What to Do if You Accidentally Drop Your Baby on the Head
Accidentally dropping one’s baby on the head is not as unusual as you may think, yet at the same time, it just should never happen!
“Any young infant dropped on their head should be evaluated by a doctor after the fall,” says Irene Tien, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine and pediatric emergency medicine physician in MA. (more…)
What Causes a Toddler to Wake from Nap with Blue Lips?
A toddler should not have blue lips upon waking from a nap or under any other circumstance unless they got into Big Sis’s blue lipstick. (more…)
What Makes an Infant’s Eyes Roll Back in the Head?
Though there may be nothing wrong when an infant’s eyes roll back in their head, this can also mean a serious brain or heart problem.
“Sometimes eyes will roll back when an infant is falling asleep,” says Irene Tien, MD, a board-certified emergency medicine and pediatric emergency medicine physician in MA. (more…)
Baby or Toddler just Fell and Hit Head: When to Go to ER
Here are guidelines on when to take your baby or toddler to the emergency room if they hit their head from a fall or from running into something.
Is It Ever Normal for a Child to Have Mild Night Sweats?
Though it’s normal for children to have mild night sweats in most cases, there are several key things to look for that will raise a red flag that the sweating is being caused by a serious illness. (more…)
Why Do Infants Sleep with Their Butts Up in the Air?
Why do infants’ butts stick up while they sleep on their stomach, being that this peculiar position would be impossible for any adult or even toddler to sleep through? (more…)
Is It Safe for a Baby to Be in a Hot Tub?
Many people have babies and many people have hot tubs.
But the combo of a baby in a hot tub can mean death to the baby. (more…)
What that Orange Gunk in Your Baby’s Urine Is
Have you discovered orange gunk or goop in your baby’s diaper?
Is this completely normal or a sign of an infection or other medical condition?
“Newborns may have dark urine that looks thick on the diaper, with a pink or orange tint,” begins Dr. Lisa Lewis, MD, a board certified pediatrician in Fort Worth, Texas, and author of “Feed the Baby Hummus, Pediatrician-Backed Secrets from Cultures Around the World.” (more…)
Why Does a Baby Make Gasping Noises when Sleeping?
Does your baby make gasping noises during sleep?
Perhaps these gasping noises are being picked up by the baby monitor. Or maybe you hear them only when you are right beside your baby.
It’s important for parents to become very familiar with what their baby’s breathing sounds like during sleep.
- What is your baby’s normal?
- Are you familiar enough with the normal to recognize when there’s been a change?
How Babies Breathe
“Babies breathe in a pattern called periodic breathing which occurs when they are sleeping,” says Dr. Lisa Lewis, MD, a board certified pediatrician in Fort Worth, Texas, and author of “Feed the Baby Hummus, Pediatrician-Backed Secrets from Cultures Around the World.”
Dr. Lewis explains, “The baby breathes slowly, pauses for a few seconds, and inhales air. The inhalation may sound long like a gasp.
“Some babies may have trouble swallowing saliva at night and make a gasping noise. The baby will make a loud noise that sounds as if inhaling air.
“Some babies make a gasping noise with a squeak, which can be from a floppy vocal cord.
“Babies often take occasional large breaths while sleeping to keep their smaller airways open.
“Any complaint of gasping should be discussed with the doctor. A true gasping noise with distress or grunting is considered an emergency, and the parent should seek immediate care.”
If you do not have a baby monitor, then get one. In the meantime, if your baby makes what you’d describe as gasping sounds while sleeping — and you have not had a pediatrician examine your baby — then you absolutely should make an appointment.
Chances are, there will be nothing serious found in the exam. But at least if that’s the case, you will have peace of mind.
When putting your baby to sleep, make sure that any blankets, coverings or pillows cannot end up in a position that might block their nose or mouth from taking in air.
Having 25+ years’ experience, Dr. Lewis completed her pediatrics residency at Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Scott and White Memorial Hospital. For two years afterward she was assistant professor in the department of pediatrics at Texas A&M University Health Science Center.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
Why Your Baby Smells Like Cheese but Doesn’t Eat Cheese
