While pool safety is always a concern, it is even more important when toddlers are involved. This is because most toddlers do not know how to swim.

Just because a toddler does not know how to swim, it does not mean that they can’t enjoy the pool, like everyone else. However, extra precautions should be taken to ensure their safety.

Those extra precautions may involve the use of pool accessories.

If you are a pool owner, it is likely that you know that pool accessories include a wide variety of different items.

These items may include, but should not be limited to, pool fixtures, cleaning supplies, pool toys, and lifesaving devices.

If you are the parent of a toddler, or if a toddler is planning on using your swimming pool, you may want to equip yourself with some of the most popular pool accessories, especially those that are designed with toddlers in mind.

Since pool safety is a major concern, when it comes to toddlers and other small children, you may want to consider purchasing some accessories that are also known as lifesaving devices.

These items may include arm floaties and lifejackets. Arm floaties are safety devices that go on a child’s arm. Many young children use them. In fact, they enable a child, who would otherwise not know how to swim, to stay afloat.

Lifejackets have a similar purpose, expect they attach on to a child like a piece of clothing.

In addition to lifesaving devices, such as arm floaties or lifejackets, you may also want to consider purchasing pool toys. As with most pool accessories, pool toys include a wide variety of different items.

These items may include, but should not be limited to kickboards, swim rings, baby floats, and beach balls. If you are looking for entertaining toys, you may want to consider purchasing a beach ball or smaller toys that float on the water, such as fishes.

Many small children, including toddlers, find these toys to be entertaining.

As previously mentioned, swim toys may also include kickboards, baby floats, and swim rings. While these popular pool accessories are considered toys, they may also assist those that are unable to swim on their own.

Swim rings are ideal for toddlers who may have some swimming knowledge. They can also be used in conjunction with arm floaties or a small life jacket.

For smaller children, such as small toddlers or infants, a baby float may be ideal. Baby floats, unlike traditional swim rings, often have leg holes and they are specially shaped for stability.

While pool toys and lifesaving devices are the most popular pool accessories for toddlers, they are not the only ones. Whether you are looking for additional pool hardware, fixtures, or something else, that is safe for toddlers, there is likely something on the market that will meet your needs.

By examining these products, you may even find a new toy or lifesaving device that you were previously unaware of.

If the above mentioned pool accessories, for toddlers, seem like something you would like to have on hand, you will need to start shopping. Pool accessories can be purchased form a wide variety of different locations. These locations may include storefront retail locations or online retailers.

Most stores, whether they are on or offline retailers, are likely to have a fairly large selection of these popular pool toys and accessories.

The cost of all swim accessories, including those for toddlers, will depend on what accessories you are purchasing and where you are purchasing them from.

For low-cost swim accessories, such as arm floaties, floating toys, or beach balls, you may be able to shop at your local discount store or dollar store.

For more expensive items, such as a lifejackets, kickboards, or baby floats, you may need to shop online or visit your local pool supply store.

When it comes to entertaining toddlers and keeping them safe, you do not always have to purchase items that are considered top of the line, although you may want to.

Regardless of which of the above mentioned swim accessories you purchase, it is likely that your young swimmer will be pleased with their new water toys.

Although predictability can be tiresome for adults, children thrive on repetition and routine.

Schedules begin from the first days of life. Babies, especially, need regular sleep and meal programs and even routines leading up to those activities.

As they gets older, when a child knows what is going to happen and who is going to be there, it allows them to think and feel more independently, and feel more safe and secure.

A disrupted routine can set a child off and cause them to feel insecure and irritable.

Dinnertime is a great place to start setting a routine. Sitting together at the dinner table gives children the opportunity to share their day and talk about their feelings. This is also a great time to include some responsibility in your child’s routine, such as helping to set or clear the table.

And regardless of how exhausted you or your children may be, don’t be tempted to skip winding down from the day. This is part of a nighttime ritual and allows both child and parent to decompress after a busy day. It also helps bedtime go more smoothly.

This is usually the time of day when parent and child can spend some quality time together, so fight the urge to start the laundry or do the dishes until after the child has gone to bed.

If this isn’t possible, consider trading off these duties with your spouse each night to ensure your child has quality time with each parent on a regular basis.

Take the time to find out what wind-down strategy works best for your child. Some children are actually energized instead of relaxed by a warm bath, so if that’s the case with your child, bath time should be saved for a different time of day.

Whatever routine you settle on, make it quiet, relaxing, and tranquil for everyone.

And though routines are essential, there should be some room to be flexible as well. You might be out late at night on a family outing, have unexpected company show up that may result in a skipped meal or nap in the car while running errands in the evening.

In these instances, it’s important for you to keep your cool. If you express frustration or anger about disrupting the routine, your child will as well.

Prepare children for such unexpected events and show them that though it can happen from time to time, the routine will return the next day.

It’s probably something they did before they were born and revert back to it when they are nervous, agitated, scared or ill.

They may also use it to lull themselves back to sleep in the middle of the night.

Parents shouldn’t concern themselves unless it continues after the age their permanent teeth begin to appear, around six years old.

Experts say that it’s the intensity of the thumb sucking and the tongue’s thrust that deforms teeth and makes braces necessary later.

Children who rest their thumb passively in their mouth are less likely to have difficulty than children who suck aggressively.

If you’re concerned, closely monitor your child and analyze his technique. If they appears to be sucking vigorously, you may want to begin curbing their habit earlier.

Punishing or nagging your child to stop won’t help because it’s usually an automatic response. Attempting to curb it by putting an elastic bandage on his thumb or another method will seem like unjust punishment, especially since they indulge in the habit for comfort and security.

Try to wait it out. Children usually give up thumb-sucking when they’ve found other ways to calm and comfort themselves. Consider offering them other alternatives to comfort themselves such as a soft blanket or lullaby toy

The key is to notice when and where they are likely to suck their thumbs and offer an alternative.

If it happens while they are tired, try giving more naps.

If they suck their thumb frequently while watching television, try to distract them with a toy that will keep their hands occupied.

Older children may need gentle reminders to curtail thumb sucking while in public, and praise should be given freely when the child finds and uses an acceptable alternative.

Your child’s pediatric dentist can offer other suggestions for helping your child kick the thumb sucking habit.

There are many reasons a baby could be fussy or unable to sleep, including illness, colic, or something as simple as either too much noise or too little noise.

Before altering your baby’s sleeping environment, take a moment to evaluate just why your baby has been fussy or upset at bedtime.

Things like changes in the weather, a neighbor’s new puppy continually barking, a loud car stereo blaring, or a bright street light can all contribute to changing a baby’s otherwise familiar and comfortable sleeping environment.

If after evaluating, you discover that there has been an environmental change that has occurred, but are out of your control, you might consider creating some ‘white noise’ in your baby’s environment to help drown out these unpleasant and loud sleep disruptors.

Noises that are repetitive and almost monotonous sounding are known as ‘white noise’ – noise that is occurring constantly, and, as a result, we’ve ‘tuned it out.’

There are many items in our house that create white noise that we might not even realize – our air conditioners, vacuum cleaners, clothes dryers, or fans all create white noise as they operate.

Other things such as running water, an analog clock with a ticking second hand, or a fish aquarium also create white noise.

These noises might actually help ‘drown out’ the disruptive external noises that are keeping your baby, and thereby you, from a good night’s sleep.

Another option might be to run a favorite lullaby on continuous play in your baby’s room. There are many options out there for newborns and toddlers alike in the music department of your favorite store.

You could even put together a special mix just from mommy and daddy on your personal computer.

Better yet, put together a recording of mommy and daddy’s soft, soothing and gentle voices, and baby will be back in dreamland before you know it – and so will you!

After a month or two, when it begins to sleep less during the day, it will delight to roll and kick about on the sofa: it will thus use its limbs freely; and this, with carrying out into the open air, is all the exercise it requires at this period.

By and by, however, the child will make its first attempts to walk.

Now it is important that none of the many plans which have been devised to teach a child to walk, should be adopted the go-cart, leading-strings, etc.; their tendency is mischievous; and flatness of the chest, confined lungs, distorted spine, and deformed legs, are so many evils which often originate in such practices.

This is explained by the fact of the bones in infancy being comparatively soft and pliable, and if prematurely subjected by these contrivances to carry the weight of the body, they yield just like an elastic stick bending under a weight, and as a natural consequence become curved and distorted.

It is highly necessary that the young and experienced mother should recollect this fact, for the early efforts of the little one to walk are naturally viewed by her with so much delight, that she will be apt to encourage and prolong its attempts, without any thought of the mischief which they may occasion; thus many a parent has had to mourn over the deformity which she has herself created.

It may be as well here to remark, that if such distortion is timely noticed, it is capable of correction, even after evident curvature has taken place. It is to be remedied by using those means that shall invigorate the frame, and promote the child’s general health (a daily plunge into the cold bath, or sponging with cold salt water, will be found signally efficacious), and by avoiding the original cause of the distortion never allowing the child to get upon his feet.

The only way to accomplish the latter intention, is to put both the legs into a large stocking; this will effectually answer this purpose, while, at the same time, it does not prevent the free and full exercise of the muscles of the legs.

After some months pursuing this plan, the limbs will be found no longer deformed, the bones to have acquired firmness and the muscles strength; and the child may be permitted to get upon his feet again without any hazard of perpetuating or renewing the evil.

The best mode of teaching a child to walk, is to let it teach itself, and this it will do readily enough. It will first crawl about: this exercises every muscle in the body, does not fatigue the child, throws no weight upon the bones, but imparts vigour and strength, and is thus highly useful.

After a while, having the power, it will wish to do more: it will endeavour to lift itself upon its feet by the aid of a chair, and though it fail again and again in its attempts, it will still persevere until it accomplish it.

By this it learns, first, to raise itself from the floor; and secondly, to stand, but not without keeping hold of the object on which it has seized. Next it will balance itself without holding, and will proudly and laughingly show that it can stand alone.

Fearful, however, as yet of moving its limbs without support, it will seize a chair or anything else near it, when it will dare to advance as far as the limits of its support will permit.

This little adventure will be repeated day after day with increased exultation; when, after numerous trials, he will feel confident of his power to balance himself, and he will run alone. Now time is required for this gradual self-teaching, during which the muscles and bones become strengthened; and when at last called upon to sustain the weight of the body, are fully capable of doing so.

Exercise during childhood.
————————-

When the child has acquired sufficient strength to take active exercise, he can scarcely be too much in the open air; the more he is habituated to this, the more capable will he be of bearing the vicissitudes of the climate.

Children, too, should always be allowed to amuse themselves at pleasure, for they will generally take that kind and degree of exercise which is best calculated to promote the growth and development of the body.

In the unrestrained indulgence of their youthful sports, every muscle of the body comes in for its share of active exercise; and free growth, vigour, and health are the result.

If, however, a child is delicate and strumous, and too feeble to take sufficient exercise on foot, and to such a constitution the respiration of a pure air and exercise are indispensable for the improvement of health, and without them all other efforts will fail, riding on a donkey or pony forms the best substitute.

This kind of exercise will always be found of infinite service to delicate children; it amuses the mind, and exercises the muscles of the whole body, and yet in so gentle a manner as to induce little fatigue.

The exercises of horseback, however, are most particularly useful where there is a tendency in the constitution to pulmonary consumption, either from hereditary or accidental causes. It is here beneficial, as well through its influence on the general health, as more directly on the lungs themselves.

There can be no doubt that the lungs, like the muscles of the body, acquire power and health of function by exercise. Now during a ride this is obtained, and without much fatigue to the body.

The free and equable expansion of the lungs by full inspiration, necessarily takes place; this maintains their healthy structure, by keeping all the air-passages open and pervious; it prevents congestion in the pulmonary circulation, and at the same time provides more completely for the necessary chemical action on the blood, by changing, at each act of respiration, a sufficient proportion of the whole air contained in the lungs, all objects of great importance, and all capable of being promoted, more or less, by the means in question.

At present, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends that all babies be breastfed exclusively for six months. A long time, you may think, especially in the middle of a colic episode or growth spurt! However, there are real concerns for the welfare of babies that have led to this advice.

In the past many babies were fed solid foods at very young ages. It is now believed that their bodies were unable to cope with the demands this placed on them; a dramatic increase in the incidence of allergies and food intolerances meant guidelines were reviewed and altered.

The main danger that comes with introducing solid food too early is that babies may receive too much salt in their diets, leading to potential kidney problems in later life.

So, if you follow the advice of the World Health Organisation, you will see that it makes sense to put off giving food other than breastmilk for the first six months.

So how do you encourage a six month old baby to eat solids?

The main thing to remember is that you should introduce solids gradually.

When your baby is ready for solid food he will begin to demand feeds more often, and may never seem satisfied for very long. He will start to take an interest in your meals and may even try to help himself! He will begin lip-smacking and chewing as he mimics you. A real sign that solids are imminent is the development of teeth.

Speak to a health-visitor if you think your baby is very hungry. If your baby is under six months you may find that he is just going through a prolonged growth spurt. If this is the case, his hunger will normally settle down after a few days when your milk supply has increased.

When your baby reaches the six month target, and you are sure that he is ready for solid food, try a teaspoonful of watery baby rice or baby porridge. Try to keep foods very bland and runny at the beginning.

Once he is used to solid foods, and is no younger than six months, you can quickly move onto adult cereals like Weetabix and Readybrek.
It is wise to only introduce one food at a time so that you can identify any intolerances or allergies. Sometimes these can take several days to take effect, so stick to one food for a few days before moving onto another.

Some babies are happy to have one solid feed a day at the beginning of weaning, whereas others require more frequent feeds.
It is a good idea to offer the breast before and after each feed to maintain a good milk supply.

Cows milk and dairy products, eggs, fish particularly shellfish), nuts (especially peanuts), some fruits and foods containing gluten can all cause allergic reactions. So be careful with your choices…
From six months babies can digest protein so red meat, fish, eggs, cheese, chicken and pulses can all be introduced.

Do not give peanuts to babies under one year old: if there is a history of allergies in your family avoid giving them for at least three years. As well a being an allergy hazard they can also be a choking hazard.

Honey should also be avoided for the first year as babies can contract botulism from it.

Eggs must be thoroughly cooked but can be introduced from six months.

Buy gluten-free baby food at the beginning of weaning, if possible, as gluten can cause coeliac disease. Usually a six month old baby can digest gluten without any problems but younger babies are more at risk.

Some babies react to citrus fruits such as oranges but alternative fruit juices can be given instead, such as apple juice.

Never add salt to food which your baby will eat. If he is ready to eat the same meals as the rest of the family do not add gravy until you have removed the baby’s portion, as gravy can contain a lot of salt.

It is best to introduce savoury foods prior to sweet foods as babies very quickly develop a sweet tooth! They tend to enjoy pureed carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, turnip and parsnip and any combination of these foods. Babies also love stewed apples and pears or mashed bananas and strawberries!

However, many babies dislike potatoes at the beginning of weaning. When the baby is a little more experienced with tastes and textures you can start adding some potato to his meals.

Let the baby decide when he has had enough of any particular meal. Never force-feed the baby. He only needs a little bit of solid food each day. For some babies a few spoonfuls will be enough; for others a main course and dessert are required!

If he refuses to eat one type of food avoid it for a while and try something else. Return to the disliked food after a few days and try again. Some babies can be very fussy, whereas others eat whatever is placed in front of them!

Take it slowly and it will not be such a big change for either you or your baby. Weaning should be a fun experience for you both. After a very short time your baby will look forward to his solid feeds and will even start to let you know that he wants more!

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Now a recent study has shown for the first time that the health of a child is also dependent on their father’s diet.

A team of scientists from University of California, Berkeley and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have shown that Folate improves sperm quality and helps give birth to healthier children.

The study examined 97 healthy, non-smoking men. They were questioned about their medical and reproductive history, lifestyle, and daily intake of foods that contain zinc, folate, vitamin C, vitamin E and beta carotene intake.

Their sperm was then tested for chromosome level. Healthy sperm should have one copy of each sex chromosome (X or Y). Aneuploidy is a condition in which the sperm contain an abnormal number of chromosomes.

About 1% to 4% of a healthy male’s sperm have some type of abnormality of this kind. Why these abnormalities happen is poorly understood and the role of nutrition has not been explored.

Those with higher levels of aneuploidy have higher risk for miscarriages, and having children with numerous conditions, such as Down’s syndrome, Turner’s syndrome and Klinefelter’s syndrome.

The study showed that those men with higher folate levels had a far less (20-30%) chance of having aneuploidy, thus they were less likely to have children with chromosomal abnormalities.

Because this study took only a small cross section of men, it is still too early to make grand conclusions. However, it does provide useful information. Further, the fact that men’s diets are being analyzed and shown to have an impact on the health of their offspring is very positive.

Foods High in Folate include:

* Broccoli

* Spinach and other green leafy vegetables

* Avocado

* Green Peas

* Oranges

* Asparagus

* Lentils

* Brussels Sprouts

* Chick Peas

Besides healthy sperm count, high foods high in folate have other benefits such as:

* Supporting red blood cell production and helping to prevent anemia

* Helping prevent homocysteine build-up in your blood

* Supporting cell production, especially in your skin

* Allowing nerves to function properly

* Helping prevent osteoporosis-related bone fractures

* Helping prevent dementias including Alzheimer’s disease

Other signs of folate deficiency may include:

* Irritability

* Mental fatigue, forgetfulness, or confusion

* Depression

* Insomnia

* General or muscular fatigue

* Gingivitis or periodontal disease

http://www.NaturalNews.com/023053_health_folate_foods.html

About the author:– Sheryl is a kinesiologist, nutritionist and holistic practitioner. Her website www.younglivingguide.com provides the latest research on preventing disease, looking naturally gorgeous, and feeling emotionally and physically fabulous.

Some benefits to a lifelong, proper vegetarian diet include a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

The main problem with vegetarianism and toddler nutrition is making sure your child gets enough nutrients and calories. Calorie consumption is important for ensuring your toddler has the energy he needs to play hard and grow.

It can be challenging to develop a well-rounded vegetarian toddler menu that provides enough protein and iron. Since toddlers already have such a small appetite, it can be difficult to get them to eat enough vegetables or beans to receive all of their nutrients.

Therefore, it is important that vegetarian children are served nutrient-dense foods.

Soybeans and tofu are a great source of protein for adults and children over four. For toddlers, though, it shouldn’t be used as their main source of protein. In this instance, compliment the tofu or soybeans that you serve with soymilk that has been fortified with vitamins and minerals.

Not only will this help provide some protein, it will also help your toddler’s nutrition by providing calcium, and vitamins A and D, which can often be hard to get in a vegan diet.

Iron can be found in many vegetarian-friendly foods. Kidney beans, lima beans, green beans, and spinach are all excellent sources of iron.

However, unlike iron derived from animal sources, iron from vegetables can be hard for your body to absorb properly. But serving a vitamin C rich food with those beans or spinach can make the iron easier for your toddler to absorb.

Some great sources of vitamin C include
tomatoes,
oranges,
broccoli,
red peppers,
cantaloupe.

While it is possible to raise a healthy vegan, it can take a bit more work. You may need to supplement your toddler’s diet to ensure they get all the nutrition that they need.

Vitamin B-12 can be especially difficult for vegans to get enough of.

While vegetables contain some B-12 vitamins, the body does not easily absorb these. Your toddler’s healthcare provider can help you decide on a B-12 suitable for toddlers.

A diet that does not allow for calcium can also be detrimental to your child’s health. Calcium helps to make bones stronger and aids in proper growth and development.

Choose soymilk that is calcium-fortified, but be sure it’s also fortified with other nutrients that your toddler needs for good nutrition.

Breast feeding to 3 - 4 years of age is common in much of the world recently, and is still common in many societies for toddlers to be breast fed.

Because mothers and babies often enjoy to breast feed, you shouldn’t stop it. After six months, many think that breast milk loses it’s value - which isn’t true. Even after six months, it still contains protein, fat, and other important nutrients which babies and children need.

The fact is, immune factors in breast milk will protect the baby against infections. Breast milk also contains factors that will help the immune system mature, and other organs to develop and mature as well.

It’s been shown and proven in the past that children in daycare who are still breast feeding have far less severe infections than the children that aren’t breast feeding. The mother will lose less work time if she chooses to continue nursing her baby once she is back to work.

If you have thought about breast feeding your baby once he gets passed 6 months of age, you have made a wise decision. Although many feel that it isn’t necessary, breast milk will always help babies and toddlers. Breast milk is the best milk you can give to your baby.

No matter what others may tell you, breast feeding only needs to be stopped when you and the baby agree on it. You don’t have to stop when someone else wants you to - you should only stop when you feel that it’s the right time.

This knowledge it will not be difficult for her to obtain.

She has only to bear in mind what are the indications which constitute health, and she will at once see that all deviations from it must denote the presence of disorder, if not of actual disease.

With these changes she must to a certain extent make herself acquainted.

Signs of health.
—————

The signs of health are to be found, first, in the healthy performance of the various functions of the body; the regular demands made for its supply, neither in excess or deficiency; and a similar regularity in its excretions both in quantity and appearance.

If the figure of the healthy infant is observed, something may be learnt from this. There will be perceived such an universal roundness in all parts of the child’s body, that there is no such thing as an angle to be found in the whole figure; whether the limbs are bent or straight, every line forms a portion of a circle.

The limbs will feel firm and solid, and unless they are bent, the joints cannot be discovered.

The tongue, even in health, is always white, but it will be free from sores, the skin cool, the eye bright, the complexion clear, the head cool, and the abdomen not projecting too far, the breathing regular, and without effort.

When awake, the infant will be cheerful and sprightly, and, loving to be played with, will often break out into its merry, happy, laugh; whilst, on the other hand, when asleep, it will appear calm, every feature composed, its countenance displaying an expression of happiness, and frequently, perhaps, lit up with a smile.

Just in proportion as the above appearances are present and entire, health may be said to exist; and just in proportion to their partial or total absence disease will have usurped its place.

We will, however, for the sake of clearness examine the signs of disease as they are manifested separately by the countenance, the gestures, in sleep, in the stools, and by the breathing and cough.

Of the countenance.
——————-

In health the countenance of a thild is expressive of serenity in mind and body; but if the child be unwell, this expression will be changed, and in a manner which, to a certain extent, will indicate what part of the system is at fault.

The brows will be contracted, if there is pain, and its seat is in the head. This is frequently the very first outward sign of any thing being wrong, and will occur at the very onset of disease; if therefore remarked at an early period, and proper remedies used, its notice may prevent one of the most fearful of infantile complaints “Water in the Head.”

If this sign is passed by unheeded, and the above disease be threatened, soon the eyes will become fixed and staring, the head hot, and moved uneasily from side to side upon the pillow, or lie heavily upon the nurse’s arm, the child will start in its sleep, grinding its teeth, and awake alarmed and screaming, its face will be flushed, particularly the cheeks (as if rouged), its hands hot, but feet cold, its bowels obstinately costive, or its motions scanty, dark-coloured, and foul.

If the lips are drawn apart, so as to show the teeth or gums, the seat of the pain is in the belly. This sign, however, will only be present during the actual existence of suffering; if, therefore, there be any doubt whether it exist, press upon the stomach, and watch the eifect on the expression of the countenance.

If the pain arise simply from irritation of the bowels excited from indigestion, it will be temporary, and the sign will go and come just as the spasm may occur, and slight remedial measures will give relief.

If, however, the disease be more serious, and inflammation ensue, this sign will be more constantly present, and soon the countenance will become pale, or sallow and sunken, the child will dread motion, and lie upon its back with the knees bent up to the belly, the tongue will be loaded, and in breathing, while the chest will be seen to heave with more than usual effort, the muscles of the belly will remain perfectly quiescent.

If the nostrils are drawn upwards and in quick motion, pain exists in the chest. This sign, however, will generally be the accompaniment of inflammation of the chest, in which case the countenance will be discoloured, the eyes more or less staring, and the breathing will be difficult and hurried; and if the child’s mode of respiring be watched, the chest will be observed to be unmoved, while the belly quickly heaves with every inspiration.

Convulsions are generally preceded by some changes in the countenance. The upper lip will be drawn up, and is occasionally bluish or livid. Then there may be slight squinting, or a singular rotation of the eye upon its own axis; alternate flushing or paleness of the face; and sudden animation followed by languor.

These signs will sometimes manifest themselves many hours, nay days, before the attack occurs; may be looked upon as premonitory; and if timely noticed, and suitable medical aid resorted to, the occurrence of a fit may be altogether prevented.

The state of the eyes should always be attended to. In health they are clear and bright, but in disease they become dull, and give a heavy appearance to the countenance; though after long continued irritation they will assume a degree of quickness which is very remarkable, and a sort of pearly brightness which is better known from observation than it can be from description.

The direction of the eyes, too, should be regarded, for from this we may learn something. When the infant is first brought to the light, both eyes are scarcely ever directed to the same object: this occurs without any tendency to disease, and merely proves, that regarding one object with both eyes is only an acquired habit.

But when the child has come to that age when the eyes are by habit directed to the same object, and afterwards it loses that power, this circumstance alone may be looked upon as a frequent prelude to disease affecting the head.

Of the gestures.
—————-

The gestures of a healthy child are all easy and natural; but in sickness those deviations occur, which alone will often denote the nature of the disease.

Suppose an infant to have acquired the power to support itself, to hold its head erect; let sickness come, its head will droop immediately, and this power will be lost, only to be regained with the return of health; and during the interval every posture and movement will be that of languor.

The little one that has just taught itself to run alone from chair to chair, having two or three teeth pressing upon and irritating the gums, will for a time be completely taken off its feet, and perhaps lie languidly in its cot, or on its nurse’s arm.

The legs being drawn up to the belly, and accompanied by crying, are proofs of disorder and pain in the bowels. Press upon this part, and your pressure will increase the pain. Look to the secretions from the bowels themselves, and by their unhealthy character your suspicions, in reference to the seat of the disorder, are at once confirmed.

The hands of a child in health are rarely carried above its mouth; but let there be any thing wrong about the head and pain present, and the little one’s hands will be constantly raised to the head and face.

Sudden starting when awake, as also during sleep, though it occur from trifling causes, should never be disregarded. It is frequently connected with approaching disorder of the brain.

It may forebode a convulsive fit, and such suspicion is confirmed, if you find the thumb of the child drawn in and firmly pressed upon the palm, with the fingers so compressed upon it, that the hand cannot be forced open without difficulty.

The same condition will exist in the toes, but not to so great a degree; there may also be a puffy state of the back of the hands and feet, and both foot and wrist bent downwards.

There are other and milder signs threatening convulsions and connected with gesture, which should be regarded: the head being drawn rigidly backwards, an arm fixed firmly to the side, or near to it, as also one of the legs drawn stifly upwards.

These signs, as also those enumerated above, are confirmed beyond all doubt, if there be present certain alterations in the usual habits of the child: if the sleep is disturbed, if there be frequent fits of crying, great peevishness of temper, the countenance alternately flushed and pale, sudden animation followed by as sudden a fit of languor, catchings of the breath followed by a long and deep inspiration, all so many premonitory symptoms of an approaching attack.

Of the sleep.
————

The sleep of the infant in health is quiet, composed, and refreshing. In very early infancy, when not at the breast, it is for the most part asleep in its cot; and although as the months advance it sleeps less, yet when the hour for repose arrives, the child is no sooner laid down to rest, than it drops off into a quiet, peaceful slumber.

Not so, if ill. Frequently it will be unwilling to be put into its cot at all, and the nurse will be obliged to take the infant in her arms; it will then sleep but for a short time, and in a restless and disturbed manner.

If it suffer pain, however slight, the countenance will indicate it; and, as when awake, so now, if there is any thing wrong about the head, the contraction of the eye-brow and grinding of the teeth will appear; if any thing wrong about the belly, the lips will be drawn apart, showing the teeth or gums, and in both instances there will be great restlessness and frequent startings.

Of the stools.
————–

In the new-born infant the motions are dark coloured, very much like pitch both in consistence and appearance. The first milk, however, secreted in the mother’s breast, acts as an aperient upon the infant’s bowels, and thus in about four-and-twenty hours it is cleansed away.

From this time, and through the whole of infancy, the stools will be of a lightish yellow colour, the consistence of thin mustard, having little smell, smooth in appearance, and therefore free from lumps or white curded matter, and passed without pain or any considerable quantity of wind.

And as long as the child is in health, it will have daily two or three, or even four, of these evacuations. But as it grows older, they will not be quite so frequent; they will become darker in colour, and more solid, though not so much so as in the adult.

Any deviation, then, from the above characters, is of course a sign of something wrong; and as a deranged condition of the bowels is frequently the first indication we have of coming disease, the nurse should daily be directed to watch the evacuations.

Their appearance, colour, and the manner in which discharged, are the points principally to be looked to. If the stools have a very curdy appearance, or are too liquid, or green, or dark-coloured, or smell badly, they are unnatural. And in reference to the manner in which they are discharged, it should be borne in mind, that, in a healthy child, the motion is passed with but little wind, and as if squeezed out, but in disease, it will be thrown out with considerable force, which is a sign of great irritation.

The number, too, of stools passed within the four-and- twenty hours it is important to note, so that if the child does not have its accustomed relief, (and it must not be forgotten that children, although in perfect health, differ as to the precise number,)

Of the breathing and cough
————————–

The breathing of a child in health is formed of equal inspirations and expirations, and it breathes quietly, regularly, inaudibly, and without effort. But let inflammation of the air-tubes or lungs take place, and the inspiration will become in a few hours so quickened and hurried, and perhaps audible, that the attention has only to be directed to the circumstance to be at once perceived.

Now all changes which occur in the breathing from its healthy standard, however slight the shades of difference may be, it is most important should be noticed early. For many of the complaints in the chest, although very formidable in their character, if only seen early by the medical man, may be arrested in their progress; but otherwise, may be beyond the control of art.

A parent, therefore, should make herself familiar with the breathing of her child in health, and she will readily mark any change which may arise.

Whenever a child has the symptoms of a common cold, attended by hoarseness and a rough cough, always look upon it with suspicion, and never neglect seeking a medical opinion.

Hoarseness does not usually attend a common cold in the child, and these symptoms may be premonitory of an attack of “croup;” a disease excessively rapid in its progress, and which, from the importance of the parts affected, carrying on, as they do, a function indispensably necessary to life, requires the most prompt and decided treatment.

The following observations of Dr. Cheyne are so strikingly illustrative, and so pertinent to my present purpose, that I cannot refrain inserting them: “In the approach of an attack of croup, which almost always takes place in the evening, probably of a day during which the child has been exposed to the weather, and often after catarrhal symptoms have existed for several days, he may be observed to be excited, in variable spirits, more ready than usual to laugh than to cry, a little flushed, occasionally coughing, the sound of the cough being rough, like that which attends the catarrhal stage of the measles.

More generally, however, the patient has been for some time in bed and asleep, before the nature of the disease with which he is threatened is apparent; then, perhaps, without waking, he gives a very unusual cough, well known to any one who has witnessed an attack of the croup; it rings as if the child had coughed through a brazen trumpet; it is truly a tussis clangosa; it penetrates the walls and floor of the apartment, and startles the experienced mother, ‘Oh! I am afraid our child is taking the croup!’ She runs to the nursery, finds her child sleeping softly, and hopes she may be mistaken.

But remaining to tend him, before long the ringing cough, a single cough, is repeated again and again; the patient is roused, and then a new symptom is remarked; the sound of his voice is changed; puling, and as if the throat were swelled, it corresponds with the cough,” etc.

How important that a mother should be acquainted with the above signs of one of the most terrific complaints to which childhood is subject; for, if she only send for medical assistance during its first stage, the treatment will be almost invariably successful; whereas, if this “golden opportunity” is lost, this disease will seldom yield to the influence of measures, however wisely chosen or perseveringly employed.

Your baby lacks muscle control, so you have to take extra precautions while holding, bathing, feeding, and dressing the baby.

Lift the baby slowly and don’t rush when you carry her/him. Newborns are completely dependent on you.

If this is your first baby and have never handled any baby before, baby’s fragility may be overwhelming for you.

For many parents, just holding the tiny baby is nerve-wracking. Below are few guidelines to follow and within a couple of days, you can become an expert.

1. Holding the baby carefully-For a new parent, who has no experience with infants, simply picking up and holding the little one is scary.

Take suggestion from older member in the family and friends. Your baby’s head is big and heavy compared to other parts of the baby.

Therefore, it is very important to support your baby’s head and neck when you carry the baby up and lay down.

A good way to pick the baby up and put him/her down is with your whole arm, which supports spine, neck and head at the same time. When you are going to wake up your baby, don’t shake him/her, just tickle in the feet and the baby will be up.

Some parents like to wrap their baby’s legs and hands in a blanket until they are used to it.

2. Feeding the baby- Feeding the newborn is something that every new parent worries about at first. At this period, babies drink either breast milk or formula.

If the mother is breastfeeding, then feeding will most likely occur in every few hours and if the baby is bottle fed, then the gap between feedings may go up to two to three hours. Don’t forget to burp the baby after each feeding.

3. Diapering the baby-Everybody knows how to change a diaper, but when you have to do it yourself, it may get messy. You may feel awkward in first few times, but slowly with little practice, you will handle the newborn with ease.

While changing diapers, use a waist-high table with safety straps. Lay the baby on the diaper, fold the front half of the diaper over the baby and tighten it with attached tapes.

Check the diaper in 5 to 10 minutes to see whether it is wet or not. Do not allow the baby to be in wet diaper for a longer period, which may lead to skin infection.

4. Dressing the baby-Excited parents spend enough money to buy good clothes for their newborn baby. Whichever clothing you prefer, look for garments that are easy for you to put on and takeoff the baby like large necklines are easy to slip baby’s head. While dressing, support your baby’s head in one hand until he/she is 3 months old.

5. Bathing your baby- Bath time can be enjoyable if you know how to handle the baby while bathing. Until 10 to 15 days after birth, the baby is generally given a sponge bath and after that a daily bath.

While bathing in tub, make sure to hold the baby in one hand tightly, otherwise the baby may slip. Right after the bath, wrap your baby in a towel and cover the head.

6. Make yourself sure to fasten the car seat or stroller every time when you are going out. Avoid bouncy or rough roads as this may upset your baby’s stomach.

It is better to ask for your family and friends to get through this time, which can be disturbing. Nurses can also show you how to hold, bath, change, and burp your baby.

Though you may feel worried about handling a baby, within 2 to 3 months, you will get used to a daily routine and turn into a professional parent.

Article Source: http://www.upublish.info

About the Author: John Rope A Personal Baby Website was what John Roope wanted after his daughter was born. he came up with the idea of sweetnewbaby.com . This site is developing and expanding its features on the feedback provided by parents.

A patient affected by Down syndrome suffers from acute abnormalities in body functioning which arises from the person’s abnormal body structure.

The root cause of Down syndrome is the 21st chromosome (DNA).

This dysfunction can occur due to the presence of just a portion of the chromosome or the entire genetic material…

The Down syndrome symptoms were first documented in detail by the English physician, John Langdon Down, way back in 1866. Hence, it is in his name that the ailment is named.

The chromosomal abnormalities insofar as its shape or number is concerned were clearly identified in the 1950s following the discovery of the special karyotype methods.

It was in 1959 that the cause of Down syndrome was traced to the presence of the extra DNA. But it was only in the 21st century that the chromosome was labeled and the condition termed as trisomy 21.

Thus we see that the medical detectives and researchers were unable to pin down the exact cause of Down syndrome till the 20th century. The Down syndrome was found to affect people in all the races. What is more, the Down syndrome was found to attack the women in their advanced years.

Another significant aspect of Down syndrome that attracted the attention of the researchers was the rarity of its recurrence. Till the middle part of the last century, the common medical perception on Down syndrome was that it takes place due to several aspects that were basically inherited.

Even then the intensive searches for these factors were eluding results.

The fact that the Down syndrome was particularly noticed among the mothers after they reach an advanced stage led a school of medical thought to trace the cause of the dysfunction to some shock(s) undergone by the expecting mother.

The commonly reported symptoms of Down syndrome are a facial layout that remains as it was during that person’s birth, and total impairment in the development of that person’s physical appearance.

Besides, the Down syndrome affected child fails to have the learning capability, and have retardation besides below par cognitive aptitude. His/her social and emotional abilities are largely dependent on the mental retardation of the child affected by Down syndrome.

The child’s mild IQ ranges from 50 to 70 while the moderate IQ ranges from 35 to 50. Those affected by Mosaic Down syndrome have IQ range that may go up by 10–30 points higher.

The Down syndrome kids can also develop serious health problems like thyroid dysfunctions, sleep apnea (obstructive), recurring ear infections, gastroesophageal (reflux) disease, and heart defects that are congenital in nature. Mentionably, there are instances of people possessing the usual sets of DNA also suffering from the Down syndrome symptoms.

The signs are enlarged tongue, speech impairment, shorter limbs, almond (shaped) eyes, and a single crease across one or both palms (simian crease). Depending on the child’s disability in the cognitive sphere.

It is of necessity that kids affected with Down syndrome are provided immediate medical attention.

Despite the fact that many Down syndrome dysfunctions stays on for life, yet the patient can be taught to adjust with the prevailing physical conditions. For this, the parents or guardians of any child must always be attentive about any such abnormalities in their children. If any such signs are noticed, the physician must be immediately consulted, and the required medical screenings carried out.

The initial tests pertain to the thyroid among others. The growing child can be provided vocational training The foremost thing to remember that Down syndrome patients require a homely environment to recuperate whatever he/she can.

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:– Nilutpal Gogoi is a writer and a freelance journalist having more than 18 years of service in several audio-visual and print media reputed organizations in North East India. He has published one popular adventure book for children and has published more than 1000 articles for various sites, as suchhttp://www.superhealthinesssite.com/, http://www.wellbeingmylife.com/,http://www.lifewellbeingguide.com/

The birth of a new child is a fun, adventurous, and memorable experience.

Although work may be the farthest thing from your mind right now, it is something that you may want to take the time to think about.

After having a baby, a large number of women wonder whether or not they should return to work.

When it comes to determining if you should return to work after having a baby, there are a number of important factors that you will want to take into consideration.

For many women, money is an issue. How is your current financial situation? Before your baby was born, were you relying on one or two incomes? This simple question may play an important role in your decision.

Many women are able to stay at home with their children if they have another source of income, like a regular paycheck from their spouse or live in partner.

Although money may be an issue for you, when determining if you should return to work after the birth of your child, it is also important to examine the money that you may save.

As a parent, you likely wouldn’t send your child to just any daycare center. Unfortunately, daycare providers that come highly rated and recommend often have high fees. It is not uncommon for parents to pay one hundred dollars or more a week in childcare expenses, just for one child.

It is also important to examine the reduction in work purchased snacks and drinks, as well as gasoline to and from work. After this comparison, you may find that staying home with your child, after their birth, is actually a cost effective solution.

When determining if you should return to work after the birth of your child, you are also urged to examine the benefits of staying home. From birth to the toddler age, children are at an important stage in their life.

Many experts have stated that close contact between parents and their children can help improve their relationship, as well as improve their developmental skills, as someone is working with them at all times. These are just important factors to take into consideration.

Of course, it is also important to remember that you don’t just have to be a stay-at-home mom. There are a large number of mothers in the United States who are considered work-at-home moms.

With a computer and internet access, there are a number of work-at-home jobs or home-based business opportunities that can allow you to stay at home with your new baby, as well as bring in a source of income. If you have yet to return to work, working from home is something that you may at least want to take into consideration.

The above mentioned points are mostly centered on the benefits of staying at home with your child, after their birth. While there are a number of benefits to doing so, you should also know that there are a number of benefits to sending your child to daycare, as long as that daycare comes highly rated and recommended.

Perhaps, the greatest benefit is the social interaction that your child will likely receive by being around other children. It is also important to mention your own needs.

Working from home or staying at home with kids is a large task, one that can occasionally be stressful. That is why many mothers make the decision to return to the workforce after having a child, for their own sanity.

As you likely already know, the decision as to whether or not you want to return to work after the birth of your baby is your decision to make, but the above mentioned points are ones that you may want to keep in mind.

Regardless of whether you decide to return to work or stay at home with your child, your and your child will likely have a long and healthy relationship with each other for years and years to come.

But there’s also much more activity and stimulation during the day –babies are eating up the world at this stage, they’re learning so much.

If you’re feeding him baby food during the day, and decreasing bottles, make the last bottle feeding at nighttime. You can also have a bottle in the night to soothe him if he wakes up.

Babies are teething at this time as well, and that can cause them to wake up in discomfort. You may be weaning the baby from breastfeeding, and that can be a difficult transition as well.

There are different schools of thought on handling babies who are a challenge to get to sleep. Some recommend letting the baby cry it out, but this is hard on the parents, especially on mom who may have been comforting and bonding with the baby all day long. It can see cruel to just let the baby cry himself to sleep. He’s just a little guy, after all.

Take extra care at this time to make sure the nursery is conducive to sleeping.

Make sure his diaper is clean and his sheets are clean and soft.

If he’s teething, use a topical pain treatment that’s safe for the baby. You can also invest in some homeopathic tablets that ease teething naturally.

Make sure his nose is clear and not stuffy. If you use a foam wedge to keep the baby from sleeping on his stomach, sleep with a spare one night and then put that in his bed so that your scent is close to him at night.

Make sure the room isn’t too cold or too hot; keep a humidifier in the room to maintain a good moisture balance, especially in the winter when rooms can dry out.

Your baby just might be stubborn about sleeping, but try to figure out if there are physical problems that you can alleviate first.

It’s called separation anxiety and it’s a normal part of development for many babies. But it can be especially trying for parents, as babies can be particularly strong-willed, especially about bedtime!

You may be introducing some baby foods at this time, and this can help your baby feel sleepy. Remember to introduce new patterns gently and slowly.

If the baby isn’t going to sleep or keeps waking up and crying for you, then she needs to learn to self-comfort, but not all at once. Ease her into the habit of sleeping alone.

Don’t change your rituals at bedtime. You can still start out with a warm bath and feeding. Rocking and snuggling, singing or reading – these are all bonding times for mother and baby.

If the baby doesn’t fall asleep right away, try putting her in her crib with the rocker or glider right next to the crib, singing or reading to her. You can stand at the crib and rub or pat her back.

In a week or two, move the chair a short distance away from the crib, so the baby can see you. You can talk or read or sing. If she cries for more than 10 or 15 minutes, then get up and comfort her, but put her back down in the crib and go back to your chair.

In another week or two, move the farther away, towards the door.
Even these minor changes could be hard for your baby, but be patient.

This is a time when you can fold her laundry and put it away, talking to her, so she’s aware of your presence, but your attention isn’t focused entirely on her.

This way she can get used to the idea of separation gradually.

But you can help ease your baby’s discomfort and keep the infection from worsening by ensuring she gets sufficient rest and liquids, which would include breast milk or formula if she’s less than four months old.

Older babies can have a little water, and by six months she can begin drinking juices.

To relieve congestion, try squeezing some over-the-counter saline solution drops into each nostril, then suctioning with a rubber bulb syringe after a few moments to remove the mucus and liquid.

This works well about fifteen minutes prior to a feeding if it’s difficult for your baby to breathe nasally while nursing. A bit of petroleum jelly to the outside of your baby’s nostrils can help reduce irritation.

Sitting with you in a steamy bathroom while the hot water’s on in the shower for about 15 minutes, or using a cool-mist vaporizer or humidifier to increase the moisture in your baby’s room should also help provide some relief for her.

A warm bath could also work, and might provide her some additional comfort.

Sleeping at a slight incline may also help relieve postnasal drip. However, don’t use pillows in her crib to accomplish this; the risk of suffocation is too great.

Try placing a couple of rolled up towels between the crib springs and mattress, or you might also want to try allowing her to sleep in her car seat in a slightly upright position.

Be sure to contact your pediatrician at the first sign of any illness in an infant less than three months old, especially in instances of a fever of 100.4 degrees or if she has a cough.

Your pediatrician can give you guidelines about what constitutes a fever in older infants. If baby’s symptoms don’t improve within five to seven days, her cough worsens, she’s wheezing or gasping (possible pneumonia or respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV), or tugs at her ear (possible ear infection), your pediatrician should also be notified immediately.

Even today we have people that believe this and they will argue with you the entire time.

Only you can decide if you should stop breastfeeding your toddler or not. Don’t let someone else make that decision for you.

Reasons to Stop

A few reasons you might want to stop breastfeeding may be if you are feeling constantly drained of energy.

Or maybe your child has started to bite. Sometimes your milk will just dry up, this is your body’s way of telling you that it has had enough and to take a break.

Mastitis could play a big role in making you stop immediately as well. Mastitis is an infection in the breast when it isn’t expressed enough and gets engorged.

Stopping or Weaning

If you do plan on stopping because you are pregnant, make sure it is for the right reasons. If your child has reached a certain age, it might be best. But never just yank it away from them.

Your child could wonder why it is being taken away. Wonder if they had done something or become discouraged about the new baby coming. Some children decide to wean themselves, which is a big help to you and you won’t feel so guilty about it.

You can choose to do it cold turkey, or slowly wean him/her off. Cold turkey can have some bad results. Try limiting his/her feeding times to certain hours and gradually as time passes take away more.

Your child will quickly stop on his/her own and it won’t be a traumatic event.

Continuing to Feed

If you do plan on continuing to breastfeed while you are pregnant, talk with your doctor about it. Not all the time will the doctor agree with your decision.

Sometimes he/she may see something in your health that you don’t. Listen carefully and find out if it is a health reason or simply his/her own belief. If it is the doctors belief, you can always seek out one that agrees with you.

Being pregnant is hard enough at times, knowing you have someone in your corner will only relieve the stress. Don’t be surprised if your family and friends want to say something about it and they will probably give you all kind of advice on how to stop and what they’ve read.

Nicely explain to them it is your decision and you’ll do what you think is best for your children.

Try finding a support group in your area so you have someone to vent to or talk about these issues. Check out if there is a La Leche League near you or online that you can join.

Remember that as long as you take proper care of yourself and your body, you’ll be able to safely breastfeed while pregnant.

The first of the milk-teeth is generally cut about the sixth or seventh month, and the last of the set at various periods from the twentieth to the thirtieth months.

Thus the whole period occupied by the first dentition may be estimated at from a year and a half to two years.

The process varies, however, in different individuals, both as to its whole duration, and as to the periods and order in which the teeth make their appearance. It is unnecessary, however, to add more upon this point.

Their developement is a natural process. It is too frequently, however, rendered a painful and difficult one, by errors in the management of the regimen and health of the infant, previously to the coming of the teeth, and during the process itself.

Thus, chiefly in consequence of injudicious management, it is made the most critical period of childhood. Not that I believe the extent of mortality fairly traceable to it, is by any means so great as has been stated; for it is rated as high as one sixth of all the children who undergo it.

Still, no one doubts that first dentition is frequently a period of great danger to the infant. It therefore becomes a very important question to an anxious and affectionate mother, how the dangers and difficulties of teething can in any degree be diminished, or, if possible, altogether prevented.

A few hints upon this subject, then, may be useful. I shall consider, first, the management of the infant, when teething is accomplished without difficulty; and, secondly, the management of the infant when it is attended with difficulty.

Management of the infant when teething is without difficulty.

In the child of a healthy constitution, which has been properly, that is, naturally, fed, upon the milk of its mother alone, the symptoms attending teething will be of the mildest kind, and the management of the infant most simple and easy.

Symptoms:- The symptoms of natural dentition (which this may be fairly called) are, an increased flow of saliva, with swelling and heat of the gums, and occasionally flushing of the cheeks.

The child frequently thrusts its fingers, or any thing within its grasp, into its mouth. Its thirst is increased, and it takes the breast more frequently, though, from the tender state of the gums, for shorter periods than usual.

It is fretful and restless; and sudden fits of crying and occasional starting from sleep, with a slight tendency to vomiting, and even looseness of the bowels, are not uncommon.

Many of these symptoms often precede the appearance of the tooth by several weeks, and indicate that what is called “breeding the teeth” is going on. In such cases, the symptoms disappear in a few days, to recur again when the tooth approaches the surface of the gum.

Treatment:- The management of the infant in this case is very simple, and seldom calls for the interference of the medical attendant. The child ought to be much in the open air, and well exercised: the bowels should be kept freely open with castor oil; and be always gently relaxed at this time.

Cold sponging employed daily, and the surface of the body rubbed dry with as rough a flannel as the delicate skin of the child will bear; friction being very useful.

The breast should be given often, but not for long at a time; the thirst will thus be allayed, the gums kept moist and relaxed, and their irritation soothed, without the stomach being overloaded.

The mother must also carefully attend, at this time, to her own health and diet, and avoid all stimulant food or drinks.

From the moment dentition begins, pressure on the gums will be found to be agreeable to the child, by numbing the sensibility and dulling the pain.

For this purpose coral is usually employed, or a piece of orris-root, or scraped liquorice root; a flat ivory ring, however, is far safer and better, for there is no danger of its being thrust into the eyes or nose.

Gentle friction of the gums, also, by the finger of the nurse, is pleasing to the infant; and, as it seems to have some effect in allaying irritation, may be frequently resorted to.

In France, it is very much the practice to dip the liquorice-root, and other substances, into honey, or powdered sugar-candy; and in Germany, a small bag, containing a mixture of sugar and spices, is given to the infant to suck, whenever it is fretful and uneasy during teething.

The constant use, however, of sweet and stimulating ingredients must do injury to the stomach, and renders their employment very objectionable.

One hundred years ago, children received 1 vaccine (the smallpox vaccine). Forty years ago, children received 5 vaccines routinely (diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, and smallpox vaccines) and as many as 8 shots by 2 years of age. Today, children receive 11 vaccines routinely and as many as 20 shots by 2 years of age.

Recent national surveys show that about 25% of the parents are waking up and questioning if all these shots are necessary of if the vaccines might actually weaken the immune system.

Dr. Offit attempts to explain the effect of vaccines on the infant’s immune system and the capacity of the immune system to respond safely to multiple vaccines.

Passively Acquired Immunity

The neonate is, in part, protected against disease by maternal immunoglobulins (Ig). Maternal IgG is transported across the placenta before birth and maternal secretory IgA is present in breast milk and colostrum. These passively acquired antibodies provide protection against pathogens to which the mother was immune.

Dr. Offit states that maternal antibodies offer limited and short-term immunologic protection when compared with protection afforded by an infant’s active immune response.

Dr. Offit then goes on to explain that a young infant is fully capable of generating protective humoral and cellular immune responses to multiple vaccines simultaneously.

He then uses some physiological immune facts to come to the outrageous conclusion that an infant would have the theoretical capacity to respond to about 10, 000 vaccines at any one time, and then goes on to say that this is a conservative estimate!

Dr. Tenpenny’s Response to Above Article:

It always amazes me when highly respected journals such as Pediatrics are willing to publish articles such as this. And what is even more amazing is that the people who write this information call themselves “physicians” and “scientists.”

Passive protection conveyed by the mother is dismissed as less effective than a vaccine.

However, much research clearly documents that more protection is conferred through breast milk than through artificially-induced antibodies. Breast milk contains large quantities of secretory IgA, lysozyme-secreting macrophages, and both T- and B-lymphocytes.

The lymphocytes release of gamma interferon, migration inhibition factors and monocyte chemotatic factors, all of which strengthen the intrinsic immune response of the infant. [1]

In addition, the protection provided by breast milk is not short-lived. There is evidence that the enhanced protection it provides lasts for years.[2] In addition, concentrations of antibodies found at six weeks of lactation are the same levels as those at six months, so any amount of breast-feeding contributes to immune enhancement. [3]

Children less than 2 years of age are considered to be more susceptible to infections by H. influenza type b and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacterium, both major causes of otitis media and invasive bacterial diseases. Although the infant’s immune system may be less capable of “mounting a response” to the polysaccharide cell walls of the bacteria than an adult’s immune system, infection can again be offset by breast milk.

Components within the milk have been found to inhibit both colonization and tissue adherence. [4,5] The premise that conjugate vaccines are essential for the protection of an infant omits this important fact.

Vaccine-specific antibody protection is considered to be the cornerstone of vaccination success. In all studies published on vaccines, “efficacy” is considered to be the development antibodies.

When vaccines are given together, the combination is considered “effective” if both antigens generate an antibody response at least equal to the response seen if a single antigen vaccine is given alone.

However, is this an antibody response a valid presumption of disease protection?

Even experts in the field admit that they don’t know. During a discussion regarding the approval of yet another acellular pertussis vaccine, a panel member said,

” … A basic question is: Is antibody correlated with protection? In the year 2000, we don’t really know which antibodies protect, let alone exactly what level of an antibody protects.”

Another panelist went on to say, “The protective mechanisms [of the immune system] are not understood. Is it antibody or is it cell mediated or some assessment of memory that can occur in response to infection?”

The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) discloses this regarding the pertussis vaccine, “The findings of efficacy studies have not demonstrated a direct correlation between antibody response and protection against pertussis disease.”

Antibody studies are only useful to compare immune responses elicited between similar vaccines. Efficacy studies to measure clinical protection conferred by each pertussis vaccine have not been done. [7]

Therefore, antibodies apparently mean nothing.

The H. flu vaccine has been found to have high avidity in vitro. This means that there is a high affinity of attachment between the antigen and the antibody. However, “the contribution [of this] to clinical protection is unknown.”

Again, “efficacy” as defined by the development of antibodies apparently means nothing in relation to disease protection. Therefore, using the antigen binding capacity of the immune system and its ability to create an antibody response as a measure of safety, also means nothing.

The concept that 10,000 antigens could theoretically be deposited uneventfully into the blood stream of either an infant or an adult defies logic and is a blatant disregard for mechanisms of human physiology.

By injecting a vaccine into the body, the first four lines of normal immune defense are by-passed:

•Skin,

•Mucous membranes,

•Gut lymphoid tissue and

•Lymphatic neutralization

This abnormal introduction of pathogens and adjuvants into the blood stream does not “trick” the immune system: it contaminates it.

And contaminate it we do. Children now receive 52 vaccines, in the form of 15 shots, buy the time they are 6 months of age if they receive all the recommend shots, including the Prevnar® (the pediatric pneumonia shot.) That is because each viral or bacterial particle contained in the vaccine elicits an immune response.

So, the measles, mumps and rubella vaccines are three separate vaccines. The injectable polio vaccine (IPV) contains three strains of polio, thus it is three vaccines.

And this overwhelming amount of biological material does not include the adjuvants, which can included MSG, aluminum, formaldehyde, sucrose and phenoxyethanol, which is antifreeze, among many others.

The potential for disaster looms as multiple live and attenuated viruses are combined during multiple vaccinations on the same day. In a study reported in Science Magazine, two avirulent herpes viruses were simultaneously injected in the footpads of mice.

Many (62%) of the mice that had received equal doses of each virus died while none died that had received up to 100 times the diluted dose of just one virus.

Eleven recombinant viruses were isolated from the dead mice. Three of these isolates were lethal when injected into the next set of mice.

This study demonstrates that in vivo, two avirulent viruses can recombine with deadly results. [9] If two vaccine antigens can cause a serious outcome when given simultaneously, then what about “only 123-126″? Or 10,000?

Once again, a “ground breaking” medical study has drawn media attention by posting conclusions that are not supported by facts. Stating that an infant has a large capacity to respond to antigens, i.e. create an antibody response, does nothing to allay reasonable fears and doubts by investigative parents.

Any “thinking doctor” should recognize this “study” for what it is: another opportunity to spread the mantra of “safe and effective” vaccines.

Perhaps in this way we won’t question the more than 200 vaccines that are currently in development or resist the more than 20 that are anticipated to become part of the childhood vaccination schedule by 2010.

A “thinking parent” might conclude that, “if the immune system is that strong, why do we need to vaccinate at all?

But as a parent, it can be even more difficult when it’s time for your baby to receive one.

Sometimes a baby will have a mild reaction to a vaccination, and might have trouble sleeping as a result.

You can help decrease your baby’s discomfort by making sure he’s comfortable and well-rested when visiting the doctor’s office and you can use home treatments to help relieve some of the more common minor reactions to vaccinations.

If your child develops a slight fever, try giving him acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin or Advil). This can help reduce a fever and alleviate any pain felt in the location of the shot.

Remember to never give aspirin to your baby because of the risk of Reye’s Syndrome. The injection site might also become red and swollen. A cool compress or ice pack applied to the site for approximately 10 to 20 minutes can also provide relief.

A mild skin rash might develop 7 to 14 days following the injection, particularly with the chickenpox or measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Though this type of rash can last for several days, it usually disappears on its own without treatment.

You might find your baby is more fretful and restless and refuse to eat following a vaccination. If you can keep the commotion down at home, and cuddle and hold your child when he needs it, it will help him feel more comfortable and relaxed when it comes to bedtime.

Also make sure he has plenty of liquids. Keeping the house and the room baby sleeps in at a comfortable temperature will also help, as he’s more likely to be fussy and restless if he’s too warm.

Try to keep in mind that if your baby does become a bit restless in the night that the discomfort is only temporary, and he’s most likely to get right back on track with his sleeping and eating schedule soon.