Your much-cherished baby has arrived and you want to ensure nothing but the best for them and their life ahead. Keeping in mind that knowledge is power, this section on baby health offers articles to assist you in making informed decisions to support your baby’s current and future health and well being. This includes information aimed at demystifying the nature and purpose of routine screening tests. We hope you find this section useful.
Baby Health articles
Bathing the BabyWhen a new baby arrives you suddenly have so many new tasks. Parenting is a big role – huge in fact – imagine the job description were you to write one! One of the tasks on your new list is bathing the baby. This article by Yvette Barton looks at both the pragmatics of bathing a baby as well as safety considerations.
Cord Care in Newborns"Umbilical cords are amazing. From the moment it forms and until it is cut, the umbilical cord supplies a baby with the oxygen and nutrients it requires for survival. The umbilical cord is comprised of one vein and two arteries enclosed in a sticky substance called Wharton’s Jelly." This article by Yvette Barton gives all the relevant information regarding Cord Care in Newborns.
Protect Your Baby's Hips When Swaddling"Many parents find that swaddling can provide comfort to fussy babies, reduce crying, and develop more settled sleep patterns. While parents and babies may enjoy these benefits from swaddling, care must be taken to swaddle properly to ensure the baby’s health and safety." This article by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute provides a step by step guide on how to wrap your baby.
How to Weigh Your Baby"As most parents know, consistent weight gain is a key sign that your baby is getting enough nourishment and developing well. Most babies lose some weight after birth but should regain that weight within 10 days, and then continue to gain an appropriate amount of weight each week/month." This article provides ways in which you can weigh your baby at home.
What is Hip Dysplasia?"Hip dysplasia is the medical term for instability, or looseness, of the hip joint that affects thousands of children each year." This article by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute provides the vital information for parents on what Hip Dysplasia is and what the signs to look for.
Environmental Tobacco Smoke - A Danger to Children"It is a sobering thought to consider that 1.7 million Australian children are at risk of developing serious illnesses as a result of sustained exposure to tobacco smoke." Hannah Dahlen writes about the facts and issues about smoking and pregnancy and provides an excellent insight.
Naphthalene in Moth Balls and Toilet Deodorant CakesNaphthalene, the active substance in moth balls, is used to deter moths and silverfish from eating fabrics. It is also commonly used in toilet deodorant cakes. While highly effective in preventing insects from destroying stored clothing and eliminating toilet odours, if breathed of consumed naphthalene can be dangerous to both pets and humans, especially infants.
CranioSacral Therapy for Babies & Children"Childbirth is a journey like no other. For mother and father it is one of wonder, excitement and the unknown. For the child it can hold all the rewards and risks that a new life offers.Krisitane Heidrich explains in detail all information about CranioSacral treatment and provides insight into the topic.
Circumcision-Challenging the Jewish TraditionMark Morris writes about how he come to a decision not to circumcise his son as per the Jewish tradition. Mark writes "I had always thought that if I had a son I would not circumcise him. I felt the need to challenge this Jewish tradition. But when I found out we were going to have a baby boy, the sudden emotional desire to have him circumcised was immediate and very strong".
Environmental Tobacco Smoke: a danger to childrenIt is a sobering thought to consider that 1.7 million Australian children are at risk of developing serious illnesses as a result of sustained exposure to tobacco smoke. The Car and Home: Smoke Free Campaign aims to help prevent children’s exposure to tobacco smoke so they can avoid the damaging health effects.
Your Newborn Baby Check-upEven babies who are very healthy generally see a doctor, midwife or child health nurse a lot in their first two years of life. This starts with a newborn baby check-up.So what can you can expect of your baby’s first check-up?
Baby Health ChecksBaby health checks, sometimes called well-baby examinations, are an important way to monitor your baby’s growth and development and promptly identify any issues or areas of concern.
Vitamin K for Newborn BabiesAt birth you will be asked whether or not you would like your baby to have Vitamin K. The human body requires Vitamin K in order to make blood clot. When babies are born, their level of Vitamin K is low in comparison to adult levels. Regardless, this level of Vitamin K is usually enough to stop bleeding in most babies.
Newborn ScreeningNewborn screening is offered to all newborn babies born in Australia. This screen involves pricking your baby’s heel between 48 and 72 hours following birth and putting this blood on a little white card made of special filter paper. The newborn screening test can detect a number of serious genetic disorders.
Newborn Hearing Screening ProgramApproximately 2 in every 1000 babies born will have what is termed a moderate, severe or profound hearing loss. It is an unfortunate fact that only around 25% of children born with hearing impairments are diagnosed by the age of 12 months.