Newborn Content | Baby Billy

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!

Parenting stress

That nervous feeling when you're about to meet your baby for the first time is engraved in your heart.💓 You just look at them in awe every time and gain strength to become the best parents for them. But you can't avoid stress along the way…Parenting stress👪What is parenting stress?Parenting stress is the distress when you feel you can't cope as a parent.😞 After pregnancy, expectations and demands placed on you are so high that you seem to run out of resources and strength to meet them. 👪What causes parenting stress?The causation varies depending on each family. Stress can originate from poor economic status, inadequate support system, and exposure to hostility.⚔️ Anything that makes you worry about your ability to protect your child and thrive can contribute to parenting stress.🙁Ways to cope with parenting stress👪Reach out for supportParenting is a lot easier if you have your supporters on your side.👪 Contact your friends, family members and especially your partner to share your feelings. You can always count on their support for emotional support, financial aid💰 and childcare help.If you don't live near friends or relatives, you can look for local parenting cooperatives, online communities and trained therapis‍ts.😀 Enrolling in parenting classes can be helpful too as you can seek new friends, reduce your feelings of guilt and stress while gaining more knowledge.👪Avoid unnecessary exposure to signals that drag you downAfter a very brief exposure to negative emotional content, it's natural that you pay attention more to upsetting images, replay bad memories and worry about the future. Such thoughts keep circulating in your head, causing more anxiety and gloom.😥Overdosing on bad news spikes up your stress levels, undermines yourself and hurts you gradually. Instead, try to put yourself together, think constructively, think brightly.🤔 Everything will be just fine and you can do it! 👪Focus on the goodYou can induce good moods by downloading happy memories into your head. Do you remember when your little one just took the first step or called your name for the first time? When you return home from work, remember how you feel when you see your child's smiles and hugs.🤗Reflect on good memories and read jokes, uplifting stories to make you feel better. Focusing on acts of kindness and positive messages will help you decrease stress responses.😀👪Re-appraise the situationWe often think that we are good at predicting things if we have a plan. Actually, we are pretty bad at anticipating future discomforts. Sometimes, stressful things just occur along the way.😞When bad things happen, you may find a coping strategy when you reconsider the situation from a new angle. Stop dwelling too much on your personal emotional reactions, try to view the problem with more objectivity.💪 

Things that you didn't know about newborn sleep

How much sleep do newborns need?Newborns sleep about 14 to 18 hours a day in the early weeks😪! Usually, they sleep for 2 to 4 hours every 2 hours day and night because they wake up when they get hungry. If your baby has a small stomach or is a glutton, she or he will wake up more compared to other babies. Also, babies are born with their days and nights reserved, so they become night owls and sleep more during the daytime. (This is why parents of newborns become '🧟zombie-like' in their baby's early weeks!) Fortunately, your baby will start sleeping less during the day and more at night by 8 weeks.Why does your newborn sleep so much?It looks like all your baby does is sleep every day, but don't worry Mom😉! They are doing their jobs in their dreams. A newborn's brain develops as they sleep. All the new information about the world they consumed while they were awake is processed and consolidated during their sleep, so the babies get ready to explore the new environments when they are up again🧠. Physical development also takes place while babies are asleep. Their body processes nutrition and uses them for weight gain and strengthening the organs and joints!Tips for baby sleep🦉Turning night owls into a normal trackYou can start teaching your baby to distinguish day from night, normally from week 2. During the day☀️, interact with your baby while they are awake as much as you can. Keep your home bright, including the baby's room. You don't need to mute all the daytime noises such as phone rings, doorbells, and kitchen noises! It will help your baby to understand the daytime. At night🌙, do the opposite of what you did during the day. Dim the light and keep the noise level low. Don't play with your baby even if they wake up in order to keep the energy level low. When your baby gets used to the cycle, it will be much easier for you to deal with their sleep!🦉I still feel like my baby is sleeping too much!Some babies are heavy sleepers😴. They don't wake up to eat as often as they need to. Baby's sleep habits are all different depending on each of their personalities. You don't need to force the baby to wake up if they sleep well peacefully✨. However, if they sleep more than 6 hours straight, you might want to gently wake them up to avoid hypoglycemia and dehydration. If you are unsure, it will be helpful if you record your baby's sleep routine and intakes to see if they are sleeping and eating enough.

How to dress babies in the cold

Winter☃️, a magical season with snowflakes and cozy moments! However, it can be a bit stressful for new parents. Don't worry though! Keeping your baby safe and warm in the cold weather is possible🧥. Let's explore ways to protect your little one in this winter wonderland.Is it safe to take your baby outside in the winter?Absolutely! Babies can venture outdoors during winter❄️, but it's important to take certain precautions. Since babies haven't fully developed their ability to regulate body temperature🤧, it's crucial to limit the distance and duration of outdoor trips.When is it too cold for a toddler to go outside?Toddlers can play outside in the cold with proper dressing, including warm coats, hats, gloves🧤, pants, and boots🥾. Limit their playtime to 20-30 minutes. Avoid temperatures below -15 degrees F to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Watch for signs of hypothermia and seek medical attention if needed! Tips for protecting babies and toddlers in the cold!It's important to layer their clothing🧣. Start with a soft, thin one-piece sleeper as the base layer, followed by a lighter fabric long-sleeved shirt and pants. Finally, add a tightly woven, water-repellent snowsuit or bunting as the outer layer. Make sure to avoid oversized hoods and drawstrings for children under 12 months and opt for elastic or buttons instead. If you're using a stroller, you can also add a blanket for extra warmth. Even in temperatures above 40 degrees Fahrenheit🌡️, damp clothing or prolonged exposure to the cold can lead to hypothermia. Invest in water-resistant boots and coats to keep your little one dry. During extended outdoor time, check your child's diaper frequently and change any wet clothing during breaks. By layering their clothing effectively and ensuring they stay dry, you can help keep your child warm and protected in the cold weather.

Skin rashes in babies and toddlers - Part 2

You thought the battle is over? Oh no, not yet! Here is the second part of the list of skin rashes you should be aware of!🔥✔️Food allergyFood allergy occurs when a baby is sensitive to certain food and an unusual reaction appears in his/her body🤒. Common allergens include eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat, and soy. Feeding a small amount of common allergen food one by one before starting baby food, or asking a doctor for an allergy test might help to distinguish which food your baby is allergic to. Allergic reactions can differ by individual, including a red, itchy rash, vomiting and nausea, watery and red eyes with sneezing🤧. Some serious reactions could cause trouble breathing or swelling of the lips and tongue. So if you notice any abnormal symptoms after feeding, observe the symptom carefully and discuss it with your doctor.✔️Hand, foot, and mouth diseaseHand, foot, and mouth disease (HFM) is a common virus for kids under 5. The name originated from its main symptom which makes rashes and blisters on the baby's hands, mouth, and feet. Flu-like symptoms such as high fever and sore throat follow🌡️. The virus is very contagious and spreads very easily, so if your baby is infected with HFM, you should separate him/her from other young children🙅‍♀️. ✔️Fifth diseaseIf your baby has a low fever and cold-like symptoms for several days and a red rash starts to form on the cheeks😳, you need to doubt if it's Fifth disease. Fifth disease is caused by parvovirus B19. It is contagious, but only in the early phase which is before a rash starts to appear. This is common, especially in kids aged 5 to 15, but it also occurs in some toddlers and babies.✔️HivesBacterial infections, food reactions, plants or bug bites can make hives on the skin. It is a skin condition with red and raised bumps😵‍💫. They can be itchy, but mostly they don't bother your baby at all. It is hard to know what causes hives, but allergy is one of the major influences. If you could record the recent food or medication intakes💊, it helps to track down the possible cause of hives. It might look serious, but it's not contagious.✔️SunburnWhen your baby was exposed to sunlight for too long☀️, sunburn can develop on their skin! As you might already have experienced during previous vacations, sunburn can happen even on cloudy days. Especially since babies' skin is weak and sensitive, they are more vulnerable to the sun, and can feel more pain than we do😖! We all already know how to avoid sunburns. Put sunscreens when you bring your little one outside, and cover them with long sleeves to minimize sun exposure.

Emotion Coaching

Whenever your baby feels sad or angry, do you try to empathize with their emotion or just ignore and move on? Emotionally supportive relationships can be beneficial more than you think.😎Emotion coaching👪What is emotion coaching?Based on the principle that emotionally supportive relationships provide the best context for children to grow up, emotion coaching is the practice of helping your baby learn to self-regulate negative emotions when you tune in your child's feelings and show empathy.🤗 Because the kid is not capable of handling difficult emotions and having rich life experiences like adults, you are the ultimate guide who needs to accept and validate their feelings, helps them label emotions with words and instructs them to overcome hardships.🤱👪Why kids need you to emphasize?Young children lack our life experiences and are incompetent at reading others' feelings and intentions. Your kid needs you to guide them to learn and practice.👩‍🏫Some kids have a tougher time than others at mood management. The key is you can provide help and teach them to handle those emotional storms.😀Ways that emotion coaching works👪Notice signs before your child's emotions get intenseIs your kid looking a bit frustrated?😤 Although your initial reaction might be to ignore it and regard negative emotions as offensive, this is actually the golden opportunity for you to better understand your child and help them cope with it.💪Talk to your child how they look different now and ask the reason why they behave so.️ If you suspect a trigger, gently bring it up so that the child feels like they are being heard.😀👪Listen, validate and show empathyYou need to stay calm even though your child is furious in front of you.😌 What you really need to do is to relate to your kid's experiences by drawing parallels in your own life.Imagine when you are upset at your coworkers when something goes wrong at your work. That is also your child's feelings when they are rejected or humiliated at school.🏫 You can relate to the situation and understand why your kid feels that way.😇👪Find verbal labels for emotionsAs you listen and empathize with your kids, you can help them identify what exactly their feelings are.😍 Learning how to verbalize emotions teaches them to shift into a more detached and analytical point of view and view emotions as a normal reaction to a triggering situation. The method isn't merely telling your baby how they should feel. But rather to ask questions, align with our own experiences and help them understand their own emotions better.🤗👪Allow your child to take time to calm downPowerful emotions, such as anger, anxiety trigger a fight or flight response. They block the ability to reason and control impulses, making us vulnerable to overreacting.🛡️The same thing happens to your child. If your baby is highly distressed about an uncomfortable situation, let them take a pause and allow the stress response to wind down.😮‍💨 Don't be tempted to start problem-solving and expect them to reason with you when they are not ready.

The breastfeeding diet

'You are what you eat!' You've probably heard this phrase a lot. Then let's put this theory to breastfeeding - My breast milk should be what I eat😮! Is it really true? Here is a guide for how to get the right nutrition to produce a healthy meal for your little one! (But don't worry, it will be much easier than a pregnancy diet😉)What can I eat?Actually, the foods and drinks you intake don't directly affect the basic fat-protein-carb combo of breast milk. In fact, your body will take nutrients that are already stored to produce milk🍼. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't care about your diet! Your goal during nursing is to avoid depleting the body's store of nutrients.A nutritious diet for breast milk is not much different from the healthy diets we used to try before pregnancy. Protein, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and high-fat foods are recommended to consume on a daily basis, along with calcium, iron, vitamin C and Omega-3s💊. Also, your breast milk changes the taste and smell depending on what you eat, and your little one will get introduced to a variety of different flavors!What should I be aware of?You should still be aware of too much caffeine, high-mercury fish, and some herbal teas or supplements that are not proven safe😿. Alcohol is a slightly different story. I understand how you've been waiting to have a sip of cold wine and beer after birth, and yes, you can drink alcohol while breastfeeding (yay😺!), but, there are a few things you should keep in mind before starting to drink. If possible, try to drink after nursing, or wait at least 2 hours before nursing to avoid alcohol affecting your milk. Also, heavy drinking may affect your baby, so moderate drinking is advised.How much water should I take?Drinking more water is always good. Especially in the weeks after birth and during the nursing period, water helps your body to recover and stimulate better. Technically you need to drink about 128 ounces of fluids a day🌊, but you get most of it covered by your meals during the day. (so you don't need to drink 16 glasses of water every day! phew) To make sure you are getting enough water, drinking a cup of water at every nursing session is the easiest way to track. Not drinking enough water won't affect your milk supply. However, your urine will get darker and scanter, and can set you up for health issues such as constipation and fatigue! So let's keep in mind to drink a fresh cup of water more often😉!

How to soothe a crying baby

Hey, mommy and daddy! I am sorry if I made you exhausted crying last night🥺. I know feeding, diapering, and soothing me can feel like a never-ending cycle, consuming most of your day and night. Why is my baby crying?Until I start talking, crying is the only way I can express my feelings! Most of the time, these are the three main reasons making me want to cry: hunger, dirty diapers and stomach discomfort. If I start crying, it's often a sign that I'm ready for the next meal. Sometimes, my belly traps air while gulping down milk or formula, which is very uncomfortable! Wet or dirty diapers are something I hate as well! Check my diaper often so we could be all happy🧡!I cry when I feel sick🤒. If you see me crying harder than usual, try checking my condition. If you are concerned, reach out to the doctor and monitor any signs of fever. And of course, these aren't the only reasons making me wanna cry. When I feel tired, overwhelmed, or bored, I will start crying to let you know my feelings. How to soothe a fussy babyOnce you've ruled out the common reasons for my tears, it's time to try some of the techniques to soothe me and bring some relief to both of us! Wrap me up in a cozy swaddle. This snug wrapping in a soft blanket creates a comforting, womb-like environment that helps me feel secure and calm🥰. I also find comfort in sucking, so offer me my thumb, finger, or a pacifier to help soothe me. Use a front carrier or sling. Carry me close to you while walking around. The gentle motion and feeling of closeness can be very soothing for me as well!Babies have different preferences on soothing. For example, some babies find rhythmic whooshing sounds calming, and some find bathwater calming! So observe me carefully, and find something that fits me will help you calm me easily!Sometimes, hearing from an expert can provide the peace of mind you need, knowing that you're doing everything you can and just need a little more patience. Good luck mom! 😎What to do if you feel frustrated by your baby's cryingI try not to, but there are times I cry too much so you can't handle it😿, and I know you feel frustrated and exhausted. Apparently, most mommies feel the same, so you are not the only one. If this happens, pass me to grandma, grandpa, friend or a babysitter and take some time for yourself.Sometimes, soothing is needed for you as well, mom💌. If you feel you're at a breaking point, put me in my crib and try to rest quietly in another room until you feel okay. Take a breath, call a friend for emotional support, or listen to calming music to soothe yourself. But no matter how discouraged you are, please never, ever shake me! It can result in abusive head trauma, even if it was very brief. It can also cause severe brain damage, or even death if it's serious!

Newborn weight gain - what's healthy and what's not

Every child grows at their own pace💗, but growth charts can give us a general idea. Remember, "average" doesn't define normal, as babies come in all shapes and sizes.What's the average weight for a newborn?According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a full-term baby boy usually weighs around 7 pounds and 6 ounces, which is about 3.3 kilograms. And for our lovely baby girls, the average weight is around 7 pounds and 2 ounces, or 3.2 kilograms. How cute is that🐥?Now, babies born between 37 and 40 weeks👶, their weights can vary a bit more. On average, they weigh anywhere from 5 pounds and 8 ounces to 8 pounds and 13 ounces, which is about 2.5 to 4 kilograms. Isn't it amazing how these little ones come in different sizes right from the start?Why does newborn weight gain matter?When it comes to your little one's weight and height, consistent growth is a positive sign of their well-being. But sometimes, babies may not be gaining weight as they should, and that's when the term "failure to gain weight" or "failure to thrive" comes into play🥲. There can be various reasons behind this, such as difficulties with feeding, problems with absorbing or using nutrients, or even certain medical conditions. It's essential to work closely with healthcare providers to identify the root cause and address it properly💕.How can I tell if my newborn is gaining enough weight?Believe it or not, counting those oh-so-important diapers can give you a good indication that your little one is doing just fine😀! During the first few days, it's completely normal for your newborn to have only a few wet diapers a day. After that, you can expect to see about 6 to 8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period. It's a great sign that your baby is getting enough fluids.Let's get down to business with poopy diapers. It's typical for babies to poop at least twice a day but when you're breastfeeding🤱, your baby might have even more poopy diapers, like five or more, while formula-fed babies may have a few less. 

How to bathe your newborn baby

Are you feeling a bit nervous about giving your precious newborn their first bath😬? Trust me, you're not alone! Bathing a tiny, wiggly baby can seem quite daunting at first. But don't worry, with a little practice, you'll become a pro in no time! Let's start by diving into the basics of baby bath time🛁 and get you well-prepared for this special bonding experience.How often does my newborn need a bath?Let's talk about how often you should be giving your adorable newborn a bath. Believe it or not, bathing your baby every day is not necessary🕺. In fact, three times a week is often sufficient, especially before your little one starts crawling and exploring the world. Giving your baby too many baths can actually lead to dry skin, so it's important to find the right balance⚖️.Is it better to bathe my baby in the morning or at night?Choosing the best time⏰ for your baby's bath, it's all about finding what works best for you and your little one. There's no one-size-fits-all approach, so feel free to personalize it based on your daily routine and your baby's preferences💕! How to bathe a newborn🛁Prepare the bathTo bathe a newborn, start by gathering all the necessary supplies such as a baby bathtub, soft washcloth, mild baby soap🧼, towel, diaper, and clean clothes🧽. Once you have everything ready, create a warm and cozy environment in the bathing area, ensuring the room temperature is comfortable and using soft lighting to create a soothing atmosphere. Finally, fill the tub with a few inches of lukewarm water, making sure it's not too hot or cold for your baby's delicate skin.🛁Bathing processTo bathe your newborn, undress them while keeping them wrapped in a towel for warmth. Lower your baby into the water, supporting their head and neck, starting with their feet👣. Use a soft washcloth and mild baby soap to clean their body, including skin folds and the diaper area. Rinse with a damp cloth to remove soap residue, then gently pat dry, paying attention to skin creases to prevent moisture buildup.🛁Diapering and dressingAfter drying your baby, carefully diaper them, ensuring a snug and comfortable fit. Then, take your time to dress them in clean clothes, cherishing the special bonding experience🥰. Throughout the process, prioritize their comfort and safety, keeping a watchful eye on their well-being.