Baby Chat 32

Send your questions to-
babylove@integral-advisory.coke
answers will be provided jointly by our team of doctors

Dr. Blasio Omuga

Consultant Obstetrician/Gynecologist
Based at Doctors’ Plaza, Clinic No. 18, Kenyatta Hospital

Dr. Njoki Fernandes
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist
Based at Nairobi Women’s Hospital

How often should I burp my baby?

All babies are different but in general, they should be burped in the middle and at the end of a feed. If your baby gulps a lot, then you may need to burp her more often.

Is it normal for my son who is 2 years old not to want to use a potty?

Yes. Most children begin potty training at about 18 months to three years of age, so be patient as he is growing and developing.

When should I start cleaning my baby’s teeth?

You should start cleaning your baby’s teeth as soon as that first pearly white sprouts – for most babies that’s around 4 months. At first, you can use a piece of gauze moistened with water to wipe plaque from your baby’s teeth and gums. Toothpaste may not be necessary, but ensure you clean your baby’s teeth twice a day. Once your baby has several teeth, you can use a small toothbrush with just two or three rows of very soft bristles.

My 8 month old baby is healthy, eats and sleeps well. However, he has a stuffy nose but shows no other signs of illness. What could be the cause?

Sometimes a cold causes a stuffy nose without any other symptoms. Ensure you keep your baby warm when it’s cold. It can also happen if your baby is allergy to things like dust and pollen. In the case of an allergy, the child may have trouble breathing or an itchy nose. Another cause is when a child has something stuck up inside the nose; whose signs include bad breath and the nose seems blocked on one side.

Is it normal for my baby to arch her back and throw herself backward when she’s upset?

Yes, this behavior is common and Perfectly normal in babies and toddlers. These movements are caused by frustration and uncontrollable emotions, which can overwhelm your child’s sense of safety and control of her body. Many parents notice their children doing this somewhere at about the nine-month, The trigger is emotional… just the shear ability to become frustrated. At this point, they may not be aware of any danger around them and have no control to stop themselves.

When should I be worried about my baby’s feeding?

Call your doctor if:
.Your baby has not regained his birth weight by day ten and has lost more than 10 per cent of his birth weight
.There are no signs of effective milk transfer. Your baby’s stool does not change colour by the seventh day
.Your baby sleeps for hours, is very exhausted and is difficult to rouse.

I am a new mum, and l am afraid of touching my baby’s chord. Do l really need to clean it?

Your baby’s cord is designed to dry up, wither and drop off leaving the belly button behind, and without any assistance, this will happen. But remember, ensure that it stays dry, and even if  you leave it alone. After a bath, simply pat it dry as you would any other body part. If urine or vomit has contaminated it, clean it with cooled, boiled water using cotton wool and pat it dry.

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