Things you need to know about your Baby

IT is common for babies to do certain things that puzzle their parents. As a new parent the following are some of the things that should NOT worry you.

1. Colic

Colic is an unexplained condition which seems to consist of pain, general fuss and episodes of prolonged crying. A baby may clench his fist, flex his legs, turn red and make sucking movements as if hungry. Colic usually starts at around two to three weeks of age. As a parent it is important to know that you are doing nothing wrong. Taking care of a colicky infant can be very frustrating and tiring, it is necessary for parents to support and give each other periodic breaks. There is no proven treatment for colic but the following ideas may help:

o You can cuddle and gently rock your touchy baby
o You can take the baby for a ride in the stroller or your car
o Place the baby in the infant swing
o Trying burping the baby more often, after every feeding
o You can use music to help sooth the baby

2. Crying
Crying is the baby’s earliest form of communication. This should not be mistake with colic. After a few weeks you will learn how to interpret your child’s various cries. A baby may cry when her diaper is wet because of discomfort. Pain, hunger or need for a burp may all result in crying. Just observe your baby patiently and you will begin to get the hung of the ‘communication.’

3. Hiccuping
Babies will often hiccup especially after feeding. The hiccups usually last for a few minutes and then resolve on their own. You may burp or breastfeed the baby to break the hiccup cycle.

4. Sleeping
Newborns generally spend most of their time sleeping and only wake up to feed. As the baby grows, awakening incidents will progressively increase, most babies will not sleep uninterrupted throughout the night..

5. Spitting

Babies normally spit up some of their food. Milk may appear curdled due to the normal action of the stomach. Milk may overflow from the mouth and even come out through the nose. It can be caused by delayed burping, eating too quickly, and pressure on the stomach after a feeding or overreacting after feeding. Spitting is not considered a problem as long as the baby is eating well and gaining weight satisfactorily.

You can try feed your baby smaller amounts more often. Burp your baby mid-way through each feeding and after every feeding.

6. Sneezing
Babies tend to sneeze a lot. This is a way clearing their nasal passage and might not necessarily mean the baby is sick.

7. Teething
Babies usually get their first teeth at between four and eight months but some children do not get their first teeth until after one year. Teething babies may show symptoms such as chewing, drooling, irritability, interrupted sleep, fever and slightly loose stool.

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