One of our visitors recently posed the question of whether it’s a good idea to give a baby kimchi or not.

Kimchi is a staple food in Korea, eaten at many meals including breakfast. It’s most popular form is a spicy fermented cabbage that gets its spiciness from red chili flakes. But there are also many forms of vegetables that are known as kimchi, and they can vary throughout the different seasons depending on which vegetables are ripe at which times.

This means that whether or not you can give your baby kimchi depends largely on the type of kimchi you are considering. If it is the red colored, spicy cabbage kimchi it’s best to hold off on that until your child is a little more developed and able to handle spicier foods.

Can I Give My Baby Kimchi? Answer: Depends on the Type

With such an assortment of kimchi out there, it’s impossible to make an across the board statement on it, and you’ll have to break down the ingredients of the type that you are thinking of to get your answer. Kimchi that is made using fresh vegetables and not a lot of strong substances like red pepper and vinegar may be alright. But the fermenting process will likely leave most kimchi either too hot and spicy, or too sour and vinegary for your baby.

Health Benefits
Few can deny the health benefits of kimchi for adults, as it helps aid in digestion by adding the right intestinal flora due to its fermented nature. This is a similar benefit that sauerkraut provides. But when you consider that a baby typically doesn’t need digestive help because they are getting a very regulated diet, this benefit is not as strong as it is for adults. But there are aspects of kimchi that you might also be thinking will help you baby, like the impressive amounts of Vitamin C, as well as iron and calcium, things that any baby can benefit. So at this point you’ll need to do a costs/benefits analysis. More health benefits can be found at LiveStrong.

Spiciness Concerns
The spice level of kimchi is your main concern here, and whether or not your baby’s palate and stomach can handle it. In the first year, a baby’s system is still developing, so it’s best not to feed them foods that could cause an inflammation for them. Kimchi that isn’t spicy is usually sour or bitter, hitting different taste buds and providing a different flavor altogether. Consider mul-kimchi, which is not very spicy, but has a strong taste nonetheless due to the vinegar.

Sodium Concerns
Depending on the type of kimchi you’re using there could have been a lot of salt used during the fermentation process. You want to keep your baby’s sodium levels in check and not give them things that will overload their delicate system. The Nutrion Information labels you see on foods are for adults, and babies have their own Recommended Daily Values for things like sodium and they’re far lower than for adults.

Giving Baby Cabbage
You can still give your baby the main benefits of kimchi, by giving them cabbage. You can steam cabbage until it is nice and soft, and then puree it or chop it into bite sized pieces if your baby is eating finger foods. This way they’re getting all the positive benefits of cabbage, without the added spices, salts, and perhaps vinegar. And if you were considering giving your baby other types of kimchi made from cucumbers, carrots, or other vegetables, you can still use those veggies, just leave the spices out of the mix and your baby will thank you.

We could find no evidence that your baby would derive any specific benefit from the spicy nature of most kimchi, so it’s recommended not to give it to them because of the reaction they may have, both from putting it in their mouth, and again when they’re trying to digest it. Instead, opt to give your baby a good amount of vegetables by preparing them fresh either by steaming or boiling them, and then serving them according to their age.

And of course if you still have any questions regarding giving your baby kimchi, consult with their pediatrician.

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Unless you cook with leeks often you might be wondering if they’re good for your baby, and if so, what is the best way to prepare them.

There comes a time when you will need to add new types of food to your baby’s diet so that they get a taste for something new. Being a parent, you also want the most nutritious food for your babies to help them grow strong and healthy.

You do not want them to eat just anything without knowing for sure that they can benefit from what they take in. It is important to discern what your baby can or cannot eat, and we always recommend keeping a journal of which foods your baby responds well to. So are leeks worth trying out?

Can I Give My Baby Leeks? Answer: Yes

Leeks are actually quite nutritious. They are high in Vitamin C, potassium, and iron. The green area of the vegetable has beta-carotene to help with the development of your baby’s eyes. Folate is also present, and is needed to stimulate the brain development of babies. Leeks are very low in sugar and fat, but like any food you want to keep moderation in mind. Their digestive system is safe because of the dietary fiber that they contain.

Leeks also strengthen the immune system because of the minerals and vitamins present. It is also quite rare for anyone to be allergic to them. There are no adverse side effects reported when they are fed to babies. They can be sprinkled on their food, or eaten as is. Just the same, you may want to consult a pediatrician before feeding your baby new foods.

Preparing Leeks for Your Baby
You need to clean the leeks properly before cooking them. They are planted on the ground and can contain sand and dirt between the layers. You can cut the middle and run them through water. Remove the green portion and cook the light green and white areas for the best flavor. Instead of onions, you can use leeks for soup. They do not have the strong taste that onions have, and they are a very good choice for light flavored dip.

They can be sautéed or boiled. Be sure that they are soft and cut in the appropriate size so that the baby does not choke. Leeks are also a great seasoning for any type of food. Usually, babies like trying new flavours that don’t have an overwhelming taste. Give them a little bit at first until they get used to the texture. They can also be included in mashed potatoes. Carbohydrates from the potatoes and folate from the leeks will make an interesting combination.

Leeks should be stored in the refrigerator in a plastic bag that is air tight up to two weeks. Once they are cooked, they can last for only two days. It is best to buy them in small quantities to maintain freshness.

The Main Benefits
Leeks lower blood sugar levels in your body. They contain a lot of nutrients that help in metabolizing sugar intake. Good cholesterol will result if they are regularly eaten. They are essential in the prevention of plaque buildup in the body. Diabetic heart disease and atherosclerosis can be avoided. Heart attacks and strokes can happen if the progression of the plaque is not regulated. High blood pressure levels can also decrease when you eat leeks.

Leeks promote optimum health. Risk from prostate and colon cancer is significantly decreased when they are eaten on a daily basis. For females, ovarian cancer can be prevented. Folate is needed by pregnant women for the development of the babies that they are carrying. Birth defects can be avoided especially those that are brain and spine related. Leeks are responsible for a healthy skeletal system. The calcium they contain can help with proper blood flow, and can fend off infection and contamination.

There’s plenty more coverage on leeks from World’s Healthiest Foods.

Other Known Benefits
Scientists say that sulphur compounds are found in leeks. It is good for your health because it reduces your risk of diseases. Leeks also contain “kaempferol,” which is a flavonoid that provides protection to the blood vessels’ lining. Reactive oxygen species and free radicals will not harm the body. You can avoid aging and chronic diseases as well. “Kaempferol” can also help produce nitric oxide which acts as relaxant and natural dilator of the blood vessels. Regular consumption of leeks can help you stay away from heart related diseases.

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There are so many uses for vinegar, including pickling, salad dressing, getting rid of weeds, polishing armor, and so forth. It is also an ancient remedy, supposedly as a cure for any type of ailment. More recently, it has been discovered that apple cider vinegar is a cut above the rest as a very useful health tonic.

Although the old ways of utilizing vinegar have not really been proven, there are still quite a few of those that medical research has proven to be true. Some studies hint about how apple cider vinegar could be a great help with a number of medical conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

Vinegar is produced through fermentation, a process by which the sugar content in food is broken down through yeast and bacteria. During the initial stage of the process, the sugars become alcohol, and when alcohol is fermented more, the result is vinegar. Although vinegar is made by using fruits, grain, and vegetables, apple cider vinegar is a product of crushed apples. Ascetic acid is its main ingredient, just like any other type of vinegar. Just the same, vinegar contains acids, amino acids, mineral salts and vitamins, whether it is apple cider vinegar or not.

Can I Give My Baby Apple Cider Vinegar? Answer: In Some Instances, Yes.

In general, it is all right to make use of apple cider vinegar as a topical medication for your baby, but ingesting it at a very young age may not be really recommended. It is still best to seek advice from a pediatrician as to what type of medication to give a baby. Older children however can acquire some benefits from apple cider vinegar.

The Benefits
There are a small number of home remedies that are widely approved as apple cider vinegar, being recognized as the most natural remedy for a good number of ailments. Due to the fact that it has hardly any unfavorable side effects, it is safe for children as it is for adults. It is also packed with vitamins, acids, enzymes, minerals and pectin. Added to a child’s bath water, the therapeutic benefits of apple cider vinegar include cleansing, detoxifying, and helps in boosting the mood of a child while helping him to relax. There’s also a full write-up on ACV from WebMD for more info.

Apple cider vinegar is also a very helpful solution for wheezing, as well as other asthma-related symptoms that affect a great number of children. Regularly taking a mixture of apple cider vinegar and water during the attack of these symptoms can help in significantly reducing the wheezing. It is particularly effective when it is taken together with simple exercises on deep breathing.

Nutritionally speaking, it is a rich source of many nutrients that children can benefit from. It contains essential vitamins required the body to be able to fight infections and other diseases. It possesses a high content of calcium, manganese, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus, minerals that are needed to facilitate the healthy development and growth of a child. The dietary fiber, pectin, is present in apple cider vinegar, which is another of the more essential nutrients that the body needs.

Apple cider vinegar contains potent antifungal properties too. These are useful in the treatment of various infections like thrush that affects a lot of kids, even a few months of age. It has been used as gargles by the older folk for the treatment of oral thrush. With the younger kids, the solution is used with a cotton swab and applied on the tongue along with the inner cheeks. It is used as a topical medication to remedy ringworm and various types of fungal infections.

It is a rich source of powerful antioxidants, such as beta-carotene together with carotenoids. These antioxidants are vital chemical compounds, helping in the neutralization of the dangerous free radicals found in the young and developing body of a child. These free radicals cause damage to the cells and weaken a child’s immune system, making him more susceptible to different diseases.

There are a great number of ways to make use of apple cider vinegar and take advantage of its many benefits. Nevertheless, extra care must be practiced when it comes to what can be given to babies. Remedies and treatments for older children and adults do not necessarily make them safe for babies. When in doubt, consult with your doctor and find out for sure what is safe and unsafe for a very young child.

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Most parents revel in that new baby smell, but sometimes they can start to produce an odor that isn’t as appealing, and you might consider using deodorant.

Caring for your baby involves much more than simply changing diapers and feeding them. You have to think of them as being surrounded by a bubble, and it’s your job to make sure that anything that’s not good for them stays out of that bubble. In regards to deodorant there are several things to consider, and the first is whether you are going to use some of your own deodorant on them, or are looking for a specially formulated baby deodorant.

In any case you shouldn’t need to be using deodorant on your baby. The times when this pops up the most is when babies start crawling around and working up a sweat. This is when you should start bathing them daily now that they’re more active and merit a daily cleansing.

Can I Give My Baby Deodorant? Answer: Not Recommended

As long as you are washing your baby regularly and changing their clothes as needed, they shouldn’t smell badly enough to warrant use of deodorant. If they are excessive sweaters you can use baby powder to absorb some of the excess perspiration. In order to do so you apply some of the baby powder to your fingers, and once they’re coated you simply touch the areas that are prone to the most sweat. This way you limit the amount of airborne particles that your baby can inhale, but still get the positive benefits you’re looking for.

Babies Have Sensitive Skin
You don’t want to put anything on your babies skin that could potentially cause an irritation or rash. Deodorants are full of chemicals that are designed to produce a fragrance or to stop the body from sweating. There is a high chance that these will not react well to your baby’s skin, and they’re not tested for infant use. Even if a deodorant has never irritated you or hasn’t given you any sort of allergic reaction there is no guarantee that this will be the case for your little one.

The reason adults use deodorant is because we have to go out in public and interact with others. We don’t have the luxury of taking a bath whenever we start to get stinky, so we use deodorant as a way to get us through those times. Also, we’re more active and have auxiliary hair and other factors that cause more distinctive body odor. Your baby has no pressing engagements and is likely not as active, so in most instances deodorant would be overkill.

Deodorants Contain Potentially Harmful Ingredients
Many of the commercially available deodorants contain aluminum, which can lead to cancer and really aren’t fit for adult use, let alone something you’d want to wilfully apply to your baby. On top of that they have artificial dyes and scents added to them so that they smell the way they do.

Concerns with Antiperspirants
You also don’t want to put on an deodorant that contains an antiperspirant, and most of them do. This will block your baby’s body from releasing the sweat, which is very unnatural and is not something you’d want to get into the habit of doing.

Even though you might think that certain brands like Dove would be gentle enough to use on your baby, they aren’t. While they may contain moisturizers and are formulated not to leave marks on your underarms, they’re still not designed for use on babies.

Better Ideas
If you’ve got a case of baby BO the best thing to do is give them a bath. Nine times out of ten this will solve the dilemma of whether or not to use deodorant. If they’re still smelly after having their bath, consider what they’re eating. It could be a food that they’re not processing correctly that is causing the odor. Or they may need multiple baths in one day. As stated earlier, use baby powder to help soak up any excessive perspiration you may encounter, and keep their clothes clean and fresh and you should have no trouble.

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If your family eats lamb regularly, you might wonder when baby can have some too.

Knowing exactly what to feed very young children can be quite bewildering, especially when one is a new parent. Although rice cereal may be the safest and most customary food that babies are given when they have their first meal, they are actually able to tolerate much more than most people think they can. This would include a variety of pureed meats, like lamb and beef.

These meats provide the iron that is essential for the development of a baby’s brain, and transports vital oxygen into each cell in the body. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, it is the older infants who are most likely to be affected by a deficiency of iron. Cereals that have a high content of iron are a great option as well.

Can I Give My Baby Lamb? Answer: Yes

Lamb is a very versatile type of meat, which is prepared in a variety of ways. It is taken from sheep below a year old, making it tender and delicious. It contains a lot of protein, as well as vitamins A and B3, 6 and 12. Minerals in lamb include iron, calcium, phosphorus and zinc. The iron content in particular can be a great help in developing the brain. Protein provides the energy that facilitates the different processes in a baby’s body. Babies require a lot of iron in order to guarantee healthy development, both mentally and physically.

Health Benefits of Lamb
Lamb contains iron that comes in a form absorbed easily by our bodies. It has a low fat content and provides various essential minerals. It is also a great source of amino acids. There are several nutritional benefits that can be obtained from lamb meat.

- A rich source of good protein.
- Contains a lot of iron that the body is able to absorb easily. Adding iron to the diet is essential for red blood cell formation.
- Ccontains trace elements including manganese, selenium, and copper.
- Able to provide for 45% of the body’s daily need of zinc, which is necessary for the development and healing of the immune system. Just like the iron content in lamb, zinc in this meat can be absorbed easily by our bodies, rather than zinc that you find from other types of food.
- Contains B vitamins, which are essential for the body’s metabolic reactions. It also contains thiamine.
- Half of lamb fat is unsaturated. This is another reason why it is good for the human body. Apart from this, many methods in the past 20 years have greatly reduced the fat found in lamb, making it a healthy choice.
- Contains selenium, which have the antioxidant properties that helps boost the immune system of the body. It provides protection from damage on the cells coming from free radicals, enhances the functions of the thyroid, and assists in the activities of the different enzymes. It has also been discovered that selenium can help battle viruses, promote the health of the liver, and prevents the onset of certain types of cancer.

Suggested Preparation of Lamb for Babies
Preparing lamb for the whole family is a great way of encouraging a baby to enjoy it too. One way of preparing lamb for a baby is lamb casserole. You will need a teaspoon of cooking oil, diced lamb, a cup and a half of either meat stock or vegetable stock, 1/4th of a cup of cauliflower, 1/4th of a cup of peas, and diced potatoes. Brown the meat in oil before adding in your stock. Simmer slowly for 30 minutes. Add in the diced potatoes, cooking for another 30 minutes. Follow this with the cauliflower before the peas, simmering until all the vegetables are tender.

To prepare for a baby between 6-7 months, you will need to puree the lamb together with the vegetables, using a food processor. You may add in a little milk to the mixture, making it smoother and giving it a consistency that allows the baby to swallow the food easier. For babies who are 8 months and older, you may add in about a tablespoon of pureed tomato, along with the vegetables.

Lamb is meat that the whole family, including a baby, can enjoy. With all of its nutritional benefits, along with its delicious flavour, your baby can be provided with the essential vitamins and minerals he needs for his healthy development.

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Beeswax is a natural substance secreted by worker bees or female bees using their wax glands. When freshly secreted, it is colorless but changes to other colors when other compounds are added like porpolis and pollen oil. It then becomes yellow or brown.

Natural does not always equate to safety. But with natural beeswax, there are no known side effects of using it so it is considered generally safe for everyone including babies. However, ingesting large portions of beeswax could be bad for the health. Since not many studies were made on this, there is no specific information on the safe amount of beeswax that can be ingested.

It is commonly used as an ingredient in various food products such as tea, coffee, chewing gum and candies. Consuming large amount of this may lead to intestinal blockage, though this is very uncommon. Furthermore, it can be easily treated with the use of laxatives.

Can I Give My Baby Beeswax? Answer: Yes

Beeswax is used on various baby products. Though not enough studies have been done on its side effects, there are also no reported problems with its use on babies. It is usually added to baby lotion, baby shampoo, baby wash and baby bum balm. Check their labels to know the proper application and the amount to give your baby. You may also ask your pediatrician regarding this. Other ingredients like essential oils are added to these baby products. Your pediatrician can determine if these ingredients are safe for your baby. However, trusted baby products that contain beeswax are often harmless to infants. Baby bum balm, baby wash and baby lotion can protect your baby’s skin, while baby shampoo can make your baby’s hair grow beautifully.

Beeswax for Hair and Skin
While you can use beeswax for removing unwanted hair, it can also be used for hair styling, as well as keeping your hair soft. You may find different hair wax products at a beauty store. Choose one that would fit your needs. Some of these products have strong hold making sure that your hair will stay in your preferred style throughout the day. However, if you would like your hair to look well polished but still soft, you may find one that is designed for this use. Their uses are printed on the labels so make sure to read them.

According to some research, beeswax could be beneficial in treating various skin infections and diseases, though no official result is yet released regarding this. It is used as an ingredient in different skin products like lotion and lip balm. Skin products with beeswax provide protection on the skin, as well as keep it moisturized. It has anti-inflammatory, non-allergenic and antioxidant properties, which are great for the skin.

Beeswax for Waxing
Beeswax is not only used in baby products. It can also be used by adults for waxing unwanted body hair. There are several body wax products that you can purchase, which are made from beeswax. They may come in jars, removal strips, as well as roll-ons for easy application. You may remove hair on your own or hire a professional to do it for you. If you decide to do it on your own, make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure safety and successful hair removal. There are waxing methods that require heating of wax to a certain temperature. It is important that the right temperature is achieved to prevent burning your skin.

You can make your own body wax at home. There are various recipes that you can find in books, as well as online for making this homemade product. One of the most common recipes used in creating a homemade body wax is combining beeswax, strawberries and honey. Apply wax to the designated area and let it cool. Pull away from the skin to remove unwanted hair. It will take several weeks before the hair will grow back so you can enjoy showing off some skin. Moreover, strawberries and honey have antibacterial properties, which can help heal wounds.

Other Uses of Beeswax
Aside from baby products, body wax, adult hair and skin products, beeswax has many other uses. It is also used for cosmetic products like eye shadow and eye liner. Candles are some of the most popular products made from beeswax, though other types of wax can also be used in making them. Other uses of beeswax are for crafts and musical instruments. It is used when painting Pysanky or Easter eggs in Ukraine, as well as for yarn painting. It is also used on woodwind instruments and the didgeridoo.

Beeswax is a natural product that has several uses. Make sure to purchase baby products made from all natural beeswax to prevent any side effects. If having second thoughts whether it is safe to use a certain product for your baby, it is always best to consult the pediatrician.

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Parsley makes a plate prettier, and is a palate cleanser, but is it something that is safe for baby?

There comes a time in your baby’s life that you may want to start feeding him food other than the baby formula or breast milk that is given. Of course, there is the worry of feeding him the right stuff or it will be bad for him. Giving a baby food seems like you could be playing with Russian roulette since you have no idea whether you are doing him a favour or may cause serious harm. One of the food items growing with popularity among parents is parsley and the fact that they are now being fed to babies. The question is: is it safe?

Parsley is safe for babies to eat provided that they are already starting to learn to eat solid food. This is the age when a baby starts to take in simple food items and learn to chew. All in all, it is relatively safe and beneficial to feed babies parsley provided that they are not allergic to it.

Can I Give My Baby Parsley? Answer: Yes

The thing with parsley is, it is an herb and not all people can eat it. Babies are no exceptions. If an adult can be allergic to this type of herb, so can babies. The best way to avoid any allergic reactions is to have your baby checked up by a paediatrician to ensure which food items they may have an adverse reaction to. If your baby’s doctor allows it, then by all means let your baby have it.

The Benefits Parsley Provides
There are a number of health benefits parsley may be able to provide the human body, which are also good for babies. While we have known it to be a garnish on our pasta plate and as a simple addition to our meals, there is quite a lot this little herb can provide. For one, it is very rich in antioxidants. It contains Luteolin which improves metabolism in the human body and even acts as an anti-inflammatory.

Parsley also contains Vitamin C and A, which are also well-known as great antioxidants as well as help increase the strength of the immune system. In addition, this herb is also rich in Vitamin K. This vitamin is great for babies as it helps strengthen the bones, which is important especially in the formative years of children. Two spoons or one serving contains over 100% of the RDA’s daily requirement for Vitamin K.

Preparing the Herb to Feed Your Baby
Since parsley is an herb and is known to have a bitter taste, it could be hard to feed your baby with it. There are various ways it can be prepared but the most important part is ensuring that it is cleaned thoroughly first, to avoid bacterial infection. Wash it completely to remove sediments, dirt and bacteria that may linger in it. One way you could feed your baby some parsley is by preparing it raw. It is said that in raw form it contains more antioxidants as opposed to ones that have been cooked, which kills the vitamins and nutrients present in the herb. However, while this may be true, it has a bitter taste that babies may have a hard time eating.

Another way to prepare parsley is by boiling or steaming it so that it can be softened and manageable to eat. As for the bitter taste, some parents mix in boiled sweet potato in the mix to lessen the flavor. Under no circumstances should you microwave it as this will definitely kill most of the nutrients in it. If you can, buy organic instead of regular ones you see in the market. Although they are a tad more costly, it contains more nutrients and is definitely healthier which your baby can benefit from more.

Other Known Benefits of the Herb
Besides containing vitamins, nutrients as well as antioxidants, parsley is also known to benefit the body in other ways. For instance, the herb helps remove excess fluids from the body, therefore acting as a diuretic and improves the kidney function. In addition, babies will also benefit from it as it has been known to help promote digestion. This is very important for babies since at this very young age, their digestive system is still a bit sensitive.

Can I Give My Baby Parsley?

A yeast infection is a fairly common occurrence, so it’s only natural to wonder if you can pass it along to your baby.

For a healthy woman, it is fairly common to sometimes develop an irritation in the vaginal area or the mouth. When it is accompanied by other symptoms such as a creamy white, odorless discharge, a burning sensation when you urinate and swelling, it can cause a lot of distress, but it is actually a normal occurrence. This is known as vaginal thrush or a yeast infection, which is caused by a fungus very similar to yeast known as Candida albicans. While it is indeed a fungus Candida albicans is rarely harmful and can be present in a woman’s vagina without it causing trouble.

However, during pregnancy or while nursing a baby, the yeast-like organisms can grow to levels where they can actually cause plenty of irritation and swelling. This is due to the fact that the estrogen levels often run rampant when a woman is pregnant or has just had a baby. While it isn’t uncommon for this to happen during these situations, it can be a little frightening as no mother wishes for her infant to be affected by thrush.

Can I Give My Baby a Yeast Infection? Answer: Yes.

Unfortunately, a well-meaning mother can give her baby a yeast infection if she isn’t careful or didn’t catch the symptoms in time. Sometimes, a baby can be affected by the vaginal thrush simply by being born. There are also some situations that can affect other parts of a mother’s body – which can then affect a baby due to breastfeeding.

There are many different kinds of anti-fungal medication out there, so being affected by a yeast infection is neither harmful nor life-threatening. However, it can feel terrible to know that you were the cause of your baby’s yeast infection, so it is important to know how a baby can contract the rampant growth of Candida albicans and how to possibly avoid it.

If the Yeast Infection Occurs During the Final Stage of Pregnancy
This can be a rather frightening situation for a loving and expectant mother-to-be, as there is a big chance the baby can contract the fungal disease if the baby is born while the mother still has the vaginal thrush. This occurs due to the fact that the baby is exposed to the Candida albicans as they pass through the vagina. At this point there is nothing a mother can do but hope that the baby does not get it.

Treating Yeast Infections Caught During the Later Stages
If an expecting mother is fortunate enough to catch vaginal thrush while there is still time, she can visit the doctor so that she’s quickly given a prescription for her yeast infection. While it might seem easy to simply purchase anti-fungal medicine and apply it yourself (especially if it has happened before), the doctor will know exactly what kind will work best, and in a situation like this you want the best type of medicine so that your yeast infection disappears before the baby comes.

Yeast Infection of the Nipples
While it is quite easy to tell if a person has vaginal thrush, the opposite can be said about a yeast infection of the nipples. This normally occurs during the mother’s nursing stage, when the baby is being breastfed. It can be hard to tell that a person has it due to the fact that it is usually only swelling and pain that occurs. If a mother is worried that her child might get a yeast infection from being breastfed, this unfortunately can happen. However, most mothers unknowingly tend to stop breastfeeding due to the irritation on their nipples that can actually keep the baby out of harm’s way.

No matter how or where a baby can get a yeast infection, whether in the mouth or the genital area, it can be a distressing time for the mother. Fortunately, treating the body with certain anti-fungal creams and medicines that the doctor prescribes can make dealing with it much easier. Even if an infant catches a yeast infection, it is mostly harmless and will only cause the baby a little stress. Guilt from giving your baby thrush can be hard to avoid if this happens, but just remember that it is a relatively harmless infection.

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There are certainly “firsts” to everything, and a baby’s first haircut is one of them. A lot of new mothers seem to constantly ask themselves how they can deal with their new babies. Well-intentioned friends and other mothers gladly give advice, though a lot of them can be conflicting.

Finding out for sure which advice is the best would be the next order of the day. Superstitious beliefs and myths regarding a baby’s first haircut and various ideas from different cultures can cast some doubt, too. But most mothers agree that a baby’s first haircut must be when he needs it.

Reasons Why not to Delay a Baby’s First Haircut

A baby with long hair can look messy and disheveled. That can be a primary concern for most mothers, including mistaking her little boy for a little girl. It is also easy to see how babies can get a lot of food and other stuff they can get their hands on transferred to their hair. Longer hair tends to hold more of these. But more than that, long hair can get into a baby’s eyes and can affect their eyesight.

Babies tend to be curious and love focusing on things around them. Having hair in their eyes affects the way thye see and could develop into more serious eye problems later on. There is also a problem of static electricity occurring in longer hair. A baby could be very uneasy when that happens. Because of all these reasons, cutting a baby’s hair for the first time should be done when it is needed.

Tips to Get through Baby’s First Haircut

Be Calm. It is a normal reaction for a new mother to get stressed out when a baby gets his first haircut. Whether the mother does it herself, or brings the baby to a salon, the feeling is the same. Relax. When you send out calm feelings, your baby absorbs that. Playing music in the background can do a lot in calming both mother and baby. The atmosphere is easy and the haircut will be more enjoyable.

Prepare the Tools. If you are cutting your baby’s hair for the first time, you must have everything ready and within arm’s reach. That way, you can concentrate on your baby’s hair and simply reach out for what you need quickly, and work more efficiently as a result. There are several items you will need, so make sure that they are all there before cutting your baby’s hair. These will include your sharp pair of scissors, clippers for thicker hair, and a towel. Babies may feel uncomfortable when a towel is placed around them, so some mothers prefer to have them wear smocks.

Provide Distractions. Babies can get fidgety when they are made to stay in one place for a period of time. They will cooperate if they are given items that interest them. A favorite toy, along with a tasty snack that you know they love will do wonders with keeping them still. That achieved, you can snip away with no complaints.

Stay Comfortable. Both mother and baby must be comfortable, in a position where cutting the baby’s hair becomes much easier. Some mothers wait until their babies are asleep, and snip their hair gently while they snooze. If the babies are wide awake, they can be seated on a high chair. This would keep them from wriggling while his hair is being cut.

Keep a Record of This “First.” Mothers are sentimental creatures, especially when it comes to their babies. You can ask someone to take videos and photographs of your baby’s first haircut while you are at it. It is a very nice keepsake and your babies will be able to see how it was, when they are all grown up.

A baby’s first haircut does not have to be something to worry about. Mistakes may happen while you cut their hair, but hair grows back, quickly when it is a child. There is no reason why they cannot have their first haircut sooner than most, if you see that they need it. This all really depends on the mother’s discretion, as with every other thing that her baby needs.

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A cold sore comes as an effect of HSV or the “Herpes Simplex Virus.”

Cold sores are quite common, infecting a number of children even before they are 5 years of age. As a matter of fact, a baby can contract this virus at some stage of vaginal labor, should the mother have an infection. It can also be contracted when one is exposed to the infectious fluids coming from someone who has oral herpes, although one can handle a baby even with a cold sore, as long as caution is practiced.

It is a bit difficult to accurately say when the virus is transmissible or when a person can infect someone else. A lot of people are not even aware that they have it. Nevertheless, a cold sore can be more contagious if it has not been completely healed. Here is more information on cold sores from the Mayo Clinic.

Can I Give My Baby a Cold Sore? Answer: Yes.

Since it is highly likely that a cold sore can infect a baby when not totally healed, it is important to know how to recognize it. An unhealed cold sore is manifested when it is red in color and appears as a bump that is a bit painful. It could also have a new scab that could be a sign of an active virus. The non-existence of symptoms may still have the probability of being contagious. A person with an unhealed cold sore can transfer it to a baby through saliva, the most common way it is transmitted.

Saliva and Contagious Fluids
When a baby is exposed to the saliva of a person infected with cold sores, the virus could infect them when it penetrates through his bloodstream. It could also enter a baby’s mucus membranes. Babies tend to put either their hands or other objects into their mouths. An infected person’s saliva or other fluids that come from a cold sore may contaminate a baby as soon as it makes its way into their mouth, their eyes, or their nasal passages.

How Cold Sores are Transmitted
There are several ways that cold sores are transmitted to a baby. Oftentimes, simply kissing the child can pass on the virus. Other ways are through sneezing and coughing while holding a baby. Sharing utensils is an easy way to transmit the virus. The risk of contagion from an infected person is much higher when holding a child, as saliva need not travel a great distance to get to the baby and pass on the virus to them.

Preventive Measures
Although caution can be practiced while handling a baby when one is infected, it is still best to keep close contact to a child to the minimum. This will lessen the risk of transferring the virus. However, if it cannot be avoided, there are certain precautions one must take to keep the saliva and other contagious fluids from getting to the child. Avoid kissing as much as possible.

Also make sure that the baby does not touch the mouth of the person with the infection as this could lead to oral herpes. Make sure that hands are always clean and washed carefully with soap each time the baby must be handled and tended to. It is not a good idea to cover cold sores lengthily as this could keep it from healing much faster than when it is exposed.

Nevertheless, it would be best to cover it even for awhile, particularly when it oozes, should one be holding a baby. This would lessen the danger of passing on the virus to the child. Keep from sharing personal items with a baby, including utensils, cups and glasses, towels, etc. By taking these measures, the risk of transmitting the virus to the baby is significantly decreased.

If You See Signs
Should a baby show signs of having cold sores, they must be brought to a doctor who will best be able to recommend treatment for the child. Avoid using adult medication for babies. A pediatrician would know exactly what type of medication is best suited for the baby.

Babies are susceptible to various types of viruses so it is always best to take precautions when one is infected. Cold sores are easily transmitted, which is why extra care is needed when handling a baby. Should you feel that you may indeed be infected by the virus, follow precautionary measures to keep your baby safe.

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