Everyone knows that being the parent of a baby comes with a certain amount of sleep deprivation, especially at in the beginning. But until you’re actually in it, it can be hard to predict just how much sleep deprivation you will experience – and most importantly, what it will feel like or how you will manage.
Some babies seem to sleep like angels from the beginning … others, not so much. If you are one of the unlucky ones, know that you are not alone (it’s the “easy” sleepers that are unicorns, in most cases!). Yes, it’s normal to be as ridiculously tired as you feel. Yes, it will pass. And yes, you will get through it. All that said, sleep deprivation isn’t just something you should “grin and bear.” Sometimes being sleep deprived can make you feel downright awful and make it very difficult to function and be the parent you want to be. Looking for ways to survive sleep deprivation – and maybe even find some ways to catch some extra shut-eye? We’ve got you covered. Sleep Deprivation: What to Expect Baby Sleep Facts Babies are not biologically programmed to sleep very soundly. It’s just a fact. It’s extremely common for babies to wake multiple times each night for the first three months, and often much longer than that.
Stats on Parental Sleep Deprivation Almost all parents will experience sleep deprivation in the first six weeks or so after a baby is born–after all, babies don’t even know night from day at that point. But even once babies consolidate more of their sleeping to the nighttime hours, sleep deprivation is still an experience most parents have during the first year of parenting, and usually beyond. In fact, a 2019 study published in the journal Sleep found that parents experienced some sort of sleep deprivation for the first six years of their children’s lives! 1 Of course, this doesn’t mean that the magnitude of sleep deprivation was the same throughout, but it is very common for young children not to sleep as soundly as we hope and expect them to. Here are some other highlights from the study:
How Sleep Deprivation Affects Health Anyone who has ever lost a few hours’ sleep knows that sleep deprivation can make you feel a little extra forgetful, unmotivated, spaced out, and well … exhausted. But sleep deprivation that is chronic, as if often the case when you are a sleep-deprived new parent, can actually have significant effects on your physical and mental health. Physical Health All of us react physically to sleep deprivation in different ways, and experiencing a few months or weeks of sleep deprivation isn’t going to set us up for lifelong medical issues. However, it’s important to be aware of the fact that sleep deprivation does have negative consequences for health and wellness.
Mental Health You expect sleep deprivation to make you moody and generally unhappy. But sleep deprivation can also lead to the development or exacerbation of mental health disorders, particularly depression and anxiety. This is especially important when considering the mental health of new mothers, who have a 1 in 7 chance of developing a postpartum mood disorder such as postpartum depression. While it’s true that postpartum depression and anxiety can have more than one cause, extreme sleep deprivation is a top factor to consider. For example, according to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, mothers who experience sleep deprivation were 3.34 times more likely to experience postpartum depression. How Parents Can Get More Sleep While it’s true that sleep deprivation is basically a fact of life—especially when you have a brand new baby at home—that doesn’t mean that there aren’t things you can do the maximize the chances that you will get enough sleep… or at least close to enough. It takes a little planning, creativity, and support from others, but it can be done. Sleep When the Baby Sleeps Many parents hear this age-old device and want to implement it. But when the baby actually arrives, it can be very difficult to catch shut-eye while your baby snoozes. Many parents feel the need to get things done at this time or take some time to “just be,” and that is understandable. But your baby’s naps are a prime time to catch up on sleep, so take advantage of them. Keep Your Baby Close The Academy of American Pediatrics (AAP) advises that babies sleep in the same room with their parents for the first year of life. Keeping your baby near you has major advantages in terms of you getting enough sleep. If you don’t have to go down the hall to tend your baby, your baby won’t wake up as fully and you’ll both have an easier time falling back asleep. Encourage Good Baby Sleep Habits There is almost nothing you can do to help your baby sleep more soundly in the first few months of life beyond keeping the room dark and soothing your baby. As they get older, though, you can help set the stage for healthy sleep by having a calming bedtime routine, employing regular bedtimes, and encouraging daily naps. Make a Postpartum Survival Sleep Plan Just like some moms make a birth plan, or a plan for how to decorate the nursery, you can make a plan for how you’ll deal with sleep deprivation once your baby arrives. Usually, this involves getting your partner involved (they can take some of those night feedings, or bring the baby to you if you are breastfeeding). You can also consider having extended family or a postpartum doula/baby nurse come over regularly so you can catch up on zzzz’s. Sleep Doesn’t Have to Happen All at Once Think of it this way: your goal is 7-9 hours of total sleep (depending on your needs), but it doesn’t have to happen all in a row, or all at night either. A couple of 20 minutes catnaps can add up and help you get the sleep you need. Make your goal to get sleep wherever it may come. It all counts. Get Your Partner Involved If you have a partner who is available at night or even during the day, make sure they understand that baby sleep care isn’t a one-person job. While your partner can’t birth your baby or breastfeed them, handling night waking and letting you catch up on sleep during the day (or letting you sleep in on weekends!) is most definitely a job they can and should take on. Practice Healthy Sleep Habits Yourself Sometimes the very fact of being chronically sleep-deprived can make it difficult for us to fall asleep even when an opportunity presents itself. Now is a good time to acquire a toolbox of things to try when you are having trouble sleeping yourself. Meditation, having a daily sleep-inducing ritual, journaling before bed, and breathing techniques before sleep can be very helpful. Even when you make an effort to do things like “sleep when the baby sleeps” and accept any support that’s being offered, you are still going to have many days as a parent where you feel absolutely knocked over by sleep deprivation. It’s happened to all of us, and somehow the human race has survived all these years. On those days when sleep deprivation is making it hard for you to do much of anything, try to cut yourself as much slack as possible, and give yourself a ton of grace. It’s so easy to have a picture perfect idea of how we are supposed to be as parents, and when sleep deprivation hits, it often means that all we can accomplish is the minimum – and we need to know that this is just fine! So, forget about an orderly house when you are sleep deprived. Let the laundry pile up. Let yourself live your life as a sleepy person would. If you end your day with fed, happy kids, you are doing great. And we promise: you will sleep again … someday.
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Considerations for Dietary Preferences and Restrictions
Providing children with a well-balanced diet is important for growth, wellness, and development. Some parents follow special diets due to religious beliefs, ethical values, or sustainability. Many parents want to know if it's safe and healthy to raise their children on a special diet. For example, if you are a vegetarian, can your child also be a vegetarian? Depending on the diet, the answer is yes. But there is a caveat; the diet must be created to ensure that the child is receiving all the nutrients needed for adequate growth and development. It is the position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that appropriately planned vegetarian or vegan diets are healthful, nutritionally adequate, and may provide health benefits for the prevention and treatment of certain diseases. These diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, adolescence, older adulthood, and for athletes. Vegan, Vegetarian, Pescatarian, Flexitarian Diets There are small differences in all these types of eating plans. Vegan diets exclude all animal products, including dairy and eggs. The restrictions of vegetarian diets can vary. Most vegetarian meal plans exclude all animal meat products but allow animal byproducts like milk and eggs. A pescatarian diet excludes all animal products but permits the consumption of fish. Furthermore, a flexitarian diet places its emphasis on plant-based foods, while also allowing limited quantities of animal products, such as meat and dairy. nutrients in order to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Eliminating certain food groups means that you must pay closer attention to specific nutrients in order to prevent nutrient deficiencies. Key Nutrients That Must Be Considered for Success Plant-based meals provide a ton of antioxidants, fiber, and other nutrients that are important for health. However, if you are excluding all animal products, there are certain nutrients that one must pay close attention in order to ensure that their children are developing adequately both mentally and physically. The exact amount of nutrients your child needs will depend on their age, height, weight, and activity level. Be certain to always discuss their exact nutrient needs with their pediatrician or another a registered dietitian who specializes in pediatric nutrition. Calories Calories provide energy and are critical for growth and development. If your child is eating large quantities of raw foods, it can often be hard to achieve their caloric needs. To avoid this, offer a variety of cooked vegetables that are prepared with healthy fat, such as olive oil, avocado oil, canola oil, grapeseed oil, etc. Find out how many calories your child needs daily. Fat Vegetarian meal plans are oftentimes low in fat because they do not include animal products. Fat is an important nutrient in development, especially during the very early stages of life. Essential fatty acids are critical components to brain and retinal development. In addition, eating fat is important for absorbing fat-soluble vitamins, such as A, D, E, and K. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, children ages one to three years old should be eating roughly 30% to 40% of their calories from fat, while children ages 4 to 18 years of age should receive around 25% to 35% of their calories from fat. You should include a variety of fat in your child's meal plan. Nuts and nut butters, like almond butter, peanut butter, sun butter, fatty fish, like salmon, olive oil, avocado, and hummus. Full fat, fortified soymilk, or full-fat cow's milk can be an option after the first year of life. Protein Young children need to consume roughly 5% to 20% of calories from protein, while older children need to consume around 10% to 30% of calories from protein. Whole grains, milk alternatives, nut butters, and legumes can provide sufficient amounts of protein. It has been suggested that children who follow a vegan diet may need additional protein to meet their needs, likely because of the differences in protein digestibility and amino acid composition. Recommendations of 30% to 35% more protein for one to two-year-old vegans, 20% to 30% more for 2 to 6 year old's, and 15% to 20% more for children older than 6 years have been suggested. It is always advised to discuss your child's needs with your pediatrician to ensure adequate intake. Iron Iron is a key ingredient to enzymes and protein. It also carries and stores oxygen. Iron is particularly important during childhood because growth accelerates the process of storing and carrying oxygen. There are two different types of iron: heme and nonheme. Heme iron, which is found primarily in animal products is more readily absorbed than non-heme iron. This does not mean that you cannot achieve iron needs by excluding animal products, but it does mean that you'll have to pay closer attention to this nutrient. Foods that are rich in non-heme iron include beans, iron-fortified cereals, oatmeal, leafy greens such as spinach, kale and collard greens, raisins, and enriched bread. To increase non-heme iron absorption, add foods that are rich in vitamin C to meals. These include broccoli, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, lemon, papaya, pineapple, peppers, potato, and strawberries. For example, if you are serving your child rice and beans for dinner, add some peppers or freshly squeezed lemon on top or provide them with a serving of fruit on the side. The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says, "While dietary factors may limit the absorption of iron and zinc, deficiencies of these minerals are uncommon in vegetarian children in industrialized countries. Iron and zinc status of children on very restricted plant-based diets should be monitored. Supplemental iron and zinc may be needed in such cases." If you are concerned that your child isn't getting enough iron, ask your pediatrician if they should be taking a supplement. Zinc Humans need constant zinc intake because we have a limited ability to store it. Zinc intake is particularly important for children as it supports normal growth and immune system development. Mild zinc deficiency has been associated with growth delays.3 Because zinc is found largely in animal meat, it will be important to provide other sources. Food sources include fortified cereals (amounts vary), shellfish, such as crab and clams, beans such as chickpeas (which are used in making hummus), soybeans, sunflower seeds, cashews, milk, and cheese. Vitamin B12 Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for DNA synthesis, brain development, and cognitive function. Inadequate intake of vitamin B12 during early childhood has been associated with adverse child health problems, including impaired brain development.4 The main sources of vitamin B12 include animal food sources such as meat and dairy products like cheese and milk. The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics says, "Vitamin B-12 intake of vegan infants and children should be assessed, and fortified foods and/or supplements used as needed to ensure adequacy." 1 Alternative sources of vitamin B12 include fortified nutritional yeast, certain fortified cereals, fortified non-dairy milk, eggs, and shellfish. Discuss your child's dietary intake with a health care provider to see if they need to supplement with vitamin B12. Calcium Calcium is an important nutrient to the structure of bones and teeth, as well as normal muscle contraction. The amount of calcium a child needs will increase as they get older. If your child is not eating dairy, you will need to pay closer attention to calcium intake, as dairy sources contain the highest amounts. Alternative foods that are rich in calcium, include calcium set tofu, calcium-fortified milk alternatives, such as almond milk and soymilk, green leafy vegetables such as broccoli and kale calcium-fortified juice and cereals, beans, and whole grains. Vitamin D Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that aids in the absorption of calcium for bone mineralization. It also plays a role in the prevention of chronic disease. Special attention should be paid to this vitamin because it isn't found in many foods and, for those children on restricted diets who are not eating dairy, this can be a problem. Supplementation may be needed especially because sunlight is not always a reliable source of vitamin D. This is due to sunscreen use, time spent indoors, higher altitudes, and winter months. Discuss with your physician if your child needs vitamin D supplementation. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, all infants and children, including adolescents, should have a minimum daily intake of 400 IU of vitamin D (in the form of a supplement) beginning soon after birth.6 Sources of vitamin D rich foods include salmon, tuna, cod, fortified orange juice, milk, soymilk, evaporated milk, fortified cereals, rice milk, egg, and mushrooms. Supplements Some children, particularly those that are on a very restrictive diet, may need to take certain supplements. The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests that the iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 status of children on very restricted plant-based diets should be monitored. Common Dietary Restrictions Some children may need to follow a special diet due to allergies or intolerances. Food intolerance is different from a true food allergy. A food allergy occurs when the body has an immune response to the protein in the offending food. Symptoms can result in hives, wheezing, rash, itching, stuffy nose, itchy or teary eyes. Some people with food allergies can have a serious reaction called anaphylaxis. When a person has a food intolerance, there is no immune reaction; instead, they typically will experience a digestive issue in response to a specific food. Whether or not your child has a food allergy or food intolerance, they may need to avoid certain foods, such as dairy, eggs, soy, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish. In order to rule out food allergies verse food intolerances your child will have to have a medical workup by their pediatrician or allergist. Lactose Intolerance For those children with lactose intolerance, dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream may need to be avoided. Tolerance to milk and milk products can be variable. Sometimes limiting will be enough whereas for others, avoiding altogether will be necessary. Your pediatrician may recommend lactose enzymes to relieve symptoms. When limiting or avoiding dairy, it will be important to find alternative sources of calcium, vitamin D, protein, vitamin B12, and fat. Rice milk is usually low in protein and fat so that may not be the best choice unless it is considered the only option. Celiac Disease Celiac disease is a disease that involves the villi of the intestines. People with celiac disease need to avoid gluten, a protein found in certain foods such as wheat, rye, barley and some oats. Ingestion of gluten and other products that contain gluten can damage the intestines and cause malnutrition. Gluten can also be found in medicines, vitamins, lip balm. It's important to meet with a registered dietitian to ensure your child is receiving adequate nutrition and avoiding all problematic foods. Helping Your Child Cope with a Restricted Diet Social norms can be a challenge for children. If your child has a restricted diet, they may feel segregated from their peers even if their restriction was voluntary, as opposed to medical. The best way to deal with this is to continue to educate yourself and your child. They should understand that sometimes people must follow special diets because their bodies are unable to tolerate certain foods, while others choose to eat or restrict certain foods because of their beliefs. Learning how to respect people's choices and beliefs is a way of life and this can be a good starting point. If your children have behavioral problems, it might just be the food they are eating. Kids food sensitivities are common but as a parent you take care of these sensitivities. Feeding your child adequately is important for growth and development. Whether you are choosing to feed your child a special meal plan, they've decided to make the switch on their own, or they have a medical condition which forces them to eliminate certain foods, they can achieve their goals if certain nutrients are kept in mind. Children have different nutrient needs throughout their lifetime so meeting with a medical professional, like your pediatrician or registered dietitian who specializes in pediatrics is an important part of this process. How Alcoholic Beverages Impact Fertility, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage Risk
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), three out of four women continue to consume alcoholic beverages despite trying to get pregnant. Is an occasional glass of wine okay when you’re trying to conceive? What about more frequent alcoholic consumption? Drinking Recommendations Once you’re pregnant, you should stop drinking. The possible damage to your developing child is serious enough to abstain for nine months. The CDC and the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommend that women should completely avoid alcoholic drinks both when trying to conceive and during pregnancy. But is it reasonable to ask trying to conceive women to cut out drinking completely? Especially if a couple is trying for years, going totally dry is a lot to ask. It’s also important to be realistic—many women are simply ignoring these strict recommendations. There are three issues you should consider when making this decision for yourself:
Can Drinking in the First Month Hurt Your Baby? What if alcohol was consumed before you knew you were pregnant? Remember that once you get a positive pregnancy test result back, you’re already (at least) four weeks pregnant. The embryo, which will hopefully develop into a healthy baby, has existed for two or more weeks. Whether alcoholic drinks consumed during this period are dangerous is a tricky question to answer. A study of over 5,000 women looked at the association between drinking alcoholic drinks prior to and up to 15 weeks of the pregnancy. (Note that 15 weeks is way more than the first four weeks, but there doesn’t exist yet a study on drinking only during those first four weeks.) In this group of women, 25 percent reported drinking between three and seven alcoholic drinks per week in the months before and during early pregnancy. The study found no association between alcoholic drinking prior to 15 weeks of pregnancy and low birth weight, slow intrauterine growth, preeclampsia, or preterm birth. However, like the study mentioned above, researchers did not report on early miscarriage rates, or cognitive or behavioral issues after childbirth. We can’t really guarantee that drinking during the first month has no impact. What’s the Possible Danger in Drinking When Pregnant? Whether you decide to drink while trying to conceive or not, you absolutely should say no to alcoholic drinks once you get your positive pregnancy test result. For that matter, you may want to cut out the drinks once your period is late, even if you haven’t yet received a positive pregnancy test result. There is no known safe alcoholic consumption level during pregnancy. The possible risks to your unborn child are too great to ignore. Drinking during pregnancy has been associated with:
There is some confusion on this topic, due to a study that found that one alcoholic drink per day did not increase the risk of preterm delivery or a low-birth-weight baby. This study was widely covered in the media, leaving many women asking whether abstaining from alcohol during pregnancy is really necessary. The problem is that this research didn’t look at the possible cognitive and psychological impact. Even if these children were born at a healthy weight, they may struggle with lifelong learning challenges in the future. Bottom line: once you know you’re pregnant, stop drinking. Does Drinking When Trying to Conceive Increase Your Risk of Miscarriage? Studies offer conflicting results as to whether drinking increases your risk of early miscarriage. Some research says there’s no increased risk, but others say, yes, drinking can lead to miscarriage, especially if the drinking exceeds three or more drinks per day. A large study of almost 18,000 women looked at drinking habits and miscarriage risk. They found that drinking before pregnancy was not associated with an increased risk of miscarriage for women without a prior history of pregnancy loss. Another study found that the miscarriage risk didn’t increase for women until they exceeded two drinks per day (prior to getting pregnant.) However, research looking at alcoholic consumption in IVF patients shows a very different result. A study that included several fertility clinics in California found that women who drank one or more drinks per day—when compared to women who drank less than one drink a day—had more than twice the risk of miscarriage. This increased risk for early pregnancy loss was even higher if drinking occurred the week before IVF treatment started. However, like the study mentioned above, researchers did not report on early miscarriage rates, or cognitive or behavioral issues after childbirth. We can’t really guarantee that drinking during the first month has no impact. Male drinking was also found to be a problem when looking at IVF patients. Men who drank just one serving of alcohol per day, anywhere from one week to a month before treatment, saw a doubled increased risk of miscarriage. Even more shocking, drinking one week before sperm collection for the IVF treatment saw an increased miscarriage risk of 38 times. Does Drinking Reduce Your Fertility? Finally, you’re likely wondering if drinking will negatively impact your fertility. Again, the answers are unclear. A study including around 7,000 women found that drinking two or more servings of alcohol per day significantly increased their risk of infertility. In women who drank less than one serving of alcohol per day, infertility risk was lower. However, a study of approximately 29,000 Danish women found that those who drank wine tended to get pregnant sooner than women who drank no alcohol at all. And a study of approximately 1,700 Italian women found no connection between drinking when trying to conceive and time to conception. That said, just as it is for early miscarriage risk, all of that changes when looking at research on IVF patients. In a study of 2,908 couples, the risk of IVF failure almost tripled when women drank one serving of alcohol a month before treatment, and the risk quadrupled if the drink occurred within a week of treatment. Men who drank within a week to a month of treatment also negatively impacted the couple’s IVF success rates. The Bottom Line on Drinking When Trying to Conceive. We know that drinking during pregnancy can harm the unborn child. One day, research may find that a very occasional drink is harmless. However, as it stands presently, there’s not enough evidence to say any amount is absolutely safe. But there is a difference between drinking during pregnancy and drinking before pregnancy occurs—when trying to conceive. For those with normal fertility, it appears that an occasional drink while trying to conceive might be okay. This isn't certain, but there's not a lot of evidence showing it's absolutely harmful. The story is less optimist when looking at fertility patients going through IVF. Then, even just one drink per day, within a month of treatment, may harm the couple’s odds for success. What should you do? Of course, you should discuss your decision with your doctor. While the CDC and ACOG officially do not recommend drinking at all when trying to conceive, many doctors have their own opinion on the matter. If you’re trying to decide how to approach alcohol while trying to conceive, here are some options to consider:
Also, take into consideration your (future) emotional state. If you have a beer, and your cycle fails, or you have an early miscarriage, is that one drink going to haunt you? Even if the research says it’s unlikely that one beer caused the problem? Then it’s probably better to say no. If you’re going to drink when trying to conceive, you may also want to:
When and if you drink while trying to conceive, be aware of portion sizes and the alcoholic content of your drink. And the moment your period is late—or you get back a positive pregnancy test—just say no to any alcohol. You’ve worked too hard for that baby to take any risks. There are many bedtime stories to read for your children which leads to developing a good relationship with them. It is hard to believe that something as simple as drinking enough water can help manage anxiety. Water plays such an important role in how our body functions. All of our organs, including our brain, need water to work properly. If we are dehydrated, our body is strained and we can become overly stressed and edgy. According to Barry Joe McDonagh, creator of the anxiety treatment program Panic Away and author of the book DARE, dehydration can contribute to anxiety and nervousness. He explains, “Nearly every function of the body is monitored and pegged to the efficient flow of water through our system. Water transports hormones, chemical messengers, and nutrients to vital organs of the body. When we don’t keep our bodies well hydrated, they may react with a variety of signals… some of which are symptoms, of anxiety.” Dehydration has also been linked to a rise in cortisol levels, hormones that increase stress. One of the problems with dehydration is that it mimics many of the same bodily sensations that anxiety can cause: dizziness, muscle fatigue, headache, feeling faint, increased heart rate, and nausea. These feelings can trick our mind into thinking that we are having a major medical problem, which can trigger panic for many anxiety sufferers. While staying hydrated may not get rid of anxiety entirely, it can help reduce its intensity. Additionally, according to the Calm Clinic, “Water also appears to have natural calming properties. Drinking water can be soothing, and often your body will benefit from the added hydration during times of intense stress.” Recent research shows how important staying hydrated is in managing anxiety. A 2009 study at Tufts University found a clear link between hydration and mood. Scientists found that student-athletes who were just mildly dehydrated reported feeling angry, confused, tense and fatigued. Then a 2012 study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that dehydration can influence mood, energy levels, and the ability to think clearly. The young men in the study experienced fatigue, tension, and anxiety when mildly dehydrated. How to Keep Your Child Hydrated The good news is that dehydration is completely preventable. If children drink the appropriate amount of water throughout the day, they can minimize their symptoms of anxiety. How much water should your child drink? The daily amount of water that a child needs depends on several factors including the local climate and their age, weight, gender, overall health, and activity level. In general, children should drink at least six to eight cups of water and eat the recommended number of servings of fruits and vegetables each day. This may need to increase when they are more active. Before, during, and after any physical activity, kids should drink plenty of water, especially in hot weather. The goal is to drink a half cup to two cups of water every 15 to 20 minutes while exercising. This chart provided by the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies outlines guidelines for daily water intake for generally healthy children living in temperate climates. Keep in mind that these recommendations are for total water, which includes water from all sources: drinking water, other beverages, and food like fruits and vegetables.
It is also critical that children avoid sugary and caffeinated drinks, as they are known to cause dehydration and trigger anxiety. As a stimulant, caffeine affects the central nervous system. Consuming caffeine when already feeling anxious only adds fuel to the fire, making it so much harder for the body to calm down. Avoid serving your children caffeinated beverages like soda, coffee, tea, energy drinks, and caffeinated water. Read labels carefully since some products surprisingly contain caffeine. How to Recognize Dehydration in Your Child If your son or daughter tells you that they are thirsty, then they are probably already dehydrated. This is why kids should drink water throughout the day before thirst develops. Look for these important signs of dehydration in your child:
Creative Ways to Get Your Child to Drink More Water It is not always easy to convince your child to drink plain old water. Here are some tips to increase their water intake on a daily basis:
What to Do for Colds or Influenza
When your kid is sick with a cold or any respiratory virus, most parents jump to action. When it comes to most common respiratory viruses, however, your child usually just needs lots of TLC for their symptoms—not a prescription or over-the-counter medication. If your child has influenza (the flu), a prescription can help, but they'll still need at-home care to relieve their symptoms. Here's what to do and what to watch for when your child is sick. Colds vs. Influenza First, be sure you know how to distinguish a cold from the flu, because a child with the flu may need to see a doctor. "Colds and flu are both highly contagious and, in the initial stages, a bad cold and a mild case of the flu might seem alike," according to the Centers for Disease Control. "However, flu is a serious illness that can have life-threatening complications, unlike colds." The flu usually comes on suddenly and may include these symptoms:
Note that influenza is different from what many people call "stomach flu." Influenza is a respiratory illness. A stomach bug affects the gastrointestinal tract, and the two main symptoms are vomiting and diarrhea. When to Call the Doctor If you suspect that your child has the flu, seek treatment within the first 48 hours in order to receive antiviral medications such as Tamiflu. Even if you don't suspect the flu, contact your doctor right away if your child has any of these symptoms:
Caring for a Sick Child If you're caring for your sick kid at home, check with your doctor before giving any over-the-counter medicines. Some have ingredients that are not recommended for children. Others may not be recommended for the symptoms your child has, and most should not be given to children under the age of 2. Make your child comfortable and let them sleep as much as possible. Keep their door open and the house quiet. Check on them frequently to make sure the sheets are dry and to gauge their fever and breathing. Keep water within reach for when they awaken. Fever High fevers are common in children and very scary for parents, but are a sign that your child's body is fighting back against an infection. Dress your child in lightweight, breathable clothes. Make sure they rest a lot and drinks plenty of fluids (such as water, juice, and Popsicles). Don't give aspirin to children or teens due to the risk of Reye's syndrome. Tylenol (acetaminophen) can help bring down a fever. Advil (ibuprofen) is also acceptable for children over the age of 6 months. Again, check with your doctor before giving medicine, even over-the-counter products made for children. Sometimes dosages can be confusing. Vomiting A frequent dilemma with a high fever is vomiting that prevents the fever-reducing medication from doing its job. Acetaminophen suppositories can be kept in the refrigerator for just such emergencies. Bring the fever down with a suppository and the vomiting often eases. Occasionally, doctors will prescribe a Phenergan (promethazine) suppository for very serious vomiting in a child. For milder cases, keep a bucket or basin and some old towels handy. Offer the child small sips of water and bland foods if they can tolerate them. Watch for signs of dehydration. Dehydration Fluids are important for easing upper respiratory symptoms (like coughing and sneezing) as well as for critical rehydration if your child has diarrhea or is vomiting. Keep Pedialyte on hand for times when your child experiences diarrhea and vomiting with a fever and also take care about Kids nutrition. Easing Cold Symptoms Ask your doctor about over-the-counter cold remedies. Keep your child distracted with quiet activities like books, games, and crafts. Frozen juice feels great on a sore throat, or your child may want to suck on ice chips or try some warm herbal tea or water with honey and lemon (just don't give honey to babies under one year old). When noses get dry and sore, protect them with a bit of pure petroleum jelly or saline nasal drops. You can also try using a humidifer or vaporizer in your child's bedroom. Babies under the age of 6 months are a high-risk group for influenza but are too young to be vaccinated. You can protect your baby by ensuring that everyone who cares for him gets the yearly flu vaccine. If you don't think your kids are ready for a plane flight, then unless the trip is truly necessary, you might delay it for a year or two. Benadryl may not be the right solution.
Reasons to Avoid Giving Your Child Benadryl When Flying While it might seem like a quick and easy solution to potential problems you might have when flying with young kids, most pediatricians try to discourage parents from giving kids anything to sedate them on an airplane. The benefits usually don't outweigh the risks. Here are a couple of good reasons why you might not want to give your child an antihistamine like Benadryl:
Some children become hyper and irritable when they take antihistamines, which is exactly what you don't want on your flight. Tips for Traveling With Kids These other tips for flying and traveling with kids might be helpful and could make using a sedative unnecessary:
Experts frequently recommend giving kids Dramamine for motion sickness when they travel. Like Benadryl, Dramamine is an antihistamine that can cause drowsiness. Does Giving a Child Benadryl Equate to "Drugging" Them? Remember, you don't really want to sedate your child to make the flight more comfortable for the other people on the plane. The only time to even consider it would be if you think that the experience would be too stressful for your child and the trip is really necessary. Is giving Benadryl for a plane flight really "drugging" your child as some people suggest? That is probably going a little far, as Benadryl is an approved OTC medication and most people don't consider it "drugging" their child and wouldn't think twice to give it to their child if they had hives or allergies. But still, how far would you go to make your child sleep on a plane? If Benadryl didn't work, would you want to give him a stronger sedative, like Valium? If you really think a sedative is going to be necessary during a flight, talk to your pediatrician about the risks and benefits and be sure to try it before the flight to make sure your child doesn't have a bad reaction and become irritable and hyper. |
AuthorHi! I am Tim Connolly and I am providing help to parents to bring up their children in a healthy environment. I am working in this profession from last 5 years, if you have any query regarding this please contact me. Archives
June 2021
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