Natural Remedies to Remove Earwax at Home

METHODS TO REMOVE EARWAX NATURALLY AT HOME:        Earwax is also known as cerumen, a wax like substance produced by sweat glands. Earwax is a yellowish waxy substance secreted in the ear canal of humans and other mammals. Earwax is made up of different substances that help stop the skin that lines your ear canal from drying and cracking. Earwax protects the skin of the human ear canal, assists in cleaning and lubrication and also provides some protection from bacteria, fungi, insects and water. Earwax ranges in color from light to dark brown or orange. Earwax is released constantly to prevent dirt from entering the inner parts of the ear. Earwax cleans and lubricates the inner lining of the ear. So, without earwax, your ear can be easily become dirt infested, infected, sore and dry. Earwax usually doesn’t cause problems as long as its produces in sufficient amounts.

 SYMPTOMS OF EARWAX:

Symptoms of earwax include:

• Ringing in the ear
• Noises in the ear(tinnitus)
• Decreased hearing
• Ear ache
• Discharge or odor coming from the  ear
• Temporary hearing loss
• Itching or drainage from the ear canal
• Dizziness

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR TREATING EARWAX:

While excessive earwax may be irritating, the good news is that there are many natural home remedies to tackle this problem. There are many simple natural remedies to unblock and remove hardened earwax from your ears. With any of these home remedies, you may need to repeat them several times depending on the extent of the wax accumulation.

These are the top 6 natural home remedies to treat earwax:

• WARM WATER:Flushing your ear with warm water will also help get rid of excess earwax. Fill a rubber- bulb syringe with slightly warm water. Tilt your head upright and pull the outer ear to straighten the ear canal. Use the syringe to put a small amount of water into the ear canal. Leave it for a minute and then drain it out by tilting your head to the opposite side. Clean away the water and earwax that has come out of the ear with a clean cloth. Be sure to use only clean and filtered water.
• BAKING SODA: It is an excellent home remedy for removing hard and excess wax. Mix baking soda with water and pour inside your ear, it will help you soften the wax. Use a dropper to put many drops of solution in the affected area. Relax for 10 minutes and then flush water gently into the ear. Clean your outer ear with a soft and clean cloth. Repeat this several times for better and effective results.
• OLIVE OIL: One of the best ways to remove the ear wax is olive oil as it softens the earwax, thus making it easier to come out from the ear. Olive oil has antibacterial properties which will protect you from ear infections. Slightly warm some olive oil. Put 2-3 drops of olive oil into the ear, affected by excessive blockage. Allow it to settle for about 10 minutes so that the earwax becomes soft. Tilt your head sideways and remove the oil and the wax with ear buds. Repeat it continuously for 3-4 days. Earwax removal through olive oil is an effective way as it softens the earwax, thereby making it easier to remove.
• BABY OIL: To soften earwax and facilitate its removal, you can also use baby oil. Fill an ear dropper with baby oil. Tilt the affected ear toward the sky and put 2-5 drops of the bay oil into the ear. Place a cotton ball at the ear opening to prevent oil from oozing out. Leave it for several minutes. Remove the cotton ball and tilt your head the opposite direction to drain out the extra oil. Clean the ear opening with a soft cloth.
• SALINE SOLUTION: Mix 1 teaspoon of salt in around half cup of warm water until it dissolves completely. Then soak a cotton ball in the saline solution and squeeze few drops of the solution into the affected ear by slightly tilting your head upwards. Maintain the same position for a few minutes so that the saline solution properly gets inside your ear and dislodges the earwax. Then tilt your head in the opposite direction so that you can drain out the solution from your ear. This is one of the best earwax removal solutions that you can use to get rid of this problem at home.
• COCONUT OIL: Coconut oil helps remove hardened ax inside the ear. It contains natural anti microbial agent, which is harmless thus reducing the risk of your ear getting infected. It is used to kill several harmful microorganisms that cause wax buildup. Fill a dropper with coconut oil, tilt your head to one side and put a few drops of coconut oil into your ear. Stay in this position for several minutes. Finally tilt your head towards the other side to let the earwax and coconut oil to drain off.

TIPS TO KEEP EARWAX BLOCKAGE AWAY:

• Use baby oil at home time to time if your body has the tendency to build up wax on your ears.
• Do always clean your ear after applying a remedy.
• Do not use hot water to wash your ears.
• Don’t use sharp objects to clean out the wax.
• Do not use hairpins, matchsticks or safety pins to get rid of the earwax.
• You must never use cotton swabs in the ears.
• Don’t use Q-tips for cleaning ears; they only push wax in further.
• Do not spray anything in the ear.
• Don’t overuse earphones and earplugs.
• Never use ear candles. They do not work.

Apart from this you can do consult a physician for some tips on how to take care of and maintain the health of your ears. Seek immediate medical help if you feel that your ears are getting stuffy by day.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Symptoms, Remedies and Prevention for Ear Infection in Tinytots

Ear Infection:  If your baby is fussy, cries more than usual, and tugs at their ear, an ear infection may be brewing. Ear infections and babies’ go together like milk and cookies. In fact, five out of six children will have an ear infection before their 3^rd birthday. An ear infection is a painful inflammation of the middle ear. Most middle ear infections occur within the Eustachian tube, which connects the ears, nose and throat.

Ear infection often follows a cold. Bacteria or viruses are the likely culprits. The infection causes inflammation and swelling of the Eustachian tube. The tube narrows and fluid builds behind the eardrum, causing pressure and pain. Approximately 5 to 10 percent of children with an ear infection will experience a ruptured eardrum. The eardrum usually heals within one to two weeks and rarely causes permanent damage to the child’s hearing.

 SIGNS YOUR BABY HAS AN EAR INFECTION:

 Ear ache can be extremely painful and your baby can’t tell you what hurts. But there are several common telltale signs:

•  Irritability
• Cough
• Pulling or batting at the ear
• Balance Problems
• Loss of appetite
• Lack of response to quiet sounds
• Trouble sleeping
• Fever
• Fluid draining from ear     

Home Remedies for Ear Infecttion

  Ear infection can cause pain, but there are measures you can take to help ease the pain. Here are few home remedies to tackle ear infection:

• Warm compress: – Try placing a warm, moist compress over your child’s ear for about 10 to 15 minutes. This may help reduce pain.
• Distraction: – If your child is battling an earache, do your best to get them comfortable by taking their mind of the pain. For example, let them play a game on your phone or tablet, put on their favorite cartoon or simply find other things for them to focus on.
• Warm oil: – If there is no fluid draining from your child’s ear and a ruptured eardrum isn’t suspected, place a few drops of room temperature or slightly warmed olive oil in the affected ear.
• Stay hydrated: – Offer your child fluids often. Swallowing can help open the Eustachian tube so the trapped fluid can drain.
• Use garlic:-Crush garlic and warm it with extra virgin olive oil, allow it to cool to just above body temperature and pour a few drops in the babies ear and the baby will be relieved from the ear infection. Both garlic and oil have antibacterial properties, and anecdotal evidence confirms that the warm oil also takes away the pain in the short term.

How to Prevent Ear Infection

•  Avoid second hand smoke: Children exposed to cigarette smoke develop more ear infections.
• Position to breastfeed:- Sit your baby up to give her a feed, rather than holding her lying on her back.
• Practice good hygiene: Encourage kids to wash their hands frequently. Avoid Play time with sick children. Thoroughly clean bottles, which harbor more bacteria than sippy cups.
• Breastfeed if possible: Breastfed babies are less likely to contract viral or bacterial infections including ear infection. For bottle-fed babies, sitting or being held upright while eating has been shown to decrease ear infection rates.
• Childcare choices:-Nurseries can expose babies to more coughs and cold. So if your baby is susceptible to ear infections, you may like to take this into consideration when making your childcare choices.
• Limit pacifier sucking by babies over six months old. Evidence suggests that it increases the risk of recurrent ear infection.
• Vaccinations: Vaccinations are also protective. Studies show that kids are up to date with their shots- especially for pneumonia, meningitis and flu-get fewer ear infections.

WHAT INCRAESES YOUR RISK!!

   Some things that increases the risk for middle ear infections are out of control, these include:

 

• Age: Children ages 3 years and younger are most likely to have ear infection. Also young children to get more colds and other upper respiratory infections. Most children have at least one ear infection before they are 7 years old.
• Infant feeding: – Babies who drink from a bottle, especially while lying down, tend to have more ear infection than who are breast-fed.
• Birth defects or other medical conditions: Babies with cleft palate or Down syndrome are more likely to get ear infections.
• Weakened immune system: Children with severely impaired immune systems have more ear infections than healthy children.
• Family history: Children are more likely to have repeat middle ear infections if a parent or sibling had repeat ear infections.
• Ear infection at an early age: Babies who have their first ear infection before 6 months of age are more likely to have other ear infections.
• Seasonal factors: – Babies with seasonal allergies may have a greater risk of ear infections during seasonal high pollen counts.
• Persistent fluid in the ear: fluid behind the eardrum that lasts longer than a few weeks after an ear infection increases the risk for repeated ear infection.
• Prior infections: Children who had an ear infection within the previous 3 months are more likely to have an ear infection, especially if the infection was treated with antibiotics rather than natural home remedies.
• Poor air quality: – Exposure to tobacco smoke or high levels of air pollution can increase the risk of ear infection.

 

15 Natural Remedies for Treating Tonsillitis in Children

TONSILLITIS:An inflammation of the two oval- shaped pads of tissue at the back of the throat. Tonsils are the two lymph nodes located on each side of your throat. Tonsils work as a defense mechanism as they prevent infections from entering the body. Overwhelmed by bacteria or viruses, they swell and become inflamed, a condition known as tonsillitis. The symptoms of tonsillitis go away within 7 to 10 days. Tonsillitis is common, especially in children but adults can get it too.

SYMPTOMS:

• Difficulty swallowing or breathing through the mouth.
• Hoarseness or loss of voice
• Bad breathe
• Fever, chills
• Head ache
• Ear ache
• Stomach aches
• Stiff neck
• Loss of appetite
• A very sore throat

Tonsillitis in children can be especially distressing and the symptoms could include:

• Vomiting
• Irritability
• High fever
• Pus in the throat
• Nausea
• Excessive drooling
• Abdominal pain

CAUSES:

Tonsillitis occurs as a result of a viral infection or, at times, due to a bacterial infection that causes enlargement of the tonsils. The condition can be varying degrees- mild moderate and severe. If a person who has tonsillitis comes or sneezes around you, there are great chances that you will also contract the disease as tonsillitis is extremely contagious.  Environmental factors such as cold and damp weather can bring about an attack of tonsillitis as well. Genetic tendency to tonsillitis is another factor.

 HOME REMEDIES:

If the tonsillitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics won’t work and your body will fight off the infection on its own. There are few natural home remedies you can do to feel better and relaxed.

1. LIQUIDS: Drink warm or cool liquids which include tea, soup, juice and dehydration drinks.

2. REST: Take plenty of rest.

3. VAPORIZER: Use a humidifier or vaporizer in the bedroom.

4. SALT WATER: The best and effective home remedy for tonsillitis is gargling with warm salt water.

• Add 1 teaspoon of table salt in a cup of warm water.
• Gargle with the solution and spit the water after gargling.
• Repeat this as often as possible for fast recover

• Take some ice cubes. Wrap them in a cloth.
• Place this cloth on the tonsils for 10-15 minutes.
• Do this for 5-6 times a day.

6. HONEY: Honey has amazing antimicrobial properties. This makes it great for treating throat infections.

• Mix 4 tbsp in a glass of water and drink it all.
• Repeat 2-3 times a day for effective result.

7. MILK: Milk and turmeric are effective home remedies for tonsillitis.

• Boil milk and add pinch of turmeric powder and black pepper powder.
• Drink this concoction before sleeping for a minimum of three nights in a stretch for an effective inflamed tonsils remedy.

• Drink freshly squeezed beetroot, carrot or cucumber juice daily.
• You can have these juices individually or mix them together for better results.

9. TURMERIC: Turmeric fights off tonsillitis infection and relieves irritating symptoms.

• Add 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder to a glass of hot water or salt water.
• Gargle with this several times a day, especially before going to bed.

10. BASIL: Basil is another very effective home remedy for tonsillitis. Its healing properties will help reduce the swelling and pain as well.

• Add 10 to 12 basil leaves to one and one- half cups of water. Boil for 10 minutes.
• Strain and add the juice from one lemon to the solution. Drink this three times a day for 2-3 days.

11. ALUM: These are effective home remedies for tonsillitis that can reduce inflammation and prevent further infections.

• Apply alum powder on the surface of the tonsils or gargle with alum and water.

12. ONION JUICE: it might sound disgusting but the anti-microbial properties found in onions will work their magic in no time.

• You need not drink the onion juice, just gargle with it.

13. GINGER TEA: Ginger tae is used to treat an infected throat. Ginger is both anti- inflammatory and anti-microbial.

• Crush a small cube of ginger into a cup of boiling water and let steep until the beverage is comfortable to drink.
• Drink it up and the problem is gone.

14. LEMON JUICE:  Consuming lemon juice will help with any symptoms associated with tonsillitis.

• In a glass of lukewarm water, add the juice from one lemon, a pinch of salt and 1 teaspoon of honey.
• Drink it slowly, twice daily for a few days

15. CINNAMON: Cinnamon can be used for treating tonsillitis. Cinnamon inhibits the growth of bacteria in the tonsils and helps reduce swelling, pain and inflammation.

• Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder to a glass of hot water. Mix in 2 teaspoons of honey.
• Sip on it slowly while it is still warm.
• Drink this 2-3 times a day for a week.

If the problem persists for a few days, it is important to seek help from a doctor. Tonsillitis is contagious and we do not want it to be spreading it around to our loved ones.

 

Why is my Baby Crawling Backwards?

It is very strange to observe a baby crawling backwards. I was surprised to watch the little one actually going backwards rather than the usual pattern of crawling forward. He was quick to turn onto his stomach and infact slow to start crawling. The change was observed after completion of 5 months.

Upon checking with the elders in the family and the pediatrician during regular visits I was assured that there was no need to worry. As long as the baby begins to move across the floor using each arm and each leg, there is no cause for concern.

Why is my Baby Crawling Backwards?

Backward crawling is generally practiced as the baby’s arms are initially stronger than her legs and therefore he’ll try to push backwards. This doesn’t mean that your baby is skipping a major developmental milestone.

However you need to encourage your little one to move forward by placing his favorite toy just out of arm’s reach. This will help strengthen the muscles he needs to crawl forward. You should not do this too often as he will get frustrated when he is unable to access his toys quickly and may

Remember it is perfectly fine if your baby skips crawling altogether and proceeds to the next stage of trying to stand up on his feet. No need to worry as long as he is mobile and trying to move around on his tummy.

Also read: 8 Top Tips to keep your Newborn Baby Clean and Healthy

How to Promote Forward Crawling:

Follow some of the below mentioned tips to promote your baby crawl forward on all fours.

• Place colorful toys in front of him, just out of arms reach such that he stretches and attempts to move forward.
• Get down on the floor and show your baby how to crawl forward. Babies do imitate behaviors.
• You can also bring in your friend’s or relatives baby who is crawling forward. Your baby can watch and follow the movements. This will help speed the process.
• When baby crawl or move in reverse, then put your hand on his bottom and gently propel him forwards.
• You can also move his arms/legs for him so he get used to the feeling of moving forward instead of backwards.

It takes time and patience for the baby to start crawling and rest his weight on all fours. As new parents you are also excited to see your little one do things quickly and with ease. You will slowly observe the changes in your baby’s movements and you will be surprised at how he is getting along to see new areas of your home.

No matter he crawls forward or backward ensure you be watchful of the surroundings. Place him on a mat and check out for unwanted stuff-sharp objects lying around

Also read: How To Make Your Home Safe For Kids

Shower plenty of praises and encourage him to crawl to you, and make a big thing out of it when baby crawl, you will have more success. No matter how your baby learns to get around, one thing is for sure, once they start moving, it’s hard to keep them still!

So watch out for your baby’s next moves. Take as many pictures as possible and record videos. You can watch these as the baby is growing and remember those busy days later on.

Go ahead and enjoy every moment of motherhood!!

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Can the New Mom Continue Breastfeeding with Mastitis?

Yes, the New Mom can continue breastfeeding when she is affected with Mastitis. During Mastitis the breast will become heavy, hard like lumps and very painful. Mastitis can happen at any point while you’re breastfeeding. However, it’s most common in the first three months, particularly in the second week or third week, when you are getting used to breastfeeding.

Keep feeding your baby from the affected breast. Although this may be painful and miserable for you, it will make the mastitis worse if you stop feeding from your affected breast. Try putting towels that are dipped in warm water before every feed. This warm sponging will help you relax and you will feel less pain.

Warm cloth sponging should help feeding more bearable for you. If your baby doesn’t finish a whole feed from your inflamed breast, or if it’s too painful to breastfeed, you can use a breast pump to express your milk. You can then give it to your baby in a cup or bottle. Follow precautions associated with storing breast milk.

Also read: Can I Continue to Breastfeed my Baby when I’m Back from Work?

What is mastitis?

Mastitis is an inflammation in your breast tissues. The inflammation may quickly become an infection, which means that bacteria grow in the inflamed tissues. You may notice that areas of your breasts are red, hard, sore, swollen and hot

You may also feel a lump, called a blocked duct, though it isn’t caused by an actual blockage. It’s the build-up of milk in your breast that causes the tissue to become inflamed and your breast feels hard and heavy.

Will breast milk affect my baby during Mastitis?

Though you may be feeling unwell and uncomfortable, mastitis won’t affect your baby. It’s perfectly safe for the New Mom to feed from your affected breast, but it might taste a bit saltier than usual.

Even if you have infective mastitis, and your baby swallows bacteria in the milk, it will be killed off by the acid in her stomach. There is no risk of breastfeeding if the mother has mastitis.

Also read:  What to do when newborn baby has swollen breasts?

How to treat mastitis condition?

Continue feeding your baby from the affected breast. Although this may be painful and miserable for you, it will make the mastitis worse if you stop feeding from your affected breast.

If you feel unwell, or if continuing to feed your baby is making no difference to the inflammation, visit your doctor. If you’ve had mastitis for a few days, and it’s become infected, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics.

Here are some self-help methods you can try, whether or not you’re taking antibiotics:

• Make sure your baby is latched on properly and is feeding well.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or a bra until things improves.
• Breastfeed as often as your baby wants, aiming for eight to 12 breastfeeds a day.
• Try different breastfeeding positions, to see if they help your baby to latch on better.
• Remove milk by hand or with a pump, after feeds, if you feel your baby has not fed well. This can be useful if you have sore nipples.
• The New mom has to take rest and drink plenty of fluids.
• You may find that it helps to apply warmth to your breast. Put a flannel or compress on your skin, or have a warm bath or shower. However, you may find that cold compresses help you better.
• Try massaging your breasts very gently while your baby is feeding to help the milk to flow. Gently stroke from where your breast feels lumpy towards your nipple. Vigorous massage can make mastitis worse, though, as it pushes the leaked milk further into your breast tissue.
• Consult your doctor prior to taking painkillers. Safer option would be paracetamol to reduce body pains.

You can follow these self-help measures before seeing your doctor and taking antibiotics.

However, if your mastitis doesn’t start to improve, it may develop into a breast abscess. This is a collection of pus within the breast that affects about three per cent of women who have mastitis that requires antibiotics.

The new moms need not be worried. You can breastfeed your baby even with Mastitis condition. When you see your baby smile all your pain is going to wane away.

Good luck and remain healthy!!

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What to do when newborn baby has swollen breasts?

A swollen breast is a common condition observed in babies, both male and female. Commonly seen that one or both the breast are swollen, firm and lumpy after a week of birth. Although this condition may seem abnormal, the swollen breasts usually shrink within a few weeks or months of life. The new parents will be worried at the sight of swollen breasts.

Causes of a swollen breast in a newborn baby

Mother’s hormones

Swelling of breast happens because of the hormones the baby receives from the mother during pregnancy. While the baby is in the womb, the baby is exposed to variations of hormones that a mother produces during pregnancy. These hormones are passed along to the baby and remain within the baby after birth.  These changes are triggered by hormones that travel throughout her bloodstream, through the placenta and to the baby via the umbilical cord.

After delivery when there is no more exposure to the hormones, the breast tissue will begin to shrink and become flat. This may take days and weeks. A milky substance called “witches milk” may leak from the nipples but will cease after a few days or weeks.

Breast feeding

Breast feeding also contribute to the baby’s breasts swelling due to the continuation of the mother’s hormones passing to the baby. While breast feeding may also contribute to prolonged breast enlargement and baby milk production, temporary or permanent weaning is not recommended.

Also read: 8 Top Tips to Keep your Newborn Baby Clean and Healthy

Breast buds

Swollen breasts in babies can contribute due to breast buds or lumps under the nipples. These lumps are mature breast tissue that can even secrete milk. Breast buds can occur in both male and female babies and will diminish over the first few months of life.

Infection

If the breast or nipple looks red, tender or has a colored discharge other than a milky substance and the baby has a fever, a pediatrician should examine the baby for infection. Be alert and observe any redness and pain for the baby.

Parents are advised not to squeeze or massage the swollen breasts, for this will only cause irritation and may lead to an infection. Swollen breasts in newborn babies is not a problem and will become less noticeable as your baby changes and grows.

Also read: Can I Continue to Breastfeed my Baby when I’m Back from Work?

Cultural differences

In India, the new mom is advised to squeeze or press the nipple during massage to remove the milk that is accumulated. General understanding by daimas is that if the milk is not removed, it will lead to larger breast and chest which can be a bother to your personality as you grow up and are in your teens. Usually observed in stout boys.

Elders in the family also insists to continue removing the milk for a week’s time. It will be done gently to ensure baby does not have pain.

However Pediatricians insist that the baby’s breast are not pressed, leave them alone and allow nature take its course in shrinking them.

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What are the Symptoms of Jaundice in Newborn Baby?

Most babies are sent home after 1 or 2 days of birth, parents will have to watch their new born baby for any signs of jaundice.

Symptoms of jaundice:

Jaundice first appears on the babies face and head. As the level of bilirubin increases in the blood, the body will start showing on the body and further high levels are indicated by coloration on the palms of the hand and soles of the feet.

Testing for jaundice

Simple test that can be done at home is to press your finger tip on the tip of your child’s nose or forehead. After you lift your finger if you observe the skin is white there is no jaundice. But if you see yellowish color, consult your doctor immediately.

Blood test for jaundice

Blood test is recommended to identify the level of bilirubin and the treatment to be followed thereafter based on the blood test results and the baby’s health condition.

Serum Bilirubin values

Since 97% of term babies have serum bilirubin values <13 mg/dl, all infants with a serum bilirubin level >13 mg/dl require a minimum work up.

Causes of jaundice

Excess bilirubin (hyperbilirubinemia) is the main cause of jaundice. Bilirubin is responsible for the yellow color of jaundice, it is a normal part of the pigment released from the breakdown of “used” red blood cells.

Normally, the liver filters bilirubin from the bloodstream and releases it into the intestinal tract. A newborn’s immature liver often can’t remove bilirubin quickly enough, causing an excess of bilirubin. Jaundice due to these normal newborn conditions is called physiologic jaundice, and it typically appears on the second or third day of life.

Treatment for jaundice

Most babies who are well and healthy need not undergo treatment. As the liver matures, it will break the bilirubin into other chemicals which can be passed out through the gut.

However Phototherapy (or light therapy) is recommended for babies whose level is getting higher. Light energy helps change the bilirubin that is just under the skin into a different chemical which is more easily passed out of the baby’s body (excreted). Babies may need phototherapy mandatorily for 48 hrs with breastfeeding the baby every 2 hrs to remove excess bilirubin from the body thru’ urine or stool. Phototherapy is safe and effective. The process followed is:

• Babies will be placed in a warm covered cot. They may be able to stay in their mother’s room or they may need to be moved to the ward nursery.
• They will have eye shields placed over their eyes.
• They will be nursed naked so that the maximum amount of light can fall on their skin.
• More number of feeds while the baby is having phototherapy.
• You will be encouraged to continue to care for your baby as much as possible.
• Blood tests are usually done daily to work out if your baby still needs phototherapy.

Examination for jaundice

Your baby should be examined for jaundice between the third and seventh day after birth, when bilirubin levels usually show peaks. If your baby is discharged earlier than 72 hours following birth, make a follow-up appointment to look for jaundice within two days of discharge.

Consult a doctor when you see the following symptoms:

• Your baby’s skin becomes more yellow
• Your baby’s skin looks yellow on the abdomen, arms or legs
• The whites of your baby’s eyes look yellow
• Your baby looks less energetic or sick or is difficult to awaken
• Your baby makes high-pitched cries
• Your baby isn’t gaining weight or is feeding poorly
• Your baby develops any other signs or symptoms that concern you

Jaundice lasts more than three weeks. After you complete phototherapy you can continue sunlight therapy. Take the baby to indirect sunlight early in the morning. The sun rays is also good to reduce the color for the baby.

Parents should not panic. Be alert and identify symptoms at the early stage. Do follow-up visits to the hospital after birth for routine checks.

Happy parenting!

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Also read:

How to Treat Jaundice in New Born Baby
What to feed when my child has watery motions – Diarrhea
Umbilical cord care: Basics for a New mom
Vaccines for your baby – Immunization schedule
What are the Soft Spots on my Newborn Baby’s head?

 

Symptoms and Signs to identify Crossed Eyes in a baby

Crossed eyes are also called Strabismus, a condition in which both eyes do not line up properly. The individual having this condition will have each eye focusing on different objects and in different directions. The disorder is common in children, affecting children below 6 years. Causes of this condition is not known, but it tends to generally run in families.

Crossed eyes can also occur for adults, mostly due to factors like brain tumor, retina damage, diabetes, or a stroke. Crossed eyes can usually be corrected with eyeglasses and / or surgery.

Types of Crossed Eyes

Two types of crossed eyes are commonly seen in children. One appears in infancy and the other develops as a child grows older.

Crossed eyes that appears in babies during their first year of life is known as Infantile Esotropia. One eye may cross more often than the other. It typically runs in families and usually requires surgery to correct.

Acquired Esotropia occurs in children between the ages of 2 and 5 and can usually be corrected with eyeglasses.

Causes of Crossed Eyes

Main causes for crossed eyes to develop is when the numerous muscles around the eyes do not work in conjunction because some are weaker than others. When the brain receives a different visual message from each eye, it ignores the one coming from the weaker eye. If the condition of the weaker eye is not corrected, you may lose site with time.

Crossed eyes can also occur later in life and is also triggered by physical disorders such as a brain tumor or an eye injury. If you have a lazy eye or are farsighted, it is also possible to develop crossed eyes as an adult because your eyes must strain in order to focus on objects. People with brain or nervous system disorders such as cerebral palsy are more likely to have strabismus.

Symptoms and Signs of Crossed Eyes

Crossed eyes condition is common for newborn babies, but if it persists beyond 3 months of age, it is best to see a doctor

Symptoms may be constant or appear only when you are tired or not feeling well. Your eyes might point inward or outward or focus in different directions. Other symptoms noticed are impaired vision, losing depth perception and having double vision.

Diagnosis and Treatment of Crossed eyes

If you observe symptoms of crossed eyes, consult the doctor and follow recommendations.

Early diagnosis of crossed eyes is important for preventing vision loss. In young children, it is best to have an eye examination before 3 years. If other physical symptoms appear along with crossed eyes, your doctor may examine your brain and nervous system for the presence of other conditions, such as cerebral palsy or Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Treatment for Crossed eyes depends on its severity and cause. If you have developed a lazy eye, you might need to wear a patch over your stronger eye to force the muscles of your weaker eye to work harder. Other common treatments include eye glasses, surgery, eye exercises and eye drops.

A big relief for parents is that crossed eye can be treated quickly if identified in childhood. Be alert with your babies and make corrections on time.

Do you have any other inputs to identify crossed eyes in an infant . If so, please add a comment and, if you like the post, feel free to share it with your friends. You can also visit our Facebook page and Google plus page for more insight.

Also read:

How to Handle the New Born Baby?

Ear infection in a newborn baby

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How to Make your Child Swallow Tablets Easily

Most of the children have difficulty swallowing pills / tablets and capsules.  Tablets are given for kids when they are extremely sick and the medication is essential to bring down the illness / infection. When the baby is small doctors prescribe syrups and tonics with a pleasant taste, color and aroma to attract the kids. But as the child is above 6 years doctors prescribe tablets to take care of the health problem.

When the child is sick the parents have a tough time to ensure the child has taken the medication. Parents become desperate and try various tricks to make sure baby swallows the medicine. In my childhood days I remember my parents powdering the tablets adding with sugar and asking me to just gulp it down with a mouthful of water. Some attempts were successful and some failed. The pungent smell of antibiotic is very strong and the sticky taste when the tablet melts on the tongue makes it all the more difficult.

As a mother of a child I have gone thru’ several experiences myself and would like to share a few tricks to the young parents. At times I’ve stuffed the tablet in a piece of banana or diluted in soda to disguise the tablet. It is a good idea for parents to teach their kids the technique of pill swallowing before they really need it. A sick or cranky child will not cooperative to learn swallowing a tablet.

Train your child the technique of pill swallowing

Parents can help child swallow a tablet by gradual practice. You need to experiment it with tic-tacs that come with sweet and minty flavors. Place the tic-tac on the tip of the child’s tongue. Give a glass of water filled to the brim. Ask your child to sip in water and quickly tip head back. The tic-tac pill will be washed to the throat and swallowed with the gulp of water without the tongue being involved. This can be tried for children above 6 years.

Parents can also experiment with small peppermints, soft cake decorations, sugar candies (sugar coated soft ones) such that it does not get stuck in the throat.

With capsules (which float), you do just the opposite. Have your child look down at the floor instead of up at the ceiling while you slip the capsule into her mouth. Have her swallow while still looking at the floor. The capsule should float to the back of her mouth and roll down her throat with the water.

The child can have as many practice trials as she needs. Most children find swallowing these balls surprisingly easy, so the first attempt is almost always a positive one. Praise the child for both effort and success.

Few suggestions to make tablet swallowing easy

• Keep a calm and positive attitude.
• Eliminate distractions during medicine taking time. Close the door, turn the TV off, etc. allowing the child to concentrate on the job at hand.
• Be patient. Some normal children can’t accomplish pill-swallowing until their late teens!
• Some tablets are easier to swallow if they are broken into halves. Check with the pharmacist first, however, to make sure a divided pill does not lose its effectiveness.
• Encourage the child to do better. Avoid negative comments.

Swallowing the various sizes and numbers of pills can be a challenge for any child regardless of age. Make this requirement an easy one for your child. Children get scared of incidents happened in the past. Train the kid with simple steps such that when the need comes he will swallow the pill with ease.

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How should I treat the scaly flakes on my babies head?

For the last few days I have been observing a thick, oily, brown scaling on my babies scalp. These are flaky and when dry comes off like dandruff. This is a common concern of parents who are alarmed and worried of how these scaly flakes are going to affect the baby.

This condition is called Cradle cap. Doctors call it seborrheic dermatitis, and it’s very common in small babies. In older kids the problem is called dandruff.

Symptoms

Cradle cap shows up in the initial months and remain upto 9 months sometimes a year too. The duration varies from child to child and family history too.

Some babies get these scales just as a small patch, others have scales all over their heads. Sometimes, cradle cap can even occur on the eyebrows, eyelids, ears, crease of the nose, back of the neck, diaper area, or armpits.

You will be tempted to pick at the scaly patches on your baby’s head, but try not to. Picking at it can leave sore patches that could become infected.

Is cradle cap contagious?

Cradle cap is not contagious and it is not caused due to poor hygiene or allergies. Most of the time, it just goes away on its own.

Causes of Cradle cap?

The exact cause of cradle cap isn’t known, although some researchers believe it can be caused by an overproduction of skin oil (sebum) in the oil glands and hair follicles. A type of yeast (fungus) called malassezia can grow in the sebum along with bacteria, and this may be another factor in the development of cradle cap.

Also observed that this skin problem -Seborrhea often runs in families, meaning the conditions that lead to cradle cap can be passed from mother to baby before birth. Factors that contribute in development of cradle cap are weather extremes, oily skin, infrequent skin cleaning, lotions that contain alcohol, obesity, and other skin disorders

How to treat cradle cap?

Your baby will not be bothered by this skin condition. Itching happens if the spread of flakes is severe. Understand how to treat cradle cap.

Massage your baby’s scalp with coconut oil or almond oil such that the skin is moist. Leave it for 15 mins. Then clean the scalp with a soft brush to help loosen the scales and wash your baby’s scalp with mild shampoo.

Follow this routine daily and you will see the flakes decrease gradually.Once the scales are less the frequency of shampooing baby’s head can be changed to once a week. Cradle cap may disappear for months at a time and then suddenly reappear, you can control the re-occurrence by regular oiling and shampooing.

If your baby’s cradle cap starts to look red and swollen, take her to the doctor. Avoid self medication. Consult the doctor if the condition is becoming severe. this indicates that the area is infected. Your doctor can prescribe an antifungal cream or medicated shampoo, or a course of antibiotics.

There is nothing to worry. Follow doctors instructions and your baby will be free of the skin complaint.

Also read: Easy ways to treat baby eczema effectively

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