Parenting can bring you so much joy, but it can also be really tough sometimes. As much as parents would like to be the perfect role model, the fact remains that we are also humans, capable of committing mistakes. After a hard day from work, you may find yourself really irritable and short-tempered. Although you want to rest, you still have parenting duties to accomplish.

All parents get frustrated sometimes, especially if the demands of work and parenting coincide. Parents should not be too hard on themselves. If you feel that you are on the brink of frustration or burnout, there are ways that can be taken to save your sanity:

1. Take a needed break. Taking a break will allow you to have a better mindset after. Try to fix your schedule with your partner so he can look after the kids, while you go to the gym, shop, or eat out with friends. If you are a single parent, ask for your family’s help. Sometimes, a parent just needs to take a breather, in order to cope with the demands of parenthood.

2. Try to squeeze in a little time for relaxation during the day. You can forego coffee breaks, and take a walk instead. You can also do some relaxation techniques during your break time. Diversions are helpful in reducing stress and it can also make you feel refreshed when you go home.

3. Children excitedly wait for parents to come home. It is then important to come home with extra energy to keep up with your child’s enthusiasm. Try establishing a ritual before going home. It may be good to spend an alone time before you head home, to release all the tension of your workday.

4. Try not to be a super parent. Although home cooked meals are good, time will always be an issue. You may be able to reduce stress, if you can bring dinner at least twice a week. Examine the areas in your schedule that you can modify. If you think that you need help, by all means you can hire somebody to probably help you out, even for an hour or two everyday.

5. Set realistic goals for yourself. Never attempt to finish all the house work if you simply can’t. Some chores can be done during weekends like grocery shopping and doing the laundry.

6. Let everyone do their part in the household chores. If you can have your older kids involved, it can get the job quickly done. It will also instill a sense of responsibility in your children.

7. Take your kids out for some fun time during weekends. Sometimes it helps if you can just go out to the park and read a book, while your kids can play. This will allow you to relax and at the same time bond with your kids. A change in the routine, of how you bond with your kids, can also put you into a better perspective.

Children need a lot of attention and love. And it can be quite challenging for parents who try to balance work and family life. Although the stressors can be many, nothing can ever compare to the joys of parenthood.

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Accidents are common during infancy because parents tend to take in stride what their child is capable of doing. It is important that parents anticipate any potential risks in a child’s environment to prevent accidents from occurring. Aspiration is common during infancy because it is a baby’s reflex to grab and place objects in the mouth. It is very serious because accidental ingestion of a foreign object in the lungs can cause grave respiratory problems. Thus, parents need to be very careful of the things that a baby can grab in his surroundings. Babies may not be able to walk to get objects, but they can surely wiggle their way to getting an object that they find appealing.

Infants are easily attracted to toys. Parents may take for granted toys which are taught to be safe like teddy bears. Teddy bears are well loved by children however parents need to be wary for any parts of it that might come loose. These can be in the form of buttons and other decorative items, which can potentially aspirate your baby. These can also be found in baby’s clothes, and it is safe not to purchase this kind. Parents may also think that an inflated balloon is safe for a child. However, if an inflated balloon is bitten, it can be sucked back into a child’s mouth and cause aspiration.

Choose carefully the toys that you offer your baby. Be certain that the toys you offer your child do not break easily. Otherwise the broken pieces may aspirate your child. In the same regard, choose one-piece pacifiers because it is safer as compared to others. A good way to measure if a toy can aspirate your child is by checking its size. If it would fit inside a toilet paper roll, never attempt to offer it to your child. Always follow the age safety regulations on packages of toys. It does not only indicate a developmental ability of a child, but safety in terms of choking hazards as well.

Parents who start feeding their babies solid foods should also properly choose the food items that are safe for the baby. Common food items that may cause aspiration include grapes, carrots, hotdogs, peanuts and popcorn. Babies still could not chew like adults and these food items can easily slide down their throat, which can lead to aspiration. Make sure that the consistency of the food that you offer your baby is not too sticky because it also causes aspiration. Likewise, it is important to keep products like powder because it can also aspirate your baby.

There are a lot of household items that may cause aspiration. Parents should pay particular attention to round, cylindrical objects or food items because they are more dangerous. These objects can easily slip through the throat and enter the lungs. Parents should never take safety precautions in stride because it can be life saving for your baby. Babies are capable of new things each day, and parents need to ensure that as they explore their environment, their safety remains a top priority.

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One of the biggest tasks, which a school-aged child must accomplish, is being able to adjust in school. Parents can have mixed emotions when a child starts school. Although it may be a milestone for the kids, it also brings about anxiety not only to parents, but to kids as well. A child may get so used to being with his family that he will find it hard to adjust in a different environment. Teachers help kids by making them feel at home in the new learning environment. However, parents play the biggest role in facilitating a smooth transition.

Parents need to be totally supportive during this time because it can be a very challenging for a child. Children often get nervous as to how they will be able to cope in a new environment. Parents then need to be extra available for the child at home. This will allow opportunities to connect with the child. Parents need to explore their child’s thoughts about school, in order to properly address their fears.

Transition can be emotionally demanding for a child, and it is important that parents introduce possible activities that a child might be doing in school. These learning activities can make the experience less stressful. You can help your child develop social skills by having him play with other children. Role playing can also help if you can convey usual school activities. You can use your child’s toys to role play a scene typical in a school setting. It can also help if you read books to your child. Encourage participation at all times whether during games, or any learning activity. Parents should also encourage activities like painting and drawing. It will not only promote creativity in you child, but it also gives him a chance to get used to sitting for short periods of time.

It is also necessary that parents explain details like where the school is at, the purpose of going to school, and for how long they will be staying there. Your child may have fears of being physically away from a parent. Thus, it is important to establish trust early on so that your child will understand, that you will be picking him up after a few hours, or after a particular school activity to be very exact. Parents should also continuously encourage that learning is fun and it is best enjoyed with new friends.

A few weeks before school starts, take time to bring your child to the school. This will allow him to have the proper mindset of going to school. Try to establish a routine before school starts so that your child will not have a hard time adjusting. Know the arrangement that the school has for the transition, so you can be there for your child. You can also allow your child to participate in choosing the needed school supplies, which will allow him to grow interest in going to school.

Communication is equally important because it will promote openness in the relationship. Your child may be afraid of an incident with his teacher, or he may be bullied in school. . If open communication is established early, children will speak up about the incident. This will allow parents to act on it accordingly, and prevent a child from having a negative perception of school. If a child seems bothered, and insists on staying home because of various health complaints, then there must be something wrong at school. Reassure your child that it’s okay to be afraid and that you are always there to help him out.

Learning is fun but children need to overcome fears, in order to be able to adapt in a different environment. Parents need to be sensitive for cues, which may indicate that a child is having problems at school. It may also help if parents talk with the child’s teacher, in order to iron out problems. Starting school is a big step for a child, and parents need to prepare as well, so that the child can get the necessary support and reassurance needed to make the transition easier.

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Any parent can attest as to how hard it is to get enough sleep during the first few months of a baby’s life. Sleepless nights are common for most parents because newborns are still yet to establish their sleeping pattern. Newborns spend most of their time sleeping. They can sleep for a total of 16 hours a day, but often in one or two hours per interval. Although this is common, a baby’s sleep pattern will become more consistent as the nervous system matures. As time passes, your baby will also be able to sleep longer in between feedings.

At three months old, most babies can sleep up to five hours during the night. By the time they turn six months old, it can be possible for babies to sleep longer. A baby’s sleep pattern is greatly affected by the number of feedings he needs during the night. However, at an early time, there are ways that can be done to help promote sleep for your baby.

It may help if you have some activities during the day with your baby. This can be simply done by spending time with your baby singing, talking and playing. Your baby can greatly benefit from these kinds of stimulation. You can also allow your baby to get used to household noises while you spend time with him. These may include the sound of running water, clock ticking and the sound of other household activities. Activities during the day can help in promoting better sleep during the night.

Parents should also establish a bedtime routine. It is important that your baby will associate these activities with sleep. You can choose activities that are relaxing like baths, singing or reading stories before bedtime. Playing your baby’s favorite bedtime music can also help induce sleep. Although these may sound so easy, it can greatly help in promoting sleep.

Putting your baby to bed when he is almost asleep can help your baby associate the bed with sleep. Avoid putting your baby on his stomach while sleeping because it is associated with SIDS, or sudden infant death syndrome. A good position is to put your baby to sleep on alternate sides. This will prevent respiratory secretions to pool in one lung or the other.

A pacifier can help in settling infants but parents must be prepared for middle of the night crying spells when the pacifier falls off. The use of pacifiers can also lessen the risk of SIDS. It is common for a parent to instinctively pick up the baby from the crib when he fusses. Although this may be good, sometimes it is better to allow the baby to settle down for a few minutes. For some babies, stirring at night is normal and they are just trying to settle down. However, you need to make sure that your baby is not hungry or uncomfortable because stirring or wriggling at night, can also be a sign of your baby’s discomfort.

Although babies normally wake up for middle of the night feedings, parents should try to maintain his “sleeping environment”. While feeding or changing diapers, maintain the dim lights and avoid jerky movements. Your baby can easily mistake night time care for play time if you don’t maintain the calmness in the room.

Babies may have a very erratic sleep patterns. This can be quite tiring for parents who are trying to adjust to the demands of parenthood. Parents need to be supportive during this time while the baby is adjusting to the outside world. Your baby may need constant rubs in the back or cuddling, in order to feel secure enough to go to sleep. Sometimes all it takes is a parent’s presence so that the baby can go back to sleep. Caring for infants can be quite demanding, but the bright side is that, it will soon come to pass. As babies grow older, they will also adapt to sleeping patterns that will allow parents their much needed sleep.

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Skin care for babies has undeniably created a big industry. When you go out to purchase just a baby shampoo, you will find yourself browsing through an aisle filled with so many varieties to choose from. Babies have very delicate skin, and the best way to take care of it is to avoid exposure to any potential allergens and chemicals.

Babies born to parents who have allergies and skin problems should be protected to exposure to such allergens. Typically a laundry detergent that is fragrance free and dye free can be less irritating to your baby’s skin. It is also important to wash your baby’s clothes, blankets and beddings separately from the rest of the family’s laundry. This will minimize any possible contact with allergens that can cause skin problems for your baby. Newly purchased baby clothes should also be washed prior to use.

The immune system of a baby at birth is still developing. With babies who are prone to having allergic reactions, try not to use baby soaps too often because it can irritate and dry your baby’s sensitive skin. You can safely use cleansers and washes because they are mild for babies. A baby who is exposed to too much chemicals early on, can develop skin allergies as they grow older. It is also not recommended to bathe your baby too often because it will only remove natural oils, which serve to protect your baby’s skin.

Parents should remember that babies usually spend their time indoors, and most of their time is spent either feeding or sleeping. Sponge baths can do the job in keeping your baby clean. A simple routine of using water and cleansers are essential during diaper changes. Baby wipes are convenient but choose the non-perfumed and alcohol free variety because it will prevent your baby’s skin from irritation and drying.

Parents often safely assume that when a product is labeled hypoallergenic, it is less likely to cause allergies. However, this will not mean that the product is gentle on the skin as compared to others. A better alternative is to choose natural skin care products for your baby. Although this may less likely cause irritation, parents with a history of allergies should still watch out for any reactions on their baby. There is a tendency that your baby may be sensitive to herbs or botanicals contained in some products.

You can protect your baby’s skin from diaper rash by liberally applying petroleum jelly. It will create a barrier that prevents direct contact with the soiled diaper, which then prevents skin irritation. Frequent diaper changes as well as proper cleansing are also necessary in preventing diaper rash. Avoid rubbing your baby’s skin after a wash. Instead, pat dry your baby’s skin to prevent further irritation. There are also eczema cortisone creams that are readily available, which help in decreasing inflammation and redness.

It may also be wise to avoid using baby powder if you can. Cornstarch based powders are safer for infants because talcum powder can cause lung problems when inhaled. A diaper rash can be caused by yeast, and it can feed on cornstarch. It may not be best to use baby powders if your baby is too sensitive.

If you need to moisturize your baby’s skin, you can use baby lotion. Parents can use baby lotion sparingly for newborns. Some parents would substitute baby oil to lotion, but your baby’s skin does not absorb baby oil well. A good way to use baby oils is during massages. Your baby will greatly benefit from massages because it can trigger hormones and boost immunity. It is also a wonderful time to bond with your baby.

Caring for your baby’s skin may seem too complicated. The truth in the matter is that, the lesser you expose your baby to certain chemicals, the better it will be for his skin. While it may be tempting to purchase so many products, which may be good for your baby’s skin, sometimes it is best to just stick to the basics.

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For the first few months of life, babies can not distinguish caregivers from strangers. When they cry, they can easily be calmed and comforted by any person who make them feel loved and protected, regardless of relationship. By around 6 to 8 months, babies can now identify their primary care giver and realize that there is only one Mommy and Daddy. Hence, when the child is offered by his parents to be carried by somebody unfamiliar to him, the child starts to cry, inconsolable by any person except his parents. This phase of the child’s development is called “stranger anxiety”.

As the child starts to outgrow stranger anxiety, he would then have to pass through another phase of social development called “separation anxiety”. Separation anxiety occurs when the child, who has developed emotional attachment and security with his parents, feels anxious when his parents are gone. A child can exhibit his anxiety in many behaviors such as crying, shyness, clinginess, unusual silence, and unwillingness to interact with other familiar people around him.

Although separation anxiety is normal and temporary, the child must be helped in some ways. Separation may be perceived by the child as a traumatic and distressful event in his life, which can have a lasting psychological and emotional effect. Here are some ways to ease a child’s separation anxiety.

For babies and toddlers:

1. If you plan to leave, schedule it after the baby’s nap or feeding. It is observed that babies are less susceptible to anxiety when they are full and fresh from a nap

2. Acclimatize your baby by practicing separation for shorter periods and distances. A good example is when your child attempts to head off to the kitchen and you are left in the living room, wait for several minutes before going after him. By doing this, you are developing his sense of independence.

3. If you are a working parent, have your child a consistent primary caregiver. It is best that you leave your child with a caregiver who can be there for your child from infancy into toddlerhood.

4. If you must leave your child temporarily under the care of a relative, it is better to ask your relative to come to your house, rather than dropping your child off to your relative’s house.

5. Try to develop a consistent “goodbye” habit (e.g. simple wave or a special kiss) and tell him that you need to go and that you will be back very soon. Avoid repeating your goodbye ritual every time you leave. This will only make your child more anxious and insecure.

6. Above all, maintain a calm, strong and positive attitude toward your child every time you leave. Children are highly sensitive to your facial expression and will know from your voice and gestures. Showing your child that you are also emotionally affected will only reinforce anxiousness in your child.

For young children:

7. Establish trust and security with your child by honoring time commitments. For example, be sure to pick him up from day care or return home at the specified time. In this way, he will feel that your word can be trusted, so that the next time you leave and say that you will be back, the child will feel less anxious because he is already convinced that you will indeed be back as promised.

8. Make your child feel that you care about his feelings by telling him that you will miss him too every time you leave. Make an effort to explain why you need to leave him temporarily (e.g. you need to go to work so your can buy him milk), but assure him that you will be back very soon.

9. Read your child with children’s story books which tell about brave characters, and cite those times when he was brave and has done something independently just like the hero in the story. Role-playing has a big effect in molding the child’s behavior.

10. When separation is set at a later date and you plan to have him taken cared of by a relative, it is best to talk to your child about it in advance. Help him prepare for that day by anticipating positive outcomes and telling him how you can be reached if necessary.

11. If possible, make a call and talk to your child over the phone while you are away. Ask him how he is doing and tell him about feel-good stories. Hearing your voice will make him feel secure and less anxious.

Remember, children will normally outgrow separation anxiety by age 5. By then, they are able to spend time in the absence of their parents with less stress and anxiety. Helping your child ease his separation anxiety will allow him to get exposed to the real world, to experience life to the fullest and to explore new things and horizons.

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Parents of toddlers and preschoolers are often faced with the problem of providing proper nutrition to their children. During this stage, a child may only want to eat a number of food items and it is exceptionally hard to introduce a food, which they are not accustomed to eating. As much as parents would like their children to eat a balanced diet, it can even be hard especially if their food preferences haven’t matured yet.

Younger children would readily give up a meal for play time. Many parents would always try to insist that their child will eat at a particular time of the day. Although this is good, young children tend to eat only when they are hungry. Never threaten the child to eat when you want him to because it will only reinforce power struggle. This will not be helpful to children who want to exercise their autonomy.

Snacks and liquid beverages can be filling, but it is not advisable to give your child any of these food items one hour before a meal. A child who is hungry is more motivated to eat as compared to those who are partially full. Parents need to be creative to entice a child to eat. It may be good to purchase eating utensils with your child’s favorite cartoon character to make eating a fun activity. Aside from that, parents should also go the extra mile in terms of preparing attractive food items. Children may want to try food that is pleasing to their eyes. Parents then need to focus on shape, color and aroma in presenting their meals.

Children will always have favorite meals. If your child likes breakfast because he likes cereals and pancake, then by all means offer it during lunch or dinner. Young children will not know any distinction between breakfast, lunch or dinner. The important thing is that he will get the nutrients from healthy food choices. Parents should also not give up easily when they introduce new food items. A child may need repeated exposure to the new food, in order for him to be convinced to give it a try. It is also good to set a routine for eating. Serve food at approximately the same time everyday to establish a routine. In order for your child to pay attention to the food, you should minimize distractions. Do not incorporate food with play in order not to confuse your child with the purpose of meal times.

Children are smart and they can easily point out some food items that they dislike in a meal. Thus parents need to devise a plan, on how to sneak in vegetables or fruits into a child’s favorite dish. Pasta can be one of the early favorites of children. Parents then need to jump on the opportunity to mix needed vegetables in their diet. Pureed vegetables like broccoli or green peppers can be mixed to spaghetti sauce, without your children knowing it. Incorporating “hidden” vegetables to your child’s favorite dishes can be a good way in giving him proper nutrients, without going through a meal time battle.

It may also help if you involve your child in the process of preparing food. In the grocery, allow him to help you choose fruits and other healthy food items. This gives him a sense of control as to what he would rather eat. Make food preparation a fun activity and allow your child to participate.

It may also be best not to purchase food items that you don’t want your child to eat. It can be hard to discourage children to eat junk foods if they see it around the house, or if they see you eat it. Parents should set a good example so that children will try to emulate the good practice. It can be hard to feed children especially when they are very picky. However parents can breathe a sigh of relief because as children will grow older, their food preferences will also mature.

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A few months after my daughter was born, I noticed that she was spitting up a lot. I was a quite concerned whether she was getting enough nutrients because it usually happened after every feeding. I brought her in for a check up and my pediatrician told me that my daughter has infant acid reflux.

Acid reflux in infants is quite common, and it affects more than half of all babies. The cause of infant acid reflux in babies is usually an immature digestive system. At birth, the gastrointestinal tract is immature in terms of digesting and moving food along the tract. The lower esophageal sphincter is a specialized muscle that functions like a valve, which only opens to allow food and liquid to be swept through into the stomach. If the muscle has not fully matured like those in babies, stomach contents may occasionally regurgitate, or flow back up to the esophagus and out of your baby’s mouth.

The signs of infant acid reflux include spitting up, irritability during or after feedings, and poor feedings. Normally, infant acid reflux doesn’t really interfere with your baby’s growth. However parents need to be watchful for other signs, which may indicate a more serious condition like gastroesophageal reflex disease or GERD. This is a severe form of reflux that can cause vomiting, pain and poor weight gain. You need to contact your doctor if you notice that your baby is weak, or if he spits up forcefully, and if he resists feedings. Take note as well of the amount and the color of the fluid that your baby spits up. Your doctor must be informed if your baby spits up green or brown fluid, or if the amount of fluid is more than one or two tablespoons per episode.

Although infant acid reflux is expected to clear up on its own, it can be quite distressing for parents. Modifying your feeding habits may be essential in its management. Feed or nurse your baby in a peaceful environment. A frantic baby is more likely to regurgitate his feeding. It is also important to feed your baby in an upright position to prevent reflux. Likewise, maintain your baby in a sitting position 15 to 30 minutes after each feeding. Infant seats and baby carriers can help in keeping the baby upright, thereby allowing stomach contents to settle.

Your baby may tolerate small frequent feedings better. Try giving an ounce of formula at intervals, and limit nursing to one breast at a time if you are breastfeeding. . If you’re using a bottle, check if you have the right nipple size. If the nipple is too large, it will allow milk to flow faster. On the other hand, a nipple that is too small may only allow your baby to swallow more air bubbles. This should be avoided because air bubbles in the esophagus may lead to reflux. It is also essential to burp your baby frequently to keep air from building in the stomach. Do not burp your baby over your shoulder, as it may only put pressure on his abdomen. A better way is to prop your baby in a sitting position, with your hand supporting his head.

If home remedies won’t work for your baby and if the symptoms persist, consult your health care provider. If you’re breastfeeding, your doctor may suggest that you avoid cow’s milk. Switching brands may also minimize the symptoms for formula-fed babies. Infant acid reflux may bother some infants as well as parents, but if the symptoms can be managed by modifying feeding habits, burp cloths come handy in keeping the mess to a minimum.

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Infants who start to grow teeth may feel very distressed due to the discomfort. The gums are generally soft and tender before a new tooth erupts. As a new tooth breaks the surface, the area of the gums may appear swollen or red over the tooth. This usually happens on the sixth month of a child’s life. However, some children may start to grow teeth when the baby turns two months old.

The lower central incisors or the bottom two teeth are usually the first to appear. It is then followed by the upper central incisors, or the two upper front teeth. A classic symptom of teething is drooling, which usually starts at about two months before the first tooth erupts. A baby may also be irritable, cranky, and may have difficulty sleeping, which can be noticed 3-5 days before the tooth shows. Teething pain can also interfere with a child’s feeding pattern.

Parents often dismiss other symptoms like fever with a temperature of greater than 102 degrees Fahrenheit, diarrhea, cough, vomiting, decreased urine output, and runny nose because they correlate it to teething. However, parents should not be complacent when they notice these symptoms because they are not associated with teething. Your baby has to be checked by your doctor to rule out other causes.

Teething can be uncomfortable for your baby, but there are home remedies that can ease your baby’s discomfort. Teething rings help because babies get relief from the gentle pressure on their gums from chewing. Choose the ones made of firm rubber because it may be safer to use than those filled with water. The liquid-filled variety may cause potential injury when it breaks. A baby bottle may even work but it should be filled with water, and not juice or milk. Prolonged contact from sugar found in milk, juice or formula can lead to tooth decay.

Babies are also often relieved with cold objects. Teething rings that can be placed in the refrigerator can provide soothing coolness. Never place the teething ring inside the freezer because it may only hurt your baby. You can also have your baby bite down on a cold washcloth to provide relief. Parents need to be cautious during this time because babies may put anything in their mouths, which may cause choking. Keep all objects that are choking hazards away from your child’s reach.

Since teething causes feeding problems, it may be wise to use teething nipples so that your baby can better tolerate feedings. If your baby has started eating solid foods, you can offer his favorite food cold, such as yogurt or applesauce. Rashes are also common to babies who drool. A simple way to prevent skin irritation is to always wipe your baby’s face with a clean cloth every time he drools.

Parents may be tempted to buy over-the-counter medicines to relieve teething pain. However, it may not be safe to do so without your doctor’s advice. Many of these topical gels contain benzocaine, which is a local anesthetic, and if applied too far back in the throat may interfere with the gag reflex. Parents should also avoid giving aspirin to a child because it has been associated with Reye’s syndrome. Although teething can be usually handled at home, parents still need to be alert for symptoms, which may warrant a visit to the doctor.

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Parenting during the first few months of a baby’s life, can be quite challenging. Parents usually take the first few months establishing a bond with the baby, as well as coping with the added responsibility of taking care of a newborn. However, there are instances that caring for your baby may be really difficult.

An infant who is crying inconsolably for hours may have colic. Colic is paroxysmal abdominal pain that occurs in three month old infants or younger. A baby with colic may cry loudly, with the legs pulled up against the abdomen, and fists clenched. An infant’s face may also be red and flushed, and the abdomen is tense. You may notice that your baby may have colic at approximately the same time everyday. It usually lasts up to 3 hours a day and occurs at least three days every week.

Colic is common and it affects around 25 percent of babies. It usually starts a few weeks after birth, and improves by the time the baby turns 3 months old. However, there are babies who may suffer from colic for a few more months. But it generally ends for 90 percent of babies by the time babies turn 9 months old.

The cause of colic is still unclear, but overfed infants are susceptible to having it. Infants who are formula fed are also more likely to have colic because they tend to swallow more air during a feeding. A formula that is high in carbohydrates may also cause colic. Research has also shown that it may also be caused by allergies, an immature digestive system, maternal anxiety, lactose intolerance and differences in the way that the baby is fed.

Colic is bothersome for babies and it can be frustrating for parents however, there are ways to soothe a baby with colic. Babies will benefit greatly from small feedings whether they are breastfed or formula-fed. Babies should also be burped often. Placing the baby in an infant seat, or in an upright position, for half an hour after a feeding can also help. To make feedings more satisfying, have your baby empty one breast completely before you switch to the next side. This will allow your baby to get more hindmilk. It is richer and more satisfying than foremilk, which is present at the beginning of a feeding.

Pacifiers can also help in soothing your baby. Cuddling is encouraged because babies need comfort, and they greatly respond to affection. Using baby slings or baby carriers are helpful in supporting your baby’s weight. Keeping your baby in motion is also essential. You can either rock your baby in your arms, or use an infant swing. Your baby may also benefit if you take him for a ride. Be certain that you buckle your baby properly in the car seat in order to be safe. Breastfeeding mothers also need to watch their diet by avoiding foods, which promote gas formation.

A soothing music may also help a colicky baby. Your baby may be comforted by the sound of lullabies or any soft music. There are studies that show that babies are comforted by the sound of a heartbeat, which is why music boxes are commercially available to simulate the sound. However, a tick of a clock may also do the trick. You can also be creative and record environmental sounds such as ocean waves and gentle rain. These may help in calming your baby.

If you feel that your baby is not sleeping and not feeding as usual, it may be best to contact your health care provider. It is important that your doctor can evaluate whether your baby has colic, or if he needs to do more tests to determine any other illness. Babies can be difficult to comfort during colic episodes. And although it may be a difficult beginning for a parent-child relationship, it will soon come to pass. Parenting can be demanding at times, but it is definitely very rewarding.

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