10 Reasons Why Breastfeeding Is So Much Better For Your Baby

Infant Allergies

You've most likely heard every doctor and health care professional say that breastfeeding new babies is the best nutrition there is. Not only is it the natural way to feed your baby, but the health benefits are enormous. Here are a few great reasons to breastfeed your newborn baby.

Infant Allergies

1. Fat is vital to your newborn. Why? Because most all of the essential vitamins and nutrients that your baby needs, comes from fat. It gives vitamin A - D and E, and at the same time provides the necessary calories your baby requires. Breastfeeding gives your baby these vital nutrients to keep them healthy.

Infant Allergies

2. Milk from a cow can often times create an allergic reaction in a newborn infant. Breastfeeding reactions are extremely rare.

Infant Allergies

3. Milk from breastfeeding has many hormones and growth factors in it that assist your baby in growing and keeping healthy.

4. It's a fact that breastfeeding babies are healthier. They have lower risks of getting infections, illnesses and meningitis. Another important aspect is that a breast fed baby is 5-6 times less likely of getting childhood lymphoma. They are also much less likely to get ear infections than their bottle fed counterparts.

5. Another important reason for breastfeeding your baby has to do with staying fit. Research has been done and shows that breast fed babies are more fit and have a lower risk of becoming obese when they grow up. Why? It has been determined that bottle fed infants have much more insulin in their system which causes the fat cells to increase. We all know that obese children are more likely to develop diabetes, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular diseases as they grow older.

6. Breast fed babies have also shown to be healthier than formula fed babies. They have reduced rates of sickness, ear infections, allergies, and even hospital visits.

7. Breastfeeding also creates a sense of security and bonding with their mother. No bottle fed baby gets this added sense of security. A baby gets a sense of comfort, safety and joy by being nursed from their mother.

8. A breastfeeding mother gets an added plus by being able to lose the extra pre-birth weight and regain their pre-pregnancy size. It's also great for fighting off the postpartum depression that can easily strike a new mom.

9. Breast milk is free. You can save your money by not having to buy formula. And it is readily available.

10. When breastfeeding your newborn, colostrum is what your baby will first feed on. It gives your baby all the nutrients and vitamins an infant needs. In addition, colostrum has the necessary amounts of immunoglobulins which keeps your baby from getting bacterial and viral infections.

Only you can determine is breastfeeding is right for you. I encourage you to take the time to seriously consider it. Learn all that you can and make a well informed decision that is in the best interests of you and your baby.

10 Reasons Why Breastfeeding Is So Much Better For Your Baby

Infant Allergies

Medication For Babies Experiencing Baby Colic Symptoms

Infant Allergies

Baby colic symptoms can be recognized when a baby cries non-stop, and lifts their knees up to the stomach area, indicating that the baby is having some pain and discomfort.Colic that occurs in newborn babies has always and is still a mystery condition that pediatricians struggle with. In the years of study by specialists, no cure for colic in babies has ever been found. However, it is good to know that this condition will be outgrown. Some colic is found to be the cause of gastro esophageal reflux disease. This is commonly treated by Zantrax. However, not all baby colic is caused by gastro esophageal reflux disease.

Infant Allergies

The quest for finding medication for a colicky baby is not just because of the baby's pain but also its effect on the parents and even other people. The non-stop crying of babies, especially if you don't know what to do, will make you feel helpless if not useless. To other people, non-stop crying of babies is an irritant to the ear. Hence the quest for medication.

Infant Allergies

There are medications that are available in the market. Most of them are natural medications, such as herbal teas and peppermints. Although medications are available in the market, it is important to know that one medication that works for one baby will not necessarily work for all babies. It is best to understand at the beginning that not all types of medication will work for your baby. This is due to the fact that the cause of colic in babies is different, and therefore, can require different medications. Since the medications for a colic baby are natural, choose a variety of medication that might work effectively for your baby and see which one suits your baby the best.One more thing to bear in mind, is that, when you use medication for your colicky baby, to be sure to check it out with your pediatrician.

Infant Allergies

The search for baby colic medication is an indication of how people care for their children. Remember that your baby will outgrow baby colic in time and, most importantly, your baby needs to experience your love and comfort during the colic baby stage. The most common reason for the teenagers' rebellion is that they don't feel that they are loved. So it's better to start earlier in their life, demonstrating your love for your baby during this difficult time.

Medication For Babies Experiencing Baby Colic Symptoms

Infant Allergies

The ABCs of Food Allergies

Infant Allergies

Approximately 8% of children and 2% of adults suffer from true food allergies. When the culprit food is eaten, most allergic reactions will occur within minutes. Skin symptoms (itching, urticaria, angioedema) are the most common, and occur during most food reactions. Other symptoms can include nasal (sneezing, runny nose, itchy nose and eyes), gastrointestinal (nausea, vomiting, cramping, diarrhea), lung (shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest tightness), and vascular (low blood pressure, light-headedness, rapid heart beat) symptoms. When severe, this reaction is called anaphylaxis, and can be life threatening.

Infant Allergies

Allergy or Intolerance?

Infant Allergies

Most reactions to food are probably not allergic in nature, but rather intolerance.

Infant Allergies

This means that there is no allergic antibody present against the food in the person. Intolerance can be classified as toxic and non-toxic. Toxic reactions would be expected to occur in most people if enough of the food was eaten, examples include alcohol, caffeine or in cases of food-poisoning. Non-toxic food intolerance occurs only in certain people, such as lactose intolerance, which is due to the deficiency of lactase, the enzyme which breaks down the sugar in milk and dairy foods. Patients with lactose intolerance experience bloating, cramping and diarrhea within minutes to hours after eating lactose-containing foods, but do not experience other symptoms of food allergies.

Non-allergic Immunologic Reactions

A less common form of non-allergic reactions to food involves the immune system, but there are no allergic antibodies present. This group includes celiac sprue and FPIES (food protein induced enteropathy syndromes). FPIES typically occurs in infants and young children, with gastrointestinal symptoms (vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, and weight loss) as the presenting signs. Milk, soy and cereal grains are the most common triggers in FPIES. Children typically outgrow FPIES by 2 to 3 years of age.

Common Childhood Food Allergies

Milk, soy, wheat, egg, peanut, tree nuts, fish and shellfish compromise more than 90 percent of food allergies in children. Allergy to milk and egg are by far the most common, and are usually outgrown by age 5 years. Peanut, tree nut, fish and shellfish allergies are typically the more severe and potentially life-threatening, and frequently persist into adulthood.

Cross-Reactivity and Cross-Contamination

Cross-reactivity refers to a person having allergies to similar foods within a food group. For example, all shellfish are closely related; if a person is allergic to one shellfish, there is a strong chance that person is allergic to other shellfish. The same holds true for tree-nuts, such as almonds, cashews and walnuts.

Cross-contamination refers to a food contaminating another, unrelated food leading to a "hidden allergy". For example, peanuts and tree nuts are not related foods. Peanuts are legumes, and related to the bean family, while tree nuts are true nuts. There is no cross-reactivity between the two, but both can be found in candy shops and in a can of mixed nuts, for instance.

Diagnosing Food Allergies

The diagnosis is made with an appropriate history of a reaction to a specific food, along with a positive test for the allergic antibody against that food. Testing for the allergic antibody is typically accomplished with skin testing, although can be done with a blood test as well.

The blood test, called a RAST test, is not quite as good of a test as skin testing, but can be helpful in predicting if a person has outgrown a food allergy. This is especially true since in many cases the skin test can still be positive in children who have actually outgrown the food allergy.

If the diagnosis of food allergy is in question despite testing, an allergist may decide to perform an oral food challenge for the patient. This involves having the person eat increasing amounts of food over many hours under medical supervision. Since the potential for life-threatening anaphylaxis exists, this procedure should only be performed by a physician experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of allergic diseases. An oral food challenge is the only way to truly remove a diagnosis of food allergy in a patient.

Managing Food Allergies

Treat the reaction: If a reaction to the food is present, the person should seek immediate emergency medical care. Most patients with food allergies should carry a self-injectable form of epinephrine, or adrenaline (such as an Epi-pen®, with them at all times. These medications can be prescribed by a physician and the patient should know how to use this device before an allergic reaction occurs.

Avoid the food: This is the main way to prevent future reactions to the culprit foods, although can be difficult in cases of common foods such as milk, egg, soy, wheat and peanut. Organizations such as the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network offer help and support to patients and parents of children with food allergies.

Allergy physicians can also offer additional information and advice on avoidance.

Read food labels: Since accidental exposure to the allergic food is common, reading labels on foods and asking questions about ingredients at restaurants is important and recommended.

Be prepared: Patients with food allergies should always be prepared to recognize and treat their reaction, should one occur. Remember, since exposures to the allergic foods are frequently accidental, being prepared to treat the reaction with epinephrine is paramount. Emergency medical care should always be sought if an allergic reaction to food occurs, whether or not epinephrine is used.

Communicate with others:Communication with family members, friends, and school staff about the patient's medical condition and knowledge of how to administer epinephrine is also important. It is also recommended that the patient wear a medical alert bracelet (such as a Medic-Alert® bracelet) detailing their food allergies and use of injectable epinephrine, in the case the patient is unable to communicate during a reaction.

The ABCs of Food Allergies

Infant Allergies

What Fabric is Best For Your Baby Bedding?

Infant Allergies

While you are shopping for your toddler bedding, it is quite important to know what to look for in the fabric used for making the baby bedding? Before making a purchase, parents should be aware about the kind of baby bedding material, which they are looking for, and which component they should avoid while selecting bedding crib set.

Infant Allergies

The skin of a baby is tender and soft. It is delicate and is highly prone to allergies and infections. One of the reasons for rashes and infections on a baby's skin is the usage of bedding made out of synthetic fabric that is laden with harmful substances that trigger allergic responses on a baby's skin. In order to avoid this problem and to help to keep the baby happy and protected from all sorts of allergies and infections, organic bedding and cotton bedding are highly recommended. Organic bedding is made from natural materials such as cotton and bamboo, without the use of any kind of chemicals and poisonous acids. No harm in the form of allergies and reactions are caused to the baby as there are no harmful chemicals and acids in the bedding. Cotton baby bedding is not only soft for the baby but is also safe. Such bedding is prepared after passing the baby bedding through several processes in which any kinds of germs and bacteria present in the bedding are removed. Such kind of materials helps to absorb the moisture from the body of the baby. All natural materials which are used in the making of organic baby bedding act as natural comforters and help in the regulation of body temperature. It is also said that such kind of bedding help in preventing the growth of dust mites in the bedding. Thus organic bedding are considered to be best for your baby.

Infant Allergies

If you think that on using organic bedding or cotton bedding you will have to make a compromise on designs, patterns and styles - you are completely wrong! In fact, all trendy and stylish patterns are available in cotton and organic baby bedding. All designer bedding's are now available in cotton and organic materials. You will get themed bedding in lighter shades, in various patterns and in matching styles to suit all your requirements. Satin baby bedding is quite luxurious and looks rich and elegant when used in baby bedding crib set. It is also used in case of themed baby bedding. However, satin bedding is not recommended for the soft skin of the body because it is often made from silk, polyester and nylon which is not good for the tender skin of the baby.

Infant Allergies

While you are buying baby crib set do not forget to check out details about the fabric which includes the material of the fabric, dye of the fabric, color and also the style. It is best to choose any fabric which is resistive, long lasting and also which does not fade even after several washes. Baby bedding needs to be washed and cleaned almost everyday, hence it is important to choose a highly resistant material which does not fade away easily.

What Fabric is Best For Your Baby Bedding?

Infant Allergies

Gestational Diabetes And Baby Shower Foods

Infant Allergies

The baby shower menu is arguably one of the most important aspects of the shower, but setting out the wrong foods can be a disaster for both the mom-to-be and the hostesses. It's tempting to want the entire process to be a surprise, right down to the menu.

Infant Allergies

But if you provide food that mom can't eat, everyone will feel bad, so start your planning after co-ordinating with mum. Gestational diabetes is a common problem during pregnancy and many women face the rigors of establishing and maintaining very strict diet requirements during those months.

Infant Allergies

The disease can harm both baby and mother so it's best not to tempt mom with sweets that she's not allowed to have during this time. Because a baby shower could very well be considered a special occasion, many pregnant women with gestational diabetes could be tempted to drop the diet requirements for the few hours, undoing weeks or months of careful maintenance.

Infant Allergies

Before you start planning your food menu, be sure that the traditional baby shower foods - including the cake -are going to meet your mom's diet requirements.

Not all diet issues are related to diabetes and your mom-to-be could very well have some food allergies. Nuts are one traditional menu item that is off limits to some people. While the mom-to-be can easily avoid a bowl of nuts set out for guests to snack on, it'll be more difficult to avoid the black walnuts in walnut ice cream.

Again, simply talking to the mom-to-be before choosing the baby shower foods can save the party.
There are some very traditional foods that are included in almost every shower. Cake, punch, ice cream, nuts and mints are often offered, but remember that baby showers are a time for the friends and family of the mom-to-be to gather for fun.

If there are other foods that will better suit the mood or the needs of the day, don't be afraid to be creative. If the mom has craved spicy food during the pregnancy, set up a Tex-Mex bar with all the fixings for tacos. Order pizza delivery or set up a cookie decorating area. The only rules when it comes to shower foods is that the baby shower menu should be set up with mom in mind. After that, your imagination and budget are the only limits.

Gestational Diabetes And Baby Shower Foods

Infant Allergies

Choosing Baby Formula to Supplement Breast Milk

Infant Allergies

For some new mothers, breast feeding is a challenge and in some cases, it can seem to be almost impossible. Stress, illness and previous surgeries are just a few of the reasons that a new mother may under-produce breast milk. If you have recently given birth and discover that, in spite of your best efforts, you are not producing enough breast milk, you should talk to your pediatrician about supplementing your breastfeeding with baby formula. It can be a bitter pill but if, like me, you find that your baby is still hungry at the end of a feeding, deciding to supplement is actually a complete no-brainer.

Infant Allergies

If your baby is not showing any obvious signs of allergies or sensitivities (gas, diarrhea and the like) you can start with any cow's milk based brand that appeals to you. Remember that all formulas sold in the US are governed by the FDA so you can be sure the nutrition guidelines are similar from brand to brand. Similac, Enfamil, Nestle or (and I wish this had been available when I was supplementing my baby) organic brands like Horizon are all fine places to start. We used powdered formula and bottles with disposable inserts for mixing but you can also buy formula in super convenient ready to use bottles and concentrated liquid formulas that you can mix quickly with water. Obviously, work within your economics and hectic schedule but once your baby is established on formula, you can switch between these different types as you need to.

Infant Allergies

Once you pick a formula, it won't take long to see if your baby doesn't like it or if it doesn't agree with her system. She will tell you unequivocally with fussing, crying, turning her head away from the bottle, spitting up, vomiting or with some truly awful diapers and gas. Definitely consult your doctor on this but you may need to switch to a formula with low or no lactose or one made with soy milk. In any case, never, ever attempt to feed your baby regular cow's milk or soy milk... they are simply not nutritionally complete enough for a developing baby.

Infant Allergies

If you can, you should definitely continue to let your baby breastfeed before offering a bottle. For me, it worked something like this: I would make up a bottle first, then sit down with my baby to breast feed. When he lost interest in breastfeeding, I would offer him the bottle and, if he took it right away, I would let him drink as much of that bottle as he wanted. Be aware that sucking formula from a bottle is so much easier than getting it from your breast that your baby might become "lazy" about breastfeeding so always breastfeed first and be absolutely sure they are making an effort before you offer the bottle.

Finally, how do you know if your baby is getting enough formula? Not surprisingly, you will know if you are feeding your baby enough formula by looking for the same signs of satiation that you do with breast feeding: sleepiness, falling off the bottle and what every mother might call slight "intoxication."

In the end, the very best thing you can do is trust your instincts and not worry too much, anyway. After all, we're talking about our babies!

Choosing Baby Formula to Supplement Breast Milk

Infant Allergies

How To Prevent Baby From Getting Dry Skin

Infant Allergies

It seems like more and more babies are struggling with eczema,
or really dry skin. As a mother, I have had to deal with my
child's struggle with really dry skin. Ever since my son's
birth, he has been getting rough, dry patches on his skin. If
you haven't noticed, your baby's skin probably gets drier in the
winter than in the summer. These are just some tips that have
helped my baby's skin stay "soft as a babies butt" all year
round.

Infant Allergies

If your baby's skin is extremely dry, cut down on
baths--depending on how old your baby is. When your baby starts
crawling, you will notice that he gets dirtier. Giving your baby
a bath every other day instead of every day will be sufficient
to keep your baby clean. Too much water can strip moisture from
the skin.

Infant Allergies

Put lotion on within a couple minutes of your baby getting out
of the bath. Because he was just in warm water, your baby's
pores are open and will absorb more moisture. I have noticed
that when I put lotion on right away, my baby's skin just eats
it up. If I add a little more lotion to his skin at this point, my baby's skin seems to stay moist all day long.

Infant Allergies

Use a lotion that is made for sensitive skin. I like using
Huggies extra sensitive lotion. It's fragrance free,
hypoallergenic, and dye free. It really moisturizes and uses
mild gentle ingredients that won't irritate baby's skin.

Use plenty of lotion--really put it on. It may take a minute to
rub it all in, but it's worth it. I have noticed that when I
really do a good job of rubbing the lotion in, my baby's skin
stays soft and the moisture lasts until the next day.

Turn down the heat. The hotter the house is, the drier the air.
If your baby seems cold, add clothes instead of turning up the
heat.

Cut down on the soap. If baby's skin is dry, using a bubble
bath can make it worse. Only use soap on the body parts that
need it, i.e. the diaper area. Also, use a gentle soap.

If your baby's skin is really dry, up his fluid intake. Babies,
as well as adults, get moisture from inside the body.

Add moisture in your baby's room with a humidifier. This will
put moisture in the air and help hydrate your baby's skin.

As always, if your baby's skin is extremely dry go visit your
doctor. But the best medicine is always preventative, so try to
prevent your baby's skin from being dry by following the above
tips.

How To Prevent Baby From Getting Dry Skin

Infant Allergies