Good Baby TipsTips for keeping your baby happy and healthy

by drake lelane

Understanding Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease is the form of heart disease that a person is born with. The affects of any form of heart disease can be deadly, but for the person with congenital defects making lifestyle change such as diet and exercise will not prevent or reverse the effects of their form of this disease. Getting diagnosed early in life is the best defense against this kind of heart condition.

Congenital heart disease is an actual defect of the heart or large blood vessels that connect to the heart. This type of defect is something that people are born with. Other forms of heart disease form over time, and in most cases are caused by unhealthy diets and sedentary lifestyles. Most people are diagnosed with a congenital heart defect a week or two after they are born. Considering it is one of the most common birth defects all doctors are trained to recognize the signs and symptoms that a new born infant will present if they have this type of defect.

For the unborn baby this type of defect is not life threatening because they are still using their mother’s cardiovascular system, through their attachment to the placenta, to pump blood and nutrients through their own circulatory system. Their heart is beating and there are times that a defect can be seen with an ultrasound but the majority of defects remain undiagnosed until after the baby is born and their own heart takes over.

There are many different forms of congenital heart disease so the treatments for these forms can vary. For some people surgery to fix the defect is recommended, for others prescription medications along with a strict diet and exercise program will keep any problems in check. Anyone with this type of heart problem must follow the advice and program laid out by their cardiologist. Their life depends on it.

For those who suffer from congenital heart disease it is a condition that they will spend their life time fighting. While it is a disease to be wary of with doctors able to detect it early in life those who suffer from it can lead long productive lives. Medical science and technology is constantly making inroads into the treatment of congenital defects and this along with patients who take responsibility for living a healthy life style can effectively manage their condition.

by Punk ☮

Understanding Child Heart Disease

Heart disease is a disorder, which affect the proper functioning of the heart. Child heart disease is common affecting many newborn and older children. This article examines the various child heart diseases and their treatment.

Congenital Heart Disease

Heart disease is a serious ailment and often leads to premature death. Many children can also suffer from heart disease. Child heart disease is actually quite a common worldwide. When a child is born with an existing defect in the heart, it is called congenital heart disease. Congenital heart disease is fairly. It affects almost one percent of all newborn.

Often, the first diagnosis of child heart disease is made during routine examination when the pediatrician detects heart murmur. Heart murmur is the noise that the blood makes as it flows through the heart. Heart murmurs are fairly common in children. It is not necessarily a sign of child heart disease.

If a heart murmur is due to a problem in a child’s heart, it is caused either by a hole in the heart, a leaky heart valve, or constricted heart valve. To confirm the diagnosis, an examination by a pediatric cardiologist is necessary. Pediatric specializes in child heart disease.

Abnormalities of the heart may or may not be noticeable at birth. For example, a hole in the heart wall will allows blood to travel from one side to the other. In such case, the baby may have blue lips or fingers. This is one of the signs of child heart disease.

Another example of child heart disease is an abnormal heart valve, which allow blood to flow in the opposite direction. Such a problem will usually require surgery once the child is older.

Congenital heart disease must be treated promptly or it will lead to more serious complications. Hence, early detection is important. Unfortunately, many heart defects are not detected at birth resulting in more damage to the heart and requiring more extensive treatment.

Some forms of congenital heart disease are actually self-healing. However, in many cases, major surgery will be required to rectify the problems.

While there are risks associated with surgery, the chances of full recovery and a normal life are very high. So the situation is not hopeless.

Connection between Premature Infants and Heart Disease

A baby is considered premature if born before 37 weeks. Most premature babies are born with some form of heart problem. A premature infant’s organs are also not fully developed, and thus require special care in a nursery or intensive care unit while their organ systems continue growth.

Although there is no sure way to avoid premature labor, one of the most important preventive measures to receive proper prenatal care. Statistics show that proper prenatal care greatly reduces the odds of premature birth and related deaths.

The pregnant mother should also maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a diet that is rich in fresh fruits and vegetables, keep well hydrated and have at least 30 minutes of exercise each day.

Hereditary Heart Disease

Hereditary heart disease refers to heart disease, which is passed down through genes. It is not preventable. If one has a history of heart disease in the family then one is at risk of hereditary heart disease.

The risk is greater when first-degree relatives, such as your mother, father, brother, sister and so on, have heart disease.

In rare cases, high cholesterol level runs in the family. This is called familial hypercholesterolaemia. It is a genetic problem, which results in exceptionally high level of cholesterol. As a result, there is a high of heart disease.

Hereditary heart disease is caused by various factors. Sometimes, it is merely a pattern of heart disease rather than true hereditary heart disease. These are actually avoidable. For example, the family lifestyle such as poor diet, lack of exercise and smoking. All of these factors contribute to heart disease and can be the start of the chain of hereditary heart disease. In such cases, changing these risk factors will reduce the likelihood of heart disease. This means eating a proper well-balanced diet, getting plenty of exercise, as well as avoids smoking and excessive drinking.

By living a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to reduce the risk of developing heart disease, even if one’s genes are predispose to heart disease.

by anolobb

Understanding Acid Reflux Problem In Babies

Acid reflux in babies can be a real trouble for the parents, especially the first time parents. It is pathetic to see the babies who do not know any other way to communicate their pain but to cry inconsolably. Acid reflux symptoms in babies are not as clear as they are in adults and it may be difficult to diagnose.

Acid reflux in babies normally occurs after feed. The contents of the stomach are refluxed back and the baby might spit up or vomit. So, how does one conclude that the spitting up is due to reflux and not any other problem? Let us first look at the symptoms of reflux disease.

Acid reflux is a common problem in infants. More than 50% of the babies experience reflux symptoms during the first three months of age. The symptoms subside on their own after 12-18 months period as the babies’ sphincter valve develops fully and strengthens.

Symptoms of Acid reflux Problem in Babies

In case of young babies, acid reflux is also known as “spitting – up”. Hence if your child spits up after every feed, then he is more likely to have acid reflux. In addition to this, there can be difficulties in feeding; some babies typically arch their back while trying to avoid feeds. In chronic cases of reflux problem in babies, there is no weight gain. Also the baby may pass blood in stool or vomit brown or green colored liquid. While simpler cases of reflux can be handled easily, chronic reflux needs immediate medical attention.

Acid reflux occurs due to the relaxed lower esophageal sphincter muscle. In case of babies, these muscles may not be fully developed causing the reflux problem. When the baby feeds, the stomach extends and the sphincter valve opens up to pass the contents as vomit into the food pipe. In adults, reflux problem causes severe heartburn and chest pain. However, in case of babies there is no evidence of the occurrence of heart burn.

As discussed earlier, reflux problem is common in babies but with a little bit of care and understanding, parents can overcome this problem. Also the babies with acid reflux problem will have poor sleeping habits and difficulties in sleeping. They may wake up several times before sleeping. It is tough to handle a child with reflux and the parents can be completely exhausted.

However, some babies take the acid reflux problem in their stride and are happy spitters. They remain quite happy and satisfied even when dressed in spit from top to bottom!!!

Preventive Measures for Acid Reflux Problems in Babies

With a little precaution and preventive measures, parents may overcome the acid reflux problem in babies. It is advisable to keep the babies in upright position at least 30 minutes after feeds. Even when laying down the baby in the bed, it must be ensured that there head remains inclined at an angle of 30 degrees.

The baby must be given smaller and frequent feeds combined with burping in between the feeds. Overfeeding can result in reflux and spitting. Also while making the baby burp, he should be held in such a position that there is no pressure on the stomach. In addition to this, babies with reflux problems should be made to wear lighter clothes that are not tight near the stomach and waist area. The breast feeding mothers should eat simple and nutritious diet and should avoid heavy and spicy foods.

In some cases, mixing rice cereals with formula may reduce the reflux problems in babies. If the baby is on breast feed, then the mother can express the milk in a feeding bottle before mixing rice cereal.

Final word for Acid Reflux Suffering Babies

The final word is to the parents of the babies, who suffer from acid reflux disease. It is a common problem and the parents should not worry excessively about it. As the child grows, this problem goes off on its own in most of the cases. In chronic cases only medications are required.

The parents must be aware of the symptoms of acid reflux and take proper precautions. Finally, with loads of patience, love and understanding, they can deal with the acid reflux problem in a better way.

Find More Baby Diseases Articles

by Ron Sombilon Gallery

Understanding Baby Language – What Your Baby Really Means

How does a baby communicate? Babies can’t express themselves with words as we do; so they cry. Whatever the reason, these precious innocent darlings open their mouths and communicate the best way they can.

Babies don’t understand the change from being snug and warm in the womb to being cilled on occasional diamper changes and bath times; or being moved from one position to the next to get some type of clothing on. When these occurrences happen, he or she shows this confusion by crying. Babies learn at an early stage when they cry, someone will eventually take care of the problems at hand.

Reasons for crying can vary in babies. The mother or father can tone into the source of distress and decipher the resons mostly by using common sense. By doing small things at first, babies respond by stop crying and being content.

The first three months is like the trial period. this is when babies will cry the most. Getting into a special routine right from the beginning will help in fewer crying sections. Both parents and baby are learning what needs to be done. Let’s check out some reasons for babies to cry.

Mealtime: Babies don’t know why but their stomach may hurt and the baby soon discovers when they take in food their stomach stops hurting.

Discomfort when the baby is wet or messy. He or she will cry to get a dry bottom. It’s the parents’ job to discover the source of discomfort and take care of it. Making baby happy again.

Boredom, this is a big source of where the crying may come in. He or she may need attention and stimulation; to enable the baby to learn and interact with others around him or her. Picking him or her up and moving them and playing with them helps provide this stimulation they need. Some people believe this will only spoil the child; others believe it only helps the child to grow.

Not wanting to sleep will also cause a baby to cry. Not wanting to miss anything going on around them.

Aside from the usual things that make babies cry, there are a number of other reasons could trigger a crying fit. For instance, getting started or surprised, the baby will cry because he or she doesn’t understand what just happened. Some babies have an instinctive sense that tells them not to trust some people and they will cry until they are back in a familiar set of arms.

Let’s not forget the medical reasons for babies to cry. Maybe a stuffed up nose or a cough that won’t let them sleep. Some babies have colic, and he or she can’t lie down flat because it hurts. New discoveries in medicine have diagnosed babies with acid reflex, the babies will cry because of the sore throat of burping up his or her meal after each feeding.

As you get to know this little and vulnerable person, you will discover the different tones he or she uses. There is a different tone for each discomfort. Sometimes the cry will be weak and soft, maybe at nap time because they are tired. The cry could be more demanding and louder too when he or she is hungry. The worst kind of cry is the shrieking and screaming.

The good news is as the baby grows older, his or her crying becomes less frequent.

by Ron Sombilon Gallery

Understanding baby language and baby speak

The development of baby language

Language is a special kind of human communication tool for language learning during infancy is also a critical period. But the master and the use of language is not an easy task. How critical period in the baby’s language is also the right to teach a rather complex and lengthy process.

From the fall to earth after the baby’s first cry, they begin to develop real language. After birth, parents should be more babies verbal communication. In normal everyday life, the mother can be used to guide the baby anytime, anywhere communication. Conscious repeatedly stressed that the name of the object, try to avoid using personal pronouns can address him by his name. More and babies to do some interactive games, with some simple children’s songs. But some babies bad temper, a momentary desire to less than satisfied, more than crying. Mother distressed child, always immediately satisfy all his wishes. This is a very good sign, for example, he wants to biscuits, you do not immediately give him, but taught him to say: “Biscuits, biscuits,” until after the baby out cookies, and then biscuits to him. In this way, not only to teach babies to speak, to meet the aspirations of young children at the same time to develop his language skills, the development of the baby’s intelligence. If it is the practice before, so that the baby’s needs are met, thus missing an opportunity to cry, lost an opportunity to learn the language. But hindered the baby’s language development. In fact, an appropriate infant crying is a good thing! Although the infant can not use language to respond to you, but they will smile at you, and this is their best response.

Multi-and they speak not only to stimulate their visual senses, the subconscious where the baby is still accumulated a lot of vocabulary. At the same time pay attention to the baby with the correct language to communicate, to the baby in the future of the language law and order was to prepare.

To get more information and to get a free trial of the amazing Dunstan baby language dvd click here

Philip Goldberg: Toward a Broader Understanding of Religion’s Functions
By expanding and deepening the way we frame the subject of religion, we can examine religious institutions and spiritual phenomena in a more productive way. Here’s a model I find useful.

Read more on The Huffington Post

Project Understanding opens food pantry for those in need
Project Understanding, a nonprofit group that serves western Ventura County, celebrated the opening of its Pantry Nuevo on Saturday with a ribbon cutting by Loren Hamilton, 17, of Ventura, who renovated the old tutoring center as his Eagle Scout project.

Read more on Ventura County Star

Understanding your market is critical. As early as possible, before you launch your business, I encourage you to survey moms in your area to learn about their values, buying habits, and infant feeding rituals. An easy way to do this is to use an online survey tool (there are dozens out there) to create your survey. Then send an email to all the moms you know, post a notice on a local mommy message board, or send an email to an online Yahoo! Groups community that is targeted to parents.

Not only will this help you learn about your target market but it will give you valuable data that you can use when discussing your business with the local media.

Here are some of the questions and answer options that we used for the first Sprouts Baby Food survey years ago.

How old is your baby?

Which of the following best describes you?

Stay-at-home mom

Working mom

If you are a working mom, which of the following best describes your childcare support?

n/a

in-home childcare/nanny

daycare center

family member

Are you concerned about food allergies?

Yes

No

Does your baby have any food allergies?

Yes

No

FEEDING YOUR BABY

Did you breastfeed your baby?

Yes

No

How long did/do you plan to breast feed your baby?

0-3 months

4-6 months

7-9 months

10-12 months

13-18 months

19-24 months

2+ years

How old was your baby when you began feeding him/her solid foods?

3 months

4 months

5 months

6 months

7 months

8 months

9 months

10 months

11 months

12 months

Older

Why did you begin your baby on solids?

Advice from doctor

Advice from book

Advise from website/web forum

Advice from family member

Advice from another mom

Baby seemed ready

Other

Which of the following is most often your source for feeding and childcare information?

doctor

book

website/web forum

family member

other moms

Did your doctor give you enough information to help you feel confident about making feeding decisions for your baby?

Yes

No

What is the most frustrating thing about introducing new foods to your baby?

WHAT YOU FEED YOUR BABY

Which best describes the food that you most frequently give your baby?

Home-made baby food

Traditional store-bought baby food (jarred)

Organic store-bought baby food (jarred)

Organic store-bought baby food (frozen)

Pureed table foods

Catered baby food (such as Sprouts)

Do you regularly give your baby formula?

Yes

No

Never

Which of the following baby food brands do you most frequently use (please check all that apply).

n/a ‘ I don’t give my baby commercial baby food

Gerber Baby Food

Heinz Baby Food

Beech Nut Baby Food

Earth’s Best

Gerber Organic

Organic Baby

Homemade Baby

Bohemian Baby

Happy Baby

TotPots

Mom Made

Evie’s Organic Edibles

Plum Organics

Healthy Times

Bright Beginnings

If you DO NOT make your own baby food, please give us the reasons why. (check all that apply)

n/a ‘ I make my own baby food.

I think store-bought food is as good as what I could make at home.

I would like to make my own baby food but I don’t have the time.

If you DO make your own baby food, please give us the reasons why. (check all that apply)

I think that fresh is the best.

I like to choose my own ingredients.

I think that store-bought baby food contains a lot of sugars, starches, and fillers.

I don’t like that store-bought food is made to sit on store shelves for 2+ years.

Store-bought food lacks variety.

Is price a factor when feeding your baby?

No ‘ I want the best for my baby, no matter what the cost.

Not really ‘ I’ll pay more for better quality foods.

Kind of ‘ It depends. Sometimes.

Yes ‘ We are on a budget and can’t afford to spend a great deal of baby food.

Yes ‘ I just don’t believe in paying a lot for baby food.

Do you read the ingredient labels on baby food in the store?

n/a ‘ I make my own baby food.

No

Yes, always

Yes, but only for baby food

If yes, what are you looking for on the labels?

On average, how much do you pay for baby food (per jar)?

$.10 – $.49

$.50 – $.99

$1.00 – $1.49

$1.50 – $1.99

$2.00 – $2.49

$2.50 – $2.99

$3.00 ‘ more

How much would you pay for quality, freshly-made, organic baby food?

$.10 – $.49

$.50 – $.99

$1.00 – $1.49

$1.50 – $1.99

$2.00 – $2.49

$2.50 – $2.99

$3.00 ‘ more

On average, how many jars of baby food do you purchase each week?

0-5

6-10

11-15

16-20

21-25

More

RESTURANTS

Before having a baby, how many times did you eat out per month?

3-5 times per month

1-2 times per month

Once every 2 months

Other

After having a baby, how many times do you eat out per month?

3-5 times per month

1-2 times per month

Once every 2 months

Other

Since having a baby, is “kid friendliness” (kid menu, high chars, toys, etc. ) a key factor when choosing a restaurant?

Yes

No

Would you be more likely to frequent a good restaurant that had healthy, organic menu selections for your baby?

Yes

No

When dining out at a restaurant do you…..?

Bring baby food along

Feed the baby off of your plate (mashing something up)

Order something off the menu for the baby (then mash it up)

Other

Additional comments on dining out with your baby.

Baby Talk / Parent Talk : Understanding Your Baby’s Body Language

Most parents discover how difficult it is to communicate with their baby. There are days that parents wish that their children were born talking. It would make things so much easier if their baby had the ability to communicate to their parents what they need or want. Or for the crying baby to be able to tell Mom and Dad in baby-talk what was hurting or bothering the infant in the middle of the night when his/her cries for help woke the parents out of a sound sleep.

The problem here is a failure to communicate. There are no baby adult common language communication skills available for the infant or the parents to have a nursery-needs conversation. Learning their baby’s babble parents can improve their interaction with their precious little one. It is such a helpless feeling in holding a crying, fussing, infant, and (they) have no clue what he/she wants or what will bring comfort. The parents’ hope is that with their calming voice and their baby-talk the “we can work it out” message will get through, and the baby will fall back to sleep.

As parents struggle to work with the wordless baby-talk they start learning, they begin learning a second language which is the baby’s first sign of speech though wordless. Parent can pick up clues to the baby’s needs over time. The infant’s baby-talk, gestures or type of cries, offers new signs for communication, thus baby-talk closes the communication gap. As parents learn baby-talk, as parents share more baby-talk, understanding baby-talk becomes happy-talk. Even baby-talk play has meaning with the baby’s smiles and laughter.

This process is long, frustrating and tedious. And waiting for your baby’s first word can seem endless. Your only real hope is that it will be “mama” or “papa”. But there is a better way of establishing baby-parent communication and share-a-language with your baby, so your baby can let you (the parents) know some of his/her needs. Teaching your baby kindersigns can really help open the door.

Recently NBC News aired a video report about Elizabeth, 17-month old toddler, who could read like a 7 year old. Her parents have been reading to her since she was born. This is a very good practice to develop with your baby. But the KEY here is that her parents taught Elizabeth American Sign Language (ASL) with a video for babies.

Teaching the American Sign Language is credited with giving Elizabeth the ability to read her children stories along with her parents. She is able to identify and pronounce words either written in a magazine or on a piece of paper which the NBC Reporter demonstrated on camera. During play time her mother writes words on paper and lets Elizabeth figure them out.

But more importantly, the basic ASL signs for early baby-parent communication can teach the following interactive words that can remove the guess work of what your child wants, and alleviate the baby’s frustration and the parent(s)’ feeling of helplessness:

• Eat ……Cereal…..Cracker…..Banana…..More

• Drink …..Milk……Juice…..Water…..Finished (all done)

• Diaper…..Potty

• Hurt…..Where…..Hot…..Cold

• Mom…..Dad…..Grandma…..Grandpa…..Baby

• Teddy Bear…..Doll…..Dog…..Cat

Your infant/toddler through the use of the American Sign Language (ASL) can learn primary baby-words to communicate his/her baby-talk needs. By signing with these newly learned hand-created words, you (the parent) understanding this baby talking sign-language can eliminate the guess work and frustration of trying to figure out just what your baby wants. This infant communication with ASL or infant-baby signing closes the communication gap and provides results that satisfy both you and your baby.

Studies point out the benefits of learning sign language:

Babies and toddlers have fewer tantrums overall

Babies and toddlers are much happier and have happier parents

Enhances bonding experiences between parents and their child

increases recognition of letters and words

Children have had higher IQs overall compared to non-signing children

Children have more advanced language skills

Promotes a higher Self-Esteem

Adds the Skill of Signing for later in life for both school and in the workplace

So provide your child with the ability to sign their needs at an early age, and eliminate the frustration that can come with the “terrible twos” due to poor communication skills. Develop creative ways through sign language to give your child a healthier and happier self-esteem with word-power that he/she will benefit from throughout his/her lifelong.

At Robert Walsh Kids Clothing we list one of the most successful, widely recognized programs about signing with your baby. It has won numerous National Awards; it’s highly entertaining and energized with music and songs, animated characters, and children signing the words for you and your baby to watch and learn together. Many parents suggest that it is a really FUN activity to do with their baby. So go have fun, and remember a happy baby makes a happy parent which makes for a happy home.

By Robert Walsh