Is Earwax Harmful? Earwax, also known as cerumen, is usually a friend, not a foe. It is formed by secretions from the sebaceous glands lining the ear canal, plus a collection of the cells that slough off from the lining of the ear canal. Earwax has protective properties. It provides a barrier protecting the sensitive […]
Nose Injuries
What to Do in the Event of Nose Injuries Purpose of the Nose The nose is beautifully designed to function as a shock absorber, so that blows to the face do not injure the head. When the nose collides with a hard surface (e.g., your child runs into a sliding glass door, falls flat on […]
Anthrax
Anthrax Specifics With the increasing number of anthrax cases appearing in the U.S. as a result of bioterrorism, people are naturally concerned over how to protect themselves and their families. One of the most important ways to do this is to be well informed about the disease. Here is a brief overview of anthrax to […]
Lead Poisoning
Dangers Lead Poisoning Can Have Lead poisoning from eating lead-based paint chips resulted in a government ban on lead-based paint in 1978. Homes built after 1980 are required by law to use lead-free paint. So the problem should be over. Not true. While the signs of lead poisoning have long been recognized, recent research has […]
Breastfeeding and Brain Development
The Link between Breastfeeding and Brain Development We can’t promise that breastfeeding will make your child a Nobel Prize winner, but research shows a very positive relationship between breastfeeding and brain development. Children who were breastfed have I.Q. scores averaging seven to ten points higher than formula-fed infants. It’s important to remember that these numbers […]
Breastfeeding Benefits from Top to Bottom
• Brain. Higher IQ in breastfed children. Cholesterol and other types of fat in human milk support the growth of nerve tissue. • Eyes. Visual acuity is higher in babies fed human milk. • Ears. Breastfed babies get fewer ear infections. • Mouth. Less need for orthodontics in children breastfed more than a year. Improved […]
3 Little Known Benefits of Breastfeeding
Benefits of Breastfeeding 1. Breastfed babies smell better. Unlike the stinky stools of a formula-fed baby, the stools of a breastfed infant have a less offensive buttermilk-like odor. Changing the diaper of a breastfed infant is not an unpleasant task–which is fortunate, because most breastfed babies have several bowel movements a day. When the baby […]
Baby’s Growth
Weight gain – most babies will gain 1 ¼ to 2 pounds per month at this age, or 2 ½ to 4 pounds since your two-month check up. Your baby will show a trend toward being a large, average, or slim baby. Do not be alarmed if baby is slimming down. Genetics plays a big […]
Examination
What exactly is your doctor looking for with all that poking and prodding of your precious tiny little baby? Well, here is a brief explanation of the physical exam from head to toe and what aspects are most important at this age: Head – check the soft spot and ridges along the front, top, and […]
Nutrition
Breastfeeding One particular change you may see now or during the next few months is that baby’s feedings may become shorter, and spaced farther apart. He may start to take only one breast at each feeding. This is because baby becomes more efficient at nursing, and can get more out in a shorter time. We […]
Parenting & Behavior Issues
Teething Teething is probably the number one cause of night waking and daytime fussiness for infants from this age until 2 years. Signs of teething include excess drooling, chewing on everything in site, constant gnawing on fingers (both yours and baby’s), and long periods of unusual crankiness and night waking. The nights of baby sleeping […]
Development
Here are the developmental milestones that most babies will achieve by this age: Gross motor – rolls over, good head control, pushes up with arms while on tummy, stands supported. Fine motor – reaches out and grabs objects, holds and shakes rattle Language – will consistently turn toward sounds, makes variety of baby sounds such […]