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Croup
Croup is an infection of the windpipe usually caused by a virus.
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| Signs/Symptoms |
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• High pitched coarse sound when breathing in
• Barking cough
• The hollow in the child’s neck may "pull in"
• Fever usually absent or low grade |
| Treatment |
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• Stay calm
• Open freezer door and allow child to breathe the air from the freezer
• Use a vaporizer in the child’s room
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| Call the Doctor |
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• If breathing not improved after 5 – 10 minutes
• If breathing becomes harder
• If child begins drooling or has trouble swallowing
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| REMEMBER TO KEEP CALM |
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• If the parents remain calm, the child will quiet down, and breathing will become easier |
Colic is abdominal cramping that makes the infant cry, stiffen, and "draw-up" his/her legs.
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| Signs/Symptoms |
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• Colic is usually worse in the afternoon and evening hours, though it may occur at any time of the day.
• Colic tends to go away by 3 months of age as the infant’s digestive system matures and works more efficiently.
• Colic usually begins after leaving the hospital, usually between 1 – 3 weeks of age. Most babies do not have colic.
• Colic occurs less frequently in breast fed infants.
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| Treatment |
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• Gently rocking or swinging may settle the infant.
• A change of formula sometimes may help. The physician should make this decision.
• Some medications may help. You should discuss this with your physician.
• Application of heat sometimes helps. You should never use a heating pad.
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Vomiting occurs because the stomach has rejected what was placed into it. Diarrhea is frequent, watery bowel movements. Vomiting/diarrhea are usually caused by viral infection.
The lining of the bowel becomes unable to digest foods that we consider to be good for the child. Severe vomiting/diarrhea can lead to dehydration, that is, a severe loss of body fluids.
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| Treatment |
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• Take the child off of milk/mild products, fruit/fruit juices, and solid foods.
• Give liquids that are easily absorbed (Pedialyte, Gatorade, Coke, Sprite, etc.). Offer liquids in small amounts, slowly increasing amounts. Give clear liquids for 24 hours.
• Infants: begin 1/2 strength formula after 24 hours of clear liquids.
• Older than 1 year: on 2nd day, give jello, broth, toast, crackers. Continue clear liquids untill bowel movements are normal.
• If after 24 hours on 1/2 strength formula bowel movements are normal, proceed to regular diet.
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| When to Call the Doctor |
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• When the above mentioned measures have not worked.
• When there is blood in bowel movements.
• Persistant fever of 101 degrees or greater.
• Decreased urine output/decreased number of wet diapers.
• Vomiting, abdominal cramping for more than 12 - 24 hours.
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What to do when a Baby Cries?
| Why Babies Cry: |
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• Adjusting to new environment
• Lonesome
• Sick
• Too hot or too cold
• Hungry
• Diapers need changing
• Has gas/need to be burped
• Bored
• Wants to suck
• Teething
• Some babies just cry
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| Don't: |
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• Take it personally.
• Let the baby "cry it out" alone (can make him/her more insecure)
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| What you can do: |
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• Nurse/feed the baby
• Hold the baby
• RELAX, the baby can sense your frustration
• Let someone else hold the baby while you take a break
• Rock the baby or try placing the baby in a baby swing
• Soothing music
• STAY CALM
• Reposition the baby
• Pat gently
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| *Persistant crying could signify a problem. Call the baby's doctor, especially if you suspect your baby may be sick. |
Yes, even babies can catch colds. These colds are rarely severe, usually lasting 5-10 days.
Nasal congestion, if severe, may interfere with feedings. Small babies ahve difficulty with a cold because they are "nose breathers", not effectively breathing through their mouths.
Low grade fevers can be expected: however, if your child has a temperature of 100.5 degrees and becomes irritable, call the doctor.
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| Infants less than 3 months: |
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• Humidifier/vaporizer cool mist type is preferred.
• Raise the head of the child's bed so that the head is elevated.
• Use salt water nose drops to cleanse the mucous from the child's nose - gently suction with a soft rubber bulb. ( Salt water nose drops - mix 1/2 teaspoon salt with 8 oz. lukewarm water. Put 4 - 5 drops into each nostril, wait 1 - 2 minutes, then gently suction the nose with a bulb syringe.) Use as often as needed to relieve congestion.
• Do not give medication unless approved by the doctor.
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| Infants older than 3 months: |
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• All of the above is needed.
• A mild decongestant might be needed; please call the doctor.
• Post nasal drip usually leads to coughing, so cough medicines or expectorants are rarely needed.
• Colds that "never clear up" may represent other illnesses; therefore, call the doctor.
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