course of complimentary therapy with your child always let your GP know in case it interacts with their usual medications.

Click here for more information on E45 Junior

HC45 contains Hydrocortisone Acetate BP 1.0% w/w. Always read the product label.

What else can I do

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Use tepid water for cleansing as hot water can irritate the skin and cause further itching. Avoid using bubble baths and soap as these can be drying for the skin. Instead try a soap-free formula like E45 foaming bath milk which combines the fun of soft and creamy foam with a soothing milk to gently cleanse and moisturise children’s skin.

Use cotton clothing & bedding as it will keep the skin cooler which will reduce itching. The use of non-biological washing powders can also reduce contact with irritants.

The level of humidity in your home may have an effect on your child’s skin. Minimising central heating, keeping rooms cool and vacuuming regularly to reduce dust mites can all help.

Children with eczema should avoid contact with someone who has a cold sore as much as possible. The virus in the cold sore can attack eczema prone skin causing a widespread infection.

Keep an eye on your child’s diet. The role of food in triggering eczema flare-ups is not fully understood. However, it may be helpful to keep a food diary to identify any specific foods that trigger your child’s eczema. For further guidance, you could ask your doctor to refer you and your child to a nutritionist.

Are steroids necessary

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Many parents are nervous about using steroids on their children. Excessive use can cause problems, but steroid creams such as Hc45 can be used as an essential part of eczema treatment if recommended by your doctor. Weaker steroids can be used on children (on your doctor’s advice) without causing any long term harm, and a short burst of stronger steroids can halt a flare-up and let children get on with their lives. Click here for more information on Hc45

How to treat eczema

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Eczema is a difficult condition for your child to live with. It may flare up and die down at different times and there is no cure known at present. The good news is that most children grow out of it in time. Trying to stop your child from scratching may seem impossible at times. Scratch mittens can be used with young babies. With older children try praising them for not scratching rather than punishing them when they do. Depending on the severity of the flare-up, eczema can be treated using both prescription (chosen by your doctor) and over-the-counter preparations. Caring for your child's skin is vital and there is a range of emollient products available that are suitable for children such as E45 junior (Suitable from 12 months) or E45 Cream* which is suitable for all the family. (*Always read the label).

What causes eczema

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No-one is certain of the cause of eczema in children, but it tends to run in families, so if you suffered as a child there’s an increased chance your child will suffer of eczema too. Other triggers can include dust, pets, pollen, stress or anxiety. Diet can also play a role with wheat, dairy and citrus products being common triggers.

How will I know if my child has eczema

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Areas particularly prone to eczema include the back of knees and elbows, the wrists, face and neck. Affected skin around the creases of the body, such as back of the knee, can become very hot and weepy. Other areas prone to eczema can become very dry and flaky. Skin can be intensely itchy and repeated scratching can cause the skin to crack and bleed which could, potentially, lead to the skin thickening and even scarring.

Eczema

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Eczema is an unpredictable skin condition which can flare up at any time. Normal healthy skin acts as a barrier to prevent water and heat from getting out and irritants and bacteria from getting in. When your child has eczema the skin fails in its role as a protective barrier and becomes dry, itchy and cracked.

Dry and irritated skin can lead to sleepless nights for you and your child. Eczema is becoming more common - as many as one in five children suffer from eczema at some point in their childhood.