Travelling doesn’t necessarily have to be too troublesome. You can stuff your clothes, your wallet, your traveller’s pillow, that ever-dependable traveller’s guide book with a bonus map and whatever else you need into that good ol’ backpack and you’re good to go!

Well… that’s until the little buddy came along.

Travelling with a baby is a totally different story. There are tons of preparations to make: the list of things to pack, the actual packing, the mode of transportation and the place to stay in. Even the type of vacation you ought to go for should be planned out carefully as it should not just be enjoyable but safe for your baby, as well.

Although there are lots of parenting sites with online communities of parents and experts who can help you with the different aspects of taking care of your baby, BabySafeTravel.com specializes in answering your concerns regarding vacationing with your child—from travelling gears to safety in transportation and accommodation.  

Parents can book their trips through babysafetravel.com. The hotels are reviewed by other parents all around the world and are under a certification program that guarantees that the management will baby-proof the hotel room you’ll be checking into to ensure your child’s safety throughout your stay.

 A section of the site is allotted to blogs wherein you can pick up fun family vacation ideas and baby travel tips to make your vacation as safe as it is exciting and enjoyable for you and your baby. Parents can win exciting prizes by sharing photos of their kids and sharing their travelling stories, too.

BabySafeTravel.com also has an online boutique that specializes in baby travel gears like baby car seats, cute luggages that double as toys and stroller bags among many others. Other categories include:

·         Bath Gear

·         Sleep Gear, Seasonal

·         Diaper Bags

·         Travel Gear

·         Strollers

·         Baby Carriers Feeding Time

·         Safety.

If you have your own travelling kit, it’s just fair for your little traveller to have his/her very own baby travel gear, too. The comfort of your child will leave you with fewer worries and will make the experience convenient for you, too.

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With tons of baby buggy brands present in the market, it’s usual especially for new parents to be confused with which products to go for. There are a lot of considerations, of course: the budget, the reliability and durability of the carrier, the apparent comfort it can offer the baby and for some, the ‘look’ is among the top requirements, too. No self-respecting fashionable parent would want to be caught dead pushing a ‘grocery stroller’ stuffed with cushions—with a baby inside.

Maclaren is one of the most trusted brands in the market when it comes to baby buggies as their designs provide a comfortable fusion of durability, convenience and class. They have several lines of Maclaren Prams, Maclaren Pushchairs and strollers to fit the different stages of your child’s buggy years.

As for those who are still confused with the difference among prams, pushchairs and strollers, prams are usually made to carry babies from 0-3 months. Pushchairs are usually for babies below 1-2 years of age, depending upon the size of the child, while strollers are for toddlers who can already fully support their backs. The good news is that most strollers nowadays have chairs with adjustable reclining angles to accommodate babies from birth to toddler hood.

Maclaren strollers offer several designs that your child can use throughout his/her buggy years. The designs are perfect for parents living in the city who need a stroller that is durable enough to withstand the constant folding and stuffing into the back of the car and the busy pushing crowd in the malls while still maintaining class and elegance.

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I stumbled upon Advanced Brain Technologies during my research for brain stimulation products.

According to the site, Advanced Brain Technologies (ABT) is a neurotechnology company that develops and distributes interactive software and music-based programs for the improvement of memory, attention, listening, academic skills, sensory processing, brain health, peak performance and more.

This was interesting as there were not many company ike this and what particularly caught my attention was The Listening Program.

Apparently, the Listening Program is a music-based auditory stimulation method that provides engaging brain stimulation to improve performance in school, work and life.

The description is as follows, “Systematic training is provided through listening to psychoacoustically modified classical music which trains the brain to process sound more efficiently. This leads to improvements in:

From my understanding, this is possible because classical music has been proven to promote a wide spectrum of benefits. Here is an article which supports that finding.

Further information in the site,”The Listening Program is a fusion of beautiful art and sound science. The Listening Program’s psycho-acoustically modified music and patent-pending production techniques are designed to stimulate or “exercise” the different functions of the auditory processing system. This enables the brain to better receive, process, store and utilize the valuable information provided through the varied soundscapes in our lives such as music, language and the environment in which we live.”

One thing I like about the product is that anyone can use the program in the home, classroom or workplace with ease. It is completely portable and easy to use - requiring just 15 to 30 minutes of listening daily.

From other sources who have used the product, I learnt that this is a truly great product. Well worth looking into!

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With the global financial crisis and looming environment problems, parents should take it upon themselves to contribute positively in their own little means. Here are some parenting insights on how to lighten up on financial spending while being helpful to Mother Earth.

1. Breastfeed. Thousand of dollars can be saved by reverting back to Mother Nature’s most nutritious food for babies - your own milk. A newborn baby can consume nearly $3,200 in baby formula in only a year. Moreover, immense saving can be had for preparing your baby’s own food. A pound of fresh carrots is only 89 cents, whereas jars of carrot baby food sell for around $3. Parents can also eliminate the waste of the baby food jars by using reusable containers.

2. Return to cloth diapers. We all know that diapers are not biodegradable and a child usually goes through 7,000 diapers for his or her whole childhood. Imagine how much landfill space can be saved should you return to the time-tested modern cloth diapers. Cloth diapers would only cost you $750 from birth onwards while the conventional diapers will cost $100 a month.

3. Toy/clothing trades. To avoid high prices of retail clothing and toys, parents can do well to organize a clothing or toy swap with other families within the neighborhood. Beyond the social benefits of bringing everyone together, the swaps provide a low-cost alternative to keeping up with the growing needs of one’s family.

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If your children are asking for a pet, a pet rock might be the answer.  You can tell them they can have a pet rock to see how well they handle the responsibility before you allow them to get a goldfish, hamster, or larger pet.

There are a number of things about pet rocks that make them Mom’s best friend.  Consider these benefits when offering to “get” your child a pet rock:

* You don’t have to buy them.  Yes, people were silly enough to fall for a marketing ploy, as ingenious as it was, but you really don’t need to buy a pet rock.  You or your child can find one right outside your front door.  Of course, you may want to find one that’s unusual so it won’t get lost if it falls on the ground.  In all actuality, you can find a new pet rock anywhere.

* You don’t have to feed them.  Pet rocks are just that – rocks.  They’re inanimate objects that just sit there.   They don’t eat, so you don’t have to feed them.  You also don’t have to worry about buying food for them, which could help with budgeting concerns.

* Since they don’t eat, you don’t have to worry about taking them outside to use the restroom.  There’s no mess to clean up after, which will make your life as a Mom just a little bit easier.

* You won’t have to wonder if your child’s pet rock will bite anyone.  That’s often a concern with having a pet dog or small pets like hamsters.  With kittens or cats you may be concerned about their scratching and biting.

When looking for a pet rock, try to find one that’s smooth.  You also want one that’s not so small that you lose it or so big that your child can’t carry it.  Something that’s pretty like polished rose quartz may be a good bet for little girls.  Boys will probably like something that’s a little rougher.

Unlike a living pet, your child can decorate their pet rock to their liking.  Decide which side of the rock is its face and then allow your child to draw a face on it.  Your child can determine the type of face it has, whether serious, silly, or smiley.  They can also glue on wiggly eyes that you can find in any craft store.

Face it, Moms, at one point your child will ask for a pet.  Giving them a pet rock may at least buy you some time until you can decide as a family whether owning a live pet is in your family’s future.  Consider a pet rock - Mom’s best friend because they are easy to care for, cost nothing, and are easily replaced.

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The especial province of the mother is the prevention of disease, not its cure. When disease attacks the child, the mother has then a part to perform, which it is especially important during the epochs of infancy and childhood should be done well. I refer to those duties which constitute the maternal part of the management of disease.

Medical treatment, for its successful issue, is greatly dependent upon a careful, pains-taking, and judicious maternal superintendence. No medical treatment can avail at any time, if directions be only partially carried out, or be negligently attended to; and will most assuredly fail altogether, if counteracted by the erroneous prejudices of ignorant attendants. But to the affections of infancy and childhood, this remark applies with great force; since, at this period, disease is generally so sudden in its assaults, and rapid in its progress, that unless the measures prescribed are rigidly and promptly administered, their exhibition is soon rendered altogether fruitless.

The amount of suffering, too, may be greatly lessened by the thoughtful and discerning attentions of the mother. The wants and necessities of the young child must be anticipated; the fretfulness produced by disease, soothed by kind and affectionate persuasion; and the possibility of the sick and sensitive child being exposed to harsh and ungentle conduct, carefully provided against.

Again, not only is a firm and strict compliance with medical directions in the administration of remedies, of regimen, and general measures, necessary, but an unbiased, faithful, and full report of symptoms to the physician, when he visits his little patient, is of the first importance. An ignorant servant or nurse, unless great caution be exercised by the medical attendant, may, by an unintentional but erroneous report of symptoms, produce a very wrong impression upon his mind, as to the actual state of the disease. His judgment may, as a consequence, be biased in a wrong direction, and the result prove seriously injurious to the welldoing of the patient. The medical man cannot sit hour after hour watching symptoms; hence the great importance of their being faithfully reported. This can alone be done by the mother, or some person equally competent.

There are other weighty considerations which might be adduced here, proving how much depends upon efficient maternal management in the time of sickness; but they will be severally dwelt upon, when the diseases with which they are more particularly connected are spoken of.

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The respiration of a pure air is at all times, and under all circumstances, indispensable to the health of the infant. The nursery therefore should be large, well ventilated, in an elevated part of the house, and so situated as to admit a free supply both of air and light. For the same reasons, the room in which the infant sleeps should be large, and the air frequently renewed; for nothing is so prejudicial to its health as sleeping in an impure and heated atmosphere. The practice, therefore, of drawing thick curtains closely round the bed is highly pernicious; they only answer a useful purpose when they defend the infant from any draught of cold air.

The proper time for taking the infant into the open air must, of course, be determined by the season of the year, and the state of the weather. “A delicate infant born late in the autumn will not generally derive advantage from being carried into the open air, in this climate, till the succeeding spring; and if the rooms in which he is kept are large, often changed, and well ventilated, he will not suffer from the confinement, while he will, most probably, escape catarrhal affections, which are so often the consequence of the injudicious exposure of infants to a cold and humid atmosphere.” If, however, the child is strong and healthy, no opportunity should be lost of taking it into the open air at stated periods, experience daily proving that it has the most invigorating and vivifying influence upon the system. Regard, however, must always be had to the state of the weather; and to a damp condition of the atmosphere the infant should never be exposed, as it is one of the most powerful exciting causes of consumptive disease. The nurse-maid, too, should not be allowed to loiter and linger about, thus exposing the infant unnecessarily, and for an undue length of time; this is generally the source of all the evils which accrue from taking the babe into the open air.

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It is highly important that a mother should possess such information as will enable her to detect disease at its first appearance, and thus insure for her child timely medical assistance. This knowledge it will not be difficult for her to obtain. She has only to bear in mind what are the indications which constitute health, and she will at once see that all deviations from it must denote the presence of disorder, if not of actual disease. With these changes she must to a certain extent make herself acquainted.

Signs of health
————–

The signs of health are to be found, first, in the healthy performance of the various functions of the body; the regular demands made for its supply, neither in excess or deficiency; and a similar regularity in its excretions both in quantity and appearance.

If the figure of the healthy infant is observed, something may be learnt from this. There will be perceived such an universal roundness in all parts of the child’s body, that there is no such thing as an angle to be found in the whole figure; whether the limbs are bent or straight, every line forms a portion of a circle. The limbs will feel firm and solid, and unless they are bent, the joints cannot be discovered.

The tongue, even in health, is always white, but it will be free from sores, the skin cool, the eye bright, the complexion clear, the head cool, and the abdomen not projecting too far, the breathing regular, and without effort.

When awake, the infant will be cheerful and sprightly, and, loving to be played with, will often break out into its merry, happy, laugh; whilst, on the other hand, when asleep, it will appear calm, every feature composed, its countenance displaying an expression of happiness, and frequently, perhaps, lit up with a smile.

Just in proportion as the above appearances are present and entire, health may be said to exist; and just in proportion to their partial or total absence disease will have usurped its place.

We will, however, for the sake of clearness examine the signs of disease as they are manifested separately by the countenance, the gestures, in sleep, in the stools, and by the breathing and cough.

Of the countenance
——————

In health the countenance of a thild is expressive of serenity in mind and body; but if the child be unwell, this expression will be changed, and in a manner which, to a certain extent, will indicate what part of the system is at fault.

The brows will be contracted, if there is pain, and its seat is in the head. This is frequently the very first outward sign of any thing being wrong, and will occur at the very onset of disease; if therefore remarked at an early period, and proper remedies used, its notice may prevent one of the most fearful of infantile complaints “Water in the Head.”

If this sign is passed by unheeded, and the above disease be threatened, soon the eyes will become fixed and staring, the head hot, and moved uneasily from side to side upon the pillow, or lie heavily upon the nurse’s arm, the child will start in its sleep, grinding its teeth, and awake alarmed and screaming, its face will be flushed, particularly the cheeks (as if rouged), its hands hot, but feet cold, its bowels obstinately costive, or its motions scanty, dark-coloured, and foul.

If the lips are drawn apart, so as to show the teeth or gums, the seat of the pain is in the belly. This sign, however, will only be present during the actual existence of suffering; if, therefore, there be any doubt whether it exist, press upon the stomach, and watch the eifect on the expression of the countenance.

If the pain arise simply from irritation of the bowels excited from indigestion, it will be temporary, and the sign will go and come just as the spasm may occur, and slight remedial measures will give relief.

If, however, the disease be more serious, and inflammation ensue, this sign will be more constantly present, and soon the countenance will become pale, or sallow and sunken, the child will dread motion, and lie upon its back with the knees bent up to the belly, the tongue will be loaded, and in breathing, while the chest will be seen to heave with more than usual effort, the muscles of the belly will remain perfectly quiescent.

If the nostrils are drawn upwards and in quick motion, pain exists in the chest. This sign, however, will generally be the accompaniment of inflammation of the chest, in which case the countenance will be discoloured, the eyes more or less staring, and the breathing will be difficult and hurried; and if the child’s mode of respiring be watched, the chest will be observed to be unmoved, while the belly quickly heaves with every inspiration.

Convulsions are generally preceded by some changes in the countenance. The upper lip will be drawn up, and is occasionally bluish or livid. Then there may be slight squinting, or a singular rotation of the eye upon its own axis; alternate flushing or paleness of the face; and sudden animation followed by languor.

These signs will sometimes manifest themselves many hours, nay days, before the attack occurs; may be looked upon as premonitory; and if timely noticed, and suitable medical aid resorted to, the occurrence of a fit may be altogether prevented.

The state of the eyes should always be attended to. In health they are clear and bright, but in disease they become dull, and give a heavy appearance to the countenance; though after long continued irritation they will assume a degree of quickness which is very remarkable, and a sort of pearly brightness which is better known from observation than it can be from description.

The direction of the eyes, too, should be regarded, for from this we may learn something. When the infant is first brought to the light, both eyes are scarcely ever directed to the same object: this occurs without any tendency to disease, and merely proves, that regarding one object with both eyes is only an acquired habit. But when the child has come to that age when the eyes are by habit directed to the same object, and afterwards it loses that power, this circumstance alone may be looked upon as a frequent prelude to disease affecting the head.

Of the gestures

—————

The gestures of a healthy child are all easy and natural; but in sickness those deviations occur, which alone will often denote the nature of the disease.

Suppose an infant to have acquired the power to support itself, to hold its head erect; let sickness come, its head will droop immediately, and this power will be lost, only to be regained with the return of health; and during the interval every posture and movement will be that of languor.

The little one that has just taught itself to run alone from chair to chair, having two or three teeth pressing upon and irritating the gums, will for a time be completely taken off its feet, and perhaps lie languidly in its cot, or on its nurse’s arm.

The legs being drawn up to the belly, and accompanied by crying, are proofs of disorder and pain in the bowels. Press upon this part, and your pressure will increase the pain. Look to the secretions from the bowels themselves, and by their unhealthy character your suspicions, in reference to the seat of the disorder, are at once confirmed.

The hands of a child in health are rarely carried above its mouth; but let there be any thing wrong about the head and pain present, and the little one’s hands will be constantly raised to the head and face.

Sudden starting when awake, as also during sleep, though it occur from trifling causes, should never be disregarded. It is frequently connected with approaching disorder of the brain. It may forebode a convulsive fit, and such suspicion is confirmed, if you find the thumb of the child drawn in and firmly pressed upon the palm, with the fingers so compressed upon it, that the hand cannot be forced open without difficulty. The same condition will exist in the toes, but not to so great a degree; there may also be a puffy state of the back of the hands and feet, and both foot and wrist bent downwards.

There are other and milder signs threatening convulsions and connected with gesture, which should be regarded: the head being drawn rigidly backwards, an arm fixed firmly to the side, or near to it, as also one of the legs drawn stifly upwards. These signs, as also those enumerated above, are confirmed beyond all doubt, if there be present certain alterations in the usual habits of the child: if the sleep is disturbed, if there be frequent fits of crying, great peevishness of temper, the countenance alternately flushed and pale, sudden animation followed by as sudden a fit of languor, catchings of the breath followed by a long and deep inspiration, all so many premonitory symptoms of an approaching attack.

Of the sleep
———–

The sleep of the infant in health is quiet, composed, and refreshing. In very early infancy, when not at the breast, it is for the most part asleep in its cot; and although as the months advance it sleeps less, yet when the hour for repose arrives, the child is no sooner laid down to rest, than it drops off into a quiet, peaceful slumber.

Not so, if ill. Frequently it will be unwilling to be put into its cot at all, and the nurse will be obliged to take the infant in her arms; it will then sleep but for a short time, and in a restless and disturbed manner.

If it suffer pain, however slight, the countenance will indicate it; and, as when awake, so now, if there is any thing wrong about the head, the contraction of the eye-brow and grinding of the teeth will appear; if any thing wrong about the belly, the lips will be drawn apart, showing the teeth or gums, and in both instances there will be great restlessness and frequent startings.

Of the stools
————

In the new-born infant the motions are dark coloured, very much like pitch both in consistence and appearance. The first milk, however, secreted in the mother’s breast, acts as an aperient upon the infant’s bowels, and thus in about four-and-twenty hours it is cleansed away.

From this time, and through the whole of infancy, the stools will be of a lightish yellow colour, the consistence of thin mustard, having little smell, smooth in appearance, and therefore free from lumps or white curded matter, and passed without pain or any considerable quantity of wind. And as long as the child is in health, it will have daily two or three, or even four, of these evacuations. But as it grows older, they will not be quite so frequent; they will become darker in colour, and more solid, though not so much so as in the adult.

Any deviation, then, from the above characters, is of course a sign of something wrong; and as a deranged condition of the bowels is frequently the first indication we have of coming disease, the nurse should daily be directed to watch the evacuations. Their appearance, colour, and the manner in which discharged, are the points principally to be looked to. If the stools have a very curdy appearance, or are too liquid, or green, or dark-coloured, or smell badly, they are unnatural. And in reference to the manner in which they are discharged, it should be borne in mind, that, in a healthy child, the motion is passed with but little wind, and as if squeezed out, but in disease, it will be thrown out with considerable force, which is a sign of great irritation. The number, too, of stools passed within the four-and- twenty hours it is important to note, so that if the child does not have its accustomed relief, (and it must not be forgotten that children, although in perfect health, differ as to the precise number,)

Of the breathing and cough
————————-

The breathing of a child in health is formed of equal inspirations and expirations, and it breathes quietly, regularly, inaudibly, and without effort. But let inflammation of the air-tubes or lungs take place, and the inspiration will become in a few hours so quickened and hurried, and perhaps audible, that the attention has only to be directed to the circumstance to be at once perceived.

Now all changes which occur in the breathing from its healthy standard, however slight the shades of difference may be, it is most important should be noticed early. For many of the complaints in the chest, although very formidable in their character, if only seen early by the medical man, may be arrested in their progress; but otherwise, may be beyond the control of art. A parent, therefore, should make herself familiar with the breathing of her child in health, and she will readily mark any change which may arise.

Whenever a child has the symptoms of a common cold, attended by hoarseness and a rough cough, always look upon it with suspicion, and never neglect seeking a medical opinion. Hoarseness does not usually attend a common cold in the child, and these symptoms may be premonitory of an attack of “croup;” a disease excessively rapid in its progress, and which, from the importance of the parts affected, carrying on, as they do, a function indispensably necessary to life, requires the most prompt and decided treatment.

The following observations of Dr. Cheyne are so strikingly illustrative, and so pertinent to my present purpose, that I cannot refrain inserting them: “In the approach of an attack of croup, which almost always takes place in the evening, probably of a day during which the child has been exposed to the weather, and often after catarrhal symptoms have existed for several days, he may be observed to be excited, in variable spirits, more ready than usual to laugh than to cry, a little flushed, occasionally coughing, the sound of the cough being rough, like that which attends the catarrhal stage of the measles. More generally, however, the patient has been for some time in bed and asleep, before the nature of the disease with which he is threatened is apparent; then, perhaps, without waking, he gives a very unusual cough, well known to any one who has witnessed an attack of the croup; it rings as if the child had coughed through a brazen trumpet; it is truly a tussis clangosa; it penetrates the walls and floor of the apartment, and startles the experienced mother, ‘Oh! I am afraid our child is taking the croup!’ She runs to the nursery, finds her child sleeping softly, and hopes she may be mistaken. But remaining to tend him, before long the ringing cough, a single cough, is repeated again and again; the patient is roused, and then a new symptom is remarked; the sound of his voice is changed; puling, and as if the throat were swelled, it corresponds with the cough,” etc.

How important that a mother should be acquainted with the above signs of one of the most terrific complaints to which childhood is subject; for, if she only send for medical assistance during its first stage, the treatment will be almost invariably successful; whereas, if this “golden opportunity” is lost, this disease will seldom yield to the influence of measures, however wisely chosen or perseveringly employed.

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If you are bringing home a puppy, there is a resource for you. Creating a lasting relationship between you and your puppy is very important. Puppies for Dummies is a book that covers it all. From housetraining to proper puppy socialization, it’s all here in this fun and friendly guide to the toughest and most delightful era in your dog’s life — puppyhood.

With a focus on behavior and relationship, Sarah Hodgson helps your puppy grow up to be a healthy, playful, well-mannered dog.

In this book you will discover how to:

• Choose the perfect puppy for you
• Raise a well-mannered puppy
• Housetrain your puppy
• Provide proper puppy care and nutrition
• Effectively keep peace between kids and puppies

This is a fun, friendly guide that will prepare you for the tough road of puppy hood. It features an 8-page color section that shares additional information on organized activities to stimulate a puppy’s growing mind. You will also find information about designer mixed breeds such as puggles and labradoodles, which are currently gaining in popularity.

It is a non-intimidating read that will help you raise a healthy and happy puppy. It is a book every puppy owner will love and one that they also need. Veterinarians are saying that it is a book that every puppy owner should read to help them in the first years.
If you are looking for a resource that will help you raise a healthy, happy puppy, then this is the book for you. Get yourself a copy of Puppies for Dummies today.

Click here to order Puppies for Dummies now.

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Looking at a litter of cute little puppies makes it easy to look over the hard task of raising a good well-mannered dog. Choosing the puppy you take home is much simpler than actually managing and teaching the puppy. How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With is a well revised and expanded book that will help you do this with ease.

In this book you will learn:

• Choosing a Puppy
• Behavior: Environmental Factors
• The First Three Months
• The Breeder’s Responsibility
• Puppy Goes to a New Home
• Socialization Continues
• Domesticating Your Puppy
• Development from Three to Six Months
• The Importance of Personality
• Dog Signals Using Body Language
• Behavioral Problems
• The Rewards of Puppy Training
• The Second Six Months

How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With is a book that is highly recommended for the new puppy owner, but it will also help the person who already has a dog. It teaches the importance for puppy owners to learn the basic rules and tricks to raising a dog. Not only does this book cover the physical aspects of the puppy, but it also covers the psychological.

If you are in the market for a cute puppy but don’t know the basics of raising one, this book needs to be on your shelf. How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With is the book that you wish would come with the puppy package when you pick him up from the pet store.

Click here to order How to Raise a Puppy You Can Live With now.

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Crying is a physiological process in the life of a baby.All normal babies cry to communicate with others.Sine they can’t express their feelings in words crying is the only way for communication. If any uncomfortable feeling comes they simply cry.Normally babies cry in situations like hunger,wetting,too heat or cold,tight cloaths,pain ect. Some kids need the presence of somebody otherwise will cry simply.Crying without any cause is habitual in some babies.  Eventhough crying is considered as normal it may worry the family members.Since the reasons for crying ranges from simple causes to serious causes it should not be ignored and hence exact cause has to be identified and managed accordingly.

The following are some points which should be considered while dealing with a crying baby.

1. It is dangerous to shake the baby vigorously.

2. Tight cloaths can cause irritation hence it should be removed.

3. If the room is hot put the fan and open the windows.

4. If the nappy is wet remove it and after cleaning the parts make it dry with a soft towel.

5. Pat her back or stroke her head slowly and let her here your soothing sound.

6. Give breast milk and make her quiet.

7. If the climate is cold cover her in soft towel.

8. Rock her gently in your arms and walk slowly in the room.

9. Take a music making doll and let her listen.

10. Try a pacifier or help her for thumb sucking.

11. If no response change her position.

12. Walk outdors with her.

13. Put her on the cradle and rock gently.

14. If no response ask somebody to carry the baby.

Even after all these steps the baby goes on crying see for the following signs.
( Probable cause is given after every sign)

1. Press her abdomen gently,she may twist or resist you:—Colic

2. Pull her ear gently she may become worse or push your hands away:—Earache.

3. Feel her temperature with the back of your hands:–Fever due to any infection.

4. Examine the skin from head to foot:–Eruptive disease,nappy rash,measles,vesicles,allergy ect.

5. See the nose for any discharge:–Coryza.

6. Move the head gently to feel any neck stiffness:–Meningitis,head injury ect.

7. Keep your ear near her chest to hear any rattling sound:–Increased mucus in wind pipes.

8. Examine the anal orifice:–Anal erosion,rectal polyp,crawling of worms.

9. Examine the genitalia:–Any discharge or erosion.

10. In male baby see the testicles which may be swollen or tender:–Orchitis,torsion of testes.

11. Also notice the body movements and see for any convulsions,rigors,vomiting,cough, labored breathing etc.

If you see the above signs or any other abnormal signs consult your doctor for proper treatement.

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Deficiency of milk may exist even at a very early period after delivery, and yet be removed. This, however, is not to be accomplished by the means too frequently resorted to; for it is the custom with many, two or three weeks after their confinement, if the supply of nourishment for the infant is scanty, to partake largely of malt liquor for its increase. Sooner or later this will be found injurious to the constitution of the mother: but how, then, is this deficiency to be obviated? Let the nurse keep but in good health, and this point gained, the milk, both as to quantity and quality, will be as ample, nutritious, and good, as can be produced by the individual.

A plain, generous, and nutritious diet is recommended ; not one description of food exclusively, but, as is natural, a wholesome, mixed, animal, and vegetable diet, with or without wine or malt liquor, according to former habit; and, occasionally, where malt liquor has never been previously taken, a pint of good sound ale may be taken daily with advantage, if it agree with the stomach. Regular exercise in the open air is of the greatest importance, as it has an extraordinary influence in promoting the secretion of healthy milk. Early after leaving the lying-in room, carriage exercise, where it can be obtained, is to be preferred, to be exchanged, in a week or so, for horse exercise, or the daily walk. The tepid, or cold salt-water shower bath, should be used every morning; but if it cannot be borne, sponging the body withsalt-water must be substituted.

By adopting with perseverance the foregoing plan, a breast of milk will be obtained as ample in quantity, and good in quality, as the constitution of the parent can produce, as the following case proves:

Take this example of a lady twenty-four years of age, a delicate, but healthy woman, in her first confinement. The labour was good. Every thing went on well for the first week, except that, although the breasts became enlarged, and promised a good supply of nourishment for the infant, at its close there was merely a little oozing from the nipple. During the next fortnight a slight, but very gradual increase in quantity took place, so that a dessert spoonful only was obtained about the middle of this period, and perhaps double this quantity at its expiration. In the mean time the child was necessarily fed upon an artificial diet, and as a consequence its bowels became deranged, and a severe diarrhoea followed.

For three or four days it was a question whether the little one would live, for so greatly had it been reduced by the looseness of the bowels that it had not strength to grasp the nipple of its nurse; the milk, therefore, was obliged to be drawn, and the child fed with it from a spoon. After the lapse of a few days, however, it could obtain the breast-milk for itself; and, to make short of the case, during the same month, the mother and child returned home, the former having a very fair proportion of healthy milk in her bosom, and the child perfectly recovered and evidently thriving fast upon it.

Where, however, there has been an early deficiency in the supply of nourishment, it will most frequently happen that, before the sixth or seventh month, the infant’s demands will be greater than the mother can meet. The deficiency must be made up by artificial food, which must be of a kind generally employed before the sixth month, and given through the bottle.

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Crying is a normal event in the lives of all babies.When a baby comes out of the woomb the first thing to do is crying.By the first cry he will take some air in to the lungs for the first time in their life.After delivery if the baby doesnot cry then it should be initiated by slightly pinching or gently strocking the feet.From this it is clear that the healthy baby should cry and it is a normal physiological event ,still some times it can upset the mother or family members.

We all know that a baby can’t tell his needs or troubles in words. The only way for him  to communicate with others is by crying.Babies show some other signs like feet kicking,hand waving and head turning ect.But the best way to take the attention of others is by crying.

Excessive crying may not have a firm definition because the crying habit changes from baby to baby and some babies can be calmed easily but some are difficult to sooth.If crying is distressing for the mother and home nurse it can be called excessive.Many a times baby become quiet by giving breast milk or by carrying with a gentle rocking.Sudden onset of excessive crying means baby is distressed and needs attention.The causes of crying extends from simple reasons to life threatening conditions.Hence crying of a baby should not be ignored.

Most of the time it is difficult to find the cause of the cry .Common causes are discussed here for awareness.

A) Common Reasons for Crying

Hunger
A hungry baby will cry till he gets  the milk. Here the old saying comes true’crying baby gets the milk’.

Wetting
Urination and defecation causes some discomfort and results in crying till his parts are cleaned and made dry .

Company
Majority of the kids need somebody near.  If they feel lonely they cry.When their favourite doll slips away from the grip they cry for help.

Tired
When the baby is tired after a journey and unable to sleep just cry simply.They feel tired in uncomfortable sourroundings and due to unhealthy climate.

Heat & cold
If they feel too hot or too cold they become restless and cry. Child is comfortable in a room with good ventilation.

Tight cloathing
Tight cloaths especially during warm climate is intolerable for kids.Tight elastic of the the dress can also produce soreness in the hip region.

Dark room
When the baby wakes up from sleep he needs some dim light.If there is darkness he will disturb the sleep of parents by crying.Ofcourse he will be irritated by strong light resulting in cry.

Mosquito
Yes,these creatures disturb the sleep by their blood sucking and make the baby to cry.

Nasal blocking
Child may not be able to sleep when there is a cold and go on crying till the passage is open.

Phlegm in throat
This also causes difficult breathing resulting in cry.Often a typical sound can be heard with each breath.

General aching
Generalised body ache with restlessness is seen in flu and prodromal stages of some infectious diseases can result in continuous cry.

Habitual cry

Some babies cry without any real cause ending the parents in agony.Many a times doctor is called for help.

Nappy rash

A tight and wet nappy which is left unattended can result in this condition. Nappy rash can also be due to some allergic reaction to the elastic material of the nappy.  When the rash appears it causes soreness and baby become sleepless and cry.  All other skin lesions like eczema, ecthyma, candidiasis ect also causes same problems.

Earache
Ear infection is common in wet climate.The infection may spread from the throat.Ear infection can result in rupture of ear drum causing discharge of pus.Eareache usually becomes worse at night when lying down.Child will become restless with cry and may not allow you to touch the ear.Some children with earache rub the affected ear frequently.

Colic
When the baby cry continuously most of us diagnose it as colic.This roblem is still a topic for debate because exact cause for colic is not known and diagnosis is also difficult to confirm.Colic may be associated with rumbling and distention of abdomen.Child often feels better when lying on abdomen.Some children may not allow you to touch the abdomen.If the child cries continuously doctors help is needed.

Infections
All infections causes some kind of pain or irritation resulting in cry.Infection may be anywhere in the body.Usually it is associated with fever, redness and swelling.

Reactions to certain food
It is said that one man’s food is another man’s poison. Some food articles can produce some allergic reactions.Allergy  is manifested in the form of redness, breathlessness,gastric symptons and continuous cry.

Hard stools
Constipated babies with hard stools may cry when they get the urge for stool.Some children hesitate to pass stool because of pain .

Gastro esophageal reflex
Here baby cries with spilling of food after feeding.If this continues it may be due to gastroesophageal reflex.This is due to failure of the lower part of esophagus to close after food causing regurgitation from the stomach.It is difficult to diagnose this condition and can be confirmed by giving antireflex medicines.

Dentition
During dentition child becomes restless with crying.Often associated with gastric troubles and diarrhoea.

B) Some Rare Reasons for Crying

Bowel obstruction
Bowel obstruction is associated with severe pain and vomiting.Abdomen is distended with rumbling sound.Baby is constipated with absence of flatus.

Septicemia
Invasion of pathogenic micro organisms in to the blood is called septicemia.Fever is associated with this condition.

Torsion of testes in male kids
When a male baby cries continuously his scrotum should be examined.Torsion of the testes produce severe pain which will be worse by touching the affected testes.When the testes is pressed upwards pain is releived.If this is not treated properly it can damage the affected  testes due to lack of blood supply.

Meningitis
Initially there may not be fever,hence crying baby with alternate vacant stare and irritability should not be ignored.Fontanel is bulging. Neck rigidity and seizures may appear later.

Retention of urine
Children with retention of urine will have agonising pain making them   restless.

Major injuries
Major injury to any parts of the body causes pain.Occasionally children will fall while arrying and results in head injury.Head injury is associated with reflex vomiting and convulsions.

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No parent likes to have a sick child regardless of what the illness is.  When they are running a temperature you may wonder when to worry about a high fever.  Here are some ideas to help you determine if a fever is something to be concerned about or not.

The “normal” body temperature for humans is 98.6 degrees F, but it doesn’t stay exactly at that temperature.  In fact, it’s not unusual for your body’s temperature to fluctuate a degree or two throughout the day.  To determine your child’s “normal” body temp, check it a couple of times during one day while they’re healthy and then average them.

A fever is any elevation in the body’s core temperature that goes above 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit (38.0 degrees Celsius) when taken rectally, 100.0 degrees F (37.7 degrees C) when taken by mouth, or over 99.0 degrees F (37.3 degrees C) when taken under the armpit.

While a fever may be cause for alarm, the fever is just a symptom.  It’s the body’s way of defending itself against any type of infection.  Because the white blood cells work better in higher temperatures, the body increases its temperature.  It also rises because many germs can’t survive high temperatures, so your body is doing double duty fighting off the infection and killing the germs.

When a fever first strikes, it is more important to find out what is causing the fever than to worry about how high it is.  This is particularly important in children less than two months old.  If an infant that age has a high temperature, they require immediate attention and you have the right to be worried.  As a matter of fact, with any high fever your child has until they are over six months, it would be wise to call your pediatrician and let them determine if the fever warrants a visit to the doctor.

Remember that the fever isn’t an enemy to your child.  It is their body’s way of fighting off any germs that may be attempting to get a foothold in the body.  A fever CAN be a good thing because the body is fighting off infection.  However, there are times when you want to take action against a fever.  Besides a child under six months of age, here are a few times a high fever would require immediate medical attention:

* When a fever is 105 degrees F/40.5 degrees C or more.
* When a person has difficulty breathing, a stiff neck, or is confused during a high fever.
* When a high fever is accompanied by the inability to move or if a seizure is involved.
* When any of the following symptoms also occur with the fever:  abnormal or persistent stomach pain, rapid or labored breathing, headache with an adverse reaction to bright light.

A fever, in general, isn’t anything to worry about because your body is doing what it was intended to do – fight off infection.  However, if the temperature gets too high you may want to contact your child’s doctor and let them give you advice about whether or not to bring them in for a visit.  In some cases there’s nothing to worry about, but if they have any of the above symptoms, you’re right to worry and they need to be seen by a doctor.

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If your child loves animals you may have more than one pet in your home.  If your child REALLY loves animals, you’ve probably had your share of stray animals making their way into your home.  It could be that you’ve had one too many strays become pets, so how do you say “No” to the stray animals your child brings home?

Chances are you already have at least one pet, if not a few more.  If you’ve always said “yes” when your child brings home strays, it may be difficult to say “no” now.  Here are some ideas to help you say no and mean it.

Start by setting some rules for when a stray animal comes to your home:

1.  Always handle an unfamiliar animal carefully.  They may bite if they’re scared or hurt.  Call the local animal control people to come and get it.

2.  All stray animals must be kept outside until a decision is made about them.  You have no idea if the animal is feral or if it has wandered from home.

3.  Every effort will be made to find a stray animal’s original home.  Check for a license or ID tag with a telephone number on it.  If a tag isn’t evident, you will have to check its body.  They may have a tattoo inside the ear, on its gums, or the inner skin of the back legs.

4.  It would be best to turn the animal in at the local shelter.  The owner may be looking for it.

5.  Make flyers with a picture of the animal and a description of it to place around town if you decide to keep the animal at home.  Put contact information on the flyer so the owner can retrieve their pet.

If no one claims the animal you can either take it to a shelter or keep it.  Your child will most likely ask to keep it, even more so if they can’t find an owner.  Now what?

Don’t make a decision immediately.  Tell your child that you need to discuss it with your spouse before a decision is made.  Take time to discuss the prospects of adding a new “member” to the family.  Who will take care of it?  Where will it sleep?  Who will clean up after it?  Can you actually afford another animal?

Suggest to your child that if they want to keep this animal, they have to let one of the other pets go.  While this may seem harsh, it will make your child seriously look at the pet and whether they want it.  If they agree to give away another pet, you may have to take it a step further.

Next ask them if they’d be willing to pay for the veterinarian bills and food for the animal.  If having the animal will cost them something personally they may decide they don’t want to keep it.  However, you may be surprised.

Parents don’t like telling their child “no” but sometimes it is necessary.  In this case you’re not really saying “no” to your child, but to the animal.  After you’ve told them they can’t keep the animal, stick to your guns and don’t back down on your decision.

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Children and pets seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. Sometimes they grow up together, but normally there’s a special bond between them that’s similar to what a child feels for their parent or grandparents. When a pet dies, it’s important to realize that your child is in pain. Here are some things you can do when your child loses their best friend.

* Children need to understand that most animals have a shorter lifespan than humans. It’s important when your child gets a pet to teach them as much as you can about that type of animal, including what their average lifespan is. When the inevitable day comes, you can remind your child that their pet lived a long and happy life because they were a part of your child’s life.

* Let your child know that their pet’s death is not their fault. Reassure your child that they were not responsible for the death, that the animal was older and its heart stopped beating. There wasn’t anything they could have done to change matters.

* When a loved person dies we honor them with a funeral. It might be a good idea to have something similar for much-loved pet. Have your family gather together and remember the good things about the pet. Let the child plan the service to commemorate their pet how they think is best.

* Put together a photo album with various pictures of your child’s pet. This will give them something to look at to help them remember their pet when they start missing it. Your child may even want to write a short story or poem to include in their photo album to express how they felt about their animal.

* Make a special gift to help other animals, such as a gift to the ASPCA in the name of your pet. By doing this, your child can feel good about doing something that will help other animals find loving homes to live in.

* Allow your child time to grieve. Don’t tell them that it’s silly to cry, in fact be honest about how you feel about the loss. It will help your child learn to grieve if they see you do it, too.

* Encourage them to talk about how they feel. Tell them it’s OK if they don’t want to talk about it right after the pet dies, but that you’re available to listen if they do want to talk.

* Wait until your child has had a chance to grieve before buying them a new pet. A new pet can’t replace their old one, but it may help ease the pain somewhat. Again, teach your child about the pet and how long it is expected to live. They may have to go through the process of losing a pet again, but there is a lot of love they can enjoy in the meantime.

Losing a pet is never easy because they give us so much unconditional love. How children react to the death of a pet will help them deal with the death of a human loved one in the future. These tips for helping your child when they lose their best friend may give you the information you need to make the process easier for them.

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Perhaps your family has been thinking about getting a puppy.  If you wait a little while, you can adopt a shelter dog in October.  Not only will you gain a family pet, you will save a life.

Each year the American Society for the Protection of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) sponsors Adopt a Shelter Dog Month as a way to focus people’s attention on the plight of the millions of dogs in shelters across the United States.  Each year they ask people to open their hearts to the dogs that are in the shelters and adopt one of them rather than purchase a pure bred or getting a free one locally.

One reason people surrender dogs to an animal shelter is due to behavior problems.  The dogs may bark too much, chew on things they shouldn’t, or some other reason.  What people don’t realize is that training a dog is not as difficult as they may think.  It can be a great time for the dog and owner to bond, and should be fun for both rather than a chore.

Before going to the shelter to find a new pet, take some time to answer some questions.  These will give you an idea about how ready you are to Adopt a Shelter Dog in October or any other month.

* Am I ready to make the type of long-term commitment owning a dog involves?  Dogs generally live for 15 years or more; are you ready to take care of its every need for that length of time?

* Is my house suitable for a dog?  Some dogs need plenty of room to roam.  If you live in an apartment, this type of dog may not be best for you.

* Is the dog right for my family?  Small dogs may be too delicate if you have little children that are rough on their toys.  Big dogs may run over smaller children.

* Have you decided who will be primarily responsible for taking care of the dog?  An adult would be a better choice than a child since they are less likely to forget to feed and water it.

* Can I afford a new dog?  Caring for pets is more than merely feeding it.  You’ll have to pay the adoption fee, buy food, get the dog toys, and pay for it to visit the veterinarian regularly.

Getting a new dog is an exciting time for those considering it.  You know you want the love and companionship that a dog can bring to a family.  When you think about it and decide you’re ready, consider the Adopt a Shelter Dog in October campaign.  Once you find the right shelter dog, you’ll be glad you went to the shelter to look.

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It’s amazing how much children love babies.  It doesn’t matter if the baby is human or if it has fur.  They’re going to gravitate toward them.  Now they want a new puppy.  Are you ready to bring a puppy into your home?

Whether or not you decide to add a puppy to the family will probably depend upon a number of factors:

1.  You have been discussing the possibility of getting a puppy for some time.

2.  Your children are old enough to realize a puppy is not a toy but a living animal that needs to be taken care of.

3.  Everyone in the family agrees to step up to the plate and help care for the puppy.

4.  Puppies are cute, but they won’t stay that size forever unless they are a small breed dog.  They do grow up, often to be larger than we anticipate.

5.  You are all ready to spend the next 10-15 years taking care of your dog because that’s the average life expectancy for most dogs.

6.  Your family budget will handle the addition of dog food, treats, toys, and veterinarian needs.

Take some time to talk about the possibility of getting a puppy with everyone in the family.  Even toddlers can do something to help care for a puppy.  They can put feed in the dish and maybe give the puppy water.  Someone who is older would have to be responsible for taking the puppy out for a walk and to the bathroom.  Someone will also have to be willing to clean up any messes the puppy might make.

Decide before you bring a puppy home which person will be responsible for what tasks involved in caring for the puppy.  You may even want to make a schedule so everyone knows when they have to feed the puppy, when it needs to go out for the bathroom, when to take it for a walk, how often it needs a bath, and then assign different family members to take on each task.

Baby-proof your house.  This may sound like a funny thing to do, but a puppy is a baby dog and will try to get into things that it shouldn’t.  Find out if your houseplants are poisonous to dogs; if they are, make plans to move them to a higher level where the puppy can’t get to them or remove them from the house entirely.

Take the time to do some research into different breeds of dogs.  Find the one that will fit best within your family dynamics.  Be prepared to obedience train your puppy when it’s old enough.

Puppies are cute and cuddly when they’re little but before long they grow up.  They start chewing on things they shouldn’t and you may wonder why you ever got one to begin with.  On the other hand, they can also give your family a great deal of love, companionship, and devotion.

You and your family are the only ones who can decide if you’re ready to bring a new puppy into the home.  Take your time, do some homework, and then make the best decision you can for everyone involved.

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During infancy.
—————

Cleanliness is essential to the infant’s health. The principal points to which especial attention must be paid by the parent for this purpose are the following:

At first the infant should be washed daily with warm water; and a bath every night, for the purpose of thoroughly cleaning the body, is highly necessary. To bathe a delicate infant of a few days or even weeks old in cold water with a view “to harden” the constitution (as it is called), is the most effectual way to undermine its health and entail future disease. By degrees, however, the water with which it is sponged in the morning should be made tepid, the evening bath being continued warm enough to be grateful to the feelings.

A few months having passed by, the temperature of the water may be gradually lowered until cold is employed, with which it may be either sponged or even plunged into it, every morning during summer. If plunged into cold water, however, it must be kept in but a minute; for at this period, especially, the impression of cold continued for any considerable time depresses the vital energies, and prevents that healthy glow on the surface which usually follows the momentary and brief action of cold, and upon which its usefulness depends. With some children, indeed, there is such extreme delicacy and deficient reaction as to render the cold bath hazardous; no warm glow over the surface takes place when its use inevitably does harm: its effects, therefore, must be carefully watched.

The surface of the skin should always be carefully and thoroughly rubbed dry with flannel, indeed, more than dry, for the skin should be warmed and stimulated by the assiduous gentle friction made use of. For this process of washing and drying must not be done languidly, but briskly and expeditiously; and will then be found to be one of the most effectual means of strengthening the infant. It is especially necessary carefully to dry the arm-pits, groins, and nates; and if the child is very fat, it will be well to dust over these parts with hair-powder or starch: this prevents excoriations and sores, which are frequently very troublesome. Soap is only required to those parts of the body which are exposed to the reception of dirt.

During childhood.
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When this period arrives, or shortly after, bathing is but too frequently left off; the hands and face of the child are kept clean, and with this the nurse is satisfied; the daily ablution of the whole body, however, is still necessary, not only for the preservation of cleanliness, but because it promotes in a high degree the health of the child.

A child of a vigorous constitution and robust health, as he rises from his bed refreshed and active by his night’s repose, should be put into the shower-bath, or, if this excites and alarms him too much, must be sponged from head to foot with salt water. If the weather be very cold, the water may be made slightly tepid, but if his constitution will bear it, the water should be cold throughout the year. Then the body should be speedily dried, and hastily but well rubbed with a somewhat coarse towel, and the clothes put on without any unnecessary delay. This should be done every morning of the child’s life.

If such a child is at the sea-side, advantage should be taken of this circumstance, and seabathing should be substituted. The best time is two or three hours after breakfast; but he must not be fatigued beforehand, for if so, the cold bath cannot be used without danger. Care must be taken that he does not remain in too long, as the animal heat will be lowered below the proper degree, which would be most injurious. In boys of a feeble constitution, great mischief is often produced in this way. It is a matter also of great consequence in bathing children that they should not be terrified by the immersion, and every precaution should be taken to prevent this. The healthy and robust boy, too, should early be taught to swim, whenever this is practicable, for it is attended with the most beneficial effects; it is a most invigorating exercise, and the cold bath thus becomes doubly serviceable.

If a child is of a delicate and strumous constitution, the cold bath during the summer is one of the best tonics that can be employed; and if living on the coast, sea-bathing will be found of singular benefit. The effects, however, of sea-bathing upon such a constitution must be particularly watched, for unless it is succeeded by a glow, a feeling of increased strength, and a keen appetite, it will do no good, and ought at once to be abandoned for the warm or tepid bath. The opinion that warm baths generally relax and weaken, is erroneous; for in this case, as in all cases when properly employed, they would give tone and vigour to the whole system; in fact, the tepid bath is to this child what the cold bath is to the more robust.

In conclusion: if the bath in any shape cannot from circumstances be obtained, then cold saltwater sponging must be used daily, and all the year round, so long as the proper reaction or glow follows its use; but when this is not the case, and this will generally occur, if the child is delicate and the weather cold, tepid vinegar and water, or tepid salt water, must be substituted.

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It should be as like the breast-milk as possible. This is obtained by a mixture of cow’s milk, water, and sugar, in the following proportions.

Fresh cow’s milk, two thirds; Boiling water, or thin barley water, one third; Loaf sugar, a sufficient quantity to sweeten.

This is the best diet that can be used for the first six months, after which some farinaceous food may be combined.

In early infancy, mothers are too much in the habit of giving thick gruel, panada, biscuit-powder, and such matters, thinking that a diet of a lighter kind will not nourish. This is a mistake; for these preparations are much too solid; they overload the stomach, and cause indigestion, flatulence, and griping. These create a necessity for purgative medicines and carminatives, which again weaken digestion, and, by unnatural irritation, perpetuate the evils which render them necessary. Thus many infants are kept in a continual round of repletion, indigestion, and purging, with the administration of cordials and narcotics, who, if their diet were in quantity and quality suited to their digestive powers, would need no aid from physic or physicians.

In preparing this diet, it is highly important to obtain pure milk, not previously skimmed, or mixed with water; and in warm weather just taken from the cow. It should not be mixed with the water or sugar until wanted, and not more made than will be taken by the child at the time, for it must be prepared fresh at every meal. It is best not to heat the milk over the fire, but let the water be in a boiling state when mixed with it, and thus given to the infant tepid or lukewarm.

As the infant advances in age, the proportion of milk may be gradually increased; this is necessary after the second month, when three parts of milk to one of water may be allowed. But there must be no change in the kind of diet if the health of the child is good, and its appearance perceptibly improving. Nothing is more absurd than the notion, that in early life children require a variety of food; only one kind of food is prepared by nature, and it is impossible to transgress this law without marked injury.

There are two ways by the spoon, and by the nursing-bottle. The first ought never to be employed at this period, inasmuch as the power of digestion in infants is very weak, and their food is designed by nature to be taken very slowly into the stomach, being procured from the breast by the act of sucking, in which act a great quantity of saliva is secreted, and being poured into the mouth, mixes with the milk, and is swallowed with it. This process of nature, then, should be emulated as far as possible; and food (for this purpose) should be imbibed by suction from a nursing-bottle: it is thus obtained slowly, and the suction employed secures the mixture of a due quantity of saliva, which has a highly important influence on digestion. Whatever kind of bottle or teat is used, however, it must never be forgotten that cleanliness is absolutely essential to the success of this plan of rearing children.

Te quantity of food to be given at each meal ust be regulated by the age of the child, and its digestive power. A little experience will soon enable a careful and observing mother to determine this point. As the child grows older the quantity of course must be increased.

The chief error in rearing the young is overfeeding; and a most serious one it is; but which may be easily avoided by the parent pursuing a systematic plan with regard to the hours of feeding, and then only yielding to the indications of appetite, and administering the food slowly, in small quantities at a time. This is the only way effectually to prevent indigestion, and bowel complaints, and the irritable condition of the nervous system, so common in infancy, and secure to the infant healthy nutrition, and consequent strength of constitution. As has been well observed, “Nature never intended the infant’s stomach to be converted into a receptacle for laxatives, carminatives, antacids, stimulants, and astringents; and when these become necessary, we may rest assured that there is something faulty in our management, however perfect it may seem to ourselves.”

The frequency of giving food must be determined, as a general rule, by allowing such an interval between each meal as will insure the digestion of the previous quantity; and this may be fixed at about every three or four hours. If this rule be departed from, and the child receives a fresh supply of food every hour or so, time will not be given for the digestion of the previous quantity, and as a consequence of this process being interrupted, the food passing on into the bowel undigested, will there ferment and become sour, will inevitably produce cholic and purging, and in no way contribute to the nourishment of the child.

The posture of the child when fed:- It is important to attend to this. It must not receive its meals lying; the head should be raised on the nurse’s arm, the most natural position, and one in which there will be no danger of the food going the wrong way, as it is called. After each meal the little one should be put into its cot, or repose on its mother’s knee, for at least half an hour. This is essential for the process of digestion, as exercise is important at other times for the promotion of health.

As soon as the child has got any teeth, and about this period one or two will make their appearance, solid farinaceous matter boiled in water, beaten through a sieve, and mixed with a small quantity of milk, may be employed. Or tops and bottoms, steeped in hot water, with the addition of fresh milk and loaf sugar to sweeten. And the child may now, for the first time, be fed with a spoon.

When one or two of the large grinding teeth have appeared, the same food may be continued, but need not be passed through a sieve. Beef tea and chicken broth may occasionally be added; and, as an introduction to the use of a more completely animal diet, a portion, now and then, of a soft boiled egg; by and by a small bread pudding, made with one egg in it, may be taken as the dinner meal.

Nothing is more common than for parents during this period to give their children animal food. This is a great error. “To feed an infant with animal food before it has teeth proper for masticating it, shows a total disregard to the plain indications of nature, in withholding such teeth till the system requires their assistance to masticate solid food. And the method of grating and pounding meat, as a substitute for chewing, may be well suited to the toothless octogenarian, whose stomach is capable of digesting it; but the stomach of a young child is not adapted to the digestion of such food, and will be disordered by it.

It cannot reasonably be maintained that a child’s mouth without teeth, and that of an adult, furnished with the teeth of carnivorous and graminivorous animals, are designed by the Creator for the same sort of food. If the mastication of solid food, whether animal or vegetable, and a due admixture of saliva, be necessary for digestion, then solid food cannot be proper, when there is no power of mastication. If it is swallowed in large masses it cannot be masticated at all, and will have but a small chance of being digested; and in an undigested state it will prove injurious to the stomach and to the other organs concerned in digestion, by forming unnatural compounds. The practice of giving solid food to a toothless child, is not less absurd, than to expect corn to be ground where there is no apparatus for grinding it. That which would be considered as an evidence of idiotism or insanity in the last instance, is defended and practised in the former. If, on the other hand, to obviate this evil, the solid matter, whether animal or vegetable, be previously broken into small masses, the infant will instantly swallow it, but it will be unmixed with saliva. Yet in every day’s observation it will be seen, that children are so fed in their most tender age; and it is not wonderful that present evils are by this means produced, and the foundation laid for future disease.”

The diet pointed out, then, is to be continued until the second year. Great care, however, is necessary in its management; for this period of infancy is ushered in by the process of teething, which is commonly connected with more or less of disorder of the system. Any error, therefore, in diet or regimen is now to be most carefully avoided. ‘Tis true that the infant, who is of a sound and healthy constitution, in whom, therefore, the powers of life are energetic, and who up to this time has been nursed upon the breast of its parent, and now commences an artificial diet for the first time, disorder is scarcely perceptible, unless from the operation of very efficient causes. Not so, however, with the child who from the first hour of its birth has been nourished upon artificial food. Teething under such circumstances is always attended with more or less of disturbance of the frame, and disease of the most dangerous character but too frequently ensues. It is at this age, too, that all infectious and eruptive fevers are most prevalent; worms often begin to form, and diarrhoea, thrush, rickets, cutaneous eruptions, etc. manifest themselves, and the foundation of strumous disease is originated or developed. A judicious management of diet will prevent some of these complaints, and mitigate the violence of others when they occur.

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The first set of teeth, or milk-teeth as they are called, are twenty in number; they usually appear in pairs, and those of the lower jaw generally precede the corresponding ones of the upper. The first of the milk-teeth is generally cut about the sixth or seventh month, and the last of the set at various periods from the twentieth to the thirtieth months. Thus the whole period occupied by the first dentition may be estimated at from a year and a half to two years. The process varies, however, in different individuals, both as to its whole duration, and as to the periods and order in which the teeth make their appearance. It is unnecessary, however, to add more upon this point.

Their development is a natural process. It is too frequently, however, rendered a painful and difficult one, by errors in the management of the regimen and health of the infant, previously to the coming of the teeth, and during the process itself.

Thus, chiefly in consequence of injudicious management, it is made the most critical period of childhood. Not that I believe the extent of mortality fairly traceable to it, is by any means so great as has been stated; for it is rated as high as one sixth of all the children who undergo it. Still, no one doubts that first dentition is frequently a period of great danger to the infant. It therefore becomes a very important question to an anxious and affectionate mother, how the dangers and difficulties of teething can in any degree be diminished, or, if possible, altogether prevented. A few hints upon this subject, then, may be useful. I shall consider, first, the management of the infant, when teething is accomplished without difficulty; and, secondly, the management of the infant when it is attended with difficulty.

Management of the infant when teething is without difficulty. ————————————————————

In the child of a healthy constitution, which has been properly, that is, naturally, fed, upon the milk of its mother alone, the symptoms attending teething will be of the mildest kind, and the management of the infant most simple and easy.

Symptoms:- The symptoms of natural dentition (which this may be fairly called) are, an increased flow of saliva, with swelling and heat of the gums, and occasionally flushing of the cheeks. The child frequently thrusts its fingers, or any thing within its grasp, into its mouth. Its thirst is increased, and it takes the breast more frequently, though, from the tender state of the gums, for shorter periods than usual. It is fretful and restless; and sudden fits of crying and occasional starting from sleep, with a slight tendency to vomiting, and even looseness of the bowels, are not uncommon. Many of these symptoms often precede the appearance of the tooth by several weeks, and indicate that what is called “breeding the teeth” is going on. In such cases, the symptoms disappear in a few days, to recur again when the tooth approaches the surface of the gum.

Treatment:- The management of the infant in this case is very simple, and seldom calls for the interference of the medical attendant. The child ought to be much in the open air, and well exercised: the bowels should be kept freely open with castor oil; and be always gently relaxed at this time. Cold sponging employed daily, and the surface of the body rubbed dry with as rough a flannel as the delicate skin of the child will bear; friction being very useful. The breast should be given often, but not for long at a time; the thirst will thus be allayed, the gums kept moist and relaxed, and their irritation soothed, without the stomach being overloaded. The mother must also carefully attend, at this time, to her own health and diet, and avoid all stimulant food or drinks.

From the moment dentition begins, pressure on the gums will be found to be agreeable to the child, by numbing the sensibility and dulling the pain. For this purpose coral is usually employed, or a piece of orris-root, or scraped liquorice root; a flat ivory ring, however, is far safer and better, for there is no danger of its being thrust into the eyes or nose. Gentle friction of the gums, also, by the finger of the nurse, is pleasing to the infant; and, as it seems to have some effect in allaying irritation, may be frequently resorted to. In France, it is very much the practice to dip the liquorice-root, and other substances, into honey, or powdered sugar-candy; and in Germany, a small bag, containing a mixture of sugar and spices, is given to the infant to suck, whenever it is fretful and uneasy during teething. The constant use, however, of sweet and stimulating ingredients must do injury to the stomach, and renders their employment very objectionable.

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From the first moment the infant is applied to the breast, it must be nursed upon a certain plan. This is necessary to the well-doing of the child, and will contribute essentially to preserve the health of the parent, who will thus be rendered a good nurse, and her duty at the same time will become a pleasure.

This implies, however, a careful attention on the part of the mother to her own health; for that of her child is essentially dependent upon it. Healthy, nourishing, and digestible milk can be procured only from a healthy parent; and it is against common sense to expect that, if a mother impairs her health and digestion by improper diet, neglect of exercise, and impure air, she can, nevertheless, provide as wholesome and uncontaminated a fluid for her child, as if she were diligently attentive to these important points. Every instance of indisposition in the nurse is liable to affect the infant.

And this leads me to observe, that it is a common mistake to suppose that, because a woman is nursing, she ought therefore to live very fully, and to add an allowance of wine, porter, or other fermented liquor, to her usual diet. The only result of this plan is, to cause an unnatural degree of fulness in the system, which places the nurse on the brink of disease, and which of itself frequently puts a stop to the secretion of the milk, instead of increasing it. The right plan of proceeding is plain enough; only let attention be paid to the ordinary laws of health, and the mother, if she have a sound constitution, will make a better nurse than by any foolish deviation founded on ignorance and caprice.

The following case proves the correctness of this statement:

A young lady, confined with her first child, left the lying-in room at the expiration of the third week, a good nurse, and in perfect health. She had had some slight trouble with her nipples, but this was soon overcome.

The porter system was now commenced, and from a pint to a pint and a half of this beverage was taken in the four and twenty hours. This was resorted to, not because there was any deficiency in the supply of milk, for it was ample, and the infant thriving upon it; but because, having become a nurse, she was told that it was usual and necessary, and that without it her milk and strength would ere long fail.

After this plan had been followed for a few days, the mother became drowsy and disposed to sleep in the daytime; and headach, thirst, a hot skin, in fact, fever supervened; the milk diminished in quantity, and, for the first time, the stomach and bowels of the infant became disordered. The porter was ordered to be left off; remedial measures were prescribed; and all symptoms, both in parent and child, were after a while removed, and health restored.

Having been accustomed, prior to becoming a mother, to take a glass or two of wine, and occasionally a tumbler of table beer, she was advised to follow precisely her former dietetic plan, but with the addition of half a pint of barley-milk morning and night. Both parent and child continued in excellent health during the remaining period of suckling, and the latter did not taste artificial food until the ninth month, the parent’s milk being all-sufficient for its wants.

No one can doubt that the porter was in this case the source of the mischief. The patient had gone into the lying-in-room in full health, had had a good time, and came out from her chamber (comparatively) as strong as she entered it. Her constitution had not been previously worn down by repeated child-bearing and nursing, she had an ample supply of milk, and was fully capable, therefore, of performing the duties which now devolved upon her, without resorting to any unusual stimulant or support. Her previous habits were totally at variance with the plan which was adopted; her system became too full, disease was produced, and the result experienced was nothing more than what might be expected.

The plan to be followed for the first six months. Until the breast- milk is fully established, which may not be until the second or third day subsequent to delivery (almost invariably so in a first confinement), the infant must be fed upon a little thin gruel, or upon one third water and two thirds milk, sweetened with loaf sugar.

After this time it must obtain its nourishment from the breast alone, and for a week or ten days the appetite of the infant must be the mother’s guide, as to the frequency in offering the breast. The stomach at birth is feeble, and as yet unaccustomed to food; its wants, therefore, are easily satisfied, but they are frequently renewed. An interval, however, sufficient for digesting the little swallowed, is obtained before the appetite again revives, and a fresh supply is demanded.

At the expiration of a week or so it is essentially necessary, and with some children this may be done with safety from the first day of suckling, to nurse the infant at regular intervals of three or four hours, day and night. This allows sufficient time for each meal to be digested, and tends to keep the bowels of the child in order. Such regularity, moreover, will do much to obviate fretfulness, and that constant cry, which seems as if it could be allayed only by constantly putting the child to the breast. A young mother very frequently runs into a serious error in this particular, considering every expression of uneasiness as an indication of appetite, and whenever the infant cries offering it the breast, although ten minutes may not have elapsed since its last meal. This is an injurious and even dangerous practice, for, by overloading the stomach, the food remains undigested, the child’s bowels are always out of order, it soon becomes restless and feverish, and is, perhaps, eventually lost; when, by simply attending to the above rules of nursing, the infant might have become healthy and vigorous.

For the same reason, the infant that sleeps with its parent must not be allowed to have the nipple remaining in its mouth all night. If nursed as suggested, it will be found to awaken, as the hour for its meal approaches, with great regularity. In reference to night-nursing, I would suggest suckling the babe as late as ten o’clock p. m., and not putting it to the breast again until five o’clock the next morning. Many mothers have adopted this hint, with great advantage to their own health, and without the slightest detriment to that of the child. With the latter it soon becomes a habit; to induce it, however, it must be taught early.

The foregoing plan, and without variation, must be pursued to the sixth month.

After the sixth month to the time of weaning, if the parent has a large supply of good and nourishing milk, and her child is healthy and evidently flourishing upon it, no change in its diet ought to be made. If otherwise, however, (and this will but too frequently be the case, even before the sixth month) the child may be fed twice in the course of the day, and that kind of food chosen which, after a little trial, is found to agree best.

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