When Your Teething Baby Becomes A Grinch

So the holiday season has arrived and your teething baby or toddler is a cranky, drooling mess. Don’t despair! There are things you can do to prevent your little one from becoming a permanent Grinch. If your little one has excessive drooling, rash, fever, trouble sleeping through the night, and irritability without any signs of a cold or flu-like illness, chances are it’s teething related. Here are some strategies that we are currently using at home to help our toddler enjoy the holidays.

1) Make sure your baby/toddler gets plenty of rest during the day. Even if they are sleeping through the night, extra long naps can be very beneficial during this time. My daughter is taking 2-3 hour naps these days. We keep her room dark and use an air filter to act as white noise. I find that her mood greatly improves after she’s had some down time.
2) Avoid crowded and noisy places like malls, restaurants, grocery stores, ect. Your baby/toddler will feel most comfortable at home in a calm, familiar environment. If you have to go out in public bring Belle’s Biscuits for distraction and instant pain relief.
3) Make sure you have a mesh teether on hand. They can be stuffed with ice cubes and frozen fruit. The cold can reduce inflammation and numb the gums. They’re a little messy so have your little one wear a bib.
4) Keep your temper under control. The beginning of the new year can be a stressful time in general, but if your baby/toddler is teething they may push your buttons even more than usual. Please recognize that getting mad will only make the situation worse for you and your little one. So stay calm when they act up.
5) Take heart, this will pass! You’re daily routine may be disrupted and you might find yourself exhausted, but know that teething comes and goes in waves. Very soon your little one will be back to their normal self. For now, do the best you can and don’t let teething spoil your day!

Happy Holidays from the folks at Belle’s Biscuits!

The Dangers of Teething Medicine For Babies

 

When we see our children suffering we are compelled to do anything to take away their pain.  That said, it’s no secret that I’m very conservative about giving  OTC (over the counter) medications to babies or toddlers, especially pain relievers.  Now the FDA is  warning doctors, patients, and parents about the potential for a rare but deadly blood disorder associated with benzocaine.  Benzocaine is a drug found in many popular over the counter baby teething medications and a drug that can result in a blood disorder known as methemoglobinemia.  Children are particularly susceptible to his condition.  Here is what the FDA has to say…

“While anyone can develop methemoglobinemia babies under age 2 have an elevated risk of developing the condition.  Benzocaine is found in popular teething remedies such as Baby Orajel and Anbesol.  The FDA is now warning that Orajel and Anbesol should not be used on children under age 2 unless directed by a physician.

Methemoglobinemia interferes with the body’s ability to carry oxygen into bodily tissue.  If you, or your child, experience:

• pale, gray or blue skin, lips or nails;
• difficulty breathing;
• fatigue;
• confusion;
• lightheadedness;
• headache; or
• Rapid heart rate

while on a benzocaine product then it is important to seek immediate medical attention.

Many over the counter benzocaine medications do not yet carry a warning about methemoglobinemia.

If you, or your child, have suffered from methemoglobinemia while taking or shortly after taking a benzocaine product, please file an adverse report with the FDA and consult with a defective drug lawyer for information about your legal rights.”

http://www.benzocaine-lawsuit.com/

So parents, please pay close attention to warning labels before you give your child any medicine and don’t hesitate to contact your doctor or pharmacist with questions.    

Happy Teething!

How Do I Care For My Baby’s New Teeth?

                         

Here’s what the Mayo Clinic has to say about taking care of your baby’s teeth…. 

“Ideally, you’ve been running a clean, damp washcloth over your baby’s gums every day. If not, now’s a great time to start. The washcloth can keep bacteria from building up in your baby’s mouth. When your baby’s first teeth appear, switch to a small, soft-bristled toothbrush. There’s no need to use toothpaste. Water is all you need until your child learns to spit — about age 2.

It’s also time to think about regular dental checkups. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommend scheduling a child’s first dental visit after the first tooth erupts and no later than his or her first birthday. Your baby’s teeth and gums will also be examined at well-baby checkups. Remember, regular childhood dental care helps set the stage for a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums.”

Happy Teething!

When Your Teething Baby Becomes A Grinch

    

So the holiday season has arrived and your teething baby or toddler is  a cranky, drooling mess.  Don’t despair!  There are things you can do to prevent your little one from becoming a permanent Grinch. Last year my toddler was teething and we  went through three days of a low-grade fever and rash.  She had been drooling up a storm  and the fever came on very quickly with no other cold or flu like symptoms.

     If your little one has excessive drooling, rash, fever, trouble sleeping through the night, and irritability without any signs of a cold or flu-like illness, chances are it’s teething related.  Here are some strategies that we  used at home to help our toddler enjoy the holidays.

1) Make sure your baby/toddler gets plenty of rest during the day.   Even if they are sleeping through the night, extra long naps can be very beneficial during this time.  My daughter took 2-3 hour naps when she was teething.  We kept her room dark and used an air filter to act as white noise.  I found that her mood greatly improved after she’s had some down time.

2) Avoid crowded and noisy places like malls, restaurants, grocery stores, ect.  Your baby/toddler will feel most comfortable at home in a calm, familiar environment.  If you have to go out in public bring Belle’s Biscuits for distraction and instant pain relief.     

3) Make sure you have a mesh teether on hand.  They can be stuffed with ice cubes and frozen fruit.  The cold can reduce inflammation and numb the gums.  They’re a little messy so have your little one wear a bib.     

4) Keep your temper under control.  The holidays can be  stressful  in general, but if your baby/toddler is teething they may push your buttons even more than usual.  Please recognize that getting mad will only make the situation worse for you and your little one.  So stay calm when they act up.

5) Take heart, this will pass!  You’re daily routine may be disrupted and you might find yourself exhausted, but know that teething comes and goes in waves.  Very soon your little one will be back to their normal self.  For now, do the best you can and don’t let teething spoil your day!

Happy Holidays from the folks at Belle’s Biscuits!

Belle’s Biscuits at Vegan Freak

I know this blog has been sparse the  past few months… that’s because I’ve had my hands full with my new baby girl.  Won’t be long before she’ll be chomping on Belle’s Biscuits.  In the meantime she’s into chewing wet washcloths and cloth diapers – a real treat when you haven’t started solids yet:)

                                                                

Good news for all the babies and toddlers that live in the Dallas Fort-Worth area.  You’ll be able to find Belle’s Biscuits at Vegan Freak, a new vegan specialty and convenience store in Denton, TX.  They’re scheduled to open doors on November 1st.

Sugar offers pain relief for babies

“Existing research points to the pain-relieving properties of sweet solutions working for babies undergoing painful procedures.”  Here’s an article from the BBC that confirms why you should bring Belle’s Biscuits to your next doctor’s appointment.

Sugar drops ‘ease baby jab pain’

Sugary solutions reduced crying time, the researchers said. Babies should be given something sugary before a jab to reduce pain, Canadian researchers say. Experts at the University of Toronto say newborns are less likely to cry if given a few drops of a sugar solution before immunisation. Data based on 1,000 injections suggests infants given a glucose solution are 20% less likely to cry following a jab. The research, published in Archives of Disease in Childhood, is based on clinical data from 14 studies. A team led by Dr Arne Ohlsson, of the University of Toronto, looked at data from clinical trials in babies up to a year old. As well as the findings related to glucose, the researchers found that between a few drops and half a teaspoon of sucrose and glucose also led to a small reduction in the amount of time a baby spent crying. The Canadian researchers, who worked in collaboration with colleagues in Australia and Brazil, concluded: “Healthcare professionals should consider using sucrose or glucose before and during immunisation.” Existing research points to the pain-relieving properties of sweet solutions working for babies undergoing painful procedures such as a heel prick. Adam Finn, professor of paediatrics at the University of Bristol, said: “Anything we can do to minimise the discomfort of immunisation for children is to be welcomed, and I would like to see more research in this area. “On the one hand parents are more likely to return if the experience is not distressing. “But more fundamentally, children don’t agree to have vaccines, so we need to be sure we are making it as painless as possible for them.”

To all the moms with teething babies..

 

You deserve a gold medal if there’s a little teether in your house.  I know first hand how the stress of teething can create mayhem for the whole family.   As much as I love my darling Annabelle, there were times when she was teething that I would give anything to escape to a deserted island with just myself and some good books.  I was overwhelmed and sleep deprived – a nasty combination at a time when my child was experiencing her own trauma.   So if you find yourself in this situation, here’s some unsolicited advice from someone who learned the hard way….

• Ask for help!  Let friends or family members take care of your teething baby so you can catch up on sleep and have some quality time to yourself.
• Take your fussy one to the library.  Most public libraries have story times for infants and toddlers.  This provides a great distraction for your teether and allows you to meet other parents to commiserate.
• If your baby is not sleeping through the night take turns with your spouse getting up.  Fair is fair!
• Keep your pediatrician or nurse practitioner in the loop.  If your baby is having a difficult time they can offer some advice and strategies on keeping them comfortable.
• Know that this will pass!  Teething is temporary and while it may turn your life upside down it will subside and things do return to normal again.

Happy Teething!

Infantino & Wendy Bellissimo Baby Slings Recalled

This is happening all too often – a baby product that I’ve purchased shows up on a recall list.  Here’s the latest one….

RISK OF SUFFOCATION

INFANTINO “SLINGRIDER” and “WENDY BELLISSIMO” BABY SLINGS
INFANTINO SLING RIDER – 151-655= SKN 227173
INFANTINO SLING RIDER – 751-710 = SKN 903555
INFANTINO SLING RIDER – 151-210/151-528 = SKN 377683
WENDY BELLISSIMO SLING – PINK CAMO 3937500H7 = SKN 445994
WENDY BELLISSIMO SLING – BLUE CAMO 3937501H7 = SKN 446028

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns parents and caregivers on the use of slings with infants younger than four months of age due to a risk of suffocation.

This recall includes all Infantino “SlingRider” and “Wendy Bellissimo” infant slings sold at retailers nationwide and online at Amazon.com from January 2003 through March 2010 for between $25 and $30.

CONSUMERS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY STOP USING THE SLINGS AND CONTACT INFANTINO FOR A FREE REPLACEMENT PRODUCT, AND A RATTLE.

(866) 860-1361
(Monday through Friday between 8:00am and 4:00pm PST)
Or register online at
www.infantino.com   

For the record, my daughter never liked this sling and I didn’t feel comfortable carrying her around in it.  I will however contact Infantino for a new sling for my second daughter  (she’ll be making her grand entrance in a couple  months!).  I’ll let you know what improvements have been made and if the sling is worth purchasing.

Happy Teething!

Good Advice from Brooke Burke

I’ve decided to repost a blog entry from Brooke Burke on her recent experience of being sleep deprived and exhausted from a house full of sick kids.  We’ve all been there…espeically if you have a teething baby!  As I’ve written before, it’s so important to rest and find time to center yourself.  A little down time goes a long way!

Peace Within The Storm  

Posted 2/21/2010 9:50 PM PST 

I had a first time experience this weekend and I need to share it.  
 
I‘ve been preaching about “Me Time” for a while now, and I do fully recognize that it is much easier said than done.  I survived my dbl family school break staycation. Add a week of sick kids, which equals no sleep for me.  So, I decided to check into a local hotel/spa and take a moment to breathe, rejuvenate, think, and most importantly sleep.  Savoring every moment is an understatement, but listening to my body is spot on! Bottom line is I needed to sleep and I needed a moment for me, which ultimately is better for them.  
 
Two of my mommy friends celebrating their birthdays joined me, one of whom is a master at “me time” and she is a better mom and wife for it! My other girlfriend works, travels when necessary and lives her life while being an amazing devoted mother of 2 girls, but she does it all. I, on the other hand, just took my FIRST night off from my children since they were born with the exception of one Napa wedding that David and I traveled to and a FEW work obligations. That reality has been mind blowing to many of my mommy friends, but quite the norm for me.
 
As I was sharing my play by play on Twitter – yes I did relax without my laptop, (but I am addicted to Twitter); someone replied to me tweeting, “most of us following you are not going on spa getaways…”  I thought about that and wondered if I should not be sharing the luxuries of my life while most people cannot enjoy them…then I thought about the reasons I share what I do and the underlining message behind it all.  It’s a delicate choice that I make to open up my life and share my personal and family experiences, but I do it when I have something I believe is meaningful… 

It’s not about the SPA getaway, it was about me listening to my body, knowing what I need and taking a moment for myself for a change. And more importantly, I didn’t feel guilty about it.  I seriously thought I was going to lose it if I did not get one uninterrupted night’s sleep.  I slept for 7 hours and 21 minutes last night, (last look at the clock before dosing off) and it was the most valuable gift I have given myself in a LONG time!!!  Reality is that when I’m home, the kids find me and they need me. I had to leave the house to get some rest and they were perfectly happy to have the fun night I planned for them while mommy was away.
 
Ok, so for those who can’t pull that off, create a haven at home.  Take an hour hot bath; make a homemade spa in your own bathroom. Light a candle; create a new easy listening playlist on Pandora (it’s free), make your own spa bath out of chamomile tea bags and milk.  Drink some green tea alone and breathe… take 10 minutes to stretch, go for a silent walk, take a nap while your kids are napping. Find a moment to pamper yourself in some way.  We take care of everyone else all day long, what about “me time”.  I love taking care of my family, but I need some TLC too, even if I have to give it to myself!
  
Someone else tweeted me today, “Isn’t being a mom about finding that same peace at home?”
 
I answered, “I do”.  

I can create that same feeling I enjoyed today in my own home and I have many times.  But yesterday, I needed a moment of solitude, I heard it loud and clear and I took it.  It was just the right dose of “me time” before I knew it I was back in bed reading fairy tales just where I left off.  Honestly, that one night will last me a very long time..
 
“Serenity isn’t freedom from the storm, but peace within the storm”

Is Your Teething Baby Causing Mommy Burnout?

 

                                             

      The first four months of my daughter’s life were particularly brutal, but at least I had realistic expectations that my baby wasn’t going to be a perfect angel.  I was prepared for sleepless nights and that delusional state which haunts you all day. My husband, family, and friends were totally supportive during this time, watching the baby while I napped, bringing us delicious food, and keeping their mouths shut during my occasional outbursts driven by fluctuating hormones.

       Unfortunately I was totally caught off guard at 13 months when Annabelle’s teeth started to sprout and the delusional state that I experienced at the beginning of her life came back with full vengeance .  Not only was Annabelle an irritable, drooling mess during the day but her sleep pattern at night was totally disrupted.  Even if we gave her OTC medicine before bed she would still wake every four hours.  At first I thought I could handle the situation on my own.  My husband, who must have been a bear in a previous life, can sleep through anything and so I decided to take care of Annabelle during the night.  After about seven weeks of interrupted sleep and a cranky baby during the day, mommy burnout set in and I became a moody, over caffeinated mess.  I’ve found that most mothers don’t get the same  “newborn sympathy” when their older baby starts having issues and sometimes it’s hard for us to admit that we can’t handle it all.  

     So here’s my best advice for anyone going through a difficult teething situation with their little one…

       Ask friends and family for help during the day so you can catch up  on lost sleep.  Even if you’re not a big daytime napper,  it’s almost impossible to function like a normal human when you’re sleep deprived.   If you work, take a few days off and spend some quality time in bed.  It’s the best defense against mommy burnout! 

   Now that I’m pregnant again I have a better sense of what I’m in for.   This time around I’m making the old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” as my life motto and as soon as I feel myself sliding into the burnout lane, I’m asking for help!