A:Toddler diarrhoea is the most common cause of persistent diarrhoea in 1-5 year olds.The poo is often smelly,contains undigested food and can be watery,and children can do up to 10 poos a day.Apart from the inconvenience,diarrhoea is usually harmless and can be improved with diet changes.
Tots with diarrhoea often have a low fat diet.While this is good for adults,children need fat.Try swapping to full fat cow's milk and full fat yogurt and cheese.Stick with the normal amount of vegetables and some fruits,and offer wholemeal bread to boost his fibre intake.Apple juice can be culprit,so cut this out for a while,along with other fruit juices.Avoid fruit squash and fizzy drinks,as the extra sugar won't help.Stick to milk and plenty of water for drinks.
Monday, 18 November 2013
Q:My child takes his comfort blanket everywhere with him,but he's starting nursery soon.Is it time to wean him off it?
A:Comforters,such as blanket or special toy,are useful tool for babies and toddlers.It allows them to seek comfort and reassurance on their own terms,for as long and as often as they need.Despite your best efforts,mum and dad are not always available to reassure him.
Comfort items are particularly useful when your child has a big challenge coming up,like starting nursery.It will remind him of you and of home in those early days,and will probably allow your little one to relax a little and speed up the settling in process.Have a word with the staff and explain how important the blanket is.They'll be used to looking after such treasures.
When your little one's settled into his new environment,you can work together towards leaving it on the peg for short periods and building up to him managing without it.For the time being it really won't matter.
Comfort items are particularly useful when your child has a big challenge coming up,like starting nursery.It will remind him of you and of home in those early days,and will probably allow your little one to relax a little and speed up the settling in process.Have a word with the staff and explain how important the blanket is.They'll be used to looking after such treasures.
When your little one's settled into his new environment,you can work together towards leaving it on the peg for short periods and building up to him managing without it.For the time being it really won't matter.
Sunday, 17 November 2013
Q:I'm worried as my baby only settles to sleep on her tummy.Any advise?
A:Placing babies on their back to sleep is the safest position in terms of reducing the risk of cot death.Some babies might be happier on their tummies due to tummy pain and wind discomfort.Slight pressure on the tummy area may also give some relief from colic.Help ease wind symptoms by gently massaging the abdomen,lower back and buttocks.
To persist with putting her on her back to sleep,as in time she'll adjust and get used to it.Also remember the other important factors of keeping her in a smoke-free environment,putting her feet to the foot of the cot,not letting her overheat,and finally keeping her cot in your room until she's 6 months old.All these routines will be helpful in reducing the risk of cot death.
To persist with putting her on her back to sleep,as in time she'll adjust and get used to it.Also remember the other important factors of keeping her in a smoke-free environment,putting her feet to the foot of the cot,not letting her overheat,and finally keeping her cot in your room until she's 6 months old.All these routines will be helpful in reducing the risk of cot death.
Q:My 7 month old shows no interest in weaning.He only holds the food before dropping it.Help!
A:Don't worry that your baby's not eating much at this stage.Anytime from 6 months is good for weaning,but not all babies will be ready at 6 months.Weaning is a gradual process of smelling,touching and licking foods so your baby is just experimenting.
Carry on offering him a range of finger foods such as toast,pitta breads,cheese,and cooked carrot sticks.Encourage his examination of food with smiles and positive eye contact,and show him how to move on and actually put foods in his mouth.Again,it may take time for him to chew and eventually swallow,but he'll get there.
From 6 months,babies don't really need calories at night,so swap his milk for water to encourage him to eat more during the day,too.
Carry on offering him a range of finger foods such as toast,pitta breads,cheese,and cooked carrot sticks.Encourage his examination of food with smiles and positive eye contact,and show him how to move on and actually put foods in his mouth.Again,it may take time for him to chew and eventually swallow,but he'll get there.
From 6 months,babies don't really need calories at night,so swap his milk for water to encourage him to eat more during the day,too.
Q:My baby has started biting me when I breastfeed.Is it time to stop?
A:Biting is common when babies start to teethe,but isn't an indication that he's ready to wean.Before you make a decision to stop feeding,attempt to discourage his biting first.Although it's difficult,try and avoid a loud scream if he bites as this kind of reaction may either re-enforce the behaviour or scare your baby and put him off feeding.
Instead,quickly remove your baby from the breast,by popping your finger between the breast and his gum.Say a firm 'no' and put him down for a minute.Then latch him on and repeat if he bites again,but leave him off for an extra minute this time.Once babies learn that biting means no feeding,they quickly stop.Biting happens at the end of the feed,so stopping a little early will help.Alternatively,pull your baby in close if you think he'll bite,as this force him to take a breath and come off the breast.Whatever you do,never tap or hit your baby,as he really doesn't want to hurt you.
Instead,quickly remove your baby from the breast,by popping your finger between the breast and his gum.Say a firm 'no' and put him down for a minute.Then latch him on and repeat if he bites again,but leave him off for an extra minute this time.Once babies learn that biting means no feeding,they quickly stop.Biting happens at the end of the feed,so stopping a little early will help.Alternatively,pull your baby in close if you think he'll bite,as this force him to take a breath and come off the breast.Whatever you do,never tap or hit your baby,as he really doesn't want to hurt you.
Saturday, 16 November 2013
Q:Why are my boobs so sore?
I am almoust 12 weeks pregnant,and have had extremely sore and tender breasts the whole time.For the last few days I have noticed that my symptoms have subsided.Is this normal or should I be concerned?
A:It is normal for these early symptoms to subside by the end of the first trimester.Sore and tender breasts are often the first sign of pregnancy,sometimes even before you have a positive pregnancy test,and are caused by the hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin),which is present in increasing amonts during the first trimester.It is this hormone level that is checked for in a positive pregnancy test.These high levels of HCG are also responsible for morning sickness and most other early pregnancy symptoms.By 12 weeks ( the start of the second trimester) HCG levels start to drop,as the placenta takes over the production of the hormones needed.You may find placing a cold,damp flannel on your breasts is soothing,and ensure you are fitted for a supportive bra that is not underwired.Hopefully,you should start to enjoy your pregnancy now!
A:It is normal for these early symptoms to subside by the end of the first trimester.Sore and tender breasts are often the first sign of pregnancy,sometimes even before you have a positive pregnancy test,and are caused by the hormone HCG (human chorionic gonadotrophin),which is present in increasing amonts during the first trimester.It is this hormone level that is checked for in a positive pregnancy test.These high levels of HCG are also responsible for morning sickness and most other early pregnancy symptoms.By 12 weeks ( the start of the second trimester) HCG levels start to drop,as the placenta takes over the production of the hormones needed.You may find placing a cold,damp flannel on your breasts is soothing,and ensure you are fitted for a supportive bra that is not underwired.Hopefully,you should start to enjoy your pregnancy now!
Q:I'm too tired to get fit
My 1 year old wakes up at 5am most days.I'm so tired that just the thought of getting into my gym kit exhausts me,let alone going for a run or doing an exercise DVD!Any ideas?
A:Try doing something that raises your heart rate early on in the day - dance along the radio,sprint up and down the stairs a few times,or take your baby out for a brisk walk.This will boost blood flow to your brain which ,in turn,will help wake you up and increase energy.Then try to incorporate mini-workouts into the rest of your day;forget going to the gym,do some squats while you brush your teeth or tricep dips while you're waiting for dinner to cook.You can even include your baby in your workout.Hold your baby tightly in front of you as you do a couple of sets of squats,or do baby chest-presses lying on your back.You could also sign up for a mum-and-baby outdoor exercise class.If you commit to a course of classes you'll be more likely to go,especially if you sign up with a friend - that way,you will have double the resolve.
A:Try doing something that raises your heart rate early on in the day - dance along the radio,sprint up and down the stairs a few times,or take your baby out for a brisk walk.This will boost blood flow to your brain which ,in turn,will help wake you up and increase energy.Then try to incorporate mini-workouts into the rest of your day;forget going to the gym,do some squats while you brush your teeth or tricep dips while you're waiting for dinner to cook.You can even include your baby in your workout.Hold your baby tightly in front of you as you do a couple of sets of squats,or do baby chest-presses lying on your back.You could also sign up for a mum-and-baby outdoor exercise class.If you commit to a course of classes you'll be more likely to go,especially if you sign up with a friend - that way,you will have double the resolve.
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