Q When is the baby's first check-up after coming home?


Q How important is it for dads to bond with their newborn?


Q My newborn spits up frequently. Is this serious?


Q My little girl is 15 days old, and she is already suffering from colic. We have tried everything, from car rides to rocking. How long will this last?


Q At around what age does a baby learn to chew?


Q My 9-month-old's hemoglobin is low. He's on iron supplement. I have a tendency to be anemic and wonder if this can be a genetic problem.


Q Is it necessary to begin children who are formula fed, on solid foods at six months, or can you postpone giving them solids for a year?


Q Will my child always have problems because she was born early?


Q Is it Okay if My Child sucks his or her Thumb?


Q Is it Okay for my Baby to Use a Pacifier?


Q What are hiccups?


Q Are sneezes normal?


Q My baby cries a lot. How come?


Q Will changing formula help my baby's colic?


Q How often should my baby poop?


Q Should I put cereal in the bottle to help my baby sleep through the night?


Q When will my baby sleep through the night?


Q How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?


Q My 4 month old girl has a flat head since 2 months old. What does this mean?


Q I have a 4-month-old, and I can't get rid of his cradle cap. I've tried scrubbing and brushing as well as lotion and baby oil. It always comes right back. What will get rid of it once and for all?


Q My 3-week-old baby has developed baby acne all over his face, and it looks really bad. My family says it's from kissing him too much. Is this true?


Q I was wondering if I need to pre-wash all the clothes before first use?


Q At what age is it safe for a healthy newborn to fly?


Q My 3½-week-old baby's soft spot is sunken in. My pediatrician said not to worry unless my son was fussier than normal or was running a fever. Should I be concerned?


Q My seven months old son has six teeth. He seems to be working on the eye teeth right now. I have heard that children get quite ill when these teeth begin to appear. How can I help my son through this?


Q I have a four-week-old boy who has baby acne. I'm interested in learning when it will clear up, how to treat it (if at all) and whether this means he is likely to have complexion problems as he gets older.



When is the baby's first check-up after coming home?

The next visit is usually at 3 - 4 weeks of age. At that time, a history of how the first month has been so far, in terms of feeding, sleeping pattern etc is discussed. This is followed by physical examination by the pediatrician and immunization due at that age is given. At subsequent visits, sequential examinations, developmental assessment as well as immunizations are given according to the age of the infant.


How important is it for dads to bond with their newborn?

it is very important for fathers to begin the bonding process right away. He should feel part of the whole process from the start. The baby by nature tends to be more attached to the mother, but the father definitely should be involved from this point on. This will also reinforce his role as the supportive provider for the baby.


My newborn spits up frequently. Is this serious?

No, spitting in the newborn period, called reflux, is very common and usually subsides in a few months with no treatment necessary. It becomes a concern if it affects growth, causes recurrent pneumonia due to baby breathing in the vomit, or intractable esophagitis due to irritation of the esophagus from stomach acid. Fortunately, all these complications of reflux are rare. Spit-ups are usually more of a problem for the parents than the baby because of the messiness.


My little girl is 15 days old, and she is already suffering from colic. We have tried everything, from car rides to rocking. How long will this last?

Colic usually begins to disappear after baby turns two months of age, sometimes not until another two months. Very little is known about the causes of colic. It probably results from immaturity of movement of the intestinal tract, resulting in gas collecting in the small intestine, producing distention and pain. Most intestinal gas in a baby is swallowed air. Frequent burping, slower feeding, and proper latching if breast-fed or appropriate nipples if bottle-fed, is recommended.
Repetitive motion like car rides also helps. Gently massaging the abdomen area in circular motions to expel gas may work. Try swaddling and warm baths as well; hopefully one of these works. Finally, hang in there because this too shall pass.

At around what age does a baby learn to chew?

Some foods can cause choking unless chewed and this is only possible if a child has teeth and muscular coordination, which is usually not until they are 9 months or older.
Babies often show a readiness for chewing between ages 4 and 6 months. At around 4 months old, most infants possess an instinct that makes them push their tongues out when non-liquid foods are placed in their mouths. At around 5 to 6 months most babies begin to show an interest in foods that we are eating. This coupled with the ability to sit unaided begins the phase for solids.
Most first foods are semi-liquid rice cereals. Having mastered this, your baby can gradually be introduced to a variety of strained or mashed vegetables, fruits, and meats. (To keep a track of allergies, be sure to only introduce one new food every three to five days.)
By 7 to 8 months, a baby learns to put objects in her mouth and demonstrates a readiness for finger foods, such as crackers or dry cereals.
When your baby is around 9 months old and has developed front teeth, you may try finely chopped cooked meats. However, some children have a really hard time adjusting to new textures and may cough or gag. In these situations, you may need to introduce new foods more slowly. It's a matter of time; your baby will eventually accept new textures


My 9-month-old's hemoglobin is low. He's on iron supplement. I have a tendency to be anemic and wonder if this can be a genetic problem.

Iron deficiency is a common problem in infants. Babies store iron obtained from their mother up till about 6 months of age. After this iron depletion occurs; so if the infant is not properly supplemented with iron in his diet, deficiency develops. Iron is present in iron-enriched infant cereal, certain solid foods such as strained meats, and infant formulas containing iron. If whole cows milk is fed to baby under 1 year of age, it not only does not contain adequate iron but causes iron loss by irritating the intestine and causing an increase in intestinal blood loss. (Check with your doctor for further verification)
The iron in human milk is insufficient; breast-fed infants need supplementary food sources of iron after 6 months of age. Genetic problems that lead to anemia do exist. If your infant does not improve after three or four weeks, he may need further evaluation.


Is it necessary to begin children who are formula fed, on solid foods at six months, or can you postpone giving them solids for a year?

All infants should be fed solid foods at six months of age, whether they are bottle-fed or breast-fed. First, milk alone is not enough for growth because the calorie density of milk is relatively low at 20 calories per ounce. Solids are laden with calories in a smaller volume, allowing for more efficient feeding as the infant grows and requires more calories.
Second, since solids are fed from a spoon, this will induce tongue coordination and oral skills which will ultimately help the infant develop speech. Finally, most forms of milk lack in iron with the exception of iron fortified infant formula. Solids contain iron and iron is very important during the second six months of life.


Will my child always have problems because she was born early?

Though premature babies are at higher risk for some problems, most of them grow into healthy children. Early diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing care can give your child a brighter future.


Is it Okay if My Child sucks his or her Thumb?

Thumb sucking is a normal practice with a lot of infants; most give up the habit on their own by age 2. If your child sucks his or her thumb beyond age 2, try to discourage it by age 4. Beyond age 4, thumb sucking can lead to crooked, crowded teeth and/or bite problems.


Is it Okay for my Baby to Use a Pacifier?

Pacifiers are not recommended but if you do decide to let your baby use it don't dip it in sugar, honey, or sweetened liquid. Try to break this habit before your child turns 2. When compared to thumb sucking, a pacifier may be a better option because it can be easier to wean your child from a pacifier than from thumb sucking.


What are hiccups?

Hiccups are common in babies, especially in those who hiccupped before they were born, while in the womb (uterus). The exact cause is not known, but they are thought to be a normal reflex, probably due to immaturity of the nervous system. Babies who gulp during feeds take in more air which gets trapped under the diaphragm. Burping prevents air build up by expelling it.
During the first few months, hiccups often occur after meals. They usually go away within a few minutes and cause no discomfort to the baby. Burp your baby more frequently during feedings; for persistent hiccups a few sucks of water from spoon tip may help. Finally, feed baby when she is not very hungry to prevent hungry gulps.


Are sneezes normal?

Most babies sneeze frequently, but it is not due to colds. Sneezing is a normal reflex that helps to remove mucus from the nose and lungs. Newborns sneeze a lot more after birth because they still have some amniotic fluid in their lungs, leftover from their months in the uterus. Some babies sneeze after feeding, to clear their noses of dried milk that may collect there.
However if your baby sneezes a couple of times more than usual and has a runny nose, it may be due to something else, perhaps he is unwell. Call your doctor for advice.


My baby cries a lot. How come?

Your baby cries a lot because this is the means of communicating and expressing his needs. Newborns cry anywhere from one to four hours daily.
Your baby may be telling you he is wet, hungry, tired, cold or just wants your attention. Sometimes your baby has more needs than one going for him at a given time; other times, he wails for no apparent reason. With time, you will be able to distinguish your baby's cries by how they sound. Having achieved that, don't be puzzled by those periodic cries that have no logical explanation attached to them.


Will changing formula help my baby's colic?

Changing formula may help some babies who experience periods of gassiness or fussiness caused by indigestion. But it is not likely to help colic.
Colic usually starts before 6 weeks of age and ends when the baby is around 3 months old. A colicky baby typically cries for several hours each day (usually in late afternoon or early evening), while pulling up his legs, bunching his fists and/or grimacing. He often swallows air when crying, which leads to more gas and discomfort.
If the baby is otherwise well and cheerful the rest of the time, there is usually no cause for concern since there is little else you can do. However, contact your infant's doctor if in doubt, or if your baby has these crying episodes at an age older than 3 or 4 months. Once the doctor confirms it may be colic, try those techniques that would bring relief against colic.


How often should my baby poop?

Most newborns poop three to five times each day, usually right after feedings. Breast-fed infants tend to defecate more. This pattern continues even after they turn 1 month of age. Conversely, there are some babies who have no bowel movements for as long as three or four days. This is also a common pattern and not unhealthy. If the time between bowel movements is longer than three or four days, or if your baby shows discomfort, talk with your baby's pediatrician.


Should I put cereal in the bottle to help my baby sleep through the night?

It's not a good idea to add cereal to your baby's bottle unless you are following doctor's order. Despite popular belief, adding cereal or other solid foods to your baby's diet will not help your baby sleep through the night. Instead your baby may get accustomed to getting her solids from the bottle and will give you a hard time feeding from the spoon. It is not advisable to introduce cereal before 4 to 6 months as it increases the incidence of food allergies.

When will my baby sleep through the night?

Although newborns sleep most part of the day approximating at 16 hours in total, they do awaken often to feed. The longest time may not always occur at night.
By age 4 months, most babies can sleep uninterrupted for six to eight hours at night; by age 6 months, they can sleep as much as 10 to 12 hours at a stretch.
There are some things you can do to help your baby learn to sleep through the night and to prevent later sleep problems. Put her to bed when she is drowsy but still awake. Keep middle-of-the-night feedings brief, with dim lights and no talking or playing. Minimize nighttime diaper changes and make these quiet too. If she is taking longer naps in the day, rouse her out of it gently.

How do I know if my baby is getting enough to eat?

Your baby may not be getting enough breast milk or formula if she is crying much of the time, not gaining enough weight, not sleeping enough, her skin looks wrinkly and loose and looks more yellow after being a week old, wetting less than 4 diapers and having less than one stool per day.


My 4 month old girl has a flat head since 2 months old. What does this mean?

It is very possible the flat head may be due to baby's sleeping position. Babies should sleep on their backs or sides to avoid the occurrence of SIDS. To combat this problem, place your baby on her stomach when she is awake. Her head will become rounder when she begins lifting her head, rolling over and generally spends more time on her tummy when not sleeping. Bear in mind that the head continues to grow during the first two years of life after which there is a slow down in growth.


I have a 4-month-old, and I can't get rid of his cradle cap. I've tried scrubbing and brushing as well as lotion and baby oil. It always comes right back. What will get rid of it once and for all?

Cradle cap is a common condition with infants and usually causes no discomfort. It goes away on its own, so aggressive treatment is unnecessary. Excessive or harsh scrubbing or brushing of the scalp may cause your baby pain and can aggravate the situation. Daily shampooing with a no-tears shampoo after gently loosening the scales with a small amount of mineral oil on a soft toothbrush, is usually sufficient. Use oil to loosen flakes and ensure it is not left on scalp for long periods of time. If your baby's cradle cap is extremely resistant, you may want to check with his pediatrician to be certain of the diagnosis. If his doctor confirms that it is cradle cap, you can follow the simple measures above, and rest assured that with time, usually well before 1 year of age, the condition will subside on its own.


My 3-week-old baby has developed baby acne all over his face, and it looks really bad. My family says it's from kissing him too much. Is this true?

Newborn acne is caused by hormones in the baby's blood coming from the mother, and generally disappears on its own in 6-9 months. Newborn acne generally does not leave scars behind, and treatment is unnecessary. In fact, applying substances to the skin can actually make things worse. Most important, kissing does not cause newborn acne. Don't hold back those smooches from your bundle of joy.


I was wondering if I need to pre-wash all the clothes before first use?

Washing new baby clothes is recommended for several reasons. First, many people have been handling or possibly trying on those clothes; washing eliminates the transmission of harmful germs. Another reason is that some fabrics have been treated with chemicals to help maintain their texture and color, and these chemicals can sometimes irritate an infant's sensitive skin if they're not washed out. Keep in mind that clothes should be washed in mild laundry detergents separately.


At what age is it safe for a healthy newborn to fly?

Healthy, full-term newborns are usually ready to fly two to four weeks after birth, when the fluid in their middle ears goes away. That's the earliest that you will feel like traveling too. On board the plane, keep her away from unwell strangers, extreme cold or hot temperatures, and too much disruption in her schedule. Nurse or feed her while taking off and particularly while landing to avoid pressure buildup in the middle ear. Hold her upright if she seems distressed for that same reason. Consider buying her a seat on the plane so you have room to secure her in a car seat, the safest way to fly. Else arrange for an in-flight bassinet. Arrive early and book the bulkhead seat for more room to set up. Identify a health care provider at your destination so you will know where to turn if you have any problems. If she has some special health concerns or is a premature baby, you should consult your regular health care provider before making any travel arrangements.


My 3½-week-old baby's soft spot is sunken in. My pediatrician said not to worry unless my son was fussier than normal or was running a fever. Should I be concerned?

You needn't worry if your baby is happy and feeding well. The soft spot, or fontanelle, is the space between four of the growing head bones. It is open (along with one at the back of the head) to allow for some flexibility of the head during birth and, very importantly, to allow for brain growth during your baby's first years.
The soft spot indicates the state of your baby's brain. For example, a bulging fontanelle could mean your baby's brain is growing too fast. Consult with your doctor. When baby is unwell and the fontanelle is sunken, your baby may be dehydrated.


My seven months old son has six teeth. He seems to be working on the eye teeth right now. I have heard that children get quite ill when these teeth begin to appear. How can I help my son through this?

A number of discomforts have been attributed to teething, the most prevalent being mild irritability and skin rashes, slight diarrhea or vomiting, and a low-grade fever. If a child becomes very ill at this time then usually something else is amiss like an infection caused by a teething baby's passion for putting everything in his mouth.
Teething does make little ones uncomfortable. Cold teething rings, cold, wet washcloths and other objects for rubbing (babies think fingers are terrific) are usually helpful. You can also give your child acetaminophen when he is unusually cranky and restless. Topical gels are often absorbed through the gums and contain many chemicals that may not suit some babies so better to avoid them. (Check with your baby's doctor on medication)


I have a four-week-old boy who has baby acne. I'm interested in learning when it will clear up, how to treat it (if at all) and whether this means he is likely to have complexion problems as he gets older.

Baby acne is usually a response to a temporary increase in the male hormone while in the womb and that's why it is more common in male babies. The face rash sometimes appears at birth but more often shows up during baby's first few weeks. It is red and pimply, but can even have white- and blackheads. It usually goes away by itself after a few months, almost never leaving scars. Parents should resist the urge to treat it. Applying chemicals on a baby's sensitive skin can do more harm than good. In extremely severe cases, consult with a pediatric dermatologist.
If the rash lingers longer than 9 months (maximum), it is advisable to run a urine or blood test to check baby's hormone levels. Even in persistent cases, there is no evidence linking baby acne to future complexion problems.

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