Chicken pox is a communicable disease but is also self limiting, which means, the virus gradually leaves the body in few days naturally. Chicken pox is caused by Varicella-zoster virus. Most cases occur through contact with an infected person. The virus can spread through:<ul><li>saliva</li><li>coughing</li><li>sneezing</li><li>contact with fluid from the blisters</li></ul> Symptoms:<ul><li>The obvious sign of chickenpox is a super-itchy skin rash with red blisters. Over the course of several days, the blisters pop and start to leak transparent watery fluid. Then they dry out before finally healing. The first sign is usually a general feeling of being unwell.</li><li>Body aches</li><li>Fever</li><li>Feeling extremely tired (fatigue)</li><li>Feeling irritable</li><li>Loss of appetite</li><li>Headache</li></ul> Most cases of chickenpox are mild and go away on their own. But see your doctor right away if your child develops any of the following symptoms:<ul><li>The rash spreads to one or both eyes.</li><li>The rash gets very red, warm, or tender.</li><li>Dizziness</li><li>Shortness of breath</li><li>Vomiting</li><li>Stiff neck</li><li>Fever over 102 F</li></ul> Spreading: You can get the virus by breathing in particles that come from chickenpox blisters or by touching something on which the particles landed. Diagnosis: Your doctor will be able to diagnose chickenpox based on a physical exam of blisters on your child’s body. Treatment:Chickenpox generally resolves within a week or two without treatment. There is no cure, but a vaccine can prevent it. Your child's doctor may prescribe medication or advise on how to reduce the symptoms of itchiness and discomfort.<ol><li>Pain or fever: Your child's doctor will prescribe a medicine that will help with symptoms of high temperature and pain.</li><li>Avoiding dehydration: It is important that your child drinks plenty of fluids, preferably water, to prevent dehydration. Some doctors recommend sugar-free popsicles for children who are not drinking enough.</li><li>Mouth soreness: Sugar-free popsicles help ease symptoms of soreness if there are spots in the mouth. Salty or spicy foods should be avoided. If chewing is painful, soup might be a good option, but it should not be too hot.</li><li>Itchiness: ltchiness can become severe, but it is important to minimize scratching to reduce the risk of scarring. The following may help prevent scratching:</li></ol><ul><li>keeping fingernails clean and as short as possible</li><li>placing mittens or over a child’s hands when they go to sleep</li><li>applying skincare lotion prescribed by the doctor</li><li>wearing loose clothing</li></ul> Precaution:<ul><li>Do not send your child to school so that other children are safe.</li><li>Keep other kids in the house away from the infected child.</li><li>Calamine lotion is usually used to soothe the spots.</li><li>Make children wear light cotton clothes.</li><li>Make them drink plenty of fluids.</li><li>Don’t let your child scratch his/her itchy skin. This could lead to bacterial infection and leave scars.</li></ul> Prevention:Your child should get 2 dose of Chicken pox Vaccine. One at 15th month and second at 18th month to prevent the disease. Vaccine is painless, Very safe and 95% effective if both the doses are given on time.

Here are Chicken pox Symptoms, Causes, Spreading, Prevention, Precaution, Diagnosis, and Treatment.

All about Chicken pox

If your baby cries for excessively for too long and cries frequently despite your best attempts to soothe or console, your child might be having Infantile colic (I.C). Infantile colic starts at about 3 weeks of age and self-resolve by 6 months. Do not feel guilty about not being able to soothe your child because more children than you would assume have infantile colic. Colic and crying are different. All babies cry but not all are colicky. When babies cry it is to grab your attention to matters like hunger, wet diapers, tummy troubles, teething, or an underlying illness. And this is not colic. Ideally a colicky infant cries for more than 3 hours a day, for more than 3 days a week, and for over 3 weeks. Babies with colic are healthy, gain weight normally, and do not have digestive complaints or other known ailments. Other symptoms of colic are flushed red face when the babies cry, fussiness with arching back, drawing knees to the stomach, or clenching fists. The exact reasons for colic are still a mystery. The digestive system of infants is immature and this can lead to colic. Your child’s doctor will diagnose colic based on the symptoms, intensity and duration of the crying episodes. Managing my colicky baby:<ul><li>Ensure that your baby is not hungry or cold. Make sure to change the diapers regularly.</li><li>Always hold your baby upright while feeding and burp your baby after feeding. This prevents swallowing of air.</li><li>Bathe your baby in warm water, while gently massaging your baby's stomach.</li><li>Identify the time your baby gets fussy determine if anything seems to trigger or relieve the crying baby. Talk about your diet with your doctor, the doctor may suggest to skip some gas-producing foods from your diet.</li><li>Try new positions with your baby, swaddle them tight or massage may help. Try to turn your baby on your lap, make them sleep on stomach, and gently massage on back.</li><li>You can also try some sounds, a car ride or take them out in a pram. Sometimes changing the surroundings and outdoors may do the magic.</li><li>Take turns with family members to handle a the baby when they fussy.</li><li>When the baby is crying cradle or rock your baby in your arms. The comfort of your arms might calm your baby!</li><li>Sometimes, your child’s doctor might prescribe colic drops for your baby’s relief. But mind well that colic drops should only be given to a child after a doctor’s prescription.</li></ul> Seek immediate medical help if your baby develops other complications like breathing problems, turns pale, refuses to feed and vomits green fluid, or has traces of blood while passing motion.

Crying and colic are not the same thing and so it is important to identify the difference and address it.

Crying & Colic Symptoms & Solutions

Alihusen Momin

Physical Deformity in another words are called physical abnormality; Birth Defect; Congenital Abnormality; Congenital Anomaly; Congenital Disorder; Congenital Defect. A congenital deformity or physical abnormality is a change in the normal size or shape of a body part caused by a condition that a baby is born with. Deformities can be:congenital: present at birthdevelopmental: appearing later in childhoodacquired: caused by injuries or illnesses that were not present at birthCommon congenital deformities include cleft lips and palates, clubfeet, spina bifida, and spinal deformities like scoliosis, kyphosis, and hyperlordosis. Most congenital deformities are caused by abnormal genetic coding, but some can be due to infections or environmental factors — such as alcohol abuse — that affect the mother and fetus during pregnancy. Congenital deformities can range from mild to severe. Mild deformities might not be visible or cause any symptoms. In severe cases, deformities can be readily apparent, cause pain, interfere with the movement and functioning of affected body parts, and negatively affect self-image. Treatment depends on the specific deformity and often includes surgery or the use of corrective devices like back braces and leg casts. Keep in MindMany congenital deformities can't be seen, won't cause any problems, and will never need treatment. Others respond very well to treatment, especially if it begins as soon as a doctor thinks a baby is ready for it. Cleft lips and palates, for example, can be corrected through surgery; and spinal deformities and clubfeet often can be successfully realigned through bracing and casting.

A congenital deformity or physical abnormality is a change in the normal size or shape of a body part caused by a condition that a baby is born with.

Physical Deformity in children

No human can stay hungry for long. Hunger is an integral part of survival. Every child has his/her own set of likes and dislikes when it comes to food. So the problem should not be that a child does not eat, rather the problem is that the child does not always eat what his/her parent wants them to eat. Every child likes something or the other. Identify that and feed them that. Introduce new foods along with their favourite foods.A few things which you can keep in mind:<ul><li>Avoid introducing junk foods with high taste levels at a young age: For example, if you introduce chocolate too soon, your child will be habituated to an intense sugary taste. Also, chocolates, biscuits, wafers have more calories. So if children eat 4-5 chocolates or biscuits, their calorie count is fulfilled and they will not require any more food for the whole day. These foods are highly rich in calories but do not provide other quality nutrition. Eating excess junk food will result in nutrient deficiency when they grow old.</li><li>Stop giving any junk food altogether: If you totally stop giving chocolates or biscuits, the child will gradually divert towards healthy nutritious food because no one can survive without food. You will have to work hard to develop a new habit of eating healthy and this can be time consuming and can demand a lot of patience.&nbsp;</li><li>Work as a team: When you know some things are not right for your child’s health, sit with the entire family and convince everyone to not give junk food every time a child demands. By being stricter, gradually your child will develop healthy eating habits.</li><li>Be a role model: If you want your child to follow your instructions, you too will have to say goodbye to your junk food habits. A child learns the most from his parents. Eat healthy and so will your children.</li><li>A frequent intake of sugar and sugary foods and drinks between meals causes tooth decay. Snacks and drinks taken between meals should be sugar-free.</li><li>Do not add more salt in the food either while cooking or at the table, as babies’ kidneys are not fully developed.</li><li>Every day, children need three meals plus snacks. Provide nutritious meals and snacks.</li><li>Young children are very active and have high energy (calorie) and nutrient needs in proportion to their small body size.</li></ul>

Children learn from your behaviour. Changing your eating habits will help them develop healthy eating habits as well.

Developing healthy food habits

Samiksha Choithani

Usually the reactions stay for a few days after the vaccination. If your child has taken a vaccination in the past few days you can expect these reactions:<ul><li>Low-grade fever</li><li>Redness and Pain around the leg or arm where the vaccination was given</li><li>Slight swelling</li><li>Trouble in sleeping</li></ul> Here are some tips to ease the pain:<ul><li>Feeding works wonders when babies are in pain, breastfeeding more often after vaccination can help the baby keep hydrated and take the mind off from the pain.</li><li>Apply ice pack in the injected area, you can also soak a soft cotton cloth in cold water and place it on the injected area.</li><li>Swaddle the baby immediately after vaccination.</li><li>Swing them in arms.</li><li>Do not massage in the injected area for a few days.</li></ul> If the reactions persist for more than 2-3 days, it is better to consult your child's paediatrician.

Almost all vaccinations have mild reactions post vaccination; this means the vaccine is working.

Common reactions after vaccination

Prachi Shah

Food in the first 6 months:A baby receives all the nourishment during the first six months from either breast-milk or infant formula milk. Health experts recommend that babies should take solid foods after six months in addition to breast-milk (or the baby’s usual formula milk) to allow them to grow and develop. Foods to avoid in first 9 months: <ol><li>Salt: Do not add any salt in babies' food as their kidneys are not fully developed.</li><li>Sugar: Do not add sugar to foods or drinks you give to your baby. Sugar encourages a sweet tooth in children and leads to tooth decay.</li><li>Honey: Do not give honey to a child under the age of one year, as it may contain a kind of bacteria which can produce toxins in the baby’s intestines and can cause a very serious illness (infant botulism).</li><li>Nuts: It is recommended that nuts and products containing them should not provided to children. This is to protect children who may be at risk of nut allergy. Whole nuts should never be given to children under the age of five because of the risk of choking.</li><li>Foods which contain gluten, e.g. wheat flour, bread, breakfast cereals made from wheat, rusks, spaghetti or other pastas</li><li>Citrus fruits, including citrus fruit juices, e.g. orange juice</li></ol> Food from the 7th month:<ul><li>All family foods can be offered at this stage – remember not to add salt while cooking or at the table.</li><li>Mash food with a fork. This will encourage the baby to learn how to chew.</li><li>By this age the baby should be having three meals a day and eating more at each spoon feed.</li><li>The amount of milk can be gradually reduced as the baby eats more solid food.</li></ul> Food from the 9th month:<ul><li>During this stage babies will move on from mashed to chopped foods.</li><li>Continue to offer all family foods at this stage.</li><li>Continue to give three meals a day plus 1–2 snacks.</li><li>At this stage babies will continue to receive 3–4 breastfeeds each day</li><li>Encourage babies to eat a wide variety of foods</li><li>By this time introduce cups to your baby.</li></ul> By the age of 12 months, the baby should be introduced to all kinds of vegetables and fruits. Dried fruits should be introduced after one year.

Gradual introduction of different foods leads to proper development in children.

Diet for babies from 0 to 12 months

Ravina Sewani

Thrush is a fungal infection that causes severe pain in both nipples and breasts after feeds. If the pain lasts even up to an hour after every feed, it is the sign of thrush. If not taken care of, your baby can also develop this infection in the mouth. This infection is caused when you have cracked nipples that give the fungus an entry into your nipples. If you are on antibiotics for some reason, do not stop taking them fearing the thrush infection. Always do as advised by your doctor. Because your baby breastfeeds, (s)he has chances of developing this infection. Check if your baby has white spots or patches in tongue, gums, roof of the mouth or inside the cheeks. Try wiping them gently and if it does not go away, it indicates thrush. Other indicators of thrush include baby’s unrest when feeding, nappy rash, a white film on lips. It is important to maintain hygiene as the infection can spread to others in the family as well. Properly wash your hands carefully after nappy changes and use separate towels to prevent spreading of infection. You need to also wash and sterilise the toys your baby puts in mouth. Wash your bras at high temperature. Pain in the breast and thrush are two different things. Always seek medical help for the right diagnosis.In case you or your baby both have thrush, both of you will be treated simultaneously. Your doctor will usually prescribe a topical cream for you and an antifungal gel or liquid for your baby. Thrush can be treated, and you will be back to your days of breezy breastfeeding experience.

Thrush is a fungal infection that causes severe pain in both nipples and breasts after feeds.

Thrush infection in breastfeeding mothers

Rashes are common among infants. Rashes can occur because:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">If the diaper is wet for too long</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Allergic reaction</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Bacterial Infection</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Milk drops falling around baby’s neck</li></ul> Take these measures to cure/avoid rashes:<ul><li class="ql-align-justify">Wash your hands before and after changing a diaper</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Keep a periodic check on baby’s diaper</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Use medicated cotton and plain water to poop off your baby’s skin</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Use a mild cleanser</li><li class="ql-align-justify">If you use wipes, choose mild ones or without fragrance and alcohol</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Make sure that the area is completely clean and dry before using another diaper</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Let the baby go diaper free if the rashes are extreme</li><li class="ql-align-justify">Clean the neck after every feed</li></ul> If your child has rashes solely due to diapers, then:<ul><li>First of all, you can change the brand, as the allergy can be due to a child's sensitive skin. Different babies have different types of skin sensitivities.</li><li>Apply good moisturiser on the skin before using diapers.</li><li>With every diaper change, clean the area properly.</li><li>You can also use specially designed creams for diaper rashes.</li><li>Even then if the rashes continue, limit the use of diaper to minimum.</li><li>Use cotton underwear instead.</li><li>Rash associated with diarrhoea, needs treatment for diarrhoea.</li><li>Severe cases may need mild steroid based cream under doctor’s supervision.</li></ul> Follow the above measures for mild rashes. In case, the rashes do not improve overtime, contact your paediatrician for appropriate anti-bacterial or skincare ointments and medicines.

Dealing with rashes properly helps soothe a child.

Treating baby rashes

Babies who are prematurely born may have complications as some of their organs haven’t yet fully developed. Premature babies can have complications in the first few days, weeks or months and so are first kept in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) for survival and to provide optimal environment for growth. Kangaroo care (skin-to-skin contact) is a unique practice where a baby is taken care of outside the incubator. The baby is positioned directly on the mother's bare chest after birth and is covered with a warm blanket. Care should be taken to not move the baby too far away from the incubator as the machine is connected with tubes and wires. There are several benefits of Kangaroo care. They are:<ul><li>Kangaroo care regulates baby's body temperature and heart rate.</li><li>It promotes baby's digestion and improves oxygen levels for the baby.</li><li>It helps babies sleep longer, thereby promoting growth and protection from infections.</li><li>Kangaroo care releases hormones that support breastfeeding and increases the volume of volume that contains antibodies.</li><li>It is a great practice to develop the bond between the mother and the baby.</li></ul>

Kangaroo care is a method of holding a baby that involves skin-to-skin contact with the mother.

bathing health concerns

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