See if your baby is hungry

• Perhaps the most common reason for babies to cry is hunger. They will fuss, make noises or root around the breast. Sometimes they will stop crying right away, but sometimes they will continue crying until their bellies are full.

Check their diaper

• Nobody wants to walk around wearing a soiled diaper. If your child is crying, it may be a good idea to check, although it may be good to make sure they have finished completely before changing them.

They’re too hot or cold

• Babies are very sensitive to the environment. They like to be bundled up and kept comfortable. If they’re too hot or cold, they’ll complain.

They want to be held

• Babies like a lot of cuddling. They like to hear their parents voices and feel their heart beating.

Your baby is annoyed

• Although babies thrive on attention, sometimes they can get overwhelmed, especially if there are a lot of people, too much noise or lights. Keep the atmosphere around your baby peaceful and calm.

Be careful with new mattresses

• New mattresses have a variety of chemicals used during their manufacture. Chemical gasses will evaporate and may cause respiratory difficulty in sensitive children. Wash new blankets several times and allow several months for new mattresses to off-gas before using them.

Avoid freshly painted rooms

• Many people furnish and renovate the babies room in preparation for the blessed event. Painting is one of the last chores. Paint fumes are toxic. Allow plenty of time (several months) for the paint to dry thoroughly before using it.

It’s OK to sleep with your baby

• Many cultures consider it natural for babies to sleep with their mothers, especially in the early weeks. This will not do the baby any harm. In fact, there’s some evidence that it helps the baby’s heart rate and sleeping patterns.

Rock your baby to sleep

• Babies take comfort from gentle rocking movements. Perhaps it reminds them of when they were in the womb. Rocking and gently rubbing your babies back will help calm them down and prepare for sleep.

A happy baby will mean happier parents. This is particularly important for mothers who may easily slip into post-natal depression after giving birth. The first year can be very trying for the most positive of people. There will be great changes in your lifestyle, and you may often feel alone. In this article, we look at some simple ways you can contribute to the happiness of your baby, from the right children’s clothing to being positive yourself.

• Staying Connected. All babies crave attention. Breast-feeding is not only good for a baby’s physical health, it is a way they can connect with their mothers on an emotional level. There are so many benefits from breast-feeding, including the fact that mothers who breast feed have less chance of slipping into post-natal depression. A baby massage is a great way to care for your baby, and it can be interpreted as love.

• Clothing. We must remember that babies are not used to clothing, and so clothing that breathes, and allows them to move freely is always the best. It is important to check the label before you purchase. Man-made fibres can be uncomfortable, even if expensive.

• Don’t Forget Your Well Being. Keeping yourself happy will influence your baby’s well being. The happier you are, the happier your baby will be. You might need some free time, or do the things you love. Care for your needs just as much as your baby’s.

• Active. Babies are just like us adults, they need to be kept active. Could you imagine just sitting around all day? The more active a baby is, the better it will sleep. Being active also means mental stimulation. A baby needs all of these things.

• Point Of View. It is important to understand that each child is different. Just because we have a high maintenance baby compared to a friend’s baby, it doesn’t mean we are a bad parent. Understand your child is a little human, with an individual personality and special traits. Try to see your baby’s point of view in any given situation. They are only trying to communicate something to you.

• Foster Good Sleeping and Eating Habits. A baby will not live by your rules, nor will they do things when you expect them to. Pay attention to the times they most want to sleep and eat, and try to recreate these situations to encourage more sleeping and eating. Sleeping and eating means your child is healthier and growing well. Fresh and natural foods are always good for your baby once they have started to eat ‘table’ foods. Make sure your baby is only eating what is right. All too often we start a child’s life off with many of the bad foods we all eat. At such an important time of their life, sweet and other fatty foods just have to be avoided. This should set up positive patterns for their future.

You may not think twice about keeping these pesticides in and around your home. But you should stop and consider where and how you store and use them.

Pesticide facts
A pesticide is a substance designed to kill pests – usually insects and rodents. Sprays, powders, liquids, or bait used for this purpose are pesticides. You might be surprised to learn that even certain germ-destroying cleaners are considered pesticides because they kill bacteria (a type of “pest”).

But pesticides aren’t just harmful to the critters they’re designed to kill. They can also cause serious health problems if accidentally swallowed or in some cases simply come in contact with the skin. Babies and children are especially at risk for pesticide poisoning. They crawl and play close to the ground, where the chemicals are often applied or stored.

How to protect your family
Thousands of children are exposed to dangerous pesticides every year and require treatment. Here are some tips for reducing the risk in your own home:

• Lock them up. Store hazardous substances in a cabinet high above the level a child can reach. Keeping them under lock and key is even safer.
• Keep the original containers. Do not transfer pesticides or other chemicals into containers that were previously used for other things, especially food or drinks.
• Reseal containers after use. Even if you are stepping away for just a moment, replace all child-resistant lids and place them back on a high shelf and locked cabinet.
• Read all product instructions. Pay close attention to whether you need to wait a certain amount of time before letting children or pets back in the treated area.
• Get down on their level. The best way to identify potential hazards is to look at the world through a child’s eyes – on your hands and knees.
• Educate your kids. Teach children that pesticides – even seemingly mild ones like insect repellant – are harmful. Make sure kids know to leave these items alone if they come across them. Also remind them to alert an adult if they find poisons left out in the open.
• Educate caregivers, too. Babysitters should also be aware of the potential dangers and warning signs of poisoning. Post the number for Poison Control near the phone.

Know the warning signs

A child who has been poisoned by pesticides may have symptoms similar to the flu, such as headache, dizziness, and weakness. If you suspect your child has been exposed to a dangerous substance, call the Poison Control Center (603-2615 3333) at and seek emergency medical help right away.

(Source: MyOptumHealth, July 2011)

1. Remember that babies aren’t really breakable. Don’t be afraid to hold yours! Ask someone who is around to show you some great holds for little ones whether it be a midwife, doctor, nurse, confinement lady, mom, relative, friend, etc.
2. If you are feeling left out talk to your wife about it. Chances are it’s not on purpose.
3. New moms often have emotional ups and downs that are not predictable. Be supportive and offer an ear when possible. Learn the warning signs of postpartum depression and seek help if the situation is heading out of control.
4. Support her with breastfeeding. Tell her that you’re proud of her and protect her from well meaning but negative comments about breastfeeding. Take a breastfeeding class during the prenatal period if possible.
5. Help with the other children or household. Remind mom to let the house go and to focus on her recovery and the new baby.
6. New dads can also experience the blues or postpartum depression. Much in your life has changed and its important to realize this and get help if you need it as well.
7. Remember that the only thing you can’t do is breastfeed. You can change diapers, soothe a crying baby, carry the baby, bath the baby, play with the baby, anything the baby needs done – you can do it also .
8. If you need help ask for it. Know who to call in your area for help and support whether it be a doctor or midwife, a confinement lady, lactation consultant, or the local babysitter.
9. Mom is going to need extra sleep and care while her body recovers. Get up with the baby when you can. Bring the baby to her in the middle of the night if possible. If you must go back to work check in with her during the day. Perhaps surprise her with some healthy take out food or fresh flowers.
10. Remember that adding a new baby to the mix is always going to stir your life up a bit, even if it’s not your first baby. Learning to live with another human being takes time. Give yourself a break if you need it as well.

Babies are cute and often playful. Biting, though, is not cute if you’re on the receiving end. How can you teach your baby or toddler not to use his or her teeth that way?

Why do babies and toddlers bite?

Starting in infancy, babies use their mouths to explore the world around them. They will suck, taste, and chew anything they can get their mouths on. As the first teeth come in, many babies enjoy gnawing on objects or special toys to help with the pain of teething. Breast-fed babies may start to bite down while they nurse, which can be very painful for mom.

Parents, siblings, and children at daycare may also get bitten when a baby wants to get their attention. No spot is safe – those razor-sharp teeth may leave tiny bruises on someone else’s knees, hands, shoulders, or face.

Older babies and toddlers may bite to get attention, too. Sometimes they’re just testing out cause and effect: “What will happen if I bite daddy?” Or they may use their teeth because they feel frustrated, angry, or threatened. This behavior is common in children, most of whom outgrow it by the time they turn 3.

What’s the best way to react?

For infants: Some parent’s find that their babies respond to natural reactions, such as a loud “ouch!” or the crying of a sibling. Otherwise, a calm but firm “no” will do, even if baby is too young to really understand what it means. Then you can offer the baby a safe teething toy instead.

If you’re nursing: Don’t pull back because that can cause sore nipples. Instead, carefully break the latch with your finger. A biting baby may be distracted or simply not hungry. Move to a quiet, darkened room, if possible. If that doesn’t help, end the feeding and try again later.

For toddlers: Bring the child to a quiet spot and sit him or her down. Your toddler may feel sad and confused, so be comforting but firm. Explain that biting hurts people, so you don’t bite. If the child is old enough, talk in simple terms about what led to the biting. Was it to get your attention? Did another child take a toy? Was he or she tired of waiting for someone? Did something frighten your child? Never hit a child or bite the child back to show what it feels like. This will just teach your child aggressive behavior.

How can you prevent biting in the first place?

For infants, make sure they have plenty of teething toys. Older babies may enjoy gnawing on a wet washcloth that has been in the freezer for about a half hour. If you see your baby lunging with an open mouth toward a part of your body, hold your baby away from you instead of letting him or her make contact.

Toddlers may show signs of frustration or anger just before they bite. Watching them carefully during playtime, especially if they’re around other children, should offer clues. If you see conflicts between kids starting to escalate, stepping in can help thwart a bite. Tell the frustrated child that you know how he or she is feeling and be gentle. Then suggest that he or she play with another toy and redirect him or her away from the situation.

Most babies and toddlers will bite their parents or peers at some point. But a little patience can go a long way toward stopping this negative behaviour.

(Source: MyOptumHealth, June 2011)

1. Begin a prenatal care regimen with a trained maternity care provider as soon as you discover you are pregnant:

2. Learn, commit, and stick to healthy eating & lifestyle habits throughout pregnancy (diet, vitamins, cessation of smoking, exercise…): Pregnancy constitutes a time of change in so many ways—many of which can feel overwhelming. But when thinking about dietary and lifestyle issues, making the change to “the essential basics,” is a good rule of thumb: commit to taking a prenatal vitamin every day, consume enough water to keep yourself and your baby well hydrated consume a variety of fruits and veggies, complex carbohydrates, low fat proteins and low sodium foods each day, stop tobacco, alcohol and illicit drug use (if applicable) and limit caffeine intake to two servings per day. The American College of Gynecologists recommends pregnant women (without any medical contraindication) should exercise most, if not all, days of the week for at least 30 minutes of moderate-level activity. Listen to your body when the need for rest arises: ignoring the need for extra rest taxes the pregnant woman’s entire system.

3. Take a childbirth education class  in/around your 7th month of pregnancy: Before signing up for a childbirth education class, spend some time thinking about what type of class would suit you best, based on the type of childbirth experience you hope to have. There are many types of childbirth education programs out there, such as Lamaze, Bradley, Birthing from Within, and Hypnobirthing. Classes may be taught by private educators (not associated with any hospital, doctor’s office or clinic) or by hospital educators or L&D nurses. It is best to sign up for a class with an end date approximately one month prior to your due date—ensuring the information gained will remain fresh in your recollection while avoiding the risk of not being able to complete the class, should your baby arrive early.

4. Participate in a prenatal yoga or other meditation-type class designed for pregnant women: The outdated idea that a woman should spend the duration of her pregnancy sitting around pampering herself for nine (ten) months is just that—outdated. At the same time, stress reduction is also an incredibly important element of remaining healthy during pregnancy. And so, along with meeting the American College of Gynecologist’s recommendation of exercising most, if not all days of the week for at least 30 minutes, many pregnant women find value in taking a prenatal yoga/mediation class. Benefits of prenatal yoga include maintaining all over body strength, conditioning, joint and tissue flexibility, reduction of common aches and pains associated with pregnancy, and practice utilizing the breath for maintaining a sense of focus and calm. Because yoga is an activity that incorporates both physical work and mental relaxation, it pairs perfectly with the pregnant process.

5. Hire a doula well before your due date (month): Studies have shown that having a professional labor support person present during a woman’s labor and birth not only improves that woman’s experience and retrospective perception of her baby’s birth, but it also reduces her likelihood of requesting pain medication during the birth process and her risk for ending up delivering her baby by c-section. Doulas are trained birth professionals (not medical personnel) whose primary job is to emotionally support a woman and her partner through labor and birth. A pregnant woman and her partner will tend to meet with their doula several times prior to the start of labor during which time labor and delivery preferences may be discussed as well as particular activities the expectant woman/couple hope to have the doula fulfill during baby’s birth.

(Source: HealthNews, May 11th, 2011)

Every year the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other expert panels release new recommendations for childhood immunization schedules. The schedules change based on developments in vaccine research, disease outbreaks, country and other information.

With so many vaccines and yearly changes, it can be confusing for parents. That’s why it’s important to build a partnership with your pediatrician or family doctor. Your doctor can help keep your children up to date and keep copies of required immunization records.

Here is the most recent information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Types of  children diseases and available vaccines:

Chickenpox

Chickenpox (varicella) is a common childhood disease. It is usually mild, but it can be serious, especially in young infants, teens, pregnant women and adults. Chickenpox causes a rash that turns into blisters with itching. Other common symptoms include fever and fatigue. It can lead to severe skin infection, scars, pneumonia, brain damage or death. More…

Diphtheria, tetanus and acellular pertussis (DTaP)

Diphtheria: An infection of the throat that can lead to breathing problems, paralysis, heart failure and death.

Tetanus: A potentially deadly illness that causes painful tightening of the muscles and locking of the jaw.

Pertussis: Also called whooping cough, this disease causes the buildup of sticky, thick mucus in the windpipe. Whooping cough can lead to pneumonia and seizures. More…

Tetanus and diphtheria toxoid and pertussis vaccine is given as a booster for the diseases of diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis that were mentioned above.

Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B

Hepatitis A: A viral disease that attacks the liver, causing flu-like symptoms, jaundice, nausea and stomach pains. More…

Hepatitis B: A viral disease that can cause acute short-term symptoms, such as loss of appetite, diarrhea and vomiting, jaundice, pain in muscles, joints and stomach, and fatigue. It can also lead to liver failure and liver cancer. More…

Haemophilus influenzae (Hib)

This is a bacterial infection that can affect the brain, bloodstream, bones, joints, lungs and windpipe. Before the vaccine was developed, Hib was the most common cause of meningitis, a serious infection of the brain. More…

Measles, mumps and rubella

Measles: This is a highly contagious disease that can lead to pneumonia, seizures, brain damage and death.

Mumps: A viral infection characterized by swelling of the salivary glands near the neck. It can lead to deafness, meningitis, painful swelling of the testicles or ovaries and, rarely, death.

Rubella: Also known as German measles, rubella is a viral illness that causes a rash, mild fever and arthritis (mostly in women). It can cause birth defects or miscarriage if a woman is infected during the first three months of her pregnancy.

There are 2 types of Vaccine available in the market: MMR (Measles, Mumps & Rubella) or MMRV (Measles, Mumps, Rubella & Varicella)

Meningococcal

These bacteria can cause a serious infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and blood (sepsis). More…

Pneumococcal

The pneumoccoccal bacteria can cause serious infections of the lungs (pneumonia), the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and the blood (sepsis). The bacteria also cause ear infections.

There are 2 types of Vaccine available in the market: Pneumococcal Conjugate (VIS-PCV) or Pneumococcal Polysaccharide (PPSV)

Polio

Polio is a viral disease that attacks the brain, spinal cord and central nervous system, causing paralysis and death. There are 2 types of vaccine for Polio in the market: Polio – IPV Vaccine or Polio – OPV Vaccine

Influenza vaccine (shot) or influenza vaccine (nasal spray)

Influenza (flu) is a viral illness seen in the winter that causes fever, cough and muscle aches. It can lead to pneumonia, and kills tens of thousands of people every year. There are 2 types of Vaccine in the market: Inactivated Influenza or live, intranasal influenza.

Human papillomavirus

Girls should receive a series of shots to protect against:

Human papillomavirus, or HPV. The HPV vaccine offers protection from the viruses that cause genital warts and most cervical cancers. There are 2 available vaccines in the market: Gardasil and Cervarix

Rotavirus

The rotavirus causes vomiting and watery diarrhea with fever and belly pain. Infection with the virus can lead to dangerous dehydration in children. Keep in mind that your baby can still get diarrhea from other germs. The rotavirus, though, commonly causes the most severe kind of stomach flu in babies. More…

Note: In the late 1990s a different type of rotavirus vaccine was used. This vaccine was found to be linked with an uncommon type of bowel obstruction called intussusception, and it was taken off the market. The new rotavirus vaccines have not been linked to intussusception.

Japanese Encephalitis

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a serious infection caused by a virus. It occurs mainly in rural parts of Asia. JE virus spreads through the bite of infected mosquitoes.  It cannot spread directly from person to person. Most people infected with JE virus don’t have  any symptoms at all. For others, JE virus infection can cause illness ranging from fever and headache to severe encephalitis (brain infection). Symptoms of encephalitis are fever, neck stiffness, seizures, changes in consciousness or coma. There are 2 types of vaccine available in the market: Je-Vax and Ixiaro.

If you want to know what are the obligatory and recommended vaccination in Malaysia please click here!

Other available Vaccinations:

Rabies

Rabies is a serious disease. It is caused by a virus. Rabies is mainly a disease of animals. Humans get rabies when they are bitten by infected animals.  At first there might not be any symptoms. But weeks, or even months after a bite, rabies can cause pain, fatigue, headaches, fever, and irritability. These are followed by seizures, hallucinations, and paralysis.

Human rabies is almost always fatal. Wild animals – especially bats – are the most common source of human rabies infection. Skunks, raccoons, dogs, cats, coyotes, foxes and other mammals can also transmit the disease.  However, between 16,000 and 39,000 people are vaccinated each year as a precaution after animal bites. Bites from unvaccinated dogs cause most of these cases. More…

(Source: http://www.immunize.org/vis/, April 25th 2011)