Health

Each child is unique and doesn’t necessarily follow the traditional ages associated with teething. In fact, some babies are born with teeth! But for those on a more traditional path, teething usually begins around 6 months of age. 

Teething can be a difficult time for babies and parents alike. Increased crankiness, fussiness, and irritability in your little one can be overwhelming. It’s helpful to understand the regular teething stages in babies in order to be fully prepared as a parent.

In addition to symptoms such as irritability and fussiness, other symptoms of teething include increased drooling, putting everything into their mouths, and puffy, swollen gums. Teething can occasionally cause undesirable symptoms such as fever and diarrhoea, though this is more based on speculation and doesn’t have a scientific basis.

Stage One: 0 – 6 Months of Age

Did you know that babies are born with a full set of milk teeth? These primary teeth, of which there are 20, are hidden under the gums. They exist as placeholders for adult teeth. 

In some instances, a few of your baby’s milk teeth may come in before the 6 month threshold. Some may even have visible teeth when they are born!

Stage Two: 6 – 8 Months of Age

During stage two, you may notice some of your baby’s milk teeth popping through the gums. Usually, the first teeth to erupt are the front bottom followed by the front top (lower and upper incisors). 

Your baby will usually be drooling excessively and putting everything in his mouth. The gentle pressure on the gums provides some relief for the teething baby.

Stage Three: 9 – 14 Months of Age

This stage is similar to stage two, but because the teeth that are starting to cut are the primary molars, you may notice that the symptoms of stage two are exaggerated. Expect a loss of sleep for both parent and baby!

If your little one is in extreme pain, discuss with your paediatrician. He or she may recommend baby paracetamol for teething.

Stage Four: 15 – 22 Months of Age

During stage four of baby teething, your little one will begin to cut his canines (the teeth next to the top front and top bottom teeth). Do everything you can, within reason, to keep your baby happy and comfortable during this stage.

Try freezing a wash cloth soaked in watermelon juice or making ‘milk popsicles’ in an ice cube tray. Babies tend to like cold temperatures on their gums while teething.

Stage Five: 24 to 33 Months of Age

This is usually the most uncomfortable stage of teething for babies, as this is when the molars come in. These are the largest teeth, so it’s understandable that this is the most uncomfortable stage for most babies.

If your usual methods aren’t working, try giving your little one a hard, cold carrot to chew (while keeping your baby supervised to avoid the choking hazard, of course).

Teething looks different in every baby, but hopefully this rough guide to the teething stages will help you and your baby handle it with more ease and comfort!

They say that life begins when you reach 50 years old. After all, this is the time when you’ve already established yourself, your children are settled, and you have enough savings that can allow you to start to enjoy your life. But being in your 50s can also mean more health problems—from uncomplicated UTIs and heart problems to more serious medical conditions.

So, if you want to enjoy the best years of your life, make sure that you follow these tips:

• Get yourself checked regularly. Even if you feel perfectly fine, it’s essential to check yourself regularly to monitor significant health numbers like your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight. This will help you prevent medical conditions like heart disease and stroke that are common in your age group. Look for a health professional near your area so you won’t have to travel far for your regular check-ups. Tap into your circle of friends and families for good recommendations.

• Be mindful of recurring UTIs. According to studies, at least 50% of women will develop UTIs in their lifetime, most of whom are in their late adulthood when there are considerable changes in the reproductive and urinary tract systems. Now, if you’re constantly experiencing recurrent UTI, make sure to consult your doctor right away.

• Keep moving. Although you need to be more careful in strenuous activities, you should never stop being active every day because it helps you stay healthy physically and emotionally. Regular exercise also allows you to remain independent in your daily life activities like lifting things, cleaning the house, doing groceries, and doing house chores. 

• Invest in bone health. Many women think they can put off taking calcium supplements or eating high-calcium foods when they reach 65. But your 50s is the perfect time to start making lifestyle choices that will help you keep your bones more vital than ever, so you can enjoy life without worrying about your health.

• Eat right. What you eat will significantly impact your health while in your 50s. So, while you can always treat yourself to your favourite foods now and then, you need to be more mindful about eating a well-balanced diet to get all the nutrients that your body needs to stay strong and healthy for a longer time. 

• Manage your stress. Stress will always be a part of life, even if you’re already in your 50s. But since this is the time to focus more on enjoying yourself, you should learn to choose where to spend your time and energy. Managing stress is very important if you want to stay healthy and happy in your late adulthood years.

Your 50s is an excellent time in your life because you’re financially stable, have more time to yourself, and are still strong enough to do things you love. Make these years count by keeping yourself healthy and full of life. Follow these simple tips, and don’t forget to focus on loving yourself more. You’ve worked hard for a long time. You deserve this time.

When a child gets a fever, it’s a very scary thing, particularly for new parents. Not only are you worried about the health of your child, but you want to make sure you’re taking all the necessary steps and doing the right thing to help your child get better. There are a number of factors to consider – how high is too high, do you need to go to the doctor, or worse, do you need to go to the emergency room? 

At some point, even the most careful of moms and dads will have a child with a fever. It’s important to have a thermometer available to use in case you suspect a fever. While a rectal thermometer is the best option for babies under three months old, a digital thermometer is sufficient.

What Is A Fever?

A fever is an increase in the body’s temperature in response to illness in order to fight infection. It’s a normal response by the body when there is an illness. Despite the fact that it’s a normal response, you can’t ignore fevers altogether. Sometimes, they can be a symptom of a serious illness if left untreated. 

When To See A Doctor For A Fever

• Contact your doctor for any fever if your baby is younger than 3 months old. Even a low temperature could indicate a serious illness. If your baby’s temperature is below 36.5°C (rectally) then call your paediatrician. 
• If your child is older than 3 months old, contact your paediatrician for a rectal temperature above 39°C.
• If your child’s fever has lasted longer than 5 days, contact your paediatrician.
• If your child’s fever is not lowered with medication, call a doctor.
• If you suspect dehydration, particularly in babies, seek medical attention. Babies should have at least 4 wet diapers per day, and children should be urinating at least every 8-12 hours.
• When in doubt, call your doctor.

When To Use Medicine For A Fever

Treating a fever isn’t necessarily about lowering the number. The main goal of treating a fever is to improve your child’s comfort. If your child is acting normal and happy, they could have a temperature of 39°C and not need to be treated.

If your child is uncomfortable and has a fever over 38.5°C, you can use Paracetamol for kids. 

Do not give Paracetamol to your child if they are under 3 months of age without first consulting with a medical professional.

Other Ways To Treat A Fever

• Keep your child comfortable in light, breathable clothes. Make sure they aren’t shivering or are too cold.
• Rest does wonders for a fever! Encourage your child to lay down and read a book or watch a movie while the fever subsides. 
• Keep your child hydrated with clear fluids or teas. Talk to your doctor about giving babies younger than 6 months old anything besides breast milk or formula.

If you’re unsure about the cause of your child’s fever, it’s always best to play it safe and consult a doctor.