Colic

The definition of colic is a long period of vigorous crying that persists despite all efforts of consolation. The difference between colic and other problems is that no matter what you do the crying continues.

Unfortunately the reason for colic is still not completely proven. Many believe there seems to be some sort of gas pain being experienced by the baby. Other possible causes may be: temperament, tension in the home, parental anxiety, an allergy to the milk protein, faulty feeding techniques, spasms of the colon, an immature, hyperactive gut, a highly sensitive nervous system, parental misinterpretations of crying or even a combination of these factors.

Conventional Treatments
Sedatives, antiflatulents and antispasmodics may be prescribed and offer some relief for your child although consult with your doctor about the pros and cons. These medications can cause serious side effects for your baby.

Nutrition and Recommendations
Start by referring to INFANT FEEDING, the first Tip of the Week provided by Baby Purity. Following this diet is a perfect start for a baby's healthy future.

Watch out for sensitivities that you or your child may have. Common colic causing or allergy causing foods for baby are: dairy, alcohol, coffee, chocolate, spicy foods and curries, garlic and onions, legumes and beans, too much fruit (strawberries, grapes, peaches, pineapple and plums) and cabbage family vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and brussel sprouts).

Nutrional supplements that can be helpful for mom (if breastfeeding) and baby are, Lactobacillus acidophilus (providing the bowel with friendly bacteria), which helps ease digestion for baby and Lactobacillus bifidus, another friendly bacteria to help improve digestion.
Breastfeeding mother could take ½ teaspoon twice a day
Or bottle fed baby could take 1/8 teaspoon dissolved in formula twice a day.

A nursing mother may also want to try teas such as chamomile and fennel tea, which could help relax the baby when taken by a nursing mother. A bottle fed baby could have one teaspoon of diluted tea in a bottle 3 times a day.

General Help

• Try “the bicycle” with your baby, lay your baby on his back and move his legs in a circular, bicycle motion.
• Lively music can sometimes help or some babies need the opposite, soft blankets, soft touch and quiet
• Infant massage or warm bath
• Try a warm (not hot) water bottle between you and your baby’s stomach to relax a tense stomach.
• A constant hum has worked for some parents such as the sound of a washer and dryer, blow dryer or the fan in a bathroom
• When all else fails make sure you are getting a break! Dealing with a baby with colic can be a very trying time for parents and especially the mother. Marriages can suffer, as every ounce of energy seems to be spent on calming your new baby. Make sure you are getting breaks and handing your baby over to a trusted friend or family member.
  

Common Cold

The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory system; these viruses may intrude into the throat, nose, ears, sinuses and sometimes the eyes. A cold is transmitted from person to person by touch or sometimes by objects (blankets, toys etc). A usual cold lasts five to ten days. Children are more likely to catch a cold when they are run down, allergy prone or weakening their immune system (with high sugar, refined foods). Most colds occur in winter usually between October to February. Many doctors believe children under six years of age get as many as seven colds a year, older children usually get four to five colds a year.

If a child seems to have a temperature over 102F this is probably the flu with other symptoms being an achy feeling throughout the body. At the most contagious stage of a cold discharge from the nose is watery. When the secretion turns a thick greenish, yellowish color that means the discharge is full of dead white blood cells (immune cells), dead viral particles and dead bacteria. This is a sign of healing and the last stage of the cold.

When you See Your Doctor

• If your child ever shows signs of: rapid breathing, gasping, wheezing, respiratory distress, pale or bluish skin color, unusual lethargy or high fever this may be a serious infection and needs medical attention immediately.
• If a fever persists or if it returns again after several days there may be a bacterial infection.
• If the cold does not clear up in a week, if symptoms get worse, of if your child develops a rash or strange cough.
• If your child has a chronic stuffy nose with greenish discharge this may be a sign of a sinus infection.

Conventional Treatment
There is no cure for the common cold so treatments will only ease the suffering (aches and pains) or bring down fever. Unfortunately many of the drugs used to treat colds have side effects. For instance acetaminophen (found in Tylenol) in excessive amounts can cause liver damage.

Do not give aspirin to a child or teenager with a cold or viral disease as this has been known to cause a dangerous liver disease.

Please read labels of any over the counter drug you may give to your child and talk to your doctor of the possible side effects.

Nutrition and Recommendations
Have your child follow a simple diet, usually children are happy eating simple foods when they are not feeling well. Foods such as soups (vegetable or chicken soup) applesauce, herbal teas (chamomile tea).

Ensure they are drinking lots of fluids. Limit refined sugars, which will inhibit the body from healing. Avoid dairy, which can increase mucous. Watch out for fatty, greasy foods, which are difficult to digest in normal circumstances, and therefore will be even harder when your child is suffering from a cold.

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to ease the course of a cold.
Give a child one dose of Vitamin C three times daily for three days. You want to avoid chewable Vitamin C as this can cause erosion to your children’s teeth.

Zinc can also help boost your child’s immune system. Choose a lozenge or chewable tablet made without sugar.
Give one tablet once a day for three days.

Bioflavonoids are also an excellent supplement for your child’s immunity.
Follow the recommended dosage on the label.

Herbal baths, herbal rubs and herbal steams can be great ways to help your child decongest (eucalyptus, peppermint or thyme).

You may want to humidify your child’s room (ensure the humidifier is clean and use clean demineralised water) and make sure the room is aired out allowing fresh air in the room (without your child being chilled).

There are many herbal remedies that can be very effective depending on the type of cold you may want to speak with a local herbalist regarding this. One effective herb at the first sign of a cold is Anas barbariae.

Constipation

Constipation is a change in bowel habits, usually a decrease in the number, consistency, pain and/or difficulty passing stools. By the end of the first year a child usually has one bowel movement a day. Breastfeed babies tend to have less bowel movements then a formula fed babies as breastmilk is very efficiently used.

Constipation can often be combined with other disturbances such as stomachaches, cramps, headaches and loss of appetite. The reason for constipation is usually physical yet can sometimes be emotional as well. A child that feels rushed or has experienced pain passing stools in the past may be hesitant or even scared, which can lead to constipation. A diet high in sugar, white flour and processed foods has little roughage and leads to poor colon health. Fiber plays a role in keeping stool soft and acts as a bulking agent, stimulating peristaltic movements of the colon.

Sometimes constipation can be associated with deficiencies in Magnesium and Vitamin C. Ensure your child is eating foods rich in these nutrients and that fluids are a constant in their day. Exercise is also very important in the circulation of blood flow by getting oxygen and nutrients to your child’s bowels so they function properly.

Nutrition and Recommendations
Increase the amount of fluids and fiber in your child’s diet. A whole fruit, apples, apricots oranges or prunes is excellent in reducing constipation. Green leafy vegetables (for magnesium) and whole grains are other excellent foods for your child.

If the child suffering from constipation is a baby or toddler please referring to INFANT FEEDING, the first Tip of the Week provided by Baby Purity. Following this diet is a perfect start for a baby's healthy future.

It is also helpful to have your child get used to regular bowel movements at regular times. You may want to have your child sit on the toilet at the same time every day (usually after meals is a good time). Ensure the child is not rushed.

Lactobacillus acidophilus helps to establish healthy flora in the intestine. This is very helpful in relieving constipation. This can be found in some yogurts.

Cradle Cap

Cradle cap is a thick yellowish, encrustation that appears on the scalp of your baby. This skin condition usually begins to appear between 2 and 12 months of age. Cradle cap is seborrhoea dermatitis, an inflammatory skin disease caused by the overactive sebaceous (oil) glands. The glands in the scalp become overactive and secrete excessive amounts of oil. This can also be accompanied by eczema on the nose, eyebrows, forehead and behind the ears. This may be the result of an allergy or a lack of magnesium, zinc and biotin.

Conventional Treatment
If your child’s condition becomes itchy your doctor may recommend a steroid cream. This is usually in very small amounts although be aware that steroid creams can have side effects such as thin fragile skin and in higher dosages, liver damage.

In severe cases an antisebborrheic shampoo may be recommended.

Nutrition and Recommendations
The first step in helping your baby is to refer to INFANT FEEDING, the first Tip of the Week provided by Baby Purity. Following this diet is a perfect start for a baby's healthy future.

If you are nursing avoid refined sugar as bacteria and yeast thrive on sugar. A nursing mother should also avoid saturated fats. Instead ensure you are getting your essential fatty acids (a primrose or borage oil) with your vitamin intake for a few weeks (dosage as per the label).

Lactobacillus acidophilus is very useful for fostering friendly bacteria in the bowel and preventing fungal infections. A healthy gut often results in a healthy system.

If you are breastfeeding, review your diet of possible allergy causing foods you may be consuming. If you are formula feeding try a hypoallergenic formula such as Alimentum or Nutramigen.

You could also try an oil rub consisting of 2 ounces of olive oil and 5 drops of lavender, rosemary or basil essential oils. Apply this to the baby’s head before bed or 30 minutes before bath time. In the morning wash off with a mild calendula shampoo on a washcloth. Rubbing gently removes the loosened crust. You can also use a fine-toothed comb, to help free loosened scales.