Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/139497
Say What? Be wary of baby advice, too From Head to Toe First-time parents, like it or not, will face a slew of well-meaning advice. We presented The Medical Center of Aurora's Dr. Quinn Lichfield with a few tips that seemed suspicious. Here is what he had to say: Picking baby up every time she cries will spoil her. Well-intentioned mother-in-laws might think they know best, but if they throw this one out there, let it pass; cuddle your baby at whim. "It's important to pick a baby up." The one time parents shouldn't cave to each whimper? During sleep training, when the baby's older. "So I'd say, during the day, spoil them as much as you want." But at night? Not so much, if you ever want to sleep. Minimizing daytime naps will help baby sleep all night. Desperate for a good night's sleep, new parents can dream up anything, but this one's a fantasy. "Newborns need a lot of sleep. They will (and should) spend a majority of the day and night sleeping." Tugging on ears means baby has an ear infection. When it's a happy baby who recently discovered his ears? False. "It's just normal play, like another toy for them." But, if there's any fever or signs of pain along with the tugs, pack the diaper bag and see the pediatrician. Babies need water when it's hot. Scorcher or not, a day's weather doesn't require an H2O supplement for infants. "There's plenty of water in breast milk or formula, and we like them to be getting calories whenever they drink." Teething causes fevers in babies. Teething can elevate the mercury only minimally, so when it surpasses the 101degree mark and baby is older than 2 months, find that diaper bag. It's time to see the doctor again. 48 Dr. Michael Contreras with AboutSkin Dermatology examines his little patient, Margot. Common skin issues can temporarily mar baby-soft skin Although the little ones won't shun social events or suffer blows to their self-esteem, acne and rashes, often in private places, can plague newborns from the start. Because rashes can signal more serious problems, Dr. Michael Contreras, a dermatologist with AboutSkin Dermatology at Sky Ridge and Swedish medical centers, advises parents to call their doctors promptly with any concerns. But for parents facing the non-emergency newborn surprises below, he offered some tips. Where are my baby's golden locks? Almost all babies have some hair loss, although for some, it's more dramatic (as in from monkey boy to baldy). No worries. Hair loss is normal, starting around 3 months and resolving between 6 and 12 months. What? It's too soon for acne! Moms aren't the only ones who have hormonal overload. Newborns get a good dose, too, sometimes turning a pretty, peach-fuzz baby face into a landmine of pimples (peaking at 2-4 weeks in half of infants). Tiny white cysts on the face are also common and generally go away within the first few weeks. What's wrong with junior's head? Many babies develop "cradle cap" within the first 10 weeks, a greasy, yellowish scaling on the head, face or diaper area. Applying mineral oil and gently lifting off scales with a baby comb can help, as can patience: It might not go away for a few months. Oh, my baby's poor bottom! Protecting baby's diaper area from the painful, red diaper rash involves vigilance in the changing department. That means changing him often, cleaning the area with warm, wet cotton balls, patting or air drying (beware parents of baby boys; those humorous waterworks moments are not just on TV), and using talc or baby powder. If a flare-up does happen, zinc oxide cream should work within two to three days; otherwise, parents should call the doctor.