|
|
|
Great Christening and Baptism Keepsake Ideas
A baby's christening or baptism is a very special occasion. It is the very first step in their spiritual life so there should be as many keepsakes of the day as possible. Since the baby won't have any first-hand memories of this special day, it's up...
HEM Support Group News- July 2005
``````````````````````````````````````````````````````` HEM SUPPORT GROUP NEWS - July 2005 ``````````````````````````````````````````````````````` ~JULY'S HIGHLIGHT ~ISSUES TO WATCH ~COMMUNITY SERVICE ~CONFERENCES ~WEB UPDATES ~HEM...
How to Choose a Baby Bathtub
Choosing a baby bathtub is likely one of the easiest decisions you'll have to make when it comes to acquiring supplies for the new arrival. Basically, if it holds water, you're all set. There is little in the way of advantages to baby bathtub...
How To Talk To Your Baby – And Understand What She’s Saying Back
It is incredible, but within a years time your baby will progress from random crying to talking. This is quite an achievement for your baby and in a very short period of time. In this chapter we will look at your baby’s development when it comes...
Nourishing Your Network
It takes less effort to keep an existing customer than to gain a new customer. This is Business 101. Corporations focus on acquisition, but they must also focus on customer service and retention in order to be successful. So why don’t...
Parenting - The Irrational Vocation
There are some grounds to assume that a cognitive dissonance is involved in feeling that children are more a satisfaction than a nuisance. Why do people bother with parenting? It is time consuming, exhausting, strains otherwise pleasurable...
Sticking to a Gift Budget at Christmastime
The Christmas season is upon us, and with it one of the most difficult times to stick on a budget. It’s so easy to go overboard on gifts for those you love. There’s always some cute, cheap item that is just perfect, but when you find things like...
Taking Over
4:49 AM ... can't sleep.
Actually, I've been awake most of the night. I just finally decided to stop fighting it, make some coffee, and make good use of the time.
Why am I awake and back to work when I just made my way to bed a few short...
The Mystery And Essence Of The Pearl
The pearl has always been a rather prim and proper piece of jewelry - classic and seeped in tradition that never goes out of style. Well things they are a changing! This year not only has the pearl is had a very glamorous make over it's a front and...
Women’s Swimwear Revolution: Cover-ups and show-offs for your body at the beach!
Swimsuits have ebbed and flowed through the centuries! It’s almost certain that the first swimmers wore no suit at all and although some historians date women’s first swimsuits to the Eighteenth Century, the first recorded use of clothing for...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Everything You Need To Know About Your Baby’s Teething Process
The teething process can be a difficult period for both the baby and the parents. The process starts at different ages depending on each baby but usually by age of 3 most infants have their primary teeth in place. If by one year your baby still has not got his first tooth it would be wise to see your doctor and dentist.
There are 20 primary or “baby” teeth that every child has during their lifetime, with ten in the upper jaw and ten in the lower. Usually, the appearance of baby teeth is as follows: the upper and lower incisors come first, then the upper lateral incisors come in a few months later, followed shortly thereafter with the bottom lateral incisors. The top and bottom molars are the next set to come through, usually right around 18 months. The cuspids, or eyeteeth, usually follow soon after the molars. At approximately two, to two and a half years, the second set of molars will appear.
Usually there is no set order in which baby teeth appear – again this depends on the individual baby. It is unusual for a child not to get all twenty teeth.
Some babies can be born with a front tooth (this happens in about 1 in every 2000 cases). In this even it is wise to consult a paediatric dentist. This situation can affect the breastfeeding process so a paediatric dentist should be consulted as soon as possible, especially if you intend to breastfeed.
Here are the signs that your baby may be teething:
· Bulging gums – you’ll be able to see the outline of the teeth as they try and push through his gums.
· Nighttime crying and walking.
· More fuss than normal.
· “Clingy" behaviour.
· An increase in the amount of drooling seen.
· Chewing on fingers, teething rings, and other objects.
· Swollen, red, inflamed gums.
· Poor appetite.
· Interrupted sleep.
There is some debate about this, but it is now generally accepted that teething will not cause fever, sleep issues or lower immunity to infection.
Teething is very painful – if you have ever bitten the inside of your cheek you know how painful this can be – now imagine a baby that is used to a soft smooth surface (gums) and suddenly she has a hard and sharp tooth pushing through her swollen gums. Generally it’s the first tooth that will cause the most discomfort.
When babies are going through the teething process they sometimes bring their hands to their mouths – this brings some relief when the gums have pressure applied to them. You can gently massage your baby to reduce the discomfort of teething – clean your fingers and rub the gums firmly – this may be uncomfortable for your baby initially but she will get used to, and appreciate, the massage the more you do it.
Give your baby something cool to chew on – this again provides relief for a little time. Wet washcloths (you can soak this in apple juice if you wish) that have been left in the freezer for 30 minutes or so – can be given to your baby to chew. Just remember, whatever you use make sure that your baby cannot choke on it. Other things that your baby can chew on
include a chilled banana or an iced Popsicle. An old wives tale remedy recommends that you dab some alcohol on your baby’s gums – it is strongly recommended that you do NOT do this.
While primary teeth will at one stage be replaced by the permanent teeth, they are very important for several reasons – including chewing and speech. Once these teeth are in, you can clean them with a special baby toothbrush.
Be sure to never allow your baby to fall asleep with a bottle. This will lead to tooth decay. Whether a baby is bottle fed or nursed, he will be vulnerable to “baby bottle tooth decay”. Such decay occurs when freshly sprouted baby teeth are exposed to liquids containing sugars (basically, anything other than water) for long periods of time. Bacteria in the mouth will grow in the sugar, which attack the tooth enamel and cause cavities. The best treatment for “baby bottle tooth decay” is prevention. Don't let your baby use a bottle as a pacifier or fall asleep with a bottle containing anything but water. Also, be sure to gently clean his teeth and gums after each feeding.
You may also see some teething symptoms – on the whole these are fairly harmless. For example, drool rash where a red rash can be seen on the face, lips, chin and chest. This can be washed with warm water and a cloth and your doctor may prescribe a lanolin ointment as treatment for this. Sometimes other symptoms can include mild diarrhoea and a cough caused by excess saliva dripping down the baby’s throat.
Here are some good tips to use to care for your baby’s teeth:
· Clean your baby’s mouth before the teething process. You can wipe the gums after each feeding with a warm, wet washcloth.
· Take good care of the teeth once they start to come in. Some parents wrongly believe that because primary teeth are eventually replaced they are not that important – this is false as they preserve the space for the permanent teeth, not to mention help with chewing and talking.
· Actively watch for cavities – if you spot any discolouration or pitting then they could be signs of cavities. Try and avoid putting your baby to sleep with milk (or even worse sweet juice) as it could lead to cavities. In addition follow up meals with water as this helps to wash off most infant foods quite easily.
· Introduce a toothbrush as soon as possible. In addition you should monitor your baby’s fluoride intake as this can help prevent tooth decay. It’s also important to schedule a dental check up for your baby – shortly after the first year is a good time for the first visit.
Creating good dental practice from the start will help ensure that you baby continues good dental hygiene for years into the future.
About the author:
Keziah Engineer is the author of the best selling ebook “THE BABY CARE BOOK” – a resource that teaches new parents absolutely everything they need to know about their newborn babies:
http://www.global-ebooks.com/babybook.htm
|
|
|
|
|
|