Baby Colic Treatment - Finding a Cure That Works

Any parent who has ever had a colicky baby knows how stressful, frustrating, and nerve wracking it can be. Despite the fact that it is a very common and not harmful to the baby...it can make a parent feel as if they are losing their mind.

Colic is described as prolonged periods of crying and screaming for no apparent reason. It usually begins when the infant is a few weeks old, and lasts for several weeks...in some cases even a few months. Luckily, this condition is not dangerous to the infant, and they will continue to eat and gain weight. The cause of colic is not known, but some possible reasons for the incessant crying include: sensitivity to the environment, food (lactose) intolerance, and/or reflux.

While there is no singular "cure" for colic, there are some things that can be done to ease the symptoms until the child outgrows them. It may help to carry the baby in a front sling or back pack or use a swing to keep the baby moving. Some babies are comforted by continuous noise or vibrations from household appliances like the dishwasher, vacuum cleaner or washer-dryer. Others prefer being swaddled and given a pacifier. Taking the baby for a walk or giving the baby a warm bath may also be helpful.

If the parent suspects lactose intolerance, they might try adding lactase before feeds to see if this helps. Lactase can be purchased from a pharmacist, and helps to breaks down lactose in the body. Some parents may also find using low lactose milk formula useful. These methods should be tested for about a week, and if found to be helpful, continued until the baby is about 12 weeks old. At that point the baby should then be slowly weaned back onto normal milk over a period of one week. If the baby is breastfed, the mother could stop eating dairy products, or try feeding your baby a hypo-allergenic formula containing whey or casein hydrolysate. If eliminating dairy from your diet or hypo-allergenic formulas feeds work, you should talk to your GP about a referral to a specialist as your child may have intolerance to cow's milk. However, there is limited evidence that non-dairy breast milk and hypo-allergenic formulas are effective at reducing colic.

There is limited evidence that the medicine, simeticone, may help to improve symptoms. This treatment is used to relieve trapped wind. Colic drops or gripe water, which are available without a prescription have also been helpful to some families.

It is important to note that each baby is different, and what works for one, may not for another. Parents might have to try a variety of techniques before finding something that is helpful. Despite the anxiety colic causes in the home, it is temporary and will eventually go away as the baby grows.

By Timothy Rohrer

For more information on curing your babies colic and home remedies, visit cure for baby colic

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Timothy_Rohrer

Read More..

How to Choose the Right Toys For Babies

Having a newborn child is an overwhelming feeling especially for the new parents. New moms and dads are gets very excited buying supplies for their new bundle of joy. And perhaps the most essential baby items they would first buy are clothing, feeding bottles, blankets and crib. However, there's no one who could hinder these excited parents to purchase adorable toys for their little one. When buying baby toys for your little bundle of joy, the most important thing you should consider is to buy safety toys.

Babies are quite delicate with toys and they love to put anything into their mouth, so it is very important to think of their safety first. If you want to shop for stuffed dolls or soft animal toys, choose those that are made from durable clothing materials. Other stuffed toys that are made of fibers or faux fur are not advisable for they can be hazardous to babies when inhaled or swallowed. Always think cautiously, do not forget to check the materials of the different types of toys to avoid your baby from danger.

Another consideration when looking for baby toys is, avoid those that have sharp edges. Do not pick toys that have pointy ends or anything that could possibly injure your child. Toys with small or tiny parts can be very dangerous as well. Remember, babies would tend to touch and taste them, therefore, always keep in mind whenever you shop for baby toys.

Consider to choose toys that have vivid colors and pattens to help your child improve his or her sense of sight as well as imagination. Colors that attract babies' attention most are red, black and white. According to research, these are more favorable colors for infants because these can help them focus on the object. Texture and other bright colors also help develop babies' sense of sight and touch. Also, toys that are musical or sound-emitting are also ideal for infants. Just make sure musical toys you want to buy is not sharp as your child's hearing is still developing, rather choose ones with sound or music that could calm, relax and entertain your baby.

Toy's size should be as big as your child's size, however again, avoid one that have tiny parts. Choices that come in sets such as baby gyms and play centers are great examples of big piece toys that can give fun as well as function.

Toys are fun gifts for babies, and as much as you wanted to make your child happy and entertained, when your little one's health is on the line, make sure that your gift - toys to be exact - is safe for you child's health. Apart from safe and entertaining toys to serve as your baby shower gift for the newborn child, you may want to give baby gift basket that is filled with different adorable items such as baby blankets, bibs, baby bottles, bathing supplies and likes. You can even include some surprises for the new mom and dad such as parenting guide book, spa supplies for the new mom, baked edibles and others.

By Janet Verra

Janet is a writer and so amazed on understanding matter of ideas of mothers come up with their little angels. Focusing on things that best for babies such as baby diaper cake and baby t-shirts.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Janet_Verra

Read More..

Comfort, Safety and Ease of Use - This is What a Car Seat Should Be

I will unabashedly admit that this review is for a product that I literally fell in love with at first sight. Keep in mind that I walked confidently into Babies R' Us one day last year after having done exhaustive research on children's car seats and was prepared to quickly pick-up and carry to the cash register my first and only choice. However, I walked out with a model and brand I had not given any consideration to previously, which is extremely uncharacteristic of me. The reason for this change of mind and decision is described in the following review.

The Triumph Advance car seat from Evenflo catches your eye from across the aisle simply by its appearance. My first thought before ever touching the seat was that I wished it were made in a size which could sit in a family room and fit a grown man. It looked that comfortable even from a distance. And, upon further, detailed inspection, the seat pad and support pillows did not disappoint. When pressing on the material and padding, I found the Evenflo to have a much more comfortable feel than its competitors. Inevitably, with other brands, I would be able to feel the underlying plastic shell fairly easily through the padding in certain locations which I felt could be uncomfortable for baby but I did not find this with the Evenflo. By the end of the day, my son was strapped in and rolling down the highway in blissful infant comfort.

But my son was also riding down the highway in reassuring safety as well. Evenflo touts their "New EPP energy absorbing foam liner" as part of this seat and in my opinion, have developed the most user-friendly harness system available. Their "TensionRight" knob for tightening the harness with a twist of the wrist is a welcome change from the more standard pull-to-tighten strap design commonly available. Knobs are located on both sides of the seat meaning that whether rear facing or forward facing you can make your adjustments from either side of the seat. The "infinite slide harness" feature assures that you will not be required to reweave the shoulder harnesses to different heights as baby gets bigger. The shoulder height of the harness automatically adjusts and locks into place. As someone who dealt with regular frustrations of webbing twisting in the harness on our former safety seat, I have been very pleased with the twist resistant design and operation of the Triumph Advance.

Mounting of the car seat is uncomplicated and well described in the instructions. The body and head support pillows fit baby just right and are incrementally removed as he or she grows. Also of note is that apparently, building comfort into a child's seat does not necessarily mean that durability must be compromised. With over a year's worth of daily use, the material and padding have produced no tears or other damage and any spots or clean-up were easily removed.

Retail price is around $160 dollars and obviously in my opinion is well worth the money if you are shopping in this price range. It is not the cheapest or most expensive seat and, in many arenas is not necessarily rated as the "best", but if you give it a good look, you will likely be pleasantly surprised and swayed as a consumer by this product's unique features. Comfort, safety and ease of use - this is what a car seat should be!

By Jeffrey King

Jeffrey King is a freelance writer and speaker who authors New Parent Guide to Raising Baby - Common sense advice and observations with some fun added in! Visit New Parent Guide to Raising Baby and see what Jeffrey has to say regarding subjects of interest to new parents.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jeffrey_King

Read More..