Understanding your baby's sleep

Sleep stages

Babies go through many different stages during sleep, as well as adults. Drowsiness, light sleep, to dream and deep sleep. And vice versa dreams in light sleep to drowsiness, and so on. Phase of dreams is also called REM sleep. Adults and children achieve an average of 5 cycles of sleep per night.

REM sleep

These sleep stages are visible in the baby long before he comes into the world. Dreams appear during the sixth or seventh month of pregnancy.
You can easily distinguish a sleep filled with dreams of a quiet sleep, without dreams, in your infant. When he dreams, his eyes move in all directions under her eyelids and the rest of the body is motionless, except for a few occasional hiccups, and his breathing is irregular.

Newborns dream more than adults. The REM sleep represents 25% of adults. According to Dr. Richard Ferber, an American expert, fetuses spend 80% of their sleep time in REM, and once born, 50%. This rate drops to 33% at the age of 3 years and 25% between 10 and 14 years. And we think that REM sleep is an important integration experiences. It is therefore important for a growing baby and growing.

Quiet sleep

Phase of quiet sleep, without dreams, your baby is breathing deeply and regularly. It can even heave a sigh. It is almost immobile, and can sometimes make a sucking sound with his mouth or jump. These small sudden movements of the body are known as bursts of hypnagogic and are completely normal. They occur in older children and adults too, often just when we fall asleep. This phase appears quiet sleep fitfully in the newborn rather than regular phase as children or adults. During the first months of life, this phase will become more consistent and bursts disappear.

Why dream is so important

Your baby wakes up naturally between each sleep cycle, probably 5 times a night. It is rare that the change cycle and match your waking cycle change. Can be drawn from a deep sleep or dream. Such a revival is very unpleasant, unlike a soft and natural awakening between each cycle. It can leave us disoriented and "off base" for all the next day, especially when you've been awake dreaming.

How lack of sleep affects us?

Lack of sleep can make you confused, disoriented and irritable. The consequences are felt to work (if your maternity leave is over) but also at home. You may feel anger toward your toddler, making him responsible for your fatigue. The limits of your patience have been greatly exceeded, you get upset more easily. The atmosphere at home can become tense and painful.

Manage the lack of sleep

Studies have shown that if you are deprived of sleep, you will dream more sleep the first opportunity you find. Indeed, research has shown that in case of prolonged sleep deprivation, the subject eventually hallucinating, this is a desperate attempt to dream.

A good way to combat the lack of sleep is to seize every opportunity to catch his sleep (and dreams!) During the day. If possible, make several short naps every day. Brace yourself on the baby naps as soon as possible!

What to do when baby refuses to nap

The sleep rhythm of each child is unique. Some babies sleep more during the day, others at night. Almost all babies are napping. Most infants are 3 naps per day, some rather two longer naps. From 1 year, many toddlers do more than nap a day (usually in the afternoon).

Some tips for that baby gets enough sleep during the day.

• Establish a ritual. A ritual helps your child understand what will happen. It also allows you to know what time of day your child is usually tired, hungry, when he wants to play. You do not need to have strict rituals and watch the clock! Just make sure that certain things happen at about the same time each day. You will both rhythm.

• Let your child sleep in the same place.Ideally, it would need a nap where he sleeps at night, so that he can associate sleep with a particular place. It can, of course, sleep in the car while driving or in the stroller if you're not at home, but give him as much as possible, used to sleep in the same place. If your child goes to nursery, do always sleep in the same room when it is at home.

• Share a quiet moment with your child before his nap, as you do before bed at night. Pull the curtains, read a story or sing a little song to make him understand that it's nap time.

• Put your baby to bed as soon as he begins to tire. Parents often make the mistake of waiting too long before laying their child to nap. You must seize this moment of fatigue. Your little one will fall asleep quickly and easily. If you wait too long, it will be too upset, tired and have more trouble falling asleep. Learn to recognize the signs of fatigue, your little one. Some rub their eyes, others agitated, cranky or are looking into the void. As soon as your child understand that he is tired, lay it quickly.

• Try to teach your child to sleep alone. Around the age of 3 months, your baby should begin to learn how to fall asleep alone, either by sucking his thumb tightly in a blanket fort, a blanket, or simply indulging in sleep. Give him the opportunity to sleep alone instead of rocking or feeding it to sleep. From the moment your child learns to "spot" you will see that his naps last longer.

Helping your child develop good sleep habits requires patience. By establishing an early age will help your toddler sleep better in the months and years to come. 

How to develop good sleep habits in 0-3 monts baby?

What is it like to sleep your baby between 0 and 3 months?

Newborns, infants sleep a lot up to 17 or 18 hours a day the first week, and about 15 hours at the age of 3 months. However, they never sleep more than three or four hours straight, day and night . This means that you as sleep, you also rarely several hours away!

This step is essential for your baby but will not last long, even though it may seem like an eternity when your sleep is lacking. Sleep patterns of a baby are much shorter than those of an adult. The REM sleep is more important at this age, which is necessary given the incredible changes experienced by your baby's brain. Or REM sleep is lighter than the other phases of sleep and more easily broken.



Between six and eight weeks, most babies sleep a little less during the day and more at night even though they often wake up at that time to eat. The REM sleep decreases in favor of a deeper sleep.

Some babies are already sleeping through the night from the age of eight weeks, but it may be that your nights are interrupted at least during the first months after birth. In fact, many babies do not reach this stage before five to six months or more. If you want your baby to sleep through the night, help him by making him take good sleep habits now.

Many parents are worried about the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome during the first months of their baby's life. Discover how to create a safe when your baby sleeps and thus reduce the risk of accident.
Doubt on the crib? Discover different cots.

How to develop good sleep habits?

Your baby may develop sleep habits from the age of six weeks. Here are some tips to help you sleep better at this age:

Learn to recognize its signs of fatigue

During the first six to eight weeks of your baby's life, it will probably not stay awake much longer than two hours. If you wait too sleep for your child, it will be too tired and have trouble falling asleep.

Learn how to identify the signs of tiredness in your newborn: rubs he eyes? He pulls on his ears? Rings they begin to take shape before his eyes? Is he grumpy?
If you experience any of these or other signs of fatigue, try laying your baby in bed or in his basket. You will quickly develop a sixth sense regarding the pace of your child during the day and you will know instinctively when he needs a nap.

Teach your baby the difference between day and night

Some newborns are nocturnal birds (You may have already noticed during your pregnancy) and will be fully awake at bedtime. The first few days, you will not be able to do much, but after two weeks, you can begin to teach your baby the difference between day and night.

During the dayWhen your child is awake and in full form:

• Play with him as much as possible.
• Make the meal of the day alive. Talk to your baby, sing a song when you feed.
• Keep a maximum of light in the house and in your baby's room.
• Do not try to silence the newspaper such as radio or washing machine.
• If your baby falls asleep during his meal, wake up gently.

Night:

• Stay calm and silent when you feed your child.
• Dim the lights and do not talk too much.

Quickly your baby should understand that night is for sleeping!

Let your baby fall asleep alone

From six to eight weeks, you can begin to encourage your child to s'endormir seul. Lay it when it starts to get tired, but it is not yet fully asleep. You can stay with him a little but then you have to be present every time he wakes up at night.

The way you put your child is very important. If you rocking your baby every night during its first eight weeks of life, it will wait for you as you continue to do next. Conversely, if you let it go to sleep alone, he will get used too. It is for this reason that some experts advise to rock your baby or give the breast to sleep, Even at a very young age. However, for you to see what is the best method for you and your child.

If you want to set up sleep habits, you must respect all night.

Large and small hassle of sleep

Between zero and three months, you will probably accept some chopped nights. But during the first few weeks of your baby's life, being well swaddle your child will help him sleep.
Discover our article on trouble sleeping and find tips for the coming months.

Shopping for baby, choose only safety equipment

Accidents can happen, and often occur with babies or young children ... especially from the moment they start to move!
The best way to avoid this is to monitor your child at all times. Of course, this is impossible! Invest a few dollars and a little time in the secure home for baby is the ideal solution. A safety barrier upstairs and a "safety kit" is needed. You can also ask other moms their tips and tricks to help you secure the home.



Some examples of useful equipment

Safety in the home

Remember that babies over 8 months focus a lot on what adults do. They want to play and then manipulate the objects they see in your hands. Suddenly, paper, scissors, CD, mp3, cooking utensils and tools Dad become very interesting. To help your child learn without endangering, give secure versions of these objects of daily life: a fake phone, a CD player and child containers and plastic spoons. And most importantly, keep well out of reach versions "for large" kitchen utensils and sharp objects.

These few examples of safety equipment will also help you protect your child:

Smoke detectors : Inexpensive, readily available in supermarkets and DIY stores, especially essential in every home. Warning: It will be mandatory in all homes by 2015.

Guards angles : Designed to cover the corners of furniture and avoid large bumps on the head.

Dampers doors : To put on the edges of the door to prevent it from closing on little fingers baby.

Protective films for window : They can be stuck on large windows to prevent glass fragments fall down if the glass breaks and most importantly, they emphasize the presence of a small window for intrepid.

Of removable blocks windows : The small plastic parts are used to control the opening width of the window.

Tip: When babies start to move, they can injure themselves with pens, intoxication with tablets or injury with other potentially lethal objects they found in the purse of visitors. Always keep the affairs of your friends out of reach of baby.

In the kitchen

Between the hob and cupboards bursting with detergents of any kind, your
755> kitchen is really a risky place for your child.

The block-cupboards, oven, fridge and drawers : Install them on all openings when baby can have access to dangerous objects, such as knives, cleaning products or a hot oven.

A hob guard : It is a small sign that stands in front of the plates so that your child can not touch the hot plates or grab a pot or pan.

Cover-son : If son, cables or ropes hanging or lying places available in baby, you can buy equipment for the group and hide in the tubes. You can also wrap around themselves and shorten.

Tip: If you do not guard hob, remember to always turn the handles of pots and pans to the inside of the stove.

Learn more about securing the kitchen.

In the bathroom

Babies can drown in a few inches of water, and many domestic burns occur in the bathroom. This part can be a real danger to your toddler! And that's not counting the risk of slipping on the floor soaked ... Fortunately, some simple equipment and fast enough to ask to secure the bathroom for baby and for you.

The bath thermometer : These floating thermometers often change color to alert you if baby's bath water is the correct temperature or not. Some even look like small toys, like fish, so that baby can play with. Doubly useful!

Coverings valves : Little known but very useful, they swell or arise on the taps to avoid bumps and pushing small hands explorers who hang around the hot water tap.

Bath seats inclined (before 6 months) : These chairs allow your baby to lie and sustained head well out of the water, so you leave your hands free.

Bath rings (from 6 months) : These seats allow your toddler to sit comfortably and safely without the risk of slipping. But beware, a baby should never be left mostly unattended in the bath!

Bath mat anti-slip : To avoid slipping in the bath. Models prefer colored or padded.

Tip: Set your hot water thermostat lower to reduce the risk of burns if the baby touches the hot water tap.

Learn more about Securing the bathroom.

Electricity

In homes, electrical outlets are often battery at the right height to catch the eye of babies and toddlers curious.

Outlet covers : Choose outlet covers that completely cover the plug and install the before that baby starts to crawl or walk on all fours.

Cover-son : If you have a lot of electrical cables or son at home in the living room for example, you can buy special tubes to store and hide multiple cables so that baby is not curious.

Tip: Do not forget to protect both strips, and not just wall outlets!

Secure doors and openings

It is possible to raise a baby or toddler in a house without barriers. But these devices still make life much easier! Safety barriers can be installed up or down stairs, or in doorways. They define areas permitted or prohibited.

Make sure that you want to install barriers are as wide as the space you have, or if they are extensible. Some barriers are available with extensions to install if needed.

Permanent barriers : They are ideal for places and parts that must be monitored continuously, as the stairs. The frame is fixed between two walls, or in the doorway, a secure barrier is installed in the frame, with an opening on the side or the middle. They can be opened in either direction with one hand.

Barriers to mounting pressure : They are easily fixed by pressure support against the wall or door frame, and can be relocated easily.

Barriers thread : They work a bit like blinds. You install two permanent fasteners on each side of the opening (on the wall or door frame). Then you spread a net fabric or nylon when you need it. More discreet than other barriers, and often wider.

Expansion gates : Some can be extended to fit exactly into the space you have. Others may be supplemented by extensions to attach to the fence base.

Barriers kit : They are sold in several pieces that you can assemble according to your need. Useful if the space has a non-secure standard.

Travel barriers : There are four metal tubes that you assemble into a rectangle, and a net to shoot and fix the frame. The horizontal tubes are scalable to fit any opening.

Tip: Many accidents occur when adults try to pass over barriers closed. Avoid risk of falling barriers to choosing central opening for high traffic areas.

Secure your home and protect your child

Parents often wonder how to protect their children from abuse, violence or kidnapping. Many forget that the threats to the heaviest of our little darlings are under our roof!

A finding in France

In France, nearly 200 children under 4 years of age die every year in a domestic accident, nearly 4 per week!
Falls are responsible for most accidents of everyday life not death. For small less than 1 year parts most at risk are: bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Between 1 and 4 years, most accidents occur in the kitchen and the living room.

Do not wait for an accident before thinking about safety in your home. With careful planning and very little equipment, you can prepare home to great explorations of your child.


There are more and more objects "child safety" in the trade. Above all, it is your monitoring tool will be the best security for your home. And even if your house is full of protective equipment, you should always remain alert to potential hazards.
If you are not sure you always take baby in your arms when you answer the phone or if someone rings the doorbell.

Make a point security

Some safety tips are valid for all parts of the house.

Here are some recommendations:

• Ask outlet covers on all unused electrical outlets. Allow multiple sockets to switch to "off".
• Ask protect corners and foam adhesive on the corners or edges protruding furniture, such as tables or desks.
• Keep in mind the potential danger of anything you can throw it in the trash. If you dispose of batteries, paper clips, plastic bags or other hazards, place the trash out of reach or in a closed cupboard that your child can not open.
• Keep pens, pencils, letter openers, staplers, paper clips and other sharp or pointed instrument in a locked drawer.
• Home fires are one of the most serious risks to children. Fires are often caused by children playing with matches or lighters. In France, a home fire breaks out every 2 minutes. 14% of fires are started by children. More information Fire Prevention

If you have a fireplace, keep a fire extinguisher nearby, and have it serviced regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not place on the mantelpiece objects that might attract your child, so it does not try to catch them. It is essential to have a firewall installed in front of the fireplace when children are in the house. Choose a very wide and can be wall mounted on both sides of the fireplace so that your child is protected from burns. It is mandatory to sweep the chimney insert or chimney 1-2 times per year to prevent soot ignite. Ragnez matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children. Turn your cigarettes properly and discard butts (do not let them in the ashtray). Be careful to extinguish the candles or room inside and never leave a child alone in a room with a lit candle. Always plan an escape route in case of fire, and practice in "fire drills" with your family. Choose smoke detectors that meet the European standard EN 14604. Whether they are certified by the European Union, look for the letters "CE". This symbol can be completed by the initials "NC" means that the product has quality certification to additional mandatory minimum safety standards. Install smoke detectors in every room and next to the kitchen. Check them monthly to make sure they work well, and change the batteries once a year. The installation of a smoke detector reduces the risk of death by fire.

• Avoid curtains or blinds with curtain hanging, ropes or cords. Son these pendants can be due to strangulation. If you're already on the ropes wrap themselves and fix them up, out of reach of your child.
• Ask colored stickers on large glass surfaces, such as windows, to prevent them from being "invisible": a child may be hit very easily. Place blocks windows on the lower windows so that they can not open more than 10 cm. Do not place furniture or seats under the windows, so that your child is not tempted to climb over to get to the window.
• Place non-skid pads under the carpet does not already have anti-skid system.
• Use safety gates and locks doors. Installing a barrier upstairs, and another three-step lower. It will prevent your small to climb to the top to discover that it is actually stuck in the stairs. Remember that security must evolve along with your child: an impenetrable barrier for a small 1 year can become a structure to climb when he was 2 years old.
• Never let things drag on the stairs, they could make someone fall. The stairs must be carefully maintained: any damaged carpet or peeling should be reattached or removed. Make sure railings are strong enough and can not be used as steps for baby. Stairs should always be well lit.
• Each year, hundreds of children are treated in emergency departments for pediatric injuries caused by falls. When baby begins to crawl, Install safety barriers so that it can not go in rooms prohibited.
• Hide lamps and electrical cables and son behind heavy furniture or store them in special tubes designed for this purpose. High lights could be reversed if baby pulls on the wire, then shim them well behind furniture.
• Think of all those things that can get your fingers caught, as ironing boards, door hinges and folding chairs. You can buy blocks-openings.
• Keep first aid kit in a locked cabinet, out of reach of children. Make sure babysitters and other adults know where to find emergency. Make sure your home is presents no risk of intoxication or poisoning to protect your children from the risk of ingestion or exposure to toxic chemicals.
• Burns and scalds are more common in young children than in older children and adults. Most burns are caused by hot liquids that spill. Remember that hot drinks are enough "boiling" to burn a child 15 minutes after being served. Never give a hot drink to a woman in breastfeeding. Even a single drop of fuming liquid could burn the mother and baby.

For more information, see the following websites:

• Fire prevention, the Ministry of Ecology, Energy and Sustainable Development.
• Stop accidents everyday.
• Domestic accidents.

Checklist of indispensable objects to the edge of a swimming pool

Anticipation # 1: protect children from the sun

1 - sunscreen : Before 6 months, it is strongly recommended to put sunscreen on the skin of immature baby ... and then ban sunbathing! After 6 months, choose a cream fragrance free (to avoid allergies or irritations) "special baby" with a 40 indicate minimum. Do not hesitate to seek advice from a pharmacy or drugstore.
Please note that the cream is essential, but sun exposure should remain exceptional and short! Baby's skin is very fragile.
2 - A hat : To avoid sunstroke and sunburn, the hat is the perfect protection. Think practical rather than aesthetic: it is not necessary that the hat come with every movement of your child!
3 - sunglasses : They are essential to protect your child's eyes. Choose sunglasses with lenses UV filter and frame wrap and CE certified.

Anticipation # 2: the safe bathing

1 - The armbands : As long as your child can not swim alone, impose the wearing of armbands standards, ideally with non-return valves which prevent rapid deflation. Let him armbands even when playing around water. Find the standard "NF" on the packaging, and make sure they are properly inflated.
2 - buoys : For older children who resent armbands, buoys choose standard 'NF'. To be sure that your child uses his buoy well, do not hesitate to engage in the purchase, and let choose the pattern or the little hero will appear on the buoy.
3 - A swimsuit with integrated floats. Practice, the child can not remove this security.
3 - diapers Special swimming. We find in supermarkets, as they donned breeches and avoids contaminating the pool.

Anticipation # 3: small snacks

1-A picnic : Plan simple food to eat, and water to avoid dehydration. Attention, sugary drinks do not hydrate as well as water, and they are not recommended in toddlers. Allow salty and sweet to please everyone while respecting food hygiene
2 - cooler : Keep food in a cooler closed to maintain the cold chain and avoid the risk of food poisoning.
3 - cups and plastic utensils : To avoid the risk of breakage (and pieces of glass in and around the pool) and easy storage.
4 - plastic bags : To collect waste.

Anticipation No. 3: after swimming

1 - More towels it takes: Children bathe once, twice, three times ... and the towels do not always have time to dry! Allow more towels than children to avoid tears and whims.
2 - plastic sandals : After bathing, put on children to avoid the risk of injury to small feet. Plastic sandals are ideal for the little one can always go back into the water.
3 - Complete change of clothes at hand: panties, diapers, shorts sponge, t-shirt ... It's better to have too much to let a little unattended!
4 - The pool is equipped with a safety barrier? Do you have the key with you? Do not forget to lock the door when you leave.
5 - Remember to activate the safety device once the children are at home or in the garden.

Anticipation # 4: large and small sores

1 - A first aid kit : Always keep with you the essential for large and small sores. Discover the composition of first aid kit ideal. Beware of insects including wasps! Slide one Dart extractor in your emergency kit.
2 - Keep nearby: a pole, a buoy and a mobile phone for the emergency services as soon as possible.
If you have a fixed wireless phone, take it with you outside, you will not have to run inside each ring.
3 - Print a list of emergency numbers you will always have on hand.
4 - Beware plantations near the pool, print our list plants that can be dangerous and think about it before swimming.

Protection advice for your first summer with baby

Dress your baby with raw cotton

Dress a baby in cotton clothing is really ideal. We forget synthetic materials, they retain heat and are very comfortable for baby. If your baby is too hot, the contact of this material could sting, scrape. Choose lightweight fabrics and avoid the sun's rays are in direct contact with the delicate skin of your child. Choose a sunscreen with advice from your pharmacist. Choose a protection against strong UV to prevent sunburn. If you make him wear a hat, choose a large enough edge and size. Models with elastic straps should be avoided, they can compress the upper neck, chin baby.

Stay indoors during the hottest hours of the day (between 11 and 16 hours)

The best protection when it is extremely hot, is to stay inside the house. If you must leave, take all necessary precautions to protect your toddler. Prefer morning walks or late afternoon. Do not forget to remove the unnecessary padding stroller or pram, they retain heat and prevents air circulation.

It lightens everything, even down!

When possible, opt for a different layer, lighter. Sweating at the headband attachment can cause redness or rash around the waist. Select models rather special coatings for the beach or pool. Inserted as breeches are cooler and prevent the rash erythema or heat rash.

Make the drink more!

Give him more frequently drinks as feedings of water or fresh fruit juice.

If your baby has not yet six months, you feed exclusively breastfed, you do not need to give additional water. Studies in warm climates have shown that infants who had access to will in no déshydrataient ever. Breast milk contains mainly water during periods of heat babies tend to go more often and in less time. With this practice, they can make the most of colostrum breast milk. Let your child take as many feedings he wants, he will have enough water. The bottle-fed babies may, in turn, have a supply of extra water when it's hot.

Avoid, if possible, to buy ice creams and sorbets vendors

Avoid food that you do not know the source (especially hawkers on the beaches). Keep a small supply of water when you go out with your child. Invest in sealed plastic boxes for transporting food baby. Be ever vigilant in case of rupture of the cold chain or in case of doubt about the quality of a product. Do not taste baby!

Creams, oils specially designed for baby care

During the summer, opt for moisturizers or massage oils specially designed for baby's skin. Her skin is very fragile, take in the greatest of care. Consult your pharmacist or dermatologist, he will guide you to find the right product for your skin fragile.

Talc is not a barrier to heat and perspiration Baby

If you are a fan of talc, be sure to wipe the skin before each sprinkling. Too many people are convinced that after the bath, the powder has a cooling effect on the toddler. This is a misconception, talc, wet skin, can affect plaster and cause irritation. Limit its use on sensitive areas such as the area of ​​the layer. Do not put too much and do penetrate.

Solutions anti red buttocks

When baby has red buttocks, it is always handy to have on hand in his toilet kit a cream zinc oxide. Its action is fast and redness effectively relieves. These creams found in pharmacies, do not hesitate to ask your pharmacist for advice.

Let your baby "experiment" water games

Summer is the best time to let your baby play with water. You can put it in a small inflatable pool with a shallow water and his favorite toys. Let it splash the "patouille" they love it! It will delight sprinkling everything around it. Attention! Never leave your child alone unattended even a few seconds. In France, drowning is the leading cause of death by injury in children less than 5 years. Always stay with him!

Attention to the air just after bathing

After bathing baby, beware conditioned spaces. Turn the air once it is dressed, hair dried. If you stay with your child in an air conditioned room all day, it would be wise to dress in cotton clothing a little thicker. Newborns catch cold quickly when they are not sufficiently covered.

Do not let the blasts of cold air falling directly on your baby

We always appreciate the freshness brings the air in the house. He must be careful that the flow of cold air can not directly where baby sleeps or plays. Do not go to an air conditioned room to a room without turning off more temperate air conditioning in the first room before to let your baby get used to, gently, to temperature changes.

Avoid fancy sunglasses baby

It is always fun to wear glasses fancy small. Before buying a model, consult an ophthalmologist or optician. If you want to make him wear sunglasses, make sure they are European standards. Avoid plastic lenses especially those sold by street vendors or in toy stores. They do not provide protection against UV rays and can damage your child's eyes when high exposures.

Toxic chemicals in baby equipment

Potentially toxic substances in baby equipment? They are used to make baby bottles, baby toys and other baby equipment. This topic concerns in recent years.

But where do these stories, and they should really worry about? BabyCenter is the point.

Update on situation

For some time, conservationists are concerned about the presence of certain chemicals in our environment. These substances created by humans, can cause problems by their persistent nature: they accumulate in nature, in our bodies, never completely disappear. Nobody knows yet what really are the long term effects of these chemicals on humans. But some scientific evidence that they already are harmful to nature.

How is my baby and myself can we be affected?

Some of these substances are used in the manufacture of baby equipment such as plastic bottles (polycarbonate), mattresses and baby plastic toys. Some experts are concerned that these products can be ingested by children, and build up to dangerous levels in the body.

Of what chemicals is it exactly question?

There are 4 groups of chemicals used in the manufacture of consumer goods for the home and for which environmentalists are particularly concerned about:

• Phthalates or plasticizers.
They are often used to soften PVC plastic, and are commonly found in toys. Studies have shown that phthalates can build up in the body, and tests on animals have revealed that they can prevent the normal development of reproductive organs. Until recently, they were used in children's toys, pacifiers and teething rings, but the European Union has forbidden the use in products intended for children.

• Organotins. These chemicals are used to stabilize PVC. They are found in PVC flooring and PVC toys hard. Studies have shown that they cause hormonal changes in animals.

• Bisphenol A (BPA). This substance is used in the manufacture of bottles. Some studies have suggested that this product interfere with the hormonal system. It is also linked to chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes. However, these links have not been proven with certainty.

• Agents ignifuges bromés. These products are used to treat clothing, indoor furniture, strollers, prams and mattresses, including mattresses for babies to make them less flammable. Studies have shown that they can escape from the treated surface and be absorbed by the body. We thus found in the blood and breast milk. These substances may interfere with the hormonal system. Tests on animals have implicated in cases of abnormal development, cancer, miscarriage and modification of the immune system.

How do I know if the products I use for my baby contain hazardous or not?

When juvenile products do not contain these chemicals, it is most often indicated clearly on the packaging. But for now, manufacturers have no obligation to mention what products were used. Nevertheless, the European Union passed a new law, which came into force on 1 January 2007, and called Registration requirement, Evaluation and Authorization, Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). This new regulation ensures that a chemical is harmful to humans or the environment is not used or sold in the European Union. If a product is considered hazardous and does not meet the requirements of this regulation, you will not find in stores.

Should I be concerned about the presence of BPA in baby bottles for my baby?

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the French Agency for Food Safety (AFSSA) indicate that BPA is used in an amount in the bottles harmless children. Experts use a measure called "acceptable daily intake" (ADI) to understand how much product we can be exposed without risk. At 3 months, a bottle-fed baby should consume more than four times the usual number of bottles of milk a day to wait before the threshold of the ADI.

Yet, despite the lack of evidence on the dangers of BPA, its use was banned in Canada in 2008. (Learn more about this on the site BabyCenter Canada.)
The same year, closer to us, it is the city of Paris has decided to stop using baby bottles containing BPA in its collective custody facilities on behalf of the precautionary principle.
In 2009, many users and consumer associations interested in this subject. They put pressure on the authorities to that BPA is no longer used in the manufacture of bottles.
In a press release dated December 14, 2009, INRA (National Institute of Food Research) said they have evidence that BPA has adverse effects on the functioning of the intestine, even used the "ADI" well below those recommended.

BPA-free bottles in France
If you are worried, know that more and more manufacturers design a range of BPA free bottles to meet the parents. For example, these manufacturers offer BPA free bottles (non exhaustive list):

• Brushwood
• Dodie
• Natiloo
• Cloud
• Avent
• Aubert

What can I do to protect my child?

Unfortunately, if you want to be sure that there are no harmful chemicals in the products you buy, it is often up to you to lead your inquiry! Here are some tips if you want to avoid these chemicals:

• Avoid toys made of PVC. If you buy, check with the manufacturer (by calling customer service for example) if they contain phthalates or organotins.

• When you buy a mattress for crib, check with the manufacturer if the mattress has been treated with brominated flame retardant that meets the French and European standards.

• Do not reuse the mattress for more children - buy a new one for each baby.

• Write or call customer service to ask the manufacturers if their products contain one or more of the products mentioned in this article.

Diarrhea in baby

How do I know if my baby has diarrhea?

Many parents wonder if their infant diarrhea, stool newborn is usually very common. They differ as it is fed be or baby bottle. Breastfed babies have stools yellowish rather soft or liquid, granular, up to five times per day.



Sometimes a breastfed infant has a bowel movement during or immediately after each feeding. Milk stimulates the intestinal tract as the stomach fills, resulting in a saddle. After a month, most breastfed babies spend one or two bowel movements per day. The bottle-fed infants usually have a bowel movement per day, light brown and fairly firm.

Occasional soft stools are completely normal.
Symptoms of diarrhea are:

- Smelly stool, very liquid and mucus streaked
- Very frequent bowel movements (up saddle feeding after the first month)
- The fever
- Loss of weight.
Consult your doctor or pediatrician.

What are the causes?

The most common cause of diarrhea is a virus called rotavirus. Almost all children have the virus before the age of 5 years. Rotavirus causes gastroenteritis, an intestinal infection. The latter damaging the inner wall of the intestine.

The infant diarrhea can also be caused by poorly prepared bottles, the rhinitis, Antibiotics, food poisoning, allergies or other rarer diseases.

Can we prevent diarrhea?

Proper hygiene can help to reduce the risk of diarrhea, preventing contamination. If your child has diarrhea or if you are sick yourself, the only effective means to prevent contamination of the environment is to thoroughly wash your hands for at least 15 seconds with antibacterial soap.

How to treat?

Whatever the age of your child, if his stools are more frequent and if they become highly liquid, offer her a regular rehydration solution to prevent it from dehydration.

Small that toddlers and older children can swallow well diluted fruit juice (at least one volume of juice to 10 parts water). Ice water can be useful if your toddler is reluctant to drink. Avoid drinks with sugar, soft drinks and fruit juices undiluted (unabsorbed sugar draws water into the intestine and can promote diarrhea).

Do not give anti-diarrheal medication to a child younger than 12 years without medical advice. This could have serious side effects.

Breastfed babies are they less prone to diarrhea?

Yes. Breastfeeding appears to strengthen the defenses of the baby's body.

Should I stop giving him solid foods?

No. You can continue to give your baby food solid, Sauf s'il vomits frequently. If your child is older than six months, give him bananas, rice, mashed carrots, applesauce and toast. For older babies or children begin to walk, you can try small amounts of chicken and starchy, like mashed potatoes and pasta. It may be that he did not want to eat, do not force it. The important thing is to offer him water regularly to avoid dehydration.

When should I call the doctor?

Diarrhea can be alarming if it lasts several hours but usually alone. Gastroenteritis, however, can last a good week. If your baby has loose stools and liquid, or if the number of stools is much higher than normal for more than two or three days, call your doctor or pediatrician.

The greatest risk of diarrhea is dehydration. Do not wait to call your doctor if your child shows signs: dry lips or skin, apathy, crying without tears, depressed fontanelle, hands and feet discolored urine very yellow or fewer wet diapers.

Also consult with your doctor or pediatrician if your baby:

• refuses to drink or vomits everything he drinks
• has a fever for more than 24 hours
• has blood in stool
• has diarrhea with vomiting for more than 24 hours
• a swollen belly, hard and painful.

If your baby is irritable during an attack of diarrhea, try to cuddle and comfort him and keep dry. Change his diapers with care and tenderness, small buttocks of a toddler being easily irritated by the diarrhea. Apply a protective cream to prevent irritation if diarrhea lasts more than a day. Do not worry, your baby will recover quickly.
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Heat rash in babies

What is heat rash?

If your toddler has suddenly bright red buttons on the neck, under the arms or around the edges of his diaper or underwear, do not panic! It is without doubt that heat rash. Also known as miliary eruption sudamina, they take the form of pimples or red roses blades. They can occur when your baby is too hot if the temperature is high and damp air. The buttons are often in the folds of the skin and parts of the body where clothes rub, as the chest, stomach, neck, crotch and buttocks. If your child wears a hat, the buttons can even invade the scalp or forehead.

Heat rash are they serious?

No, but they indicate that your baby is too hot. Undress him and remember to moisturize regularly offering him water to drink.

What is the cause?

When the weather is hot and humid, your child sweats to dissipate heat. If the pores of the skin are clogged and sweat can not be removed, heat rash appear. (Young children are particularly susceptible to heat rash because their pores are smaller than adults). Thick or tight clothing can also retain sweat, promote irritation. A child may also develop heat rash when it has a high temperature that makes sweat a lot.

Heat rash are they painful for my toddler?

No, they are generally not painful, but they may itch and some buttons are touch sensitive.

How to treat heat rash?

Start with your child cool. Loosen or remove his clothes and put it in a ventilated room or a shady location. Cool then directly affected areas with a glove wet and cold. A warm bath can also be helpful. Let air dry the skin as much as possible, rather than using a towel. Stay a little while naked can help cure pimples. If your baby seems irritable and cries when you touch his skin, apply a soothing lotion to scale (ask your pharmacist). Avoid ointments and other lotions which may aggravate pimples retaining moisture in the skin. If it continues to warm at night, place a fan near your child's bed.

Seek advice from your doctor or pediatrician if your child has a elevated temperature.
Keep an eye on your child if the temperature drops, it may be cold and need to be reheated.

How to prevent heat rash?

In warm weather, dress your child in loose clothing and light so it feels good and does not sweat. Although there is no evidence that a certain type of fabric is better than another, dermatologists argue that natural fabrics such as cotton, allowing the skin to sweat more efficiently than, for example, synthetic fabrics. To check if your baby is too hot, then touch his skin. If it is hot and humid, it is too hot. When it is hot, keep your child indoors or looking for a cool, shady and well ventilated so it sits and plays out. Be sure to drink a lot so he does not dehydrate.

Should I take my child to the doctor or pediatrician for heat rash?

Consult your doctor or pediatrician if your child has a elevated temperature (38.5 ° C) and does not respond to medications or technical refresh, or if the buttons do not disappear after three or four days, or seem worse.