Here are few ways to talk to your child about thumb sucking:

Thumb sucking children have developed the habit due to various reasons. It can be stress, comfort, or a defense mechanism but there are ways to stop the habit with a few easy steps. The number one way to help your child is to observe and determine why they are sucking their thumb in the first place. Secondly, talking to your child will help you better understand their need to take part in this habit and give you the opportunity to help them better.

Here are few ways to talk to your child about thumb sucking:

Just Simply Talking � By just approaching the subject in a conversation with your child can help them feel more at ease about the reasons they do it. They may open up to the reason why it comforts them in certain situations. Most children start as babies, so it is a learned habit, one that can be difficult to break. Persistence is key.

Information � By starting a conversation about the effects of thumb sucking, you can broach the topic with the side effects it has such as what it can do to their smile. You could also explain the truth about the germs that will get into their bodies by thumb sucking. This will often deter a child from continuing but be sure not to scare them. Approach the topics gently.

Activities � Keeping a child�s hands busy will stop them from wanting to put their thumb in their mouth because they will be too busy doing the activities. Arts and crafts or just playing ball outside will preoccupy them.

Alternatives � If your child is doing the habit out of a need for comfort, offer them a stuffed animal or a blanket to comfort them instead.

Patience � This habit will not go away overnight and may be extremely difficult to break; however it can be broken. The main thing as a parent of a thumb-sucker is to be patient while trying to break them of this habit.

You have the opportunity to not only break this habit but to help them develop better habits and ways to evoke comfort

10 Things to Know About Newborns

Baby may be, well, a little funny-looking

His head may be smooshed from his journey through the birth canal, and he might be sporting a "bodysuit" of fine hair called lanugo. He could also be puffy-faced and have eyes that are often shut (and a little gooey). After all, he just spent nine months in the womb. But pretty soon, he'll resemble that beautiful baby you imagined

Don't expect rewards -- smiles or coos -- until about the 6-week mark.

Up until then, you're working for a boss who only complains! To get through the exhaustion and

emotional upheaval, keep this in mind: your efforts aren't lost on baby in those early days. "He feels comforted by his father or mother, he feels attachment, he likes to be held," says Los Angeles-based pediatrician Christopher Tolcher, MD.

Give baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off.

If it's kept dry, it falls off faster -- usually within two weeks. Besides, newborns don't get very dirty! If the cord does get wet, pat it dry. And if the stump bleeds a little when the cord falls off, that's okay, too, as Alyson Bracken, of West Roxbury, Massachusetts, learned. "It scared me at first," she says, but then she found out that, as with a scab, mild bleeding was normal.

The soft spot can handle some handling

I was terrified of the soft spot," admits April Hardwick, of New York City, referring to the opening in the skull, also called the fontanel, which allows baby to maneuver out of the birth canal. "Gemma had a full head of hair at birth, and I was initially afraid to comb over the soft spot," Hardwick says. But there was no need to worry: "It's okay to touch the soft spot and baby's hair near it," says Tanya Remer Altmann, MD, pediatrician and author of Mommy Calls. The spot may pulsate because it's directly over blood vessels covering the brain.

She'll let you know if she's getting enough food.

Baby needs to eat every two to three hours -- but if you're nursing, it's tough to know how much milk she's getting. "The baby's weight is the best indicator in the early days," says Dr. Tolcher. Your pediatrician will check it within a few days of discharge. A newborn loses 5 to 8 percent of her birthweight within the first week but should gain it back by the second. Diaper-counting can also act as a gauge: her schedule those first five days is haphazard, but after that, you'll see five to six wet diapers a day, and at least one or two stools

Dry skin is the norm for newborns.

Initially, he may be soft and silky, but that changes. "If you soaked yourself in liquid for nine months and then hit the air, you'd be dry too!" says Laura Jana, MD, pediatrician and coauthor of Heading Home With Your Newborn. You don't have to do anything about dry skin (it typically peels and flakes off), but if you're so inclined, reach for a hypoallergenic baby lotion that is fragrance-free. Little pink bumps, diaper rashes, and even baby acne may also make an appearance. "Acne tends to last for a few months," Dr. Jana says. "So get those cute newborn pics before one month

You don't have to hole up at home.

Lead a normal life, but use common sense when you go out in public," Dr. Tolcher says. Keep baby out of the sun, and avoid sick people (no toddler birthday parties!) and crowded enclosed spaces (such as the mall during the holidays). "Teach older siblings to touch baby's feet instead of her hands and face, which will help prevent the spread of infection," he adds. And make your older child the hygiene police, says Dr. Jana. He'll love telling guests, "Don't touch the baby without washing your hands."

Babies cry a lot -- that's how they communicate!

Their piercing wails will let you know they're hungry, cold, have a dirty diaper, or want to be held. These early "conversations" can be frustrating, but rest assured, you'll get a better handle on what she needs in time. Laurie May, of Boardman, Ohio, and her husband quickly learned to read their daughter's hunger signal. When they were brand-new parents, they set an alarm to go off every two hours to wake Carter for a feeding. "We did not need the alarm!" she says. "We love to laugh at that one now."

Newborn babies also sleep a lot -- but not for long stretches.

Those first three months are a free-for-all. Baby needs to eat every two to three hours, so you're not getting much sleep either. "It does get better," assures Dr. Altmann. "Most infants can sleep for six to eight hours by 3 months of age." In the meantime, try to get baby on a day and night schedule: during the day, don't let him snooze more than three hours without waking him to feed; at night let him sleep as long as he wants once he's regained the weight he lost at birth

The newborn stage is fleeting

Stressed, tired, and lonely? Yes, those early days are hard. But they'll soon be behind you. Barbara Evans, of New York City, says, "I wish I'd known how quickly the time goes." The mom to Luella, 8 months, says, "I didn't take enough pictures or keep notes!" Rabeea Baloch, of Sugarland, Texas, shares some veteran-mom experience: "With my first, I stressed over every single thing, from changing diapers to whether baby was crying more than usual. With my second, I just enjoyed holding her, smelling her, kissing her, and loving the time together."

Measles (RUBEOLA)

Measles is a highly contagious disease caused by a virus. Maximum number of cases occur in children less than 2 years of age. The disease occurs in all seasons but is more common in winter and springs. It is characterized by fever, conjunctivitis, coryza, cough and rash. It is a self-limiting disease unless complication occurs. Serious and fatal complication may occur with this disease.

Spread of Infection
This disease spreads from infected person to normal person by droplet spray (respiratory tract secretions and secretions of nose and throat). An infected person remain contagious, i.e. can spread infection from 4 days before to 6 days after the appearance of rash.

Clinical Manifestations
The incubation period of disease is 10-12 days. The disease starts with low grade to moderate fever, hacking cough, running nose, sneezing, rednesMeasless of eyes and watering from eyes. These symptoms last for 3-5 days.

The rash of measles appears on 4th day and at this times temperature rises abruptly and often reaches 40-40.50C (104-1050F). The rash starts behind the ears, along the hairline, on the upper lateral part of neck and on posterior part of the cheeks. In next 2-3 days rash spreads to back, abdomen, arms, thigh and finally reaches the feet. As this rash reaches the feet it starts fading from the face and then proceeds downwards in the same sequence in which it appeared. At this stage other symptoms also subside rapidly and patient who was looking desperately ill appears essentially well.

Loss of apetite and malaise are seen in patients, lymph nodes are also enlarged. Sometimes measle becomes haemorrhagic (Black measles) and bleeding may occur from mouth, nose and bavel.

Complications of measles
Respiratory tract complication of measles are most frequent. Pneumania may occurs because of measles virus itself or due to secondarily invading bacteria. Primary tuberculosis may flare up fallowing measles.

Otitis media (ear infection) is also commonly seen in children following measles infection.

Digestive system - diarrhaea, dysentry and appendicitis may occur following measles infection.

Malnutition - An attack of measles predisposes children to malnutrition. Measles has a higher rate of complication in already malnourished children.

Neurological complications - Encephalitis may occur, either in the early stage or in late stages. One third of the patiens may die and another one third may be left with neurological deficits.

Treatment
Treatment is mainly supportive and symptomatic. Fever is controlled by paracetamol and hydrotherapy. Cough should not be suppressed and dry irritating cough may be helped by humidification of the room. Adequate amount of fluid should be given. A good nourishing diet should be given. Vitamin A should be given to children as it reduces the severity of the disease. In case of complication the doctor should be consulted

Prevention
Active immunization with measles vaccine - In developing countries measles vaccine is given at 9 months of age and in developed countries it is given at 15 months of age. Immunization with measles vaccine with in 72 nos. of exposure to a measles case may modify the illness and provide protection in certain cases hence in school based outbreaks it should be considered.

Contraindication to Measles Vaccine - Measles vaccine is not recommended for Pregnant women, children with untreated tuber leukemia and these reclining immunodeficient drugs. In case these children are expired to measles, measles immunologist (Human) should be given.

Children with AIDS - Children with AIDS should receive measles vaccine as mortality due to measles is high in this group and vaccine is well to treated. In case these children are exposed they should be given gamma globulin in double dose.

Passive Immunization
Measles can be prevented by using gamma globulin with in 5 days after exposure to measles case.

Baby Clothes

There are many varieties of baby clothes. People will have to look for things that they like and fit to their purse, due to limited budget. Children dislike their clothes being changed often.

People should select the clothes that are easy to put on and change or remove. Choose only those clothes that have a wide neck and stretch. Parents should avoid tight fitting clothes for their children. Nappies that are open around the crotch are easier.

Cotton is the best natural fibre. It is soft and comfortable on the skin. People should use cotton to make baby clothes.

Baby clothes that do not need ironing and have not rough stitching are best. People may not buy too much clothes because babies grow out quickly. People may need the following for a newborn baby:

Minimum two nightgowns, they are easy to put on and take off and more comfortable.

Three pairs of socks.

At least three cardigans

Light jacket and sunhat during summer

Snow suit and warm hat during winter

Four sleeveless vest with poppers to prevent riding up.

Shopping for babies clothes and babies gifts has something for everyone. Babies’ clothes including sweatshirts, jerseys, various types of T-shirt and hoodies are available according to sizes. Babies’ clothes shop contains baby and toddler T-shirts, creepers, baby bibs, matching pillow and teddy bears.

There are various designs and pictures available on the babies clothing. People can match and mix them to create unique gift sets for children. Most of the pictures and designs come from animated fairy tales and stories, therefore babies can wear Sweatshirts and T-shirts while watching fun babies’s stories.

Parents can find various baby clothes and unique children’s clothing in many special shop sections. Parents can select babies clothing that says “I Love My Family” and “I Love My Kids”.

People can select babies clothing that have written alphabet “A, B, C…” this type of clothes to make learning fun. There are many alphabets such as animals’ alphabet and many alphabets that can teach the babies.

Tips for Caring for a Newborn

Taking care of a newborn baby can be an overwhelming experience for any mom. The tasks involved in baby care – from feeding to diapering to getting your baby to sleep – can be both an emotional and stressful time. However, following some simple tips can help you and provide you with what you know about how to take care of your newborn.

Baby Care Tips

The most important thing to remember is that even if you’re a first time mom, you should always trust your instincts when it comes to taking care of your infant. If you are in doubt about something, whether it be your child’s sleep patterns or how often you should feed your baby, do not hesitate to contact your health care provider.

While it may not seem like it at first, know that eventually you will be able to establish a normal routine with your baby. Feeding and sleep time will take place at more or less set times, although it will probably be unlikely that you will be able to have a fixed schedule. This can be especially helpful for stay at home moms who may also have other children to care for and household duties to which to attend.

Feeding is a central component of infant care and is essential to your baby’s health. Make sure not to restrict the length and frequency of feedings, as your baby needs proper nutrition in order to grow at a healthy rate. If you are breastfeeding, follow these helpful breastfeeding tips:

• nurse your baby as soon as possible after birth
  
  
  
• use a pillow to support your baby as well as for your comfort
  
  
  
• establish proper latch on (make sure your baby’s mouth completely covers your nipple)
  
  

Working moms can also speak to their employers about breastfeeding policies at the workplace, as well as make alternative arrangements, such as pumping milk beforehand, so that baby gets the nutrition he needs while you’re on the job.

If you experience any pain during breastfeeding, or if your baby is having trouble latching on, talk to your health care provider.

New moms are also concerned about baby sleep safety. Your newborn might sleep for up to 16 hours each day, generally sleeping for 3 to 4 hours at a time.

The following tips can help encourage healthy sleep in your newborn, as proper sleep is essential to baby care:

• always put your baby in her crib for sleep time; this will help her associate sleeping with her crib and help to establish a routine
  
  
  
• put your baby to sleep on her back; this reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
  
  
  
• reduce stimulation at night; dim the lights prior to bedtime and stay silent or speak in only soothing voices to help lull your baby to sleep. It can also be helpful to establish a bedtime routine; for example, make bath time prior to bed time.
  
  
  
• make sure there’s nothing in or near your baby’s crib, including bedding, stuffed animals and drapes; these objects could pose a hazard to your newborn
  
  

Is your baby still crying? Soothing a crying baby can be a frustrating and emotionally draining experience for a mom, even if you’re a second or third time mom.

Sitting in a rocking chair or carrying your baby close to you can help soothe your newborn. Also, going for a walk or a ride in the car can help your newborn relax, as can speaking in soothing tones or singing to your baby. Wrapping your child in a blanket can also help calm your baby. If you are feeling frustrated, take a few minutes to breathe deeply.

Always remember that you’re not alone when taking care of your newborn. Even if you’re a single parent, you still have resources available – including your health care provider, family and friends – to provide you with advice on how to take care of your newborn.