Hand, Foot and Mouth
Disease
This disease is caused by the coxsackie virus and is
highly infectious. Baby will have painful sores in his
mouth and sores on his hands and feet. The problem can
occur anytime between 2 weeks after birth through adulthood.
It is more common in children but children can pass
the infection to their parents. Symptoms include
• Rash of blisters on the hands, feet and mouth
(throat)
• Rapid onset of fever
• Sore throat with ulcers in throat
• Feeds poorly
• Irritability
If your baby shows any of the symptoms try increasing
fluids, although it may be difficult because his mouth
is sore. Sterilize baby's bottle nipples and other feeding
accessories. Contact your doctor; since it is a viral
infection antibiotics are not prescribed. Fever reducer
is usually given.
Can yoghurt help prevent
Diarrhea
Researchers found on a recent study that babies who
ate yogurt had more good bacteria than those who did
not. Too much 'bad' bacteria can cause diarrhea. Yogurt's
calcium content is beneficial too. Yogurt also contains
riboflavin, potassium, and magnesium; all these minerals
are essential for baby. Yogurt is also a good transitional
food for your baby. You don't have to feed baby a lot
of yogurt to reap the benefits; a few teaspoonfuls of
plain yogurt is enough.
Is it the Flu or a Cold
Sometimes it gets confusing to determine if your baby
has a cold or the flu. Here is a table of differences
to help you analyze what your little one is suffering
from.
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