Vaccine Preventable Diseases

DPT Vaccine

Age : This is given when your child is 1 1/2, 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 months old.

Protect From Diseases: Diphtheria, Pertussis and Tetanus.
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Diphtheria

It is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. It causes sore throat, fever, headache and loss of appetite. It can damage the heart or nervous system. In major cases death can occur.

Pertussis

It starts with common cold but quickly progresses to exhausting cough. During this stage child unable to breath and look anxious. It lasts for 6-8 weeks and leave the child extremely week.

Tetanus

The germs of these dieses are found in the soil. It acts on nervous system. It is a very painful & distressing illness which if not treated promptly can lead to death.
It can start with stiffness in the neck or spasm of the jaw and thin rapidly progresses to lead to breathing. Difficulties and sever painful spasms of the limbs or the back etc.

Polio Vaccine

Age: This is given when your child is 1 1/2, 2 1/2 and 3 1/2 months old. Also pulse polio   dose is given to the child who is under the age of 5 years.

Protect From Disease: Polio

Polio

Polio virus attack on the nervous system and can cause permanent muscles paralysis or weakness. When it affects the muscles of the chest, it can kill.

BCG Vaccine

Age: This is given after the birth.

Protect From Disease: Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis

This affects lungs. It causes cough of long duration, loss of weight and night sweats.

Measles Vaccine

Age: This is given when your child is 9 months old.

Protect From Disease: Measles

Measles

It is respiratory tract dieses which begin with fever, cough, running nose & watery eye. The rash of measles is starting on the neck and quickly spreading to the trunk and limbs. The complications occur in a fair percentage of children who feel it. These include chest infectious, fits, brain damage etc.

Homemade recipes for baby

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Cooked Leafy Green

Requirements:

1 Pound fresh greens (kale, collards etc.)

1 Tablespoon water

3 Tablespoon fruit juice

Method:

Wash Leaves thoroughly. Steam most greens 5-15 minutes, leaving the lid off for the first few minutes. Puree in blender with the water and juice.

Basic Vegetable Recipe

Requirements:

1 cup cooked fresh or frozen vegetables (use potatoes, green peas, carrots, and yellow squash) without salt

4-8 Tablespoons cooking liquid, formula, or water

Method:

Press vegetables chunks through a sieve or baby food mill, thinning with cooking, liquid or formula to eating consistency. Or, puree vegetables and liquid in blender until smooth. Serve or freeze. Do not add salt, sugar, or fat. After trying single foods, good combination is potatoes and carrots or carrots and peas.

Fresh Fruits

Requirement:

3/4 Cup ripe fruit (uncooked peaches, nectarines, banana, pears, apricot, apples)

1 Tablespoon unsweetened fruit juice

1 Tablespoon lemon-flavored water (1 tablespoon lemon juice to 1 cup water to prevent darkening)

Method:

Remove skin and seeds from fruit. Puree ingredients in baby food mill or blender until smooth. Serve or freeze. Try different varieties of fruit in the recipe.

Fruit Gel

Requirements:

1/2 Cup cool water
1 Tablespoon agar flakes
1-1/2 Cups fruit juice
1 Cup pureed fruit

Method:

Place water in small pan. Sprinkle in agar and stir to dissolve. Add juice and heat for 1 minute, stirring well. Pour into 4 small cups. Place in refrigerator. After 1/2 hour, stir in pureed fruit. This recipe uses fruit juice instead of sugar to add sweetness. Agar, the thickener, is derived from seaweed. It is available in natural food stores.

 Carrot/Apple Mix

Requirements:

1/2 Medium apple, cored and peeled ½ carrot, washed and peeled

2 Tablespoon fruit juice

1 Tablespoon lemon juice

Method:

Puree all ingredients in blender, or, grate apple and carrot and mix with juice before serving.

Precautions when you prepare food for your baby

Wash your hands before cooking the baby food.

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]Ensure that the fruits, vegetables and the cooking equipments are thoroughly clean.

Throw away the unfinished food as bacteria develops easily.

Use microwave and steamer in preference to boiler, to cook fruits and vegetables, as they help to retain the nutritive value of the food.

Use wheat germ, mashed potato, whole grain cereals and cheese as thickeners.

Before introducing any non vegetarian meal make sure that the baby has accepted most vegetables and fruits.

Do test the temperature of the feed by touching the spoonful with the outside of your lips.

Avoid feeding nuts, raisins, unpeeled fruits, raw vegetables, popcorns, peanuts etc as they may choke the baby’s food pipe.

Canned vegetables should be avoided as they contain additives and sodium. Frozen vegetables are better.

Do not use bottle with larger nipple for liquid food items as it is bad for the teeth and develops unhealthy eating habits.

Eggs white may cause allergic reactions in babies under the age of one year so should be avoided.

Foods such as turnips, collards, spinach, beets etc reduce baby’s hemoglobin and hence should be avoided.

Microwave should not be used to warm up the food.

Fruits like oranges, pineapples and tangerines should be avoided due to their high acid content as it may be harsh on the baby’s digestive track.

Do not keep feeding your baby every time; make a proper schedule for feeding.

Diet for breast feeding mother

A baby is dependent upon his mother for all the nutritional requirements during the feeding period. For the first few months the only source of energy for the baby is breast milk. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]Thus the mother should decide her diet as per the baby’s requirements. Since a lot of calcium and other nutrient in the mother’s body are being engaged in the production of milk, a healthy diet is as essential for her and for baby. Caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.

Diet Includes

A lot of water, juices and other liquids should be taken so as to keep the body well hydrated.

Divide your meals into five meals i.e. breakfast, lunch, afternoon snack, evening snack and finally dinner. You should eat a piece of fruit with each meal.

To avoid zinc deficiency, take a proper amount of zinc supplements. Like eggs, oats, whole wheat and meat. Mother require 15-20 milligram zinc daily.

A nursing mother require about 1200 milligram of calcium every day. Hence need to add external supplement (like Dairy products, almonds, hazelnuts and raw vegetables) with the balance diet. Because diet provides only 800-100 milligrams of calcium.

Sometimes a few food items may not suit the baby. Eliminate such a food temporarily from your diet. Onion, turnips, spices etc produce some change of taste in the milk which may not be liked by the baby. But the choice varies from baby to baby .If your baby shows any negative sign such as gas problem then you have to eliminate the food from your diet.

Baby Bath

When you need to bathe your baby depends on how old your baby is. [hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]For a newborn baby , two or three times bath in a week is enough, but you have to keep her/his diaper area well cleaned and wash her hands and face several times a day.

After she is started crawling and eating her first foods, your baby require more regular bathing.  It is better to bathe your newborn baby before mealtime.

For older babies, a bath before bedtime cleans them up for the night and helps soothe them. You will need to give them a bath almost every night.

Once the cord stump has fallen off, your baby can take a real bath in the sink or a baby tub. You’ll only need about two inches of warm water to give your baby an effective bath. Before you put your baby anywhere near the water, test it with the back of your wrist or your elbow. These early baths don’t need to be long. Hold your baby firmly and gently wash away any debris or loose skin that’s accumulated.

As you wash your baby, pay attention on areas such as

• The genital and diaper areas
• The hands and feet.
• Check between the fingers and toes as well.
• The face and neck.
• If debris has accumulated around her eyes, use a cotton ball to swab it away.

Baby care after one year

Babies this age are developing a real personality. She/he hugs you and loves you as their way. They are smiling when they feel happy and laugh loudly.

Sleeping habits

During the ages of 1 year to 2 year, they requires about 10 to 13 hours of sleep a day. They are sleeping 2-3 hours in day time and 9-10 hours at night.

Feeding habits

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]By about 1- 2 year old, your baby should be moving towards eating the same food that all family members are having. Although she may still be getting half or more of her daily calories from breast milk, regular food is helping to balance out their diet.

In the 2^nd year, baby’s growth is slowing down and they may add only about 3-4kgs of weight. Teething also can make your baby lose interest in food. Don’t force food on her, but maintain control over her nutritious and healthful snacking between meals and breastfeed. Although you can now start foods like milk, citrus fruits, egg whites, unsweetened yogurt. Cheese is also good for baby, because it neutralizes the acid that forms in the mouth and attacks tooth enamel.

Take care to avoid foods that cause choking like popcorn, carrots, grapes, raisins and whole nuts. Cut or finely chop foods, or simply wait until your baby gets older. 

Height and Weight

They may gain around 3-4kgs during 1^st year. An average 15-month-old girl weighs about 22 pounds (10kgs) and 31 inches tall. Boys tend to be about a pound heavier at 15 months but about the same height. By 2^nd year, girls or boys will about 34 inches tall and 27 -28 pounds (12-13kgs) on an average weight.

Physical Changes

He/she learns to feeds self with spoon. Now they says bye or hi, claps hands and rolls a ball. From about 18 months your child will be plays alone on floor with toys and will love looking at books.

At about 18 months of age, babies realize that a word does have a meaning. When you ask him, he will point to objects or pictures and hand them over to you. He even points out his eyes, hands, nose, mouth etc if you teach him.

Movements 

Your child may grow confident and skillful enough to go up and down the stairs alone.

Waking Up With Baby Separation Anxiety

When your baby is wake up during the night several times, may be he/she is not waking up because he’s hungry; but he/she is struggling with separation anxiety. He wakes up looking for you.

• Encourage him to go to sleep with his toys. This will comfort him when he’s afraid, and reassure him when you’re not there.
• Go to him when he cries. Try not to turn on the light, rock him.
•  Talk to him and pat or rub his back to soothe him.
• Check for a wet diaper or signs of illness.
• Do your best to leave her with people she’s familiar with.
• Introduce her to new people and new situations gradually and carefully.
• Try not to leave her when she’s tired, hungry, or sick.
• Use a night-light in her room at night. Use only cool night-lights.

Baby Shoes

Before buying the shoes think seasonally — sandals or lightweight shoes for the summer season and sturdier shoes for winter season. Shoes should be:

• Soft and flexible, allowing your baby to move her feet easily
• Flat, non-skid soles so she doesn’t slide and fall
• Soft, porous tops that allow feet to breathe.
• Check for sizing monthly.

Home Safety As Baby Grows

It will be before your baby begins crawling or taking those first steps.

• Keep his play area clear of hard, sharp-edged furniture.
• Lower her crib mattress so she can’t crawl or fall out while she’s standing.
• Keep poisonous substances (including household cleaners and products) in high cabinets that you can lock.
• Always close the bathrooms and toilets.
• Avoid leaving pots containing hot foods close to the edges of tables or counters.
• Make sure you’ve got safety plugs over all electrical outlets.
• Buy baby objects that are large enough that they can’t fit them into her mouth.
• Keep numbers for your baby’s health care provider, the Poison Control Center, and hospital emergency room by the phone so they’re handy in case of emergency.
• Stray electrical and window-blind cords, missing outlet covers, breakables within your baby’s reach.
• Don’t keep small items such as coins and other choking hazards on the floor

Signs of Sensitivity to Milk

Some babies are very sensitive to the environment and food. These babies may experience a wide range of reactions, some of which mentioned below:

• Skin rashes
• Watery stool
• Irritability

If you’re formula feeding and if these reactions are due to milk sensitivity, then  consult your baby’s health care professional and take their advice.

Baby Care

Now your baby plays more with other babies and children, he’s more likely to pick up colds and viruses. Contact with your baby’s health care professional if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Runny nose or congestion that interferes with eating or sleeping or lasts longer than a week to 10 days
• Cough that is associated with vomiting or that interferes with sleep
• Wheezing
• Unusual fatigue and crankiness
• Diarrhea or vomiting
• Decreased appetite
• Fever
• Pulling at his ears

You have to give them recommended vaccinations that protect him/her from serious childhood illnesses.

Protecting delicate skin from harm is an important job for a parent. Here’s what you’ll need to know and do.

 Moisturizers

To keep your baby’s skin healthy, you need to maintain its natural softness and strength. You can use moisturizers. For everyday lubrication, try a petroleum jelly or a gentle moisturizing cream or lotion.

Clothing

In summer days, dress your baby in lightweight cotton clothing that covers her arms and legs, and make sure she/he wears a hat for every outing. Try to avoid going out when the sun’s rays are strongest, mostly between 10 am to 3 pm.

In winter season, dress your baby in one more layer of clothing to keep her warm.

Newborns baby with little hair may need a cap, especially at night.

To avoid problems:  

• Wash all new clothes and linens before your baby uses them.
• For the first few months, wash your baby clothes separately from your other laundry.
• Use a gentle detergent and a thorough rinse cycle.

Nail Care

Your baby’s tiny fingernails are very thin and sharp and grow fast. You may need to trim them twice a week, because newborns can scratch their faces with their own nails. Use a safe baby nail cutter. You may find nail cutting easier when your baby is sleeping.

Diaper Changing

You should keep your baby as dry and comfortable as possible. Wash your baby clean with a wipe or warm washcloth before diapering. Then apply diaper ointment or petroleum jelly and put on a fresh diaper.

Avoid baby powder — it doesn’t help prevent or treat diaper rash and might be harmful if your baby inhales it.

 Ways to prevent diaper rash:

• Change diapers frequently.
• Use a super-absorbent disposable diaper.
• Spread a thin layer of zinc oxide cream or petroleum jelly over your baby’s bottom as extra protection against wetness.
• If possible, use the diapers containing diaper-rash-fighting ingredients.
• Let your baby go without her diaper for a while each day.
• Change your newborn baby diaper as many as 10 times in a 24-hour period.

Keep in mind that a lot of wet diapers mean your baby is getting enough nutrition and is processing it normally.

• If you use cloth diapers, be sure to change diaper more frequently.

 The Urination Drill

Babies don’t follow any urination schedule. Newborns have immature bladder muscles that can’t hold urine for longer time. They can wet their diapers anywhere from once an hour to four times a day.

 For the first few days after birth, your baby’s urine will be very pale in color, gradually turning a deeper shade of yellow as it becomes more concentrated. You may find a pinkish stain on your baby’s diaper as well. This is probably concentrated urine, and as long as your baby is wetting four or more diapers a day, it’s nothing to worry about. If this staining persists for a few days, however, or if you spot true blood in the urine or stool, call your health care provider promptly.

Baby care during seventh to twelfth month

Now your baby is taking a more and more active part in life and has become an established member of the family. During this stage the baby develops a great deal physically and mentally. Babies at this age are developing a real personality.

Feeding

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]This is the age when he starts putting anything he wants to explore, into the mouth. At this age she/he can hold a spoon and is ready to learn to drink from a cup.

Some babies will already be on three meals a day at six or seven months. Others will be on milk feedings only. By the time she/he is having solid food three times a day she will probably be taking only two milk feedings.

As your baby grows more teeth, the consistency of the foods as well as the foods we offer can become more varied.

Physical Changes  

In 6^th to 7^th month your baby starts Crawling. He/she starts lifting her chest and bottom, supporting her weight on her arms and legs. By 7-8 months they begin to move or wriggle forward on the stomach. You have to encourage him/her to practice crawling by placing a colorful thing or toy in front of them. Between 9-12 months, the crawling becomes well coordinated and fast.

Between 6-9 months of age your baby will learn to sit up without support.

At the end of 7^th month, your baby will probably be getting his first tooth. At this time he/she starts biting on his hands or the objects. He may also develop a rash on his chin from saliva, and may get irritable from the discomfort his gums.

You could try giving him a frozen teething ring or other teething toy to chew on to help relieve the discomfort.

By 12 months most of them take their first walking steps with support. During this age they shout most effectively to get what they want.  Now baby can says “mama”, “baba” or “dada”. He/she recognizes several words. They Searches for something if you hide it.

They respond to requests or calling his name. They recognize some parts of their body.

Height and Weight

By 8 months of age, most babies’ weight is around 6.3 – 8.1kg. After the first 12 months, most babies will probably have just about tripled their birth weight and height will be about 28 to 32 inches tall.

Develop a Strong Mind and Body

During this month, your baby’s language, recognition, and social skills are at an important stage of development. Help ensure his development stays on track by continuing to engage him in some of these activities:

• Chat with your baby every time.
•  Expose him to a variety of sounds.
• Singing familiar songs.
• Reading nursery rhymes.
• Point to objects and people and name them, so your baby learns new words.

Baby care during fourth to sixth month

 During these months you will see your baby develop into a real personality. When they awake talk with your baby. You can also give her/him an object or a toy in their hand that can keep them engaged for a long time.

Feeding

[hana-code-insert name=’rectangle’ /]During this stage you will find that he/she is no longer satisfied with the bottle or breast feed. She/he may feel hungry very soon after a feed. By 4-5 months you can slowly start introducing solid food. 

Introduce solid food

Begin with one to two teaspoon of food. Gradually increase the amount of food depending on the baby’s appetite. A small teaspoon of a rice cereal mixed with milk, purees of fruits or vegetables are good beginners. Do not introduce more than one flavor at a time. Introduce one food at a time and wait at least 24 hours before adding a new one. You can increase the amount and thickness of the cereal after some days.

Pick a time when baby is feeling hungry. Her initial reaction may be pushing the food away with his tongue. She may be surprised at the taste and sensation at first.  If she pushes the food out, scrape it up and put the spoon between her lips again.

After several weeks most babies eat twice a day. Always make sure the baby is sitting up to eat and drink.

Healthy Foods for baby

• Purees of fruit or vegetables
• Baby cereal 
• Mashed Bananas, papayas, pears and apples
• Mashed potatoes
• Finally chopped Carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, corn and peas
• Apple juice
• Finger millet cereal
• Yoghurt is also good for your baby.

Do not introduce citrus fruits, orange, tomatoes, fish, berries, egg whites, spinach etc. Never add salt to a baby food as even a small amount of salt can cause dehydration. 

Sleeping habits

During this month baby begins to sleep longer at night and sleeps lesser in the daytime. Now he/she will take a  naps 2-3 times a day. 

During the 4^th month your baby is rolling over on her/him own, you can’t control her/him sleeping position. It’s still a good idea to keep thick blankets, comforters and pillows out of your baby’s crib.

Physical Changes

Your baby now watches what is going on in all parts of the room, his/her distant vision improves. He/she shows interest in colors. They enjoy looking at themselves in the mirror and the different objects around him/her. Now they spend more time looking at objects they hold. Babies enjoy looking at facial expressions and recognize people.

He knows the differences between angry, happy and sad tones of voice. Your baby is getting better at finding where sounds come from and turn according to that. He likes to hear himself talk.

Your baby coos, gurgles when looking at interesting things or when talked to. He/she laughs and squeals. By 6 months, he can make single syllable sounds such as ma, ba, da etc.

By this time, most babies have developed an awareness and recognition of people around them, and fear of those who are not familiar.

The first time she sits tall, she’ll be leaning on her hands for balance. And in the next two months, she will sit completely by herself and use her hands to play.

Height, Weight and Head circumference

All babies may grow at a different rate. Average weight gain is 0.57 kilograms each month. Average growth in height is ½ to 1 inch each month and head circumference, about ½ inch each month. 

By 6 months, a baby must have doubled his/her birth weight.

Movement

Baby can roll over by 5 to 6 months. They can sit unsupported. If you held him/her in a standing position, begins to support the body with the legs. Now he/she plays with hands and feet, moves objects from one hand to the other, Looks, reaches, grasps, and mouths objects in a swift and accurate sequence of movements. Baby can able to Explores 1 object at a time. Increases his/her use of fingers to touch hold and examine objects. Baby is moving his/her arms up and down and side to side. She/he learns hitting, waving, patting, and shaking.

During this stage we have to  help baby for sit up alone and help him/her to pick up small toys, objects.

Tips to Develop Language Skills

Your baby is probably jabbering for a reason, even if you don’t know what it is.

• Talk to your baby often as you dress, feed, or bathe her.
• Provide quiet time (turning off the radio and TV) and make him/her learn themselves.
• Encourage your baby to turn her head toward sounds.
• Repeat sounds often and trying to get your baby to mimic them back to you.