Health tips blog

When Baby Is Teething

When babies are teething, they're generally miserable from the pain, swelling and tenderness in their gums.

Here are suggestions from the Nemours Foundation to help comfort little ones who are teething:

Use a warm, wet cloth to wipe down baby's face and remove any drool. This may help prevent a rash.
Offer baby something soothing, such as a teething ring or a wet washcloth that's been chilled in the freezer for about 30 minutes. Be sure to wash the cloth after each use.
Treat baby to a gentle gum massage, making sure to use a clean finger.
Ask your doctor if it's safe to give baby acetaminophen. Make sure your doctor approves a specific dose and frequency.

Never tie a teething ring to baby, especially around the neck, as it could cause strangulation.

Have a Food Allergy?

A food allergy -- commonly to edibles such as shellfish, nuts, wheat, eggs or milk -- often has telltale warning signs.

The American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology offers this list of possibilities:

Skin that itches, turns red or develops a rash.
Watering, tearing eyesthat may also itch.
Itching or congestion of the nose.
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramping or vomiting.
Swelling.

Difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, tingling of the extremities, or constriction of the throat indicate a serious allergic reaction that requires immediate medical attention.

Check Your Blood Glucose

The American Diabetes Association says anyone who is diabetic can benefit from blood glucose checks, especially if the person:

Takes insulin or medication to manage diabetes.
Is pregnant.
Has difficulty keeping blood glucose stable and under control.
Has dangerously low blood glucose, or develops ketones from high
levels of blood glucose.
Develops low blood glucose without the typical warning signs.

Sources of Childhood Stress

Kids often get stressed, even without the pressures of adult life. Just as in adults, stress needs to be addressed in children.

The Nemours Foundation lists these possible sources of childhood stress:

Being involved in too many activities in and out of school.
Having insufficient play time.
Having parents who frequently fight and don't get along.
Having an ill relative.
Seeing frightening images on TV, such as about war, terrorism or natural disasters.
Losing a loved one.

Recording Your Child's Medical History

Your child's pediatrician may need a medical history when your child is sick or injured. To avoid having to remember everything in an emergency, it's best to start logging the child's history now.

The Nemours Foundation says the history should contain:

Any allergies your child has to foods, medications, insect bites or substances.
All medications (both over-the-counter and prescription) that your child takes.
Any previous health conditions or illnesses, such as asthma or diabetes.
Information about any hospital stays, prior surgeries or past procedures.
A record of your child's immunizations.
Your child's current height and weight.