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There are a few side effects associated with probiotics. The side effects have not really been scientifically studied so it is hard to say if some side effects are more common than other side effects while using probiotics. It is reported that side effects are a rare occurrence when taking probiotics.

Abdominal discomfort is one of the most common side effects that is reported when using probiotics. People sometimes report feeling bloating after taking probiotics. Bloating happens when the digestive process produces excess gas. Feeling extremely full is a sign of bloating. Pain in the abdominal region is another side effect that users report while using probiotics. People need to see their doctor if they experience any kind of abdominal discomfort after they use the supplement.

Not only are abdominal pains and bloating some reported side effects but headaches are also commonly reported side effects of using probiotics. People who suffer from headaches after using probiotics should lower their dosage. Some people say that their headaches go away once their body becomes used to taking the probiotics supplement. People should contact their doctor if their headaches do not get better over time or if the headaches become severe.

Some reports of probiotics say that a small number of people should not take the supplement because they could become more prone to catching infections, mainly fungal infections. Sometimes the infections can happen more often due to the immune system being compromised. Intestinal infections are other types of infections that can occur as a result of taking probiotics. Anybody who gets symptoms of infection after taking the supplement should call their doctor.

Diarrhea has been reported as one of the side effects of using probiotics. Diarrhea has not been a commonly reported side effect and probiotics are also used to treat diarrhea.

Skin rashes are rare when using probiotics supplements but rashes have been reported in some cases.

A person who experiences any abnormal changes in their body after taking probiotics should contact their doctor and make an appointment to see them.

Side effects are quite rare when using probiotics but they do happen once in a while.

Probiotics Supplements

Probiotics supplements are sold in many different places. A lot of probiotics supplements come in pill form but sometimes the supplements come in liquid form too but pill form is the most common form the probiotics come in. Powder form is also a popular form that it comes in. The powder is simply stirred into a drink such as water and then consumed by drinking it.

Probiotics supplements are made by many manufacturers. Research on companies and manufacturers of probiotics is needed when a person decides to buy the supplement because some probiotic supplements may be better than others as some manufacturers may use slightly different ingredients than other manufacturers.

Many manufacturers will make their own recommendations on when to take the probiotics supplements. However, most companies recommend taking probiotics supplements before breakfast with a glass of water. After taking it, a person should wait around twenty minutes before eating because this will help a person get the full benefits of the supplement. The probiotics supplements should not be taken within three hours of consuming an antibiotic.

Almost every single company will recommend taking probiotics right around meal time, most likely breakfast time.

Side effects are usually mild but there are rare cases where the supplement has been linked to major side effects.

Probiotics Benefits

There are many positive benefits of taking probiotics. There are some reports that say that one of the benefits of consuming probiotics is an enhanced immune system response. Sometimes antibiotics can cause negative side effects but probiotics can reduce those negative side effects.

A lot of people experience colon inflammation after a surgery. Probiotics actually helps treating the inflammation as well as preventing it.

Eczema is a nuisance for many people but youths can take measures to prevent eczema. Eczema is a nasty rash that can cause severe itching. The skin condition is something that is very hard to treat. However, one of the measures that can be taken to treat eczema is probiotics supplements. Eczema prevention is one of the benefits of taking it.

Another benefit of probiotics is that a person can expect to digest food better because their ability to digest food will increase.

The overall immune system gets enhanced too and this acts as a therapeutic for viral tract infections.

Lactose intolerance is reduced when taking probiotics. Incidents of vaginitis, yeast infections and candidiasis are also reduced when taking the probiotics supplements. Women love taking it because of these benefits. Many women do not know how to effectively reduce incidents of yeast infections and vaginitis and taking probiotics is one of the best things to take to reduce such incidents.

Probiotics also help with bad breathe. Bad breathe is a very common problem among many people. Bad breathe causes thousands and thousands of people embarrassment and shame. Many do not know how to battle bad breathe. There are way too many remedies out there that claim they battle bad breathe but often people are let down by such products making such claims. However, many people believe that the best remedy for bad breathe are probiotics supplements. There are many reports out there that show that probiotics work very well in preventing and even curing bad breathe.

Probiotics may help with preventing cavities. Preventing cavities is something that many people try to do. Brushing teeth and using mouthwash are both great ways to prevent cavities but taking probiotics is possibly another way to prevent cavities. There are not a lot of studies out there to back up the claims but many people do believe the good bacteria can prevent cavities. There is a small amount of studies that do claim certain strains of probiotics can prevent cavities.

Probiotics are also great for digestive disorders. Digestive disorders such as IBS, diarrhea and constipation are some common forms of digestive disorders. These disorders are uncomfortable and can cause a person to feel a lot of abdominal pain. A lot of people feel helpless when they suffer from digestive disorder symptoms. However, probiotics alleviates disorders such as diarrhea, IBS and constipation. The benefits are usually noticed shortly after consumption. Many elderly people seem to have issues with constipation and this is why they love the benefits of taking probiotics. A lot of elderly believe that the symptoms of constipation are reduced shortly after taking the probiotics supplements.

There are a lot of men and women who encounter bladder infections. Bladder infections can be treated with different types of medicines but the treatments may not always be effective. People who suffer or experience bladder infections frequently should give probiotics a try because there are many studies out there that show they are effective at relieving symptoms of bladder infections and sometimes even curing them too. Men and women have reported positive improvements in bladder infections' symptoms shortly after taking probiotics.

There are some studies out there that show that probiotics promote healthy bacteria in the colon. This is great news but it is amazing news for men because a lot of men suffer from problems relating to the colon but probiotics help lower the conversion of bile into carcinogens in the colon. Colon cancer is one of the leading cause of deaths in men.

Probiotics increases the availability of vitamin K as well as fatty acids and lactase. They also produces very important enzymes.

Allergies affects millions of people all over the world. Allergies are sometimes hard to deal with. However, there is some good news for people who suffer from mild or severe allergies. A lot of people find that taking probiotics help relieve allergy symptoms.

Chronic fatigue suffers also can feel the benefits. One of the benefits of the probiotics supplements is that it helps relieves symptoms of chronic fatigue. People find themselves more energized and able to stay awake more shortly after consuming probiotics.

Nutrients such as vitamin B and calcium are affected by probiotics. Vitamin B is easier to synthesize because the supplements increases the ability to do so. Calcium is also absorbed easier because probiotics increases the ability to absorb calcium.

Cholesterol is something that affects all types of people and sometimes lowering it can be a difficult task. Probiotics actually can lower cholesterol in people. There have been many people who have said that their cholesterol have been lowered as a result of taking probiotics. Reducing blood pressure is another claim that is made by quite a few people who take probiotics.

Parasites are also something that a lot of men and women have to deal with. Some parasites can be harmful to the body and cause serious problems. Not only are probiotics good for types of fungal problems but they are also good for treating people with parasites and can sometimes prevent people from getting parasites. Parasites are often eliminated completely soon after consuming probiotics supplements or food with probiotics in them.

Stress is something that almost all people deal with. It does not matter how old somebody is or what their sex or race is, stress is something that is unavoidable at times. There are people who suffer from stress more than others and they find it hard to relax and relieve stress. Although there are not many studies about the positive benefits that probiotics have on people who deal with stress, there are a few studies that say probiotics actually help people who suffer from stress. Some foods and probiotics supplements boosts peoples' overall moods and helps them cope with stress a lot easier.

Probiotics Yogurt

The good bacteria is also found in yogurt. Different strains of the good bacteria are found in different yogurts. This means that all yogurts are not created equal when it comes to probiotics. Some strains of the bacteria are considered to be more beneficial than others, so it is important to read the labels on yogurt carefully. Read on and find out the different types of strains that are found in some types of yogurts. Almost all yogurts have some form or amounts of probiotics in them. However, probiotic yogurts have many more beneficial probiotics in them, and this is why they are called probiotic yogurts.

One of the most popular strains of the bacteria is Lactobacillus GG (or LGG) and it is found in many yogurts. LGG in yogurt has been shown to help people reduce the effects of diarrhea and atopic eczema in kids. LGG is also shown to reduce illness in kids who attend day care. LGG is the most studied strain of probiotics and is thought to have the most benefits. This is why LGG is found in many yogurts. Bifildobacterium is another strain that is commonly found in yogurts. Both of the strains are similar to good bacteria that is found naturally within the body.

There are many different brands of probiotic yogurts. Before discussing the types of brands who market probiotic yogurts, lets discuss how safe these types of yogurts are. Side effects of consuming probiotics were discussed earlier in the first paragraph and some of those side effects can occur due to eating probiotic yogurts. Read on and find out what possible side effects can occur from eating probiotic yogurts.

Although rare, bloating and gas is a reported side effect of eating probiotic yogurts. Bloating and gas are the two side effects that are most commonly reported after consuming probiotic yogurts. Gene transfer is another side effect that sometimes occur due to eating probiotic yogurts. Unhealthy metabolic activities is another side effect that is sometimes due to eating the yogurts. Sometimes another ingredient in the yogurt could be the cause of certain side effects and not the probiotics causing the side effects. A person should see a doctor if they experience any severe side effects or side effects that don't go away within two or three weeks.

Now lets discuss the different types of yogurt brands that have probiotic yogurts on the market today and what kind of reputation they have. Activia is considered to be the most popular brand that makes probiotic yogurts. Activia products contain bifildobacterium. Activia is said to improve digestive health and is considered to be a functional food. The brand has a wide selection of probiotic yogurts to choose from and can be found at virtually any grocery store. The brand of yogurt is available in more than thirty countries including the UK, Russia, United States and France just to name a few.

Yoplait is a very popular brand that produces probiotic yogurts. Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus are the two main live microorganisms that Yoplait uses in their probiotic yogurts. Yoplait is not quite as popular as Activia is but many people do claim to experience great benefits in regards to their digestive system. Yoplait is said to be one of the best yogurts with probiotics in it because hundreds of people have claimed that Yoplait yogurts have helped their digestive system as well as making their bowels regular. Yoplait is very popular among the elderly and kids.

Stonyfield is a producer of probiotic yogurts too. The company creates some of the best selling probiotic yogurts in the United States. Their yogurts contain a few types of probiotics and there are a lot of positive reviews about the yogurts that the company makes. Stonyfield is very popular for a reason and one of the main reasons is that the benefits people feel are extraordinary. The company also uses many natural ingredients in their products and they are strong believers in using organic ingredients in all of their products.

Gerber is also a good brand that produces probiotic yogurts. Gerber has many different types of yogurts but all of the yogurts are rather healthy. Gerber has yogurts specifically made for toddlers, infants, women, pregnant women and more. The yogurts are packed with beneficial probiotics. The yogurts are popular among all types of people. Gerber is known for producing quality probiotic yogurts and they can be found in stores all over the world. The brand is known for producing yogurts that do not cost a lot of money to purchase. There are a lot of positive reviews about the yogurts that Gerber produces.

When it comes to probiotics in yogurts, some of the best ones can be found in the yogurts that Nature Valley produces. The company makes great tasting yogurts that are filled with quality probiotics. People who want to improve their digestive systems love Nature Valley yogurts because the yogurts can do just that.

EasiYo is a company that a lot of people have not heard of but the company is one of the best companies that make yogurts. They have a large line of probiotic yogurts. The yogurts are known for having a rich thick taste as well as a smooth taste. The probiotics in EasiYo yogurts help regulate bowel movements and are great for the digestive system. A lot of people say that they can feel the benefits of eating the yogurt shortly after consuming them. The probiotic yogurts that EasiYo has are also high in calcium and protein. The yogurts are affordable too and can be found all over the world.

Probiotics Brands

There are tons of probiotics brands on the market today. Some brands are better and more well known than other brands. Knowing which brands to get probiotics from is very important. Some probiotic brands have better probiotics than other brands. Choosing the right brand can help a person get the most benefits from the probiotics. Lets discuss some of the top probiotics brands on the market, so a person can make a wise decision when they want to get their hands on a brand that has the best probiotics in their products.

Align is one of the top probiotics brands on the market today. Align has capsules available. The capsules are taken just once a day. A person can expect to be able to build and maintain a healthy digestive system when they take the probiotics from Align. The capsule that Align has is very easy to swallow and it does not take long to start feeling the benefits of the supplement. Most people who take probiotics from Align start to feel and see the benefits just a few weeks after starting the supplement. A lot of people also say that they feel less stressed out while they take probiotics from Align. It is very easy to see why Align is one of the best probiotics brands on the market. The brand produces quality products that are affordable. The brand has also received a lot of positive feedback from many satisfied customers.

Activia is one of the most popular probiotics brands. Their major product line is a line of yogurts with probiotics in them. Activia offers customers many different types of flavors. The brand's yogurts contain quite a bit of probiotics and they have yogurts that all kinds of people will like. Young and old love the benefits that the yogurts Activia produces offers them. People usually have to eat two or three yogurts a day to start feeling the positive benefits of the probiotics in the yogurts. The company's yogurts are inexpensive and the brand has yogurts in stores all over the world. It is no secret why Activia has a solid reputation for creating quality yogurts that contain many good probiotics.

Florastor is considered by many to be one of the top probiotics brands. Florastor is another brand that produces a probiotics capsule which is extremely easy to take. The pill is easy to swallow. A person may not want to swallow the pill, and if that's the case, then they can even crush the pill and place the powder in their food. The capsule is taken just once a day. Florastor is unique because it does not take long to feel the benefits of the brand's probiotics. Kids can also take the brand's product. The product can be mixed with liquid and given to kids. Kids as young as two months old can also take Florastor's products. There are many benefits of taking Florastor and many people experience benefits in as little as two weeks. A lot of customers say that they feel healthier after being on Florastor's product for just a few weeks. Many customers report being in better moods, feeling stronger, taking regular bowel movements and suffer from less indigestion after taking probiotics from Florastor. The brand can be found at many pharmacies throughout the world and the product is very affordable.

Garden For Life produces quite a few products with probiotics in them. Garden For Life has products that are meant just for kids, women and even men. The products are designed to offer the best benefits to men, women and kids in a short about of time. Just one capsule a day is all that is needed in order to start feeling the benefits of what the probiotics have to offer. The Garden For Life probiotics supplement is not only easy to take but the formula is very healthy for people. Customers claim that the probiotics by Garden For Life helps them with their immune system, bowel movements and overall moods, just to name some of the benefits they experience. The brand offers other products but one of the most popular probiotics product they have is called Primal Defense, which is a capsule. The capsule also contains other important nutrients that the body needs and should have. The company also has a powder, which is great for people who do not want to take a probiotic in pill form. Garden For Life is a reputable company and they have more happy customers than unhappy ones.

Nutraelle claims that their products deliver over one billion beneficial bacteria to their customers' intestinal flora. The company recommends that a person takes one pill a day in order to start reaping the benefits of the supplement. One capsule a day is suppose to help improve a person's immune system and even help people with diarrhea and help people who have constipation. The supplement is very easy to take and many people consider Natraelle's supplement to be much better than yogurt when it comes to providing them with probiotics. Vegetarians also love to take the company's probiotics supplements because the product does not contain any gelatin. There is also no calories in the supplement, which is good news for people who carefully watch their calorie intake. The product also does not contain sugar or sodium.

Culturelle is one of the most popular probiotics brands out there because they have affordable products and their products are known to work very well. Culturelle offers customers an easy to take capsule that is taken just once a day. Just like other brands out there, Culturelle has capsules that are specifically made for men, women and even kids. Many customers feel benefits such as a healthier digestive systems, stronger immune system, healthier bowel movements and more. Culturelle supplements are usually a big hit with people of all ages and sexes.

Puritan's Pride is a probiotic brand that has been around for many years. Puritan's Pride produces some of the most affordable probiotics on the market today. The brand is known for only using quality ingredients that are needed, and they avoid using any unnecessary ingredients. The brand offers a few supplements to customers, as well as a chewable tablet that is very easy to take. There are many positive reviews about the brand.

Threelac is one of the most prominent probiotic brands. The brand produces probiotics that comes in the form of a powder. The flavor is a fruit flavor and is mixed in water or even food. The product is great for kids too because sometimes kids do not like to take capsules. Threelac has three important probiotics that are resistant to acid in the stomach. The product helps people maintain a healthy immune system and helps people with their digestive system. The brand's product may not be considered cheap in price but the product is a high quality product.

Dr. Ohhira's probiotics are named after himself and he created his probiotic brand using fermentation techniques used in Japan. The probiotics have won many different types of awards. Twelve beneficial strains are used in Dr. Ohhira's probiotics, and one of the strains is E. faecalis TH which is considered to be one of the strongest types of bacteria. The capsules are easy to take and only one capsule a day is needed. A lot of customers claim that they feel relief from heartburn and other digestion problems shortly after taking the capsules. The supplements are very affordable and are known all over the world.

Yakult is a great company that produces a probiotic formula that was created after a great deal of research was done. The product is a beverage that a person consumes once a day. The brand sells their beverage in many different countries and the beverage also contains an exclusive strain of bacteria. The brand's beverage is great for men, kids and even women. Yakult's beverage tastes great, is affordable and very easy to consume. Many customers say that the brand's beverage tastes excellent and works very well. The brand is popular among many different types of people. Yakult has many positive reviews about their product.

Probiotics Foods

There are many different types of probiotics foods out there. A lot of people are not aware of what types of foods have probiotics in them. Some foods are very common and then there are foods that people may not have even heard of. Lets discuss some of the foods that have probiotics in them and which foods people should be eating or at least try for a few weeks.

One of the best foods to eat that has probiotics in it is Natto. Fermented soybeans is what is used to make Natto. The food has bacillus subtilis in it. Natto has a distinguished taste to it but the beans are easy to chew and swallow, although the beans are a little bit sticky. Natto is very high in protein and is also high in vitamin K. Natto provides many different types of benefits, including benefits that have already been talked about previously in this article. The food is inexpensive and can be found at Asian stores worldwide. Many other types of stores may have the food but Asian stores are commonly the stores that sell the food.

Kimchi has lactobacillus kimchii and other probiotics in it. The food is beneficial to peoples' immune system, intestinal health and bowel movements. The food is typically used as a condiment. Kimchi can be bought at a lot of specialty stores located throughout the world. A lot of people actually make their very own Kimchi but it is very inexpensive to buy. Customers love the food because it tastes great and the benefits are amazing. The largest exporter of Kimchi is Japan but is more of a Korean dish.

Miso is a food with probiotics and is a seasoning that is used in many Japanese dishes. The food is fermented with a wide range of ingredients such as soybeans, brown rice and barley. Miso is said to have a buttery taste to it but very easy to consume. Miso is available worldwide and is very cheap to buy. Miso is great for overall health and is very high in vitamin B12.

Yogurt was already discussed earlier on but almost all yogurts have probiotics in them. Yogurts are sold all over the world and there are many different types of yogurts available to people. Yogurt is one of the most commonly consumed food with probiotics in them.

Tempeh is high in protein and is easy to eat. Tempeh can be eaten cooked or uncooked but usually people boil it. The food is derived from soybeans that are fermented. The food originates from Indonesia. The food kind of resembles a cake. Tempeh is sometimes stirred into veggies too. Tempeh is also eaten as a meatless burger too. The food is inexpensive and can be found in many supermarkets throughout the world. It is also available at many different health stores too.

Kefir is another great probiotics food. It has a similar texture to yogurt and can be bought in many different supermarkets. Fermented grains and goat milk make up Kefir. Not only does Kefir contain probiotics but it is also a great source for antioxidants. It tastes great and is inexpensive, and that is why the food is extremely popular among people.

When it comes to healthy food, many do not consider chocolate as being a source of healthy nutrients. However, dark chocolate actually has probiotics in them. Dark chocolate actually has quite a few probiotics in them and has more probiotics than a lot of dairy based products. There are many different types of dark chocolate and it can be bought almost everywhere and anywhere throughout many stores worldwide.

Microalgae is a food that is not known to many people. Microalgae refers to plants that are ocean based, such as blue-green algae. The food is popular and has a unique taste to it.

Pickles are not something that is often considered healthy, let alone a good source for probiotics. Pickles are actually an excellent source of probiotics and they can be found and bought at many places. A lot of people also make their own pickles. Pickles provide people with many benefits that can have a positive impact on their health. Pickles also taste very good and they do not cost a lot of money to buy.

Cheese tastes good and can be used on many different types of foods. Cheese is often used on cheeseburgers, ham sandwiches and eaten alone. Cheese is a great source of probiotics. However, aged cheese is the best type of cheese to eat when one wants a good source of probiotics. There are different types of cheese but most cheese provides people with the benefits that probiotics are known for. Cheese can help a person maintain a healthy immune system as well as help with diarrhea.

Many types of beans, especially soybeans, have good amount of probiotics in them. Beans are consumed by many people around the world and are very common. Beans can be served alone or on top of foods. Beans are beneficial to people with irregular bowel movements because beans are extremely beneficial for bowel movements, thanks to the probiotics in them. A lot of elderly and kids love beans because of how easy they are to swallow and most beans have a taste that is easy to get use to. Anybody who wants to feel the benefits of probiotics should get their hands on some beans.

Traditional sourdough breads are an excellent source of probiotics. Grains are also good for probiotics and cereals with grains in it are some of the best sources for probiotics. Cereals that are grain based are often eaten by kids because of the other nutrients that are found in them. However, the probiotics in grain cereals provide kids and adults many great benefits. People often feel better, less stressed out and have regular bowel movements when they consume grain cereals on a daily basis. Grain cereals can be bought in virtually any supermarket throughout the world. The cereals containing probiotics are inexpensive and easy to find.

If you have a baby, breastfeeding is definitely the best way to feed. It has numerous advantages over bottle feeding and hardly any disadvantages. Over 1 million babies die each year as a result of being fed formula!

Breast milk provides the perfect nutrients that your baby needs and even protects them from illnesses. Studies have found that infants who were breast fed have much lower rates of ear infections, rashes, diarrhea, allergies, hospital admissions and other medical problems than babies that were fed formula.

Infant formula is made from cow's milk but the problem with this is that it contains a different type of protein than human milk does and also doesn't contain the right nutrients that babies need. Human infants have trouble digesting this protein and as a result they are usually much fatter than breast fed babies. Human milk has at least 100 ingredients that aren't found in formula.

When a mother breastfeeds her child, her antibodies are also transferred to the baby. This protects the baby from diseases and illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, botulism, influenza, staphylococcal infections, measles and ear infections. Around eighty percent of the cells in breast milk are cells that kill viruses, bacteria and fungi!

Unlike bottle feeding, breastfeeding makes the mother cuddle her baby closely numerous times each day. The infant will get a sense of security from this and will form a better attachment with the mother. Nursing is a source of comfort and warmth to a baby.

Also, if you breastfeed, you won't need to buy expensive formulas. When your baby starts crying you won't have to go warm up a bottle because the food is ready all the time. Breastfeeding even uses up calories in the mother which makes it much easier to lose weight after pregnancy.

There are some cases in which you should not breastfeed. If you are HIV positive, you should not nurse your baby because this virus can pass through the milk. Some other illnesses that can be transmitted to your baby are hepatitis, herpes and beta streptococcus infections. If you have one of these illnesses talk to your doctor before breastfeeding.

If you are going to breastfeed, you should be aware that is can be painful when you first start doing it. Also, your nipples may get sore, cracked, or engorged. You will need to nurse regularly or your breasts will get very uncomfortable because of being so full. You will be much more tied to your baby than a mother that feeds formula.

Once you have your baby, you should breastfeed as soon as possible, preferably within an hour of delivery. You won't be producing milk yet then but you will have colostrums which is a fluid that contains antibodies to diseases. Newborn babies need to be nursed at least every two hours. Once they get older they will settle into a more regular schedule.

If you are a new parent you will certainly want to give your baby the best you can. Breast milk is how you can do this. It contains everything your baby needs and will make him much happier and healthier.

Acute diarrhea is medically termed 'gastroenteritis" and comprises a great percentage of infant and toddler acute infections. Diarrhea is an increase in the fluidity of the stool often accompanied by a passage frequency that is higher than normal.

Acute diarrhea is the consequence of inflammation caused by viral and bacterial invasion of the gut cells. Accordingly, digestion is hindered leading to detainment of undigested particles in the cavity of the gut. Bacteria would ferment these undigested food materials producing gases and fluids and this would manifest as bouts of diarrhea. Diarrhea can sometimes cause dehydration, which is an alarming sign that necessitates action.

Many micro-organisms are responsible for gastroenteritis. Viral causes include Enteroviruses, Rota virus, and other RNA viruses. Bacteria like Esherishia Coli, Typhoid Bacilli, Enterobacteria and Shigella are occasional causes of acute diarrhea. Protozoa and fungi are additional etiologies of this illness. Most of those pathogens are transmitted though droplet and feco-oral routes, rendering them preventable using proper hygiene.

If your child is losing fluid, you must encourage him/her to drink a lot. Avoid drinking excessive plain water, as it might disturb the body salt concentrations and this could be dangerous. Pediatricians recommend oral re-hydration solutions (ORS) as the optimum choice for oral fluid replacement during diarrhea. Fluid should be allowed as small sips every 5-10 minutes as this prevents vomiting which could complicate the process of re-hydration. Vomiting can precede, accompany or sometimes follows the occurrence of diarrhea. Persistent vomiting is an ominous sign that sure necessitates a visit to the doctor's office. Moreover, if your child has a persistent fever, or becomes sleepy and less reactive; medical consultation is indispensable.

Feeding during periods of acute diarrhea is a key factor in the success of treatment. Infants who are not weaned should continue to breast feed if they do. Sometimes it is better to shift to a lactose free formula as decided by the pediatrician. If the child is weaned, light foods with low fat content are encouraged. These include, vegetable soup, apples, boiled rice and fresh fruit juice.

Treatment of acute diarrhea is somehow conservative and symptomatic. Nevertheless, sometime antibiotics are indicated in proved cases of bacterial gastroenteritis. Zinc has recently been recommended as a useful supplement in cases of acute diarrhea. Zinc stimulates the healing of inflamed intestinal cells. Antiemetics, intestinal antiseptics and zinc are amongst the most commonly used drugs in gastroenteritis.

Acute diarrhea is a rather common infection in children. Careful assessment of your child's fluid losses and intake is vital in his treatment and is more important than most of the prescribed drugs. However, persistent vomiting and decreased alertness would surely need urgent medical consultation.

Are you a first time mother? So, at last you have delivered a healthy baby. After the nine months of pregnancy, now it is the time to bring your healthy new born home. From this moment child care starts. The time you bring your new born home is also a start of your life in purgatory.

At this time you have to deal with the most important task you could ever do in your life to take the best child care for your new born. Child care is not an easy task. Everything you are going to can greatly affect your child physically, emotionally and socially. Child care is certainly one of the greatest challenges that every mother could face, and the way you take care of your new born may determine the degree of your responsibility.

The best child care includes many tasks to do. These tasks may start from feeding your baby to grooming, diapering, and swaddling, bathing and best child care when he or she is sick.

Tips for safe and healthy child care

Feeding in the right way which gives child care: Feeding your baby is one of the most important child care responsibilities that you should perform for the healthy growth of your baby. Note that just like every adult, babies need to eat for them to survive.

If your baby could only talk, possibly he will tell you when he is hungry or when he is full and there is no need for you to insist on letting him eat. But, this is not the case as babies on their early age can't talk. Possibly, your baby will only start to babble words and make their wishes known verbally longer than their first year.

So, after the birth, you really need to figure out on your own what your child is trying to ask you to do. Every mother can easily sense when or how her child cries for food. When comes to the point of food, it is an essential thing for your child care, he or she only need milk during the first few months of their first year. Milk is the best and first baby food. So, breast milk is highly recommended for every new born baby. Try to breastfeed your baby as possible as you can, and alternate with a special milk formula to satisfy his or her hunger. Most breastfed babies may want to be fed frequently, sometime every hour, so make yourself available in the early week of the baby's life.

Superior child care involves introducing nutritious food as early as possible in her life. You can buy, or make baby food. Be careful while preparing baby food.

Most of the mothers use tree-ripened peaches, while others use wild blueberries for the natural sweetness in the food. But, make sure that you prepare a food for your new baby that is not only delicious but also nutritious.In addition, you can introduce new foods to your baby in the coming months. Watch out particularly if there are any reactions to your new born baby to the newly introduced food. Note that in some instances your baby can react negatively to new foods. Given this fact, try then to introduce new food to the baby's diet, but be patient enough.

According to some experienced mothers, 10 to 20 introductions will require for a baby to totally eat and accept the new food. So, don't think of giving up the food after few tries. Don't insist your baby to eat the food that he or she is not accustomed to yet. Every responsible mother should have the understanding and patience when her babies refuse to eat.

Diapering your infant:

One of the most important decisions in child care that you should consider is the type of diaper to use. There are many types of diapers. Some are disposable, while there are others that are made of cloth. Each of this type has its own advantages and disadvantages. The decision then can be based only on the time that the diaper will be used and the availability of laundry facilities.

Disposable diapers versus cloth diapers:

Disposable diapers: Disposable diapers make child care simpler. There is no need to wash and clean, hence, most of the parents will prefer this type of diapers for better child care. It consists of less chemicals and elastic around the legs and is better for child care. Some of the parents will also usually look for those with tape that can be refastened. It is essential to note that when using a disposable diaper for your new born, it should be disposed of properly.

Most experts suggest that; discard the stool in the toilet every time to simply protect the environment. So, to maintain the cleanliness of your environment and for your child care, never throw away the disposable diapers in wastebasket. As a substitute, discard them in separate trash bags and dispose them properly.

Cloth diapers: Cloth diapers can be washed and reused. So, while using the cloth diaper for your little baby, make sure that it is well-soaked, washed, and dried. After that, fold the diaper according to the gender of your child. There is really big difference between diapering a baby girl and a baby boy.

As generally noted, there is more material in the back for girls, while there is more in front for baby boys. Next, after folding the diaper according to the gender, you should fold the front edge of the diaper down below the healing umbilical cord. Child care involves protecting the skin of your child when diapering. Carefully use the pins or fasteners as these materials may harm your child's skin.

At last, if you ignore diaper covers, simply use pants that are plastic. Cloth diapers prevent your child from getting rashes and gives better child care. It is essential to remember you that change the diaper of your baby after every bowel movement or every time the diaper is wet. While changing the diaper, you can simply use water to clean your baby's butt.

Don't use diaper wipes for your child care, because they contain chemicals like alcohol and they could irritate your baby's skin.

Safe bath for your new born baby:

Safe bath gives a better child care. Bath time can be an exciting, fun experience for you and your baby. Most of the mothers will consider this as one of the most worthy events of the day. It will not only create a bond between you and your baby, but it is the right time to examine your child body without clothes.

Just like feeding, bathing is also not an easy task to carry out for a new mother in her child care. Effective child care improves the bonding between you and your new born.

Tips for a safe bath for child care:

o You need to be very careful about the temperature of the water. It should be in between 96 to 100 degree Fahrenheit.
o Make sure you have a sure grip on your baby.
o Child care involves paying close attention while bathing your new born.
o Observe the bathing area. Is there any harm or danger around the bathing area?
o Never leave your child unsupervised in the bath tub, even for just a minute. For instance, while you are on the stage of taking your child's bath, don't go, to answer the phone or to open the door. Instead wrap your child up in towel and take the baby with you.
o Make the bathtub safe for baby bath and for your child care. Some bathtubs can be slippery, so protect yourself and your baby with a secure seating.
o Child care involves protecting your child from painful bumps and make sure that any of the sliding glass doors are designed and crafted from safety glass.
o While bathing your new born baby, use only the right supplies. Some experts said that, bathing your baby with shampoos, soaps and bubble baths can only dry your baby's skin. The dry skin can cause rashes and blemishes in the end. These supplies can also cause urinary tract infection.
o It is recommended to use these supplies in control for child care. The point to remember is careful in how much you put of these to your baby.

How to dress your new born baby?

Child care involves dressing your baby appropriately. This depends on the time of the year as well as the temperature inside your home. Inside temperature is the major thing to consider with child care.

However, in dressing your baby, it is essential to choose the appropriate clothing for better child care.

Child care while dressing your child:

o You should make sure that the clothes you provide for your new born are large enough for easy dressing and also to provide the child enough room for his or her environment.
o It would be best to look and purchase a baby dress that is larger than the baby's age in months.
o If your baby is three months old, it is better to purchase baby clothes that are of six-month size.
o Wash the new clothes, before your baby wears the clothes, because new clothes may cause irritation to your baby's skin and hence your baby feels uncomfortable.
o Launder the clothes with a special and safe detergent. Use the detergents that are specifically designed for babies.

Choosing clothing for better child care:

Here are the most important things you have to keep in mind when choosing the suitable clothing for your child.

o New born baby clothing generally require a number of washings.
o Cloth your baby with those that have strong zippers and well-constructed seams.
o Your baby's cloth inside should be soft, not scratchy or rough.
o Choose clothes that permit easy dressing.
o Child care involves choosing the clothes that allow easy access to the diapers.
o Purchase baby clothes that feature side or front openings, necklines that are stretchable, and those with large shoulder snaps.

The most important thing to be considered in child care is to dress your child comfortably as would dress yourself. Child care involves dressing your child properly to protect from harmful temperature.

Swaddling for your child care:

Swaddling is a new way for child care. It is mostly the skill of wrapping your infant in a blanket for security and warmth purposes.

Various studies have also revealed that swaddling your new born baby may keep him or her from being bothered by his or her own disturbing reflex and it will protect him or her from dangerous cold and heat Swaddling the baby is a great way of keeping that baby calm and secure.

The right way to swaddle your new born baby:

Swaddling techniques are very simple and it makes child care easy. Follow the below mentioned steps to know how to swaddle your baby.

1. Take a blanket and place it down in front of you in the shape of a diamond. Ensure that the point is on top.
2. Fold the top point down.
3. Lay your baby on his or her back on the blanket. Make sure that the baby's head is about the edge you have just folded down.
4. Look for the side points of the blanket and take one of them.
5. Drag the side point tightly over the baby's, and tuck it under his or her thighs.
6. Take the bottom point up over his or her feet.
7. Take the other side of the blanket and extend it over your baby. It should be in the opposite direction. Again, tuck it under his thighs.

When to seek doctor's help?

Child care involves helping your baby whenever he is sick, you should call the doctor immediately. Note that even though some of certain illnesses appear to be mild, they can be a sign of serious disorder.

Here is the list of possible symptoms that your new born may encounter during his or her early age:

o Poor feeding
o Loss of consciousness
o Hysterical crying or unusual excitement
o High fever
o Extreme sleepiness
o Paralysis of any part of the body
o Extreme chilling
o Sudden loss of hearing
o Earache
o Discharge of fluid from the ear
o Severe headache
o Convulsion
o Sudden weakness
o Discolored and bad-smelling nasal fluid
o Diarrhea
o Poor coloring
o Vomiting

There are lots of other symptoms associated with serious disorders for infants. If you observe any of the above mentioned symptoms, then call your doctor right away to acquire better child care.

Now you came to know how effective child care can be acquired. Child care involves a lot of effort and time needed to successfully perform the needs of your baby.

Though it can be a disturbing and tiring task, but it is the greatest challenge of being a parent. So, if you want to be good parent then take all the above mentioned responsibilities those parents are tasked to do. Then your new born baby will grow up happy, healthy and safe.

Mother's milk is the best choice for healthy baby food. However, there will be a time when the baby needs much more nutrients as they grow up and mother's milk can not accomplish it anymore. This will be the time your baby needs some soft food from cereal, fruits or vegetables.

As Dr. Bernard Jensen said in his Juicing Therapy book that the best time for your baby to start consuming juice as healthy baby food is when their weight has been two times heavier or more compare to their born-weight, that is about 7 kilograms. At this point, babies are able to consume up to 64 pounds of bottle milk.

Some doctors have some different opinions about this idea, that is when babies attain the age of six months or at any other time when babies can hold their own plastic straw cup.

Apple juice can be the first choice for your healthy baby food after mother's milk, besides, you can choose one between white grape or pier juice. Remember that home made juice is the best. Strain the juice well and carefully to ensure your baby does not take the juice waste. Mix the juice with purified water in 1:1 portion.

You can also add one teaspoon of green leafy vegetable juice to your baby's milk bottle once in two days. Spinach, broccoli or parsley are perfect healthy baby food, they are source of Ferrum (which milk alone can not accomplish), electrolyte and chlorophyll. Anemia case in babies who are merely feed more milk and less soft solid food is not impossible thing.

Therefore, this green vegetable juice is one thing you have to pay a lot of attention, one teaspoon only not more, you have to consider its high concentrate, too.

It is important to notice that, if your baby react to some certain juice by diarrhea or vomiting, leave and wait for some another one-month and then try again. If the problem still persist, you better talk to your doctor.

As your baby growing up and they are getting more and more body weight, reduce the water content in their juice gradually so that finally they will consume the wholly juice.

Parents who have experienced colic know what a trial it can be. ?They know the frustration of watching their baby cry and feeling powerless to do anything about it. ?They also know that they would have considered trying almost anything to relieve their child's colic. ?They went to the doctor with high hopes that she would be able to help, but sadly there is no magic bullet that can take colic away.?

Colic is a very difficult problem to diagnose.? The well-known pediatrician Dr. William Sears has said that colic should really be called, "my baby is in pain."? While there can be many different causes of colic, what is consistent is that your baby is uncomfortable and crying.

Many parents have discovered gripe water and hoped that this would be the cure they were looking for. ?They have been told by other parents, maybe even grandparents, that this is the colic remedy that cured their baby's colic.

What is gripe water and how does it help? ?Gripe water is really a catch-all term for a number of home colic remedies or homeopathic remedies. ?What, in turn, is homeopathy? ?This is a field of medical study whose basic premise is that appropriate natural stimuli will cause the body to react and heal itself.? Homeopathy began in Europe in the 1800s, and it has proven itself to be a very effective modality.? Homeopathy has its roots in natural medicine. ?Most of the cures are based on combinations of plants and herbs that are found in nature.?

Gripe water has been around in England since 1851 with an original formula that contained dill oil, sugar, sodium bicarbonate, water, and alcohol.? These days the formulation has usually changed; while you can still buy the original, most of today's gripe waters contain sterile water and a combination of herbs, such as peppermint, chamomile, ginger and fennel.? Different formulas are not targeted at specific symptoms; they represent different practitioner's ideas of how the formula should be made up.? ?Because gripe water is more of a concept than a specific formula, it may be difficult to find any studies that clearly state if gripe water will work or not.

Gripe waters work by using a blend of herbs that settle the stomach and intestines.? Some contain vegetable carbon, a food grade substance that traps chemicals, preventing them from being absorbed, and provides relief from gas and distention.? If your brand contains vegetable carbon, and your child is taking any medications, make sure to take the medication and the gripe water an hour apart so that the vegetable carbon does not prevent the medication from being absorbed.

Most gripe waters are not regulated by the FDA.? You can still find the original and many, many variations.? Recently there was a recall of a popular brand because the formula contained?cryptosporidium,?which can cause runny diarrhea.? In order to make sure that you find a formula that is safe for your baby, purchase one that is homeopathic (homeopathic remedies are regulated by the FDA) and is endorsed by the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, or the HPUS.?

Basic ingredients to avoid when choosing gripe water are: alcohol, citric acid, dairy, essential oils such as dill or clove, gluten, herbal extracts, sodium bicarbonate, soy, and sugar.

The safe ingredients to look for include aloe, blackthorn, caraway, chamomile, fennel, ginger, lemon balm, peppermint, and vegetable carbon.

Does gripe water work? ?Yes and no. ?If your baby is colicky is because he or she has excess gas or an upset stomach, then it may help.? If it does not bring colic relief, then it would be beneficial to look deeper into the possible cause of the gas or stomach discomfort.? Remember, gripe water does not cure colic; it is a temporary band-aid for the problem.? Stopping your baby's colic usually requires some research and trial and error using different techniques and strategies.

As we all know that sterilizing is a process of eliminating any kind of bacterias. They can be killed from heat that's why washing with water and soap is not enough. Nowadays, many infants are brought to hospitals with cases like diarrhea, fever and infections. Some infants are unhealthy and have parasites inside their body. These are some things that are so alarming on parents side.

Infants can be healthy if they are properly cared and nourished. Infants are sensitive and easily get sick and can have fever if they are exposed to bacterias, dirty things and surroundings. Since sterilizing is the best way of eliminating germs, it is highly recommended to sterilized each feeding bottles for babies and all feeding utensils like spoon, milk contains, etc. Feeding bottles must be cleaned properly because bacterias can go inside infant's body through the feeding bottles. One common way of sterilizing is the boiling method. Boiling method is used many decades and until now it is still widely used. This method is effective however it takes a longer time in preparation. And sometimes that is the reason why parents don't bother sterilizing the feeding bottles for babies because of busy time especially when you are a working mom.

Steam Sterilization is a new way of eliminating bacterias to a certain things. This is suited for working moms who don't have enough time in doing a boiling method. Steam sterilizing is done through using an electronic sterilizer and it is capable of cleaning feeding bottles for only 6 minutes and keep them sterile for a longer time. So compare with boiling method, steam sterilizing is the most efficient, convenient, easy and guaranteed fast.

It has been seen that drug overdoses have increased the rate of deaths either accidentally or intentionally. Poisoning is another category which has been a great cause for accidental overdoses by prescription drugs, solid or liquid drugs, illicit drugs etc. The greatest targets of this are mainly the people of age 20 to 64 mostly due to abusing medical prescriptions as oxycodone, hydrocodone, fenatanyl, methadone etc. And there is a great need to solve the problem and saving lives.

Drug overdoses occurs when people take drugs in greater doses than recommended. The higher the dose and longer its exposure in the body results in serious poisoning. Different individuals react differently to drug overdoses. And the treatment also differs from person to person based on individual needs. No two individuals react similarly and need to be dealt by professional help in such cases. It can happen to anybody of any age. Crawling children may be exposed to this danger of they happen to reach any of the drugs accidentally and consume it as they have a tendency to take every thing to mouth. They may swallow drugs due to curiosity about the medicine in hand which is consumed by one of the family members. This happens in tender age only if any of the drug is kept open and at reach accidentally.

Toddlers are in a habit to share all things. So if you detect drug overdoses in one of them, check all others kids around if present. But adolescents and adults may do it intentionally in the fits of depression or anger to harm them. It is called suicide attempt. If done frequently it shows that they underline some mental health problem. This is serious issue and doesn't only need current safety but the person needs to visit a psychiatrist to share his or her fears and insecurities if any.

The side effects when overdosed are very pronounced. It depends upon the nature of the drug how large or small will be its side effect. The common symptoms of drug overdoses are:

- Increase in body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure and respiratory rate is seen. It is life threatening and needs to visit doctor immediately.
- Confusion, sleepiness, dizziness are the other symptoms which can be seen in the person with overdoses of drugs. It can be highly dangerous if the person breathes vomit into the lungs than vomiting out.
- The person will be sweating or cold or hot or may be dry in extremes.
- Pain in chest is usually seen in such situations which can seriously cause heart or lung damage. This may result in forceful, rapid, deep or slow breathing.
- Diarrhea, nausea, pain etc. is possible. Blood in bowel movements and vomit is also possible.

Specific drugs can be highly damaging to various organs too and can harm life in serious situations. If you notice any of these symptoms you should take the person to some professional help, emergency department or hospital near home immediately. Only doctors can detect the seriousness of the overdose and the side effects it may have caused. And if you'll be able to provide the bottle of drug consumed it will be of great help to the doctors to give antidotes.

Young infants are less able to fight any infection as their immune systems are still immature. We always try to protect our babies and toddlers from infection and build their immunity through vaccination. But vaccination alone cannot fight off all kinds of diseases like common cold, flu etc. It is a fact that healthy diet, exercise and cleanliness can ward off various disease causing bacteria, virus and other germs.

Natural and herbal remedies, prepared at home, can also relieve them from the discomfort and suffering of the disease.

Ways to boost the immune system of the babies and toddlers

• Healthy Diet


• Exercise


• Hygiene


• Natural Remedies

Healthy diet boosts immune response

Breast milk is not only rich in all kinds of nutrients but also provides immune protection against diseases. It is the richest and only source of antibodies for the babies who solely thrive on breastfeed. No commercial formula can provide the antibodies that are present in breast milk that ward off various infections.

A diet rich in complex carbohydrates like whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables,proteins, is best to support a healthy immune system. Cut down on refined foods like sugar is also suggested. Whole foods like brown rice, whole wheat products provide steady increase in energy and stimulate the immune response of the body.

Give your babies different coloured fruits and vegetables to eat which are rich in immune boosting carotenoids and flavenoids. Veggies like carrot, green beans, raw papaya, white potato, sweet potato, pumpkins etc. are good for babies who have started to eat solids.

Fruits like banana, apple, pear, apricot, plum, prune, and melon are also good. Fruits rich in vitamin C, like the citrus fruits and berries etc. aid in the immune response.

Garlic, onion, and thyme have antiviral qualities. These can be added in little amount to the babies food after 10 to 12 months of age.

Increase in fluid intake during cold, fever, flu or diarrhea provides healing support.

Offer a lot of proteins in the form of full cream milk, chicken and fish to provide all the essential amino acids required by the body.

Exercise will keep them fit

We all know that good diet is a big boost to the immunity of your child but we do not often think of exercise as a help in this endeavor. It is a fact that exercise not only helps to get more oxygen and helps to remove harmful toxins from the body but also stimulates to release certain chemicals in the body, which helps the immune system fight bacteria.

Young infants cannot exercise as old kids but we can always engage them in various kinds of physical activities that would give the same result. Let the toddlers go outside and help them run around. Do not let them sit in front of the TV. Few hours of active play will keep them fit and healthy.

Maintaining hygiene keeps the family happy

Always wash your hands before handling the baby because good hand washing can remove the germs from our hands. The golden rule is to wash your hands with any kind of soap for about 15 seconds.

Avoid people who are most likely to be sick like those with fevers, runny nose or coughs, and also other children-who are the most common carrier of different contagious forms of germs. Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene at home can keep the baby and the family healthy and happy.

Natural Remedies

There are several natural things that you can buy or prepare at home to improve the immune response of the body and make the baby or the toddler feel better when they are sick.

Eucalyptus oil: If your baby is suffering from cold, fever and body ache put a few drops of Eucalyptus oil in a handkerchief and let the young one smell it. Keep it beside the pillow when he or she sleeps. Eucalyptus fights infection, kills bacteria, and opens the sinuses to drain. This works amazingly well.

Cinnamon Oil: You can massage a drop of Cinnamon oil mixed with olive oil on the bottom of the feet, which is good for boosting the immune system and fighting viruses. Do not to put it on the skin of the face, arms or legs; otherwise, it can burn the skin. The skin under the feet is tougher.

Fennel Tea: Prepare fennel tea with one teaspoon of fennel per cup of boiling water, boil for 20 minutes and give two spoons of the tea three times a day to help break up mucous.

Fennel Water: Fennel water is similar to anise and dill water. This is used to ease flatulence in infants. Syrup made from fennel can be used to treat babies with colic or painful teething.

There is nothing harder to watch your baby suffer from a disease. Some simple precautions and practices can boost their immune system and keep them healthy happy and smiling.

Copyright (2010) Sudarshana Maitra

Author name: Sudarshana Maitra

In 2006, one California couple joined the many other couples who had the daily task of making baby formula. That young pair of adults did not want to be using tap water to make baby formula. Therefore, they purchased hundreds of plastic bottles containing what they thought to be "safe" water. They assumed that their decision to buy bottled water satisfied their goal-the goal of not using tap water to make baby formula.

Unfortunately, that couple did not realize that any water that is bottled in the same state where it is sold does not need to be any more pure than the tap water in that same state. The chemicals in personal care products make their way into the aquatic environment, and then those same chemicals eventually show up in both tap and bottled water.

Chemicals from personal care products represent only a fraction of the many chemicals that wash into our sewer and septic systems each day. Chemicals from insecticides and pesticides have become a part of the aquatic environment. Chemicals from manufacturing facilities often get dumped in streams, streams that feed municipal water sources.

Government studies have revealed the presence in tap water of at least 80 contaminants, chemicals that can cause all sorts of health problems. Infants that drink tap water can suffer diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, pneumonia, headaches, nausea, eye and nose irritation and skin damage. Those are just the medial problems that might develop during the child's first year of life.

During the first six months of life, a child's system undergoes rapid development. During that time, an infant that takes in harmful chemicals could experience shortness of breath, loss of hair or finger nails, numbness in the fingers and toes or even anemia.

Later, as the infant becomes a toddler and then a young child, other medical conditions might present a challenge to the child and his or her family. After an infant has been exposed to the contaminants by using tap water to make baby formula, then the developing baby might well become predisposed to cancer, to increased blood cholesterol, to decreased blood sugar, to problems with circulation or to intestinal lesions.

Sometimes, an infant that has taken in baby formula made from tap water suffers mild simple medical problems, such as allergic dermatitis. At other times, a child might develop conditions that threaten diminish the quality of his or her life. Such a child might, for example, suffer from a bone disease, thyroid problems or nerve damage.

Once a child begins attending classes at school, then teachers and parents might suddenly become aware of other problems caused by use of tap water in the preparation of baby formula. The contaminants in that water can cause a child to have an attention-span deficit or a learning disability.

The idea that any of the ingredients in baby formula might harm an infant frightens young parents. Faced with evidence about the contaminants in the water, parents have good reason to swear off using tap water. Yet the decision to purchase bottled water is not the ideal way to follow-up on a decision to avoid using tap water to make baby formula.

The filtering of tap water represents a better solution. An activated carbon filter, combined with ion exchange and micron filtration can remove unwanted contaminants from tap water. Parents can sleep better if they know that their infant has been fed formula made with the safest possible water.

As new parents, most of you seem to be very protective to our newly born baby. You are afraid if something can happen to him/her. Basically, if you are at your home, you should not worry too much because it's your safest place. However, ensuring your baby safe is very important. First thing first is screening people into coming your house smoking or doing any drugs taking, anyone, no exception, including your spouse.

To make sure that you are safe in your own house, be sure to lock all the doors while you are only with your baby alone. This is critical especially if you live in a big city. Buying home safety equipments is also a very recommended action. Protect your baby from anything that can hurt him/her. For example, close all the electric sockets while not in use. Lock all the doors, windows, cupboards so that your baby can not open it.

You also should watch your pet if you have one at home. You surely do not want it harm your baby, even though to you it always be gentle. Not only a pet can harm your baby by their triggered action (like it bites your baby because it is upset when you baby suddenly touch it) but also by their biological belongings. Like cat's fur may cause an allergic effect to your baby or unhygienic body of pet can cause a severe diarrhea if your baby touches it.

When you put your baby to sleep, make sure that he/she sleeps on his/her back, to prevent a crib death. Crib death is a death which mostly suffered by babies due to suffocating during their sleep. You should also keep loose blanket out of crib. Because the crib is supposed to be a place to sleep, not to play. Your baby's crib should have fences that are dense enough to prevent him/her from escaping, slipping or falling to the floor.

When your baby starts to crawl, you'd better get a walker soon, so that he/she can learn to walk right in time. If you house has steps, make sure that the steps have a gate (upward) which can be locked. You easily understand that this is to prevent him/her from falling downward. Remember, baby is to be kept out of danger but your pet also needs to kept away from your baby. Use the gate as well to keep it away from your baby.

When your baby starts to walk, keep him/her away from sharp edge of table/desk or of any other furniture. You should also put anything hot/sharp/hard away from his/her distance, so that he/she can not reach it. Your valuable belonging should also be kept in proper place, you know why. Last, but of course not least (since many things we can do to protect our babies), keep away small particles from his/hr reach because he/she tends to swallow it which seriously harm him/her.

As an expectant mother, you'll be required to make plenty of complicated decisions before you add that little angel to your family; however, deciding whether or not to do breast feeding exclusively for the first year of a baby's life can be a complicated decision, with plenty of research to support each side of the argument. While many people feel that breastfeeding for too long can hinder the development of a child past the first year of life, other mothers feel that breast feeding is the best way to provide their babies with the vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that they need in order to grow into strong and healthy toddlers. 

So which side of the fence are you on? Is exclusively breast feeding your child right for you, or should you introduce baby formula after a few months? If you want to breast feed, how long should you do it before weaning your baby to semi-solid foods?

While you may find research to support either stance, the majority of major health organizations encourage mothers to exclusively breast feed for the first six months of the baby's life. Not only is nursing a bonding experience for both mother and child, but the unique nutrients and enzymes found in breast milk can help protect a baby against disease, infection and allergies. Additionally, the antibodies found in breast milk can fight off common discomforts that babies often experience, including ear and respiratory infections, diarrhea and asthma, not to mention more serious diseases like obesity, meningitis, diabetes and Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). 

Researchers from major health organizations like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the World Health Organization (WHO) regards breast milk as the perfect food for a baby's digestive system, since it can be more easily digested than baby formula and lessens the risk of having diarrhea. In addition to this, breast milk contains much-needed vitamin D, which is essential to the healthy growth and function of a baby. While all baby formula contains this necessary vitamin, many mothers are comforted knowing that their own breast milk has all of the nutrients their bundle of joy could need to grow and develop into a toddler. 

Of course, many mothers prefer breast feeding simply because it's free - and given the current straits that the economy is in, eliminating expensive baby formula from your grocery list can provide much-needed relief for many parents under economic duress. Also, women who exclusively breast feed are far less likely to take time off from work in order to care for a sick baby, since babies raised on breast milk don't get as sick as often as babies who are nurtured on baby formula. This makes breast milk an ideal choice for those mothers who are reluctant to take sick days.

For those mothers who are anxious to lose the baby weight, breast feeding provides an excellent way to shed the excess pounds, since researchers have proven that it can burn up to five hundred calories per day. By exclusively breast feeding, you'll be back in your pre-baby jeans in no time at all!

However, many mothers switch their babies to formula after the six month mark simply because it's too much of a hassle to consistently breast feed. With busy professional lives, many women don't have the luxury to take time out to breast feed; therefore, baby formula provides them with the convenience that they need to raise the baby while attending to their jobs. In addition to this benefit, many mothers feel more comfortable knowing that the baby formula has all of the nutrition that a baby needs, especially since busy working moms might not have the time or the resources to get the proper diet that they need to provide their child with essential vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Of course, while mothers may not get the same skin-on-skin bonding experience that comes hand in hand with breast feeding, it's important to regard feeding time as a bonding experience regardless of whether or not you're using breast milk or baby formula.  

If you're still undecided about whether or not breast feeding is right for you after the first six months, it's important to realize that it's primarily a personal choice. If you prefer using baby formula after the sixth month mark, you shouldn't feel guilty for wanting to wean your child off of your breast milk, especially as baby formula contains every nutrient your baby could need. If breast feeding fits into your schedule and feels right for you, then that's exactly what you should do. After all, breast feeding provides mothers and babies with the bonding time that they need before they grow up to become happy and active toddlers! 

Milk teeth derive its name from the fact that the infant has only milk diet before the appearance of its first teeth. Appearance of the first teeth is a visual treat and a joyful occasion for everyone in the family. In the initial phase of dentition, twenty milk teeth appear, from 6 or 7 months up to the age of two and a half years. The teeth first start to appear on the lower jaw and then on the upper jaw. The actual time for dentition varies for each child.

The Process of Teething:

The process of teething, like any other developmental process in the body, is a complex biological process. This process is commonly associated with many physical disturbances including Inflammation in the gums resulting in severe pain. Sometimes infection or diarrhea also sets in. Symptomatic treatment is the best choice to give relief to the child.

Management of the Teething Process:

Introduction: As mentioned earlier, the process of teething is commonly associated with severe pain, which is usually the first severe pain experienced by the child. It causes a lot of anxiety to the family members, who therefore try to divert the child's attention by playing. More than 60% of the children suffer with the so called "Teething Troubles".

The pain suffered by the infant due to the teething process causes the mother to suffer as well, though mentally. The anxious mother will try various means to reduce the pain of the child. To better manage the child it best that the mother has some basic knowledge on the teething process.

Minimizing Teething Difficulties: The child that is healthy with adequate strength will undergo very minimal initial pain associated with teething. For the child to be healthy the diet given to the child has to be given in complete compliance with the child's growth phase. Before the appearance of the teeth, if the child has been fed adequately with breast milk the chances of the child facing the teething trouble is low.

Indications of First Teething: When the tooth appears it is usually accompanied with swelling and inflammation of the gums, excessive salivary secretion and reddening of the cheeks. The child will feel more thirsty, reflecting in the higher pressure applied on the breast during feeding. Due to the associated pain the child will have incomplete feeding. The child may also rub its hands over the gums trying to find relief. In some cases there might be diarrhea, vomiting and other digestive disorders. These symptoms start to appear just before the tooth appears and will leave once the tooth comes out. It might get repeated for each tooth that comes out.

Remedies for the Teething Troubles: Though teething troubles might cause anxiety to the parents, it does not require any medical attention on the onset. Simple home based remedies can be easily followed. Bringing the child to fresh air and allowing it to breathe the fresh air will give some relief to the child. Administration of small amount of castor oil will reduce irritable bowels. Cold water sponging can be done once everyday using clean dry soft cloth, as it gives a soothing effect to the child. The frequency of breast feeding can be increased with reduction in the time of feeding. This helps the child to keep its mouth moist and the thirst also being quenched. The mother has to maintain good health during these periods. She should be on a good nutritious diet.

Soothing the Pain in Gums: During teething the child experiences pressure in the gums leading to pain. It will be of great help if the gums are rubbed with some objects giving a soothing effect due to friction. Commonly used objects for this purpose are roughened iquorice or root of orris. Sometimes ring made out of ivory can also be used. Care should be taken the object is not taken up by the child into its nostrils or swallow it.

Some Remedies in Other Countries: The liquorice's root or some other items with honey dip is given to the child to grind it up in France. The same mixed with some spices is given at the period of 1st teething in Germany. It must be remembered that excessive use of sugar might cause bowel disturbances in the child.

I am sure that many of us have heard horror stories about being cooped up in a car or airplane for hours at a time with cranky kids. "Are we there yet?" "How much longer?" "Megan is 'looking' at me!" "I have to go to the bathroom--RIGHT NOW!" There are endless instances when children can get on our nerves when travelling. Here are a few tips that may help soften the travel woes...

Create a TRAVEL SURVIVAL KIT packed with small travel toys and games. Use a bright back-pack or tote bag dedicated to the purpose. Include age-appropriate toys, such as an etch-a-sketch for preschool drawing fun, magnetic letter board for a toddler, sticker, puzzle or joke books for a grade-schooler. Interactive games can keep siblings happy-like Brain Quest cards with age-appropriate puzzles and questions, or even a simple deck of playing cards. Nowadays, portable DVD players and hand-held video games can keep kids trouble-free and occupied for hours. If you do take electronic things like a Game-Gear, be sure to take extra batteries.

Snacks can be healthy carrot sticks, crackers, pretzels, cheese or fruit. Try to keep the sugar content down for less hyperactive kids. Choose juice boxes and water bottles instead of canned soft drinks.

Take CD's along with their favourite music, as well as family music that you can all sing together while travelling.

Make sure your child uses the bathroom at every opportunity--before leaving home, in the airport before getting on the plane, right after eating on the plane (the line-ups for the few bathrooms can mean a long wait), before getting on the bus to go to the hotel or a sight-seeing trip.

If going on a beach vacation or cruise, of course sun-tan lotion is a must, as well as hats and sunglasses. Also take a skin cream in case of sun-burn. Be sure to include fun bandages and a small first-aid kit. Include some tummy-pills such as Gravol for car/bus/airplane trips, and constipation or diarrhea medicine.

Another item to take along on your travels would be a history or fact book about the place you are visiting to keep the child involved. Play games asking them if they can find the historic site you are visiting in the book, or an eye-spy game locating various types or trees, flowers or birds. Even allowing them a kid-proof disposable camera for them to take their own pictures would be helpful in keeping the child interested.

Be sure the children have had enough rest before the journey. Tired kids are cranky kids. And limit their intake of exotic foods to prevent tummy problems. It is nice that children will try and enjoy different fruits in another country, but too much papaya or avocado can wreak havoc on even the most mature stomach.

Many resorts are child-friendly and these can be a family traveller's best friend. These 'geared-to-children' places offer everything a child or parent could want, from child-centred snack bars (serving pizza, hamburgers and macaroni n' cheese), kid-friendly swimming pools, special computer rooms, sports and activities, to group games (where children can interact with others in their own age group). Many of these family resorts also offer babysitting services that allow Mom and Dad some quiet time of their own.

Take along a special security blanket or teddy bear to make travelling not so frightening for younger children. Travel pillows, window-sun shades and a warm coverlet can increase the child's comfort level when sleeping in a car or on a plane and reduce the travel blues.

Travelling with children doesn't have to be a nightmare. With careful planning, plenty of rest and controlled activities, parents and children can enjoy vacationing together.

In Part 1 of this 3-part article I discussed what are ear infections in children. I showed you symptoms to look for but in this article I will offer some remedy options.

What are the best remedies for ear infections in children?

Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol products) and ibuprofen (Advil and Motrin products) can offer some relief and reduce fever if it is present.

Aspirin, however, is not usually recommended.

Warm compresses or a heating pad applied over the ear can reduce the pain.

If you don't want to fever reducers like that, you can try massaging your child's ear. Use gentle pressure along the back of the ear and down the back of the jawbone. Push and release the flap of skin in front of the ear several times. Place your palm over your child's ear and rotate your hand in all directions.

Homeopathic Remedies

There are a number of homeopathic remedies, which can effectively relieve ear infections such as:

• Belladonna often works well for fever and red face or hot moist skin.


• Ferrum Phosphoricum is great for treating ear infections with a fever.


• For earaches due to teething, Chamomilla has proven effective.

Prop your child's head up while in bed to promote drainage and relieve pressure in the ears.

What about Anti-biotics for ear infections in children?

For many years, antibiotics were prescribed for nearly any diagnosis that showed signs of infection. Today doctors are more careful with prescribing antibiotics. It is important to be aware of the limitations of antibiotics in general, which:

• won't help an infection caused by a virus


• won't eliminate middle ear fluid


• may cause side effects


• typically do not relieve pain in the first 24 hours and have only a minimal effect after that

An article from CNN Health says this:

Giving children antibiotics for ear infections does little to speed their recovery while raising the risk of some side effects, according to a study published in 2010 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.

The study found that 80 out of 100 otherwise healthy children would recover from an acute ear infection within a few days if given medication only to relieve pain or fevers. If all 100 were given antibiotics instead, 92 would be better in the same period, said Dr. Tumaini Coker, the study's lead author.

"But we would also expect three to 10 kids to develop rash and five to 10 to develop diarrhea, [from the antibiotics]" said Coker, a pediatrician at Mattel Children's Hospital at the University of California-Los Angeles.

Coker noted that the increased number of children in the study who benefited from treatment with antibiotics was similar to the number that could be expected to get side effects from the antibiotic treatment.

But even after antibiotic treatment for an episode of acute otitis media, fluid may remain in the middle ear for up to several months.

"Clinicians and parents need to know the benefits and side effects on how to manage their child's ear infection," Coker said.

So, you can see that in our drive to help our children overcome their pain from these ear infections, you may want to consider carefully if antibiotics are really going to help.

Finally, other options include antihistamines or nasal sprays which may provide some assistance, but discuss that with your doctor.

In my next installment, Ear Infections In Children Part 3, I'll tell you how long ear infections can last and what you can do to minimize the risk in the future.

Important disclaimer: The information is for educational purposes only and should not be considered to be medical advice. It is not meant to replace the advice of the physician who cares for your child. All medical advice and information should be considered to be incomplete without a physical exam, which is not possible without a visit to your doctor.

Most children feel a little jittery and nervous about the first day of school, especially if they're new. Although it's normal to experience some anxiety about making new friends or getting homework done, the average child eventually adjusts and develops a routine. For kids with ADHD, however, it's quite a different story. Because of the academic and social problems caused by their symptoms, they cannot seem to get used to the school routine and may even refuse to attend school in extreme cases. School refusal - a behavior that describes the refusal to attend school - is quite common among kids with ADHD.

Symptoms of school refusal

Kids who refuse to go to school make daily excuses to stay home, usually by complaining that they feel too sick. They complain about headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and other similar symptoms. If they are allowed to stay home, the symptoms magically disappear, and resurface the following morning. In extreme instances, children with school refusal throw tantrums or exhibit defiant behavior.

Reasons behind school refusal

The first step to helping your child overcome school refusal is to find out what's causing it in the first place. There are many reasons behind school refusal; below are the most common ones:

Separation anxiety

Separation anxiety or the fear of being away from parents may be caused by a traumatizing separation, such as a parent or child being confined in a hospital. Sometimes, it is also due to fear that something bad might happen to the parent or a fear that the child might be abandoned at school. Separation anxiety is more likely to happen in preschool-aged children.

Problems at school

Problems like bullying, not getting along with the teacher, or not having friends are the most likely reasons behind an ADHD child's school refusal. Studies show that kids with ADHD are more likely to get bullied than those without. Because of their symptoms, they also have difficulty getting along with kids their age. Their hyperactivity and impulsivity may also provoke the irritation of the teacher, who expects children to stay seated and quiet during class hours.

Jealousy

Sometimes, school refusal is due to jealousy if there is a new sibling in the house. The child might think that his or her sibling is doing all sorts of fun things at home while he or she is at school.

Aside from real illness or the return from vacation, there are other instances when school avoidance is perfectly natural. For instance, when a child begins kindergarten or moves from middle school into high school, he or she is bound to feel nervous about the changes. But when none of these instances are present and your child still resists going to school, it's time to seek professional help.

Overcoming school refusal

It's important that a child with school refusal get used to being at school. The longer your child stays away from school, the harder it will be for him or her to overcome any anxieties about school. Sometimes, treating the ADHD symptoms through various approaches is enough to alleviate school refusal. But in most cases, school anxiety is caused by reasons beyond ADHD. Talk to your child and try to figure out what's causing this behavior; enlist the help of the doctor or guidance counselor if needed. Here are other things you can try:

• Listen to your child when he talks about his fears and feelings. Be understanding, no matter how trivial these fears might sound; otherwise, your child will not tell you if he or she is worried.


• Let your child feel a sense of control. Ask him what he thinks he can do to overcome the problem.


• Always pick your child up at the same time after school. Make arrangements if you will be unavoidably late in doing so.


• Encourage your child to join extra-curricular activities or develop hobbies that will boost his self-esteem and confidence.

We have all experienced at one time or another in our lives a bout of diarrhea and it is pretty awful to go through. There is usually extreme cramping in the stomach area as well as the constant feeling of needing to have a bowel movement at any time. Thankfully there are many remedies for this problem so in this article I will cover how to stop diarrhea for you.

One main side effect of diarrhea which has potentially very harmful effects is dehydration so the main concern you should have is keeping yourself hydrated by drinking as much water as you can handle during the day. Many people have had to be hospitalized for dehydration as a result of diarrhea and it is so easily avoidable if you do not let it get that severe.

There are some well known over the counter drugs that will stop diarrhea as well but they usually have the unfortunate side effect of stopping the natural cleansing process that our body is going through with diarrhea so you should stay away from those if possible.Diarrhea is one of our body's natural defense systems used to help rid the body of toxins and poisons as quickly as possible so stopping it abruptly and unnaturally could lead to other issues.

1. 
   Eat certain fruit - Bananas, blueberries and apples.


2. 
   Apple Cider Vinegar - Take a shot glass and add a little honey, apple cider vinegar and very hot water. Stir this around until blended and sip slowly. Some like the taste and others hate it but it is extremely effective and can be given to children as well.


3. 
   Probiotics - Take a probiotic supplement to start building back up the good bacteria in your intestines.


4. 
   Hydration - Make sure to stay hydrated. Drink lots of water. Also carrot juice contains many of the minerals that your body loses with diarrhea so this would also be good to drink at this time.


5. 
   Things To Avoid - Stay away from caffeinated drinks, alcohol, and carbonated drinks. Try to drink all drinks warm rather than cold during this time as this helps the body to assimilate them easier.

So there you have 5 strategies on how to stop diarrhea. There are a multitude of natural remedies available for you to cure your diarrhea so try these above and do further research if you like to find other effective ways on stopping diarrhea.

Diaper rashes are one of the reasons that keep you and your baby awake in the middle of the night. Sometimes, your baby cries so hard that you don't know exactly what to do. There is no reason to panic in the first place if you are sure that what causes baby to cry is purely diaper rashes. However, in case your child doesn't stop crying, follow these steps thoroughly.

Making a simple diagnosis will help you come up with solution. Check your baby's back part and look for symptoms of diaper rashes. Rashes are usually accompanied by redness, swelling, and even tiny wounds in the skin. If these signs are present, then your baby definitely has diaper rashes.

Think of the reason that might have caused the rashes. Usually, diaper rashes are a result of infrequent changing of diapers. When the diaper is full of excretion, it can lead to skin irritation when ignored for a long time, thus the appearance of rashes. Urine has the ability to increase the skin's acidity. Fecal enzymes as well due to diarrhea can have similar results.

Once you have determined the exact cause for the rashes, eliminate it at once. If your baby has diarrhea, have the condition treated immediately. To get rid of the rashes, consider applying zinc oxide or other ointments that are proven effective in removing redness and swelling. You can also try Tylenol products since they are excellent to fight against skin allergies.

Use preventive measures to keep your baby safe from rashes. Make it a habit of changing the diapers immediately once they are full. One of the reasons why babies get rashes is that parents have no schedule to follow when it comes to diaper changing. Also, since rashes can be a result of diarrhea, make sure you feed your baby with foods that can easily be digested.

There is no need any more for you to wake up in the middle of the night just because your baby is having diaper rashes. Take advantage of these steps and apply them. After a few weeks, you will notice that your baby is feeling better, free from rashes and free from discomfort!

You have probably heard of colic before and pray that your baby will never suffer from it. However, up to 25% of all babies do so you should be aware that it is a possibility. As a new mother you might not be an expert on babies or what symptoms of colic might be, but it helps to educate yourself so that you are aware what is happening with your baby in case he does develop colic. Remember as well that most families have as difficult a time dealing with colic as the baby does so try and identify the symptoms as early as possible in order to help find your baby some peace.

Many times doctors won't tell you that your baby has colic because it is difficult to diagnose simply because it is frequently a mixture of symptoms rather than one condition. In fact, some doctors don't even have the term "colic" in their vocabulary, but if your baby is suffering from it you will know it. There are a variety of symptoms that might represent colic that include red faces and clenched fists, reflux, grunting, hiccups, moaning, pushing and grunting, spasms, contractions, and lots and lots of crying. If your baby presents some of these symptoms or even others accompanied by inconsolable crying then your baby just might have colic.

Another sign of colic is these symptoms are frequent after a feeding and can last until the next feeding seeming like a never ending period of suffering and crying for your baby. Most doctors don' use the word colic, but do acknowledge that after eating many babies experience digestive problems due to kinked intestines that have not straightened out enough for easy digestion. Most parents that have babies with colic are sick with worry because their babies are obviously miserable and they can do nothing to soothe them or take the pain away. However, babies with colic are simply miserable with gas and do not have a fever, diarrhea, weight loss, or other symptoms at all. Because of this your baby is not really sick, but has a problem with digestion that makes them feel awful. Knowing this is important even if it doesn't make you feel much better as a parent of a colicky baby.

If your baby is one of the up to 25% of babies that develops colic you probably will become aware of the condition around six weeks of age. Then at three months the problem usually resolves itself. Of course, this seems like an impossible length of time for you and baby to go without any good sleep or comfort, but many babies and families have survived and yours will too if colic happens.

You will hate that your baby has colic and neither you nor your doctor has a miracle cure. However, knowing that your baby is not really sick and should be better in a few months will help you deal with the situation even if you feel awful about not being able to help your new bundle of joy. So, do everything you can to bond with your child and let them feel your support and do your best to make it to the three month mark when hopefully your baby is cured. If not, visit your doctor for additional tests of other potential digestive problems.

Breast milk is the ideal form of nutrition for your baby. Human milk was designed for human babies. Although artificial formulas for feeding babies have been around a while, scientists have not been able to duplicate all the components of breast milk. Breast milk contains at least 100 ingredients that are not found in formula. Not only does it have the ideal combination of fats, protein, and other nutrients, it also contains antibodies and hormones that help your baby fight off infections. In fact, according to information on the FDA website, "About 80 percent of the cells in breast milk are macrophages, cells that kill bacteria, fungi and viruses." Breast milk is also designed to be easier on your baby's digestive system. Babies that are exclusively breastfed tend to have less problems with constipation and diarrhea than formula fed babies. Breastfeeding may also protect your baby from ear infections, allergies, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and SIDS. Also breastfeeding makes a lot of economic sense as it is completely free.

Things dads can do to help make breastfeeding successful

Encourage mom to breastfeed on demand. The first few weeks of breastfeeding a new baby can be tiring. A lot of new moms quit right before things start to get easier. A good milk supply is established by breastfeeding frequently (around every two to three hours and some breastfed babies need to nurse more often than this). When your baby acts hungry mom should go ahead and offer the breast. Some signs that your baby wants to nurse are crying, squirming around, rooting for the breast, smacking lips, or aggressively sucking on fingers.

Hold off on offering baby a bottle. Dad wants to help feed the baby and mom wants a break from the baby. So it makes perfect sense for mom to pump off some breast milk and let dad offer a bottle for night time feedings, right? In the short term offering a bottle may give mom a break and give dad some time to bond with the baby but offering a bottle too early can create some breastfeeding obstacles such as nipple confusion and decreased milk supply. It is best to wait until your baby is at least four weeks old before introducing the bottle if possible.

Help her feel comfortable with breastfeeding around others. Support her decision to breastfeed. When friends or family are visiting you can help by making her feel more comfortable breastfeeding. Follow her lead. If she feels comfortable nursing the baby around other people, support her and make her feel comfortable. If she is nervous about breastfeeding with others around, you can help by getting her a throw blanket or moving the conversation to another room so she can breastfeed without the distractions.

Reassure her. When babies are little, they cry a lot. A lot of new parents worry about whether or not mom is producing enough milk and whether or not all the crying is because the baby is hungry. It is normal for newborns to lose a little weight in the beginning. As long as your baby regains his birth weight by the time he is two to three weeks old, he is doing fine. After that he should be gaining about 5-6 oz per week. You can keep an eye on how much milk your baby is getting by counting diapers. Your baby should be nursing about 8-10 times a day and producing about 6-10 wet diapers a day. If your baby is gaining weight, nursing frequently, and has plenty of wet diapers, then breastfeeding is likely going well. Crying a lot doesn't mean that your baby is not getting enough milk.

Take your wife's side on breastfeeding: Your wife may get beat up by family and friends when it comes to breastfeeding. Take her side. Don't suggest formula or agree with family members that think formula would make more sense. If you are concerned about your baby gaining weight talk to your wife privately or go with her to your pediatrician to discuss it rather than discussing it with naysayers.

Take turns caring for your baby. Getting up at night, nursing frequently, and not getting time to rest can make a new mom tired. Give your partner a break by watching the baby in between feedings. Let her take a nap, watch tv for a while or go out with a friend for a couple hours without the baby.

What about breastfeeding and sex?

Some moms go through a period of losing interest in sex after having a new baby. It is hard to make time for lovemaking when the baby barely gives you a break. You can help make intimate times more comfortable by making time for sex after baby has nursed and is napping. A crying baby is very distracting and makes it harder to relax and enjoy sex.

The hormones involved in breastfeeding can cause vaginal dryness. Sometimes dads can mistake vaginal dryness for sexual tension or think that their partner is not in the mood. You might want to consider using a lubricant if vaginal dryness is a problem.

Can you touch your wife's breasts during sex or are they off limits? There is no reason you can't continue having sex as you always have but keep in mind that she will probably experience a "let down" from any breast stimulation during sex. Some women will have let downs during orgasm as well. For some couples this is no big deal or even a sexual turn on but other couples find this annoying and don't like it. If you or she is not comfortable with breast-play during sex, you can avoid breast stimulation. Some things she can do to try to reduce sexual let downs are to nurse baby before sexual activity or wear a snug fitting (but sexy) bra with nursing pads in place.