0-3 Months Archives - Margaret Maternity

Cough and Cold Symptoms in Young Babies

Margaret Maternity — Wed, 26 Oct 2022 10:42:49 +0000

Cough and Cold Symptoms in Young Babies

As the nights draw in and winter edges closer, the season of cough and cold symptoms invariably begin to set in.

It is a natural instinct for a parent to want to protect the baby from germs as much as possible.

Invariably though, the virus can easily be transmitted through close contact and air particles.

As a result of this, it’s likely that at some stage in the first 12-18 months a young baby is likely to show the symptoms of a common cold.

Cough & Cold Symptoms in a Newborn or Infant Baby

Symptoms of the common cold present in the same way as a child or adult, the following symptoms are normally visible:

Runny or Congested Nose

Nasal congestion is clear in appearance initially, turning to grey, green or yellow in appearance.

A runny or congested nose often decreases the baby’s ability to breathe naturally.

This can be uncomfortable for a new-born or infant baby to deal with an cause irritability and frustration.

Decreased Appetite

Due to an increase in nasal congestion, a baby will often experience a decreased appetite.

Whether breast or bottle feeding, keep your baby as upright as possible.

It is advisable to feed your newborn or infant baby little and often during the course of cough and cold symptoms.

A High Temperature

A fever of 37.5°C or above is often a symptom of coughs and colds in babies.

Monitor both your baby and room temperature on a regular basis.

Contact your GP or NHS Helpline if your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature exceeding 38°C degrees.

Irittable and Unsettled Emotions

With the combination of blocked nasals and increased body temperature, a baby can become increasingly unsettled with cough and cold symptoms.

Subsequently, this can affect feeding and sleeping patterns and a very tired and frustrated baby.

Cough & Cold Treatment in a Newborn or Infant Baby

Fluid intake – The amount of fluid your baby is taking on board each day should be carefully taken into account. Regular liquid intake is important to avoid dehydration, something that young babies are at more risk of, compared to adults.

Medication – Paracetamol, often called Calpol can be administered to babies from two months of age, it is important to wait at least 4 to 6 hours between administering doses of paracetamol.

You should not exceed more than 4 doses of paracetamol in 24 hours.

Nasal Treatment – Running a cool-water humidifier in your baby’s room can help to ease nasal congestion.

Ensure that the water is changed daily, following the manufacturer’s recommended guidelines.

Furthermore, your GP may recommend saline drops for nasal congestion and help with improving a baby’s breathing.

This can help to loosen thick nasal mucus, in turn helping with improved breathing.

Monitoring Baby’s Temperature – If you suspect your baby is running a higher-than-normal temperature, it’s a good idea to check the baby’s temperature with a thermometer.

With a quick result, this can help you work out whether you should seek medical advice.

Ideally, you need a digital thermometer to get a fast, accurate reading.

You can buy these online or from the most well-known pharmacies on the High Street.

Once you have purchased a thermometer, it’s time to take your baby’s temperature. It is advisable to use the following technique:

Hold the baby comfortably on your knee and put the thermometer in the baby’s armpit – always use the thermometer in the armpit with children under 5 years.

Gently, but firmly, hold their arm against their body to keep the thermometer in place for however long it says in the manufacturer’s instructions – usually about 15 seconds.

Some digital thermometers beep when they’re ready. The display on the thermometer will then show your child’s temperature.

Always contact your GP or call 111 if your baby’s temperature is 38C or higher, under 3 months of age.

Or, your baby’s temperature is 39C or higher and 3 to 6 months of age.

When to Consult Your GP or NHS Helpline

The following NHS Guidelines state that if you spot any of the following signs or symptoms in your baby you should contact them via NHS 111 immediately.

your baby is less than 3 months old and has a temperature of 38 °C or above

your child is aged 3 months or older and has a temperature of 39 °C or above

your baby has fewer wet nappies, nappies that seem drier than usual, or a dry nappy for 12 hours or more

your baby’s having difficulty feeding

your baby’s taking less than half their usual amount during their last 2 or 3 feeds

you think your baby may have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms

If you’re very concerned about your baby, trust your instincts and phone your GP or 111 for advice straight away.

In Conclusion

Seeing your baby go through the symptoms of a cold can sometimes feel distressing, and bring about a sense of hopelessness.

More so, when the baby is running at a higher-than-normal temperature and breathing is laboured.

If you are currently pregnant and planning the arrival for your newborn baby, you may find this article Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home useful.

The post Cough and Cold Symptoms in Young Babies appeared first on Margaret Maternity.

Taking Your Baby Overseas for the First Time

Margaret Maternity — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 14:49:03 +0000

Taking Your Baby Overseas for the First Time

The thought of taking your baby overseas for the first time may well be a daunting one.

This is totally understandable with so many considerations to make.

As such, keeping your baby settled during a long journey is sure to be high on your agenda.

Therefore, to improve the chances of enjoying your first trip overseas with your baby it is wise to plan in advance.

Here are some useful things to consider when taking your baby overseas for the first time.

A Passport

Applying for your baby’s passport should be the first consideration above everything else.

After all, without a passport, overseas travel is not possible!

It’s not always easy to capture a photograph of your baby which meets passport standards.

There are apps available such as paspic.com which will review your baby’s photograph and ensure it fits the correct criteria.

A passport can be applied for via the post office online, this can take several weeks to arrive.

There is a fast-track process with additional costs.

You will need your baby’s birth certificate and if applicable, any court documents describing residency or parental responsibility.

Baby Food and Drink Supplies

It’s important to ensure you have food and drink to hand. Both during your journey and whilst you are overseas with your baby.

If your holiday or trip involves flying, it is wise to check what you are able to carry on to the plane in advance. Baby’s may feed more frequently as air quality can be dehydrating.

Feeding can also be comforting to help in the change in air pressure, especially during take-off and landing.

The following lists what you should be taking with you for the entirety of your stay:

Snacks
Ready-made formula
Bibs
Beakers and bottles
Bottle warmer
Sterilising equipment
A Breast Pump
Food pouches or jars
Hand-held blender
Plastic spoons, forks, and bowls

Baby Equipment for Bedtime

Prior to traveling do check with your accommodation provider that a travel cot is included.

Once you are on the plane try and adjust feeds/naps to the local time of the country you are visiting.

This will help your baby transition to the new time zone.

If it is, this is one less heavy item to have to pack, the following items should be considered before traveling overseas.

Travel cot (if not included in accommodation). A cot can also be booked for flights
Sling to settle your baby when walking up and down the aisle of the plane
Bedding
Night sleepwear
Overnight nappies
Night light (you will need the plug adapters too)
A Baby monitor
Blackout blinds
Lightweight foldable buggy which can be taken onto the plane and stored overhead

Baby Personal Care

Your toiletry bag will double in size once you start roaming with your child.

If you’re only going on a short-stay holiday, you can transfer large bottles of shower gel and shampoo into handy travel bottles.

It is worth having a change of clothes on the flight for yourselves in case baby is sick on you.

Sponge, shampoo, and body wash
Plenty of nappies
Nappy rash cream, nappy bags
Swim nappies
Wet Wipes
Hairbrush
Toothbrush and toothpaste (if applicable)

Protection From the Weather

Depending on your destination you will need to take weather conditions into account.

Whether you are going to a warmer or colder country than the UK, the following equipment should be carefully considered:

For warmer countries:

Sunblock
Aftersun cream
A Parasol for pram or buggy
UVA protection pop up beach tent
A Sun hat (or two)
Sunglasses (If applicable)
Insect repellent protection
UVA protection swimsuit

For cooler countries:

Hot water bottle with a safe covering
Cold weather hat and boots
Mittens
Baby leg warmers
Sufficient insulation for pram or buggy
Pram or buggy rain cover

Taking Your Baby Overseas Checklist

This checklist for traveling overseas with a baby does not include items that may be required for a newborn baby with additional needs.

Is your baby is currently having issues settling while you are planning to take your baby overseas?

Margaret Maternity provides a range of services to enable a greater quality of life for both babies and parents alike.

Find out more here about the Remote Maternity Clinic.

The post Taking Your Baby Overseas for the First Time appeared first on Margaret Maternity.

Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home

Margaret Maternity — Tue, 09 Aug 2022 13:36:07 +0000

Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home

Bringing your newborn baby home from the hospital can feel like a nervous time, particularly if it’s your first newborn.

It’s completely natural to feel anxious, however, help and support are readily available.

Planning in advance can help create a smoother transition as you adjust to life with your baby.

Here is a guide of useful information to bringing your newborn baby home from hospital:

Feeding Your Newborn Baby

Whether planning to breastfeed, bottle or combination feed, it is also worth thinking about how you are going to feed yourselves too!

In the first few days and weeks with your newborn your energy and focus will be on feeding and resting.

Consider preparing and freezing meals, setting up a food rota with friends and family or if your budget allows, ordering freshly prepared meals to freeze.

Healthy one handed snacks ( the other hand is holding the baby ) and water to keep you hydrated are necessary to maintain your energy levels.

Breastfeeding can mean you may be burning an extra 200 to 500 calories per day and regular nutritious food can help build your milk supply.

Research resources, professional support and local breastfeeding support before your baby arrives.

Investing in breastfeeding workshops in person or online is worth giving some serious thought.

The Breastfeeding Network offers excellent resources and support. You can chat with someone online or by phone.

Have a look to see if there is a breastfeeding drop-in group or breastfeeding peer support in your area.

Lactation Consultants are highly qualified to offer support with any breastfeeding challenges.

You may be considering bottle feeding with either formula or expressed breastmilk or a combination of the two.

Some bottles will be designed to try and reduce the amount of air your baby takes in when feeding.

All bottles should be BPA (Bisphenol A) free with some made from plastic and others, glass.

Teats will come in different flows; slow, medium and fast and may need to be replaced if they become scratched or marked.

It may be difficult to know which design of bottle may suit your baby at first and so it may be necessary to try a couple of different designs.

Clothing your Newborn Baby

Baby clothes come in many colours and designs, often an outfit is bought for your baby to wear when bringing your newborn baby home

A newborn can feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours so there may be a few outfit changes from leaked nappies and milk spit-up.

Sleepsuits and vests are very practical in the first few weeks along with a hat and cardigans/pramsuit for when you eventually manage to venture outside!

Depending on how many times a week you are prepared to do some laundry, 4 -6 newborn sleepsuits and vests may be enough.

Your new baby will soon grow out of the newborn size so it is worth buying more 0-3 months clothes.

Layering is key to ensure your baby is comfortable and doesn’t become too hot.

Start with a vest and sleepsuit and check your room temperature is between 16 to 20 Celsius.

You can always add a blanket or swaddle as necessary; feeling the back of your baby’s neck can give you an indicator of how warm they are.

Nappies for your Newborn Baby

From experience, it is worth buying branded disposable nappies. They are usually very absorbent and so reduce the frequency of nappy rashes.

However, absorbency can mean that it is sometimes hard to know if your baby has a wet nappy.

Frequent wet nappies can be a good indicator that your baby is receiving enough milk.

Most brands of nappies have a wetness indicator which turns a strip from yellow to blue when the nappy is wet.

Nappy sizes are determined by weight and as you will be changing your baby’s nappy 8 to 10 times per day.

You may it is worth shopping around, and buying in bulk.

If you are considering cloth or biodegradable nappies it is still advisable to use disposable nappies.

At least during the first few weeks, while you adjust to life with a baby.

Bedding for your Newborn Baby

Whether choosing a moses basket, co-sleeper, crib or cot, make sure it has a firm, flat, waterproof mattress with no gaps around the side.

Sheets should be fitted and not bulky.

If using a blanket ensure it is tucked in at the side and no higher than your baby’s waist.

Swaddles with velcro or sleeping bags are also an option. Consider different togs for sleeping bags depending on the time of year.

Cot bumpers, pillows or any bulky bedding is not recommended and the area should be free of any toys when your baby is sleeping.

For more information on safe sleep please look at the Lullaby Trust guidelines.

Equipment

Baby equipment in terms of must-have and nice to have will differ in each home.

Breast Pumps

There is a wide range of Breast Pumps on the market. Many chemists will hire out a pump for a small monthly fee.

Pram

Purchasing a pram will probably be the most amount of money you will spend on one piece of equipment.

Therefore, it is certainly worth doing your research!

Here are some things you may want to consider:

● Your terrain! Is it robust enough to cope with potholes along a country lane or light enough to manoeuvre in and out of shops in a busy high street?

● Will you be regularly using public transport? Is it easy to collapse and light enough to carry on and off a bus or into a taxi?

● Will the pram fit easily into your car boot space?

● Does it have adjustable handles to adapt to you and your partner’s height?

● Will you be combining exercise with pushing the pram so may want to consider a jogging stroller?

● Do you want to invest in a pram/pushchair/car seat combination?

● Is there reversible seating for the pushchair or just facing forward?

● Accessories required such as buggy board attachment for older children, cup holders, sun parasol and rain covers.

A Playmat for your Newborn Baby

A playmat for a newborn baby is versatile, easy to clean and move around.

Furthermore, it provides an opportunity for a parent to have playtime with the baby in various locations around the home.

After the first couple of weeks at home, you will start to notice that your baby will stay awake for a little longer after feeding.

Placing your baby down on a playmat for 5-10 minutes before settling to sleep can be a gentle way.

A Car Seat for your Newborn Baby

When considering a car seat for your newborn, the NHS has a handy choosing a baby car seat guide.

Before your baby arrives, familiarise yourself with the car seat functions.

In particular, how to loosen and tighten the buckles and lift the car seat in and out of the car.

Manufacturers recommend that babies should not be in a car seat for more than two hours.

The Lullaby Trust has useful information on safe car seat travel with your baby.

A Sterilising Kit for your Newborn Baby

NHS guidelines recommend sterilising all feeding equipment until your baby is twelve months old.

There are an array of sterlisers on the market to suit your budget and circumstances.

Options range from immersing feeding equipment in water with Milton tablets, UV light or steam sterlisers.

Changing your Newborn Baby

If your home is on more than one level it’s a good idea to set up two changing areas.

This will save time and effort spent walking up and downstairs to change your baby’s nappy/clothes.

A basket or nappy caddy is ideal for storing items.

Moreover, each baby station should ideally contain the following items:

A changing mat
Two or three spare babygrows and vests
Wipes
Cotton Pads
Nappies
Nappy Cream
A Nappy Bin
Nappy Bags
Two small bowls for water (one for baby’s face and one for baby’s bottom)

Additionally, it’s a good idea to have a visual distraction for the baby to concentrate on whilst changing nappies/clothes.

Black and white fold-out books can be propped at the side of the changing mat. Although newborn vision is initially blurry, they will start to focus on bold shapes and contrasting colours.

And finally...

Aside from everything listed as must-haves in this blog, there are many other factors to consider too.

There will be family and friends keen to visit the new arrival.

And as such, it’s important to put yourself and your baby’s well-being first. Don’t feel pressurised into inviting visitors straight away.

Be clear with the number of people per visit and the length of time you expect them to stay.

The important thing is to have time to recover from giving birth and the opportunity to build a relationship with your baby.

Likewise finding time for your own personal self-care should be considered carefully.

Additionally, for your partner too, both as individuals and a couple.

This could be as simple as taking five minutes to savour a cup of coffee.

Connecting with a friend online or walking around the block listening to your favourite music.

Becoming a parent can feel like an overwhelming responsibility.

However, be sure to be kind to yourself. Furthermore, understand that while at times your journey as a parent feels tough.

You can be assured the rewards will follow.

Finally, you may find playing with your baby guide a useful read.

Margaret Maternity can assist with supporting you and your baby at home with an initial consultation and remote support.

The post Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home appeared first on Margaret Maternity.

0-3 Months Archives - Margaret Maternity

Cough and Cold Symptoms in Young Babies​

Cough and Cold Symptoms in Young Babies

Cough & Cold Symptoms in a Newborn or Infant Baby

Runny or Congested Nose

Decreased Appetite

A High Temperature

Irittable and Unsettled Emotions

Cough & Cold Treatment in a Newborn or Infant Baby

When to Consult Your GP or NHS Helpline

In Conclusion

Taking Your Baby Overseas for the First Time

Taking Your Baby Overseas for the First Time

A Passport

Baby Food and Drink Supplies

Baby Equipment for Bedtime

Baby Personal Care

Protection From the Weather

Taking Your Baby Overseas Checklist

Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home

Bringing Your Newborn Baby Home

Feeding Your Newborn Baby

Clothing your Newborn Baby

Nappies for your Newborn Baby

Bedding for your Newborn Baby​

Equipment

Breast Pumps

Pram

A Playmat for your Newborn Baby

A Car Seat for your Newborn Baby

A Sterilising Kit for your Newborn Baby

Changing your Newborn Baby

And finally...

Cough and Cold Symptoms in Young Babies

Bedding for your Newborn Baby