wee ones

Before you even bring your wee one home from the hospital, you know one thing for sure…they cry! So what’s the right thing to do for your wailing wee one? Pickin’ ‘em up is usually the first thing you do if you aren’t already holding them, but along the way you just might hear: fact or fiction…pick-up your wee one every time he cries & you’ll spoil him

Big, fat FICTION! When we worry about spoiling our kiddos, we are really talking about giving in or indulging in too many of the child’s wants rather than needs. Well, in the early months for your wee one’s life, he is all about needs. Crying signals he is tired, too cold or too hot, hungry, needs a diaper change or needs to be held and comforted. Attending to these needs is not over indulging, rather you are creating trust and attachment. Fast forward a couple years from now and running to meet every request, not such a good idea. Here are a couple tips to help you respond appropriately to your wee ones cries:

• talk to me Your wee one’s crying is a form of communication. If he could he would tell you exactly what he needs, but for now remember he isn’t trying to make you mad or be naughty. He’s just saying in his own way, “Excuse me. I hate to be a bother, but isn’t it time for my lunch?”

• see it coming Watch for signals that your wee one is going to cry and meet his need before the fivealarm whistle blows. Facial expressions, squirming and arms flailing can let you know he needs to be picked-up and can prevent crying.

• just a minute Your response time is going to different for a crying 5-day-old versus a 9-month-old. As your wee one gets older you’ll know if his cry is a “hurt, get over right now” kind of cry or if he can wait a bit as you finish loading the dishwasher.

Moral of the story, don’t worry about spoiling your wee one. And enjoy this time because before you know it you won’t be able to lift him!

It’s about that time…cold and flu season is knocking at the door. Coughing, sneezing and dreaded fevers may be in your future. As you ready the medicine cabinet with acetaminophen and ibuprofen did you know…

fact or fiction…fevers can cause brain damage

Thank goodness, this is FICTION. Brain damage from a typical fever [100°F to 104°F] is highly unlikely. Fevers are very common and it’s important to realize it is a sign of an illness and not an illness itself. This past February the American Academy of Pediatrics [AAP] released a report urging parents to recognize fever as a sign that the body is working to fight infection and not something to be feared. The AAP recommends keeping your tot comfortable as you watch for signs of serious illness rather than focusing solely on bringing the fever down. Here are some of their other fever managing recommendations:

• drink up Push the liquids to fend off dehydration.

• rest up If your tot wants to sleep, let them. Don’t wake them to take fever reducing medicine.

• not comin’ down If your tot has a temp of 104°F or higher and it doesn’t come down with fever reducing medication or lukewarm bath or cool washcloth, call your doctor.

• just not right If your tot is lethargic, meaning he is limp, lifeless or unresponsive, call your doctor. Also, if he is beyond fussy and more like inconsolable, call your doctor.

• no no Do not give your tot aspirin to treat a fever. Stick to acetaminophen and ibuprofen and for dosing, pay closer attention to the weight guidelines rather than the age.

Remember, a fever is the body’s way of slowing the growth and/or reproduction of viruses and bacteria. So, in a nutshell, pay attention to how your tot is feeling rather than just the number on the thermometer. Keep him comfortable and before you know it he’ll be back to his old self.