Posts Tagged ‘nappies’

Common health problems
When should I consult
a doctor?
No parent can avoid the difficult or anxious questions about their child’s health, particularly when it is a first child citalopram adhd . As adults, we are usually able to assess our own situation but how can you know about the sickness or health of a baby who doesn’t say or indicate anything?
The guidelines given below can serve as an aid to finding your way around this ‘unknown territory mixing a dilantin drip .’ It should be remembered that these are general guidelines which do not always apply to a unique and specific situation tamoxifen trazadone interaction .
Fever
When the body temperature is over 38°C (100 coumadin and dentist .4°F) this constitutes a fever discontinue paxil .
How high can the temperature be allowed to go’? How long may the fever last? When can a fever be harmful?
These are common questions which indicate that fever is a source of anxiety, and which also reveal that fever is seen as an enemy cymbalta thyroid medicine . It may be surprising to hear that the doctor will not only be interested in exactly what the child’s temperature is, but also in its general state; for example, a child with an appendicitis and a temperature of 38 imuran and crohn’s disease .5°C (101 zetia enhance .3°F) is much more seriously ill than a child with a cold and a temperature of 40 hcg level 15500 success rate methotrexate .4°C (104 maximum dose effexor sr .7°F) lipitor memory loss side effect . Meningitis is not
necessarily accompanied by a high temperature either, and yet it is a very serious disease prednisone leg cramps . In fact, a fever is the way in which the organism combats the bacteria or virus; they are conquered by the heat caffeine content in diet mt dew .
Seen in this light, fever is more of a friend than a foe, and inhibiting the fever is not very sensible primary difference albuterol to levalbuterol . The most important question when a child has a fever is whether it seems unwell ultram rx drug . Is the child actually ill or actually quite well, but with a fever? It is certainly not easy to describe what is meant by ‘really ill lithium lyircs .’
For a child under one, the level of consciousness is very important; a child with fever may be sleepy, but it must be able to wake up celgard lithium seperator market share . If a child is dozy and cannot really wake up, this is a bad sign marijuana effects on lithium .
Taking liquids is also very important toprol xl genaric . The smaller the child and the higher the fever, the more vulnerable the system is to dehydration post pacemaker insertion antibiotic cephalexin . On the other hand, dehydration occurs virtually only with gastroenteritis (diarrhea and vomiting) with a fever man health carisoprodol . If there is no diarrhea, you can tell from the wet nappies how often the child is urinating; twice in 24 hours is an absolute minimum information on requip . If a child urinates more often, there is generally no question of dehydration compare prozac to wellbutrin . If you use disposable nappies, it is sometimes difficult to ascertain how much a child has urinated cipro with food .
For the respiratory system, coughing and breathlessness are important symptoms cellcept 500 mg risks . A small child who can-not breathe easily (except if it has a blocked nose) is obviously sick; coughing can originate in the lungs or in the mucus membranes of the nose ginseng and caffeine . If a cough is a nuisance, leads to breathlessness or is persistent, it is necessary to consult a doctor buy genuine prozac .
Crying vehemently or for long periods can be a sign of pain bhc company synthesis of ibuprofen . If a child with a cold and a fever cries particularly when it is put down, or suddenly and repeatedly wakes up crying, this is a probable sign of a middle ear infection inr and coumadin . A middle ear infection is very painful, and it is good to use medicines for this in consultation with the doctor (see also earache, p expired tramadol . 101) generic imitrex .
Fevers are also common in the case of gastroenteritis, as indicated above If the baby only has diarrhea, it is good to give her extra liquids in addition to the adapted feeds using tegretol to treat adhd . When a child throws everything up, it is pointless to give feeds or liquids; in this case, it is certainly a good idea to consult the doctor seroquel addiction .
The most common situations in which a child has fever have been described above We have tried to explain that the accompanying symptoms are more important than the actual temperature motrin side effects eyesight . A fever in itself is never harmful, even if it is as high as 41 ivermectin and paralysis .7°C (107°F), which seems to be about the highest possible fever heartburn nexium . It is not possible to give a general rule about how long a fever might last pros and cons about viagra . In a small child, it certainly seems sensible to consult a doctor
if she has had a fever for three days, because of her vulnerability how to get off citalopram . If you are anxious, you can obviously consult the doctor earlier ratio citalopram .
Many parents are afraid of febrile convulsions missouri celebrex attorney . Parents whose child has had such a convulsion once are particularly anxious because they are so frightening orlistat substitute . A convulsion lasts a short while (maximum five minutes) and is an attack in which the child convulses and wholly, or partly, loses consciousness premarin suplements . The convulsion almost always occurs during a period when the fever is rising, as it is going up very quickly aciphex tabs . Once the fever is at a high level, there is very little chance of a convulsion generic names for norvasc . A convulsion does not do any damage, and is not a sign of epilepsy sales of tequin . If the attack lasts longer than five minutes it may be necessary to consider epilepsy, and the child should be examined more thoroughly soma titannium folding bikes .
Convulsions occur up to the age of four years plavix and generic . Once a child has had a convulsion, she may have another convulsion the next time she has a fever, though this does not necessarily happen drug interactions norvasc abilify strattera .
It is not a good idea to suppress the fever with fever suppressants testosterone types us europe . In fact, the chances are that the fever will actually go up again when the suppressant ceases to have an effect, and that this might lead to a convulsion ditropan cl er .
One of the treacherous things is that during the first weeks after birth the child can actually respond to an infection with a very low temperature, instead of with a fever ketoconazole cyp3a inhibit pdf . This also reveals that it is not the temperature that is the important thing, but actually the child’s condition urinary problems using depakote .
When the child’s condition requires this, for example, if she is delirious, it is a good idea to give her a lemon wrap (see procedure and illustration on p ketoconazole 200mg marketed in us . I I I ) celexa long term . The baby’s trunk, and particularly the feet must be warm, also after the wrap augmentin vs omnicef . The fever will usually drop by half a degree as a result of the wrap complete caffeine database . which can be removed after half an hour augmentin intermediate antibiotic .
If there is no change in the baby’s condition and her feet are still warm, you can prepare a new wrap levaquin induced c diff . When the child is asleep, the wrap can simply be left in place testosterone for acne .
Mreating health problems in the first year
In general, it may be said that a sick child needs extra care, and that resting (in bed) is very important penicillin with naproxen . If the carer feels confident about the way diings are, and is not afraid of the situation, this will give the child a sense of security which will help her to get over the illness how dangerous is aleve . It is not a good idea to bathe a child while she is ill, as the loss of temperature which results from this requires too much strength triamcinolone acet .
Immediately after birth, small problems may arise which can usually be treated with simple reme
dies lexapro heavy exercise . If you do not trust the situation or do not know what to do, contact the nurse and/or doctor pseudoephedrine 12hr .
Stomach cramps (colic)
Between the ages of six weeks and three months, many children (one in six) suffer from stomach cramps (colic) diet pills zantac . The child cries loudly, bangs her head back and pulls up her legs allegra musical . She likes to be held upright and carried around phenergan dependency . Holding the baby firmly and wrapping her up warm in a blanket often helps her to relax don’t take allegra before a triathlon . If this is not sufficient, swaddling is a tried and tested remedy (see p drug test wellbutrin .29 and 108) iv lopressor for acute mi . Also keep a eye on your own stress level!
—A warm cloth with camomile oil (see p could celexa cause a late period . I 11), some sieved camomile tea, or Weleda Baby and Child Bath in the bathwater can also have a relaxing effect neurontin vs percoset .
— Some copper ointment on the stomach can help to treat the cramps metformin stomach upset . Apply the ointment with a warm hand, in rotating movements around the navel, in a clockwise direction tramadol with cheapest prices and cod .
— Fennel tea (see p drug tizanidine effect . I 10) can help if you hear gurgling noises in the stomach and the child has a lot of wind cialis softtabs free .
If the child needs complete relaxation, a bath with camomile tea can be very restful web nexium . This bath should only be given if the child is not ill in any other way viagra tiajuana . It may be necessary to adapt the mother’s diet in consultation with the nurse or baby clinic caffeine and constipation .
Blocked nose
Many newborn babies have a blocked nose flagyl v . You can hear this because the baby makes a sort of grunting noise; drinking is more difficult because the baby has to take in air all the time and she keeps letting go of the breast or bottle lithium ion battery performance .
You can give her some physiological saline drops hydroxyzine ecezma . These are sold at the chemist, and if necessary, you can make them yourself by dissolving one teaspoon of salt in a glass of tepid water; place one drop in each nostril with a dropper before giving the feed worst problems with prednisone . Never use cold water, as this is an unpleasant feeling for the child, and do not give any more because this will lead to too much salt in the stomach lopressor iv dose . Using mild nose balm (Wala), on and around the nose can also be helpful can pravachol cause hip pain .
Sticky eyes
In the beginning, the eyes may become inflamed now and again with yellow crusts does wellbutrin make you emotional . Often the eyes are completely gummed up depakote er tablet design . This may be because the tear ducts are not yet open, and you cannot really do anything about this in the first year ketoconazole drug interactions .
What you must do is to clean the eyes as soon as the child wakes up prednisone mri . This can be done by carefully rubbing the eye clean with a piece of cotton wool soaked in tepid camomile tea or cooled boiled water (camomile has disinfectant properties), and rubbing it from the outside in, towards the tearduct erythromycin opthalmic ointment . Take a
new piece of cotton wool every time you pass it across the eye flomax sa .
White spots in the mouth
If there are white spots on the inside of the mouth which do not disappear, this is probably a case of thrush ingredients in augmentin . It is advisable to clean the mouth after every feed with a cloth and some fungal inhibiting remedy lithium polymer batteries 24-48 volt . We mention a number of household remedies here carisoprodol does in long stay system . Depending on the seriousness of the complaint, it is possible to see whether the baby responds well to one or more of the following remedies:
— Molkosan (Vogel) diluted in a ratio of I to 4
— blueberry juice, diluted in a ratio of I to 10
— Weleda mouth water, diluted in a ratio of 1 to 50
— camomile tea
Wind a cotton cloth or a piece of gauze around your finger, moisten it with one of the above-mentioned solutions and get the baby to suck on this ibuprofen advil or bayer . Treat the breasts with this remedy after every feed as well (see also cracked nipples, p seroquel cost .59) hyponatremia citalopram . If these remedies do not help, or if the baby is sick, has problems with drinking, diarrhea and/or a red bottom, consult the baby clinic about this problem in good time sertraline hcl .
Also take a number of hygienic measures to prevent re-infection motrin adverse reactions . Wash nappies, bibs, breast compresses and sheets at 90°C (194°F) buy compounded testosterone creams .
contact with the baby’s mouth every day; don’t forget your own hands actos and diaheria .
The fungus which causes thrush can get into the baby’s stools; it is a good idea to treat the bottom promptly with baby balm (Weleda), or zinc oil to prevent the baby’s bottom from being affected dong levothyroxine . If the condition is accompanied by diarrhea, it is advisable to consult a doctor ic and ibuprofen .
Spots on the face
(milk spots or baby acne)
At first, spots on the face are very common testosterone replacement testimonials pics . Usually, they disappear by themselves after a few weeks celexa sideeffects .
Teething
The baby’s first teeth can be very painful dog ate aleve . He will suddenly start to cry loudly, chew on everything, dribble a lot and may suffer from diarrhea and a red bottom evista min . It is helpful to massage the gums or give the baby a teething ring and possibly some grains of Chamomilla radix D3 1995 intagra .
Earache
If the child wakes up screaming in the night, grabbing hold of his ear, this could be a sign of an ear infection 40 hr lithium battery . The pain increases when the child is lying down crush flomax per tube . In many cases, the child will have been difficult and active before this at the end of the day cause of low testosterone . If you press on the bone just in front of the ear, this really hurts, which indicates that there is probably an ear infection opening cephalexin capsules .
The following measures are certainly worth trying: place an onion compress (see p tamoxifen for prevention of breast cancer .110) behind the painful red ear, and if possible hold it there for the night herbal viagra guy almighty . Drip some physiological saline drops into the nostrils (see ‘Blocked nose,’ p effect of warfarin on the ptt .99); slightly raise the head end of the bed, for example, by placing a pillow under the mattress boniva and weight gain .
If the ear infection persists, you must call a doctor sertraline rx .
A snuffly baby
Children may suffer from a constant runny nose ciprofloxacin and amoxicillin ulcer . This can be reduced by placing a slice of lemon under the feet, covered by a sock, by placing a sliced onion next to the bed or by dripping a physiological saline drops into the nostrils (see ‘blocked nose,’ p levofloxacin resistance gonnorhea .99) ultram vicodin interaction .
Coughs and colds
For these complaints, it is important that the child is warmly dressed, paying particular attention to the chest and back as regards warmth oscillopsia prozac . In this case, woollen and silk underclothes are really essential (see p itraconazole cost .27) clindamycin 150 mg use .
Drinking sage tea (made in the same way as ordinary tea) and rubbing the chest and back with thyme oil (Wala) can also be helpful furosemide in diabetics .
Red bottom
When the child starts teething, his bottom may suddenly be bright red, and the skin can even be broken citalopram tabs 20mg . This will disappear again when the teeth have come through completely nettles testosterone .
In this case it is important to clean the bottom carefully with oil or water, to dry it thoroughly, possibly with a hair dryer and to apply baby balm (Weleda), mercurialis ointment (Weleda, Wala), zinc ointment or an ointment prescribed by the doctor atorvastatin litigation 2008 . Different sorts of diapers (nappies) may also improve matters testosterone dominance . If the condition is caused by thrush, you should consult the doctor determining acetylsalicylic acid content of asprin .
Watery diapers (nappies)
If a child produces a large number of watery nappies every day, it has diarrhea and you should contact the doctor does celebrex help with lung disease . This can be caused by gastroenteritis, teething or thrush nexium interaction . Babies in particular lose a lot of moisture and minerals when they have diarrhea, and this can result in dehydration augmentin alcohol .
When the nappies merely have thin stools, but not watery stools, it is possible to try some dietary measures first side efffects simvastatin .
In principle, it is always possible to go on brewstfeeding, even if the baby has diarrhea coumadin eruption . If the baby is bottle fed, give it some extra liquid such as rice water and if the baby has cereals in the bottle or supplements, add rice flour or rice flakes simvastatin contamination . Pureed apple, banana, toast and rusks have a constipating effect, carrots are neutral ultram stomach ache .
Constipation
The child is constipated if the stools are hard and there are only sporadic stools in the diapers (nappies) at intervals of a few days, produced with
a great deal of difficulty and sometimes pain coumadin spots brain mri . Babies which are only breastfed are never really constipated with hard stools, even though there may be no bowel movements for up to a week effectiveness of zoloft . It may happen with babies who are bottle fed propecia called in . In this case, add some moisture and some extra oil (1 teaspoon of sunflower or olive oil to one bottle a day) or, if the child is ready for it, some orange juice or the water that prunes have been soaked in cialis dysfunction erectile .
Cold feet
Small children often have cold feet and sometimes cold lower legs vytorin and anger . This is not very desirable, as described earlier, p viagra for animals .24 can lithium cause tardive dyskinesia .
It helps to put on a pair of extra warm socks, rub the feet with copper ointment, or place a hot water bottle in the bed, removing it before putting the baby to bed effects of synthroid . You can discuss this at the baby clinic prednisone treat ment for ms .
Swimming for babies
In recent years, swimming has become very popular for babies dogs tramadol hcl . One of the reasons given for this is that children enjoy it so much soma detection . However, we question this obvious pleasure amoxil package insert .
When a baby goes swimming it inevitably cools down a great deal nexium renova wetrack it . In addition, she is exposed to chlorinated water which has a damaging effect on her skin, so that there is an increased susceptibility to infection oral health fosamax . The question also arises whether exposing a child to a large, often noisy, place is appropriate, as a young child obviously needs a sense of quiet security interaction between verapamil and statins . Finally, there is plenty of time to enjoy swimming later on, when the child is a toddler cephalexin syphillis .
Folic acid for a new pregnancy?
For over a decade, a campaign has been in place advising women who wanted to become pregnant to take folic acid tablets while trying to conceive and for the first three months of pregnancy gabapentin me . Taking folic acid was aimed at reducing the chances of having a child with spina bifida or other neural tube deficiencies lopressor dry skin .
The advice was to take a tablet of 0 methotrexate liver cancer .4 mg of folic acid every day from four weeks before fertilization until twelve weeks after tramadol withdraw help . In practice, this amounts to taking folic acid as soon you try to become pregnant high dose of amoxicillin . If you have an unplanned pregnancy, it is still possible to take these tablets for twelve weeks after fertilization lexapro bleeding side effects . The tablets are available from chemists, pharmacists, health food shops, even supermarkets seroquel stories .
Women with an increased risk (see below) are also advised to take 0 amoxicillin in pill form .4 mg, while women who have already had a child with spina bifida should take a higher dosage of folic acid, under the supervision of their doctor, midwife or gynaecologist caduet dose . Multivitamin compounds are not
advisable, unless prescribed by the doctor, because of the danger of overdosing on certain vitamins risperdal work side effects .
Not everyone will automatically want to follow this advice and start taking extra tablets for such a natural process as pregnancy does paxil show up as benzos . Nevertheless, it is impossible to ignore the option nowadays and when deciding whether or not to take the folic acid tablets, it may be helpful to be aware of a number of facts how does prednisone affect your period .
The chance of having a child with a spinal column defect, a defect in the development of the nervous system, is normally not very great at a very early stage of pregnancy premarin resonance . It occurs on average in 1 in 700 children 1000mg augmentin xr .
The seriousness of this defect varies a great deal phenergan for migraines . In some of the children, the disorder is so serious that it is incompatible with life and the child only lives fora few days avandaryl and heart attack . Children who have spina bifida live with a handicap in the form of intestinal and bladder abnormalities and paralysis geodon fatigue .
A number of factors play a role in the development of a defect in the spinal column and cord, though these are only partially understood how to use viagra . However, it is clear that hereditary factors play a role (the disorder is found in the family), and that the use of certain medicines for epilepsy or diabetes can result in an increased risk propecia and testosterone levels . These women have a so-called increased risk quitting effexor three weeks after quitting . In addition, the availability of certain foods also plays a role clindamycin dose for humans .
Research has shown that women who have already had a child with a defect in the spinal cord, and who take a fairly high dosage of folic acid during the first stage of their next pregnancy, have 70% less chance of having a child with the same disorder trazodone for teenagers . Research on women taking folic acid without the risk factors, revealed a reduction in the chance of this disorder by 50% viagra 100mg sildenafil citrate pfizer labs .
Folic acid is a vitamin in the vitamin B group, which is naturally found in many foods such as vegetables, fruit, cereals, pulses, dairy products and meat wellbutrin and cold medicine . It plays a role in the rapid division of cells in tissue fluoxetine remicad and prednisone . This obviously takes place in the developing child, and in adults, it plays a role in the mucus membranes of the intestines stock dose of salbutamol . It is not known exactly how the mechanism of folic acid works, but it is obvious that folic acid is essential soma pharmacy online sale .
The average European diet includes approximately 0 ultram show available .25 mg of folic acid per day allegra s window . It is assumed that tinder normal circumstances this is sufficient risperdal and anxiety . Under certain circumstances, for example, with the use of the contraceptive pill, the folic acid requirement is slightly increased safe testosterone supplement . In view of the results of the above-mentioned research, the need for folic acid is probably also greater than 0 taste impairment amoxycillin .25 mg during pregnancy clomiphene and menstruation . The exact requirement is not known flesh caffeine free mp3 .
The advice assumes that 0 flomax versus uroxatral .4 rng per day covers the extra need for
folic acid, even in women with an increased risk time of onset for penicillin reaction . Women who have already had a child with a defect in the spinal cord are advised to take a much higher dosage, that is, 5 mg per day purchase nolvadex pharmacy rx on line . It is assumed that these doses are not harmful amiodarone shiny skin hands . Certainly there are no known side effects dose of doxycycline for a cat . It is only when extremely high doses of folic acid were given in animal tests that there were harmful effects on the kidneys and nervous system ruffert bendamustine 1989 and vincristine prednisone .
Therefore, folic acid reduces the chance of a disorder but does not prevent it in all cases premarin horse farms .
On the basis of the knowledge available at the moment, you will have to choose whether or not to take these folic acid tablets weaning a dog off prednisone . For example, if you took the contraceptive pill before becoming pregnant, this could be an argument to take it how to take clomid for invitro . In cases of doubt, it is certainly a good idea to consult the doctor glucophage xr 500 mg .
It is not an easy matter to achieve a dose of 0 using augmentin in cats .4 mg through diet, in view of the quantities of vegetables and fruits which would have to be eaten orthocept 28 mircette . On the other hand, someone who did not want to take the tablets could take products rich in folic acid into account in their diet hypothyroid symptoms go away with thyroxine . These include broccoli, asparagus, sprouts, beetroot, strawberries, elderberries, buckthorn, berries, bananas, pears, oranges and wholewheat products long term lithium ion battery . Like vitamin C, folic acid is sensitive to heat batterywholesale com lithium battery cross reference .

Toys and playing
A newborn baby has a special relationship with the world around it. In the first place, the child and his world are still one, and all the impressions from that world have a

deep effect on the child’s organism. This applies to the baby’s food, but also for impressions, such as the arms rocking him or the sound of lullabies.
In addition, we find that everything the child does is a form of play. The whole voyage of discovery of his own body takes place with great perseverance, as well as with great

joy. For example, the child sees and discovers his hands and puts them together. Although these are uncontrolled movements at first, the baby practises this hand-eye

coordination time and time again. The pleasure he gets from this is quite tangible.
The baby needs very few toys during his first year, actually no more than what is available in the home in terms of safe and attractive shapes, and what you can make simply

yourself. The fewer objects in the child’s environment, the more thoroughly these will be explored, held, sucked and eventually understood. If the child has too many toys he

cannot
choose; attention to the world, interest and concentration can actually be practised best when the child has few objects around him.
Background music should also be avoided. It distracts the child from listening to the sounds produced by his own activities.
Every object should be simple and straightforward, so that it leaves something to the child’s imagination.
We should focus our attention not only on the safety of the material, but also ask ourselves whether the child can gain different experiences. A piece of wood has a particular

weight, which can be felt and a grain which can be examined with the fingertips. Both elements reveal very different things from a cuddly toy. The child’s gaze can be captured

by bright colours and rigid, caricatured shapes; his eyes are powerfully drawn to the object, and it is no longer possible to pay attention to it in a free and playful way. This

applies to an extreme extent with regard to television.
It is a good idea to alternate playing alone and playing together. On the one hand, it is good for the child’s development to learn to play alone and experience things in a

quiet, peaceful atmosphere. On the other hand, the parent and child can gain a great deal of pleasure, for example, from playing games while the child sits on his parent’s lap,

giving and taking bricks and so on. The practical sections of this book explore further possibilities in greater detail.
Play is an essential element in a child’s life. It is a preparation for being able to work with concentration and enthusiasm in adult life.
Safety
The child’s safety is an important part of upbringing. Parents can avoid many dangerous situations, though not all, by taking safety measures in and around the house.
Keeping an eye on the child, knowing where he is and what he is doing, is the second important factor with regard to safety at home.
The third factor is concerned with teaching the child. You can teach your child safe behaviour by helping him to learn to recognise dangerous situations, by teaching all sorts

of skills properly (going up and down stairs, cycling etc.) and by insisting on obedience, particularly with regard to safety. This third factor, teaching safety, hardly plays

any role during the first year. Safety measures in and around the house are discussed in the practical section of the book (see Chapters 3-6).
Many children learn to do something new at a time when you are not really expecting it. Suddenly they appear to be able to roll over or stand up in their cot. Anticipate these

situations and make sure that you take the right safety precautions in good time. The description of successive psychomotor skills may help in this respect.
Parents’ behaviour also contributes to making the environment more or less safe. Clear discipline in the home, clear habits and customs, a good safety routine and clear
agreements    also with brothers
and sisters will increase safety. Nevertheless, it is an art to remember these, even in unexpected situations (the telephone ringing, unexpected visits etc).
Keeping an eye on the child in the first few months mainly means not leaving the baby alone on the dressing table or wherever you change his nappies, and knowing whether there

are any brothers, sisters or pets near him. From the moment that the baby starts to crawl, stand and walk, it becomes increasingly important to keep an eye on him, because the

area in which he moves becomes larger and larger.

Care
Boundaries
Birth is an immense change for the baby. Her whole physiology changes fundamentally and she experiences a completely new environment. The boundaries of the womb are left behind and she enters a ‘boundless’ world. In the womb, the child was able to grow harmoniously, protected from the world.
This reveals that everything that is developing requires a protective environment. With a newborn baby, and actually throughout childhood, this protective environment is constantly provided to establish firm foundations for later life. Unconsciously, the child is constantly reminded of the situation in the womb, which is related to an experience of security, safety, protection and fundamental confidence.
Warmth
The womb not only protects the embryo from the world; it also surrounds it with an even temperature of 37°C (98.6°F). A ‘warm environment’ is provided in the best possible way.
After birth, a child has to learn to maintain her own body temperature at a constant level, at first with the help of adults. She must interrelate the warm and cold parts of the body. This is achieved by means of a sensitive metabolic process which generates heat.
Normal growth and the development of the normal physical processes are also dependent on this metabolism. All the heat which the baby does not have to produce herself in order to maintain her temperature at the right level will benefit growth.
It takes the child a long time to regulate her own temperature; the normal difference of PC (2°F). between the body temperature during the night and the day is achieved by most children between their fifth and ninth months. Up to that time they are extremely dependent on the extra warmth provided in the form of good physical care, clothes, and hot water bottles used to warm the cradle before they are placed in it.
The ability to distinguish whether something is hot or cold is learnt during the initial period. The better this ability has been developed by providing sufficient warmth in childhood, the better the child can use it at a later age.
Cold feet are an important sign that extra attention should be devoted to regulating the child’s temperature. A baby should have warm feet, warm legs, a warm body and warm arms.
Special attention to warmth also has another significance. A warm environment helps the child to ‘warm up’ for life on earth. However, our motto is not ‘the warmer, the better,’ because always being dressed in too many clothes or being covered up can actually make a child either drowsy or very restless, and overheating can be very dangerous. Detailed research has revealed that there is a relationship between overheating and cot death. Duvets and synthetic materials can especially cause overheating. Therefore we certainly advise against using these.
In our view, the important thing is to learn to observe the needs of the child with regard to warmth, and to read the signs when more or less warmth needs to be provided in the form of clothes, bedding or ambient heating. The body temperature of the child is the most important thermometer, and in a healthy baby, this fluctuates around 37°C (98.6°F). You can learn to take the baby’s temperature with your hands so that you can literally feel how the child is regulating its own temperature. In the first week or two after birth, take the baby’s temperature every day, as well as feeling how warm she is. Then start testing yourself: feel how warm the baby is, then predict her temperature and check with the thermometer for a few days. If your predictions are correct, you will only have to take the baby’s temperature when you are doubtful or if she is sick.
Impressions
Everything we do, feel and think around the child is assimilated by the child. She is still completely open and has a boundless trust in the environment. The buffer which
we have between ourselves and the world as adults is formed by recognising and understanding that world. A small child is not yet able to do this. Up to about the third year, the child identifies with the environment in which she is living in a very natural way. This is followed by a stage in which thinking gradually assumes set patterns, and the child leans to distinguish herself from the outside world. For the first time, she makes a distinction between her own individuality and the world which is perceived. In this light it is understandable that first memories only go back to the third year, and there are no, or very few, memories before this.
The child is one big sensory organ. Up to the third year, all impressions are assimilated in an uninhibited way and disappear into the subconscious. There they are combined with other physical processes, and a sort of print is made; it is as though the child models the influences of the environment in its own `clay.’ Therefore, it is important that we are aware of what ‘goes into’ the child — also for later on.
Example. A child in a boat on the water, experiences the swell, feels the sunlight on her skin and the wind in her hair, smells the odour of water and fish, is taking in healthy impressions which build up the whole organism. The situation is quite different for a child at a department store who is placed in a rotating ship, which goes round and round when a coin is placed in the machine. The child will enjoy both these experiences, but they affect the organism in significantly different ways. The ‘boat on the water’ situation sounds idyllic; this is usually a vacation experience. However, there are also impressions closer to home, which can be constructive and have the above-mentioned character
Positive, constructive impressions are those impressions in which the natural origin of materials, sounds etc, can be perceived by the child. For hearing, these are the sounds of people and animals, and natural sounds such as the rustling of the wind. For sight, they are natural colours. For the sense of touch, they are materials such as wool, cotton, silk, wood, sand and water.
Many domestic appliances such as vacuum cleaners, washing machines, radio, television and plastic toys were created as a result of human technical ingenuity. For children, these are actually an abstraction, lacking in natural connection.
Radio, television and plastic toys are things you can consciously choose to have or not to have in a small child’s immediate environment. With household appliances, you can take care to minimize the sound in the baby’s immediate environment. So-called ‘white noise’
from household appliances is not a good idea for the young child as it blocks out normal impressions. Autistic children can also become obsessed by white noise. Playing a lyre, humming or singing are better background sounds for the child.
Simple actions such as washing hands, or sweeping up with a dustpan and brush in the child’s presence show how things are done. These actions are enjoyable and you can invite children to imitate them.
The feelings of people around the child also have an effect. It is obvious that a child will thrive best in a genuine atmosphere of joy and warmth. This has a positive effect. But there is not a parent in the world that is always cheerful and relaxed at every moment of the day (and night). It is worth aiming to achieve these qualities, but at times when you do not succeed, you must take them for what they are — also real human emotions. In every family there are days when everything goes pear-shaped and the ideal image of a happy family seems a long way off. Humour is always a good remedy. It can be a relief if you can laugh about yourself and the situation.
The needs which were mentioned above — that is, the need for boundaries, warmth and positive impressions — make great demands on the environment. It means that parents must have clear insight and a good level of empathy to get things right: too cold or too warm, too many im-pressions or too quiet, well-protected or not enough room to breathe?
From this point of view, we would like to discuss a number of practical aspects of childcare.
Clothes
Clothes are like a second skin, which support the functions of the skin. The skin helps to regulate body temperature and protects us from infections. In addition, the skin is a sensory organ with which we perceive the environment. These three functions are most effectively supported with clothes made of wool, silk, cotton or hemp. These fibres are preferable as they provide sense impressions from a natural source via the skin, which help the child to build up its body. Other fibres are more alien, and even viscose, which is made from cotton or wood, is processed quite strongly, in a way which is now known to be quite polluting.
Wool
Sheep’s wool protects the sheep from heat and cold, rain and toxic waste. The curls trap the warm air around the sheep’s skin. The wool keeps out the rain, and waste products are absorbed and emitted through the wool via perspiration.
All these qualities are found in woollen clothes. The warmth of the wool protects the child from cooling down too quickly and supports her unstable heat regulation system which cannot yet retain body heat.
Its absorbent capacity (30 to 40%) ensures that the child remains comfortably dry. The quality of the wool depends on the age of the sheep, the animal’s diet and health, as well as the way in which the wool was turned into clothing.
Finely knitted woollen vests are available, which forma soft, flexible outer skin. Woollen jumpers and cardigans should be loose fitting so that they are easy to put on and take off. Woollen pants are wonderful to use over cotton nappies. They can be knitted easily, preferably from slightly greasy sheep’s wool, and are ideal for absorbing moisture and neutralizing the waste products in urine.
A woollen shawl will keep the baby warm when there are fluctuations in temperature. Woollen socks will also keep the feet nice and warm. Furthermore, wool does not attract dirt, and therefore woollen clothes do not have to washed as often as cotton clothes, though they do have to be aired regularly.
Silk
The silkworm spins its cocoon of silk thread, in which the worm is sealed off from any negative external influences. The silk is made under the influence of sunlight — at sunset, the silkworm stops spinning, and at sunrise, it starts work again.
If you use silk in clothes, you will feel its enclosing qualities. Furthermore, silk can absorb 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp. In addition, silk retains heat when it is cold and releases heat when it is warm. That is why silk is worn especially in summer. Silk and, in particular, knitted silk is an excellent basic material for vests, but it is advisable to put a woollen vest over the silk vest as well.
Children who are sensitive to wool against the skin, and children who are very sensitive to impressions and consequently become restless, will benefit from wearing a silk vest.
Cotton
Cotton is widely used nowadays for children’s clothes, especially as this material can be washed so easily in the washing machine. At the same time, it should be said that it actually has to be washed often because it attracts dirt easily. Cotton can absorb 20% of its own weight in moisture.
As cotton cannot absorb heat, this passes easily through the material to the outside air. Consequently, this material is not the best choice for a child’s underclothes throughout the year. Furthermore, the way in which cotton is grown is not particularly environmentally friendly, and chemical products are often used in the treatment of the material. Fortunately, there are several eco-cotton projects which now promote its environmentally-friendly cultivation and processing, and eco-cotton is becoming increasingly available in shops and over the internet.
We suggest dressing the baby in at least two layers of clothing, covering the whole body, including the arms, legs and feet. This produces a layer of air between the two layers which retains heat. In a temperate climate, a long-sleeved woollen vest — or a vest of wool and silk — can be worn for most of the year.
In practice, we regularly find that babies are not dressed warmly enough, and they are often restless and troubled by stomach cramps, or they are constantly crying. The simple remedy of dressing the child more warmly, in better fitting clothes, will do wonders for this.
Bonnets
Unfortunately, bonnets are no longer in fashion. In comparison with the rest of their bodies, little babies often have an enormous — and sometimes rather bald — head. The head is constantly losing heat, which should really be retained for the development of the brain and organs. On the one hand, a silk bonnet will retain the baby’s heat, and oil the other hand, it protects the head and the open fontanel from a restless environment. It is important for the forehead to be free, because this part of the body acts as a sort of thermostat for regulating body heat. Where it is often windy, it may also be necessary for the baby to wear a second bonnet made of wool. There are wonderful bonnets on sale, or they can be knitted in material which is so soft that it is like a second skin.

Bonnets can be removed when the child is in the cot as long as the baby is well protected.
Wraps and swaddling
Because of the need for boundaries, it is understandable why many babies, as well as older children, calm down and fall asleep easily when they are firmly tucked in, or if they are wrapped up or swaddled.
Usually, babies have a flannel sheet wrapped around them, during the postnatal period, but this often disappears, to be replaced by a babygro/sleepsuit. We recommend continning to use a swaddling cloth and wrapping it firmly around the babygro/sleepsuit before putting the baby to bed (see illustration). As the baby still lies with its arms and legs bent, it should be swaddled in this position, to increase the sense of security. The baby can now relax and will fall asleep warm and snug. However, you must make sure that the baby is not wrapped up too warmly (see p.25).
The woollen wrap can serve as a blanket outside the cot for when the baby is fed. When the woollen cloth is no longer sufficient, use a (woollen) baby sleeping bag for in bed.

Children who remain restless and have difficulty falling asleep despite being wrapped up, as well as babies who do not establish a good rhythm of drinking/sleeping, may benefit from the old-fashioned method of swaddling in which the arms are also wrapped up so that the child cannot flail about. Flailing is often a response to crying, cramps or fright, but because it is involuntary, it can cause new restlessness. Swaddling can help to break this vicious circle.
Many parents find it difficult to restrict their baby in this way; in our age of boundless freedom, it is not so easily accepted. However, parents usually overcome their resistance when they see how the baby responds to swaddling. For most babies, it results in a much greater sense of peace, and consequently they sleep well and establish a pattern of sleeping and feeding every few hours. Nowadays, two methods of swaddling are recommended: either ready-made swaddling blankets or swaddling wraps, or using the method shown at the back of this book (see p.108). (See also Blom, Crying and Restlessness in Babies.)
The cradle
The cradle is an important successor of the smallest home in which the baby lived before birth. You can opt for a basket cradle (Moses basket), a wooden (rocking) cradle or
a cot. For safety considerations, the baby’s feet should always be placed at the end of a cot, with its head halfway down. Tuck in the blanket in such a way that the head is free and the shoulders are covered. A hood or canopy over the cradle or cot makes the space more intimate, so that the child is not distracted by the environment and can sleep more peacefully.
For the canopy, it is best to use plain materials in soft colours. A canopy made of light blue silk combined with a layer of pink silk gives a very subtle calming colour.
The mattress must be absolutely flat, providing good support, and it must be well-ventilated and warm. Our preference is for a mattress of kapok, cotton or another natural material. A sheep’s fleece can be placed on the mattress. The fleece is soft and gives a beneficial warmth so that the newborn baby is protected from cooling down too quickly. Make sure that the fleece is not too large and lies on the mattress without any folds. Cover the fleece with a sheet. The bedding should be made of cotton and wool. Do not use synthetic materials. The sheets and blankets should be big enough to tuck the baby in quite firmly. The fleece and the mattress should be regularly aired. If you use a woollen wrap there are likely to be patches of damp under the mattress. If necessary, use a waterproof sheet. There are cotton sheets available that are impregnated with rubber and do not feel clammy. We do not recommend the use of duvets, even those made of wool, because of the risk of suffocation.
If the cradle is next to the window, watch out for overheating in the sun. A baby can easily become too hot in a heated room when the sun shines through the window.
The playpen
Up to the age of four months, it is not really necessary to have a playpen. Nevertheless, when the baby is downstairs, it is a good idea to have a safe place to place it. A wicker basket with a soft cover, or the bed of a pram, are quite suitable.
We do not recommend the frequent use of a baby seat or recliner, as the baby is stimulated by the ac-
tion of sitting in an upright position at a stage when he is still physically immature. The baby can only lie passively in a baby seat, which does not matter for a short period, but is harmful to physical development in the long term.
This objection does not apply so much to the use of a recliner, but there are other objections; when the baby discovers that he can bounce the recliner with one leg, he often finds it difficult to stop, even when he gets tired of the mechanical movement.
When the baby starts to reach out for things and becomes more active in its motor development, it is time for a playpen. Quite apart from the fact that this provides a safe place for the child to learn to sit and stand, it is often a favourite place for being quiet and for playing undisturbed. A cloth cover, like a curtain, along three sides of the playpen will increase the sense of security, and is not to be confused with cot bumpers, which are not recommended as they pose a suffocation risk for the young child. For motor development, it is important that the floor of the playpen is sturdy and not too smooth (for example, a cloth folded double), so that the child can roll over and can put pressure on it.
Walkers and baby bouncers
We emphatically advise against the use of walkers and baby bouncers. These are ‘aids’ which speed up the child’s motor development in an unnatural way. Children certainly like to use these things — especially if they can move around in them quickly — and want to use them more and more. However, it is much better for a child to learn to stand and walk at his own pace. In this sense, walkers and baby bouncers do not help healthy development in any way, and are actually more of a deterrent to healthy development.
Prams and baby carriers (slings)
The pram can be a safe and sheltered place in which the baby can sleep outside during the first few months. For walking, a baby carrier is often a better alternative because it means
that the baby moves in time with the pace at which the adult is walking, and is not shaken about so much as in a pram, as it goes up and down the pavement. The child is carried in a natural position in a baby carrier (sling), (see the illustration on p. 106).
However, at this point a warning should be given. It has been shown that babies can become too hot and stuffy, particularly if carried under a coat. Unfortunately, there are even a few cases, which resulted in a baby’s death. We recommend that you keep a careful eye on a baby in a baby carrier, and if possible carry it on top of a coat rather than underneath, with, if necessary, a woollen cloth around the baby.
The disadvantage of a baby carrier in which the baby is in a vertical position is that the baby did not take up this position itself. In this sense, the baby carrier is not for babies until they reach the age of nine months. A sling is preferable, as the whole back and head are supported, although it might be tiring for the mother to carry.
When a baby has reached the age for a pram, the best model is one in which the baby faces the parent. In this way, the baby constantly has the comforting face of its father or mother in front of it, and can find out from that face what is happening in the big wide world. A traditional pram has the advantage that the child lies flat, as at this age the baby’s head is still relatively heavy and the neck cannot keep the head in a stable position. We recommend a buggy only from the age when the child is able to sit unassisted.

Do babies need all this stuff?
shopping for your baby
What will I need for my baby after the birth?
For hospital births, it is recommended that you pack a labour and birth bag for yourself and a bag for the newborn baby You will need some clothes for your baby: vests and all-in-one stretchsuits, or babygrows, are easiest, especially when learning how to dress
and undress your baby. If you are in hospital for several days, you will need at least three stretchsuits and vests A baby blanket and/or a shawl can be useful and, depending on the temperature in the ward, your baby may need a hat, but be careful that she does not get too hot. Your baby needs an outdoor jumpsuit, or jacket and socks and soft booties, for when you leave hospital Any footwear should be loose so that it does not restrict your baby’s movements or circulation.
Most maternity units expect you to provide your own nappies, and one packet is usually enough. You may also need some cotton wool to clean your baby, If you choose not to breastfeed, many units provide formula milk, but this varies across units, so check what facilities are available before the birth.
You will need to have ready a baby car seat, as most hospitals won’t release you without one and the law requires that your baby travels in a car seat.
When is the best time to buy the essentials? I’m nervous about getting anything too early.
Many parents feel superstitious about buying baby items too early, especially if it is their first baby or they have had a previous difficult experience. However, some planning is needed as you may find that by the end of your pregnancy you are too tired to shop. You should also leave enough time in case you need to exchange items Try to buy items gradually. First, buy items that you will need for the
baby after the birth; these should be ready by the 37th week of pregnancy, although many parents have these by about 34 weeks. Other essential items, such as buggies, should be in the home before the birth (see right). Once you have bought the essentials, you can purchase any additions when it suits you, which may depend on how mobile you are after the birth and your access to shops. Many parents shop online as shopping with a baby can be difficult
I don’t have a lot of money - do I need to buy everything new?
Having a baby does bring financial pressures and so it is sensible to acquire second-hand items, whether handed down from friends and relatives or bought. Clothes in particular are worth acquiring secondhand as babies grow out of them long before they have made full use of them and most mothers admit to buying more clothes than necessary, so quite often you can receive second-hand unused items.
One of the main items parents worry about getting second-hand is the cot mattress. Some experts believe that you should buy a new mattress with each baby to reduce the risk of cot death (see p 276), while others believe that if the mattress is clean and dry this is not necessary, so this is a matter of preference.
What do I need to consider when choosing my baby’s mattress?
It is important for your baby’s wellbeing that you
buy a mattress that is the correct fit for your sleeping equipment So, for example, if you are using a cot, the mattress should fit the cot properly with no gaps between the mattress and the cot sides that a baby could get stuck in. As it is also important that the mattress is clean, dry. well aired, and firm, it may be preferable to buy a new rather than second-hand mattress (see p 136)
My mum wants to buy us something. What can I suggest?
The gift will depend on what you need, your mother’s budget, and what she would like to spend it on. You could plan a day shopping together and decide on the day, or you could browse a baby catalogue together for ideas. It also depends on whether the gift is for you and your partner, or for the baby Good gifts for mums include underwear, nightwear, a photo frame or album, or a baby album or naming book If your mother wishes to purchase something for the baby, this could include clothes, a baby bath, a sterilizing kit and bottles, a cot, a car seat, or a pram/buggy system.
Do I need a pram/travel system/buggy? Help!
Most parents are unsure about what type of transportation they will need for their baby and, as there are a number of options and types available, this can make choosing the right item difficult. You will certainly need to have some type of travel equipment for your baby and what you choose will vary depending on your circumstances. If you are mainly a car driver, you may want to consider a car seat that attaches to a pram, or a car seat and travel cot If you intend to walk a lot, you may find a lightweight pushchair or buggy more suitable What you choose should be practical, and within your budget, so it’s worth having a look around in shops and online to compare different models.
Is it OK to get a second-hand car seat?
Generally it is thought best not to use a second-hand car seat as you cannot be certain of its history and it may have been in an accident or damaged Car safety experts suggest that if you must use a secondhand seat, only accept one from a family member or friend, and then only if you are absolutely certain that you know its history that it comes with the original instructions, and it is not too old. They strongly discourage purchasing a car seat through a secondhand shop or classified advertisements.
Do I need to buy a cot yet, or can I start with a Moses basket?
It may help to think about the amount of space you have and where you want your baby to sleep. A Moses basket has the advantage of being small so your baby will feel snug and may settle sooner than in a cot, and it also means that your baby can sleep beside your bed. Some models come with a rocking motion so you can rock your baby to sleep while you are in bed A disadvantage is that your baby will grow out of the Moses basket after a few months. Once your baby starts to sit up, there is a danger of falling out of the Moses basket as the sides are low
At some stage you will need a cot Although at first your baby will look small in the cot and may feel less secure, there is plenty of growing room and your baby can stay in the cot for at least a couple of years (some cots convert into beds and last even longer) Some cots are available with adjustable bases, making it easier for you to put your baby into and lift her out of the cot. You will need a bigger space for the cot, which ideally will be in the baby’s bedroom.
What bedding do I need?
Most parents choose sheets and blankets. Cotton sheets can be used in layers along with a blanket, so that you can add or remove layers to keep your baby at the right temperature If your baby sleeps in a Moses basket or carry cot, you should buy sheets designed specifically for these It is important to get the right fit so that your baby is not too exposed or too covered up. Nowadays, many parents opt for baby sleeping bags (see
below). If you use a sleeping bag, you will still need a few bottom sheets for the cot.
What are the pros and cons of baby sleeping bags?
Baby sleeping bags, also known as grow bags, baby sacks, or sleep sacks, have been around for 25 years but recently have become more widely used (see
p 280). They can be used without other bedding with the baby in a vest and sleepsuit. Many parents prefer these as they keep the baby covered, regardless of how active they are during sleep, which in turn helps the baby feel secure However. the Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths warns that you should avoid oversized bags as a baby could slide down inside, and although they can be used for newborns, some manufacturers recommend waiting a few weeks or months before using one to avoid this risk
Which baby monitor should I choose?
Baby monitors first appeared in the UK in the early 1980s and today there are over 400,000 on the
market, so choosing one can be daunting Although monitors vary they have the same basic component -a minimum of two units one to transmit your baby’s sounds and one that stays with you so that you can monitor your baby. Additional features include dual channels, a moving lights-sound display a sensor pad, low power and an out-of-range warning, the option to use mains or batteries, a talk-back function, and a temperature sensor. If they all have these features, it is down to personal choice and cost.
Should I buy disposable nappies?
Although many parents opt for disposable nappies as they find them more convenient, particularly when out and about, nowadays many people look for a more eco-friendly alternative, as disposable nappies, dumped in landfill sites may take hundreds of years to decompose Also, it is estimated that it costs parents about E2000 to use disposable nappies for each child You may want to investigate the different options (see p. 140).
What baby changing items do I need apart from nappies?
You need a waterproof changing mat that wipes clean. Some parents use warm water and cotton wool to ciean their baby’s genital area and bottom, or you can use baby wipes. You may also want to use a cream to prevent nappy rash. As well as the essentials, you could buy some oils (see p.219) and use changing time to massage your baby’s skin.
Should we put a dimmer switch in the nursery?
The benefit of a dimmer switch is that you can control the lighting, so that your baby’s eyes can adjust slowly However, a dimmer switch is not essential, as long as you have access to a soft light, such as a lamp or mobile that can project light
Should we buy a baby bath or can she use our big bath?
A baby bath is useful as you can use it in any room. Most parents area bit apprehensive when they first bathe their baby, and even experienced parents say that it can be tricky to hold a wriggling baby safely while trying to wash them, so using a smaller baby bath helps you to develop confidence For newborns, a washing-up bowl can also suffice. However, a baby outgrows a baby bath by around six months and the bath can take up a lot of storage space. Once your baby can sit up, at around four to six months, you could use a bath seat in your main bath, or enjoy a bath together as long as you keep the water tepid
I want to breastfeed, but should I buy some bottles just in case?
The problem with having bottles to hand is that it may weaken your resolve to breastfeed, and evidence shows that women are more likely to continue breastfeeding if they do not have an alternative readily available Having said that, if you wish to give your baby some water, or to start expressing once you are breastfeeding confidently, then you will need some bottles
I plan to bottlefeed. What do I need to get in advance?
You will need plastic bottles (teats are included), a sterilizing unit or kit, which often has everything you need. and your preferred formula. Each comes in a range of options, so you need to decide what works best for you As you get to know your baby, you may have to change the type of teat and/or formula, so it is not advisable to buy too many before the birth There is a range of sterilizers available (see p 239).

Baby clothing
When buying clothes for your newborn, bear in mind that babies grow very quickly, so buy just a few items in smaller sizes Choose easy-to-clean, machine-washable natural fabrics and avoid fussy styles with ribbons or tricky openings, opting instead for easyto-use poppers Essential clothing items for your newborn include,
3 or 4 vests.
4 or 5 all-in-one sleepsuits, or babygrows, with front-opening poppers
* A snowsuit or jacket for outdoors, or a cardigan for warmer months.
* A woolly hat in the winter months and a light hat for your baby in the summer.
Loose-fitting bootees or cotton socks.
A blanket or shawl for outdoors.

Essential items

As well as clothes and nappies for your newborn, there are several other items that you will ideally have ready before the birth.
* A cot or Moses basket for your baby to sleep in and a clean, dry mattress. * Suitable bedding for your newborn! either lightweight blankets and sheets or newborn baby sleeping bags.
* A pushchair or buggy to transport your baby You may also want a sling to carry your baby around.
* A baby car seat if you are travelling with your baby in a car.