Category: healthy kids

Understanding minor feeding problems in babies

If your baby has a feeding problem, they may struggle to stay hydrated and get adequate nutrition. The good news is, you can help. After identifying your infant’s feeding problem, you can take steps to improve their ability to eat and drink.

If your baby refuses to eat, they aren’t being difficult. There may be an underlying condition that prevents them from eating or drinking correctly. 

Nearly half of children who develop normally have eating problems, whereas nearly 80% of children with developmental delays have eating problems. Signs that your baby has a minor feeding problem include:

• Refusing to eat
• Eating very little
• Eating a narrow variety of foods
• Inability to suck or swallow correctly

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How to address minor feeding problems?

If your baby spits up a lot in the first months of life, it can feel very stressful. You may wonder if your baby is getting enough nutrition. However, feeding problems aren’t severe unless they affect your baby’s growth and development. As long as your baby continues to gain weight and grow as expected, you should set your worries aside.

Focus on the positive. Feeling anxious around feeding and mealtimes can make your baby feel nervous too. This can lead to negativity around mealtimes that extends into childhood. Try to relax at feeding times. Make it a fun, sweet bonding experience, so your baby looks forward to feeding times as much as possible.

Smaller portions. You can follow your child’s lead on how much they want to eat and encourage healthy habits without causing stress. For example, you can encourage your baby to eat smaller portions more often instead of larger portions less often.

Nutritional supplements. If your baby’s feeding problems concern your doctor, they may recommend dietary supplements. If you breastfeed, you may need to introduce a special formula between feedings for added calories. If your baby is older, your pediatrician may recommend children’s protein drinks.

Understanding serious feeding problems in babies

If your baby loses weight or struggles to gain weight, they may have a more serious feeding problem. Your child may have a feeding disorder that prevents them from getting enough nutrition to stay healthy. When this happens, your pediatrician may refer you to other medical professionals that specialize in infant feeding.

Some common reasons for more serious feeding problems include:

• Cleft palate
• Lip-tie
• Tongue-tie
• Inability to swallow
• Autism
• GERD
• Seizures
• Esophageal inflammation
• Premature birth‌
• Problems with facial muscles

Signs that your baby has a serious feeding problem include:

• Choking or gagging while nursing or taking a bottle
• Throwing up, which is different than spitting up because it is forceful
• Difficulty eating and breathing at the same time
• No interest or ability to eat pureed foods by eight months
• No interest or ability to eat table foods by 12 months
• Not drinking from a regular cup by 16 months
• Eating fewer than 20 different foods‌
• Crying or acting like they are in pain during meals

How to address serious feeding problems

Once you talk to your baby’s pediatrician, you can pursue specialized help for your baby. Addressing feeding problems earlier rather than later is essential. You may be able to help your baby overcome feeding problems before they become worse.

Physical therapy. If your child struggles with overall strength, a physical therapist can help with activities to improve muscle tone. While this may not help directly with feeding, it can help your child’s overall wellbeing. Physical therapy may also give your child a confidence boost to improve eating.

Occupational therapy. An occupational therapist can work with your child specifically on eating. You can pack a meal or snacks, and the therapist will help your child grow comfortable with the foods. Steps may include:

• Feeling comfortable holding and touching the food
• Tasting the food or putting it in their mouth without chewing
• Chewing the food‌
• Eating the food

Lactation consultant. If your baby is breastfeeding, a lactation consultant can help identify issues with nursing. These may include:

• Poor latch
• Low milk supply
• Fast letdown
• Allergy to foods like dairy, soy, or gluten

Efforts at home. When you’re at home with your child, don’t argue about food or meals. It is important to understand that your child’s eating problem isn’t a choice. Just as with minor feeding problems, try to make meals fun and enjoyable. You can still introduce new foods, but take it slowly and be patient. You may have to introduce the same food many times before your child tries it or likes it.

When meeting with medical professionals, it is vital that you learn about your baby’s condition and fully understand your baby’s feeding problem. Questions you may ask include:

• What is the cause of the feeding problem?
• What specific steps can I take to help at home?
• What is the treatment plan?
• What are the goals of the treatment plan?‌
• When can I expect to see improvements in my baby’s eating?

Toddlers are becoming more independent and assert their will. Not all bad toddler behavior needs to be corrected.

Toddlers develop at an amazing rate. Between the ages of 1 and 3, they gain a sense of themselves as individuals and practice showing their independence. But because their language skills are still in an early stage, they can't always express their feelings and desires. This means that they sometimes express themselves with bad behavior.

Some behavior doesn't need a response. You can safely ignore it and hope that your toddler doesn't repeat it. But some actions call for a response from parents. This is especially true of actions that could harm your child or others.

As such, children must learn to regulate their own behavior. They do this partially by having their behavior corrected.

Dealing with attention-seeking behavior

Children naturally want attention from their parents. It's easy to fall into the trap of giving more attention to bad behavior than to good behavior. When you do this, you are rewarding the wrong actions.

Bad behavior is hard to ignore. If a child is feeling needy, acting out is the fastest way for them to get a parent's attention.

You can sometimes ignore bad behavior if your child isn’t doing anything unsafe. That means not saying anything and not making eye contact. 

Instead, strive to reward good behavior. It's natural to ignore a child who is playing quietly, but a brief pat or another kind of loving touch is always appropriate.

Some experts recommend that parents should give their children 50 to 100 loving touches a day. You can also wait for a pause if your child is playing and then offer words of praise.

Even if you give your child attention at the right times, you won't stop all the behavior problems. Younger children act in ways that aren’t always logical to adults. They have strong emotions and a limited ability to handle them — they may cry because they can't sleep in their rain boots or because the dog licked them.

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Avoiding behavior problems

Parents can avoid many behavior problems with their children. Try not to let your child get hungry, over-tired, or over-stimulated. If you’re going somewhere that presents special challenges, explain your expectations ahead of time. For example, you might say, "Remember that at the beach, you may dig in the sand, but you may not throw it".

Be aware that your own health and well-being affect your child. Try to eat a healthy diet, get enough rest, and manage stress. Strive for a calm environment by controlling clutter.

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Developing house rules

Children need to know what you expect of them, and the easiest way to do this is through house rules. For very young children, you need only two or three rules. You can always add to them later.

Everyone in the family, including parents and other caregivers, should follow the rules. Post charts showing the rules in the home. Since toddlers can't read, you can use pictures to represent them.

Explain rules in terms that a toddler can understand. Spell out the consequences of breaking a rule and give praise when your child follows them.

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What about timeouts?

Many parents find timeouts effective for reducing problem behavior. Some parenting experts, however, have expressed concerns that timeouts may make children feel rejected or isolated.

If you use timeouts, don't use them for all bad behaviors. If your child is calm, talking through an issue can be a better strategy. When a child is defiant, though, a time-out can keep both of you from becoming more upset.

You are more likely to get good results from a timeout if you treat it as a break rather than a punishment. Consider referring to the place you use for timeouts by a special name. You might say something like, "You need to go to your quiet place now".

To make timeouts effective, follow these guidelines:

• Name the behavior that led to the timeout.
• Keep the time short, usually one minute per year of age.
• If your child leaves the timeout area, restart the timer.
• Ignore tantrums unless they create a safety issue.

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Ways to encourage good behavior

Your children will probably have fewer behavior issues if you practice these good parenting habits. These practices not only avoid bad behavior but also build your relationship with your child and encourage proper development.

Use Songs, Games, and Jokes

Songs, games, and similar activities suitable for toddlers can teach good habits and reduce conflicts. For example, picking up toys is more fun when you sing a song or play "beat the clock."

Humor is important, too. You can sometimes ease a tantrum by acting silly or making a joke.

Listen to Your Child

The stories your child tells may not make complete sense, but it's important that your child feels heard. Don't try to shape the narrative — just listen.

Teach Your Child The Names of Emotions‌

It's a big step toward self-control when a child can say, "I'm frustrated" or "I feel sad." You can reinforce this skill when reading books or watching a video. Try asking, for example, "What do you think Winnie the Pooh is feeling now?".

Let Your Child Make Some Decisions‌

Choosing which shirt to wear or which toy to take in the car gives your child a sense of control. But it's best to control the number of choices they have. Offering two or three options is appropriate for toddlers.

Talk to your doctor

Talk to your child's doctor if bad behavior persists or gets worse. You should seek advice if your child injures himself or other people, including you. If your child is banned from daycare, Sunday school, or other group settings, that should also prompt a chat with a doctor.

If temper tantrums are an issue, be aware that they usually decrease between the ages of 3 and 4. If they persist after the age of 4, check with your child's doctor. You should also get medical advice if your child holds their breath to the point of fainting.

Homeschooling is a progressive education movement where parents educate their children at home.

Homeschooling is a progressive educational movement. For a range of reasons, parents choose not to send their children to school. They instead educate them at home. According to the U.S. government and researchers in the education sector, the number of students in homeschooling programs is increasing. 

You may decide to homeschool your child for various reasons, including:

• To protect your child from a hostile school environment
• To bridge the gap of being out of school during a family relocation
• To support a child with learning challenges
• To provide your child with higher quality education than is provided in some public schools.
• To improve social interactions by creating more time for your child to interact with the community in outdoor activities.

If you have the resources, passion, temperament, and desire to homeschool your child, you may wonder where to get started. Here are some homeschooling-related parenting guidelines.

Check the homeschooling laws in your state

After you decide to homeschool your child, learn the legal requirements of homeschooling. You don't want to be caught on the wrong side of the law. Regulations vary from state to state, with some jurisdictions having stringent conditions that a homeschooling parent and student must meet. An excellent place to start researching the laws is on your state's Department of Education website. Keep checking throughout the year, as the rules often change.

Dedicate a designated place for learning

Homeschool is exciting, but it can also get messy. Learning in the same space you live can lead to chaos and disorganization. The resulting environment is not ideal for fostering happy children and parents or good learning.‌

To keep confusion at a minimum, consider providing a designated area for learning. School space should be the hub for supplies, books, and all study materials. Even if children study or work on projects in a different place, they know where to return their books after a learning session.

Choose a curriculum to use

Homeschooling programs provide various curricula to use, offering virtual schools, textbooks, and lapbooking. There are many different approaches. You can choose Christian homeschooling, unschooling, or road-schooling, among others.

Don’t be tempted to go out and buy multiple programs and curricula as soon as you decide to homeschool. You could waste money on things that won't work well for you and your child. Determine the kind of learner your child is and how they learn best, then choose a program that matches your child's needs.

Is your child a visual learner? Does your child have special needs? Only through observing them can you determine the technique they best respond to. Although this may take time, it is worth it in the long run.

Create a plan and follow a daily schedule

One of the advantages of homeschooling is the flexibility it brings. Children do well where there is a basic structure and routine. However, without a plan in place from the start, you may end up spending too much time on other things than teaching.

Your plan could include:

• A simple daily routine, including snack and lunch and time spent outdoors 
• Weekly goals
• Quarterly goals shaped by the scope and sequence of the curriculum
• An annual calendar.

Your plan should clearly outline the goal you hope to achieve. Your child is not tied down to a specific schedule.

Provide flexible goals: 

• To be happy and feel accepted by the community
• To shape inner passion for learning
• To build a solid foundation in each curricular area
• To build upon other pleasurable areas like mathematical concepts
• To enhance the sense of being unique and valuable

Decide the subjects you will work on each day and how many lessons your child should complete. Most importantly, find out what works best for you and the rest of the family.

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Collaborate with other homeschoolers

Parenting homeschooling students can sometimes become overwhelming. During times like these, when you feel like your efforts are not paying off, you need the support of other like-minded individuals. Several homeschooling communities can offer support. Connect with others to collaborate and share ideas and resources.‌

A homeschooling community will make the process easier for you. It will also enrich your child’s experience while expanding educational opportunities internally and externally.

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Trust the process

Through the homeschooling setting, you will find many opportunities not present in a typical traditional school setting. While it may be a matter of trial and error in the beginning, it will soon get easier. As you discover what works for you and your child, the journey will become exciting, and the time spent with your child will be something to cherish.

What are timeouts for toddlers?

Most child psychologists agree: when toddler timeouts are used correctly, they are a safe and effective behavior management tool.

“Terrible twos.” “Threenagers.” Even the nicknames for these age groups reveal what a handful they can be. Most parents quickly notice that the toddler years are when their little ones start pushing boundaries and displaying behavior that isn’t safe or appropriate. Learn more about the tools for helping manage your toddler's behavior, and whether timeouts are a good or bad tool for toddler discipline. ‌

Why do toddlers misbehave?

Between ages two and three, a child's understanding of the world and their place within it changes in big ways. One important change is that toddlers realize that they are their own individual, separate from their parents or caregivers. They figure out that they can communicate their own likes, dislikes, and wants to those around them.

In addition to this new sense of independence, toddlers often don't have all of the language skills they need to fully share their ideas, desires, or needs. This can lead to frustration and misbehavior.

Other factors can also contribute to your toddler having an outburst or meltdown. They may be more likely to lose control of their emotions or make poor choices if they are:

• Hungry
• Tired
• Uncomfortable (for example: too hot, too cold, wearing tight or itchy clothing)
• Stressed or overwhelmed (for example: in a new setting, around new people, experiencing major life changes)

Are timeouts good or bad for toddler misbehavior?

When timeouts are used correctly, they can be a helpful parenting tool for managing toddler behavior. Timeouts can positively affect toddler behavior for a few reasons.

• Timeouts give time and space for parents and kids to cool down in a moment of frustration, anger, or conflict.
• Timeouts encourage a child to reflect on their choices and modify their behavior.
• Timeouts are a healthier and safer discipline strategy than hitting or spanking, which can cause more aggression and misbehavior.

Some experts argue that timeouts — especially when used incorrectly or too frequently — can cause emotional damage to your child. For example, putting a child in timeout for having an understandable emotional reaction (like being frightened by a loud noise, or feeling sad when something bad happens) can send the message that they can't share their feelings with their parent or caregiver.

Most child psychologists agree: when timeouts are used correctly, they are a safe and effective behavior management tool.

How to give a toddler a timeout

Follow these expert-approved tips to ensure that a timeout to discipline your toddler has the impact you want.

Start with a clear warning. Let your toddler know that their choice or behavior isn't okay. Be very clear and direct about your expectations. For example, "If you hit the dog again, you are going to timeout." If your child follows your direction, be sure to offer plenty of praise. If not, it's time to follow through.

Explain why they are in timeout. Tell your child why they are going to timeout. For example, "You have to go to timeout because you hurt the dog again." Speak calmly and firmly without shouting or lecturing. Take your toddler to their timeout space gently and safely without engaging in more conversation. 

Set the timeout timer. Once your child is in the timeout space, tell them that they need to stay there until you allow them to get up. While they are in timeout, do not let them talk, play with others, or play with toys. If your toddler gets up, gently return them to the timeout space and remind them that they must stay until you let them get up.

End the timeout. The CDC recommends that a good rule is one minute of timeout for each year of your child's age. In other words, a two-year-old would sit in timeout for two minutes, a three-year-old for three minutes, and so on. When you end the timeout and allow your toddler to get up, you may want to offer a reminder of your expectations. For example, "Please remember the rule: we touch our pets with gentle hands."

Praise good behavior. Offer lots of praise for the next good thing that your toddler does. This is a form of positive reinforcement for following rules, making good decisions, and meeting behavior expectations.

How to create a timeout space for a toddler

An effective timeout space for a toddler has a few important characteristics. If you keep these tips in mind, it can help your timeout be more effective for your toddler.

Remove distractions from the timeout space. Make sure there aren't toys, books, or screens within reach that will distract your child.

Make sure it's a safe spot. Avoid putting your child where you cannot see or hear them, or in a place where they could fall or otherwise get hurt.

Be consistent. Plan ahead for the spot you will use as a timeout space. Use the same place every time your toddler is in timeout.

Other tips for managing toddler misbehavior

If you're finding that timeouts are not working well for your family or your toddler, there are a few things you can keep in mind and try.

Set clear and reasonable expectations for your toddler. Make sure that you're not expecting your child to behave in a way that is developmentally beyond their skills. Remember that toddlers do not have the same emotional self-control that older children and adults do. Try to help them understand rules, boundaries, and what to expect to set them up for success.

Be consistent with using any methods of discipline. Experts recommend that parents and caregivers use timeouts somewhat sparingly — not for every single time your child tests a boundary. Using positive reinforcement (such as by praising your child when they do something right, or using stickers or reward charts) can help encourage good behavior as well.

Prevent frustrations that trigger meltdowns or tantrums. There are a few ways that you can help your child understand your behavioral expectations and minimize their sense of frustration. These include:

• Give your child words for feelings and emotions. (For example, "You can't reach the blue crayon. That feels frustrating! Can I help?")
• Avoid power struggles when possible. (For example, find compromises or cooperate on challenging tasks.)
• Allow your toddler to make as many choices as reasonably possible. (For example, "It's time to leave the park! Do you want to walk to the car, or would you like me to carry you?")
• Model healthy, positive behaviors. (For example, when your child sees you handling a hard or unexpected situation, model healthy strategies like taking deep breaths.)
• Make sure your toddler isn't hungry, uncomfortable, overtired, or otherwise stressed.

Ask for help

Toddlers, like children of all ages, can be a challenge. If you're overwhelmed or unsure how to manage your toddler's behavior, you can ask for help. Call your child's doctor and let them know about your concerns. They can discuss strategies, offer advice, and suggest next steps like testing or referrals to other professionals if needed.

What are the effects of single parenting on a child?

A single parent brings up a child without the assistance of a partner. The effect of single parenting on a child may be good or bad.

Single parenting refers to a parent who  brings up children without the assistance of a partner. There are varying reasons why a single parent may bring up a child alone without help from a partner. It could be that they were in a relationship that ended. Other parents may opt to become single parents, and in other cases, a partner may have passed away.

All parents want to see their children succeed in school and life. However, despite the desire to be there for their kids and support their academic efforts, single parents can find it hard to achieve this desire fully. Children from a single-parent family are less likely to finish school compared to children with two parents.

The single parenting effect on child development can be good or bad. However, despite the effect that single- parenting might have on children, they can grow up happily, successfully, and well-adjusted. With extra care, single parents can raise successful children with excellent overall development in their social and emotional lives. The negative effects of single-parenting on children are as follows:

Developmental Problems

Many developmental problems for children of single parents revolve around their progress in school. They tend to get lower grades, and their dropout rate is higher than their counterparts from two-parent families.

Single parents are more likely to work more hours to make ends meet. They often don't have enough time to assist the child with their schoolwork. Children who have to work to help pay expenses have less time to focus on their schoolwork.

Economic Hardships

Plentiful economic resources allow parents to meet their children's economic needs. When there are two parents in the home, they can pool resources and are less likely to struggle with insufficient income. Single-parent families are more likely to experience financial problems because they only have one earner. Single-parent children can feel frightened, stressed, and frustrated by the difference between their lives and their friends'.

Psychological Effects

Children of single parents are more prone to various psychiatric illnesses, alcohol abuse, and suicide attempts than children from homes with two parents. One of the common reasons for single parenting is divorce. It's not uncommon for children to be exposed and even drawn to the conflicts between the parents during and even after divorce, which may leave children feeling lonely, abandoned, and even guilty.

Single parents are more likely to experience disruptions such as moves and remarriage. Major changes can affect the children. Kids do well in a controlled environment. Any emotional turmoil and uncertainty may lead to increased psychological problems.

Positive effects of single parenting

While hearing about the adverse effects of single parenting can be overwhelming, there are several positive effects on kids raised by one parent.

Stronger Bonds

Single parents spend more quality time with their children. They tend to develop a strong and unique bond with their child that may not have been possible to achieve in a two-parent home setting.

Experience Interaction with an Authentic Community

Children raised by a single parent often grow up within a community of supporters. Extended family and friends are likely to take part in the lives of the children. In other cases, some single parents choose to participate in various community groups such as churches and support groups that interact with the whole family.

Share Responsibilities

Children from a single-parent family are much more likely to be accustomed to handling responsibilities and contributing to family operations. These children understand the value of taking responsibility and many enjoy performing tasks they know are real contributions.

Maturity

Single parents have to work harder, and their children have to collaborate with them for the good of the family. The children also learn how to deal with disappointments and turbulent emotions.

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How to release single-parenting stress

Raising kids alone is not easy. You have no one to support or share your dilemmas and concerns. However, with proper planning and the following tips, it's possible to hack the task:

• Set up a routine that offers your child a sense of security. A consistent bedtime, wake-up time, and mealtime will help you achieve this.
• Take care of yourself to avoid burdening your child with too many negative emotions such as stress, anger, or sadness.
• Your children require unconditional love with plenty of support, protection, and encouragement.  
• Set up ground rules that promote discipline and good behavior

Even with all the challenges, single parents can bring up successful children. Show your child love, respect, and positivity to ensure that your child thrives in life.        

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Most behaviors that you might encounter with your preteen (tweens) are pretty normal. Preteenhood usually ranges from the age of nine to twelve years.

Handling a tween or preteen attitude can be quite hard. As a parent, it can be frustrating raising your child through this stage.

Dealing with preteen attitude

Behavioral and attitude changes among preteens are primarily due to the onset of puberty. At this age, your tweens start getting into the realization of who they are. During this stage, expect to experience defiance, disrespect, and selfishness. 

Behavioral changes are a good sign. It shows that your child is developing. Often, just like any other changes in our lives, these changes can be challenging to deal with.

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Causes of tween, teen attitude

Some of the reasons your preteen tweens may be developing attitude may include:

• Distraction by their physical and mental changes. At this age, teens experience many body changes, and this might cause some attitudes.
• Separation from the parents. As preteens develop their sense of identity, they may start showing an attitude toward parents.
• Testing the parent's power limits. Teens may test you from time to time to see if you hold your ground as the protector.
• A change in brain function. These changes in the brain may cause tweens to have anger issues or sad emotions.

 

How to help your preteen develop a healthy brain

Preteens tend to drift away from their parents at this stage. They go through a lot of emotional and mental changes. There are a few things you can do as a parent to provide emotional safety  for your preteens and help them develop mentally. They include:

• Ensuring they understand why their actions lead to some of the consequences
• Promoting good behavior
• Trying to listen and understand what your child is going through
• Ensuring they get enough sleep

Normal behaviors to expect from preteens

Different tweens have varying normal behaviors. Some of these behaviors might include: 

• Overly criticizing your actions.
• Eye rolling
• Loud sighs when you talk to them
• Overreacting 
• Huffing
• Talking back at you 
• Complaining
• Questioning the way you do things 
• Challenging your beliefs

Tips for parents in dealing with preteen attitude

Here are some tips that can help you learn how to deal with your preteen's attitude.

1. Don't overreact. As a parent, you can expect your preteen to overly react to minor issues. However, it is better if you do not interfere by trying to solve them. If you think it is a harmless situation, you might discover it's better to let them sort it through themselves.
2. Don't feel rejected. Tweens start getting secretive at this age. You may want to know everything about their life, but your child is pushing you away. It is better to remain calm and wait for them to approach you when an issue bothers them deeply. Being overly curious may push your child to alienate themselves more. Instead, let them know they can always come to you for help.
3. Encourage outdoor activities. Activities such as sports improve self-esteem. When involved in engaging activities, most tweens have less free time to seek validation.  Sporting activities might also improve their academics since less time is spent on focusing their body image or other insecurities.
4. Schedule family time with your child. Spending family time with your child helps them build interpersonal skills. During the tween age, your child might prefer to keep things to themselves. Giving them undivided attention during your special time might help them develop a positive attitude and know they are not alone. 
5. Try the indirect approach. Typical questions may begin to seem invasive on their end. Usually, it is noticeable when they give you the cold shoulder or brush off your question. As a parent, learn to listen more to what they are saying. It might get you more answers on what you want to know. Also, appreciate how they are handling their situation while limiting your own involvement. 
6. Don't be overly judgmental. Preteens might become sensitive to your actions and words towards other teens. When talking about other kids, select your comments carefully. If you are too judgmental, your child may internalize your words and apply your criticisms to themselves. 
7. Monitor what they watch. You might find it easier to connect with your tween by watching what they are watching. Use the opportunity to have delicate conversations on sensitive matters such as their sexuality or drugs and substance abuse. Most parents have an understanding of how the media might introduce ideas to people. You might find this as a chance to teach them how to be more assertive on the content they consume. 
8. Start conversations about sex and drugs. Unfortunately for parents, tweens might begin experimenting on sex and drugs. Usually, most tweens wish to avoid "the talk" with their parents. You might use different approaches that give off less pressure to educate them on sexuality and drugs. For instance, you might find books or other reading materials that discuss these topics to kickstart your conversations. It ensures you are the one providing credible information rather than their peers.  
9. Stay informed. Parents should ensure they have an idea of what their child is doing or going through.  Showing concern for your child might change their attitude in the long run. 

What is osteogenesis imperfecta?

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or brittle bone disease is a group of rare disorders characterized by extremely weak bones. The life expectancy of a person with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) greatly depends on the type of the disease. In the most severe form of OI called type II or perinatally lethal OI, the baby is born with multiple broken bones. Those born with the less severe form of the disease, such as type I OI, may lead a healthy life. Their life expectancy is not shortened because of the disease.

Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) or brittle bone disease is a group of rare disorders characterized by extremely weak bones. It is a genetic condition that makes the bone so fragile that they break or fracture with mild or no apparent injury. The condition affects around 25,000 to 50,000 people in the United States. In most cases of OI, the defect lies in the gene that makes a protein called type I collagen. This protein is important for keeping the bones strong and dense. A defective gene for type I collagen results in the reduced or faulty production of this protein. It makes the bones fragile and vulnerable to fractures. The disease can affect any person. However, the risk is higher in people with a family history of OI. There are around 19 types of OI. The symptoms and severity may vary according to the type of disease. Type I OI is considered the mildest form of the disease, whereas type II OI is the most severe form.

What is the life expectancy of someone with osteogenesis imperfecta?

The life expectancy of a person with osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) greatly depends on the type of the disease. In the most severe form of OI called type II or perinatally lethal OI, the baby is born with multiple broken bones. The baby also has a small rib cage with underdeveloped lungs. Such babies may die soon after birth. People with type III OI also have a significantly shortened life span. Many of these patients die by the time they are 10 years of age.

Those born with the less severe form of the disease, such as type I OI, may lead a healthy life. Their life expectancy is not shortened because of the disease. The life expectancy is generally modestly reduced in people with type IV OI.

What are the symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta?

The symptoms of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) may vary according to the type of the disease. The general symptoms may include

• Frequent fractures in the absence of significant trauma
• Bone pain
• Bone deformities (such as abnormally curved spine, bowlegs and knock knees)
• Muscle pains
• Easy bruising of the skin
• A blue, purple or grey discoloration in the sclera (white of the eye)
• Difficulty breathing
• Frontal bossing (a triangular shape of the face with a prominent forehead) and micrognathia (a small jaw)
• Teeth abnormalities such as dentinogenesis imperfecta (brittle teeth)
• Loose joints
• Hearing loss

What is the treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta?

The treatment of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) largely focuses on managing the individual signs and symptoms, promoting mobility and strengthening the muscles and bones.

• Physical therapy: Physical therapy including exercise helps strengthen the muscles and bones along with reducing the fracture tendency. It includes physical activities such as hydrotherapy (moving around in the water). Physical therapy must be performed under professional guidance to prevent injuries.
• Braces: The doctor may prescribe assistive devices (such as walkers, wheelchairs and crutches) and plastic braces to help with movement along with minimizing the risk of injuries. Inflatable suits may be given to very young children.
• Medications: The doctor may prescribe medications to strengthen the bones and manage symptoms such as pain.
• Surgery: A surgery may be performed to place a metal rod in the long bones (rodding) to prevent fractures. Individuals with severely deformed bones may also need surgery. Dental procedures may be needed for dental abnormalities.
• Hearing: Individuals with hearing difficulties may need hearing aids or surgical procedures (such as stapedectomy or cochlear implants).

West syndrome, also known as infantile spasm, is a very uncommon epileptic seizure disease in infants.

West syndrome, also known as infantile spasm, is a very uncommon epileptic seizure disease that was first described by Dr. W. West (in 1841) in his own son.

Who gets West syndrome?

West Syndrome is an age related disease in infants. Symptoms of the syndrome appear between 3 and 12 months of age, usually occurring at the fifth month.

What are the signs and symptoms of West syndrome?

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The following conditions are symptoms of West syndrome:

• Hypsarrhythmia (abnormal brain waves detected by an electroencephalogram [EEG])
• Mental retardation
• Infantile spasms (seizures), some of which are termed “jackknife seizures” because the infant suddenly bends forward at the waist.

What causes West syndrome?

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Any type of brain damage can cause West syndrome, for example:

• Severe brain injury at birth
• Brain malformations
• Metabolic disease
• Chromosome abnormalities
• Tuberous sclerosis (a genetic condition)

Cryptogenic West syndrome is the term used when the cause of the syndrome cannot be identified.

Is there a test to diagnose West syndrome?

The diagnosis is made if the infant or child has at least two of the three symptoms of

• hypsarrhythmia,
• mental retardation, or
• infantile seizures.

What Types of Seizures Start in Infancy?

Several types of seizures affect infants and children. West syndrome or infantile spasms is the most common type of seizure in infants and children. Infantile seizures are clusters of seizures that usually begin before the age of 6 months. During these seizures the infant may bend and cry out.

Learn more about types and causes of seizures »

What is the treatment for West syndrome? Is there a cure?

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• Since there are so many potential causes of West syndrome, treatment is based on the cause.
• There is no cure for West syndrome, so unfortunately, the only treatment is to reduce symptoms.
• West syndrome treatments usually include a course of prednisolone and/or an anti-epileptic medication.
• In a few individuals, surgery in the brain may help reduce symptoms.

What is the prognosis and life expectancy for West syndrome?

• Due to the various causes of West syndrome, each individual will have a somewhat different prognosis. However, children that can become free of attacks with appropriate medication (about 50% of all individuals with West syndrome) have a fair prognosis.
• Individuals that do not have EEG abnormalities and show early response to treatment have a better prognosis. Unfortunately, up to about 90% of all children with West syndrome still suffer severe cognitive and physical impairments.
• Life expectancy for West syndrome is variable. About five in every 100 infants and children with West syndrome do not survive beyond five years of age. A study of 214 Finnish children over 25 years of age showed about 61% dying at or before age 10 years.

What are other names for West syndrome?

West syndrome has had many different names, including:

• Infantile epileptic encephalopathy
• Infantile myoclonic encephalopathy
• Generalized flexion epilepsy
• Massive myoclonia
• Salaam spasms
• Jackknife convulsions
• Infantile spasms

Co-sleeping or sharing a bed with an infant is a hotly debated parenting topic.

The practice of co-sleeping or sharing a bed with an infant is a hotly debated parenting topic. Supporters of bed-sharing believe that your baby belongs in your bed. Others worry that sharing a bed with your baby is unsafe and exposes them to danger.

What are the benefits of co-sleeping?

While parents co-sleeping with baby may not be viewed as an acceptable norm in the United States, it's common in most other parts of the world and encouraged. To many people, co-sleeping is practical and provides an opportunity to enjoy physical togetherness with your baby. After all, sleeping next to a loved one feels completely natural and innate. Your baby longs for comfort throughout the long hours of the night. Additionally:

• Co-sleeping creates more time for bonding with your infant
• It encourages breastfeeding by making nighttime feeding more manageable and more convenient
• It helps your baby fall asleep more easily
• It gives you a more extended time to breastfeed your baby

The risks of co-sleeping with your baby

Unfortunately, the risks of sharing a bed with an infant far outweigh the advantages. 

The practice of co-sleeping goes against medical advice in the United States. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, bed-sharing with babies should be avoided at all times. This is especially applicable to full-term, normal-weight infants below the age of four months. According to the Academy, bed-sharing puts your baby at an increased risk of suffocation, SIDS, and strangulation.

What is SIDS?

SIDS refers to sudden infant death syndrome, the death of a baby under one year that happens suddenly and unexpectedly. It's one of the leading causes of death for infants during their first year of life, most of which are tied to sleep.

SIDS is more likely to occur in babies who sleep on their stomachs than those who sleep on their backs. Sleeping on the stomach makes your baby more likely to rebreathe their own exhaled air. This can cause the accumulation of carbon dioxide and low oxygen levels, causing your baby to suffocate.

Stomach sleeping also puts your baby at the risk of overheating, sudden drop in blood pressure, and inability to control their heart rate, increasing their SIDS risk.

Suffocation

Soft or loose bedding on your bed, your adult mattress, and pillows all pose potential suffocation hazards for your baby. Depending on the sleeping position, you also risk having the baby trapped or wedged between the mattress and headboard or wall.

If you are a heavy sleeper, you also risk rolling over your baby while you sleep. This actually happens in some cases, and the risk increases if you smoke or drink.

Having your baby sleep between you and their other parent or your partner also increases the risk of suffocation. Other risk factors include:

• Sleeping on the couch with your baby
• Sleeping with your baby when you're exhausted
• Bed-sharing with other children
• Co-sleeping with your baby when they are unwell
• Bed-sharing with pillows and bed covers
• If your baby is less than four months old, was born premature, or has a smaller birth weight than most babies at birth

When is the right time to bed share with your baby?

Data suggests that co-sleeping with babies is on the increase, with a survey in 2015 revealing that more than 61% of babies in America co-sleep with their parents some of the time.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that parents share a room with their babies for at least the first six months of life. Most preferably, they should continue with this for the first year of the baby's life.

This creates a gap between what parents should do and what they do as far as co-sleeping with their babies is concerned. Consequently, most are afraid to let their pediatrician know they bed-share for fear of being reported to child protection services.

After the first six months of life, your baby’s physiology is more settled, and you can make a solid decision about co-sleeping with your baby. However, ensure you make bed-sharing as safe as possible for your baby by following these parenting guidelines:

• Always placing the baby on their back to protect them from the risk of SIDS
• Dressing your baby minimally to prevent overheating
• Not putting your baby in an adult bed to sleep alone
• Not putting the baby in soft places like a waterbed, soft mattress, or sofa to sleep
• Ensuring your bed’s headboard and footboard don’t have openings to avoid having your baby trapped
• Not covering your baby’s head while they sleep
• Not having pillows, quilts, comforters, and other soft items in the bed
• Not placing your bed near binds or draperies where they can get caught and strangled
• Not falling asleep with the baby on your chest
• Not sleeping on rockers, couches, or recliners with your baby
• Not smoking or drinking alcohol when co-sleeping with your baby