Healthy food for fussy eaters

How do working parents feed kids quick, healthy food on school nights and squeeze homework, bedtime stories, cleaning up and maybe some downtime into the remains of the day?

It's easy to fall for convenience, kidding ourselves that peeling packages and microwaving their contents counts as cooking. But somewhere between frozen chicken nuggets and the time-consuming roasts our grandmothers made, there's another way. Its acquiring a repertoire of easy, healthy dishes that are quick to cook (or cook themselves while you do something else) and flexible, meaning they can be simmered, easily reheated or eaten cold an important consideration given that many families eat in shifts.

Having a plan

The biggest obstacle to preparing healthy meals in a hurry is the absence of healthy ingredients in the pantry or fridge. Its surprising how many parents aren't conscious of this, says Jacqui Deighan from the Parents Jury, an online network of parents working to improve children's food.

"It's this lack of awareness and often a belief that healthy food is difficult to cook that keeps people reaching for packets of frozen chips. We're all busy but we all have to shop for food and it's just as easy to buy fresh food as it is to buy processed food," points out Deighan, a former chef who works with schools in Victoria, developing healthy canteen menus and educating students and parents about food.

Her advice: plan and shop for the weeks meals in advance and always have healthy staples on hand. Different grains like rice and couscous, a variety of pastas, some canned legumes as well as fresh fruit and vegetables.

Knowing how to speed up midweek dinners

Advance preparation at the weekends takes the pressure off the week. Cooking extra basmati or brown rice to make the base for a one-pot meal of fried rice, making extra curry or pasta sauce to freeze for later and making home-made pesto, for instance, gets three week-night dinners under control.

Involving the kids in making food

Helping to choose vegetables and wash them, for example, making simple salads or lunch box sandwiches teaches them useful skills and encourages them to eat fresh food they're more likely to eat it if they've helped make it. Making healthy muffins and slices together at weekends is a way to spend time with the kids and produce snacks and lunch box foods for the week ahead.

More vegetables, anyone?

The recipes on these pages include plenty of vegetables and if you think getting kids to eat them is an insurmountable barrier, maybe its one we've created for ourselves, suggests Deighan.

"I think as parents we often perpetuate the idea that children won't eat vegetables. I also believe we've given kids too much power over food. The biggest fear parents have is that their kids will starve but the parent who goes and makes something else because their child won't eat vegetables, is just giving credence to this," she says. "Sure, there are valid dislikes but if a child won't eat green beans they might like something else, like snow peas."

Kids not keen on green? Try:

* Catching them when they're ravenous. Give them a plate of raw vegetables and dip before dinner when they're starving. Some children prefer vegetables raw (including raw, grated) because they're sweeter that way.

*Serving different vegetables in different ways. Praise your kids if they eat them, ignore it if they don't. Be persistent - just because children refuse a vegetable the first time, doesn't mean they'll refuse it forever. It can take around 10 exposures to a particular food before a child decides whether they like something or not.

Reminding older children that eating more fresh and less processed food is kinder to the planet. Processed foods use up more energy to make, store and transport.

Give children choices between one vegetable and another. Would they prefer peas or corn, tomatoes or carrots? Cook dishes that can easily include chopped vegetables you can adapt to suit the vegetables your kids like. Many recipes on these pages are designed for this.

A few words about breakfast

A starving brain can't concentrate well - breakfast is brain food and a way to deliver important nutrients like calcium, iron, fibre, as well as some fruit. There's nothing wrong with a good breakfast cereal if you can find one (Weetbix Kids gets the thumbs up from Choice magazine because it's low in sodium, fat and sugar and high in fibre) But there's an alternative - making your own.

Home-made muesli is a no-brainer it's easy to custom-make your own mix of rolled oats, sunflower seeds, pepitas, ground hazelnuts or almonds and dried fruit, choosing ingredients the family likes and storing in a container. Or make a batch of granola (see our recipe). If there's time for a cooked breakfast, porridge with traditional rolled oats is quick and sustaining. Or make French toast with cut-up fruit on the side. No time for breakfast, or your child baulks at breakfast? Have something portable ready home-made fruit or vegetable muffins, yoghurt with fruit or a banana, or a slice of wholegrain bread or a roll.

Packed lunches

The day that Fairfax spoke to Jacqui Deighan, her 12-year-old daughter had left for school with a cheese and salad roll, a container of chopped rockmelon and an apple. Sometimes there are home-made muffins or chopped vegetables with a yoghurt based dip. What belongs in a lunch box is fruit, a protein food cheese, yoghurt, eggs, fish, beans, lean meat or hummus, something starchy like wholegrain bread or pasta. Try wraps, pita breads or rolls if kids get bored with sandwiches. Processed meats like ham and salami are popular but in terms of health they're on the nose besides being high in salt, frequent consumption is linked to bowel cancer. Avoid or limit them, warns the Cancer Council NSW.

Will a chicken or egg sandwich packed at 8am be a bug-fest by lunchtime? Not if the food has been handled and stored correctly in the first place and you use an insulated lunch box with a freezer brick, says Juliana Madden of the Food Safety Council freezer bricks stay colder for a much longer time than frozen drinks. Be sure the bricks are the kind you can't open and be sure to wash them thoroughly before refreezing.

Child water safety at home

Children drown silently, in mere minutes. Despite the best efforts of parents and caregivers to keep their children safe, drowning remains one of major causes of child death in Australia.

Almost all parents have experienced losing sight of their child in a supermarket, in a park, at a backyard party, or even at home for a couple of minutes. If there is a source of open water nearby, this amount of time is all it takes for a child to wander or fall into the water and drown.

Water features and ornamental ponds

These can be beautiful features in a backyard. Small children also find them very attractive, and sadly, children have drowned in these. Even if you don't have children, water features pose a danger to young children coming to your home. If a water feature or pond holds a few centimetres of water or more, cover it with a strong wire mesh.

Water tanks and water-conservation buckets

Water tanks are large, deep sources of water. They should have properly fitting, approved covers.

With the push to conserve water in recent years, many Australian now save their shower water or grey water. Ensure that any open buckets of grey water are emptied straight away and not left around. After heavy rain, check that there are no sources of open water around the yard - even a ditch.

Some households are using wheelie bins to collect rainwater. The lid of a wheelie bin can easily be opened by a child, and a child can fall head first into a body of water where they cannot even turn their bodies around. Wheelie bins are not safe to use for water collection.

In the bathroom

The number of children drowning in the bath is rising. Babies, toddlers and older children can quickly drown in the bath. Children must be supervised during bath time, and never leave older children to watch younger ones.

Empty baths after use and keep bathroom doors closed at all times. Small children have also drowned in toilets.

Nappy buckets

In years past where cloth nappies were universally used, there were cases of babies drowning in nappy buckets used to soak the nappies. These days, after an era of disposables, environmentally-friendly cloth nappies are back on the scene. Many cloth-nappy advocates use the dry-pail method, where nappies do not need to be soaked in water.

Blow-up pools, spas and paddle pools

Check pool-fencing regulations before you purchase a blow-up pool. An above-ground blow-up pool poses the same dangers as any backyard pool and need to be secured from children.

A spa is a like small pool - it needs to have a secure cover when there are not adults in supervision.

Toddler paddle pools are great fun for babies and toddlers to splash in. These pools seem like they hold just a tiny amount of water, but toddlers can and do drown in mere centimetres of water. Paddle pools should be emptied after each use.

Swimming pools

Swimming pools should have proper fencing and a freely swinging gate that returns itself to a securely locked position.

But even with the best fence and gate, young children can still gain access to the pool by pushing chairs, boxes, small tables, play equipment and other materials over to the fence or gate. It would shock many parents to witness the speed at which their small child can push over an object to the pool fence and climb over. Take special care not to place pot plants, chairs, tables or any other objects beside the pool fence. More information on pool fencing can be found at royallifesaving.com.au

Supervision around water at home

Even with the best intentions, no home is completely child-proof 100% of the time. Supervision is the key. Supervision means an adult having a child within their sight.

Learn First Aid and CPR

Even with the best child-proofing and supervision a parent can manage, life sometimes brings tragedies that could not have been foreseen. If you have a pool, you should know CPR. CPR cannot save a child's life in all circumstances, but in the case that CPR would be the difference between losing your child and your child living, wouldn't you want to have learned it? Read our article about first aid.

Hannah's Foundation

Hannah's Foundation provides support for families and friends of drowning victims. It is the only registered charitable institution in Australia for drowning prevention, awareness and family support. The foundation was set up by the parents of two-year-old Hannah Plint, who tragically drowned in her backyard pool on 4 October 2007. Read the story of Hannah and Hannah's Foundation

Anni Taylor

October 27, 2011

http://www.essentialkids.com.au/preschoolers/preschooler-development/child-water-safety-at-home-20081009-4x95.html

Healthy Food Choices for Kids

Left to their own devices, kids will likely eat what's easy. So, in order to help them to consume a healthy, balanced diet, try to stock a variety of good-for-them snacks and pack lunches that include kid-friendly, but healthy items.

Snack Time

Children need to snack. Their little tummies can only hold so much at a time, so snacking, when chosen well, can go a long way to boost their consumption of healthy foods. In general, try to encourage whole foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and other simple, wholesome selections. Whole grain toast or waffles, nut butters, and nutritious smoothies all appeal to kids, while providing their bodies with good fuel for growth and development.

Healthy Choices

Food Labels offer a wealth of information to help you make good choices for your kids (and for yourself!). The sugar and processed flour contained in many products that are marketed to children offer nothing to benefit their nutritional status, and may, in fact, be detrimental to their health. Whole grains are far better than processed grains, and while sweets are fine for occasional treats, they should not be components of a child's daily diet.

Children need a bit of fat in their diet, but it is important to choose healthy fats, such as olive or canola oil. Avoid products that list hydrogenated or partially hydrogenated oils, and if the label mentions trans fats, put it right back on the shelf.

Exercise caution when shopping and learn to choose wisely by reading food labels. It is not enough to look at a product's name to determine its quality. For example, crackers or bread may say that they contain wheat, but until you read the food label, you cannot be sure whether or not you are considering a whole grain product.

Eating Well Away from Home

While you may find it manageable to encourage your kids to eat well when they are at home, you cannot be with them every waking moment. Packing healthy lunches can help, and gives more opportunities to provide nourishing foods. Since your child's lunchbox can hold a limited amount of food, strive for nutrient rich choices that they'll find appealing. Nutritional guidelines for school aged children, set by the British Nutrition Foundation, recommend the following:

Strive for five a day. Be sure to pack those fruits and veggies!
Shoot for 2–3 servings of dairy foods every day.
One third of the daily diet should come from cereal, bread, and potatoes – emphasize whole grains.
Include sensible protein foods, including 2 servings of fish weekly.
Drink a minimum of six glasses of water daily – more for active kids.
Limit sweets and fatty foods to one serving or less per day. Ideally, such foods should be reserved for special occasions.

For advice on healthy eating when you are eating in a pub or restaurant, read our article on Choosing Healthy Foods for Kids When Eating Out on our Kids & Nutrition site.

In their Bellies, Not in the Bin

Remember, no matter how healthy the contents of your children's lunchboxes are, it won't do them any good if they throw the food away rather than eating it. Ask your kids for suggestions, and try to give them a variety of good choices. Stock up on their favourite fruits, veggies, and other healthy foods.

Also, make an effort to keep their lunches interesting. No matter how much your child loves strawberry yoghurt, if you pack it every single day, it will quickly lose its appeal.

Quick Snacks and Lunchbox Treats

Today's busy parents have less time than ever to see that their children eat a well-balanced diet, but there are some convenient foods that are healthy choices. Single serving packages of applesauce (unsweetened, of course), yoghurt, string cheese, whole grain crackers, cut up veggies, and fresh fruit are all easy to prepare and pack. In reality, the healthiest foods are often the simplest. An apple requires nothing more than a washing to make it ready to eat!

Baby Food Safety: Heating, Cooling and Storage

The Food Standards Agency estimates the number of food poisoning cases in the UK to be around five million people each year. Food poisoning varies from mild stomachache to extremely severe illness requiring hospital treatment. Young children and babies are most at risk from food poisoning because it doesn't take much for them to lose a high percentage of body fluid and become dehydrated.

Food poisoning in the home can be kept at bay with stringent food hygiene practices. Many busy mums prepare food in advance, and often raise questions concerning the safety of cooling, storing and heating ready prepared meals. This article will address some of those questions and future articles will deal with raw food preparation and hygiene.

Cooling Food

The strains of a demanding family/work life can be alleviated by time-saving practices, and making food in advance for youngsters eating early or older late arrivals is commonplace. Below are some useful points to consider:

Why Can't I Put Hot Food Straight into the Fridge or Freezer? – Hot food will warm other foods and could raise the temperature of the fridge.

How Long Should I Leave Food to Cool Down Before Freezing or Refrigerating it? – Food should be cooled as quickly as possible and should certainly not be left longer than one to two hours before being placed in the fridge or freezer.

Can Food be Cooled Down More Quickly? – There is no easy way to speed up cooling, but you can try the following:

Divide food into smaller portions.
Place in well-sealed containers and run under cold water.
Place in a well-sealed container and stand it in a shallow tray of cold water.

How Long Does it Take for Bacteria to Spread? – Bacteria start to develop within two hours and then spread rapidly.

What if the Food Still Hasn't Cooled Within Two Hours? – Don't leave the food out any longer than this, as you'll just be inviting bacteria. Put it into the fridge and if you are concerned, reduce the temperature of the fridge to 2°C or 3°C (normal recommended temperature is around 5°C).

Heating Food

Once the meals are prepared and stored safely away in the fridge or freezer, what is the safest way to heat them through?Some useful pointers:

Cook the food until it is piping hot, don't be tempted to warm food partially. To protect little mouths from burning, wait until the food is at a comfortable eating temperature, before giving it to children.
Check food is hot all the way through by testing with a skewer or knife.
Stir food when heating, whether in a Microwave or on a hob, to ensure the heat has been evenly distributed.
Never reheat food more than once.
Tempting though it is to reheat a child's unfinished meal, don't. It has been in contact with skin and saliva and may have been on the plate long enough for bacteria to develop.
Ensure frozen foods are thawed before heating, unless instructions state otherwise, but don't leave them at room temperature for too long.
Eat hot food while it's hot. Don't heat it too far in advance of the meal; if it needs to be left 'briefly', then ensure it is stored at a temperature higher than 63°C.

Storing Food

It's also important to answer some questions relating to the storage of our prepared food:

If I Cook too Much Food, How Long Can I Keep it? – Store it in a sealed container in the fridge and use it within 48 hours, but preferably 24 hours. Extra portions of baby food cooked from fresh ingredients should be treated in the same way but used within 24 hours.

Can I Use Cling Film With High Fat Foods? – Some cling film is not suitable for wrapping high fat foods. This will include dishes you've prepared with fried meats or cheese etc. Always check the manufacturer's instructions.

Why Can't I Use Aluminium Foil for Certain Foods? Acid foods, such as rhubarb, cabbage, soft fruits, can acquire an aluminium taint, which can affect the taste.

What is the Best Way to Store my Meals in the Fridge or Freezer? – Purpose-made sealable containers or bags are fine. Make sure they are well sealed, air tight and leakproof. Check the manufacturer's instructions to ascertain their suitability for the fridge or freezer and for all types of food.

Why Should I Store Food in the Fridge? – Bacteria thrive in warm temperatures, but have difficulty surviving or spreading at very cold or hot temperatures. Refrigeration slows but does not prevent the growth of bacteria, which is why your chilled meals should be used within 24 to 48 hours.

Why Can't I Leave Food in Cans? – Once opened, the food is exposed to the air and the tin from the can may transfer more easily/quickly to the contents.

Flat Head Syndrome in Babies

If you spend a great deal of time in the presence of babies, you have certainly noticed that it is becoming fairly common to see an infant with a flat spot on the back or side of the head. This phenomenon, known as positional plagiocephaly, or more commonly as flat head syndrome, is caused when babies spend a considerable amount of time with their head resting in the same position, such as when travelling in a car safety seat or Stroller.

What are the Causes?

Many modern travel systems allow parents to transfer their Baby's Car Seat into the stroller base without removing the child, increasing the time that babies remain in the same position. Additionally, in an effort to reduce the instances of cot death, parents and caregivers regularly place babies flat on their backs in their cots. Although this technique definitively saves lives, it can contribute to flat head syndrome.

Babies are born with soft, pliable skulls, so when they rest in the same position on a regular basis, their head can develop a flat spot where it presses against the car seat or mattress. Infants born prematurely or those with torticollis, a condition that causes a baby's head and neck to tilt to one side, are at increased risk, but all babies can be affected.

Correcting the Condition

In most cases, a baby's head will return to a more natural, rounded shape once it begins crawling and standing, but some parents prefer to purchase a helmet to help reshape their baby's head. Most effective when a baby is between the ages of 4-12 months, these helmets are worn almost continuously for a number of months in order to help remold the baby's head. Their use is a bit controversial, however, since many doctors feel that they are unnecessary.

There are some recommendations to help babies retain a rounded shape to their heads while they are developing. Although it is vital to continue placing infants on their backs to sleep, it is safe to adopt a 'tummy to play' habit during the baby's supervised waking hours. Another idea is to place the baby to sleep with his head at alternating sides of his cot, encouraging him to tilt his head in various directions to view the room.

By finding ways for the baby to take the pressure off the flattened area, the head will grow in a uniform manner. As babies continue to grow and develop, their increased mobility and physical capabilities will ensure that their heads do not regress to the earlier flattened shape.

No Health Dangers

Flat head syndrome is a purely cosmetic issue; it in no way impacts the child's brain or intellectual development. Nonetheless, parents worldwide are expressing their concern and seeking the advice of specialists. Craniofacial physicians have noticed a dramatic increase in inquiries from worried parents over the past few years.

While most cases of flat head syndrome correct themselves, if you are concerned, be sure to consult with your child's paediatrician.

Toy Safety for Babies and Children

Play is a vital part of child development and while safer than ever before, as parents we should remain vigilant about hidden hazards posed by toys on store shelves.
So what can we do to keep little ones safe at play? Useful points to consider include what to look for when buying toys, understanding safety marks and labelling, ensure that the right safety checks have been carried out, and considerations when giving and receiving used toys.

What to Look for When Buying Toys?

Age Suitability – check the recommended age range on the toy. Most toys have age guidelines but do not treat these as set-in-stone. Consider your own child's maturity and whether they are physically ready for the toy – some four year olds will still put almost everything into their mouths. Toys which are intended to be thrown or have projectiles are not suitable for children under four and, in fact, some six year olds may not be ready for toys of this type.
Size – always look at the size of the toy. If it has parts smaller than mouth-size, don't buy it for a baby or toddler as it may find its way into the mouth and Cause Choking. Also, check the size and weight of the toy in relation to the child. Is there a danger it could topple onto a small child? Will a baby drop it due to its weight?
Edges, Attachments & Fillings – toys should not have any sharp or rough edges, spikes, dangerous protrusions or splinters. Look at how toys are put together, check for loose hair, poorly attached buttons, eyes, tails, ribbons, beads and any other attachments that could be snapped or bitten off. Check toys for any moving parts that could trap or pinch little fingers such as doors, slots and springs. Some fillings can choke children. Check seams and make sure the manufacturer has included details of materials.
String or Cords – make sure the toy does not have strings or cords which could get wrapped around a child and be a strangling hazard. Cords on dressing up clothing are also a hazard as they can become lodged in a door or piece of machinery.
Food Products – imitation foods can be confusing to a small child. If you think your child will try to eat it, don't buy it.Toys containing real sweets are widely available especially around Christmas and Easter time, but ensure your child is old enough to understand the difference.
Ride on Toys – check the toy is the correct size for your child. Ensure that other children playing nearby cannot be injured by moving toys or trap their fingers under rockers and wheels. The safest way for your child to enjoy ride on toys is under close supervision by a responsible adult.

Safety Marks

Safety Checks, Upkeep and Storage

Keep Toys Clean – toys which have been in contact with food products, or which have been outside, should be regularly cleaned. All toys given to babies should be cleaned frequently. If you want to remove dust mites from soft toys, you can put them in the freezer for at least 6 hours to kill off the mites. Just give them a quick vacuum when they come out to remove mite faeces.
Keep Tidy – it's hard to keep toys neatly in cupboards and containers, as for some reason kids just don't seem to like it this way! However, toys are tripping hazards and should be tidied up as often as is reasonably possible.
Storage – keep toys stored safely in labelled boxes or tubs. Ensure that children are not put at risk by trying to get toys down from high places, and that small fingers are safe by using cupboard/drawer/ door safety products.
Check Regularly – look through your child's toys regularly and check seams, fixtures, fastenings, breakages and so on. If toys are broken, throw them away.
Giving and Receiving Used Toys – never give toys away to jumble sales, charity shops or relatives without checking first that they are in good working order. Also, check them over for safety hazards as you would when buying a new toy. Check over all toys that are given to you and if in doubt throw them out.

Can Mobile Phones Harm Children?

There are currently over 60 million mobile phones being used in the UK and they continue to increase in popularity, as new features become available. Just as you struggle to remember life before TV, it would be unimaginable not to have mobile phones - our children have never known a world without them.

While most studies have found no raised risk of brain tumours, the long-term effects of using a mobile regularly are still not known as they have only been in widespread use since the 1990s.

It's Just a Little Phone, How Bad Can it be?

Some 10-year reports have been published overseas that report increased incidences of tumours on nerves that connect the ear to the brain and, in the UK, there has been so much concern that the Government and industry have jointly funded a series of studies as part of the £7.4 million Mobile Telecommunications and Health Research programme, the results of which will not be available for some time.

That said, official advice is only to let children aged 16 and under use mobiles when necessary and to text as opposed to making calls, though this can ramp up bills considerably. A mobile phone for children aged 4-10, the Teddyfone, was widely condemned as irresponsible when it was launched. A spokesman for the Mobile Operators Association said: "The companies we represent don't market their products to under-16s, as recommended by Sir William Stewart (Chairman of the Health Protection Agency). We believe that it is a responsible policy and is in line with the advice on health."

And therein lies the key. Believe it or not, there are ways to use a mobile responsibly that can reduce the effect of the radiowaves being pumped through your head. It requires a brief explanation of how a phone works.

Mobile phones are designed to transmit radiowaves in all directions because base stations could be in any direction with respect to phone users. This means that a proportion of the radiowaves they produce is directed towards the user's body - your head, in short.

The radiowaves that are directed towards the head of the phone user penetrate into the body tissues for a few centimetres and tend to be absorbed. In being absorbed, they give up their energy to the body tissues and this adds to the energy being produced by the body's metabolism. If you use the phone for a long time (six minutes is considered a long mobile phone call), then your head may feel warm where you held the phone to it - this is the effect of the increase in energy in your head. Some people have reported headaches after long mobile phone calls.

When you think how much smaller a child's head is with thinner skin (and with the very young, softer bone), giving them the same mobile an adult would use will potentially cause more damage. There are ways of buying a phone that will potentially harm you less, as they all have to pump out radiowaves to find a signal, though there are recommended limits and some phones have lower emissions - ask your retailer next time you change your handset.

Does Moving it Away From the Head Help Then?

The antenna is the main source of the radiowaves that produce a Specific Absorption rate (SAR) in the body. Moving the phone away from the head, for example by using a hands free kit, will reduce the localised SAR in the head but may increase the localised SAR in other parts of the body.

But in a nutshell, using a mobile phone less will give rise to lower exposure and reduce the health risks. Simple, really.

Given that this is information that the Health Protection Agency issue via their website, it may surprise you to know that in the UK there is no explicit legislation that limits people's exposure to electromagnetic fields, including the radiowaves used in mobile telephony. But there are a number of other regulatory and voluntary routes through which exposure is controlled, which you can find on their website.

This is a very sensitive area as so much research is ongoing, and any group of parents will have differing opinions on whether children should have mobile phones or not (just under half of all children aged 8-11already have mobile phones).

Mobile phone are beneficial as they are good way of Finding Out Where Older Children Are, but you might want to consider whether the benefits of staying in touch by phone are better than the potential health risks, not to mention the potential risks from text-bullying, excessive charges, inappropriate material and mugging.

Safe Sleeping For Babies

Babies spend a huge amount of time asleep – or at least, in theory they do – so ensuring your baby is safe and sound while doing so is crucial. To help your baby sleep safely, you need to take into consideration aspects such as where he sleeps, how he sleeps, the bedding you use and what's in the cot.

The Ideal Sleeping Position

When Getting Your Baby To Sleep, the best position is on their back. Babies settle easier on their backs if you've always put them to sleep this way, so try and do so from the start.

Of course, eventually babies will learn how to roll from their back to their front on their own. When this happens, continue to put them to sleep on their back, but don't worry about them moving and leave them to find their own comfy position.

Sleeping In the Family Bed

Although many people used to Sleep With Their Babies In The Bed, experts now recommend against doing this. A study into the safety of bed sharing found that it could increase the risk of cot death, and in the case of babies aged less than eight weeks old, bed sharing increased the risk of cot death by 1.6%. It may still seem a small risk, but the safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot.

Choosing the Right Bedding

Duvets and pillows aren't safe to be used with babies under one year old, especially as they could cause overheating or accidentally cause smothering. Instead, use a sheet and blankets in the cot. This also makes it much easier to get the temperature right – if your baby is too hot, you can take a layer off, and if he's too cold, you can add a blanket.

Also, ensure you have the right size bedding for the cot or crib, as this will prevent your baby getting tangled up. Don't be tempted to fold up larger sheets or blankets to fit your crib, as it can be dangerous.

When you make up the cot, use the 'feet to foot' method. Place your baby so that his feet are at the end of the cot and the blankets and sheets are halfway down, and tucked under the mattress. This is a safe and recommended method, as it means that it's difficult for your baby to wriggle down under the bedding.

It's also important to ensure your baby's head is kept uncovered. This is because babies regulate their temperature by losing heat from their heads, so keep hats off when he's in the cot.

Another option to consider is baby Grobags or specially designed sleeping bags. They're ideal for babies who keep kicking off their blankets! Check the weight and size of the sleeping bag is right for your baby. For example, you could use a 1 tog in the summer and a 2.5 tog in the winter, and make sure it fits snugly around your baby's chest.

Toys in the Cot

Although it's great to have toys for your baby, it's recommended that you don't keep them in the cot when your baby is young, as they could easily fall on your baby's head, causing overheating or accidental smothering.

Reducing the Risk of Cot Death

Cot death, or Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), is the leading cause of death in babies over one month old. Seven babies a week die from cot death in the UK alone and, although research is still ongoing into all the potential causes, there are practical ways you can reduce the risk.

To keep your baby safe and minimise the risk of cot death, follow this advice:

Stop smoking during pregnancy, this includes fathers, too.
Don't let anyone smoke in the same room as your baby.
Put your baby to sleep on his back.
Don't let your baby get too hot – the ideal temperature is 16-20º C. Use a thermometer to keep track of temperature in your baby's room.
Keep your baby's head uncovered when he's asleep.
When you put your baby to sleep, place his feet at the foot of the cot, to prevent him wriggling down under the covers.
For the first six months, have the cot in your bedroom, so you can keep a close eye on your baby when he's asleep.
Avoid sharing a bed with your baby.
If your baby is unwell, or you're worried about him, seek medical advice promptly.

General Cot and Moses Basket Safety Tips

Moses baskets are safe to use and you should follow the same sleeping advice for cots, keeping the basket in your room for the first six months.
Don't put the cot next to a heater, fire, radiator or in direct sunlight, as it could make your baby too hot.
Breathing or apnoea monitors, which are designed to sound an alarm after 20 seconds if there's no sign of breathing, can be used for reassurance, but there's no evidence that they can prevent cot death.
Research into cot bumpers has produced neutral results. On the positive side, they don't have bad effects, so are considered safe to use in the cot. However, if they've got strings to attach them to the cot, they could be pulled by older babies. Some experts recommend avoiding using bumpers with babies who can sit unaided.
Used mattresses have been linked to an increased risk of cot death. Ideally, buy a new mattress for each new baby, or ensure the one you have is completely waterproof and has no tears or holes. Ventilated mattresses with holes aren't recommended, as it's impossible to keep the inside clean.
There's no need to use waterproof sheets with your mattress.

Getting Your Baby to Sleep

Whoever coined the phrase, "sleep like a baby" must not have been a parent. As all exhausted parents will tell you, babies tend to sleep sporadically, at best. One night, your baby may sleep all the way through, but the next may have you getting up three or four times. After several months, most babies do settle into a predictable sleep pattern, and there are a number of things that parents can do to help their babies get the idea that nighttime is for sleeping.

Getting Ready for Bed

One of the best ways to encourage your baby to sleep well at night is to establish a regular evening routine. Allow enough time each night to give your baby a warm bath, then settle in to snuggle and read a story. The last feeding of the evening should be in a quiet, relaxed atmosphere so that your baby is able to unwind and be ready for sleep. While many parents enjoy rocking their babies to sleep, know that if you do this on a consistent basis, your baby will come to view rocking as part of their going-to-sleep routine, and may have difficulty falling asleep without being rocked.

A Sleep Friendly Environment

It is important to provide an environment for your baby that is conducive to sleeping. Dress your baby in soft, comfortable pyjamas and keep the nursery at a comfortable temperature. To Ensure Your Baby Sleeps Safely, the room should we warm but not overly hot, since overheating is a known risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) or Cot Death. Also, be sure to put babies to sleep on their backs in a cot free of pillows, stuffed toys, or blankets that the baby could become tangled in.

Co-Sleeping

While many experts recommend that babies sleep in the same room as their parents for the first six months, The Practice Of Co-Sleeping gets mixed reviews. If you choose to bring your baby into your bed to sleep, exercise caution and keep a few guidelines in mind. Babies should never sleep in bed with a parent who is ill or has been smoking, drinking, or taking drugs. Also, place your baby away from the edge of the bed to reduce the risk that he or she will fall out. Finally, be certain that your baby doesn't get tangled in or covered up by blankets or pillows.

Causes for Sleepless Nights

Most of the time, restless nights are no cause for concern. Typically, sleepless babies are merely hungry, in a wet or soiled nappy, or in need of comforting. Occasionally, however, a baby who typically sleeps well may remain awake due to an ear infection or upset stomach. If your baby seems unusually restless and exhibits any other symptoms that could indicate illness, check with your GP for advice.

Realistic Expectations

Normal sleeping varies from baby to baby, and according to age. There are guidelines below but remember that each baby develops a sleep pattern, like all other growth milestones, in their own time. Remember, too, that premature babies will usually take an additional month or two to sleep like other babies of the same age.

Birth–2 months: Babies may sleep about 16 hours each day, but often this is in two-hour stretches.
3–6 months: By now, your baby is able to sleep for longer spans, so it is wise to begin establishing regular daytime naps. By six months, most babies are able to sleep through the night.
6–9 months: Teething and the first stage of separation anxiety may have babies who were sleeping through the night once again getting up one or more times.
9–12 months: By this age, most babies sleep well at night and when they do wake up, they typically hope to play. Be sure that babies of this age are getting sufficient sleep during their daytime naps, since overtired babies are often cranky and unable to rest.
12–18 months: By about 18 months, most babies are ready to take one daily nap, rather than two, and should be sleeping well at night. It is also time to consider eliminating one daytime nap.

When children over 18 months old refuse to go to bed, it is usually because they are beginning to assert themselves. It may be helpful to give them choices, such as which pyjamas to wear and what bedtime snack they prefer. Often, such simple measures will make a child much more cooperative.

The Ferber Method

While it remains a controversial concept, many parents find success by implementing the Ferber Method. Dr. Richard Ferber is an American paediatrician who recommends putting babies over six months of age to bed fully awake and then gradually increasing the time that you take to respond to the baby's cries. His conclusion is that babies will naturally learn to self-soothe and become good sleepers without needing constant parental reassurance.

Health Effects of Pesticides for Children

Asthma

Researchers found an association between asthma and use of pesticides by male farmers. (Senthilselvan et al, 1992) Although this study involved adults, it raises concerns about children's exposures to pesticides used in the home or residues brought home on parents' clothes or equipment.

Birth Defects

The commonly used pesticide, chlorpyrifos (brand name Dursban) caused severe birth defects in four children exposed in utero. Chlorpyrifos is used widely as an agricultural chemical, but is also the most common pesticide used indoors to kill termites, fleas, roaches and in pest control strips. (Sherman, JD. 1996 Chlorpyrifos (Dursban)-associated birth defects: report of four cases. Arch. Env .Health 51(1): 5-8)
- A study in Minnesota found significantly higher rates of birth defects in children born to pesticide applicators and in regions of the state where chlorophenoxy herbicides and fungicides are widely used. (Garry, 1996)
- In California, mothers living and working in agricultural areas with high pesticide use had a higher risk for giving birth to children with limb reduction defects. (Schwartz, 1988)
- A study of pregnant women in Iowa and Michigan found that women exposed to multiple pesticides had an increased risk of giving birth to a child with cleft palate. (Gordon, 1981)
- Researchers found higher rates of numerous birth defects in children born to Norwegian farmers exposed to pesticides, including hormone effects like hypospadia and undescended testicles. (Kristensen and others, 1997)

Neurological Effects

Pesticides can be potent neurotoxins. When people are exposed to neurotoxins they may feel dizzy, lightheaded, confused and may have reduced coordination and ability to think. These are the short-term effects, while long term exposure can result in reduced IQ and learning disability, associated with permanent brain damage. In spite of wide reporting of adverse symptoms, until recently, few studies could link permanent brain damage to such exposures. There is new evidence that prolonged exposure to pesticides in areas where they are used routinely may cause permanent brain damage to children who live in these areas.
- Dr. Elizabeth Guillette studied the brain function of 4-5 year old children living in the Yaqui Valley area of Sonora, Mexico. Although the children share similar genetic backgrounds, they had very different patterns of exposure to pesticides. Dr. Guillette compared children living in the Valley, where large quantities of agricultural pesticides are used, to children living in the foothills where pesticides are used infrequently. In 1990, high levels of multiple pesticides were found in breast milk and cord blood of newborns from the valley. The children living in the valley, with high levels of pesticide exposure had less stamina, poorer eye-hand coordination, poorer memory and were less skilled in drawing figures. (Guillette, Environmental He. Perspectives, June 1998)

Cancer

National trends indicate that rates of childhood cancer have been increasing. Researchers at MDH concluded that these increases were also evident in Minnesota. (A. Swenson and S. Bushhouse, "Childhood Cancer Incidence and Trends in Minnesota, 1988-1994". Minnesota Medicine, vol. 81, December 1998.) Between 1973 and 1991, all cancers combined increased an average of 1% per year and brain cancer increased 2% per year. Specifically:
- Incidence of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) rose 27.4% between 1973 and 1990, from 2.8 cases per 100,000 children to 3.5 cases per 100,000 children.
- From 1973 to 1994, incidence of childhood brain cancer increased 39.6%.
- Wilms tumor incidence in the same years rose 45.6%.
- In teens aged 15-19 between 1973 and 1995, cancer incidence rose for the following: non-Hodgkin's lymphoma 128%, testicular cancer 65%, ovarian cancer 78% and all cancers combined 24%.
(National Cancer Institute, SEER, Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-1995. Ries et al ed. 1998; Gurney, J.G. et al, Trends in cancer incidence among children in the United States. Cancer, vol 78: 532-41, 1996; DeVesa, S.S. et al, Recent trends in the United States, J. Natl Cancer Inst 87: 175-182, 1995.)

Sheila Zahm and Mary Ward, summarized the studies of pesticides and childhood cancer and concluded that the following childhood cancers were linked to pesticide exposure: leukemia, neuroblastoma, Wilms tumor, soft-tissue sarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, non-Hodgkins's lymphoma, and cancers of the brain, colorectum and testes. They noted, It is noteworthy that many of the reported increased risks are of greater magnitude than those observed in studies of pesticide-exposed adults, suggesting that children may be particularly sensitive to the carcinogenic effects of pesticides. (Zahm and Ward, 1998, Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 106)
Thirty-seven pesticides have limited, suggestive or sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals. (International Agency for Research on Cancer). Although the literature on pesticides and cancer is extensive and not fully conclusive, the following are a few examples linking pesticides and childhood cancer.
- Leiss et al found a 4-fold increased risk of soft-tissue sarcoma among children whose yards had been treated with pesticides during childhood.
- Parental use of pesticides in the home or garden during pregnancy was associated with 3- to 9-fold increases in leukemia in Los Angeles Co. (Lowengart,1987)
- A review of 17 case-control studies and one cohort study shows a possible role for pesticides in childhood leukemia. (Zahm and Ward, 1998)
- Elevations in brain cancer risk related to at least one measure of pesticide exposure were demonstrated in nine studies. (Zahm and Ward, 1998)
- 2,4-D, a widely-used phenoxy herbicide, goes by the name Weed-Be-Gone. There is suggestive evidence that 2,4-D causes cancer. The phenoxy herbicides are associated with increased risk for non-Hodgkins lymphoma, soft tissue sarcoma and prostate cancer. A March, 1993 EPA report stated that 2,4-D contained deadly dioxins, which are stored in fatty tissue, causing cancer, birth defects, miscarriages and reduced fertility

Hormone Disruption

While some substances cause physical birth defects, others can cause subtle hormonal effects on the developing fetus or affect a child's functional capacities. Hormone disruptors have been linked to many health problems including reproductive cancers. The drug DES, which was given to pregnant women to prevent miscarriage between 1941-1971, worked as an endocrine disrupting chemical on the developing fetus. Decades later, many of these DES exposed daughters developed cervical cancer. Twenty-four pesticides still on the market, including 2,4-D, lindane and atrazine, are known endocrine-disrupters. Aside from increases in reproductive cancers, increasing rates of the following conditions are reported. Animal studies link many of these conditions with prenatal exposure to hormone disrupting substances.
- Endometriosis, a disease in which the uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, and a common cause of infertility was virtually unheard of twenty years ago. It now affects 5.5 million women in the U.S. and Canada, about 10-20% of women of childbearing age. The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development noted that only 20 cases were reported in the medical literature prior to 1921. (Colburn, Dumanoski, & Myers, (1996) Our Stolen Future)
- Hypospadias, a condition in which the urethra is near the base of the penis, not the end as it should be, has doubled in the last 10 years.
- Undescended testicles, which is linked with later risk of testicular cancer, is increasing. Researchers reported a doubling in cases between 1962 and 1982 in England and Wales. (Colburn and others, 1996)
- Precocious puberty in girls is now common. A study of 17,077 girls in the US found that the onset of puberty for white girls was 6-12 months earlier than expected and African-American girls experienced puberty 12-28 months earlier than whites. (Herman-Giddens and others, 1997)
- Reduced sperm counts are documented. Between 1938 and 1990, sperm counts dropped 1.5% each year for American men and 3.1% per year for European men. There was no decrease in men from non-western countries. Low sperm count is a marker for testicular cancer. (Swan and others, 1997)
- Fertility Problems are becoming more common and now affect more than two million couples in the U.S.

Oh No Mosquito! Insect Repellent and Children's Health

It’s that time of year again; mosquito season. Now you must ask yourself: suffer the irritating itching left behind after a mosquito has paid you a visit, or slather yourself with a dizzying array of chemicals and concoctions, some of whose health effects are completely unknown? Perhaps you can avoid either alternative. Here are some facts to help you decide…….

GET PROACTIVE

Here’s a list of tips to avoid using repellents altogether!

Eliminate standing water in low spots, ditches, gutters and similar areas.
Empty weekly or remove receptacles that collect rainwater (bird baths, old tires).
Mosquito netting and tight screens can provide mosquito-free areas.
Some mosquitoes are attracted to lights. Reduce unnecessary lighting to make yards less attractive.
"Bug zappers" do not reduce mosquito landing or biting. They attract and kill many insects but few are mosquitoes that attack humans. Many of the insects killed are beneficial because they feed on Garden pests. The newly created "Mosquito Magnet", on the other hand, has been shown to be safe and effective.
Light-colored clothing is less attractive to adult mosquitoes. Tightly woven fabrics give some protection against biting.
Avoid wearing scented personal care products (perfumes, lotions, shampoo, etc.) and clothing that is scented from detergents and dryer sheets.

BOTANICAL REPELLENTS

There are many botanically based repellents available for consumers, and although they don’t last as long as conventional repellents that contain DEET, studies show many of them to be just as effective for shorter periods of time.¹ These natural repellent products contain plant-based oils, such as oil of geranium, linseed oil, cedar, citronella, clove, peppermint, lemongrass, eucalyptus, or soy (research shows eucalyptus and soy based formulas to be most effective.) Even though they are “natural”, caution should be taken with these products as they can cause allergic reactions, skin and respiratory irritation, and other adverse health effects.

To get the most out of natural repellents, you should follow these directions:

Reapply often (Using only as much as is recommended). Most plant-based repellents rely on fragrance to repel insects.
Keep natural repellents out of eyes and mouths.
Don't apply repellents to children's hands since they tend to stick them in their mouths.
Don't apply over cuts or wounds.
Apply only to exposed skin and clothing.
Don't use sprays directly on face. Spray first on hands for application and then wash hands

DEET

DEET is the most widely used and considered the most effective mosquito repellent, but there is concern about undesirable side effects on young children and others who might be unusually sensitive to this chemical. Side effects include rashes, hives, muscle spasms, headache, irritability, confusion and nausea.² Seizures, encephalopathy, and even death have been associated mostly with heavy use to avoid transmission of Lyme disease by ticks.² The Environmental Protection Agency recommends that great caution should be taken when using DEET on children. Follow these guidelines:

Insect repellents should be used sparingly on children and should not be used at all on children under the age of 2.
Use products with concentrations less than 20%. (The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends concentrations less than 10 percent for children under 6.)
Apply only to exposed skin and clothing, not to skin under clothes.
Avoid frequent reapplication or skin saturation; use as little repellent as possible. Saturation will not necessarily improve the repellent’s efficacy.
Do not apply to cuts, wounds or irritated skin.
Keep away from eyes and mouth.
Do not apply to hands of young children.
Do not spray directly over face.
Avoid breathing DEET aerosol sprays.
Wash off immediately after use.
Pregnant women should avoid the use of DEET in their first trimester. DEET can cross the placenta and expose babies in the womb.
Avoid combination sunscreen/insect repellent creams that contain DEET. Since sunscreens must be applied frequently and generously, use of combination formulas may lead to unnecessary overexposure to DEET.

The Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides recommends avoiding purchasing any product unless all ingredients are identified. If the label lists “inert” ingredients or doesn’t identify all ingredients, choose another product.

Note: Permethrin has come under question for use on humans as an insect repellent. The EPA has classified it as a carcinogen and it is considered acutely toxic. Never apply permethrin directly to skin. If you choose to use it, apply it only to clothing. Apply it to clothing in a well- ventilated area, allow 2 hours drying time, and then put on clothes.

REFERENCES:

1. Consumers Union. 2000. Buzz Off! Consumer Reports (June): 14-17.

2. Reigart, J.R., and J.R. Roberts. 1999. Recognition and management of pesticide poisonings. Washington, D.C: U.S. EPA. Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances. pp. 80-81.

“If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito.”

author unknown

KUMPULAN DONGENG ANAK

With less pesticide use, children would be healthier

Now that winter is finally winding to a close, pesticide season is beginning. It's not just the pesticides the farmers use. It's the pesticides we and our neighbors use on our lawns, our lakes, our pets and ourselves - pesticides that find their way into air we breathe, the food we eat, the water we drink, our homes and us.

They work their way deep into our systems, even into the breast milk of nursing mothers. So along with precious nutrients, a nursing baby is likely to get dieldrin, chlordane and heptachlor.

Pesticides are designed to kill, and the evidence grows daily that they kill far more than their intended targets. They are especially toxic to fetuses and children, whose developing systems cannot handle even the smallest exposures to these poisons.

Pesticide exposure is linked to Parkinson's disease, endocrine disruption, and cancers including leukemia, brain cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Children exposed to pesticides are at up to six times greater risk of leukemia or brain cancer.

Yet we continue to dose our children with these poisons; at home, at school, ball fields, golf courses, throughout our neighborhoods and at camp. Even if we don't use them in our own homes or yards, we are exposed when our neighbors do. Pesticides - in the form of lawn chemicals, mosquito treatments or roofing preservatives - drift to our yards as easily as leaves.

Some commonly used lawn pesticides evaporate and become airborne quickly, especially when temperatures are high. The resulting vapors can drift up to five or 10 miles. We breathe them. We track them inside to our carpets where children play. We are exposed yet again when they leach into groundwater, and from there, into the water we drink.

No one knows how many tons of pesticides are used in Minnesota. The Minnesota Agriculture Department is required by law to collect data on pesticide use, and to monitor and reduce contamination when detected. In a November 2001 report, "Inaction Speaks Louder Than Words," The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy (MCEA) found that the Agriculture Department is not doing its job; that large portions of the state are unmonitored; and that the agency fails completely to monitor for pesticide breakdown products.

Further, the Agriculture Department bases its decisions on whether contamination requires action on advice from a committee made up largely of industry representatives.

The MCEA report cites numerous studies by state and federal agencies documenting widespread low-level pesticide contamination of our groundwater and surface water. The Agriculture Department's central Minnesota monitoring network found the herbicide atrazine in 70 percent of its wells. A 1997 U.S. Geological Survey reviewed dozens of studies conducted over 20 years in a 20,000-square-mile area of central Minnesota, concluding that pesticides in rivers and streams in that region are "ubiquitous." The Minnesota Department of Health found residues of the insecticide chlorpyrifos in the urine of almost all the Minnesota children tested and residues of 2,4-D in more than half.

For a rough idea of your immediate exposure, look around your neighborhood this spring for those little "Warning: Keep Off. Chemically Treated" lawn signs that pop up.

This won't take into account people who treat their own lawns or lakes; who spray for mosquitoes and bugs and milfoil and bees.

Bugs and weeds, dandelions and crabgrass are part of life. We don't have to love them, but we do need to deal with them in ways that don't hurt our children or ourselves. We need to reduce dependency on pesticides and practice Integrated Pest Management. There are many resources, including the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance, Gardens Alive at www.gardensalive.com and the Health-E-Home at www.checnet.org.

As this halting winter disappears, we could have real seasons: spring, summer and fall. But if we keep using pesticides, that's all we'll get. Pesticide season. And for children, that can be lethal.

By: Susan Berkson, Guest Columnist

http://www.kidsforsavingearth.org/mnchec/articles/berkson.htm

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How to Baby Diarrhea Treatment

Oral rehydration

Treatment of diarrhea is based on rehydration. Rehydration solutions contain water, key electrolytes and small amount of sugar. Generally, oral rehydration, being inexpensive and accessible, is used in the prevention and treatment of dehydration. The use of oral rehydration significantly reduces hospital visits, complications, and mortality (5-12). Diarrhea caused by bacteria may require additional treatment with antibiotics.

Oral rehydration has one drawback: it replenishes loss of water and electrolytes, but it does not reduce the volume or duration of diarrhea. Many children with diarrhea become too exhausted and are unable to sustain sufficient oral fluid intake and despite drinking rehydration solution, still become dehydrated. Sometimes microbes causing diarrhea can cause severe vomiting, which does not allow children to keep rehydration solutions down. Consequently, they are unable to manage ongoing losses of water and electrolytes and become to weak to drink. Oral rehydration does not change the duration or severity of diarrhea; therefore, antidiarrheal drugs are used sometimes.

Conventional Diarrhea Medicines

Antidiarrheal drugs consist of two groups:

1. drugs that slow intestinal contractions (antiperistaltic drugs), and

2. drugs that reduce the amount of water produced by the intestine (antisecretory drugs).

Many antidiarrheal agents—such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), cholestyramine, chlorpromazine, and diosmelith loperamide (13-17)—used in the reduction and severity of diarrhea have not proven to be consistently effective (18). The most commonly used antidiarrheal drugs may even cause serious side effects. For example, Pepto-Bismol can cause Reye’s Syndrome, a form of fatal liver failure. Loperamide, one of the most commonly used antiperistaltic agents, is not recommended for use in young children and infants, because of the high incidence of ileus (abnormal reduction of intestinal contractions), and respiratory distress (19-21). Lomotil, which contains an opium derivative diphenoxylate and atropine, can cause fever, elevation of heart rate, and respiratory depression.

Although antiperistaltic and antisecretory agents may diminish the volume of stool, shorten the duration of diarrhea, reduce the degree of dehydration, and eliminate the need for rehydration therapy, these currently available agents are not safe in the treatment of diarrhea and prevention of dehydration in children. Thickening stool with kaopectate or smectite only enhances cosmetic changes of the stool, causing it to appear better formed. These agents do not actually reduce the volume of stool output and the amount of associated water and electrolyte losses (22-23).

Due to their astringent properties, plant-derived tannins (such as tormentil root) are known to have an antidiarrheal effect. In infants, an oral administration of a plant-derived preparation containing tannins in a dose of 600 mg/kg/day can reduce duration of diarrhea (24).

An “ideal” antidiarrheal agent:

1. should be safe, even when used without a control by a medical professional;

2. must be compatible with oral rehydration solutions;

3. must effectively treat infectious diarrhea caused by any microbe; and

4. be inexpensive (25).

Our answer is QuickLyte, a safe and effective remedy based on tormentil root.

Nutrition for Premature Babies

Nutrition for premature babies or otherwise nicknamed ‘preemies’ is essential for growth and development. Their nutritional needs differ to full-term babies and it’s essential that they receive the right nutrition to gain weight and develop normally, like as if they were inside the womb developing to full-term.

WHAT ARE PREMATURE BABIES?

Preemies are babies born before 37 weeks of gestation, which is around 8% of babies born each year in Australia. Full term babies are born between 37-42 weeks of gestation. Most preemies depending on age and weight have good chances of survival thanks to modern technology. Preemies when born weigh in at anywhere from 500-2500 grams. They usually start their life after delivery in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), which is an atmospheric incubator designed to limit stress, as well as meet all the baby needs i.e. warmth to reduce excess calorie needs, humidified air to maintain body temperature and avoid fluid loss, protection from the environment, and importantly nutrition. The NICU is where preemies can be carefully monitored to make sure they get everything they need including fluid and nutrition, until their bodies mature.

HOW ARE PREMATURE BABIES FED?

Preemies that are very small i.e. 25-29 weeks, or sick, are fed nutrients intravenously as they have immature digestive systems, and are unable to coordinate feeding actions i.e. sucking, swallowing and breathing. When they are bigger and stronger and able to digest breastmilk or fortified formula, they are then fed via a tube from the nose or mouth to the stomach. This feeding process means the babies are fed very slowly because of the high risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), which is a serious inflammatory bowel disease. From about 35 weeks on, most babies can be breastfeed or bottle fed directly.

MILK FOR PREMATURE BABIES

Once a preemie is old enough, and it’s digestive system has matured, preemies require breastmilk, which may need to have human milk fortifier added to it, or premature infant formula, as their main source of nutrition. Breastmilk has extra benefits over formula as it contains proteins that strengthen the immune system and helps fight infection, as well as promotes growth, and protects against sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). But not every mother is able to breastfeed so premature infant formula is designed with additional energy and mineral content, suitable for preemies up to 36 weeks of gestation. Then from 37 weeks, premature babies can be fed regular formula. Most premature babies when discharged from hospital, require to be fed at least every 2-3 hours or 8-10 feeds per day. Babies have very small stomachs that fill up very quickly, hence the importance for regular feeds. As well, they need to stay hydrated.

FOOD FOR PREMATURE BABIES

The introduction of solid food should be introduced at 4-6 months past the baby’s due date of birth, like full-term babies. And cow’s milk as a drink, should be introduced after 12 months past the baby’s due date.

VITAMIN AND MINERAL SUPPLEMENTATION FOR PREMATURE BABIES

Premature babies should receive vitamin and mineral supplementation for at least the first year of life, even though vitamin deficiencies are rare. They include Vitamin D, iron, probiotics and possibly zinc and copper.

400IU of vitamin D is required daily. Usually we get vitamin D from the sun. But it’s not very likely that a premature baby is going to exposed to the sun, and without sunscreen. Therefore supplementation is the best way to go especially if the baby is exclusively breastfed, as formula is fortified with vitamin D. Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption, which is important for bone formation, as well as the prevention of rickets, a softening of the bones. Vitamin D is also required for cell growth, neuromuscular and immune function, as well as reduction of inflammation.

2-4 mg of liquid iron per kg of body weight is required daily for breast-fed babies or babies on low-iron formulas. Premature babies are at high risk of iron deficiency. Iron has various roles in the body, including the transport of oxygen around the body in the blood. If the body lacks iron, there is less oxygen, which then makes it harder for the brain to concentrate, remember and learn. This can have an impact in later life. Lack of iron can also cause tiredness and irritability.

According to a research, probiotics added to feeds can help preemies gain weight faster, increase survival rates, and decrease NEC by more than 50%, all with no side effects. Probiotics improve the balance of flora (microorganisms) in the digestive system, which can prevent overgrowth of bad bacteria, improve digestion, increase resistance to infections, regulate the immune system, produce vitamins and much more. Probiotics given to preemies in hospital care is not yet common practice in Australian hospitals, due to more research needing to be done. Trials are currently been run in hospitals though.

750 mcg of zinc per kg of body weight is required daily. Zinc is required for almost every chemical reaction in the body, cell division, DNA and protein, foetal growth, the immune system, tissue growth and maintenance, proper thyroid function, bone mineralisation, blood clotting, cognitive function, wound healing and so much more.

100mcg of copper per kg of body weight is required daily. Copper is required for foetal development, nerve function, antioxidant function, bone growth, blood cell formation, movement of the heart muscle, development of the brain and nervous system. Copper also plays a critical role in certain enzymes, as well as helps the body effectively use iron in the body.

All vitamin and mineral supplementation, as well as feeding and care, needs to be discussed with neonatal intensive care doctors, paediatricians and nursing staff whilst in hospital care. Then followed up with healthcare practitioners eg GP, paediatricians, lactation consultants and nutritionists/dieticians to suit you a premature baby’s needs, once discharged from hospital.

Nutrition is just one of the many requirements that a premature baby needs to develop normally like a full-term healthy baby.

By Cherie Lyden – nutritionist and mother – www.lydenvitality.com.

Baby's first month development, medical and sleep

Congratulations you have a brand new addition to your family! Whether it is your first or fifth plenty of Mums can't remember exactly what's it's like to have newborn (blame the comb of sleep deprivation and pregnancy brain!).

Many skills babies learn in the first year can be learnt only if there is an opportunity to practice when lying on their tummy. So allowing your baby to lie on her stomach during playtime is very important for this. But because babies breathe only centimetres from the ground make sure your baby is on a clean, safe surface, such as a blanket placed on carpet. She will start to uncurl from the foetal position and lift her head when in this position as she learns balance.

Development

Newborn babies are born with a number of inherent, fundamental reflexes that are vital for survival. These include the sucking reflex, the swallowing reflex and the gagging reflex that prevents him from taking too much liquid and the labyrinthine reflex, where a baby that lies on his stomach will automatically turn his head, instead of just lying with his head down.

At this age babies can also move their head from side to side, bring their hands to their face, respond to familiar voices, blink at lights, extend their arms to grab hold of you and grip tightly with their fingers.

But your baby will still learn several important things in the first month. Your newborn's eyesight is still developing and as he learns to focus on objects in front of him, he may cross their eyes but this is typical. A one month old baby is short sighted, and focuses best on objects that are between 20 and 35 centimetres away to the left or the right rather than straight ahead, and will switch between attentiveness and vacant staring. Objects that are closer or farther away than this will appear blurry, although shiny, contrasting colours or moving objects will catch her eye. One month old babies are also fascinated by faces that are placed within their focus, even their own reflection in a mirror, and sometimes can tell the difference between a face and an object. Mirrors, mobiles and activity boards are all suitable for this reason. Taste and touch are two senses that develop quickly after birth, with babies being sensitive to both these things, while their sense of smell is less developed.

Babies often strain to listen carefully to sounds, without moving their heads. They may become irritated when they can’t switch off from a sound, and this is known as sensory overload or sensory fatigue. By comforting your baby immediately when she begins to cry in the first month, you will not be spoiling her or creating bad habits for the future – you are responding to her needs and giving her a sense of security. Babies harness their understanding of how you respond to their different cries in later months but are still crying instinctually at this point rather than deliberately trying to communicate.

Feeding

If your baby isn’t thriving on your breast milk alone (gaining approximately three to five kilograms amount of weight within a month and growing to 50-60cm within the first month) formula is usually suggested.

A baby who is feeding properly should produce at least 8-12 wet nappies each day. Posseting is not a sign of failure to thrive unless it is attached to low weight gain, contains blood or is projectile. In that instance see your doctor.

Medical

Shortly after birth babies may have discoloured or scaly skin with red or pink blotchy patches and their skull may appear misshapen and their eyes puffy but this will subside over the next few weeks.

Bathing is important in order to keep the stump near the belly button, clean and free of infection.

Possetting is also common from the first month, which is when babies regurgitate milk in small quantities either because they have been overfed or when the baby gulps in air while feeding and releases partially digested milk when their stomach contract. Most babies outgrow this between six and twelve months but you can avoid this by keeping your baby still during and after a feed and by remembering to burp him during a feed as well as afterwards. Continual possetting may be related to reflux which isn’t serious but does require medical intervention.

Soft bowel movements are another good indication of your baby’s health. Five or more movements every day are normal initially and progressively lessen as time goes on. Diarrhoea can be distinguished by smell and in conjunction with other symptoms such as fever. Constipation can be distinguished by hard, infrequent stools. Babies often pull faces when passing stools so don’t be concerned about this but if you are in any doubt about your baby’s health talk to your doctor.

Sleep

Newborn babies are not able to fall into a perfect slumber. Infant behaviour can be categorised into six states of consciousness: quiet alert, active alert, crying, drowsiness, quiet sleep and active sleep. The long periods of sleep are assisting with development and as they grow, babies will be able to stay awake for longer periods. But at this time, most babies are only alert for 2-3 hours per day. But you should use this time to catch up on your own sleep!

A newborn’s sleep is quite restless, and he will probably make facial expressions and move a lot. Newborns wake up often during sleep because much of their sleep is REM sleep, which is active sleep and if they sleep in the same room with you, you will hear them stir, twitch and grunt. You may also hear them breathing rapidly, shallowly and irregularly, which is normal as you baby is still developing breathing control.

Babies sleep for an average of 16 and a half hours each day in the first month, but this can vary between 14 and 22 hours, usually for one to three hours intervals, regardless of the time of day because they cannot distinguish between day and night.

They will pass through two states of sleep –quiet sleep and alert sleep– every half hour. Quiet sleep is the most restful period where your baby will remain still and her breathing will be smooth and she will rarely startle. Alert sleep is REM sleep where your baby’s eyes will move beneath her eyelids and she will breathe irregularly which is normal and this will lessen as your baby’s brain matures. Place your baby on her back to sleep, as this is the safest position to protect against SIDS, and keep blankets, pillows and toys out of the cot for further safety. Your baby’s head will stay turned to one side when lying on her back, with one arm out straight and the other bent at the elbow. Most of the time a baby’s head droops forward when tired.

They are usually able to sleep in a noisy environment and this can be a good thing as it enables them to sleep in a variety of places such as in the car and in the stroller.

Most babies reach milestones in their own time but if you have any concerns it’s best to check with your doctor. Be aware that premature babies may also reach milestones later than other babies, usually achieving them closer to their adjusted age. It is only when a baby is not achieving what a child of their age should be able to do on a regular basis that there is a need to be concerned. By providing a stimulating environment, adequate diet and health care, medical attention and affection you are helping your baby to develop to the best of their ability.

Source

http://www.essentialbaby.com.au