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If your baby has colic

Many parents whose baby has colic find that holding their baby in the football position, which puts pressure on the baby’s abdomen, often provides some relief. Place your baby facedown on your arm, supporting his or her body with your other hand.

Changing the baby’s diet may help ease the colic or discomfort. If you are nursing, breastfeed your baby smaller amounts more often. Avoid consuming chocolate; caffeine; dairy products; vegetables that cause gas such as broccoli, cabbage, and beans; spicy foods; citrus fruit; and alcohol. These foods may affect your breast milk and cause discomfort in the baby. If you are bottle-feeding, your baby may feel better if you change to a soy or lactose-free formula. Burp your baby frequently, and give him or her a pacifier between feedings.

Trying to cope with the baby’s crying can be disturbing and exhausting for parents. Try to avoid becoming frustrated by the baby’s crying. Take breaks from caring for the baby whenever you can. Put the baby in his or her crib, close the bedroom door, and let him or her cry for a while. If you feel stressed, talk to your doctor, and don’t hesitate to ask friends and relatives for help.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is the unexpected, unexplained death of an apparently healthy infant under 1 year old (usually between 1 and 4 months). In the United States, SIDS is the leading cause of death in infants from 1 month to 1 year old, accounting for about 2,500 deaths each year. SIDS occurs somewhat more frequently in boys than in girls, and usually occurs during the fall, winter, or early spring.

Although the exact cause of SIDS is not known, doctors think it may be related to problems in the development and functioning of the child’s nervous system or heart, or in breathing patterns. SIDS is not contagious or inherited, is not caused by childhood immunizations, and does not result from child abuse or neglect.

WARNING!

Sleep Position

To reduce the risk of SIDS, all babies should sleep on their back unless they have a medical condition that increases the risk of airway obstruction (such as an upper respiratory condition or gastroesophageal reflux). If the baby has an obstructed airway, the side position will help to keep the baby’s airways open and make breathing easier. If you put a baby on his or her side, always move the baby’s lower arm forward to keep him or her from rolling over onto his or her stomach. If you are not sure what sleep position to use, ask your doctor which is best for your baby.

When your baby is not sleeping, give him or her plenty of supervised time on his or her stomach to build up his or her neck muscles and to prevent flat spots on the head.

Safest sleep position to prevent SIDS

Some factors that increase an infant’s risk of SIDS include lack of prenatal care, premature birth, low birth weight, alcohol or drug abuse by the mother during pregnancy, placing a baby on his or her stomach to sleep, and exposure to secondhand smoke. To reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS, take the following steps:

• Get early and regular health care throughout your pregnancy.

• Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol during pregnancy.

• Do not use drugs during pregnancy unless your doctor has prescribed them.

• Breastfeed your baby.

• Place your baby on his or her back or side to sleep.

• Have your baby sleep on a firm mattress or other firm surface.

• Do not place pillows, fluffy blankets or comforters, or stuffed toys in the crib with your baby.

• Do not allow your baby to become overheated while sleeping.

• Do not allow anyone to smoke around your baby.

• Call your doctor right away if your baby seems ill.

• Make sure your baby receives all of his or her immunizations on schedule.

Congenital Heart Defects

About eight of every 1,000 American children are born with a heart abnormality, making heart abnormalities the most common type of birth defect. A heart defect that is present from birth (congenital) may be so minor