parenting tips

Constipation is defined as difficulties in bowel movements characterized by hard or firm stools and irregular or infrequent bowel movement. It is labeled chronic if the symptoms are present for more than two weeks.

Causes

The causes of constipation in infants and toddlers include:

• Change from breast milk to formulas
• Insufficient intake of fluid
• Low fiber diet
• Metabolic disorders
• Cow's milk or any other ingredient in the child's food
• Certain medications

Symptoms

Common cold is simply an infection that affects the nose and respiratory tracts. More than 200 different viruses can cause a cold. Babies, in particular, are more vulnerable, because their immune systems are not completely developed. Most colds are not dangerous, and usually last only a week. Colds that last longer than a week should be treated by a health professional. A cold may lead to pneumonia or other serious illnesses, especially in babies younger than three months.
 
Symptoms

Even though babies are supposed to stay indoors, warmly cuddled in their mother’s bosoms, they may need to be taken out for regular check-ups to the doctor and other outdoor baby adventures.

What is cord-blood banking?

Cord blood banking refers to the collection and storage of the umbilical cord blood of your child. This blood, from the placenta and umbilical cord, is rich in hematopoietic stem cells. Stem cells from this cord blood play an important role in the treatment of certain serious blood and immune system related genetic diseases such as cancers that are treated with bone marrow transplants.

Colic is a health condition characterized by long and repeated bouts of crying seen in otherwise healthy infants. The causes of colic are not known, and though some believe that there is no such thing as colic, acute abdominal pain is believed to cause the symptoms.

While all infants cry, babies are said to be colicky if they cry for more than three hours a day for at least three days in a week in the first three to four months.

Symptoms

Babies are susceptible to respiratory infections and may commonly be seen coughing or wheezing. However, mostly these symptoms are related to colds, or infections of the upper respiratory tract. However, coughing or wheezing may also indicate asthma.

What is asthma?

Face it: the United States runs on sugar. This is not a good thing. A recent study in the International journal of Pediatric Obesity says that nearly half of American kids will be overweight by 2010. The current number is one-third. Here are some tips for cutting down on the sugar in your house.