How do you Doo? Part 1: Consistency
Many parents are disturbed, confused and even frightened by changes in children’s stool texture. Below is a Caribbean modification of the Bristol Stool Form Chart which enables parents to describe and discuss the little ones “productions” with better understanding from the health care professionals. Types 1-2 are TOO DRY, usually due to staying in the colon for an extended period. Types 5-6 still contain a lot of the fluid from the digestive process and are TOO WET. BSF types 3-4 are ideal stool consistency.
Occasional fluctuation in consistency may occur due to change in diet. High fibre foods usually result in bulky soft to watery stools. Some fruits (eg. prunes) and other foods contain sugars /sugar alcohol such as sucralose, sorbitol and lactulose which pull fluid into the intestinal lumen and result is soft – loose stools.
Any illness associated with a fever may result in increased fluid loss (sweat/ mouth breathing) and decreased fluid intact (with loss of appetite) This is a common cause of acutely dry, hard and painful stools. Foods like RICE; APPLE SAUCE and WHITE FLOUR promote hard dry stools. WHITE FLOUR SNACKS include: white bread, cakes, biscuits, crackers, dumplings and “cheese snacks” (such as Big Foot, Doritos, Cheese Trix etc)
Of course, a real picture is worth a thousand words, and many pictures are not for the faint of heart. You can upload your pictures anonymously to http://www.tumblr.com/blog/howdoyoudoo for help classifying what you are seeing at home.
For children under 7 years, it is good for parents to observe the stools consistency, frequency and colour. We will continue to address these issues in this blog. Please post or email your specific questions.
How do you Doo? is a series written by Dr Carolyn Jackson that addresses common infant and child stooling issues.
Learn MoreWill you make the Same Mistake as Me? Your Baby Cannot Read
Your Baby Can Read – Early Literacy – Parenting.com.
We’re all looking for the perfect program or class to develop our latent baby Einsteins. Which is why the $199.95 Your Baby Can Read 5 DVD program (yourbabycanread.com) is so enticing — wouldn’t it be great if our babies were geniuses and could read?
Of course, implicit in the marketing is the assumption that our babies should read if we are to Keep Up with the Joneses, make our babies smarter, more athletic and genius artists.
Except, when I looked at child development research, I found that baby’s brain cells need time to grow and develop synapses. This happens with touch, stimulation, play, good nutrition, and that sort of thing. It takes time.
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The Your Baby Can Read creator, Titzer, claims on his website, “When children develop reading skills during their natural window of opportunity, from about birth to age four, they read better and are more likely to enjoy it.”. Not true says decades of research. Learning to read early means you learned to read early. It doesn’t mean that you are going to love reading.
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Here’s the other thing that bothered me about that overheard coffee shop conversation — Why? Why do we want our babies to read anyway? To beat out all the other kids?
We at Caribbean Tots to Teens, RE-ENFORCE and SUPPORT the American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for discouraging ALL ELECTRONIC MEDIA under the age of 2 years. This includes television, DVDs and computer programmes/games. (see Link)
Learn MoreParents, immunise your children
Vaccination Week in the Americas will be taking place April 21-28, 2012.
Do you have questions about regular immunizations? Do you have specific fears? Please share with us. Let us find the facts and understand together. Immunization is not personal its a matter of PUBLIC HEALTH and WELLNESS
Parents, immunise your children – Health – Jamaica Gleaner – Wednesday | April 4, 2012.
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Policy Statement—Media Education ~American Academy of Pediatrics Sept 2010
There are numerous studies that demonstrate the dangers of over exposure to media for children. In this revised document from the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics) new research is brought o bear on the rapidly expanding problem of electronic media and child development.
Language delay, Obesity and Aggression are only a few of the developmental problems directly related to excessive exposure to media in childhood and adolescence.
Policy Statement—Media Education.
IMPORTANT TAKE HOME TIPS for parents include
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Toddlers under age 2 years SHOULD NOT Be using electronic media AT ALL. (special report)
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NO television, video games or electronic play (ePlay) devices should be in the child’s bedroom.
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Limit and focus time spent with electronic media: No more than 2 hours a day should be spent in ePlay; electronic entertainment for any child between 2 years and 16 years old. The TV should never be a babysitter.
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Be a good example to your children: let them see you engaging in other forms of entertainment. Make it a point for family discussion adventure.
Change involves the whole family and creative, consistent thought, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Healthy Lifestyle choices today build a Healthy Future for tomorrow.
Learn MoreParents influence whether children eat fruits, vegetables
Most children learn to like and eat vegetables before age 5 years.
Most children learn their eating habits directly from their parents plate.
NOW is the time.
A few important tips:
1) Children who SEE their parents eating fruits and vegetables are more likely to eat fruits and vegetables.
2) If you dont buy sodas and sugar drinks, there will be none available!
This sounds simple, but it is is a common area of weakness.
3) Make each fruit and vegetable FUN: What’s the colour? Is it cooked or raw.
See which style of preparation your child prefers and encourage them to experiment.
4) Make each plate colourful.
Learn MoreBabies on Planes: Its War ~ ABC News
We all have horror stories of out-of-control toddlers on a plane. I for one believe that parents must engage and take control. 90% of the solution is in their hands (or glacial stares..) This is no time for a laid-back hands-off approach! I was surprized to see that pilots where actually removing families with tantrum-crazed toddlers from their flights. *wow* that’s serious!
Plan ahead: pack small new toys! This is important for distraction and capturing your little ones attention…but the bottom line is YOU the parent will be the entertainment and distraction all flight long.
This article from ABC news has some good tips for managing a child on a long and cramped plane ride. What have You found that really helps settle the young’uns on a plane ride? Please share your suggestions with us.
Our Food is Making us Sick
Have you ever wondered why some many children today are allergic to “every little thing”?
This video will open your eyes to WHY food allergies are on the rise. What are you feeding your children? Is it real food? Do you know HOW every day products on supermarket shelves could be making them sick?
Robyn O’Brien speaks clear and strong about Food Allergies and Genetically Modified Food
Interesting informative Ted X discussion on genetic engineering, food allergies and more
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fWXrRftyOMY&w=560&h=315]
REAL FOOD, IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?
Learn MoreBeyoncé Breastfeeds in Public: Yes, This Actually Matters
Beyoncé Breastfeeds in Public: Yes, This Actually Matters
A mega-star gives support to “Lactivists” everywhere. Beyonce’s actions spoke a thousand words! Breast feeding is healthy, normal and still happening all over the world.
The Breast is Best!
Have you every had any issue breastfeeding in the Caribbean?
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