Archive for May, 2008

Week 13: Thirteenth Week of Your Baby

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

Week 13 - How Big Is Your Baby This 13th Week?

Baby weighs 12-1/2 pounds and is 23-1/2 inches long this week.

Humidifiers

When baby suffers from a cold or other respiratory problem, your pediatrician may recommend a humidifier to increase the moisture in the air. A humidifier is used most often when it is dry outside and when your home heating system is running, usually during thg winter months. Choose from two types: A cool-mist humidifierfi cool mist into the air. A warm-mist humidifier heats water before sending the warm mist into the air.

Dry air dries out baby’s nasal passages and causes dehydration. When the delicate layers of the mucous membranes dry out and become thicker, mucus stops functioning the way it should. This condition can weaken the respiratory-defense system. Moisture helps to prevent mucus from crusting inside and outside the nose, and it relieves itchy skin and dry throats.

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Calling A Doctor To Seek Medical Treatment for Your Baby

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

When To call The Doctor

You may be unsure when to call the doctor or when to seek medical treatment for your baby. Knowing what to watch out for may help you relax a little. Be alert to the symptoms listed below. If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, call your pediatrician immediately.

  • Skin looks blue around baby’s mouth or on her body.
  • Baby is struggling to breathe, or she breathes more than 50 breaths a minute.
  • Skin or whites of her eyes look yellow.
  • Soft spot on her head sinks or bulges.
  • She is lethargic.
  • She cries and is inconsolable, or her crying is high-pitched and frequent.
  • Baby has fewer than six wet diapers a day.
  • She is shaking and extremely irritable.
  • She has a convulsion.
  • She vomits forcefully (vomit travels several inches—not spitting up or dribbling) or repeatedly.
  • She refuses two feedings in a row.
  • She has a rash that causes her discomfort.
  • Her temperature is higher than 100F (37.7C) or lower than 96F(35.5C).
  • She has persistent diarrhea.
  • There is blood in her urine or her stool.
  • There is an unusual discharge from her eyes, navel or genitals.
  • She has white patches in her mouth (it could be thrush, which isn’t serious but can make her very uncomfortable).
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