Skin rashes in babies and toddlers - Part 3

Phew, never knew there are so many viruses causing skin disease! Here is the last list of the skin rashes. Let's continue💪!✔️ChickenpoxYou might be familiar with Chickenpox! Chickenpox got its nickname because the bumps look like chickpeas🐤. Varicella-zoster virus is the cause of Chickenpox, and it spreads very easily to people who haven't had the disease or gotten the vaccine yet. A red, itchy rash starts out on the face and soon it spreads through the body. The blisters are very itchy, and the virus also brings fever and headache.✔️RingwormIf you have a dog or cat living at your house🐕, you are probably familiar with Ringworm disease. Ringworm is a fungal infection that forms red patches that grow ring-like round shapes. When a fungus lives on the skin or scalp in a warm and moist environment, it grows out of control and develops Ringworm. It can also be transferred by contact with infected people or animals like cats or dogs. Luckily the infection is mild, but the rash could be itchy and uncomfortable. Using antifungal cream will soothe the infected area🧴. ✔️ImpetigoImpetigo is a bacterial skin infection. It makes red rashes and brown, crusty oozy sores😵. Often these marks start to form around the mouth and nose and spread to other vulnerable parts such as the diaper area. The bacteria easily spreads from contact with an infected person, and it is more active in humid, high-temperature conditions. Antibiotics are used for treatment.✔️MeaslesMeasles shows similar symptoms to a cold at first. After 4 to 5 days, pink rashes will start to develop all over the baby's body, and coughing will start. Baby's temperature can rise up to 104°F🤒!  The symptoms last for 2 to 3 days and diminish in 7 to 10 days after the outbreak. However, if the baby gets bad Measles, it can lead to serious problems such as hearing loss, pneumonia, and swelling of the brain. Currently, The MMR vaccine is given to babies aged 12 to 15 months to protect against Measles.  ✔️Scarlet fever Scarlet fever is when your little one gets a red rash all over the body because of strep throat. A high Fever of over 103°F develops all of a sudden, and sore throat, and headache follows. The baby's tongue changes abnormally as well. It gets coated with white and red, which somewhat looks like a strawberry🍓! The disease can be easily treated with antibiotics, but it can be dangerous to miss the timing, so you should act fast if you see any of these symptoms arises!🏃‍♀️✔️Lyme disease Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of ticks🪲. Young children are exposed to Lyme disease because they are likely to play outside and spend time in woody and grassy areas, where ticks might bite. When the baby gets infected, a red rash starts to appear along with flu-like symptoms🤒. The disease easily goes away with antibiotics in the early stages. However, if it is left untreated, it can cause serious complications over time, so early treatment is important!

How to dress a newborn baby for the weather

When it comes to keeping your little one safe and cozy in the outdoors🏞️, it's all about being one step ahead. Just remember, if you're feeling chilly, chances are your baby is feeling it too🧑‍🤝‍🧑. And if you're breaking a sweat, then you can bet your bottom dollar your baby is perspiring too (babies have their ways, you know!).Right temperature for a baby?No matter what's happening outside, we want to keep your baby in the temperature sweet spot between 98 and 100 degrees F. And guess what? The best way to measure that is through a rectal reading. Yep, we're going there! It's the most accurate method to check your baby's temperature🌡️. If it's not in that range, it might be time to play detective and look out for any signs of illness.For the nursery, aim for a cozy temperature of 68-72 degrees F. Preterm babies may need it warmer at 72 degrees F. Avoid the risk of SIDS by not letting it get too hot☀️ and prevent hypothermia by keeping it from getting too cold. Dress your sick baby in lighter, acrylic fabrics for comfort.Signs it's too hot or cold for the baby!If your baby is overheating, take off those layers and create a cool indoor space. If they don't cool down, consult your pediatrician or call 911 for expert advice👨‍⚕️. Safety comes first!On the other hand, if your baby seems too cold, watch for signs of lethargy or unresponsiveness. We don't want frostbite or hypothermia🙅! Look for pale gray areas or blisters on their skin. If you notice these signs, take action. Contact your doctor right away or call 911 if necessary. We prioritize the safety and comfort of our little ones.How to dress a newborn for warm or cool weatherEven when the weather is all mild and pleasant, we can't let our guard down, can we? That's where the trusty layer rule comes into play. Dress your adorable munchkin in as many layers as you need to feel comfortable, and then, here's the secret sauce, add just one more layer🧥. It's like wrapping them up in a cozy hug!Now, here's a pro-tip: keep your little one dry at all times. Even when the weather is just cool, wet or damp clothing can sneakily make your baby feel chilly. We don't want that, do we? So, keep an eye out for any moisture and ensure they stay nice and dry😌. Oh, and don't forget to be on top of those diaper checks when you're out and about. We don't want any surprise leaks! 

Separation anxiety: when it starts and peaks

Do your little one screams and cries when you leave them to someone else🥲? Does she hate to go to daycare or be with another caregiver? It might be a sign that separation anxiety has started in your baby🪅! What is separation anxiety?Separation anxiety arises when the baby is around 8 to 9 months and tends to peak between 12 to 24 months old. It happens when your baby starts recognizing people around her and realizing their absence. They tend to protest when you leave because they are naturally inclined to be close to the person who keeps them safe (which is you🫢!). Every baby's separation anxiety is different. If your baby experiences a lot of it, saying goodbye might be tough, and you might even shed a tear too. Don't worry, it's totally normal, and this phase will pass (Trust me👍!). Signs of separation anxiety in babiesIt's totally normal for babies and toddlers to show separation anxiety by crying, screaming, or fussing when you leave them with someone else👶. Falling asleep without you can be tough for them, and they might wake up multiple times at night, calling for you. Sometimes, they'll even protest a little when you're not in their sight for a short time. But don't worry😉, it's all a part of their development and shows how much they love you!How to deal with separation anxietyThe key idea to deal with separation anxiety is to teach your baby that when you are away, you always come back✨. Practicing short separations several times would help a lot. Leave your little one to a trusted caregiver for a short time (about half an hour or so). Walk your dog🐕, go get some coffee at a cafe, or run to a store! Once your baby is comfortable, increase time little by little, and repeat it until she is good! When you practice, make sure you find the right timing when your baby is not sleepy or hungry (to avoid her whining!). Keep the leaving simple and light. And once you leave, never look back and just leave!Have some fun with "separation-reunion" games as part of your home routine, such as Peek-a-boo, so your little one gets comfortable when you are out of sight.

Why does my baby stiffen their legs and arms?

When you pick up your baby from the crib🛏️, you might have noticed their hands and legs got stiffened! This is normal! It usually happens when your little one gets too excited or frustrated👶, and her muscle gets tightened up. However, rarely there are some other cases that can indicate a problem!What is hypertonia?It is considered hypertonia when a baby's muscles get stiff and hard to move because of damage to the brain or spinal cord that controls muscle movements🧍. Babies with hypertonia move in different ways because their range of motion is limited. Walking, balancing, grabbing, and letting go of objects could be difficult for them.There are two types of hypertonia, which are Spastic and Dystonic. Spastic hypertonia is when muscle spasms when a baby moves. On the other hand, when a baby is with Dystonic hypertonia, their muscle tone stays the same whether the baby is moving or still. In order to figure out which hypertonia the baby has, doctors will move a baby's muscles in different directions at various speeds🚶.Why does it happen? Any symptoms I should be aware of?To move muscles, we send signals from the nervous system travel to the nerves. However, if the brain🧠 or spinal cord is injured, those signals can't reach the nerves, which causes hypertonia! This could happen when a baby had a lack of oxygen during birth. If his/her brain is injured or has a tumor, could cause hypertonia as well.A baby with hypertonia generally shows trouble moving her joints in the arms, legs or neck. Their range of motion👋 gets limited, and they fall often because they lose their balance. If a baby has severe hypertonia, he can't move the affected body part much because his joint freeze in place, which is called a contracture. Other reasons why your baby may stiffen their bodyThere are a few other possible medical reasons🏥 for a baby to stiffen their body. Other medical conditions related to brain damage, such as infantile spasms, cerebral palsy, seizures, and epilepsy can cause this symptom as well. Occasional muscle stiffening isn't something to worry about. But if you feel suspicious too often, you should contact a doctor for a check-up and start a diagnosis and treatment👩‍⚕️.

Top questions about baby formula

You might think formula feeding is straightforward - choose a formula that fits your baby and fill it up in their favorite bottle🍼. But for new moms, there is a whole lot of confusion beyond the descriptions on the formula can! Here are some answers for moms👩 frequently asked about formula feeding.About choosing formulas:🍼What is the best baby formula for a newborn?I know there are various choices for baby formula, but I would say the best one is the one that you can easily find in the nearby store🏪. Generally, formulas out there are all FDA-approved if sold in the USA, so I would say the ones you have easy access are the best.The story will be different if your newborn has any kind of allergies, and your pediatrician will make a recommendation when you gave birth at a hospital, so you might want to follow their recommendation.🍼Can you switch formulas?Generally, there is no issue with switching your baby's formula. Changing the brand or type your baby usually had is perfectly fine. However, if you can, try to stick with the same formula if there was no problem while feeding it😉. If your baby had no problem with the formula you were using, but you want to change the brand, try finding the formula with the same base as the previous one. For example, if the one you used is cow's milk-based, changing to the one that's also cow's milk under a different label based will be safer.Formula mixing: 🍼How long can baby formula sit out after it's mixed?The best is to offer the formula in a timely manner, but I know it is not easy as it sounds! If the formula is at room temperature and hasn't been contacted with the baby's mouth, it has to be consumed within two hours of preparation. If you can't, store it in a refrigerator🧊 and use it within 24 hours! However, you should throw out the leftovers if there are any in the bottle for safety reasons because the combination of baby saliva and formula can grow bacteria!🍼Should baby formula always be warm?It is not mandatory to make the formula warm. So if you are too tired or in a hurry to warm the formula, you don't have to feel guilty about giving a room temperature bottle because they are perfectly fine😌. NEVER use a microwave to warm the formula because it creates hot spots and could burn a baby's mouth! Always check the temperature of the formula before serving it.Safety tips when using formulaAlways check your formula can for safety👷! See if they are expired, damaged, or leaked. Also check inside to see if there are any unusual, such as moles or uncertain lumps. If you spy on any one of them, don't use it🙅‍♀️!  If the formula is too watery, it can interfere with growth and nutrition. If the formula is too thick, on the other way, it might cause dehydration! So before you start mixing the brand-new formula, always check the instruction and follow the right measurement. 

Yeast diaper rash

Let's chat about a little troublemaker called candida😈 – it's the usual suspect behind a yeast diaper rash. You see, those damp conditions in a dirty diaper can create the perfect hideout for this yeast, especially if there's an existing, untreated rash. If you're getting a hunch that your baby's rash might be due to a yeast infection, it's a good idea to reach out to their provider for some treatment advice👩‍⚕️.The causes of the Yeast diaper rashCandida loves warm, moist spots like skin folds, and a wet diaper can be its playground, especially if a rash is already present🥴.Babies on antibiotics and breastfed by moms on antibiotics are more vulnerable, as antibiotics can upset the balance, letting candida thrive. If your little one recently battled thrush, that same yeast can venture down to the diaper area. Let's keep Candida in check and diaper rashes at bay💪!Yeast diaper rash symptoms!Watch for these distinctive signs that could point to a yeast diaper rash👀: bright red patches with well-defined edges, the presence of small pimples or bumps, a shiny appearance on the skin, and potential involvement in the folds of the groin due to the warmth. Keep an eye out 👓 for any discomfort or fussiness from your baby. If you suspect a yeast diaper rash, it's a good idea to consult your healthcare provider for guidance. Let's work together to ensure your little one's comfort and well-being!Treatment for Yeast diaper rashWhen it comes to yeast diaper rash, your regular barrier creams won't do the trick😰. Your baby's doctor might suggest a topical antifungal cream like nystatin, clotrimazole, or miconazole, possibly paired with a gentle corticosteroid cream.While some of these creams🧴 can be found over the counter, nystatin, a prescription ointment, is often the go-to for yeast diaper rash. It's a good idea to have your baby checked by their doctor before starting treatment.Applying the cream two to three times a day is generally sufficient, but with antifungal cream, be sure to gently rub it into the skin rather than just applying it on top, like you would with a regular diaper rash cream. You should see improvement in the rash after a few days.

What should your breast milk look like?

What color pops into your mind when you think of breast milk🍼? For me, it's pure white! So I was very surprised when I found out the color of breast milk can change color with different hues😮! What breast milk color is normal?The color of breast milk varies for every woman👩. Typical breast milk is white with a yellowish tint, but the color changes depending on the breastfeeding period and the mom's condition. Colostrum, which comes in right after a baby's birth, tends to be yellowish-white. Then the transitional milk, which comes in between colostrum and mature milk🍼, tends to have an orange tint. Mature milk tends to be white like skimmed milk, but again, every woman's milk is different, so there are individual differences.Why does my breast milk change its color?Breast milk can change color depending on what food or medication a mom takes. The color usually changes from yellow to orange-ish colors, but it can also turn into completely different tints of colors, such as black or green😮! Green breast milk happens when mom eats a lot of green foods or supplements like chlorella. Some medications like minocycline can turn breast milk into black. Even though your milk color changes, it is completely normal as long as your doctor has cleared that your medications are safe👌.When to call the doctorIf you see blood in your breast milk, you must observe👀! It often happens when there's bleeding on the nipples, or when blood flow to the breasts increases. Both cases are normal in the early days, so you don't need to worry about it as well😌. But in rare cases, the blood could be a sign of breast cancer, mastitis, or papillomas. So if you notice blood you don't know where it's coming from, there is no reason to hesitate to call the doctor and discuss it.

Mastitis while breastfeeding

Mastitis is a breast tissue infection that can make your boobs feel like they're starring in their own soap opera🫠. They become swollen and painful, and may even come with flu-like symptoms. Talk about a showstopper! But fear not, it's estimated that up to 10 percent of breastfeeding moms will face the mastitis monster at some point during their nursing journey. It's like a rite of passage, but one that we can conquer together🏃‍♀️.What is Mastitis?Mastitis, a breast tissue infection, can bring discomfort with symptoms like tender and swollen breasts along with flu-like feelings. It's worth noting that around 1 in 10 breastfeeding moms👩 might encounter mastitis during their breastfeeding experience.The period of highest risk for mastitis is typically within the initial six weeks after giving birth, yet it can emerge at any stage of breastfeeding😢. While mastitis usually targets one breast, it's also feasible to experience it simultaneously in both. Remember, being aware of this possibility can help you take proactive steps if you encounter any symptoms.How to treat them? Upon suspecting mastitis, promptly reach out to your healthcare provider to ensure swift treatment👨‍⚕️. Early intervention is crucial to prevent complications like abscess formation. Diagnosis typically leads to oral antibiotics that provide quick relief. Nursing from the infected breast, finishing the antibiotic course, and applying techniques like breast pumping or chilled cabbage leaves can aid recovery😌. Wearing comfortable bras and seeking medical advice can help effectively manage mastitis and ensure a smoother breastfeeding experience.Is it possible to continue breastfeeding while dealing with mastitis?Guess what? You've got the power to do it, and it's actually a good idea too😉! Breastfeeding is like a superhero that swoops in, clears out infections, and helps you heal faster. Plus, those antibiotics won't harm your adorable little munchkin. Here's a fun tip for you📝! warm up your breast with a cozy compress before nursing. It's like giving your milk flow a gentle nudge, encouraging it to flow freely. And if nursing feels like a painful rollercoaster ride, try switching to the other breast and let the infected one work its magic on a handy towel or cloth!

Baby head circumference

Measuring your baby's head circumference👶 is an important step in their early healthcare. It's a simple way for healthcare providers to assess your baby's brain development and central nervous system growth🧠! Average newborn head circumference?When it comes to head circumference, every baby is unique, but there are some average measurements that can provide a helpful reference😌. For instance, the average newborn typically has a head circumference of about 13.47 inches (34.2 cm). As your baby grows, you'll notice changes in their head size. By the time they reach 1 month old, the average head circumference expands to around 14.53 inches (36.9 cm)📏.Normal baby head circumference? When it comes to measuring your little one's head circumference, doctors use special growth charts that show percentiles. Don't worry, there's no one-size-fits-all number🙂! The normal range is usually between the 5th and 95th percentiles. So, if your baby's head circumference falls in the 50th percentile, it means their head size is just right on par with other babies their age🧘. When should I be concerned about my baby's head circumference?🐻If your little one's head is smaller than average... It could mean their brain needs some extra attention. Infection or genetics might be the culprits. Don't worry, your baby's doctor will connect you with a brain expert—a pediatric neurologist or neurosurgeon. They'll help navigate the world of "microcephaly" (a cute term for a small head). Trust the pros, and keep being amazing parents!🐻If your little one is sporting a head circumference that's larger than the crowd...It could be a sign of hydrocephalus - a fancy term for fluid buildup around the brain. Trust me, it's a rare condition that can make the pressure in their adorable noggin skyrocket. But wait, there's more! A big head size can also be linked to brain tumors or some genetic surprises. But hey, don't worry too much because your baby's doctor will be the ultimate matchmaker and connect you with an amazing pediatric brain guru - a neurologist or neurosurgeon!

IPV vaccination 2nd dose

Why should I take the vaccine?💡The vaccine shields your infant from polio, a disease that can result in paralysis by invading the spinal cord. Poliovirus is highly transmissible and propagates through the sneeze, touch, or cough of an afflicted individual. Polio vaccines are highly effective, guarding your little one  from contracting the infection.How to get the vaccine?💉To complete the IPV vaccine, you'll need four doses of the polio shots. The second shot of the vaccine is recommended to get when your baby is around 4 months old, which is 2 months after the first dose. You should have an appointment for the second dose if you have had the first shot. If you don't, don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician now and make an appointment before the time passes!TMI from Baby Billy👩‍⚕️: Any side effects of the vaccine?The spot where the shot was given could turn red, swell, and little pain could come along as well, which could annoy your little one! Fortunately, this isn't serious and the pain will go away within one day or two, but your baby might cry and whine with the discomfort, so you might get exhausted on the same day. Is the polio virus a serious disease?Poliovirus causes paralyzing, which could continue lifelong. Even children who appear to have made a complete recovery might experience new muscle pain, weakness, or paralysis as adults after 15 to 40 years. Paralysis could also appear on the muscles responsible for breathing, which is very serious because it could lead a child to death. This happens to approximately 2 to 10 children out of every 100 with poliovirus, so preventing the infection by getting the vaccine is very important.