A baby of about four weeks who was crying incessantly was found to have a broken leg after an x-ray was done. His parents were accused of child abuse because the broken leg was through a non-accident incident. Simply put, his parents were suspected of shaking the baby so hard that his leg bone got broken in two.

Further tests concluded that the baby was hurt because of physical abuse. About two weeks later, his father coughed while carrying the baby. The baby stretched out his arm in surprise and his father heard it crack. X-rays once again confirmed that the baby broke his arm this time.

To cut it short, the parents were fortunately proven innocent after a couple more tests were done. Unfortunately though, the baby was diagnosed with brittle bone syndrome or Osteogenesis Imperfecta.

WHAT IS OSTEOGENESIS IMPERFECTA?

Osteogenesis Imperfecta or brittle bone syndrome is a genetic disease that results in the abnormalities of protein in the bones causing them to become easily breakable. In some cases, this disease causes the child to be stillborn or to die soon after birth. A parent with this disease has a 50% chance of passing it on to his child.

The levels of the effect of this disease to the baby differ in such a way that although genetically, the baby has the disease, his bones don’t break as easily as the other babies with the same disease.

X-rays and tests don’t usually detect this disease at first glance. A more thorough examination of the baby is required to find out if he has been afflicted with this debilitating illness. Observation of the child is also crucial since most cases of brittle bone disease manifest babies fracturing their bones frequently for no apparent reason.

A baby with this disease can easily fracture his bone by merely reaching out to his parent to be carried or sneezing.

WHAT YOU SHOULD CHECK

1. If your baby has broken a bone which you find odd considering he’s been handled with care since birth, don’t wait for another broken bone to occur. Have him checked for this disease right away. It is better to be safe than sorry.

2. Check if the whites of his eyes are more bluish or grayish than white.

3. He bruises easily.

4. His teeth are discolored.

Even if you notice that his bone fracture hasn’t occurred in several months and you don’t see a pattern such as him not breaking his bone twice over the same incident, this is all the more why you should have him checked for Osteogenesis Imperfecta because fractures when you have this disease do not usually occur in a pattern.

So before you go blaming yourself or any other person for hurting your child, it is best to have him checked for every possible reason why he got hurt in the first place. In some cases, babies are fortunate enough to have this kind of disease temporarily. This temporary brittle bone syndrome usually comes in the first year of the child and disappears soon after.

By: Wyatt S Doolittle

About the Author:

Research have shown that Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER), generally called Acid Reflux, is common among children of varying age groups, especially in infants, but is often overlooked. About fifty percent of babies, within the first six months of their lives, will experience acid reflux in one way or another. This is extremely painful for the newborn, but may not necessarily be treated as a threat to health in a long term sense unless there are other symptoms that accompany acid reflux. Acid reflux, to infants, is more likely to be the discomfort that causes the pain more than the reflux itself.

Nature Of Acid Reflux

GER occurs when food and gastric acid come back up from the stomach to the esophagus. This happens during or after a meal and is quite painful because of the acid present in the stomach contents and the amount of actual stomach acid that will be present in the throat. The discomfort for this condition is unbelievably painful in infants. For this reason, it is important to know the symptoms of acid reflux in babies so that it can be treated and the child can be comforted when a reflux actually occurs.

The young’s immature digestive systems are easy victims to acid reflux but as they grow up (up to one or two years of age), most children naturally come out of the problem.

Symptoms Of Acid Reflux In Children

There are many symptoms present in cases of acid reflux in children. More commonly seen symptoms include: pain, sudden crying, irritability, colic; repeated vomiting or just spitting-up; losing appetite; unable to sleep well; emission of wet burp or wet hiccup sounds; bad breath. It is essential to bear in mind that these symptoms may not necessarily mean that the infant is suffering from Acid Reflux, but are signs that means the overall digestive system of the child deserves some attention and adequate information. Remember to not get carried away with it, but at the same time nothing should be left unchecked.

Less common symptoms include: difficult to swallow food, gagging, and/or choking; throat infection and the need for constant eating and drinking to soothe it; deprived weight gain, loss of weight; husky voice; respiratory problems like asthma, bronchitis, noisy breathing, pneumonia etc.; ear infections, excessive salvation, sinus infections drooling, and peculiar neck arching.

Treatment Of Acid Reflux In Children

Various treatments are available to deal with GER in children. Most kids recover from it after turning one year old. Till then, correct positioning and feeding methods will provide relief to them. They are to be positioned upright to prevent food and acid flowing from the stomach into the esophagus with help from gravity. Burping frequently and staying away from spicy, fatty and acidic foods will also help. Medications like antacids, motility medicines, acid suppressors, and acid blockers can also treat acid reflux. But in very serious cases of reflux, surgery is performed.

There are, definitely, cases of acid reflux in infants that are significantly more grave and important than others. Monitoring should be done, all cases should, and a doctor should be alerted if the symptoms turn too serious or if the acid reflux occurs more frequent or consistent. If bleeding or loss of important function occurs due to acid reflux, a pediatrician and a specialist should be consulted at once. This is because the acid reflux has reached a dangerous level and should be examined for other possible problem.

A paediatrician, with proper test done, can identify and resolve acid reflux in children. They will be aware of the problem and how your child is affected; enabling them to take proper samples and diagnose it before getting out of hand. From here, an informed decision can be decided in terms of possible cure options and getting the acid reflux curbed to the best of the abilities. Hopefully, both you and your child can get a good night’s rest with this information.

Reflux Condition And Complications In Acid Reflux In Children

In lots of young babies, regurgitation of some milk, particularly when burping after meals, is a common sight. But beware of complications, usually in the form of heartburn and esophagitis. Acid flowing from the stomach to the esophaugs produces a burning sensation called Heartburn. While reddening and swelling of the esophagus due to acid backflow is known as Esophagitis. It causes extreme pain and can kill appetite. In severe cases, it can cause the inflamed part of the esophagus to bleed. Poor growth, difficulty in swallowing and breathing problems are some other complications

The Most Important Reality

Taking care of the child’s emotional needs is one of the most often-suggested remedy and solutions for acid reflux in children. The primary task is to soothe your child and handle their emotional needs, as this is most damaged by the symptoms of acid reflux. It is a frustrating time, for both parent and child, to deal with the pain and to find a cure for the illness and the symptoms.

By: Cindy Heller

About the Author:

It’s significantly simpler to look after older infants and children than to care for a newborn baby. This is usually because they are awfully fragile and have wants that they cannot simply express – they manifest this need only by crying.

One of the probable factors that make a contribution to post-natal depression is the difficulty of green – or experienced – mums with newborn baby care. To minimize the impact of this condition, it is helpful to read books about caring for children. When you are informed about newborn baby care, chances are you will not be caught flat-footed when something unusual happens to your child.

What are the important things to know?

Old wives’ tales about newborn baby care abound. Sometimes listening to too many of these legends make mummies worry unnecessarily over their baby’s health. Old folks, for instance, continually point out that it is not a good idea to bring the newborn baby out of the house.

the truth is, almost all babies need morning sun to negate the initial stages of jaundice. Taking the baby outside even a mere few weeks after birth is completely acceptable, as long as the infant is wearing comfortable, cool clothes during summer and safely wrapped up in a warm blanket during the cooler months.

When the baby is several weeks old, you could notice some changes on his skin – that is, his skin may become flaky and could even’shed.’ it’s not important to apply lotions or oils, as this is standard for newborns. In newborn baby care, the employment of chemicals is usually avoided even as these are thought to be safe for adults.

Even the baby’s scalp will shed its top layer a few weeks after birth. In some cases, a little help is needed in removing this layer of dead cells. You can carefully rub it away with a sponge while bathing the baby, but there’s really no need to apply oils or lotions on his calp.

Many children will also develop mild rashes. These are standard and newborn baby care dictates that they must not be treated with creams and ointments that may be too tough for the baby’s skin. These rashes might be due to different factors. When the rashes get worse or seem too out of the standard, it’s best to consult the pediatrician about it.

Another common issue in newly born baby care is whether to carry the infant or not when it is crying. Fogeys often agree on not giving in to a kid’s crying because this might wreck the kid. However, at that age, it is almost impossible to spoil a newly born.

Common newly born baby care sense will tell you that when a newborn baby cries, it’s because it wishes something – that something could be anything from milk or a diaper change. Being comforted is also a basic need of newborns, so denying them this in their first few weeks of life may lead to an extreme psychological impact on the kid.

What do I do with the stump?

Many new mothers who are not too well-vesred in newborn baby care frequently feel ill about having to handle the umbilical cord. Remember that the stump is nothing else but dead protein so accidentally touching it won’t cause any harm to the infant.

the most important thing to know in newborn baby care, as regards the umbilical cord, is to keep it dry at any time. If it unavoidably gets wet during bathing, take a cotton ball doused with alcohol and clean the rope with it.

By the end of the second week, the stump will have fallen off. After this happens, refrain from showering the infant more often than every 2 or 3 days, to allow it to completely heal.

To learn more about baby care safety tips you can visit our website at http://babysafety.totalhealthwork.com.

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By: Sandy Hines

About the Author:

Baby not sleeping well at night? Which of these 5 blunders are you making?

(1) Making the room nice and dark and quiet when your baby naps during the day.

You may suppose this is a good strategy in hopes that the tot will sleep longer so you can get some rest. BUT,  it really isn’t helpful in the long run – i.e. Bedtime. When your newborn takes naps during the day have plenty of daylight in the house. Let normal household and street noises exist. The less time the child sleeps during the day could mean better sleep at night.

(2) Letting your child just lie around in the crib or child carrier.

It is tempting to just let the baby lie around so you can do other things. However, once again this is not in your best interest. the child needs to be lively when awake. This could induce sleep at night. Don’t you sleep better at night when you have been out all day running around?

Find ways to introduce physical activity for the baby. Play games, take the tot out for a fun outing to see new places and things.  My little niece loves to people watch.

(3) Picking up your kid as soon as the crying starts at night.

Believe it or not, the kid might not even be really awake! I know I did this all the time with my kid. I did not know any better. I learned that if you rub the abdomen, the infant just might stop crying and go back to sleep.

(4) Play games that excite the child.

When all the family is home in the evening they want to play with the kid. That is okay as long as the activities are RELAXING for the tot! Tell Dad not to play airplane or catch the baby in the air before bedtime. If you have other kids, let them know not to excite the tot.

The best thing would be to hold your kid and read. Clear out the crib i.e. get the toys out. Give the kid a favorite toy to settle down with.

(5) Have no pattern for bedtime.

So, one night you do everything in your room after the bath. The next night in the living room and the next night in the baby’s room or even the kitchen! This is not a good idea. Your tot needs to recognize when it is time for bed, end of the day -  finito!

So do your best to begin the routine at the same time everyday and in the same room. Have a specific nighttime song i.e. lullaby or music. Have a bedtime book to read.

And I’d like to encourage you to use these tips.

And now I would like to offer you free access to a 5 week baby sleep tips pamphlet at  http://www.freebabysleeptips.com

Disclaimer:  The information presented is informational only. Please consult with baby’s doctor before using any technique in this document. The entire contents of this publication are based on research. It is for educational purposes only. It is intended as a sharing of knowledge and information from research and experience of the author. No guarantees are given in any form by the author.

From Ceci Davis,

The Baby Care Info Gal

By: C Davis

Over the last several years, convertible cribs have become a popular choice among expectant parents. Because convertible cribs are easily converted from a crib to a toddler bed, twin bed, full-size bed, or day bed, families are increasingly making this choice for their sweet little bundles of joy. Besides the cost saving benefits of a convertible crib, there is comfort for every new parent when they know that their child is sleeping comfortably and peacefully.

As the name suggests, convertible cribs allow you to alter your baby’s crib after he or she has outgrown it. Most parents find this time easily identifiable as their child has made an attempt to climb out of their crib. Manufacturers also suggest that your crib should be converted once your child reaches 35”. The time to make the switch is certainly dependent on each individual child but can be as early as 15 months and as late as 2 ½.

From Convertible Crib to Toddler Bed ~ Easing the Transition for Everyone

It is common for most of us to sleep best when in a familiar environment. It is no different for a young child. Often, convertible cribs change to toddler beds using the safety bed rails. Many come with conversion kits that make this easy for the consumer. The crib mattress can also be used with the toddler bed, which saves money for the family. It is important to read carefully any information that comes with a convertible crib that is being considered for purchasing to ensure that the proper materials and tools are included.

Convertible Cribs can also be turned into full-size beds. Full-size mattresses and frames are all that is needed to make this transition. Typically, these do have to be purchased separately. Choosing a convertible crib that can become a full-size bed is advantageous because of the longevity that it provides. Some of these types of cribs are versatile and can be switched from a crib to a toddler bed or day bed, and then to a headboard and footboard for a full-size bed.

Safety Standards to Look for In Convertible Cribs

Safety is at the top of a new parent’s list of priorities. Choosing a crib that meets these standards is paramount. JPMA is a certification program that guides parents and caregivers in making wise choices in regard to safety of juvenile products. Convertible cribs that meet these standards will have this listed in their descriptions or features. Hardwood frames and recessed hardware are two components that are important factors to your baby’s safety. The most popular convertible baby cribs meet and most often exceed safety standards. Again, reading product information and customer reviews are excellent resources for parents in determining if a convertible crib is best for their baby and also for them.

Expression of Individual Tastes and Styles

The makers of convertible cribs have kept in mind that all new parents have their own tastes and styles. Convertible Cribs come in an assortment of finishes such as white, natural, cherry, caramel, amber, and more. Some are even available in pick or blue. There are also many different types of convertible cribs that can match any style preferences you may have. Parents who have already created their nursery may choose a convertible crib which complements the décor. Other expectant families may choose to purchase the crib first and create the nursery around the style of the crib.

A convertible crib will provide a welcome place to rest your child’s precious head each night. The versatility and familiarity of a convertible crib will comfort your child for many years to come as they grow.

By: Christina Moyer

About the Author:

Giving Your Infant A Massage Helps Reduce Crying And Boosts Your Baby’s Development. . .

You’ve probably heard it said that all babies need touch to feel safe and loved. This need for touch begins at the moment of birth and is essential for normal growth and development. In fact, touch is the only one of the five “far senses” we can’t live without.

The types of touch your baby needs include simple caresses and hugs to babywearing and infant massage.

Beginning with the act of birth, a baby’s life can be stressful (think about vaccines, heel sticks and all those diaper changes!)

Massage is one way to give your baby, and you, a calming experience. Plus, you can teach your baby how to relax his or her body when faced with stress.

There Are Many Reasons To Give Your Baby A Massage

• Less Crying – Babies who are touched more usually cry less. “The desire to be close to one another is the same whether you’re a mother in a hut in Africa or a high rise in New York,” says Vimala Schneider McClure, well-known authority on infant massage.

• Smarter - Soothing touch is strongly connected to your baby’s intellectual development.

• More Bonding – Massage brings you closer to your baby and helps you feel more confident as a parent. You get to know your baby’s body language and your baby begins to understand what healthy touch is all about.

• Gas Relief – Your baby should have less gas and burping when massaged on a regular basis. This is especially important for colicky infants.

• Good For Preemies – Massaged premature babies gain more weight and are more active & responsive than premature babies who are not massaged. Their nervous systems also mature faster, so baby’s brain and body communicate better.

• More Cooperative & Compassionate — Studies across various cultures show that in societies where the infants are held, massaged, rocked, breastfed and carried, the children grow up to be less aggressive and violent. In fact, they are more cooperative and compassionate.

I first became interested in infant massage when my son and I took a class with other moms & babies. We both enjoyed the experience so much that I was “hooked” and proceeded to make massage a daily tradition.

Some Tips To Get You Started. . .

1. Choose a warm & quiet place and put on some relaxing music, if you’d like.

2. Gather a soft towel, oil (cold-pressed fruit or canola is best) and a few wet wipes.

3. Lay your baby on the towel and relax & breathe deeply as you remove your baby’s clothing.

4. Oil your palms and rub together to warm them.

5. Show your palms to your baby and ask permission to begin (“It’s time for a massage. May I massage you now?”)

While an official class is a great way to see demonstrations of the actual techniques, it’s also possible to learn from a good book, like Infant Massage: A Handbook for Loving Parents by Vimala Schneider McClure.

Here Are Several Strokes & Gentle Movements From The Book. . .

• “Squeeze and Twist” for baby’s legs: Hold each leg as if you were holding a baseball bat-one hand above the other. Move hands up the leg together while squeezing slightly and turning in opposite directions.

• “Water Wheel” for baby’s stomach: Lightly stroke down the tummy, one hand following the other.

• Technique for hands: Open baby’s hands with your thumbs. Roll each tiny finger between your index finger and thumb. Stroke the top of each hand. Massage each wrist, making small circles all around it.

• “Open Book” for the chest: With both hands together at the center of the chest, push out to the sides, following the rib cage. Almost like you are flattening the pages of a book.

Remember to perform each of the above techniques gently and consciously, as babies are quite delicate! Your strokes should be soft and gentle.

Also, no matter what strokes you use, it’s your whole attitude that’s important. Enjoy this special time with your baby.

By: Linda Thom

About the Author:

This special range of tiny baby clothes for premature and small babies is Amazing. The clothes are all carefully designed for special care and low birth weight babies up to 12lb. These clothes are suitable for early babies to wear in incubators & hot cots,know as neonatal intensive care units. Most contain complete clothing sets including tiny hats, incubator vests, bodysuits & sleep suits and first newborn clothes. Garments offer maximum comfort allow for ease of dressing made for tubes, drips and foot monitors, your baby may have attached to their body, head or nose area. Parents will be so happy to see what they can buy, less to worry about during those extra special first weeks knowing this store has everything for a small newbaby or even poorly newborn babies.

Premature baby clothes offer the very latest in comfort and style These clothes are designed to provide easy nurse access, accommodate monitoring leads and IV tubes, and are constructed with natural “breathing” fabrics, made from 100% stretchy cotton very roomy, allowing for some growth before baby moves up onto the next size.

clothing sets and accessories start at a size 0-2lbs right through in low birth  weights  up to 12lb’s, giving parents piece of mind to know however small your baby is when they’re born, they will be dressed in the most attractive and admirable baby clothes.

The huge selection of baby clothing for newborn includes  rompers, bodysuits and all in ones. The extensive ranges are practical yet fashionable outfits that are perfect for premature and tiny babies to start wearing at the hospital  and ready to go home.

Premature baby clothes especially essentials and assessories such as warm coats and tights aren’t easy to locate. Not all shops that stock baby clothes stock premature baby clothes, baby speciality shops do have premature baby clothes but are often limited for choice. few online shops are dedicated to premature baby clothing.

You are sure to quickly find perfect tiny baby clothes for your premature baby,at the tiny baby clothes online shop by brands Nanny Nicu have exactly what you need for special care units and the cheekychums online superstore have all the essentials items you may miss out on in teeny tiny baby sizes. Order every item online quickly leaving you free to spend quality time with number one priority you and your new beautiful baby.

vist this store direct and all the other sites associated with this unique specialist superstore  at http://www.tiny-baby-clothes.co.uk  or http://cheekychumsonline.co.uk

By: Sheila Sudlow Of Cheeky Chums

About the Author:

How To Confidently Nurse Your Baby In Public

If you’re like me, sticking around the house is pretty nice when your baby is a newborn. You can sleep in, watch a little TV, eat when you’re hungry (just like your baby!) and wear whatever you want. For awhile, you can stay in your “own little world” and just enjoy your new baby.

Then, reality sets in. . . . you have some errands to run or your older kids have a soccer game you really want to see (for me, it was my 6th grade daughter who had a volleyball game when Ella was only five days old!).

Or, a party you go to with your family every year is coming up and you don’t want to miss it.

Whatever the reason, it’s time to head out with new baby and resume your normal activities.

For some moms, the first times out can be scary, but for me they were adventurous. Why? Well, first of all, it felt absolutely wonderful to be out in public, again, without all of my big clothes and extra weight.

Also, going out with Ella was a nice break in my everyday routine.

So, how can you conceal the fact you are breastfeeding?

For starters, you can use a baby sling, which can help hide the fact you are breastfeeding. I love my sling (Ella does too) and hardly go anywhere without it. A sling is quick & easy to use and quite comfortable. I also use it many times when I know it will be a hassle to push the stroller around a tight area.

Another way to nurse discreetly is to drape your shoulder & baby’s head with a light blanket or nursing cover. Many moms find it gives them some private space to get their babies started at the breast, then remove the covering once baby is nursing.

Two things to consider if you use a light blanket: this may actually “tell” more people what you are doing and, as your baby grows older, he may be able to pull the blanket off. But if using a blanket or nursing cover makes you more comfortable nursing in public, then do it.

Whether you use a nursing sling or light blanket, your clothing should also be considered for discreet nursing. It’s so much easier breastfeeding in public with good nursing clothing. I own several nursing tops, and two nursing dresses, which have concealed slits to allow Ella easy access. You can also simply dress in a few layers to give you some coverage. An unbuttoned blouse worn on top of a plain T-shirt is one of my favorite combos.

In the beginning, I found that using a sling and wearing the appropriate clothes seemed to give me the confidence I needed to go out with my breastfeeding baby.

However, no matter what you wear, you’ll find it’s not that big of deal to nurse your baby in public, especially once you become more experienced at it!

By: Linda Thom

About the Author: