The Family Info and News

When babies are born, families usually send out announcements with pictures that introduce their new family member to those who have yet to meet them. Though adoption is not the same as giving birth, an adopted child is just as important and just as exciting. When you go through adoption, you go through a lot, and there is no reason why you should feel anything less than excited about your addition, and everyone else will feel the same. Adoption announcements are a great idea, and they will be welcome by all.

You can set your adoption announcements much the same way that you would if you were putting together a birth announcement. You can give all of the same information, and add a picture if you wish. You will want to word your adoption announcement differently of course, but that shouldn’t be to hard. If you are indeed making these up on your own, you can always look around online to find some examples that others have made, and those can guide you through making your own. If you are fresh out of ideas, this might be just want you need to get your creative juices flowing.

You don’t have to go through making your adoption announcements if you don’t have the time to work on it, or you don’t think you will do a very good job. You can find them in many places, and you can have them special made rather quickly. Make sure you proof them before you okay the final order so that they are perfect, and then make sure you get more than you need. You’ll want to have some of them to put away, one to frame, and there are always some people you forgot when thinking about who you wish to send them out to when they are done.

Don’t forget that adoption announcements aren’t just for children, though that is what most use them for. You can also make them when you adopt a new pet. Some might think you are silly for doing so, but you can do it if you want. Your pet adoption announcements are going to be worded much differently, of course, but they can be just as much fun, and they can mimic the ones you would use for a human addition to your family. You may even find templates for these online as well, and even some companies that can help you design them and print them up for you.

The most important part of any nursery is the crib. You want to make it safe and cozy. No matter what type of crib you get, make sure it conforms to all safety guidelines and standards. Make sure the crib mattress fits snugly against the rails, so the baby can’t get wedged between them. You also want to be sure the crib sheet fits snug and tight, nothing loose or bunched up.

Until the baby is at least a year old, you don’t want to use sheets or blankets. A comforter or quilt should be for decoration only in that first year. Make sure the baby’s sleepwear is clean and soft and appropriate for her age and for the weather. You don’t want them too warm or too light, as babies can’t regulate their own body temperatures at first.

The only crib accessory that you want inside the crib when the baby’s sleeping is perhaps a small, foam wedge that you can use to keep the baby from rolling on her stomach. Sleeping on her back or on her side is the position many experts recommend at first.

The sheets should always be fresh and clean; use unscented detergent in case your baby’s sensitive to fragrances.

Keep the room dust-free and the space underneath the crib clutter-free, so it won’t accumulate dust. If your baby’s sensitive to dust, you don’t want to trigger a bout of sneezing and a runny nose at bedtime or naptime.

Make the room and bed sheeting colors soft and restful. Too much color and contrast will stimulate the baby’s vision and keep her alert, just when you want her to wind down for bedtime or a nap. The baby’s room and crib should be soft and inviting places to be. She has busy days – there’s so much to learn and do! The crib needs to be a place that’s calm and restful for her.

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 liquorices 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 liquorices-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.

Introduction:

Crying is a normal event in the lives of all babies. When a baby comes out of the womb 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 does not cry then it should be initiated by slightly pinching or gently stocking 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 act. 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.

Common reasons for crying :
1. Hunger:–

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

2. Wetting:–

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

3. Company:–

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

4. Tired:–

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

5. Heat & cold:–

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

6. Tight clothing:–

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

7. 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. Off course he will be irritated by strong light resulting in cry.

8. Mosquito:–

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

9. Nasal blocking:–

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

10. Phlegm in throat:–

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

11. General aching:–

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

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

13. Nappy rash:– If a tight and wet nappy is kept for a long time results in this condition.
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, candidacies etc also causes same problems.                                                

14. 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. Earache 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.

15. Colic:–

When the baby cry continuously most of us diagnose it as colic. This problem 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.

16. 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.

17. 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 symptoms and continuous cry.

18. 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 .

19. Gastro esophageal reflex:–

Here baby cries with spilling of food after feeding.If this continues it may be due to gastroe esophageal 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.

20. Dentition:–

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

Some rare reasons
—————–

1. Bowel obstruction:–

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

2. Septicemia:–

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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. Retention of urine:–

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

7. Major injuries:–

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

If you’re new mother, you already know that breastfeeding is best for your baby. But not everyone can successfully breastfeed. What’s important is that your baby gets the nourishment he needs to develop and thrive. If your baby isn’t thriving on breast milk, then you need to switch to formula. There are many different options to choose from.

The brand you choose isn’t important. All formulas are prepared according to FDA regulations which specify minimum and, in some cases, maximum nutrient level requirements for infant formulas, based on recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Nutrition. These regulations and the Infant Formula Act help to make sure that all infant formulas are nutritionally complete and safe for your baby.

The American Academy of Pediatrics does not endorse or recommend that your infant drink any specific brand of formula if you choose not to breastfeed, except they do say that low iron formula should not be used.

Baby formulas mostly differ in the type of sugar and protein that they have. Regular iron fortified infant formulas, such as Similac Advance, Enfamil Lipil, and Nestle Good Start Supreme are made with lactose and cow’s milk based proteins. Most infants who are not breastfeeding exclusively should be given a cow’s milk based iron fortified formula.

Soy formulas are made with soy protein and are lactose free. They are good for children who don’t tolerate lactose or milk proteins.

Elemental formulas are also lactose free and are made with hydrolysate proteins, which are easy to digest for infants with protein allergies. If you have a family history of food allergies or formula intolerances, you might choose to start your baby off with a soy or elemental formula if you do not want to breastfeed.