Caring for Blue Babies

April 15th, 2013 Posted in Babies
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Methemoglobinemia or the blue baby syndrome affects infants. Their blood is not able to carry sufficient oxygen to all of the body cells and body tissues. This condition is caused by an increase in the amount of methemoglobin within the blood that circulates. This is an enzyme that the body continually produces and it does not carry oxygen. Although it is converted into hemoglobin which can carry oxygen, it needs methemoglobin reductase to do that. Most infants do not have enough of this reductase so an excess in methemoglobin may occur which can be fatal especially when it is not treated as soon as possible.

The baby blue syndrome may be caused by too much nitrates contained in drinking water. The substance goes into the digestive system and then may be absorbed into the blood stream. The nitrates then react to the hemoglobin which could result to high levels of methemoglobin. This can affect the tissues and the organs of infants especially when there is not much oxygen delivered. The infants develop some sort of a bluish coloring because of the deprivation of oxygen for an extended period of time which may have caused respiratory and digestive problems as well.

Other causes of this condition among babies may include congenital heart defects. There are also times when there are underlying causes which may not have been diagnosed correctly. Infants may undergo medication as well as careful monitoring or they may have to undergo open heart surgery. Some causes may be prevented like making sure that the drinking water is safe especially for babies under six months old. Parents can monitor the nitrate contents of their drinking water at home. Infants with congenital disorders may undergo treatment right after birth. Invasive cardiac surgeries though are only done when it is really necessary.

Treatment for blue baby syndrome is now available unlike before where infants have to die or suffer from it. Proper pre-natal care is important not only for monitoring the health of the mother but of the baby as well. Parents may not be able to detect right away if their babies are suffering from this problem because most likely, the bluish color may appear only when there is some physical exertion such as crying. Some congenial heart defects may also be observed when the babies are a little older. It is then necessary for parents especially for mothers to be observant about their infants while they are growing so it would be possible to treat the problem as early as possible.

 

 

 

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Caring for Babies’ Gums and Teeth

March 27th, 2013 Posted in Babies
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It is necessary for mothers to start helping their babies in practicing oral hygiene even before their first tooth has come out. Mothers can make use of a clean gauze material or a soft washcloth whenever they have to clean the gums of their babies. They may simply wrap it on their index finger and then wipe the gums of their babies by rubbing it gently. Although there are no teeth yet where bacteria may accumulate, it would be better to start early so the babies get used to the routine of cleaning their gums and mouth. Mothers would find it easier later to introduce the use of the toothbrush to clean their teeth.

It is also important that mothers select a toothbrush that is appropriate for babies. Some babies have their first tooth by the time they reach 6 months old while others may have it when they reach about a year. Mothers may use only a small amount of toothpaste with fluoride to clean the tooth or teeth of their babies. They will also have to clean the tongue part in order to remove any bacteria that may be thriving because it can cause bad breath later on when left on its own. Mothers may use dental floss if the surfaces of the teeth of their babies are touching each other but if they see that the teeth are still away from each other, there is no need to do it.

Babies will need enough fluoride to strengthen their tooth enamel in order to prevent the development of tooth decay. Mothers can give their babies water with fluoride and they can also use toothpaste that contains this mineral as well. However, mothers have to take note that babies below six months old do not really need to drink water with fluoride as they can get proper hydration from their breast milk or from their infant formula. They may use water with fluoride when preparing the infant formula. However, mothers should also be aware that too much fluoride is not good for their babies. Babies may develop fluorosis which shows as white spots on their teeth when they reach adulthood.

Mothers who are not sure whether they are giving their babies the right amount of fluoride may consult with their doctors. Medical experts may determine the amount of fluoride that should be given and they can also recommend some fluoride drops in case it is really needed by the babies. There are still other things that mothers should know especially in maintaining the oral hygiene of their babies. Mothers may start early in caring for the gums and for the first teeth of their babies in order to help them become healthier and stronger.

 

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Newborn Babies and Hiccups

March 21st, 2013 Posted in Babies
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Some parents may be concerned about hiccups that are experienced by their newborn babies. However, this may be very common occurrence and may be considered to be normal not only among new born babies but to all individuals regardless of their age. It does not mean though that mothers take the hiccupping of their newborn babies for granted. Their understanding about the nature and the things that they can do may help their babies overcome this annoying problem.

Hiccups may occur when the vocal cords are shut because of forcefully inhaling air and the muscle sheet experiences some sort of a sudden pull that at times may feel like spasm. Hiccups may occur especially when the muscular sheet or the diaphragm gets irritated. Hiccups are produced when the air coming in gets in contact with the vocal cords. Newborn babies are prone to experiencing hiccups for a variety of reasons and they may have it for just a few minutes though at times they can have it for some hours. Babies who are bottle-fed tend to swallow more air so they can have hiccups more often. Sometimes the milk formula itself can trigger the problem. Other causes may include upset babies who suck in their milk forcefully and quickly and babies who are affected by gastro-esophageal reflux problem.

Parents especially mothers may help their newborn babies prevent hiccups by checking how they feed their babies with their infant formula. They have to see to it that their babies are drinking or sucking their milk slowly. Mothers may help their newborn babies to burp after every feeding. They may also try to change the way they hold the baby while feeding so that the newborns are comfortable. Mothers may monitor the feeding interval so they can prepare the milk formula just before their newborn babies get hungry. They also have to see to it that their infants are calm and relaxed before they start breastfeeding or bottle-feeding them.

Mothers may have lesser problems with hiccups among their newborn babies if they feed them in smaller quantities but at more or less regular intervals. They may try to feed their babies with warm water to lessen the problem. Although hiccups are considered to be a normal occurrence even among infants, it is still best for mothers to know how to prevent it for the convenience of their babies. They may bring their newborn babies to their doctors in case their problems on hiccups occur for over 48 hours.

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