If your baby is diagnosed with tongue tie, you’ll understandably be concerned. Medically referred to as ankyloglossia, tongue tie is a condition which is present from birth and it varies significantly in severity.
Here, we’ll look at what tongue tie is, what causes the condition and how it can affect both baby and you. [Read more…]
One of the most common questions new parents have is how soon should they should start to look after baby’s gums? There’s a staggering amount of advice and tips on caring for a newborn, but gum care isn’t typically commonly listed.
It’s logical to think that gum care should start when baby develops their first teeth. However, many experts suggest that it should begin long before this. If you’re struggling to find adequate baby gum care information, below you’ll discover everything you need to know. [Read more…]
Could your little one be suffering from lactose intolerance? It’s not overly common, but it is possible for babies to develop a lactose intolerance and it can cause quite worrying symptoms.
Here, you’ll discover everything you need to know about lactose intolerance in babies and why a correct diagnosis is essential.
Before you can determine whether or not your little one has a lactose intolerance, it helps to know exactly what it is.
Lactose is found in dairy products such as cow’s milk, and it’s a natural type of sugar. Our bodies contain a digestive enzyme known as lactase, which is responsible for breaking down lactose so it’s easily digested.
A lactose intolerance develops when the body isn’t producing enough of the lactase enzyme, making it more difficult to break it down. As the unchanged lactose passes through the gut, bacteria start to eat it, causing unpleasant symptoms such as diarrhea and a build-up of excess gas.
There’s actually two different types of lactose intolerance, each caused by slightly different things. So, let’s look at these different types and their possible causes… [Read more…]
The first time your baby develops a bad cough, it can be extremely worrying. However, coughing, wheezing, and developing a cold is actually pretty common during the infant stage, and even while your baby is teething. You usually have absolutely nothing to worry about, though a quick trip to the doctors is always reassuring!
Once you know it’s nothing serious, the big question is how can you treat it? When adults have a cough, over the counter medicine usually works wonders. However, for babies and toddlers, you can’t just buy any old cough medicine due to potentially nasty side effects.
Here, we’ll look at ways to soothe a baby’s cough without, or as a supplement to, medicine. While these home remedies for your baby’s cough are considered safe, it’s also important to point out here that any medicine you do give to your little one should always be prescribed from a doctor. [Read more…]
From the minute your little one is born, it’s absolutely normal to be overwhelmed with worry. The first few weeks can be tough as you’re constantly looking out for anything that might be wrong.
As your baby’s immune system is still developing, they are at an increased risk of picking up various illnesses. Most of the time, when newborns get sick, it’s nothing to worry about. However, as they are so fragile, it’s still worth taking them to the doctor if you are concerned.
Here, we’ll look at some of the most alarming newborn illnesses to watch out for that are actually quite normal. [Read more…]
When you become a parent, you quickly start to see the dangers all around you. Even everyday objects can start to appear as potentially dangerous weapons. It’s terrifying!
Keeping your new baby safe is obviously your number one priority, yet may parents have no real first aid experience. What better way to ensure you are prepared in case of an emergency than learning baby first aid?
It’s important to note, the below tips should not be used as an alternative to calling 911 in an emergency. They will help you to potentially improve your baby’s condition and help you remain calm and focused until help arrives, but always seek medical help as soon as possible. [Read more…]
Toddlers are prone to illness and tummy bugs are especially common in children under the age of five. If you’re new to parenthood, it’s common to panic the first time your little one is struck by vomiting and diarrhea. However, the majority of the time these tummy upsets are nothing to be concerned about. While you should always consult a doctor if symptoms persist, it is usually possibly to safely eliminate the bug yourself.
Before you do attempt to soothe your toddler’s symptoms, it’s worth noting that there are a few common mistakes parents often make which can actually cause the bug to get worse. Don’t worry if you’ve tried them, it doesn’t make you a bad parent!
The 5 common mistakes below are often unknowingly recommended by friends and family. Even if you have tried them, being aware of these mistakes will help you to avoid them the next time your little one develops a stomach bug. [Read more…]
Diaper rash is extremely common, but it can be upsetting for both you and baby. While there are numerous things you can do to reduce the chances of your little one developing the rash, the truth is most babies will develop it at some point. Therefore, it is a good idea to plan ahead and look at the best treatment options available.
In the meantime, let’s look at what the most common causes of diaper rash are. By understanding the causes, it gives you the opportunity to potentially avoid them and minimize your baby’s risk. [Read more…]
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is every parent’s worst nightmare. Affecting children under the age of 12 months, it occurs without warning and there is no clear known cause as to why it happens. However, the chances of it happening are extremely small. It’s very rare and while there is no known cause, there are some things you can do to lower your baby’s risk.
Here you’ll discover everything you need to know about SIDS, including the best ways to prevent it. [Read more…]
Chickenpox is a very common disease that typically affects children under the age of 10. Many children will catch it at some point, but that doesn’t stop you from worrying when you wake up one day to find your little one covered in nasty looking spots!
In order to deal with the condition as quickly and effectively as possible, it helps to have a good understanding of what it is, the symptoms to look out for and the treatment options available. Here you’ll discover everything you need to know about chickenpox and what to do if you suspect your little one has it. [Read more…]
One of the cutest things about babies is their rosy red cheeks. However, did you know that it could be a sign of Slapped Cheek Syndrome? If you’ve never heard of it, don’t worry – you’re not alone! The majority of new parents have no idea what Slapped Cheek Syndrome is or that it even existed. If your baby’s cheeks have suddenly become redder than usual, it could be an indicator of the condition.
So what is Slapped Cheek Syndrome and is it something you need to worry about? Here you’ll discover everything you need to know. [Read more…]
As any parent who has had to deal with colic will testify, it’s one of the hardest, upsetting and emotionally draining experiences you will go through as a new parent. While harmless enough, colic causes your little one to cry excessively. All babies cry, for a lot of different reasons, so establishing whether they’re suffering from colic can be difficult.
If you’re worried your baby might be suffering from the condition, below you’ll discover more about colic and how to spot the signs. [Read more…]
Being a first time parent is scary. The minute you bring your little bundle home, you suddenly become aware that you have no idea what you’re doing. It’s your job to keep baby safe, which often means you’re constantly looking out for potential problems. Illness can be a particular worry, with even the slightest sniffle causing you to go straight into protective parent mode.
One of the biggest concerns new parents have is vomiting. You know some level of vomiting is normal, but how can you tell if your baby is vomiting more than they should be? To help ease your mind, below you’ll discover more about why babies vomit and what to look out for to establish whether there’s a problem. [Read more…]