There is nothing worse for new parents than to see their newborn baby unwell. There may be a wide variety of reason for that, and as much as it may affect the parents it is essential at such times to think logically. At infancy, like any other communication, a baby informs about his or her deteriorating health by crying. And it’s important for parents to realize when their baby is crying not because he wants something but because he is feeling unwell. An unwell baby cries in a different tone from the one parents are used to. The difference will be noticed in weaker, continuous, more urgent or high-pitched crying. If he cries a lot usually but has suddenly become unusually quiet, it may again mean that he isn’t well. If any sign comes up which makes you believe your baby is not feeling well, don’t think twice before calling a doctor. While swaying, feeding or playing a constant sound are enough to soothe a crying baby in most of the cases, they aren’t any help when he or she is f
An infant’s diet is one of the most important aspects of his or her good health. While breast milk is the best source of all the required nutrients at the beginning, the transition to solid food is an inevitable one and must be carried out properly. At around six months of age, an infant needs to be introduced to solid food. Breast milk contains antibodies which assist the development of a baby’s immune system. However, excess of breast milk can also increase the risk of obesity and food allergies. At six months, a baby’s digestive system is ready to handle complex food and therefore, the parents too should make the switch starting with simple, pureed or well-mashed food items. Try one or two spoonfuls of these to begin with: Pureed or well-mashed vegetables like potato, sweet potato, cooked carrot or parsnip. Pureed or well-mashed fruits like cooked apple, banana, mango or ripe pear. Baby cereal such as sago, maize, baby rice, millet or cornmeal – mix these with baby’s u